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

The Consumer Analyst Group of Europe investment conference in London dominated just-food's working week and we exclusively provided the news and views from the event. Elsewhere, Premier Foods plc sought to look to the future after a fall in annual profits, although analysts remained concerned about the business. The proposed new name for Kraft Foods' global snacks arm raised eyebrows, US private-label firm TreeHouse Foods made another acquisition and UK snacks giant United Biscuits looked to open the way for a break-up of the company with the split of its domestic units. Click on the headlines for more.

Industry executives present to CAGE investor conference
The world's leading food manufacturers, including Nestle and Unilever, have this week met investors and analysts at the annual Consumer Analyst Group of Europe conference in London and just-food was the only media organisation at the event.

Premier Foods reaffirms focus as full-year profits slide
The UK food manufacturer this week said it would focus on rejuvenating its power brands and rebuilding its relationships with retailers after posting a 29% drop in full-year profits. Its optimism, however, was not matched in all parts of the City.

On the money: General Mills CEO Powell optimistic after "tough year"
General Mills chief Ken Powell is looking to the future with confidence after a "tough" 12 months in which the US food giant has battled the highest commodity inflation it has seen in 30 years.

Focus: UK organic sector bemoans downbeat retailer view
The Soil Association's Organic Market Report 2012 points to a lack of support from multiple retailers as a primary reason why organic sales continue to fall in the UK, while other countries are showing growth. Retailers refute this suggestion but Ben Cooper suggests some readjustment of retailer priorities is inevitable and understandable in the current climate of austerity.

UK: United Biscuits UK split could open way for break-up
UK firm United Biscuits, which is the subject of fresh speculation over its future, is to split its biscuit and snacks units in its domestic market.

On the money: Meat giant JBS to slow acquisition drive
Highly-acquisitive Brazilian meat group JBS has indicated it will ease off the throttle in 2012 and reduce its participation in M&A activity in the global protein sector.

On the money: Sainsbury's CEO King confident about doing battle in fresh
Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King has insisted the UK retailer is well positioned to continue to benefit from its focus on offering quality products as competition in the category steps up.

US: Kraft to name global snacks arm Mondelez International
Kraft Foods, which is set to split in two later this year, said today (21 March) the global snacks company to be formed is set to be called Mondelez International.

(Read the just-food blog for more on the name change and Kraft's plans to split in two).

US: TreeHouse Foods acquires Naturally Fresh
US own-label firm TreeHouse Foods has struck a deal to buy privately-owned dressings and sauces firm Naturally Fresh.

UAE: Retail Arabia plans Géant expansion
Retail Arabia, the Dubai-based firm that operates the Géant banner under license from France's Casino, has confirmed plans to expand the chain's footprint in the United Arab Emirates.