just-food.com hot topics
FDA gets tough but leaves scope for co-operation - (9th March 2010)
The action taken by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week against 17 food manufacturers underlines its resolve in addressing food labelling. But, Ben Cooper writes, the FDA has left the way open for industry to be involved in the development of future policy and it appears to be an opportunity food companies are keen to grasp.
In the spotlight: Casino sees home challenge - (5th March 2010)
French retailer Casino posted a mixed set of results yesterday (4 March), with a strong performance overseas failing to offset weakness in its domestic market. While Casino is eyeing growth in Latin America and Asia to fuel its top-line, the group will nevertheless hope that some new initiatives will boost its performance at home in the year to come. Katy Humphries reports.
Carrefour, Wal-Mart battle for supremacy in Brazil - (2nd March 2010)
Brazil is shaping up to be a key battleground for Wal-Mart and Carrefour, the world's two largest retailers. Both have outlined separate expansion plans for Brazil in recent weeks but, as Michelle Russell reports, both face a fight from CBD, the country's leading domestic player.
Sustainability Watch – Pascal Gréverath, CIAA - (26th February 2010)
As chairman of the CIAA’s Environment Committee, Pascal Gréverath is at the centre of the European food industry’s sustainability effort. He spoke with Ben Cooper about the newly-created European Food Sustainable Consumption and Production Round Table and what he sees as the main priorities for the CIAA’s sustainability brief.
US/UK: Diamond Foods to buy crisp maker Kettle - (26th February 2010)
US snack firm Diamond Foods is to buy upmarket crisp maker Kettle Foods from private-equity firm Lion Capital for US$615m.
FOCUS: UK, US central to online grocery sales growth - (23rd February 2010)
The UK and US are forecast to remain at the centre of the growing global market for online grocery retailing, new research has shown, as new technology continues to change the way consumers shop.
just the answer – Harriet Lamb, Fairtrade Foundation - (22nd February 2010)
The Fairtrade Foundation's in-tray is growing. The charity oversees the relationships between farmers and manufacturers and, with the likes of Nestle, Cadbury and Unilever extending their presence in Fairtrade, the foundation has a key role in organising farmers and checking companies are paying a fair price. Harriet Lamb, the foundation's executive director, talked to Michelle Russell about the impact big brands have had on Fairtrade, consumer awareness and the international potential of the category.
Concern over consumers centre-stage at CAGNY - (15th February 2010)
With north-eastern parts of the US covered in snow, and more snow forecast for south-east England this week, a few days in Florida holds a certain appeal.
In the spotlight - PepsiCo - (12th February 2010)
PepsiCo's pronouncements on plans for a health drive comes at an opportune time, with Michelle Obama this week launching her own campaign to tackle obesity. However, Indra Nooyi's comments on the business case for the company's strategy demonstrate a long-term commitment to portfolio change - rather than a short-term fix designed to combat NGO and campaigner criticism. Ben Cooper reports.
Mrs Obama moves to tackle childhood obesity - (9th February 2010)
The launch in the US today of a major initiative on childhood obesity, to be led by First Lady Michelle Obama, underlines the administration’s commitment to tackling the problem. Ben Cooper looks at the implications for food companies and for self-regulation.
