Briefs

n Biscuit company Burton’s Foods says its has removed hydrogenated fats from its entire portfolio of over 100 products, including Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels, baked from the end of January 2007.

n A new website has been launched to link shoppers and retailers with local sources of organic food. OrganicAssistant.com lists around 30,000 records allowing users to search without charge for organic products near their home or business by postcode, type or retailer.

n The International Materials Handling Exhibition 2007, will be held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 13-16 March. Taking place once every three years, IMHX is the UK’s largest logistics event. The show will feature products and services from over 300 exhibitors.

n The 2007 abim Conference will be held at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Co Down, on 18-19 May, 2007.

n Thorntons, the chocolate group, this week reported an 18% fall in first half pre-tax profit, blaming one-off items and increased investment, but forecast full-year results in line with expectations.

For the 28 weeks to 6 January 2007, the group, which trades from 366 of its own stores, 214 franchise stores, through third-party retailers and from Thorntons Direct, said pre-tax profit was £10.5m, down from £12.8m last time.

n Bakery consultancy BakeTran has announced the launch of its new website: [http://www.baketran.com]. The site has a special ’Problems and Solutions’ page, providing useful technical tips, which will be updated regularly.