Food market news of the week: push for pan-EU nutrition labels, BRF CFO quits, Bimbo makes acquisition in Canada

Six of the industry's major names raised eyebrows this week with a push to introduce "harmonised" nutrition labels in the EU. Meanwhile, one of the six, Nestle, separately announced a series of "2020 commitments" including the field of nutrition. Elsewhere, meat giant BRF saw its CFO resign, bakery behemoth Grupo Bimbo made an acquisition in Canada and Chobani named a new COO.

Six of the industry’s major names raised eyebrows this week with a push to introduce “harmonised” nutrition labels in the EU. Meanwhile, one of the six, Nestle, separately announced a series of “2020 commitments” including the field of nutrition. Elsewhere, meat giant BRF saw its CFO resign, bakery behemoth Grupo Bimbo made an acquisition in Canada and Chobani named a new COO.

Food giants eye “EU-harmonised” nutrition labels

Nestle, Unilever and PepsiCo are among the food companies that are to work on devising colour-coded nutrition labels to put on products on sale in the EU.

Nestle issues new target on sodium, tries again on saturated fat

Nestle has outlined a fresh target to cut the sodium in its food – while admitting it needed to push back its goal for reducing the amount of saturated fat used in its portfolio.

BRF CFO steps down

Jose Alexandre Carneiro Borges, the CFO of Brazilian meat giant BRF, has resigned.

Bimbo’s Canada Bread acquires Stonemill Bakehouse

The Canadian arm of Mexican baker Grupo Bimbo, Canada Bread Co., has acquired Toronto-based Stonemill Bakehouse.

Pioneer Food Group confirms talks over “material transaction”

South Africa’s Pioneer Food Group told shareholders today (7 March) it is in talks about a “material transaction” which, if implemented, “may have an effect on the share price of the company”.

Ex-Nestle exec Tim Brown named Chobani president, COO

Former Nestle executive Tim Brown has been hired by Chobani to become the Greek-style yogurt producer’s president and COO.

Seabrook Crisps hires advisors, eyes M&A

UK firm Seabrook Crisps has indicated it is on the look-out for acquisitions after announcing it had appointed advisors to help it grow.

“Fairtrade is all about change” – Fairtrade Foundation chief executive Michael Gidney on new partnership with Mondelez International

As the annual Fairtrade Fortnight promotional period continues in the UK, Ben Cooper spoke with Michael Gidney, chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, about the new partnership it has struck with Mondelez International and the future for Fairtrade collaboration with major food companies.