Tuesday (20 April) saw a bullish Tesco and Associated British Foods present its latest numbers to the market, although elsewhere, Supervalu Inc's financial results were less robust. Meanwhile, Nestle admitted to challenges in Russia, and just-food heard about the promise of Africa for investors. Here is a selection of who said what about the top stories in the food sector this week.
"We've got back in the lead in a pretty competitive race. We've not done it in an unsustainable way. Some of our competitors have been using short-run tactics that work for a while but which are hard to keep up" – Tesco chief executive Terry Leahy hints at why the retailer is outpacing the UK grocery sector.
"We should see some big improvements from grocery for the remainder of the year. You probably need to raise your forecasts for grocery" – Associated British Foods finance director John Bason is bullish about the UK group's Kingsmill-to-Patak's portfolio.
"You shouldn't innovate on a sick business" – Fiona Dawson, MD of Mars Chocolate in the UK, sounds a warning to companies looking at NPD to boost growth.
"On a macro level we are seeing the famous green shoots of recovery but it is clear that the more impulse driven or more indulgent categories are suffering most" – Nestle CEO Paul Bulcke admits Russia is "a mixed picture" for the Swiss food giant.
"People tend to assign political risk to Africa but they forget about the fact that in Russia or China you might have your assets seized by the government" – Silk Invest chief executive Zin Bekkali insists governance is not an issue solely for investors in Africa.
"We can’t deliver goods to our retailers and the foodservice sector. Hopefully we will find a solution but it is a really difficult case. We have had strikes here since 1994 so it is not uncommon" – Atria MD Juha Gröhn bemoans the strikes that have affected the Finnish food sector.
"It’s easier to aspire to a positive behaviour than to actually do it" – Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst at The NPD Group reveals that US consumers may insist they buy low-salt foods but data shows demand is falling.
"I think it's a new normal. I think consumers changed their habits and many consumers have learned that they liked private brands" – Supervalu CEO Craig Herkert sees demand for own label persisting even in recovery.
"We would expect to have an enhanced ability to acquire. In the short- to mid-term we see that being in the performance nutritionals space" – Glanbia MD John Moloney believes this week's disposal will give the food group the opportunity to expand in nutrition.
"Unilever PR men and lawyers over us like a rash. Should have thought of that before modelling the one for their Hate Party on us" – Nick Griffin, leader of the far-right British National Party, uses Twitter to defend his use of a Marmite jar in a political broadcast – much to the anger of brand-owner Unilever.
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