The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Meat Hygiene Service (an executive Agency of the FSA) have submitted statements, and witnesses from both agencies are expected to be called to give evidence. The hearings, which are being chaired by Professor Hugh Pennington, will enable issues which are central to the inquiry to be explored in detail. These include the source of the outbreak, the inspection of food businesses, the procurement of school meals, and the way the outbreak was managed. Other witnesses likely to be called include representatives from local authorities, the National Public Health Service for Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, expert witnesses and representatives of families and individuals who were affected by the outbreak. Expected to last six weeks, the hearings will be open to the public and evidence will be published on the inquiry’s website along with full transcripts of each day's proceedings.

CHS Inc., a leading energy and grain-based foods company, and Kansas State University, have announced that $40,000 in equity held by CHS member cooperatives has been transferred to Kansas State University for 2008. The transferred equity will be used to fund an endowed chair or faculty professorship for cooperative studies at Kansas State University's Arthur Capper Cooperative Center (ACCC), a premier centre of excellence in cooperative education. In total, $80,000 in CHS equity has been transferred to Kansas State University since the CHS Equity Transfer Program was piloted in Kansas last year. "This is a part of our stewardship focus on education, youth and leadership," said CHS Board Chairman Michael Toelle. "This is an opportunity to make a significant financial contribution to an outstanding institution, invest in the future of rural America, and connect the public with the values of agriculture and cooperatives." "We're pleased that CHS is working together with local Kansas cooperative leaders to support the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center in such an innovative way," said ACCC Director David G Barton. "The CHS Equity Transfer Program demonstrates the power of the cooperative spirit." Under the program, participating member cooperatives transfer ownership of a minimum of $5,000 of their CHS equity per year to the university. As the new holder of the equity, Kansas State University will receive any future cash redemptions issued by the CHS Board of Directors. For fiscal 2008, CHS is expecting to return $345 million to member owners in cash, based on the company's record fiscal 2007 earnings. It marks the fourth consecutive record return to owners by CHS and is the largest ever made by a US agricultural cooperative. In the future, CHS will expand the program to other land-grant universities across the CHS trade territory. *About CHS* CHS Inc. is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives around the world. A Fortune 200 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives, along with thousands of preferred stockholders, from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain, livestock feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. CHS is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.

Investigators raided the German offices of chocolate bar makers Mars, Ritter, Nestle and Kraft, the companies said on Monday, on suspicion they colluded over price increases. A spokeswoman at the Federal Cartel Office said its antitrust investigators searched seven chocolate makers on Thursday, on suspicion of price-fixing in the German market early this year. She did not name the companies. If the suspicion is confirmed, the companies could be fined up to 10% of their annual sales. Nestle, Kraft Foods and Mars confirmed the raids at their offices and said they would cooperate fully with the authorities. Ritter also said its offices had been searched. Investigators examined Nestle operations in Frankfurt on Thursday, a spokesman for Nestle in Germany said, confirming a report by the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper. Silke Troesch, a spokeswoman for Kraft Foods Deutschland, said the investigators searched its offices in Bremen. "We are cooperating fully with the authorities," Troesch said, adding that price increases were necessary due to recent sharp price rises in raw materials such as milk powder and cocoa. A spokeswoman at Ritter said it raised its chocolate prices by about 20% in January. Source: Reuters

The system is being supplied by Oracle, leading global provider of enterprise software. It will enable WBD to substantially increase its operational efficiency. The project will encompass all key areas of corporate activity, including finance, production, purchasing, logistics and distribution, across all the company’s businesses in Russia. The optimisation of these processes will create a reliable foundation for making quick and effective management decisions, and will then ensure these decisions are seen through to completion. In addition, the ERP system will make WBD’s financial reporting to both Russian and international accounting standards even more transparent and timely. “Over the last 15 years, the steady expansion of production facilities and trading affiliates allowed Wimm-Bill-Dann to become a leading food company in Russia,” said WBD’s CEO Tony Maher. “The further development of the company will require not just growth in its sheer scale, but also the more efficient use of resources and an increase in the transparency of business processes.” Leading international consulting companies are participating in the project. Deloitte is advising on the development of the business model, while BearingPoint is implementing the information system. Oracle is supplying its Oracle E-Business Suite software and technical support. Primary stage of the installation of the ERP system is due to be completed by the end of next year. *About Wimm-Bill-Dann* Founded in 1992, WBD is the biggest dairy manufacturer and a leading producer of juices and beverages in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The company operates 37 production plants in Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Georgia, and employs more than 21,000 workers.

It was a double celebration for a Herefordshire producer at the recent annual West Midlands Tastiest Fruit Juice awards, organised by Heart of England fine foods (HEFF). For Ledbury-based Jus Apples scooped both top awards: the Tastiest Apple Juice competition with its single variety Cox’s Orange Pippin juice, and the Tastiest Breakfast Juice Award with its Discovery apple juice. The competition ran alongside HEFF’s annual Tastiest Sausage Competition, coinciding with National Farmhouse Breakfast Week (20-26 January), with entries from across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire Worcestershire, Birmingham and the Black Country. Judging took place at the Mailbox in Birmingham, with judges including celebrity chef Sophie Grigson, as well as representatives from University College Birmingham (formerly Birmingham College of Food), local restaurants, National Farmers Union and food critics. Owned and managed by James and Jane Skittery, Jus grows and processes many different kinds of apple into speciality juices that are sold to shops and also direct to the public. James Skittery said: “This is a real honour for us, as the variety and quality of fruit juices being produced is enormous. The Breakfast Juice category in particular is tough, because our products were up against juices made from all types of different fruit.” Jon May of HEFF added: “Congratulations to James and Jane on their win. The quality of juices entered this year was excellent, making the judging process even tougher. However, Jus’s products were clear favourites in both categories, with Sophie Grigson particularly impressed by the Cox Variety Juice.” *About Heart of England Fine Foods* Heart of England Fine Foods was formed in 1998 to promote and raise awareness of food and drink within the West Midlands. Through an extensive programme, the organisation helps the region’s food and drink businesses to develop, expand and create profitable and sustainable markets for their products. HEFF is proud to be the managing body for the West Midlands Food Partnership and continues to focus on government strategies, the move towards healthier eating and increased awareness of environmental issues.

The future’s bright for new ethical fruit juice brand Good Natured, as it celebrates a highly successful UK launch of its pure fruit juice range, with listings secured in Tesco, Waitrose, Booths, Fresh and Wild, and Whole Foods Market from the end of February. Good Natured juices launched in October 2007 with two products in the range: Pure Orange and Pure Tropical, available in one litre cartons. All of the 100% Valencia oranges used in Good Natured come from the Rainforest Alliance Certified Del Oro Farm in Costa Rica which has met a comprehensive set of standards. These include worker protection, access to medical care, education for farm workers and their families, ecosystem conservation, agrochemical reduction and wildlife protection. Research* has also shown that because Good Natured is made from concentrate, its carbon footprint is some three times smaller than an equivalent ‘not from concentrate’ juice. Good Natured founders, Greg Boyle and Wayne Hitchman, have been delighted with the response to their products and have already extended the range with 25cl prisma pack versions of both the Pure Orange and Pure Tropical flavours. Greg Boyle said: “Consumers wishing to make a sustainable purchase in the juice category are currently faced with a very limited choice, so once we knew we could source such great-quality, sustainably farmed fruit from the Del Oro farm, we realised that there had to be an opportunity there.” With a strong on-shelf presence thanks to its distinctive rainforest-inspired packaging and highly visible Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM seal, and impressive flavour (with no added sugar, flavourings or preservatives), Good Natured has struck a chord with buyers. “The Rainforest Alliance is one of the leading sustainable certification schemes and is increasingly recognised by consumers, particularly following McDonalds’ switch to Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee last year,” added Greg. “Our use of Rainforest Alliance Certified fruit makes us confident that not only is Good Natured juice sourced in a way that's good for the planet and good for people, but it also tastes great, making it a real win for the consumers and the farmers.” * Carbon footprint of Good Natured 'from concentrate' and not-from-concentrate fruit juice, post juicing to packing – ERM, Dec 2007.

DS Waters owned Kentwood Springs Water Company, based in Louisiana, US, has acquired Abita Spring Waters for an undisclosed sum. Abita’s water will retain its own brandname, but be produced by Kentwood Springs, which focuses on bulk water delivery, as well selling single serve bottled water in local retail outlets. Kentwood will assume management of Abita’s water delivery service. Vice President and General Manager at Kentwood, Glen Sanders, said of the move: “With the acquisition of Abita, we are able to both expand the reach of our bottled water delivery service and also ensure that we will be able to work within this vibrant community for years to come.”

Home and office delivery firm The Water Delivery Company has been named the only ‘New Star’ in industry analyst Plimsoll’s 2007 awards. The criteria for the New Star category is a company incorporated in the last five years that is performing well above the industry’s financial and service benchmarks. “We are very proud to be the only company within our industry to be awarded the coveted New Star title,” said Owner Robert Laughton, who set up the firm that services homes and business in the London area in June 2003. “It is great to have an external commendation verifying the hard work and focus committed by all staff over the last five years.” Having recently moved to a 6,000 sqft warehouse, the company is now focusing its efforts on the next five years in a bid to compete with longer standing members of the water cooler fraternity.

Anthony Mills, Head of Marketing for Savanna across Europe, said: "We have been sponsoring Afrika! Afrika! during its tour of Europe and it seemed only natural to continue the association in the UK, as it has been so well received and beneficial for all those concerned. The show is simply spectacular and reflects Savanna's African heritage, sense of fun and adventure. The marketing fit is perfect." The cider brand is available at all the bars and restaurants within the purpose-built big tops adjacent to The O2. There's also a well-branded and dazzling Savanna bar exclusively selling Savanna – chilled with a slice of lemon. On selected Saturdays, the audience is indulged with complimentary tastings of Savanna provided by models decked out in Savanna attire. Mills added: "Experiencing the brand in unique and eye-catching settings gives Savanna an edge, a sense of difference and uniqueness which brings the cider to life. We're always seeking out opportunities to give our target audience a taste of Savanna in the best environments. Sponsoring the spectacular Afrika! Afrika! is just one example." *About the show* Afrika! Afrika! is a spectacular and creative show – a kingdom of travelling entertainers from the African continent. The show is a non-stop display of unique performers, including acrobats, contortionists and jugglers, all complemented by singers and musicians that reflects the show's African traditions. Kofi Annan, The Secretary General of the UN, sent a message to the show that said: "Afrika! Afrika! gives us a dazzling display of a continent beyond the stereotype of the poverty and conflict, one in which a kaleidoscope of artistic and cultural expression exists. Through music and dance, it pays tribute to the extraordinary cultural diversity of Africa and of our world as a whole."

Czech non-alcoholic drinks producer Kofola had Kc4.553 billion sales in Central Europe last year, up 15.3% from 2006, and its sales in the Czech Republic jumped by 32.2% to Kc3.035 billion, the company told CTK. "We raised sales in all categories of products. The growth came mainly thanks to the product portfolio's expansion and innovation. Among strategic steps, start of a merger with Polish drinks company Hoop was very important for us. The merger continues as planned and will be completed at the turn of April and May," the group's CFO Simona Novakova said. The group invested over Kc670m last year, compared with Kc300 million a year earlier. Kofola had 1,370 employees in the year, 10% more than in 2006. Kofola, the flagship of the group with the same name, is second on the Czech cola drinks market. Its market share reached 25% last year, according to a poll of the AC Nielsen agency. In terms of sales, Kofola is number three on the Czech market, behind Coca-Cola and Karlovarske mineralni vody, and ranks among the most important non-alcoholic drinks in Central Europe. Kofola emerged through privatisation of Nealko Olomouc in 1993. It's operating in the markets in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, and is also exporting products to other countries.

Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire leading Russian ice cream company Inmarko for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will further strengthen Unilever's position as the world's number one ice cream business. It will also strengthen Unilever's portfolio and competitive position in Russia, one of its priority countries. Inmarko, established in 1991, is the leading ice cream company in Russia, with a turnover of approximately €115 million in 2007. The company has a strong brand and product portfolio with clear market leadership in Central and Eastern Russia, and a fast-growing business across all regions of the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. It has an extensive supply chain network, including three factories in Novosibirsk, Omsk and Tula, and currently employs more than 4,500 people. Unilever President for Foods, Vindi Banga, said: "Inmarko is a great brand that is well recognised by Russian consumers. We will put Inmarko at the heart of our ice cream business in Russia and build on its successful strategy, powerful portfolio, and great talent and know-how. At the same time, we will be looking together for opportunities to enrich and strengthen its competitiveness with Unilever’s global scale and category expertise." Inmarko Chairman Dmitry Dokin added: "We think this deal will give our business development a whole new perspective. Unilever's experience and resources will provide significant impetus for Inmarko's brands." The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2008.

The January sales might have come to an end, but cooler distributor Apuro is offering a series of special deals on its ACIS range of floor standing bottled coolers. The reductions that will enable dealers to receive discounts off standard trade prices apply to the 700 Series models AWC 710D/C. “We’ve been able to negotiate temporary lower prices with our manufacturer, which we’re passing onto customers,” explained Nigel Alwick from Apuro. “Sadly the special deals are only available on the models we have in stock – once they’re gone, they’re gone.” Comprising two floor standing coolers that offer a choice of chilled and ambient or chilled and hot water, the ACIS line includes the A/SWC710D unit, which has a tank capacity of 3.9 litres of chilled and 1.9 litres of hot water. Its features include a built-in cup dispenser and single faucet outlet for increased hygiene and ease of use. Founded in 1997, Apuro imports and distributes a range of commercial appliances for the catering and hospitality industry and public sector. It is a division of the Cranham Group.