In the spotlight
Who has hit the headlines this week?
In the spotlight - Question marks over Unilever's food unit return
3 February 2012
Unilever's food division has been under the microscope in recent months, with a series of disposals and growth in many categories slow, lagging behind its more buoyant non-food businesses As Michelle Russell writes, this week, as Unilever reported its 2011 results, the scrutiny returned.
In the spotlight: Cloetta and Leaf merger lauded by analysts
19 December 2011
"This transaction makes industrial and strategic sense." So said Leaf International CEO Bengt Baron when on Friday he announced the Swedish confectioner's plans to merge with local rival Cloetta. The initial reaction from analysts is much the same. As Sam Webb reports, industry watchers believe the combined company will benefit from the increased number of markets in which it operates and a greater ability to deal with volatile commodity costs.
In the spotlight: Stevia set for sweet success in Europe
28 November 2011
Stevia, the plant-based intense sweetener, was approved for use in foods and beverages in the EU this month. Ben Cooper looks at what stevia has to offer and just why people are so excited about its potential in Europe.
In the spotlight: Walnuts crack Diamond
4 November 2011
Some of Diamond Foods' lustre has been wiped away by an announcement that its much-lauded purchase of Pringles has been delayed over an investigation into crop payments.
In the spotlight: Hain Celestial swoops for Daniels to rouse UK business
27 October 2011
Hain Celestial, the US food maker, is hoping its acquisition of UK chilled foods firm Daniels Group will galvanise its existing business on this side of the Atlantic. The company sees the deal benefiting its operations in Europe and in the US but it is in the UK where it is most likely to be hoping for the greatest impact. Dean Best reports.
In the spotlight: Can dairy feed the world?
18 October 2011
This week representatives from dairy companies around the world are gathered at the World Dairy Summit in the Italian city of Parma to discuss the role dairy can play in feeding a rapidly growing global population, while limiting the impact the industry has on the environment.
In the spotlight: Logistics maps route for further Hershey, Ferrero JVs
7 October 2011
Confectionery makers Hershey and Ferrero are to work together on logistics in North America and there are hints they could one day take this partnership into other markets. However, as Sam Webb reports, industry watchers believe the venture could be the first stage of a wider relationship in the future.
In the spotlight: Tesco's measured move to regain initiative
23 September 2011
There was much talk in the UK food industry this week that Tesco was about to launch a major offensive on price. There were fears among some investors - and no doubt suppliers and rival retailers - that the country's largest retailer would make savage price cuts and spark something of a price war. Yesterday, Tesco announced its Big Price Drop and, although the move is likely to hit some suppliers and its rival retailers, the initiatives are more measured than expected. Dean Best reports.
In the spotlight: Is Carrefour's latest game plan a winner?
2 September 2011
You can take your pick of French apothegms: "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose," or, more succinctly: "Déjà vu." Either way, industry analysts casting their critical eye over Carrefour's latest strategic revamp could be forgiven for thinking they've been here before, writes Richard Woodard.
In the spotlight: Nutrition key to Glanbia's long-term health
26 August 2011
Glanbia, the Irish dairy and nutrition group, this week reported a jump in first-half profits and, notably, upped its forecast for annual earnings after growth across the business. However, questions remain over its domestic dairy operations and, in the longer term, the prospects for its nutrition business look stronger. Dean Best reports.
In the spotlight: Bright Foods reveals global ambitions with Manassen deal
19 August 2011
Bright Foods announced the acquisition of Australian manufacturer Manassen Foods this week. With speculation that it has shown interest in a number of other international players hints at the scale of its plans. What exactly are Bright Foods' ambitions? Dean Best reports.
In the spotlight: Valeo could look to UK after Jacob Fruitfield deal
10 August 2011
Valeo Foods Group's acquisition of Irish rival Jacob Fruitfield Food Group has highlighted the company's ambition to lead consolidation in Ireland's food sector. But is the move likely to signal ambitions further afield? Michelle Russell reports.
In the spotlight: Kraft split revives Cadbury's belief in focus
5 August 2011
Kraft Foods' decision to split itself in two has surprised industry watchers, not least because the US food giant believes the two companies - a North American grocery business and a global snacks maker - will benefit from greater focus. However, as Dean Best writes, we have had that argument before - when Cadbury tried to fend off Kraft's takeover bid in 2009.
In the spotlight: Uniq shows Greencore still has appetite for M&A
12 July 2011
Despite its bid for Northern Foods failing earlier this year, Greencore has not lost its appetite for M&A with the announcement of a bid for food-to-go and desserts manufacturer Uniq. But, with the many challenges facing Uniq, and the UK private-label sector on the whole, is it a good investment? Petah Marian reports.
In the spotlight: Premier Foods' credibility hit by profit downgrade
1 July 2011
Premier Foods plc seems to have lost what little credibility it had remaining among industry watchers this week as it issued yet another profit warning.
In the spotlight: Nestle shares dip on commodity warning
10 June 2011
Shares in Nestle dipped following the company's annual investor meeting in Vevey this week, reflecting investor concerns over spiking commodity prices. However, while the Swiss food giant did provide some candid commentary on the outlook for its input costs, it was also upbeat on its ability to continue to improve margins and drive revenues. Katy Humphries reports.
In the spotlight: Bolland at M&S - one year in
25 May 2011
Marc Bolland has completed a year at the helm of Marks and Spencer. He outlined the skeleton of his plans for the UK retailer in November last year, and has continued to add meat to the bones as the year progressed. With the retailer's full-year results yesterday (24 May), another layer was added to the body with Bolland outlining the retailer's European ambitions and its plans to segment its stores by demographic. How successful has Bolland's first year as chief executive been? And what do industry watchers make of his plans? Petah Marian reports.
In the spotlight: Liquid milk proves sour spot for UK dairies
20 May 2011
Two of the UK's largest dairy companies - Robert Wiseman Dairies and Dairy Crest - delivered their annual results this week and a comparison between the two makes for some interesting reading. Robert Wiseman reported a near 30% plunge in profits as its liquid milk business was hit by poor trading conditions, while Dairy Crest showed the benefits of being a broad-based dairy firm, delivering a 5% increase in profits. Katy Humphries takes a closer look.
In the spotlight: Sainsbury's faces margin worries
12 May 2011
Sainsbury's heralded its annual results yesterday (11 May) with claims that it "outperformed the market". In some quarters of the City, however, concerns remain that the UK's third-largest retailer, facing fierce competition and a weak consumer, is feeling pressure on its margins.
In the spotlight: Hain benefits from recovery in natural, organic
6 May 2011
US natural and organic food group Hain Celestial booked bumper third-quarter results this week. While sales were boosted by acquisitions, the company is also reaping the benefits of broader industry trends, including the rise of the natural and organic sector in the US and continued resurgence at the higher end of the market. Katy Humphries reports.
