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Food & Beverage Industry NewsletterDate: October 9, 2024

Crops & Animal Feed

  • Bunge: While Bunge’s operations remain stable, political discussions in Kenya’s Senate could affect future policy environments for agriculture. No immediate operational changes are expected.
  • Tyson Foods: Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill are involved in a significant lawsuit filed by McDonald’s, accusing them of price-fixing in the beef market. This lawsuit highlights the industry’s complex pricing strategies since 2015.
  • Cargill: Cargill is undergoing internal restructuring following a slowdown in earnings this year. The company aims to simplify operations amid a downturn in commodity markets, particularly in grain and animal feed.

Vegetable & Fruit Produce

  • Greenyard Vegetables: Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet introduced a new line of tropical fruit products at the Global Produce & Floral Show. This includes vibrant, sweet, and savory produce items.
  • Fresh Del Monte: Fresh Del Monte is making headlines with the launch of a new line of single-serve dessert pudding cups in four flavors, catering to convenience-seeking consumers. Additionally, the Rubyglow® pineapple will launch in Europe by 2025.
  • Tesco: Tesco has initiated a new program that will provide over £4 million worth of fruit and vegetables to 400 schools this year, highlighting its continued investment in promoting healthy eating among children.

Animal Protein & Plant-Based Protein

  • Tyson Foods: Tyson Foods is in the spotlight due to its role in a price-fixing lawsuit, alongside JBS and Cargill. The outcome of this case could significantly influence meat pricing across the U.S. and potentially globally.
  • Pilgrim’s Pride: Pilgrim’s Pride stock rose by 1.34%, outperforming broader market expectations. The company continues to thrive despite the challenges within the global protein market.
  • JBS SA: JBS shareholders enjoyed an 81% return over the past year, demonstrating the company’s strong position in the global meat industry. JBS continues to leverage international demand for beef, particularly from emerging markets.

Processed Food & Confectionary

  • Kraft Heinz: Kraft Heinz’s away-from-home business sector saw a 14% growth, driven by partnerships and innovative product lines, expanding its reach beyond the traditional restaurant sector.
  • Nestlé: Nestlé is testing a new paper-based tub for its Quality Street chocolates, a move aimed at reducing plastic waste. This pilot project is being run in select Tesco stores in the UK.
  • Post Holdings: Post Holdings continues to attract investment interest, with Anderson Hoagland & Co. maintaining $3.83 million in holdings. Post is a key player in processed food markets, with a focus on breakfast cereals and snacks.

Beverages

  • Molson Coors: Strikes continue at Molson Coors’ Milwaukee brewery, where 43 machinists are seeking higher wages and better scheduling. The two-week strike has impacted production, raising concerns over supply in the coming weeks.
  • Monster Beverage: Despite a disappointing Q2 with a more than 8% drop in stock value, Monster Beverage remains a dominant player in the energy drink sector. Its acquisition of Bang Energy for $362 million is set to reinforce its market position.
  • Coca-Cola HBC: Coca-Cola HBC is set to benefit from declining sugar prices, which are expected to improve margins by 50 basis points for fiscal year 2025. This reduction in costs is seen as a boost to overall earnings.

Food Packaging & Equipment

  • Middleby Corporation: Middleby is expanding its footprint in bakery processing equipment, competing with major players like Buhler AG. Their innovation is driving growth in automated food processing technologies.
  • Alfa Laval: Alfa Laval is preparing to roll out the first ammonia-fuelled marine vessels by 2025, a significant step in reducing carbon emissions in logistics, which is critical to global food supply chains.
  • Saputo: Saputo has positioned its premium cheese products as a luxury everyday convenience. The company continues to push for growth in its deli cheese offerings, tapping into the trend of higher-end processed food products.

Food Supply Chain & Logistics

  • DB Schenker: DB Schenker launched “Ocean Bridge,” an AI-powered tool for monitoring and optimizing maritime logistics. This is part of a broader strategy to modernize and streamline the global supply chain.
  • Nippon Express: Nippon Express has opened a new Integrated Logistics Center (ILC) in Taiwan, expanding its logistics capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The new center aims to enhance efficiency in handling and distribution.
  • C.R. England: C.R. England continues to be a major player in refrigerated transportation and supply chain logistics, supporting the smooth distribution of perishable goods across North America.

Foodservice

  • Aramark: Aramark saw a boost in its stock price, with Stifel raising its target to $43 due to the company’s growth prospects. Aramark is investing heavily in foodservice innovations to meet rising demand across global markets.
  • Gordon Food Service: Gordon Food Service has joined retailers like BJ’s Wholesale Club in accusing meat suppliers, including Tyson, of price-fixing. The lawsuit could affect supply chain costs in the foodservice sector.
  • Panera Bread: Panera Bread has settled its first wrongful death lawsuit linked to its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade drink. This lawsuit has raised concerns over transparency in beverage offerings across the foodservice industry.

Grocery Retail

  • Carrefour: Carrefour celebrates its 29th anniversary with the “Growing Together” campaign, offering special promotions and customer loyalty incentives. This initiative reflects Carrefour’s focus on long-term customer relationships.
  • Aldi: Aldi is investing over £30 million in British dairy farming through its Dairy Farm Partnership. This ensures 100% of Arla’s fresh milk supply is covered, further enhancing Aldi’s commitment to local sourcing.
  • Tesco: Tesco’s new dessert range, launched ahead of the festive season, includes seasonal offerings such as chilled puddings. The retailer also announced plans to provide £4 million worth of fruit and vegetables to schools, promoting healthy eating among children.

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