Research into the likely eating patterns of different generations shows that considerable changes in the consumption patterns are likely in coming years, with each generation to make a distinctive mark on how and what consumers will be eating in 10 years, The NPD Group said. In its ‘A Look into The Future of Eating’ report, American-based NPD finds that eating patterns over the next decade will be influenced by the behaviours that occur with aging, and the differences in preferences from... ...Read more »

UK confectionery company Cadbury confirmed yesterday that it unanimously rejects the takeover bid by US company Kraft Foods. On 4 December of this year, Kraft Food attempted to purchase Cadbury, taking the offer directly to shareholders, but the Board unanimously rejected Kraft’s offer as “wholly inadequate” because it “substantially undervalue[d] Cadbury.” Cadbury has now released a defence document to explain to its shareholders the decision to reject the recent takeover... ...Read more »

Fonterra announced yesterday a price increase of 17 cents per kilogram (c/kg) of milk solids for Victorian and Tasmanian dairy farmers. The price increase will will be backdated to 1 July 2009 and predicts an average annual price for dairy suppliers of $4.06 per kg of milk solids. “This is our third step-up of the season and means Fonterra’s farmgate price is now 46 c/kg higher than at the season opening in July,” said Heather Stacy who is the National Milk Services Manager for Fonterra. The... ...Read more »

German discount supermarket chain Aldi has once again topped Australian consumer satisfaction rankings for supermarkets during the month of October 2009 according to an independent survey released today. A recent Roy Morgan Supermarket Satisfaction Report shows that supermarket chain, Aldi, gained a 2.2% point increase from last month, equating to a satisfaction of 9 out of 10 customers for a total rating of 91.0% satisfaction. IGA was down 1% point to 86.4% from September, while Woolworths (86.0%)... ...Read more »

The Federal Government’s Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, has announced a funding program for local governments to foster healthier lifestyles. The move is in line with preventative health measures. These measures include dietary education programs that are aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity. Minister Roxon said, “The Rudd Government knows that the cost of inaction on chronic disease is too high. We know that cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes... ...Read more »

Campbell Soup Co. announced yesterday (14 December) that it will cut the sodium content of its SpaghettiOs canned pastas by up to 35%. It is the second time that the US food group has cut sodium in SpaghettiOs in two years and the company said it had brought its SpaghettiOs varieties in line with US government criteria for healthy main dishes – controlled for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and containing a significant level of at least two positive nutrients. The product will begin... ...Read more »

Unilever and Coca-Cola Co. have joined forces to launch a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the global consumer goods industry.The two giant firms hope to change the behaviour of customers and suppliers with the guide, which has been launched as businesses urged governments to provide a lead on controlling greenhouse gases at this week’s UN climate change conference in Copenhagen. The consumer goods initiative – ‘Moving Fast to a Cleaner Climate: A manager’s guide... ...Read more »

Bellarine Peninsula abalone farm Great Southern Waters’ success in exporting its Jade Tiger Abalone to Asian markets has been recognised with the company announced as 2009 Emerging Exporter of the year at the recent Governor of Victoria Export Awards. Developed by Great Southern Waters in conjunction with the CSIRO, Jade Tiger Abalone has been tailor bred to appeal to Asian palettes, and is now grown, harvested and exported live to customers in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland China. “Great... ...Read more »

A shopper experience study underway in the United States has shown that consumers are beginning to define value differently than before. More often consumers are attributing value to price, where the past couple months it was defined as an equal balance between quality and price, the researchers from Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research advised. “Across all channels, shoppers continue to report buying cheaper items lately, compared to three months ago,” said Randy Wahl, executive vice president... ...Read more »

Growing consumer awareness of functional foods is spurring demand and boosting product availability for digestive health ingredients, according to a market research report from the EU. Functional foods have been high on the agenda of a number of food manufacturers due to the growing demand for healthy food. However, the market is still firmly in the growth stage as it takes time to confirm the image of healthfulness in the mind of the consumer. In 2008, digestive health was the largest product segment... ...Read more »