IN BRIEF
uTHE 1999 HGCA Enterprise Awards, which offer up to £30,000 for exciting marketing ideas from Britains food and drink businesses, are open to applications. Any company using British cereals at any stage of production is eligible. Contact Elaine Taylor at British Cereal Products on 0171-520 3927.
uOWN-NAME milk from Marches Organic, a group of six dairy farmers, is now available at ASDA. The firm, which processes 10,000 litres a month, will see its 750ml cartons of whole and semi-skimmed organic milk available in 35 stores across the West Midlands. NFU West Midlands regional director, Bob Forster, calls it a prime example of farmers uniting to "plug a gap" in a market. "With over 70% of organic food imported, there is tremendous potential to produce more at home and corner the market," he says.
uA MERGER between Hoechst and Rhône-Poulenc seemed more likely midweek as the former jettisoned most of its industrial chemicals business. This leaves the group majoring in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, speeding its transformation into a life sciences company. It is seen as a good match for RP, which has similar interests. *
IN BRIEF