Another week dominated by results, notably Marks and Spencers, Associated British Foods and Barry Callebaut. A story that broke late this week and could have severe repercussions is the approval of sweetener stevia for use in the EU. Meanwhile, floods hit food producers in Thailand and the death toll sadly continues to rise in the US listeria outbreak. Click on the headlines for more.
EUROPE: EU approves stevia sweetener use
The European Commission has formally approved stevia sweeteners for use within the European Union for the first time. Several producers, including Cargill and PureCircle, have outlined strong sales potential for stevia in Europe.
On the money: ABF outperform but doubts remain over 2012
Associated British Foods (ABF) annual results came in ahead of expectations, but analysts have said question marks remain over 2012 because of struggles in Australia.
THAILAND: Nestle halts production at facilities in Thailand
Nestle has confirmed that production at two of its factories in Thailand has stopped as a result of floods that hit the country late last month.
On the money: Food provides M&S’ silver lining
A rise in food sales was the silver lining in Marks and Spencer’s first-half results. Chief executive Marc Bolland pointed out how it has managed to maintain market share at a time when all of its supermarket competitors have been in a “race for space”.
Sustainability Watch – local sourcing
In the second part of this Sustainability Watch, Ben Cooper discusses the local sourcing challenge with Bob Gordon, head of environment at the British Retail Consortium.
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By GlobalDataOn the money: Sainsbury’s aims to shed price perception
Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King heralded the company’s work to alter consumer’s perceptions of the supermarket’s position on price – but admitted there is still work to do
US: CEO succession concerns PepsiCo board – report
Members of the PepsiCo board of directors have expressed frustration at the lack of a potential successor to CEO Indra Nooyi, according to reports.
GLOBAL: WTO membership looms after Georgia deal
EU food producers body COPA-COGECA has welcomed the likely accession of Russia to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), following a weekend deal over membership struck with Georgia.
US: Cantaloupe listeria death toll rises
The total number of people who have died from the cantaloupe listeria outbreak in the US has reached 29, making it the largest food-borne outbreak in US history.
On the money: Morrisons ready for growth, coy on Iceland
Morrisons chief executive Dalton Philips said its offering to cash-strapped consumers and the “professional shopper” is behind the supermarket chain’s third-quarter growth. He remained close-lipped over speculation the company will swoop for Iceland Foods.