Latest analysis for today's food industry

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.