Shares in Barry Callebaut, the Switzerland-based chocolate giant, jumped today after the company posted rising first-quarter sales, helped by the emerging markets. Barry Callebaut recorded a 4.9% rise in sales to CHF1.52bn (US$1.56bn), although that growth was dampened by the strength of the Swiss franc versus the euro and the US dollar. When measured in local currencies, sales rose 14.2%. The company, which supplies the likes of Kraft Foods, Nestle and Hershey, said its sales volumes for the three... ...Read more »

The Victorian Government has announced changes to liquor licensing fees to help ease the burden on businesses and community groups that pose a low risk in relation to alcohol-related violence. Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O’Brien said that for more than 10,000 small businesses and community clubs right across Victoria it means liquor licensing fees will be more than halved. The base renewal fee has been reduced for the following categories: * full club (without gaming machines) *... ...Read more »

The Victorian Government will protect the future of Australian crops by making the first ever Australian germplasm deposit in the world’s most important seedbank reserve next month.Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh was at the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Horsham seedbank today as the package was sealed for transportation. Mr Walsh said the seeds would be sent to Svalbard where they would be locked in an underground vault on a remote Nordic island. “The... ...Read more »

According to Datamonitor’s recently launched report, Market Insights: Alcoholic Beverage sales in China – the country which ranked number one globally in volume of alcoholic beverage sales in 2009 – are forecast to reach 61 billion litres in 2014, compared to 47 billion litres in 2009.Several factors have contributed to the immense growth of alcohol consumption in China. Among many, rising disposable incomes and resulting improved lifestyles are considered the most important. Others,... ...Read more »

The reshuffling of Tesco’s UK team continued this week with the appointment of a director of internet retailing.Ken Towle, who has spent the last five and a half years as CEO of Tesco China, will be responsible for leading the group wide strategy of retailing on the internet, as well as the retailer’s UK dotcom operations. Towle replaces Laura Wade-Gery who was the chief executive for Dotcom for around seven years. She will move to become Tesco’s commercial director for clothing,... ...Read more »

The UK’s top four retailers all experienced growth in premium own-label ranges in the run-up to Christmas, according to data released yesterday (11 January). Figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks ending 26 December, showed that premium own-label ranges across Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s grew by 11% year-on-year. Sainsbury’s was the only ‘top-four’ retailer to increase its market share during the period – from 16.3% a year ago to 16.6%. Tesco’s... ...Read more »

South East Queensland residents should not “panic-buy” in supermarkets following the current flooding situation which has now affected Brisbane, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) warned tonight.AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said food and grocery manufacturers and major retailers were working as a team to maintain supplies of food and groceries in the flood-affected areas. “Industry is urging people in the flooded regions not to panic-buy food, groceries and other... ...Read more »

Sara Lee Corp has announced a new five-year initiative aiming to triple its purchases of sustainable coffee, expand partner programs and support the market for sustainable tea. The company, currently divesting itself of many of its product lines to focus on its coffee business, is speculated to be considering splitting its coffee and processed meats businesses. “Sara Lee’s long-term goal is to use only certified coffee and tea in all products worldwide, and this new aggressive five-year plan... ...Read more »

SMS is proving to be an invaluable tool for truckies navigating the flooded road system between Cairns and Brisbane, and ensuring North Queensland fruit makes it to southern markets. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the State Government had established an SMS update service to instantly get the latest road closure information to truck drivers on the road. “On New Year’s Eve five refrigerated transporting companies had about 50 semi-trailers... ...Read more »

The Coffee Club cafés across Australia have announced that they are are taking donations from the public to support victims of the recent floods which have brought vast devastation to regional Queensland communities. The Coffee Club is asking members of the public to make a donation at any of The Coffee Club cafés and support their fellow Australians, many of whom have lost everything from this natural disaster. Donations made at The Coffee Club will be forwarded to The Premier’s Disaster Relief... ...Read more »