All articles by Elizabeth Cooke
Elizabeth Cooke is a trainee reporter, specialising in thematic intelligence. She graduated with a degree in French and Philosophy from Oxford University in 2022.

Elizabeth Cooke
Signal: France legislates for early reopening of price negotiations
New laws to be imposed on large food manufacturers in France to start early price negotiations and disclose shrinkflation.
Signal: JBS pushes forward with fresh investment in cell-based meat
The cultured protein innovation centre is aimed at making production “more efficient” and “economically competitive”.
Signal: With Hostess, Smucker gambles on continued growth of indulgent snacks
Analysts are divided on the wisdom of J.M. Smucker’s acquisition of Twinkies owner Hostess Brands.
Signal: Tyson Foods deploys autonomous trucks in collaboration with Gatik AI
A dearth of truck drivers and supply chain talent sees Tyson Foods turning to autonomous “middle-mile” logistics.
Signal: Butternut Box to expand European presence with fresh funding
Butternut Box, the direct-to-consumer dog-food business, is gearing up for expansion in Europe.
Signal: Nestlé, DSM-Firmenich, Cargill lead way on plant-based meat patent applications
Nestlé, DSM-Firmenich and Cargill have been among the most active companies in plant-based meat innovation, data suggests.
Signal: corporate attention on private-label remains strong amid high inflation
Unilever and South Africa’s Tiger Brands have attributed low growth in some segments to the incursion of private labels.
Deal focus: Campbell Soup Co. aims to reinvigorate meals sales with Rao’s owner Sovos
The acquisition will fulfil Campbell’s objective of having a $1bn sauces business on board, but it may face challenges elsewhere.
Tweets of the week: UK border food checks and US EATS Act debate
The UK’s delayed border food checks and animal-welfare rules in the US have caused a stir.
Filings signal: Food sector annual filings show increased regulatory concerns
Company filings’ mentions of “regulations” within the food sector have increased year on year between 2016 and 2022.