KEY POINTS:
French food giant, Danone, is banking on an age-old beauty secret boosting its profits.
It has launched a yoghurt product in Europe with claims that eating two or more pots a day will improve a person's complexion.
Cleopatra used asses' milk to keep her skin soft and supple,
but 2000 years later, Danone, says eating its yoghurt will do the same thing.
Essensis is being touted as the world's first cosmetic yoghurt.
It is enriched with borage oil, vitamin E and green tea extracts and will be stocked in European supermarkets and pharmacies in a bid to compete with cosmetics manufacturers such as Nivea and L'Oreal.
Danone claims clinical trials have demonstrated that the yoghurt limits the skin's water loss, but trial results are not yet available to scientific bodies.
The stakes are high, with neutraceuticals - foods which are meant to be good for you - representing a potentially valuable new income stream in a multi billion-dollar market.
The real deal
Satsuma mandarins are in supermarkets now and they really do contain a bumper dose of Vitamin C. Just what the doctor ordered for winter snacking.
The Citrus Growers' Association points out that unlike some processed fruit - remember Ribena - there's no question that fresh fruit really does have a good healthy dose of vitamin C. Satsumas, grown in Northland and Gisborne, are the perfect natural convenience food.
Cheers!
Blenheim Bay Premium Gin, made in New Zealand by Prenzel, has just won an international accolade. The Marlborough-made spirit has been awarded three stars in the 2007 Superior Taste Awards run by the International Taste and Quality Institute in Brussels, which includes chefs and sommeliers and is dedicated to promoting culinary excellence. The gin was the only one to get three stars.
"We believe the secret to our success has been our choice and balance of botanicals," says Prenzel Distilling Company general manager Mary Anne Webber.
Some of the company's food products were also recognised, including its Avocado Premium Vinaigrette and its Manuka Smoked Flaky Sea Salt which each earned two stars. Prenzel products are available at its stores in Kumeu and Whitford or check out www.prenzelgifts.co.nz
Condiments ahoy
Just when we thought the world didn't need another relish or jam, along comes Vals to prove us wrong. We particularly liked the brand's rhubarb relish, auroa berry jam and lemonade marmalade.
This lifestyle business has grown into a nationwide supplier to supermarkets and cafes and makes additive, preservative- and gluten-free products. Prices from $3.99-$8.99.
Hot stuff
First came the tortillas, now Tio Pablo has made the spice mix to match, with the launch of its Mayan Gold sachets for use with tacos and burritos. Get the authentic flavour of the rich cuisine of the Mexican town of Puebla - chili powder, cumin and paprika, blended with orange zest and cinnamon - to add mellowness for the Kiwi palate.
Available at New World and selected gourmet food and health stores.
Packs, with enough spices for three meals, retail between $6-$7.
Wine not?
The Air New Zealand Wine Awards will be held in Christchurch in November.
New chief judge Steve Smith says the move south this year recognises the growth of Canterbury, particularly Waipara, as a wine growing region.