The challenge of operating in emerging markets came into focus this week, with Wal-Mart facing fresh questions over its business in China and Danone insisting it can put its recent troubles in Russia behind it. Elsewhere, just-food was on the road this week, heading into London for the IGD’s conference on online retailing and visiting the Italian city of Parma for this year’s World Dairy Summit. Click on the headlines for more.
Talking shop: Wal-Mart’s China crisis
Wal-Mart Stores’ Chinese operations are under scrutiny. An investigation into pork prices has led to staff arrests and stores closed. Days after the scandal became public, the head of Wal-Mart’s business in the country quit for “personal reasons” and he is the latest in a number of senior executives to depart in recent months. Sam Webb looks at the retailer’s woes and asks what lies ahead for Wal-Mart in China.
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On the money: Danone healthy but dairy concerns remain
Analysts were for the most part positive about Danone’s third-quarter results but warned the French food company still has work to do in its dairy operations, particularly in Russia and the US.
Comment: FMCG firms must adapt amid power shift
The prospect of a slow recovery in the West and the rise of the emerging markets in the East means FMCG companies in the US and Europe must change how they operate at home to survive, writes SymphonyIRI’s Rod Street.
UK: No immediate use of fines for UK grocery adjudicator
The ombudsman being set up to monitor the relationship between suppliers and retailers in the UK will not immediately look to fine a supermarket should it break the code governing their dealings.
UK: Rivals, private-equity bid for retailer Iceland Foods
Morrisons, Asda and a clutch of private-equity firms have made takeover bids for UK frozen-food retailer Iceland Foods.
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By GlobalDataIn the spotlight: Can dairy feed the world?
This week representatives from dairy companies around the world are gathered at the World Dairy Summit in the Italian city of Parma to discuss the role dairy can play in feeding a rapidly growing global population, while limiting the impact the industry has on the environment.
UK: Online shoppers more brand loyal, says Unilever
Consumers are more brand loyal when shopping online, giving food manufacturers the chance to exploit the growth of the channel, according to Unilever.
