Coca Cola With a Difference!

The manufacturers of Coke are finding competition in the sales place hotting up. So much so they are looking into a 'magic ingredient' to thicken up this favourite drink to provide something new for the market place.

Is this wise or should they stay with what they know best?

Here is an article from the Beverage network

The big beverage companies have all created plans and taken action to reinvigorate consumer interest in carbonated soft drinks, but Coca-Cola might be hedging its bets against the continuing decline of the category by creating something new.

The number-one beverage producer appears to be working on a desert-on-the-go product, according to a recent filing at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The filing describes a broad swath of beverages that include rice extracts or derivatives to thicken the beverage and give it a mouth feel similar to cream or custard. The beverage may also include starch, protein, fiber, fat, fruit flavors and flavors commonly associated with ice cream, pie, cake or pudding.

“The variety of portable deserts has not been exhausted,” the application said.

But Coca-Cola avoided firmly pinning down its plans. The application describes differing thicknesses that could be achieved, and what purposes they would serve. The application described one as “a dairy-free, low caloric, low fat beverage,” that echoes meal replacements like Muscle Milk.

That brand has experienced explosive mainstream growth after being introduced to convenience channels earlier this year, and recently gained distribution with the Pepsi Bottling Group.

Chief Coke bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises does not yet distribute a similar product.

A representative from Coca-Cola did not return a request for comment.

Source: BevNET.com Staff
http://www.bevnet.com/news/2008/11-24-2008-coca-cola_rice.asp

Grocery Vouchers are the New Must Have!

Several Sites on the web are now springing up giving us up to date information as to where we can get money off vouchers for our regular weekly shopping.

By shifting our shopping patterns and using these vouchers we can save ourselves loads of money on our essential food shopping.

One website in particular htp://www.thegrocerygame.com/ is a subscription site that turns money saving into a game and does most of the hard work for you.

http://www.couponmom.com/ is another site that is free to use.

In the uk there are many sites you can use just google 'voucher codes' and you will be amazed!

Money-saving tips

-- Use a disciplined approach to shopping. Try to buy only sale items - and that includes fruits and produce too. Stock up on sale items when possible.

-- Consider buying bread, particularly sandwich bread, off the sale rack. Most grocery stores slash prices when bread is near its "sell-by" date. But that "sell-by" date is just that; it doesn't mean the bread can't be eaten shortly after that date.

-- Start noticing prices, and consider starting a price book. Many people don't pay attention to the way supermarket prices fluctuate. That awareness alone will help you detect rock-bottom prices, even if you never plan to clip a coupon. You'll also find out which stores can help you save on items you use most.

-- Brand names matter some of the time. But comparison shop and consider switching brands when it makes financial sense.

-- Use coupons for items you frequently use. Look for them in store circulars, the Sunday newspaper or online. Also, visit supermarket home pages and produce Web sites; many offer coupons as well.

-- Coupon swap. Find a group of friends who also want to save money. (Make it a diverse group so everyone is not wrestling over the Pampers coupons.)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/14/HOFU13RV4N.DTL