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| World-first technology for ‘energy drink’ The new ready-to-go Berocca Performance Twist N Go drink uses a world-first cap technology, developed by Australian designers, to hold the tablet which, when twisted, is released into purified water. Once dissolved, the drink ‘gives a burst of healthy energy’ just like normal Berocca to ‘improve physical and mental performance throughout the day’ (Haskell & other 2009). Bayer Marketing Manager Nick Stabback said that Berocca Twist N Go was created “in response to consumer demand for convenient, healthy products that offered all day energy”. It is claimed that Berocca Performance is scientifically proven to improve concentration (Carroll & others 2000) and that when taken daily for 28 days it can reduce stress and mental tiredness. “Health and convenience continue as increasingly important factors driving purchasing behaviour around the globe … Berocca in a ready-to-go format made perfect sense. We know it will be the ideal solution to help active Australians stay energised …” said Mr Stabback. It has taken Australian designers more than ten years
to develop and produce the technology behind the unique Berocca Twist
N Go cap technology. References
One of the new products showcased at Fine Foods Australia in September 2009 was Choco-o-lait, which allows you to make a cup of hot chocolate quickly and easily. The product concept is simple and innovative. One end of a wooden stick is coated with authentic Belgian chocolate, which melts very rapidly when stirred into hot milk at 80ºC. The chocolate sticks are sold in a range of varieties, dark, milk, hazelnut and cointreau.
Juicy Isle launches organic juices Michael Cooper, General Manager of Juicy Isle, said, “…Australian Food News confirmed what our own research had shown – that organic is moving from being ‘trendy’ to being something that is becoming increasingly important to consumers for a range of issues from health to social and sustainability. Woolworths’ recent purchase of an organic health food label also underpins the importance of the future of the organic industry in Australia and we’re keen to ensure we continue providing innovative, pure and quality beverages to consumers who are discerning about what they put on the table and into their bodies.” Made from a blend of local and imported ingredients, the new organic orange juice is free from pesticides and herbicides and contains 240% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin C. Juicy Isle’s Premium Organic Orange Juice is the only organic, chilled 2 L juice with distribution in both Coles and Woolworths nationwide. Opening a new category on supermarket shelves, every serving of KIDS PLUS provides children with 200% of their RDI of Vitamin C. In addition, one serving of KIDS PLUS contains 20% of children’s RDI of Vitamin A, 18% RDI of calcium and 15% RDI of folic acid. In addition, Juicy Isle has reduced the amount of sugar in its KIDS PLUS juice, which has a 90% juice content, making it lower in natural sugars than 100% juice. High fibre barley in Australian breakfast cereal BARLEYmax™, the high fibre wholegrain developed by CSIRO, features in two initial products, Digestive 1st and Protein 1st. Both breakfast cereals will benefit from the new wholegrain’s double fibre content and superior levels of resistant starch, which promotes better bowel and digestive health. “We are delighted that Goodness Superfoods will be the first to use CSIRO’s novel wholegrain. It is very important for people to know BARLEYmax™ is a 100% naturally produced wholegrain and contains advanced benefits that will promote bowel health and potentially help fight the onset of diseases like bowel cancer and type 2 diabetes while helping lower the risk factors for heart disease and stroke,” said Arnold May, CEO of Popina (Vic) Pty Ltd, the company that makes Goodness Superfoods breakfast cereals. “We take this leadership role with BARLEYmax™ very seriously and are committed to producing unprecedented breakfast cereals for the Australian breakfast table. All Goodness Superfoods breakfast cereals will contain at least 51% BARLEYmax™ grain and be low in added sugars and sodium, and naturally rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants,” he added. The Public Health Association of Australia has declared Australia to be in a ‘chronic disease crisis’, and simple yet effective dietary change is vital in our fight against chronic disease. “BARLEYmax™ has been in development for almost 12 years and its health benefits have now been substantiated and made available to consumers by CSIRO’s Food Futures Flagship,” commented Dr David Topping, Chief Research Scientist with CSIRO’s National Research Flagship Program. “This new enhanced wholegrain can improve the positive nutritional attributes of a range of consumer foods and improves texture and enhances flavour with a pleasant ‘nutty’ taste that sets it apart from other barley grains. We are delighted that BARLEYmax™ is now available for the first time in a range of wholegrain breakfast cereals and is available to consumers to help them make healthy food choices,” said Dr Topping. Fonterra launches Mainland Special Reserve Fonterra saw an opportunity for growth in this category and filled it by developing a range of 18 specialty cheeses such as bries, camemberts and blues, as well as a creamy vintage cheese, which is the first of its kind to be launched globally. Brad Cook, Fonterra’s General Manager Marketing and Innovation, said that consumers perceived gourmet cheeses as being ‘too special’ and only for formal entertaining occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. “Our new range of Mainland Special Reserve cheese is positioned as ‘perfect for every occasion’, from those Friday nights at home with friends, to Sunday afternoon barbeques or even watching the footy,” he said. “For some time we’ve been aware of a swinging trend towards in-home entertaining, but this has been further magnified by the economic downturn, as consumers look for affordable luxuries. When developing Mainland Special Reserve, we looked at consumer insights research and found that 50% of Australians are willing to spend more on entertaining at home and are not willing to give up their usual indulgences (Nielsen Grocery Report 2008, October 2008). We have invested over 12 months to develop our range of specialty cheeses which not only taste great, but are user friendly and won’t cost a fortune,” he added. “Mainland Special Reserve is the perfect product to have in the fridge for those planned celebrations or when friends unexpectedly pop in. With a packet of chips, kabana and a Special Reserve cheese tucked away in the fridge, you’ll be armed and ready for any occasion,” said Mr Cook. Herbert Adams celebrates 100th Anniversary “Based on a traditional recipe, made with tender lean beef and sliced mushrooms in a thick and hearty gravy, it is the perfect addition to complement our range on our 100th Anniversary,” said Herbert Adams Brand Manager, Kristy Vandenberghe. In addition, there are a number of consumer and retailer promotions including a chance to win a $50 000 London Holiday and a bottle of Penfolds Grange, while Convenience retailers have the opportunity to redeem their choice of Gift Cards. “There are not many premium brands in Australia with a 100 year history, so it’s time to celebrate. We’re launching the brand’s biggest marketing campaign including National TV Advertising and encourage retailers to stock up their Pie Warmers to meet consumer demand,” said Ms Vanderberghe. ‘No Guilt’ snacking In response to the growing market for ‘healthy’ foods, many food companies have launched a variety of snack food products designed to reduce the guilt associated with the common practise of ‘snacking’ between meals, especially for mothers who may believe that snacks are necessary to keep their children energised and to maintain concentration levels during the day. Uncle Toby’s have launched three Fruit Fix™ flavour combinations (Apple, Blackcurrant & Grape Apple, Mango & Grape Apple, Strawberry & Grape) containing 99% fruit ingredients – including fruit puree, juice and fibre and no artificial colours or flavours. Uncle Tobys® Fruit Fix™ is approved by the National Heart Foundation Tick program and the company has provided a thumbnail guide at the front of pack, and associated advice for the following nutrition criteria:
Fruity Bites (Apricot and Apple Berry) are bite-sized pieces made from dried and concentrated fruits. They have been designed to provide a ‘burst of natural energy’ for children. Fruity Bites are preservative free, gluten free and with added non-dairy calcium. The partnership between Go Natural and Looney Tunes Active! was created to promote a more active lifestyle for children. Looney Tunes Active! was launched in 2006 and has quickly evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic children’s initiatives. Key product lines feature a variety of iconic Looney Tunes characters, which have direct appeal to children and their families. The Nut Clusters range are free from gluten, preservatives, flavour enhancers, MSG, trans fats and GM ingredients. Carman’s Muesli Bites are made from Carman’s gourmet muesli and, like the rest of the range, are all natural, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. The Bites also include Australian wholegrain oats, which provides soluble fibre called betaglucan that may help lower blood cholesterol. Mars goes small Despite a trend to ‘Big’ and ‘upsizing’ in some sectors of the food industry and by foodservice, Mars Snackfood is moving in the opposite direction by going ‘small’ on portion size. One of the largest food manufacturers in Australia, Mars believes it is taking a leadership position by launching a range of initiatives which will allow consumers to make their own informed food choices. General Manager for Mars Snackfood Australia, Peter West, said that, “Even though chocolate lovers are happy with their Mars Bar just the way they were, we have reduced the size by more than 11%. This is one of the many initiatives that we have implemented to address the issue of Big Food. Eleven out of twelve of our ‘Little Bit of’ Fun Size Bars are now less than 100 calories, making them perfect to have as a treat. “In this health conscious environment, these small steps will have a large impact over time. By reducing the portion size we have eliminated 14.7 billion calories out of the Australian food supply per year. At Mars we are constantly looking at ways to make products better for our consumers. We know chocolate isn’t an apple. It is a treat food and should be a small bit of pleasure in your day,” added Mr West. ‘Chocolate Mud’ with less sugar According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians consume an estimated 43.4 kg of sugar per capita each year. Sweet William Chocolate Mud Spread is promoted as a healthier option for the occasional chocolate craving; with the reduced sugar keeping daily sugar intake in check. Sweet William brand ambassador, Tiffany Herdsman, who lost 54.1 kg during reality show The Biggest Loser, is a recent convert to the Sweet William chocolate range. “I have learned a lot about nutrition and the value of making better food choices. I’ve also learned that it’s important to have a balanced diet, which means allowing yourself an occasional treat,” said Tiffany. Coles expands Fairtrade® chocolate range Cocolo Premium Organic 70% chocolate is available in all Coles’ supermarkets. This product received equal first place in the lay person’s taste-test of 70% dark chocolate, conducted by CHOICE Online in November 2008. Cocolo Organic Milk, Organic Dark, Mint and Dark Orange will be available in 705 stores nationwide. Two Cocolo varieties have been available in approximately 70 Coles supermarkets in New South Wales for some time. Coles General Manager Grocery Cameron Trainor said, “Many consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on ethical concerns. Through Cocolo, Coles is able to offer a high quality Fairtrade option for customers that complements our existing confectionery range.” Cocolo sources its Organic Fairtrade® ingredients from Bolivia, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Through its certification process, Fairtrade® guarantees that the cocoa farmers who work as part of a democratically run cooperative enjoy a fair price for their crop. Fairtrade® participation also fosters investment in sustainable cocoa farming and production practices. World Vision chief executive Tim Costello applauded the announcement. “Fairtrade chocolate makes a meaningful difference to cocoa farmers in developing countries. It guarantees fair pricing and safe labour practices. By making Fairtrade chocolate available in all of their stores, Coles has shown a real commitment to making ethical purchasing an option for their shoppers. Coles should be congratulated for their leadership on this,” he said. Natasha Lewis, Founder, and former Chair of the Fairtrade® Association of Australia and New Zealand, started Cocolo in 2004 with her brother Jason Lewis, seeing a real need in the Australian market for an excellent quality chocolate that was produced ethically and sustainably. “We wanted chocolate lovers everywhere to enjoy a premium product
without any of the guilt. At Cocolo, we know that quality and sustainability
start with the producer – if growers can’t afford the basic
necessities, like food, clean water and healthcare for their children,
then we can’t expect them to worry about the environment, or to
be able to invest in improving the quality of their produce,”
she said. Olive oil in a cask The first premium olive oil to be bulk packaged and sold in an innovative 100% airtight cask, Yellingbo Gold is an award-winning extra virgin olive oil created by Jeremy Meltzer, from Three Bridges Olive Grove, at Yellingbo, Victoria. The 100% recyclable Yellingbo Gold Cask is based on the concept of the iconic Australian wine cask. With an internal bladder that collapses as the olive oil is used, the oil remains sealed from air and light, preventing oxidation and rancidity, offering extra virgin olive oil, on tap, fresh until all is used. Olive oil, when exposed to air and light can begin to turn rancid within days. Yellingbo Gold Casks are also ‘kind to our environment’. Each cask is made of recycled materials and is fully recyclable. It folds flat when finished for easy disposal, reducing waste and environmental impact, compared to a tin, by 95%. The cask also features a patented drip-proof variable flow tap, which eliminates leakage and the greasy layer of oil that eventually coats glass bottles and tins. The tap also allows for easy decanting into smaller bottles, if required. Estate grown using organic farming methods, hand-picked and cold-pressed within four hours of harvest, Yellingbo Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oils are a blend from Manzanillo, Leccino, Frantoio and Barnea olives. The new cask preserves the oil’s complex, buttery taste, with final hints of sweet apples, nuts and caramel. Yellingbo Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil is certified kosher, and 5% of the profits are donated to the Jasmine Foundation (www.jasminefoundation.org), a charity established by the Meltzer family, which assists children orphaned by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Omega-3 bread Brumby’s Bakeries became the first retail bakery chain in Australia to launch a freshly-baked omega-3 wholemeal loaf. While some breads featuring omega-3 are available on supermarket shelves, this is the first time consumers can access preservative-free omega-3 wholemeal loaves direct from a bakery which are baked fresh daily. Brumby’s Marketing Manager Michelle McBride said that the bread was developed in response to consumers calling for healthy products, which cater to their nutritional requirements. “Apart from the essential vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fibre in wholemeal bread, the omega-3 wholemeal loaf offers an additional health benefit. No other retail bakery chain in Australia is yet to offer this kind of preservative-free loaf containing omega-3 baked fresh daily. In addition, we’ve found a growing appreciation for wholemeal by health-conscious consumers, with wholemeal now our second best selling loaf,” she said. Brumby’s operates more than 300 stores across
Australia, employing over 3300 staff and serving more than 700 000 Australians
a week. Better For You sugars The two other products within the range are also considered to represent an important step forward in sugar innovation. CSR Smart is formulated by blending a high intensity natural plant extract from the Stevia plant with sugar. CSR Smart is twice as sweet, meaning only half a teaspoon is required, hence half the energy consumed. CSR Organic is Australian Certified Organic. Grown sustainably, without the use of chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers, it is promoted as the most natural way to consume sugar. Further information on the range is available from:
New meat and chicken products from Steggles Australia’s second largest poultry producer, Bartter Steggles (www.steggles.com.au), has launched four new Bites products in chicken, beef and pork. These products follow Steggles success with new product development, which saw it extend its protein source from chicken to beef and pork in 2008/09. The Head of Marketing for Steggles Foods, Andrew Logan, said, “The success of our product extensions into beef and pork is testament to the strength of the Steggles brand across the country. Our latest product offers include Beef Lasagne Bites, Italian Meatballs, Napolitana Chicken Bites and BBQ Pork Bites.”
Beef Lasagne Bites are bite size balls of minced beef infused with vine ripened tomato, selected Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese; Italian Meatballs are bite size balls of minced beef infused with vine ripened tomato and selected Italian herbs; great on their own, or with pasta; Napolitana Bites are bite size pieces of chicken infused with vine ripened tomato, cheese and selected Italian herbs coated in a golden crumb and BBQ Pork Bites are bite size balls of minced pork infused with selected herbs and smokey BBQ ranch seasoning. Bartter Steggles has also launched two new chicken products, Southern Style Chicken Cutlets and Sweet Chilli Chicken Cutlets.
“These new lines extend our range of plated meal products, capitalise on consumer flavour trends in sweet chilli and southern style crumb,” said Andrew Logan. Product range expands Lilydale Select Free Range Chicken cuts include skinless thigh fillets, skinless breast fillets, whole chicken, drumsticks, wings and breast stir-fry. In addition, Luke Mangan has worked with Liliydale to develop their new Free Range Dining varieties that combine premium cuts of chicken with a spice sachet designed by Luke Mangan to complement the meat. The range features African Spice Breast Escalopes and Tarragon and Mint Thigh Cutlets that require no marinading, with instructions guiding home cooks to simply rub the spice onto the chicken and add a tablespoon of olive oil prior to cooking.
Lilydale’s Marketing Manager Celia Camilleri-Pace said that this was an important move for the brand that will make creating top quality meals at home accessible to all consumers. The recipes use “all natural ingredients and
contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives”. They
are also low in fat and sodium, and gluten free. Products are packed
in a ‘beautifully presented tray’ with the spice sachets
and chicken in separate compartments. Each pack also contains a recipe
suggestion with easy to follow steps. |
Australians
will be the first to experience a new drink from Berocca that puts the
effervescent multivitamin tablet into a ready-to-use bottle.
Chocolate
on a stick
Juicy
Isle has announced the opening of a new chilled juice category with
the launch of its new 2 L Juicy Isle Premium Organic Orange Juice.
This comes six months after Newspoll revealed that 61% of Australian
grocery buyers purchase organic products and the Organic Federation
of Australia’s recent press release stating organic sales are
‘beating the world recession’.
Juicy
Isle has also launched KIDS PLUS, a pulp free, low GI premium
orange juice specially formulated for children.
Further
to the licensing agreement previously reported (Food Aust 60(10): 467
October 2009), BARLEYmax™ has become available for large
scale commercial use and has been incorporated into the newly launched
Goodness Superfoods range of breakfast cereals. 
“There
are not many breakfast cereals on the market that I recommend, but Digestive
1st and Protein 1st really stand out nutritionally being
wholegrain, low GI, high in fibre and resistant starch, low in added
sugars and they taste great. Increased wholegrain intake has been
shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes
and stroke and even help with weight control. These cereals really do
have the potential to help combat many of the chronic diseases affecting
Australians,” commented Joanna McMillan Price,
Registered Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian. 
Fonterra
has recently launched its Mainland Special Reserve cheese range
into Australia’s $250 million gourmet cheese category.
Australia’s
well known pastry brand, Herbert Adams, turns 100 this year! To celebrate
the 100th Anniversary, Herbert Adams have extended their range of premium
pies and pastries to include a Chunky Beef and Mushroom Pie.
Go
Natural, has launched a new range called Fruity Bites in partnership
with Looney Tunes Active!, a popular childrens initiative developed
by Warner Bros. Consumer Products to promote an active way of life among
kids.
Go
Natural also has a new Nut Clusters range promoting natural
flavours and ‘nutty goodness’. They are positioned as a
healthy savoury snack alternative to chips or salted nuts as the nuts
are seasoned with natural herbs and spices. Nut Clusters are
available in 180 g re-sealable pouches, in three varieties: Almond,
Cashew, Pepita & Chilli; Almond, Cashew, Rosemary & Thyme and
Macadamia, Cashew, Honey & Soy.
Carman’s
have launched Muesli Bites that contain less than 100 calories
per serve. Fruit Muesli Bite and Apricot Muesli Bites
contain 86 and 83 calories, respectively, with corresponding GI ratings
of 52 and 54.
Other
initiatives by Mars include the launch of Mars Red, a chocolate
bar with half the fat of a Mars Bar (per single bar serve),
clearer nutrition labelling and the introduction of the “Be Treatwise”
logo, the reduction of saturated fat and the elimination of artificial
colours and flavours.
Recognising
healthier food trends, Australian chocolate company Sweet William (www.sweetwilliam.com.au)
has now introduced Mud, a chocolate spread, which contains 60% less
sugar than other brands. Chocolate Mud Spread contains no artificial
sweeteners, has a low GI (< 25), is low in salt, is completely nut
free, contains omega-3 and is free from trans fats.
From
June 2009, Coles’ supermarkets has expanded its selection of block
chocolate to include the Cocolo range of Premium Organic Fairtrade®
chocolate. Cocolo is made in Switzerland, but is wholly Australian
owned. 
From
a small family run estate, comes one of Australia’s most revolutionary
and ‘environmentally friendly’ packaged Olive Oils; Yellingbo
Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil, packaged in casks. 
LoGiCane
is being marketed by CSR and joins two other products in its Better
For You range; CSR Smart and CSR Organic. CSR
Sugar Marketing Manager, Esh Ediriweera said that the
innovation was an extremely exciting development for the company and
demonstrates an important step forward for the sugar industry.
