Thursday, December 24, 2009
A Message From ihr
Happy holidays and all the best for 2010 from ihr magazine and Rive Gauche Media!
INDUSTRY NEWS: Recession fails to stop organic food growth
Good news for retailers - organic food sales in Europe have held up in the recession, and consumers do not seem to be put off by premium prices. North American retailers can take a cue from Europe as part of an optimistic entrance into 2010.
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By Guy Montague-Jones, 22-Dec-2009
Organic food sales in much of Europe have held up in the recession, bucking fears that the price premium would put off consumers, according to Organic Monitor.
Looking back at 2009, Amarjit Sahota, director of consultancy and research firm Organic Monitor, estimated overall growth in Europe was between 2 and 6 per cent. This is a drop from the double-digit growth rates of previous years but it is still unusually strong for a premium priced category.
Within Europe there were significant differences between countries. Sahota said growth rates varied according to the severity of the recession and the attitude of retailers.
UK and Spain
Organic sales were worst hit in the UK and Spain - countries which were both badly affected by the recession. Consumers traded down from premium organics to ordinary products, and switched allegiance to cheaper retailers where organics have a weaker presence.
But Sahota said retailer expectation that this would happen was perhaps just as important, if not more so, than an actual easing of consumer demand.
When the financial crisis erupted in autumn last year, UK retailers quickly reduced lines of organic foods in anticipation of a drop off in consumer demand. Sahota said this contributed to a significant reduction in sales figures between August and March, but that since then, the market has stabalised.
He added that growth was returning in some sectors, prompting retailers to admit to acting hastily when they cut back on organic orders at the tail end of last year.
Positive European growth
Meanwhile, in other countries organic food sales have continued to increase. Sahota said signs are that Italy, Germany and France all posted positive growth in 2009.
And in Sweden and Denmark, Organic Monitor said double-digit growth is expected for 2009 thanks to greater economic resistance to the recession and a more steadfast attitude from retailers.
Research from Organic Monitor suggests global organic food sales are now expected to top $50bn in 2009 - about $10m above 2007 levels.
Sahota said there has been no loss of interest in organics over the past year and that the market is set for full recovery in 2010.
Source: Dairy Reporter USA
_________________________
By Guy Montague-Jones, 22-Dec-2009
Organic food sales in much of Europe have held up in the recession, bucking fears that the price premium would put off consumers, according to Organic Monitor.
Looking back at 2009, Amarjit Sahota, director of consultancy and research firm Organic Monitor, estimated overall growth in Europe was between 2 and 6 per cent. This is a drop from the double-digit growth rates of previous years but it is still unusually strong for a premium priced category.
Within Europe there were significant differences between countries. Sahota said growth rates varied according to the severity of the recession and the attitude of retailers.
UK and Spain
Organic sales were worst hit in the UK and Spain - countries which were both badly affected by the recession. Consumers traded down from premium organics to ordinary products, and switched allegiance to cheaper retailers where organics have a weaker presence.
But Sahota said retailer expectation that this would happen was perhaps just as important, if not more so, than an actual easing of consumer demand.
When the financial crisis erupted in autumn last year, UK retailers quickly reduced lines of organic foods in anticipation of a drop off in consumer demand. Sahota said this contributed to a significant reduction in sales figures between August and March, but that since then, the market has stabalised.
He added that growth was returning in some sectors, prompting retailers to admit to acting hastily when they cut back on organic orders at the tail end of last year.
Positive European growth
Meanwhile, in other countries organic food sales have continued to increase. Sahota said signs are that Italy, Germany and France all posted positive growth in 2009.
And in Sweden and Denmark, Organic Monitor said double-digit growth is expected for 2009 thanks to greater economic resistance to the recession and a more steadfast attitude from retailers.
Research from Organic Monitor suggests global organic food sales are now expected to top $50bn in 2009 - about $10m above 2007 levels.
Sahota said there has been no loss of interest in organics over the past year and that the market is set for full recovery in 2010.
Source: Dairy Reporter USA
INDUSTRY NEWS: IKEA CANADA SUES OVER SOIL CONTAMINATION
Important news for companies when considering store and manufacturing locations.
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OTTAWA — Ikea Canada in a lawsuit claims that a section of land where the company wants to build its largest store in Canada has been contaminated with dry-cleaning chemicals. Ikea claims that an environmental study found tetrachloroethylene (also referred to as PCE or "perc") in the soil of the location at issue.
Ikea claims the contamination is affecting plans to move the company’s location. Ikea has launched the lawsuit against the owner of a small strip mall near the site, the past owner of the strip mall, and the owners of two dry-cleaning outlets that operated there until 2004. Ikea is seeking an Order whereby the Defendants will pay for the cleanup. The lawsuit claims $1 million in damages from each of the eight Defendants, plus other costs. Ikea's lawsuit has also set off third-party litigation between the Defendants. Soil samples taken from the property during a 2007 environmental assessment found concentrations of the chemical at 37 parts per billion, about seven times the limit for non-potable groundwater. "The degradation products of PCE over time is also dangerous and harmful to humans and the natural environment," Ikea says in the lawsuit. "The migration of the PCE onto the Ikea property, which contains both retail operations and restaurants, poses a hazard which Ikea cannot properly address while the migration from the Baxter property continues."
________________
OTTAWA — Ikea Canada in a lawsuit claims that a section of land where the company wants to build its largest store in Canada has been contaminated with dry-cleaning chemicals. Ikea claims that an environmental study found tetrachloroethylene (also referred to as PCE or "perc") in the soil of the location at issue.
Ikea claims the contamination is affecting plans to move the company’s location. Ikea has launched the lawsuit against the owner of a small strip mall near the site, the past owner of the strip mall, and the owners of two dry-cleaning outlets that operated there until 2004. Ikea is seeking an Order whereby the Defendants will pay for the cleanup. The lawsuit claims $1 million in damages from each of the eight Defendants, plus other costs. Ikea's lawsuit has also set off third-party litigation between the Defendants. Soil samples taken from the property during a 2007 environmental assessment found concentrations of the chemical at 37 parts per billion, about seven times the limit for non-potable groundwater. "The degradation products of PCE over time is also dangerous and harmful to humans and the natural environment," Ikea says in the lawsuit. "The migration of the PCE onto the Ikea property, which contains both retail operations and restaurants, poses a hazard which Ikea cannot properly address while the migration from the Baxter property continues."
INDUSTRY NEWS + MARKET RESEARCH: Antioxidant-rich fruit flavours driving confectionery innovation, report
Keeping track of trends in the European market gives retailers an added perspective when planning their stock and merchandising new products. One merchandising tactic would be to create a display or area based on European food trends - the link to foreign products and buying habits can be interesting and enticing to consumers, and show that the retailers has a well-rounded knowledge of the industry.
________________
By Jane Byrne
Flavour innovation has been driving new product development in a relatively mature European chocolate, chewing gum and sugar confectionery market with antioxdant-rich fruits coming to the fore, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food Research.
And across the region the trend for natural and additive free has taken hold, with companies phasing out new ingredients or launching new lines on an all natural platform, report the analysts in the new publication Food and Beverage Trends in Western Europe.
Snacks, bakery and confectionery account for a third of flavours consumption worldwide, while ready meals represent the largest segment for flavourings with a share of around 28 per cent. Global usage of flavourings by the food and drink industry was worth between $6.5bn and $7bn in 2008, having risen by around 2 per cent per annum in recent years, states the report.
In terms of sugar confectionery, the market analysts note that the fruit flavours appearing more frequently in sweets are blueberry and cranberry boosted by their antioxidant-rich reputation, while a growth in medicated confectionery is spurring the emergences of honey and lemon infused flavours.
And they also report a rising number of new product launches containing liquorice, with the UK based researchers noting increased consumer interest in the ingredient as a result of its healthy image.
According to the data, there has been a notable shift to sour flavours also in the European sugar confectionery market, and this is being felt most strongly in the children’s sector.
“Sour flavours hold a particular appeal for children, many of which are seeking a more intense taste experience,” report the analysts.
Some global confectionery brands, they add, have been adapting their products to local fruit varieties, with a seabuckthron flavoured filled sweet launched in Germany by Kaiser in 2008.
Some of the more recent trends in chocolate confectionery flavours include spices such as cardamom and ginger, particularly in Germany and France. Raspberry and cranberry flavours having also been coming to the fore in this segment, said the researchers.
And tropical flavours such as mango and passion fruit, they continue, have maintained a good presence in recent years in both the chocolate and sugar confectionery categories.
Delivering sensory experiences through gum is high on the agenda for chewing gum manufacturers by way of flavour flecks and liquid filling. Intense flavours and mint-fruit combinations are dominating but raspberry, mango, lime, papaya, peach, apricot and melon are some of the flavours coming to the fore in this sector.
“Innovation in chewing gum across Europe tends to spread quality and evenly across the markets as the result of a handful of companies dominating the category,” said the analysts.
Source: Food Navigator USA
________________
By Jane Byrne
Flavour innovation has been driving new product development in a relatively mature European chocolate, chewing gum and sugar confectionery market with antioxdant-rich fruits coming to the fore, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food Research.
And across the region the trend for natural and additive free has taken hold, with companies phasing out new ingredients or launching new lines on an all natural platform, report the analysts in the new publication Food and Beverage Trends in Western Europe.
Snacks, bakery and confectionery account for a third of flavours consumption worldwide, while ready meals represent the largest segment for flavourings with a share of around 28 per cent. Global usage of flavourings by the food and drink industry was worth between $6.5bn and $7bn in 2008, having risen by around 2 per cent per annum in recent years, states the report.
In terms of sugar confectionery, the market analysts note that the fruit flavours appearing more frequently in sweets are blueberry and cranberry boosted by their antioxidant-rich reputation, while a growth in medicated confectionery is spurring the emergences of honey and lemon infused flavours.
And they also report a rising number of new product launches containing liquorice, with the UK based researchers noting increased consumer interest in the ingredient as a result of its healthy image.
According to the data, there has been a notable shift to sour flavours also in the European sugar confectionery market, and this is being felt most strongly in the children’s sector.
“Sour flavours hold a particular appeal for children, many of which are seeking a more intense taste experience,” report the analysts.
Some global confectionery brands, they add, have been adapting their products to local fruit varieties, with a seabuckthron flavoured filled sweet launched in Germany by Kaiser in 2008.
Some of the more recent trends in chocolate confectionery flavours include spices such as cardamom and ginger, particularly in Germany and France. Raspberry and cranberry flavours having also been coming to the fore in this segment, said the researchers.
And tropical flavours such as mango and passion fruit, they continue, have maintained a good presence in recent years in both the chocolate and sugar confectionery categories.
Delivering sensory experiences through gum is high on the agenda for chewing gum manufacturers by way of flavour flecks and liquid filling. Intense flavours and mint-fruit combinations are dominating but raspberry, mango, lime, papaya, peach, apricot and melon are some of the flavours coming to the fore in this sector.
“Innovation in chewing gum across Europe tends to spread quality and evenly across the markets as the result of a handful of companies dominating the category,” said the analysts.
Source: Food Navigator USA
INDUSTRY NEWS: US finds salmonella in Canada canola meal from ADM
By Rod Nickel
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has placed shipping restrictions against a Canadian crushing plant owned by ADM Agri-Industries due to the presence of salmonella bacteria in canola meal, according to FDA records.
The restrictions, which allow the FDA to detain shipments without examining them, are the latest against several Canadian crushers this year, a trend that has caused crushing volume to fall and canola futures to weaken.
ADM Agri-Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM.N). The FDA placed restrictions on its plant in Windsor, Ontario, on Dec. 18, according to FDA records and ADM.
Three plants owned by Bunge (BG.N) remain on the list as well, along with one owned by Viterra (VT.TO).
ADM immediately closed its Windsor plant and cleaned it extensively after the FDA imposed restrictions, said company spokesman Roman Blahoski. It has since resumed crushing but is not shipping to the United States, he said.
"As an industry, we are working with the FDA to resolve the issue," he said. "The company expects to resume shipping to the United States once it meets all FDA protocols."
Canadian meal shipments to the United States, its top export market, are down sharply this year because of the FDA's zero tolerance for salmonella.
Canada is the world's top exporter of canola. Its meal is used as a protein source in feed for livestock, especially U.S. dairy cattle.
The FDA has a strict policy for salmonella because of widespread food-borne illness this year in the United States. The canola industry argues that meal should not receive the same scrutiny as human food.
The restrictions do not affect ADM's canola crushing plants in Lloydminster, Alberta, and Watson, Saskatchewan.
The canola industry had been feeling "cautiously optimistic" about shipments to the U.S., said Canola Council of Canada President JoAnne Buth earlier in the day. The FDA had earlier this month removed restrictions against a Cargill [CARG.UL] crushing plant.
ADM shares on the New York Stock Exchange ended little changed on Tuesday, up one U.S. cent.
The news of ADM's restrictions broke just as trading at the ICE Canada canola futures market was closing. Benchmark March canola settled down 1 percent.
Less supply of canola meal could be bullish for U.S. soy meal, which is also used as a protein source for livestock.
Source: Reuters
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has placed shipping restrictions against a Canadian crushing plant owned by ADM Agri-Industries due to the presence of salmonella bacteria in canola meal, according to FDA records.
The restrictions, which allow the FDA to detain shipments without examining them, are the latest against several Canadian crushers this year, a trend that has caused crushing volume to fall and canola futures to weaken.
ADM Agri-Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM.N). The FDA placed restrictions on its plant in Windsor, Ontario, on Dec. 18, according to FDA records and ADM.
Three plants owned by Bunge (BG.N) remain on the list as well, along with one owned by Viterra (VT.TO).
ADM immediately closed its Windsor plant and cleaned it extensively after the FDA imposed restrictions, said company spokesman Roman Blahoski. It has since resumed crushing but is not shipping to the United States, he said.
"As an industry, we are working with the FDA to resolve the issue," he said. "The company expects to resume shipping to the United States once it meets all FDA protocols."
Canadian meal shipments to the United States, its top export market, are down sharply this year because of the FDA's zero tolerance for salmonella.
Canada is the world's top exporter of canola. Its meal is used as a protein source in feed for livestock, especially U.S. dairy cattle.
The FDA has a strict policy for salmonella because of widespread food-borne illness this year in the United States. The canola industry argues that meal should not receive the same scrutiny as human food.
The restrictions do not affect ADM's canola crushing plants in Lloydminster, Alberta, and Watson, Saskatchewan.
The canola industry had been feeling "cautiously optimistic" about shipments to the U.S., said Canola Council of Canada President JoAnne Buth earlier in the day. The FDA had earlier this month removed restrictions against a Cargill [CARG.UL] crushing plant.
ADM shares on the New York Stock Exchange ended little changed on Tuesday, up one U.S. cent.
The news of ADM's restrictions broke just as trading at the ICE Canada canola futures market was closing. Benchmark March canola settled down 1 percent.
Less supply of canola meal could be bullish for U.S. soy meal, which is also used as a protein source for livestock.
Source: Reuters
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS: Nanotechnology boosts nutraceutical bioavailability: study
Nanotechnology such as nanoemulsions and polymer micelles-based delivery systems can boost the bioavailability of nutrients such as phytochemcials, according to a review of the technology published in the Journal of Food Science.
The researchers found that dibenzoylmethane nanemulsions (derived from liquorice) in the range of 50nm to 200nm could enhance oral availability threefold over conventional emulsions in the 1μm to 100μm range
Bipolymer micelles (derived from amphiphiles, which have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties) functional groups demonstrated improved water solubility/dispersibility and in vitro anti-cancer activity of phytochemicals.
But the researchers from the Food Science Department at Rutgers University in New Jersey said more investigation was required into nano impacts, especially in in vivo, “to address public concerns”.
The scientific review, supported by US Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative Program, noted there was increased demand for, “functional food ingredients with improved water solubility, thermal stability, oral bioavailability, sensory attributes, and physiological performance.”
Phytochemicals are an example of a nutrient type that is poorly absorbed by the human body and which have been the subject of encapsulation research to boost their performance, via methods such as introducing other nutrients including polysaccharides, proteins and emulsifiers.
These controlled-release approaches can be assisted with nanotechnology methods.
“Although many different delivery systems are now available to delivery bioactive components in nutraceuticals and functional foods, clear in vitro or in vivo evidences of their biological efficacies are still limited,” the researchers wrote.
Phytochemical lipophilia
They noted the problem with the majority of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, is their poor solubility, or the fact they were lipophilic compounds.
“To overcome instability, poor water solubility, and to enhance the bioavailability of nutraceuticals, one option to entrap the compound of interest into a food matrix is to use nanoemulsion,” the wrote.
“Compared with conventional methods, such as co-solvent addition, micronizing/milling, spray drying, and salt formation, the use of lipid based delivery systems, such as micro/nanoemulsions and micelles, offers many advantages...”
These include high kinetic or thermodynamic stability; the ability to combine hydrophilic or lipophilic phytochemicals in the same nanoemulsions; the ability to more easily transport droplets through cell membranes.
The researchers noted that while the use of polyphenols in capsules and tablets is common, “their biological effects are frequently diminished or even lost due to incomplete absorption and first-pass metabolism.”
The researchers said that nanoencapsulation could benefit CoQ10, omega-3s and curcumin among others.
In conclusion they observed: “Nanoemulsions-based delivery systems have been proved to be one of the best platforms to enhance the oral bioavailability and biological efficacies (that is, antiinflammation, anti-cancer, and so on) of different phytochemicals.”
“Similarly, polymer micelles also show promise to improve the water dispersibility of many crystalline phytochemicals, such as β-carotene and curcumin, and also show improved in vitro anti-cancer activity. A wide variety of delivery systems with different structures are now available, and their design principles are quite clear now.”
But questions remained: “For example, why nanoencapsulated phytochemicals have better oral bioavailability? How are the cellular signal transduction pathways different for nanoencapsulated phytochemicals compared with the nonencapsulated forms? Are the nanoencapsulated phytochemicals toxic?
"Therefore, more efforts should be devoted to the development of novel value-added food-grade or GRAS (generally recognized as safe) materials from biomass, as well as the understanding of the potential impacts of these nanoencapsulated nutraceuticals to human body and environment to address the public concerns.”
Sources: Journal of Food Science; 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01457.x ‘Bioavailability and Delivery of Nutraceuticals Using Nanotechnology’ Authors: Qingrong Huang; Hailong Yu; Qiaomei R; Nutra-ingredients-usa.com
The researchers found that dibenzoylmethane nanemulsions (derived from liquorice) in the range of 50nm to 200nm could enhance oral availability threefold over conventional emulsions in the 1μm to 100μm range
Bipolymer micelles (derived from amphiphiles, which have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties) functional groups demonstrated improved water solubility/dispersibility and in vitro anti-cancer activity of phytochemicals.
But the researchers from the Food Science Department at Rutgers University in New Jersey said more investigation was required into nano impacts, especially in in vivo, “to address public concerns”.
The scientific review, supported by US Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative Program, noted there was increased demand for, “functional food ingredients with improved water solubility, thermal stability, oral bioavailability, sensory attributes, and physiological performance.”
Phytochemicals are an example of a nutrient type that is poorly absorbed by the human body and which have been the subject of encapsulation research to boost their performance, via methods such as introducing other nutrients including polysaccharides, proteins and emulsifiers.
These controlled-release approaches can be assisted with nanotechnology methods.
“Although many different delivery systems are now available to delivery bioactive components in nutraceuticals and functional foods, clear in vitro or in vivo evidences of their biological efficacies are still limited,” the researchers wrote.
Phytochemical lipophilia
They noted the problem with the majority of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, is their poor solubility, or the fact they were lipophilic compounds.
“To overcome instability, poor water solubility, and to enhance the bioavailability of nutraceuticals, one option to entrap the compound of interest into a food matrix is to use nanoemulsion,” the wrote.
“Compared with conventional methods, such as co-solvent addition, micronizing/milling, spray drying, and salt formation, the use of lipid based delivery systems, such as micro/nanoemulsions and micelles, offers many advantages...”
These include high kinetic or thermodynamic stability; the ability to combine hydrophilic or lipophilic phytochemicals in the same nanoemulsions; the ability to more easily transport droplets through cell membranes.
The researchers noted that while the use of polyphenols in capsules and tablets is common, “their biological effects are frequently diminished or even lost due to incomplete absorption and first-pass metabolism.”
The researchers said that nanoencapsulation could benefit CoQ10, omega-3s and curcumin among others.
In conclusion they observed: “Nanoemulsions-based delivery systems have been proved to be one of the best platforms to enhance the oral bioavailability and biological efficacies (that is, antiinflammation, anti-cancer, and so on) of different phytochemicals.”
“Similarly, polymer micelles also show promise to improve the water dispersibility of many crystalline phytochemicals, such as β-carotene and curcumin, and also show improved in vitro anti-cancer activity. A wide variety of delivery systems with different structures are now available, and their design principles are quite clear now.”
But questions remained: “For example, why nanoencapsulated phytochemicals have better oral bioavailability? How are the cellular signal transduction pathways different for nanoencapsulated phytochemicals compared with the nonencapsulated forms? Are the nanoencapsulated phytochemicals toxic?
"Therefore, more efforts should be devoted to the development of novel value-added food-grade or GRAS (generally recognized as safe) materials from biomass, as well as the understanding of the potential impacts of these nanoencapsulated nutraceuticals to human body and environment to address the public concerns.”
Sources: Journal of Food Science; 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01457.x ‘Bioavailability and Delivery of Nutraceuticals Using Nanotechnology’ Authors: Qingrong Huang; Hailong Yu; Qiaomei R; Nutra-ingredients-usa.com
INDUSTRY NEWS: Health Canada proposes enzyme use to counter acrylamide
Health Canada received a food additive submission seeking the approval of the enzyme asparaginase for use in the manufacture of wheat dough-based products such as bread, crackers and cookies, cut potato products such as French fries, sliced potato products and fabricated potato chips. Asparaginase meets the regulatory definition of a food additive, but is not currently listed in Table V, Division 16 of the Regulations.
Health Canada has completed a safety assessment of the food additive submission and determined that there are no public health or safety concerns with the use of asparaginase in certain food products, as described in the submission. In addition, efficacy data demonstrated that the use of asparaginase results in less acrylamide in foods. Therefore, Health Canada is proposing amendments to the Regulations to allow asparaginase to be used in the manufacture of bread and unstandardized foods.
Background:
Asparaginase is an enzyme that hydrolyses an amino acid, asparagine, to aspartic acid by hydrolyzing the amide in free asparagine. Asparaginase has no activity on asparagine residues in peptides or proteins. Aside from free asparagine, asparaginase only acts on free glutamine. It has no activity on other amino acids.
The purpose for using asparaginase in food manufacture is to reduce asparagine in food, and thereby reduce the risk of formation of acrylamide. Acrylamide is formed as a reaction product between asparagine and reducing sugars when certain foods are baked or fried at temperatures exceeding 120°C. Both asparagine and reducing sugars are commonly found in many raw food materials. Dietary exposure to acrylamide has been identified as of potential concern by the Next link will take you to another website Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).1
In Canada, enzymes used in food applications, such as asparaginase, may be considered food additives, depending on their conditions of use. Permitted food additives are listed in the food additives tables in Division 16 of the Regulations. Table V lists those food additives that may be used as food enzymes in Canada.
Before a new food additive is allowed to be used in Canada, a submission must be filed with Health Canada so the Department can conduct a safety evaluation of the proposed use(s) of the additive. Food manufacturers are not permitted to use the additive until the safety assessment has been completed by Health Canada and the Regulations are amended to formally enable its use.
Rationale:
* Dietary exposure to acrylamide has been identified as a potential concern by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); therefore, Health Canada is supportive, in general, of efforts by industry to find ways to reduce acrylamide in foods;
* The purpose for using asparaginase in food manufacture is to reduce the risk of acrylamide formation in baked or fried food products. Enabling the use of asparaginase would provide the industry with the option of using this enzyme in the production of foods sold in Canada;
* The information provided by the petitioner has satisfactorily met the requirements for a food additive submission outlined in section B.16.002 of the Regulations.
Health Canada has completed a safety assessment of the food additive submission and determined that there are no public health or safety concerns with the use of asparaginase in certain food products, as described in the submission. In addition, efficacy data demonstrated that the use of asparaginase results in less acrylamide in foods. Therefore, Health Canada is proposing amendments to the Regulations to allow asparaginase to be used in the manufacture of bread and unstandardized foods.
Background:
Asparaginase is an enzyme that hydrolyses an amino acid, asparagine, to aspartic acid by hydrolyzing the amide in free asparagine. Asparaginase has no activity on asparagine residues in peptides or proteins. Aside from free asparagine, asparaginase only acts on free glutamine. It has no activity on other amino acids.
The purpose for using asparaginase in food manufacture is to reduce asparagine in food, and thereby reduce the risk of formation of acrylamide. Acrylamide is formed as a reaction product between asparagine and reducing sugars when certain foods are baked or fried at temperatures exceeding 120°C. Both asparagine and reducing sugars are commonly found in many raw food materials. Dietary exposure to acrylamide has been identified as of potential concern by the Next link will take you to another website Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).1
In Canada, enzymes used in food applications, such as asparaginase, may be considered food additives, depending on their conditions of use. Permitted food additives are listed in the food additives tables in Division 16 of the Regulations. Table V lists those food additives that may be used as food enzymes in Canada.
Before a new food additive is allowed to be used in Canada, a submission must be filed with Health Canada so the Department can conduct a safety evaluation of the proposed use(s) of the additive. Food manufacturers are not permitted to use the additive until the safety assessment has been completed by Health Canada and the Regulations are amended to formally enable its use.
Rationale:
* Dietary exposure to acrylamide has been identified as a potential concern by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); therefore, Health Canada is supportive, in general, of efforts by industry to find ways to reduce acrylamide in foods;
* The purpose for using asparaginase in food manufacture is to reduce the risk of acrylamide formation in baked or fried food products. Enabling the use of asparaginase would provide the industry with the option of using this enzyme in the production of foods sold in Canada;
* The information provided by the petitioner has satisfactorily met the requirements for a food additive submission outlined in section B.16.002 of the Regulations.
INDUSTRY NEWS: GOOGLE FOUND GUILTY IN COPYRIGHT CASE
Important information for any company considering digitizing information:
_______________________________________
A French court on Friday ruled that Google violated French copyright law in digitizing books, but it is unlikely the decision will be the last word on the search engine's controversial book-scanning project. A judge ordered Google to pay $430,000 in damages to French publisher La Martiniere, which pursued the case on behalf of a group of publishers.
In addition to the damage award, Google was ordered to pay a fine of $14,340, every day, until the company removes literary extracts from the publishers' books from its database. Google confirmed that the company will appeal the ruling. "We disagree with the judge's decision and will appeal the judgement," Google spokeswoman Gabriel Stricker said in a statement. "We believe that displaying a limited number of short extracts from books complies with copyright legislation both in France and the U.S.; and improves access to books." Google argues that French readers are the biggest losers, since they will not have access to a large pool of knowledge. "If readers are able to search and find books, they're more likely to buy and read them," Stricker said. The ruling is just the latest problem facing Google in the company’s attempt to digitize books around the world from libraries and other sources. Even though Google only provides excerpts from books in search results and does not provide whole works without permission, the company has still come under fire from publishers and authors in Europe and the United States. In the U.S., Google last year reached a settlement with authors and publishers who brought a lawsuit against the company for scanning books for its search index without permission from copyright holders. However, the deal is being renegotiated, because of opposition from the U.S. Justice Department.
Source: Lawday
_______________________________________
A French court on Friday ruled that Google violated French copyright law in digitizing books, but it is unlikely the decision will be the last word on the search engine's controversial book-scanning project. A judge ordered Google to pay $430,000 in damages to French publisher La Martiniere, which pursued the case on behalf of a group of publishers.
In addition to the damage award, Google was ordered to pay a fine of $14,340, every day, until the company removes literary extracts from the publishers' books from its database. Google confirmed that the company will appeal the ruling. "We disagree with the judge's decision and will appeal the judgement," Google spokeswoman Gabriel Stricker said in a statement. "We believe that displaying a limited number of short extracts from books complies with copyright legislation both in France and the U.S.; and improves access to books." Google argues that French readers are the biggest losers, since they will not have access to a large pool of knowledge. "If readers are able to search and find books, they're more likely to buy and read them," Stricker said. The ruling is just the latest problem facing Google in the company’s attempt to digitize books around the world from libraries and other sources. Even though Google only provides excerpts from books in search results and does not provide whole works without permission, the company has still come under fire from publishers and authors in Europe and the United States. In the U.S., Google last year reached a settlement with authors and publishers who brought a lawsuit against the company for scanning books for its search index without permission from copyright holders. However, the deal is being renegotiated, because of opposition from the U.S. Justice Department.
Source: Lawday
MARKET RESEARCH/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Mintel shows most consumers sticking with organic options in down economy
Good news for organic retailers: A recent Mintel survey reveals that almost 40% of consumers say they haven't changed their organic product purchasing habits because of the recession.
_______________________________
Will organic become standard fare? While trading down and out of some segments is common during tough economic times, consumers that buy natural and organic food are staying loyal to this health-conscious category.
A recent survey from market research firm Mintel shows that nearly 40% of consumers claim they haven’t changed organic product purchasing habits because of the recession and only a mere 3% have stopped buying organic products altogether.
“Heavy users of natural and organic food and drink are most likely to indicate they’ve traded down to less expensive organic options,” notes David Browne, senior analyst at Mintel. “However, less-frequent consumers of organic products have shown that they haven’t shifted their behavior. This is good news for the organic food and drink market, as this group may begin to buy more once recession-related fears begin to fade.”
With a slight decline in supermarket sales in 2009 (-0.3%), Mintel and natural products industry expert SPINS expect the organic food and drink market to recover gradually during 2010-12, but not at pre-recession growth rates. Consumers have made shifts in their purchase behavior that are likely to carry on through this time period.
“The natural and organic food industry has an opportunity to instill trust and educate consumers as we work our way out of this recession,” comments David Browne.
Currently, only one-third (33%) of survey respondents trust the term “natural” on labels and nearly half (45%) trust the term “organic.” However, roughly 30% of respondents say they don’t know if they can trust either term.
_______________________________
Will organic become standard fare? While trading down and out of some segments is common during tough economic times, consumers that buy natural and organic food are staying loyal to this health-conscious category.
A recent survey from market research firm Mintel shows that nearly 40% of consumers claim they haven’t changed organic product purchasing habits because of the recession and only a mere 3% have stopped buying organic products altogether.
“Heavy users of natural and organic food and drink are most likely to indicate they’ve traded down to less expensive organic options,” notes David Browne, senior analyst at Mintel. “However, less-frequent consumers of organic products have shown that they haven’t shifted their behavior. This is good news for the organic food and drink market, as this group may begin to buy more once recession-related fears begin to fade.”
With a slight decline in supermarket sales in 2009 (-0.3%), Mintel and natural products industry expert SPINS expect the organic food and drink market to recover gradually during 2010-12, but not at pre-recession growth rates. Consumers have made shifts in their purchase behavior that are likely to carry on through this time period.
“The natural and organic food industry has an opportunity to instill trust and educate consumers as we work our way out of this recession,” comments David Browne.
Currently, only one-third (33%) of survey respondents trust the term “natural” on labels and nearly half (45%) trust the term “organic.” However, roughly 30% of respondents say they don’t know if they can trust either term.
INDUSTRY NEWS: Whole Foods CEO talks about going back to roots
Whole Foods CEO John Mackey says that the Company is returning to its health food roots - that is, says Mackey, in the battle between food as health and food as indulgence, the former will be victorious.
____________________________________________________
By SARAH SKIDMORE (AP)
AUSTIN, Texas — The chocolate fountain is a symbol for Whole Foods CEO John Mackey of how business has changed.
There's one in the store below his office at the company's Austin headquarters. Melted chocolate pours out of the machine, letting shoppers get any item fresh-dipped.
It's definitely not the healthiest offering at Whole Foods — the organic grocer that Mackey co-founded almost 30 years ago. But like many things indulgent, its heyday is ending.
Whole Foods is returning to its health-food roots, Mackey says, and he's determined to bring America along with it. Think fewer chocolate fountains and more salad bars with oil-free dressing.
"There have been these two dominant values driving our products over the years," Mackey said in an interview at the company's headquarters. "One is food as health and the other one is food as indulgence. Those have battled, you might say, for the soul of Whole Foods."
The chain spent the first half of its existence focused on food as the key to health. Then it shifted to food as indulgence, seizing on a gourmet revolution that put imported sea salts and truffle oil in many American pantries.
The cycle has shifted back, and Mackey says the timing couldn't be better.
Whole Foods' business suffered when the recession crimped spending and decadence fell out of fashion. The country is plagued by obesity. But there's also a growing cadre of aging baby boomers and young people interested in healthier living.
"All the arguments about health care is about who is going to pay for it," he said. "There is not any funding or strategy about how to make America healthier. I think Whole Foods is going to take that challenge up."
Whole Foods is spending this year preparing for the transition, which it will roll out in 2010.
It plans to increasingly push healthy eating and education — adding teams of employees, classes, books, DVDs and supper clubs dedicated to it.
The company isn't ditching its foodie fans, and its products won't change overnight. But gradually they will evolve, letting health become the dominant theme.
Whole Foods soon will be the first chain to provide nutrient-density labeling, showing the amount of nutrients per volume of an item. Eventually, the company will carry store-brand products for special diets and back nutrition research, which it will provide to consumers.
"Whole Foods has a megaphone that almost nobody else does," Mackey said.
The changes might make its business healthier too, retail experts said.
Consumers have limited appetite for expensive, indulgent goods, and while many chains carry organic food, no one company "owns" the health market, said Bill Bishop, a food retailing consultant at Willard Bishop Consulting.
"I think it's quite prescient and very perceptive," Bishop said.
Whole Foods has had to change. When the recession hit, it cut costs, tightened inventory, secured a major investor, increased its store brands and promoted lower-priced options. Last quarter, the company said business had finally turned a corner.
"They need to keep moving," said Ted Taft, managing director at Meridian Consulting.
Whole Foods is typically shoppers' second or third stop — less than 3 percent of Americans do regular grocery shopping there. So the company needs to provide value beyond a traditional supermarket, Taft said.
Cementing itself as the expert in health may even strengthen relations with foodies, who've become more focused on local and organic foods.
"The biggest risk is not hitting this one hard enough," Bishop said.
Whole Foods started with its employees, recently launching a program to take basic health measurements such as cholesterol and blood pressure. Employees with the worst scores were invited to voluntary immersion programs to improve their health; 85 accepted. Mackey said there were life-changing experiences, such as one store leader from Ohio dropped 40 pounds.
Soon the company plans to give bigger store discounts based on employees' health metrics. (Mackey, a vegan who has dropped his cholesterol from 199 to 138 in the past year after cutting oils and eating more nutrient-dense food, would get the top-tier discount.)
"Right now Whole Foods Market, we aren't much different than America. Our team member base — they smoke as much as or more as the population at large. Their weight is not thinner than the population at whole. We sell a lot of healthy food, but that doesn't necessarily mean the team members know how to eat healthy."
While it may seem unusual for a grocery chain to take on the nation's health, it's not unheard of for Mackey.
Mackey — who leans libertarian — caused a firestorm last summer with an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal that dismissed the proposed health care overhaul and argued for changes with less government control and an emphasis on personal choices.
Critics said he was abandoning his liberal customer base; a few called for his dismissal. Some people said they were boycotting stores, while small-government conservatives came into stores for "buycots."
Mackey says he regrets the controversy it caused for the company, but says health care is a critical national conversation. And he believes as people see the government may not take care of them when they are ill, people will focus on how to keep themselves well.
Source: Associated Press
____________________________________________________
By SARAH SKIDMORE (AP)
AUSTIN, Texas — The chocolate fountain is a symbol for Whole Foods CEO John Mackey of how business has changed.
There's one in the store below his office at the company's Austin headquarters. Melted chocolate pours out of the machine, letting shoppers get any item fresh-dipped.
It's definitely not the healthiest offering at Whole Foods — the organic grocer that Mackey co-founded almost 30 years ago. But like many things indulgent, its heyday is ending.
Whole Foods is returning to its health-food roots, Mackey says, and he's determined to bring America along with it. Think fewer chocolate fountains and more salad bars with oil-free dressing.
"There have been these two dominant values driving our products over the years," Mackey said in an interview at the company's headquarters. "One is food as health and the other one is food as indulgence. Those have battled, you might say, for the soul of Whole Foods."
The chain spent the first half of its existence focused on food as the key to health. Then it shifted to food as indulgence, seizing on a gourmet revolution that put imported sea salts and truffle oil in many American pantries.
The cycle has shifted back, and Mackey says the timing couldn't be better.
Whole Foods' business suffered when the recession crimped spending and decadence fell out of fashion. The country is plagued by obesity. But there's also a growing cadre of aging baby boomers and young people interested in healthier living.
"All the arguments about health care is about who is going to pay for it," he said. "There is not any funding or strategy about how to make America healthier. I think Whole Foods is going to take that challenge up."
Whole Foods is spending this year preparing for the transition, which it will roll out in 2010.
It plans to increasingly push healthy eating and education — adding teams of employees, classes, books, DVDs and supper clubs dedicated to it.
The company isn't ditching its foodie fans, and its products won't change overnight. But gradually they will evolve, letting health become the dominant theme.
Whole Foods soon will be the first chain to provide nutrient-density labeling, showing the amount of nutrients per volume of an item. Eventually, the company will carry store-brand products for special diets and back nutrition research, which it will provide to consumers.
"Whole Foods has a megaphone that almost nobody else does," Mackey said.
The changes might make its business healthier too, retail experts said.
Consumers have limited appetite for expensive, indulgent goods, and while many chains carry organic food, no one company "owns" the health market, said Bill Bishop, a food retailing consultant at Willard Bishop Consulting.
"I think it's quite prescient and very perceptive," Bishop said.
Whole Foods has had to change. When the recession hit, it cut costs, tightened inventory, secured a major investor, increased its store brands and promoted lower-priced options. Last quarter, the company said business had finally turned a corner.
"They need to keep moving," said Ted Taft, managing director at Meridian Consulting.
Whole Foods is typically shoppers' second or third stop — less than 3 percent of Americans do regular grocery shopping there. So the company needs to provide value beyond a traditional supermarket, Taft said.
Cementing itself as the expert in health may even strengthen relations with foodies, who've become more focused on local and organic foods.
"The biggest risk is not hitting this one hard enough," Bishop said.
Whole Foods started with its employees, recently launching a program to take basic health measurements such as cholesterol and blood pressure. Employees with the worst scores were invited to voluntary immersion programs to improve their health; 85 accepted. Mackey said there were life-changing experiences, such as one store leader from Ohio dropped 40 pounds.
Soon the company plans to give bigger store discounts based on employees' health metrics. (Mackey, a vegan who has dropped his cholesterol from 199 to 138 in the past year after cutting oils and eating more nutrient-dense food, would get the top-tier discount.)
"Right now Whole Foods Market, we aren't much different than America. Our team member base — they smoke as much as or more as the population at large. Their weight is not thinner than the population at whole. We sell a lot of healthy food, but that doesn't necessarily mean the team members know how to eat healthy."
While it may seem unusual for a grocery chain to take on the nation's health, it's not unheard of for Mackey.
Mackey — who leans libertarian — caused a firestorm last summer with an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal that dismissed the proposed health care overhaul and argued for changes with less government control and an emphasis on personal choices.
Critics said he was abandoning his liberal customer base; a few called for his dismissal. Some people said they were boycotting stores, while small-government conservatives came into stores for "buycots."
Mackey says he regrets the controversy it caused for the company, but says health care is a critical national conversation. And he believes as people see the government may not take care of them when they are ill, people will focus on how to keep themselves well.
Source: Associated Press
INDUSTRY NEWS/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Canadian holiday shopping intentions remain fragile as economic recovery slowly takes shape
According to a Deloitte survey, just over half of Canadians plan to spend the same this holiday season as they have in the past two years. The major difference in consumer spending will be where and how that money is spent. The prediction is that the focus will shift from goods to "experience-based gifts, such as spa getaways and theatre tickets."
__________________________________
Deloitte survey reveals how Canadians will allocate their holiday spending
Fifty-one percent of Canadians plan to spend the same amount this holiday season as they have the past two years. Fourty-four percent of respondents plan to spend less than they did last year – up by 3% over last year’s survey, which confirms little change in consumers’ spending intentions. The major difference for Canadian consumers, and ultimately retailers this holiday season will be reflected in how and where holiday dollars are spent, as consumers focus less on durable goods and more on experience-based gifts, such as spa getaways and theatre tickets.
This holiday season, consumers only plan to allocate 26% of their holiday spending on gifts for others. The rest of their purchases will be on items for themselves and their families: 21% on home improvements, which could be attributed to the 2009 federal home improvement tax credit; socializing and entertaining will account for another 28%. The remaining spending goes to nongift clothing (9%), home/holiday furnishings (8%) and charitable donations (8%).
“All year long, retailers have been reducing inventories, and it’s quite possible that the most desired items will be sold out early in the holiday season,” says Brent Houlden, national retail practice leader at Deloitte. “Based on this year’s results, retailers should brace for a wave of shoppers later in December, as Canadians will delay purchases until there are substantial markdowns,” concludes Houlden.
Canadian retailers to compete with their American counterparts
Consumer confidence has risen steadily in Canada for the last six months, according to the Conference Board of Canada Consumer Confidence Index, which reached the 90-mark in September, a level not seen since April 2008. By contrast, the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index has been hovering around the 50-mark for the last five months. Despite this gap between the two levels, Canadian retailers will have to work hard to drive holiday sales while facing intense competition from U.S. retailers.
As the Canadian dollar flirts with parity and some American retailers advertise deeply discounted prices directly to Canadians, we can expect a reopening of cross-border shopping. In the Greater Vancouver Area, for example, more than 30% of respondents indicated they were likely to cross the border for their holiday shopping.
Regional differences impact spending
Regional differences will likely play a role in how retailers do this coming holiday season. Job security, always a factor in shoppers' spending decisions, varies significantly from coast to coast, with 81% of respondents feeling at least somewhat secure in the Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto Areas, 89% in the Greater Montreal Area and 93% in Atlantic Canada.
However, some regional differences about holiday spending may offset economic factors, as Torontonians plan to spend slightly more than the national average while Montrealers plan to spend 25% less. Of note, Atlantic Canadians plan to allocate more of their holiday spending to gifts (33%) than other Canadians and more than any other category.
Toronto and Montreal residents plan to allocate (25% and 28% respectively) more to home improvements than other Canadians and more than any other category. Vancouver residents plan to allocate 32% of their holiday spending to socializing and entertaining.
Strategic social media use still emerging among retailers and younger shoppers
Although a growing number of respondents (20%) will be using social media for their shopping this season, the full potential of this new medium is yet to be seen. In fact, the top four reasons given for using social media tools are, in order: researching gift ideas (62%), finding discounts, coupons and sale information (55%), checking with friends or family on gifts they want (45%), and researching product reviews and recommendations (44%).
Top gifts for 2009
1. Gift certificates/cards
2. Clothing
3. Food/liquor
4. Books
5. CDs or DVDs
6. Traditional toys
7. Money (cash or cheque)
8. Cosmetics and fragrances
9. Computer/video games
10. Jewellery
__________________________________
Deloitte survey reveals how Canadians will allocate their holiday spending
Fifty-one percent of Canadians plan to spend the same amount this holiday season as they have the past two years. Fourty-four percent of respondents plan to spend less than they did last year – up by 3% over last year’s survey, which confirms little change in consumers’ spending intentions. The major difference for Canadian consumers, and ultimately retailers this holiday season will be reflected in how and where holiday dollars are spent, as consumers focus less on durable goods and more on experience-based gifts, such as spa getaways and theatre tickets.
This holiday season, consumers only plan to allocate 26% of their holiday spending on gifts for others. The rest of their purchases will be on items for themselves and their families: 21% on home improvements, which could be attributed to the 2009 federal home improvement tax credit; socializing and entertaining will account for another 28%. The remaining spending goes to nongift clothing (9%), home/holiday furnishings (8%) and charitable donations (8%).
“All year long, retailers have been reducing inventories, and it’s quite possible that the most desired items will be sold out early in the holiday season,” says Brent Houlden, national retail practice leader at Deloitte. “Based on this year’s results, retailers should brace for a wave of shoppers later in December, as Canadians will delay purchases until there are substantial markdowns,” concludes Houlden.
Canadian retailers to compete with their American counterparts
Consumer confidence has risen steadily in Canada for the last six months, according to the Conference Board of Canada Consumer Confidence Index, which reached the 90-mark in September, a level not seen since April 2008. By contrast, the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index has been hovering around the 50-mark for the last five months. Despite this gap between the two levels, Canadian retailers will have to work hard to drive holiday sales while facing intense competition from U.S. retailers.
As the Canadian dollar flirts with parity and some American retailers advertise deeply discounted prices directly to Canadians, we can expect a reopening of cross-border shopping. In the Greater Vancouver Area, for example, more than 30% of respondents indicated they were likely to cross the border for their holiday shopping.
Regional differences impact spending
Regional differences will likely play a role in how retailers do this coming holiday season. Job security, always a factor in shoppers' spending decisions, varies significantly from coast to coast, with 81% of respondents feeling at least somewhat secure in the Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto Areas, 89% in the Greater Montreal Area and 93% in Atlantic Canada.
However, some regional differences about holiday spending may offset economic factors, as Torontonians plan to spend slightly more than the national average while Montrealers plan to spend 25% less. Of note, Atlantic Canadians plan to allocate more of their holiday spending to gifts (33%) than other Canadians and more than any other category.
Toronto and Montreal residents plan to allocate (25% and 28% respectively) more to home improvements than other Canadians and more than any other category. Vancouver residents plan to allocate 32% of their holiday spending to socializing and entertaining.
Strategic social media use still emerging among retailers and younger shoppers
Although a growing number of respondents (20%) will be using social media for their shopping this season, the full potential of this new medium is yet to be seen. In fact, the top four reasons given for using social media tools are, in order: researching gift ideas (62%), finding discounts, coupons and sale information (55%), checking with friends or family on gifts they want (45%), and researching product reviews and recommendations (44%).
Top gifts for 2009
1. Gift certificates/cards
2. Clothing
3. Food/liquor
4. Books
5. CDs or DVDs
6. Traditional toys
7. Money (cash or cheque)
8. Cosmetics and fragrances
9. Computer/video games
10. Jewellery
INDUSTRY NEWS: ONTARIO AWARDS $15 MILLION FINE FOR MISLEADING TELEMARKETING
TORONTO – The Superior Court of Justice in Toronto has fined a company engaged in misleading telemarketing $15 million. Datacom Marketing pleaded guilty to three counts of false and misleading representations contrary to section 52 of the Competition Act and false or misleading representation in the course of telemarketing. The Crown argued for a fine of $20 million while the defense argued for $250,000.
In the agreed statement of facts the defendant acknowledged that they sent false invoices to companies which suggested that the companies had previously bought their directories. Invoices ranged from $298 to $485. In fact the companies had not previously bought the directories and some customers paid for 8 months before realizing the scam. The basis for the fine was the agreed statement of facts that the company generated $ 158 million in revenue between 1994 and 2005 with a profit of almost $13 million. It was also agreed that the company had no ability to pay a fine greater than $250,000. Mr. Justice Nordheimer in awarding the sentence noted that for a corporation a fine was the only possible penalty and the fact that the former president was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for his role in the matter was largely irrelevant. Justice Norheimer noted that a fine must carry the necessary “sting” in order to achieve the objectives of denunciation and deterrence and a fine cannot amount to nothing more than the cost of doing business. He also noted that the company had previously paid a fine of over $400,000 to the Federal Trade Commission’s relating to the same offenses. Noting that the activities are closer to the fraud end of the spectrum he concluded that the fine should be $15 million given that the agreed upon profit from the illegal activity was $12.9 stating that a fine to properly address l denunciation and deterrence must equal the amount improperly gained plus an additional amount to actually penalize the conduct itself.
Source: Lawday
In the agreed statement of facts the defendant acknowledged that they sent false invoices to companies which suggested that the companies had previously bought their directories. Invoices ranged from $298 to $485. In fact the companies had not previously bought the directories and some customers paid for 8 months before realizing the scam. The basis for the fine was the agreed statement of facts that the company generated $ 158 million in revenue between 1994 and 2005 with a profit of almost $13 million. It was also agreed that the company had no ability to pay a fine greater than $250,000. Mr. Justice Nordheimer in awarding the sentence noted that for a corporation a fine was the only possible penalty and the fact that the former president was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for his role in the matter was largely irrelevant. Justice Norheimer noted that a fine must carry the necessary “sting” in order to achieve the objectives of denunciation and deterrence and a fine cannot amount to nothing more than the cost of doing business. He also noted that the company had previously paid a fine of over $400,000 to the Federal Trade Commission’s relating to the same offenses. Noting that the activities are closer to the fraud end of the spectrum he concluded that the fine should be $15 million given that the agreed upon profit from the illegal activity was $12.9 stating that a fine to properly address l denunciation and deterrence must equal the amount improperly gained plus an additional amount to actually penalize the conduct itself.
Source: Lawday
Monday, December 21, 2009
INDUSTRY + BUSINESS NEWS: A stand in support of stimulus
Canada's corporate executives support Ottawa's stimulus spending to get the economy moving again. Major points made that are pertinent to retailer and manufacturer businesses are that manufacturers who make use of technology to add value to their products will do very well in "the new slimmed-down world order." Further, an educated and innovate population that can work with our natural resources is the front-runner to building the future.
____________________________________________________
A stand in support of stimulus
John Woods for The Globe and Mail
Canada's corporate executives stand firmly behind Ottawa's decision to pump billions of dollars into the economy
Richard Blackwell
From Monday's Globe and Mail Published on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 10:56PM EST
Canada's corporate executives stand firmly behind Ottawa's decision to pump billions of stimulus dollars into the economy, and they aren't seriously worried about the huge budget deficits that are piling up.
Senior executives who responded to the latest C-Suite survey say the stimulus spending was the right move at the right time to get the economy moving again, despite the creation of a federal deficit of more than $55-billion this year – with more shortfalls to come.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I think the government responded appropriately,” said Simon Nyilassy, chief executive officer of Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust, a firm that owns shopping centres across Canada.
Mr. Nyilassy was one of 158 executives who responded to the C-Suite survey, which was conducted in late November and early December for Report on Business and Business News Network by Toronto research firm the Gandalf Group.
About two-thirds of those who participated said the amount spent on stimulus was in the right ballpark, with 22 per cent saying Ottawa pumped out too much money, and 11 per cent saying it was not enough.
While the government will soon need to turn its attention to eliminating the huge deficit, Mr. Nyilassy said, “it needn't be the first priority today.”
Indeed, only 7 per cent of executives say balancing the budget should be the government's No. 1 priority. Reducing the ratio of debt to gross domestic product – is a better goal, many said.
Almost 60 per cent of the executives said they support the government's stated policy that it will run a deficit until 2013. Still, there are conflicting views on what needs to be done to eliminate the deficit when the time comes. A slim majority of executives – about 56 per cent – think the country's finances will come back into balance as the economy recovers.
That's the view of Jim Evaskevich, CEO of Calgary-based junior oil and gas exploration company Yangarra Resources Ltd.
“If they are prudent in their budgeting, and don't provide for huge increases in the underlying budget, the tax receipts will improve over time and the deficit will go away,” Mr. Evaskevich said.
He said the Harper government was “spot on” with its stimulus spending, which helped jolt the economy out of the doldrums, and he does not want to see any tax increases which would “just choke business.”
“ Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I think the government responded appropriately ”— Simon Nyilassy, chief executive officer of Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust
Others – about 43 per cent of those surveyed – are concerned about a structural deficit, and think more drastic action needs to be taken to get rid of it. The top choice: Cutting government spending to well below prerecession levels.
Tax increases are much less popular, although 44 per cent of executives would support raising the goods and services tax to improve government finances.
“They are definitely going to have to look at some form of increase in taxes to pay for this, and consumption taxes are the [best] way to do it” said Charles Phillips, CEO of Armtec Infrastructure Income Fund, a construction products manufacturer based in Guelph, Ont.
The GST cuts in 2006 and 2008 didn't really stimulate the economy, Mr. Phillips said, so the inverse is also true – jacking the tax back up is not likely to dampen growth.
Raising income taxes or corporate taxes would be a bad idea, however, Mr. Phillips said, and “could nip any recovery right in the bud.”
While an economic recovery is clearly taking hold, Canadian executives have only modest expectations for growth in the coming few years, the survey shows.
The vast majority of those polled expect moderate growth over the next year, and they say the overall recovery will be slow. Almost half say they expect a significant stock market correction in the next six months.
And three-quarters think Canada's economic growth over the next two years will fall below the average of the last decade.
“It's going to be a slow recovery – I don't think it's going to be V-shaped,” said Jacques Drouin, CEO of ProSep Inc., a Montreal-based maker of processing equipment for the resource sector. “The economy in the past couple of years has absorbed a pretty big shock, and it takes time to recover.”
Mr. Drouin said the global upturn that's been seen so far is mainly thanks to the unstoppable growth in the developing economies of South America and Asia. “Without them, I don't believe the recovery would be [catching on].”
Coming out of the recession, the Canadian sector that is poised to be the biggest winner is banking, the surveyed executives said. Mining, oil and gas and technology firms are also expected to do well as the economy improves. A large majority of executives indicated that manufacturing has emerged from the downturn as a losing sector.
That's too simplistic a view, Mr. Drouin said.
Canadian manufacturers who make use of technology and add significant intellectual value to their products can do very well in the new slimmed-down world order, he said.
“In Canada, we have two things: natural resources, and a highly educated and innovative population. We have to rely on these to build the future.”
Source: The Globe and Mail
____________________________________________________
A stand in support of stimulus
John Woods for The Globe and Mail
Canada's corporate executives stand firmly behind Ottawa's decision to pump billions of dollars into the economy
Richard Blackwell
From Monday's Globe and Mail Published on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 10:56PM EST
Canada's corporate executives stand firmly behind Ottawa's decision to pump billions of stimulus dollars into the economy, and they aren't seriously worried about the huge budget deficits that are piling up.
Senior executives who responded to the latest C-Suite survey say the stimulus spending was the right move at the right time to get the economy moving again, despite the creation of a federal deficit of more than $55-billion this year – with more shortfalls to come.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I think the government responded appropriately,” said Simon Nyilassy, chief executive officer of Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust, a firm that owns shopping centres across Canada.
Mr. Nyilassy was one of 158 executives who responded to the C-Suite survey, which was conducted in late November and early December for Report on Business and Business News Network by Toronto research firm the Gandalf Group.
About two-thirds of those who participated said the amount spent on stimulus was in the right ballpark, with 22 per cent saying Ottawa pumped out too much money, and 11 per cent saying it was not enough.
While the government will soon need to turn its attention to eliminating the huge deficit, Mr. Nyilassy said, “it needn't be the first priority today.”
Indeed, only 7 per cent of executives say balancing the budget should be the government's No. 1 priority. Reducing the ratio of debt to gross domestic product – is a better goal, many said.
Almost 60 per cent of the executives said they support the government's stated policy that it will run a deficit until 2013. Still, there are conflicting views on what needs to be done to eliminate the deficit when the time comes. A slim majority of executives – about 56 per cent – think the country's finances will come back into balance as the economy recovers.
That's the view of Jim Evaskevich, CEO of Calgary-based junior oil and gas exploration company Yangarra Resources Ltd.
“If they are prudent in their budgeting, and don't provide for huge increases in the underlying budget, the tax receipts will improve over time and the deficit will go away,” Mr. Evaskevich said.
He said the Harper government was “spot on” with its stimulus spending, which helped jolt the economy out of the doldrums, and he does not want to see any tax increases which would “just choke business.”
“ Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I think the government responded appropriately ”— Simon Nyilassy, chief executive officer of Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust
Others – about 43 per cent of those surveyed – are concerned about a structural deficit, and think more drastic action needs to be taken to get rid of it. The top choice: Cutting government spending to well below prerecession levels.
Tax increases are much less popular, although 44 per cent of executives would support raising the goods and services tax to improve government finances.
“They are definitely going to have to look at some form of increase in taxes to pay for this, and consumption taxes are the [best] way to do it” said Charles Phillips, CEO of Armtec Infrastructure Income Fund, a construction products manufacturer based in Guelph, Ont.
The GST cuts in 2006 and 2008 didn't really stimulate the economy, Mr. Phillips said, so the inverse is also true – jacking the tax back up is not likely to dampen growth.
Raising income taxes or corporate taxes would be a bad idea, however, Mr. Phillips said, and “could nip any recovery right in the bud.”
While an economic recovery is clearly taking hold, Canadian executives have only modest expectations for growth in the coming few years, the survey shows.
The vast majority of those polled expect moderate growth over the next year, and they say the overall recovery will be slow. Almost half say they expect a significant stock market correction in the next six months.
And three-quarters think Canada's economic growth over the next two years will fall below the average of the last decade.
“It's going to be a slow recovery – I don't think it's going to be V-shaped,” said Jacques Drouin, CEO of ProSep Inc., a Montreal-based maker of processing equipment for the resource sector. “The economy in the past couple of years has absorbed a pretty big shock, and it takes time to recover.”
Mr. Drouin said the global upturn that's been seen so far is mainly thanks to the unstoppable growth in the developing economies of South America and Asia. “Without them, I don't believe the recovery would be [catching on].”
Coming out of the recession, the Canadian sector that is poised to be the biggest winner is banking, the surveyed executives said. Mining, oil and gas and technology firms are also expected to do well as the economy improves. A large majority of executives indicated that manufacturing has emerged from the downturn as a losing sector.
That's too simplistic a view, Mr. Drouin said.
Canadian manufacturers who make use of technology and add significant intellectual value to their products can do very well in the new slimmed-down world order, he said.
“In Canada, we have two things: natural resources, and a highly educated and innovative population. We have to rely on these to build the future.”
Source: The Globe and Mail
INDUSTRY TIPS: Give the gift of good health
Retailers looking for ways to merchandise their products for the season can take note from suggestions that are given to consumers who want to give health-related gifts for the holidays.
___________________________________________________
Give the gift of good health
By Fran Berkoff Nutrition File
Last Updated: 20th December 2009, 11:11am
This season — give the gift of good health. And it’s easier than you think.
If you’re running around doing some last minute holiday shopping and are short on good gift ideas, you can never go wrong by giving those close to you the gift of good health. We’re not talking the latest dieting book, or a personal blood pressure machine (well, maybe if it’s blinged!)
All kidding aside, there are many things that you can put together that convey good health in a warm loving way. Here are ten suggestions: 1. A set of 4 smaller plates, often called salad plates, is a great versatile gift and you can buy them in many pretty patterns at most retailers or kitchen stores. Eating off smaller plates has been shown to be a good way of reducing your portions of food.
2. Most book stores have beautiful journals that are reasonably priced and make a lovely gift. Keeping a food journal is one of the keys to keeping weight under control and/or trying to identify and change eating habits. Some people do it on their computer, blackberry, or I-phone but there are still lots who like to pick up a pen and write down their thoughts.
3. A gift certificate for a cooking class that teaches you to make healthy and delicious foods is always a welcome gift. Or, how about a gift certificate for a couple of sessions with a registered dietitian (Dietitians.ca or 1-888-901-7776.) or a personal trainer to help get the new year off to a healthy start.
4. If you have friends with food allergies, intolerances or special diet needs, a gift certificate to the Specialty Food Shop is a great idea. They have amazing products, cookbooks, and even prepared foods that will fit most special diet needs. Located on the main flood of the Hospital for Sick Children, you can contact them at 416-813-5294 or visit online at specialtyfoodshop.ca.
5. Cooking up one of your healthiest, tastiest meals is a lovely gift for family and friends, can be easier on your budget and perhaps can start a tradition of sharing healthy meals together that lasts over the coming years.
6. A great portable water bottle, made of metal that can be washed out and reused over and over is a fun and environmentally friendly suggestion. It's important to stay hydrated all year round, but at the office your choices are often limited to sugary drinks or bottles of water that can be expensive if you buy a few every day.
7. A pretty teapot filled with an assortment of teas and a tea strainer or infuser will be welcome by the tea lovers on your gift list.
8. As a hostess gift, instead of a bottle of wine, wrap up a bottle of olive oil and a flavourful balsamic vinegar.
9. If you want to healthy-up a friend’s kitchen, some of my favourite kitchen things are a handheld blender, a salad spinner (throw in a vegetable brush or peeler), salad servers, a coffee grinder or a pepper grinder (also grinds spices, herbs, flax), a non-stick pan, a grill pan, a steamer or a crockpot.
10. If you want to give a great healthy eating book, dietitian Leslie Beck’s The Complete A-Z Nutrition Encyclopedia (Penguin Canada 2009) has been recently updated and revised. This book tells you everything you want to know about diet and nutrition, herbal medicine and natural medicine as well as comprehensive nutrition information on over 75 health conditions. And while your doing shopping for everyone, don’t forget to put yourself on the list for these goodies, too!
Source: SunMedia
___________________________________________________
Give the gift of good health
By Fran Berkoff Nutrition File
Last Updated: 20th December 2009, 11:11am
This season — give the gift of good health. And it’s easier than you think.
If you’re running around doing some last minute holiday shopping and are short on good gift ideas, you can never go wrong by giving those close to you the gift of good health. We’re not talking the latest dieting book, or a personal blood pressure machine (well, maybe if it’s blinged!)
All kidding aside, there are many things that you can put together that convey good health in a warm loving way. Here are ten suggestions: 1. A set of 4 smaller plates, often called salad plates, is a great versatile gift and you can buy them in many pretty patterns at most retailers or kitchen stores. Eating off smaller plates has been shown to be a good way of reducing your portions of food.
2. Most book stores have beautiful journals that are reasonably priced and make a lovely gift. Keeping a food journal is one of the keys to keeping weight under control and/or trying to identify and change eating habits. Some people do it on their computer, blackberry, or I-phone but there are still lots who like to pick up a pen and write down their thoughts.
3. A gift certificate for a cooking class that teaches you to make healthy and delicious foods is always a welcome gift. Or, how about a gift certificate for a couple of sessions with a registered dietitian (Dietitians.ca or 1-888-901-7776.) or a personal trainer to help get the new year off to a healthy start.
4. If you have friends with food allergies, intolerances or special diet needs, a gift certificate to the Specialty Food Shop is a great idea. They have amazing products, cookbooks, and even prepared foods that will fit most special diet needs. Located on the main flood of the Hospital for Sick Children, you can contact them at 416-813-5294 or visit online at specialtyfoodshop.ca.
5. Cooking up one of your healthiest, tastiest meals is a lovely gift for family and friends, can be easier on your budget and perhaps can start a tradition of sharing healthy meals together that lasts over the coming years.
6. A great portable water bottle, made of metal that can be washed out and reused over and over is a fun and environmentally friendly suggestion. It's important to stay hydrated all year round, but at the office your choices are often limited to sugary drinks or bottles of water that can be expensive if you buy a few every day.
7. A pretty teapot filled with an assortment of teas and a tea strainer or infuser will be welcome by the tea lovers on your gift list.
8. As a hostess gift, instead of a bottle of wine, wrap up a bottle of olive oil and a flavourful balsamic vinegar.
9. If you want to healthy-up a friend’s kitchen, some of my favourite kitchen things are a handheld blender, a salad spinner (throw in a vegetable brush or peeler), salad servers, a coffee grinder or a pepper grinder (also grinds spices, herbs, flax), a non-stick pan, a grill pan, a steamer or a crockpot.
10. If you want to give a great healthy eating book, dietitian Leslie Beck’s The Complete A-Z Nutrition Encyclopedia (Penguin Canada 2009) has been recently updated and revised. This book tells you everything you want to know about diet and nutrition, herbal medicine and natural medicine as well as comprehensive nutrition information on over 75 health conditions. And while your doing shopping for everyone, don’t forget to put yourself on the list for these goodies, too!
Source: SunMedia
BUSINESS NEWS: Bank of Canada doubts double-dip global recession
Reuters reports that, according to Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, the world could head into a double-dip recession. Industry retailers and professionals should keep a close eye on the economic climate leading into the New Year and establish strategies to stimulate the economy that are pertinent to their their business.
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Bank of Canada doubts double-dip global recession
By Randall Palmer
OTTAWA (Reuters) - The world could head into a double-dip recession, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney said in an interview broadcast on Thursday, but this is not what the central bank is forecasting.
"Internationally, significant fragilities remain," Carney told Business News Network, saying the key to recovery is the handoff of economic stimulus from the public sector to the private sector.
"And at this stage we see that (handoff) more likely. Growth is becoming a little more solidly entrenched but it's not assured. And that's what we mean when we talk about fragilities," he said. "And in that context, of course there is a possibility of a double dip. But that is not our core forecast at all."
Carney said it is important for countries in the Group of 20 leading economies to start setting out reasonable exit strategies from the stimulus measures they have been taking, though it does not mean they should start implementing those strategies immediately.
Efforts to stimulate the economy will be self-defeating for countries that do not have credibility on the fiscal side, he said, warning that problems over sovereign debt could become an issue over the medium term.
Carney gave the interview on Wednesday and it was aired on Thursday.
Looking at Canada's situation, he said he judged the central bank's current plan to keep its overnight interest rate at 0.25 percent through next June to be the most appropriate. But he said that if necessary the bank could raise rates before the end of June or after.
Speaking of the mid-2010 timetable for keeping rates steady, Carney said: "We have the flexibility to adjust it, either by shortening it or lengthening it, if that's what's necessary to achieve our mandate."
One of the risks to the bank's outlook is increasing household debt, and the bank has been warning Canadians not to take low interest rates for granted when they buy houses and take on debt.
"We want to make sure people understand that we're in exceptional circumstances," he said. "At some point rates are going to rise, the cost of borrowing is going to normalize."
But he said he did not see a bubble in Canada's booming housing market. "We're not drawing attention to a specific issue around valuation in housing in Canada at this point," he said.
Carney also signaled that international rules to raise capital requirements for banks can only be brought in gradually.
"The last thing any policymaker, any central banker or supervisor who sits on the Basel Committee ... the last thing we're going to do is put in a new capital regime that slows the recovery," he said.
Under new rules, banks will have to have more and higher-quality Tier-1 capital, and probably also an additional capital requirement that varies through the credit cycles to help moderate those cycles.
Carney has often said banks should be required to store up enough capital in good times to be able to get through tough times.
(Additional reporting by David Ljunggren, Frank Pingue and Ka Yan Ng; editing by Peter Galloway)
_______________________________
Bank of Canada doubts double-dip global recession
By Randall Palmer
OTTAWA (Reuters) - The world could head into a double-dip recession, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney said in an interview broadcast on Thursday, but this is not what the central bank is forecasting.
"Internationally, significant fragilities remain," Carney told Business News Network, saying the key to recovery is the handoff of economic stimulus from the public sector to the private sector.
"And at this stage we see that (handoff) more likely. Growth is becoming a little more solidly entrenched but it's not assured. And that's what we mean when we talk about fragilities," he said. "And in that context, of course there is a possibility of a double dip. But that is not our core forecast at all."
Carney said it is important for countries in the Group of 20 leading economies to start setting out reasonable exit strategies from the stimulus measures they have been taking, though it does not mean they should start implementing those strategies immediately.
Efforts to stimulate the economy will be self-defeating for countries that do not have credibility on the fiscal side, he said, warning that problems over sovereign debt could become an issue over the medium term.
Carney gave the interview on Wednesday and it was aired on Thursday.
Looking at Canada's situation, he said he judged the central bank's current plan to keep its overnight interest rate at 0.25 percent through next June to be the most appropriate. But he said that if necessary the bank could raise rates before the end of June or after.
Speaking of the mid-2010 timetable for keeping rates steady, Carney said: "We have the flexibility to adjust it, either by shortening it or lengthening it, if that's what's necessary to achieve our mandate."
One of the risks to the bank's outlook is increasing household debt, and the bank has been warning Canadians not to take low interest rates for granted when they buy houses and take on debt.
"We want to make sure people understand that we're in exceptional circumstances," he said. "At some point rates are going to rise, the cost of borrowing is going to normalize."
But he said he did not see a bubble in Canada's booming housing market. "We're not drawing attention to a specific issue around valuation in housing in Canada at this point," he said.
Carney also signaled that international rules to raise capital requirements for banks can only be brought in gradually.
"The last thing any policymaker, any central banker or supervisor who sits on the Basel Committee ... the last thing we're going to do is put in a new capital regime that slows the recovery," he said.
Under new rules, banks will have to have more and higher-quality Tier-1 capital, and probably also an additional capital requirement that varies through the credit cycles to help moderate those cycles.
Carney has often said banks should be required to store up enough capital in good times to be able to get through tough times.
(Additional reporting by David Ljunggren, Frank Pingue and Ka Yan Ng; editing by Peter Galloway)
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Canadian Shoppers Click and Clip Their Way to Savings
A news release from Nielsen Media Research Canada reveals that Canadians are looking to get more value for their money by clipping coupons and seeking out deals online. Retailers should rev-up their online presences by offering online-only incentives to increase return business.
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Coupons and on-line bargains capture cost-conscious Canadian consumers
Markham, Ontario, December 11, 2009: Although economic recovery finally seems to be taking root, consumers remain cautious when it comes to spending their money. According to Nielsen, Canadians are seeking to get more for their money by clipping coupons, and, increasingly, taking advantage of deals found online.
Fifty four percent of Canadian consumers say they are motivated by coupons (Nielsen PanelViews Shopper Opinions Survey 2008) and this is showing itself at the checkout counter. Coupon use in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry has gone up for the past three years running. In 2007, 2.7% of units sold included coupon use, in 2008, this had risen to 3.3% (+19% change) and by the end of the third quarter of 2009, the figure was up to 4.0% (+20% change). (Nielsen Homescan Market Summary, National All Channels, 52 weeks to September 26, 2009)
Younger shoppers are increasingly turning to the internet to delve out deals. Twenty three percent (+5) of respondents to the 2008 survey, and 41% of shoppers under 35 years old, indicated they view store flyers online.
What deals are being taken advantage of? Air fresheners top the list of FMCG categories consumers use coupons for. Other categories seeing a significant boost in coupon redemption include canned soup, pet food, vitamins, yogurt, pasta sauce, ready-to-eat cereal and hair styling products.
“At the beginning of the downturn, consumers had indicated that in tough times, they were willing to forego purchasing certain items,” says Carman Allison, Director, Marketing Communications, Nielsen Canada. “Instead what we’re seeing is that they are still buying, but creatively looking for ways to stretch their shopping dollar.”
When asked by Nielsen, 34% of Canadian consumers indicated that in order to spend less during the recovery, they would only buy when on sale. Using coupons came in a close second with 33% indicating this would be their approach. Other savings techniques includes switching stores (31%), stocking up when on promotion (28%) switching to store brands (28%) and shopping more at discounters (20%). (Nielsen PanelViews Economic Consumer Segmentation August 2009)
Most Canadians envision these behaviours will remain even once the economy recovers. When asked by Nielsen in October, almost half (49%) of consumers who had reduced their spending said they will continue to spend less. Thirty six percent believe they will increase their spend, but only 15% say their spending will return to pre-recession levels.
Source: Nielsen Canada
_______________________________________________
Coupons and on-line bargains capture cost-conscious Canadian consumers
Markham, Ontario, December 11, 2009: Although economic recovery finally seems to be taking root, consumers remain cautious when it comes to spending their money. According to Nielsen, Canadians are seeking to get more for their money by clipping coupons, and, increasingly, taking advantage of deals found online.
Fifty four percent of Canadian consumers say they are motivated by coupons (Nielsen PanelViews Shopper Opinions Survey 2008) and this is showing itself at the checkout counter. Coupon use in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry has gone up for the past three years running. In 2007, 2.7% of units sold included coupon use, in 2008, this had risen to 3.3% (+19% change) and by the end of the third quarter of 2009, the figure was up to 4.0% (+20% change). (Nielsen Homescan Market Summary, National All Channels, 52 weeks to September 26, 2009)
Younger shoppers are increasingly turning to the internet to delve out deals. Twenty three percent (+5) of respondents to the 2008 survey, and 41% of shoppers under 35 years old, indicated they view store flyers online.
What deals are being taken advantage of? Air fresheners top the list of FMCG categories consumers use coupons for. Other categories seeing a significant boost in coupon redemption include canned soup, pet food, vitamins, yogurt, pasta sauce, ready-to-eat cereal and hair styling products.
“At the beginning of the downturn, consumers had indicated that in tough times, they were willing to forego purchasing certain items,” says Carman Allison, Director, Marketing Communications, Nielsen Canada. “Instead what we’re seeing is that they are still buying, but creatively looking for ways to stretch their shopping dollar.”
When asked by Nielsen, 34% of Canadian consumers indicated that in order to spend less during the recovery, they would only buy when on sale. Using coupons came in a close second with 33% indicating this would be their approach. Other savings techniques includes switching stores (31%), stocking up when on promotion (28%) switching to store brands (28%) and shopping more at discounters (20%). (Nielsen PanelViews Economic Consumer Segmentation August 2009)
Most Canadians envision these behaviours will remain even once the economy recovers. When asked by Nielsen in October, almost half (49%) of consumers who had reduced their spending said they will continue to spend less. Thirty six percent believe they will increase their spend, but only 15% say their spending will return to pre-recession levels.
Source: Nielsen Canada
BUSINESS NEWS: Statistics Canada: Survey of Household Spending
Survey of Household Spending
2008
On average, each Canadian household spent $71,360 in 2008, up 2.0% from 2007. This was slightly below the rate of inflation of 2.3% as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
Households in Alberta reported the highest average spending, $86,910, followed by those in Ontario, where average spending amounted to $77,310.
The largest increase in average spending per household was in Saskatchewan, where it rose 6.8% to $68,280.
Households in Newfoundland and Labrador reported the lowest average spending ($57,710). This was up 4.9% over 2007, which was above the national average of 2.0%.
Basics still account for largest shares
Personal taxes accounted for 20.5% of the average household's budget in 2008, while shelter represented 19.9%, transportation 13.6% and food 10.4%. These shares changed only slightly from 2007.
Average personal taxes amounted to $14,600 in 2008, up 1.1% from 2007. However, as a share of total spending this was below the peak of 22% in 1996.
Households in Alberta spent the largest share on personal taxes (21.9%) while also having lower provincial income tax rates than other provinces. This was because in Alberta there were proportionally many more households reporting incomes above the national average than the other provinces. Households in Prince Edward Island spent the lowest share on personal taxes (16.2%).
Spending on shelter rose 4.0% to $14,180. This increase was driven by a 10.5% rise in average spending for rental accommodation.
Households in Ontario spent the largest share on shelter (21.2%). They were followed by households in British Columbia (20.8%). Households in Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest share (16.5%).
Households spent an average of $9,720 on transportation in 2008, up 3.5%. Average spending on purchase of automobiles and trucks was up 6.7%, while spending on gasoline and other fuels increased by 0.5% to $2,230. Average spending on public transportation was $1,020, up 5.3%.
On average, households spent $7,440 on food in 2008, up 1.8% from 2007. In the 1960s, food represented the largest proportion of household expenditure, accounting for 18.7% of total spending. However, this proportion has declined constantly to just over 10% of total spending.
Provincially, the proportion spent on food was highest in Quebec (12.2%) and lowest in Alberta (8.9%).
Food, shelter, clothing account for over half of spending by lowest income households
The one-fifth of Canadian households with the lowest income spent an average of $22,860 in 2008. Of this, just over 52% went to food, shelter and clothing. Personal taxes represented 3% of their budget.
In contrast, the top fifth of households spent an average of $146,060. They allocated about 28% of their budgets to food, shelter and clothing, while 29% went to personal taxes. These proportions were similar to 2007.
Note to readers
This release is based on data from the 2008 Survey of Household Spending, which gathered detailed information from a sample of more than 15,400 private households on spending patterns, dwelling characteristics, and household equipment. Data cover all provinces.
Average spending for a specific good or service was calculated for all households, including those with and those without expenditures for the category, unless otherwise noted. Average spending includes sales taxes. "Personal taxes" refer to income and certain other direct taxes.
Comparisons of spending between years were not adjusted for inflation. The rate of inflation for selected items is mentioned where it affected the analysis of year-over-year changes in spending.
To analyze data by income level, households were divided into five groups or quintiles based on income. Each quintile represents one-fifth of all households. Households were ranked in ascending order of total household income, and organized into five groups of equal number.
Households in the lowest quintile had 1.5 members on average, while those in the highest quintile averaged 3.4 members.
Spending on cell phones and wireless services still rising
Average household spending on cell phone and other wireless services was up 6.6% from 2007 to $550. At the same time, household spending on conventional landline telephone service continued to fall, declining 5.1% to $580.
Households in Newfoundland and Labrador spent an average of $700 on conventional landline telephone service, the highest in the country. Alberta had the highest average spending on cell phones, $840. Alberta households were also the most likely to report having a cell phone (83.5%).
Nearly 4 in 5 households (79.4%) reported owning a computer in 2008; up slightly from the previous year, while 74.6% reported having access to the Internet at home. Spending for computer hardware was down 2.7%, but spending for Internet access was up 6.1%. The vast majority (97.0%) of the highest income households had a computer, and 96.7% had Internet access. In comparison, 49.8% of households in the lowest income group had a computer, while 42.9% had home access to the Internet.
Households in British Columbia had the highest proportion (82.1%) that reported having access to the Internet at home, but Alberta reported the highest average spending for Internet services ($340).
In 2008, 86.4% of households reported having a digital video disc (DVD) player, making it the most commonly reported new technology device. DVD ownership is very evenly distributed, with the highest reporting province, Alberta (89.0%) not much higher than the lowest reporting province, Newfoundland and Labrador (82.2%). Canadian households are more likely to have a DVD player than a computer (79.4%), Internet (74.6%), cell phone (73.2%), cable TV (65.3%), or satellite TV (23.7%).
Just over one-half (53.0%) of households in Alberta owned a digital video disc (DVD) writer, the highest share among the provinces.
Reduced spending on books, newspapers and magazines
Average household spending on reading materials decreased 2.7% to $250. This reflected declines for magazines and periodicals (-9.6%), books (-0.9%) and newspapers (-2.3%).
The highest average spending on reading and other printed material was in Alberta at $290 per household, and the second highest in Ontario at $270.
Average spending on maps has dropped 25% over the last two years after many years of steady increases. This could reflect the adoption of new global positioning system (GPS) technology and the widespread use of Internet-based driving direction maps.
Source: Statistics Canada
2008
On average, each Canadian household spent $71,360 in 2008, up 2.0% from 2007. This was slightly below the rate of inflation of 2.3% as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
Households in Alberta reported the highest average spending, $86,910, followed by those in Ontario, where average spending amounted to $77,310.
The largest increase in average spending per household was in Saskatchewan, where it rose 6.8% to $68,280.
Households in Newfoundland and Labrador reported the lowest average spending ($57,710). This was up 4.9% over 2007, which was above the national average of 2.0%.
Basics still account for largest shares
Personal taxes accounted for 20.5% of the average household's budget in 2008, while shelter represented 19.9%, transportation 13.6% and food 10.4%. These shares changed only slightly from 2007.
Average personal taxes amounted to $14,600 in 2008, up 1.1% from 2007. However, as a share of total spending this was below the peak of 22% in 1996.
Households in Alberta spent the largest share on personal taxes (21.9%) while also having lower provincial income tax rates than other provinces. This was because in Alberta there were proportionally many more households reporting incomes above the national average than the other provinces. Households in Prince Edward Island spent the lowest share on personal taxes (16.2%).
Spending on shelter rose 4.0% to $14,180. This increase was driven by a 10.5% rise in average spending for rental accommodation.
Households in Ontario spent the largest share on shelter (21.2%). They were followed by households in British Columbia (20.8%). Households in Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest share (16.5%).
Households spent an average of $9,720 on transportation in 2008, up 3.5%. Average spending on purchase of automobiles and trucks was up 6.7%, while spending on gasoline and other fuels increased by 0.5% to $2,230. Average spending on public transportation was $1,020, up 5.3%.
On average, households spent $7,440 on food in 2008, up 1.8% from 2007. In the 1960s, food represented the largest proportion of household expenditure, accounting for 18.7% of total spending. However, this proportion has declined constantly to just over 10% of total spending.
Provincially, the proportion spent on food was highest in Quebec (12.2%) and lowest in Alberta (8.9%).
Food, shelter, clothing account for over half of spending by lowest income households
The one-fifth of Canadian households with the lowest income spent an average of $22,860 in 2008. Of this, just over 52% went to food, shelter and clothing. Personal taxes represented 3% of their budget.
In contrast, the top fifth of households spent an average of $146,060. They allocated about 28% of their budgets to food, shelter and clothing, while 29% went to personal taxes. These proportions were similar to 2007.
Note to readers
This release is based on data from the 2008 Survey of Household Spending, which gathered detailed information from a sample of more than 15,400 private households on spending patterns, dwelling characteristics, and household equipment. Data cover all provinces.
Average spending for a specific good or service was calculated for all households, including those with and those without expenditures for the category, unless otherwise noted. Average spending includes sales taxes. "Personal taxes" refer to income and certain other direct taxes.
Comparisons of spending between years were not adjusted for inflation. The rate of inflation for selected items is mentioned where it affected the analysis of year-over-year changes in spending.
To analyze data by income level, households were divided into five groups or quintiles based on income. Each quintile represents one-fifth of all households. Households were ranked in ascending order of total household income, and organized into five groups of equal number.
Households in the lowest quintile had 1.5 members on average, while those in the highest quintile averaged 3.4 members.
Spending on cell phones and wireless services still rising
Average household spending on cell phone and other wireless services was up 6.6% from 2007 to $550. At the same time, household spending on conventional landline telephone service continued to fall, declining 5.1% to $580.
Households in Newfoundland and Labrador spent an average of $700 on conventional landline telephone service, the highest in the country. Alberta had the highest average spending on cell phones, $840. Alberta households were also the most likely to report having a cell phone (83.5%).
Nearly 4 in 5 households (79.4%) reported owning a computer in 2008; up slightly from the previous year, while 74.6% reported having access to the Internet at home. Spending for computer hardware was down 2.7%, but spending for Internet access was up 6.1%. The vast majority (97.0%) of the highest income households had a computer, and 96.7% had Internet access. In comparison, 49.8% of households in the lowest income group had a computer, while 42.9% had home access to the Internet.
Households in British Columbia had the highest proportion (82.1%) that reported having access to the Internet at home, but Alberta reported the highest average spending for Internet services ($340).
In 2008, 86.4% of households reported having a digital video disc (DVD) player, making it the most commonly reported new technology device. DVD ownership is very evenly distributed, with the highest reporting province, Alberta (89.0%) not much higher than the lowest reporting province, Newfoundland and Labrador (82.2%). Canadian households are more likely to have a DVD player than a computer (79.4%), Internet (74.6%), cell phone (73.2%), cable TV (65.3%), or satellite TV (23.7%).
Just over one-half (53.0%) of households in Alberta owned a digital video disc (DVD) writer, the highest share among the provinces.
Reduced spending on books, newspapers and magazines
Average household spending on reading materials decreased 2.7% to $250. This reflected declines for magazines and periodicals (-9.6%), books (-0.9%) and newspapers (-2.3%).
The highest average spending on reading and other printed material was in Alberta at $290 per household, and the second highest in Ontario at $270.
Average spending on maps has dropped 25% over the last two years after many years of steady increases. This could reflect the adoption of new global positioning system (GPS) technology and the widespread use of Internet-based driving direction maps.
Source: Statistics Canada
Friday, December 18, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: Court confirms decision in favor of Neptune - Aker BioMarine not ready to enter EU market
Laval, Québec, CANADA - December 18th, 2009 - By a judgment on December 16, 2009, the district court of Frankfurt, Germany, again ruled in favor of Neptune Technologies Bioressources Inc. ("Neptune") and decided that Aker BioMarine ("Aker") is not allowed to distribute and advertise the product "Superba Krill Oil" without prior authorization or notification of its status of Novel Food. This decision, rendered in response to Aker's appeal, confirmed the court order of November 17, 2009, which caused Aker to immediately stop its marketing activity at the trade exhibition "Food Ingredients Europe 2009". During the court hearing of December 16, 2009, Aker's admitted that the Novel Food notification procedure for Superba Krill Oil was not completed. It stated that a final opinion from the Finnish Food and Safety Authority EVIRA had not been issued and that they cannot predict when the opinion will be available. These facts appear to contradict a press release from December 10, 2009, in which Aker claimed that Superba Krill Oil is now approved as Novel Food in the European Union and that, consequently, the product can be sold within the European Union. "We will always welcome competition in the krill oil market, but only from companies that respect of our intellectual property and follow the guidelines established to protect the consumers" stated Henri Harland, President CEO of Neptune.
Source: Neptune Technologies Bioressources Inc.
Source: Neptune Technologies Bioressources Inc.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: Welch is latest Ph.D. to join the association's science and regulatory affairs group
Washington, D.C. -- Cara Welch, Ph.D. has joined the staff of the Natural Products Association (NPA), the oldest and largest trade association representing retailers and manufacturers of dietary supplements and other natural products. Welch serves as the program coordinator for the Scientific and Regulatory Affairs (SRA) department at the NPA.
In her new role at the association, Welch will provide additional guidance and technical expertise regarding the scientific and regulatory programs, including the association’s Natural Certification for Personal Care and Dietary Supplement GMP Certification programs.
“Dr. Welch brings great knowledge and expertise to our association and will certainly help us as we advance our already very successful initiatives like the natural certification program forward to include household products, which will be launched in the very near future, and as we move ahead to natural standards in other areas.” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., NPA vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.
“As the natural products industry serves an increasingly demanding and health-conscious consumer, the addition of Dr. Welch demonstrates our long-standing commitment here at NPA to continue to expand our tradition of ground-breaking self-regulatory programs,” said John Gay, NPA’s executive director and CEO. “Dr. Welch’s contributions will allow us to increase our service to our growing and diverse membership and we look forward to her contributions.”
Prior to joining NPA, Welch studied at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Rutgers University, under the direction of renowned plant biologist James E. Simon, Ph.D., working on African botanicals and medicinal plants. Throughout her tenure at Rutgers, Welch obtained a National Institutes of Health (NIH) pilot study grant for her research on African traditional medicinal plants as a part of the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Botanicals Research Center on Metabolic Syndrome at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Welch authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on traditional medicine and analytical chemistry. She also studied with NPA Burton Kallman Award winner Koji Nakanishi, Ph.D. through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) award program.
Welch earned her M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa under James B. Gloer, Ph.D., and her B.A. in Chemistry from Dordt College. She is a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Pharmacognosy and serves as a peer-reviewer for editorial boards.
Source: NPA
In her new role at the association, Welch will provide additional guidance and technical expertise regarding the scientific and regulatory programs, including the association’s Natural Certification for Personal Care and Dietary Supplement GMP Certification programs.
“Dr. Welch brings great knowledge and expertise to our association and will certainly help us as we advance our already very successful initiatives like the natural certification program forward to include household products, which will be launched in the very near future, and as we move ahead to natural standards in other areas.” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., NPA vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.
“As the natural products industry serves an increasingly demanding and health-conscious consumer, the addition of Dr. Welch demonstrates our long-standing commitment here at NPA to continue to expand our tradition of ground-breaking self-regulatory programs,” said John Gay, NPA’s executive director and CEO. “Dr. Welch’s contributions will allow us to increase our service to our growing and diverse membership and we look forward to her contributions.”
Prior to joining NPA, Welch studied at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Rutgers University, under the direction of renowned plant biologist James E. Simon, Ph.D., working on African botanicals and medicinal plants. Throughout her tenure at Rutgers, Welch obtained a National Institutes of Health (NIH) pilot study grant for her research on African traditional medicinal plants as a part of the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Botanicals Research Center on Metabolic Syndrome at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Welch authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on traditional medicine and analytical chemistry. She also studied with NPA Burton Kallman Award winner Koji Nakanishi, Ph.D. through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) award program.
Welch earned her M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa under James B. Gloer, Ph.D., and her B.A. in Chemistry from Dordt College. She is a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Pharmacognosy and serves as a peer-reviewer for editorial boards.
Source: NPA
RESEARCH NEWS: Gel for Optimized Timing and Absorption of Nutrients
Gel for Optimized Timing and Absorption of Nutrients
12/9/2009 10:40:00 AM
by Missy Larsen
In the 21st century, health conscious consumers find it difficult to explore the truth behind the marketing. Whether you are walking down the store aisles weary about what “organic” really means, or wondering about how best to take supplements as you study the many forms of vitamins and nutrients on the store shelves, you are not alone. In a multi-billion dollar industry, there are many of us seeking the best ways to feed our bodies.
Although studies have shown that raw food is key to nutrition, most people don’t have the time or resources to perfectly plan meals for optimal health and many do not have access to vitamins and nutrients in raw form. Even in the richest nations, the quality of food has diminished over time as the food industry has found ways to produce more at less expense, leaving even the wealthiest consumers looking for ways to build healthier bodies. In addition, cutting-edge technology has offered a way to find optimum nutrition in more condensed forms which leads to the important question of what form is best.
As different players in the health industry sell powder, pills, capsules, bars, juice and now gel for weight-loss, strength enhancement, maximized health, increased energy and many other health claims, consumers are left to find what works for them, but this can be timely and expensive.
The most important element of any decision would be to realize the quality of the nutrients. Many companies use fillers in their products to keep production cost down. After choosing high-quality supplements in any form, then the question of optimum delivery arises.
Although pills and capsules are easy to carry, they rely on liquid consumption to swallow and push them into the body, and these supplements have thick outer shells. The availability of the nutrients in food supplements is of paramount importance. If nutrients are not available for uptake in the gastrointestinal tract, they are essentially useless; and because pills and capsules take time to break down in the body nutrients are lost to the natural process of discretion. While powder releases more quickly in the body, it inconveniently demands liquid and rigorous mixing. Bars offer nutritional value, but they are also full of calories and fillers, and many times do not offer a variety of supplements; they are, therefore, good for high protein and meal replacement, but not great for many other nutritional concerns.
Juice is seen as a solution for many people but, when studied, is found to be inconsistent as the nutritional pulp is not easily measured during the bottling process. One bottle might contain a full amount of nutrients and the next will have a different value. The other critical gap is during consumption, when it is easy to leave a small amount at the bottom of the glass and because heavier elements settle, the nutrients are washed down the sink or thrown away instead of ingested.
Over these many forms, gel has many advantages. Most importantly, gel suspension technology optimizes timing and enhances absorption of the nutrients to maximize physiology effects. This offering is a significant advancement in the method of delivery for vitamins, minerals and other important food supplements. Gel suspension drastically facilitates ingestion of food supplements, increasing compliance with nutritional regimens that would otherwise go unheeded.
Technically, gel is a semisolid chemical system composed of a continuous medium throughout which are distributed small particles that do not settle out under the influence of gravity; the particles may be in emulsion or in suspension, according to Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers.
The first gel-based products were launched in 1991 by GU as efficient sports fuel that would deliver carbohydrates to the body in a high-quality, easily digested and long-lasting energy for athletes. Over the years, many sport gels have entered the market and can be found throughout the world. After seeing the results from carbohydrate sports nutrition gels, Agel Enterprises launched a gel-based nutritional supplement line in 2005 in 12 different countries Other companies of the dietary supplement industry also became interested in this delivery form have entered the gel suspension supplement market since that time.
Unlike liquid vitamins—and like tablets—gel supplements provide exact daily dosage of the nutrients in each packet. Because the nutrients float in gel, it is not necessary to shake before use, as it is with liquid and they do not require a spoon or even water to consume. It is relatively easy to give the product a great taste, and it can be swallowed with no additional liquids. Also, bottle with liquid supplements must be refrigerated after opening. Gel packets contain dosage for a single use, so no refrigeration is needed, as long as they are not exposed to high temperatures. Overall, gel supplements have unique characteristics, bringing together tablets and liquid vitamins.
Nutritional supplements in any form are most effective when ingested according to the optimal timing guidelines for each individual supplement. Agel Enterprises backs its gel-based delivery through research and development of the interconnection of time release of each element in combined supplements. Gel supplements are packaged in convenient gel packs that are highly portable, so they are on hand at any time and can be ingested without water. This facilitates optimal timing of nutritional release by just consuming a packet even in extreme and unusual circumstances. By encouraging and allowing the correct timing and ingestion of food supplements, gel technology enhances the absorption and utilization of each nutrient. In addition, gel-suspended nutrients remain in their natural state, optimizing availability, and increasing the absorption and digestion of essential vitamins and minerals. A recent Agel Enterprises product launch connects internal and outward appearance through an ingestible skincare gel.
Gel-based nutritional products are offered in convenient gel packages for many uses, including products to unlock the body’s full potential for health and fitness and even topical usages for skincare.
Missy Wilson Larsen is a veteran marketing professional from Salt Lake City who has spent the past two decades helping a wide range of businesses, organizations and causes reach their outreach potential. After serving as press secretary to a U.S. Congressman, she founded the Intrepid Group in 1994 as a full service agency. She now freelances and co-founded the Utah Refugee Coalition as an organization dedicated to networking public, private and voluntary resources.
12/9/2009 10:40:00 AM
by Missy Larsen
In the 21st century, health conscious consumers find it difficult to explore the truth behind the marketing. Whether you are walking down the store aisles weary about what “organic” really means, or wondering about how best to take supplements as you study the many forms of vitamins and nutrients on the store shelves, you are not alone. In a multi-billion dollar industry, there are many of us seeking the best ways to feed our bodies.
Although studies have shown that raw food is key to nutrition, most people don’t have the time or resources to perfectly plan meals for optimal health and many do not have access to vitamins and nutrients in raw form. Even in the richest nations, the quality of food has diminished over time as the food industry has found ways to produce more at less expense, leaving even the wealthiest consumers looking for ways to build healthier bodies. In addition, cutting-edge technology has offered a way to find optimum nutrition in more condensed forms which leads to the important question of what form is best.
As different players in the health industry sell powder, pills, capsules, bars, juice and now gel for weight-loss, strength enhancement, maximized health, increased energy and many other health claims, consumers are left to find what works for them, but this can be timely and expensive.
The most important element of any decision would be to realize the quality of the nutrients. Many companies use fillers in their products to keep production cost down. After choosing high-quality supplements in any form, then the question of optimum delivery arises.
Although pills and capsules are easy to carry, they rely on liquid consumption to swallow and push them into the body, and these supplements have thick outer shells. The availability of the nutrients in food supplements is of paramount importance. If nutrients are not available for uptake in the gastrointestinal tract, they are essentially useless; and because pills and capsules take time to break down in the body nutrients are lost to the natural process of discretion. While powder releases more quickly in the body, it inconveniently demands liquid and rigorous mixing. Bars offer nutritional value, but they are also full of calories and fillers, and many times do not offer a variety of supplements; they are, therefore, good for high protein and meal replacement, but not great for many other nutritional concerns.
Juice is seen as a solution for many people but, when studied, is found to be inconsistent as the nutritional pulp is not easily measured during the bottling process. One bottle might contain a full amount of nutrients and the next will have a different value. The other critical gap is during consumption, when it is easy to leave a small amount at the bottom of the glass and because heavier elements settle, the nutrients are washed down the sink or thrown away instead of ingested.
Over these many forms, gel has many advantages. Most importantly, gel suspension technology optimizes timing and enhances absorption of the nutrients to maximize physiology effects. This offering is a significant advancement in the method of delivery for vitamins, minerals and other important food supplements. Gel suspension drastically facilitates ingestion of food supplements, increasing compliance with nutritional regimens that would otherwise go unheeded.
Technically, gel is a semisolid chemical system composed of a continuous medium throughout which are distributed small particles that do not settle out under the influence of gravity; the particles may be in emulsion or in suspension, according to Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers.
The first gel-based products were launched in 1991 by GU as efficient sports fuel that would deliver carbohydrates to the body in a high-quality, easily digested and long-lasting energy for athletes. Over the years, many sport gels have entered the market and can be found throughout the world. After seeing the results from carbohydrate sports nutrition gels, Agel Enterprises launched a gel-based nutritional supplement line in 2005 in 12 different countries Other companies of the dietary supplement industry also became interested in this delivery form have entered the gel suspension supplement market since that time.
Unlike liquid vitamins—and like tablets—gel supplements provide exact daily dosage of the nutrients in each packet. Because the nutrients float in gel, it is not necessary to shake before use, as it is with liquid and they do not require a spoon or even water to consume. It is relatively easy to give the product a great taste, and it can be swallowed with no additional liquids. Also, bottle with liquid supplements must be refrigerated after opening. Gel packets contain dosage for a single use, so no refrigeration is needed, as long as they are not exposed to high temperatures. Overall, gel supplements have unique characteristics, bringing together tablets and liquid vitamins.
Nutritional supplements in any form are most effective when ingested according to the optimal timing guidelines for each individual supplement. Agel Enterprises backs its gel-based delivery through research and development of the interconnection of time release of each element in combined supplements. Gel supplements are packaged in convenient gel packs that are highly portable, so they are on hand at any time and can be ingested without water. This facilitates optimal timing of nutritional release by just consuming a packet even in extreme and unusual circumstances. By encouraging and allowing the correct timing and ingestion of food supplements, gel technology enhances the absorption and utilization of each nutrient. In addition, gel-suspended nutrients remain in their natural state, optimizing availability, and increasing the absorption and digestion of essential vitamins and minerals. A recent Agel Enterprises product launch connects internal and outward appearance through an ingestible skincare gel.
Gel-based nutritional products are offered in convenient gel packages for many uses, including products to unlock the body’s full potential for health and fitness and even topical usages for skincare.
Missy Wilson Larsen is a veteran marketing professional from Salt Lake City who has spent the past two decades helping a wide range of businesses, organizations and causes reach their outreach potential. After serving as press secretary to a U.S. Congressman, she founded the Intrepid Group in 1994 as a full service agency. She now freelances and co-founded the Utah Refugee Coalition as an organization dedicated to networking public, private and voluntary resources.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
BUSINESS NEWS: Neptune Reports Third Quarter Sales Estimate and Business Update
Neptune Reports Third Quarter Sales Estimate and Business Update
Laval, Québec, CANADA – December 15, 2009 – Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (“Neptune”) (NASDAQ.NEPT - TSX.V.NTB) provides guidance for the expected financial results of the fiscal 2010 third quarter ended November 30, 2009.
Sales Estimate
Neptune expects total revenue for the three-month period ended November 30, 2009 to be in the range of $3,400,000 to $3,800,000 compared to $2,451,000 for the third quarter ended November 30, 2008, representing an increase of 39 to 55%.
Total revenue for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2009 is expected to be in the range of $7,650,000 to $8,050,000 compared to $7,951,000 for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2008, representing a decrease of 3.8% to an increase of 1.2%. Neptune has managed to catch up with last year’s sales level despite a second quarter revenue of $1,371,000 following the production plant shut down for the completion of the expansion to increase plant capacity.
Production and Sales
The production plant is running at a steady rate targeting over 90,000 kg annually. In order to respond to increased demand and deliver on its volume commitments, Neptune is currently working to further expand its production capacity from 90,000 kg to an estimated 110,000 to 120,000 kg annually. This additional production is expected to take place during the normal course of business without production interruption and represents a marginal investment financed by cash flow from current operations. The confirmed sales for the 2010 calendar year are consistent with Neptune’s expectations of fully utilizing expanded plant capacity during the course of the year and of preparing for all new launches planned during the coming year. Neptune’s additional industrial plant project is on schedule, allowing the new industrial plant realisation during the course of 2011.
Convertible Debenture and Capital Structure
Neptune announces that a total of $2,250,000 of nominal value of its debenture have been converted as of November 30, 2009. Holders of $84,000 of debenture capital have chosen to convert capital and accumulated interest into Neptune units resulting in the issuance of 70,323 shares and 38,670 warrants of Neptune. Neptune warrants are exercisable until October 9, 2011 at various prices ranging from $2.15 to $2.25 depending on the market price of Neptune shares at their date of conversion. Holders of $2,166,000 of debenture capital have also chosen to convert into Acasti Pharma Inc. (“Acasti”) units resulting in the transfer from Neptune to the former debenture holders of 9,455,876 Acasti shares and the issuance of 9,455,876 Acasti call options by Neptune. Acasti call options are exercisable at $0.50 and expire one year after their issuance. $500,000 of debenture capital remains outstanding.
Source: Neptune Biotech
Laval, Québec, CANADA – December 15, 2009 – Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (“Neptune”) (NASDAQ.NEPT - TSX.V.NTB) provides guidance for the expected financial results of the fiscal 2010 third quarter ended November 30, 2009.
Sales Estimate
Neptune expects total revenue for the three-month period ended November 30, 2009 to be in the range of $3,400,000 to $3,800,000 compared to $2,451,000 for the third quarter ended November 30, 2008, representing an increase of 39 to 55%.
Total revenue for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2009 is expected to be in the range of $7,650,000 to $8,050,000 compared to $7,951,000 for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2008, representing a decrease of 3.8% to an increase of 1.2%. Neptune has managed to catch up with last year’s sales level despite a second quarter revenue of $1,371,000 following the production plant shut down for the completion of the expansion to increase plant capacity.
Production and Sales
The production plant is running at a steady rate targeting over 90,000 kg annually. In order to respond to increased demand and deliver on its volume commitments, Neptune is currently working to further expand its production capacity from 90,000 kg to an estimated 110,000 to 120,000 kg annually. This additional production is expected to take place during the normal course of business without production interruption and represents a marginal investment financed by cash flow from current operations. The confirmed sales for the 2010 calendar year are consistent with Neptune’s expectations of fully utilizing expanded plant capacity during the course of the year and of preparing for all new launches planned during the coming year. Neptune’s additional industrial plant project is on schedule, allowing the new industrial plant realisation during the course of 2011.
Convertible Debenture and Capital Structure
Neptune announces that a total of $2,250,000 of nominal value of its debenture have been converted as of November 30, 2009. Holders of $84,000 of debenture capital have chosen to convert capital and accumulated interest into Neptune units resulting in the issuance of 70,323 shares and 38,670 warrants of Neptune. Neptune warrants are exercisable until October 9, 2011 at various prices ranging from $2.15 to $2.25 depending on the market price of Neptune shares at their date of conversion. Holders of $2,166,000 of debenture capital have also chosen to convert into Acasti Pharma Inc. (“Acasti”) units resulting in the transfer from Neptune to the former debenture holders of 9,455,876 Acasti shares and the issuance of 9,455,876 Acasti call options by Neptune. Acasti call options are exercisable at $0.50 and expire one year after their issuance. $500,000 of debenture capital remains outstanding.
Source: Neptune Biotech
INDUSTRY NEWS: Mintel predicts global beauty trends for 2010
Mintel predicts global beauty trends for 2010
"Austerity chic” ruled the beauty industry in 2009, but as this challenging year comes to a close, Mintel Beauty Innovation forecasts the top beauty trends for 2010. Though manufacturer and consumer attitudes were changed by the recession, innovation and resilience have shaped a new landscape for beauty in 2010.
Nica Lewis, director of Mintel Beauty Innovation says:
“While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging. In 2010, we will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends, as well as new ones, as consumer confidence returns.”
1. MOOD BEAUTY
Make-up has long been associated with making the wearer feel better, but recent product evolution has seen actual ingredients enabling this. In 2010, consumers will be able to enhance their mood through make-up and skincare, going beyond aromatherapy and simple use of scent.
“Mood Beauty” creates a new beauty space, intersecting psychology and wellbeing with beauty products that offer psychological benefits and ingredients that act on people’s neurotransmitters. Expect manufacturers to make use of textures, temperatures or sounds that affect the mood, as well as innovations like make-up that “switches on and off.”
Meanwhile, the idea of beauty sleep will take on new meaning, as cosmetics claiming to induce positive moods or improve sleep quality inject new life into night care products.
2. NU NATURAL
“Nu Natural” is a new vision of natural that is less focused on certification and more focused on results, efficiency and safety. In 2010, beauty products will evolve from today’s trend towards organic ingredients, revisiting attributes like authenticity, provenance and local production.
Mintel Beauty Innovation expects claims like “free from” and “sustainable” to appear in products that simultaneously contain synthetic actives like peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides or collagen. Beauty manufacturers will further explore simple formulas, such as infusions and fluids, but they’ll formulate them with a new generation of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and fermented actives.
3. PRO-TECH’T
Throughout 2009, there was a renewed emphasis on protection, one of the basic functions of skincare, hair care and color cosmetics. Beauty products offered increasingly powerful shields against not just UV rays, but also physiological and man-made factors.
In 2010, “Pro-Tech’t” will strengthen this shield. Marketing language is already growing more robust, borrowing from computer technology (e.g. “firewalls”). Packaging, too, will expand beyond traditional glass and plastic to materials like neoprene and concrete.
In addition, Mintel Beauty Innovation expects growth in immune-boosting and skin-defending claims, as well as new products that contain ingredients from extreme environments such as the Arctic, Alpine or Desert. Expect more healthcare actives like rhodiola rosea, griffonia and superoxide dismutase to appear in 2010’s beauty products, forging a stronger link with nutricosmetics.
4. TURBO BEAUTY 4G
Developing 2009’s “Turbo Beauty”’ trend, “Turbo Beauty 4G” continues to capitalize on advances in biochemistry for higher-tech beauty products. Expect more quasi-medical results and “mix-it-yourself” solutions: at-home kits and cures that offer alternatives to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures.
In 2010, products will increasingly include medical- or pharmaceutical-grade actives and next-generation nanotechnology. In addition, clinical testing to substantiate claims and results will move from prestige into “masstige” (affordable for general consumers but positioned as luxury).
Following the explosion of social media, Mintel also expects beauty manufacturers to start marketing anti-aging products in particular to “digital natives.”
Source: Mintel
"Austerity chic” ruled the beauty industry in 2009, but as this challenging year comes to a close, Mintel Beauty Innovation forecasts the top beauty trends for 2010. Though manufacturer and consumer attitudes were changed by the recession, innovation and resilience have shaped a new landscape for beauty in 2010.
Nica Lewis, director of Mintel Beauty Innovation says:
“While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging. In 2010, we will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends, as well as new ones, as consumer confidence returns.”
1. MOOD BEAUTY
Make-up has long been associated with making the wearer feel better, but recent product evolution has seen actual ingredients enabling this. In 2010, consumers will be able to enhance their mood through make-up and skincare, going beyond aromatherapy and simple use of scent.
“Mood Beauty” creates a new beauty space, intersecting psychology and wellbeing with beauty products that offer psychological benefits and ingredients that act on people’s neurotransmitters. Expect manufacturers to make use of textures, temperatures or sounds that affect the mood, as well as innovations like make-up that “switches on and off.”
Meanwhile, the idea of beauty sleep will take on new meaning, as cosmetics claiming to induce positive moods or improve sleep quality inject new life into night care products.
2. NU NATURAL
“Nu Natural” is a new vision of natural that is less focused on certification and more focused on results, efficiency and safety. In 2010, beauty products will evolve from today’s trend towards organic ingredients, revisiting attributes like authenticity, provenance and local production.
Mintel Beauty Innovation expects claims like “free from” and “sustainable” to appear in products that simultaneously contain synthetic actives like peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides or collagen. Beauty manufacturers will further explore simple formulas, such as infusions and fluids, but they’ll formulate them with a new generation of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and fermented actives.
3. PRO-TECH’T
Throughout 2009, there was a renewed emphasis on protection, one of the basic functions of skincare, hair care and color cosmetics. Beauty products offered increasingly powerful shields against not just UV rays, but also physiological and man-made factors.
In 2010, “Pro-Tech’t” will strengthen this shield. Marketing language is already growing more robust, borrowing from computer technology (e.g. “firewalls”). Packaging, too, will expand beyond traditional glass and plastic to materials like neoprene and concrete.
In addition, Mintel Beauty Innovation expects growth in immune-boosting and skin-defending claims, as well as new products that contain ingredients from extreme environments such as the Arctic, Alpine or Desert. Expect more healthcare actives like rhodiola rosea, griffonia and superoxide dismutase to appear in 2010’s beauty products, forging a stronger link with nutricosmetics.
4. TURBO BEAUTY 4G
Developing 2009’s “Turbo Beauty”’ trend, “Turbo Beauty 4G” continues to capitalize on advances in biochemistry for higher-tech beauty products. Expect more quasi-medical results and “mix-it-yourself” solutions: at-home kits and cures that offer alternatives to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures.
In 2010, products will increasingly include medical- or pharmaceutical-grade actives and next-generation nanotechnology. In addition, clinical testing to substantiate claims and results will move from prestige into “masstige” (affordable for general consumers but positioned as luxury).
Following the explosion of social media, Mintel also expects beauty manufacturers to start marketing anti-aging products in particular to “digital natives.”
Source: Mintel
BUSINESS NEWS: Statistics Canada: Leading indicators
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091215/dq091215c-eng.htm
INDUSTRY NEWS: Green projects proving earners for cereal and snack makers, report
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/BakeryAndSnacks.com/The-Big-Picture/Green-projects-proving-earners-for-cereal-and-snack-makers-report/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmkWFnjYQy99g%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
BUSINESS NEWS + CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Internet shopping in Canada: An examination of data, trends and patterns
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=88F0006X2009005&lang=eng
BUSINESS + INDUSTRY NEWS: Neptune to appeal European patent revocation
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Regulation/Neptune-to-appeal-European-patent-revocation/?c=Sn8oNZLTtblchf2hw3OJTA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Holiday shoppers plan to spend same as last year: Survey
http://www.theprovince.com/life/Holiday+shoppers+plan+spend+same+last+year+Survey/2321735/story.html
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY NEWS: Grocery store growth among 2010 top food trends
http://naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/119/itemId/4342/Grocery-store-growth-among-2010-top-food-trends.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Health Canada warns against tainted acai berry productsHealth Canada warns against tainted acai berry products
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/health-canada-warns-against-tainted-acai-berry-products-1840452.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Product safety bill faces herbal `tea party'
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/735638--product-safety-bill-faces-herbal-tea-party
Monday, December 14, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: 2010 trend forecast: Authentically ethical food
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Financial-Industry/2010-trend-forecast-Authentically-ethical-food/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnBYZ0VZ9WNhA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
RESEARCH NEWS: Coffee, Tea Lower Diabetes Risk
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/coffee-tea-lower-diabetes-risk.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Thursday, December 10, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: CONTROVERSIAL HST TAX HARMONIZATION BILL PASSED IN ONTARIO
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/controversial_hst_tax_harmonization_bill_passed_in_ontario
INDUSTRY TIPS: Is All that Extra Room Necessary?
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/12/is-all-that-extra-room-necessary.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
RESEARCH NEWS: Coffee consumption associated with reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/news.phtml?sac=view&id=834
BUSINESS NEWS: Stats Can: Canadian international merchandise trade
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091210/dq091210a-eng.htm
MARKET RESEARCH: Mintel 2010 Beauty Predictions
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/mintel-2010-beauty-predictions.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
BUSINESS NEWS: Stats Can: Survey of Fraud against Businesses
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091210/dq091210c-eng.htm
RESEARCH NEWS: Most Dietitians OK Supplement Use
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/most-dietitians-ok-supplement-use.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace%2FNews+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS: Natural Products for Weight Management
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/12/natural-products-for-weight-management.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
INDUSTRY NEWS: CSPI Proposes Food Label Makeover
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/cspi-proposes-food-label-makeover.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
INDUSTRY NEWS: Health Canada to host 2010 World Health Organization scientific experts meeting on Bisphenol A
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2009/2009_198-eng.php
BUSINESS NEWS: Vitamin Companies Agree to Pay $25 Million in Price-Fixing Settlement
http://nutritionbusinessjournal.com/supplements/news/vitamin-pay-25-million-price-fixing-settlement/
INDUSTRY NEWS: Chong Bang, Walgreens’ CCR guru, leaving to join Shoppers Drug Mart
http://www.drugstorenews.com/story.aspx?id=125483&menuid=781
Monday, December 7, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: Food Defense Tool from FDA and APHIS Helps Farmers, Producers Assess Vulnerabilities
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm193091.htm
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR/INDUSTRY NEWS: Personal Care To Grow In 2010
http://naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/119/itemId/4332/PC-postioned-for-rebound.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Prince Charles urges government to protect alternative medicine
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/news.phtml?sac=view&id=822
INDUSTRY NEWS: Japanese Minister of the Environment suggests a green tax necessary to fight global warming
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/news.phtml?sac=view&id=820
INDUSTRY NEWS: India calls for Indian probiotic studies and strains
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation/India-calls-for-Indian-probiotic-studies-and-strains/?c=Sn8oNZLTtblX%2BxVeV0wASA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
Thursday, December 3, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS: Multiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/news.phtml?sac=view&id=807
INDUSTRY NEWS: Sustainability no less important in recession, survey
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Financial-Industry/Sustainability-no-less-important-in-recession-survey/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbng%2BhwJkcX1ew%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY NEWS: Markets: cranberry goes mainstream
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/NutraIngredients.com/Industry/Markets-cranberry-goes-mainstream/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnz9wR2KQRF2w%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
BUSINESS NEWS: GeoPharma Receives Guidance From NASDAQ Regarding Minimum Stockholders' Equity Requirement
http://gorx.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=428036
INDUSTRY INSIDER: Sustainability Still Important to Grocery Manufacturers
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/sustainability-still-important-to-grocery-manufacturers.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Most Shoppers Buy at Checkout
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/most-shoppers-buy-at-checkout.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace%2FNews+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: SunOpta enters South African soy alliance
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Financial-Industry/SunOpta-enters-South-African-soy-alliance/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmkqy%2FhgqLcbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
RESEARCH NEWS: Zinc and DNA Integrity
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2009/12/zinc-and-dna-integrity.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20naturalproductsinsider%2FArticles%20%28Natural%20Products%20Insider%20-%20Articles%29&utm_content=Google%20Reader
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Women’s Food Attitudes Affect Obesity
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/12/womens-food-attitudes-affect-obesity.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
INDUSTRY NEWS: NOKIA SUES LCD MAKERS OVER PRICE FIXING
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/nokia_sues_lcd_makers_over_price_fixing
INDUSTRY NEWS: Mead Johnson, Maker of Enfamil, Loses Multi-Million Dollar False Advertising Case Against Store-Brand Infant Formulas
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/12/mead-johnson-maker-of-enfamil-loses.html
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: Good news for CHFA members and the natural health products industry sector
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/12/good-news-for-natural-health-products.html
RESEARCH NEWS: Canada looks at soy as Omega-3 source
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/11/30/soy-omega3.html
BUSINESS NEWS: Gross domestic product sees first gain in a year in third quarter
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/business/article/383272--gross-domestic-product-sees-first-gain-in-a-year-in-third-quarter
BUSINESS NEWS: Planet Organic Health Corp Announces First Quarter Results
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/planet-organic-health-corp-announces-first-quarter-results-78183232.html
Monday, November 30, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: New cleanliness guidelines for herbal products
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Regulation/New-cleanliness-guidelines-for-herbal-products/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbkeBXLPJa3j7A%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: PFIZER ORDERED TO PAY $28 MILLION IN PUNITIVE DAMAGES
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/pfizer_ordered_to_pay_28_million_in_punitive_damages
INDUSTRY NEWS: SUPREME COURT SUPPORTS WAL-MART
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/supreme_court_supports_wal-mart
INDUSTRY NEWS: US concern rises over grocery spending
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Financial-Industry/US-concern-rises-over-grocery-spending/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbl1Vvriny1kDw%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: Canadian Dairy Commission causes price revolt by major dairy buyer
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/11/canadian-dairy-commission-causes-price.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Is it food, natural health product or a drug?
http://www.theprovince.com/life/do-it-better/food+natural+health+product+drug/1615960/story.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Nestle withdraws; Danone resubmits EU health claims
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation/Nestle-withdraws-Danone-resubmits-EU-health-claims/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbm4zeMxAI%2B7gg%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
RESEARCH NEWS: Flaxseed oil may aid osteoporosis
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/nutrition_news.phtml?id=803&sac=view
INDUSTRY NEWS: The Government of Canada Achieves Critical Milestone in Chemicals Management Plan
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2009/2009_192-eng.php
BUSINESS NEWS: 'Black Friday' retail sales decline versus '08
http://www.stockhouse.com/Blogs/ViewDetailedPost.aspx?p=97064
Thursday, November 26, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS by Sytrinol®: Pass legislation on product safety
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/730879--pass-legislation-on-product-safety
RESEARCH NEWS: A Sticky Solution For Identifying Effective Probiotics
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1791153/a_sticky_solution_for_identifying_effective_probiotics/index.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Food beats cosmetics and pharma to nutra frontiers
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Industry/Food-beats-cosmetics-and-pharma-to-nutra-frontiers/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnq5Hb8NDYtKQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: NY Times Blows The Whistle On Drug Industry's Dirty Tricks
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Non-food/Miscellaneous/ny_times_blows_the_whistle_on_drug_industry_s_dirty_tricks_26112.html
INDUSTRY NEWS/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Consumers want better GM labelling: Report
http://www.foodqualitynews.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Financial-Industry/Consumers-want-better-GM-labelling-Report/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnr4DydURVinA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS by Sytrinol®: Quarterly financial statistics for enterprises
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091125/dq091125a-eng.htm
BUSINESS NEWS: Planet Organic sheds low performers
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Planet+Organic+sell+Sangster+Health+Centre+division/2257423/story.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: JUDGE BLOCKS ROGERS ADVERTISEMENT
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/judge_blocks_rogers_advertisement
INDUSTRY NEWS: Size matters! Green potential of more milk pack sizes
http://www.dairyreporter.com/Industry-markets/Size-matters!-Green-potential-of-more-milk-pack-sizes/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbm5CwHgkQ%2FkMg%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
BUSINESS NEWS by Sytrinol®: September retail sales rise, but are still weaker over same time last year
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/business/article/376894--september-retail-sales-rise-but-are-still-weaker-over-same-time-last-year
RESEARCH NEWS: Nutrition Gives Skin Healthy Glow
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/nutrition-gives-skin-healthy-glow.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace%2FNews+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
RESEARCH NEWS: Strategies for a Stress-Free Slumber
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/strategies-for-a-stressfree-slumber.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
BUSINESS NEWS: Retailers launch deep discounts to lure in shoppers in stagnant holiday season
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/business/article/373769--retailers-launch-deep-discounts-to-lure-in-shoppers-in-stagnant-holiday-season
RESEARCH NEWS: Dont Be Afraid to Get Your Vitamin A
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/dont-be-afraid-to-get-your-vitamin-a.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace%2FNews+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
INDUSTRY NEWS: India to issue probiotic guidelines
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Regulation/India-to-issue-probiotic-guidelines/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbm2VBZ2ctTDsQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
Monday, November 23, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS by Sytrinol®: Natural Skin Care
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/natural-skin-care.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
INDUSTRY NEWS: Sobeys Inc. Releases First Sustainability Report
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/11/sobeys-inc-releases-first.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Sangster's Opens New Store In Calgary
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/11/sangsters-opens-new-store-in-calgary.html
RESEARCH NEWS: Probiotics Role in IBS Debated
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2009/11/probiotics-role-in-ibs-debated.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+naturalproductsinsider%2FArticles+%28Natural+Products+Insider+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
INDUSTRY NEWS: Whole Foods Awards Healthy Employees
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/whole-foods-awards-healthy-employees.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR by Sytrinol®: Personality Makes a Shopper Go Green
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/personality-makes-a-shopper-go-green.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: TELUS SUING ROGERS IN ADVERTISING SPAT
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/telus_suing_rogers_in_advertising_spat
INDUSTRY NEWS: NSF Celebrates 65 Years
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/nsf-celebrates-65-years.aspx
RESEARCH NEWS: New antioxidant compounds have been identified in foods such as olive oil, honey and nuts using two analytical techniques
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/news.phtml?sac=view&id=794
Thursday, November 19, 2009
INDUSTRY/BUSINESS NEWS by Sytrinol®: Retail Grocers Welcome New Rules for Credit and Debit Transactions in Canada
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/11/retail-grocers-welcome-new-rules-for.html
BUSINESS NEWS/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Will JAMA Study Linking Folic Acid to Cancer Affect Consumer Sales?
http://nutritionbusinessjournal.com/supplements/news/JAMA-folic-acid-study-cancer-sales/
RESEARCH NEWS: The Most Sustainable Produce
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/the-most-sustainable-produce.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+%28Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
BUSINESS NEWS: SunOpta Announces Opening of Natural and Organic Sesame Hulling Operation
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=25728&zoneid=12
INDUSTRY NEWS: Danone Reconfirms its Objectives for 2009 and Announces Objectives for the Medium-term
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=25721&zoneid=12
INDUSTRY/BUSINESS NEWS: Metro partners with dunnhumby to improve customer loyalty and grow sales
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/11/metro-partners-with-dunnhumby-to.html
BUSINESS NEWS by Sytrinol®: Travel between Canada and other countries
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091118/dq091118b-eng.htm
RESEARCH NEWS: The untold success stories of vitamins
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/The-untold-success-stories-of-vitamins/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmPVfdHmwb%2BzQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
RESEARCH NEWS: Selenium supplements linked to high cholesterol
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Selenium-supplements-linked-to-high-cholesterol/?c=Sn8oNZLTtblG%2BTjydXl6sg%3D%3D&utm_source=Newsletter_Subject&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BSubject
INDUSTRY NEWS: GE crops use more pesticides than conventional
http://naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/119/itemId/4285/GE-crops-use-more-pesticides-than-conventional.aspx
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR/INDUSTRY NEWS by Sytrinol®: Mintel’s 2010 Packaged Goods Predictions
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/mintels-2010-packaged-goods-predictions.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: ConsumerLab Reviews Probiotic Products
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2009/11/consumerlab-reviews-probiotic-products.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Charges Filed Over Green "Ponzi" Scheme
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/charges_filed_over_green_ponzi_scheme
INDUSTRY NEWS: Herbal Education Program Available for Retailers
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/herbal-education-program-available-for-retailers.aspx
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: French sweet tooth holds sugar opportunities
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Financial-Industry/French-sweet-tooth-holds-sugar-opportunities/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbk41%2FVPY5mq6Q%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR/INDUSTRY NEWS by Sytrinol®: 2010 Organic, Green Buying Forecasts
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/2010-organic-green-buying-forecasts.aspx
INDUSTRY INSIDER: Preparing for a Successful Launch
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2009/11/preparing-for-a-successful-launch.aspx
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR/INDUSTRY NEWS: Probiotics Sales, Awareness on the Rise
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2009/11/probiotics-sales-awareness-on-the-rise.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+naturalproductsinsider%2FArticles+(Natural+Products+Insider+-+Articles)&utm_content=Google+Reader
RESEARCH NEWS: Heart and Bone Damage from Low Vitamin D Tied to Declines in Sex Hormones
http://www.naturalhealthcare.ca/news.phtml?sac=view&id=791
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR/INDUSTRY NEWS: Simplicity Heads Top Ten New Food NPD Trends for 2010
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=25676&zoneid=2
RESEARCH NEWS: Ingredients to Sleep On
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/ingredients-to-sleep-on.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalProductsMarketplace+(Natural+Products+Marketplace+-+Articles)&utm_content=Google+Reader
Thursday, November 12, 2009
BUSINESS NEWS by Sytrinol®: Demand for nutraceutical ingredients to reach $21.8bn by 2013
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Demand-for-nutraceutical-ingredients-to-reach-21.8bn-by-2013/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnFOnEc%2FcleFw%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: Natural health product plans could hurt stores: retailer
http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/news-views/news/natural-health-product-warning-4788/
INDUSTRY NEWS: Dietary supplement ads review to continue through 2014
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Dietary-supplement-ads-review-to-continue-through-2014/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbkfSqu1D3j%2FAg%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Recessionary dynamics boost private label soft drink sales
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/BeverageDaily.com/Industry-Markets/Recessionary-dynamics-boost-private-label-soft-drink-sales/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmRjDhQYtwb8g%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: UK JUDGE: GLOBAL WARMING BELIEF CONSIDERED EQUAL TO RELIGION
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/uk_judge_global_warming_belief_considered_equal_to_religion
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS by Sytrinol®: Cinnamon May Ease Brain Swelling
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/cinnamon-extract-may-ease-brain-swelling.aspx
RESEARCH NEWS: Melons the New Superfruit?
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/melons-the-new-superfruit.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Grocers Not Happy With Dean Foods’ Decision to Change Organic Silk Offerings
http://nutritionbusinessjournal.com/natural-organics/news/dean-foods-grocers-organic-silk-nutrition/
RESEARCH NEWS: Pea flour could create tasty low-GI foods: Study
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator-USA.com/Science-Nutrition/Pea-flour-could-create-tasty-low-GI-foods-Study/?c=Sn8oNZLTtblVedQzBiHJSQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: SunOpta reports Q3 loss; continues debt reduction
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator-USA.com/Financial-Industry/SunOpta-reports-Q3-loss-continues-debt-reduction/?c=Sn8oNZLTtblGO4%2BCKw6AzA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
RESEARCH NEWS by Sytrinol®: Carotenoid-rich broccoli could lead to better extracts
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Product-Categories/Antioxidants-carotenoids/Carotenoid-rich-broccoli-could-lead-to-better-extracts/?utm_source=Newsletter_Product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BProduct
INDUSTRY NEWS: Natrol Now NPA GMP Certified
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/11/natrol-now-npa-gmp-certified.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: ‘Unauthorised' drinks to be reformulated on health fears
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodProductionDaily.com/Quality-Safety/Unauthorised-drinks-to-be-reformulated-on-health-fears/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbl%2FgMc6XII%2BEg%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: FDA Issues 2009 FDA Food Code
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189598.htm
Friday, November 6, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS by Sytrinol: Paper proving source of antioxidants for Swiss firm
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Product-Categories/Antioxidants-carotenoids/Paper-proving-source-of-antioxidants-for-Swiss-firm/?utm_source=Newsletter_Product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BProduct
BUSINESS NEWS: General Nutrition Centers, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results
http://gnc.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=211
INDUSTRY NEWS: ONTARIO EI BILL AIMED AT HELPING ENTREPRENEURS
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/ontario_ei_bill_aimed_at_helping_entrepreneurs
BUSINESS NEWS: SunOpta Announces Third Quarter 2009 Results
http://investor.sunopta.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=422386
Thursday, November 5, 2009
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR by Sytrinol®: Older, Wiser … and Way More Demanding
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/blogs/consumer-edge/2009/11/older-wiser-and-way-more-demanding.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Sun-Rype reports Q3 2009 financial results
http://ir.sunrype.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=70705&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1350499&highlight=
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Consumers Demand Natural Skin Care
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/consumer-demand-natural-skin-care.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS; Sustainability Update: OTC Medications and Supplements
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2009/11/sustainability-update-otc-medications-and-supplements.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Mannatech Reports FY09 Q3 Results
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=25539&zoneid=12
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR by Sytrinol®: Why Vitamins Are Still Selling
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/11/why-vitamins-are-still-selling.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Green Earth Organics goes bananas for Bike To Work Week
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2009/03/c5401.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Leading Executives Predict Challenges and Opportunities for the Dietary Supplement Industry
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=25514&zoneid=34
MARKETING TIPS: Social Media--Are You Ready?
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/blogs/tonic/2009/11/social-media-are-you-ready.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Wal-Mart Wage Settlement Approved
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/wal-mart_wage_settlement_approved
INDUSTRY NEWS: Atrium Innovations Joins the Council for Responsible Nutrition
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2009/03/c5111.html
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
RESEARCH NEWS by Sytrinol®: Salt reduction may also benefit bone health
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Salt-reduction-may-also-benefit-bone-health/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbkoCoZYqNd1hQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: USDA awards $19 million in grants for organic agriculture
http://naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/119/itemId/4265/USDA-awards-19-million-in-grants-for-organic-agri.aspx
RESEARCH NEWS: Processed food could have role in depression, says study
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Processed-food-could-have-role-in-depression-says-study/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmx3OBYWmnJww%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
BUSINESS NEWS: SunOpta Announces New Credit Facility
http://investor.sunopta.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=420679">SunOpta Announces New Credit Facility
BUSINESS NEWS: Dean Foods Company Reports Strong Third Quarter Earnings
http://www.deanfoods.com/our-company/news/press-release.aspx?StoryID=1349281
Monday, November 2, 2009
INDUSTRY INSIDER by Sytrinol®: Four Ways Smaller Stores Can Create Deeper Customer Connections
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/11/four-ways-smaller-stores-can-create.html
RESEARCH NEWS: Pomegranate’s prostate protection potential grows
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Product-Categories/Antioxidants-carotenoids/Pomegranate-s-prostate-protection-potential-grows
INDUSTRY NEWS: Health Canada completes allergen labeling review
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Legislation/Health-Canada-completes-allergen-labeling-review
RESEARCH NEWS: Folic acid and colon cancer: Some benefits and no harm
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Folic-acid-and-colon-cancer-Some-benefits-and-no-harm
INDUSTRY NEWS: Shoppers Give Food Rating System High Score
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/10/shoppers-like-food-rating-system.aspx
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Oh, To Be So Young and Savvy
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/blogs/consumer-edge/2009/10/oh-to-be-so-young-and-savvy.aspx
Thursday, October 29, 2009
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR by Sytrinol®: Shoppers Want Safe, Ethical Food
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/10/shoppers-want-safe-ethical-food.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Planet Organic Health Corp Announces Annual Results
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/planet-organic-health-corp-announces.html
BUSINESS NEWS: Economy Still Not Recovering: Study
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/economy-still-not-recovering-study.html
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Consumers Optimistic about Holiday Spending
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/10/consumers-optimistic-about-holiday-spending.aspx
RESEARCH NEWS: Vitamin C for Weight Loss
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/10/vitamin-c-for-weight-loss.aspx?tw=20091029133449
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
MERCHANDISING TIPS/RESEARCH NEWS by Sytrinol®: When Daylight Savings Time Stops - Consider Taking Vitamin D
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/when-daylight-savings-time-stops.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: Supplement usage holds steady in shaky economic times
http://naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/119/itemId/4248/Supplement-usage-holds-steady-in-shaky-economic-ti.aspx
RESEARCH NEWS: Green Tea and Mental Health
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2009/10/green-tea-and-mental-health.aspx?tw=20091028203352
RESEARCH NEWS: Egg Yolks Good for Eyes, Heart
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/10/egg-yolks-good-for-eyes-heart.aspx
INDUSTRY TIPS: Advertising, Publicizing Store Brands
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/10/advertising-publicizing-store-brands.aspx?tw=20091028202345
Monday, October 26, 2009
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR by Sytrinol®: Supplements find converts in the recessionary gloom
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Consumer-Trends/Supplements-find-converts-in-the-recessionary-gloom/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbluW37%2FaqQ34A%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: Apotex Loses Patent Fight With Allergan
http://lawday.ca/articles/show/apotex_loses_patent_fight_with_allergan
BUSINESS NEWS: Credit Card Companies Settled for $336 Million
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/credit-card-companies-settled-for-336.html
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Who Knew Men Were So Evolved?
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/blogs/consumer-edge/2009/10/who-knew-men-were-so-evolved.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Fit Foods Attains Exclusive Rights to Distribute Nature's Plus Supplements in Canada
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=25421&zoneid=12
RESEARCH NEWS: L-Carnosine and Zinc for Ulcers
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/10/lcarnosine-and-zinc-for-ulcers.aspx
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
INDUSTRY TIPS/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR by Sytrinol®: Dietitians warn on state of Canadians' diets
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/dietitians-warn-on-state-of-canadians.html
INDUSTRY NEWS: drugstore.com Reports Strong Revenue Growth and Record Gross Margins in the Third Quarter of 2009
http://investor.drugstore.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=416919
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS: New dairy partnership improves dairy product safety and shelf-life
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodProductionDaily.com/Quality-Safety/New-dairy-partnership-improves-dairy-product-safety-and-shelf-life/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbkgLhcK9aivxQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
MARKET TRENDS: Markets: functional chocolate finding its feet
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Consumer-Trends/Markets-functional-chocolate-finding-its-feet/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnIYjGuAk62YA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Consumer Will Vital To Sustainable Consumption, says report
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Financial-Industry/Consumer-will-vital-to-sustainable-consumption-says-report/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbnlDpqvYKrgzg%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY INSIDER by Sytrinol®: Seven Tips For Marketing to Families
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/seven-tips-for-marketing-to-families.html
RESEARCH NEWS: Funding Announced to Enhance Quality of Life for Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2009/14/c6717.html
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Nostalgia boosts UK food market growth
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Financial-Industry/Nostalgia-boosts-UK-food-market-growth/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmBoI6wJ1QGWw%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: Delivering Quality Private Label Products
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/10/delivering-quality-private-label-products.aspx
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Shoppers still prepared to pay for healthier foods, says research
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator.com/Financial-Industry/Shoppers-still-prepared-to-pay-for-healthier-foods-says-research/?c=Sn8oNZLTtblkBVKX7V%2Fo7A%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
Monday, October 19, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS by Sytrinol®: Thoughts on Formulating a Functional Beverage
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2009/10/thoughts-on-formulating-a-functional-beverage.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: PepsiCo launches stevia drink under natural health product rules
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Financial-Industry/PepsiCo-launches-stevia-drink-under-natural-health-product-rules/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbkBdYNISnvjrA%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
INDUSTRY NEWS: Conn. AG Investigates `Smart Choices’ Food Labels
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/10/conn-ag-investigates-smart-choices-food-labels.aspx
RESEARCH NEWS: Supplements for Better Brain Power
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2009/10/supplements-for-better-brain-power.aspx
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Heart Set on CVD Prevention
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/2009/10/heart-set-on-cvd-prevention.aspx
INDUSTRY NEWS: Consumer Usage & Spending, Supplements: 1999-2008 - Chart 56
http://nutritionbusinessjournal.com/supplements/data-charts/usage_spending_supplements
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
INDUSTRY INSIDER by Sytrinol®: FD Buyer: What You Need to Know About Packaging and Brands
http://ihrmag2.blogspot.com/2009/10/fd-buyer-what-you-need-to-know-about.html
RESEARCH NEWS/CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: New research examines the psychology of food choices
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/FoodNavigator-USA.com/Science-Nutrition/New-research-examines-the-psychology-of-food-choices/?c=Sn8oNZLTtbmmHitf7uR1fQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: Consumers May Get Back to Spending
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2009/10/consumers-may-get-back-to-spending.aspx
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