Profits are up at Diageo

Diageo's organic sales and profits increased by 2% in the 2010 fiscal year, driven by the growth of its key premium, super/ultra-premium and reserve brands. Despite the economic uncertainty, Diageo is confident about the future, predicting even stronger results in the coming year.

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PLA Innovation of the Week: two flavors are better than one for unique new juice bottle

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PLA Innovation of the Week: cooling off with icy cup noodles

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PLA Innovation of the Week: coffee is the new flavor for potato chip fans

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PLA Innovation of the Week: a pink soft drink for women

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PLA Innovation of the Week: a pie baking kit with everything you need for a homemade pie

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PLA Innovation of the Week: a fabric softener that lets you change the scent, day by day

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Mars: rejecting proposals to relax chocolate definition

Mars' criticism of a possible relaxation of the rules on what defines a chocolate product in the US would appear to show the company has for once rightly predicted consumer opinion. With a growing consumer trend for premium snacks and a desire for authentic foods, a move into cheaper chocolate production could have prompted a consumer backlash against the company.

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Kraft pulls iSnack2.0 name after backlash, but publicity may have done more good than harm

Vegemite, one of the most popular food brands in Australia, has been forced to scrap the ill-fitting name 'iSnack2.0' after being lambasted both by consumers and the media. Despite the widespread criticism of the name and its withdrawal, Datamonitor views the intense media debate as a boon to a brand struggling with slowing sales.

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Kirin: refocusing on beverage business

Kirin is to sell its entire stake in Kirin Yakult NextStage, the health food joint venture set up with Yakult in Japan in October 2006. Although the unit currently appears to be struggling, Yakult should be able to use its reputation to capitalize on the growing health food market in Japan. Kirin, meanwhile, will focus on its core strengths in the beverage market.

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