n The British Society of Baking’s annual conference takes place this week in Coventry with speakers including Asda bakery director Huw Edwards and Federation of Bakers’ director Gordon Polson. See the website [http://www.bsb.org.uk] for full details.

n A new report, Profiting from Changing Snacking and Beverage Occasions, from market analyst Datamonitor has revealed that young Britons aged six to 24 are Europe’s most frequent snackers. Young people aged between six and 13 consume on average 825 snacks per year, over two snacks per day; and 14 to 24-year-olds snacked on 856 occasions in 2005. "Snacking is so ingrained in UK eating habits that it has become a way of life rather than a trend, but it is younger consumers, with their relatively care-free approach to eating, who are particularly frequent snackers," commented Daniel Bone, author of the report.

n A new round of HGCA Enterprise Awards runs until the end of the year. Under the scheme, companies using UK-produced grain can gain funds of up to £50,000 for promoting innovative products or opening up new markets for existing products.

See [http://www.hgca.com/enterprise]

n Sharwood’s has launched a range of fresh naan breads in Asda, made by Honeytop Speciality Foods. The range includes Peshwari naan and a mixed pack of mini naans, featuring mango and red chilli and garlic and coriander flavours. Charles Eid, joint MD of Honeytop, said: "The popularity of ethnic foods has really taken off. The increasing attraction of ethnic food also means that the quality has to constantly improve, as consumers expectations have grown."

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