Food Industry News, Analysis and Insights

Comprehensive coverage of the food industry's latest, breaking news and insights brought to you by just-food's leading network of international journalists.

Interview: Bell Group CFO hits out at sausage cartel ruling 22 Jul 14

Dean Best

In a story that grabbed the headlines worldwide, 21 companies and 33 individuals in Germany have been hit with fines totalling EUR338m for allegedly fixing the price of one of the country's staples - sausages. Companies including Nestle, Bell Group and Zur Muhlen Gruppe, Germany's largest sausage maker, were handed fines. Some will appeal, including Bell Group, the Switzerland-based meat products group. Bell CFO Martin Gysin told Dean Best why the company believes it should not be penalised.

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On the money: Can Premier build H2 sales momentum? 22 Jul 14

Katy Askew

Premier Foods plc has faced challenging conditions and weak sales in the first six months of the year. However, CEO Gavin Darby believes that a jump in the UK group's marketing investment and the roll-out of new products in the back half of the year will reverse its fortunes. Katy Askew reports.

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On the move: What's in store from Tesco's new CEO? 21 Jul 14

Katy Askew

Tesco CEO Philip Clarke is to step down from the UK retailer, with the announcement made this morning (21 July) alongside another profit warning. Clarke will be replaced by Unilever executive Dave Lewis in October. While investors have responded positively to the news, manufacturers doing business in the UK may be waiting with baited breath to see if Lewis will respond to Tesco's strategic problems by extending its price focus. Katy Askew reports.

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On the money: Steady as she goes at Cloetta 18 Jul 14

Dean Best

As the dust settles after Cloetta's merger with Leaf, the company does face a battle eking out growth in its key markets. However, it has set its sights on small, bolt-on deals in niche categories, rather than pushing the boat out and setting sail for growth in emerging markets.

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just the answer: Birds Eye UK Margaret Jobling 17 Jul 14

Katy Askew

European frozen food maker Iglo Group, the owner of brands like Birds Eye, is working to change the way people think about frozen food in a bid to double its size by 2020. The strategy, which was announced last year, puts innovation and a "new approach" to marketing front and centre. Katy Askew spoke to Birds Eye UK marketing director Margaret Jobling to find out more.

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In the spotlight: Lindt plays safe with Russell Stover buy 17 Jul 14

Hannah Abdulla

Lindt & Sprungli's acquisition of US confectioner Russell Stover Candies has come as a surprise to analysts. It is the Swiss group's first purchase for 16 years and one in a developed, rather than emerging, market. However, Lindt believes it would be have been foolish to pass on the opportunity and expansion in developing markets is still on the cards. Hannah Abdulla finds out what prompted Lindt to dust off its chequebook.

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Latest blog entry: Food company interest in M&A to continue to climb - EY 22 Jul 2014

Dean Best

There has been an increase in M&A among companies in the food sector in recent months - and management consultants at EY expect to the trend to continue.

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Shopper trends

Industry analysts IRI discuss the trends focusing the minds of manufacturers and retailers.

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Consuming issues

In a regular column, just-food contributing editor Ben Cooper chews over how the industry is tackling issues from obesity to labelling and from child labour to its environmental impact.

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What the analysts say

The verdict from global analysts on major company news

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The just-food international basket

Exclusive data highlighting the price of brands and own-label products in key categories across Europe and the US. Compiled in association with industry analysts IRI.

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Deal or no deal

We look at the potential suitors when food manufacturers or retailers are up for sale - or put forward as possible takeover targets.

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On the move

just-food examines executives on the move

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BRICs and beyond

Coverage and analysis of the world's fastest-growing emerging markets

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Sustainability Watch

We put the latest CSR moves under the microscope.

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Talking shop

The just-food team check out the latest goings-on among food retailers.

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Best bits

Dean Best's views on the industry's hot issues.

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In the spotlight

Which manufacturers, retailers or issues are grabbing the headlines?

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On the money

Food companies discuss and dissect their latest results.

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