Tesco Removes Unilever Products From Online Store Following Price Dispute October 12, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Tesco has removed dozens of Unilever brand products from its online store following a dispute between the companies over prices. Worsening tensions between suppliers and retailers, the disagreement highlights the adverse economic impact of the UK's exit from the European Union. Unilever has been working to raise the prices of products it supplies to the country's big 4 supermarkets by about 10 percent, claiming it needs to recover losses caused by higher cost of imported materials. Grocers, however, are opposing Unilever's demands for higher prices, saying some of the products are actually made in the UK. "Tesco pulls Unilever goods from website over price row", Reuters, October 12, 2016, © Reuters

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Unilever Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Mobile Ads Work Hand-In-Glove With TV To Increase FMCG Purchase Intent October 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST An advertising experiment that involved the Pond’s skin cream brand has confirmed that TV ads supplemented and reinforced by mobile ads are more effective in delivering “an experiential element” that improves purchase intent. Unilever worked with InMobi and Mindshare to test the hypothesis that multi-screen ad campaigns – TV plus smartphone – would be more effective than just TV alone in moving the skin cream product. The hypothesis proved correct: the mobile ad boosted purchase intent by 50 percent and interest in the product by 15 percent when the mobile ad was seen after the TV commercial. Charlotte McEleny, "Synching mobile ads to TV creative improves purchase intent, finds Unilever", The Drum, October 11, 2016, © Carnyx Group

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Unilever Geographies Worldwide EMEA Asia-Pacific Indonesia

National Advertisers Seek Multicultural Help In Improving Marketing October 10, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The trade group that represents companies that spend a total of $300 billion a year on national brand advertising announced an alliance of senior “thought leaders” from the African American, Hispanic, Asian, and LGBT communities to develop a blueprint for multicultural marketing in the U.S. The Association of National Advertisers says the new Alliance for Inclusive & Multicultural Marketing (AIMM) would facilitate brand marketing to diverse racial and cultural groups. Among the specific goals of the AIMM: share multicultural marketing examples; drive ROI, primarily through marketing effectiveness; disseminate best practices of multicultural and diverse demographic segments; and through a robust communications program; and create unique marketplace experiences providing insights into the multicultural arena. "ANA Forms New Multicultural Marketing Alliance", News release, Association of National Advertisers, October 10, 2016, © Association of National Advertisers

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Coca-Cola Company Kellogg Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Ardent Mills Displays Flour Innovations At Baking Industry Show October 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Ardent Mills recently exhibited at a major baking industry exposition, where it featured some of its newest grain-based industry solutions. Among the showcased innovations were a line of clean label flours containing no bleach, bromate or other additives, grown and ground the old-fashioned way. The company showed an array of ancient grains and new heirloom wheats that included quinoa, organic spelt and triticale. Also displayed: sprouted wheat and new sprouted wheat blends, and new blends made with Sprouted Wheat Ultragrain High Performance that offer whole grain nutrition, gluten strength, higher absorption, and lower formula costs. "Ardent Mills Introduces New Products, Highlights Portfolio of Premium Multi-Use Flour, Organic Flours and Grains at the IBIE Show in Las Vegas", News release, Ardent Mills, October 07, 2016, © Ardent Mills

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Amazon Settles On Flat Monthly Fee For Online Grocery Delivery Service October 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The online grocery shopping service AmazonFresh is now cheaper for Prime members. The service, originally priced at $299 per year, later shifted to a $7.99 per delivery scheme, but is now being offered at $14.99 a month to Amazon Prime subscribers. AmazonFresh is now live in the Boston area, in addition to Baltimore, Seattle, major cities in California, the New York metro area, northern New Jersey, the Philadelphia metro, Northern Virginia, Stamford (Conn.), Trenton (N.J.) and London (U.K.). Customers can order by 10 a.m. for same-day delivery by 6 p.m., or order by 10 p.m. for delivery by 6 a.m. the following day. Sarah Perez, "AmazonFresh Drops to $14.99 Per Month for Prime Members", Tech Crunch, October 06, 2016, © AOL Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom

McDonald’s Joins Environmental Group In Promoting Sustainable Coffee Farming October 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST McDonald’s has enlisted the help of Conservation International in reaching a goal of serving only sustainable coffee by 2020. The goal is a nod to the growing interest among consumers in knowing where their food comes from. But there’s a practical consideration as well: to make sure it has a sufficient supply of high-quality coffee for the long run. Helping coffee farmers furthers that goal. Conservation International’s mission is to transform the coffee industry, which has been under stress because of climate change and fungal disease. Sustainability is a key part of that mission. Leslie Patton, "McDonald’s Is Moving to Sustainable Coffee in Latest Menu Change", Bloomberg Market, October 05, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Papa John’s Says It Has Eliminated Unwanted Ingredients From Menu October 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Papa John’s International pizza chain CEO John Schnatter announced that the company has kept its promise to eliminate 14 dubious ingredients from its menu by the end of 2016. The list of unwanted ingredients includes artificial flavors and colors, corn syrup, flavor enhancers, thickeners, and preservatives. The company did not say what replacement ingredients were used. Schnatter also noted that the chicken the company uses in its chicken poppers and to top its grilled chicken pizza are all fed a vegetarian, antibiotics-free diet. It is also using only cage-free eggs. "Papa John's Completes Removal of 14 Unwanted Ingredients", News release, Papa John's, October 04, 2016, © Papa John's International, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Nestle’s New Beverage Helps IBS Sufferers Follow Low-FODMAP Diet October 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Nestlé Health Science has introduced a nutritional beverage targeting people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. ProNourish contains no fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides or polyols (FODMAPs), which are specific types of short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, resulting in severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea and excess gas in some people. ProNourish drinks contain six grams of sugar, 15 grams of protein, 3 grams of low-FODMAP fiber, 25 vitamins and minerals, and 170 calories. The company says its product is also suitable for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, and lactose intolerance; but not galactosemia. "Nestlé Health Science Unveils Pronourish™ Low Fodmap Nutritional Drink (USA)", News release, Nestlé, October 04, 2016, © Nestlé Health Science

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Nestle Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe Switzerland

Ads For Naked Juice Are Clothed In Misleading Statements, Lawsuit Alleges October 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest has joined with a New York law firm to sue PepsiCo in federal court for false and misleading advertising for their healthful juice line, Naked Juice. According to CSPI, Naked Juices says its products are packed with acai berry, blueberries, kale, and mango, but actually contain mostly cheap, nutrient-poor apple jor other juice. The company also claims on labels and in advertising that the juices contain “no added sugar,” implying that they are low in sugar. In fact, however, they are high in sugar, and PepsiCo does not tell consumers that the beverages are “not a low-calorie food” as the FDA requires. A 15 oz. bottle of Kale Blazer has eight teaspoons of sugar, mostly from orange and apple juice. "PepsiCo’s Naked Juices Mislead Consumers, Says Lawsuit", News release, CSPI, October 04, 2016, © Center for Science in the Public Interest

Domains FOOD COMPANIES PepsiCo Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Nestle Shuffles Senior Management Prior To Arrival Of New CEO Schneider September 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Nestlé announced that Luis Cantarell, who is retiring as head of European, Middle East and North African operations, will be replaced by waters division chief Marco Settembri [left]. Russia/Eurasia chief Maurizio Patarnello will in turn replace Settembri as head of the waters division, which includes San Pellegrino and Vittel. The changes will take effect on January 1, when the company welcomes its new CEO, Ulf Mark Schneider. The company also announced that the foodservice unit, Nestlé Professional, will be managed regionally, rather than globally, supported by a “strategic business unit.” The move is a response to demand for more locally customized products. Dean Best, "Nestle Announces Changes to Senior Team with New CEO on Horizon", Just-Food, September 27, 2016, © just-food.com

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Nestle Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Switzerland

Price Pack Architecture Helps CPGs Find Optimum, Profitable, Product Sizes September 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The emergence of pioneering research known as price pack architecture (PPA) has allowed the development of profitable – and popular – food packaging innovations such as 7.5-oz. Coca-Cola “mini-cans.” Coke has experienced a steady downturn in soda sales, so PPA’s findings have been more than welcomed. PPA combines consumer insights, competitive dynamics, and a company’s capabilities to identify ideas and analyze test results. Coca-Cola found that consumers not only liked compact serving sizes (i.e., 7.5-oz mini cans and 8-oz glass bottles), they also didn’t mind paying more per ounce. Annual revenues for Coke’s standard sizes fell one to two percent from 2011-15. But sales of the mini sizes soared 10 percent to 15 percent through the period. Manny Picciola et al., "The New World of Mini Consumer Packaged Goods", Harvard Business Review, September 26, 2016, © Harvard Business School Publishing

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Campbell's Coca-Cola Company Heinz Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Progresso Soup Is Taking Clean-Label Seriously September 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Progresso soup brand of General Mills announced that all of the chicken breast meat used in its 36 chicken soup varieties is free of antibiotics and hormones. In addition, the soups contain no artificial flavors and 60 percent of them contain no artificial colors. The company hopes to eliminate all artificial colors within three years.  The soup brand has reduced sodium levels in more than 40 soup varieties, added seven soups to its certified Gluten Free product line and is increasing its vegetarian soup options. "Progresso Completes Move To Antibiotic And Hormone Free Chicken Breasts In All Chicken Soup Varieties", News release, Progresso, September 26, 2016, © Progresso

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Hain To Sell Its U.K.-based Fresh-Squeezed Juice Business September 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The British government has approved the sale of organic products company Hain Celestial’s own-label fresh-squeezed fruit juice business to Multiple Marketing Ltd. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also okayed the sale of the related Headcorn facility. The own-label juice business generated approximately £20 million ($25 million) in net sales for the year ended June 30.The company said it would integrate Orchard House, acquired last December, into Hain Celestial United Kingdom and would develop new cold-pressed juice and branded fruit products for the European market. "Hain Celestial's Sale Of Own-Label Juice Business To Multiple Marketing Ltd. Approved By Competition And Markets Authority", News release, Hain Celestial Group, Inc., September 23, 2016, © Hain Celestial

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Report Says Europe Making Progress Toward Food Waste Reduction September 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A coalition of executives from European governments, businesses, international organizations, and others has issued a report citing progress in reducing food waste but calling for greater efforts to cut it in half globally by 2030. That is the goal of the coalition, known as New Champions 123, which says food loss and waste worldwide are responsible for $940 billion in economic losses and eight percent of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Eighty-eight million tons of food are wasted each year in the European Union, an amount that could feed 200 million people. Among the Europe-based participants in Champions are executives of Tesco, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Nestlé, Sodexo Group, and Unilever. "Europe Makes Progress on Reducing Food Waste but More Work Needed Worldwide", News release, Tesco PLC, September 22, 2016, © Tesco Stores Ltd

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe

Sodexo’s Deli Eateries Serve Up Exotic Bread Varieties September 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Foodservice facilities manager Sodexo’s deli unit has introduced a line of freshly baked breads with nontraditional compositions and flavors. More than 100 SubConnection eateries are located at schools and universities, corporate offices and healthcare facilities in the U.S. The new bread flavors include maple bacon and jalapeno cheddar Old Bay cheddar, roasted garlic and parmesan, salt and pepper, sriracha and orange peel, thai, buffalo, parmesan herb, pretzel, white wheat, Southwest white wheat, and rolled oat white wheat. Customers at the delis can pair their bread selections with quality meats, fresh vegetables, toppings and sauces. "Sodexo's SubConnection Rolls Out New Bread Flavors for the Adventurous", News release, Sodexo, September 22, 2016, © Sodexo

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Plant-Based Pastas Deliver High-Protein, High-Fiber, Gluten-Free Nutrition September 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Ancient Harvest says its new family of plant-based pastas contain simple, recognizable ingredients such as beans, lentils, or quinoa that deliver twice the protein of traditional pasta. Naturally gluten-free, the new fiber-rich varieties include black bean elbows, red lentil rotini and linguini, and green lentil penne and spaghetti. Also available are mac & cheese mild cheddar elbows, mac & cheese sharp cheddar shells, mac & cheese white cheddar shells, and     pasta meals Cubanitos and Italiano. All are available at select natural food stores and grocery stores across the country. "Ancient Harvest POW! Pasta Packs a One-Two Punch", News release, Ancient Harvest, September 21, 2016, © Ancient Harvest

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Chipotle Reassures Customers About Safe Food Handling In New Marketing Campaign September 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Chipotle fast-casual restaurant chain has launched a marketing campaign to reassure customers that the E. coli outbreaks that made dozens of people sick in last year will never happen again. To do that it has implemented the recommendations of a former chief medical officer at the USDA and FDA, and redesigned and implemented a thorough food safety program in all 3,862 restaurants. Chipotle’s number one priority now is to serve fresh food – safely – so new safety protocols are applied at every level. All ingredients, for example, are tested for pathogens by suppliers, then tracked from farm to warehouse to restaurant. Several pathogen-killing procedures are followed in the restaurants. And all restaurant managers are trained and certified in proper food handling. Julie Jargon, "Chipotle Explains Food-Safety Practices in New Ad Campaign", The Wall Street Journal, September 21, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Most Of The Top 25 Fast-Food Chains Flunk The Antibiotics Use Test September 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Natural Resources Defense Council and other consumer advocates have flunked 17 of the top 25 fast food chains in the U.S. on the basis of antibiotics use in their menu items. Big name eateries that earned the F grade because of a lack of a strong policy on antibiotics use include KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, IHOP, and Little Caesars. The stars of the class, earning A’s, were Chipotle and Panera Bread. Subway and Chick-fil-A earned a B, while McDonald’s snagged a C+. The FDA discourages producers from using antibiotics routinely in feed to promote growth, but does not prohibit the practice. It also supports routine use in meat and poultry production for disease prevention. The ratings appear in NRDC’s “Chain Reaction” report. Tara Duggan, "Chipotle, Panera lauded over antibiotics rules; many chains fail", San Francisco Gate, September 20, 2016, © Hearst Communications, Inc

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Food Waste Supermarket Flourishes In Denmark September 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A Danish charity (Folkekirkens Nødhjælp) that earlier this year opened a supermarket in Copenhagen dedicated to selling surplus food says the project has been successful enough to open two more stores. Food and other items sold in the stores would normally be thrown away because they are past their sell by date or have other imperfections. The WeFood store collects items from a variety of suppliers and sells them at a 30 – 50 percent discount. The store is part of a Danish government initiative to reduce food waste – 700,000 tons a year – in the country. Hazel Sheffield, "Denmark Plans Two More Food Waste Supermarkets Selling Surplus Produce", Independent, September 20, 2016, © Independent Digital News and Media Ltd.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Denmark

Vietnam Tells Unilever To Pay Back Taxes September 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Vietnam's General Department of Taxation has told Unilever Vietnam to pay tax arrears covering the period 2009 to 2013 when the company expanded its local business operations. According to GDT, the country's laws did not offer corporate income tax incentives to investors who expanded their business during the period. GDT, however, has accepted the company's request to exempt it from paying the related fine. Kim Chi, "Unilever Vietnam Asked to Pay Tax Arrears", VietnamNet, September 19, 2016, © VIETNAMNET Bridge

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Unilever Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific Viet Nam

General Mills To Revamp Yogurt Business As Shoppers Turn To Organic, Greek Products September 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST After spending a lot of time and money last year revamping its cereals business – discontinuing some brands, introducing new ones – General Mills is turning its attention to another ailing product line. Yogurt lovers have shown a strong preference for organic yogurt, and for thicker, low-carb Greek-style products, to the detriment of the sweet Yoplait brands. The company admitted to investors in July that the $2.8 billion Yoplait business needs refurbishing: U.S. sales fell seven percent in fiscal 2016, a major red flag after five percent growth in 2015. Look for more organic varieties in the future, for example. But Wall Street analysts doubt that customers looking for more natural and more nutritious yogurt will come back to Yoplait, which doesn’t sound very Greek to most shoppers. Annie Gasparro, "General Mills Looks to Stir Up Yogurt Sales", The Wall Street Journal, September 18, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES General Mills Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Unilever Plans To Expand Investments In Pakistan September 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Unilever plans to invest more in Pakistan, according to Jeannette Seppen, The Netherlands' ambassador to the country. During a meeting with Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Seppen also thanked the government for creating a business environment that is friendly for multinational companies. Ali Zain, "Unilever planning further investments in Pakistan", Daily Pakistan, September 18, 2016, © Daily Pakistan

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Unilever Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific Pakistan

Real Junk Food Project Repurposes Surplus Food In A Network Of Affiliated Cafes September 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST While Britain’s lawmakers ponder possible legislation on curbing food waste, private organizations and entrepreneurs have taken matters into their own hands with some eye-popping success. The Real Junk Food project, founded only three years ago, maintains a 6,000-square-foot warehouse in the city of Leeds that collects between two and 10 tons of food daily from a variety of sources, including supermarket chain Morrisons. Food collected is then distributed to one of 30 Real Junk Food cafes around the city. There are 125 such cafes throughout the U.K., and in Israel and Australia, and is growing exponentially worldwide. The surplus food is sold to anyone for any amount they can afford, including donated labor and services. Carole Cadwalladr, "The Real Junk Food Project: Revolutionising How We Tackle Food Waste", The Guardian, September 18, 2016, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Lack Of Sustainability Plan Gets Malaysian Palm Oil Supplier In Hot Water September 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Three multinational food and personal care companies that are among the pillars of the global sustainability movement have dropped a Malaysian palm oil producer because it lacks a sustainability plan. Mars, Kellogg, and Unilever have all rejected IOI Group as an approved supplier until it comes up with an approved plan. IOI is one of the 10 largest suppliers of palm oil, a key ingredient in countless personal care and food products. The company has been accused of being a major contributor to deforestation in Indonesia. It is expected that delisting IOI as an approved palm oil supplier will have a major impact on the Malaysian economy. Edward Mungai, "How Sustainable Procurement Supports Business", Business Daily, September 18, 2016, © Nation Media Group

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Kellogg Unilever Geographies Worldwide North America Asia-Pacific United States of America Indonesia Malaysia

Unilever Plans To Lay Off 100 Employees In Switzerland September 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Unilever is cutting its workforce in Switzerland by 100 jobs, due to its move to relocate logistics operations to Rotterdam. Scheduled to take effect in summer of 2017, the layoffs will affect a third of employees at the company's location in the country's northern canton of Schaffhausen. "Unilever cuts 100 additional jobs in Switzerland", swissinfo.ch, September 17, 2016, © swissinfo.ch

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Unilever Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Switzerland

Composting Service Helps Consumers, Farmers, And The Environment September 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A Massachusetts start-up is offering a composting service that benefits consumers, businesses, farmers, and the environment. Bootstrap Compost provides its customers with composting buckets with compostable liners and lids. The buckets are filled with fruit and vegetable scraps, then picked up by the company either weekly or biweekly. Once finished, the compost is taken to farms, but some is reserved for customers to use in their own gardens. Using a composting bucket saves the water that would be used to run food scrapes down a kitchen disposal, and makes household waste lighter, less smelly and easier to manage. Emma R. Murphy, "Local Company Brings Easy Composting to Needham", Needham Wicked Local, September 16, 2016, © GateHouse Media, LLC

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Nissin Moves To Make Its Salty, Fatty Cup Noodles More Healthful September 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Acknowledging healthful eating trends and consumer concerns about processed food ingredients, Nissin has reduced the sodium content of its Cup Noodles – to 45 percent of a person’s recommended daily salt intake from 60 percent – and eliminated artificial flavors and colors. The move follows on the heels of last year’s decision to enlarge the styrofoam cups and make them microwaveable. Nevertheless, the soup still contains more than a third of the saturated fat an adult should eat in a day. Annie Gasparro, "Cup Noodles Dials Down the Salt", The Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Kraft Foods Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

PepsiCo Launches Hispanic Heritage Marketing Program For Its Briskmode Iced Tea September 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST PepsiCo’s Briskmode iced tea brand is observing Hispanic Heritage month in the U.S. with a marketing program that gives aspiring artists a way to express the personal meaning of their cultural background through art, music and fashion design. The #Briskmode Accelerator Program is also sponsoring an online contest where participants can submit art, music and fashion designs to win a trip to Long Beach, Calif. There the five winners-y can visit the first ComplexCon, a curated festival and exhibition November 5 – 6. "Brisk® Iced Tea Launches #BriskMode Accelerator Program in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month", News release, PepsiCo, September 15, 2016, © PepsiCo

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Barry Callebaut Buys Mondelēz Belgian Chocolate Factory September 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Swiss chocolate and cocoa products maker Barry Callebaut said it will buy the Mondelēz International chocolate factory in Halle, Belgium. Mondelēz will then supply Barry Callebaut with 30,000 tons of liquid chocolate. Barry Callebaut will in turn manufacture certain consumer products for Mondelēz that are already produced at the Belgian chocolate plant. The deal is expected to close by December; no financial details were disclosed. "Barry Callebaut to Extend Strategic Supply Partnership with Mondelēz International in Belgium", News release, Barry Callebaut, September 15, 2016, © Barry Callebaut

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Switzerland Belgium

Target Not Becoming Full-Service Grocery Store, CEO Says September 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target Corp. does not want to become a full-service grocery store, according to company CEO Brian Cornell. Since 2014, when Cornell became the retailer's chief executive, the company has focused on several important categories, such as style, baby, children, and wellness, to help drive sales growth. Grocery is one of Target's important categories, accounting for 20 percent percent of its $74 billion annual revenue. Khadeeja Safdar, "Target CEO Says Retailer Won’t Become Full-Service Grocer", The Wall Street Journal, September 14, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Whole Foods Market Opens Third 365 By Whole Foods Store September 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market opened its third 365 by Whole Foods Market store in Bellevue, Washington. Smaller than the retailer's regular stores, the 30,000 sq ft store has lower operating costs and offers products at lower prices than its bigger counterparts. Through the retailer's Friends of 365 program, the store works with external suppliers to offer more foodservice options. Stewart Samuel, "Third 365 by Whole Foods Market Opens", Retail Analysis, September 14, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Chickpea-Based Spaghetti Joins Banza’s Past Family September 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Already noted for its high-protein chickpea-based boxed pastas, Banza has introduced spaghetti to its product line. The company’s offerings – penne, rotini, elbows, and shells, all made from chickpea flour – have twice as much protein, and four times as much fiber, as conventional wheat-based pasta. They also contain 40 percent fewer net carbs, are gluten-free, low glycemic, vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified. The products, which also include macaroni and cheese, are available at the company’s website (eatbanza.com) and on Amazon.com, as well as at HEB, Jewel-Osco, and ShopRite stores. "Banza Launches Spaghetti Noodle, Giving Pasta Night a Healthy Twirl", News release, Banza, September 14, 2016, © Banza

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Fast-Food Chains Say: Eat Tons Of Our Food, It’s Got Healthy Stuff In It September 12, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The fast-food industry has launched a crusade to educate consumers about the wholesome ingredients they are serving up these days. Chipotle, McDonald’s, Sweetgreens, Panera, Wendy’s, etc., are all trying to convince health-conscious Americans that eating out is a healthful experience. However, it’s really not. A Canadian obesity expert says the campaign may be “well-intentioned” but it is still a marketing strategy that actually distracts from the fact that fast food is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. Touting wholesome ingredients masks the real problem: people eat too much food too often at fast-food restaurants. Candice Choi, "Big Food's Biggest Trend? Crusading Against Big Food", Associated Press, September 12, 2016, © Associated Press

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

KFC Continues To Use Chickens Raised With Antibiotics September 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Representatives of U.S. conservation and consumer groups never got to deliver their anti-antibiotics petition – with 350,000 signatures – to KFC executives in Louisville, Kentucky. But they were gratified to learn later that KFC parent company Yum! Brands is reviewing its position on the use of antibiotics in its chicken supply chain. Whether anything comes of that is impossible to predict. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts continue to warn that livestock and poultry use of antibiotics contributes to the pressing public health threat of antibiotics resistance.  Lena Brook, "Over 350K Urge KFC to Change Chicken Antibiotics Policy", News release, Natural Resources Defense Council, September 11, 2016, © Natural Resources Defense Council

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

General Mills Partners With British Nonprofit To Feed The Hungry, Reduce Food Waste September 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST General Mills U.K. says it has been helping a nonprofit organization distribute food to hungry people while helping to reduce food waste. The company donated 31 tons of surplus food – Nature Valley bars, Old El Paso meal kits, Green Giant vegetables, Betty Crocker baking mixes, and Yoplait yogurt – to the U.K.-based organization FareShare. Its partnering with FareShare is in line with the strategic focus of the General Mills Foundation: promoting food secure communities and sustainable agriculture. General Mills UK has worked with FareShare for nearly ten years. Monte Olmsted, "Tons of Surplus Food Reduce UK Hunger", Blog entry, Taste of General Mills, September 07, 2016, © General Mills Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES General Mills Geographies Worldwide North America EMEA United States of America Europe United Kingdom

Whole Foods’ Expansion Plan Is Heading In The Wrong Direction September 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market’s aggressive expansion plan has led to the building of stores in neighborhoods and malls that don’t quite fit with the grocer’s upscale product line and image, or its market demographic. The company is steadily losing the natural-and-organic crowd to lower-priced competitors like Walmart, Trader Joe’s and Kroger. So it seems like a mistake to put new stores next to Dress Barns, Kmarts and Shoe Carnivals. Wall Street analysts say the grocer should be building stores where wealthy shoppers can afford expensive cuts of meat and exotic facial oils. With the grocer’s stock already down by 50 percent since 2013 and same-store sales slipping, expansion into lower-income neighborhoods “will trip them up” further, a Motley Fool analyst says. Craig Giammona, "Wall Street Wants Whole Foods to Stick to the Quinoa Crowd", Bloomberg, September 07, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Target Tries To Pump New Life Into Its Sagging Grocery Operations September 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In an effort to jump start sluggish food sales, retailer Target is focusing on strengthening the grocery staff. The chain is building dedicated 10- to 60-person grocery teams – they will no longer work in other store departments – who are being trained in handling backroom inventory and interacting with customers. The changes have already been implemented in 450 stores and will be expanded to another 150 next month. The company is also hiring regional grocery directors who will each oversee 60 stores and report directly to headquarters. The new setup is a step in the right direction, according to analysts, but is unlikely to convince consumers that Target is the place to go grocery shopping. Khadeeja Safdar, "Target Revamps Staffing for Grocery Business", The Wall Street Journal, September 07, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Kroger Launches Own Line Of Affordable Cage-Free Eggs September 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Kroger Co. launched the Cage-Free Eggs own-label line of affordable cage-free eggs. Kroger also sells cage-free eggs under the Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic brands. Kroger announced in March 2016 its plan to sell only cage-free eggs by 2025. In 2015, 15 percent of the eggs sold by the company were cage free, compared with the industry average of 9 percent. "Kroger Launches New Line of Affordable Cage-Free Eggs", Kroger, September 06, 2016, © Global Market Intelligence/The Kroger Company

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Knorr Hopes To Educate Consumers About Water Wasted In Food Production September 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Consumers are increasingly aware of the need to conserve –  or at least not to waste –  water. But, according to the Unilever brand Knorr, much of the water wasted in the world is “hidden’ in food production. Water wasted in the production of common foods amounts to roughly 1,000 gallons a day per person at a time when as many as 500 million people globally face water shortages. To help combat this problem, Knorr launched a campaign with the Water Footprint Network (WFN) to encourage consumers to change food buying habits. The company has created a list of alternative food items with a lower water footprint, and is asking consumers to: limit food waste and buy food that is certified as sustainably sourced. Hannah Furlong, "Knorr Campaign Asks Consumers to ‘Eat’ Less Water", Sustainable Brands, September 02, 2016, © Sustainable Life Media Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo Unilever Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Rollout Of Certified Organic Gatorade Coming Soon August 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST PepsiCo is nearly finished test-marketing a USDA-certified organic version of Gatorade in some Kroger stores. It plans a rollout in a few grocery, natural and convenience stores over the next few weeks. To obtain the organic certification the company had to make sure G Organic Gatorade contained no artificial ingredients and had to refine its manufacturing process. Though the brand controls 70 percent of the sports drink market, it is facing heavier competitive pressure from challengers like coconut water, as consumers increasingly prefer more natural ingredients in foods and beverages. G Organic will be available in strawberry, lemon, and mixed berry flavors at a suggested retail price of $1.69 for a 16.9-ounce bottle, $0.50 more than the standard version. Jennifer Kaplan, "Gatorade Goes Organic as PepsiCo Joins Natural-Product Push", Bloomberg, August 31, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES PepsiCo Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Jersey Shore Bakery Scores A Hit With Scrapple Pie August 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Grocery shoppers in the meat or deli department often notice – and mostly turn their noses up at – every day the refrigerated blocks of specially-prepared pork offal known as scrapple. An East Coast, Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast tradition, scrapple has become the best-selling pie flavor at Wards Pastry Shop in Ocean City, N.J. Owner Walter Hohman was looking for something new that might appeal to the Philadelphia crowd that heads to the Jersey Shore every summer. A friend suggested scrapple, and a pie sensation was created, despite some initial skepticism. The scrapple is prebaked, stuffed into a pie crust, topped with buttery streusel and baked. Hohman says his bakery sells more scrapple pie, at $4.50 each, than apple. Jacqueline L. Urgo, "Scrapple Pie? No Kidding. It Outsells Apple in Ocean City", Philly.com, August 28, 2016, © Philadelphia Media Network (Digital) LLC

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Tesco Sells Euphorium Bakery Chain To Soho Coffee, Samworth Brothers August 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Tesco has agreed to sell Euphorium Bakery chain to casual dining operator Soho Coffee. Covered by the purchase deal are the four high-street stores of the bakery chain and its factory in Islington. Soho Coffee plans to continue operating the stores under the Euphorium brand. In another transaction, Tesco sold the bakery chain's Weybridge factory to long-time supplier Samworth Brothers. George Macdonald et al, "Tesco Sells Euphorium Bakery a Year After Taking Full Ownership", Retail Week, August 26, 2016, © Webvision

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Unilever Commits To Equal Pay In White House Pledge August 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Unilever US announced has signed President Obama’s Equal Pay Pledge, which is a commitment to, among other actions, conducting an annual company-wide gender pay analysis. The company noted that its Sustainable Living Plan, a strategy for sustainable growth, it had adopted a framework for fair compensation across the organization. The company noted that it is at 49 percent “gender balance for managers and above.” The White House Pledge also includes a commitment to reviewing hiring and promotion processes and procedures to reduce unconscious bias and structural barriers, and embedding equal pay efforts into broader equity initiatives. "Unilever signs White House Equal Pay Pledge", News release, Unilever, August 26, 2016, © Unilever

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Unilever Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Lawsuit: Use Of Glyphosate Disqualifies General Mills' Use Of The Term “100% Natural” August 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST General Mills is misleading consumers by claiming that its Nature Valery granola bars are “made with 100% natural whole grain oats,” three nonprofit organizations allege in a lawsuit. In fact, the suit charges, the company’s granola bars contain traces of the herbicide glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. The suit was filed in Washington, D.C., under the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The plaintiffs are asking a jury to find that General Mills’ “natural” claim is unlawfully deceptive and misleading and should be removed from the market. Participants in the suit are Moms Across America, Beyond Pesticides, and Organic Consumers Association with the Richman Law Group. "Nonprofits Sue General Mills for False and Misleading Use of ‘Natural’", News release, Beyond Pesticides, August 25, 2016, © Beyond Pesticides

Domains FOOD COMPANIES General Mills Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Starbucks Battles Hunger – And Food Waste – With FoodShare Program August 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Starbucks restaurant chain, which announced an anti-waste initiative in March, says it has donated 300,000 meals to local food banks across the U.S. The FoodShare initiative was launched to fight food waste and hunger with the help of the Food Donation Connection and Feeding America. FDC workers pick up Starbucks' surplus food using refrigerated vans, and redistribute it to food pantries. In its first year five million ready-made meals will be distributed to charities and expects that number to increase to 50 million meals within five years. The company will expand the program from the current 1,150 Starbucks locations to all 7,600 by 2019. Leanna Garfield, "Starbucks is Trying a New Initiative to Stop Wasting so Much Food", Business Insider, August 25, 2016, © Business Insider Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Bumble Bee Expands Clean Label, Traceability Programs August 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Shelf-stable seafood company Bumble Bee announced that its line of solid white albacore tuna in water and oil has been Non-GMO Project Verified. The rest of its family of canned and pouch tuna products would be verified by the end of the year. As part of its “clean label” strategy, the company recently switched to sea salt in all of its canned tuna products. Bumble Bee said it’s committed to traceability of its seafood, noting that all of its tuna comes from wild caught fisheries. Its Trace My Catch website for tuna products was expanded to include salmon, sardines and clam products. "Bumble Bee Moves TO Non-GMO Project Verified Tuna", News release, Bumble Bee, August 23, 2016, © Bumble Bee Seafoods

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

UK Retail Market Posts Fastest Growth In August 2016 Quarter August 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the UK, the grocery market grew 0.3 percent during the 12-week period ending August 14, 2016, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Data from the market research firm's latest report showed the sunny weather drove sales growth for the frozen confectionery segment, with 23 percent, and chilled drinks, 10 percent. Promotional sales dropped to 37.7 percent of total grocery sales from more than 40 percent recorded in 2015. Aldi saw sales rising by 10.4 percent, with its market share also going up 0.6 percentage points to 6.2 percent. Tesco's sales dropped 0.4 percent, the slowest decline rate for the retailer in six months. Co-op's market share expanded to 6.6 percent, driven by the 2.8 percent increase in sales. Fraser McKevitt, "Grocery market heats up while promotions cool", Kantar Worldpanel, August 22, 2016, © Kantar Worldpanel

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

GMO Labeling Continues Though Federal Law Gives Companies Three Years To Comply August 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Several big food companies are moving forward with their own GMO ingredient labeling initiatives as they await USDA rules implementing the new federal law. Some companies – Campbell, Mars, et al. – acted earlier this year to voluntarily comply with Vermont’s short-lived law (in effect on July 1 but superseded by the July 29 federal law). Campbell’s relabeled products were distributed nationwide, not just to Vermont. Though compliance with the federal law is not required for three years, Dannon has also committed to GMO labeling and to reformulating its product line by 2019 to include “fewer and more natural ingredients that are not synthetic and non-GMO.” Julie Gallagher, "Big Food Companies Volunteer GMO Info", Supermarket News, August 22, 2016, © Penton

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Campbell's Danone Other Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Strong Technology And Supply Chain Provide Winning Formula For Target August 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the year since Mike McNamara took over the CIO job at Target, he realized that prioritizing the company’s 800 IT projects was Job One. He and his team whittled the “to do” list down to a hundred that represented Target’s top business objectives. These included enhancing the company’s online and in-store shopping experience, supporting small-format stores, modernizing the supply chain, and improving in-stocks. The result, according to McNamara, was “nothing short of sensational,” as the company reduced reliance on third party IT consultants from 70 percent to 30 percent, saving hundreds of millions of dollars. Stability and performance of key retail systems – i.e., cash registers and hand-held devices – have improved. McNamara believes that retailers with the strongest technology and supply chain  have the best chance of success. "Target CIO: Prioritizing Stores, Digital, Supply Chain and Hiring Engineers", News release, Target , August 22, 2016, © Target Brands, Inc.

Domains FOOD COMPANIES Retailers & Private Label Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

U.K.’s Competition Regulator Says It Will Likely Okay A Hain Celestial Acquisition August 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority has said it will likely accept a proposal from Hain Celestial that would allay the agency’s concerns regarding the American company’s acquisition of British firm Orchard House Foods. The CMA was worried about the impact of the acquisition on Britain’s fruit juice market. To dispel the concerns, Hain Celestial offered to sell its assets in the manufacture and supply of branded and own-label freshly squeezed fruit juice to retail and foodservice customers, except for one juice brand. The company said it would sell the assets to U.K. food and beverage firm Multiple Marketing Limited. Dean Best, "Hain Celestial Ends Week with Sign of Optimism Over Orchard House Deal in UK", Just-Food, August 19, 2016, © just-food.com

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