*UK distributor Water (for Work and Home) has won new business with three major companies for its Wellbeing Programme. * The company is working with the mcch society – a charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs across the South east; national business software supplier 5 Star Computer Systems; and Chapel Down – the UK’s largest producer of English wines. The Wellbeing Programme aims to educate both employers and employees of the intrinsic benefits of good hydration to health. Working in collaboration with its Life Partnership training team, the programmes include group and individual training sessions on how to improve overall health and wellbeing through tailored fitness and wellness programmes. Water Wellbeing Manager Chris Davies commented: “The health and hydration education seminars, with our in-house scientist Colin Wilson, introduce and educate employees about the value of maintaining their own level of health and hydration – both within the workplace and their personal lives.” As part of the seminars, Water (for Work and Home), one of the UK’s largest independent water cooler companies, will be operating the Water Wellpoint machine on the clients’ premises. The Water Wellpoint offers each employee instant checks of six key health indicators: weight, BMI, body fat content, heart rate, blood pressure and hydration quota. Users are given a confidential report of their own readings, while the company receives a report on the health of their workforce – identifying any problem areas, such as stress, suitable for HR intervention. Ben McGannan, Managing Director of family owned Water (for Work and Home), added: “We’re delighted to be working with mcch, 5 Star Computer Systems and Chapel Down. Our own commitment to workplace wellbeing is extremely strong, which enables us to offer this unique delivery platform to help others introduce their own wellbeing programmes. “Improved wellbeing means a happier and healthier workforce, which also translates into an improved bottom line by reducing absence from work and improving productivity. The Water Wellpoint gives individuals a personal health yardstick to measure any improvements as a result of, say, exercise or stopping smoking. It’s also a crucial tool for management to gauge the effectiveness of workplace wellbeing initiatives, by giving them hard data to work with.” Water (for Work and Home) is an independent water cooler company, based in Marden, Kent, supplying water to business and domestic customers throughout the UK, using its own sustainable source of natural spring water at nearby Hadlow.

As part of the summer-long campaign, Miller Lite generated donations to MDA in a variety of ways. It started with Miller Lite donating 10 cents to MDA for every bottle cap collected through 1 September 2008. Consumers donated their Miller Lite bottle caps at collection points located in participating retailers across the US, as well as collecting at home and sending in packages directly. Ultimately, all these bottle caps made the trek to Milwaukee for the 28-31 August celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary. Miller Lite is donating the maximum $100,000 to MDA based on the number of Miller Lite caps collected. “Teaming up with Harley-Davidson on a promotion is always a fantastic opportunity, especially when it means supporting a good cause,” said Grant Leech, Miller Lite vice president marketing. In addition to contributing via the 'Miller Lite Bottle Caps' effort, the brewer also helped raise money for MDA in other ways this summer: -For every 18-pack of Miller Lite bottles or cans sold at 7-Eleven stores across the country, Miller donated 25 cents, up to an additional $100,000. - At participating retailers across the country, consumers joined the fight against muscular dystrophy by purchasing a motorcycle mobile for $1, with all proceeds going directly to MDA. - Consumers also contributed to MDA online by visiting BetterBolderSummer.com. “We're extremely grateful for all Miller Lite did throughout this promotion to make it such a success,” said Gerald C Weinberg, MDA president and CEO. “These proceeds will help combat a range of muscle diseases worldwide through a variety of programs, and it is valuable partners such as the folks at Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors, who provide the support to make it all possible.” MDA is a voluntary health organisation working to defeat more than 40 diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The ALS Division of MDA is the world leader in the search for a treatment and cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease with its aggressive research program. MDA also offers the most comprehensive range of services of any voluntary health agency in the US.

Bebida Beverage Company, currently operating as Renovo Holdings, has unveiled Piranha Spring Water as the first product to be launched by the company within the United States. Piranha Beverages has been formed as an operating division within Bebida Beverage Company. Piranha Beverages is launching Piranha Spring Water as the division’s first entry into the bottled water market. Piranha Spring Water is being marketed with the motto 'Take A Bite Out Of Thirst' and the beverage will be geared towards a youth oriented consumer group. The company has accepted an initial pre-launch order from a distributor for shipment to the eastern United States and the company anticipates start-up production to begin order fulfilment before the end of September. Piranha Spring Water is the first product being introduced by Piranha Beverages. In addition to spring water, Piranha Beverages is in the development stage of creating additional beverage offerings to be introduced into the marketplace. The company will focus on a range of products geared toward consumers in the 35 and under age group, with an emphasised product offering and marketing effort geared toward consumers 21 and under.

Each year, 200 million milk and juice cartons are used in England’s primary schools, while secondary school pupils and staff get through more than 35 million. Now, a new initiative launched by Tetra Pak and the carton industry under ACE UK (Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment) will mean that these paper-based cartons can be recycled. The initiative, known as the Business & Schools Carton Recycling Service, marks a major step forward in expanding carton recycling further across the UK. While carton collection facilities have recently expanded to over 85% of the UK, so far collections have been limited to domestic collections. Expanding on their existing infrastructure, Tetra Pak’s new service enables schools and businesses across more than half of the UK (53%) to contact their local carton recycling contractors through a straightforward web portal. Businesses and schools can get a quote, and set up collection. Fay Dashper, Recycling Operations Manager at Tetra Pak, said: “With many primary schools giving pupils a milk carton every day and companies providing milk for tea, people can now do even more for the environment by recycling their cartons outside their homes. We look forward to seeing more schools and businesses getting involved, and urge every company and school to visit the website, see if their area is covered and start recycling cartons.”

**UK consumption of smoothies grew by almost 40% to reach 75 million litres in 2007, generating a retail market value of £319 million, according to the latest UK Smoothies report from leading food and drink consultancy Zenith International. ** Sales have witnessed stellar growth since the introduction of the smoothie concept to UK consumers nearly 15 years ago, yet the category remains a relatively niche area at 1.2 litres per person last year. “High retail prices and concerns over calories do not appear to have dampened enthusiasm for smoothies as consumers continue to embrace their ‘healthy convenience’ proposition,” commented Zenith Market Intelligence Director Gary Roethenbaugh. “The development of innovative flavours, ingredients and packs has also acted to broaden consumption occasions and widen appeal, particularly for fruit based offerings.” Further findings from the 2008 UK Smoothies report include: * Pure fruit smoothies represented nearly 90% of total smoothie sales in 2007. * Chilled products remain dominant, maintaining popularity over ambient alternatives. * Cartons of 1 litre and above now account for over 50% of volume, reinforcing the recent advance of multi-serve formats. * Innovation remains key to the growth of the smoothie segment. * Strong future potential is foreseen as manufacturers focus on generating mass appeal. So far, the category has been led by small to medium sized enterprises, but competition has now intensified from larger manufacturers and private label alike. Despite these developments, the innocent brand continues its dominance, having paved the way in raising consumer awareness and acceptance of the category. With public policy campaigns advocating the role of fruit and vegetables in a healthy diet, smoothies are well placed for continued growth. Looking beyond the current credit crunch, UK smoothie sales are projected by Zenith to pass 120 million litres and £500 million by 2012.

InSinkErator UK has launched its 98°C Steaming Hot Water Tap on the contracted water services market – answering increasing demand for functional yet elegant water dispensing solutions in offices across the UK. The company claims its new tap is an ideal solution for any commercial setting with capacity to deliver around 100 cups of near boiling hot water every hour. There are two options available - the GN1100 which delivers filtered hot water, and the HC1100 which delivers filtered hot and cold water. The HC1100 version of the Steaming Hot Water Tap can be easily upgraded to provide chilled cold water, with the addition of a small refrigeration unit. InSinkErator Sales and Marketing Director Ashley Munden commented: “The growth of open plan offices and commercial units, where clients and customers can clearly see everything, means demand for stylish yet functional products is increasing. “The office water supply market is an exciting new sales channel for InSinkErator and we are confident that we can mirror the fantastic success we have already achieved in the mainstream retail sector where consumers have recognised the benefits of this kitchen product.” InSinkErator UK, a division of Emerson Electric, is the UK and world’s largest manufacturer of food waste disposers and the clear global market leader. Emerson, based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses.

*A high school student from the US was awarded the prestigious 2008 Stockholm Junior Water Prize in a formal ceremony in Stockholm during World Water Week. * Joyce Chai won the prize for discovering the potential toxicity of silver nanoparticles, which have been used as a sanitisation product in the water cooler industry. She received the prize from Crown Princess Victoria on behalf of the Stockholm Water Foundation. Chai's project, entitled "Modelling the Toxic Effects of Silver Nanoparticles under Varying Environmental Conditions" won the 2008 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for exploring this new category of micropollutants, now used in industry for a variety of purposes. Silver nanoparticles, known for their ability to fight bacteria, are incorporated into items such as bandages, clothing, cosmetics, car wax, and toys. When these items are laundered or discarded, silver nanoparticles are released into the environment, including water bodies, with little knowledge of their fate and potential toxicity. Chai's scientific research takes steps towards understanding and quantifying the potential environmental consequences and risks of using silver nanoparticles. This study repudiates the assertion that silver nanoparticles are more reliable and less environmentally hazardous than silver ions. The research questions the reliability of their use in consumer products. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is presented each year to high-school age students for outstanding water-related projects that focus on topics of environmental, scientific, social or technological importance.

Kent’s oldest soft drinks manufacturer, The Silver Spring Mineral Water Company, has taken to the beach as the official drinks partner to Britain's first ever world championships beach volleyball tournament in Brighton last weekend. The SWATCH FIVB Junior World Beach Volleyball Championships attracts more than 70 teams from 25 countries and is the showcase beach volleyball event of the season. Silver Spring will be providing bottled Silver Spring mineral water for players and tournament officials throughout the competition. Silver Spring Sales Director Andrew McAdam, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting this world-class event. Beach volleyball has grown in popularity since its inclusion in the Olympics. It is fast, physically demanding and exciting to watch. We wish the championship every success.” Susan Hoare, partner to Jessica Grimson, representing Great Britain, said: “Beach volleyball is a fast, skillful sport. A tournament such as this can take a lot out of you and it is important to take in fluids and keep yourself in at your peak. The British team and our fellow competitors are grateful for Silver Spring’s support.” The SWATCH FIVB Junior World Beach Volleyball Championships was held at the Nivea Sun Yellowave venue, an approved 2012 Olympic beach volleyball training camp, on Brighton’s famous seafront. It was the first beach volleyball tournament since the close of the Beijing Olympics and many of the competitors playing will be beginning their long journey towards the 2012 Olympics in London.

East European sales of fruit juices and nectars rose a further 10% in 2007 to €6,485 million, according to the latest East Europe Fruit Juice report from leading drinks consultancy Zenith International. Consumption volumes increased 9.5% to 5,616 million litres, after more than doubling in the previous five years. “Growth was driven by higher incomes, a trend towards wellbeing and stronger marketing by industry members across the region”, commented Zenith Market Intelligence Director Gary Roethenbaugh. “A desire for healthier lifestyles was the key factor. Consumers particularly embraced new flavour formulations, premium product offerings and juices enhanced with vitamins and minerals.” Further Zenith findings in the 2008 East Europe Fruit Juice report include: * Russia, Poland and Ukraine were the leading countries, responsible for 81% of total volume. * Nectars accounted for the majority of consumption in 2007. * Squeezed ‘not from concentrate’ juice volumes jumped 34%, in response to growing consumer interest in health, wellbeing and natural products. * Chilled juices strengthened their presence most notably in Poland, Bulgaria and Estonia. * Multivitamin-enriched juices and flavour blends increased their overall market share to more than 25%. * Cartons dominated the market with 86.5% of volume in 2007. * Industry consolidation continued as global multinationals and regional powerhouses extended their reach across the region. By 2013, Zenith anticipates that total fruit juice and nectar consumption will exceed 8.5 billion litres and €10 billion. Call Zenith on +44 (0)1225 327900 to purchase the full report

The Mars Snackfood US M&M's Premiums chocolates were introduced at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Manhattan, New York, by Eva Longoria Parker of hit TV show 'Desperate Housewives', along with the female M&M's mascot 'Ms. Green'. Wrapped in colourful and shimmering foil the five varieties are: Mint Chocolate, Raspberry Almond, Triple Chocolate, Chocolate Almond and Mocha. During the fashion show models showcased the upscale M&M's while dressed in vibrantly coloured gowns inspired by the chocolate packaging. The gowns were created by red carpet designer Pamella Roland, known for her elegantly feminine and luxurious designs. Roland specifically selected Longoria Parker's premium gown for the event, which will be auctioned via 'Clothes Off Our Back' to benefit children's charities. "We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of M&M's Premiums with such a chic, revered style backdrop as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said Mars Snackfood US Marketing Vice President Michele Kessler. "The opportunity for the brand to partner with a star the calibre of Eva Longoria Parker emphasizes the fashionable, sophistication of the product. We are certain our new 'gems' will add a splash of style and fun to the premium chocolate category." The 6oz M&M's Premiums gems are available nationwide in food, mass, convenience and drugstores for a suggested retail price of $3.99.

Two hotels in Birmingham are the first in the UK to install an innovative new hot food vending machine which uses technology first pioneered by NASA in order to deliver a range of hot foods in just 90 seconds. The ‘Brasserie Express’ vending machine will mean that the Express by Holiday Inn hotels in Castle Bromwich and at the NEC Birmingham will for the first time be able to provide guests with hot meals and snacks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; without having to employ any extra staff. Owned and operated by London-based company Brasserie Express UK, the machine works by combining a rotating stock freezer with a high speed combination oven which moves air at jet velocity; a rate of over 1200 metres per minute. This allows heat transfer of up to 60 times that of a conventional oven and when combined with microwave technology, the oven can reheat frozen food faster than ever before without compromising food quality. Uniquely it will also brown, bake and crisp depending on the item being cooked. Menu options include a cooked English breakfast, pizzas, pasties, savoury slices and fries; as well as a range of healthy options. Food choices can be changed to suit individual market needs and ingredients are only sourced from UK specialist food suppliers to ensure the very highest standards of hygiene, quality, taste and freshness. Brasserie Express UK has completed successful trials across the UK over the past 14 months and is currently placing a number of machines into the marketplace. A similar roll-out programme by a separate company in the USA has seen the concept placed in over 2000 locations. David Batchelor, Managing Director, Brasserie Express UK commented: “Brasserie Express is creating real excitement in the hotel and hospitality sector and we are currently in talks with several hotel groups and FTSE brands which are keen to provide their customers with our hot food 24/7 option.”

Yet smoothies are proudly natural, while energy drinks are rarely so. One is thick, the other thin. One is marketed because of taste, the other sometimes despite it. One is consumed earlier in the day, the other later. Anything else? Yes. Have you noticed the similarity in their market dynamics? Energy drinks shot up when one brand led the way and most others copied it. As with Red Bull, so with innocent. There have been an amazing number of me-toos as well as me-too-leapfrogs in countries where the brand leaders had yet to enter. Most fell, are falling or will fall by the wayside. Brand leaders need competition, but above all competition that differentiates and takes the market forward. Hansen did that with Monster in the US. The UK smoothie market has already floored a succession of heavyweights as well as lightweights. Good luck to the genuine innovators, but beware the slipstream. Consumers want copyright not copycats.