A host of big names in UK food and drink including Associated British Foods, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Kraft Foods have added their signatures to the second phase of the Courtauld Commitment. (Foodproductiondaily.com) Launched last spring, the voluntary agreement, run by the government-backed Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) attracted 28 companies. New signatories The number of signatories has now risen to 48 with the backing all the major... read more →
Governments should play a more active role in curbing the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt to children, warns the World Health Organisation (WHO). (Foodnavigator.com) A WHO spokesman told FoodNavigator: “Governments should take the lead role in developing new or strengthening existing policies in this area.” They should also ensure the protection of public interest and avoid... read more →
The potential heart health benefits of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder may be related to a ‘novel mechanism’ of boosting HDL (good) cholesterol, says a new study from Japan. (Confectionerynews.com) Researchers from the Food and Health R&D Laboratories at Japanese company Meiji Seika Kaisha report that cocoa’s potential ability to boost HDL levels is related to a proteins which boost levels of a compound called apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), which is... read more →
Leading maker of bulk chocolate, Barry Callebaut, has bought and exported the cocoa beans it needs to fulfill its processing needs, said a company spokesperson in reaction to the suspension of Ivory Coast exports. (Confectionerynews.com) Raphael Wermuth external communications manager at Barry Callebaut told ConfectioneryNews.com that the company’s two factories in Abidjan and San Pedro are still running. “For the time being our stock levels are sufficient,”... read more →
The deficit in the EU sugar supply could put production at risk for confectioners and other food and drink industry users of the commodity if market intervention does not occur, said Irish trade body FDII, who are calling on the EC to keep out-of-quota sugar within the bloc. (Confectionerynews.com) Thomas Burke, a spokesperson for Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII), told ConfectioneryNews.com that the industry group was not aware of any production... read more →
Morrisons’ bakery staff helped deliver 100 loaves of bread to a good cause while preparing for their big store opening. (Bakeryinfo.co.uk) The new supermarket in Handsworth, Birmingham opens on 31 January and, in preparation for the launch, the store’s bakery ovens had to be fired up to check they were in full working order. All the day’s baking was donated to the Handsworth Salvation Army. General manager Chris Hampton said: “I am delighted that... read more →
Pret A Manger aims to shake up its image and promote its store expansion plans with a PR push. (Bakeryinfo.co.uk) The sandwich and coffee chain has hired Lewis PR to look after consumer, corporate and social media PR globally, which will cover the opening of new outlets in the UK and its launch in France, as well as its 25th birthday celebrations this year. Paul Charles, chief operating officer at Lewis PR, said: “We’ll make sure its Twitter and Facebook... read more →
The organising committee of the London 2012 Olympics is keen to source products from small- and medium-sized bakery companies as it gears up for the 17-day event next year. (Bakeryinfo.co.uk) Food buyers from the London Organising Committee (LOCOG) will attend an event on 3 February, organised by consultant Prevista, where it will brief food companies, including bakeries, about what they are looking for from potential suppliers. The LOCOG sourcing team... read more →
