The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has congratulated Australia’s 2010 Local Hero – New South Wales OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn. Ms Kahn, from Bronte, was recognised as part of the Australian of the Year Awards 2010 for her social and environmental leadership as the founder of OzHarvest – a charity which collects excess food from commercial operators and redistributes it to local charities. “Ronni Kahn is an outstanding citizen who inspires... ...Read more »

US food and drink manufacturers have seen a decline in product launches in 2009 due to the recession, reports Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD), but certain types of products saw growth in a sign of certain trends coming to the fore. Food and drink product launches have declined significantly since 2008, down nearly 30 per cent. Lynn Dornblaser, leading new product expert at Mintel, notes that the GNDP has never tracked a decline in launches of such magnitude in its decade-long history. “We... ...Read more »

Kim McConnie has been elevated to the post of Marketing Director for PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand, according to reports. McConnie took the place of Amanda Thomson at the beginning of the month, as Thomson moved back home to the UK to take up the lead marketing position for the beverages giant over there. Ms Thomson leaves after almost a decade in Australia, while McConnie returns to her native Australia after five years in charge of marketing in Bangkok, B&T reported. The move comes as the... ...Read more »

Italian confectioner Ferrero has ruled out a late takeover rival bid for Cadbury, formally declaring itself out of the race for the Dairy Milk maker. The announcement to the City this morning (25 January) came on the final day for firm offers under the UK’s takeover rules. Ferrero said in a statement that it “does not intend to make an offer for Cadbury”. US chocolate giant Hershey had ruled itself out of the running on Friday. Hershey and Ferrero both issued statements at the end... ...Read more »

CSR Limited has said they still intend to proceed with their demerger following meetings with China’s Bright Food about a possible takeover of their sugar and renewable energy business. The company, which is due to complete a demerger of their sugar and renewable energy division in the coming months, said that the talks with Bright only led to the Shanghai-based group “essentially restating its previous highly conditional, non-binding expression of interest”. “CSR believes... ...Read more »

Retail outlets have been warned to heed product recall advice after food safety authorities responded to a complaint that alleged an inner Sydney café was still using Bonsoy soy milk – a product that was subject to a nationwide recall in December. NSW Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan advised today that any company selling goods that have been recalled would face a heavy penalty. “Ignorance is no excuse, the NSW Food Authority issued advice prior to Christmas of the recall of... ...Read more »

The beverage packaging industry is experiencing a period of increasing innovation in design, materials and efficiency intended to meet cost and environmental concerns while enticing splintering consumer groups, according to new market research*. “Single-serve containers are particularly strong market drivers. Consumers are seeking ‘grab and go’ convenience at retail, and they’re increasingly looking to packaging for portion control – even with beverages,” notes... ...Read more »

In the past, processors’ success was based around a simpler business model that focused on manufacturing, logistics, customer service and low prices. However, future success will be based on consumer insights, brand management, product development and innovation, according to a new report from American-based Deloitte. “To achieve alignment with the future requirements, companies need to drive change throughout the organization and reduce the focus on things that were historically important... ...Read more »

The UK’s largest retailer has launched the first of its new “Buy One, Get One Free Later” deals, designed in response to alarming research showing the high levels of food waste. Such is the extent of food waste in the UK that the government is looking at the prospect of clamping down on traditional ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ (BOGOF) deals. This has already elicited a response from retailers, with Tesco’s new discount strategy to include the ability for customers to... ...Read more »

Hershey has advised that they will not make a bid for Cadbury in light of the revised Kraft offer that surprisingly gained the British confectioner’s support last week. Talks between Kraft’s Irene Rosenfeld and Cadbury heavyweights last Monday night helped lead the US maker of Oreo and Vegemite toward a new proposal that would be recommended by Cadbury’s Board. And, with Hershey pulling out, it now appears almost certain that the A$21 billion deal will go through. Hershey, along... ...Read more »