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The article presents an outlook for the food industry for 2014. Topics discussed include merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the global food sector, trend for more healthy food options, and international food retailers' focus on going less international. Also highlighted is food industry's focus on sustainability.

The article presents a food industry forecast in China. Among the topics discusses include China which is set to remain the global growth engine, growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) and economy, and emerging markets that has become an opportunity for foreign and domestic retailers seeking overseas growth.

The article focuses on the challenges faced by Associated British Food PLC (ABF) in the sugar market with sugar regime that is expected to hit the profits at the unit in the European Union (EU). Among the topics discussed include expected lower sugar profits offset by grocery Primark, international expansion targeted by ABF, and decline in share of ABF as a decline in sugar earnings weighed on it forecast.

The article focuses on the fast moving consumer goods companies operate (FCMG) in the market in Europe. Among the topics discussed include slowing overall economic climate, increasing gross domestic product (FGP) per capita as an opportunity for FMCG firms, and price-quality leakage as key strategy for FCMG firms operating Russia.

The article focuses on the financial performance of the health foods group Wessanen in the first half of 2017. Topics include increase in its revenue; rise in group sales due to the organic expansion of its branded portfolio; and increase in branded sales. It presents views of its chief executive officer (CEO) Christophe Barnouin on the same.

The article looks at ways through which the food industry could mitigate and even reverse global warming by using their supply chains to rejuvenate farmlands and forests. It mentions data from the data from the U.S.'s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on average global temperature in March 2017. It states that food industry is vulnerable to climate change.

The article reports that the dairy company Grupo Lala has recorded higher second-quarter sales and earnings due to growth in Mexico and Central America and expansion in the U.S. It mentions that the company revealed rise in the revenue in the second quarter of 2017. It presents views of its chief executive officer (CEO) Scot Rank on the same.

The article reports that US confectioner Ferrara Candy Company has been named as a possible buyer in the sale of Nestle's US confectionery business. It states that Ferrara Candy has been preparing to participate in an auction-style sale of Nestle's US confectionery assets, and mentions other potential buyers like Swiss chocolate group Lindt & Sprungli, Mondelez International and Hershey.

The article reports that New Zealand dairy company Fonterra will invest in two new cream cheese plants as it plans enhance growth in Asian markets. It states that new cream cheese production facilities will be located at its Darfield site in Canterbury, New Zealand, and mentions that the project will see the first plant completed in 2018. Comments from Fonterra's director of global foodservice, Grant Watson, on the same are presented.

The article reports that Raisio, a Finland-based food company, has lowered its 2017 business forecast due to the significant production and commercial challenges faced by its British confectionery business. It states that the company has experienced lower than estimated profitability and the weakening of the pound against the euro, and mentions impact of exchange rates and the depreciation of sterling on the firm's business.

The article reports that Grupo Bimbo has entered into an agreement to acquire US-based foodservice supplier East Balt Bakeries. It states that East Balt makes products like English muffins, rolls, and tortillas, and mentions comments from Daniel Servitje, chairman and chief executive of Grupo Bimbo, on the deal. It notes East Balt has long-standing strategic relationships, with the largest and most established fast food restaurants.

The article informs that Hilton Food Group has reported an increase in sales as of July 20, 2017. It mentions the firm has continued to grow the business, through additional volumes and close cooperation with retail partners. It also mentions Hilton saw encouraging top-line growth supported by new packaging formats and an expanded product range in Ireland.

The article announces Ramon Laguarta has been appointed as group president at PepsiCo.

The article informs that Premier Foods Plc has reported decrease in its revenue as of July 20, 2017. It mentions the decline in grocery sales was offset by rise in sales from Premier's branded sweet treats unit. It presents views of Jefferies analyst Martin Deboo, on management team of several food industry are guiding around flat sales.

The article offers information on the financial performance of meat company HKScan during the first half of 2017. Topics discussed include the decline in company's sales and earnings, the company's poor performance in Finland and Sweden, and the operating losses of the company for the duration. Also mentioned are the views of company's chief executive officer (CEO) Jari Latvanen on it.

The article offers information on the investments made by food and agriculture investment firm Arlon Group in dairy company CBL Alimentos (Betânia). Topics discussed include the views of Bruno Martins Silva, Arlon's representative in CBL Alimentos' board, on it; the views of Bruno Girão, chief executive officer (CEO) of Betânia, on the deal; and Arlon's network in food and agriculture industries in Brazil.

The article informs that Mironivsky Hliboproduct (MHP), the Ukrainian poultry group, has reported the rise in sales volumes and poultry prices as of second quarter of 2017. It mentions volumes were propelled by higher exports and attributed the expansion to "high demand" in international markets and company continued to follow a strategy of both geographic diversification and in a product mix optimisation building-up the export volumes of chicken meat.

The article reports that poultry group Industrias Bachoco has reached an agreement to acquire Alabama-based Albertville Quality Foods (AQF) via its U.S. subsidiary OK Foods. It mentions under HIG's ownership, the firm has expanded its business including via the 2014 acquisition of Southern Quality Meats and AQF has been owned by private-equity group HIG Capital since 2010. It presents views of Rodolfo Ramos, chief executive officer (CEO) at Industrias Bachoco, on the same.

The article reports on growth of Armanino Foods across the food industry of U.S. as of second-quarter of 2017. It mentions an increase in net earnings and business revenue of the company; and revealed an increase in pre-tax income from continuing operations. It also presents the views of Edmond Pera, president at Armanino, on high rate of growth.

The article reports that snack food company Intersnack has confirmed plans to acquire Butterkist popcorn from Tangerine Confectionery. It mentions that Intersnack will take ownership of manufacturing site of Butterkist in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. It also presents the views of Anthony Francheterre, chief executive officer at Tangerine Confectionery, on the acquisition as part of business strategy to focus on sugar-based confections.

The article reports that consumer goods firm Unilever and Hormel Foods emerge as front-runners in the race to acquire the food business of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) group Reckitt Benckiser. It mentions that the food division includes products like Frank's RedHot sauce with majority of its sales in the US. Revenues and strong EBIT. It also presents the views of Karel Zoete, equities analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux, on the same.

The article reports on plans of baker Grupo Bimbo to close a Canada Bread bakery located in Calgary, Alberta. It mentions that the products made at the site will be shifted to other bakeries in western Canada where there is spare capacity. It also presents the views of Jennifer Park, vice president of operations at Canada Bread, on efforts to sustain and build the business; and decision to close the bakery as it has been losing volume.

The article report on an agreement signed by meat processing company JBS to sell Canadian feed unit Lakeside Feeders. It mentions that the business consists of JBS Food Canada's beef cattle feed yard and adjacent farmland in Alberta and will be acquired by MCF Holdings Ltd. It also mentions that MCF will continue to supply cattle to the JBS Food Canada's beef processing facility in Brooks.

The article discusses financial results of confectionery group Cloetta revealing business loss as of July 2017. Topics discussed include sale of its Italian business to Germany-based confectioner Katjes International, decline in its operating profit and net earnings along with rise in revenue; and comments from Henri de Sauvage-Nolting of the firm on operating profit.

The article informs that Orkla has reported an increase in sales and profits as of July 14, 2017 and decline in its margins which were squeezed by higher raw materials costs. It presents views of Peter Ruzicka, chief executive officer (CEO) at the firm, on rise in raw material prices for meat and dairy products in European Union (EU). It mentions an increase in the revenue of the firm due to increase in sales of food, confectionery and snack products.

The article discusses efforts of food and beverage firm PepsiCo to adapt its business to the changes in the sector in the way food manufacturers interact with their customers. Topics discussed include impact of importance of electronic commerce (e-commerce) on the sector, comments from Indra Nooyi of the firm about pressure on the organic growth rates of companies and Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog on performance of the firm.

The article offers insight to an agreement between European Parliament and The European Council for overhauling existing rules that governs organic production and labeling in the country. Topics discussed include sustainable development of organic production while increasing consumer confidence in organic products; statement of Clint Camilleri, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture on the same; and placing checks on retailers.

The article offers information on a profit warning issued by meat company HKScan regarding the company's expectations for profit in 2017. Topics discussed include the weak sales and lower profitability in for the company in Sweden and Finland, a new poultry production plant of the company in Rauma, Finland, and the job cuts by the company as part of its cost cutting plans.

The article announces appointment of Tim Cranko as chief executive officer (CEO) at G. Willi-Food, and appointed of Victor Bar as a director in the firm.

The article reports that food firm Drums Food International has raised capital from private-equity group Verlinvest, DSG Consumer Partners and InnoVen Capital in a funding round. It discusses the plans to use proceeds for technological innovations, brand development and increase production capacity. It mentions views of Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder at Drums Food, on the business expansion of the firm.

The article offers information on reaffirmation of its full-year expectations by food firm PepsiCo after reported a strong first-half performance as of July 14, 2017. Topics discussed include increase in net profit, operating profit, and earnings per share; rise in sales and business revenue growth supported by organic sales growth of the firm; and views of PepsiCo's chief executive officer (CEO) Indra Nooyi, on same.

The article offers information on the Gallo Nature grains from Riso Gallo available in varieties including barley, brown rice, and quinoa.

The article offers information on an extension on trading halt on its shares asked by infant formula manufacturer Bellamy's Australia to China's Certification and Accreditation Administration after the Chinese regulators had suspended its license to export products manufactured at its Camperdown Powder factory. It discusses the suspension of export license due to third-party allegations made to Chinese authorities.

The article reports that food and beverage firm Bellamy's Australia has requested a trading halt on its shares after Chinese authorities suspended export license of a canning facility of the firm. It mentions that Bellamy's stressed the facility was licensed to export infant formula to China through Certification and Accreditation Administration. It mentions the impact regarding sale of the company's organic baby and toddler formula products which is manufactured by Fonterra and Tatura Milk.

The article focuses on the acquisition of natural food group Pacific Foods by canned soups producer Campbell Soup Co. to increase its exposure to the health and well-being categories. It mentions that Pacific Foods makes natural and organic broths, soups and meals. It also presents the views of Denise Morrison, president and chief executive officer at Campbell, on the same.

The article reports on extension of partnership of dairy group Wyke Farms and organic milk producer The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo) for the production of organic cheese to boost global sales. Topics discussed include sourcing of milk for organic cheese production by Wyke Farms from OMSCo, comments from Rich Clothier of Wyke Farms on expansion of organic cheese production and Richard Hampton of OMSCo on same.

The article offers information on the financial performance of Associated British Foods as of June 24, 2017. Topics discussed include the performance of the bakery business of the company, the bread market of Great Britain, and the growth in the revenue of the company. Also mentioned are the sugar, agriculture and retail businesses of the company.

The article offers information on an agreement between food companies Cloetta and Katjes International to sell Cloetta's Italian business to Katjes. Topics discussed include the losses reported by Cloetta from the business; the views of Cloetta chief financial officer (CFO) Danko Maras on it; and the views of Henri de Sauvage-Nolting, chief executive officer (CEO) of Cloetta, on it.

The article reports that Mason Food, food investment arm of Mason Financial, has acquired stakes in infant formula maker Blend and Pack. It mentions generation of strong net revenue and net earnings by Blend and Pack as of 2017. It also mentions that the acquisition forms an integral part of its strategy of being a major producer and distributor of high-quality dairy and nutrition produce.

The article reports that horticultural company Costa Group Holdings plans to grow its avocado business with acquisition of the Lankester Avocado orchards. It mentions that the acquisition agreement has been entered into in conjunction with Macquarie Agricultural Funds Management (MAFM) wherein MAFM will purchase the farms and operate them. It also presents the views of Harry Debney, chief executive officer at Costa Group, on the acquisition.

The article discusses plans of Ter Beke for acquisition of stakes in ready meals maker Stefano Toselli and take control of its Polish joint venture the Pasta Food Co. Topics discussed include call options given to Ter Beke on both Stefano Toselli and The Pasta Food Co.; comments from Dirk Goeminne of Ter Beke on Ter Beke's growth strategy and business expansion with the acquisition and the business to be headed by Douglas Hamer.

The article discusses acquisition of the U.S. organic dairy business Stonyfield from Danone by dairy giant Lactalis. Topics discussed include comments from MainFirst analyst Alain Oberhuber about value of the deal, sale of Stonyfield as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to settle competition concerns arised from its acquisition of WhiteWave Foods and statement of Danone about closing of the divestiture.

The article reports the acquisition by Nordic poultry group Scandi Standard as of June 2017 of Irish chicken processor Manor Farm for around 94 million euros in a cash-and-shares transaction. Also cited are the share of Manor Farm in Ireland's fresh chicken market, the processor's financial performance in 2016, and the comment by Scandi Standard's Leif Bergvall Hansen on the deal.

The article reports on the purchase of a 3.38 billion stake by the U.S. hedge fund Third Point in Swiss food and drink company Nestle. The hedge fund, which is controlled by investor Daniel Loeb, also called for a strategy review at the Nestle that would address its staid culture and tendency towards incrementalism. Nestle was asked by Third Point to set a formal margin target of 18 to 20 percent by 2020.

The article deals with the decision of German's Cartel Office to stop antitrust proceedings against the Swiss food group Bell Group over accusations of price-fixing in the country's sausage sector. The food group was fined by the country's watchdog, the Bundeskartellamt, in 2014 but it filed an appeal against the ruling. The 100 million euro fine has been cancelled following the decision.

The article reports that dairy cooperative Valio posted a drop in its 2016 sales due to poor demand in Asia, oversupply of milk in the European Union (EU) and increased competition. Topics discussed include the percentage decline in Valio's net sales in Finland and international markets, the weakness of the dairy sector due to the imbalance in global markets and Valio's milk margin.

The article reports that A2 Milk Co. has increased its full-year revenue following the rise of infant formula supply from Synlait Milk, its contract manufacturing partner. Topics discussed include A2's projected revenue in fiscal 2017 which ends in June, changes in the company's phasing of the marketing investment and increased in demand for the A2 Platinum infant formula.

The article reports that produce company Greenyard Foods acquired Mykogen, a mushroom substrate supplier, from Abris Capital Partners. Topics discussed include the amount of the acquisition deal, Greenyard's description of the deal as transformational transaction to strengthen its position in the mushroom market and Mykogen's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).

The article announces the appointment of Marcelo Proen¸a by Brazilian meat group JBS as its global head of compliance.

The article previews a brand of fresh prepared meals called Fresh Prep'd launched by U.S. salad business Ready Pac.