Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food last week

It's results season this week, with Kraft and Tate & Lyle performing strongly, while Chiquita and Whole Foods faltered. Diamond Foods' deal to buy Pringles from Procter & Gamble was delayed, prompting consternation among stockholders, and Portuguese retailer Jeronimo Martins announced extensive investments in Latin America. Click on the headlines for more.

Unilever deal a "game changer", says B&G Foods CEO

B&G Foods chief executive David Wenner has called the US company's acquisition of four food brands from Unilever a "game changer" that will take their operation to "another level".

In the spotlight: Walnuts crack Diamond

In April, the Diamond Foods announced the acquisition of Pringles from consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) for US$2.35bn
But some of US food company's' lustre has been wiped away by an announcement that its much-lauded purchase of Pringles will be delayed over an investigation into crop payments.

The just-food briefing - the food safety challenge

The safety of food has made headlines in Europe and the US in 2011. A fatal E. coli outbreak in Germany hit the produce sector across the EU, while in the US, Washington is looking to reform the country's food safety network.

Talking Tech: Self-service checkouts and beyond

Self-service checkouts have been a feature of food retail stores for a decade or more but their use remains a subject of debate. Dean Best talks to Ed Brindley, marketing director for Waitrose self-checkout supplier Wincor Nixdorf, about the deal, the technology and where self-service could be heading.

On the money: Kraft CEO again forced to defend split

Kraft Foods chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld was again forced to defend the company's plans to split in two after it reported higher quarterly sales and profits.

On the money: Metro CEO Cordes "enthusiastic" despite economic strife

Metro Group CEO Dr Eckhard Cordes said that the company's full-year EBIT target of 10% growth is still achievable, despite economic uncertainty.

PORTUGAL: Jeronimo Martins to invest EUR400m in Colombia

Jeronimo Martins is set to invest EUR400m (US$551.1m) in Colombia with its first stores due to open next year. The Portuguese retailer said that the money will be spent between 2012 and 2014 and follows last week's announcement that the company will enter into Colombia, which will be its third market.

US: Higher sales boost Hain Celestial Q1 profits

An increase in sales and moves to improve productivity have offset higher raw-material costs and led to improved first-quarter profits at US firm Hain Celestial. The company, which last week acquired UK chilled foods maker Daniels Group, reported a 28.5% increase in net income to US$11.7m for the three months to the end of September.

US: Whole Foods shares slide despite Q4 growth

Shares in Whole Foods Market dropped yesterday (2 November) despite the US retailer reporting higher fourth-quarter sales and profits.
The company's stock fell 5.4% in after-hours trading after the growth in its identical-store sales failed to meet analyst expectations.

US: Chiquita Brands loss widens in Q3

Chiquita Brands International has posted a loss in its third-quarter, on the back of a decline in sales and an increase in costs.
The company reported a widening in net loss for its third-quarter, slumping to US$29m compared to a loss of $8m the same period the year before.