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PepsiCo plans to manufacture yoghurt in the US in a venture with Muller |
It had been speculated in recent months but, this week, PepsiCo and German dairy giant Muller confirmed plans to start a manufacturing yoghurt in the US, where sales of the product are growing fast. Ferrero's decision to build a plant in Mexico and General Mills' acquisition of US snacks firm Food Should Taste Good also grabbed your attention, as did financial results from chocolate firm Lindt & Sprungli and Dutch retailer Ahold. And, to mark Fairtrade Fortnight in the UK, we interviewed Paul Chandler, chief executive of a pioneer in the sector, Traidcraft.
US: PepsiCo, Muller to establish New York yoghurt facility
PepsiCo has teamed up with German privately-owned dairy firm Müller to open a US$206m yoghurt facility in New York state.
MEXICO: Ferrero to construct Mexico facility
Confectionery giant Ferrero is to invest US$190m in the construction of a production facility in Mexico.
just the answer - Paul Chandler, Traidcraft
The Fairtrade Foundation has reported a 12% rise in estimated retail sales of Fairtrade products in the UK for 2011 to GBP1.32bn (US$2.09bn). Chief executive of Fairtrade pioneer Traidcraft, Paul Chandler, discusses the continued strong growth in sales of the ethical products, the pros and cons of multinational involvement and the potential for further growth.
On the money - Ahold expects US suppliers to up promo spending
Ahold, the Dutch retailer behind US retail chains including Giant Food and Stop & Shop, believes food makers in the country will up their spending on promotions to revitalise sales.
Comment: Lindt well-prepared for challenges ahead
Lindt & Sprüngli was able to improve its profits in 2011 despite some extremely challenging conditions and the Swiss chocolate maker looks well-placed to continue this trend in 2012, writes Katy Askew.
In the spotlight: Industry welcomes EU-US organic trade agreement
With the organic food sector, in many markets, in a state of exponential growth, the industry is hopeful that a new trade deal between the US and EU could significantly boost sales in both markets. MJ Deschamps reports.
The just-food briefing - nutritional labelling
What to put on front-of-pack nutrition labels has become a matter of fierce contention in many markets around the world. This management briefing looks at the debate between industry, government and campaigners in two key markets - the US and Australia.
Talking shop: Tesco looks to retain strong foothold in online channel
Tesco, the UK's largest retailer, has had some difficulties in recent months in its domestic market. However, the company accounts for almost half of all grocery sales online and, as Michelle Russell writes, it is look to tighten its grip on the channel.
UPDATE: US: General Mills points to natural snacks potential
General Mills has pointed to the growth of natural and organic salty snack sales in the US after announcing its acquisition of tortilla maker Food Should Taste Good.
Sustainability Watch - Meghan Stasz, Grocery Manufacturers Association
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents US food companies, has just published a report highlighting achievements in environmental sustainability by its members. Ben Cooper spoke with GMA sustainability director Meghan Stasz about the initiatives and the potential for further progress.
