The destruction of Victoria’s largest chicken processing factory could force the redundancies of hundreds of workers, with the operator still mulling its options. Inghams Enterprises’ Somerville factory went up in smoke on Monday after a fire started in the cardboard storage room on Victoria’s hottest day of the summer so far. And the company is still to decide whether they will rebuild or relocate – with a resolution to be reached in the next six weeks. About 200 workers... ...Read more »

CSR has today advised their shareholders that an assessment of the non-binding offer from China’s Bright Food Group has resulted in them dismissing the proposal. “CSR Limited has considered the expression of interest from Bright Food Group Co., Ltd including its offer to hold discussions to develop a proposal to acquire CSR’s Sugar and Renewable Energy business,” they said in a statement. “CSR remains focused on maximising shareholder value. Its preferred option continues... ...Read more »

A global recession and concerns about the environmental impact of bottled water were expected to drag the previously high flying industry down last year but, thanks to the developing Asian market, the sector was able to hold its own. Research from Canadean, Global Bottled Water Report, suggests that final year figures for 2009 may see the worldwide market for bottled water increase by around 2%. Although this does represent a slowdown, it is encouraging for the industry that the category can maintain... ...Read more »

Unidentified insect larvae discovered in a mango at a south-east Queensland export facility has seen Japan enforce a temporary ban on Australian mangoes. Bruce Nastasi, a far north Queensland grower and exporter, told the ABC the ban could last for up to 20 days while inspectors wait for the larvae to hatch, with operations then continuing as normal. “If it’s shown to be fruit fly, that’s the fruit fly that our facilities are registered for,” he said. “I can’t... ...Read more »

Australia food regulatory agency has given the all clear to the levels of BPA in food packaging as a leading consumer group urges manufacturers to phase out certain plastic food packaging. Consumer group Choice said earlier this week that they “believe the evidence, while far from conclusive, can no longer be ignored” when it comes to BPA contamination of food. However, FSANZ has advised that they are in agreement with European and US authorities – believing there is little risk... ...Read more »

Hershey, the US chocolate maker rumoured to be preparing a solo bid for Cadbury, needs to pay a “serious price” to acquire the company, the UK confectioner’s chairman insisted today (14 January). Roger Carr, speaking as Cadbury gave more details on its 2009 performance as the company fights a hostile takeover bid from Kraft Foods, said the Dairy Milk maker believes in its stature as an independent company but would consider offers that better matched the UK firm’s valuation... ...Read more »

As speculation of other bidders entering the fray mounts, CSR is pushing on with demerger plans in the wake of a $1.5 billion informal offer from Bright Food this week. CSR last night advised that discussions with ASIC were continuing in relation to the disclosure of asbestos liabilities in the scheme booklet for the proposed demerger of its sugar and renewable energy business. CSR said they had reached agreement with ASIC to a short extension of time to complete these discussions, with the first... ...Read more »

UK-based confectioner Cadbury, the subject of a hostile takeover bid from Kraft, has reported their 2009 financial figures overnight, saying revenue growth and margin expansion came in “well ahead of expectations” Full year base business revenue surged five per cent, with second half growth up six per cent. The chocolate division led the way with sales rising seven per cent while candy (5%) and gum (2%) sales were also higher. Emerging markets were again a key contributor, with sales... ...Read more »

New research from UK’s food watchdog has discovered that country of origin labelling is not particularly important to shoppers but confusion reigns as to the meaning of the term. The Food Standards Agency commissioned a study to ascertain more about how people understand and use food labels, including ‘country of origin’ labels, with the multi-faceted research finding that there is awareness of ‘origin labelling’, but it is not a main concern for consumers when shopping.... ...Read more »

Belgian’s three major food retailers are under investigation for allegedly fixing the price of Ferrero’s iconic Nutella chocolate spread over a six-year period. The allegations stem from a long running investigation into the confectionery sector by Belgian’s Competition Council, with the case now set to go to a chamber of the Competition Council where retailers Delhaize, Carrefour and Colruyt, along with Ferrero, will have the opportunity to respond to the claims. The Competition... ...Read more »