Briefs

nSTOP PRESS: Women can halve their risk of breast cancer by eating a diet rich in wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereal, according to new research. The Leeds University study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology this week, tracked the eating habits of more than 35,000 women over seven years.

n East Anglian miller, Mike Thurlow of Letheringsett Mill has won £40,000 as UKTV’s Local Food Hero 2006. He was pitted against nine other regional winners, including Lighthouse Bakery in London.

n Coffee chain Starbucks plans to open 50 new outlets a year in the UK. The company, which currently operates 530 sites in the UK, said that, in London alone, it would open one site a fortnight over the next 10 years, which would add around 260 outlets to its estate.

n Café chain BB’s Coffee and Muffins, which has 155 cafés across the UK and Ireland, plans to open 20 new stores in 2007. "Our business is performing ahead of expectations and we are actively progressing our expansion plans," said Phil Abbott, MD. He added that, for 2007, BB’s would introduce a wider range of healthy eating options in muffins and sandwiches, as well indulgent new products.

n Latest research from market research company Mintel reveals the sales of smoothies increased by 523% to reach £134 million in 2006. Volume sales are predicted to almost treble between 2006 and 2011 to almost 100 million litres, while value sales will rise 76% over the same period.

n To send a press release to British Baker, e-mail: bb@william-reed.co.uk