Quote, unquote: just-food's week in words

This week saw the much-anticipated presentation from Carrefour's new CEO Georges Plassat as he outlined to investors and analysts his plans for the French retailer. Elsewhere, Marks and Spencer's chairman flatly declined to comment on reports it had been approached by a private-equity firm on a possible takeover bid, while just-food spoke with Magnit deputy CEO Oleg Goncharov about the Russian retailer's growth plans.

"He sounds very chauvinistic. The jury is out. He has given himself a very long time to improve things and it's difficult to judge his achievements if there are no targets to compare with" - ING analyst John David Roeg gives his opinion on new Carrefour CEO Georges Plassat.

"We need to refocus the goals of our own brand" - Carrefour CEO Georges Plassat outlines plans for a wide-ranging review of the products in its stores.

"You're going to see Heinz spend in marketing like you've never seen us before" - Margaret Roach Nollen, SVP of Heinz investor relations on its plans to ramp up marketing spend.

"If we had something to say we would say it. It is August" - Marks and Spencer chairman Robert Swannell was keen to play down rumours CVC Capital Partners has been exploring the possibility of taking M&S private.

"Fundamentally, this acquisition gives Hain an ambient foods platform in the UK that provides access to larger UK retailers and can help the company leverage its existing brands" - RBC Capital Markets analyst Ed Aaron believes "valuation implications are unclear" with Hain's acquisition of Premier brands.

"It was a do-nothing tax. All they were doing was to get some more money for the Treasury" - Tam Fry, spokesperson for the National Obesity Forum says Denmark's intention to implement a fax tax was motivated primarily by revenue concerns, rather than public health.

"We will continue to promote the independently audited standards behind Red Tractor pork and pork products, including welfare, in a way that is absolutely clear to consumers" - BPEX director Mick Sloyan said the ASA's ruling on three ads highlighting the high welfare standards of pork sold with the Red Tractor mark was a decision was based on "a small technicality".

"We are the largest player in terms of number of stores and in terms of sales we are number two" - Magnit deputy CEO Oleg Goncharov is confident of Magnit's position in the market.

"We are moving quickly to reinvigorate Supervalu, and that starts with leadership" - Supervalu CEO Wayne Sales on the retailer's executive leadership changes.

"They didn't give a reason for cancelling the meeting but said they stand by their decision to de-list the product" - a spokesperson for Wyke Farms on Morrisons' decision to cancel a meeting to discuss a de-listing of its cheeses.