**Welch's today announced the use of First Flavor's Peel 'n Taste flavour strips in its soon to launch print ad. The taste technology will debut in the 18 February issue of People, signifying an industry first for use in a national campaign.** Welch's People print ad includes a thin, tamper-evident pouch with a Welch's 100% Grape Juice-flavoured dissolving taste strip. Readers simply place the edible strip on their tongues to sample the taste of Welch's 100% Grape Juice. First Flavor, Inc. is the creator of the Peel 'n Taste marketing system, a groundbreaking, first-in-class and proprietary technology that enables consumers to taste the flavour of a product using a cost-effective and compact dissolving edible strip packaged in a thin, tamper-evident pouch.

Glenmorangie, the popular Scottish single malt whisky, has recently undergone major repositioning. This has involved the vast and complex repackaging and labelling of the entire range with over 200 variant labels involved. The Glenmorangie Company chose Edinburgh-based Simpson Label Company to advise on production planning and the appropriate manufacturing techniques. “With a wide range of colours plus foil embossing for Glenmorangie’s new sculpted bottles across all the brand’s whiskies, the self adhesive labelling for three new extra-matured expressions, as well as the flagship 10-year-old and the 18- and 25-year-olds, was the most complex labelling and packaging operation that both Glenmorangie and Simpson Label had ever undertaken,” said Simpson Label Company Maureen Calder. The repositioning included a new brand emblem, the Glenmorangie ‘Signet’, inspired by the Cadboll Stone. The company has replaced the wood finish range with the Extra Matured Range, The Lasanta, The Quinta Ruban and The Nectar D’Or, which have been matured for an extra period in specially selected casks that previously held Sherry, Port and Sauternes wine. The new bottle, label and packaging design style was also extended to include Glenmorangie Original (10 Years Old), Glenmorangie 18 Years Old and Glenmorangie Quarter Century.

Results of a study published in the November 2007 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that supplementing the diet with tomato lycopene may interfere with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, and thereby possibly decrease cancer risk. This eight week double-blind study, funded by the Dutch Cancer Society, investigated the effect of supplementation with 30mg/day of tomato lycopene on serum concentrations of IGF-I and -II which are associated with increased prostate, premenopausal breast and colorectal cancer risk, and on their binding proteins (IGFBP-1, -2, and -3). A total of 76 men and women at greater risk of colorectal cancer participated in this trial using tomato lycopene capsules supplied by LycoRed Ltd., Israel. “This is the first study known to show that lycopene supplementation may increase circulating IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 concentrations, thereby potentially decreasing IGF-I bioavailability,” stated researcher Alina Vrieling of the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam. “Thus, it may provide a means of ultimately reducing colorectal cancer risk, and potentially the risks of other major cancers such as prostate and premenopausal breast cancer”. These results would be particularly relevant for those at greatest risk of cancer. Commenting on the role of tomato lycopene in cancer preventive health care, Vrieling commented: “This research is interesting, and we hope to see the results confirmed in larger randomised intervention studies.”

In stores from April 2008, Maltesers Malty hot chocolate from Aimia Foods contains a treat-sized bag of Maltesers. The 20cl carton can be heated in a microwave for office or home convenience.

Hansen Beverage Company has launched a low calorie version of its guava-based juiced energy drink Ace Local – to appeal to the health-conscious consumer. A nostalgia image can is designed to appeal to those who "appreciate American music, custom cars or choppers or a day’s hard work. This drink provides effective endurance for finishing the job," states the vintage-style website (see link below).

Abbeychart, a components and consumables provider for the cooler and vending industries, is organising two charity events in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. North Yorkshire Moors Railway will play host to a free family day on 26 April, which will include a trip on a famous steam train. The event is being supported by the BWCA, AVA and BSA, with anyone involved in the water, vending, catering or food service industries welcome to attend. The steam train will run from Pickering to Grosmont via Goathland (Aidensfield in Yorkshire TV’s Heartbeat, and Hogmead, as mentioned in the Harry Potter books), and then back to Pickering. Competitions and a raffle will be organised on the day to raise funds for charity, with donations much appreciated. Free tickets (up to five per party) will be issued on a first come first served basis (subject to availability), so attendees are being urged to apply now to avoid disappointment. Call Theresa on 01367 711900 or email abbeychart@abbeychart.co.uk. Abbeychart can advise on local accommodation, if required. * Earlier in April* The second charity event, the Abbeychart and Rijo motorcycle two centre ride-out, will take place on 6 April. One ride will set off from Abbeychart’s Stanford in the Vale site, near Faringdon, Oxon, and the other will start from Rijo in Bolton. Both will terminate at the National Motorcycle Museum, near the NEC Birmingham, at around midday to 1pm, where a presentation will be staged for best bike and furthest travelled participant, etc. Abbeychart has negotiated a special entrance fee to the museum of £2.95 (normally £6.95). A charge of £5 per bike is requested. Instructions and itinerary will be sent out to all applicants. For more details, call Steve Slark on 01367 711900 or email steveslark@abbeychart.co.uk. The company is hopeful that the event will become an annual fixture in the water and vending calendar.

*Described as a cosmeceutical vitality drink, this calorie-burning formulation from Marquis Platinum is said to deliver cellular refreshment, metabolic enhancement and mood elevation. * Containing pine bark extract and green tea catechins EGCG, Marquis Platinum is available in 355ml (12fl oz) cans.

*Arizona-based Boink International has developed Boink as a healthier energy drink using natural additives without caffeine. * The key ingredient is Cayenne pepper, which contains capsaicin – said to improve circulation and act as a catalyst for other herbs and nutrients. In 8oz PET, the drink is also said to boost alertness, metabolism and digestion.

The new drink is a citrus-flavoured, 44cl stimulation drink mirroring the adrenalin-filled drama on the US Counter Terrorism Unit.

Tomorrow, the Eighteenth Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting will stage what organisers believe to be the largest and longest running water tasting competition in the world. water innovation magazine has been invited to participate at the event held in the historic spa town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Over 100 entrants are expected to compete in five categories: Municipal, Bottled Non-carbonated, Purified Drinking Water, Bottled Sparkling and the People's Choice Package Design. All day Saturday, the public will have an opportunity to vote for the People's Choice award for best packaging. They will also be able to taste water along with the distinguished panel of media judges. Watermaster Arthur von Wiesenberger, noted expert and author directs the challenge of evaluating a product where tastelessness is deemed by many as the most sought after quality. The unique event has been dubbed the "granddaddy of water tastings," by von Wiesenberger. We will reveal the results of the taste contest early next week.

Dodekamin Black from Asahi Soft Drinks in Japan contains seven energising amino acids, three vitamins and stamina boosting maca and guarana. A shelf-stable drink, the ingredient maca is usually associated with sexual energy. According to Mintel’s 2007 Energy Drinks US report, age plays a significant role in the consumption of energy drinks with 34% of consumers tending to be in the 18-34 age group, at least in the US.

DLR Associates in the US is aiming at Hispanic consumers with its 16oz Potencia Energy Drink. President Daisy Ramirez explained how the appetite suppressing ingredient tamarind is known to be beneficial for gut and colon health. Other ingredients include taurine, guarana, ginseng, niacin and vitamin C. Two more variants are planned.