Ultra-discounting in extended US cereal portfolio unlikely, says General Mills

General Mills plans to introduce a host of new ready-to-eat cereal products to the US in 2013, but seems unlikely to heavily discount its range to line up with competitors.

FAO urges greater use of ‘neglected’ grains

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has urged greater use of neglected traditional grains, saying that there is global overreliance on just a handful of staple foods.

Enhanced manufacturing parameters will improve granola quality and consistency, suggest researchers

A better understanding of how the manufacturing parameters impact the production of granola could help the industry to create products that better match consumer expectations and have consistent quality, say...

Malaysia becomes Nestlé cereal exporter with new site

Malaysia will house production of Nestlé breakfast cereals for the first time and export brands to neighbouring Asian countries.

NBTY acquires Balance Bar Company

NBTY Inc. has announced the acquisition of Balance Bar Company from Brynwood Partners, its private equity owner. Details of the deal were not announced.

Set maximum arsenic and mercury levels for infant cereals, say researchers

A Spanish study has called for European rules on mercury and arsenic in infant cereal in light of high - in some cases ‘risk’ - levels found, particularly in organic...

Zambian breakfast cereal to aid health, farmers and conservation

A Zambian company has launched a fortified breakfast cereal; the profits of which will secure business for poverty-stricken farmers and aid conservation work in the Luangwa Valley.

Balance Bar launches Rainforest Alliance Certified nutrition bars

US nutrition bar specialist Balance Bar has launched a dark chocolate line using cocoa sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Kellogg-Wilmar JV will dive into immediate snacks opportunity

Kellogg and Wilmar’s 50:50 joint venture will dive into immediate opportunities in China’s developed snack market; using Pringles as its springboard, a Kellogg executive has said.

Weetabix China: Challenges to a Bright future

Bright Food closed its purchase of Weetabix today, but one analyst has reiterated the challenge it will face driving the iconic cereal brand in China.

Kellogg’s CEO on Mini-Wheats recall: It's the first time we've seen a failure like this

Kellogg’s boss John Bryant said he was "very disappointed" by the recent Mini-Wheats recall in a call with analysts yesterday, but insisted that it was not a reflection of "systemic"...

Whole Grains conference day three: Meeting the school lunch guidelines… “It feels like we jumped off a cliff’

While “there is no doubt” that revamping school lunches will benefit children’s health, the speed with which schools are having to implement the new rules has made compliance extremely difficult...

Dispatches from the Whole Grains on Every Plate conference

Whole grains and health: Where’s the evidence?

Epidemiological studies reveal a clear association between increased wholegrain consumption and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and weight gain.

Innovia’s BOPP packaging film trumps biodegradable option for shelf-life of granola, finds study

Innovia Films’ regular biaxially orientated polypropylene (BOPP) film promoted better shelf-life in granola cereal than its renewable and compostable film, a study finds.

Quaker thrives in China with traditional medicine cereal fortification

PepsiCo’s investment to localize its Quaker brand in China with traditional herbal medicine fortification and texture adaptations has enabled it to thrive, an analyst says.

Nestlé breakfast cereal reformulation needs tact, warns specialist

Cereal Partners Worldwide’s reformulation plan for 20 of its Nestlé breakfast cereal brands must happen gradually and unobtrusively to succeed, warns a nutrition policy specialist.

Kellogg’s $30m cereal recall: Consumer pains but no financial pinch

Kellogg’s recent recall of two cereal products following a metal mesh contamination scare will cost the firm between $20-30m and will hit consumer trust in the short-term, an analyst says....

CHOICE Australia says kids’ cereals are nutritionally disappointing

The nutritional value of breakfast cereals marketed to children in Australia is disappointing, with high sugar and salt content and low fiber levels, the country’s consumer watchdog CHOICE says.

Comment

Breakfast cereal in China: Snap, crackle… and flop

Western breakfast brands don’t often work in China. They need manipulating to appeal to very different tastes, packaging and format preferences and, of course, another language.

Insect larvae contamination prompts kids chew bar recall and production halt

Production of Annabel Karmel snack bars has ceased and a recall has been issued in the UK and Republic of Ireland following three consumer complaints of insect contamination.

Zip-Pak upgrades bag resealing potential

Zip-Pak has upgraded its bag resealing offering with the launch of Vector, a new concept designed to offer greater protection for food and homecare products against picking up moisture and...