Search

The US food industry trade body defended the industry's safety and affordability after President-elect Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, a critic of parts of the US food industry, has launched a campaign focusing on regenerative agriculture and removing harmful toxins from food. While some groups have criticized Kennedy's appointment, Trump praised the decision, emphasizing the need to address public health issues related to the food and drug industries. [Extracted from the article]

Nestlé is investing $150 million to expand a frozen meal production facility in South Carolina, incorporating enhanced automation and digital technology. The upgrade aims to meet consumer demand for frozen meals and reflects Nestlé's commitment to enhancing its US manufacturing footprint. Nestlé has also announced plans to launch new frozen meal ranges in the US, including options based on Asian and Mexican cuisines. [Extracted from the article]

Advocacy groups have criticized the European Parliament's amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), particularly the addition of a "no risk" category. This move has been deemed as potentially undermining the EUDR's objectives by allowing for loopholes that could facilitate the import of non-compliant products. The European Cocoa Association has urged swift negotiations to avoid disruptions in the supply chain, while concerns have been raised about the impact of these changes on global sustainability goals. [Extracted from the article]

Nomad Foods has adjusted its full-year 2024 guidance due to disruptions caused by the implementation of its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The UK-based frozen foods company now expects organic revenue growth to be between 1% and 2%, down from the previous range of 3% to 4%. Despite facing challenges, Nomad Foods CEO Stéfan Descheemaeker remains optimistic about the company's performance and market share recovery in the fourth quarter. [Extracted from the article]

Unilever has denied allegations from Ben & Jerry's that it has stifled the ice-cream company's efforts to support Palestinian refugees in the Gaza conflict. Ben & Jerry's reportedly filed a lawsuit against Unilever, claiming the parent company prevented it from speaking out on the war. This dispute is part of a larger conflict between the two companies over Ben & Jerry's operations in Israel and the West Bank. [Extracted from the article]

Beyond Meat's third-quarter results showed positive signs of improvement, with sales revenue rebounding and gross margins turning positive. However, the company's path to profitability remains uncertain, with a slight downgrade in year-end guidance and ongoing losses. CEO Ethan Brown remains optimistic about the business's trajectory, but analysts are cautious about the company's ability to generate positive growth and address financial challenges. Despite some wins in distribution and product development, Beyond Meat's journey towards sustained growth and profitability may be a long and uncertain one. [Extracted from the article]

A YouGov poll in the UK revealed that almost three-quarters of consumers believe food companies are not honest about the health impact of their products. Only 17% trust companies to be truthful, and 13% believe companies will make their food healthier without government intervention. NGOs and charities, including The Food Foundation and The British Heart Foundation, are urging the UK government to implement financial incentives to promote a healthier food industry in response to the poll's findings. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy in the UK, introduced in 2018, aims to encourage manufacturers to create healthier products by reducing sugar content. [Extracted from the article]

German meat producer Tönnies Group will be rebranded as Premium Food Group, reflecting its evolution from a meat processor to a broader food manufacturer. The Tönnies brand will now be exclusively linked to the company's meat production unit, with the new PFG logo replacing the Tönnies signage at its headquarters. The company, founded in 1971, has expanded to offer a variety of food products beyond meat, including plant-based items, convenience foods, and raw materials for other industries. [Extracted from the article]

The Kepak Group, an Irish meat company, has acquired UK-based Summit Foods, known for chilled and frozen convenience products, in a strategic move to expand its food business. Summit Foods, with an annual revenue of £24m and 200 employees, will continue operations in Preston, England, under existing leadership. The acquisition aims to strengthen Kepak's presence in the UK's food-to-go and micro-snacking market, with plans for growth and product development synergies. Additionally, Kepak recently invested €8m in its Kilbeggan facility to enhance market access and efficiency, positioning it as a central hub for exporting Irish meat. [Extracted from the article]

B&G Foods has revised its full-year guidance for the third time, reducing its EBITDA target by $20 million since February. The company reported a decline in sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted diluted earnings per share for the third quarter and the nine months of the fiscal year. President and CEO Casey Keller attributed the results to consumer behavior in response to price increases aimed at offsetting high input costs. B&G Foods is anticipating improved trends in the first half of 2025 as consumer reactions to higher prices stabilize. [Extracted from the article]

The Anderson Group, a US private-equity firm, has acquired Texas-based Double B Foods, a maker of frozen and refrigerated entrées and desserts. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but members of Double B Foods' senior management team, including CEO Patrick O'Ray and CFO Don Wall, participated in the buyout. This acquisition marks The Anderson Group's third deal this year and its 17th investment in the food and beverage sector since 2010. Double B Foods will continue to be led by O'Ray, who expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Anderson to expand their product offerings and customer base. [Extracted from the article]

Goldman Sachs has seen a significant increase in its ranking as an M&A financial adviser in the consumer sector, thanks to Mars' planned $36bn takeover of Kellanova. The US-based bank advised Kellanova on the deal, which is set to be finalized in the first half of 2025. Houlihan Lokey led in the number of M&A transactions in the consumer sector, while Citi, Lazard, J.P. Morgan, and Nomura also ranked highly in the value of consumer M&A deals. [Extracted from the article]

Jana Partners, an activist investor, has acquired a 5% stake in Lamb Weston Holdings, a major French fries supplier, prompting speculation of a potential sale. Lamb Weston's shares have declined by 27% this year, with challenges exacerbated by missteps such as overestimating consumer demand and issues with a new ERP system. Jana Partners has suggested a review of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, while industry analysts anticipate potential buyers and a brighter outlook for the company in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the contrasting food and agriculture policies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the context of the 2024 US presidential election. Harris focuses on addressing food inflation, promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting small farmers, and advocating for fair trade policies. In contrast, Trump prioritizes deregulation, financial support for farmers, protectionist trade policies, and stricter immigration enforcement. The article highlights the candidates' positions on key issues such as food prices, climate change, farm subsidies, trade, and labor rights, providing insights into their potential impact on the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Pure Ice Cream, the owner of the Kwality brand, is investing in a new factory in Dubai, expected to create 300 jobs. The factory, located in the Dubai Industrial City, will increase Pure Ice Cream's production capacity by 300% to 30 million liters annually. The company aims to serve the local ice-cream market, the wider Gulf Cooperation Council, the US, Africa, and South-east Asia. The Kwality brand, known as a flagship in the UAE, is part of Pure Ice Cream's expansion strategy. [Extracted from the article]

Raya Foods, an Egypt-based frozen fruits and vegetables company, has secured a $40m investment from African investment fund Helios Investment Partners. The deal will see Helios acquire a 49% stake in Raya Foods, aiming to support manufacturing and strengthen export strategies to meet global demand. Raya Foods plans to expand production, including establishing a new factory in Sadat City, and diversify its product portfolio to include freeze-dried fruits and vegetables. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing category of allergen-free food in the UK, which has become intertwined with the broader free-from food offerings. It explores the potential confusion for retailers and consumers as these categories expand rapidly, encompassing products tailored for individuals with specific food allergies or intolerances. The market is evolving with increased competition, innovation, and consumer interest, driven by factors such as health concerns, dietary preferences, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The outlook for the allergen-free food industry is optimistic, but there are concerns about the authenticity of some products and the need for clarity amidst the expanding range of claims in the market. [Extracted from the article]

Quorn Foods, a UK-based meat-free business, has appointed David Flochel, a former Heineken executive, as its new CEO. Flochel will be joining the Monde Nissin-owned company next month, succeeding Marco Bertacca. Despite recent challenges in sales, Monde Nissin remains optimistic about Quorn's future under Flochel's leadership. [Extracted from the article]

TreeHouse Foods has expanded a recall due to potential listeria contamination to include all products from a facility in Ontario, Canada. The recall covers frozen toaster waffles, Belgian waffles, and pancake products distributed in the US and Canada under various brands. The company has not received any reports of illness related to the recalled products and is working with regulatory agencies to address the issue. The facility is undergoing cleaning and restoration procedures before resuming production. [Extracted from the article]

Doughlicious, a UK-based company, specializes in offering a healthier version of cookie dough and related products like gelato bites. CEO Kathryn Bricken discusses the company's expansion into the US market through partnerships with retailers like Target and Whole Foods. The company aims to provide affordable, better-for-you snacks to a wider audience, emphasizing the importance of ingredient transparency and consumer awareness. Doughlicious also engages in private-label and foodservice partnerships, with plans to continue growing its brand presence in both the UK and the US markets. [Extracted from the article]

Jana Partners has acquired a 5% stake in Lamb Weston Holdings, criticizing the company for "self-inflicted mis-steps." The activist investor plans to engage with Lamb Weston's board and management to address operational deficiencies. Following news of the investment, Lamb Weston's share price rose by 10.15%, despite recent financial challenges and a restructuring plan that includes job cuts and factory closures. [Extracted from the article]

The European Council has approved a one-year delay in the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity. The regulation requires companies selling certain products in the EU to demonstrate that their supply chains are not contributing to deforestation. The delay aims to provide legal certainty and allow for a smooth transition to compliance with the rules. However, some civil society organizations have criticized the delay, arguing that it undermines the EU's credibility in addressing climate change and human rights issues. [Extracted from the article]

Germany-based sugar and convenience-foods group Südzucker has issued a profit warning, citing geopolitical factors as the cause. The company expects a significant decline in its third-quarter earnings, with a drop in EBITDA and operating result. Südzucker specifically mentions the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East as exacerbating the already high volatility in sales and procurement markets. Despite the warning, the company has reaffirmed its forecast for group revenues, EBITDA, and group operating result. [Extracted from the article]

US-based organic food company Amy's Kitchen is laying off over 300 jobs in California due to industry challenges. The company cited macro pressures as the reason for the layoffs and expressed sadness at having to let go of valued team members. The layoffs will affect staff at two sites in Santa Rosa, including managers, clerical staff, and assembly line workers. This decision comes after the closure of a facility in San José two years ago due to supply chain disruption and cost increases. Amy's Kitchen is known for its organic and family-owned approach to producing soups and frozen meals. [Extracted from the article]

Private-equity firm Kaho Partners, after selling US pie maker Kenny's Great Pies, is now focusing on acquiring manufacturers of Mediterranean, Asian, Indian, and Hispanic foods. The firm's managing partner, Griffin Horter, explains that they are targeting small, nimble, and growing companies that specialize in authentic international cuisine. Kaho Partners aims to build a portfolio of manufacturing assets to become a one-stop solution for retailers seeking authentic international cuisine. They are currently in discussions with potential sellers and expect to finalize their first deal within the next 12 months. [Extracted from the article]

Nestlé is introducing a range of frozen meals in the US that are inspired by Asian and Mexican cuisines. The company will market these frozen products under the Mings and Tapatío brands. The Mings brand, created by celebrity chef Ming Tsai, offers a fusion of East-West flavors, while the Tapatío brand is a collaboration with a family-owned hot sauce company. Nestlé aims to tap into the growing demand for new flavors and food options in the grocery aisle, particularly among Gen Z consumers. The company sees global cuisine as a $110 billion market and plans to continue expanding its international offerings. [Extracted from the article]

Lamb Weston, a US-based French fries supplier and producer of frozen snacks, is acquiring full control of its joint venture in Argentina with Sociedad Comercial del Plata. The joint venture, called Lamb Weston Alimentos Modernos, produces frozen potato products under the Rapipap brand and serves private-label clients. The acquisition will allow Lamb Weston to align its commercial strategy in Argentina and invest more in the local market. The company's operational set-up and contracts in Argentina will remain unchanged, and all employees will be retained. [Extracted from the article]

Europastry, a frozen bakery business based in Spain, has postponed its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) for the second time this year. The company had initially announced its IPO in June but pulled it in July due to market volatility. Europastry did not provide a reason for freezing the IPO plans again. The company had aimed to list on several stock exchanges in Spain and was seeking to raise up to €555 million ($618.3 million) to reduce debt and pursue growth opportunities. Europastry has been active in mergers and acquisitions and has a diverse portfolio of bakery products. [Extracted from the article]

Belgian dessert manufacturers Dessert Factory and Verbau have merged to form a new company called Mellow. Dessert Factory specializes in baked desserts like moelleux and cheesecake, while Verbau is known for raw desserts such as mousse, tiramisu, and bavarois. The newly formed company will have three production sites in Belgium and one in northern France. Mellow aims to generate €100m ($109.8m) by 2024 and is focused on international expansion, with 85% of its sales coming from exports. The company plans to further develop its presence in markets like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and China. [Extracted from the article]

Conagra Brands, a US food group, experienced a 10% drop in its share price after reporting disappointing financial results for Q1 of fiscal 2025. The decline in sales was attributed to consumers opting for cheaper private-label alternatives instead of Conagra's brands. The company also faced manufacturing disruptions in its Hebrew National hot dog business, resulting in a $10 million loss in quarterly profits. Despite the setback, Conagra remains optimistic about its future performance and has reaffirmed its outlook for net sales in fiscal 2025. [Extracted from the article]

The European Commission has announced a delay in the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss by requiring companies to prove that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation. The regulation was originally set to come into force by the end of this year but has faced opposition from some industry groups and politicians. The delay has sparked anger among NGOs, who fear that it may provide an opportunity for stakeholders to weaken the rules. However, there has been no explicit call for a dilution of the regulation by any company or member organization. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union (EU) has decided to delay the implementation of its new deforestation regulations in response to pressure from agri-food bodies and overseas politicians. The regulations, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, would require companies selling cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and other products in the EU to prove that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation. The European Commission (EC) has granted companies an additional 12 months of "phasing-in time" due to claims that the original timetable was unworkable. The EC also plans to provide additional guidance and support for stakeholders in preparation for the implementation of the regulations. [Extracted from the article]

Lamb Weston Holdings, a frozen potato products supplier, has announced a restructuring plan that includes the closure of a factory in Washington and job cuts. The company aims to eliminate about 4% of its global workforce and reduce capital expenditure by $100 million. The restructuring plan is expected to result in pre-tax charges of $200-250 million and achieve $55 million in pre-tax cost savings. The company's sales have dropped 1% in the quarter, mainly due to a decline in the North American market. The sales target for the fiscal year remains unchanged, but the net income and diluted EPS targets have been lowered. [Extracted from the article]

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 has accused JBS, a Brazilian meat company, of human trafficking violations at its meat plant in Greeley, Colorado. The union claims to have uncovered abusive practices, including management-led human trafficking through the social media platform TikTok. Other allegations include charging immigrant workers for rent in poor living conditions, threats and intimidation against workers and their families, and withholding important paperwork. JBS has denied the allegations and stated that it takes the safety and welfare of its employees seriously. The UFCW has reported the conduct to several law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The majority of workers at the Greeley plant are immigrants, including people from Latin America, the Horn of Africa, and Myanmar. JBS and Tyson Foods recently settled a lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to keep workers' wages low. JBS' Greeley plant has also faced violations of food-safety policies during the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

Nissin Foods Co., the Hong Kong-listed arm of Japan's Nissin Foods Holdings, has acquired ABC Pastry, a frozen dumpling maker based in Sydney, Australia, for A$33.7m ($23.3m). Nissin Foods Co. aims to tap into the growing demand for Asian cuisine in Australia, driven by the rising Asian migration and a desire for convenient, high-quality frozen foods. The acquisition is seen as a premium opportunity for Nissin Foods Co. to expand its presence in the Australian frozen food market, which is expected to experience robust growth. ABC Pastry generated revenue of A$15.2m and a net profit after tax of A$2.8m in the year ending June. [Extracted from the article]

Tyson Foods, a major US meat company, is being sued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for allegedly making unsubstantiated environmental claims about its products, a practice known as greenwashing. The lawsuit accuses Tyson of falsely claiming it will be net-zero by 2050 and marketing its industrial beef products as "climate-smart." The EWG is calling on Tyson to retract its misleading statements and be held accountable for violating consumer protection laws. This is the second lawsuit of its kind this year, with JBS, another meat giant, also facing similar allegations. [Extracted from the article]

The meat-alternatives sector in Europe is seeking funding to support its growth and compete with animal farming, which receives heavy subsidies. Start-ups like Planted in Switzerland are working on developing plant-based products with cleaner labels and comparable taste and texture to real meat. While some governments are starting to provide funding for the sector, it still falls short compared to the support given to animal agriculture. Initiatives like the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre in the UK and funding from the German government and the European Commission are helping to drive the development of alternative proteins. However, more funding and support are needed to create a stable market for plant-based foods and empower consumers to shift towards them. [Extracted from the article]

Private-label food products have been gaining market share and narrowing the quality gap with branded products. Large grocery chains in several markets are increasingly focusing on private-label offerings. However, it is uncertain whether brands can regain the market share they have lost. Private-label's influence varies across categories and price points, with some market watchers believing there is a price ceiling for private-label products. While price is a major factor, quality, innovation, and selection also play a role in consumers' preferences. Private-label products have seen significant growth in recent years, driven by cost-conscious consumers and product innovation. The competitive threat to brands from private label depends on the category, with some brands more at risk than others. Private-label products have become a compelling choice for retailers due to higher profit margins. Retailers are also investing in their own brands and innovating to enhance consumer trust and credibility. [Extracted from the article]

Molinos Río de la Plata, the food arm of Argentine holding Grupo Perez Companc, has acquired frozen-pizza assets in Argentina from McCain Foods. The deal includes the frozen-pizza brand Sibarita and a manufacturing plant in Buenos Aires province. McCain decided to sell its frozen-pizza unit in Argentina to focus on its core frozen-potatoes business. Molinos Río de la Plata described Sibarita as a recognized brand in Argentina and the region, and plans to resume production at the plant. [Extracted from the article]

German pizza manufacturer Freiberger has announced plans to expand its plant in Berlin as part of its efforts to invest "hundreds of millions" in its pizza business. The company is modernizing its site and improving accessibility to significantly increase capacity. This expansion follows Freiberger's recent investment of €45m ($49.7m) in a new frozen pizza production facility in the UK. The company aims to strengthen its market position and improve the working environment for its employees while making a sustainable contribution to local economic development. [Extracted from the article]

Kirsty's, a UK allergen-free foods company, is aiming for fast growth with new investment and a food-to-go range. The company was started by Kirsty Henshaw in 2009 after her son developed allergies. Despite increased competition in the free-from food market, Kirsty's plans to be one of the biggest brands, particularly in the ready meals category. The company's factory is allergen-free, allowing for cost-effective production. Kirsty's main competitor is private label brands, but their distinctive offer as a dairy-free company sets them apart. The company recently received a £2m investment to accelerate innovation and growth. Kirsty's is focused on new product development, including a food-to-go range and a kids' food brand. They are also exploring export opportunities and considering private label partnerships. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, Kirsty's has seen double-digit growth and plans to continue expanding. [Extracted from the article]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in food marketing and communication strategies. AI-powered marketing tools are transforming pre- and post-purchase marketing by personalizing campaigns based on consumer data and generating marketing content automatically. Examples include Kraft Heinz using AI to associate the term 'ketchup' with their brand and KFC using AI to generate images with more than five fingers. Marketers believe AI will continue to develop as a tool for creating personalized content, and consumers are generally open to AI if it improves their experience. However, there are limitations to AI, particularly in product development and building real connections with consumers. [Extracted from the article]

Miracapo Pizza Company, a frozen pizza maker based in Illinois, has been acquired by local private-equity firm Brynwood Partners. The deal includes three manufacturing facilities in the Chicago area, and the financial terms have not been disclosed. Miracapo is a contract manufacturer that supplies convenience stores and branded customers in the retail channel. Brynwood Partners already has investments in the pizza industry and plans to build Miracapo's commercial capability. This acquisition increases Brynwood's manufacturing network to 19 facilities, with over 4,700 employees and more than $3 billion in annual sales. [Extracted from the article]

2 Sisters Food Group, owned by Ranjit Singh Boparan, has sold its poultry assets in Europe to Boparan Private Office, Boparan's private investment vehicle. The deal, valued at over €200m ($221.2m), will see the assets, which include 2 Sisters Storteboom, a chicken product supplier with processing sites in the Netherlands and Poland, join Boparan Private Office's portfolio. The sale is expected to strengthen 2 Sisters Food Group's balance sheet and reduce its net debt. The transaction is pending regulatory approval in Poland. [Extracted from the article]