EU Ok for GM Maize The European Commission extended the authorization of products derived from GM maize after EU member states failed to agree on the issue. Starbucks' 'Relentless Focus on Innovation' Coffee again will be freshly ground and scooped in most U.S. locations so that the stores smell like coffee shops again. Kirin Partners for Growth Kirin Holding Co is to continue its aggressive expansion and regional diversification drive with the pursuit of new brewing partnerships in the high-growth markets of India, Vietnam and Thailand. Coca-Cola illycaffe Finalize JV The Coca-Cola Company and illycaffè SpA finalized their global joint venture and will be introducing three premium RTD coffee products in several European countries. Union for Heineken Heineken N.V. acquires Drinks Union in the Czech Republic. Kemin Looks South Kemin Industries Inc. acquired controlling interest in Nord Palatabilzantes do Brasil, to expand its global pet food palatant business into Central and South America. Naturade Takes Redux Naturade will acquire all of the subsidiary companies and assets of Redux Holdings. Pepsi Buys Russian Juice Company PepsiCo will pay $1.4 billion to buy Lebedyansky, a juice manufacturer. Lance Buys Brent & Sams Snack maker Lance Inc. bought privately held Brent & Sam's Inc., which makes gourmet cookies. Return to Top

Editorial Podcasts A weekly series on Trends, Development, Menu Trends, Regulation Updates and Innovation. * * * * * * * * * * From the March Prepared Foods Packaged Food Trends Spirit of Innovation Award Nominations Now Open Overview of Overviews * * * * *

Vegan Diet's Stroke Protection Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers could reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes by cutting meat, dairy products and gluten out of their diets. Protein Need for Older Women Older women should eat plenty of protein as their bodies find it much harder than men's to replace the muscle lost as they age. Red Bull Goes Cola  Energy drink maker Red Bull is launching a new product to break into the cola market.

Top Headlines * Date for Dr Pepper Demerger * SunOpta Announces JV * Hain Celestial Takes Two * Glanbia on a Shopping Spree * Smucker Buying Europe's Best * Kerry Buys Breeo * Low-Fat Diet Fueling Obesity? * Nellson Names Directors and CEO * Kraft Foods Names EVP, Strategy * Molson's Global Brands President   Important Industry Websites + FDA + USDA + foodCompliance.com + Research Chefs Association + Datamonitor + Information Resources + Mintel Group + Food Update Prepared Foods' Sites + PreparedFoods.com + NutraSolutions.com + e-Learning Center + New Products Conference + ProductInnovationXchange + R&D Applications Seminar -- Chicago + R&D Applications Seminar -- East + Spirit of Innovation Awards

Diet Promise for Epileptic Children Experts stress that the diet can have side effects and should be attempted only under strict medical supervision. GM Rice Breakthrough China's Zhejiang University developed a method for creating selective terminable GM-modified rice, which could probably lead to the industrialization of the GM-modified crops. Folate Faux Pas Healthy men who report lower levels of the nutrient folate in their diets have higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm. Return to Top   Cott Names Interim CEO The board of directors of Cott Corporation announced the appointment of David T. Gibbons as Interim CEO. Reed's Names Sr. VP of Marketing Neal Cohane has been appointed senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of Reed's sales, distribution and marketing efforts. New Moonstruck CEO Moonstruck Chocolate Co. has named Dan Hossley, a 25-year veteran of the retail industry, as the new CEO of the company. New CFO at Godiva Godiva announced its appointment of David S. Marberger as senior vice president, chief financial officer and head of strategy. Changes at Nutrition 21 Nutrition 21 Inc announced that Paul Intlekofer has resigned as chief executive officer and as a director of the company. Return to Top

NEW East Coast Applications-oriented Educational Seminar
Prepared Foods' 2008 R&D Applications Seminar East will offer 80+ practical seminars to further educate bench-level R&D on solutions to specific application challenges and a better understanding of ingredient functionality April 14-15, 2008, at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel, East brunswick, N.J. To register your team, or for seminar schedule information, visit http://bnpevents.com/PF/RD-East/.