This week, Mondelez International reported its first-quarter results, with news of a solid performance in China. Elsewhere, Associated British Foods announced the launch of a high-protein bread in New Zealand. Yves Potvin, founder of meat-free brand Gardein, spoke to just-food about its plans under the ownership of Pinnacle Foods. And Kerry Group said moves to reposition its portfolio to focus on snacking trends were paying off. Here is the week in quotes.
"I'm particularly pleased though with the resurgence of the biscuit business which is a critically-important business for us. Oreo had a very strong quarter and is a strong contributor to the overall business performance" – Irene Rosenfeld, CEO at Mondelez International, says Oreo has performed well for the company in China.
Go deeper with GlobalData
"The repositioned Kerry Foods portfolio performed well benefiting from snacking trends and a good recovery in meal solutions" – Kerry Group booked higher consumer food volumes in the first quarter, thanks to efforts to reposition its portfolio to focus on snacking trends.
"We are committed to ensure we use all medicines, including antibiotics, in a responsible manner across the farms that supply us, and lead the industry in delivering a strategy which protects both animal and human interests, now and in the future" – Ranjit Singh, CEO of 2 Sisters Food Group, comments on the groups's decision to eliminate the use of antibiotics deemed by WHO as being of "highest priority".
"Our immediate goal is to increase our capacity by 50% in Vancouver and we hope to achieve that within in the next three, four months. After that, we're looking at the end of 2016 possibly for the other facility. But those are all discussions we are having. Is it better to have a stand-alone plant or is it better to build it onto one of [Pinnacle's] vegetables facilities?" – Yves Potvin, founder of meat-free business Garden Protein International, says the company – now owned by Pinnacle Foods – plans to open a new facility in the US.
"Our response has been to invest in developing and marketing higher value products that will appeal to traditional white bread buyers and let them give their families something that’s better for them than $1 bread" – Mark Adam, general manager for George Weston Foods' baking division in New Zealand, on ABF's plans to launch a protein-based bread range.
"Partnering with PepsiCo’s global brands, Orkla will build stronger presence in the breakfast market and the snacks category" – Peter Ruzicka, Orkla president and CEO, comments after the announcement the Nordic group is to distribute PepsiCo's snacks and cereal brands in the region.
"Nutrition and dairy is not on [consumers'] radar. This is not a highly engaged category… we have not delivered the value-added message" – Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, says dairy manufacturers need to work harder to emphasise the link between dairy products, positive nutrition and functional benefits.
"The consumer there is becoming much more discerning. Chinese consumers are just as sophisticated as any developed world consumer and some of the mega-trends you are seeing elsewhere – health and wellness, naturalness, a cynicism about packaged foods generally – are just as prevalent in China as it is in parts of the developed world" – Jon Cox, analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux, agrees Nestle CFO Wan Ling Martello's priority, now she has been moved to lead the group's business in Asia, Oceania and Africa, will be to try and revitalise the company's performance in China.
"Being a mum, you are stressed and have a lot of other things to do – taking care of the children, the home and other things. It should not be necessary in this day and age to have to make baby food at home" – Nasim Rizvi, founder of Nasims Halal Baby Food, says there needs to be more halal baby food options for Muslim mums.
"They are necessary steps in the process of rebuilding a secure and stable future for First Milk, its members and its employees" – Mike Gallacher, CEO at First Milk announces a string of cost cuts as it works to improve its financial position.
