Monday, February 8, 2010

This Week in the Food Industry....

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cadbury-shareholders-approve-rb-3255981319.html?x=0&.v=6

Cadbury shareholders approve Kraft takeover


LONDON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT - News) won control of Cadbury (LSE:CBRY.L - News) on Tuesday as holders of almost 72 percent of the British chocolatier's stock accepted the 11.7 billion pound takeover that will create the world's biggest confectioner.
Kraft needed just 50 percent plus one share to take control of Cadbury. Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld expects to complete the deal in the coming weeks as remaining Cadbury shareholders come forward to accept the cash and stock bid.

There have been so many twists and turns in this takeover...I wonder if this is really a done deal?






http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/cadburys-chairman-and-ceo-to-step-down/?partner=yahoofinance


Cadbury’s Chairman and C.E.O. to Step Down
February 3, 2010, 11:18 am

Following the success of Kraft’s pursuit of Cadbury, the British confectioner said that its chairman, its chief executive and its chief financial officer will step down.
The planned resignations of the chairman, Roger Carr, the chief executive, Todd Stitzer, and the chief financial officer, Andrew Bonfield, is not unexpected. Cadbury’s top management had repeatedly rebuffed Kraft’s wooing of their company, deriding the American food giant as a low-growth conglomerate.
But Kraft raised its bid for Cadbury last month, changing the board’s mind. On Tuesday, about 72 percent of Cadbury shareholders tendered their stakes to Kraft, for all intents and purposes sealing the deal.
“Together we have fought an excellent defence campaign and delivered substantial value to Cadbury
shareholders,” Mr. Carr said in a statement. “In handing over to Irene Rosenfeld I wish her the very best as she takes on responsibility for continuing to build and develop what is indisputably one of the world’s greatest brands.”
Mr. Stitzer said in a separate statement: “I wish Irene Rosenfeld and her team every success in taking Cadbury and its brands forward. They have pledged they will do their utmost to preserve Cadbury’s unique performance driven, values led heritage, and I urge all my colleagues to do their utmost to help them in this special task.”
Cadbury said that the resignations of Mr. Carr, Mr. Stitzer and Mr. Bonfield from its board hasn’t yet been determined.



http://finance.yahoo.com/news/The-Lunchables-Team-and-prnews-2415461660.html?x=0&.v=1

The Lunchables Team and Animal Planet are Giving Kids a Chance to Lunch, Roar & Score
Sweepstakes Offers a Chance to Win a Trip to Explore the Animal Kingdom with Jeff Corwin


Press Release Source: Kraft Foods On Friday February 5, 2010, 8:00 am EST
BOSTON, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kids who love learning about the animal kingdom may finally have a chance to turn their passion into a reality thanks to the Lunch, Roar & Score Sweepstakes from Lunchables Lunch Combinations. Together with Animal Planet and Jeff Corwin they're giving aspiring naturalists a chance to get an up close and personal look at the animal kingdom.
"My fascination with animals started when I was very young so I'm excited to help other kids discover their inner animal expert," said Jeff Corwin, animal enthusiast and star of the show, "Corwin's Quest." "This sweepstakes offers families a unique chance to see the world of animals through my eyes. It's an awesome opportunity."
Lunchables Animal Planet Sweepstakes
Through May 3, 2010, kids can enter for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Boston with their family where they'll spend three days with Jeff Corwin, learning about their favorite animals. Entering is easy – simply log onto www.lunchables.com and answer an animal-themed trivia question. Ten lucky winners and their families will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo as well as an exclusive welcome dinner with Jeff Corwin.
"We believe all kids have the potential to do great things," said Darin Dugan, Senior Director of Marketing, Lunchables. "The Lunch, Roar & Score Sweepstakes really focuses on an interest we know kids want to learn more about – animals – so we're excited to provide this opportunity which is exciting and educational."
New Lunchables Sub Sandwiches
Moms can also feed their kids' potential with new Lunchables sub sandwiches. Starting in January, four new varieties hit shelves featuring bread made with whole grain, 100% white meat chicken and turkey made with 100% turkey breast. The new Lunchables varieties are available in the refrigerated section of grocery stores and retail for $1.99.


I think this is such a wonderful sweepstakes! What a wonderful experience this will be for some lucky children. I think profits will definitely rise as children and parents start buying more lunchables in chance of winning this rewarding prize.