The top two stories on just-food’s pages last week included Barry Callebaut’s deal to buy Petra Foods’ cocoa ingredients business and the European Commission’s warning it will come forward with ideas for a grocery code adjudicator next autumn if no system of self-regulation is in place. Elsewhere, there has been a focus on the dairy sector with FrieslandCampina announcing plans to cut over 200 jobs across its business in Germany, and Parmalat having had its offices raided by Italy’s financial police over an investigation into tax. We also brought you news from the FDEA’s UK export event in London where just-food was an exclusive partner.
In the spotlight: Barry Callebaut believes in pricey Petra deal
It was the day when thousands of couples across Asia tied the knot on the ‘lucky’ date of 12/12/12 and Barry Callebaut CEO Juergen Steinemann was able to announce the chocolate giant’s own marriage.
Go deeper with GlobalData
EU: Brussels warns industry on grocery adjudicator
The European Commission has said it will come forward with ideas for a grocery code adjudicator next autumn if there is no system of self-regulation in place.
ITALY: Parmalat HQ searched in tax probe
Italian dairy Parmalat has had its offices raided today (10 December) by Italy’s financial police over an investigation into tax.
UK: SE Asia presents export opportunity, UK firms told
Markets in south-east Asia should be a target for UK food exporters, the country’s government said today (13 December).
UPDATE: GERMANY: Supermarket power prompted FrieslandCampina cuts
The power of German food retailers has forced FrieslandCampina to shake up its business in the country, including axing over 200 jobs, the Dutch dairy giant has said.
EXCLUSIVE: Govt upping support for UK food exports – minister
The UK is increasing the level of support it offers food exporters through free trade agreements, practical advice and knowledge-sharing, a senior government minister insisted today (13 December).
UK: Warburtons pulls bread lines from central Europe
UK baker Warburtons has pulled its bread lines from sale in Tesco stores in central Europe.
NETHERLANDS/UK: Vion strikes deal for MBO of UK pork arm
Vion has finalised a deal for an MBO of its UK pork arm, which is among a series of assets in the country the Dutch food group is looking to sell.
FRANCE: Danone to cut costs to revitalise European business
Danone is to cut EUR200m (US$261m) in costs from its European operations in a bid to “win back its competitive edge” in the region after falling sales.
