Cost efficiency considerations mean that nowadays lines are being run with progressively lower staffing levels. So it is all the more important to have responsible employees and deploy them to optimum effect. Good human resources management is a crucial building block for upgrading line efficiency. This was the thinking behind the first event in a new series of management training seminars at the Krones Academy run by Krones AG in Germany. The aim is to enable managers to tighten their focus in terms of man management and line efficiency so as to upgrade the efficacy of their plants. The event is divided up into two blocks of three days each. These are separated by a six week interval, during which the participants can put into practice what they have learned and exchange views and insights. As from the autumn of 2008, management training events will then be a core constituent of the Krones Academy’s programme. In future, this advanced training option will be progressed on an expanded scale not only in Germany but also in Johannesburg, Bangkok and São Paulo.

Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems for over 65 years, has unveiled its new ATMC series Air-Thru Milk Coolers. The new coolers’ exclusive air-thru design allows for superior air flow, which also permits the refrigeration system to perform at maximum efficiency with reduced energy consumption. Compared to other forced air milk coolers, the ATMC models offer a greater capacity for return of the produced air to the unit cooler. The ATMC series comes in six models, three available in single access and three available in dual access, and all are constructed of a stainless steel interior and exterior. Most ATMC models feature seamless construction with the sides and floor as one piece, which greatly increases the integrity and durability of the cabinet base. The cassette type refrigeration system is mounted on the side of the cooler making service easy and efficient. The new milk coolers have a fold back door that locks to safely stay open during use. This safety feature is especially important in situations where children are reaching in to obtain their own milk during lunch or snack time. There are four easy roll swivel casters, two of which lock, ensuring the coolers stay safely in place when necessary. The ATMC features the lowest entry point in the industry, allowing for easy access for small children as well as stocking product. Additionally, the insulated door ensures the unit stays at an operating temperature of 38ºF.

*Müller UK is investing £2.5 million in a new marketing campaign for Müller Vitality. * The relaunch kicked of on 7 July and involves repositioning the brand as healthy brand, with focus on the yogurts synbiotic properties, using the slogan 'Keeps your tummy working like clockwork'. A new recipe has resulted in an increase of the probiotic from 1.25g to 2.5g and also includes a prebiotic (BB-12). However, the company has chosen to remove Omega-3 as research revealed that consumers found the inclusion confusing. In addition to a new recipe, Müller has introduced new pack designs with graphics that aim to illustrate the health benefits of Vitality. The new designs are complemented by a new size pack, which has changed from 150g to 125g. In a comment to journalists Müller UK Marketing Director Chris McDonough, said: "The message we’ll be sending out to consumers is, ‘You’ve heard a lot of science about probiotics, but because all tummies are different, not everyone gets the same benefit. We trust your body’s own good bacteria, that’s why we also put in prebiotics which work to feed the good bacteria already in your digestive system. Together prebiotics and probiotics can keep your tummy working like clockwork, whether you choose Vitality yogurt or yogurt drink'." Müller Vitality Low Fat Yogurts is available in 6 x 125g in the following flavours: strawberry raspberry, cherry blueberry, peach passionfruit apricot, blackcurrant red berry and pineapple orange Müller Vitality Drinks in 6 x 100g range includes: strawberry, raspberry, peach, vanilla, tropical ( 0.1% fat) and red berry ( 0.1% fat).

Where did it all begin? I began developing the range back in 2003 and launched the range in 2006, so we’ve just reached our second anniversary. I’ve always worked in the food industry, latterly in the pharmaceutical and nutritional sector, and recognised that spring water would be a good carrier for many specialised health ingredient products and that functional/nutraceutical was the direction in which the beverage market was moving. Who are your partners in this venture? It was while researching functional food ingredients that I was introduced to global ingredients specialists DKSH and it was actually with their support and encouragement that I established the company. Frankly they said - why don’t you do it and we’ll work with you? It didn’t take me long to decide to take the plunge. I knew the major costs would be in the NPD (new product development) stages and if they hadn’t been willing to commit to working with me over an extended period of time then I probably wouldn’t have a business now. I now work closely with their London office who have become not only great colleagues but good friends too – they joke they’re my southern office! I simply couldn't have done it without them. What do clinical studies show? The efficacy of our waters is based on the solid science behind the ingredients. Spring water is the vehicle to deliver the benefits in a convenient, inherently healthy format. What works in Works with Water is the science behind it. For example, if you drink two servings per day over four to six weeks (that’s two 50cl bottles a day) the results will be clearly evident - whether you are looking to control blood pressure (120/80) or to improve the condition of your skin (Beauty). We work to the 50% rule in both cases, delivering half of the clinically effective dose in each serving. We know exactly what the content of each bottle is, what it will deliver and consumers can have the same confidence. I am quite a black and white sort of person and I think consumers definitely don’t like vague, so we’re definitely not. Who actually manufactures your products? Our co-packer is based here in the North West. They're a global beverage company, and I didn't initially go to them, thinking we just were not big enough (but I had to kiss an awful lot of frogs until I found the plant that could produce our waters to the correct specification!) They have been enormously helpful, and having our production facility only 20 minutes away from our offices is particularly helpful when we have launch productions at 2am. Why did a large corporation say yes to us? When I first approached them, we had no listings but we had a strong USP and the health benefits were evident, well researched and innovative. At the time, even vitamin-enhanced beverages were not on the shelves here in the UK, but as a global company they could see the potential for success and that we were ahead of the field. Will you be expanding globally? There is massive potential. We launched our newest water, Beauty, just this April and have been inundated with enquiries from around the globe – both from consumers wanting to obtain our products and companies wishing to distribute or produce them under licence. What are the highs and lows? The highs are, following months of development, launching a new product and receiving such a tremendous response from trade, consumers and press. The lows are not securing listings (not even getting a meeting with the buyer!) with major retailers when consumers are clamouring to buy the product and asking why it’s not available through a specific retailer. We appear to have a firm following of customers who are doing what they can through ‘people pester power’ with their preferred retailer, so I’m hopeful this low will become a high. What goes into your drinks? We pride ourselves on having a very short list of ingredients. Everything that goes into our water is clearly declared. Obviously, we have spring water, the key compound ingredient, natural flavours, malic or citric acid for stability and sucralose for flavour enhancement. Despite the space limitations, we ensure as much information about our waters is declared on the label. Are consumers well informed? They're becoming increasingly so, thanks to the media who are highlighting nutrition and products which purport to deliver specific benefits. Engaging our customers is essential. Last year, we conducted an informal study group on our 120/80 water, inviting participants, all of whom suffered from hypertension and many of whom were taking prescribed medications, to drink the water daily for a month and keep a diary logging any changes during the period, such as stress or bereavement which could impact negatively. Although not a clinical study, the results were significant and in line with the clinical studies on dairy peptides. In addition, all the participants were keen to share their experiences, health concerns, tips and nutritional needs. All invaluable market information when we’re developing future products and strategies. We’re now embarking on a similar study group with our Beauty water. How did you get into the major supermarkets? We sell through the major supermarkets of Tesco and Morrisons. I went about it the usual route through constant telephone calls asking for a meeting (usually to voicemail!) and sending lots of bottles of product in the hope that they would eventually look at it. I kept going thinking they would eventually say ‘stop bothering me’ or I’d get a meeting. Which we did. I knew we had a good chance as the product speaks for itself. One category buyer said, “I would love to have a whole category devoted to you, but it's the big brands that have the marketing which shift most stock". As a smaller brand, you have to fight for shelf space and fight for consumer attention, and your product has to stand up for itself. We’ve demonstrated that we not only can innovate faster than the big players, but we are in a position to grow our brand totally around a 'nutrition in water' offering . . . and we’re now getting the shelf-space! What are you doing to promote your products? Our Beauty design was created by a young North West company called Oneighty Creative. The final flavour for Beauty was decided by a panel of Health and Beauty editors and we’ve received some fantastic press coverage from launch. Brand awareness is critical and getting brand-in-hand is a great way to generate buzz and demand. We are sampling Beauty with Specsavers during their SWOTY campaign. Our ‘slogan’ for Beauty is ‘Those who look for Beauty find it'. So it’s a great fit and fantastic to partner such a well established brand. We’re running similar activities during the coming months across a variety of channels, supporting both Beauty and 120/80. Our pr company Beattie Communications have done a fantastic job promoting Beauty and they’ve a terrific high-profile client base who we have the opportunity to work on co-brand promotions. What about global licencing? We're not yet ready for the global market, though it seems to be ready for us. We've been inundated with enquires from the US, China and India from companies interested in distributing. We're talking to a number of companies to establish if they have the manufacturing capabilities and expertise, and we’re looking to secure manufacturing partners in specific countries to produce the brand under a licence agreement. We don’t believe that shipping water from the UK is an option, despite the persistence of a number of companies keen to distribute the brand. There’s clearly a reason for this persistence and we don’t want to discourage their interest. So we want to find the right mechanism to make the export of the Works with Water brand a success. But as we’re such a young company I confess at times it can seem a little overwhelming. They do say “Be careful what you wish for.” And what’s next for kids' drinks? We’re relaunching our Little Squirts range in 250ml lunchbox format. Using Orafti’s Beneo ingredients, Little Squirts Probiotic for improved digestive health comes in strawberry and vanilla flavour while Calcium Bonus blackcurrant & liquorice contains Oligofructose, clinically proven to increase bone density by up to 20%. More than 450 clinical studies have been carried out in support of these claims. Do you see tap water as a rival product? We are not just for straight hydration, but spring water with specific health benefits, great taste, low calorie and a healthy alternative to carbonates, juices tea and coffee. However, today we are all much more mobile and we are no longer close to the kitchen tap when we need a drink. I believe in balance and choice and think some of the bad press given to bottled water is totally unfounded. After all, we don’t go around with taps on our back! Most importantly what is coming next? We’re constantly looking at what’s new in terms of ingredient innovation with solid scientific efficacy. It can be enormously frustrating as we frequently want to work with an ingredient that delivers a fantastic benefit - which we know resonates with consumers - but that is not suitable in water due to solubility issues, degradation, taste. In many ways I couldn’t have picked a harder product to work with . . . as there’s no place to hide in a clear spring water! Our latest move is into multipacks - to make carrying out of store easier. This also means we take up more shelf space and so will have greater brand recognition. Today’s consumer is looking for a clean label, preservative free product which delivers specific health benefits they need and understand and in which they can have full confidence. Our aim is simple and clear: to deliver water that works.

Steve Demos, an organic and natural foods industry pioneer in the US, is launching GoodBelly – a new nutritious and delicious fruit drink featuring powerful probiotics and antioxidant-rich fruit. Probiotics – “healthy bacteria” that help maintain the natural balance of microflora in the intestinal tract, and have positive effects on human health – are one of the hottest food and beverage trends for 2008. New GoodBelly fruit drink features the highly beneficial probiotic Lp299v, which has been clinically tested and proven over 15 years to improve overall digestive regularity and promote immunity. Demos, Founder and Creator of Silk soymilk, has been recognised as an industry leader for decades for pioneering next-generation foods that promote optimal health and wellness. New GoodBelly is claimed to be the first fruit-based dairy-free, soy-free, wheat-free and vegan probiotic product of its kind in the US. The drink is being offered in two product lines: GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drink comes in a 32oz (946ml) pack in three flavours – Black Currant, Cranberry Watermelon, and Mango. The drinks are being rolled out at Whole Foods Market stores across the US from this month, with a recommended retail price (RRP) of $3.99 (€2.50). GoodBelly Multi Probiotic Fruit Drink is a 4-pack of 2.7oz (80ml) single-serve drinks featuring “a concentrated dose of 20 billion live and active probiotic cultures, vital minerals, and 100% daily value of nine essential vitamins designed to strengthen and promote digestive regularity and immunity functions. ” GoodBelly Multi is available in three flavours – Blueberry Acai, Strawberry Rosehips, and Peach Mango – and is being sold at Whole Foods Markets as well as select natural products and grocery chains across the country including HEB, Publix, Wegmans and Giant Eagle. RRP for a 4-pack is $4.49 (€2.82). NextFoods’ first line GoodBelly is the first line to be launched by Steve Demos’ new company, NextFoods, which is committed to developing and marketing world-class functional foods and products with scientifically proven nutritional benefits. “GoodBelly is the next generation of fruit drink, where advanced nutrition meets modern day taste, ” said Demos, CEO and co-founder of NextFoods. “Your body is an ecosystem, and a healthy digestive system contributes to a host of positive benefits for your whole body. “GoodBelly delivers a holistic approach to wellness to health-conscious families by bringing together validated science and organics. “Our star player for GoodBelly, patented probiotic Lp299v, has been tested and proven through years of research. “Beyond that, it has also been proven on the breakfast table – Lp299v is the probiotic strain in the number one selling fruit drink in Sweden for 13 years. ”

By Atlas Copco Oil-Free Air Division, Vice President of Marketing, Ignace Cappuyns ** Reader query: “We need to invest in compressors for our beverage plant. How do we know which to choose, taking into account high performance, energy efficiency and filter costs?”** Compressed air is used by manufacturers all over the globe to cool PET and glass as part of the manufacturing process. With today’s high and still rising energy costs, energy efficiency is of greater importance than ever before and a topical theme worldwide. Frequently more than one type of compressor is required with oil free compressors for sterile zones involving food and beverage filling, and standard compressors for end of line packaging equipment. If a compressor stops, the whole plant comes to a halt. Downtime has immense value to a company. Increasingly companies are looking for calibrated measurement systems and we offer unrivalled energy efficiency in screw compressors. Compressed air equals 10% of the energy used by all industry as a whole. 80 terra watt an hour per year (Twh/yr) in Europe, which equals 10 million tonnes of C02. The greatest improvement of all can be made by detecting leaks and so improving energy efficiency. Parabolic antennae developed by Atlas Copco a few years ago pick up leakages using ultrasound. A more recent development is that of VSD (variable speed drives), which save between 25 to 35% of energy used. All of our competitors have now incorporated this option. Finally, recovery of waste heat and heat exchange is becoming increasingly important with a number of plants using the warm water resulting from cooling compressed air for washing bottles and equipment. In fact, only 5% of energy is used in compressing the air, by far the majority is used in the required cooling. So, air compression is a rising cost and as fuel costs rise it can no longer be regarded as just an overhead. Globally we have agreed to reduce emissions between 2008 and 2012 (by 8% in Europe, 7% in US and 6% in Japan). To make this achievable we need to use intelligent controllers – to optimise and control the installation and give lower lifecycle costs. By putting into practice all the methods listed above, around 32.9% or roughly one third of energy costs can be saved. Atlas Copco puts leading edge technology in the marketplace. The commercial battle is not just to look at the purchase cost (just 15% generally of lifetime cost), but overall energy use and the cost of filters. By using the superior screw element we keep specific energy requirements as low as possible. We have reduced the consumption of air compression machines by 6% over six years, which equates to 1% per year, and in kilowatt hours is really significant. As innovators and pioneers in the air compression field, the company aims to ensure better productivity for its customers and ultimately better profitability. Market demands include: * A fast payback on investments * Operation in harsh and dusty environments * Reliability in extreme heat - some areas such as the Middle East have plants operating in temperatures of up to 50°C * No loss of production * Cool, dry and clean compressed air at the lowest possible cost. *Patented energy efficient screw * The new GA can work at maximum temperatures of 46°C and has a Class F insulator and B rise. It also needs to breathe, and for this we have a two step dust protection system. This filter lasts 8,000 hours, which is twice that of the previous generation filter. The GA Variable Speed Drive sucks outside air in, then controlled by the speed drive, oil is used to cool the radial cooling fans. But cooled air means water droplets and hence corrosion, so the compressor also contains a water separator operated using centrifugal force. A valve opens according to the amount of water collected, while an integrated dryer – the FD310 ensures no moisture remains to cause corrosion. Warm air incoming at 30°C is cooled via a refrigeration process and water drained away. Dry air is achieved through the heat exchanger to prolong the lifecycle of the compressor. Sensors are used to measure both temperature and pressure and are controlled by an electronikon regulator, which can text an alert to change the oil or replace the filter. This can now operate in 31 languages, including Japanese and Chinese. The GA VSD therefore delivers total control and reliable high performance, giving a fast payback on investment. *Low noise = lower costs * “In the development process of the new GA, we made substantial efforts to reduce all types of losses, whether flow related, mechanical or electrical. The latest design techniques such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis were used to meet these objectives,” said GA Product Manager at Atlas Copco, Paulo Pereira. He was keen to point out that because the system produces less than 50% of the noise of previous models, it no longer needs its own compression building but can be part of the plant floor, reducing the need for extra piping and compressed air leaks. This has been achieved due to the variable speed drive fans, which have reduced the sound drastically. The decibel level is now below 71 and no other compressor company has been able to achieve this. In addition, no other compressor on the market has this lifetime for its filters – which is extremely important in the overall cost to the consumer. As for heat exchange – with this new model 94% of the energy can be reused – to increase the heat of water going into a boiler or for showers for staff and as a general energy resource. Investment in energy resources can therefore be recovered in two months and for the overall cost of the compressor, in two years. The first of these machines were delivered in May 2008. As a larger company, we can afford to invest in research and from experience it will take from two to five years for others to react and produce similar products. Companies looking for a sound energy saving investment would find the new GA range best for non food and beverage areas (end of line packaging etc). The Z range which received ISO 8573-1 certification in 2006 ensures that no traces of oil can be determined in the air stream. Compressors are relatively long lived capital goods with an average lifetime of 13 years for compressors between 10 and 90 kw/h and 16 years between 90 and 300 kW. They operate on an average of around 3,500 hours per year. Driving down energy costs is our mantra and one of growing importance to beverage companies worldwide. Today unrivalled energy efficiency is the key to everyone’s success.

Shoppers are being given an alternative to supermarket shopping in Newcastle's original 'super' market, with a new store selling locally produced, handmade food. 'mmm...' based in Newcastle's historic Grainger Market, is the brainchild of New Zealand born Simone Clarkin, 46, who arrived in the north east six years ago via Russia, Italy, London and West Yorkshire. With a background in imported foods and wines she turned her sights to foods produced here in the region, with a mission to get people thinking about where their food comes from and the impact it can have on the communities who produce it. As well as foods from Northumberland and Cumbria, mmm... is also selling foods made in the UK and further afield from small artisan, organic co-operatives and fairtrade producers. Simone said: "Our philosophy is to sell foods from close to home, but wherever our products are from we work with smaller producers who share our passion for good food and quality of life. "Many of our products are handmade locally using traditional methods with the finest natural ingredients, meaning you can truly taste the difference. "This means they not only taste fantastic, but are good value for money, good for you, the environment and the community." Future plans include stocking spices from an organic Goan spice farm, cookery demonstrations with local chefs and link ups with other quality producers in the region. The shop sells a range of decanted olive and rapeseed oils, balsamic vinegars, organic spices, honeycombs, organic flours, chutneys, pickles, jams, mayonnaise, organic beans, set honey, salad dressings, chocolate, organic spices, snacks, pasta, passata, curry kits, clear honey, rapeseed oil, organic pulses, sea salt, marmalades, sauces, polenta, dried fruits, mustards, rice, organic baby food, and much, much more. Suppliers include, Northumbrian cold pressed rapeseed oils from Yellow Fields and Oleifera; handmade relishes, sauces, and jams from the Hawkshead Relish Company, Cumbria; hot chilli sauces from Trees Can't Dance, Northumberland; stone-ground organic flours from the Watermill, Little Salkeld, Cumbria; authentic Sri Lankan styled chutneys from Cumbria; and handmade jams, marmalade and chutneys from JR Jams, Tyne and Wear.

**In the next issue of Water Innovation magazine out later this month, food and drink expert Michael Mascha, the owner of FineWaters.com, looks at luxury water brands sold through horeca channels to enhance the fine dining experience.** Mascha has written a book that introduces readers to the epicurean delights of water, explains the characteristics that provide various waters with their unique flavours and recommends food pairings. Fine Waters provides tasting notes for more than 100 of the world’s best bottled waters and helpful tips such as optimum serving temperatures for enjoying both still and sparkling waters. The book is being marketed as a connoisseur’s guide to the world’s most distinctive bottled waters.” To buy the book, <1> Michael Mascha was recently interviewed by Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford for NBC's Today Show. <1>: http://finewaters.com/store/book.html

**Wateraid volunteers were out and about at this year's Glastonbury Festival encouraging people to 'love their loos'. **In order to draw attention to the global sanitation crisis, Glastonbury revellers were encouraged to express their love for their loos on a graffiti wall at the WaterAid stand by the Pyramid stage, as well as adding their names to the 'End Water Poverty' petition to put pressure on the G8 to agree a global action plan for sanitation and water. Over 18,000 signatures were collected during the festival. Campaigns Officer Gerry Austin said: "We were delighted to have collected so many signatures at the festival. The extra signatures bought the total to nearly 70,000 which were handed in to the Japanese Embassy in London. "This was as part of the official presentation of End Water Poverty actions that have happened across the globe - a total of well over 900,000. We're so grateful to Glastonbury festival goers for adding their voices to the big stink, and hopefully more people will love their loos as a result." Celebrities pledging their support and loving their loos included Will Young, KT Tunstall, The Ting Tings and the Fratellis. Our 'I love my loo' sweatbands were very popular, with several celebs sporting them as well as getting temporary WaterAid tattoos and posing in the WaterAid Hunter wellies. The WaterAid Hunter wellies were exclusively designed for the festival, and were signed by a number of famous faces including the Kings of Leon, James Blunt, Duffy and The Subways.

The British Fruit Juice Association (BFJA) Annual Symposium took place last month (5 June 2008) with the theme of sustainability high on the agenda. FoodBev.com is pleased to be able to present a short series of podcasts featuring two of the speakers at the event. The first download is an introduction to the BFJA Symposium by Jill Ardagh, the Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA). Click the link to hear the introduction, or save it to your desktop by right-clicking and choosing ‘Save link as’. <1> Mark Rhodes is Director of Corporate Environment, Health & Safety at GlaxoSmithKline. His talk, entitled ‘Adaptation or Extinction’, is available to download in two parts. <2>. <3>. Jonathon Porritt CBE is the Chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission, and is co-founder and Programme Director of Forum for the Future. <4>. <5>.Finally, a question and answer session is available to download in five parts. <6>. <7>. <8>. <9>. <10>. <1>: /downloads/BFJA08-01-JillArdagh.mp3 <2>: /downloads/BFJA08-02-MarkRhodes.mp3 <3>: /downloads/BFJA08-03-MarkRhodes.mp3 <4>: /downloads/Part04-Jonathon.mp3 <5>: /downloads/Part05-Jonathon.mp3 <6>: /downloads/Part06-Questions.mp3 <7>: /downloads/Part07-Questions.mp3 <8>: /downloads/Part08-Questions.mp3 <9>: /downloads/Part09-Questions.mp3 <10>: /downloads/Part10-Questions.mp3

The 2008 Global Bottled Water Congress will be held in the spa town of Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt, Germany from 22 to 24 September. Dr Peter Traumann, Chief Executive Officer of German brand leader Gerolsteiner Brunnen will open the event and other presenters include Coca-Cola, Danone and Nestlé. A session on BRIC markets features Ouro Fino from Brazil, PepsiCo from Russia, Mount Everest Mineral Water from India and Heckmann Corporation, new owner of China Water and Drinks. There will also be contributions from Fiji Water, Highland Spring and Nextek on environmental action; and market insights from Innocent, Spendrups, Balance, Centralcer, Aqua Bimini and Zenith International on flavoured and functional waters. Other key programme elements include a trip to the Gerolsteiner plant, retail visits arranged by Coca-Cola, tours hosted by Doehler and Bericap, and a briefing by Seaquist Closures. A particular highlight will be the water innovation awards at a gala dinner on 23rd September. Adopting the theme Motivating Consumers, the conference will discuss ways in which the industry should move beyond hydration and health to overcome environmental concerns and determine new strategies for innovation and communication. “Our aim is for delegates to gain a complete overview of current market trends, issues and innovation along with pointers towards new opportunities and time for highly productive networking,” commented Zenith International Chairman Richard Hall. “We are especially pleased to be visiting Gerolsteiner this year, as the company celebrates its 120th anniversary.” The Global Bottled Water Congress is an annual conference that has been hosted by some of the world’s most famous brands including Evian and S. Pellegrino. Each year the occasion brings together industry leaders, producers, customers and suppliers from top companies in each region across all continents. The event is organised by global consultants to the food and beverage industry Zenith International in association with water innovation magazine. Sponsors for 2008 include leading suppliers Bericap, Doehler, Centralcer, Luso, NSF International, Seaquist Closures and international trade fair SIMEI. For full programme details and to book online, please visit <<1>">www.zenithinternational.com/events]<1> <1>: http://www.zenithinternational.com/events

Chr Hansen has launched "the first ever product line of frozen wine cultures" – FroZen. Chr Hansen was the first company to supply the global wine industry with easy to use malolactic frozen starter cultures for high-quality red wines. The company has now introduced a new range of frozen starter cultures aimed at white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. “We're very proud to launch this range of frozen malolactic starter cultures, now available both for white wines and red wines," said Laurent Hubert, Marketing Director, Wine Cultures, Chr Hansen. "With the FroZen range, wine producers are guaranteed total process control, robustness in production and shorter production time, which again leads to cost savings. The FroZen range can reduce the malolactic fermentation time by as much as 40%. Around 265 million hectoliters of wine are produced worldwide (OIV, March 2008), and traditionally 95% of the red wines undergo malolactic fermentation, while only 20% of white wines are produced in this way. “We will first launch in the Northern hemisphere and our range will be used extensively from September in markets such as France, Germany, Italy, USA and Spain – and more will follow. When the wine season begins in the Southern hemisphere, we'll launch there too – and our expectations are high." The range is also available in a freeze dried version and all come in the convenient DVS (Direct Vat Set) concept for optimum convenience, control and consistency.