Food Marketing Made Simple

Quote, unquote: just-food's week in words

Friday, February 03, 2012 2:34:00 PM

The appointment of a new CEO at Carrefour caused a flurry of comment throughout the industry, with pundits outlining what the new chief's priorities ought to be. Unilever and Kellogg were among manufacturers that announced annual results, while Hain Celestial, reporting its half-year numbers, said it saw a number of acquisition targets in the US. Elsewhere, suppliers expressed anger at a decision in Europe to block the use of new nutrition claims.

BELGIUM: Food industry signs RSPO palm oil pledge

Friday, February 03, 2012 12:38:00 PM

All palm oil present in food products destined for the Belgian market has to be sustainable by 2015, according to a new industry pledge.

FINLAND: Grocery profits up at retailer Kesko

Friday, February 03, 2012 12:12:00 PM

Finnish retailer Kesko has booked an increase in full-year profits from its food business, boosted by strong sales.

UK: Revamp leads Premier marketing chief Goldstone to quit

Friday, February 03, 2012 11:49:00 AM

Premier Foods plc marketing director Jon Goldstone will leave the UK food company after it decided to absorb the department into its commercial structure.

Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food this week

Friday, February 03, 2012 11:46:00 AM

Hershey and Unilever were among the major food manufacturers that this week were the first to report their 2011 financial results. Unilever's profits inched up 1% and CEO Paul Polman pointed to the performance of its home and personal care operations - casting some questions over the prospects of its food operations. In the retail sector, this week saw the long-speculated appointment of a new CEO at Carrefour and analysts expressed concern about the outlook for Ocado despite narrowing full-year losses.

UK/GERMANY: Watermelon link to fatal salmonella outbreak

Friday, February 03, 2012 9:55:00 AM

A fatal salmonella outbreak that has hit the UK and Germany has been linked to the consumption of watermelon, health officials have said.

EU: MEPs veto nutrition label claims

Friday, February 03, 2012 9:25:00 AM

European politicians have rejected plans that would have allowed food makers to use new nutrition claims, including that a product contains 15% less sugar.

UK: Unilever agrees to union talks over pension changes

Friday, February 03, 2012 8:48:00 AM

Unilever is set to meet again with union officials to discuss moves to change the company's UK pension scheme, plans that have enraged staff and led to a series of strikes.

UK: BC Partners, Bain Capital in "aggressive bids" for Iceland Foods

Friday, February 03, 2012 8:10:00 AM

Iceland Foods, the UK frozen food retailer, has reportedly attracted bids from private-equity houses BC Partners and Bain Capital.

UK: Tayto buys pork scratchings firm Midland Snacks

Friday, February 03, 2012 7:50:00 AM

Northern Ireland crisp maker Tayto has snapped up England-based pork scratchings firm Midland Snacks.