Latest food analysis 
In-depth analysis of the news, stats, facts and issues shaping the food industry landscape.
On the money: Cranswick sees growth through innovation, value-focus
By: Katy Askew | 22 May 2012
UK meat group Cranswick has pointed to its focus on product development and delivering "value" to consumers for its improved annual sales and profits.
On the money: Campbell undertaking "review" of US soups business
By: Michelle Russell | 21 May 2012
Campbell Soup Co. has said it is reviewing all aspects of its US soup business and expects further execution adjustments after the division dragged on group profits in the first nine-months of the year.
On the money: Spartan develops Valu Land to tackle discounters
By: Katy Askew | 21 May 2012
Michigan-based regional retailer and food distributor Spartan Stores is developing a "value store" format under the Valu Land banner as it looks to see off the challenge presented by discount retailers.
Talking shop: Price-driven Asda prospers - for now
By: Dean Best | 18 May 2012
Asda, the UK's second-largest retailer, has reported "market-leading growth" in early weeks of 2012. Analysts say Asda's focus on price has helped the retailer gain shoppers from the likes of Tesco and Morrisons, although, if and when the economy recovers, it may need to demonstrate it can offer consumers more. Dean Best reports.
On the money: Wal-Mart focuses US price investment on grocery
By: Katy Askew | 17 May 2012
Wal-Mart Stores has focused its investment in pricing on the grocery aisle as it looks to grow customer traffic and loyalty in the US.
In the spotlight - Kellogg could need more than brand "refresh"
By: Michelle Russell | 17 May 2012
Kellogg's namesake brand is one of the world's oldest but, this week, the cereal giant announced a relaunch of the 106-year-old label. The US group is operating in a tough domestic cereal market and it is facing challenges in Europe. Analysts have argued Kellogg is trying to breathe fresh life into a brand facing stiff competition, including increasingly from own label. Michelle Russell reports.
Talking tech: Technology driving development of convenience format
By: Andrew Don | 17 May 2012
Convenience retailing is well placed to capitalise on the public's appetite for easy shopping with technology, including mobile, cloud-based operations systems and location-linked promos, driving the sector's development. Andrew Don reports.
Focus: FDA restates intentions on nutritional food labelling
By: Ben Cooper | 17 May 2012
The FDA's recently announced 2012-2016 strategic plan includes specific reference to both front-of-pack nutritional labelling and reform of the nutrition facts panel. Details of how the FDA plans to proceed remain sketchy, Ben Cooper writes, but the fact that these two items are firmly on the policy agenda ensures a lively debate will continue and possibly intensify during the coming few years.
On the money: Zetar develops year-round revenue
By: Katy Askew | 15 May 2012
UK confectioner Zetar plans to grow its "everyday" sales, reducing the firm's dependency on seasonal revenues.
Deal or no deal: CSM prepares for bakery bids
By: Katy Askew | 10 May 2012
Dutch food and ingredients group CSM announced plans to sell off its bakery business earlier this week. The speed of the decision to offload the division may have taken industry watchers by surprise but CSM has been giving off signals that it sees its future as a bio-based ingredients company for some time. Katy Askew takes a speculative look at the interest that the sale could generate.
On the money: Sainsbury's ready for battle on quality
By: Dean Best | 9 May 2012
On the money: Tyson maintains emphasis on value-added
By: Katy Askew | 8 May 2012
On the money: Hain points to US benefit of Irish deal
By: Katie Smith | 4 May 2012
On the move: Orkla pledges to step up FMCG focus as CEO exits
By: Michelle Russell | 4 May 2012
In the spotlight: Hard work ahead for new Weetabix owner Bright Food
By: Dean Best | 3 May 2012
On the money: Morrisons keeps close eye on discounters
By: Michelle Russell | 3 May 2012
On the money: Unilever admits food "area of focus" in North America
By: Dean Best | 27 April 2012
On the money: PepsiCo predicts Frito-Lay recovery
By: Dean Best | 27 April 2012
Focus: Can discounters maintain UK momentum?
By: Andrew Don | 27 April 2012
On the money: Kellogg looks to overcome European weakness
By: Katy Askew | 26 April 2012
Talking shop: Wal-Mart hit by shock-waves from Mexican scandal
By: Katy Askew | 25 April 2012
On the money: Premier Foods eyes margin improvements in 2012
By: Michelle Russell | 25 April 2012
What the analysts say: Mixed reaction to Premier update
By: Katy Askew | 25 April 2012
On the money: ABF eyes improved grocery returns
By: Katy Askew | 24 April 2012
On the money: Hershey ups ad spend, focuses on innovation
By: Michelle Russell | 24 April 2012
On the money: CSM looks to more cuts to revive profits
By: Katy Askew | 24 April 2012
What the analysts say: the City's take on ABF's H1
By: Katy Askew | 24 April 2012
In the spotlight: Nestle's Pfizer buy offers long-term baby food boost
By: Katy Askew | 23 April 2012
On the money: Nestle counts on North America innovation
By: Michelle Russell | 20 April 2012
Focus: Players battle to ride the US Greek yoghurt wave
By: Michelle Russell | 20 April 2012






