European power markets: TSO integration faces numerous obstacles

The Nordic countries are currently seeking to fully integrate their grid network systems so that they operate under a single management. While a number of vertically integrated utilities elsewhere in Europe are also proposing to create an integrated, independent transmission system operator, they should pay heed to the developments in the Nordic market to better grasp the scale of such a task.

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New food review: functional foods have added appeal

Both regional and functional foods are proving increasingly popular, as a look at the latest launches on Productscan reveals. A new line of regional rice dishes has been introduced to the US, while the launch of functional olive oil, chocolate and bread products have all recently been announced, proving that premium and health trends continue to impact the market.

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Finnish mortgage market: expected to experience a slowdown

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New food review: developing a more cultured approach to food

This month's roundup of innovative products from the Productscan database includes further proof of the increasing appeal of probiotics. These active cultures are being included in numerous products, including savory snacks, while a probiotic/prebiotic combination has made it into frozen yogurt. Meanwhile, floral flavors appear to be on trend, highlighting a new direction for food flavorings.

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New food review: seed oils could be the new wonder ingredient

This month's selection of novel food launches from the Productscan database includes a new snack bar that contains an array of healthy ingredients including seed oils, as well as a new type of egg that is said to aid healthy vision. Meanwhile, Wrigley has developed a new variety of gum that utilizes the power of magnolia bark to eradicate bad breath, a feature that could appeal to many consumers.

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New drinks review: beauty drinks attract big league backers

This month's roundup of novel new drinks launches finds that the beauty from within beverage market is gaining ground with the emergence of a skin nourishing beverage from Nestle. Meanwhile, the release of an energy drink with all-natural ingredients shows that the allure of the natural is emerging in an increasing number of drink sectors.

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New drinks review: stevia gaining ground as the new sweetener of choice

The natural sweetener stevia has gained much attention in recent weeks after the US Food and Drug Administration approved the sweetener for use in foodstuffs. Following the approval, a number of manufacturers have introduced new stevia products, including Coca Cola and PepsiCo. As a result, the product can be expected to gain further exposure in 2009.

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New drinks review: beer breaks flavor boundaries

This month's selection of innovative new drinks products sees the launch of a variety of novel alcoholic beverages, including a wine in a pouch and beer that is designed to complement challenging food combinations. This shows the original ways in which manufacturers are attempting to gain an edge over the competition.

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St1: shaking up the Scandinavian service station market

St1 has revived competition in the Scandinavian service station market with the acquisition of 198 sites. By the end of 2009 Datamonitor predicts that St1 will have a 6% volume share in Sweden and a 4% volume share in Norway, but making further inroads will be tough.

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New drinks review: hoping alcohol-free whisky can raise consumers' spirits

This month's new drinks review finds a range of innovative alcohol and soft drink launches, ranging from an alcohol-free whisky and a bean-flavored cola to an energizing mulled wine. These new products highlight that there is plenty of inspiration in the market to help generate growth.

Published By Datamonitor