Two major US food companies – Campbell Soup Co. and Dean Foods – last week made announcements affecting the future of their domestic operations. Another, Kellogg, revealed it had agreed plans for a venture further afield, in China. Elsewhere, the MD of Australia’s number two grocer, Coles, issued a warning to suppliers and we interviewed senior executives at Kraft Foods and Dairy Crest about their moves on health and wellness and on sustainability.
US: Campbell Soup Co. to close two US plants
US food group Campbell Soup Co. is to shut two domestic plants, citing falling canned soup sales among the reasons for the move.
US: Dean Foods looks at Morningstar disposal
US dairy giant Dean Foods has said it is considering the sale of its Morningstar business, a producer of creams and cultured dairy products for foodservice and own-label firms.
AUS: Coles MD McLeod issues warning to suppliers
Coles MD Ian McLeod has told suppliers into Australia’s grocery sector the retailer’s work to lower prices and invest in private label means the “status quo” in the industry is “changing”.
CHINA: Kellogg to set up venture with Wilmar International
Kellogg is to team up with Singapore agribusiness giant Wilmar International to manufacture and sell cereal and snacks in China.
just the answer: Kraft’s Vicky Evans Stencel on sodium cuts
Kraft Foods senior health and wellness director Vicky Evans Stencel spoke to Katy Askew and Dean Best about Kraft’s balancing act to deliver familiar flavours through reformulated recipes in order to address health concerns.

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By GlobalDataSustainability Watch – John O’Maoileoin, Dairy Crest
An eventful summer, including fierce protests over milk prices, eclipsed Dairy Crest’s publication of 40 corporate responsibility pledges. Ben Cooper speaks to the company’s John O’Maoileoin about the UK company’s initiatives, including its relationships with suppliers.
CANADA: Dare Foods outlines M&A targets
Privately-owned Canadian food group Dare Foods has said it is looking to make acquisitions, with a focus on the cracker and snack sectors.
US: Peanut butter recall expanded
A recall of Trader Joe’s own-label peanut butter – which is believed to be contaminated with salmonella – has been expanded to include products on sale at other US retailers.