News & Analysis on the Bakery and Snacks Industries
Ecolab’s year-on-year income almost halved in the first three months of 2012 after the firm revealed integration and restructuring costs following the acquisition of Nalco last year reached more than US$41m.
China’s Bright Food has snapped up 60% of Weetabix for £1.2bn (US$1.95bn) but industry analysts say the breakfast cereal concept will flop in China and have coined the move as a mere knowledge buyout.
Canada Bread and its parent company Maple Leaf Foods were both harmed by weak fresh bakery volumes in the first quarter (Q1), negatively impacting companies' profits.
The acquisition of Weetabix is the biggest sign yet of emerging market interest in Europe, according to industry commentators.