Latest analysis for today's food industry

BRICs and beyond: Hard-headed Danone makes fresh China yoghurt foray

By: Dean Best | 22 May 2013

Danone is to make another attempt to tap into the booming demand for fresh dairy products in China. The French food group is teaming up with Chinese dairy giant Mengniu, the largest yoghurt producer in the country. However, the two companies' previous attempt as a venture ended after just a year. Can Danone succeed this time? Dean Best reports.

On the money: Greencore confident on EPS despite tough UK trading

By: Michelle Russell | 21 May 2013

Greencore has insisted it remains "confident" of meeting City expectations of higher earnings despite the prospect of "tough" UK trading conditions for the remainder of the year.

On the money: M&S upbeat on Simply Food c-store prospects

By: Dean Best | 21 May 2013

Marks and Spencer is eyeing further expansion of its Simply Food convenience store network, the UK retailer told just-food today (21 May).

On the money: Campbell looks to "faster-growing" markets for M&A

By: Michelle Russell | 21 May 2013

US food firm Campbell Soup Co. has said it can find international M&A opportunities to gain access to markets that will be benefit the business in the long term.

What the analysts say: Greencore reports "solid" H1 results

By: Michelle Russell | 21 May 2013

Convenience food group Greencore this morning (21 May) booked an increase in first-half earnings but warned about "tough" UK market conditions for the remainder of the year. Analysts offered an overall positive view of the results, despite the cautious outlook by the group.

On the money: UK pork group Cranswick open to more acquisitions

By: Michelle Russell | 20 May 2013

UK pork group Cranswick has said it is open to making more acquisitions and will continue to chase opportunities for growth in a bid to develop the business further.

What the analysts say: UK meat group Cranswick reports "positive" FY

By: Michelle Russell | 20 May 2013

UK pork group Cranswick this morning (20 April) booked an increase in adjusted annual earnings and in sales. Profits exceeded analysts' expectations. Overall, analysts offered a positive review of the results.

The week ahead - M&S, Dairy Crest FYs, Hormel Foods H1s

By: Dean Best | 20 May 2013

UK meat processor Cranswick, dairy group Dairy Crest and Marks and Spencer, perhaps the most scrutinised name on the country's high street, are all set to announce annual results next week. In the US, Spam owner Hormel Foods will post its half-year results.

On the money: Flowers confident on cakes ahead of Hostess return

By: Michelle Russell | 17 May 2013

US baker Flowers Foods has said it is "confident" its snack cake business will continue to thrive even as the new-look Hostess Brands returns to the market, with products including Twinkies.

In the spotlight: Wrigley wins FDA plaudits amid caffeine scrutiny

By: Ben Cooper | 16 May 2013

At first it appeared the villain of the piece with the launch of its Alert Energy Caffeine Gum, which prompted an FDA review of caffeine in foods. However, Wrigley was subsequently praised by the regulator for showing "leadership" when it halted production. So far, however, no other food companies have shown that level of support for the FDA's move. Ben Cooper reports.