The raging debate over GMOs in the US, ongoing industry consolidation in the country, the fact promotions were not driving volumes in Europe and the scrutiny on sugar and obesity piqued our team’s interest in 2014 – and yours, too. These are the most-read comment pieces on just-food this year.
Vermont labelling law puts spotlight back on GMOs
The GMO debate has again taken centre stage in the US, with Vermont becoming the first state to require the labelling of genetically modified organisms in food products.
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Editor’s viewpoint: Land of the minnows
Size matters, right? Scale – and the economic benefits that come with it – provide a business with clout smaller competitors find hard to battle. However, could large food companies be losing some of the advantage gained from their size?
Shopper trends: Industry must rethink promo strategy
Across Europe, the level of promotions in grocery stores continued to increase in 2013 – but without boosting sales volumes. IRI’s Tim Eales says the sector needs to review how they promote in order to drive sales.
Editor’s viewpoint: Why sale the best bet for Goodman Fielder
For the more patriotic sections of Australia’s food industry, there is likely to be some dismay at the prospect of another local food company falling into overseas ownership. But the proposed sale of Goodman Fielder, one of the country’s largest food manufacturers, looks to be the right move for its shareholders – and for the business as a whole.
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Editor’s viewpoint: Domestic challenge for General Mills
General Mills chief Ken Powell did his best yesterday (25 June) to be positive despite a surprise fall in sales in the US food giant’s fourth quarter rounding off a challenging year for the company. Powell insisted General Mills had plenty of ways to revitalise its top line but the Cheerios and Yoplait owner faces another challenging year.
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By GlobalDataM&A Watch: Why Raisio should sell to private equity
Raisio, the Finland-based group behind brands including Benecol, Honey Monster cereals and Fox’s confectionery, has, in recent years, tried to grow via M&A. However, Stefan Kirk of M&A advisors Glenboden questions the company’s strategy and believes it should be sold to a private-equity firm to unlock value.
Editor’s viewpoint: Dairy Crest’s appeal may grow after deals
Strategically, Dairy Crest’s deals with fellow UK dairy group Fayrefield Foods and New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra to serve the global infant formula market are astute moves. But the deals could also catch the eye of some of the world’s larger dairy processors about Dairy Crest’s new capabilities.
US food sector consolidation sees raising valuations
The dramatic M&A battle being played out in the US protein space comes as fresh evidence that food companies are willing to pay top-dollar for quality businesses in a consolidating sector.
Sugar reduction pledge, not tax, could interest regulators
A tax on sugar has again hit the headlines in recent days, with a call from campaign group Action on Sugar and, significantly, after a key expert on obesity said new policies should be looked at. However, Ben Cooper says evidence sin taxes work is sketchy, although he argues Action on Sugar’s separate call for an industry pledge to lower sugar could interest regulators.
Mondelez digital strategy suffers blow with UK ruling
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority dealt Mondelez International a blow today (26 November) when it found the group’s YouTube ads breach the country’s advertising code. The ruling is significant for the snacks giant given the recent video-streaming drive it hopes will position it as a “digital pioneer”. Mondelez is nevertheless wise to forge ahead in its bid to connect with consumers online, Katy Askew suggests.
