Top stories on just-food this week

It's been a positive week for Unilever, whose share price jumped on the news that Nestlé executive Paul Polman would become its CEO at the end of the year. Kraft has also fared well this week, sharing an upbeat appraisal of its turnaround programme.

Meanwhile, in the word of retail, we learnt that the popularity of discount retailers could have some staying power in the UK. Aldi has been at the forefront of this movement and its attempt to position itself as the "premium discounter" - teaming with the likes of celeb chef Phil Vickery - seems to be paying off.

Mainstream retailers in the UK have responded by trying to emphasise their own price credentials and this week saw Sainsbury's share its plans to drive sales of its own-brand offering.

We were also given an interesting insight into the sometimes rocky relationship between retailers and food manufacturers, when ex-Woolworths' boss Reg Clairs warned that Australia's food manufacturing industry could be in peril due to the iron grip retailers are taking of the supply chain.

These are the top ten stories on the site this week.

NETHERLANDS/UK: Nestlé Americas boss named Unilever CEO
Unilever today (4 September) revealed that Nestlé executive Paul Polman will replace CEO Patrick Cescau when he retires at the end of the year.

For our analysis on Paul Polman's appointment, click here.

US: Kraft upbeat on turnaround
Kraft Foods today (3 September) highlighted the progress the company has made as it reaches the halfway point of a three-year turnaround plan as it upped its earnings guidance for the full year.

AUS: Ex-Woolworths boss voices fears for suppliers
Reg Clairs, a former boss of Australian retailer Woolworths, has warned that the survival of the country's food manufacturing industry could be in danger due to retailers' command of the supply chain.

UK: Aldi looks to boost "premium" credentials with ad push
Aldi has signed an advertising deal with celebrity chef Phil Vickery in the UK as it looks to reinforce its position as a "premium discounter".

For our take on the rise of discount retailers in the UK, click here.

UK: Sainsbury's launches own-brand campaign
UK grocer Sainsbury's has launched a campaign to encourage customers to buy more of the retailer's own-branded products.

UK: Supermarkets "discount unhealthy foods"
A UK consumer group has accused the country's retailers of promoting unhealthy eating habits by offering increasing numbers of discounts on sugary and fatty foods.

UK: Mars chocolate stable gets healthy revamp
Mars Snackfood UK has announced a set of nutritional improvements to its filled confectionery bars and the launch of its 'Raising the bar' campaign.

UK: Finsbury boss to exit business
UK cake and baked goods manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has announced plans to restructure its management team following the departure of its chief executive.

CHINA: Japanese manufacturers eye Chinese growth
Two top Japanese food makers have announced expansion plans in northern China to take advantage of rising demand for premium foreign food in the country.

IRELAND: Superquinn cools takeover talk
Irish supermarket operator Superquinn has moved to dampen rumours of an impending sale.