German project to create meat analysis RFID
Researchers in Germany are developing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that will measure and transmit the quality and condition of meat as well as enable processors to identify products throughout the supply chain. The research comes as new regulations oblige processors to track ingredients from their immediate suppliers and the products to their retail or distribution points.
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Private-label food and beverage sales set to soar past
$56 billion by 2011
Leaving behind the nondescript packaging and "generic" identity of a decade ago, private-label or store-brand food and beverage sales are soaring, according to Private Label Food and Beverages in the U.S., a new report from market research firm Packaged Facts. The report estimates 2006 sales at more than $48 billion, and projects that sales will top $56 billion by 2011. Dairy and grain foods lead the pack, with 2006 U.S. retail sales reaching more than $7 billion and $5 billion respectively. In the beverage category, store-brand bottled water and energy drinks top the list, with bottled water growing by more than
12 percent. Only the juice segment showed an overall decline during the same period.
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Sales of wine with screw cap closures surge in U.S. market
U.S. sales of wine with screw caps have increased 24.6 percent according to research released yesterday by ACNielsen at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA. Initial results from ACNielsen's nationwide research project on consumer purchases of wines with screw cap closures were announced in April 2006 at AIWP's "The New Innovators" press conference in New York City. ACNielsen's latest scan data again shows strong growth, with screw cap closures winning market share as consumers learn of the closure's inherent value based on quality control and convenience. According to ACNielsen, sales of wines with screw cap closures surged 24.6 percent, 2.3 times faster than the total 750-ml bottled wine category. ACNielsen found white wines, imports and wines priced $8 to $11.99 to be the most developed within the screw cap segment.
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