Sensation From Beverage

Milk Thistle: The Herb for Liver Health and More

2009-03-08T08:14:00.001-07:00

(NaturalNews) Milk thistle has long been a staple of natural healers who use it to promote liver health. Taken as a spring and fall tonic, milk thistle strengthens the liver, protects liver cells from incoming toxins and allows it to process and release toxins that are already there. It also acts as an anti-depressant, helping to move stagnant liver energy. Milk thistle also soothes and moistens mucous membranes, offering remedy for kidney and bladder irritation as well as inflammation of the skin. This lubricating effect makes milk thistle a mild natural laxative as well.

Supplementing with milk thistle has a long history among Europeans who have used it to protect their livers from the effects of alcohol and environmental pollution. It is approved by the German Commission E Monographs to treat alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, drug and alcohol induced liver damage, and other diseases such as acute viral hepatitis.

The milk thistle ingredient that most people believe to be responsible for its medicinal properties is the flavonoid complex called silymarin. Silymarin is found in the fruit of the milk thistle plant. Silymarin from milk thistle is also an extremely effective antioxidant, fighting the destructive processes of oxidation in the body. Studies suggest that silymarin can prevent free radicals from damaging liver cells.

Silymarin is also an active agent against cancer. Recent investigations and molecular studies have established the cancer chemopreventive role of silymarin in both in vivo and in vitro models.

According to a study published in the May 8, 2008 edition of Cancer Letter, silymarin modulates imbalance between cell survival and apoptosis. Apoptosis is the programmed death of cells. When cells do not die as programmed there is risk of tumor formation. Silymarin carries out its role by interfering with the expression of cell cycle regulators and proteins involved in apoptosis. In addition, silymarin shows anti-inflammatory as well as anti-metastatic activity. Further, the protective effects of silymarin and its major active constituent, silibinin, studied in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce chemotherapy as well radiotherapy induced toxicity.

A study from the European Journal of Cancer, April, 2008 found that silibinin possesses cancer chemopreventive properties in rodent models of carcinogenesis. Researchers tested the hypothesis that silibinin, or silibinin formulated with phospholipids would delay tumor formation in mice with genetic models of prostate or intestinal malignancies respectively. Intervention with silibinin formulated with phospholipids reduced the size of well differentiated adenocarcinomas by 31%. Silibinin and silibinin formulated with phospholipids decreased the incidence of poorly differentiated carcinomas by 61% compared to mice on control diets. The silibinin formulation decreased plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 by 36%.

Another study, from the March 15, 2008 Journal of Cancer Research investigated in vivo efficacy and associated biomarkers and mechanism of silibinin against human colorectal carcinoma xenograft growth. Mice implanted with the growth and treated with silibinin, showed tumor growth inhibition of 48% compared to controls. A combination of silibinin and phytosome resulted in decreased proliferation by 40%, increased apoptotic index by nearly double, and reduced micro-vessel density by 36% compared to controls.

How milk thistle works

Milk thistle, provides protection to liver cells by stabilizing and guarding the cell membranes. It alters the structure of the outer cell membrane so as to prevent the penetration of liver toxins into the interior cell. By reducing the rate at which the liver absorbs harmful substances, toxins are excreted through the kidneys before they are able to damage the liver. A dramatic example of this is the ability of milk thistle to block poisons from the deathcap mushroom, a notorious liver toxin.

In a study, physicians rated the results after a group of 49 patients with deathcap mushroom poisoning were given injections of silibinin (20 mg/kg daily). All of the treated patients survived, even though they were treated from 24 to 36 hours after their poisoning, when liver and kidney damage had already occurred. The usual death rate from deathcap poisoning is 30 to 40 percent of patients. In a similar manner, Milk thistle detoxifies chemicals that enter our bodies from environmental sources, alcohol consumption, heavy metals, medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and drugs.

Silymarin exerts its powerful antioxidant properties by combining and neutralizing harmful free radicals resulting from metabolic processes and from the process of detoxification. Silymarin also helps increase levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), two antioxidants made naturally in the body. Silymarin may increase the content of glutathione in the liver and intestines by as much as 50 percent. It also increases the activity of SOD in red and white blood cells. In the stomach and intestines, silymarin has a role in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as colitis and ulcers.

Milk thistle helps repair damaged cells and generate new ones when needed. It accomplishes this by stimulating vital protein synthesis through the enzyme RNA polymerase I. Silibinin may be the agent of this process, functioning by imitating a steroid hormone. In a study, silybin increased protein synthesis by up to 25 to 30 percent compared to controls. This is important since protein is a basic building block of cell walls, cell structures, and the creation of enzymes vital to body processes. This ability of Milk thistle to promote regeneration is why it is a chosen treatment for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver.

Milk thistle for kidney disease, diabetes, and skin health

In the kidneys, silymarin concentrates in the cells to aid in repair and regeneration by increasing protein and nucleic acid synthesis by as much as 25 to 30 percent. It has been tested in animals for its ability to protect kidneys from damage due to drugs. Results of this research were promising for people taking chemotherapy.

The ability of milk thistle to improve liver function and regulate the utilization of insulin leads to improved control for diabetes. A study reported in the August, 2002 Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolism Journal noted that in patients with diabetes and associated chronic liver disease, plasma levels of glucose, insulin and triglycerides are high, lipid peroxidation is increased, and natural antioxidant reserves are low. Researchers hypothesized that better liver function could result in a better glucose and lipid metabolism.

A randomly selected group of 60 patients with diabetes caused by liver cirrhosis who were being treated with insulin were assigned to receive silymarin 600 mg/day or no treatment with silymarin for a period of 6 months. All the patients were receiving insulin therapy and had elevated endogenous insulin levels indicative of insulin resistance. Other criteria for inclusion in the study were age between 45 and 70, insulin therapy stable for at least 2 years, and liver cirrhosis determined by biopsy less than 4 years previously. Metabolic control, serum lipid levels and liver function was assessed throughout their treatment period.

Treatment with silymarin produced benefits in terms of control of diabetes, including significant reduction in daily and fasting blood glucose confirmed by urine glucose measurement, significant improvement in glycosylated hemoglobin values, and a significant drop in insulin requirement and fasting insulinemia. The status of the patients not treated with silymarin declined during the trial. The outcome in the silymarin recipients was significantly superior compared to the control group.

In the treated patients, the measured values of the end product of lipid peroxidation decreased significantly, from 2.2 umol/dl at baseline to 1.6 umo/dl 6 months later. In the control group, a slight increase in lipid peroxidation was observed over the 6 month period.

Researchers concluded that the clinical benefits of silymarin observed in the study probably involve restoration of the plasma membrane of the liver cells and an increase in insulin receptor sensitivity as a result of reduction in lipid peroxidation of liver cell membranes. Researchers noted the need to administer silymarin for longer periods of time in order to identify the end point of the biochemical amelioration caused by the silymarin treatment. All of the study participants chose to continue with silymarin following the 6 month study.

Along with moistening and soothing mucus membranes, Milk Thistle is effective at softening and moisturizing the skin, and it produces a noticeable glow and radiance to skin quality. Skin problems are quite responsive, particularly acne and eczema. Milk Thistle also aids in the healing of redness and inflammation of the skin.

Supplementing with milk thistle

Silymarin is an extraordinarily useful herb in today's world where the liver faces assault on a daily basis from environmental pollution, toxic medications and drugs, chemicalized food, and infectious organisms. There is evidence that even very small doses of milk thistle are effective as a preventative and may even offer some therapeutic value. At standard dosages, therapeutic results have been demonstrated.

Supplements are available as whole herb or as extract. According to the German Commission E Monographs, "Milk Thistle is an example of a preparation that is required to be in the standardized, concentrated form in order to fully convey the desired, in this case, hepatoprotectant, effects." Others find that you can get an effective dose of silymarin by taking whole milk thistle seed three times a day. They believe that the whole herb offers a more balanced effect.

Milk thistle is safe for use on a long term basis. However, it may not always interact well with prescription drugs, as its detoxifying effect in the liver may render the prescription drug less effective. There is also some note of the ability of milk thistle to reduce the effects of oral contraceptives.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption Shrinks Brain

2009-03-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

(NaturalNews) We have been told that moderate use of alcohol is good for the heart. However, reports from the Framingham Study show that moderate to heavy alcohol use is associated with damage to brain tissue. Such damage to the brain may lead to higher risk of stroke or dementia.

The Framingham Study began in 1948 to follow the residents of Framingham, Massachusetts and their offspring. The study is now following a third generation of participants. The goal of the study is to follow people over a long period of time, documenting their state of cardiovascular disease.

At the beginning of the study, subjects have no evidence of heart disease. The subjects are put through a series of tests every two years. Over time, medical records are analyzed to determine risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Much of the information published about risk factors for heart disease and stroke comes from this study.

The American Academy of Neurology presented evidence in 2007 from Wellesley College, Massachusetts. Carol Ann Paul M.S. and her associates reported that even moderate amounts of alcohol are associated with brain atrophy and possibly an increased risk of dementia or stroke.

Researchers performed MRI scans on 1,839 people aged 34 to 88 to compare the volume of brain tissue to their cranial size. Subjects were classified as non-drinkers, former drinkers, low drinkers (1 to 7 drinks per week), moderate drinkers (8 to 14 drinks per week), or high drinkers (more than 14 drinks per week). Brain shrinkage numbers increased by .25 percent as amount and frequency of drinking increased. People who consumed more than 14 drinks per week had brains which averaged 1.6 percent smaller than those who did not drink alcohol. For women, especially those in their 70's, the change was more dramatic than for men. Researchers speculated that the differences may be associated with the smaller body mass of women. In addition, those who had a longer history of heavy alcohol consumption also had more brain atrophy. The team noted that men were more likely to become heavy drinkers than women.

The same group reported again in 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical Association: "The public health effect of this study gives a clear message about the possible dangers of drinking alcohol," the authors write. "... This study suggests that, unlike the associations with cardiovascular disease, alcohol consumption does not have any protective effect on brain volume." They suggest further, longer term studies to determine the full impact of these findings.

In general, brain volume decreases with age at an estimated rate of 1.9 percent every ten years. At the same time white matter lesions replace grey matter. Lower brain mass and white lesions are associated with problems in movement, thinking, learning, and memory.

A 2006 study from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam observed that people who developed dementia decreased in brain volume between 5 and 17 percent during the eight year study. Those who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's had a decrease up to 40 percent. People with atrophy in parts of the brain known as the amygdala and hippocampus had the highest risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

The accelerated loss of grey matter under the influence of alcohol is worth considering before you down that second (or third) serving of spirits.

The manly Tea List

2009-03-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

In discussions with men about tea, I find that many of them are unfamiliar or
uncomfortable with the idea of drinking tea. While in many of the worlds cultures tea is
consumed by men, in the United States, many mens tea consumption is limited to ice tea
at their favorite Mexican restaurant. Perhaps it is the image of women in frilly dresses
sitting around a plate of tiny sandwiches and cups trimmed with flowers and pastel colors.
Or, it could be the images of coffee conjured by TV crime shows, the wild west and old
WWII movies are more compelling than tea. Whatever the reason, some men dont think
tea is manly.
I must admit that I used to be non-tea drinker. However, after three years in Japan and
my experiences with the varieties of teas from around the world, I have a new view of tea.
There are several attractions to tea from a male point of view.

There are many teas that have the bold flavor and body to stand up to coffee
There are teas whose flavors are more subtle, but nonetheless interesting
Teas offer benefits beyond the taste (health, smell, looks, etc)
Teas, like wine, are great companions to food

In convincing non-tea drinking men to try tea I have compiled a list of those teas that
seem to appeal to them. This list is known as Brets Manly Tea list.
1.Lapsong Souchong This black tea has a smoky campfire-like flavor from the
drying process. Think single malt scotch or a fine cigar
2. Sencha Menthos - a mild green tea flavored with mint. It is refreshing hot or
cold and requires no sugar. A great introduction to green teas
3. Gen Mai Cha a Japanese blend of green tea with toasted rice kernels. It has a
great full body and served as a coffee substitute for me while living in Japan
4. Kukicha Toasted made from the stalks of tea plant, is nearly caffeine free but
rich like coffee. It has a strong, sweet, slightly chocolate-like flavor.
5. Gunpowder A great way to try a straight green tea. Plus what manly man
wouldnt like something with the word gun in it!
6.Russian Caravan A black tea, with Lapsong Souchong in it along with some
exotic spices. A smooth, rich drink
7. Pu-Erh mini-Touchas this tea comes in cake form. It has an earthy smell,
medium body, and a unique taste. Not for the faint of heart!
8. Ice Tea Peach this Rooibos is excellent hot or cold, it will convert you from
plain iced tea forever!
9. Tiramasu Marscapone Ok, I know this does not sound manly but this Rooibos
makes a great finish after a meal, it has no calories, caffeine and wont add to
your waistline
10. Assam Halmari An Indian tea that goes great with milk and sugar. Dark in the
cup like coffee No one will know you have switched! A stealth tea!
So, be a man and give tea a try!

Kalahari Red Tea Flavors

2009-03-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Kalahari Reserve Red Tea - Ingredients: 100% pure Red Tea (Rooibos) [The King of Red Tea]

Kalahari Highlands Honey Red Tea - Ingredients: Red Tea (Rooibos), Honey-Vanilla flavor [Red Tea with a sweeter taste]

Kalahari Zambezi Chai Red Tea - Ingredients: Red Tea (Rooibos), Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardomom, Cloves, Black Pepper [Red Tea with a spicy profile]

Kalahari Honeybush Red Tea - Ingredients: Red Tea (Rooibos), Honeybush [Red Tea blended with another indigenous South African herb, Honeybush]

Kalahari Earl of Africa Red Tea - Ingredients: Red Tea (Rooibos), Bergamot oil [Red Tea with an Earl Grey angle]

Kalahari Limpopo Lemon Red Tea - Ingredients: Red Tea (Rooibos), Lemongrass [Red Tea with a lemony twang]

Kalahari Camps Bay Chamomile Red Tea - Ingredients: Red Tea (Rooibos), Chamomile [Red Tea with extra soothing notes]

Coffee List

2009-03-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Flavored Coffees Freshness and quality beans are key issues when flavoring. At Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffees we only use high quality Arabica beans.

Amaretto	Smooth rich flavor with the nutty taste of almonds and cherries

Blueberry Morning	Just picked blueberries with coffeecake and a hint of walnuts

Butter Toffee	Creamy taste with a caramel toffee accent

Caramel Nut *	Buttery taste of caramel with a subtle nutty flavor

Chocolate Raspberry Truffle	Dark chocolate and ripe raspberries, with real raspberries

Cinnamon Nut Strudel	Cinnamon, buttery, and nutty flavor

French Vanilla Supreme *	Pure vanilla flavor

Hazelnut *	Smooth subtle hazelnut flavor

Irish Creme *	Irish whiskey and cream flavor, similar to Baileys Irish Cream

Mudslide	Rich creamy chocolatety flavor

Swiss Chocolate Almond	Nutty swiss mocha chocolate taste with almond slivers

Toasted Almond Creme	Strong toasted nutty flavor with almond slivers

Vanilla Hazelnut Creme	Hint of hazelnut with a touch of creamy vanilla

Caramel Pecan Roll	Rich caramel with tempting pecan.
Coffee Toffee Crunch	A delicious blend with the taste of English toffee candy.
Creamy Chocolate Caramel	Savory, sweet blend of luscious chocolate with a hint of caramel.
Vanilla Crème de Caramel	A soothing blend of vanilla and buttery caramel.
Chocolate Forest Mint	Refreshing touch of chocolate mint, with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Chocolate Hazelnut	Mellow chocolate flavor with a hint of hazelnut.
Chocolate Macadamia Nut	Get the great taste of rich chocolate and buttery macadamia nuts in your cup.
Cookies and Cream	Rich chocolate and sweet creamy vanilla.
German Chocolate Cake	Rich chocolate and coconut layered with nutty overtones.
Special Dark Chocolate	Velvety taste of dark chocolate.
Apple Spice Delight	Like fresh baked apples covered with cinnamon.
Apricot Crème	Full coffee flavor with a touch of apricot.
Banana Nut Crème	Hints of nuts and creamy banana.
Blackberry Crème	Creamy texture with the hint of blackberries.
Café L Orange	Sweet orange aroma and a hint of cognac.
Cinnamon Hazelnut	A perfect blend of cinnamon, with the hint of hazelnut.
Coconut Crème	Subtle creamy coconut flavor with real shredded coconut.
Irish Mocha Crème	Irish whiskey and cream flavor, with a hint of chocolate.
Spiced Butter Rum	Cinnamon, nutmeg, butter and a hint of rum.
Cappuccino	Rich, creamy flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
Cinnamon Twist	Bakery-fresh cinnamon flavor.
Crème Brulee	Creamy custard and caramelized butterscotch.
Danish Pastry	Combines spices and brown sugar with a fresh-baked aroma.
French Silk Pie	Smooth bend of chocolate and vanilla.
Fudge Nut Biscotti	Creamy chocolate biscotti with a hint of nuts.
New Orleans Pecan Torte	Blend of rum flavor, candied pecans and fresh-baked pastries.
Southern Pecan Parfait	A buttery pecan treat with a hint of sweet cream.
White Russian	Velvety smooth with the taste of coffee liquor

Popular Wine Types and Brands

2009-03-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Often the most difficult thing about wine is remembering the brand. You recall the wine type -- Chardonnay or Syrah is simple -- but what about the rest of the details?

Before you buy wine, you may want to learn about your choices. There are several different kinds of wine out there; it can most definitely lead to uncertainty. What wine brands and individual wines are the most popular worldwide?

Coffee's Journey Around the World

2009-03-08T07:01:00.002-07:00

Coffee was first discovered in Eastern Africa in an area we know today as Ethiopia. A popular legend refers to a goat herder by the name of Kaldi, who observed his goats acting unusually frisky after eating berries from a bush. Curious about this phenomenon, Kaldi tried eating the berries himself. He found that these berries gave him a renewed energy. The news of this energy laden fruit quickly spread throughout the region.

Hearing about this amazing fruit, Monks dried the berries so that they could be transported to distant monasteries. They reconstituted these berries in water, ate the fruit, and drank the liquid to provide stimulation for a more awakened time for prayer.

Coffee Leaves Africa
Coffee berries were transported from Ethiopia to the Arabian Peninsula, and were first cultivated in what today is the country of Yemen.

From there, coffee traveled to Turkey where coffee beans were roasted for the first time over open fires. The roasted beans were crushed, and then boiled in water, creating a crude version of the beverage we enjoy today.

Coffee Arrives in Europe
Coffee first arrived on the European continent by means of Venetian trade merchants. Once in Europe this new beverage fell under harsh criticism from the Catholic Church. Many felt the pope should ban coffee, calling it the drink of the devil. To their surprise, the pope, already a coffee drinker, blessed coffee declaring it a truly Christian beverage.

Coffee houses spread quickly across Europe becoming centers for intellectual exchange. Many great minds of Europe used this beverage, and forum, as a springboard to heightened thought and creativity.

Coffee Travels to America
In the 1700's, coffee found its way to the Americas by means of a French infantry captain who nurtured one small plant on its long journey across the Atlantic. This one plant, transplanted to the Caribbean Island of Martinique, became the predecessor of over 19 million trees on the island within 50 years. It was from this humble beginning that the coffee plant found its way to the rest of the tropical regions of South and Central America.

Coffee was declared the national drink of the then colonized United States by the Continental Congress, in protest of the excessive tax on tea levied by the British crown.

Espresso
Espresso, a recent innovation in the way to prepare coffee, obtained its origin in 1822, with the innovation of the first crude espresso machine in France. The Italians perfected this wonderful machine and were the first to manufacture it. Espresso has become such an integral part of Italian life and culture that there are presently over 200,000 espresso bars in Italy.

Coffee in the 21st Century
Today, coffee is a giant global industry employing more than 20 million people. This commodity ranks second only to petroleum in terms of dollars traded worldwide. With over 400 billion cups consumed every year, coffee is the world's most popular beverage. If you can imagine, in Brazil alone, over 5 million people are employed in the cultivation and harvesting of over 3 billion coffee plants.

Sales of premium specialty coffees in the United States have reached the multi billion-dollar level, and are increasing significantly on an annual basis.

Isbre Sold in Ukrop's Supermarkets

2009-03-08T07:01:00.001-07:00

Isbre Holding Corp., importers of Isbre Norwegian Glacier Spring Water, has gained placement into the 29 stores owned and operated by the Ukrop's Supermarket chain headquartered in Richmond, Va.

Ukrop's was founded in 1937 by Joe Ukrop and now operates 29 stores in Virginia and has become a leading state-wide food chain in Virginia, according to the company.

William Louttit, EVP sales & marketing for Isbre, says: "Ukrop's is the latest of a number of leading supermarket chains to accept Isbre for placement in their stores. With the addition of Ukrop's to our rapidly expanding list of retail partners, Isbre can now be found on the shelves of more than 5,000 locations, including over 2,000 supermarkets and a wide assortment of specialty stores, delis, convenience stores and highly regarded restaurants. It is rare for a bottled water company that has recently entered the market, to achieve such widespread acceptance. Isbre continues to grow at a very rapid pace, significantly exceeding our early expectations."

Isbre Holding Corp., headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is a producer, distributor and marketer of bottled and bulk water. Isbre's source is a spring located in the glacier region at the end of the Hardanger Fjord on the West Coast of Norway. Isbre holds the trademark right to the slogan "The World's Best Drinking Water" that is featured on its
labels. Currently, Isbre water is bottled in Norway and is sold in the U.S. and Europe.

Starting in 2009, Isbre will transport water in tanker ships directly from its source to a bottling plant on the Delaware River in Bristol, Pa. Additional bottling facilities are scheduled to open throughout the U.S. over the next five years. Isbre continues to seek global opportunities for sales of its bulk and bottled water.

Dry Soda Signs with Glazer's

2009-03-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

Seattle-based Dry Soda Co. recently signed a distribution agreement with Glazer's Family of Companies in Texas. Through Glazer's, Dry will now be available across the state of Texas with the potential to expand to Glazer's other markets in the Midwest and Southern United States.

"Texas represents a huge opportunity for Dry Soda," says Dry founder and CEO Sharelle Klaus. "With the state's growth in high-end dining and natural foods retailers we have the potential for great success. We have an amazing team in place with Glazer's and our two market directors who have already secured some of the state’s best restaurants, resorts and retail stores."

Dry is available in kumquat, lavender, lemongrass and rhubarb individual 12-ounce glass bottles and in 4-packs. Dry is non-caffeinated and all-natural, flavored with extracts of fruits and herbs and a small amount of pure cane sugar. In addition, each bottle of Dry contains 50 to 70 calories, compared to the average 150 calories in traditional soft drinks.

In the Dallas area, Dry is already available at retail locations such as Central Market, Whole Foods, Urban Market, Corner Market, Dallas City Market and The Soda Gallery, as well as many restaurants and hotels in Southern Texas.

Power Trip Acquires Hooters Energy Drink

2009-03-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Power Trip Beverages has acquired the sales and distribution rights for Hooters Energy Drink, a part of the iconic Hooters Restaurant chain and brand name. This means that Power Trip will be the distributor, sales director and assume all of the marketing responsibilities for Hooters Energy Drink worldwide. The acquisition took place in early October.

The Hooters Energy Drink brand has been built out of the well-known Hooters franchise, which has gained international recognition for its food and service. With the Hooters acquisition, Power Trip Beverages picks up several new states and distributors for sales, expanding the company's reach to an additional seven states bringing the total number of states with product availability to 24.

"Power Trip is a quickly emerging power in this category and we saw an opportunity to make a deal that made sense for both of us," says J. L. Pennington of Pennington Beverage, the licensee for Hooters Energy Drink.

"We're enormously excited about the immediate growth in our business and the access to bigger relationships that the Hooters deal affords us," says Doug Stuart, president of Power Trip Beverages. "Strategic growth that adds value to our offerings and our distributor and retailer partners is something we always seek. Also, the ability to bring aboard a broadly recognized brand like Hooters helps open doors that otherwise would have taken a longer time to open. While the efficiencies and additional sales will add to our bottom line we will also leverage our efficiencies to increase our marketing budget and sales team."

Shamrock Farms Go National

2009-03-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Breaking new territory in the local dairy case, Shamrock Farms has plans to introduce its single serve "mmmmilk" line at retail in selected national markets beginning in October. The initial roll out will focus on the Shamrock Farms flavored, on-the-go line and is expected to fuel future efforts for national distribution of the Arizona-based dairy brand.

"We are excited to be moving toward becoming a national dairy brand for families across the country," says Sandy Kelly, director of marketing for Shamrock Farms Dairy Division. "As seen by our successful national partnership with SUBWAY Restaurants, and other recent regional new product introductions, we have the high-quality product and strong family-friendly brand to be a top choice for consumers."

Based in Arizona, Shamrock Farms is one of the largest family-owned and-operated dairies in the country, according to the company. One of the first dairies to become a nationally-known brand, Shamrock Farms single serve milk has been gaining notoriety as the official milk of SUBWAY Restaurants, as well becoming a staple in vending machines and a must-have for school lunches across the Southwest.

"We have a strong brand with on-the-go functionality, compelling graphics, and even a sassy spokescow, Roxie," says Kelly. "This product delivers fun flavors and the great taste kids love without compromising the nutrition parents demand. Our single serve milk line has proven to be a real stand-out in the dairy case."

Kroger and Marsh will offer on-the-go Shamrock Farms milk in Indianapolis and throughout the Mid-Atlantic: Charleston, W.V.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and Roanoke and Richmond, Va.

Featured products in the line include whole white and whole chocolate, as well as 2 percent reduced fat white, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—each in portable, 12-ounce containers. All Shamrock Farms milk is produced without added growth hormone rBST.

A comprehensive marketing plan will support Shamrock Farms introduction into the initial roll out markets, including a full media schedule of print, radio and in-store POS. In addition, public relations will promote the brand through local market events and press coverage. The company will also sample the product at high-traffic locations and is sponsoring select sporting events in each market.

Le Tourment Vert Brings Green to Sundance

2009-03-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

The French Absinthe Le Tourment Vert participated as a sponsors for this year's 2009 Sundance Film Festival, which is celebrating its 25th year of showcasing independent filmmaking and cinematic storytelling. The fabled spirit was on display and poured at all official Sundance events and at The Sundance Lift.

"We are pleased to welcome Le Tourment Vert as a sponsor this year, a company, which embraces the creative spirit that imbues our festival every year," comments festival operations director Sarah Pearce.

Minott Wessinger of Le Tourment Vert adds: "We take great pride in supporting the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, which truly celebrates the independent film spirit that drives filmmaking and storytelling. Le Tourment Vert's mission is to reinforce the creative impulse, and the class of artists that perpetuates that impulse, and sponsoring this festival, which has done this for 25 years, is a true honor."

Le Tourment Vert, described as accessible and easily mixable, was featured in specialty cocktails for the festival including The Sundance Lift, Poison Apple Martini, Green on Main and Triple French Martini.

In June 2008, Le Tourment Vert launched a full-service film production company, Tourmented Films, which debuted with a 10-minute short film entitled "The Butler's in Love," directed by David Arquette and starring Arquette, Elizabeth Berkley and Thomas Jane. The film was produced in next generation 3-D technology in partnership with Kerner Optical. Le Tourment Vert will continue its mission throughout 2009, according to the brand, with a series of events and activities aimed at supporting and acknowledging the creative class.

Russian Standard Vodka Available in Greece

2009-03-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Amvyx, a leading distributor in Greece, and Russian Standard Vodka, Russia's No. 1 premium vodka, according to the company, announced that Amvyx will distribute Russian Standard's vodka portfolio in Greece.

The agreement includes distribution of Russian Standard Original, Russian Standard Platinum and IMPERIA Vodka, Russian Standard's luxury brand.

"We are pleased and proud that the No. 1 premium vodka in Russia is joining the portfolio of Amvyx, a company known for successfully building brands in the Greek market," says Isidore Revah, CEO of Amvyx. "We strongly believe that Russian Standard Vodka will change the white spirits market in Greece, and will contribute greatly to the further enhancement of our distribution portfolio."

Chris Lucas, CEO of Russian Standard Vodka, Western Europe, says: "We have ambitious plans for the development of Russian Standard Vodka in Greece, and we are certain that, with the collaboration of Amvyx, Russian Standard Vodka will soon become the leading premium vodka brand in the country."

Wine Train Delivers Green Vision

2009-03-08T06:52:00.001-07:00

JF Hillebrand, a specialist logistics provider for the UK wine and spirits trade, has been recognized by the British International Freighting Association (BIFA) for its commitment to developing innovative and cost-effective supply chain solutions that benefit the environment.

As a finalist for BIFA's Environment Award, JF Hillebrand was singled out as an environmentally and socially responsible company with a serious commitment to logistics and a green vision for the environment.

JF Hillebrand was able to prove that the company has invested a great amount of time, money and energy into developing supply chain solutions that minimize the use of road transport in the UK. BIFA's nominating committee was impressed that, long before a number of announcements by major UK retailers that they would be implementing plans to reduce their carbon emissions, JF Hillebrand had been analyzing and planning alternative transport solutions for the movement of wines and spirits.

David Mawer, joint managing director for JF Hillebrand UK (JFH UK), explains, "JF Hillebrand provided the impetus and has been the driving force behind two major projects that have been made into reality." Affectionately dubbed The Wine Train and The Wine Barge, both of these transport innovations have been widely reported on throughout the past year, and heralded by both the logistics and drinks industry as much-needed environmental improvements.

"We have always kept a close eye on our environmental responsibilities," says Mawer. "Increasing the global transport of wine in bulk and enhancing the bulk services we offer customers is always our primary motivation, but we know that the shipping of wine in bulk is significantly more environmentally friendly and cost effective than shipping bottled wine and we've dedicated a lot of effort into developing some incredibly innovative supply chain solutions for our customers."

A BIFA Freight Service Award nomination is well-respected as one of the most prestigious honors within the industry. In a reflection of the improving practices of global freighting and logistics practices, this is the first time in the 20-year history of the BIFA Freight Service Awards that an environmental award has been included.

This latest honor for JFH UK was announced at the BIFA Freight Service Awards luncheon, held Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 at the Brewery in London.

Pepsi Launches Pepsi Natural, Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback

2009-03-08T06:49:00.001-07:00

Purchase, N.Y. - As part of the company's "Refresh Everything" campaign, Pepsi is reinvigorating its beverage lineup with the introduction of three new products. Pepsi Natural, Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback, all sweetened with natural sugar, will be hitting the beverage aisle this March and April.

"We're complementing and reinforcing our core soft drink offerings with a hat trick of innovative products," said Frank Cooper, VP of portfolio brands, Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages. "Pepsi Natural and the Throwback duo give consumers the opportunity to refresh how they experience soft drinks -- from a premium, all-natural beverage to a fun, retro twist on two of our most popular brands. We're continuing to offer a variety of products across different beverage categories, with a splash of nostalgia and entirely new experiences."

Pepsi Natural

An all-new premium cola, Pepsi Natural is made with all-natural ingredients, including lightly sparkling water, natural sugar, natural caramel and kola nut extract. The amber-hued cola gets its color from natural caramel and natural apple extract. From the amount of bubbles to the foam that rises to the top of beverage when it's poured, Pepsi Natural offers a brand-new cola experience.

Pepsi Natural is packaged in a sleek 12-oz. glass bottle and is available in single-serve and 4-packs initially in the premium and/or natural food aisles of retail outlets in the following ten regional markets; Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas and New York.

Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback

Pepsi and Mountain Dew are offering consumers a taste of the past with their own versions of Throwback, two new limited time only products inspired by the '60s and '70s, sweetened with natural sugar in a retro-look package. For some, it will be a trip down memory lane, but for those too young to remember, it will be a chance to experience a new twist on their favorite brands. Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback will be available nationally for eight weeks only, beginning April 20.

Wine drinkers have reduced risk of gullet cancer

2009-03-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

Drinking a glass of wine a day could reduce the risk of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) - a precursor to oesophageal cancer - by 56 per cent, a new study has concluded.

The type of alcohol that people drink and their social background appears to be linked to the risk of developing BE, which occurs when heartburn or acid reflux permanently damages the oesophageal lining, according to research published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.

The study called “Alcohol Types and Sociodemographic Characteristics as Risk Factors for Barrett's Esophagus”, said that compared to the general population, people with BE have a 30 to 125-fold increased risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which is the fastest growing cancer in the US.

It looked at 953 men and women in Northern California between 2002 and 2005 and found that people who drank one or more glasses of red or white wine a day had less than half the risk (or 56 percent reduced risk) of BE.

However, there was no reduction of BE risk among people who drank beer or liquor and the protective effect of wine did not increase with higher consumption.

Douglas A. Corley, a Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, gastroenterologist and the study's principal investigator, said. "We already knew that red wine was good for the heart, so perhaps here is another added benefit of a healthy lifestyle and a single glass of wine a day."

One theory as to why wine reduces the risk of BE and oesophageal cancer is that the antioxidants neutralize the oxidative damage caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, a risk factor for BE.

Another theory is that wine drinkers typically consume food with their wine, reducing the potentially damaging effect of alcohol on oesophageal tissue.

However, Ai Kubo, an epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente and lead author, said: "We cannot preclude the possibility that wine drinking is a proxy for other 'health-seeking' behaviour."

The study, which claims to be the first and largest population-based study to examine the connection between alcohol consumption and risk of BE, said that the incidence of EAC has increased by more than 500 percent in the last three decades.

The rate of increase is most predominant among Caucasian males, which the authors say suggests that environmental or lifestyle factors may play important roles.

It said that stratification by beverage type showed an inverse association for wine drinkers compared to non-drinkers. In addition, education status was significantly inversely associated with the risk of BE.

Meanwhile, those who preferred wine were more likely to have college degrees and regularly take vitamin supplements than those who preferred beer or liquor.

It concluded that there were “associations between alcohol types, socioeconomic status, and the risk of Barrett's oesophagus”.

But it said: “Although choice of alcoholic beverages was associated with several factors, multiple adjustments (including for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GERD) did not eliminate the association between alcohol and Barrett's oesophagus.”

Preventing BE

The study is part of larger Kaiser Permanente study led by Dr Corley that looked at abdominal obesity and consumption of dietary antioxidants, fruits and vegetables in connection with BE. It found that people can reduce their risk of BE by eating eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day and maintaining a normal body weight.

Corley advised those trying to prevent BE to keep a normal body weight and follow a diet high in antioxidants and high in fruits and vegetables as it is not actually clear that treating the acid reflux will necessarily prevent someone from getting BE

The research findings were echoed by two other studies published in the same issue of Gastroenterology. Australian researchers found that people who drank wine were at a lower risk of EAC and Irish researchers found that people who drank wine were at a lower risk for oesophagitis, an irritation of the oesophagus that follows chronic heartburn and often precedes BE and cancer.

Source: Gastroenterology,
March 2009, Volume 136, Issue 3, Pages 806-815
“Alcohol Types and Sociodemographic Characteristics as Risk Factors for Barrett's Esophagus”
Authors: Ai Kubo, Theodore R. Levin, Gladys Block, Gregory J. Rumore, Charles P. Quesenberry Jr, Patricia Buffler, Douglas A. Corley.

Coca-Cola dismisses doubts over Huiyuan deal

2009-03-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola has reaffirmed its commitment to a $2.4bn bid to takeover China's Huiyuan Juice after the Chinese firm’s chairman reportedly cast doubt on the deal.

Coca-Cola announced its bid for Huiyuan, said to be the largest privately owned juice producer in China, in September last year in a move that is expected to expand the drinks giants’ focus on emerging markets for fruit juice products.

But Sina.com last week quoted Huiyuan’s chairman Zhu Xinli as saying that some Coca-Cola board members opposed the deal as: "Coca-Cola said it was under rather big pressure as there was rising opposition from its board of directors."

In response to this, Coca-Cola has now reaffirmed its support and a spokesperson told FoodNavigator.com: “The Company has the Board's full support regarding the proposed Huiyuan acquisition.”

Coca-Cola currently faces an anti-monopoly review of the deal by China's commerce ministry, the MOC.

The company spokesperson added: “At the moment we are focused on the regulatory approval process.

“We are in very regular contact with the MOC, and we try to be as helpful as possible in answering questions and providing supplementary information.

“We have deep respect for the hard work by MOC and it would be inappropriate of us to speculate about when the MOC will be able to finalize the approval process.”

Meanwhile Huiyuan issued a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to clarify its position in response to the reported comments made by its chairman, according AFP.

It stated: "The company is not aware of the views of any of the directors of The Coca-Cola Company with respect to the offers.

"The company has not received any notification of any change in the terms of the offers."

Huiyuan added that Coca-Cola would be obliged to proceed with its offer if by March 23, all conditions were met, including Beijing approving the deal.

However, it has not been established if Zhu was mistaken or misquoted.

Growth in China

Coca-Cola’s move into the Chinese market appears to be in line with recent strategies to diversify its portfolio from its core carbonated beverage brands following strong growth within its non-carbonated drinks, such as tea and juice-based beverages and bottled water brands.

The company spokesperson said: "Coca-Cola re-entered China in 1979 and is now well known for its sparkling beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta.

“In the last few years, the company has also introduced a number of still beverage brands, including Minute Maid Pulpy and Original Leaf Tea, with the objective of offering consumers a wide range of choices.

“In line with this, the company is seeking to further develop its beverage business through this acquisition.

“Huiyuan is a long-established and well recognized juice brand in China and is highly complementary to the Coca-Cola China business."

Health trend

According to a report by research analyst Euromonitor, while carbonated beverages are predicted to continue to dominate the Chinese beverage industry up to 2010, juices and diet alternatives will be increasingly important within the industry.

Over the next three years, the market for regular carbonated beverages like coke is predicted to fall by 12 per cent, while demand for more health conscious beverages will grow over the same period by 24 per cent.

Food and beverage firms test out new soy protein isolate

2009-03-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Burcon’s Clarisoy soy protein isolate has taken a step closer to being used in beverage formulations, as the company says it has entered into material transfer agreements with firms wanting to test it out.

Canadian Burcon spent ten years developing its canola protein ingredients Puratein and Supertein, but in November last year it went public with Clarisoy after having filed patent applications. The process behind the soy ingredient is said to be novel, and to represent a new revenue-generating stream for the firm.

Although the identity of the food, beverage and nutritional product firms now evaluating Clarisoy could not be disclosed because of non-disclosure agreements. But president and CEO Johann Tergesen said the response from industry has been “tremendous”.

The soy protein isolate is expected to be interesting for companies seeking an alternative to dairy proteins, since wildly fluctuating milk prices can up formulation costs considerably.

Clarisoy is said to be “price competitive with existing proteins”.

Beverage value

Since Clarisoy is 100 per cent soluble and is transparent in acidic solutions at a pH as low as 2.5, Burcon is expecting it to be attractive to makers of ready-to-drink beverages. It therefore opens up the use of soy in products where it has previously not been possible.

Nutritional, sports and energy drinks, juices and waters are expected to be possible products to use the ingredient.

Additional benefits are said to be a clean, non-beany taste, which overcomes a sensory hurdle that has plagued manufacturers working with soy in the past. It is also heat stable, so can be used in hot-fill applications.

Patents filed

Burcon has said it has filed patent applications in the US to protect its novel processes for the production of plant proteins including acid soluble soy protein isolates, as well as Clarisoy, and to protect the functional and nutritional applications of Clarisoy as an ingredient in foods and beverages.

It is also filing for international patent protection.

BMO capital Markets has been appointed as financial advisor to help Burcon identify and pursue opportunities generated by its protein extraction technologies.