Ahold/Delhaize: a merger of convenience

Dutch retailer Ahold and smaller rival Delhaize are in talks, with a merger between the two seen by many as the most plausible outcome. Ahold's and Delhaize's business operations may well be split along geographical lines, with Ahold running a future European division while Delhaize could affect the turnaround of Ahold's underperforming US arm.

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Becks: Interbrew goes shopping again

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Delhaize: uncertain US outlook

With year-to-date sales of E14.3 billion, Belgian food retailer Delhaize has been boosted by a strong performance in the US. In addition, its emerging markets are showing double digit growth figures and only Belgium is proving tough due to heavy competition. Having said this, the future outlook for the company is worrying, as Delhaize could suffer as a result of economic jitters in the US.

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European cartels: fines all round

As part of its renewed focus on cartels, the EU has been investigating two cartels that fixed beer prices in Belgium and another that fixed the price of food and drink additive citric acid. Most companies had already made provisions for the fines, so the most noticeable affect is likely to be a more wary approach to competitive practices.

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GM foods: EU agreement doesn't allay consumer fears

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GM foods: give it time

After a five year long moratorium on growing and commercializing GM foods, the EU has authorized the entry of a GM product onto the market. European consumers are still unconvinced, and the biotechnology companies behind the products fear the public may reject them. However consumers may learn to accept GM, first in nutraceuticals, and then in mainstream foods.

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Heinz: in the lap of Beneluxury

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Hot drinks: flavor of the day

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Interbrew: aiming for a Stella performance

Interbrew, the Belgian brewing giant that owns Stella Artois and Bass, will cut 335 jobs in the Netherlands and 68 in the UK. However, the cuts are a rationalization, rather than a sign of trouble. They should free up E12 million for Interbrew to invest, helping the company to maintain its commanding position in the global brewing industry.

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Interbrew: Bass leaves bad taste

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