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Europe
 

06/05/13

Finland has Cleanest Food in Europe

03/05/13

Denmark: Organic Food Sales Slowing

30/04/13

France: Alter Eco Becomes Part of Wessanen Group

 

 

06/05/13

Finland has Cleanest Food in Europe

The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has determined that Finns consume the purest food in the European Union. According to a report in the farmers' union paper "Maaseudun Tulevaisuus," a fresh study by EFSA indicates that the food in Finland is cleaner than anywhere else in the EU.

The study looked specifically at residual pesticides in food and found that apart from Finland, food in other Nordic countries and Austria was most likely to be free of pesticide residues. According to the findings about 72 percent of Finnish food products contain no traces of pesticides, compared to about 50 percent in the entire EU. Foods produced according to organic farming practices are usually the cleanest of farm produce. The highest level of pesticide residues was identified in foods from outside the EU, particularly in imported fruits and vegetables.

In another development, the Finnish microbrewery Saimaan Juomatehdas has launched its second organic beer. According to the company, almost half of its production will be organic in 2013.

The price of organic malt is higher than that of ordinary malt, so also the beer is slightly more expensive. The company is presently starting up its new brewery in Mikkeli and in future, the aim is annual production of about 1mn litres. The brewery has a marketing agreement with beverage company Hartwall, which it states is working well.

Food authenticity and its link to food safety will be covered in the Sustainable Foods Masterclass, taking place in Amsterdam on June 5th. More details are on the webpage.

Related Article: Food Authentication Techniques and Sustainable Supply Chains

Source: YLE.fi / Finnish American Reporter

 

 

03/05/13

Denmark: Organic Food Sales Slowing

Organic food sales are slowing in Denmark. In 2012, organic product sales increased by just DKK 24m (EUR 3.2m) to DKK 5.5bn (EUR 733m).Many organic products, including eggs, cheese, fruits and vegetables increased. However, organic milk sales dropped partly because of low demand for organic low-fat milk (mini milk).

In an attempt to boost organic milk sales, the Danish-Swedish dairy company Arla has announced that its "mini milk" milk product will be KRAV-certified in Sweden. The company recently revealed that it would only be selling the milk product in organic format. It plans to double its organic mini milk sales by 2015.

Related Report: #1002-40 The European Market for Organic Food & Drink

Source: ATL / JYllands-Posten
 

 

30/04/13

France: Alter Eco Becomes Part of Wessanen Group

Dutch food firm Wessanen has entered an agreement to purchase Alter Eco for an undisclosed sum. France-based Alter Eco is involved in the manufacture of organic and fair trade products such as chocolate, coffee, tea and juices. The company's products are marketed in the grocery, independent stores and out-of-home channels under the Alter Eco brand. Headquartered in Paris, the company generated EUR 16.5m revenues in 2012.

The acquisition, which is subject to certain closing conditions, is expected to be completed in early June and does not include France Alter Eco's activities in North America. Following the acquisition, France Alter Eco will become part of Distriborg, the French operations of Wessanen, a leading organic food firm that owns brands such as Bjorg, Bonneterre, Evernat and Gayelord Hauser.

Wessanen stated that Alter Eco is a welcome addition to its existing brands and the acquisition is part of the company's commitment to providing organic foods. Wessanen chief executive officer Piet Hein Merckens said that France Alter Eco's brands complement the brands of Wessanen's French business.

"After having taken Clipper on board early 2012, this acquisition will be another milestone in the execution of our strategy of strengthening our European leadership in organic food," Merckens added.

Wessanen has reported a 1.1% increase in revenues to EUR 172.5m in the first quarter of 2013, while EBIT increased to EUR 9.3m, compared with EUR 2.9m in 2012.

Royal Wessanen, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, produces and markets organic foods, frozen snacks, cocktail mixers and fruit drinks in France, the Benelux, the UK, Germany, Italy, as well as international markets. Its product range includes biscuits, bread replacers, cereals, spreads, sweet spreads, juices, condiments, bouillon, meal components and ready meals, among others.

OM Comment
The move is part of Wessanen's strategy to become a leading organic food company in Europe. It has developed a European-wide presence by purchasing companies similar to Alter Eco. However, this is the first company acquired that specialises in fair trade products. Alter Eco is considered an ethical or 'equitable' brand, not an organic brand. In the UK and some other countries, fair trade product sales are showing higher growth then organic product sales. It remains to be seen whether this ethical brand purchase is a one-off for Wessanen or part of a wider strategy.

Organic and ethical brands are regularly showcased at the Sustainable Foods Summit. Taking place in Amsterdam on June 6-7th, the next summit will highlight marketing and distribution best-practices. More details are on
the website

Related Report:
 
#7051-60 Mergers, Acquisitions & Investments in the Natural Personal Care Industry

Source: News Release / Organic Monitor
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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