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

**There have now been 1,017 confirmed cases of illness in the US following the initial outbreak of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul almost 12 weeks ago, according to an Australian Food News report.** The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed at a recent press conference that 203 people had been hospitalised due to the outbreak. Dr Robert Tauxe from Centres of Disease Control and Prevention advised that the crisis was the worst foodborne disease outbreak in the past decade: “This ongoing outbreak is now one of the largest outbreaks of Salmonellosis ever in the US, and it’s the largest foodborne outbreak of any sort in the last 10 years based on a number of culture-confirmed cases." The crisis has been attributed to raw tomatoes, though investigations by the CDC and the FDA indicate that Jalapeno Peppers may have played a role. The location and cause of the outbreak has yet to be established and has thrown into question the traceability of the US food supply chain. Farmers are angry with the way the situation has been handled as there has only been a link between tomatoes and jalapenos to the disease but not conclusive evidence.

Intercaps Filling Systems present a dedicated range of ice-making machines that are particularly suitable for the demanding environment of tropical countries with high heat and humidity levels. For example, ice cubes are slightly bigger than the ones commonly used in Europe in order to allow low meltdown index of the cubes in transit which may need to be transported in bags in warmer conditions than ideal. The largest model Double roller bin 500 is capable of producing 500kgs of ice cubes or flakes in 24 hours and to store them overnight for packing in the morning. Two easy to handle trolleys slide out on wheels to the packaging area. All ice-making machines can be installed in conjunction with a cold storage room to preserve the ice produced before and after packing.

Arla Foods has hired Bates 141 to drive its advertising efforts in Vietnam, according to marketing publication Brand Republic. The appointment comes just a year after Arla launched in Vietnam with Milex, a children’s powdered milk brand, and is part of the company’s plans to take on more established international rivals Nestlé and Dutch Lady, and local giant Vinamilk, one of Vietnam’s largest advertisers. Bates 141 landed the $1million account for Milex after a two-month pitch involving WPP sibling Grey, the incumbent, and one other agency. Media planning and buying are expected to be handled through GroupM, although this has yet to be confirmed. Arla’s Vietnam chief representative, Claus Pedersen, noted: “We love Bates141’s understanding of the category combined with their strategic and creative thinking. The agency shares our passion.” Tue Nguyen, Bates 141 Vietnam’s general manager, added: “We look forward to taking the Milex brand to a different level in such a cluttered category.”

The two new vodka flavours are a first for Smirnoff, whose main competitors on the premium flavoured vodka market are Absolut and Stolichnaya. Diageo will run a six month trial in Bristol, UK, with the two new flavours, Lime Smirnoff and Green Apple Smirnoff, to see whether there is potential for market growth. Currently, flavoured vodka accounts for 4% of total volume sales in the vodka category worldwide. In Europe, flavoured vodka only has 1% market share. The Bristol trial will be supported by a range of local marketing activity, including print, online and in-store merchandise. The two flavours will be made available in 70cl bottles and have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 37.5%. Diageo Senior Innovation Manager Mike Martin said: “Both Lime and Green Apple Smirnoff are great options for pubs looking to differentiate their vodka serves. They complement popular serves of Smirnoff, providing additional flavour to classic long mixed drink. The Bristol test will aim to create further excitement and consumer interest in the vodka category, while driving incremental profit for licensees.”

In the last weeks or so, rumours have been going around regarding Virgin Wines Founder and CEO Rowan Gormley's recent departure. The rumours are concerned with whether Gormley left his post voluntarily or if he was pushed to do so. This is after Harpers, the wine and spirit magazine and website received an email from the retailer saying: "Rowan Gormley has been removed from the post of CEO at Virgin Wines with immediate effect." Harpers report that according to a document released by Companies House (30 June), the Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Gormley resigned out of his own accord rather than being forced in any way. Virgin Wines was originally set up in the United Kingdom by Richard Branson as a web-based wine selling comany; it was sold to Direct Wines (the parent company of Laithwaites) in 2005. Both companies are refusing to comment, which is only fueling rumours further. Managing Director Simon McMurtrie of Direct Wines and Virgin Director Frederick Stratford are currently in charge of the company.

By Mike Ramey** Cocaine, the controversial American energy drink, is reportedly set to launch in the UK this summer. The news has already sparked protests from British health campaigners, concerned that the drink’s name may encourage drug use among young consumers.** “This is clearly a piece of cynical and irresponsible marketing,” Harry Shapiro, Director of the independent information organisation DrugScope, told the Daily Mail. “However, I hope people will not be fooled by it. “They have obviously picked this name because it is a high energy stimulant drink, and there are other high energy stimulants out there – cocaine being one of them.” David Raynes, of the UK National Drug Prevention Alliance, added: “It is people exploiting drugs. It is a pretty cynical tactic, exploiting illegal drugs for their own benefit. “The fact is that, subliminally, it is making the image of drug use cool – and that's what kids want to be, cool. Kids will be drinking Cocaine and will inevitably link the two. “The drink is relatively innocuous, but they will be linking it with cocaine use and the market, which is far from innocuous.” Familiar ingredients Cocaine energy drink in fact contains no illegal substances, deriving its 'kick' from familiar ingredients such as guarana and taurine, plus an unusually high dose of caffeine (about 350% more than rival Red Bull, according to the makers). However, the product’s name is spelled out on the can in a granular white substance resembling its narcotic namesake, and the drink is billed as 'the legal alternative.' There was a furore when Cocaine was launched in 2006 by Redux Beverages of Las Vegas, and in February this year the company was obliged to modify some of its marketing claims after complaints from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But the notoriety has apparently done little to damage sales of the energy drink, which is now to be distributed in the UK by a specially formed company, Ocke Cokey, based in Kent. “It is going to create controversy,” admitted a company spokesman, “but that's the beauty of this name – everyone that objects to it is going to be selling the product.” He pointed out there had been no protests over two perfumes with similarly suggestive names, Charlie and Opium. Meanwhile, the energy drink is also being launched in Australia and New Zealand, where it is generating still more publicity.

*Milk Link and Mars have launched Galaxy Milk, which is made from 87% fresh, British milk. * The product contains 2% fat with no artificial colouring or sweeteners. It is hoped that the new Galaxy one-litre fresh drink will be a way to encourage women to increase the level of calcium in their diet. The drink is being launched into Morrisons and Tesco supermarkets. The partnership is the second of its kind between Milk Link and Mars Consumer Drinks. In 2007, they launched Mars Family Refuel – a complementary product aimed at men and families – which continues to be successful. Heather Coates, Senior Product Manager at Milk Link, said: “We're really excited about this partnership. Milk Link is committed to launching innovative milk products and the Galaxy drink couldn’t be more irresistible. It's not only low in fat, but is protein- and calcium-rich, resulting in stronger bones, healthier skin and shiny hair. "Based on the current trend and market growth, as well as the unique targeting of this product, we have had strong and positive feedback from retailers and we're looking to expand Galaxy drinks’ listings in the coming months.”

The rollout recommenced with the recent opening of the chain's 62nd store, in Manhattan Beach, California, which attracted 2,600 customers. Chief executive Tim Mason said: “The neighbourhood showed up in force to show its support. Based on what customers are buying at the Manhattan Beach store, there are going to be a lot of Fresh & Easy barbecues this 4th of July weekend!” The next store is due to open 9 July in North Las Vegas, and Mason also announced a new Fresh & Easy site in South Los Angeles, where construction work will begin later this month.

Betsy Cohen, Vice President of Sustainability at Nestlé will deliver the keynote address on November 10, at the Pack Expo conference. Her presentation, "More Safety vs. Less Material? Where Does Packaging Go?" will dovetail with the conference's overall theme of "Change, Innovation and Sustainability." Cohen will discuss the challenges, conflicts and competing values packaging professionals must balance every day. A graduate of Wellesley College and the Harvard Business School, Cohen received the St. Louis Business Journal's Most Influential Business Women award in 1999. She is also Nestlé Purina's board member for the St. Louis United Way and is involved in the Missouri Botanical Garden's Sustainability Committee, a world renowned center for biodiversity. In her current role, Cohen coordinates sustainability-related matters throughout several Nestlé divisions in categories including beverages, confections, prepared foods and pet products. In addition, she is vice president within Nestlé Purina's Pet Products Company for a specialty line of products. "Sustainability and the environment are at the forefront of global debate. With increasing legislation and pressure for environmentally friendly packaging, the challenge becomes understanding what sustainability means for your company and how to start applying its principles to your business," said Ben Miyares, PMMI Vice President of Industry Relations and Director of the Conference at Pack Expo. "Industry leaders such as Nestlé are making great strides in defining successful sustainability practices and responding to market demands." Commercial Vice President Glenn Wright of The Dow Chemical Co North American Plastics and Deloitte Consulting LLP Director Trevor Cusworth will also present keynote addresses during the Pack Expo conference. Cusworth will speak on "Packaging Sustainability: From Boardroom to Break Room" (November 11). Wright's session, "Packaging - Elemental to a Sustainable Future," will take place on November 12.

“Our target is to maintain and enhance our leading position in the astaxanthin European market by providing ingredients of the highest quality and purity,” said Efrat Kat, Marketing Manager at Algatechnologies. “We continue to employ strictly controlled manufacturing operations and quality-assurance controls in our facilities. We will constantly increase our distribution network in Europe, as it is a major market for astaxanthin as demonstrated by a growth rate in double-digits over the last few years" The market size of astaxanthin for human use is currently valued to be between €14million and €19million; it is forecast to experience significant growth over the next few years, driven by the increase in awareness of its health benefits. Algatechnologies, a supplier of natural astaxanthin produced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae is located in Israel's Arava desert – an ideal location for algae cultivation due to the stable climate conditions in the area and year-round high light intensities. “Producing the microalgae in a closed system and using sunlight as the energy source, allows us to offer an extremely pure product with the highest astaxanthin level. Our products are pesticide-free and allergen-free, and offered at competitive prices," added Efrat Kat. The company employs high pressure Super Critical CO2 extraction technology in order to produce 10% astaxanthin in an oleoresin form. This technology does not require the use of organic solvents and therefore the product does not contain any solvents residues. Algatechnologies holds a world patent for its closed, environmentally protected cultivation system, allowing the production of a pure astaxanthin product, AstaPure, without biological or chemical contamination. Algatechnologies holds ISO 9001/2000, HACCP and GMP (for food) international accreditations. Astaxanthin is a very potent antioxidant, recognized to be about 500 times more effective than vitamin E and much more powerful than other carotenoids, such as lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin supports a number of health conditions including eye health, skin health and health disorders related to the central nervous system.

*The 2008 London Passport to Export Awards is an international business awards scheme. The awards recognise the achievements of SMEs in trading overseas under UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) Passport to Export programme of advice and support for new and inexperienced exporters. * The event was held on June 24, where five category winners were presented with their prizes at a ceremony in Westminster, hosted by writer and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli. Guest speakers included Tim Parker, newly appointed First Deputy Mayor of London and Chief Executive of the GLA Group; and Alan Ainsbury, Head of Trade at awards sponsor Barclays Commercial Bank. Lambeth-based organic tea company Today Was Fun, which increased its international sales approximately ten-fold between 2005 and the end of 2007, won the Best Newcomer category, while Knomo Bags Ltd won the Outstanding Achievement award. Dexela Ltd received an award in the International Innovation category, Evolve Creative in the Emerging Markets Exporter category and Octopus Media Technology took the prize for Best Use of UK Trade & Investment Services. Founder and CEO of Today Was Fun’s award-winning Green Green Tea, Sharyn Wortman, said: “My UKTI advisers told me that Passport to Export would help me take the initial steps towards exporting – it was more like a giant leap! They assisted with everything from defining possible markets, to understanding complicated paperwork, and visiting potential retailers – without UKTI’s help in breaking down these barriers, we would have found it very difficult to get into the Russian market." Alan Ainsbury, Barclays Commercial Bank, concluded: “These awards are indicative of the breadth and scale of successful London companies that recognise and act upon opportunities in trading internationally. We are committed to helping our customers’ businesses grow through overseas prospects and I hope that some of the great success stories from these awards will be an inspiration for SMEs across the country.” The awards ceremony was the climax of UKTI’s International Month, a series of events, training days and seminars giving businesses throughout the country essential insights into opportunities in sectors and markets abroad.