The future of Iglo Group, Europe’s largest frozen food manufacturer, was a hot topic this week with its private-equity owner preparing to put the business up for sale. Elsewhere, the M&A rumour mill focused on South African retailer Pick n Pay and Spanish food groups Moreno and Hojiblanca announced plans to merge. We looked at the potential buyers of United Biscuits’ salty snacks arm, looked at the pressure food manufacturers are still under from commodity costs and interviewed the CFO of Dutch bakery firm CSM, which saw profits hit last year by raw material prices. And the latest just-food briefing focused on stevia, the intense sweetener seen to have huge potential.
UPDATE: UK: Permira preparing Iglo sales pitch
Private-equity firm Permira has asked Credit Suisse to prepare a sales and marketing document in preparation for a potential sale of its Iglo Group frozen food business, just-food understands.
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Deal or no deal: Who is in the running for United Biscuits’ salty snacks?
The private-equity owners of United Biscuits are considering offloading the salty snacks side of the business may come as little surprise, with the UK group set to be split in two. With the auction process expected to begin in several months time, Katy Askew takes a look at the likely suitors for the Hula Hoops maker.
S AFRICA: Woolworths, Ahold linked to Pick n Pay stake
South African retailer Pick n Pay has reportedly held talks with international retailers over the possible sale of a stake in the company.
SPAIN: Moreno and Hojiblanca merger to “drive growth”
Spanish food groups Moreno and Hojiblanca Sociedad Cooperativa Andaluza have confirmed plans to merge in a bid to improve distribution and capitalise on potential synergies.
US: 7-Eleven to accelerate growth in key markets
US convenience store operator 7-Eleven has indicated that it plans to accelerate its rate of expansion in the coming years, through both new store openings and acquisitions.
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By GlobalDataOn the money: Co-op CEO Marks defends Somerfield buy
Peter Marks, chief executive of UK retailer The Co-operative Group, has defended the firm’s acquisition of the Somerfield chain after the company today (29 March) reported falling annual sales and profits.
In the spotlight: Food makers still face commodity pressure
Food manufacturers had been expecting raw material costs to fall this year, giving a welcome boost to margins in a climate of still-weak consumer confidence. However, there are signs that pressure from commodity prices remains, writes Dean Best, suggesting suppliers can feel squeezed again 2012.
The just-food interview – CSM CFO Koos Kramer
The increase in commodity costs and fall in consumer confidence seen in many Western markets last year as forced many companies to adapt – not least Dutch bakery group CSM. In the latest just-food interview, Dean Best talks to CFO Koos Kramer about how the company is shaking up its business, notably in Europe, and how it believes dealing with raw material volatility will be a constant pressure in the years ahead.
Comment: UK organic sector should focus on quality to boost sales
The continuing fall in demand for organic food in the UK is perplexing those in the sector, not least when sales of in another ‘ethical’ category, Fairtrade, have withstood the downturn and increased rapidly. Consumers buy organic for different reasons and the sector has lacked a true message to try to appeal to the mainstream. A focus on quality, Ben Cooper writes, could be the answer.
Stevia: is it the holy grail of sweeteners?
Few ingredients have been discussed as much as stevia in recent months. The natural, zero-calorie intense sweetener is seen as having a lot of potential but can it live up to the hype
