As the US begins to emerge from recession, restaurants are seeing lapsed customers return. Same-store sales are inching up, signaling the industry’s initial rebound to health; hiring is also up, signaling positive expectations for 2011. But this isn’t the same restaurant industry as before. Big changes are on the way-on menus, in concept development and in the competitive landscape.Technomic, the leading foodservice research and consulting firm, examines the future for restaurants through... ...Read more »

Health experts have long touted the health benefits of antioxidant-rich red wine and recent research even suggests that light wine consumption (1-2 glasses a week) is no longer off limits for pregnant women. This holiday season consumers are sure to be lifting their glasses without guilt as Mintel research found that 85% of imbibers believe drinking wine in moderation can be good for your overall health. Additionally, 87% of wine drinkers believe red wine in moderation can be good for your heart,... ...Read more »

The Co-operative Group has recalled some batches of its own-brand Lemon and Lime Flavour Still Spring Water Drink (6 x 500ml) because of an unpleasant smell and the possible risk of mould growing. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice. The product that has been recalled is: Product: The Co-operative Lemon and Lime Flavour Still Spring Water Drink Pack size: 6 x 500ml bottles Best before: December 2010 and February 2011 Batch codes: L0158, L0159, L0175, L0179, L0229, L0230 The... ...Read more »

The Hershey Company invites consumers to embark on a new powerfully cool taste experience with the launch of Ice BreakersFrost sugar-free mints. The only mint coated with an intense combination of xylitol, cooling and flavor crystals, new Ice Breakers Frost mints deliver a surprisingly powerful and enjoyable experience. Ice Breakers Frost mints are now available at retail in two intensely cool flavors – Wintercool and peppermint.”Ice Breakers Frost mints are designed for those who are... ...Read more »

New research by Sainsbury’s released today, in the approach to Stir up Sunday, reveals that Christmas baking disasters are costing the nation £30 million a year. 1 in 4 of us will attempt to make a Christmas cake this year, with 2.9 million Brits making a cake so bad it will be destined for the bin – wasting on average £10 per attempt!Baking at home has never been more popular, with 20% of Brits admitting to baking more in 2010 than in 2009. But while we may enjoy baking, our attempts... ...Read more »

The Australian Caper Company has scored a double win at the 2010 South Australian Premier’s Food Industry Awards, announced last week in Adelaide.Taking out the combination of the Peats Soil Creating Sustainability Award and the SARDI Leading Innovation Award was a special moment for company founder, Jonathon Trewartha. “With our products, you are eating the herb, the leaf and fruit of the plant. The crop not only creates vital rural jobs but is environmentally sustainable,” Mr... ...Read more »

The head of Europe’s leading consumer watchdog has said mandatory EU labelling information has become so complex and detailed even she cannot understand it.Speaking at the CIAA Congress in Brussels last Thursday (18 November), Monique Goyens, director-general of the European Consumers Organisation (BEUC), said: “Being able to read what’s on a packet is becoming more difficult as more and more information is included and the letters get smaller.” Goyens admitted she did not... ...Read more »

A senior executive at food giant Cargill has said international food manufacturers should innovate more effectively to seize new markets, especially in the developing world.Cargill executive vice president Frank van Lierde was speaking at the first seminar of an event hosted by the CIAA in Brussels last Thursday (18 November), which debated the potential riches that could be earned by exports to emerging markets. Van Lierde said middle-class consumers in emerging markets were increasingly sophisticated.... ...Read more »

“It’s a pity that talking business to business or doing ‘trade’ advertising barely makes it onto most media schedules for food brands” said Susie Cole, Publisher of Australian Food News and long time advertising & marketing professional. “Most media buying agencies are concentrating on consumer focussed digital, TV, radio & print while building brand awareness amongst grocers, convenience stores, restaurateurs, food service companies, wholesalers, distributors... ...Read more »

Kellogg’s today received some tough news to swallow as it was named as having one of Australia’s worst junk food marketing campaigns to target children, for the fourth year running. Parents from around the country voted the distasteful campaign for LCMs snack bars winner of the ‘Pester Power’ category, in the sixth annual Parents Jury Fame & Shame Awards held in Sydney. In a further blow to Kellogg’s, parents also crowned the giant food manufacturer’s ads for... ...Read more »