Tag Archives: European Union

‘Best Before’ dates: are they necessary, do they add to food waste, a retail ploy?

Hard cheesesRecently I have read about a European campaign whereby the ‘Best Before’ dates of foods are being more critically evaluated, seen to having been a ploy by manufacturers to get more of their products sold.  Now the European Union is getting involved in standardising ‘Best Before’ dates for food types, to reduce the 89 million tons of food thrown away in Europe annually, of which at least 10% is still edible. A third of all food produced in Europe is thrown away.

Most food products have two dates, the one being the sell-by date, being the date which the manufacturer feels is the ideal to give the product perfect consistency, taste, and nutritional value; and the other being the ‘Best Before’ date until when it is safe to eat the product.   The longer the time period between date of manufacture and sell-by date, the longer the product is edible after the ‘Best Before’ date.

The European Union has decreed that pasta, rice,coffee, jams, pickles, and hard Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 16 April

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The Peace Table 2014 will take place on Tafelberg Road  below Table Mountain on 25 May, with a 3-course lunch for 700 prepared by Chef Peter Tempelhoff of The Greenhouse at Cellars Hohenhort in conjunction with Myatt in the V&A Waterfront.  There will be live music and a fashion show too.  Cost R480, all proceeds go to charity. (received via e-mail from The Little Black Book)

*   Schengen visa applications are likely to become more tourist-friendly from next year, reports Travel News Weekly.   The European Union wants to reduce the processing time of a visa, and to introduce a one-year touring visa in the 26-country Schengen area in Europe.   Regular travellers may receive multiple-entry visas for a three year period.

*   30000 Two Oceans Marathon runners are participating in the 45th race on Saturday, offered as a half and a full marathon and themed ‘Designed to Run‘ in recognition of Cape Town hosting World Design Capital 2014.  Western Cape Minister of Tourism Alan Winde is estimating the event contributing R200 million to the province’s economy.   The province has sponsored R350000 for the event. There appear to be mainly local runners participating this year, with few accommodation bookings received. (received via media release from Minister Winde’s office)

*   All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be serving Cederberg Merlot Shiraz 2010 in Business Class. Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 11 November

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The ban on taking liquids on board flights is said to be lifted in the European Union from January. Special scanners at airports will be able to test liquids.

*   ‘Silver Surfers’ are an important tourist segment, the 50+ year olds estimated to represent 30% of travelers in the UK, USA, and South East Asia by 2018. Almost half of all Apple product purchasers are members of this segment, 35% of them travel in Europe, 42 % book travel online, and 68% use Facebook.

*   The ABSA Cape Epic has been nominated for the Discovery Sport Industry Awards in the Sport Participation Event of the Year category.

*   The T20 Tourism Ministers of the G20 countries have agreed to push for better visa facilitation, to stimulate tourism, and the employment of staff in the industry.

*   Bistro Sixteen82 has returned to its summer Tapas dinner menu. ‘The Tapas: Summer 2013‘ menu is a combination of classic Spanish tapas Patatas Bravas and Empandillas; Mexican Albondigas and a spicy black Beans dish; Fish Balls, No Lettuce salad, Anti Pasti platter, Profiteroles, and Chocolate Whities. (received via Communications Services Africa)

*   Aerolineas Argentinas has not denied that it may take over Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 1 November

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The Legatum Prosperity Index shows that most African countries, including South Africa (now in 77th position) have declined in prosperity in the past year.  The most prosperous countries are, in order, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, and Denmark.  Both the USA (11th) and UK (16th) have slipped on the Index relative to last year, particularly the former.

*   World Travel Market, one of the top three travel and tourism exhibitions, and taking place in London from Monday – Thursday, will boost the UK economy by £160 million, and deals to the value of £2 billion are expected to be signed amongst the 50000 attendees.

*   The Gfk Consumer Climate Europe is measuring a small upturn in the economic outlook for the European Union countries, signalling that the worst of the economic crisis in Europe may be over.

*   Ebony Gallery on Loop Street is exhibiting Grace Kotze’s ‘Within’ exhibition from 7 November – 4 December. (received via e-mail from Ebony)

*   A new ranking of climate-friendly airlines by Atmosfair places Continue reading →