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ABA SmartBrief

October 27, 2009

Industry News

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PepsiCo India executive on contract farming
When PepsiCo entered the Indian market in 1989, one condition was that it had to do business with local farmers. Vivek Bharati, executive director of agriculture for PepsiCo India, says the company works with farmers to increase productivity and is involved in efforts to improve sustainability and water use. The Wall Street Journal (10/27)

EU gives PepsiCo OK to buy PepsiAmericas: PepsiCo has won regulatory approval from the European Union to buy bottler PepsiAmericas, a move that would speed decision-making and cut costs. Reuters (10/27)

Caribou brews changes at the top
Caribou Coffee has promoted Daniel E. Lee, who joined the company in 2005, to secretary, senior vice president and general counsel. The company also made Dan Hurdle senior vice president of retail operations and product management. QSRMagazine.com (10/26)

Survey: Well-to-do consumers concerned with food safety, health
Most affluent shoppers are very concerned about food safety, and 60% said they would pay a premium of 10% for food they consider safer, healthier or adhering to a higher ethical standard. According to a survey, claims meaningful to this group include assurances that the food does not contain pesticides or antibiotics, as well as ethical claims that reinforce quality and safety perceptions. Progressive Grocer (10/26)

50% OF BEVERAGE VOLUME COMES FROM RETAILER PRICE PROMOTIONS!
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Health and Nutrition

Taking another look at agave syrup
Agave nectar is touted as a sweetener with a low glycemic index, which is good for people with diabetes, and it helps cuts calories because of its sweetness. But the Glycemic Research Institute said diabetics testing agave nectar experienced "severe and dangerous side effects," and others say not all compositions are particularly sweet. The Wall Street Journal (10/27)

Marketing Report

DNA Energy Drink gets a Web site
DNA Beverage Corp. has launched a Web site for its DNA Energy Drink. The site showcases products, and will have videos showing the structure and inner workings of the company. Just-Drinks.com (10/26)

Regulatory and Legislative Update

Food-stamp budget gets a $4 billion boost
The U.S. Department of Agriculture budget signed by President Barack Obama includes a $4 billion increase in the food-stamp program, bringing it to more than $58 billion. School nutrition funding was increased by $1.9 billion, bringing it to almost $17 billion. Supermarket News (10/26)

ABA News

Sip & Savor, an ABA blog
Check in daily to get the inside scoop on all things beverages so you can make informed decisions about our products, as well as the issues surrounding our industry. We hope you enjoy what you read -- and contribute to the conversation. View today's post.

SmartQuote

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

--Muhammad Ali,
American boxer and three-time world heavyweight champion