Latest food industry analysis

With plant-based products growing in popularity and investment in lab-created products on the rise, we present a guide on how meat manufacturers are investing in the area.

How could food industry M&A take shape in 2021? 4 Jan 2021

We speak to four experienced M&A advisers about how they expect deal-making in the packaged-food industry to take shape in 2021.

2020 – The year in food industry M&A 22 Dec 2020

Andy Coyne looks at significant transactions and emerging themes in merger, acquisition and investment activity in the global food sector during a year like no other.

"We see consumer behaviours evolving in ways we think will stick beyond the pandemic" – General Mills' CEO Jeff Harmening on H1 results 21 Dec 2020

General Mills reaped rewards from Covid-19 shopping behaviour in its fiscal first half as organic growth picked up. Simon Harvey looks at the key talking points behind the results.

What are the prospects for vertical farming in Europe? 16 Dec 2020

David Green

The first phase of construction on Europe's largest vertical farm was completed and the companies behind the site are confident about the sector's outlook, David Green writes.

Plant-based priorities – dairy companies with a stake in dairy-free 16 Dec 2020

just-food rounds up what the world's leading dairy businesses, or food majors with a significant dairy offering, are providing in the dairy-free product area.

A "moral obligation" ... and "future-proofing" the company – Nestle's mission on emissions 9 Dec 2020

The world's largest food maker has caught the eye with the announcement of its plan to go "net zero". We canvass reaction from campaign and investor circles.

Predicting the unpredictable – operating in the UK in 2021 2 Dec 2020

Covid-19 and Brexit are the backdrop for what looks set to be a challenging year for those operating in the UK. Andy Coyne reports.

Why there'll be no return to business as usual for global food industry in 2021 1 Dec 2020

Ben Cooper

We reflect on the sustainability issues facing the industry in 2021. Might there be a shift in how long-standing challenges facing the global food system are addressed?

Danone plays catch up with food peers as French giant adapts to pandemic challenge 25 Nov 2020

Danone has revealed a new corporate structure, designed to reboot profit margins and improve efficiencies. Simon Harvey looks at the key talking points.

Meat-loving Russians ready to give substitutes chance 23 Nov 2020

Lena Smirnova

Traditionally a society of meat lovers, Russians are developing a taste for meat substitutes – and food manufacturers from home and abroad, and of all sizes, are reacting.

Reusable packaging – from green to grubby and back again? 23 Nov 2020

David Burrows

Covid boosted single-use packaging, causing concern progress on reusables had been dented. However, high-profile trials are taking place. What lies ahead for reuse and refill?

Beyond Meat's Q3 prompts plant-based reassessment 18 Nov 2020

In the wake of quarterly results that disappointed Wall Street, Dean Best reports on some of the questions facing Beyond Meat – and the plant-based meat category.

What's PAI Partners' game plan in buying two UK food groups at once? 12 Nov 2020

Andy Coyne takes a closer look at PAI Partners' acquisition of UK chilled food businesses Winterbotham Darby and Addo Food Group and asks sector experts to interpret the move.

Premier Foods no longer a 'zombie' as debt cuts open doors to M&A 11 Nov 2020

Premier Foods has made some significant progress in reducing its debt, leaving the door ajar for potential future M&A. Simon Harvey looks at the landscape ahead.

Dirty vegan to clean label – the questions facing plant-based products, ingredients and nutrition 5 Nov 2020

David Burrows

Questions about the processing behind plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy are growing. Is the criticism justified or is the buoyant industry being unfairly targeted?

ABF stays pragmatic amid recent Covid-assisted grocery growth 4 Nov 2020

Covid-19 has helped drive Associated British Foods' grocery arm and the UK group is keen to build on that growth but, for all the recent gains, remains judicious in its thinking.

Data may trump D2C debate as Nestle swoops for Freshly 2 Nov 2020

Nestle has paid a healthy multiple for a firm that, while growing rapidly, may remain a leader in a niche. But it's the consumer data on offer that could give the deal some spice.

Nestle proves resilient to Covid challenge with outlook "to hang your hat on" 22 Oct 2020

Nestlé surprised markets this week with a strong set of financial results, despite the difficulties faced from Covid-19. Simon Harvey reviews the key talking points.

Can cell-based dairy muscle way into crowded dairy-alts market? 22 Oct 2020