Food industry hot issues

Brexit and the food industry

How will the UK's departure from the EU affect the food industry? This page brings together the latest news and views on the impact Brexit could have on the sector.

Amazon pushes into bricks-and-mortar retailing with Whole Foods move

The e-commerce giant has surprised the industry with a move to buy US natural and organics retailer Whole Foods Market.

Nestle mulls future of US confectionery arm

The Butterfinger and Raisinets owner is "exploring strategic options" for the unit.

Brazil meat giant JBS, the President and claims of bribery

JBS, the Brazil-based meat behemoth, is at the centre of bribery allegations that have led some to call for the country's President to resign.

Unilever makes acquisition - in food

Excluding ice cream, much of Unilever's corporate moves in the food sector in recent years has been to offload assets. In April, the company snapped up fledgling US condiments firm Sir Kensington's.

Post Holdings emerges as buyer for Weetabix

The US group expands breakfast cereal business with move for household UK brand.

Stonyfield on block as Danone clears WhiteWave deal

Danone has agreed to sell US organic dairy business Stonyfield to get local regulatory clearance for its acquisition of WhiteWave Foods. What interest could there be in Stonyfield?

Unilever announces results of business review

Spreads set for exit door as FMCG giant shakes up business in wake of Kraft Heinz takeover interest

just-food reports from Natural Products Expo West 2017

Read insight and interviews from one of the must-attend events in the US industry calendar

Brazil's meat industry embroiled in scandal

Brazilian police allege large meat processing companies of paying politicians and inspectors from Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture to overlook unsanitary practices.

Kraft Heinz approaches Unilever with merger offer

3G Capital and Warren Buffett's latest move in food has been to sound out the Ben & Jerry's and Knorr owner about a combination.

Nestle's new CEO unveils 2016 results - and sets out stall

The numbers from the world's largest food maker included its slowest growth for 20 years, while new boss Mark Schneider ended the company's long-standing sales target and set out plans to step up restructuring.

All change at Aryzta

The Switzerland-based bakery group, facing questions over its performance from some investors, has announced the resignations of its CEO and CFO.

Reckitt Benckiser's surprise move for Mead Johnson

The Dettol-to-Durex owner has tabled a takeover bid for the US-based infant formula group.

Takeover talk surrounds Weetabix

China's Bright Food is said to be looking to sell its 60% stake in Weetabix - and four bidders are reported to be ready to make offers for the UK-based breakfast cereal group.

How will 2017 shape up for the food industry?

We present the results of our 2017 Confidence Survey and take a deeper look at areas including consumer trends, foodservice and the digital sphere.

Bellamy's Australia under pressure

The infant formula and baby food business has come under scrutiny over concerns about its business in China.

France's Financiere Turenne Lafayette under scrutiny

The finances of the owner of William Saurin ready meals and Madrange meats are in the spotlight after an audit revealed "a misrepresentation of the group's accounts over several years".

3G Capital linked to Mondelez International

March 2017 will mark two years since 3G Capital and partner Warren Buffett combined Heinz with Kraft Foods Group. Could Mondelez be where the investors turn next?

US food majors and their investment vehicles

In a bid to adapt to the evolving landscape in the US food industry, some of the largest names in the sector have set up funds to invest in smaller, on-trend companies.

South Africa's challenging poultry market

Cheap imports, drought and a volatile rand have led to tough conditions in South Africa's poultry industry.

Unilever's 2016 investor day

Senior management at the consumer goods giant met analysts in north-west England to discuss the company's strategy.

President Trump and the food industry

We detail President Trump's pronouncements as they relate to the food industry.

Packaged food in Thailand - a market profile

just-food takes a detailed look at the dynamics of the packaged food sector in Thailand.

What is the outlook for the low-FODMAP diet?

FODMAPs are sugars said to cause digestive issues and markets for foods low in the ingredients are growing, notably in North America and Australia. We look at developments so far.

The rise of zero-based budgeting

More food companies are adopting the practice of zero-based budgeting in an attempt to manage costs and boost profits. What is zero-based budgeting? Who is using it and why? And how does it help?

How investors are calling for action on meat production

There are growing calls from the investment community for the world's food giants to look at how - and how much - they source and process meat

UK tycoon Boparan becomes Bernard Matthews' latest owner

Ranjit Singh Boparan, the head of the UK's 2 Sisters Food Group, snaps up Europe's largest turkey producer in a pre-pack administration deal.

Fighting obesity in children

The UK government has published a "plan of action" to tackle the issue in England, while senior medical professionals in the US have published guidelines on the consumption of added sugars by children.

Australia's food companies announce FY results

It's been reporting season in Australia, with listed companies from Murray Goulburn to Freedom Foods Group filing their annual figures.