In the December 2011 issue of Food Technology magazine, published by the US-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), contributing Editor A. Elizabeth Sloan writes about the latest whole grain trends in food: 1.     Food marketing claims relating to the benefits of whole grains are now the most sought after health claims on food packages, followed by claims about dietary fiber, according to the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) 2011 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report. 2.      The number... ...Read more »

The “2020: Industry at a Crossroads” report, launched today at Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Industry Leaders’ Forum in Canberra forecasts severe job losses and continuing loss of competition in the food and grocery manufacturing sector by 2020. “Industry turn-over is forecast to decline by 0.2 per cent per annum over the coming decade from $108 billion to between $105 billion and $106 billion in 2020. Over that same period, retail demand is due to grow at 3.7 per cent per annum... ...Read more »

This year’s Annual Food and Grocery Executive Program, run by the Institute of Food and Grocery Management, will be held from the 18th through 23rd of September at the Mt Eliza Centre for Executive Education in Victoria. This program is for present and next generation leaders in the Australian and New Zealand fresh food, grocery, beverage and FMCG industry.  The course provides a unique opportunity for managers and entrepreneurs across all industry segments to network and address current issues... ...Read more »

The UK’s coalition government yesterday unveiled a draft bill to establish an adjudicatory body to oversee the implementation of the code that governs relations between the country’s suppliers and retailers. In a written parliamentary statement, Business Minister Ed Davey said the body would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), which is designed to curtail “abuses of power” in the supply chain and protect consumer interests. The... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery council has decried the Federal Government’s proposed carbon tax, saying it will increase the cost of food and grocery manufacturing in Australia. While full details of the carbon tax have not yet been announced, AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said a tax on carbon would be another cost to food and grocery manufacturers who are currently weathering a “perfect storm”. “Industry is under growing pressure from rising input costs across the supply chain,... ...Read more »

Lenard Poulter, founder of the successful Lenard’s chicken franchise, has struck out at retail giant Coles for its decision to include fresh chicken in its price war with rival Woolworths. Poulter called on the Federal Government to intervene to stop the market domination by Coles and Woolworths, which he says is damaging farmers, manufacturers and suppliers and is not in the long-term interests of consumers. “This market dominance by the major retailers who are insisting on unsustainable... ...Read more »

The proportion of grocery products sold on promotion in the UK has hit an “all time high”, according to the latest data from research firm Nielsen. UK grocery sales witnessed a “dramatic” slowdown in March prompting the sector to employ “powerful” promotions in order to maintain sales, Nielsen claimed yesterday. “Shoppers are responding well to powerful promotions and we are seeing 40% of all sales now on promotion – an all time high,” senior... ...Read more »

Coles has pegged fresh chicken as the next target for its ‘Down, Down’ price reduction campaign, sparking fears of a new price war with rival Coles and further concern that primary producers will eventually bear the financial burden of the supermarkets’ cheaper products. Coles boss Ian McLeod told The Age that chicken is next on the company’s list last night, just hours before he was due to appear in front of a Senate economics committee to explain the price war’s implications... ...Read more »

Grocery wholesaler Metcash has reduced its 2011 full-year earnings guidance on the back of difficult trading conditions. The company yesterday cut its earnings growth to between 3% to 5%, down on the previously forecast 6% to 8%. The reduced forecast was based on continuing food and liquor price deflation, value-driven consumer behaviour, escalating utility costs, unseasonal weather and high interest rates. Metcash added that the flooding in Queensland and Victoria has impacted operations, but the... ...Read more »

Sara Lee, the US food group, on Friday (28 January) confirmed plans to split itself in two.The company’s senior management has drawn up proposals, backed by its board, to create two publicly-traded businesses. One company, which will retain the Sara Lee name, will be spun off and focus on the group’s North American grocery retail and foodservice arms. The company, which would have had sales of US$4.1bn in Sara Lee’s last fiscal year, will sell brands including Jimmy Dean meats and... ...Read more »