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Here are some of the Bord Bia food trends 2013. The percentage of snacks consumed in a typical American diet has increased from 12% in the late 70’s to 24% in 2010 as well as the number of eating occasions per day increasing from 3.9 to 5.6 in the same period. Pepsi-Co has spoken of their mission to “snackify” drinks and “drinkify” snacks when they launched their fruit puree snack Tropolis, showing the potential they believe to be in the market. Specialty Food magazine states that “while the healthful-snacking market is flourishing, there’s still room [...]

Picture speaks a 1000 word. Brilliant video.

As we were watching the video of Whatsonni, we came across Kitchen Incubators Kerry, the people who won the annual Smallbusinesscan party voucher at the end of last year. That is two with SBC connections. Not claiming credit, but…….

The outlook and potential for agri-food in Northern Ireland was the key theme of the Ulster Bank Balmoral Show lunch held this afternoon at the Show’s new venue, Balmoral Park. Speaking at the Ulster Bank lunch in the main marquee, Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, Ellvena Graham says “Agri-food is a vital and growing part of the Northern Ireland economy, sustaining up to 92,000 people in employment, according to the NI Food and Drink Association, and it has the potential to add more jobs and more value due [...]

By Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank As we enter the week of the Balmoral Show, it is worth reminding ourselves that Northern Ireland has a proud tradition of excellence within both the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.  One individual who successfully straddled both fields, and who has become a household name, was Henry George Ferguson. “Harry” (as he was more commonly known) Ferguson is best known for his development of the modern agricultural tractor and his name lives on with the iconic Massey Ferguson brand today. But Harry Ferguson’s success [...]

or the first time in over 116 years, the Balmoral Show has packed its bags and moved to a new venue, Balmoral Park, Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn. Organisers are encouraging the large crowds of people expected to attend Balmoral Show to consider how they will travel to Balmoral Park. RUAS Chief Executive, Colin McDonald says, “Balmoral Show is a celebration of all that is good about agriculture and food.  We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors through the doors for this historic event.   Leave plenty of time for your [...]

Consumers in the wake of the economic downturn have become far more resilient and resourceful. Companies should be mindful that consumers will connect with brands that share similar attitudes and values. According to a recent report compiled by Weber Shandwick and KRC Research, this showed that more than two thirds ofconsumers avoid buying a product if they dislike the parent company. The findings show that the reputation of a company and its corporate values have become increasingly influential in purchasing decisions. Food manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of this issue, with the Kellogg Company showing [...]

5 days and 00 hours from now (and counting down), the Balmoral show is opening its door. This time bigger and better, at a new location. This is straight from their website (note the 145th (!!!!) year): The 145th Show offers its usual extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats at the new showgrounds, Balmoral Park. Food and agriculture are an exiting sector, not only as a good day out for the family, but as a vital part [...]

Bord Bia update on the latest packaging innovations for 2013 identifies the latest beverage brands who are using both functional and sustainable packaging formats. Pepsi Launches First New Bottle in 16 Years Pepsi has unveiled a new single-serve bottle for its Pepsi trademark portfolio including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi MAX and Pepsi NEXT, marking its first design update since 1996. A visual expression of the brand’s Excitement of Now positioning, the bottle is rolling out in markets nationwide starting in April. The new bottle’s bold swirl and elevated profile reflect [...]

MARKET UPDATE NI bank borrowing to agri has fallen from £900m peak in late 2009 to £790m by late 2012. The fall of £110m is significant and, some argue, is a sign that banks are not lending to the sector.  In my view it is further evidence of the huge investment made under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme and a sign that sectors are repaying debt well.  We are still keen to grow our market share. In addition to the £780m there is approx £180m in asset finance and £100m [...]

Philip Kotler says that when companies fail abroad, the most common factors are: Failure to take enough time to observe, absorb, and learn the new market. Failure to get reliable statistical information about the new market. Failure to define the target user. Failure to adapt the product and/or marketing mix. Failure to offer adequate service. Failure to find good “strategic partners.” Companies must adapt their products and marketing mix when they go abroad. Royal Ahold, the giant Dutch food retailer, has the brand philosophy, “Everything the customer sees we localize. Everything [...]

Dissolvable Sticker Created For Fruit Fruitwash stickers when put under the tap will dissolve into organic fruit soap that removes pesticides, fungicides and any water-resistant wax. Fruitwash is based on the oval or circular peel-off labels fixed to the skins of fruits; however the labels essentially dissolve into the organic soap mixture, which then can be used for cleaning the product. While the labels resist water, they dissolve when rubbed. Prior to the fruits or vegetables passing into consumers’ hands, they can function in the same way as a traditional [...]

Domino’s store in Seattle has recently introduced a “pizza theatre” where customers can come in and watch their carry-out orders being made.  Accordingly to Domino’s Chief Executive, Patrick Doyle, “Consumers want to see what they’re eating. We’ve always been known as delivery experts, but a third or more of our orders now are for carryout. We’re proud of these pizzas, and we want people to see it.” Also in the US, the About.com website provides a list of the Top Ten reasons that restaurants can benefit from buying local foods  and confirms that local [...]