EC threat to six-packs

Bakery products sold by number, such as six-packs of rolls or muffins, are under threat, because proposed EC labelling legislation only makes provision for products sold by weight. The Federation of Bakers, backed by the FSA, is currently lobbying EC officials and MEPs to amend draft regulations on the provision of food information to consumers to include numbered labelling.

Genius at Claridge’s

Genius gluten-free bread will now be available to consumers requesting a gluten-free afternoon tea at Claridge’s. The bread, available in white and brown, will be used for finger sandwiches. Gluten-free pastries and savouries will also be available. Following its success, Genius has 18 product launches planned for 2010.

SSP’s football drive

Food travel firm SSP UK is to launch a World Cup-themed campaign across its outlets at major UK train stations and regional airports. ’Get Your Free Kicks’ will run from 10 June to 11 July at outlets including Delice de France, Upper Crust, Caffè Ritazza and Millie’s Cookies. For every purchase, consumers will be given one of 3.5 million game cards, depicting half of a World Cup nation’s flag. Consumers are encouraged to collect and match two halves of a flag to win prizes, including baguettes, sandwiches and coffees.

New site for Ilapak

Packaging machinery company Ilapak is due to open a new European manufacturing and research and development centre in Lugano, Switzerland, in the summer of 2010. The new site, adjacent to its existing factory, will be dedicated to the design and manufacture of rotary-jaw horizontal, form, fill and seal machines, as well as complete automated systems.