Top stories on just-food this week

By: just-food.com | 7 March 2008

As Fairtrade Fortnight draws to a close, we take a look at the ever-growing interest from consumers and major corporations in the category. This week, we have also seen Nestle invest in frozen food in the US, Hershey and Starbucks unite to launch a chocolate range and Kellogg dismiss rumours it is looking to buy Kraft's Spanish biscuit brands. Here are the top five stories on just-food this week:

US: Starbucks, Hershey launch chocolate range
Coffee retailing giant Starbucks has joined forces with US confectionery group Hershey to launch a range of "artisan-style" coffee and tea flavoured chocolates. The launch comes after the two groups agreed last year to team up to develop upmarket chocolate.

Fairtrade - from the church hall to the supermarket
Buoyed by changing consumer values and increasing interest from major corporations, the Fairtrade movement has gathered pace in many European markets over recent years, and sales of Fairtrade foods, such as bananas, coffee and chocolate, have grown rapidly. Ben Cooper reports on a campaigning and, more crucially, a brand-marketing success story.

US: Nestle to expand frozen food plant
Nestlé is planning to invest over US$60m to expand its frozen foods manufacturing facility in the US state of Arkansas. The expansion of the "state-of-the-art" manufacturing facility, is expected to create 200 jobs and will include a new production line and bakery to allow for pizza production under the Stouffer and Lean Cuisine brands.

UK: Rachel's kicks off product relaunch
Rachel's Organic has kicked off a line of product launches for the year with a revamp of its multi-pack yogurts range. The move follows what Rachel's described as a "successful year" in 2007 when the brand was relaunched and sales jumped 25%.

SPAIN: Kellogg not in race for Kraft biscuit brands
Kellogg is not looking to buy the Spanish biscuit brands put up for sale by fellow US food giant Kraft Foods, just-food understands. Reports in the Spanish press had linked Kellogg, the world's largest cereal maker, to a portfolio of brands including Chiquilin and Filipinos.

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