Fonterra and National Foods discuss joint Dairy Farmers bid
June 30, 2008

Leading dairy companies Fonterra and National Foods are reportedly discussing the option of a joint bid for Australian dairy co-operative Dairy Farmers. Both companies have already sought ACCC approval for separate bids but a deal between the two is now in the offing. The idea would likely suit Fonterra as their desire to engage in a bidding war would have been reduced by their recent purchase of Nestlé’s Australian dessert and yoghurt operations. It is rumoured that the NZ dairy giant... ...Read more »

Fonterra purchase Nestle yoghurt and dessert
June 25, 2008

Nestlé Australia Ltd has announced it has sold its yoghurt and dairy dessert business, including its Echuca factory, to Fonterra. Under the agreement, dairy giant Fonterra will also acquire the long-term rights to manufacture, market and sell Nestlé’s yoghurt and dairy dessert brands in Australia under licence, alongside its own existing brands, thereby creating a stronger competitive presence in the chilled dairy sector. John Doumani, Managing Director of Fonterra Australia New Zealand,... ...Read more »

UK food industry rivals share delivery costs
June 20, 2008

In a move believed to be a world first, 37 of the UK’s leading food and consumer goods companies yesterday announced a major transport collaboration that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of transporting food and groceries in the UK. Initiatives such as sharing vehicles and more efficient warehousing will result in the industry saving 48 million miles of travel by the end of 2008 alone - equivalent to removing 800 lorries from Britain’s roads - and conserving 23 million... ...Read more »

Nestlé plans to tackle obesity with science
May 15, 2008

Nestlé, a world leading food manufacturer, is now attempting to create scientifically based foods to assist consumers in leading healthier lives. The Nestlé Research Center will work in combination with GE Global Research, the General Electric Company’s centralized research and development organization, to scientifically assess associations between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits. This unique relationship brings together the dynamic competencies of the Nestlé... ...Read more »

Nestlé aims to match taste with genes
May 12, 2008

The creation of foods which cater directly toward specific consumer preferences and needs may appear a forlorn goal but Nestlé are seeking to make it reality. The Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland, is beginning a collaborative study with leading international brain research institutions, Alberto Santos Dumont Association for Science, Brazil, and the Brain Mind Institute of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, to evaluate the influence of individual genetic... ...Read more »

Forward thinking the key to success
May 7, 2008

As economic issues continue to worry consumers the need for retailers to think ahead becomes even more pivotal. Food prices are rising, fuel is reaching record highs and interest rates are starting to bite and, consequently, many consumers are looking for cheaper options. The figures for credit card purchases in Australia for the month of February indicated yet another record high but the growth in the figure was the lowest for 17 years. The trend is no longer a steep incline and a fall could... ...Read more »

Nestle to produce health drinks with Boost
April 9, 2008

Boost Juice has created a range of smoothies which Nestle is set to produce and deliver to UK supermarkets, cafes and convenience stores. The Boost Juice franchise, most popular here in Australia, has only recently expanded into Britain. However, Nestle’s research suggested that the brand resonated with consumers and viewed Boost as an opportunity to continue their push into healthier food and beverage options. There are only eight Boost stores in the UK and with many more in Australia Nestle... ...Read more »