PepsiCo spoke to just-food about how it is progressing its sustainable palm oil goals. Mondelez International unveiled changes to its global R&D network. Mengniu revealed the exit of its chief executive and three board members – but insisted they parted on good terms. Here is just-food’s week in words.

“With these advantaged technical centres, we’re focusing our investment in research, equipment and capabilities to drive innovation to support our growth strategy and innovation, margin and quality platforms. These hubs will enable improved efficiency, effectiveness and accelerated project delivery, while the increased scale across key markets will provide rapid access to changing consumer needs and trends.” Mondelez EVP of RDQ Rob Hargrove on the reorganisation of its research, development and quality functions

“Each of Ms. Sun [Yiping], Mr. Yu [Xubo], Ms. Liu [Ding] and Dr. Liao [Juanwen] has confirmed that he/she has no disagreement with the board and there is no matter in relation to each of their resignation that needs to be brought to the attention of the shareholders of the company.” Mengniu insists CEO Sun and three other board members resignations were not the result of internal divisions

“Popcorn already presents a tremendous opportunity for retailers and we anticipate that the segment will maintain its rate of growth in the next five years, so we are keen to support retailers and help them to take advantage of the growth in demand.” PepsiCo UK MD Thomas Barkholt explains why the company has decided to launch a new popcorn brand in the UK

“I thank my brother, José Batista Júnior, for having temporarily assumed the presidency of JBS and I also thank all our shareholders and other stakeholders for the trust they place in us. I will continue working with the global and regional leadership teams towards the consolidation of JBS as a global leader in the food sector.” Wesley Batista said as he was reinstated as CEO and vice-chairman of JBS one day after the post was handed over to his brother as a consequence of ongoing fraud investigations

“We have a very comprehensive plan. And there’s a sequence of things that have to happen for us to get to 2020 and meet all of our commitments, and so it starts with this year. In a way, year one is the most important year and we’ve made incredible progress this year.” Andrew Aulisi, senior director, global environmental policy at ‎PepsiCo, updated just-food on the company’s progress on sustainable palm oil

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“The venture to supply fresh pizzas is progressing well and we expect to launch the supply to ICA in Sweden in Q4 2016. In terms of roll out of this product into other markets; a roll out in central Europe, specifically Poland, is planned for Q4 2016.” A spokesperson for Hilton Food Group details the  company’s ambitions in the fresh pizza category

“Media reports that Bernard Matthews could be sold by its current owners Rutland Partners to the 2 Sisters Food Group would cause uncertainty for staff, especially if it means that the pensions of the dedicated workforce being transferred to the Pension Protection Fund. Unite is seeking urgent clarification from Rutland Partners as to what is the current state of play. Our prime concern is the need for assurances on job security for our 450 members.” Unite regional officer Mark Walker highlights the union’s concerns after rumours emerged the Bernard Matthews pension liability will be transferred to the PPF

“This investment represents a new and exciting phase in the continued development of our business and will open new avenues of opportunity for all of our producer partners, customers and employees.” Meadow Foods executive chairman Simon Chantler said after it emerged the group has secured a strategic investment from Paine & Partners

“[Prime minister Theresa May] must urgently rethink her pathetic childhood obesity plan that lacks restrictions on the marketing of, and promotions on, products high in saturated fat, sugar and salt and revert back with an evidenced-based robust strategy to effectively reduce levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes and tackle health inequalities which she promised the nation back in July.” Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London and chairman of Action on Sugar, responds to the news that UK children are eating twice as much sugar as they should

“With the Brexit negotiations on the horizon, this could be the start of strong national legislation to ensure we have clear country of origin labelling in the future. It is clear that some retailers and manufacturers feel origin is important by going above what is required in law and through voluntary principles. However, the inconsistency of voluntary commitment can sometimes be the source of confusion among shoppers.” UK farming groups call for country of origin labels