What goes into food and what is slapped on the outside dominated the headlines on just-food this week. Food manufacturers and retailers continued to fall over themselves to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable palm oil although, as our interview with the WWF revealed, there are those in the industry that have yet to take any action on the issue. One industry-wide action on food labelling in the US has hit the buffers with the country’s leading food makers pulling out of the Smart Choices Program. Will US regulators now fill that void? These are the top ten stories on just-food this week.
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EUROPE: Spar, Auchan, ABF slammed on palm oil
Retailers Spar International, Auchan, Aldi and UK food giant Associated British Foods are today (28 October) among the companies told to “up their game” on their sourcing of palm oil.
US: Smart Choices Program halted on FDA probe
The roll-out of food labels designed to help US shoppers eat more healthily has been halted after food safety officials started an investigation on whether nutrition claims within the labels were misleading.
EU: Brussels backs suppliers over retailers
A comprehensive policy document was released by the European Commission today (28 October) flagging action to protect small food producers against large buyers, especially major retail chains.
FRANCE: Retailers face legal action over supplier “abuse”
Nine French retailers are to face legal action over unfair practices imposed on their suppliers.
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 GlobalDataINDIA: Reliance retail units see continued losses
Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has revealed that its retail businesses ended the year with a loss of INR55.7bn (US$1.17bn) – on sales of about INR400bn.
AUS: Costco spends big in Australia
US-based retailer Costco has poured another A$25m (US$23.1m) into their Australian operations to go with over A$80m spent last year, according to accounts obtained by local media.
INSIGHT: Chiquita battles private-label threat
Chiquita Brands International has boosted its investment in marketing in a bid to counter the growing pressure it is coming under from private label.
US: Fresh Del Monte profits drop on banana costs
Fresh Del Monte Produce said today (29 October) that lower fresh produce and prepared foods sales and higher banana purchase costs hit its third-quarter profits.
US/EUROPE: Kraft’s Cote d’Or to use sustainable cocoa
Kraft Foods has said that its premium Cote d’Or chocolate brand will convert to the use of sustainable cocoa beans.
AUS: Simplot, Nestle strike ready-meal deal
Simplot has struck a deal that will see it licence or acquire some of Nestle’s ready meals brands in Australia.
