Weekly Digest: Mondelēz commits to sustainable wheat sourcing, Chr. Hansen and FMC extend natural crop protection collaboration

08 Jun 2018 --- This week in business, Mondelēz is expanding its Harmony program, the company’s sustainable wheat sourcing initiative, to cover 100 percent of its biscuit brands in the European Union by 2022 and Nestlé Waters certifying all of its sites to the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard by 2025. Chr. Hansen and FMC Corporation announced a five-year extension of their collaboration to develop and commercialize natural solutions for the agricultural industry and Nestlé was named most effective food marketer for the third year running based on the Effie Effectiveness Index 2018. A team of students from the University of Nottingham, UK won the gold prize at Ecotrophelia UK with their spicy BBQ flavored savory snack. Starbucks announced that its chairman Howard Schultz, is to step down later this month and Pavlos Photiades has been elected for the second term as The Brewers of Europe President.

In brief: Sustainability
This week, Mondelēz International has announced its ambition to expand the Harmony program, the company’s sustainable wheat sourcing initiative, to cover 100 percent of its biscuit brands in the European Union by 2022, up from 60 percent of the company’s biscuit production in the EU last year. “European consumers increasingly equate high-quality products with sustainable production. They’re aware of the impact of their food choices on the environment and have high expectations of manufacturers to take their share of responsibility,” says Hubert Weber, Executive Vice President and President Europe. “As Europe’s largest biscuit baker, we can play a role in tackling challenges like climate change and resource shortages by promoting sustainable farming practices and improving biodiversity in our supply chain. In doing so, we contribute to creating a fairer, more transparent and integrated supply chain, in which good quality for consumers means a good impact on farmers and society.”

Nestlé Waters will extend its commitment to water stewardship by certifying all of its sites to the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard by 2025. The global standard promotes responsible water use that benefits local communities socially and economically while ensuring environmental sustainability of watersheds – all priorities for Nestlé.

Chr. Hansen and FMC Corporation have announced a five-year extension of their collaboration to develop and commercialize natural solutions for the agricultural industry. The partnership, which has launched several successful natural solutions over the last five years, has enabled both Chr. Hansen and FMC to join resources and expertise to accelerate entry into the rapidly growing biological crop protection market. The newly extended agreement continues to leverage the resources and expertise of both companies while allowing for more flexibility.

In brief: Product launches
Nestlé is launching special edition sharing bags of pink and blue Smarties next week as part of the global craze for unicorns. Smarties has been one of the UK’s most colourful confectionery brands for more than 80 years. The sharing bags are a mix of delicious pink and blue Smarties in a trendy pastel-coloured sharing bag sporting a unicorn design. Stephanie Scales, Brand Manager for Smarties, Nestlé UK, said: “We are really excited to launch Unicorn Smarties sharing bags which are right on trend for all of those completely under the spell of the unicorn craze to share with their families and friends.” The introduction of these limited edition Smarties follows wildly popular launches for orange flavoured Smarties in a variety of special formats beginning with giant tubes last Christmas and now available in sharing bags. Unicorn Smarties are exclusive to ASDA stores, across the UK and will be available from Thursday 14th June.

In brief: Recognition & awards
Nestlé has been named most effective food marketer for the third year running based on the Effie Effectiveness Index 2018. The prestigious global Effie Index measures the impact of marketing campaigns around the world. Nestlé topped the food advertisers’ group, with 98 Effie awards worldwide as a result of standout campaigns. It also came third in Effie’s overall global ranking of advertisers.

A team of students from the University of Nottingham, UK have won the gold prize at Ecotrophelia UK with their spicy BBQ flavored savory snack. The RICH Pickings team has developed Pom Puffs – a nutritious snack made from extruded apple pomace, maize and packaged in a recyclable pouch. Each member of the gold-winning team took home a share of £2,000 and an invitation to become an IFST Young Ambassador. Now in its sixth year, Ecotrophelia UK is a Dragons Den-style competition that challenges teams of UK students to develop an innovative, eco-friendly food and drink product. From idea generation through to the final packaged product, the teams get a hands-on experience of what it takes to bring an eco-friendly food or drink product to market. The finalists pitched their products on June 5 and the winner was announced on June 6 at Campden BRI's annual open day. The UK heat of this Europe-wide competition was organized by UK food and drink research organization, Campden BRI, in conjunction with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), the independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe.

In brief: Appointments & retirements
Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz, 64, is to step down later this month, the company revealed this week. Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 and has overseen the company’s global expansion. Schultz is estimated to be worth US$3.1 billion, according to Forbes. During his career, he has championed a higher minimum wage, offered some Starbucks employees free college and been outspoken on some of the most divisive issues in US politics.

Pavlos Photiades has been elected for the second term as The Brewers of Europe President. Photiades was re-elected at this week's annual general meeting of the Association in Brussels. Pavlos Photiades commented on his appointment: “I am honored to continue in this role at such an exciting and challenging time for brewers. I look forward to working with the team on issues affecting our sector at large.”  

Lycored has appointed Dr Etgar Levy-Nissenbaum as its new Senior Vice President of Global Research and Development. The appointment comes as the global carotenoid leader looks to strengthen and grow its R&D and innovation capabilities – two significant elements of its success in recent years. Before joining Lycored Dr. Levy-Nissenbaum served in numerous global R&D management positions. Most recently, he was responsible for New Technologies Application at Teva Pharmaceuticals Global R&D, and prior to that he led R&D at BioLineRx. He will now manage Lycored’s R&D teams, whose activities cover extraction, formulation, microencapsulation, fermentation, and the development of new active ingredients. 

Finally, Glanbia has announced Martin Keane as Group Chairman, to succeed Henry Corbally with immediate effect. Patrick Murphy has been appointed to the position of Vice Chairman in place of Keane while John Murphy will continue as a Vice Chairman. In addition, Jer Doheny has been selected as a Non-Executive Director and Tom Grant and Patsy Ahern have retired as Non-Executive Directors of Glanbia plc. Patsy Ahern and Tom Grant continue as Directors of Glanbia Co-operative Society and Glanbia Ireland while Ger O’Brien has been appointed as a Director of both organizations. By previous agreements with Glanbia Co-operative Society, the appointment of a Co-op nominee to the chair may continue in effect until no later than June 30, 2020.

By Elizabeth Green