Latest food analysis 
In-depth analysis of the news, stats, facts and issues shaping the food industry landscape.
Talking shop: Tesco faces "difficult decisions" at home and abroad
By: Katy Askew | 4 December 2013
Tesco clearly has a lot on its plate. On the one hand, the UK's largest retailer is focused on transforming its domestic business through a capital intensive programme of store refurbishments and a potentially margin-dilutive drive online. On the other, the need to reverse overseas volume declines in order to shore-up international margins is pressing. CEO Philip Clarke is attempting to perform a complex balancing act. Katy Askew reports.
On the move: the challenge of revitalising Wal-Mart
By: Dean Best | 4 December 2013
Doug McMillon may have followed Mike Duke's path at Wal-Mart with the move from head of international to the CEO's office and, in some ways, he has some foundations on which to build the next stage of the retailer's growth. But he faces some significant challenges ahead.
What the analysts say: Tesco's weak performance leaves market divided
By: Katy Askew | 4 December 2013
The disappointing third-quarter top-line performance reported this morning (4 December) by Tesco has left analysts divided over the group's strategy. Tesco has cut capital expenditure on new stores and is instead investing in refurbishments and multichannel growth. Management has insisted the strategy will simply take time to deliver results. But, with the clock ticking, another set of weak numbers has raised questions over whether Tesco's investment focus will pay off. Here is the view from the City.
China briefing: Retailers look to China for growth opportunities
By: Michelle Russell | 29 November 2013
China's grocery market has been growing at a rapid pace for several years. Representing one fifth of the world's population, this emerging market has become a significant opportunity for foreign investors seeking overseas growth. Michelle Russell reports.
What the analysts say - Greencore full-year earnings grow
By: Michelle Russell | 26 November 2013
Greencore this morning (26 November) revealed an increase in annual earnings and sales. The convenience food group said it enters its new financial year with "good momentum", despite operating in a "weak" consumer environment. Analysts offered a relatively optimistic review of the results.
Talking shop: Morrisons confident on online foray
By: Katy Askew | 22 November 2013
Morrisons, the UK's fourth-largest supermarket, has seen sales come under sustained pressure. The retailer has responded by filling in the gaps in its portfolio, augmenting its bricks-and-mortar supermarket base with a convenience and online offering. Will this be enough to bring positive sales momentum to the supermarket chain - or do other underlying issues persist?
On the money: JM Smucker insists "well-positioned" on pricing
By: Michelle Russell | 21 November 2013
US group JM Smucker has defended its pricing strategy after a fall in second-quarter sales.
BRICs and beyond: United Biscuits sets sights on Middle East growth
By: Michelle Russell | 21 November 2013
United Biscuits has signed a deal to acquire a majority stake in Saudi snacks business Rana Confectionery Products. The deal, the UK snacks firm says, will allow it to grow and establish a strong position in Saudi Arabia but also the wider Middle East region with its brand portfolio. Michelle Russell reports.
On the money: Tyson "doubling down" on prepared foods
By: Dean Best | 20 November 2013
Tyson Foods has indicated it is intensifying its focus on prepared foods as the US-based meat giant continues to build a portfolio of "value-added" products.
In the spotlight: Sigma looks to Europe with Campofrio bid
By: Katy Askew | 15 November 2013
Sigma Alimentos, the food arm of Mexican conglomerate Alfa, has launched a bid to acquire Spanish meat processor Campofrio. While Mexico's largest meat processor has been active in M&A in Latin America and the US in recent years, the move would mark the group's first foray into Europe. Katy Askew reports.
What the analysts say - Ahold Q3 and Slovakia exit
By: Katy Askew | 14 November 2013
On the money: Dean Foods confident savings will offset volume declines
By: Michelle Russell | 13 November 2013
What the analysts say - Sainsbury's H1
By: Dean Best | 13 November 2013
Focus: Nestle likely to further streamline portfolio after Jenny Craig sale
By: Katy Askew | 8 November 2013
BRICs and beyond: Mondelez "optimistic" on China future
By: Michelle Russell | 8 November 2013
Focus: Mexican move heralds new test for nutrient taxes
By: Ben Cooper | 8 November 2013
In the spotlight: Morrisons making positive strides, but LFL sales continue descent
By: Michelle Russell | 7 November 2013
On the money: Dairy Crest upbeat on spreads
By: Katy Askew | 7 November 2013
Talking shop: Marks and Spencer - a house divided
By: Katy Askew | 5 November 2013
On the money: Kellogg targets cereal for focus of reinvestment
By: Michelle Russell | 5 November 2013
Deal or no deal: Dairy heavyweights slog it out for Warrnambool ownership
By: Katy Askew | 4 November 2013
Analysis: General Mills makes bold sustainable agriculture pledges
By: Ben Cooper | 1 November 2013
In the spotlight - Industry sat fat moves fail to impress campaigners
By: Ben Cooper | 29 October 2013
On the money: Nestle optimistic over emerging market growth
By: Michelle Russell | 17 October 2013
In the spotlight: Wal-Mart brings investment focus home
By: Katy Askew | 17 October 2013
Analysis: PE firm Bridgepoint should look at Burton's Biscuit Co.
By: Stefan Kirk, M&A advisors Glenboden | 16 October 2013
BRICs and beyond: Wal-Mart, Bharti both stand to benefit from split
By: Raghavendra Verma | 11 October 2013
Talking shop: Tesco stresses finer points of difference
By: Ben Cooper | 10 October 2013
On the money: Tesco optimistic of Europe rebound in H2
By: Michelle Russell | 2 October 2013
On the money: Sainsbury's: own label key to seeing off discount threat
By: Dean Best | 2 October 2013
