How is coronavirus affecting food industry?

The latest news and views on the impact the outbreak is having on our sector.

The Covid-19 coronavirus and the food industry - live blog (free to read) 3 Apr 2020

just-food's coronavirus free live blog is your one-stop shop for news on how the Covid-19 outbreak is impacting the world's food industry.

Sanderson Farms cuts output estimate as Covid-19 wrecks havoc on foodservice 3 Apr 2020

Sanderson Farms, the US-based poultry firm, has lowered its production estimate for the year as Covid-19 wrecks havoc on its mainstay foodservice business.

Germany loosens restrictions on foreign agricultural workers 3 Apr 2020

Germany has changed its policy on the use of foreign workers by the country's agriculture industry during the coronavirus epidemic, it has announced.

Coronavirus - Agropur cuts staff levels 3 Apr 2020

Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur is putting some non-essential workers on temporarily leave and eliminating other positions as a result of coronavirus.

Covid-19 - India's food industry hit by production, supply disruption 2 Apr 2020

India's food sector has been hit hard by the country's lockdown, with most factories closed and with supply chains disrupted, leading to distribution effectively being suspended.

Rabobank report highlights plight of European foodservice operators 2 Apr 2020

Research from Dutch banking group Rabobank has highlighted issues facing European foodservice suppliers as national governments attempt to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.

PepsiCo provides $45m to help ease global coronavirus hardship 2 Apr 2020

Food and beverages giant PepsiCo is providing financial aid to fight the global battle against coronavirus.

Coronavirus - Lamb Weston sees flicker of improvement in China but notes risks elsewhere 2 Apr 2020

While Lamb Weston withdrew its financial guidance yesterday (1 April) amid the uncertainties around coronavirus, a bright spot is emerging - China.

European dairy body calls for EU help to protect sector against Covid-19 impact 2 Apr 2020

The European Dairy Association (EDA) has asked for help to protect the sector against the impact of coronavirus.

Coronavirus - UK private-label supplier Bakkavor pulls guidance, suspends dividend payment 2 Apr 2020

Bakkavor, which warned in February the UK food business was seeing a "significant impact" from coronavirus, is now pulling financial guidance.

Meat processor BRF hires thousands to maintain production during Covid-19 2 Apr 2020

Brazilian meat giant BRF has announced a measure to help it maintain production and supply during the coronavirus outbreak.

Houlihan Lokey’s food M&A veteran Shaun Browne on sectors to watch – and how Covid-19 is affecting deal-making 1 Apr 2020

With 30 years working on M&A in the food industry, Houlihan Lokey's Shaun Browne is well-placed to survey the current factors affecting deals – including Covid-19.

Covid-19 - Lamb Weston latest food company to pull guidance 1 Apr 2020

Lamb Weston Holdings, the US potato products manufacturer, has reported a "mixed" fiscal third quarter and provided an update on its full-year outlook amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Could Covid-19 make for more caring companies? 31 Mar 2020

How might corporate engagement in addressing major global issues, such as climate change and poverty, be affected by the coronavirus pandemic?

Coronavirus - Australia's TasFoods pulls guidance, cuts wasabi operations 31 Mar 2020

Australia's TasFoods has withdrawn its financial guidance due to the global uncertainties from the coronavirus outbreak.

Bakkavor under fire over sick pay, social distancing 31 Mar 2020

UK private-label food firm Bakkavor is facing criticism over certain business practices during the coronavirus crisis.

Fazer in "severe" situation as talks with staff over temporary lay-offs start 31 Mar 2020

Finland-based food manufacturer Fazer Group has announced further plans to temporarily lay-off employees in its home market.

McCormick withdraws financial guidance as Covid-19 weighs on sales 31 Mar 2020

McCormick & Co. has withdrawn its full-year financial guidance as the US-based spices and sauces maker feels the impact from Covid-19.

Conagra Brands expects to exceed guidance spurred by Covid-19-led retail gains 31 Mar 2020

US food major Conagra Brands expects to exceed its previously announced outlook spurred by Covid-19-led retail gains.

UK grocery spending jumped 28% amid Covid-19 rush - Kantar 31 Mar 2020

Consumers in the UK increased their grocery shop over a four-week period as the coronavirus crisis caused more people to eat at home.

Mars to reopen Netherlands plant after Covid-19-related shutdown 31 Mar 2020

Mars will reopen a chocolate production plant in the Netherlands today (31 March) shut down around a week ago due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus - Brazil's JBS cuts beef production at US plant 31 Mar 2020

Brazilian meat giant JBS plans to cut beef production at a facility in the US as a precautionary measure against coronavirus.

Lindt & Sprungli abandons 2020 targets in light of Covid-19 31 Mar 2020

Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has made an announcement with regard to its 2020 financial targets as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Canadian meat processor Olymel shuts Yamachiche plant amid Covid-19 cases 30 Mar 2020

Olymel, the pork and poultry processor that is part of Canada's Solio Cooperative Group, has temporarily closed a plant in Quebec.

As Greencore gets punished, is it time for UK stock market suspension, too? 30 Mar 2020

Greencore's shares tumbled after a coronavirus-affected trading update. Isn't it time manufacturers, particularly those keeping the UK fed, got a helping hand?

Coronavirus - UK union calls for social distancing in food factories 30 Mar 2020

The UK and Ireland's largest trade union, Unite, has called for additional safety measures to be put in place for those working in food factories.

Covid-19 crisis briefing - key daily updates from governments and commentators, 30 March (free to read) 30 Mar 2020

The latest daily update of the major developments around Covid-19, with particular respect to national government developments, forecasts and commentaries.

Coronavirus - Perdue Farms employee tests positive 30 Mar 2020

Perdue Farms, the US-based meat and poultry supplier, said one of its employees has tested positive for Covid-19.

Vitasoy blames Covid-19 for profit warning 30 Mar 2020

Vitasoy International Holdings, the Hong Kong-listed, plant-based food and beverage business, has made a Covid-19-linked profit announcement.

Coronavirus - 2 Sisters CEO in video appeal for workers to "feed the nation" 30 Mar 2020

2 Sisters Food Group has created a video featuring chief executive Ronald Kers appealing for workers to fill "several hundred" roles linked to the Covid-19 crisis.

Coronavirus - Greencore suspends guidance, puts some workers on leave 30 Mar 2020

Convenience foods producer Greencore is suspending financial guidance amid the uncertainty from coronavirus.

Dairy major Saputo eyes post-coronavirus M&A 27 Mar 2020

Saputo, the international dairy group, believes there will be more opportunity for acquisitions in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The top takeaways as dairy giant Saputo talks Covid-19 - analysis 27 Mar 2020

Canadian dairy major Saputo addressed analysts on Thursday (26 March) about the implications of Covid-19. Simon Harvey looks at the key talking points.

Moy Park sees staff walk out over Covid-19 safety fears 26 Mar 2020

UK meat processor Moy Park has seen staff at one of its facilities take action over Covid-19 safety fears.

Covid-19 crisis briefing - key daily updates from governments and commentators, 26 March (free to read) 26 Mar 2020

A daily update of the major developments around Covid-19, with particular respect to national government developments, forecasts and commentaries.

Coronavirus - 2 Sisters hiring "several hundred" workers amid unprecedented demand 26 Mar 2020

2 Sisters Food Group is hiring extra workers across its business units to cope with the upsurge in demand from coronavirus.

Nestle reveals coronavirus impact on India operations 25 Mar 2020

Nestle's publicly-listed subsidiary in India has outlined the impact the coronavirus outbreak is having on its business so far.

US grocery sales could increase 20% as a result of Covid-19 - analysis 25 Mar 2020

Investment research company Sanford Bernstein has suggested the Covid-19 virus could have major implications for the US grocery market.

Coronavirus - Keytone Dairy notes surge in demand for branded, private-label milk powders 25 Mar 2020

Keytone Dairy said it is experiencing a surge in demand for its milk powder products both from its branded customer base and also private-label clients.

Hilton Food Group results delayed but all facilities remain open 25 Mar 2020

UK-based Hilton Food Group is unable to publish its annual results as planned because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Unilever makes Covid-19 pledge to SME suppliers 24 Mar 2020

Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever has made a pledge to customers and suppliers that are struggling because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Sanderson Farms acts after employee tests positive for coronavirus 24 Mar 2020

US chicken business Sanderson Farms has outlined the action it has taken after one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.

Coronavirus - Aryzta envisages "material impact" as conditions deteriorate 24 Mar 2020

Aryzta said it now expects a "material impact" on its business this year from coronavirus as market conditions deteriorate.

Mondelez seeking to boost staff levels to deal with Covid-19 challenge 24 Mar 2020

US food giant Mondelez International has announced measures to help it deal with the impact of Covid-19 in its domestic market.

Only minority of UK shoppers stockpiling - Kantar 24 Mar 2020

A survey has been carried out into retail shopping habits in the UK during the coronavirus crisis and the thorny issue of stockpiling.

UK food industry SMEs "in crisis" following retailer de-listings 24 Mar 2020

A survey of UK-based food industry SMEs found they are having to fundamentally re-think their business strategies to cope with the Covid-19 outbreak.

Nestle CEO warns staff of upcoming Covid-19 "storm" 23 Mar 2020

Nestle CEO has praised the "commitment" of the company's staff, emphasised its "resilience" but warned the world's largest food maker to prepare for difficult times ahead.

US foodservice supplier Sysco turns focus onto retail 23 Mar 2020

Sysco, the US foodservice distribution giant, has turned its attention to a different business channel as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

FoodDrinkEurope calls on Brussels to relieve Covid-19 supply chain pressure 23 Mar 2020

Trade body FoodDrinkEurope (FDE) is asking the European Commission (EC) to intervene to relieve supply chain pressure during the coronavirus epidemic.

Coronavirus - J&J Snack Foods issues new warning on sales 23 Mar 2020

J&J Snack Foods has warned the impact on its sales from coronavirus could be twice as severe as earlier estimated.

Comvita postpones capital raise but points to Covid-19 sales boost 23 Mar 2020

New Zealand-based Manuka honey maker Comvita has updated the market on capital raising plans as demand for its products has noticeably increased in recent weeks.

Candy giant Cloetta withdraws dividend amid Covid-19 pressure 23 Mar 2020

Cloetta, the European confectionery supplier, has issued another update on how it sees the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak affecting the business.

Coronavirus - PepsiCo to hire more workers, offers compensatory pay benefits 23 Mar 2020

PepsiCo plans to take on thousands of new workers to meet the extra retail demand from the Covid-19 outbreak and will also offer pay benefits.

Kellogg "urgently" recruiting in UK to meet increased demand 20 Mar 2020

US cereal giant Kellogg is the latest food major to announce an initiative on jobs in the UK against a backdrop of increased demand linked to the Covid-19 epidemic.

UK relaxes grocer competition rules to bolster food supply 20 Mar 2020

The UK government is temporarily relaxing competition regulations to allow the country's major grocers to work more closely during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus - UK meat business Moy Park seeks hundreds of new workers as demand soars 20 Mar 2020

Moy Park, the UK-based meat processor owned by US poultry giant Pilgrim's Pride, is assessing staff levels in light of changing demand resulting from the coronavirus outbreak.

Canada's SunOpta expects to reap revenue benefits from Covid-19 19 Mar 2020

SunOpta, the Canadian organic food and beverages firm, expects to reap a benefit in terms of revenue from the Covid-19 crisis.

Covid-19 has profound implications for UK food system - Shore Capital 19 Mar 2020

One of the UK's well-known food industry analysts has said the Covid-19 outbreak could have a profound impact on the country's food system.

UK meat industry body warns of Covid-19 risks to supply 19 Mar 2020

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has warned that increased demand for meat as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic could have serious ramifications.

Coronavirus - Fazer Group announces temporary lay-offs 19 Mar 2020

Finland-based food manufacturer Fazer Group has made an announcement related to employee numbers as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

General Mills' ice cream sales in Asia hit by Covid-19 but sees increased traffic elsewhere 18 Mar 2020

General Mills said its Asian sales for the third quarter were impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak as ice cream revenues dwindled on government-led restrictions.

Coronavirus - Science in Sport says revenue down "sharply" in Italy but China recovered 18 Mar 2020

Science in Sport, the UK-based nutrition products manufacturer, said it has experienced a sharp reduction in revenues in Italy as a result of the coronavirus.

Hormel Foods outlines action taken to combat Covid-19 18 Mar 2020

US-based Hormel Foods has reported on the action it has taken to protect its business from the spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus - Bubs Australia boosts capacity, builds inventories 18 Mar 2020

Bubs Australia said it has boosted production capacity and increased shift rotas to meet a rise in demand for infant formula due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Greencore says too early to predict impact of Covid-19 on results 18 Mar 2020

Ireland-based private-label food manufacturer Greencore has updated the market on the impact the coronavirus outbreak is having on its business.

Coronavirus - Sweden's Midsona seeing surge in sales 17 Mar 2020

Midsona has increased production as the Sweden-based organic food business has seen increased demand due to coronavirus.

Coronavirus - European fruit, veg association working to ensure supplies 17 Mar 2020

Freshfel Europe, the Brussels-based body representing fresh fruit and vegetables producers, said it is working with its members to ensure supplies amid the coronavirus contagion.

Coronavirus - Sanderson Farms introduces strict guidelines for employees 17 Mar 2020

US chicken giant Sanderson Farms has announced the measures it is taking in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus and food industry SMEs - a survival plan 16 Mar 2020

Food business entrepreneur John Stapleton on the steps SMEs can take to help them get through coronavirus.

Impossible Foods targets coronavirus fight after raising multi-millions in funding round 16 Mar 2020

Impossible Foods, the US business which makes plant-based burgers and faux pork products, has announced fundraising news.

Coronavirus - Murray River Organics sees delays in shipping, orders 16 Mar 2020

Murray River Organics, a dried fruit snacks producer, said it has "experienced delays to shipping and orders" as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus - food company employees asked to work from home as crisis worsens 16 Mar 2020

Kraft Heinz and Cloetta are making changes to their working methods in an attempt to lessen the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their operations.

Coronavirus - J&J Snack Foods warns of potential impact on sales 13 Mar 2020

J&J Snack Foods, the US food business serving retail and foodservice channels, has warned its sales could be impacted by coronavirus.

Tesco seeks to reassure consumers on food supplies 13 Mar 2020

Tesco, the UK's largest grocer, has issued an update on its food supply pipeline amid reports of coronavirus-linked panic-buying.

Coronavirus - Brazilian meat processor BRF operating normally but protocols in place 13 Mar 2020

Brazilian meat processor BRF said its factories are operating normally amid the global coronavirus outbreak, which has now been declared a pandemic.

Coronavirus - Italian food producers working flat out to ensure retail supplies but longer-term risks remain 13 Mar 2020

Supermarkets in Italy will stay open through the coronavirus crisis as manufacturers work to ensure supplies, a government official has said.

Coronavirus - Premium Brands Holdings seeing impact on seafood sales to China 12 Mar 2020

Premium Brands Holdings, the acquisitive Canadian food firm, said it is starting to see the impact of coronavirus on sales.

Coronavirus - UK government "confident" on food supplies 10 Mar 2020

The UK government has commented on whether the UK's food supply will be interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Bell Food Group cancels AGM because of coronavirus 9 Mar 2020

Switzerland's Bell Food Group has made a decision about its 2020 annual general meeting as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Tesco starts rationing amid UK coronavirus-linked panic-buying 9 Mar 2020

The UK's largest supermarket, Tesco, has taken measures to deter people fearful of coronavirus-linked product shortages from stockpiling goods.

Coronavirus prompts dairy giant FrieslandCampina to trim growth forecast 6 Mar 2020

The coronavirus outbreak has led to another of the world's largest dairy companies to reassess how much it sees its sales growing in 2020.

Campbell Soup Co. 'ups production to meet increased demand linked to coronavirus' 5 Mar 2020

Campbell Soup Co. has said it is making changes to its production output as a response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seafood Expo North America latest trade show to fall foul of coronavirus 4 Mar 2020

The organisers of the Seafood Expo North America trade show have taken a decision about whether to proceed in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.

US food share prices 'could benefit from coronavirus' 3 Mar 2020

An analyst covering the US food industry has suggested that the coronavirus outbreak could have an impact on the performance of the sector's stocks.

US trade show Expo West cancelled in coronavirus scare 3 Mar 2020

The organisers of Expo West, the US new products show, have taken a decision about whether it should go ahead in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

High Liner reviewing China supply route in light of coronavirus 28 Feb 2020

Canada-based seafood firm High Liner Foods has said it has taken action in relation to Chinese supplies in light of the coronavirus which originated in the country.

Coronavirus – Nestle asks staff to put international travel on hold 27 Feb 2020

Nestle has issued new guidance to all employees due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has affected almost 50 countries.

Bakkavor feels "significant impact" from coronavirus on international business 27 Feb 2020

UK-based Bakkavor said the coronavirus outbreak in China is having a "significant impact" on the private-label firm's international business.

Coronavirus - Danone reveals sales impact forecast 27 Feb 2020

Speaking to analysts after reporting its 2019 financial results, Danone outlined how the company believes coronavirus will affect its sales.

Coronavirus - Italy's farmers union warns of disruption 26 Feb 2020

Italy's food sector is at risk of major disruption from the outbreak of coronavirus in the north of the country, national farmers' association Coldiretti has warned.

Keytone rolling out immunity-boosting SKUs for Chinese market 26 Feb 2020

New Zealand's Keytone Dairy has updated the market on the impact the coronavirus virus is having on its exports to China.

Mexico's Grupo Bimbo closes plant in China due to coronavirus 24 Feb 2020

The coronavirus outbreak in China has forced Mexico-based bakery behemoth Grupo Bimbo to temporarily close a plant in the Asian country.

Chile's salmon exports to China begin to pick up after coronavirus suspension 21 Feb 2020

Salmon farmers in Chile are starting to kick-start exports to China again after suspending shipments linked to coronavirus.

General Mills' Haagen-Dazs ice-cream operation in China hit by coronavirus 19 Feb 2020

US food major General Mills risks seeing its sales decline in Greater China after reporting the potential impact from the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus plays role in profit warning at Synlait Milk 13 Feb 2020

Synlait Milk, the New Zealand-based dairy and infant formula co-manufacturer, has lowered its profit guidance and cited the coronavirus outbreak as a factor in its decision.

HOT ISSUE