US food giant Kraft Foods expects the acquisition of UK confectioner Cadbury to raise its revenue by US$1 billion by 2013. Ahead of a meeting with analysts yesterday, Kraft said that the acquisition of Cadbury had made it “the undisputed world leader in snacks”, a category that now accounts for more than half of its revenue. The acquisition of Cadbury is also expected to generate $750 million in cost synergies by 2013, Kraft said. Kraft also spoke of “additional savings” from... ...Read more »

It’s well known that lollies and fizzy drinks cause tooth decay, but CHOICE has warned so called healthy snacks such as some muesli bars and fruit drinks are also rotting our children’s teeth.  A survey has found a number of sugar-free energy and sports drinks can also damage teeth because of their high acid content. Working with the Australian Dental Association’s Victorian Branch, CHOICE compared the sugar content and acidity of 85 processed foods and drinks and categorised them as... ...Read more »

The European Consumers Association (BEUC) yesterday (27 April) insisted that a pledge to stop advertising junk food to children under the age of 12 throughout the EU needs to go further. Five European snack makers have decided to sign up to the EU Pledge, which was originally set up in 2007. Back then, manufacturers including Kraft Foods and Danone committed to stop any advertising on TV, in print and on the Internet that was targeted at children under the age of 12. This week, more companies, including... ...Read more »

Gone are the days when children were reprimanded by parents for snacking in between meals.  Today snacks are seen as an important tool for managing hunger, for children and adults alike. While experts often disagree about what foods and eating habits are healthy, current opinion is generally in favour of snacking, as long as we are snacking on ‘healthy’ foods. Thanks to a recent advertising campaign, the term ’3.30-itis’ is now popular jargon for the commonly experienced... ...Read more »

Diamond Foods, Inc. announced on Thursday (25 February) that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kettle Foods, makers of premium potato chips, from Lion Capital LLP for US$615 million in cash.  Diamond will acquire Kettle operations in both the United States and the United Kingdom. “Kettle Foods’ passion for making great tasting, natural potato chips has attracted a loyal consumer following and shaped a truly premium brand that has our deep respect,” said, Michael... ...Read more »

US food and drink giant PepsiCo plans to build on its “global leadership” in “macro” snacks in 2010 through acquisitions and the development of healthier products. The firm today (11 February) reported a 16% increase in full-year profits, driven by gains in its worldwide snack and international beverage businesses. CEO and chairman Indra Nooyi said the Frito-Lay owner will take advantage of its “global leadership position” in “macro” snacks in a bid... ...Read more »

After years of mediocre sales, the potato chip market came alive again during the global downturn, according to market research firm Mintel, with sales jumping 22%*. In addition, other salty snacks experienced recession-fueled sales surges. The tortilla chip market increased by 18% since 2007, while smaller segments like popcorn and cheese snacks saw similar gains (17% and 20%, respectively). Now that economic recovery is starting to take hold, however, Mintel expects sales increases to taper. Over... ...Read more »

The NPD Group, which has been continuously tracking eating habits in the U.S. since 1980, has forecast what consumers will be eating in the future, and it looks like there will be a whole lot of snacking going on. In its new report, A Look into The Future of Eating, the market research company found that in-home snacking ─ morning, noon, and night, but especially morning ─ will outpace population growth over the next decade. By 2018, the total number of in-home snack occasions are projected to... ...Read more »

Procter & Gamble, the maker of some of the world’s most well-known consumer brands, has booked a rise in full-year profit despite a decline in market share. The company admitted that pressure on beauty and snack brands had been intense, leading to an 11 per cent decline in fourth quarter sales. “In fiscal 2009 and particularly in the fourth quarter, P&G faced one of the most difficult macroeconomic environments in decades,” A.G. Lafley, Chairman of P&G, said. “We... ...Read more »

Australian muesli and snack bar manufacturer Carman’s has announced the launch of Muesli Bites, a new portion controlled snack designed for the health conscious. Carman’s Bites, launched nationwide this month, are made from Carman’s gourmet muesli and are free from artificial preservatives, flavours and colours. It strengthens the company’s push into the snack category, following on from the recent release of Carman’s Rounds. The new product comes in two varieties –... ...Read more »