This week saw more drama at the top of Brazil’s JBS, with senior management replaced and then reinstated in connection with a police probe into reported allegations of fraud. Associated British Foods continued to improve margins at its grocery business – and is reportedly preparing to sell its ACH Food Companies unit, which manufactures oils under the Mazola retail brand. Meanwhile, Danone is reportedly preparing to withdraw its Dumex brand from Vietnam due to falling market share. Here are the top food sector stories from the past five days. 

ABF upbeat as grocery margin improves

Associated British Foods has said that its operating performance in the second half of the year was ahead of expectations with margin expansion at its grocery business.

B&G Foods “in talks” to buy ABF’s ACH Food

B&G Foods is reportedly in negotiations with Associated British Foods over the potential acquisition of US cooking oil business ACH Food Companies.

Bernard Matthews owner ‘transferring pension liability’

Fresh uncertainty has been raised over the future of Bernard Matthews, with reports suggesting that the company’s owners could be preparing to transfer the company’s pension liability to the Pension Protection Fund. 

How PepsiCo is taking action on palm oil – interview

Today, PepsiCo publishes the first update on its Palm Oil Action Plan. Ben Cooper spoke with Andrew Aulisi, senior director, global environmental policy at ‎PepsiCo, about the progress to date and how the company’s initial actions and achievements are likely to be received by environmental campaigners.

JBS names José Batista Júnior interim CEO

José Batista Júnior has been appointed as interim president and CEO of Brazil-based meat giant JBS, after a court in the country ordered the temporary suspension from office of his predecessor, Wesley Batista, in connection with a police probe into reported allegations of fraud at a number of Brazilian pension funds.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

JBS chiefs reappointed as court lifts suspensions

Brazil-based meat giant JBS said today (14 September) that Wesley Batista and his brother Joesley Batista had been reappointed to their respective posts of CEO and board chairman at the firm just hours after they were suspended from office by a court order.

Manufacturers navigating challenging Russian ice cream market

Prolonged economic recession, increasing competition and sector-specific challenges such as seasonality confront ice cream makers in Russia. Navigating these waters can be tough. But the segment has been showing increasing dynamism and the Russian ice cream market continues to present an important growth opportunity. Andrew Buenyeat, Keith Nuthall and Eugene Vorotnikov report

Danone “withdrawing” Dumex from Vietnam

France’s Danone, which sells the Dumex infant formula brand in Vietnam, is reportedly preparing to halt investment in the product in the country as a result of a falling market share.

Mondelez investing US$65m in global R&D “hubs”

Mondelez International has unveiled plans to invest US$65m in establishing a global network of research, development and quality (RDQ) “hubs”. 

Mondelez sells Belgium factory to Barry Callebaut 

Mondelez International has entered into an agreement with business-to-business chocolate supplier Barry Callebaut that includes the transfer of its production facility in Halle, Belgium.