There was movement at the top of the world’s two largest retailers this week, when both Wal-Mart and Carrefour appointed new CEOs.
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For Carrefour, Nestlé veteran Lars Olofsson’s experience of the French market will be a big bonus as the company looks to rejuvenate its struggling domestic hypermarket business. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart will be hoping that its promotion of Mike Duke from heading up its international business will enhance the US retail giant’s global perspective.
Premier Foods again hit the headlines this week as speculation mounted over the possible sale of some of the company’s businesses. The heavily-indebted UK food manufacturer told just-food that although it has rejected a number of bids, it would consider selling off non-core units.
Meanwhile, it has been an encouraging week for US ketchup maker Heinz, with a positive set of first-half results coming hot on the heels of news that the company was the number one food group in a US customer satisfaction survey.
Here are the top ten stories that caught your eye on just-food this week.
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By GlobalDataUS: Wal-Mart names new CEO
US retail giant Wal-Mart has announced that Mike Duke, currently head of its international businesses, will replace Lee Scott as president and CEO.
FRANCE: Nestle exec takes Carrefour top job
French retail giant Carrefour has appointed Nestlé veteran Lars Olofsson as its chief executive.
UK: Premier “would consider non-core sale”
Premier Foods would consider selling some of its non-core businesses despite the fact that it has already turned down “a number” of approaches, the heavily-indebted UK food group has told just-food.
AUS: Unilever Australasia reorganises business
Unilever Australasia is implementing a series of organisational changes designed to reduce costs and increase links to consumers, the consumer goods giant has told just-food.
SPAIN: ABF set to buy Ebro sugar unit
Associated British Foods (ABF) has reached a preliminary agreement with Ebro Puleva that will see it acquire Azucarera Ebro, the sugar business of the Spanish food group.
UPDATE: NETHERLANDS: Ahold confident on value offer
Dutch retailer Ahold emphasised the success of its value positioning after it posted an 11% rise in third-quarter operating profit.
US: Supervalu shares tumble amid performance fears
Shares in US retailer Supervalu closed down over 17% yesterday (20 November) amid claims from an analyst that the company was in danger of losing market share.
US: HJ Heinz H1 profits up on currency hedging
HJ Heinz posted a 17% rise in half-year profits today (21 November) as rising sales and currency hedging boosted earnings.
US: Heinz “rates highest” on customer satisfaction
HJ Heinz has been ranked as the highest food company on the University of Michigan’s American customer satisfaction index, the US-based food giant said today (18 November).
US: Awareness of launches “lower than ever before” – study
US consumers are less aware than ever before of new product launches, a new study conducted by Schneider Associates, Mintel International and IRI has found.
