This week, Fonterra reveals its milk supply concerns, Saputo posts
profit growth from its North American focus, and Parmalat says it
is meeting its financial expectations for the year.
The majority of consumers do not think that nanotechnology should
be used in food applications, according to a survey from German
risk assessor BfR, and they are more likely to trust information
from consumer groups than politicians...
Irish food group Greencore has reported a strong performance for
the first full year since its exit from the sugar market, largely
driven by recovery of the malt markets.
A new biomass boiler in Tate & Lyle's East London refinery,
considered a first for the UK food and drink industry, will slash
carbon emissions from energy use by 25 per cent in less than two
years.
UK-based Associated British Foods (ABF) today reported real
operating profit increased by 11 per cent in 2007,
despite EU sugar reforms and the weak US dollar's effect on
margins.
Suedzucker has adjusted its profit and revenue expectations for
full year 2007/8 following EU moves to make sugar reform more
attractive to growers, indicating that the industry efforts to
lessen the blow for the industry could be...
It may be a lucrative time for farmers, but the continuing boom in
grain and meat prices will put the squeeze on plant managers to
find ways to cut costs out of their supply chains.
Four-year-old girls in Sweden are six times more likely to be obese
than they were 20 years ago, and 10-year-olds five times more
likely, says new research that highlights a need to address recent
lifestyle changes.
While overall spend on research and development is increasing, the
EU food and drink sector as a whole remain behind their global
counterparts, according to the lastest figures.
The results of a consumer survey on healthy chocolate suggests that
the substance once considered solely as a sweet confectionery item
has made huge strides towards the realm of health foods.
Interesterified fats, seen by some as alternatives to unhealthy
trans fats, may also raise blood sugar levels and decrease insulin
levels, as well as adversely affecting so-called 'good' cholesterol
levels, says a new US-Malaysian...
Carrefour's end of year results reveals mixed messages for the
French retailer, with like for like sales dropping by 4.9 per cent
in the fourth quarter.
British food retailer Marks and Spencer looks to be back on track
after reporting third quarter like for like sales up 5.6 per cent
today, boosted by online sales.
British supermarkets are reporting that sales of berries have been
strong this year hitting £204m (€304m) despite adverse weather
conditions, due to consumer health trends.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have offered retailers an insight
into shopper habits by conducting a survey of over 2000 British
adults into yuletide rituals.
West Europe's energy drink sales accelerated by 15 per cent to a
volume of 383 million litres and a value of over €3 billion in
2005, according to drinks consultancy Zenith International.
Northern Foods yesterday reported a 1.1 per cent drop in underlying
revenues for the quarter ended 30 September, as the UK-based
company continues to shed underperforming units.
Inbev have reported strong third quarter results with revenues up
11 per cent to €3.54bn, led by strong sales in Central and Eastern
Europe and Latin America.
Marks and Spencer's said yesterday it has increased its slice of
the UK's food market to four per cent from 3.8 per cent by taking
advantage of booming health trends.
Sainsbury's are introducing ten new products to its successful SO
organic fruit and nut range, taking full advantage of consumer
trends towards organic produce.
Food manufacturer Unilever has reported a 20 per cent decrease in
third quarter pre-tax profit of 1.12bn, despite bucking the trend
in the European market.
Novozymes has reported 'highly satisfactory' results for the first
nine months of 2006, enabling the enzyme giant to adjust the
outlook for earnings upwards.
Scientists at Symrise have reported the potential of benzyl amides
as potential bitter-masking compounds for food and drink, research
that may lead to cheaper alternatives for food scientists and
formulators.
The Ireland-based Kerry Group says difficulties in raising prices
to recover the increased cost of energy slowed its growth during
the first six months of the year.
This years European crop production has been significantly affected
by last months heat waves, according to the European Commission,
which expects decreased yields of commodities including soft wheat,
winter barley and grain maize.
Enzyme giant Novozymes has maintained a high earnings level
throughout the first half of 2006, with growth in sales and
operating profit of 8 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
Danisco's takeover of Genencor International, the EU sugar reform
and rising raw material prices feature prominently in the group's
recently published annual report.
The world's leading cereal producer Kellogg's has posted a three
per cent rise in second quarter net earnings, as strong sales in
the Americas help compensate for rising commodity costs.
French retail giant Carrefour yesterday announced an 8.5 per cent
rise in second quarter like-for-like sales, as the firm strengthens
its domestic position through in-store makeovers and competitive
pricing.
A consumer advocacy group has released the names of poultry
processors whose plants failed federal standards for Salmonella,
faulting the industry and regulators for not doing enough to reduce
the foodborne pathogen.
Cadbury Schweppes has announced an $18m (€14.2m) expansion to its
Australian chocolate plant, making it the largest chocolate
manufacturer in Asia Pacific.
Irish supermarket group Musgrave has reported a 17 per cent rise in
year-end sales to €4.4bn, bolstered by the acquisition of Britain's
Londis convenience store chain.
A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables could reduce the
development of atherosclerosis by almost 40 per cent, and is
further evidence for the benefits of eating your vegetables, says a
new study.
Japanese food and pharma group Ajinomoto will expand its seasonings
business in Vietnam in a bid to significantly boost sales in the
next three years, according to a report.
Nestle doesn't expect raw material prices to rise further this
year, despite a recent FAO report that forecasts an increase of
over 2 per cent in the world food import bill in 2006.
The average UK citizen spends £34.31 per week on food and drink and
is increasingly spending this money on healthier foods, according
to a recent Defra report.
Britain's number three supermarket Sainsbury's announced a 12 per
cent rise in year-end profit, as the company ploughs funds into
competitive prices and new store openings to boost sales.
American-owned Asda has again held the number two spot in Britain's
top retailer chart by a whisker, but looks certain to pass the
mantle to Sainsbury's over the next quarter.
Europe's largest infant nutrition firm Royal Numico has announced a
record 43.5 per cent profit rise, boosted by acquisitions in Asian
and Southern European markets.
