Mizkan - food industry company news 
just-food review of 2012: M&A revival but caution hinders big deals
19 December 2012
There were, despite continued economic uncertainty in many Western markets and concerns over slowing growth in the East, signs that M&A activity rebounded in the food sector this year. However, a look at just-food's M&A coverage this year shows there have been few big-ticket, transformational deals.
Best bits: Carrefour, Premier Foods CEOs press on - but questions remain
5 November 2012
The work the chief executives of Carrefour and Premier Foods - two companies with a lot on their plates - has been welcomed by industry watchers but, writes Dean Best, there are questions hanging over both companies, which had lost their way in recent years.
Quote, unquote: just-food's week in words
5 November 2012
Following the news last week that Premier plc sold its sweet pickles and table sauces business to Mizkan, just-food caught up with the Japanese firm's Euro-Americas president Craig Smith to discuss its plans for the brand. Elsewhere, word reached UK shores of the devastation Hurricane Sandy has left on the east cost of the US. Mondelez revealed an R&D site in New Jersey was still closed yesterday in the wake of the super storm. Elsewhere, the debate over the implementation of fat taxes continued.
Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food last week
5 November 2012
Hurricane Sandy, which swept across the eastern part of the US, dominated headlines worldwide this week - and its impact was felt on the food sector. Elsewhere, US bakery giant Hostess Brands warned it may have to close if workers strike, UK food group Premier Foods sold off another brand - Branston pickle - to Japan's Mizkan and the country's food industry made a wide-ranging pledge on palm oil. just-food's insight pages were busy, with an in-depth look (for subscribers only) at the debate on nutrient taxes and an interview with the executive that runs McCormick & Co's business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
INTERVIEW: Mizkan to focus on innovation after Branston buy
2 November 2012
Mizkan plans to focus on innovation to drive Branston's growth following the Japanese condiment group's acquisition of the iconic brand from Premier Foods plc, regional president Craig Smith told just-food.
UK: Premier in talks with Mizkan over US deal
31 October 2012
Japanese condiment group Mizkan has confirmed to just-food it is in talks with Premier Foods plc over a potential manufacturing deal in the US.
UK: Premier to sell Branston pickle to Mizkan
30 October 2012
Premier Foods has offloaded another of its brands, this morning (30 October) announcing the sale of Branston pickle to Japanese group Mizkan.
UK: Mizkan offers plant sale to win OFT backing for Premier buy
26 September 2012
Japanese conglomerate Mizkan has offered to offload its Burntwood production facility in the UK in a bid to win competition clearance for its acquisition of Premier Foods' pickles and vinegars business.
In the spotlight: China a factor in Itochu interest in Dole
14 September 2012
A chunk of Dole Food Co.'s business could end up in the hands of one of Japan's largest trading houses it was announced this week - and China appears to be central to the potential deal.
UK: Mixed City reaction to latest Premier sale
23 August 2012
Premier Foods' latest planned disposal - the sale of its spreads business to Hain Celestial - has been met by a mixed reaction from analysts, with concern remaining over the UK food group's future.
Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food last week
23 July 2012
Anxiety grew this week that unusual weather in the US, UK and elsewhere could push up commodity prices. The row over milk prices in the UK continued, with farmers blockading retail and processor sites as anger remained over price cuts. And Metro Group, the German retail giant, announced cuts of its own, with 900 jobs to be lost as it looks to lower costs.
Quote, unquote: just-food's week in words
23 July 2012
While the row over UK farmgate milk prices rumbled on this week, elsewhere first-half results hit the just-food news desk. Safeway sounded an upbeat note on the performance of its loyalty programme and the group's dominance in retail personalisation for consumers. Elsewhere, just-food spoke with Mizkan EuroAmericas president Craig Smith who spoke about the firm's plansfor the business long-term.
just the answer - Mizkan Euro-Americas president Craig Smith
19 July 2012
Earlier this month, Japanese food group Mizkan acquired Premier Foods plc's vinegar and sour pickles business in the UK, including the Sarson's and Haywards brands. In the latest just the answer interview, Mizkan EuroAmericas president Craig Smith tells Michelle Russell what the company's plans are for the brands and about its long-term ambitions in Europe and beyond.
UK: Mizkan eyes further M&A in UK condiments
19 July 2012
Japanese food group Mizkan has said it wants to make further acquisitions in the UK condiments market followings its deal to buy Premier Food plc's vinegar and sour pickles business last month.
Focus: Premier asset sales fail to quell concerns
6 July 2012
Premier Foods plc, the UK food group, today (6 July) announced another asset sale. It has sold ethnic flour business Elephant Atta to Associated British Foods, its latest disposal of businesses it deems "non core" as it looks to strengthen its finances. There are some concerns, however, that the deals already announced - and those in the offing - will be enough to ease the pressure on Premier. Dean Best reports.
UK: Premier sells Elephant Atta ethnic flour arm to ABF
6 July 2012
Premier Foods plc has sold ethnic flour business Elephant Atta to UK rival Associated British Foods, the latest disposal in its move to cut debts.
UK: Premier silent over Hain Celestial "spreads bid"
22 June 2012
Premier Foods plc has remained tight-lipped over which companies have bid for its spreads business following reports Hain Celestial is the front runner for the unit.
Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food last week
18 June 2012
Tesco and Sainsbury's reported first-quarter trading updates this week and both UK retailers faced questions over their prospects for the rest of the year. US meat giant Smithfield Foods also faced analysts after it posted its full-year results, with CEO Larry Pope arguing Wall Street does not value the company highly enough. Elsewhere, Arla announced a tie-up in China, PepsiCo made Mexico the first market for its global dips venture and UK firm Premier Foods plc offloaded another of its businesses.
Quote, unquote: just-food's week in words
18 June 2012
In the UK, the increasing level of couponing in retail set the industry talking this week as Tesco CEO Philip Clarke noted the step-up in this type of promotion, while industry analysts gave their views on this growing trend. Elsewhere, Smithfield Foods CEO Larry Pope insisted the group is under-valued after shares in the meat firm fell more than 7% after fourth-quarter results that failed to meet analyst expectations.
UK: Premier sells vinegar, sour pickles unit to Mizkan
15 June 2012
Premier Foods plc has sold its vinegar and sour pickles business, including the Sarson's and Haywards brands, to Japanese food group Mizkan.
