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FOOD & DRINK

sector Overview:

In many countries, the food and drink market is mature and competitive. The structure of the sector has been consolidating, as major companies use economy of scale to gain market share, and there has also been a strong trend towards internationalisation with acquisitions playing a major role here. Whilst global brands and global foods still largely dominate the market, these are being blended with local preferences to meet the growing demand for local products. Consumer purchases in developed countries are driven by convenience, health and pleasure. Desires for low carbohydrate and organic foods have hit the industry over recent years with corresponding changes in many brands’ portfolios. While the shift towards organic has been important in some markets, globally there is increased mainstreaming of natural foods.


There is additional pressure due to increased regulation in food safety, health and traceability and the inherent cost of innovation as well as price erosion of the final product, coupled with the availability and increasing price of some key raw materials. Of great concern in 2008 is the escalating cost of grain which is being driven by the thirst for biofuels in the US. Not only is this impacting the dynamics of much of the food sector from tortillas in Mexico to food ingredients in Europe but it is also increasing the pressure of key areas of the drinks markets – especially beer production.

At the same time the rise of obesity from over-consumption is showing little signs of slowing. However, with nearly two billion people now significantly overweight, 800 million still go hungry every day. The great challenge here is that there is no overall problem of world food supply, more one of food distribution. Food is being produced in growth markets to feed increasingly fat people and economic and regulatory barrriers are still a major concern in many countries. Added to this continued global population rise and migration are adding to the challenge. As the huge corporations such as PepsiCo, Nestlé and Unilever that dominate the sector all seek to change their developed world portfolios, there are significant unmet needs elsewhere.

ONES WE ARE WATCHING

 

Nestlé
The Swiss based food giant Nestlé used to struggle to deliver sustained growth but over the past few years this has ceased to be a problem. Fuelled by an increasing innovation focus on health and nutrition as well as major investments on luxury and premium products, Nestlé has achieved significant benefit. In 2007, its twelfth consecutive year of growth, profits were up 15.8% with overall sales up 9.2%. .

Cargill
Cargill is an unknown giant in the food sector. Privately owned and hence off many commentators’ radars, this vertically-integrated US-based firm is a major player across the sector. With significant growth now being delivered from its biofuels interests, its core strengths in science-led innovation around such areas as grain development are enabling it to help address the key global challenges of producing high quality food for all.

 

 

 

 

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