Best bits: The inexact science of consumer confidence, M&A
It was a week in which bold predictions were made on commodity costs, consumer confidence and M&A but, as Dean Best writes, uncertainty shrouds all three topics.
The spectre of commodity costs lingers
On the money: General Mills CEO Powell optimistic after “tough year”
General Mills chief Ken Powell is looking to the future with confidence after a "tough" 12 months in which the US food giant has battled the highest commodity inflation it has seen in 30 years.
CAGE: Givaudan confident on price realisation
Flavours and fragrances group Givaudan has insisted it is confident it can push price increases through to its food manufacturing customers, despite a hike in raw materials costs hitting profits over the past year.
CAGE: Ingredients firm IFF to push through price increases
Global food ingredients manufacturer International Flavors and Fragrances has said it expects to have to again look to push through price increases to its customers in 2012.
Focus: UK food industry faces egg-streme prices
UK egg prices have seen a dramatic increase in the wake of the introduction of an EU ruling on animal welfare, with obvious implications for the margins of food manufacturers.
