Mondelez International this week announced its annual results, while setting forecasts for 2016 and a new target for 2018 margins. The snacks giant’s shares subsequently tumbled. Arla Foods, meanwhile, set out plans to cut 500 jobs as part of a drive to double its organic sales growth. And Unilever made a if-you-can’t-beat-’em-join-’em move with the launch of an egg-free mayo in the US.
“Don’t forget that we are growing essentially in line with our categories in 2016, while we’re expanding margins by about 200 basis points. And I think it’s our ability to drive top and bottom line as one of the things that will continue to distinguish us” – Speaking to analysts yesterday on a conference call, Mondelez CEO Irene Rosenfeld sought to underline how she viewed the company’s prospects in 2016.
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“To ensure that we are on top of our game and fit to take advantage of the opportunities in the changing global dairy market we need to make these changes. Unfortunately as we become more efficient and re-organise our business, this will mean that we are proposing that a significant number of roles will disappear” – Arla Foods CEO Peder Turborgh explains why the European dairy giant is cutting jobs as it seeks to position itself for accelerated growth.
“This is not a marketing campaign, it’s a mindset campaign, and it outlines the difference between using only natural ingredients versus artificial ingredients. While we’re disappointed by the preliminary ruling, we’re committed to continuing the conversation and it’s good to see big food companies like General Mills starting to remove artificial ingredients from some of their products, like their cereals. In the end, if we can give more people more information while helping other food companies make better food, everyone wins” – Peter McGuinness, chief marketing and brand officer for Chobani, after General Mills and Danone secured preliminary injunctions that will halt the US yoghurt maker’s ads targeting its rivals.
“Our fans have been asking us for organic and eggless options with the creamy taste of Hellmann’s for years. We listened and responded by giving them choices that are priced competitively and available nationwide” – Russel Lilly, marketing director for Hellmann’s in the US, on Unilever’s launch of an eggless spread in the US, which creates a close competitor to fast-growing upstart Just Mayo.
“We are extremely optimistic about Africa’s continued economic and social growth and recognise the importance of ensuring we stay one step ahead of evolving consumer tastes by broadening our portfolio and introducing new products” – Kelvin Balogun, the president of Coca-Cola Co.’s operations in central, east and west Africa outlines why the soft drinks giant has acquired a minority stake in Nigerian dairy and soft drinks business Chi.
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By GlobalData“Nestle has a long history of investment in Osem, dating back to 1995, and looks forward to continue to partner with the Osem management to develop the company” – Nestle announces it is to acquire the remaining shares in Israeli food firm Osem Investments.
“We believe that being a responsible company makes us a better company, and that how we make our products is just as important as what we make. That’s why we’re raising our cocoa sourcing standards, setting an aggressive timeline and utilising credible third parties to verify our progress” – Blaine McPeak, COO at WhiteWave Foods, on the US group’s commitment to source 100% sustainable cocoa for use in its Americas food and beverages division by 2016.
“In a highly demanding environment, both in western and eastern Europe, the Bonduelle Group nevertheless recorded another six months of solid growth in line with its annual objective” – Bonduelle says its sales accelerated in the second quarter of its financial year thanks to a step-up in international growth.
“This transaction with a leading California produce company further broadens our US operations and is in line with our strategy. We look forward to working with the excellent people in Progressive Produce as it continues to develop its very successful business expansion in future years” – Carl McCann, chairman of Total Produce, on the Irish group’s acquisition of California’s Progressive Produce.
“There’s a sizeable and rapidly evolving market for healthier, nutrient-dense snacks. It’s exciting to know that in Kingsport, we have a versatile facility that meets this growing demand and equips us to look ahead to future trends” – John Frostad, president and CEO of Pure Foods, looks ahead after the opening of the US firm’s new US$22m facility in Tennessee.
