The Wonderful Company, which is dedicated to harvesting health around the world, announced today that the JUSTIN and Landmark Community Grants programs have chosen 19 non-profit organizations and schools in the San Luis Obispo and Sonoma Counties, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin and Paso Robles Unified School District, to receive funding from its COVID-19 and fire relief fund of over $500,000 in grants.

Stewart and Lynda Resnick established a $1 million COVID-19 relief fund in August 2020 to support local programs, services, and resources in California’s Central Valley. In October, the relief fund was expanded by over $500,000 to assist those specifically in the San Luis Obispo and Sonoma Counties who have been affected by COVID-19 and the California wildfires. Non-profit organizations and schools that demonstrate community impact were eligible to apply for funding.

Andy Anzaldo, Chief Operating Officer of Philanthropy at The Wonderful Company, said, “On behalf of The Wonderful Company and Lynda and Stewart Resnick, we are grateful to organizations who have been working tirelessly to assist their communities and front-line workers. The COVID-19 pandemic followed by the devastating California wildfires has put a tremendous amount of stress on these communities and we are honored to help these organizations so they can continue their efforts we desperately need during this time.”

“2020 has been a tough year for all of us. Together we’re weathering a global pandemic, distance learning while schools stay closed, multiple fires and evacuations, and deep racial and political divisions. This is certainly a season of hardship for Sonoma County families,” said Jennifer Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin. “Funding from the Landmark Community Grants program will help us provide a safe place for kids to learn and grow during such a difficult year, and we are incredibly grateful.”

Paso Robles High School science teacher Jon-Paul Ewing plans to use a portion of the grant money provided to the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District to assist with educational services within his department. “The Bearcat Science Department is thrilled to receive extra funds to help make lab activities more accessible to our students. Electronic balances, portable sinks, and micropipettes will assist our teachers as we plan for our return to school following the pandemic.”

Since their launch in 2013 and 2014, the JUSTIN and Landmark Community Grants programs have been supporting local organizations that strive to make their communities a better place to live and work. This year, Wonderful has significantly expanded the scope and funding of these existing programs as a part of a proactive and concerted company-wide fight against COVID-19. Each year, The Wonderful Company invests millions of dollars in far-reaching community development, education, and health and wellness programs across the Central Valley and beyond, with the goal of enriching and enhancing the lives of our employees who live there.

Source: The Wonderful Company

The Drug Helpline survey found that 10% of Americans want to reduce their alcohol intake into the future. It also found that 85% want to keep their drinking the same, which indicates, reassuringly, that the vast majority have kept their alcohol consumption in check during the pandemic.

Alcohol consumption habits have changed dramatically in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a shift from drinking in bars to drinking at home. But it is unclear whether consumption overall has increased or decreased. The public health messages on limiting alcohol remain pertinent, and it remains to be seen if there will be long-term health consequences to increased drinking during the pandemic.

A WHO publication on alcohol and COVID-19 highlighted the risks of drinking alcohol, such as a weakened immune system and the development of alcohol use disorders. It recommended limiting or removing alcohol from the diet, avoiding consumption around children, and being aware of false claims that alcohol helps protect against viral infection.

There is broad awareness that alcohol is bad for the immune system, and in a global pandemic people are extra aware of keeping their immune system healthy.

“In my practice, I have encountered patients drinking far more during the pandemic, which is a deeply concerning trend. The latest survey findings show that there has also been a sizeable proportion of the population who have reduced or maintained their drinking levels,” said Dr. Samantha Miller, a physician and spokesperson for Drug Helpline. “In terms of consequences of the pandemic, I anticipate a rise in mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, various substance misuse disorders, and alcohol-related illnesses as a result of increased drinking.”

The full report is available on the Drug Helpline website.

Shuangta is the chairman company of the Chinese vermicelli industry association. The traditional hand made vermicelli craft is applied by the company to the first batch non-physical cultural legency.

Shuangta Foods said that the company’s current production capacity of pea protein is 60,000 to 70,000 tons, and the pea deep processing project will be put into operation next year, which can add 15,000 tons of high-end protein production capacity and expand production at a rate of 20% every year.

It is understood that Shuangta Foods will upgrade part of the low-end pea production capacity to high-end pea protein production capacity based on the pea protein market in the future. High-end pea are mainly used in solid protein powder, energy bars, breakfast cereals, baked goods, plant meat and other fields. Low-end pea protein is mainly used in high-end pet food, high-performance fish feed and other fields. Among them, Shuangta Foods listed plant meat as the company’s key development direction.

Speaking of plant meat planning, Shuangta Foods stated that the company has hired a brand marketing planning team to carry out the overall layout of the plant protein meat marketing strategy; two independent teams have been set up to make full use of existing supermarkets, restaurants, e-commerce, etc. Channel resource management and operation of plant meat business. Two investor survey announcements issued by Shuangta Foods show that the demand for pea protein from downstream customers such as plant meat will increase significantly.

It is understood that in the first half of this year, Shuangta Foods takes diversified development as the core, by extending the industrial chain, vigorously upgrading the industry and product levels, vigorously promoting the development of circular economy, low-carbon economy and green economy, and strive to create high-tech, High value-added, high-efficiency enterprise.

Source: Yantai Shuangta Foods Co., Ltd.

Xanthan Gum, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 5.8% CAGR and reach US$66.3 Million by the end of the analysis period. After an early analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Carrageenan segment is readjusted to a revised 5.3% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $32.1 Million, While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.8% CAGR

The Beverage Stabilizers market in the U.S. is estimated at US$32.1 Million in the year 2020. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$37.1 Million by the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 8.7% over the analysis period 2020 to 2027. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 2.9% and 4.3% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.8% CAGR.

Gum Arabic Segment to Record 4.9% CAGR

In the global Gum Arabic segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 4.6% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$16.9 Million in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$23.1 Million by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$23.4 Million by the year 2027, while Latin America will expand at a 5.3% CAGR through the analysis period.

Source: Research and Markets

CREDIT: Eaters Collective via Unsplash

The world is in the throes of a health crisis, and its wide-reaching impact is being felt even in the beverage industry. Bigger brands such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have weathered the storm so to speak, even as they have scaled down operations due to varying degrees of lockdowns. PepsiCo, in particular, saw a 7.9% increase in first quarter sales, while Coca-Cola has held steady, at least in the first half of 2020. Both, though, are predicting profits to plummet for the rest of the year. Alcoholic drinks manufacturers figure to get hit hard, too, with Heineken, for instance, already cutting its worldwide beer portfolio by as much as 30%. Wine and spirits retailers are suffering as well, with Majestic Wine having to endure 9 weeks of canceled orders.

Lower profits and canceled orders seem to be part of the beverage industry’s new normal — that is, unless companies adjust and adapt. In some cases, that means reinvention, as in the case with San Miguel Corporation, a known beer maker in Asia that began producing alcohol and hand sanitizers to augment the dwindling supply of both in the Philippines. Kirin Beverage Co in Japan, on the other hand, released an immunity-boosting drink, Kirin IMUSE Water, this year that reached its three-month sales target in its very first week.

Other companies are banking on goodwill to drive brand loyalty. It is a tactic put to good use by the New York Distilling Company, which repurposed its undiluted Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin to make hand sanitizers. However, the company has not made these sanitizers available for commercial sale. Instead, it distributes its innovative home recipe for free — two parts uncut gin plus one part aloe vera gel — to existing clients as a show of support and solidarity. Pernod Recard USA has adopted the same strategy, making sanitizer in its manufacturing sites and donating them to clients and those in need. Pernod Recard France, on the other hand, is leading an initiative called 1,000 Cafés that aims to support small-town cafés all across the country.

Beverage companies are also adapting their business processes. In particular, more and more beverage companies are shifting their focus from on-premise outlets, like bars, restaurants, and tasting rooms, to off-premise, as in liquor stores and retail establishments. This shift in focus is allowing liquor companies in America to continue flourishing, even as on-site drinking in the country remains largely restricted. In fact, off-premise beer sales have been on the rise in America, even registering a 12.8% increase year-on-year despite an ongoing health crisis. This underscores how vital off-premise sales will be for beverage companies moving forward.

Moreover, e-commerce is becoming the norm in the industry, particularly when it comes to alcoholic drinks. That’s because a recent CNN report on online beer sales found that more people are buying booze online than ever before, and for good reason — it is a much safer, more convenient way to buy beverages. Case in point: European brand Double Dutch now offers its products online via Shopify, as it looks to ease the impact of lockdowns on its on-premise sales.

The rise of e-commerce speaks to the importance of innovative, consumer-first strategies. Consequently, proper foresight and preparation on the part of managers will be critical for beverage companies who want to thrive in this new normal. An article on leadership success by lifestyle writer James Gonzales highlights the importance of curiosity and trusted feedback as key components of great managers, as these will enable them to anticipate purchasing trends and deepen relationships with existing customers. As a result, they will be able to better leverage the e-commerce boom within the industry and keep their beverage companies profitable even in the new normal.

Indeed, the ongoing health crisis is ushering in a new normal, and it is unforgiving to say the least. All is not lost, though, especially if beverage companies can change with the times and adopt new business models and innovative means to connect with clients. A few are doing so already; the others just need to follow suit to survive.

exclusively written for drinkpreneur.com by Raven Jem

The hand sanitizer will be produced at all of Pernod Ricard USA’s manufacturing sites, including: their facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Smooth Ambler Spirits (Lewisburg, WV), Rabbit Hole Distillery (Louisville, KY) and TX Whiskey Distillery (Ft. Worth, TX).

“Our company is proud to support the efforts of the Administration and communities across the country in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard North America.

Mukherjee credited federal officials, including Dr. Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, for their role in helping Pernod Ricard USA quickly navigate several regulatory hurdles and obtain the necessary approvals to produce American-made hand sanitizer. “In coordination with Dr. Navarro and the White House Task Force, we are utilizing our network of American manufacturing sites to help curb the national shortage of hand sanitizer which we will produce and donate for domestic use.”

“The health and safety of our employees – and our communities – is our top priority,” Mukherjee said. “In times like this it is important that everyone, especially companies with strong U.S. roots, like ours, prioritize good corporate citizenship and step up in the name of the greater good. I am glad that we were able to form this public/private partnership and repurpose our spirits production facilities to meet a pressing, national need.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) commended Pernod Ricard USA’s efforts, saying, “I am proud of Kentucky job creators who are stepping up during this national emergency to help keep communities and families safe. America remains strong and resilient, and the commitment of Pernod Ricard USA and the workers at Rabbit Hole Distillery to help face this challenge is the kind of generous response we need to stay that way.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), who represents the city of Fort Smith, expressed his appreciation for Pernod Ricard USA’s initiative in Ft. Smith. “Our top priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all Americans. It’s great to see Pernod Ricard USA prioritizing a national need over short-term business gains to make an impact during this national emergency,” Womack said.

Pernod Ricard USA is working with the U.S. Government on plans for distribution of the hand sanitizer.

Source: Pernod Ricard USA

Unfortunately, with the new show dates, the “Cross-over Day” with New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) Suppliers’ Day will not be possible and is now canceled.

LUXE PACK would like to express their sincerest gratitude to all exhibitors, attendees, and partners for their continual support during this evolving time. To all industry contacts who have already registered to attend LUXE PACK New York will be sent updated badges to facilitate their entry.

Developments for the July event are in full effect. The LUXE PACK team looks forward to bringing the packaging industry together for a great and successful event on July 8^th and 9^th.

Everyone’s thoughts continue to be with those effected by the (COVID-19) virus all over the world.

Source: The LUXE PACK New York

“Westbloom is a perfect fit for Jusu, as their coffees, teas and cold brew products are of the highest quality. Westbloom has shown a great commitment to their innovative approach and the plant-based movement. The synergies of Jusu and Westbloom’s culture and products will allow us to offer a complete product line to meet the needs of our customers”.

With Western Canada as its gateway, Jusu is providing customers with a way to consume chemical-free, plant based and certified organic food and beverage products. Jusu is looking to expand their business into other markets in North America, as an increase in consumer demand for organic plant-based products is on the rise.

Source: JUSU Bar Inc

This represents an almost 50% increase compared with Brand Finance’s 2017 valuation, as brand values grow and parent companies are increasingly relying on their brands’ performance.

Pernod Ricard, at 36.2%, has the largest proportion of enterprise value at stake.

Brewing giant, AB InBev, would lose the most enterprise value in absolute terms –US$64.6 billion.

Following the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products and repeated calls to extend the legislation to other sectors, Brand Finance has once again analysed the potential impact of such a policy on food and beverage brands in four categories: alcohol, confectionery, savoury snacks, and sugary drinks. Responding to a growing demand for more up-to-date analysis, this second iteration of the Brand Finance Plain Packaging report builds on the findings of the original 2017 study and is being launched today at the Food Ethics Council’s Food Policy on Trial event in London.

Eight major brand-owning companies are predicted to lose a total of US$234.0 billion, with alcohol and sugary drinks brands the most vulnerable. Given the growth of brand values over the last two years, the estimation is nearly US$50 billion larger than the US$186.7 billion calculated in 2017, when the first study was conducted.

Alcoholic drinks producers like Heineken, AB InBev, and Pernod Ricard would see 100% of their revenues exposed to the legislation, jeopardising the current business model.

Pernod Ricard, at 36.2%, has the largest proportion of enterprise value at stake. Similar to other drinks giants, AB InBev and The Coca-Cola Company are both set to lose over a quarter of their enterprise value. They are also the two corporations in the study with most absolute value at risk: US$64.6 billion and US$57.2 billion respectively.

PepsiCo, owner of popular snack brands such as Lay’s, Doritos, and Cheetos, as well as its iconic eponymous soft drink brand, would see over two-thirds of its brands affected by the legislation, the highest proportion of any company outside of alcoholic beverages.

An extrapolation of the results to all major alcohol and sugary drinks brands, points towards a potential loss of US$430.8 billion for the beverage industry globally.

The estimates refer to the loss of value derived specifically from brands and do not account for further potential losses resulting from changes in price and volume of the products sold, or illicit trade. Therefore, the total damage to businesses affected is likely to be higher.

This should raise concerns not only for brand owners but also for governments, policymakers, marketers, and campaigners. David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, commented:

“Since we produced the first Brand Finance Plain Packaging report in 2017, a number of other countries have either implemented – or legislated for – plain packaging for tobacco products. With health advisors labelling obesity ‘the new smoking’, it is not surprising that there have been repeated calls for this type of legislation to be expanded into the food and drinks sectors. It is obvious, however, that this would severely damage these companies’ business values.”

David added: “However, the predicted loss of brand contribution to companies at risk is just the tip of the iceberg. Plain packaging would also lead to losses in the creative industries, including design and advertising services, which are heavily reliant on FMCG contracts.”

Background

Plain packaging is often referred to as a branding ban or brand censorship. By imposing strict rules and regulations, the legislator requires producers to remove all branded features from external packaging, except for the brand name written in a standardised font, with all surfaces in a standard colour.

An increasing number of countries are introducing strict regulations on the marketing and advertising of food and drink products in an attempt to prevent obesity and lifestyle diseases. With calls for more intrusive measures growing, the prospect of further applications of plain packaging looks increasingly likely.

In 2015, the WHO-backed Tobacco Atlas, called for extending plain packaging to alcohol and some food and drink products. In 2016, Public Health England released a report calling for plain packaging to be considered for alcohol. In October last year, Ireland passed a Bill to introduce mandatory, sizeable health warning labels on all alcohol products, cautioning against the risk of cancer. Earlier this year, UK think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research, called for plain packaging to be extended to all confectionary, crisps and sugary drinks, to put them on ‘a level playing-field with fruit and vegetables’.

For full findings access the Brand Finance Plain Packaging 2019 report here.

Source: Brand Finance

These adjustments are required following increase in costs to produce the affected products.

Customers should contact their Tate & Lyle account manager for further details.

Source: Tate & Lyle