Following the news last week that Premier plc sold its sweet pickles and table sauces business to Mizkan,just-food caught up with the Japanese firm's Euro-Americas president Craig Smith to discuss its plans for the brand.Elsewhere,word reached UK shores of the devastation Hurricane Sandy has left on the east coast of the US.Mondelez revealed an R&D site in New Jersey was still closed yesterday in the wake of the super storm.Elsewhere,the debate over the implementation of fat taxes continued.
"With the strength of the Branston name you have instant credibility to launch brand extensions"-Mizkan Euro-Americas president Craig Smith on the company's plans for the Branston brand.
"Instead of having small innovation everywhere we now focus on big innovations across countries....Where previously we were more country-by-country we now innovate on the global scale"-McCormick regional chief Brice de Forsanz says the need to effectively roll out strong innovations has prompted McCormick to alter its internal R&D processes in recent years.
"Consumer trust in domestically sourced dairy products has been very low for years,and winning back that trust is hugely important for dairy companies"-James Roy,senior analyst at China Market Research Group believes that by developing a safe and secure supply chain dairy majors hope to rebuild consumer trust in the safety of their products.
"There is no proof that these taxes actually improve the obesity situation or improve health.They affect wealth more than health"-Shane Dempsey,head of consumer foods at Food and Drink Industry Ireland offers his views on the implementation of fat taxes.
"The UK demand for healthier food and drink alternatives is gathering pace and we are well-positioned to capitalize on Hain US and Canada experience to lead the way in the UK"-Rob Burnett,CEO of Hain's UK unit Hain Daniels says the group will build up a portfolio of US Hain brands in UK grocery.
"Our ability to re-stock the shelves of our customers will depend on the safety and accessibility of the roads,and whether or not our customers are receiving deliveries"-Mondelez said its sales,distribution and manufacturing were"operational"following Hurricane Sandy.
