*Aurora Organic Dairy, a leading US provider of private label organic milk and butter, has announced a major initiative with the University of Michigan to measure and reduce its carbon footprint across the entire product lifecycle, from cattle feed to cartons in retail dairy cases. * This research is believed to be the most comprehensive carbon emissions reduction initiative undertaken in the organic dairy industry, and will be funded by the newly established Aurora Organic Dairy Foundation. The new Aurora Organic Dairy Foundation is a Colorado-based not-for-profit organisation that will fund research, market development initiatives and community building activities benefiting organic agriculture, including farmers, processors, consumers, animals and the environment. * Research partnership* The Foundation’s first grant of more than $320,000 will fund a long-term research partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment. With the proceeds of the grant, the centre will conduct lifecycle and sustainability research at Aurora Organic Dairy’s facilities, including its state of the art High Plains organic dairy farm in Colorado and its Coldwater organic dairy farms in Texas. Led by associate professor Gregory Keoleian, PhD, and Martin Heller, PhD, the research will initially focus on developing an energy and carbon footprint model, creating a baseline against which Aurora Organic can make improvements in its sustainability performance. The centre will examine the entire product lifecycle from ‘seed to shelf’, including important measures such as growing pasture and cattle feed, manufacturing, and product distribution to retail customers. The study will identify those processes that contribute the greatest environmental impacts, focused primarily on total energy consumption and carbon emissions. In Phase II, the centre will make recommendations for improving Aurora Organic’s sustainability performance, including energy supply and demand options, non fuel-related carbon emissions, and energy and greenhouse gases from material resources such as packaging. “Aurora Organic Dairy is providing the Centre for Sustainable Systems with an excellent opportunity to apply our research expertise and address real challenges faced by organic agriculture producers,” said CSS Co-Director and Research Team Leader, Dr Keoleian. “This grant from the Aurora Organic Dairy Foundation to the University of Michigan is the first of many that will help fund continued research into development of organic best practices, with a strong emphasis on sustainability,” said Aurora Organic Dairy President and Chief Organic Officer, Mark Retzloff. “Our goal is to evaluate what we do on our farms and throughout our supply chain, and to develop tools for guiding our company and enhancing our sustainability performance. We intend to learn as much as we can about how to make organic agriculture even more sustainable. Our goal is to share what we learn with our network of more than 120 family farmers and the organic agriculture community as a whole.”

A case in point is Utah based Park City IceWater Company (formerly Wasatch IceWater Company) recently mentioned by Plenty magazine for its 'eco-friendly' packaging known as the GlacierPak. The proprietary packaging used by the company is a flexible pouch made by Ampac Packaging. Park City claims its packaging is the answer to the environmental issues surrounding PET water bottles. Ampac and Park City refer to the packaging as recyclable and environmentally friendly saying both its reduction of waste and of resources used in production are its primary benefits. The company says its packaging is better and because of its shape if landfilled it would occupy 96% less space compared to the traditional PET bottle. However, like other complex packaging solutions, it is unclear exactly how easily recyclable the GlacierPak packaging is in the US where most municipal recycling facilities accept only blow moulded PET and HDPE plastics. In a recent press release Park City said, "Park City IceWater packs consumes 96% less waste and requires 75% less energy to produce than standard 16oz PET bottles." .

*This year, the Californian based E. & J. Gallo Winery celebrates its milestone 75th anniversary. Founded in 1933 at the repeal of America's Prohibition law by two brothers, Ernest and Julio Gallo. * In all, there are fifteen Gallo family members, spanning the second, third, and fourth generations working in various areas of the business including grape growing, winemaking, marketing, and sales. The family aims to continue the mission of founders Ernest and Julio while furthering traditions with every year ahead. "The 75th anniversary of the winery underscores our family's basic beliefs about taking the long view as farmers and winemakers. Ernest and Julio started something with future generations in mind, and with land and reputation as our most valued resources, the family continues to build for the future," says Gallo Family Vineyards third generation winemaker Gina Gallo. "We are still on the path laid out for us: make good wine at a good price, teach people how to enjoy wine as part of a life well-lived, and always, always strive to improve on both quality and value in our wines." "Our mission today still resembles my grandfather Ernest's and great-uncle Julio's company goals to challenge ourselves and be passionate about our work," says Gallo Family Vineyards Senior Marketing Director Stephanie Gallo and also third generation Gallo family member. To celebrate this landmark year, the winery recently conducted a nationwide survey to gauge American perspective on wine, particularly on family owned businesses. Survey questions focused on what influences purchase decisions around wine consumption and on what business attributes matter most to consumers as they form brand loyalty within the wine industry. Some of the top line findings include: * 92% of Americans surveyed felt they would be more inclined to choose a family owned business over a non family owned business given the choice * When asked which attributes mattered the most in family owned companies, consumers placed pride of workmanship (76%), honesty (76%) and loyalty (61%) at the top * Nearly three quarters of the wine drinkers surveyed indicated that E. & J. Gallo Winery's status as a family owned business positively affects their decision to purchase its products

*Playboy and Play Beverages LLC have announced the launch of the ultra-sexy, invigorating Playboy Energy Drink. With subtle notes of fruit and vanilla, it contains ginseng root, guarana extract and damiana leaf – ingredients that are believed to stimulate energy levels. * Available in two varieties, regular and sugar free, Playboy Energy is now available in the Boston area and will roll out to Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles in March. “Playboy Energy was created to give consumers a taste of the lifestyle that has always been associated with the Playboy brand,” said Sarah Haney, Vice President – Licensing, Playboy Enterprises Inc. Already creating buzz in Hollywood, prelaunch cans were on hand at exclusive events around town. Celebrities were spotted drinking the not yet available beverage at summer soirees, including the Polaroid Beach House in Malibu. “The functional beverage category continues to expand at light speed, and we’ve seen many players both large and small emerge with new brands,” said Play Beverages President, Robert Nistico. “The Playboy Rabbit Head Icon is among the most recognised brand icons globally, and affords us instant recognition and credibility in this dynamic category – all of which will ultimately translate to trial and repeat purchases.” Playboy Energy Drink is packaged in an 8.4oz black can, made distinctive by the famous Playboy Rabbit Head Design and colours denoting regular (glowing orange) or sugar-free (glowing blue).

DSM has announced the launch of TensGuard, a new and unique ingredient developed to target the growing global market for blood pressure management. The product of advanced enzyme technology, DSM’s TensGuard contains dairy peptides, proven to help control blood pressure to maintain a healthy heart. The active peptide responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect in TensGuard is the so-called ‘Lactotripeptide’ Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP). While lactotripeptides are present in normal dairy products, they're inactive within the original milk protein. To become effective, these peptides first need to be released through enzymatic predigestion. TensGuard contains activated lactotripeptides, delivering their benefits in a highly concentrated and convenient form. Luc van der Heyden, Business Manager Heart Health, said: “The launch of TensGuard is the result of a long period of dedicated research. Our extensive studies have ensured that we have a clinically proven, highly effective ingredient. This is complemented by in-depth consumer perception studies looking at attitudes and behaviour in relation to high blood pressure. As a result, we're confident we have a high performance ingredient and a receptive global market of significant size.” TensGuard is a natural dietary ingredient, produced using a patented process which offers exciting opportunities for food and dietary supplement companies. TensGuard has a unique, clean taste, provides clear solutions in water, necessitates only low dosages, and is stable under almost all food processing conditions. A tablet grade has also been developed under the name TensGuard TG. TensGuard TG is formulated for good flow properties and has the handling characteristics required by the dietary supplement market. Positioned as a convenient way for consumers to manage blood pressure as part of a healthy diet, TensGuard offers manufacturers a clinically proven ingredient, supported by positive consumer research.* High blood pressure is a well known and independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart and kidney failure and stroke. Small reductions in blood pressure can have beneficial effects for cardiovascular disease risk. Research studies indicate that a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 3-5 mmHg is associated with a decrease in the risk for stroke of approximately 15% and coronary heart disease of approximately 10%.

Purdue University is hosting the 25th Annual Aseptic Processing and Packaging Workshop to be held May 12th-15th, 2008 in West Lafayette, IN, USA. The Workshop is targeted at food processing and attended by food development professionals seeking basic knowledge involved in the development of aseptic systems. In 2003, the Scholle family donated $1.5 million to fund an endowed chair at Purdue University’s Department of Food Science program. This contribution helped strengthen Purdue’s work in the science of food processing and as a global leader in the development of aseptic packaging. The current Chair and Department Head of Food Science program is Dr Philip E Nelson. Dr Nelson was recently named 2007 World Food Prize Laureate. After partnering with Scholle Packaging, Dr Nelson developed a low cost aseptic bag-in-box system for preserving and shipping processed fruits like tomatoes. By the 1980s, this technology had spread throughout the global food industry and into other markets such as dairy and juices. Dr Nelson, a faculty member at Purdue University, will be attending and speaking at the seminar.

There are over 700,000 water coolers in UK workplaces, used by over 10 million people daily. BWCA members supply both bottled water coolers and plumbed-in mains versions to all types of commercial and industrial facilities – including offices, shops and factories – as well as schools and hospitals. Employers who choose to install coolers are fulfilling their legal obligation to supply water in the workplace – a choice often dictated by the lack of access to mains water facilities on the premises. Britain’s 30 million working people spend an average of 10 of their 16 waking hours either travelling to or being at work. For much of this time, tap water may not be readily available, and therefore removing bottled water as a source of hydration will simply lead to people becoming dehydrated (already a serious problem) or switching to soft and carbonated drinks. Hydration at home and at work is a vitally important issue. Over 50% of the population is said to be moderately dehydrated most of the time, with serious health and well-being implications. Bottled water coolers use reusable and recyclable bottles, often sourced and delivered from local suppliers. None end up in landfill. BWCA members are passionate about providing employers and consumers with options to allow them to make appropriate hydration choices, ensuring that water coolers are available where they are the best option.

Cadbury Schweppes plc, the beverage and confectionary company, on Tuesday reported a 65% drop in 2007 annual profit from the year earlier, when the company had a large one-time gain from selling some of its businesses. Net profit was £405 million (€540 million, $792 million), down from £1.17 billion a year earlier when profits included a pretax gain of £631 million (€841 million, $1.23 billion) from the sales of beverage businesses in Europe, Syria and South Africa. Profit from continuing operations was £407 million (€543 million, $796 million), down 22% from the previous year. Revenue was up 7% to £7.97 billion (€10.6 billion, $15.6 billion). The figure included a 16% gain in revenue in the Americas Beverages unit due to the acquisition of the Dr Pepper/Seven Up bottling group. Splitting the business Cadbury Schweppes is splitting its business into two units: Cadbury PLC, whose brands include Cadbury's chocolate and Trident and Dentyne chewing gum; and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., formerly Americas Beverages, the leading US producer of flavoured, carbonated beverages. Cadbury Schweppes shares were down 5.7% at 577.5 pence (euro7.70 US$11.29) on the London Stock Exchange. "The driver of the shares today is more likely to be the announcement that there will be no capital return to Cadbury shareholders on demerger of Dr Pepper Snapple," said Rob Mann, analyst at Collins Stewart.

*Today, Berkeley Springs will stage a seminar called 'Water: Our Legacy', which will address industry issues. * Featured speakers have included hydrologists, hydrogeologists and representatives from such varied organisations as Potomac Water Watch, the International Bottled Water Association, US Geological Survey and Department of Environmental Protection. This year, water innovation Editor Nayl D'Souza will deliver a presentation about bottled water and sustainability. Other speakers include bottled water expert Arther von Wiesenberger; Joe Hankins, Director of Freshwater Institute; J. Scott Shilpe of American Water Works Association and Russell Carolla of VA Water Conditioning Corporation. The Friday seminar will precede the main Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting event on Saturday when competition entrants are expected to compete in five categories: Municipal, Bottled Non-carbonated, Purified Drinking Water, Bottled Sparkling and the People's Choice Package Design.

As the first Northern Ireland dairy company to produce milk enriched with omega-3, Dale Farm continues to lead the way in product innovation with the launch of Mega Milk, the first local product to offer the additional benefits of omega-3. Representing a substantial investment, the new product is the result of extensive research and development, and responds to a growth in demand for functional dairy products along with a requirement for foods that offer added value and greater convenience. Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) has supplied the MEG-3 brand omega-3 EPA/DHA. Speaking about the new product, Dale Farm Head of Marketing, Brian Beattie, said: “As today’s pace of life continues to quicken, consumers increasingly want that quick health fix, and Mega Milk is the ideal solution as it offers a convenient and nutritious route to get even more out of milk. “Dale Farm has established a reputation within the dairy sector for being at the forefront of innovation and new product development. Mega Milk follows in the footsteps of two extremely successful products: The One milk and Dromona Probiotic Cheese. Both were firsts within the Northern Ireland consumer market, with the Probiotic Cheese a first throughout the UK and Ireland. We are extremely proud of these achievements and, as such, we are very excited about how Mega Milk will be received by consumers.” ONC Executive Vice President of Marketing, Ian Lucas, said: “We're very excited to be working with Dale Farm to launch the first product containing the MEG-3 ingredient in Ireland. Milk is such an important part of the diet and we believe it's a perfect fit with the MEG-3 omega-3 ingredient. As Dale Farm says, 'you get more out of milk with Mega Milk!'” Mega Milk not only contains added vitamins and nutrients but all the natural goodness and taste of fresh milk. Mega Milk is sold in one-litre cartons and is now available from all leading supermarkets. A major TV advertising campaign and supermarket sampling across Northern Ireland will support the product launch.

It's now easier for women on-the-go to grab a healthy powdered drink supplement with Protein.2Go packs – just add the protein powder to a water bottle, shake and enjoy. Protein.2Go flavours include Orange Mango, Pomegranate Fruit, French Vanilla and Double Chocolate. “Protein.2Go packs offer a nutritious snack and are perfect for women with hectic and busy lifestyles,” said David Jenkins, CEO for Designer Whey. "Protein.2Go packs come in innovative and colourful packaging designs. Each pack contains a great-tasting supplement that's easy to use and provides better hunger control while boosting your energy levels.” Whey protein builds and rebuilds the body’s muscles and bone. It also offers many unique health benefits for today’s on-the-go woman, including anti-ageing and weight-loss help. The revolutionary benefit of Designer Whey products is the utilization of Whey, a protein-rich liquid component of milk produced as a by-product of the cheese-making process. Whey protein has been called the ultimate functional food.

*Fonterra says the worsening drought situation could cost its dairy farmers as much as NZ$500 million by the time the season ends in May. * Chairman Henry van der Heyden says that the dry spell has already cost farmers about NZ$60 million in milk payout, and on-farm losses would continue to mount unless there is significant rainfall. “The weather is key. And every day without rain is hurting farmers, and will have a flow-on impact for local communities and the broader economy. This has really taken the shine off what should have been a fantastic season for our farmers, with a record payout. Farmers are facing up to some very real challenges, both in terms of lost cash flows and also in managing their farms with very little feed available.” Van der Heyden says Fonterra had forecast a 3% increase in milk supply for the 2007/08 season. However, the record dry summer over much of the country means season-to-date milk production is now falling below last year. “The dry spell is widespread and is hitting farmers hard in most parts of the country. On a daily basis compared to the last year, Waikato is down 27%, Bay of Plenty is down 21%, Taranaki is down 9% and Southland is down 1.5%. “Clearly, we’ll be right there with farmers hoping for rain. We've been looking into supplementary feed options and how we can support farmers and rural communities in other ways. But the stark reality is that there's a real feed shortage both in New Zealand and overseas. “While Fonterra is now facing something of a double whammy, of a drop in milk production and a Kiwi dollar close to US80 cents, we're holding to our forecast of a payout of $6.90 per kilogram of Milk Solids,” he says. Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier adds: “At this stage, we're also confident we can meet all our customers’ contracted orders, but supply is tight. Given our expectations of significantly reduced supply in New Zealand, we now find ourselves effectively booked up for the season. This is forcing us to advise customers that we may not be in a position to take all new orders for New Zealand supply."