Food industry hot issues

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.

Nestle quits US confectionery market

Ferrero has snapped up Nestle's confectionery business in the US, with the world's largest maker insisting it "remains committed to growing" its candy operations elsewhere.

Salmonella scandal rocks Lactalis

The French dairy giant has seen more than 30 children fall sick after consuming formula thought to have been contaminated by salmonella.

Campbell and Hershey gobble up US snacks groups

In a surprise one-two the week before Christmas, Campbell is to buy US savoury snacks giant Snyder's-Lance and Hershey has struck a deal to acquire Amplify Snack Brands.

The food industry in 2018

We present the industry issues and trends to watch next year.

Nestle linked with Hain Celestial

The world's largest food maker has reportedly had preliminary talks about buying part or all of the US group.

The food industry and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals

Food manufacturers have been prominent in the first wave of corporations aligning with the UN SDGs and the goals are becoming a focal point for industry sustainability strategies.

The sale of US snack maker Inventure Foods

A year after announcing a review of its options, Inventure Foods has agreed to a sale to fellow US savoury snacks business Utz Quality Foods.

UK meatpacker Hilton moves into seafood

Hilton Food Group, the UK meat supplier serving retailers in Europe and Australasia, has branched out into seafood via M&A.

2 Sisters Food Group faces poultry allegations

One of the UK food giant's domestic poultry plants is at the centre of labelling and hygiene regulations.

Nestle's 2017 Investor Day

The world's largest food maker met investors and analysts in London to discuss its strategy - the first time recently-installed CEO Mark Schneider formally put across his vision for the group.

The impact of sustainability on food M&A

With rising consumer interest in the link between what they eat and the impact on the environment, shopper (and corporate) demand for brands perceived to be more ethical is growing.

Australian dairy Murray Goulburn agrees to sale

Canada's Saputo has struck a deal to buy Murray Goulburn after the loss-making Australian co-op launched a review of its business in June.

Fipronil contamination rocks Europe egg sector

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

Mondelez names new CEO

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

'Dual quality' food sold in the EU

Four central European countries - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - 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.

Corruption allegations rock meat giant JBS

JBS, the Brazil-based meat behemoth, has seen two senior executives arrested over corruption allegations that have taken in the country's President.

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.