Food industry hot issues

Big Meat muscles into alternatives

The growing consumer interest in cutting meat intake and eating alternatives to meat has caught the attention of the world's largest meat companies, which are using M&A, equity investments and NPD to grab a piece of the action.

The rise of Beyond Meat

The US vegan business is among those leading the charge as demand for plant-based food rises - and investors are betting big on the company's growth, too.

Big Food talks VC arms, accelerators and incubators

A one-stop shop featuring our interviews with Big Food execs at the forefront of reshaping their innovation processes and portfolios.

Under-pressure Kraft Heinz in spotlight

The US-based food giant is finding the going tough, squeezed by private label and more agile, on-trend brands.

Food industry M&A in 2018

A run-down of the major transactions that shaped the global packaged food sector in 2018.

The rise of vegan food in the UK - and what could happen next

The UK is said to have launched more vegan products than any other nation in 2018. What is the outlook for a buoyant category?

What might a 'no-deal' Brexit mean?

What could be the impact on the food industry if the UK and EU fail to reach a deal on Brexit?

What to monitor in 2019

just-food presents a series of articles setting out the issues and trends to watch next year.

Greencore quits US

London-listed private-label supplier exits after a decade trying to build business Stateside.

From NAFTA to USMCA

The US, Canada and Mexico - members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - have struck a deal to replace the pact with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Dispatches from 2018 Trend Hunter Future Festival

Lucy Britner reports back from Toronto, where the latest consumer trends were unpicked

Campbell in tussle with activist investor

The under-pressure US food group has decided against a sale of the business and instead intends to pursue the disposal of selected assets.

You've bought a challenger brand - now what?

Big Food is regularly acquiring challenger brands - but what should major food companies do with their new asset to ensure they maintain growth rates and not suffocate the new kid on the block?

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi steps aside

After 12 years at the top of the US food and beverage giant, Nooyi hands over to fellow PepsiCo veteran Ramon Laguarta.

Greenyard under spotlight after listeria outbreak

The European vegetables supplier is seen as the likely source of a fatal listeria outbreak.

Nestle's portfolio change under CEO Mark Schneider

Since Mark Schneider took the top job at the world's largest food company in early 2017, the Swiss giant has steadily reshaped its business.

Premier Foods CEO Gavin Darby to step down

Gavin Darby to stand down as boss of the UK manufacturer in January 2019 after six - often fractious - years at the helm.

Conagra Brands strikes deal for US peer Pinnacle Foods

Two of the largest, listed food manufacturers in the US - Conagra Brands and Pinnacle Foods - are to combine.

Plastics rise up consumer agenda

Plastic has become perhaps the hottest sustainability topic and food companies are reacting with pledges - but are they enough?

Campbell Soup Co. CEO departs

Denise Morrison exits after seven years at the helm after trying to reshape the US food giant but the company still facing problems.

Tyrrells gets third owner in two years

The UK-based savoury snacks business is set to move to Germany's Intersnack.

Insect-based food in western markets

More than 2bn people globally eat insects such as caterpillars, termites and crickets in countries like Thailand and Mexico. However, a market is growing in North America and Europe.

Competition watchdog blocks Sainsbury's, Asda merger

The potential combination between the UK's second- and third-largest food retailers has been thrown out.

Brazil's BRF in spotlight

BRF endured its second year in a row in the red in 2017 amid fraud allegations. And the Brazil meat giant has spent early 2018 rocked amid tension over the make-up of its board and the departure of its CEO.

The growing interest in B Corp certification

Food manufacturers, from the very small to just about as large as they come, have found themselves drawn to the B Corp ideals of sustainable business.

The ups and downs at French poultry firm Doux

Groupe Doux, the French poultry processor, has had a turbulent decade. After going into administration in 2012, Doux filed for liquidation in March 2018.

The UK's approach to tackling obesity

The UK government has launched a series of measures to try to tackle rising obesity, largely taking a voluntary approach over regulation.

CAGNY 2018

At a key date on conference calendar, investors hear how companies from Kellogg to Tyson Foods are navigating some of the most challenging conditions seen in the sector for a generation.

Accelerators and incubators

A number of food majors are using accelerator and incubator programmes to invest in fledgling companies. Why?

UK meat supply back in spotlight

Allegations of "serious non-compliance" at UK meat supplier Russell Hume has seen questions over the country's meat supply chain return to the fore.