85 percent of the Americans who are interested in Sweden are curious about Swedish coffee culture “Swedish Fika”, which includes cinnamon rolls, cookies, and coffee treats.
This is shown by a survey conducted by Visit Sweden*, among people abroad who are interested in Sweden as a travel destination. After Americans, travelers from neighboring countries Norway and Finland are the most interested in the exotic coffee culture, but the interest from Germans and French is not far behind.
Visit Sweden recognizes that the Swedish fika tradition is popular among international travelers and often highlights princess and strawberry cake, cinnamon rolls, and cookies as something you must not miss during a visit to Sweden, not least during “cinnamon bun day”, taking place today on October 4.
Apparently, the average Swede, eats cakes and pastry equivalent to 316 cinnamon rolls per year!
In Sweden, ‘fika‘ is an essential part of everyday life. In fact, it’s so sacred that two coffee breaks per day are an unwritten rule in many Swedish workplaces. And, while newcomers to Sweden are often sceptical about fika at first, many end up admitting that some of the best ideas are hatched on fika breaks.
The Birth of the Cinnamon Roll Day
Nothing says fika more than a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll. The cinnamon roll or bun (or ‘kanelbulle’ in Swedish) was first created after the First World War, but, as the ingredients (flour, sugar, egg, butter, cinnamon and cardamom) were expensive and hard to find, it did not become popular until the 1950s. These days, it’s the ultimate symbol of Swedish home cooking and, as any Swede will tell you, the smell of newly baked cinnamon buns is the best in the world.
The cinnamon bun is so popular that, in 1999, a collective of Swedish baking ingredient producers known as Sweden’s Home Baking Council announced that October 4th would henceforth be Cinnamon Roll Day (‘Kanelbullens dag’).
1 October is International Coffee Day. Celebrate with the 77 Member States of the ICO and dozens of coffee associations from around the world. Visit www.internationalcoffeeday.org to find events near you.
International Coffee Day is a celebration of the coffee sector’s diversity, quality and passion. It is an opportunity for coffee lovers to share their love of the beverage and support the millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the aromatic crop.
Background
Many countries around the world celebrate their own national coffee days at various dates throughout the year. In March 2014, the Member States of the ICO agreed to organise International Coffee Day on 1 October to create a single day of celebration for coffee lovers around the world.
In 2022, the EU produced 3.2 billion litres of ice cream, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
Among the EU countries, Germany was the main producer of ice cream in 2022, producing 620 million litres of ice cream, followed by France (591 million litres) and Italy (571 million litres).
As well as being the largest ice cream producer in 2022, Germany produced on average the cheapest ice cream at €1.5 per litre. France reported an average price of €1.9 per litre of ice cream, while Italy reported an average price of €2.3 per litre of ice cream.
The most expensive ice cream was produced in Austria, with an average price of €7.0 per litre of ice cream, followed by Denmark (€4.4 per litre), and Finland (€2.8 per litre).
France accounted for a fifth of the total extra-EU ice cream exports
In 2022, the EU countries exported 250 million kilograms (kg) of ice cream to non-EU countries, worth a total of €930 million. On the other hand, imports of ice cream from non-EU countries amounted to 61 million kg, valued at €203 million. The quantity of extra-EU ice cream imports decreased by 14% in 2022, compared with 2021, while exports dropped by only 2%.
France exported 53 million kg of ice cream in 2022, accounting for 21% of extra-EU ice cream exports. This made it the largest ice cream exporter out of all EU countries, ahead of the Netherlands (42 million kg of ice cream; 17% of total extra-EU exports), Italy (31 million kilograms; 13%), Germany (28 million kilograms; 11%) and Belgium (23 million kilograms; 9%).
Methodological notes
Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden: 2022 data on production not available.
Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta: exempt from providing data on production due to their economic sizes.
Kicking off the day with a mug of hot coffee is a daily routine for many. However, recent price rises might make this morning staple almost a luxury. Data for August 2022 show that the price of coffee in the EU was on average 16.9% higher than in August 2021, while in August 2021, the price of coffee was on average 0.5% higher than in August 2020. Since October 2021, annual inflation has been on the rise.
For consumers that drink their coffee with milk and/or sugar, this morning ritual might be even more expensive since the prices of those items increased even more over the last year. The price of fresh whole milk increased on average 24.3% between August 2021 and August 2022, while that for fresh low-fat milk increased by 22.2% in the same period.
In August 2022, annual inflation for sugar was at +33.4%, from +0.8% in August 2021.
Sugar up 109.2% for Poland in August 2022
Data show that all 4 items registered an increase in prices in all EU Member States, except for Malta, which reported no change in the price of fresh low-fat milk.
When examining the highest increases in annual inflation for each product, Lithuania and Estonia feature in three of the four products: coffee and fresh low-fat milk for both, fresh whole milk (+45.8%) for Lithuania and sugar (+81.2%) for Estonia.
The largest annual inflation in August 2022 was reported for sugar, with notable rises in Poland, up 109.2%, followed by Estonia (+81.2%), Latvia (+58.3%), Bulgaria (+44.9%) and Cyprus (+43.2%).
When it comes to coffee, Finland registered the highest annual inflation at +43.6% in August 2022, followed by Lithuania (+39.9%), Sweden (+36.7%), Estonia (+36.4%) and Hungary (+34.3%).
Fans of milk in Hungary, Lithuania and Croatia saw substantial rises in prices in both whole fat milk and low fat. The highest annual increases in prices for whole fat milk among the EU Member States in August 2022 were logged in Hungary (+51.7%), Lithuania (+46.8%), Croatia (+43.5%), Czechia (+43.3%) and Latvia (+40.1%), and for low-fat milk in Lithuania (+50.2%), Croatia (+41.2%), Estonia (+38.9%), Germany (+30.6%) and Hungary (+30.1%).
In 2021, the EU produced over 3.1 billion litres of ice cream, a 4% increase from the previous year.
Over the same period, EU Member States exported 254 million kilograms of ice cream to non-EU countries, worth a total of €850 million. On the other hand, imports of ice cream from non-EU countries amounted to 71 million kilograms, worth a total of €192 million. While the quantity of extra-EU ice cream imports decreased (-11%) compared with 2020, exports increased by 9%.
Germany was the EU’s main producer of ice cream
Among the EU Member States, Germany was the main producer of ice cream in 2021, producing 614 million litres of ice cream. Germany was followed by France (459 million litres; based on production on own account) and Italy (381 million litres).
As well as being the largest ice cream producer in 2021, Germany produced on average the cheapest ice cream at €1.4 per litre. France reported an average price of €2.0 per litre of ice cream, while Italy reported an average price of €2.1 per litre of ice cream.
Top ice cream exporter: France
France exported 57 million kilograms of ice cream in 2021, accounting for 22% of extra-EU ice cream exports. This made it the largest ice cream exporter out of all EU Member States, ahead of the Netherlands (which exported 38 million kilograms of ice cream, or 15% of total extra-EU exports), Italy (33 million kilograms, or 13%), Germany (24 million kilograms, or 10%) and Belgium (23 million kilograms, or 9%).
notes:
France: 2021 data on production under sub-contracted operations not available due to confidentiality. However, France ranks as the second largest producer of ice cream given the production on own account. Starting this year, there are two new production variables (sub-contracted operations production and production on own account summing up into sold production), as requested by the EBS Regulation.
Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden: data not available due to confidentiality.
Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta: exempt from providing data on production due to their economic sizes.
When it comes to fizz in the movies it can usually be assured of being Champagne. When those special on screen moments occur and a glass of bubbly or two is required then no less than a recognised Champagne label will do.
Over the years there have been many guests and sponsored appearances for Champagne labels in classic movies that sometimes pass us by without notice though some for sure will be highly famous for their roles. Let us take a look at 10 classic movies that featured Champagne:
Sons of the Desert – 1931: Starring the much loved comedy duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy back in the classic black and movie days of the Hal Roach era, we see an early appearance from a Champagne label. As Stan and Ollie sit at the table during a live cabaret (one that their wives did not know about) and Charley Chase orders a bottle of ‘bubble water’ it is Piper-Heidsieck that they are drinking.
James Bond series – 1962 to present day: What list would be complete without a mention of James Bond. From the first movie of Dr No in 1962 and a selection of fine James bonds from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, it has been a mixture of vodka Martinis and Champagne as the drinks primarily featured. The original Champagne was Taittinger and since then both Dom Perignon and Bollinger have featured.
Philadelphia – 1993: Tom Hanks and Denzil Washington star in this classic movie about a man who had aids. Emotional and meaningful throughout, near the end of the film Dom Perignon can be seen as a gift to Tom from Denzil whilst visiting him in hospital.
Jurassic Park – 1993: During a discussion between Sam Neill and Richard Attenborough we can see a bottle of Moet & Chandon in Richard’s hand.
Carry on Loving – 1970: Yes even these comedy classics made on the tightest of budgets still see Champagne appearing here and there. In this movie, we have a finale that sees a food throwing frenzy and Sid James takes a bottle of Moet & Chandon and pours it over Hattie Jacques head.
Once Upon a Crime – 1992: A story based on a trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco, where Marilyn (Cybill Shepherd) and her husband, Neil (James Belushi) take the main roles along with a supporting cast of John Candy, George Hamilton and Giancarlo Giannini. Champagne Piper-Heidsieck can be seen on numerous occasions.
About Last Night… – 1986: A romantic setting and a dinner for two sees Demi Moore and Rob Lowe enjoy Champagne Perrier-Jouët at the table together.
Moonstruck – 1987: The American romantic comedy film starring Cher and Nicolas Cage sees the appearance of Champagne G. H. Mumm on a couple of occasions being poured and enjoyed.
Pretty Woman – 1990: Starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts this is the Cinderella style movie that captivated millions and remains still an iconic blockbuster. An outside scene sees Champagne Moet & Chandon being poured for guests.
The Godfather: Part 3 – 1990: The ultimate mafia boss Don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) grabs two slices of cake in one scene and six bottles of Champagne Veuve Clicquot can be seen in the background just waiting to be poured and enjoyed!
Sales of beer in Britain’s pubs suffered a worrying, 3.6 per cent drop in the third quarter, the worst Q3 performance for five years. The news has prompted urgent calls for a halt to yet more beer tax rises in the Budget on 22nd November. The figures are released today in the Quarterly ‘Beer Barometer’, from the British Beer & Pub Association.
The 3.6 per cent drop in on-trade sales from July to September, represents an astonishing 35 million fewer pints sold in Britain’s pubs, bars and restaurants. when compared with the same period in 2016. Beer sales have been hit by a substantial, 3.9 per cent tax rise in the March Budget, yet the Chancellor plans yet another increase in his second Budget, in November.
Coupled with pressure from sky-high business rates, the move would see many more pubs closing, says Brigid Simmonds Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, who is instead calling for a one penny cut in duty in the Budget:
Brigid Simmonds comments:
“When the Government was cutting or freezing beer duty from 2013-15, sales of British beer stabilised, after years of steep decline. With sales down this quarter, following the Budget tax hike, urgent action from the Chancellor is needed.
“Beer has had a 39 per cent tax rise in the past decade. With tax rates 14 times higher than in Germany, these levels are unsustainable.
“We need fair taxes for British beer, so that brewers and pub operators can invest in thriving pubs, and take advantage of new opportunities to export more beer around the world as we leave the EU.”
As part of its growth and internationalisation strategy, Fazer Group acquires the leading Nordic smoothie brand Froosh. Froosh is the leading smoothie brand in Finland and Sweden and a strong number two in Denmark and Norway. By acquiring Froosh, Fazer will enter a new category and expand its presence in retail. Froosh will serve as a platform for Fazer Lifestyle Foods Business Area’s offering for healthy fruit-based products. Brendan Harris, CEO of Froosh, has been appointed Managing Director of Fazer Lifestyle Foods.
The acquisition of Froosh is a perfect strategic fit for Fazer’s future growth and internationalisation plans, supporting its expansion by providing a larger product range to offer retail in current and new markets. Froosh will be part of the Fazer Lifestyle Foods Business Area, being a platform for the offering for healthy fruit-based products. Fazer Lifestyle Foods focuses on non-dairy products, plant-based meals and on-the-go food and drinks.
“Health and well-being as well as sustainable lifestyles are strong global consumer trends, and we see great potential in this area. Fazer is transforming into a modern sustainable food company. Our new mission, ‘Food with a purpose’, supports our strategic goals and opens up new opportunities to grow our current businesses and enables international expansion. We aim to be a top 3 plant-based business with a 300 M€ revenue in selected Northern European countries by 2022. Acquiring Froosh is part of the growth plan, especially as the smoothie market is expected to grow at 10+% per year”, says Christoph Vitzthum, CEO and President, Fazer Group.
Froosh – the leader in the Nordic smoothie market
Froosh is a Swedish company with offices throughout the Nordic region and a fast growing export business. Froosh is being acquired from Unilever Ventures, the venture capital arm of Unilever, which has been the majority owner of Froosh since its original investment in Froosh in 2008. Froosh has a range of unique, award-winning smoothies created in-house with high quality fruit ingredients, all 100% natural with no added sugar or preservatives. Froosh responds perfectly to the growing consumer demand for healthy options, especially on-the-go. The company has over 50 employees across the Nordic region and it is with its 35-per-cent market share the clear market leader in the Nordic smoothie market. In addition to its strong position in the Nordics, Froosh exports to Iceland, the Baltics, Germany, France, Ireland and elsewhere and has a recently established presence in Japan.
Fazer and Froosh share the same interests in the impact of global value chains and in promoting the development of origin countries. Through working visits to tropical fruit farms, Froosh has gained substantial insight of the impact of trade, and is greatly acknowledged by its campaign for trading with developing countries.
Froosh CEO Brendan Harris, announced today as Managing Director of Fazer Lifestyle Foods and a member of Fazer’s Group Management Team, commented: “Froosh has enjoyed great success over the past 9 years by providing simple, healthy, delicious fruit drinks to busy, health-conscious consumers. We are an ambitious company and the time is now right to further expand our aspirations. We are delighted to become part of Fazer. Together, Fazer and Froosh will grow, utilising the strengths of both companies. It’s an exciting step for Froosh and our employees who do so much to make Froosh special.”
Fazer Lifestyle Foods captures emerging consumer needs
Fazer Lifestyle Foods was established in the spring of 2017 to further boost Fazer’s response to emerging consumer needs within the areas of health, well-being and sustainable lifestyles. In addition to Froosh, the Fazer Lifestyle Foods Business Area comprises Fazer Mills (incl. breakfast products e.g. porridges and mueslis) and Bioferme (Yosa products). Fazer Lifestyle Foods’ development team is currently creating a strong, innovative and international concept, brand and product portfolio for the health-conscious consumer.
Caffeine loving Britons consume 1,460 cups of coffee a year on average (that’s 93,440 cups in an adult lifetime), according to new research.
Researchers took an in-depth look into the hot beverage habits of the nation and discovered £676 is the average amount Brits now spend each year on coffee from shops and cafes – that amounts to £43,264 over a lifetime.
According to the poll, we now drink an average of four cups a day – with the latte the most popular coffee of choice (41 percent said it was their favourite).
And according to the data, people from Cardiff are the biggest fans of the black stuff – with folk from the Welsh capital downing a staggering 1,825 cups a year, more than any other City in the U.K.
The poll shows a staggering 61 percent of us prefer drinking coffee to tea, with a separate report by retail research consultancy Allegra, revealing there are now 22,845 coffee shops in the UK, a six percent increase year on year – with 2.3 billion coffees a year being bought and consumed out of home.
The first coffee shop, The Angel, was opened in Oxford in 1652, with the second opening in London in the same year.
The survey by syrup makers MONIN shows the nation’s favourite coffee is by far and away the Latte, with 41 percent saying it is now their coffee of choice.
Cappuccino came second to latte in terms of the nation’s favourite, with 38 percent, followed by Americano (26 percent) and Mocha (16 percent).
Asked why people switched from tea to coffee, 46 percent said they needed the caffeine boost they get from coffee to wake up in the morning and 39 percent said they needed it as a pick me up during the day.
However, the majority – 65 percent – said they simply preferred the taste to tea.
Surprisingly a further 62 percent of Brits would even go as far to say that we now know more about coffee than we do wine.
And 65 percent of health-conscious Brits say going out for coffee to catch up with friends has now replaced heading out for a boozy night.
Lee Hyde – Beverage Innovation Manager at MONIN commented “We are seeing a rise in coffee shops and coffee culture across the country, and this trend is being replicated in the home too.
“Over a third of Brits confirmed they know more about coffee than they did five years ago and coffee drinkers are finding new ways to personalise their drinks, reaching for flavours from popular vanilla to more adventurous flavours like salted caramel.
“With coffee, the menu options are endless and with seasonal flavours on the rise and iced coffees during summer, coffees aren’t only functional they’re also the perfect fit for socialising too.”
The survey revealed the average Brit has their first cup of coffee at 8am, with 51 percent of us now owning our own coffee machine at home.
And it would seem Brits are more adventurous than ever, with 76 percent claiming they regularly experiment with different styles and flavours of coffee.
Over half of those who own a machine have a capsule machine, while 25 percent have a filter system and 15 percent own an espresso machine.
Almost four in ten (39 percent) say coffee drinkers are cooler than those who prefer a nice cup of tea.
25 percent of us admit to still having a jar of instant in the kitchen cupboard to give to friends when we can’t be bothered to make a proper cup.
A further three in ten (30 percent) claim they have their own signature coffee – “make mine a skinny, caramel macchiato with an extra shot”.
And when it comes to added extras, 18 percent of us like caramel syrup in our coffee, while 14 percent ask for vanilla and 10 percent want a touch of hazelnut.
Lee Hyde – Beverage Innovation Manager at MONIN added: “There are so many ways to enjoy coffee now with different machines and gadgets its even easier to recreate that coffee shop experience in the comfort of your own home.
“What this study shows is there is a real thirst for coffee and people are keen to experiment and develop their signature brew.”
Adverse climatic conditions in 2017, including heavy hailstorms and hard frosts in the spring as well as drought in the summer, caused considerable damage to vineyards all over Europe. As a result, most of the wine-growing regions in Europe are expecting a very low harvest for 2017.
The major wine producing countries in the European Union are predicting significant drops in the size of their harvests: Spain expects the harvest to be 16% lower compared to the previous year, France 17% and Italy 21%. Some regions within these countries are expecting reductions even greater than these national averages. For instance Castilla-la-Mancha, a Spanish region, expects the harvest to be 19% lower than last year, whilst Sicilia in Italy expects a decline of 35%.
The situation is not the same across the whole of the EU, with some countries expecting an improvement compared to the previous year. Portugal, for example, is predicting a 10% increase from 2016, while Austria, which suffered also from frost last year, is expecting a 23% improvement. Romania expects 60% growth, a return to the level of 2013 and an increase of 35% compared to the fiveyear average production.
Across the whole of the EU, the 2017-2018 wine harvest is currently estimated to reach around 145 million hectolitres, some 22 million hectolitres (-14%) lower than the previous year and 5.5 million hectolitres lower than the 2012-2013 campaign, the previous record low harvest of recent years. These initial estimates of harvest size could change as the situation becomes clearer following the actual harvest; EU member states have to provide final figures to the European Commission by 15 March 2018.
