Falling sales in the US and overseas have hit third-quarter profits at US food group Kellogg, with the cereal giant announcing that net earnings dropped 6% to US$338 million for the quarter to 2 October. Kellogg’s operating profit fell 4.5% to US$541 million. Operating profit in North America dropped 3% due to lower sales and higher advertising costs. The Crunchy Nut maker’s operating profit from its overseas businesses decreased 11% due to lower earnings in Latin America and Asia Pacific. Kellogg’s... ...Read more »

The US National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has recommended that General Mills stop the five-second tags that were paired with broadcast ads for original and Honey Nut Cheerios. The recommendation from the advertising industry’s self-regulator came following a challenge from Kellogg. “The challenger in this case contended that General Mills has long promoted the heart-health and cholesterol-lowering benefits of the soluble fiber and whole grain... ...Read more »

Food manufacturers have joined forces with the Canadian government on a campaign aimed at helping consumers understand nutrition labels on food products. Around 34 firms, including Kellogg, PepsiCo, Campbell Soup Co. and Kraft Foods have signed up to the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign, which was launched on Friday (22 October). Health Canada, the country’s government department dealing with national health policy and Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), the industry association,... ...Read more »

Kellogg’s is the top packaged food brand in the U.S. according to Interbrand’s latest annual ranking of the 100 “Best Global Brands”. The cereal company was ranked number 35 – down one on a year earlier – in a study that analysed the value of global brands, studying their financial performance, their role in the purchase decision process and the strength of the brand to continue to secure earnings for their owner. Other food manufacturers on the list include Heinz... ...Read more »

Kellogg’s Special K brand in the U.S. has reformulated many of its cereals to include fibre, offering more positive nutrition to a brand long associated with weight management.Many Special K brand cereals are now a good source of fibre, with three grams per serving.  Special K cereal flavours that now offer fiber include Red Berries, Fruit & Yogurt, Cinnamon Pecan, Vanilla Almond, Blueberry and Chocolatey Delight. “We’re excited to add positive nutrition to our portfolio of... ...Read more »

Kellogg said yesterday (29 July) that it saw net earnings decline 15% in the second quarter of 2010 due to the competition in the US cereals business and the impact of a product recall last month. The US cereals giant booked net income of US$302m for the three months to 3 July, down 15% on the year. The company said “weakness” in the North American cereal category, lower sales of Eggo waffles and the voluntary recall of select packages of breakfast cereals in June had hit earnings. Operating... ...Read more »

Food industry heavyweights including Nestlé, Kellogg and Mars Inc have pledged to use responsible advertising and marketing in India.General Mills and local Unilever arm Hindustan Unilever are also among the companies that have signed up to a code to not advertise food and beverages products where more than half of a media audience is under 12. Products that only fulfil “specific nutritional criteria based on accepted scientific evidence and/or applicable national and international dietary... ...Read more »

Fibre-containing food products have flooded the market as Americans struggle to meet their daily fibre recommendations, but the need for something tasty and nutritious doesn’t stop at fibre. Research shows that consumers also are seeking to add more antioxidants and other nutrients to their diets. That’s why Kellogg Company is introducing new Kellogg’s FiberPlusTM Antioxidants Cereals, great-tasting sources of fibre and antioxidant vitamins C and E. Kellogg’s FiberPlusTM... ...Read more »

On Monday, Ajinomoto announced that the two companies were to join forces to develop products that are low in sugar and salt and that meet consumer demand to manage weight. Kellogg has insisted its tie-up with Ajinomoto will give the US cereal giant “some great opportunities” to combine its product portfolio with the Japanese group’s range of ingredients. Kellogg vice-president for research, quality and technology Margaret Bath told just-food yesterday that the company “shared... ...Read more »

Kellogg Co. has recalled a number of its cereals in the US as a result of an “uncharacteristic off-flavour and smell” coming from the liner in the package. The voluntary recall, announced on Friday (25 June), involves its Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals. Only products with the letters ‘KN’ following the ‘Better If Used Before Date’ are included in the recall. “While the potential for serious health problems is low, some consumers are sensitive to the uncharacteristic... ...Read more »