*Campina was the bestselling brand in Dutch supermarkets for the sixth year in a row, according to market research agency IRI in a list compiled for the Foodmagazine trade journal. * The strong increase in the consumption of healthy dairy made by Campina has led to growth in turnover for supermarkets, generated specifically through the sale of the Campina brand. First place in the retail top 100 was assigned to the following products, which the dairy organisation markets under the Campina brand in the Netherlands: Campina milk, yogurt, custard, cream and coffee creamer, Campina Optimel (yogurt drinks, yogurts, quark and custard with zero fat, no added sugar), Campina Vifit (for balanced intestinal flora) and Campina Botergoud (butter). An important factor in the consolidation of the company's position is due to higher sales of extra-healthy dairy products. Campina Optimel in particular made spectacular strides. The flip side is a lower brand turnover in the shrinking milk and custard segment. Growth of the breakfast dairy product Goede Morgen, and the chilled coffee drink Café Fresco, have further underscored the position of the brand. Turnover from supermarket sales of Campina brands rose to more than €380 million in 2007.

*UK supermarket chain Tesco is making considerable moves to increase local sourcing across the country with plans under way to implement the programme in more of its 2,000 stores across the globe. * It foresees local sourcing being as important to the company as organic (now worth £400 million in the UK) and being worth £1 billion in retail sales by 2011. In the past year, for instance, the south-west region has sourced 200 new products from 40 new suppliers. Local buyers have been employed in each region to make strong links with smaller suppliers, such as Little Town Dairy and Nichol’s Farm in Kent, to bring new ranges into the stores which will be known and supported by local shoppers. Each region has specialist produce: Essex-based Fairfields Farm making specialist crisps using its own potatoes and Sweet Thai chillis from the The Chilli Company. Hill Farm Oil Heaveningham is making cold pressed rapeseed oil with omega-3. Gloucestershire supplier Bottle Green Drinks has extended its well-known Elderflower to launch its Blossom Hill range of Elderflower, Morello cherry and lemon barley to local stores. The idea is to make local sourcing mainstream, not just gourmet, with the phrase 'Everyday local sourcing' the basis of the new campaign. The most obvious areas are eggs, juice, meat, cheese, milk and vegetables, with black-and-white photographs and details of various farmers appearing on-pack. The company was spurred on after a trial in Padstow, Cornwall, when it noticed that consumers had a different mindset when looking at prices for products from local suppliers. It then set up a local office to deal with local issues and help small suppliers meet the necessary health and safety criteria. In some cases, it supplies just one store. According to Head of Local Sourcing Emily Shamma, Thailand already has local sourced produce, as do Tesco Stores in the Czech Republic and Ireland (where it's particularly strong). On the basis that this move has been consumer led – meeting demand from consumers across the globe – we're unlikely to see a trend reversal.

The Coca-Cola Company has revealed in a regulatory filing that it agreed to pay $626 million plus the assumption of debt to take full control of its German bottling operations last year, buying out almost 20 small regional bottlers and merging them into major bottler Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetränke AG (CCEAG), already a Coca-Cola subsidiary. Coke negotiated for months to clinch the deal, which finally closed in September. The company said one unified bottling operation would be more efficient and responsive to market demands. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The company’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shows Coke paid $385 million for the 17% of CCEAG shares it did not already own: $156 million in cash upfront, and $85 million in “guaranteed future payments". Coke also took over $34 million in debt. The former independent bottlers have shares in CCEAG, which they may sell back to Coca-Cola at a future date. Germany is Coke’s biggest European market, but slumped in the wake of a 1999 contamination scare in Belgium and northern France. In its results for 2007, the company reported that its German case volume edged up 1% over the year, with 2% growth in the last quarter, following 7% growth in Q4 the previous year.

Nestlé Waters Italia owned San Bernardo has revamped the labelling and packaging for its eponymous mineral water brand, with the aim of giving the range a fresher and more distinctive appearance. The revamp was undertaken in conjunction with renowned Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. San Bernardo Managing Director Stefano Agostini, commented: “The restyling confirms San Bernardo’s positioning as a cool product. There are plans to upgrade the entire range in the near future.” The new formats have been available through horeca channels since January 2008.

*In the US, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages has launched a line of Snapple Antioxidant Waters and LYTeWater. * Antioxidant Water features seven flavours inspired by superfruits, with the antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes in each flavour offering one of four benefits - Protect, Defy, Awaken and Restore. The Protect line offers tropical mango or orange star fruit flavours; Defy includes raspberry acerola or grape pomegranate flavours; Awaken contains strawberry açaí or dragonfruit; and Restore consists of agave melon. The varieties are packaged in 20oz bottles.

*Coca-Cola Switzerland has added a variant to its Valser Viva wellness water range. * Valser Viva Blueberry & Honey is a flavoured water with 8% juice and natural honey extract, which targets young adults that seek a natural balance with today’s hectic lifestyle. The drink is also low in calories and free from preservatives. Honey is a natural source of energy, while carbohydrates and blueberries are high in vitamins C and B5 as well as minerals.

*Putting an innovative twist on ways to serve oxygenated water, Minneapolis based Beverage Creations has introduced bio2Tonic - a sports water using a proprietary pack that connects two enclosed chambers filled with either liquid or oxygen. * The company is promoting the product as the only bottled water in the US offering “an inhalable shot of oxygen at its core.” The 24cm tall bio2Tonic pack contains two separate detachable compartments. First, the consumer can sip from the Aqua Fuel unit, a 50cl flask filled with vitamin enhanced water. On the reverse side of the pack is an Oxygen Fuel flask which contains 2.9 litres of 90% compressed oxygen enriched air, enough air for 25 two second inhalations. The oxygen is released when consumers place their nose into an oxygen delivery system and press a release button.

Cravendale milk has announced a re-education programme to halt the anti-dairy trend in the UK. Its 'Don't Ditch the Milk' campaign aims to inform consumers about the detrimental effects of cutting milk from their diet. Cravendale's head nutritionist, Sue Malcolm, said: "Milk is wrongly thought to be a fatty, unhealthy option and this notion is perpetuated by many faddy diet trends. The reality is that it's a vital part of a balanced diet, and by cutting out milk, not only could you negatively impact on your desired weight loss, but you could also risk health implications from osteoporosis to a possible increased risk of heart disease in men." Sue Baic, dietician and spokesperson of the British Dietetic Association, said: "As dieticians, we recognise that a varied diet is vital for good health. To achieve this, we need to choose a range of foods selecting some from each food group, one of which is dairy foods. "This group includes milk, cheese, yogurt and fromage frais. In the UK, these foods are important sources of protein, calcium (for strong bones) and essential B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2) and B12. As a guideline, aim for a pint of milk a day, or a mix of dairy foods such as a carton of yoghurt or a small (matchbox size) piece of cheese, each of which is equivalent to about 1/3 of a of pint milk. Try to choose reduced or lower fat versions, such as semi-skimmed milk, where you can." Cravendale's 'Don't Ditch the Milk' campaign aims to keep consumers informed about the benefits of milk and help people keep their regular intake of milk up with clever, healthy recipes, dieting advice and tips, training, post exercise information and more.

The creation of a new UK trade group, the BCCC, focused on cutting salt and saturated fat in the bakery and snacks sector, puts further pressure on manufacturers. With regulatory bodies, consumers and the media focused on salt reduction in particular, what's being done to help manufacturers achieve targets? What are the formulation issues to overcome? And how can manufacturers deliver healthier food that still tastes great and encourages consumer purchase? *Hanneke Veldhuis, DSM Food Specialities, comments. * "Initiatives like the BCCC group highlight the importance attached to continuing to reduce salt and sodium levels, which the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) recently identified as the major challenge facing the industry. The Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) estimates that 80% of our salt comes from processed foods. Bread is recognised by CASH as the food category which contributes most to daily salt intake. "While research shows that the average daily salt consumption in the UK has fallen from 9.5g to 9g since 2001, it still far exceeds the 5g per day recommended by the World Health Organisation. So it's no surprise that further reductions are sought by regulatory bodies. Ingredient suppliers must work with manufacturers to understand the challenges they face and develop new technologies to reduce salt levels in line with health concerns. "Critical to the success of this initiative is that these reductions must be achieved without affecting the eating enjoyment consumers expect. There must be a balance between taste and nutrition. Many traditional salt replacement products seem to negatively affect food flavours and haven't been widely accepted by the consuming public. These solutions may also involve complex and costly formulation modifications." Salt solutions "One successful strategy is adding flavours, seeds or spices in baked goods to compensate for loss of salty taste. Tesco, for example, sells bread flavoured with Guinness, and Allied Bakeries produces wholegrain and cranberry. While innovative new styles and flavours of bread are growing in popularity, they're not always to everyone’s taste and fail to deliver an easy to use solution for bread manufacturers looking to reduce salt levels. "Aware of these issues, we developed Maxarite, a range of natural ingredients using yeast-based technology. Launched at last year’s FiE, the Maxarite range has been specifically developed for bakery and dairy applications. It can reduce sodium content in bread and cereals, along with various dairy applications, by up to 50%. "Our sensory tests show that it delivers an improved taste perception, together with lower sodium, to meet consumer expectations for healthier, enjoyable food. Importantly, these ingredients can be integrated into existing food manufacturing processes with minimal disruption. "Health concerns surrounding reductions in salt will remain firmly on the health agenda. Ingredients suppliers need to respond with innovative solutions that meet the demands of all parties. Our Maxarite range, for example, also offers solutions for great-tasting, low fat dairy concepts which we are currently discussing with customers. "The solutions are available – it is a question of ingredient suppliers and manufacturers working together to deliver the healthier products consumers, the retail industry and regulatory bodies are looking for.” * About DSM Food Specialties* DSM Food Specialties is a leading producer of value-added ingredient solutions for the international food and beverage industries, with 1,400 employees active in 26 locations worldwide.

*In an effort to help busy consumers have their cake and eat it too, Sara Lee is launching bite-sized versions of the Sara Lee cheesecake with premium, full-sized taste. * Sara Lee Cheesecake Bites will be available in original, chocolate and strawberry varieties. With restaurants adding smaller, richer, more decadent dessert options to their menus, Sara Lee Bites is bringing the trend to homes, with more satisfying sweet snacks. Ready-to-eat sweets reached $16.6 billion in sales from September 2006 to September 2007. "Because full flavour doesn't have to equal full-size, Sara Lee Bites can satisfy a craving whenever it strikes," said Chuck Hemmingway, marketing director, Sara Lee Sweet Goods. "Sara Lee Bites will give families a contemporary grab-and-go version of the desserts that have made Sara Lee synonymous with sweets." The average suggested retail price is $3.69.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. a global leader in premium spirits and a unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., announced the US launch of Ardmore Traditional Cask, the first ever widely available single malt whisky from the Ardmore distillery. The only Highland malt whisky to be 100% peated since its inception in 1898, Ardmore Traditional Cask offers Highland malt flavour with a twist, and will be available on shelves nationwide beginning March 2008. This new expression was crafted in direct response to 15 years of consumer demand for a quality single malt from the Ardmore distillery. For eager malt whisky fans Ardmore Traditional Cask is produced in Aberdeenshire at the Ardmore distillery, which was first established in 1898 by Adam Teacher. The facility is best known for its contributions to the internationally renowned Teacher’s Highland Cream Blended Scotch whisky, for which Ardmore serves as the fingerprint malt. The new single malt, Ardmore Traditional Cask, was released and widely available in Duty Free and the UK in the autumn of 2007. “For years, consumers have been passionately asking for a single malt whisky from the Ardmore distillery, and we're thrilled to finally deliver this high-quality product to eager malt whisky fans,” said Paige Guzman, brand manager, scotches, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “Ardmore Traditional Cask has a definitive character and flavour profile, making it an ideal ‘step up’ for those seeking to break away from mainstream tastes into a diverse and complex malt market."

*Americans may see the doctor, but not many actually listen to what their doctor recommends, according to a new Kellogg's report.** The report also reveals that while most health issues associated with heart health, digestive health and weight management are preventable, most people wait until medical intervention is necessary before taking an active role in their health. Healthy Beginnings, a consumer outreach programme from Kellogg Company, teaches the importance of heart health, how to get more whole grains into your diet, the importance of fibre for good digestive health and regularity, and how to maintain a healthy weight. "The evolution of the Healthy Beginnings programme demonstrates another milestone in Kellogg's continued commitment to health and wellness," said Jennifer Garrett, Ph.D., director of nutrition marketing, Kellogg Company. "The wellness tips recommended in the Small Steps to Healthy Beginnings provide practical options and ideas for consumers to improve their health." *Healthy Beginnings Small Steps to Healthy Beginnings report.