WM Morrison: time to shop around

WM Morrison's takeover of the Safeway chain in 2004 has proved more problematic than initially expected, raising concerns over the group's ability to integrate such a large acquisition. Finance director Martin Ackroyd is the victim of a boardroom shakeup that should see the supermarket group's management thrust into line with accepted corporate governance standards.

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Widespread flooding in Australia will see ongoing consequences for local food market

Various parts of Australia have been struck by devastating floods, the impact of which is having a direct effect on food prices. For at least the next few months, Australian consumers will be faced with a choice: continue supporting local farmers by purchasing local produce at higher prices, or turn to cheaper imports in order to save money.

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Why Kellogg's Special K is emphasizing what consumers can gain through healthy eating

Special K has unveiled a new campaign which focuses on the emotional benefits of following a diet regime rather than the absolute number of pounds shed. It seeks to inspire more positivity and less guilt where weight is concerned, with the intention of helping consumers to stick to their goals. This approach may well help to overcome certain hurdles which have tripped dieters in the past.

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Why eat breakfast when you can drink it?

It happened to typewriters, encyclopedias, film cameras, and rotary telephones, but could the humble cereal dish and spoon soon be a relic of the past, joining these obsolete items on a dusty museum shelf? Maybe not in the immediate future, but recent developments in the breakfast market suggest that tomorrow's breakfast could come from a bottle instead of a bowl.

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Weston: best bid for Bestfoods

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Weetabix: Hicks Muse bets on local brands

By buying Weetabix, which has a strong presence in the UK and Ireland only, Hicks Muse is following the opposite strategy from the top global food groups. Nestle [NESN.VX] and Unilever [ULVR.L] are betting brand preferences will become increasingly globalized, but Hicks Muse believes people will stick with the brands they know. In this case, the VC firm may well be right.

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Weetabix: going for gold

UK cereal maker Weetabix is preparing the launch of a premium cereal range called Weetabix Gold, a move which could enable it to overcome the current weak growth of the UK cereals market. While it is hoped the launch will drive demand within the breakfast cereals sector, skeptical consumers may view the roll-out as merely an excuse for the company to charge extra for an everyday item.

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Warburtons: evolving marketing practices

In order to support its Seeded Batch variety, UK baker Warburtons has announced the launch of an internet marketing campaign called 'The Seeds of Love', which will be based around a mini-drama set in an office. The move is reflective of how the company's traditional marketing portfolio is evolving as it seeks to connect with consumers by turning a product into a brand experience.

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Wal-Mart: China in its hands

Wal-Mart has announced plans to double its number of outlets in China to tap into a liberalizing market. Despite regulatory relaxation, the chain intends to continue investing in partnership with Chinese players rather than via solo ventures. Yet such an approach appears prudent, enabling Wal-Mart to reassess in the future if its stores prove successful.

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Vending machines in the US get an organic makeover

A new act, passed by Congress last month, will drive the replacement of junk food with healthier snacks in US school vending machines. Not only will this transition resonate with health-conscious consumers, it will also appeal to those looking for a more user-friendly snacking experience. It is likely that this will mark the start of a large-scale transition towards more organic-based vending.

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