  | April 22, 2011 | News for the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry |  |  |
- Cadbury, Nestle cut waste on Easter egg packaging in the U.K.
 Cadbury and Nestle in the U.K. say they have improved packaging for their Easter eggs to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. The U.K.'s Local Government Association, which has been pushing for such changes, said, "Retailers and manufacturers have listened to the concerns of the public and reduced the amount of unnecessary packaging on Easter eggs." FoodProductionDaily.com (4/21)        - Swiss Miss cocoa to get a coffee pod
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has signed a deal to brew Swiss Miss cocoa from ConAgra in its one-cup Keurig machines. Green Mountain commands more than 80% of the single-cup machine market, and has signed on brands including Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts and Folgers. Reuters (4/21) - Vitabath bubbles anew
Vitabath is launching 17 body washes, starting with a lime citron basil version exclusive to Costco, in a bid to revive a brand that is more than 50 years old. "Our new body washes combine the trusted elements of the existing Vitabath brand -- rich, nourishing lather and high-quality ingredients -- with playful packaging and fresh fragrances," said CEO Richard Neill Drug Store News (4/21)  | Learn about the top insurance risks manufacturers face today with Zurich's Virtual Consulting tool. Sign up for FREE access today! |
 - Recession leaves its mark on eco-friendly products
Products that tout environmental credentials, such as the Green Works line from Clorox, saw sales drop more compared with conventional products during the recession, according to Sanford C. Bernstein. "If it's one or two pennies higher in price, they're not going to buy it," said a partner with consulting firm A. T. Kearney. "There is a discrepancy between what people say and what they do." The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (4/21)  | Health care reform got you down? Learn more from UnitedHealthcare on how the federal changes to medical benefits will affect you and your employees. This comprehensive guide highlights incentives for enrollment and a timeline of important dates and deadlines. Don't let them pass you by—Learn more here! |
 | Retail Spotlight |  | | | - "We need to have what the customer wants," Fry's exec says
Ann Reed, vice president of Fry's Food Stores, is responsible for product assortment, in-store promotion and advertising for the Arizona chain. Reed is working to develop social media and online marketing. "Fry's is one of Kroger's top divisions and is known for its innovation," she said. "It's also the market leader in a very competitive market." The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (4/22)  | The Plum Card®
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| Science & Technology | | | | - Study: Lack of transparency raises concerns about nanotech food
A study commissioned by the U.K. Food Standards Agency found that consumers are voicing concern about the use of nanotechnology in food because of a lack of information about benefits and risks. "This research shows yet again that consumers want greater transparency about what is going on," said chief policy adviser Sue Davies. "Research and regulatory gaps need to be urgently addressed, and people need to be given meaningful labeling and information about the use of nanoingredients in food." FoodNavigator (4/21) | Health & Wellness | | | | - "Nobody eats in the style of the pyramid," an expert says
The federal government's recent update of the Food Pyramid has not changed shopper behavior, but it does influence food marketers, said Melissa Abbott, director of culinary insight for market researcher Hartman Group. "Consumers know what they know because of company product claims that came out of the changes in 2005, not the government recommendations themselves," she said, adding that social networks and Oprah Winfrey also are influential. MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (4/21) - Coffee might not raise risk for high blood pressure, analysis finds
A meta-analysis of six studies involving more than 170,000 people found that those who consumed more than five cups of coffee daily were just as likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure as those who drank very little. The study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who drank one to three cups daily were slightly more likely to have high blood pressure compared with those who drank less, but researchers couldn't explain the findings. Reuters (4/21) | GMA News | | | |
| Government & Food Safety | | | | - California bill would tax sweetened drinks
A bill introduced in California would levy a tax of 1 cent per fluid ounce for drinks with added caloric sweeteners, including sports drinks and iced tea. Bob Achermann, spokesman for the California-Nevada Soft Drink Association, said a better approach to combating obesity is to raise awareness of eating well and exercising. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) (free registration) (4/21)
| SmartQuote | | | |  | On Spaceship Earth there are no passengers; everybody is a member of the crew. We have moved into an age in which everybody's activities affect everybody else."
--Marshall McLuhan,
Canadian educator, philosopher and scholar
quoted for Earth Day, April 22, 2011  |
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