Unilever’s business in South Africa was in the spotlight this week after it emerged its offices were raided as part of a probe into collusion. Elsewhere, there were two notable M&A deals in dairy, with Arla Foods looking to merge with Belgium-based EGM Walhorn and Lactalis’s Parmalat bolstering its business in Australia with the acquisition of Harvey Fresh. Click on the headlines for more.
SOUTH AFRICA: Unilever raided in competition probe
The South African offices of Unilever and fats and oils supplier Sime Darby have been raided in a search and seizure operation conducted by the country’s competition officials.
UK: Tesco CFO McIlwee resigns
Tesco CFO Laurie McIlwee has decided to leave the UK retailer, it was announced this afternoon (4 April).
Focus: Parmalat could milk Harvey Fresh in Oz and overseas
Parmalat, majority-owned by French dairy giant Lactalis, has made a significant move to bolster its business in Australia 15 years after it first entered the market. Parmalat has snapped up Australian dairy and fruit juice firm Harvey Fresh, a deal industry watchers believe could help the Italian firm’s local business and help it expand its presence in Asia. Dean Best reports.
AUS: Goodman Fielder issues profit warning, jobs to go
Shares in Australian food firm Goodman Fielder plunged 22% today after the bread-to-dairy manufacturer announced it would not meet profit expectations for its 2014 financial year.
BELGIUM: Dairy co-ops Arla, EMG Walhorn propose merger
European dairy co-operatives Arla Foods and Eupener Genossenschaftsmolkerei Walhorn plan to merge their operations.
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By GlobalDataInterview: Sainsbury’s “redefining” convenient shopping
The development of digital platforms has transformed how retailers interact with consumers in the UK. To Sainsbury’s, the interaction between physical and digital platforms is key to delivering a full consumer experience. This requires a portfolio that spans the spectrum of formats, Kevin Barrett Sainsbury’s director of space and formats, tells just-food.
US: Specialty Brands to be next acquisition for B&G Foods
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Sustainability Watch – Mondelez International
Phrases like “”low-hanging fruit” and “win-wins” have made the rhetoric around sustainability sound a little well-worn but Mondelez International’s new drive on healthier snacks, sustainable sourcing and reducing its environmental impact has attracted Ben Cooper’s attention. He interviewed Mondelez’s Christine McGrath, the executive leading the strategy.