Russia grabbed the political (Wikileaks), sports (World Cup) and business headlines all in the space of 24 hours on Thursday this week. The business headline involved PepsiCo’s move to buy Wimm-Bill-Dann, Russia’s largest dairy processor, in the US giant’s quest to expand in the dairy sector. The deal capped a fresh round of M&A news this week while, elsewhere, the UK government outlined plans to tackle obesity, there was talk from the EU that states would agree on origin labels and Carrefour’s woes in Brazil deepened.

PepsiCo snaps up Russia’s Wimm-Bill-Dann
The deal will make PepsiCo the largest food and drink firm in Russia – and help boost sales of “nutritional” food, a key target for chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi. Access our news and analysis by clicking on the headline.

The UK coalition outlines approach to working with industry
The UK coalition has outlined how it believes it can improve the nation’s health – and the food industry is at the heart of that strategy. Campaigners, however, believe food makers have secured greater freedom from politicians.

BRICs and beyond: Carrefour’s Brazil woes impact reputation
Carrefour’s recent woes in Brazil highlight that while emerging markets can offer great potential, if mismanaged, their problems can tar the rest of a company’s operations.

EU: Member states to agree on country-of-origin labels
All lamb, pork and poultry sold in the EU will have to carry country-of-origin labels, according to an “informal” deal struck by member states.

UK: Premier in “advanced” talks with two Quorn suitors
Premier Foods plc, the UK’s largest food maker, has revealed it is in “advanced” talks with two suitors interested in buying its meat-free business, which includes the Quorn brand.

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Promo Tracker: Danone brands lead UK promotion list
Two Danone brands, Actimel and Activia, topped the list of the most-promoted food brands in the UK in November, according to the latest just-food Promo Tracker.

S AFRICA: Pioneer Foods sets value of bid for KWV
South Africa’s Pioneer Foods has made a “firm expression of interest” to buy local wine and spirits group KWV Holdings.

On the money: Kroger suffers on weaker margins
Analysts have aired concerns over Kroger’s decline in gross margins during its third quarter, leading to shares in the US retailer falling as far as 11% yesterday (2 December).

In the spotlight – What lies ahead for Del Monte Foods?
The growth prospects for pet food are said to behind the private-equity move for Del Monte Foods. But what about Del Monte’s consumer-food business?
The just-food management briefing – the healthy snacks market
Health has become a key factor in the development of the snacks market worldwide. This month’s management briefing looks at the consumer dynamics driving demand for healthy snacks, developed and emerging markets and the recent NPD from companies like PepsiCo and Kellogg.