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Maple Leaf looks to resist ill winds of listeria scare - (26th August 2008)
Maple Leaf Foods has already shown signs of wilting as it presses on with a major restructuring. And the outlook for the company has not got any brighter amid the ongoing listeria scare in Canada, but could its proactive stance in dealing with the outbreak protect it from the worst of any fall in consumer confidence? Dean Best reports.
FTC report gives industry food for thought - (20th August 2008)
Campaigners and industry advocates agree that the recently-published report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US on the marketing of food to children is one of the most thorough examinations of the current landscape of this area of food promotion. However, the report’s strong endorsement of self-regulation has not surprisingly divided opinion. Ben Cooper reports.
Rich rewards on offer in Brazilian packaged food market - (18th August 2008)
As the Brazilian economy develops, consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how and what they buy. According to a new report from just-food, the growth forecast for the Brazilian packaged food market over the next five years offers huge potential for both domestic and international investors. Ben Cooper reports.
Would acquiring Campbell’s be ‘Mmm mmm good’ for Heinz? - (14th August 2008)
Heinz has signalled that it is on the acquisition hunt, having built up a sizeable war chest to fuel growth. At yesterday’s (13 August) AGM, the Pittsburgh-based ketchup maker hinted that US soup giant Campbell Soup Co could be one of the targets in its sights. Katy Humphries reports.
Tesco sets the stage for Indian expansion - (12th August 2008)
Tesco has unveiled plans to enter the Indian retail market by establishing a wholesale business in Mumbai. The UK-retailer has also inked a deal to help expand Tata Group’s hypermarket chain Star Bazaar. While Tesco’s level of investment remains relatively small, the move clearly sets the stage for future expansion into India’s burgeoning organised retail sector. Katy Humphries reports.
ACCC in firing line over competition review - (8th August 2008)
The recently published Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into competition in the Australian grocery sector has been heavily criticised by independent retailers and suppliers while more positive reaction has been fairly muted in tone. Ben Cooper reports.
The FDA under fire: the fall-out from the salmonella scare - (6th August 2008)
Last week, two days of hearings into the largest salmonella outbreak in the US for ten years brought the issue into sharp relief and uncovered some very serious criticisms made of and by the food standards watchdog. Katy Humphries reports.
Just the Answer - Matthew Pullen, Bernard Matthews - (4th August 2008)
Bernard Matthews, the UK turkey business, has taken a battering over the past few years. From the fall-out over Jamie Oliver’s push to improve school dinners to the outbreak of bird flu at the group’s turkey farm in Norfolk, the company moved from one PR catastrophe to the next and consumers began to turn away from this icon of British food. Last week, Bernard Matthews relaunched its brand with a new look and new message. Katy Humphries spoke with marketing director Matthew Pullen on how the company intends to update its image and win back the once-loyal UK consumer.
Industry looks for role in Government obesity campaign - (31st July 2008)
The Advertising Association announced last week that a coalition of food producers, retailers, media groups and other companies is backing the Government’s healthy eating strategy to the tune of GBP200m (US$396m). Industry believes it can make a unique contribution to communicating the healthy eating message. Campaigners are not so sure. Ben Cooper reports.
Dairy giants face hurdles tapping into China - (29th July 2008)
China’s expanding dairy sector offers substantial growth potential for international dairy groups, many of which have already established a foothold in the country. However, writes Mark Godfrey from Beijing, progress has been slower than might have been predicted with local companies proving to be stout competition, while new legislation introduced this year will increase the cost of entry for international groups.
