FOOD & DRINK DIGITAL | News for Food & Drink Executives at www.foodanddrinkdigital.com

Kraft pledges no UK manufacturing redundancies for two years

As Kraft executives were grilled by UK MPs today, the food company has promised that no further jobs will be lost as Cadbury is integrated into the company

Michelle Obama to take obesity campaign to food giants

Today Michelle Obama will talk to some of the biggest names in the food and drink industry about the measures needed to tackle childhood obesity

African food imports reach $33bn

A call has gone out for a massive improvement in the performance of African agriculture, as it is announced food imports for the continent have reached astonishing heights while many still remain hungry

Kraft Foods to send “B-team” to Cadbury inquiry

The Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) select committee have summed senior Kraft executives to a hearing next week, however, instead of Irene Rosenfeld, the company has chosen to send along legal advisor Marc Firestone

British retailers speak out against labeling change

The British Retail Consortium has issued a statement arguing against the finding of the Food Standards Agency on Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling

Kraft to face inquiry over Cadbury takeover

UK regulators are to investigate whether or not Kraft Foods made misleading comments during its campaign to take over Cadbury

Kraft makes job cuts with “indecent haste”

Kraft sparked anger yesterday by announcing job cuts only weeks after completing its takeover of UK chocolate firm Cadbury

Waitrose signs up Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal for new ad campaign

Waitrose has signed up some top celebrity chef talent for its new TV, press and online advertising

EU Commission approves BASF’s GM starch potato

The European Commission today approved the BASF’s genetically optimized starch potato for commercial application in Europe

Nestle and Kraft Foods complete frozen pizza business sale

Nestle has announced the completion of its acquisition of Kraft Foods’ frozen pizza business today

Food Network secures first sponsorship deal

UK channel secures new sponsorship deal with New Zealand Lamb

Kettle Foods bought up by Diamond Foods for $625m

Diamond Foods has announced it will acquire Kettle Foods, makers of premium potato chips, from Lion Capital LLP for $615 million in cash

Coca-Cola is most littered brand, survey finds

A recently conducted survey is calling on the food industry to take greater precautions against littering, citing Coca-Cola, Walkers Crisps and McDonald’s as the worst offenders

First safety hot dog will have customers "lining up"

Following a policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics, calls are growing for certain high risk foods, such as hot dogs, to be redesigned to prevent choking in small children

BPEX launches new pork labelling scheme

BEPX, a group representing pig levy payers in England, has announced a system for labelling the country of origin on pork products

Cranswick meat crisps to battle obesity

A major food company has submitted documents for crisps made from meat, which it argues could be healthier than potato snacks

SK Foods ex-CEO indicted in “web of corruption”

The former owner and CEO of SK Foods has been indicted for a range of corruption charges, it was announced yesterday

Wal-Mart enjoys 24% income boost

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has reported financial results for the quarter and year ended Jan. 31, 2010

Co-op’s Somerfield takeover could boost Fairtrade by £40m

The Co-operative Group is moving to promote its Fairtrade range for the coming Fairtrade Fortnight, particularly through its newly acquired Somerfield stores

Thorntons announces sweet profits

Thorntons PLC today announced its interim results for the 28 weeks ended 9 January, 2010

Kraft fourth-quarter profit triples

U.S. food conglomerate and recent buyer of Cadbury, Kraft Foods has said fourth-quarter profit more than tripled as sales in developing countries continues to rise

ActionAid to host biofuels debate

Today, the charity ActionAid will debate the impact biofuels are having on the global food supply

Compass Group sugar to go 100% Fairtrade

The Compass Group UK & Ireland will begin purchasing all its sugar from Fairtrade certified sources, in preparation for Fairtrade Fortnight

New TV show teaches families to eat right

Cineflix Productions has started work on a major new television series that aims to teach people how to cook healthier versions of favourite family dinners

Jamie Oliver makes TED prize wish

The celebrity chef and health campaigner Jamie Oliver has won the TED prize, and intends to use this to fight obesity in both the US and the UK

China will overtake US to become largest grocery market

New research by IGD indicates that by 2014 China will have overtaken the US as the world’s largest market for groceries

Beer and burgers banned from new product placement laws

When the UK lifts its ban on product placement in TV programmes, the law will exclude a variety of food and drink products, it was revealed yesterday

Birds Eye cancels contract on 180 British farms

Frozen food group Birds Eye has cancelled nearly half of its UK pea growers’ contracts following the sudden cancellation of an Italian export deal

Head staff step down as Rosenfeld says Cadbury is “in good hands”

Cadbury’s Chairman, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer all stepped down today following the declaration by Kraft that its share offer was now unconditional

Kraft finally acquires Cadbury

Having acquired 71.73 percent of Cadbury shares, Kraft announced today that its offer for the remaining shares was now wholly unconditional

“Warm words” not enough, as Cadbury sale looms

As the deadline for Cadbury shareholders to accept the Kraft takeover bid looms, Unite the union is pressuring the UK government to ensure Kraft remains committed to its UK workforce

Premier Foods Chairman David Kappler to resign

David Kappler is to step down from running the board of Britain’s biggest food producer

Food and drink industry using less salty recipes

A study by the Food and Drink Federation claims that customers are consuming less salt thanks to new recipes brought in by the food and drink industry

Food Standards Agency push to legalise “skin-on” sheep

Following an investigation by the agency, and consultation with meat industry representatives, the FSA has announced it will attempt to change the EU law regarding the product known as “smokies”

Cadbury to offer incentive dividend to sweeten Kraft deal

Cadbury is announcing a special dividend that will be paid out on condition of the Kraft takeover being accepted

Cadbury workers to make last ditch protest against Kraft

With only a few days to go until the February 2 deadline, when shareholders must decide whether or not to accept Kraft’s offer, Unite the union is organising Cadbury workers for a major protest tomorrow

New Food Nursery will “feed the imagination”

An award winning chef and the former head of an advertising agency have teamed up to create a food innovations agency, bringing together great thinkers from across the industry

Cadbury recommends final Kraft offer

Cadbury has announced that it is recommending the new Kraft offer of 840 pence a share

Cadbury "finalising terms" of offer with Kraft

In response to press speculation, Cadbury has said it will shortly be making an announcement regarding a possible takeover bid

Selfridges to sell “purest ham in the world”

Legs of Selfridges’ Albarragena Ham have gone on sale in its Oxford Street stores with their own DNA certificate

Food Standards Agency calls for “greater clarity” in country of origin labelling

The Food Standards Agency has published new research about country of origin labelling

Greggs gets all it wants for Christmas

Greggs, the leading bakery retailer in the UK, has had bumper Christmas results, serving over a million customers a day

Food Standards Agency seeks views on magnolia bark extract

The FSA is seeking opinions on a type of bark extract that has not previously been used as a food ingredient in the UK

Cadbury once again puts case against Kraft bid

The war of words between Cadbury and Kraft continued today, as Cadbury issued a new statement giving its reasons for finding Kraft’s takeover bid “fundamentally unattractive”

Food prices to rise as Farmers weather big freeze

The cold weather is making it harder for farmers to harvest their crops, possibly leading to rising food prices

Farms are being affected by snowy conditions

Food industry must avert nanotechnology backlash

The House of Lords Science and Technology committee today released its report, Nanotechnologies and Food, and called for the food industry to be less secretive in its research

Nanotechnology manipulates matter at the molecular level

Kraft has 1.52% take-up for Cadbury bid

Kraft Foods Inc has received a 1.52 percent acceptance from Cadbury shareholders for its hostile takeover bid, as the majority wait for a higher bid

Nestle buys Kraft’s pizza business, bows out of Cadbury bid

Nestle has today announced that it will not be making a formal offer for Cadbury, while at the same time announcing the $3.7 billion purchase of Kraft Foods’ frozen pizza business

Kraft's frozen pizza business is now owned by Nestle

British food manufacturers respond to Government’s “Food 2030” strategy

As the Government unveiled its 'Food 2030' strategy at the Oxford Farming Conference this morning, the Food and Drink Federation is declaring this is “a time for action”

Co-op to make juice from apples that inspired Newton

The Co-op has bought 1,000 varieties of rare and endangered British apples for use in a new “heritage drink”

Kraft considers raising Cadbury bid as deadline approaches

Kraft is rumoured to be considering a higher offer for Cadbury, in light of possible bids from other sources

Morrisons recalls undercooked ready-to-eat chicken

Morrisons has released a product recall for some of its chicken products

Cadbury given stay of execution over Kraft bid

Kraft will have to wait longer than expected to learn whether its hostile bid for Cadbury will be successful

Taiwan bans US beef over BSE fears

This week Taiwan’s main political parties decided to impose trade restrictions on some U.S. beef products

Nestle “medical food” claims misleading, FDA says

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have said that Nestle HealthCare Nutrition was wrong to market some drinks as "medical food"

BOOST Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink

Food Chain Information will be legal requirement in 2010

NFU Cymru has been informed that Food Chain Information will be a legal requirement for cattle, cheep and goats as of the new year, it has been announced

Heinz recalls some apple and pear purée baby food

Heinz is recalling some of its baby food products following the release of a faulty product

Consumers staying with organic food despite the recession

A recent survey from market research firm Mintel shows that customers aren’t changing their organic spending habits because of the recession

British Heart Foundation reports parents “hoodwinked” by food labels

The British Heart Foundation has conducted a survey of mothers to find that 92 percent are misled by the terms used on food labels

Food shoppers sceptical of ethical shopping influence

A survey by IGD, the food and grocery experts, shows most customers don’t feel they can make a difference through ethical purchasing

Kraft hits back at Cadbury as Mandelson refuses to interfere

Peter Mandelson has refused to influence the Royal Bank of Scotland’s decision to lend to Kraft to fund its takeover bid, as Kraft and Cadbury exchange barbs

Bigger coffee shops perform better through the recession

A study of the UK branded coffee shop market released today shows that branded coffee shops have fared remarkably during the recession, although smaller chains have suffered

Cadbury lays out defense against Kraft, secret talks with Hershey

Cadbury released its defense document today, outlining its plans for the future and its reasons for staying independent after conducting secret talks with Hershey over the weekend

Cadbury workers fight Kraft’s “fruity and nutty” takeover bid

UK and Irish workers have teamed up to prevent Kraft “swallowing” Cadbury

EU defines a “real” Neapolitan Pizza

The European Union’s quality food board has awarded the label Traditional Specialty Guaranteed to Italy’s Neapolitan Pizza, making the name a protected term

UK food and drink manufacturers shrink carbon footprint by 19 percent

As the climate change summit continues in Copenhagen, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has announced that its industry has cut carbon emissions by one million tonnes since 1990

Boycott groups unconvinced by Nestle’s Fairtrade Kit Kat

Nestlé has announced that from next year its Kit Kat chocolate bars will carry the Fairtrade mark

Kraft Foods publishes offer documentation for Cadbury takeover

Kraft has officially made an offer direct to Cadbury shareholders, formalizing its hostile takeover bid

Food Standards Agency suggests food should have less fat

The FSA is proposing recommendations to the food industry to increase the availability of healthier options in savoury snacks

Scientists create first lab-grown pork

Scientists at Eindhoven University, in Holland, managed to replicate growth in cells taken from a live pig

Finsbury Food Group suffers decline in cake sales

Finsbury Food Group plc announced at its Annual General Meeting yesterday that the recession is causing people to cut back on the cakes

Cadbury union praises “constructive” talks with Kraft

An official from the Unite union, which represents Cadbury workers, was optimistic after meeting with Kraft Foods for the first time

UK Foodhall wins HSBC Start-Up Star Award

The 2009 HSBC Start-Up Star Award has gone to a company supplying healthy British food for school dinners

Confident marketing gives food and drink manufacturers edge

A new report published by Aarkstore Enterprise in association with ICD Research, has said many companies believe that demonstrating confidence through marketing can help a company get ahead in the current business climate

Tyson Foods appoints new CEO

The food company has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

Cadbury shares soar as Nestlé considers rival bid

Shares in Cadbury have risen to record levels, as interest from Nestlé SA, Hershey Co and Ferrero SpA look to turn Kraft’s attempted takeover into a bidding war

Cadbury’s Union bosses to meet with Kraft

Union leaders are to hold talks with Kraft, which launched a hostile takeover bid for confectionery giant Cadbury

Job cuts at Fox’s Biscuits factories

300 jobs are to be lost at two of Fox’s factories in West Yorkshire and Staffordshire.

Kraft’s new takeover bid has same terms as old bid

Kraft has today made an offer for all of the issued and to be issued share capital of Cadbury, under the same terms as its tentative offer in September.

Deadline looms for Kraft’s Cadbury takeover bid

Kraft has until 5:00 PM today to make a final offer on Cadbury or walk away for six months.

Kraft’s disappointing Q3 results may affect Cadbury bid

Kraft Foods posted its results for the third quarter today, showing a decline in profits that may impact the company’s share offer for Cadbury.

Nestlé sales down 2.2%

Nestlé today posted its results for the last nine months, showing a decrease in sales of 2.2 percent.

Baby food recall to prevent possible botulism contamination

Plum Organics yesterday recalled a portion of their baby food pouches after they were revealed to be incorrectly formulated.

Kraft may sell Maxwell House to fund Cadbury bid

Kraft is in talks to sell Maxwell House to Sara Lee, to generate enough cash to make a stronger bid for Cadbury, a source revealed this weekend.

India to approve first GM food

India’s Genetic Engineering Approval Committee has cleared India’s first genetically modified food, it was announced today.

Kettle Foods sale rumoured

Speculation has surfaced that American group Kettle Foods could go on sale this autumn for $700 million.

Food poisoning bug found in 65% of tested chicken samples

A survey released by the UK’s Food Standards Agency has found the bacteria campylobacter in almost two thirds of its tested samples.

Kraft to make hostile bid for Cadbury

Kraft Foods is expected to make a hostile bid for Cadbury, following a rejected bid three weeks ago, it was revealed yesterday.

Mediterranean nations against bluefin ban

While plans for a worldwide ban on bluefin tuna fishing were backed by the European Commission just two weeks ago, last night Mediterranean nations unexpectedly rejected the proposal.

Weight Watchers sues Nestle over label misuse

On Wednesday, Weight Watchers International filed a lawsuit against Nestle, accusing the multinational Switzerland-based food company of trademark infringement in the U.S.

Cadbury dubs Kraft a "low-growth" company

Cadbury’s Chairman, Roger Carr, has labelled Kraft Foods a "low-growth" company in a "strong and not very friendly" letter to the US food giant's Chairman and CEO, Irene Rosenfeld.

Kraft prepares new Cadbury bid

Kraft is said to be in talks with bankers over a five billion pound debt facility, which will enable it to offer Cadbury’s shareholders a higher bid.

Lance to purchase Stella D’oro

Yesterday, Lance Inc announced that it has entered into an agreement with Stella D'oro Biscuit Company Inc to purchase the Stella D'oro brand, in addition to certain manufacturing equipment and inventory.

Cadbury rejects takeover bid from Kraft

UK chocolate-maker, Cadbury, has rejected a 10.2 billion pound takeover bid from Kraft Foods.

Dairy prices uncertain

After a significant fall in the price of dairy commodities, fuelled by the recession, is a recovery now on its way?

Birds Eye enters takeaway market

UK frozen food brand, Birds Eye, is set to launch its range of fast food inspired products into the takeaway market.

Fonterra criticised over palm oil feed

New Zealand dairy giant, Fonterra, attempts to talk down criticism from green campaigners over its use of palm oil in feed for its New Zealand dairy cows.

Cadbury's Fairtrade Dairy Milk goes global

UK chocolate-maker, Cadbury, is to begin selling its Fairtrade Dairy Milk bar in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, taking Fairtrade further into the mainstream.

Lindt & Sprüngli profits down

Lindt’s half year profits have been affected due to an inability to pass on higher cocoa prices to consumers, attributable to the challenging economy.

PepsiCo to create healthier image

PepsiCo launches Planet Lunch in an attempt to generate a healthier representation for itself and contribute to the battle against obesity.

Low-salt soup unveiled by Campbell

Campbell Soup Co. continues with its healthy campaign to reduce salt across its range and officially unveils its lower-sodium soup.

Heinz profit down

H.J. Heinz Co posted lower quarterly profit on Thursday, with the stronger dollar killing overseas sales.

Nestle’s Cookie Dough makes a come back

Two months after reports of E. coli contamination prompted its removal from shelves, Nestle Toll House raw cookie dough is returning to U.S. supermarkets this week.

Cadbury drop palm oil from chocolate

Following an outcry from consumers, Cadbury was forced to change its New Zealand chocolate and remove palm oil from the recipe.

Tesco to display carbon footprint on milk

Tesco has become the first UK supermarket to 'footprint' its milk and aims for a total of 500 products by the end of the year.

Sugar price reaches 28-year high

Concerns over shortages and freak weather conditions in Brazil and India have driven the global price of raw sugar to its highest level since 1981 in recent weeks.

Hershey directors leave over disagreement

Hershey reveals two of its board members have resigned after a disagreement about the company's corporate governance structure.

Healthy eating symbol on ConAgra Foods products

As part of an ongoing commitment to encourage Americans to lead a healthier lifestyle, ConAgra Foods will feature the Smart Choice Program logo on many of its products.

Tesco accused of hiding plastic bag figures

Britain’s biggest supermarket chain, Tesco, misleadingly claimed to have met an industry target to halve the use of plastic bags it hands out to shoppers.

Food groups in the race for Gü

London-based soufflé and chocolate dessert maker, Gü, has been put up for sale by its founders.

Oxo cube replaced by X-shape

Beef stock manufacturer, Premier Foods, has announced a two million pound plan to ditch iconic Oxo’s traditional form for an X-shaped block.

Kellogg delivers strong Q2 and ups guidance

Yesterday, Kellogg upped its earnings target after posting second quarter 2009 financial results that include double-digit growth in net earnings and internal operating profit.

Tesco rapped over ‘misleading’ ads

Adverts comparing the cost of shopping at Tesco with two other supermarket chains were misleading, the advertising watchdog has said.

Cadbury claiming A$236m from Amcor

Packaging giant, Amcor is set to face the courtroom this week to battle claims made by one of its key customers, Cadbury.

Asda wins aspartame case

On Wednesday Asda won its court battle with Japanese food company Ajinomoto, who sued the supermarket chain for calling the artificial sweetener aspartame ‘nasty’

Waitrose opens convenience store in London

London is to receive its first Waitrose convenience store in a refurbished former Woolworths department store

E.coli not detected at Nestle factory

Strain of E.coli found at Nestle’s plant in Virginia does not match the strain that has been linked to a 30-state outbreak.

Sara Lee to consider acquisitions for growth

Sara Lee Corp is to consider acquisitions in order to grow the company, according to Chairman and CEO Brenda Barnes.

J.M. Smucker Q4 earnings double

The peanut butter and jelly maker J.M. Smucker has reported that fourth quarter earnings beat estimates boosted by its acquisition of Folgers.

Cadbury sees trading pickup

Confectionery group Cadbury reported a pickup in April and May trading on Thursday and looked forward to a stronger second-half helped by new product launches.

A bar of Cadbury Fruit and Nut chocolate moves along the production line of the Bournville factory in Birmingham, October 7, 2008. REUTERS/Darren Staples

Dean Foods makes acquisition into soy-foods market

Dean Foods Co, the largest U.S. dairy processor by revenue, will buy the Alpro division of Belgium's Vandemoortele NV for €325 million ($455 million).

Del Monte Foods sees Q4 profit soar 42%

Del Monte Foods has reported that fourth-quarter profit soared 42 percent due to price increases and cost cutting initiatives.

Kraft Foods and Nestle expect rise in sales

Nestle SA has reported that sales in Brazil are up in the second quarter as the economy shows signs of recovery, while Kraft Foods Inc expects sales in China to soar in 2009.

General Mills sees FY '09 earnings topping prior view

(Reuters) - U.S. food maker General Mills Inc said it expects fiscal 2009 earnings to exceed its prior profit outlook by several cents, due to a good operating performance and a lower quarterly tax rate.

Chicken injected with pork and beef proteins

Restaurants in the UK have been serving chicken secretly injected with beef and pork proteins, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has discovered.

Dairy Farmers of Britain goes into receivership

The milk cooperative, Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFOB), has gone into receivership, putting 2,200 jobs at risk after it lost a key contract with the Co-op supermarket.

McCain Foods cuts 126 jobs

McCain Foods has announced that over 100 of its employees will lose their jobs at its Fort Atkinson plant over the next three months.

Cadbury sees India as regional cocoa centre

Cadbury is looking to build on its position in the Indian chocolate market with plans to transform the country into a regional centre for the production of cocoa.

Finsbury Food receives early bid approach

Bread and cake maker Finsbury Food Group confirmed that it has received an early stage approach regarding a potential offer for the company.

Heinz Q4 income down on currency pressures

HJ Heinz Co has reported a 9.8 percent fall in fourth quarter net income on currency fluctuations and weak sales at its foodservice unit.

Tate & Lyle FY adjusted pretax profit down

Sugar and sweetener maker Tate & Lyle reported a 2 percent decline in full-year adjusted pretax profit on Thursday and said it was difficult to predict with confidence the outlook for 2010.

Bags of Tate&Lyle sugar on store shelves

Campbell signs distribution deal in Russia

The Campbell Soup Company has entered into an agreement with Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Co to distribute soup products in Russia.

Greencore H1 down, cuts dividend

Irish food group Greencore has reported that adjusted earnings per share in the first half fell 17.8 percent attributed to currency fluctuations.

Northern Foods FY profit beat expectations

Food manufacturer Northern Foods posted a slightly better than feared 5.4 percent drop in full-year profit and said it was selling more discount and value products due to the economic downturn.

Danone plans €3bn rights issue

Yoghurt maker Danone SA has announced its plans to raise three billion euros ($4.2 billion) in a rights issue to reduce net debt and allow financial flexibility.

Hormel Foods Q2 profit up 4%

Hormel Foods has reported that second quarter profit increased four percent, beating estimates, as budget-conscious consumers boosted sales of tinned meats.

Jeffrey Ettinger, Chief Executive Hormel Foods

Perdigao and rival Sadia form new company

Brazil’s Perdigao SA has agreed to a share-swap transaction with Sadia SA that will form a new company with annual sales of $10.6 billion.

Lifeway Foods Q1 earnings up on acquisition

Kefir maker Lifeway Foods has reported a record first quarter boosted by its acquisition of Fresh Made Dairy and record low milk prices.

FSA sets salt reduction targets for 2012

The Food Standards Agency has announced that the level of salt in hundreds of food products is to be reduced in new targets for manufacturers.

A salt pot on its side with salt spilling out

Cranswick yearly profit rises

British pork supplier Cranswick Plc posted a 9 percent rise in full-year pretax profit helped by higher selling prices, raised its dividend and said that it started the new financial year in line with its expectations.

Premier Foods sales up

Premier Foods , the country's biggest food manufacturer, said on Tuesday its expectations for the full year remained unchanged after a 3 percent increase in total sales in the first four months of its financial year.

A sales forecast vector chart with the arrow pointing upwards

Pilgrim’s Pride sells plant to Foster Farms

Pilgrim’s Pride has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its chicken complex in Louisiana to Foster Farms for $80 million.

Swine flu impacts sales of pork at Tyson Foods

U.S. meat producer Tyson Foods has reported that pork sales declined following the spread of the H1N1 strain of flu, although shares continue to rise.

Kraft profit rises on cost cutting and price hikes

Kraft Foods Inc posted a higher-than-expected first-quarter profit helped by price increases and cost-cutting measures.

Kellogg U.S. sales boost profits

Kellogg Co reported that net income was up 1.3 percent in the first quarter boosted by North American sales and its cost cutting initiative.

Cadbury posts 2% sales growth

British confectioner Cadbury has reported a two percent increase in underlying sales despite slowing growth on the back of poor gum sales in the first quarter.

U.S. food and drink launches down in 2009

Total food and drink product launches have seen a 51 percent decline in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the prior year, as companies adapt to the changing economy.

Carbonated drinks aisle in a supermarket

Cereals too high in salt and sugar, report claims

The most popular breakfast cereal brands are too high in salt and sugar, according to a survey of 100 cereals by consumer watchdog Which?

A bowl of cereal topped with strawberries and kiwi on the side

Nestlé launches initiatives on water, nutrition and development

Nestlé is set to announce three major company initiatives which will focus on water, nutrition and rural development at a two-day forum.

Hershey first-quarter profit rises

Chocolate maker Hershey Co posted a higher-than-expected rise in quarterly profit, helped by price increases and market share gains.

Rows of Hershey candy bars are seen inside the Hershey Store in New York in this June 17, 2008 file photo. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Nestle sales fall for second straight quarter

Swiss-based Nestle SA saw sales decline for the second consecutive quarter as consumers turn to cheaper alternatives.

Cranswick sells pet food business for £17m

Cranswick, the food supplier and manufacturer, has sold its pet food division through a management buyout in a 17 million pound deal.

Tate & Lyle starts search for new CEO

Sugar refiner and sweetener maker Tate & Lyle has begun the search for a new chief executive to replace Iain Ferguson, the Sunday Telegraph said, without citing sources.

General Mills closes Brazilian plant

U.S. food company General Mills has announced that it is closing its Brazilian pasta and bread businesses resulting in a loss of 500 jobs.

Chocolate and vanilla ice cream in a tub

Milk farmers protest against Glanbia’s price cuts

Dairy farmers in Ireland are holding a series of protests demanding that Glanbia reverse its decision to cut the price it pays to its farmer suppliers for milk.

Cargill’s Q3 profit falls 68%

The world’s largest agribusiness has announced a 68 percent decline in profit during the third quarter, with net earnings of $326 million.

Danone and Wadia end joint venture

Groupe Danone has brought its 13 year partnership with Wadia Group to an end as it decides to pursue its business interests in India “independently”.

Stater Bros. to sell Santee Dairies to Dean Foods

Stater Bros. Markets has announced it is to sell its Santee Dairies division to Dean Foods, allowing the dairy unit to increase its share of the milk business in Southern California.

Stater Bros. Market in Loma Linda, California

Mars to secure long-term sourcing of sustainable cocoa

Confectioner Mars has said it will ensure that its cocoa supply is sourced from sustainable production systems by 2020.

Lifeway Foods sees Q1 sales soar 24%

The maker of kefir, Lifeway Foods, reported record first quarter revenues today, with consolidated sales up 24 percent, citing marketing and educational initiatives.

Credit insurer withdraws cover from McCain Foods

Euler Hermes has withdrawn cover from the UK arm of McCain Foods after the company failed to produce up-to-date financial records.

Crinkle cut oven chips with tomato sauce on the side

Tate & Lyle says U.S. upholds ruling

Sugar and sweetener group Tate & Lyle on Tuesday said the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld its initial judgement which ruled against the group in a sucralose patent-infringement case.

Unilever axes 201 jobs at ice cream plant

Unilever North America, the consumer goods maker, has announced it is to close its Breyers ice cream plant in Framingham, Massachusetts with the loss of 201 jobs.

Cranswick to buy Bowes for £17m

Cranswick Plc has agreed to buy the pork processing business Bowes of Norfolk Ltd from the Bowes family for 17.2 million pounds cash.

Maple Leaf Foods puts sale on hold

Canadian Maple Leaf Foods has announced that the sale of its pork processing business in Burlington, Ontario has ground to a halt due to credit markets.

UPDATE: Pistachio recall extends further

A recall issued by the FDA and related to pistachio products in the U.S. has extended beyond the Chicago area to become a nationwide alert.

Tate&Lyle says annual profits to show fall

Sugar refiner and sweetener maker Tate & Lyle warned on Thursday of a fall in pretax profits in the year just ended as demand for its sweeteners and starches remain weak and ethanol margins stay under severe pressure.

U.S. safety officials investigating pistachio contamination

Pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, the second largest pistachio processor in the U.S., are being investigated following an outbreak of salmonella.

Campbell Soup launches innovation website

Campbell Soup Co has launched a new website inviting scientists, entrepreneurs and inventors to submit their innovative ideas to the company.

Sara Lee says may divest household business

Sara Lee Corp is considering options for its international household and personal care business after receiving some expressions of interest from potential suitors for the unit, Sara Lee said on Monday.

Dairy Crest sells Yoplait stake

Dairy Crest eased its debt position by selling its 49 percent stake in yoghurt group Yoplait for 63.5 million pounds and said full-year trading had been solid, sending its shares higher.

Finsbury Food H1 profit plummets 45%

The cake and bread manufacturer Finsbury Food Group plc has reported that half year adjusted pre-tax profit fell by 45 percent to 1.8 million pounds, although sales remain strong.

Organic food advocated by White House

Locally-grown and organic foods are being touted by the Obama administration as a way of creating a more sustainable food supply in the U.S.

Glisten sees profits plunge 39%

Glisten said profits fell to two million pounds in the first six months to December 31, as demand from independent retailers declined.

Two cereal bars on a plate, surrounded by fruit

Kerry Group wins appeal against Breeo buyout

The Kerry Group has won a court appeal against a Competition Authority decision to block its proposed purchase of Breeo Foods.

Premier Foods gets 66 pct take-up for share issue

Premier Foods , maker of household favourites like Hovis bread and Branston pickle, has had received subscriptions for 66 percent of the new shares it is issuing to raise 404 million pounds.

Loaves of Hovis wholemeal bread on the shelf

General Mills posts lower profit on higher costs

General Mills has reported that third quarter profit fell 33 percent, citing soaring product costs and marketing expenses, partly offset by the stronger dollar.

Lindt & Spruengli warns of consumer slowdown in 2009

The Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli AG said that it expects 2009 profit to fall as much as 28 percent due to plunging consumer confidence and high cocoa prices.

Obama moves to overhaul U.S. food safety

President Obama has announced his intention to form a new food safety working group in the U.S. and made two appointments at the top of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Smithfield Foods posts $103.1m Q3 loss

U.S. meat producer Smithfield Foods has reported a loss of $103.1 million in the third quarter as hog production suffered substantial losses due to record high feed costs.

Fried bacon, egg and sausage breakfast on a plate

Sara Lee weighs sale of European business

(Reuters) - Sara Lee , which is focusing on its core food and beverage business, is examining a sale of its European household and personal-care business, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Tasty Baking Co posts Q4 loss

U.S. bakery group Tasty Baking Company announced a loss of $4.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to a $100,000 profit in the prior year.

Premier Foods “trading well” as profits rise

Food manufacturer Premier Foods has reported a 13.5 percent rise in annual profits following its 404 million pounds capital raising as it looks to reduce its debt.

Maple Leaf CEO sees recession helping its sales

Maple Leaf Foods is banking on the recession to help boost sales after a deadly listeria bacteria outbreak last year resulted in a costly recall that hurt its reputation and the bottom line.

Premier Foods confirms £404 million fundraising

Premier Foods confirmed plans for a 404 million pounds capital raising on Thursday as it looked to reduce its 1.8 billion pound debt pile.

Firms support U.S. legislation to prevent food contamination

A bill introduced by the U.S. Senate will give the Food and Drug Administration the power to recall products following the nationwide peanut butter recall that killed nine people.

Premier Foods set to raise £400 million

Food group Premier Foods will unveil a 400 million pounds capital-raising on Thursday, two sources close to the transaction said.

One in four Americans to suffer food poisoning

As many as a quarter of Americans suffer a food-related illness each year — though only a fraction of those cases get linked to high-profile outbreaks like the recent salmonella-peanut scare, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Food Manufacturing