With an extensive track record in food-based consumer packaged goods, Oliver will oversee all aspects of the company’s internal and external operations, brand philosophies and product launches. “We're thrilled to announce the addition of Tom Oliver to our executive management team,” said David Jenkins, chief executive officer and founder of Next Proteins. “Tom brings a wealth of cutting-edge food product experience to Next Proteins. He has a stellar record in leading and growing companies, which, coupled with this global experience, makes him the ideal leader to expand our number one selling Designer Whey business.” “I'm delighted to utilise my aptitude in operations, leadership, brand building and business growth at Next Proteins,” said Tom Oliver. “I look forward to working with our internal teams, distribution partners, retail affiliates and manufacturing suppliers to build on the current success of Designer Whey products in the competitive nutritional supplement category.” Tom Oliver is a veteran food executive with extensive experience in product development and the operations of creating successful consumer goods. Oliver served as executive vice president of domestic and international operations while at PowerBar. He oversaw the development and launch of four new product lines in one year; managed a new factory and distribution centre that produced over a million bars a day. He also headed PowerBar’s company-owned subsidiary in Germany. Additionally, he was a member of the executive team that sold PowerBar to Nestlé for one of the highest multiples ever paid for a food company. Most recently, Tom Oliver manned the helm for seven and a half years as CEO of CoolSystems, the makers of Game Ready. Prior to his tenure at CoolSystems, he was the vice president of Global Quality Control for Dole Foods and also served as vice president & General Manager of Dole Foods in the Philippines.

By Mike Ramey Cott Corp of Canada today revealed plans for a major shake-up designed to take the company back to its roots as the world’s biggest producer of retailer brand beverages, and return the struggling business to profitability. The President of Cott’s North American business unit and its 'Chief People Officer' will leave the company, and their responsibilities will be shared among other senior executives. Various executive posts throughout the organisation will also be eliminated, in some cases by not filling existing vacancies. Cott estimates that total severance costs will amount to $6-$8 million. Overall, the company plans to cut selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs by more than 10% or $20-$22 million per year. The total annual savings, including headcount reductions and “manufacturing and supply chain optimisation,” is expected to be $39-$43 million. More than $10 million of these savings will be achieved in the second half of this year. The recovery plan has been drawn up by Interim Chief Executive David Gibbons, a Cott Director who stepped in to run the company on a caretaker basis following the departure of CEO Brent Willis in March. Gibbons believes that, under Willis, Cott diverted too much of its energy and resources away from its core retailer customers, as it launched its own portfolio of branded beverages. He has pledged to refocus the company on retailer brand beverages, particularly in its key US market. Change of course “We will change course,” Gibbons said in a formal statement announcing the shake-up. “Through these efforts, we will continue to reposition Cott to play a greater role as a champion of private label. “Our role is not to invent new categories. Our role is to be ‘fast followers,’ to leverage the growth of expanding categories, and to improve profitability for our retail partners at lower prices to consumers.” Gibbons added that Cott was already concentrating its marketing efforts on the needs and requests of its retailer partners: “This will be our focus. Our existing retail partners will drive our new product development.” Cott simultaneously announced changes in its Board of Directors, following the acquisition of an 8.7% stake in the company by the New York-based hedge fund Crescendo Partners in May. The Board has been increased from ten to 11 members with the addition of four new Directors: Eric Rosenfeld, Greg Monahan, Mark Benadiba and Mario Pilozzi. Three former Directors have meanwhile stepped down: Frank Weise (a former CEO and Chairman of Cott), Don Watt and Serge Gouin. Gibbons has been appointed Chairman of the Board, and is leading a committee of Directors in the search for a new permanent CEO for Cott.

RPC Containers Market Rasen’s expertise in the injection moulding of unusually shaped containers has been instrumental in the launch of a new concept in milk packaging, the Jugit. Developed by Dairy Crest in association with the Sainsbury’s supermarket chain, Jugit offers consumers a pouch-based format that uses substantially less packaging material than conventional plastic milk containers, allied to the convenience of an easy-to-pour, reusable jug manufactured by RPC Market Rasen. “Consumers are increasingly conscious about the environmental impact of packaging, and material reduction is a key means of improving this,” explained Richard Pryor, Innovation Controller at Dairy Crest. “A huge amount of plastic is used annually in the manufacture of milk containers, but pouches require only 25% of the plastic found in the equivalent size of container, making them extremely attractive from the viewpoint of sustainability.” Dairy Crest trialled pouches in Sainsbury’s in 2001 but, while successful, the format was not deemed ready for the mainstream marketplace. Today, Pryor believes that consumers are now prepared to make the change. “The example of countries such as Canada, where consumers have successfully switched to this ‘greener’ way of buying milk, suggests the same can be achieved in the UK.” Consumer fears Pryor adds that, “The main barrier to widespread adoption of pouches is the means of opening and pouring them. This is where the Jugit comes in.” Typical consumer fears about pouches include the suspicion that bags will burst, their lack of recloseability and concerns that they can only be opened using scissors. Working with design agency Vibrandt 1hq, Dairy Crest developed the Jugit format to specifically overcome these factors. Jugit features a two-part lid with a hollow spike attachment, which perforates the pouch as a natural consequence of assembly. After the pouch is dropped into the jug and the main body of the lid closed, trapping the top of the bag using secure clips, the spike is inserted to perforate the pouch. The top of the attachment then flips open to provide a handy, recloseable pouring spout. To encourage reusability of the Jugit, the only part that needs to be cleaned between pouches is the spike attachment. Jugit is sold with two of these, so that consumers do not have to wash the attachment before fitting each new pouch. A detachment handle is also supplied to enable greater flexibility in pouring. National launch in 2009 Dairy Crest asked RPC Market Rasen to turn the Jugit concept into a workable pack because of its proven track record in creating complex packaging formats. The fact that the site is UK-based was also a factor, reducing the freight miles involved in delivery of the jug. RPC Market Rasen worked closely with Dairy Crest, Vibrandt 1hq and pouch manufacturer Glopak to ensure seamless integration of the four parts of the Jugit – jug, lid, spike and handle – as well as the necessary durability for long-term reuse. The lid, spike and handle are injection moulded in white PP, while clear material is used for the two pint jug. This enables the Sainsbury’s branded pouch to be seen throughout its product life, while Dairy Crest has also taken advantage of the clarity by placing the cardboard sleeve used to brand Jugit inside the jug. RPC Market Rasen is currently manufacturing Jugit using a pilot mould to coincide with the trial launch of the format in selected Sainsbury’s stores. If the trial proves successful, full tooling will be commissioned to enable a full national launch in 2009. The launch was heavily publicised in the British press, with the RPC jug featured prominently. “Jugit has already captured people’s imagination and it is the eye-catching appearance of the pack from RPC Market Rasen – as much as its memorable and innovative functionality – that will encourage consumers to switch to pouches when purchasing milk,” confirms Richard Pryor.

By Mike Ramey After studying current research, the American Medical Association (AMA) has concluded that high fructose syrup – used to sweeten many soft drinks – does not appear to contribute more to obesity than other caloric sweeteners. However, the association calls for further independent research to be carried out into the health effects of high fructose syrup and other sweeteners. “At this time there is insufficient evidence to restrict the use of high fructose syrup or label products that contain it with a warning,” said AMA Board Member William Dolan, MD. “We do recommend consumers limit the amount of all added caloric sweeteners to no more than 32 grams of sugar daily, based on a 2,000 calorie diet in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” High fructose syrups are sweeteners produced from starches such as maize, rice and wheat. As well as soft drinks, they are used in many food products including breakfast cereals and bread. * Little evidence* Some health experts have suggested that high fructose syrup is implicated in the increase of obesity among modern consumers. But there is little hard scientific evidence, and the few studies currently available have mostly focused on possible short-term effects. “Obesity continues to be a major public health problem in this country,” continued Dr Dolan. “Overweight and obese adults and children are at an increased risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. “Eating a healthier diet can help maintain a healthy weight and drastically reduce your chances of developing weight-related illnesses.” The report of high fructose syrups was introduced at the AMA’s annual policy-making meeting in Chicago on Tuesday (17 June).

*Giles & Posner, the company that introduced the UK to the Chocolate Fountain phenomenon, has teamed up with Cadbury Canada to offer the Chocolate Fountain Experience to the Canadian retail market. * The first products to be launched are the Mini Fountain, The Hot Chocolate Drinks Maker, and bags of Cadbury’s Fondue Chocolate. Cadbury Mini Fountain: the Cadbury Mini Fountain is half the size of a standard chocolate fountain for the home, and serves 4-6 people Cadbury Hot Chocolate Drinks Maker: the Cadbury Hot Chocolate Drinks Maker allows consumers to blend their own Cadbury creations using a range of flavours and heated milk or cream. Cadbury Fondue Chocolate: Cadbury’s Fondue Chocolate comes in 454g microwavable pouches. The chocolate is multi-use, as it can be used with the Cadbury Mini Fountain, or Drinks Maker, with Fondue sets, or in baking. It comes in a choice of milk, or dark. Giles & Posner Cadbury branded products will be launched in Canada in time for Christmas 2008. Other products, such as a Cadbury Crème Egg Fondue set and Caramilk duo Fondue set, will be launched for Christmas.

Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) has announced it will run a pilot project of its signature contour bottle in a convenient 2 litre size, beginning this week in Birmingham and Chattanooga. These cities were chosen to introduce the new version of the company's most enduring icon because of their longstanding loyalty to Coca-Cola and the strength of their local Coca-Cola bottler, Coca-Cola United. The new 2 litre form of Coca-Cola's iconic package was preferred over the straight wall bottle overwhelmingly in recent internal consumer tests. According to the survey, consumers found the bottle easier to hold and easier to pour from. The new size contour plastic bottle will be available in stores throughout the two cities beginning 16 June. All Coca-Cola trademark brands will be available in the new contour package. Importantly for customers, research conducted by CCNA with consumers suggests that the new package has the potential to re-energize sparkling beverage sales in their stores as well. "Along with Coca-Cola's one-of-a-kind real cola taste, the iconic shape of the contour bottle is what people love most about the brand. They are both a part of its timeless magic," said Hendrik Steckhan, President and General Manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola North America. * Recycling initiatives* Birmingham and Chattanooga also will benefit from special recycling initiatives, which CCNA and Coca-Cola United have created to commemorate the introduction of the new package. In Birmingham, the two companies are donating contour bottle-shaped recycle bins to The McWane Science Center as part of a major recycling initiative there. Chattanooga will receive contour bottled shaped recycling bins for Signal Mountain High School and Heritage High School, set to open in the fall. In addition to the new 2 litre contour bottle, CCNA's other sparkling beverage brands will also have new 2 litre versions of their proprietary packages as part of the pilot in Birmingham and Chattanooga. The familiar shapes of Sprite's signature bottle and the distinctively shaped bottle for CCNA brands like Fanta, Fresca, Pibb Extra and others will all be offered in 2 litre form for the first time. The pilot will be supported with in-store, radio, out-of-home and newspaper advertising.

Scotland’s Irn-Bru 750ml ‘glass bottle’ will allow fans an opportunity to enjoy one of the country’s best festivals, as more than 2000 tickets to Live at Loch Lomond are given away, worth more than £100,000. Barr Soft Drinks have linked up with the festival’s organisers to set-up this massive competition, meaning that every glass bottle of Irn-Bru over the next few weeks will feature the opportunity to win. 1000 pairs are on offer, including 20 VIP passes, which gives special access from Cameron House by boat to the event’s backstage area. Consumers will known instantly whether they've won, by scratching the panel on the promotional pack.

One year after a similar promotion drew 435,000 votes, US-based dairy company Stonyfield Farm will again donate $100,000 to three environmental groups through a 'Bid with your Lid' programme. The exact amount donated to Ocean Conservancy, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Worldwatch Institute will be determined by the public, which will cast votes online or by mail with specially marked yogurt lids. Each year through its Profits for the Planet (PFP) Program, Stonyfield Farm donates 10% of its profits to efforts that help protect and restore the Earth. This year, the world's leading organic yogurt maker will give a minimum $20,000 donation to the three participating organisations. An additional $40,000 - for a total donation of $100,000 – will be allocated among the three causes based on public voting. "This promotion is a win-win for all concerned," says Stonyfield Farm President and CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg. "Consumers enjoy our tasty, organic yogurts and the participating organisations benefit from our donation and also from the exposure this promotion will provide." During the months of June and July, Stonyfield Farm will print a promotional message on a minimum of 20 million yogurt lids, asking consumers to ‘bid with their lids’. Voting ends 31 August 2008.

Dairy Farmers of Britain, the largest liquid milk processor in Wales, has launched a new initiative to increase sales of fresh Welsh milk on the doorstep. The new scheme, with eye catching bilingual branding, is intended to appeal to consumers who want to know that their fresh milk is sourced from local farms and processed and packaged in the local area. It is now available through Dairy Farmers of Britain’s milkmen across South Wales. Michael Shields from Dairy Farmers of Britain commented: “Our doorstep delivery customers in Wales can now wake up in the morning to a fresh pint of milk that is guaranteed to be from a Welsh farm. By supporting the ‘Wake up to Welsh Milk’ doorstep delivery service, customers can enjoy the convenience of having fresh milk delivered to their door whilst helping provide a secure and sustainable future for Welsh dairy farmers and their families.” Dairy Farmers of Britain farmer member, Clive Jones, of Beili Glas Farm near Carmarthen added: “I am delighted to be playing my part in providing Welsh milk to Welsh households. When customers decide to ‘Wake up to Welsh Milk’ from Dairy Farmers of Britain they are helping Welsh farmers like me receive a fair price for their milk.”

Zenith International Publishing and Zenith International have announced the launch of the beverage directory – your free search directory for the non-alcoholic beverage industry. With broad industry coverage, the beverage directory includes top level company and executive information on businesses operating in and supplying the European beverage sector – from manufacturers to suppliers, from retailers to brand owners. In partnership with UNESDA, the Union of European Beverages Associations, it offers you a fast and easy way to find information on more than 5,000 companies – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – making it the most reliable and comprehensive resource for beverage professionals. the beverage directory 2009 online, and as a printed book, will be used as a daily reference tool by thousands of people working across the non-alcoholic beverages industry and beyond. the beverage directory 2009 will be sent to and marketed to named senior decision makers: Senior executives / management; Technical / R&D managers; Process & manufacturing managers; Sales & marketing managers; Brand and innovation managers; and Purchasing managers Print launch at SIAL The printed version of the beverage directory 2009 will be launched at SIAL 2008 in Paris – one of the world’s leading industry events – with over 140,000 visitors and 5,300 exhibitors. “At last, a one stop shop for all the contacts you need to do business in the non-alcoholic beverages industry in Europe and beyond,” commented Zenith International Publishing Group Managing Editor Bill Bruce. “Inclusion in the directory is absolutely free – and enhancements to add logos and additional information as well as sponsorship and advertising opportunities are all sensitively priced. “In partnership with UNESDA this useful book, backed up by a living online resource represents a unique opportunity for companies to ensure that they are in front of the whole industry all day, every day.”

To mark UK Recycle Week, four sculptures made from Coke cans were unveiled in four cities across the country. *To mark UK Recycle Week, four sculptures made from Coke cans were unveiled in four cities across the country. Iconic aluminium sculptures made from Coca-Cola, diet Coke and Coke Zero cans were unveiled in four cities across the country to mark the beginning of Recycle Week (2-8 June 2008). * The Angel of the North, Big Ben, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Birmingham Bull have been re-created in spectacular form by artists commissioned by Coca-Cola in a bid to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of recycling and to encourage more consumers to recycle their drinks cans and bottles. While soft drinks packaging is one of the world’s most recycled materials, only 25% of plastic bottles and 48% of aluminium beverage cans are currently recycled in the UK. Liz Lowe, Citizenship Manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain said “We hope these dramatic Coke can sculptures will encourage people to think twice about where they throw their empty drinks containers – our packaging is not just waste, but a valuable resource which can be used again and again. Recycling saves energy and we can all do more. “As a company, we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and we are working on a number of initiatives to minimise the environmental impact of our products and operations. For example, well over 90% of the waste produced at our manufacturing sites is now recycled, we’re gradually making all packaging smaller and lighter and our cans and glass bottles contain around 30-50% recycled material.” Recycling Zones On the eve of Recycle Week, Coca-Cola also announced plans in partnership with WRAP to create 80 “Recycling Zones” across the country over the next three years. Recycling bins will be located in high-traffic public places including theme parks, shopping centres, transport hubs and leisure facilities to allow consumers to recycle soft drinks packaging more easily when they’re out and about. The Mayor of London is a supporter of Recycle Week. Boris Johnson,said: “Recycle Week is a fantastic initiative and does a huge amount toencourage us all to recycle more. I hope the sight of one of London'smost famous landmarks made from recycled drink cans, will inspireLondoners to make an extra effort to recycle their rubbish, rather thanchuck it in the bin and condemn it to a landfill site.”

They say a product has the briefest time to create a positive impact on today’s shopper. Several studies show that it takes around 1.6 seconds for a consumer to decide whether to buy a product before moving on to another product, or even another category. So with more and more food labelling legislation in the pipeline, what will be the impact on labelling design? Blue Marlin Executive Creative Director Martin Grimer presents his view. Food packaging is already subject to a huge amount of labelling regulation and controversy already surrounds the ‘traffic light’ system – championed by the UK’s Food Standards Agency – that highlights the fat, saturates, sugars and salt content of food using a series of different colours. Consumers are also faced with a wide range of other labels, demonstrating (for example), organic standards, local produce, air freight, farming standards, Fairtrade, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), and recycling instructions. And more is on its way – proposed European regulations will require manufacturers to clearly display the energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates (with specific reference to sugars) and salt content per 100 ml/g or per portion of the product, all on the front of the pack. They would also have to indicate the proportion of these elements to the reference intakes (eg Recommended Daily Allowance). The design industry is not being consulted, but surely a lack of engagement with designers is missing a trick. The creation of these mandatories is, at the core, the creation of a graphic language. This needs to have an empathy with brands and categories, and at best promote engagement beyond pure functionality. Food labelling mandatories inform better when well designed. While a certain amount of information is important from a healthy diet perspective, from a consumer’s point of view there is certainly a danger of information overload. Not only will this potentially detract from manufacturers’ opportunities to create strong branding, it will also simply negate its own purpose as shoppers are swamped by a mass of facts and figures and they find it increasingly difficult to navigate and find exactly what they need or want to know. If we take, as an example, our work with Arla Foods to design new packaging for a range of fresh and UHT milk, a simplified approach created significant shelf standout while helping to convey key information. In this case designs for the new range of milks were created around a central communication of the fat content of milk whilst maintaining the colour coding that shoppers use to identify whole, semi or skimmed milk. Agencies must adopt this type of creative approach to satisfy the needs of consumers, regulatory authorities and brand owners.