Food industry hot issues
Comprehensive coverage of the food industry's hottest issues through a compilation of news, analysis and comment.
Food giants report 2011 results, provide 2012 outlook
6 February 2012
The world's largest food manufacturers are reporting their financial results for 2011, one of the most challenging 12 months in recent years. The companies are also providing an outlook for the year ahead, which promises little respite.
ISM confectionery and snack exhibition, Cologne
3 February 2012
just-food has joined over 1,400 suppliers and thousands of visitors at ISM, the confectionery industry exhibition in Cologne, this week. Here, UK confectioners take their place alongside competitors from Europe, the US and beyond to try to build their presence overseas.
Carrefour CEO Olofsson makes way for Plassat
23 January 2012
Carrefour has announced it is parting company with CEO Lars Olofsson and will replace him with Vivarte's George Plassat. The move follows a turbulent year for the world's second-largest retailer, which has seen falling sales in France hit profits.
Unilever's UK pension dispute
19 January 2012
Workers at Unilever sites throughout the UK are holding industrial action to protest at plans to change the company's pension scheme. Staff and unions argue the reforms are unnecessary; the consumer goods giant disagrees and vows to press ahead.
Muller makes move for Wiseman
16 January 2012
Yoghurt giant Muller has made a takeover bid to buy UK milk processor Robert Wiseman Dairies, the largest supplier in a sector beset by challenges.
UK food retailers ring up Christmas sales
9 January 2012
A number of the UK's largest grocers this week report how they fared over the Christmas period, which came at the end of the year food sales volumes this year fell.
Safety scare again rocks China's food sector
3 January 2012
China's food industry is again under scrutiny after one of its largest dairy processors was found to have milk products contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical.
Controversy over EU cage egg ban
3 January 2012
On 1 January, the EU's ban on cage eggs came into force. Farmers in the UK, however, have hit out at some of their counterparts on the Continent for not complying with the new law. And UK farmers are concerned the now illegal eggs could still be sold in their home market.
2011 - The year in review
22 December 2011
2011 has been a fascinating, varied and tumultuous year for the food industry. just-food takes a look at the stories that have shaped the sector.
Confectioners Cloetta, Leaf plan to join forces
16 December 2011
The Scandinavian candy makers plan to merge to create a company with annual sales of around US$820m in a deal that the Leaf CEO said made "industrial and strategic sense".
Carrefour's franchisee takeover amid domestic woes
13 December 2011
Carrefour's problems in its domestic market show no signs of abating, yet it has announced plans to acquire franchise retail partner Guyenne et Gascogne. Some industry watchers are bemused at the move, others applaud it, believing felt Carrefour had no choice amid shareholder pressure and the need to consolidate in France.
Tackling child labour in cocoa production
9 December 2011
The use of child labour in cocoa farming continues despite the efforts of the chocolate industry. Indeed, some campaigners would argue that manufacturers have done too little, too slowly. Now, Nestle has launched a programme outside the industry initiatives to try to tackle the problem.
Tesco's update has international flavour
9 December 2011
The UK retail giant discusses the impact of its Big Price Drop promotional campaign in the UK, the impact of the Thai floods on its business and why India needs to allow more foreign investment into its retail sector.
Category crunch: Brazil's biscuit market
6 December 2011
PepsiCo has joined a fragmented market in which Nestle and Kraft Foods battle with local players like M. Dias Branco but the buoyant growth in recent years is showing signs of easing. How will Brazil's biscuit manufacturers look to drive growth and gain share?
India set to relax retail rules
25 November 2011
After years of speculation and fierce debate, India looks set to ease restrictions of foreign investment in its booming retail sector. Business organisations and multinationals have welcomed the decision, although there remains some local opposition.
Heinz's global ups and downs
22 November 2011
Heinz is the most globally diverse US packaged food maker. Emerging markets are driving growth but it is facing challenging conditions in Europe and Australia and three more factories will close as it adapts to "difficult" trading conditions.
Ahold "reshapes" its business
22 November 2011
The Dutch retail giant, owner of chains in Europe and the US, has outlined a new plan for growth, including plans to treble online sales, open more stores and boost its own-label performance.
Intrigue grows over PepsiCo's future
17 November 2011
The US food and drink giant is facing pressure to split in two - and there are rumours some of its directors want to examine the idea. CEO Indra Nooyi, however, is reported to be against the notion.
Stevia at last secures EU approval
14 November 2011
Food and drink manufacturers in the EU can now use the sweetener stevia in their products after the ingredient got the green light from Brussels. But does stevia have potential or has the headlines been driven by hype?
Retail in the UK
11 November 2011
The intensely competitive UK retail sphere is rich with innovation as shoppers try to balance the books. just-food takes an in-depth look at the performance of some of the biggest players.
The just-food briefing - the food safety challenge
31 October 2011
The safety of food has made headlines in Europe and the US in 2011. This briefing looks at the challenges companies and regulators face in improving traceability in the supply chain.
Hain Celestial snaps up UK chilled foods firm Daniels Group
27 October 2011
The US company has had its problems in the UK but believes its acquisition of Daniels Group will give it scale, greater clout with local retailers and the ability to expand its business in the UK, Europe and the US.
Ferrero outlines plans for expansion
27 October 2011
The privately-owned confectionery giant has opened a plant in India, plans to set up a production base in Turkey and is considering a similar move in the UK.
Online retail in the UK
24 October 2011
Online grocery sales are set to almost double in the next five years but how can manufacturers and retailers thrive in what some are calling the "digital explosion"?
World Dairy Summit: Can dairy feed the world?
18 October 2011
Key stakeholders in the dairy industry met at the World Dairy Summit in Italy to discuss the challenges of sustainability, food security and the environment.
Reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy
14 October 2011
Proposals put forward by the European Commission to reform the CAP have been widely criticised.
US food makers win concessions on kids marketing
14 October 2011
US food manufacturers appear to have won the argument in the debate over the advertising of food to children. However, the threat of government intervention has prompted a revision of the way industry wanted to regulate itself.
Board vote prompts Metro Group CEO to plan exit
12 October 2011
After losing the support of Metro Group's supervisory board, CEO Dr Eckhard Cordes has chosen not to extend his contract at the world's fourth-largest retailer beyond next year.
Taxing fat
9 October 2011
Denmark has introduced a levy on foods high in fat, prompting debate over whether such taxes really do help to improve people's heath and whether other countries should follow their lead.
Tesco, Sainsbury's shine spotlight on UK grocery
5 October 2011
UK food retail giants Tesco and Sainsbury's last week issued updates on their recent trading, with much interest in how they are navigating the challenging economic environment.
