Find out what top analysts think of challenging topics in the food industry

Consuming issues: Wasting away

By: Ben Cooper | 24 May 2013

The problem of food waste is due to the low value people in the West put on cheap food. And cheap food is a product, in part, of the modern, industrial food system. However, amid some scepticism, the industry is trying to act on the problem. Ben Cooper argues, ultimately, the dynamics of supply and demand will right the situation.

Best bits: Danone steps up investment in future growth

By: Dean Best | 20 May 2013

In recent months, Danone has come under scrutiny for the performance of its fresh dairy operations in Europe. However, in spite of - or perhaps because of - the work needed to turn that business around, the French food giant appears to be stepping up expansion in faster-growing markets and categories.

Comment: Pragmatic deal for Morrisons, Waitrose risk for Ocado

By: Dean Best | 17 May 2013

A deal with Ocado represents Morrisons best route into the UK online channel as it plays catch-up with rivals. For the online specialist, it looks a good deal, although it could threaten its agreement with another partner, Waitrose.

Best bits: Wal-Mart rumours surface as CEOs hit spotlight

By: Dean Best | 13 May 2013

In a week dominated (at least in the mind of one of the just-food editorial team) by the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson from Manchester United, there were questions and rumours about the future of two senior food retail CEOs - and confirmation that a third did plan to step down.

Best bits: Ella's Kitchen is Hain's most promising UK buy

By: Dean Best | 10 May 2013

US manufacturer Hain Celestial has struck again across the pond. And its latest acquisition in the UK seems to be the one with most potential, writes Dean Best.

Comment: Sainsbury's solid but challenges lay ahead in tough sector

By: Dean Best | 9 May 2013

Sainsbury's, the UK's third-largest grocer, yesterday (8 May) reported what amount to another solid set of annual results. The year ahead should again be one of progress for Sainsbury's but competition could intensify still further.

BRICs and beyond: International SMEs testing the water at Hofex

By: Katy Askew | 7 May 2013

The rapidly expanding Chinese food sector has long been a focus for multinationals looking beyond developed western markets for expansion. However, it isn't just the international food Goliaths - with big bucks to spend on M&A or organic expansion - that are looking to China for growth. just-food caught up with some smaller enterprises hoping to tame the dragon at Hong Kong trade show Hofex - an event that prides itself of being the largest of its kind in Asia.

Comment: US firm Boulder eyes slice of UK gluten-free pie

By: Katy Askew | 3 May 2013

US health and wellness firm Boulder Brands has acquired a small UK-based gluten-free company, Davies Bakery. The US gluten-free specialist has ambitions to expand the UK business well beyond Davies' current scale. However, Katy Askew suggests, Boulder is likely to come up against stiff competition in the increasingly crowded space of the UK gluten-free sector.

Best bits: Unilever likely to stick with spreads

By: Dean Best | 1 May 2013

What will Unilever do with its spreads business? After that part of the company's portfolio was a factor in first-quarter sales that missed analyst expectations, the question has returned to the minds of some in the investment community. Dean Best thinks they will stick with the division.

Comment: Unilever's strength in non-food could offer long-term boost to food

By: Katy Askew | 30 April 2013

The divide between Unilever's high-growth home and personal care business and its food operations has attracted reams of copy. Unilever's stronger performance in emerging markets in non-food has prompted much speculation that the group could, at some point, split the businesses in two as it expands in developing economies. However, Unilever has repeatedly rebuffed such conjecture - and for good reason.