just-food bloggers
Dean Best
Sustainable soy in the spotlight at London conference
23 May 2012 10:24
A busy week continues today (23 May) with the first day of this year's Roundtable on Responsible Soy conference in London - the first time it has been held outside a soy-producing nation.
Katy Askew
Could Dairy Crest become the next UK M&A target?
24 May 2012 15:56
Dairy Crest insisted this morning (24 May) that it will improve profitability at its dairies business after profits fell into the red on charges at the unit.
Michelle Russell
UK food industry in spotlight over migrant workers
15 May 2012 15:05
UK food manufacturers were today (15 May) in the spotlight over claims of "exploitation and poor working conditions" facing migrant workers.
Chris Brook-Carter
Tech advances make work a home from home
28 September 2011 12:38
Launch shows for new software applications into the food and drinks industry are, I must admit, not a regular entry in my diary.
The just-food guest blog
Is Whole Foods a "faux hippie Wal-Mart"?
28 July 2011 14:36
An epic resignation letter written by a disgruntled Whole Foods employee from Toronto has gone viral, arguing that the US retailer's business practices are at odds with its hippie, do-gooder reputation.
Latest just-food blogs
Could Dairy Crest become the next UK M&A target?
By: Katy Askew - 24 May 2012 15:56
Dairy Crest insisted this morning (24 May) that it will improve profitability at its dairies business after profits fell into the red on charges at the unit.
Sustainable soy in the spotlight at London conference
By: Dean Best - 23 May 2012 10:24
A busy week continues today (23 May) with the first day of this year's Roundtable on Responsible Soy conference in London - the first time it has been held outside a soy-producing nation.
The element of surprise in fresh UK dairy consolidation
By: Dean Best - 22 May 2012 16:06
That there was another piece of consolidation in the UK dairy sector was not in itself a surprise but the identity of the participants in the latest deal, announced this morning (22 May) may have raised a few eyebrows.
Emphasising low salt? Consumers remain wary
By: Dean Best - 17 May 2012 15:41
Manufacturers the world over have been reducing the salt in products amid concerns over public health but there have been signs consumers have baulked at low-salt lines - and fresh research in Australia suggests shoppers could just end up adding salt back onto their products anyway.
UK food industry in spotlight over migrant workers
By: Michelle Russell - 15 May 2012 15:05
UK food manufacturers were today (15 May) in the spotlight over claims of "exploitation and poor working conditions" facing migrant workers.
M&S growth target looks shaky
By: Katy Askew - 14 May 2012 12:06
Marks and Spencer is expected to cut its growth target when it reports its preliminary results next week.
Spar International confirms end to Landmark India venture
By: Dean Best - 11 May 2012 17:33
Global symbol retailer Spar International has confirmed its franchise venture in India with Dubai-based Landmark Group will finish at the end of the year.
Sainsbury's King looks for positives in falling food volumes
By: Dean Best - 9 May 2012 19:45
Sainsbury's, the UK's third-largest retailer, today (9 May) issued a sales forecast that suggests food volumes will continue to fall in the months ahead - but, speaking to just-food, typically ebullient chief executive Justin King still looked for the positives.
Sainsbury's faces fresh challenges after strong year
By: Dean Best - 8 May 2012 15:40
Sainsbury's, the UK's third-largest grocer, will tomorrow (9 May) report its annual financial results. Of the UK's largest food retailers, Sainsbury's has been one of the better performers in recent months but, as ever in the country's fiercely competitive market, it faces a new round of challenges over the next 12 months.
Waitrose puts words into action
By: Dean Best - 2 May 2012 15:41
"What you'll see this year is Waitrose become more price competitive," Mark Price, the upmarket UK retailer's managing director, said in March. Today, the company indicated it would act on those words with two announcements - with Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado in the firing line.
Double-dip recession blow for retail industry says BRC
By: Michelle Russell - 25 Apr 2012 15:13
The news this morning (25 April) that the UK's economy has slipped back into recession may come as little surprise to many, but for the UK retail industry, it is unwelcome news.
UK consumer spending power continues descent
By: Katy Askew - 24 Apr 2012 17:55
The latest Asda Income Tracker certainly made for some depressing reading today (24 April), revealing that the average UK family has continued to see its disposable income drop - down 6.5% on the year.
The "sheer folly" of the UK liquid milk sector
By: Dean Best - 20 Apr 2012 15:40
Dairy Crest's announcement this week that it is to close two dairies is yet another sign of the difficulty of trading in the UK liquid market.
Reggae Reggae sauce to make UK TV debut
By: Michelle Russell - 16 Apr 2012 14:01
The man behind Reggae Reggae sauce, Levi Roots, has been busy since his appearance with his sauce on UK reality programme for inventors Dragon's Den in 2007.
The hard road ahead for US retail giant Supervalu
By: Dean Best - 13 Apr 2012 15:38
Supervalu, one of the largest retailers in the US, has had a tough few years and, although CEO and president Craig Herkert is trying to turn the company around, industry watchers believe it will be a challenge for the former Wal-Mart Stores executive.
PureCircle promotes sustainability benefit of stevia
By: Dean Best - 12 Apr 2012 15:32
Stevia suppliers - and the food and drink manufacturers using the sweetener - have been keen to tout the zero-calorie and natural properties of the ingredient. However, one leading supplier is seeking to emphasise what it sees as another benefit of the product.
Tesco faces questions over UK and US
By: Michelle Russell - 11 Apr 2012 11:42
Tesco is facing increasing pressure from its shareholders to pull out of the US and focus on rejuvenating its flagging UK business.
Canada probes Target expansion
By: Katy Askew - 10 Apr 2012 15:07
Target's plans to expand in Canada are to be examined by the Federal Government.
Exclusive just-food webinar, in association with SymphonyIRI
By: Dean Best - 4 Apr 2012 15:39
Join us tomorrow for a free webinar which exclusively reveals the results of our survey into business confidence in the industry, along with additional analysis from SymphonyIRI.
Retailers take on 'Tesco tax'
By: Michelle Russell - 3 Apr 2012 09:59
Retailers in Northern Ireland have slammed the introduction this weekend of the so-called 'Tesco tax'.
A bacon coffin? Really?
By: Katy Askew - 29 Mar 2012 14:01
Every once in a while, I find my inbox to contain a press release that manages to stop me in my tracks. And that is just what happened today (29 March), when I saw that J&D's Foods has launched a bacon coffin.
Beef Products stung by "pink slime" panic
By: Michelle Russell - 28 Mar 2012 14:26
It seems Beef Products Inc has had enough of the controversy surrounding the "pink slime" it reportedly produces, and plans to suspend operations at three of its facilities until the issues are addressed.
McCain, Sobey families join forces
By: Katy Askew - 27 Mar 2012 17:23
Two of Canada's premier business clans, the McCains and the Sobeys, have joined forces to form SeaFort Capital, a new private-equity investment vehicle.
Ingredient firms see opportunity in high egg prices
By: Dean Best - 26 Mar 2012 15:40
Kerry Group and Arla Foods have been quick to highlight how they can help food manufacturers facing soaring egg prices in the wake of the new EU rules on animal welfare.
Kraft's choice of name may not be the only surprise
By: Dean Best - 23 Mar 2012 16:00
Mondelez International. The proposed name for Kraft Foods' global snacks business caused incredulity among many industry watchers but there could be further surprises ahead from the new company.
CAGE blog: Danone sees easing of input price pressure
By: Michelle Russell - 21 Mar 2012 20:25
With 2011 proving a tough year for manufacturers battling ever increasing commodity prices, Danone has told analysts it is likely to see some relief for the group in 2012.
CAGE blog: Heinz eyes growth through global mission
By: Katy Askew - 21 Mar 2012 15:51
Speaking during the Consumer Analyst Group Europe investor conference this week, the management of US giant Heinz once again took the opportunity to highlight the significance the group attaches to international expansion.
Premier's results unappetising
By: Dean Best - 19 Mar 2012 18:17
On the face of it, this morning's 2011 financial results from Premier Foods, the UK's largest food manufacturer, make less than appetising reading.
Viterra confirms takeover talks
By: Michelle Russell - 19 Mar 2012 17:22
Canadian agribusiness group Viterra said it has begun "exclusive negotiations" on a potential takeover bid.
Sugar, oil and cereals push up FAO commodity price index
By: Michelle Russell - 16 Mar 2012 13:32
An increase in sugar prices, coupled with increases in the prices of oils and cereals pushed the Food Price Index up for the month of February.
