The problem of poor availability in cash and carries is getting even worse, according to the latest research from HIM.

Cadbury Trebor Bassett has announced it will be stepping up media expenditure after restarting the supply of seven products recalled after a salmonella scare at one of its factories.

A breakthrough producing common standards for data in the foodservice sector has been achieved by the Optimum Foodservice Supply Chain Initiative (OFSCI).

Final results confirm that regional and local media coverage for National Independents' Day (NID) on June lst scored an estimated 20 million consumer "hits", the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has been informed.

Total UK has announced a new partnership with Spar to supply 22 of its large format forecourt stores. These sites are some of the largest in Total's portfolio and the conversions will commence this month with completion due next January.

Fairtrade products are continuing to make inroads into the wholesale channel winning new listings in Booker and MBL's Londis symbol group.

== Spar sponsorship ==

Bestway is marking its 30th birthday with a range of 30% offers. The promotion is designed to drive sales, enhance margins and offer retailers the opportunity to win 30% discounts off their purchases.

Woodward Foodservice is supplying Delice de France products as part of a strategic partnership.

Landmark Wholesale member Parfetts Cash & Carry has announced that it has extended its sponsorship deal with local football club Stockport County.Parfetts is extending its support as main club sponsor up to the end of the 2007/2008 season.

A healthy eating pack, the Food Family, has been provided by 3663 to every primary school it serves.

The Nestlé Rowntree Manager of the Month for August is awarded to Mick McCann, general manager of Bestway in Northamtonshire.

AF Blakemore & Son says it has seen an improvement in company fuel efficiency as a result of its focus on corporate responsibility.

Shadow Trade & Industry Minister Alan Duncan (left) has opened Cert Drinks Network's new 235,000sq ft bonded distribution centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

It's said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes", however, I would propose another certainty that exists for business in general and trade associations in particular, and that is - new legislation.

With wholesalers increasing their focus on the catering marketplace, this year's Catersummit is attracting a steady stream of registrations from both distributors and suppliers.

The true value of the Take Home Blueprint activity in driving sales for independent retailers supplied by wholesalers is taking a new direction in the spirits market.

DEMANDING. The Competition Commission, which some wholesalers say could secure their future by removing the flaws in the market structure, is in hot water.

The newest distribution facility in the 3663 estate, at Lichfield, has been equipped with Link 51 pallet racking in a bid to maximise storage capacity.

Bestway has signed a three-year support agreement with STL following the IT company's recent acquisition of Anker Systems' wholesale division.

Sanderson has won a contract to supply IT equipment to Nisa Today's member Three Pears.

Casio has launched the DT-930 entry-level scanning terminal to help record information more efficiently.

All the results from NID have been evaluated and they show that this year's event was the most effective to date. Following on from the launch in 2004, and follow-up in 2005, more suppliers, wholesalers and independent retailers than ever participated in NID, as the industry slowly but surely comes aware of the trading and footfall potential of MSYS.

Medina Foodservice has achieved rapid growth, doubling turnover in the last five years, but managing director Steve Ross insists he has been cautious not to overstretch its resources. "It's been gradual growth, rather than getting loads of new customers in one go and risking letting them down," he says.

In the UK, concerns over job security are high. This is caused by worries over high levels of personal debt and consumers' fears over the financial implications of losing their jobs. Because of this, combined with the continued dramatic rise in utility bills and fuel costs, some consumers are feeling the squeeze on their disposable income.

Nestlé FoodServices is running a competition with Aero Instant Bubbly Hot Chocolate to 'Live Like a MillionAero' in Monte Carlo.

Tilda has launched a new frozen rice range in pouches which can be cooked to order on the hob or in the microwave.

Cherry Valley has introduced two new products to its range, Honey Roast Half Crown Duck and Confit Duck Leg.

Dairygold Ingredients UK has launched Pizzamelt, a pizza topping product.

Within the £5.4bn soft drinks market, cola may still be king but it's the healthier drinks that are growing fastest - and you don't get much healthier than water.

Innovation is vital for manufacturers looking to sell their products in an increasingly competitive and complex market and in this section we showcase some of the work being carried out.

The Federation of Wholesale Distributor's Take Home Blueprint scheme has launched its latest educational guidance covering the ARTD market for the independent retail sector.

Sales have been boosted by 29% in an in-store trial, initiated by the Blueprint for Spirits and Fortified Wines, in which spirits were displayed on open shelves near the till. The Blueprint scheme under the title of Putting Leaders On Display (PLOD) transfers 70cl spirits from the cabinet behind the counter to open shelves near the till.

Nestlé Rowntree is planning a new round of activity in cash and carries to promote its flagship brand, KitKat.

Finnish Uotilan health bread is winning listings in the UK wholesale sector and has doubled its UK sales during the first six months of the year, according to the company.

Celebrations and Maltesers will receive £4.5m in media investment during the Christmas build-up, designed to drive demand within the Christmas confectionery category. According to Masterfoods, 60% of Celebrations sales and 44% of Maltesers sales come at Christmas

Lucozade has two campaigns this summer to support Lucozade Energy and Lucozade Sport

Quaker has re-launched its hot cereals as part of an £11.4m investment in the brand.

According to Nestlé Rowntree. Easter Eggs account for almost 95% of all Easter gifts given, and it is looking ahead to its 2007 range

Leaf is aiming to strengthen its brand with the launch of Chewits Fruities.

Procter & Gamble UK has launched its new recipe Pringles, designed to be tastier, crunchier and better for you.

The Weetabix Food Company is introducing Oatibix and Oatibix bitesize.

Walker Crisps has unveiled plans for its Doritos brand with an increased focus on the core range and introduction of a new Sizzling Barbecue flavour.

Carlsberg UK has extended its products in the premium lager market with the launch of Carlsberg Edge.

Global Brands has launched Estonian beer Viru.

International cricketer Darren Gough launched a £1.2m investment programme for FGL Wine Estates to support Wolf Blass as the official wine of the test match grounds this summer.

Inbev UK has launched a £3m summer poster campaign for XXXX Extra Cold across England.

Sunday business was manic. We are completely sold out of ice and there isn't a bottle of rosé wine in the place.

The confectionery companies have launched strong promotions for the summer holidays with Nestlé's 'Kids Go Free' promotion offering free tasters in a range of fun activities, and Masterfood's Pouch Collector Scheme for free cinema tickets.

Britvic copy writers had fun building up the' Drench Spring Water' brand around 'the provision of refreshment for mobile urban youth'.

An early morning walk around the depot with eyes wide open (for a change) reveals excessive use of supplier POS, out of date information and tatty displays.

Temperatures have been soaring inside the depot all week so a visit to the provisions room to cool down is a real treat.

Dorset Cereals has launched its range of cereals in mini packs.