Food industry hot issues

just-food's highly-regarded staff of columnists have been selected to deliver the very best in food industry opinion across a broad spectrum of disciplines from emerging markets and the environment to forecasts and finance.

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.

Fipronil contamination rocks Europe egg sector

The contamination of eggs in the Netherlands with the insecticide fipronil has led to recalls in three European markets.

Mondelez names new CEO

The snacks giant has hired McCain Foods chief Dirk van de Put to lead the Oreo owner.

The alleged 'dual quality' of food sold in the EU

Four central European countries - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - have led claims some multinationals are selling identically-branded food of different quality in the EU.

McCormick snaps up Reckitt Benckiser's condiments

The US-based spices and sauces group has emerged as the buyer of a business including French's mustard and Frank's RedHot sauce.

What are the prospects for direct-to-consumer?

Faced with stagnant mainstream retail channels, the growth of discounters and the rise in e-commerce, food manufacturers are eyeing selling directly to shoppers.

Sustainability: does it shape what consumers buy?

If a company invests in making its products healthier or more sustainable, does it actually lead to increased sales?

Nestle latest to feel heat from activist investor

From the old HJ Heinz to the former Cadbury Schweppes, through in more recent times to PepsiCo and ConAgra Foods, manufacturers can often be targets for activist investors. Now it's Nestle's turn.

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 sold as Danone clears WhiteWave deal

Danone has agreed to sell Stonyfield to get local regulatory clearance for its acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, with Lactalis emerging as the buyer of the US organic dairy business.

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.