In 2009 we will see the emergence of Red Bull extending its brand-line into the rapidly expanding energy shot market. Red bull as the category leader in energy drinks have realized that the shot market is more then just a fad and that the category is set to experience huge growth as people look toward convenience and smaller volume packaging. Red Bull are already in preparation for launch with the development of a supportive website http://theshotthatgivesyouwiiings.com/ and a novel marketing campaign, according to industry insiders. The packaging looks great and capitalizes on Red Bull colors...

GlaxoSmithKlein’s (GSK) weight loss product alli (Orlistat/Xenical 60mg) made a huge impact in 2007 with sales over the first 2 months exceeding $53 million.  On Wednesday the 21st of January 2009 GSK received word from the European Commission that their application for non-prescription status has been granted, a first in the EU weight loss market. This marketing authorization allows GSK to launch alli throughout the 27 EU member states to adults with a BMI > 28 kg/m2. Given its successful entry into the US market and the EMEA ordering Sanofi-Aventi to temporarily withdraw Acomplia (rimonabant)...

In the February issue of the Journal Nutrition, researchers from Provident Clinical Research, Bloomington, (IN, USA) have demonstrated that Green tea extracts can significantly reduce abdominal fat. 107 Participants where supplemented with either green tea extract (625mg catechins + 39mg caffeine) or control (zero catechins + 39mg caffeine) for 12 weeks whilst monitored (controlled) for nutrition intake and exercise. The results of the trial demonstrated although overall there was no difference between groups in relation to changes in fat mass, abdominal fat loss was 3.3% lower in the catechin...

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), the body responsible for writing and enforcing the non-broadcast advertising code (CAP Code), today publishes changes to the Code to bring it into line with New European legislation on nutrition and health claims made on foods (the NHCR). This is the first piece of specific legislation to deal with nutrition and health claims made on foods and seeks to protect consumers from misleading or false claims. Because the changes reflect the law, they become enforceable immediately. Alongside this, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP), the...

It may be time to fight for our supplement rights again according to recent reports from the UK’s Health Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA). The Food Supplements Directive (FSD)* harmonize the legislation and to ensure that these products are safe and appropriately labeled so that consumers can make informed choices. As part of this assessment of vitamin and minerals where debated in regard to their safety profiles and maximum permitted levels (MPLs) under article 5 of the FSD. Back in 2004 MPL’s for vitamins and mineral where in essence agreed across industry with the Food Standards Agency...