Food News Roundup: RIP Zima, Cadbury joins Olympics, Nestle invests in Russia, and More

RIP Zima — MillerCoors announced Monday that it’s discontinuing the malt liquor beverage Zima. Though the company will sell remaining inventories through December, the Wikipedia entry already refers to Zima in the past tense. [Source: AP]

Cadbury becomes Olympic sponsor — The world’s biggest candy maker became an official sponsor of the 2012 Olympics in London, at a cost of more than $35 million. The decision upset U.K. health groups such as the National Obesity Forum. [Source: International Herald Tribune]

Nestle to invest millions in Russia plant — The company is spending $212 million to expand one of its instant coffee factories in southern Russia. Executive Vice President Luis Cantarell said the plant is slated to open in 2011. [Source: Reuters]

Justice Department joins states to block beef merger — The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block Brazilian-based JBS, the world’s largest beef producer, from purchasing National Beef Packing, the fourth-largest beef producer in the U.S. The DOJ says the move would raise prices for consumers and lower prices paid to ranchers and feedlot operators. Thirteen states have also filed suits. [Source: BNET]

Melamine scare gives soy a boost? — At least two companies are seizing the opportunity to market soy-based products in China. U.S.-based ISI Brands/Twinlab announced a new protein drink supplement, which it will offer as “an alternative to Chinese dairy products,” and China Yingxia International is “promoting the benefit of its soy milk products over cow’s milk.” [Source: FoodNavigatorUSA]