Hours before the start of the working week came the biggest story – Kraft Heinz withdrawing its proposed takeover bid for Unilever, just two days after publicly confirming its interest. By Wednesday, Unilever had announced a review of its business to see how it can improve shareholder value. In a busy week of M&A, France’s Bonduelle struck a notable deal for US produce peer Ready Pac Foods, Maple Leaf Foods became the latest meat company to invest in meat-free by buying Lightlife Foods and Ireland’s Glanbia set out a plan to spin-off its domestic dairy business into a joint venture. Click on the headlines for the full stories.
Unilever launches operational review
European consumer goods giant Unilever, three days after Kraft Heinz withdrew its proposal to buy the business, announced on Wednesday (22 February) it was launching a review of its operations in order to “accelerate” the value it can give to its shareholders.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Bonduelle to buy US produce group Ready Pac Foods
Bonduelle, the France-based produce supplier, has struck a deal to acquire US peer Ready Pac Foods from private-equity firm H.I.G. Capital.
Maple Leaf acquires plant-based protein group Lightlife
Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods has agreed to acquire US plant-based protein manufacturer Lightlife Foods from private-equity firm Brynwood Partners for US$140m.
China issues latest plan to improve food safety
China’s state council, the country’s cabinet, has issued a five-year plan to improve food safety and risk management across the country.
Glanbia to focus on nutrition with Irish dairy unit spin-off
Glanbia has announced plans to form a joint venture for its dairy business in Ireland as the group booked higher sales and earnings for 2016.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataEdmond Scanlon to replace Stan McCarthy as Kerry Group CEO
Kerry Group has announced Edmond Scanlon, the head of the ingredients and packaged food company’s operations in Asia Pacific, will replace Stan McCarthy as CEO.
Tyson Foods to make antibiotics-free push in US retail – CAGNY 2017
Tyson Foods has announced all of its chicken products sold under its namesake brand in US retail stores will be made without the use of antibiotics.
In an interview with just-food published this week, Mike Cockrell, the CFO of Tyson rival Sanderson Farms, discussed the company’s use of antibiotics in its supply chain and why the company has not felt the need to make similar moves despite the growth in demand for antibiotic-free meat in the US.
Mondelez International launches savoury snacks brand Vea – CAGNY 2017
Mondelez International today (21 February) announced plans to add a new savoury snacks brand to its portfolio.
