Hain Celestial, facing slowing sales growth in the US, recently reviewed its operations and this week we heard its plans. Dole Food Co. revealed it is working with the US Department of Justice over a listeria outbreak and Nestle announced plans to cut the amount of salt used in its food. Click on the headlines for more.

How Hain Celestial is refocusing amid growing competition – analysis

Despite Hain Celestial lowering the top end of its forecasts for annual net sales and earnings yesterday this week, the US group earned praise from Wall Street for the steps it is taking to cut costs and zero-in on health and wellness trends in the US. On an investor call, Hain Celestial’s management team talked at length about what it is taking to position itself for future growth. Hannah Abdulla reports.

Dole faces criminal investigation over listeria outbreak

Dole Food Co. has confirmed that it is “co-operating” with a US Department of Justice criminal investigation regarding a listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to packaged salad products from its processing plant in Springfield, Ohio.

Nestle unveils global salt reduction drive

Nestle has said it aims to reduce the amount of salt across its global portfolio and – in the US – has thrown its weight behind the introduction of government-backed salt reduction targets. 

Amplify Snack Brands acquires Boundless Nutrition

Amplify Snack Brands, the US maker of SkinnyPop popcorn, has closed a deal to acquire better-for-you snack food company Boundless Nutrition.

Cerealto to focus on gluten-free, international growth with EUR68m investment

Cerealto, the international business of Spanish food firm Grupo Siro, has outlined a EUR68m (US$78.2m) investment into growing its business internationally and enhancing its presence in the UK’s gluten-free sector.

Goldman Sachs, Silverfern acquire Continental Bakeries

The merchant banking division of Goldman Sachs, alongside direct investment firm Silverfern, have entered into an agreement to acquire European baking group Continental Bakeries from NPM Capital. 

Hormel Foods reaches out to cancer patients with new product line

Hormel Foods has launched a line of products in the US designed to support the needs of cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Granarolo buys majority stake in Italian organic food firm Conbio

Granarolo, the Italian dairy group, has acquired 60% of local vegetarian and organic food maker Conbio.

Ventura Foods to acquire foodservice supplier assets from Cargill

Ventura Foods, the US condiments maker, is to acquire a Cargill business that supplies products from mayonnaise to tartar sauce to foodservice operators in the country.

Cookie Chips attracts investment from private-equity firm Alliance Consumer Growth

Private-equity firm Alliance Consumer Growth has announced a “substantial growth equity investment” in US packaged cookie brand Cookie Chips.