What next for probiotics? The debate over their use has reignited in recent weeks, first in the wake of the EU’s health claims policy, and then Wednesday’s (14 October) news that Danone, the French food giant, has fallen foul of UK ad regulators. Carrefour, the French retailer, has raised questions over the attractiveness of Russia for foreign investment after its decision to quit the market after just four months. And doubts continue to plague Marks and Spencer after its shares slumped after its first investor day for a decade. These are the top stories on just-food this week.
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A bad few weeks for good bacteria
The news today that a TV ad for Danone’s Actimel yoghurt has been banned by the UK’s advertising watchdog provides a further example of the controversy that has dogged the probiotics sector.
UK: Danone accused of false Actimel claims
A UK television advert for Danone’s Actimel yoghurt has been banned by the advertising watchdog over false claims that the product provides health benefits to children.
FRANCE: Carrefour to exit Russia after four months
Carrefour, the world’s second-largest retailer, is to withdraw from Russia just four months after opening its first store in the country.
UPDATE: Marks and Spencer to improve food offering
Marks and Spencer said it is focused on improving its food division with a plan to broaden its product range.
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By GlobalDataUK: Co-op hails “exceptional” food showing
Peter Marks, the chief executive of UK retailer The Co-operative Group, today (12 October) claimed an “exceptional” performance from its food business during the first half of its fiscal year.
WORLD: Sustainability agenda must improve – Unilever
The food industry needs to transform its strategies on sustainability to more effectively tackle issues like climate change, the chief executive of Unilever claimed today (13 October).
UK: Tesco launches “green” bogof
Tesco has launched a different kind of bogof promotion in its latest bid to help UK consumers lower their carbon footprint.
UK: Sainsbury’s shares rise on fresh Qatari talk
Shares in UK retailer Sainsbury’s jumped today (15 October) on reports of a fresh takeover approach from an investment fund backed by the Qatari royal family.
UK: Shoppers will be more careful post recession – study
More than half (54%) of UK shoppers say they will be more careful about spending money in the future than they currently are, regardless of economic recovery, according to research.
US: Kraft’s Cadbury adviser Lazard sees boss die
One of the bankers advising Kraft Foods’ approach for Cadbury, the UK confectioner, has died, it has been announced.
