Tesco was again in the spotlight last week after another quarter of falling sales. Like-for-like sales dropped in each of its markets. Elsewhere, Unilever outlined plans to cut 2,000 jobs and further trim its product portfolio in reaction, it said, to a global economic slowdown.
Talking shop: Tesco faces “difficult decisions” at home and abroad
Tesco clearly has a lot on its plate. On the one hand, the UK’s largest retailer is focused on transforming its domestic business through a capital intensive programme of store refurbishments and a potentially margin-dilutive drive online. On the other, the need to reverse overseas volume declines in order to shore-up international margins is pressing. CEO Philip Clarke is attempting to perform a complex balancing act. Katy Askew reports.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
UK: Unilever to cut 2,000 jobs in cost-saving drive
Unilever will shed 2,000 jobs from its global workforce this year as the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream maker further streamlines its operations.
FRANCE: Danone suspends deliveries to Systeme U
Danone has suspended deliveries of yoghurts and milk desserts to French retailer Système U because of a long-running dispute over their commercial relationship.
US: Food companies “not ready” for online growth
Consumer packaged companies in the US, including food manufacturers, are “under-estimating” the potential of the online channel and are no ready to exploit the growth of the sector, research from Deloitte has claimed.
Comment: ConAgra battles consumer tide with innovation push
ConAgra Foods’ move to step up innovation is a sensible response to disappointing first-quarter sales. But, as the innovation pipeline kicks in, will this be enough to retain consumers won over to the US food group’s ready meals and meal solutions during the downturn?
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataOn the move: the challenge of revitalising Wal-Mart
Doug McMillon may have followed Mike Duke’s path at Wal-Mart with the move from head of international to the CEO’s office and, in some ways, he has some foundations on which to build the next stage of the retailer’s growth. But he faces some significant challenges ahead.
INDIA: Hershey launches Jolly Rancher candy
Hershey has made its first major move as an independent player in India with the announcement of plans to launch US candy brand Jolly Rancher into the country.
FRANCE: Poultry group Doux exits administration
Groupe Doux, the French poultry processor, has left administration after 18 months, after securing court backing for a change of ownership at the company.
UPDATE: SWEDEN: Candyking plans investment in growth via listing
Swedish confectioner Candyking has said it plans increase investment to accelerate growth in new and existing markets.
UK: United Biscuits to shed 76 jobs
United Biscuits has confirmed that it plans to cut a total of 76 head office and manufacturing jobs.
