just-food’s headlines were this week dominated by the Europe’s largest retailers, with Carrefour, Tesco, Ahold and Delhaize all making key announcements. While Tesco welcomed a new chief executive, Fonterra announced its boss would leave the hot seat after eight years. Elsewhere, Fairtrade Fortnight started in the UK and we marked the event with one of two CSR interviews to feature on the site this week. Click on the headlines to find out more.
UPDATE: FRANCE: Carrefour spin-off plans earn cool reception
The market has responded coolly to Carrefour’s proposal to spin off its Dia and Carrefour Property businesses, with shares in the French retail giant dipping following the announcement.
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In the spotlight – What are Clarke’s plans for Tesco?
As new Tesco CEO Philip Clarke gets his feet under the table today (3 March) at the UK’s largest grocer, just-food considers what his priorities may be in the coming months.
On the money: Ahold eyeing M&A opportunities
Ahold CEO Dick Boer said today (3 March) that the Dutch retailer is looking to expand through acquisitions and expects “more opportunities to arise” this year.
Talking shop: Are the Balkans to become the next retail battleground?
After a long and drawn-out courtship, it was announced yesterday (3 March) that Belgium’s Delhaize has acquired Delta Maxi, the retail arm of Serbia’s largest company by turnover, Delta Holdings. The move represents the first significant foray by one of Europe’s retail giants into the region and significantly expands Delhaize’s reach in the area. Katy Humphries reports.
Focus: Iceland Foods boss Walker confident in face of sales slowdown
With recovery in the UK seemingly kicking in and the exodus of consumers to discount grocery retailers ebbing, Iceland Foods has witnessed a slowdown in sales growth of late. Nevertheless, chief executive Malcolm Walker remains confident in his firm’s prospects for growing revenues this year. Katy Humphries reports.
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By GlobalDataNZ: Fonterra CEO Ferrier to step down
Fonterra’s chief executive Andrew Ferrier has signalled his intention to step down from the post in the second half of this year.
Fairtrade hits the billion mark but looks to stay true to its roots
Passing the GBP1bn (US$1.6bn) mark in the UK is a significant milestone for Fairtrade but in spite of its mainstream success, the organisation aims to retain its campaigning ethos. Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, told Ben Cooper how.
Sustainability Watch – Eco labelling
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has just published research into environmental labelling which suggests a footprint-based omni-label for food is a long way off. Ben Cooper asks Dr Tom MacMillan, executive director of the Food Ethics Council and one of the report’s authors, where this leaves the debate over food eco labelling.
The just-food management briefing – Functional foods
The functional food channel is set to grow year-on-year by between 3% and 5% over the next five years. Growth is being driven by new product development and increased customer concerns over health, giving an opportunity for manufacturers to premiumise their brands. This management briefing explores the opportunities and issues facing this fast-growing sector.
