Chocolate giant Mars Inc has cut the saturated fat content across its brands in the UK. From September, Mars will cut the saturated fat in its Mars, Snickers, Milky Way and Topic bars by 15%, the firm said yesterday. The move is part of a EUR10m investment by the firm and will see the removal of around 600 tonnes of saturated fat per year from its brands, the chocolate maker said. Fiona Dawson, managing director, Mars Chocolate UK said: “Having been the nation’s favourite for 78 years,... ...Read more »

Has the long-sought magic potion in society’s “battle with the bulge” finally arrived? An appetite-control agent that requires no prescription, has no common side effects, and costs almost nothing? Scientists today reported results of a new clinical trial confirming that just two 8-ounce glasses of the stuff, taken before meals, enables people to shed pounds. The weight-loss elixir, they told the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), is ordinary water. “We... ...Read more »

Lindt & Sprüngli this week revealed an increase in first-half profits, boosted by increased volumes and innovation. For the six months to the end of June, the company earned CHF24.8 million (A$27.2 million), compared to a profit of CHF2.7 million last year. The growth, Lindt said, was primarily fuelled by increased volumes and improvements of product mixes as well as the launch of innovative products. Operating profit stood at CHF33.9 million, representing an increase of 40.7% on the prior... ...Read more »

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the release this week of a policy framework from the Queensland State Government, which aims to protect farm land from permanent damage that could result from destructive mining activities.On Monday, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson released the Queensland’s Strategic Cropping Land policy framework along with draft maps identifying areas eligible for protection as strategic cropping land. The maps identify... ...Read more »

Businesses both large and small are recognising the need to integratesustainability as a core business strategy as they move towards a new future. Bickford’s Australia, best known for its award winning famous range of Traditional Cordials, recognises their responsibility of reducing harm to the environment as adirect result of how they conduct their business. Initially established as a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Adelaide in 1839, Bickford’s has grown and evolved into a leading edge... ...Read more »

The IUFoST (International Union of Food Science and Technology) has honoured Nestlé with its prestigious President’s Award, which is given in recognition of efforts to advance global food science and technology for the benefit of everyone. Nestlé was specifically praised for its leadership in providing quality, safe, nutritious food products and services and in particular its food safety efforts and support of young scientists in IUFoST. Werner Bauer, Nestlé’s Executive Vice President... ...Read more »

Australian pizza maker Eagle Boys Pizza has bolstered its national expansion drive and almost doubled its Victorian presence with the conversion of key Encore Pizza stores. Eagle Boys had six stores in regional Victoria and has added four individual Encore Pizza franchised stores to its network. The Encore Pizza stores are located in Horsham, Ararat, Sunbury, and Colac. In March this year, Eagle Boys cemented its position as Australia’s second largest pizza chain after opening its 300th store.... ...Read more »

On Sunday 8th August, the eve of Singapore’s 45th birthday, Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars celebrated the opening of its newest store in Holland Village, marking the first franchise outside of Australia. Holland Village in Singapore has long been a popular eating and watering enclave for younger Singaporeans and expatriates and well known for its eclectic mix of live music joints, ritzy restaurants and casual wine bars. This popular area was abuzz with over 100 guests attending the opening night... ...Read more »

Fonterra has said that has set a new 12-month export record, sending 2.1 million metric tonnes of product to international markets for the first time in its nine-year history.The exports were 60,000 metric tonnes higher than those achieved in 2008/09 and were a factor in New Zealand’s six month run of consecutive trade surpluses, the company said. Milk powder, butter and cheese all ranked among the leading exports which saw the June trade surplus hit NZ$276m (US$193m) and the year-to-June surplus... ...Read more »

Private-equity group PAI Partners is reportedly mulling plans to split Yoplait into two separate companies within the framework of a possible sale of its 50% shareholding in the French fresh dairy product brand, according to media reports. At the end of last month, PAI Partners informed Yoplait’s works council that it was considering a possible sale of the stake but said a firm decision on its intentions had yet to be taken. One of the two companies making up the restructured Yoplait would... ...Read more »