The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that the current financial crisis will affect agricultural sectors in many countries negatively, including those in the developing world. World cereal production is expected to hit a new record this year as high prices boosted plantings under generally favorable weather conditions, FAO said today in the latest issue of its “Food Outlook”, a bi-annual commodity publication. World cereal production is forecast to be large enough to meet... ...Read more »

Kellogg Company, the world’s leading producer of cereal, today announced that it has acquired NSW-based Specialty Cereals Pty Limited - a privately-owned manufacturer of natural ready-to-eat cereals. Founded in 1988, Specialty Cereals markets products under the Vogels, Wild Oats, and Cerevite brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but Kellogg reports that the transaction will have no material impact on their 2008 operating profit. David Mackay, President and Chief Executive Officer... ...Read more »

Kellogg’s Australia has announced that it is to acquire Specialty Cereals, an Australian cereal and snacks manufacturer - subject to regulatory approval. The world’s leading cereal maker has had a relationship with Specialty Cereals for two decades with regard to manufacturing and packaging, and view the acquisition as an opportunity to expand their ‘health and wellness’ and ‘natural’ product lines. Specialty Cereals was founded in 1988 and was one of the first... ...Read more »

Kellogg’s, the world’s leading cereal producer, has announced the launch of a new cereal which is designed to replicate the taste of a blueberry muffin. The blueberry muffin has long been a palate pleasing breakfast food and Kellogg’s is aiming to capitalise on their popularity by introducing a more convenient way to eat them. Kellogg’s believe that, due to the time consuming nature of either making muffins or purchasing freshly-baked muffins, there is an opportunity to provide... ...Read more »

ABB Grain, a leading Australian agribusiness, has completed their acquisition of the ruminant business of New Zealand’s PCL Feeds, a division of Mainland Poultry Ltd. ABB Grain markets a wide range of cereal grains, oilseeds and pulses to customers in Australia and overseas, and last year embarked on a joint venture in Ukraine - signalling their expansion intentions. From July 1 ABB Grain assumed full management of PCL’s New Plymouth mill on the north island, including production, procurement... ...Read more »

Leading cereal manufacturer Kellogg Company announced overnight that one of its majority-owned subsidiaries has acquired all of the assets of Zhenghang Food Company Ltd. (”Navigable Foods”), a manufacturer of cookies and crackers in the north and northeastern regions of China. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed by either party. Kellogg CEO David Mackay indicates that Kellogg is seeking to grow and China provides a perfect expansion opportunity. “Geographic expansion in... ...Read more »