7-Eleven: fueling fitness and fatness

Convenience store 7-Eleven's introduction of the new Formula 7 range of energy drinks and bars highlights the increasingly mainstream nature of the functional food market in the US. But while there is evidence that such products can improve athletes' performance, they may be more damaging to the health of inactive consumers than regular confectionery and carbonated drinks.

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Atkins diet: high profits for some, losses for others

The US bread industry is expected to hold a crisis summit to discuss the recent fall in sales due to rising interest in protein-rich, low carbohydrate regimes such as Atkins. While Atkins has propelled sales for low-carb alternatives, high carbohydrate staples like bread and pasta could suffer significant losses if Atkins is here to stay.

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Atkins Nutritionals: slimmed down but ready for shake-up

Atkins Nutritionals has instigated Chapter 11 proceedings to seal a company restructuring that will see it downsize its operations. Although the move is driven largely by the pressure of competition in the 'low-carb' market, switching to focus on general health concerns should give Atkins Nutritionals a sustainable long-term focus on broader consumer trends.

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Bimbo: brighter than you might expect

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Bimbo: time to decide between North and South

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Consumer goods: store for war

Uncertainty about the increasingly likely US-led war on Iraq, together with continuing concerns over terrorism, are troubling consumers. This state of fear has repercussions on consumer purchasing behaviour, encouraging cutbacks on some products and the stockpiling of others.<BR />

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Fonterra: the winning high-protein component

Fonterra's newly-unveiled dairy protein ingredients will appeal to a variety of customers. Though the vast majority of crispy proteins are currently used in energy bars, the new product's lack of flavor, nutritional benefit and functionality make it suitable for inclusion in a wider range of products.

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Food: nutraceuticals to overtake low fat products in offering best opportunities

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General Mills: customized cereals in cyberspace

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General Mills: healthy outlook

General Mills [GIS] has enjoyed an upbeat final quarter. Despite struggling to come to terms with its belated entry into the low-carb segment, the company will be looking to continue growth in the new fiscal year. If it focuses on the overall health benefits of its products, without getting too sidetracked by low-carb products, it may be able to do just that.

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