A blend of juice and calcium-enriched milk, Naturally Gorgeous from UK-based Naturally Drinks is designed to make consumers feel full. It contains the ingredient Pinnothin from Lipid Nutrition Europe in the Netherlands, which is derived from pine nut oils, and helps give a feeling of being full. It currently comes in orange-strawberry and coconut-pineapple flavours, with blueberry-mango and orange, chocolate and coffee due to be released this summer.

Already used by Larsen Danish Seafood for its portions of marinated Mackerel Fillets, the new AMPET packaging concept is microwaveable and withstands retorts and autoclaves. It has been tested by Faerch Plast in applications such as a tray for diced beetroot, corn, peas and any other small food elements. A sweetcorn product concept for single-serve portions of corn, packed in the AMPET container, features a built-in strainer to allow ease of serving from microwave to table. “The latest AMPET technology is a unique possibility for food producers to differentiate their products, and at the same time save a considerable amount in packaging cost compared to traditional ambient sector packaging,” said Jens Bornstein, managing director, Faerch Plast. Mr Bornstein pointed out that the taint from AMPET is minimal, which makes the new container concept suitable for delicate foods as well as more robust-flavoured ones. Unlike traditional cans, AMPET is suitable for storing in the refrigerator after opening. “As I see it, the environment, the consumer and the producer gain from this new concept,” he added.

*Seattle-based Zevia has been designed as a sugar free, all-natural alternative to diet soda. * Containing the native South American sweet leaf herb, Stevia, it has no effect on blood sugar levels. Zevia has been mooted as Hot New Product of 2008 on ABC’s The View.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rejected German bids to use the name 'Parmesan', at a ruling in Luxembourg. "Only cheeses bearing the protected designation of origin 'Parmigiano Reggiano' can be sold under the name 'Parmesan','' said the ECJ, which means only Italians can market cheese using that name. "There is no more risk in Europe of finding Parmesan that isn't Parmesan,'' said Italian Agriculture Minister, Paolo De Castro. "Outside the European Union is another story.'' The European Commission sued Germany in 2005 after the government refused to prosecute its cheese producers for using the name. The commission says Parmesan is the translation of the protected term 'Parmigiano Reggiano'. The German Dairy Association said: "If use of the name Parmesan is indeed an evocation of the protected term 'Parmigiano Reggiano', it begs the question why Italian producers can use terms such as 'Parmisea aso' for cheese that doesn't include Parmigiano Reggiano." A PDF of the judgement (Case C-132/05) can be downloaded from .

Joe's business contribution was remarkable. He kept the faith with a single-minded approach to Highland Spring, building it into a greatly respected brand leader through massive market change. At the same time, he assembled a management team and workforce that became almost an extended family. To the wider industry, and during his previous career in the world of spirits, he was always a chirpy friend full of great stories, even in his losing battle with cancer. Some of the funniest were about the 2005 G8 Summit held nearby at Gleneagles. When the security services needed to use Highland Spring land for logistics support, it didn't take them long to realise how important it was to him that the Summit should use Highland Spring water in order to be assured of his full cooperation. Joe, we shall miss you as a mentor and friend.

Arla Foods has announced strong annual results for 2007 with profits of DKK 938 million, even after the company paid out DKK 1.2 billion more than expected to its cooperative members in the second half of the year. 2007 was a year of unprecedented change in milk sourcing and global demand for milk. Consequently, Arla Foods implemented price increases in all markets, which has had a positive effect on the annual results. Other factors positively affecting the annual results were the integration of Tholstrup Cheese in Denmark, Arla Ingman in Finland and, in particular, Arla Foods UK. Arla Foods' turnover for 2007 totalled DKK 47.7 billion – 2.2 DKK billion more than the year before. "We should be proud of this result," says Arla Foods' CEO Peder Tuborgh. "Never before have we experienced such a turbulent year and such fluctuations in milk prices in global markets. We've succeeded in sustaining last year's excellent level of profit while delivering significant milk price increases to our owners. We have, therefore, succeeded in our two main aims: to secure our owners a high milk price and offer quality products at competitive prices."

*Rocks Organic squashes are made using high-quality organic ingredients and without any artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or preservatives. * Oily Orange, Lizzie Lemon and Bella Blackcurrant are now joined by Red Five, containing superberry fruits: raspberries, red grapes, cranberries and cherries.

UK beverage machine manufacturer, N&W, is rebranding its free-standing Astro vending machine. Now available with a choice of Azzurro or Reflections graphic panels, the newly improved unit no longer has to rely on backlighting to entice users in, which cuts back on CO2 emissions. N&W Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Kane, said: “At N&W, we're constantly looking for ways to care for the environment, and by introducing the new designs that look good without backlighting, we can reduce the amount of the energy used. Not only is this one of the fastest, most effective ways to save any business money, it will also help you combat climate change by reducing your carbon footprint. “We don’t wish to preach, but if we can get businesses to look at improving energy efficiency, it has a positive impact all round. Using less energy will also improve a company’s reputation as a socially responsible business, and could help attract customers and employees. It just makes good business practice.” The Astro’s existing backlit photographic panels had been in place for a number of years. By unveiling its new energy efficient designs, the firm is aiming to appeal to the discerning coffee consumer and keep on trend. The bold, blue design of the Azzurro offers a contemporary look, while the Reflections panel has a polished metallic feel, which is reminiscent of the traditional stainless steel coffee pot. N&W Global Vending designs, manufactures and distributes vending machines in 80 countries worldwide through a network of selected dealers. Its Astro unit comes in a choice of eight models, including Espresso plus Freshbrew, Instant, Single Freshbrew and Triple Freshbrew, along with added cold drink options.

N&W Global Vending is offering consumers the full high street experience of a 12oz cup with sipper lid. Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Cane, said: “People want bigger speciality coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, and this satisfies that need, allowing businesses to compete directly with coffee-to-go retailers."

*Coca-Cola Hellenic in the Baltics has launched the red, white and green tea Nestea Vitao range. * All three teas are rich in antioxidants and do not contain any preservatives or artificial colours. Vitao joins the existing peach and lemon flavoured Nestea ready to drink ice teas, which are already the market leader in Baltic states.

*Sunsweet Growers of California now has Plum Smart Light – a lower calorie version of its fibre-rich health drink. * A glass now contains 11g sugar and 3g of fibre, and just 60 calories. The company has launched a <1> to back it. <1>: http://www.smartdigestivehealth.com

*Tumai Water, a charity brand from Martinsburg, West Virginia, claimed vistory at the Eighteenth Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting contest last weekend. Tumai Water is bottled at Grand Springs in Alton, Virginia and is being sold, initially, in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. * Other winners included Great Blue of Federalsburg in Maryland which won Gold for Best Purified Drinking Water while Slavus Mineralwasser from Germany achieved top honours in the Carbonated Bottled Water category. The public voted Mist Premium Spring Water of Vanleer from Tennessee as the People's Choice award for best packaging design. water innovation magazine was invited to participate alongside other media on the judging panel for the event held in the historic spa town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Organisers claim the contest is the largest and longest running blind water tasting competition in the world. Over 100 entrants participated in five categories which also included municipal water suppliers. Watermaster Arthur von Wiesenberger, noted expert and author who chaired the awards ceremony, commented: "Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting contest proved yet again that it was the granddaddy of water tastings and it was great to see a West Virginian brand gain some recognition too." Full results will be detailed in the next issue of water innovation magazine.