Sharwood’s - food industry company news 
Comment: Is austerity Premier too focused on cost?
24 April 2013
Premier Foods' new austere message has encapsulated the mood of the time. Gone are the days of frivolity - this firm is knuckling down and reducing complexity across the board. However, cutting costs may lead to higher margins - but the detail Premier has given on how it plans to invest behind its brands has been scant to say the least.
UK: Premier shares up as Q1 sales climb
23 April 2013
Premier Foods plc's share price was up this morning (23 April) as the UK food group booked an increase in first-quarter sales.
On the move: Premier has much to prove after Clarke exit
29 January 2013
The surprise news the Premier Foods plc chief executive Michael Clarke has resigned sent shares in the food group down sharply yesterday (28 January). However, the company appears confident that Clarke's replacement, Gavin Darby, is the right man to lead the next phase of Premier's turnaround. Katy Askew reports.
COMMENT: Premier update reassuring in troubled times
17 January 2013
Premier Foods today (17 January) said its trading was "in line" with market expectations. This albeit subdued update will likely comfort investors, given the growing pressure UK branded food manufacturers are coming under from weak consumer sentiment.
UK: Premier Q4 "in line" after solid performance
17 January 2013
Premier Foods has indicated that its fourth-quarter sales were "in line" with expectations, despite "challenging" trading conditions in the period.
UK: Premier forms two grocery business units
18 December 2012
Premier Foods, which owns brands including Ambrosia custard and Bisto gravy, has restructured its grocery operations and set up two business units.
UK: Sainsbury's, United Biscuits execs take Premier marketing roles
5 September 2012
Premier Foods has poached executives from UK snack manufacturer United Biscuits and retail giant Sainsbury's to bolster the marketing team behind its "power brands".
Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food last week
13 August 2012
Nestle reported its half-year results last week and said innovation was vital to growth in developed markets, where doing business at the moment is, it said, "no walk in the park". Produce giant Chiquita's first-half numbers included plans for a new strategy, while at US dairy group Dean Foods, it announced a move to list its soy and organics unit alongside its figures. In the retail sector, UK grocer The Co-op announced chief executive Peter Marks was to retire.
Comment: Signs of progress but questions remain for Premier
9 August 2012
The City certainly doesn't know what to make of Premier Foods plc at the moment.
On the money: Premier "more financially sustainable" - CEO Clarke
8 August 2012
Premier Foods plc CEO Michael Clarke has claimed the UK food manufacturer is a more financially sustainable business, with less "short-term trading" that "propped up the numbers".
UK: Cost progress boosts Premier shares
7 August 2012
Success in cutting costs quicker than expected, as well as an increase in underlying half-year sales and profits, helped drive Premier Foods plc's shares this morning (7 August).
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.
UK: Premier tight-lipped over spreads interest
9 May 2012
Premier Foods plc has declined to comment on reports that a number of private-equity firms are trying to buy its spreads business for up to GBP180m (US$289m).
UK: Power brands boost Premier Foods Q1 sales
25 April 2012
Premier Foods plc has booked an increase in first-quarter sales, boosted by the performance of its 'power brands'.
In the spotlight - Uncertainty surrounds Premier Foods despite debt deal
15 March 2012
News this week that Premier Foods plc has secured a debt refinancing deal that could secure its future has followed a year of turbulence and uncertainty over the direction of the UK food giant. However, as Michelle Russell writes, the City remains unsure about the company's future.
UK: Premier launches Sharwood's meal kits
28 February 2012
UK food manufacturer Premier Foods plc has taken its Sharwood's ethnic cuisine brand into meal kits.
Promo Tracker: Waitrose offers deepest promotions
7 February 2012
Waitrose's promotions offered consumers the highest saving on average, according to the latest data from the just-food Promo Tracker.
UK: Premier Foods in GBP50m ad spend
30 January 2012
Major UK food manufacturer Premier Foods plc has doubled its marketing spend to more than GBP50m (US$78.3m) in a bid to drive growth.
UK: Premier Foods readies Sharwood's campaign
30 January 2012
Premier Foods plc is to launch a multi-million pound television advertising campaign in the UK for its Sharwood's sauces range.
Promo Tracker: Sainsbury's ramps up promos in November
7 December 2011
Sainsbury's intensified its promotional activity in November, according to the latest data from the just-food Promo Tracker.
Promo Tracker: Grocers increase promotional level
1 March 2011
Promotional intensity increased during February, with Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Ocado all increasing the number of products on promotion and the average savings per promotion.
Promo Tracker: Grocers again lower level of promotions
8 February 2011
Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Ocado lowered the number of products they sell on promotion in January, according to the latest data from just-food's Promo Tracker.
Preview: Premier Foods plc's H1 results
3 August 2010
Shares in Premier Foods plc, the UK's largest food maker, fell by more than 3% today (3 August) amid concern in some quarters of the City ahead of the publication of the company's half-year results tomorrow.
In the spotlight - what lies ahead for Premier Foods?
17 February 2010
After a tumultuous few years, Premier Foods claims it is now ready to focus on organic growth. The UK food group, owner of brands like Hovis, Mr Kipling and Quorn, has drawn a line under years of restructuring and now wants to use its brands to drive sales and earnings growth. However, some industry watchers remain anxious about the future of the business. Dean Best reports.
On the money: Premier reveals focus on key brands
16 February 2010
Premier Foods plc chief executive Robert Schofield today (16 February) outlined how the UK's largest food group plans to drive growth in the years ahead - with a focus on five "drive" categories.
UK: Premier adds side dishes to Sharwoods range
9 February 2009
Premier Foods plc has launched a range of Indian side dish accompaniments under its Sharwoods brand in the UK.
UK: Heinz stays mum on Premier talks
9 December 2008
HJ Heinz has refused to comment on reports it is in talks with Premier Foods to acquire its Sharwood’s Asian sauces unit.
UK: General Mills to launch first Chinese line
27 November 2008
General Mills is to launch its first range of Chinese food products into the UK market early next year.
