The merger was completed on 1 September, and has a yearly combined turnover of Euro 300 million. The acquisition, which has been underway since last year, concludes the integration process of the two companies with the aim of creating an enterprise qualified to present itself as one of the main players of the sector. The Berchi Group offers full project management design and construction service for packaging and bottling plants. The company's portfolio also consist of filling solutions, packaging machines, conveyors as well as customised solutions. The group's services complement offerings from Sipa ideally, which provides complete solutions right from PET granules through to the palletised bottle. The acquisition of the Berchi Group successfully brings to completion Sipa’s aim to provide 360° solutions, by incorporating filling and end of line aspects into the Sipa business.

*LycoRed, supplier of natural carotenoids and a wide range of other nutritional and colourant ingredients to the dietary supplement, functional food and cosmetic industries, worldwide, has been granted patent (US 7,351,746 B2) protection by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks, for an important invention in the field of cardiovascular health. * The invention is based on phytoene and phytofluene, carotenoids found in natural tomato extract. The phytoene and phytofluene inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis, a serious degenerative disease that affects arterial health. This patent (US 7,351,746 B2) marks the continued efforts by LycoRed to develop clinically supported, heart-healthy, natural ingredients with potential applications in dietary supplements and functional foods. Atherosclerosis is the process in which deposits of oxidised LDL cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. These deposits, called plaque, can grow large enough to significantly reduce blood flow through an artery. Plaques can also rupture, forming blood clots that block blood flow causing heart attack or stroke. The research supporting this patent demonstrates that phytoene and phytofluene alone, together, and in combination with other natural tomato extract carotenoids, effectively inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the deposition of plaque from oxidised LDL cholesterol. “The investigation into phytoene and phytofluene as effective antioxidants in their own right is a logical outgrowth of LycoRed’s extensive research on Lyc-O-Mato 3/4 a natural tomato extract whose effectiveness is based upon the synergy between lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, beta-carotene and tocopherols, ” stated Zohar Nir PhD, VP New Product Development & Scientific Affairs for LycoRed. Clinical studies have demonstrated Lyc-O-Mato’s role in reducing blood pressure and inhibiting the LDL oxidation that is linked to heart disease.

Evian Natural Spring Water is the official bottled water of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (5-12 September). Evian has a longstanding history of supporting the fashion community and now, in turn, the fashion community is championing the luxury natural spring water's efforts to become more environmentally friendly and globally beneficent. To create a lasting visual impression, Evian has partnered with Viridis Luxe to create original wears for the 'Evian Girls'. The Evian Girls will be draped in chic two-toned dresses of 'Evian pink' and hot pink, with a plunging neckline held in place by braided straps that flow down the back. These gowns will be crafted from a combination of braided hemp satin and bamboo cotton. "The Viridis Luxe mission is to design luxurious clothing for those who are making the choice to tread lightly on our planet while continuing to enjoy fashion, luxury and style," said Hala Bahmet, Creative Director of Viridis Luxe. "'The Evian Pink' dresses are the physical manifestation of my goal as a designer: elegant, chic and sustainable." Because no great outfit is complete without a fabulous pair of shoes, designer Gracienne Myers created custom-designed high heels with exclusively designed fabric emblazoned with Evian labels for the Evian Girls. These outfits, along with several other items, will be auctioned through <1>. The proceeds of this auction will go to the Evian Water Protection Institute, an organisation that maintains and restores wetlands around the world. Protecting wetlands, which are natural catchment areas and natural freshwater resources, will naturally help replenish underground aquifers, filter water, reduce CO2 and help naturally protect against climatic events such as floods and erosion. Wetlands often also provide a source of economic development to local communities. "At Evian, we believe that sustainability and luxury can go hand-in-hand and we are proud to further showcase our commitment to eco-friendly initiatives during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said Jeff Caswell, Vice President of Marketing for Evian North America. "We hope to further inspire the fashion community to strive towards environmentally friendly activities that unite the two worlds together." <1>: http://www.ShopEvian.com

Each veg pot provides three portions of veg, is a great source of fibre, are low fat and low in salt. They come in four filling recipes, moroccan squash tagine, tuscan bean stew, pea & broccoli rice, and thai coconut curry. Veg Pots will be available in Waitrose stores across the UK from 8 September and in other supermarkets from October. Innocent was was set up by the three friends – Richard Reed, Adam Balon and Jon Wright – in 1999 and has gone from strength to strength, now holding a 70% share of the UK smoothie market, and turning over £100m in the UK and in Europe.

For the first time, the annual meeting of PepsiCo’s Executive Committee is being held this month in India – an indication of the growing importance of the subcontinent in Pepsi’s future growth plans. The Executive Committee is Pepsi’s highest decision-making body below the Board of Directors, overseeing the company’s global food and beverage business. The annual meeting is traditionally held in a different country every year, last year’s venue being Mexico. The 2008 meeting will be held in New Delhi on 22-23 September, chaired by PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi. Other top Pepsi officers who will be flying in for the Executive Committee meeting include: Michael White, CEO and Vice-Chairman of PepsiCo International; Larry Thompson, Senior VP and General Counsel of PepsiCo; Salman Amin, President of PepsiCo UK; Zein Abdalla, President (Europe) of PepsiCo; Saad Abdul-Latif, International President for South Asia, the Middle East and Africa; Mehmood Khan, Chief Scientific Officer; and John Compton, CEO of PepsiCo Americas Foods. Business awards After the PepsiCo committee meeting, on 24 September, Nooyi will chair the judging panel for the annual business awards of the Economic Times of India. She will also join a panel of top CEOs for a discussion organised by the Economic Times on 'Slowing Global Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for India.' With its relatively low per capita consumption of soft drinks, and fast-growing economy, India presents tremendous opportunities for PepsiCo. However, both Pepsi and arch rival Coca-Cola have been hit by negative publicity on the subcontinent, largely revolving around allegations of excessive water use and questions about the purity of their Indian-made products. PepsiCo is currently in dispute with workers at its Frito-Lay snacks plant at Sangrur in the northern state of Punjab.

One water will be the official water supplier to the 2008 Tour of Britain (7-14 September) elite cycle race, providing over 10,000 bottles of water to The Tour. Under the agreement, One water will provide water for all the riders, race staff and to all the races’ hospitality guests at stage starts and finishes. One water have already raised over £1m to fund PlayPumps in Africa and hope that Tour supporters can help raise even more. A PlayPump system is a child’s roundabout installed over sustainable boreholes. When children play on the roundabout water is pumped to a storage tank, providing access to clean water. One is a not-for-profit water brand: all profits go towards providing clean, sustainable and safe drinking water for villages and schools in Asia, Africa and other developing countries.

UK vending and cooler supplier GVS has been rapidly expanding over the past several months and the decision has now been made to open up a new base in Normanton, near Leeds. This is the first time GVS has expanded its operations outside of its HQ in Smallfield. This will provide GVS with a north and south base providing an even better coverage of the UK via improved transport links. The site, situated off the M62, between the M1 and A1 provides the ideal geographical location. These valuable transport connections give GVS the ability to reduce their lead time and deliver an even more proficient service to their customers. The 21,600 sq ft warehouse can hold up to 1,200 machines in total meaning that stock will never be in short supply. The new technical centre is not however, just for storage and distribution; it is being used as a spray booth and paint curing facility capable of holding three machines each time for refurbishment of old or ex-demo machines. GVS have demonstrated their ability to renovate machines to a high standard as they support a number of key brand-holders with their equipment refurbishment program. The new premises will create additional capacity and therefore this service can be offered to other customers looking to source quality renovated equipment. GVS is totally independent and provides equipment from the UK's leading manufacturers. With over 200 staff, 130 of which making up the service team, it also offers an unsurpassed level of after-sales service and maintenance to its wide-reaching customer base. GVS is also proud to hold the OGC buying solutions contract (A126648/C) for the provision of vending equipment, water coolers and service maintenance to the public sector.

*FUZE Beverage of the US begins rolling out its latest enhanced ready to drink (RTD) tea across the country this September, prior to an eye-catching promotional campaign in October. The new flavour is antioxidant-rich FUZE Black & Green Tea, with açaí berry and vitamins. * "FUZE Black & Green Tea contains a powerhouse of healthy ingredients, along with antioxidants,” said author and health guru Deborah Enos ('The One-Minute Wellness Coach'), who endorses the company’s healthy beverages. “Antioxidants are helpful in protecting against the damaging effects of free radicals on cell membranes and cellular DNA. “In addition, regular consumption of antioxidants can help healthy individuals maintain cardiovascular function." FUZE Black & Green Tea contains vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, C and E. Other flavours in the line are Green Tea, Diet Green Tea, White Tea and Diet White Tea with pomegranate. To celebrate the fact that black and green tea leaves are now united in FUZE Black & Green Tea, the company will stage a series of outdoor “happenings” in major cities from 3 October. * Perfect partnership* Actors costumed as tea leaves will simulate the fusion of two great ingredients to create the perfect partnership of flavour and healthy benefits. The launch campaign will be continued with sampling, traditional newspaper advertising, outdoor projections and viral promotions. Based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, FUZE was founded in 2001 by beverage industry professional Lance Collins, with help from commercial designer Paula Grant and financial backing from two local businessmen. The company’s range of functional still juice drinks, packaged in distinctive multicoloured bottles, caught the attention of consumers looking for a new kind of refreshment. The FUZE brand was extended with RTD teas, and the company also broadened its portfolio with NOS Energy Drink, WaterPlus enhanced waters, and Rehab Recovery Supplement. By 2006, total sales had risen to about $90 million. At the beginning of last year, FUZE was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company for an undisclosed sum. However, the New Jersey business continues to operate as a standalone unit.

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) will celebrate achievements in marketing with the 2008 IDF Marketing Awards. This year, a new category will cover environment to demonstrate the industry’s responsible approach towards environmental issues. The Awards will cover four categories: Innovation; Nutri-marketing; Marketing Communications; Environment. Dairy companies from all IDF member countries are offered the opportunity to benchmark their branded marketing activities against those of dairy companies from other countries. “These marketing awards provide an opportunity to exchange best practice information about business development and revenue generation. “Competitiveness, the generation of revenues, and a positive consumer message are the objectives of every dairy company and I believe the IDF can make an important contribution in these areas through these awards,” said IDF President Jim Begg. “These Marketing Awards are an important part of our IDF World Dairy Summit each year. I encourage dairy processors to celebrate successful marketing activities by submitting entries.” A panel of independent judges will judge the entries, short list three campaigns in each category and choose one as the winner. The winner of each category will be announced at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Mexico City, Mexico on 11-14 November. Information about the World Dairy Summit and the Marketing Awards are available from the IDF website.

For the past 75 years, V8 has been making healthy vegetable juices. Now Campbell's has created Campbell’s V8 soups to be sold nationwide in the US. Made of high quality pureed vegetables, the soups provide a full serving of vegetables in every bowl and are available in 18.3oz containers in five flavours: Golden Butternut Squash, Garden Broccoli, Tomato Herb, Southwestern Corn and Sweet Red Pepper. According to V8 seven out of ten adults in the US do not meet the daily recommended intake for vegetables. Furthermore, experts agree increased vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet is a key component in helping to reduce risk for chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. “Most people do want to get more vegetables in their diet, but say it can be a challenge because there aren’t a lot of choices that deliver on both convenience and taste,” said Kelly Berrie, Business Director, Wellness Innovation, Campbell Soup Company. “With this in mind, we’ve combined our V8 vegetable expertise with Campbell’s soup taste credentials to create another flavourful, easy way for people to increase their daily vegetable intake and help bridge the vegetable consumption gap.”

*CSA International, a leading certification and testing organisation, has launched a programme to test and certify products to the requirements of the new CAN/CSA B483 Drinking Water Treatment Systems standard. * This certification program will be available to assist manufacturers in demonstrating compliance to the new 2009 Canadian Building Code and the new Quebec Plumbing Code which reference the CSA B483 standard. "CSA International holds the number one market share in plumbing certification in the US and Canada and we have more than 30 years of expertise in this product area," said President Randall Luecke. Examples of new product certification offerings include water softener units, drinking fountains, under counter drinking water dispensing systems, plumbing fittings with integral water filtration systems, point of entry systems, household refrigerators with water filtration dispensers and other similar devices. To minimise redundant testing, CSA International will also recognise testing data for components independently certified by an accredited certification organisation to the NSF/ANSI Drinking Water Treatment Units Standards as appropriate. CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognised in the US, Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide.

In a bid to appeal to more customers Starbucks is changing its menu to include five new healthy breakfast options as well as speciality coffee, including a blend created specifically for its Middle East customers during the month of Ramadan. Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal, Chewy Fruit & Nut Bar, Apple Bran Muffin, Berry Stella and Power Protein Plate are now available in participating stores across the US and Canada. “Many Americans are too busy to make a healthy breakfast at home, but it’s the most important meal of the day,” said Katie Thomson, registered Dietician and Senior Nutritionist, Starbucks Coffee Company. “Our customers have told us they want delicious choices that offer real nutrition including whole grains, fruit, and lean protein to help fill them up and give them energy to make it to lunch.” The new breakfast assortment is claimed to be the next step in the company’s commitment to providing food and beverage selections that support a healthy lifestyle. Starbucks has also launched a new coffee collection based on its Clover brewing system. The brewing method will be used for small batches of speciality coffee that has been sourced from all around the world. Freshly ground and mixed the system will provide customers with a novel taste experience that will hopefully make them come back for more. In the Middle East and Egypt customers will also be able to enjoy especially bold tasting Ramadan coffee blends: Anniversary Blend and Arabian Mocha Timor. In addition, Starbucks will also be offering traditional Ramadan pastries such as: Fig and Coconut Bar, Pistachio Delight as well as the Date and Apricot loaf.