|
A robot food delivery start-up announced it is testing its business strategy and technology with the help of several European food and parcel delivery companies, including Pronto, Hermes, and Just Eat, as well as grocery retailer Metro Group. Starship Technologies, created by two Skype co-founders, will launch dozens of delivery robots in London, Düsseldorf, Bern and another German city to start. It will then move to several other European and American cities. It already operates delivery robots in Tallinn, Estonia, its headquarters location.
"Starship Technologies launches testing program for self-driving delivery robots with major industry partners", News release, Starship Technologies, July 06, 2016
|
Sales of sports nutrition products – muscle milks, protein bars, energy gels, etc. – are booming in Great Britain. At the heart of this strong performance is an expanding market: an increasing number of health-conscious consumers – beyond exercise junkies – are buying them. Mintel says 24 percent of Brits consumed a sports nutrition product in the past three months, including 42 percent of men aged 16-24. U.K. consumers spent £66 million on sports nutrition foods and drinks in 2015, an increase of 27 percent from 2013. The products are now staples on store shelves: 47 percent of sports nutrition buyers say the products are part of their everyday diet.
"Sports Nutrition Bulks Up: UK Market Sales Rise By 27% In Two Years As One In Four Brits Use The Products", News release, Mintel, July 06, 2016
|
|
Kellogg Company has expanded its Raisin Bran breakfast cereal line to include two granola-based varieties. Two flavors of Raisin Bran Granola will be available at 200 calories a serving with bran flakes, raisins and granola oat clusters: Raisin & Honey Granola and Cranberry Almond Granola, both low in fat, high in fiber. The company said its market research found now only that an increasing number of people were eating granola, its own Raisin Bran customers were eager to have granola blends that did not sacrifice the traditional flavor of the bran flakes and sweet raisins.
"Kellogg's Merges Two Breakfast Favorites - Raisin Bran And Granola To Create A Delicious New Pairing", News release, Kellogg Company, July 07, 2016
|
People who are into the low-carb approach to weight loss can now get a week’s supply of appropriate foods directly from Atkins Nutritionals at prices ranging from about $70 to almost $98 a box, either as one-time online buys or on a subscription basis. The Meal Kits include frozen meals, snacks, menus, and shopping lists. The frozen food kit contains a variety of Atkins frozen foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Easy Peasy kit ($97.99) includes frozen meals, meal bars and shakes. All kits include the Atkins meal kit guide, the new Atkins Made Easy book, the Atkins carb counter and the recipe booklet. The company says the kits are targeted at low-carb aficionados “with busy lifestyles.”
"Atkins Launches First Line Of Meal Kits", News release, Atkins Nutritionals, July 07, 2016
|
|
U.S. yogurt maker Chobani has come up with a new ad theme and campaign as the Rio Olympics approach. Instead of “Naturally Powering Team USA,” used for the London and Sochi games, the theme is: ”You Can Only Be Great If You’re Full Of Goodness.” More than 40 videos have been prepared for the campaign. They include commercials, digital video profiles, workout routines and cooking segments featuring the athletes it is sponsoring. An ancillary theme of the campaign, which is managed by the Opperman Weiss agency, is the “No Bad Stuff” phrase Chobani has been using to stress that its yogurts contain no artificial ingredients or GMOs.
"See The Spot: Chobani Stresses Goodness In Olympics Push", Advertising Age, July 07, 2016
|
An online reader poll by BakeryandSnacks.com found that Brexit is expected to have a serious impact on pocketbooks. Three of five industrial bakery execs said Brexit will lead to rise in ingredients costs, while three of four believe it will drive up retail prices due to high ingredients and labor costs, and a weaker pound. Only 30 percent of readers said Brexit would have a positive impact, while 40 percent expect sales to drop. “Since it's the major retailers that make the rules,” said one reader, “Brexit won't have a major impact on bakery.”
"Brexit: 60% Of Firms Fear UK Leaving EU Will Push Up Ingredients Costs", BakeryAndSnacks.com, July 12, 2016
|
|
ConAgra Foods has picked Thomas Werner to be CEO of the Lamb Weston potato business, which the company earlier announced would be spun off. Timothy McLevish will be the new executive chairman of Lamb Weston. Jettisoning Lamb Weston ends ConAgra’s involvement in the foodservice business selling to restaurants and other commercial customers. The company will instead sharpen its focus on marketing its many grocery store brands, which include Peter Pan peanut butter and Gulden’s mustard.
"ConAgra Names CEO, Chairman of Potato Business Spinoff", The Wall Street Journal, July 13, 2016
|
Hindustan Unilever Ltd spent Rs 879.73 crore on advertising and promotions in the first quarter of its fiscal year 2017, about Rs 13 crore lower than the Rs 892.73 crore it spent in the same quarter of the previous year. According to the company, its A&P spending is at 11 percent of sales, down 60 basis points. Starting in April 2016, HUL has revamped its businesses by grouping them under the home care, personal care, foods, and refreshments categories. Also, the company has adopted the Indian accounting system in reporting financial results since the first quarter of FY 2017.
"Ad spends at Hindustan Unilever shrink marginally in Q1-2017", indiantelevision.com, July 19, 2016
|
|
U.K. grocery retail chain Tesco has named Jane Lawrie to the post of group communications director, effective in October. Lawrie comes most recently from Coca-Cola, where she was head of European public affairs and communications. She has spent 25 years in corporate, financial and digital communications, with stints at Diageo and Boots the Chemist.
"Tesco appoints Group Communications Director", News release, Tesco, July 19, 2016
|
Unilever posted first half sales growth of 4.7 percent with sales volume up 2.2 percent. Sales were up 5.4 percent at constant exchange rates, but down 2.6 percent at current exchange rates. Sales grew eight percent in emerging markets, while sales volume up 2.9 percent. CEO Paul Polman said the sales figures reflected ”consistent, competitive, profitable and responsible growth” in a tough global environment. The company said consumer demand is still weak, sales volumes continue to lag, and market volume growth is negative in Europe and in North America. Growth in personal care and foods improved growth and maintained ”strong profitability.” Profit margins in home care and refreshment improved.
"Consistent, competitive and profitable growth in challenging markets", Earnings release, Unilever, July 21, 2016
|
|
| Companies, Organizations |
 |
|
|
Hindustan Unilever Limited announced the resignation of Punit Misra as Management Committee member, executive director, and vice president of sales and customer development. Current vice president of HUL’s Skin Care business, Srinandan Sundaram, will succeed Misra. Srinandan joined HUL as a management trainee in 1999 and rose through the ranks, occupying executive posts of increasing responsibilities and importance.
"HUL announces new appointment to Management Committee", Hindustan Unilever, July 18, 2016
Unilever Spain named Antonio Casanova its new executive vice president for the local market. He will succeed Jaime Aguilera, who was appointed as EVP for Unilever in Central and Eastern Europe. Casanova will continue performing his current duties at Unilever Jeronimo Martins, the company’s joint venture in Portugal.
"Antonio Casanova Named New President Of Unilever Spain", European Supermarket Magazine, July 19, 2016
|
Food Business News, July 18, 2016
Nutraceuticals World, July 18, 2016
Business Standard, July 19, 2016
FOODnavigator-USA.com, July 21, 2016
|
|
| Press Release |
|
|
|
Hindustan Unilever Limited said its domestic consumer business grew 4 percent for the second quarter of 2016. Operating profit rose 7 percent to Rs. 1,543 crores, with margin expanding by 70bps. Profit after tax increased 6 percent to Rs. 1,128 crores, with net profit growing 10 percent to Rs. 1,174 crores.
"Hindustan Unilever Limited JQ 2016 Results Presentation", Hindustan Unilever , July 18, 2016
Unilever PLC said profit increased 2 percent to €2.51 billion, or $2.77 billion, in the first half of 2016, although revenue declined 2.6 percent to €26.3 billion due to currency volatility. Underlying sales grew 4.7 percent, with volume rising 2.2 percent. At constant exchange rates, sales increased 5.4 percent and 2.6 percent at current exchange rates. According to the company, emerging markets sales grew 8.0 percent, with volume rising 2.9 percent. Core operating margin was at 15 percent, pushed by an increase of 80bps in gross margin.
"Unilever Reports Second quarter and half-year 2016 results", Unilever, July 21, 2016
|
|
|