Sally Keeble complained to the Portman Group about ShotPak drinks, which are imported from the US and sold in 50ml plastic pouches. The pre-mixed vodka drinks are produced in four flavours: Apple Sour, Lemon Drop, Purple Hooter and Kamikaze. There are also full-strength vodka, rum, tequila and whisky versions, which are primarily marketed as STR8UP but which feature ShotPak branding. The Independent Complaints Panel, which judges complaints under the Portman Group Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks, decided that ShotPak sachets could be mistaken for soft drinks. The drinks also breach the Code for encouraging rapid drinking after the Panel decided that their packaging overall incited consumers to drink them in one go. Additionally, the Panel decided that the flavour names ‘Purple Hooter’ and ‘Lemon Drop’ would have particular appeal to under-18s and that ‘Kamikaze’ is associated with self-destruction which could incite excessive drinking. Following the Panel’s decisions, the Portman Group will be issuing a retailer alert bulletin instructing retailers to stop selling ShotPak and STR8UP. David Poley, Portman Group chief executive, said: “These drinks may be acceptable in the States but their marketing falls well short of the standards that UK producers have set themselves. “Some of their names will be particularly popular in the playground. ‘Kamikaze’ is a blatant breach of our Code for its association with bravado and danger. These drinks do not spell out their alcoholic content and the images of fruit add to the confusion over what is in them. They cannot be easily re-sealed and their soft packaging makes it hard to stand them up. That’s why the Panel decided that this packaging is encouraging consumers to drink rapidly. Sally Keeble’s complaint will prevent these imported drinks from getting a foothold in the market.” ShotPaks are produced by Florida-based Beverage Pouch Group and imported into the UK by Chilling Rocks Beverages Ltd. The Portman Group’s Code of Practice The Portman Group Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks applies to pre-packaged alcoholic drinks and the promotional activities of drinks producers. The Code covers a drink’s name and packaging, press releases, websites, sponsorship, sampling, branded merchandise, advertorials and all other promotional material. It does not apply to alcohol advertising which is regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority. The Code prohibits the marketing of alcoholic drinks to under-18s; the alcohol content of a drink must be made absolutely clear; its alcoholic strength should not be dominant; it must not encourage rapid or down-in-one drinking; there must be no association with illegal drugs, bravado, aggression or anti-social behaviour and any suggestion that the drink will lead to sexual success or increased popularity is also banned. All complaints are heard by the Independent Complaints Panel which is chaired by Sir Richard Tilt, former Director General of the Prison Service.

**Mains-fed water cooler manufacturer, Tana Water (UK) Ltd, recently launched a new carbonated water model at the Total Workplace Management Show, Olympia, London. **The T5 Fizz features an energy saving mode and delivers up to 30 cups of freshly filtered sparkling water per hour. Tana Water machines take water directly from the mains and use an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine, limescale and rust, and an 11 Watt ultraviolet (UV) bulb to protect the water after dechlorination. The ultraviolet lamp within the cold water tank kills all germs and the T5 Fizz will automatically stop working if the UV bulb fails. To conserve energy overnight and at weekends, the Tana Water T5 Fizz includes a preset 'sleep' mode. This feature has been shown to reduce energy consumption by 40%. Explaining the launch of the T5 Fizz, Tana Water UK MD Nick Heane said: “Tana Water has established its reputation for providing hot and cold POU machines in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Now a growing number of conference facilities managers have recognised the labour and cost savings from filtering mains water on site. Our customers want to offer guests the choice of freshly filtered hot, chilled or sparkling water with the convenience of sourcing all of their machines and service from the same manufacturer.” Tana Water has been providing mains-fed water machines to private and public sector organisations in the UK for 10 years, and is the only Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved manufacturer in the UK that sells and maintains its own machines. All Tana Water machines are sold with a mandatory service contract to ensure regular and safe maintenance of the carbon and UV filters. All installation, maintenance and sanitising is carried out by WRAS-approved Tana Water engineers.

Fonterra is setting up a multi-million dollar project to help pregnant Chinese women and mothers in response to the poisonous milk crisis. Sanlu, a Chinese dairy company 43% owned by Fonterra, is one of more than 20 firms caught up in the scandal, in which the industrial chemical melamine was added to watered-down milk to boost protein levels. Fonterra's CEO Andrew Ferrier said: "We're obviously shocked by the degree of tragedy and we think that this is one way we can make a gesture that will help over the long-term in infants and maternal mother health." Fonterra will donate $5m to the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation over five years for a cooperative charity project to provide medical care and advice to pregnant women and the mothers of infants in rural communities. * *

A new initiative to connect the food trade and farmers across the Yorkshire and Humber regions in the UK has been launched in response to the current turmoil affecting the world's food industry. Farexchange has been created to understand the current and future needs of food manufacturers and consumers. Aimed at directors or executives of food and farming businesses, the scheme aims to develop sustainable value chains, linking manufacturers back to the region's farmers and growers to secure future supply. An initial three-year contract to deliver the 'not for profit' scheme has been won by the Farexchange Partnership, operationally led by the English Food and Farming Partnerships (EFFP) Ltd. Created specifically for collaboration projects, EFFP has the necessary skills to act as an interface between farmers, processors and food companies. This exciting venture was launched at a unique one-day event held in York and will be followed by a programme of conferences, seminars and individual business support meetings to offer practical advice and business experience on working with Yorkshire agriculture. The northern link Due to its diverse and productive agricultural sector, Yorkshire is probably one of the largest food producing regions within the UK. To ensure future growth, projects like Farexchange are vital to fill gaps in the infrastructure so that new businesses, joint ventures and partnerships may be formed. The project is the culmination of two years' work by Yorkshire Forward, whose commitment to delivering enhanced economic activity to benefit the region led to the establishment of this worthwhile scheme. It's believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and will be delivered in conjunction with the National Farmers Union, Country Land Association, Yorkshire & Humber Regional Food Group, EBLEX, BPEX, Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Bishop Burton College and Askham Bryan College. Yorkshire Forward's Food and Drink Sector Manager John Sorsby said: "The Farexchange scheme is an integral element of Yorkshire Forward's multimillion pound investment in supporting the Food and Drink industry in the region, and has a clear focus on innovation and supply chain development. It also delivers innovation by connecting the high quality produce the region has to offer with supply chain opportunities, linked to authenticity and trust, which have high importance as we continue to ride the economic turbulence."

*Food and beverage processors in the EU have until January 2010 to comply with new labelling requirements, according to DD Williamson. * Any food placed on the market before this deadline will be allowed to stay on the shelf until the sell-by date has been reached. The synthetic colourings are: Allura Red AC (E129 = Red 40), Tartrazine (E102 = Yellow 5), Sunset Yellow FCF or Orange Yellow S (E110 = Yellow 6), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Carmoisine or Azorubine (E122), and Ponceau 4R or Cochineal Red A (E124).

Yili, China’s leading ice cream manufacturer and an official sponsor of this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing, has developed an Olympic torch of its own in the form of a novelty ice cream. The Chinese company soon realised that some special efforts would be needed produce these special ice creams and be ready for the arrival of the Olympic torch in Beijing. So Yili turned to Tetra Pak to come up with a solution for high capacity, automated processing. Produced on a Tetra Hoyer Comet C filling machine, the automated version of the novelty ice cream is a remarkably close match to the original. Thanks to the machine’s servo ice cream doser and rotary device, Yili has achieved the required production capacity and reduced its dependence on manual labour considerably. The machine is one of four Tetra Hoyer Comet C fillers ordered by Yili in 2007. This year, the company upped its order to nine – overturning an earlier decision to buy five machines from a local competitor at half the price. The key factors in Yili’s revised decision were the proven stability of the Tetra Hoyer technology, flexibility in product changeovers and the consistent quality of the final products. Despite the higher price, Yili felt that the prospect of an excellent return on investment was sufficient reason to increase their investment budget. Ruby Fang, ice cream plant sales manager at Tetra Pak China, is highly satisfied with the increased Yili order: “When we first started talking to Yili about this project, they only wanted to buy four filling machines from us,” she said. “We spent a lot of time preparing documents for Yili’s management to illustrate the advantages of our machine. It was also important for us to have the right understanding of industry trends and our customer’s needs. That meant the discussion with the customer was focused upon the values.”

* Industry leaders and businesses were urged to scale up their engagement with Fairtrade to help tackle poverty in developing countries at the annual Commercial Conference (16 September) entitled 'Tipping the Balance', held by the Fairtrade Foundation in London. * 'Tipping the Balance' is also the name of the new five-year strategy launched in February aimed at achieving a fourfold expansion by 2012 to £2bn, and making Fairtrade the trade norm rather than the exception. “The scale and level of poverty worldwide demands that businesses and consumers urgently need to play their part to scale up Fairtrade," said Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation. "And in these tough economic times, people in developing countries who typically spend over 50% of their income on food are the most severely affected. In Kenya recently, a farmer told me that a bag of maize had increased by 100%." The call to action comes in the run up to a high-level UN event on 25 September to renew government and business commitments to meet 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the halfway point. The Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, said: "We congratulate all businesses who have helped put Fairtrade on the shelf, and call upon the business community to take Fairtrade to the next level, making it more mainstream still. The retail industry can open doors to more farmers in developing countries and play their part towards the MDGs by enabling shoppers to support Fairtrade every day." * Continued growth* Sales of Fairtrade products for April to June 2008 grew by 55% from an estimated retail value of £113m to £176m in the same period last year. Volume, the best indicator of the amount of Fairtrade premiums that go back to producer groups to spend on community development projects, such as classrooms and clinics, increased by 42% in food alone. Sugar (including retail, catering and composites) increased in volume by 467%, an increase in sales value from £10m to almost £24m. Tea grew in volume by 186%, an increase in sales value from just under £7m to almost £16m. According to recent TNS figures, Fairtrade certified foods have increased their market penetration 61% to 70% over the last year (from 15.2 million households to 17.5 million), meaning that an extra 2.3 million households now purchase Fairtrade certified food products. Major category switches by Tate & Lyle, the Co-operative and Sainsbury’s have largely contributed to this increase in Fairtrade sales, but sales generated by dedicated Fairtrade companies such as Cafédirect, Divine Chocolate, AgroFair fruit company and the new Fairtrade nut company Liberation have also made their mark. Core categories such as bananas and coffee continued to show a steady growth of 27% and 23% in the second quarter of 2008 respectively. Iain Ferguson, CBE, Chief Executive of Tate & Lyle plc, one of the keynote speakers, said: “We have had an excellent response from consumers to our switch to Fairtrade, and we've seen good volume growth in key customer accounts, somewhat ahead of our expectations.” Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 The theme for Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 (23 February – 8 March) 'Make it happen. Choose Fairtrade', was also unveiled to conference delegates. Companies were encouraged to build on last year’s success, which saw several all-important conversions to Fairtrade from major high street companies. Fairtrade Fortnight presents companies with a unique opportunity to market Fairtrade and is the perfect time for companies to improve visibility at point-of-sale, or even consider extending their range of Fairtrade certified products.

Shoppers are being given five reasons to go nutty this Saturday on World Fair Trade Day (May 10) and celebrate the day by buying the delicious range of cashew and peanut snacks from Liberation, the world's first 100% Fairtrade nut company. The company has given the following five reasons: 1. Liberation nuts are baked using just a drizzle of oil which makes them a healthier choice than nuts which have been roasted in oil. 2. Because they are high in protein, just a handful of nuts will fill you up and stop you reaching for the biscuit tin. 3. Peanuts are full of vitamin B6 which is well known as a stress-buster and the magnesium in cashews can help deal with mood swings, anxiety and irritability. Cashews also contain oleic acid which is known as a heart healthy fat. 4. More than 22,000 farmers from co-operatives in Africa, Asia and Latin America who supply Liberation co-own the company and benefit from its success. 5. Thanks to sales, the loved ones of hospital patients in Mchinji, Malawi, who have travelled miles to get family members and friends medical care, have somewhere to sleep and cook next to the hospital. A special shelter has been built using Fairtrade premium money to provide them with much-needed protection from the elements. People who buy from the delicious Liberation range of mixed cashews and peanuts can choose from four flavours - lemon and a hint of chilli, a hint of smoked flavour, lightly salted and natural (no added salt).

Formulators seeking to reduce ingredients such as sugar, salt or fat can now using a patented Encapsulated Aroma Release technology from ScentSational Technologies. New research from INRA in Dijon, France, which investigated the interaction between aroma and saltiness, indicates that "when a consumer expects a certain flavour, the perception of saltiness is enhanced; and that change in taste perception comes through aroma". In addition, the researchers concluded that "aroma-induced taste enhancement could be used to compensate for the taste of fat and sugar content in foods formulated along healthier lines – for example, butter or cream aroma could enhance the perception of creaminess." ScentSational has long demonstrated these facts in its consumer research into the efficacy of its CompelAroma technology that encapsulates flavour molecules in plastic, which helps to keep them fresh and stable. “Once flavours are added directly to food and beverage ingredients, they mix chemically, resulting in loss of aroma profile and degradation due to oxidation and other atmospheric conditions,” said Steven M Landau, chief technology officer, ScentSational Technologies. “Encapsulated Aroma Release locks those flavours in the packaging material, which helps them stay stable significantly longer than when added directly to the contents.” ScentSational’s CompelAroma Encapsulated Aroma Release technology adds FDA-approved food grade flavours within the structure of rigid or flexible, plastic packaging components at the time of manufacturing, ready for release at point of purchase, package opening, product preparation or consumption.

Beverage Innovation magazine, in partnership with UNESDA – the Union of European Beverages Associations, has announced that the 2009 beverage innovation awards will be a feature event at drinktec in Munich in September 2009. The local partner for the event is WAFG – the German Alcohol-Free Drinks Association. Drinktec, held every four years at Neue Messe München, is the world’s largest beverage and liquid food technology trade fair. With a predicted 70,000 plus visitors in 2009, it represents a perfect fit for the beverage innovation awards, which are now in their fifth successful year. Categories and a call for entries will be announced on 1st September 2008, providing the event’s sponsors with the opportunity for a full 12 month promotional programme. The judging panel will include brand, nutrition and environment experts. There will be awards for best new juice, functional, energy, adult and dairy drinks; best newcomer brand or business; best new ingredient; best marketing campaign; best environmental, ethical, sustainability and health initiatives; as well as a wide range of packaging awards. Beverage Innovation Editor Claire Phoenix commented: “drinktec represents a unique opportunity for the whole non-alcoholic beverages industry to come together and celebrate innovation in product development. The Best Overall Concept winner at this year’s event in Moscow was a product which was completely on trend with a simple and natural offering, while other winners demonstrated the increasing importance of health and wellness ingredients, marketing, education, and environmental and ethical agendas. Major players and entrepreneurs all benefit from this acclaim.” drinktec: unique selling point “All parties see the benefit of this combination which will add value to the event,” said Exhibition Director Petra Westphal. “By representing the entire beverages industry, drinktec has a unique selling point as the world’s leading sector meeting place. It makes sense that the beverage industry should celebrate innovation in Munich.” “The non-alcoholic beverages industry is highly innovative, offering consumers a wide variety of choice. In the past three years there has been a strong focus on low and no calorie products as well as drinks with particular health profiles and ingredients,” commented UNESDA Secretary General Alain Beaumont. “We are delighted to partner with Beverage Innovation magazine in showcasing the wealth of innovation in the sector.” “One of drinktec’s strengths is that it is held only every four years,” added Zenith International Publishing Group Editorial Director Bill Bruce. “Visitors see a real step change in the way the industry is responding to the varying demands of the marketplace and setting new trends through innovation in packaging and ingredients. We are convinced that the awards will reflect the most exciting developments in the industry and we aim to ensure the gala dinner is the biggest ever held in the sector in Europe.” SPONSORSHIP For more information or to enquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact <1>. <1>: bill.bruce@zipublishing.com

* In the US, Celsius – the original calorie burning beverage – is now available in 438 outlets of the Midwestern retailer, Kum & Go. * Celsius has been scientifically formulated and clinically tested to burn up to 100 calories or more per serving will be available in all Kum & Go locations. Kum & Go will carry the popular green tea raspberry acai, green tea peach mango and sparkling wild berry and orange flavours. Celsius can be found in Kum & Go stores in New Year’s end cap displays for consumers eager to start their New Year’s resolution of consuming healthier beverages and foods. Celsius will support sales at Kum & Go with pump toppers, promotional pricing and advertising. According to Kevin Krause, Senior Vice President of Marketing: "We pride ourselves on providing quality products and superior customer service in each and every Kum & Go store. We believe that our customers are looking for great-tasting, functional beverages such as Celsius calorie burning beverage. The clinical studies that scientifically support Celsius confirm that this is a high performance drink our customers will embrace." Celsius Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Business Development Janice Haley said: "Kum & Go is a cornerstone of the Midwest community as is evident by their recent award for Retail Leader of the Year, by CSP magazine. We're honoured to be working with them to deliver Celsius to their customers, and have been impressed with their launch process and the education within their company ranks, which has resulted in great enthusiasm for Celsius. It's clear to us how Kum & Go continually retains their leadership position in convenience store ranking." Sustained calorie burn Celsius drinks are powered by a proprietary blend of ingredients including green tea with EGCG, ginger, caffeine, calcium, chromium, plus B vitamins and vitamin C. Scientifically shown to raise metabolism over a three-hour period, consuming Celsius results in a sustained calorie burn while keeping you energised. Kum & Go, awarded as Convenience Store, Petroleum’s 2008 RetailLeader of the Year, was started in 1959 in Hampton, Iowa and now hasmore than 430 stores in 12 states.

"We're proud to be the first company in Australia to feature the Carbon Reduction Label, which not only helps us to improve the efficiency of our business, but also provides customers with important information allowing them to make smarter shopping decisions," said Tom Daunt, MD buying, Aldi. "We believe it makes good business sense to protect and promote the environment in everything we do, and the Carbon Reduction Label will help us achieve this." The Carbon Reduction Label informs consumers of the total carbon footprint of a product, from raw materials and manufacturing right through to disposal or recycling of packaging. The Label helps people understand how they can reduce their own carbon footprint and fight climate change. "Independent research conducted for Planet Ark found that 60% of Australians would be more likely to purchase a product displaying the Carbon Reduction Label, and we welcome Aldi to this groundbreaking programme," said Paul Klymenko, research director, Planet Ark. By adopting the Carbon Reduction Label, Aldi joins an international list of major businesses that have committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of products. Planet Ark brought the Carbon Reduction Label to Australia in partnership with its originators, the Carbon Trust in the UK. "It's great to see the expansion of the Carbon Reduction Label in Australia with Aldi, a major international retailer," said Euan Murray, carbon footprinting general manager, Carbon Trust UK. "We all want to do our bit to tackle climate change, but consumers can find it confusing to know what to do. The Carbon Reduction Label is a simple way of supporting those brands and companies that have measured their footprints and are actively trying to reduce their impact." The Carbon Reduction Label is now appearing in 19 countries, with labelled products having annual sales of about A$4.5bn. Source: Carbon Trust UK