Woolworths Supermarkets has warned Australian bread manufacturing giant, Goodman Fielder, that any changes made to the shelf-life of its bread will be “taken seriously” by the supermarket chain. Woolworths statement came in response to reports this week that Goodman Fielder is considering extending the shelf-life of its bread using food technology to save money through a lower frequency of deliveries. Woolworths spokesperson Benedict Brook told Australian Food News, “Woolworths are the ‘fresh... ...Read more »

Kraft escalates Starbucks dispute: injunction Kraft Foods has announced that it is seeking a preliminary injunction in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York against Starbucks Coffee Company in an attempt to stop Starbucks’ planned termination of the distribution agreement between the two companies. The agreement has given Kraft exclusive rights for the sales, marketing and distribution of Starbucks roast and ground coffee in grocery and other retail outlets for the past... ...Read more »

PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America division will begin rolling out fully-electric delivery trucks in New York. The company plans to deploy 21 electric trucks this year and projects it will roll out 155 more trucks in 2011, making it the largest commercial fleet of all-electric trucks in North America. The trucks have been designed by Smith Electric Vehicles to generate zero tailpipe emissions and operate for up to 100 miles on a single charge. “Frito-Lay has implemented bold goals for... ...Read more »

Ocean Spray has announced that, from March 2010, manufacturing giant Heinz will manufacture and distribute the Ocean Spray range of beverages and sauces in Australia. Heinz will takeover from Coca-Cola Amatil who, via their subsidiary SPC Ardmona, began a three-year production deal with Ocean Spray in 2007. The partnership will boost Heinz Australia’s share of the grocery ambient fruit juice/juice drink category to around 28% in the wake of last year’s Golden Circle purchase and offers... ...Read more »

The Distributors – Australian wholesalers specialising in confectionary and snackfoods, has secured a contract with Mobil, giving the company exclusive confectionary distribution rights to 460 Mobil stores nationwide. The company, which has grown to 42 warehouses across Australia, outrivalled two confectionary competitors. “Working closely with one supplier on a national basis will give us a more efficient model to deliver NPD, promotional activity, and product allocations. The agreement... ...Read more »

Schweppes Australia, which was recently purchased by Asahi, has signed an agreement to sell the leading American energy drink in Australia. Monster Energy, owned by Hansen Natural, will be launched by Schweppes on July 1, adding to the growing list of brands in the burgeoning Australian energy drink sector. Last year, Coca-Cola Amatil showed the potential for new entrants with strong distribution networks with the successful relaunch of Mother gaining market share from leaders V and Red Bull, while... ...Read more »

PepsiCo’s bid for their largest bottler, The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG), has been rejected as “grossly inadequate”. PepsiCo announced their intention to purchase their two largest bottlers – PBG and PepsiAmericas – around a fortnight ago as part of their plan to gain greater control over distribution. Such a move would enable the group to react to market changes and introduce new innovations more swiftly, consequently providing a competitive advantage over their main... ...Read more »