Latest news with #FrieslandCampina
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM extends support for investments in value-added dairy sector
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended full support for investments aimed at enhancing the value-added dairy sector, assuring a promising future for dairy entrepreneurs in the country. While talking to a delegation led by Jan Derck Van Karnebeek, Global CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina and Engro Pakistan, he emphasised that Pakistan is committed to collaborating with companies such as FrieslandCampina to develop the dairy sector. 'We will encourage initiatives that focus on improving the safety and nutritional value of milk to boost dairy product exports,' he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pace of delivery at play in Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher's short innings
Unilever's revelation of the sudden departure of Hein Schumacher – before he could celebrate a second summer as CEO – seemed shrouded in mystery. But the devil might just be in the detail – in the case of Unilever, the choice of words used by chairman Ian Meakins to announce the exit of Schumacher just eighteen months after he joined the CPG giant from dairy group FrieslandCampina. And the expectations on incoming chief Fernando Fernandez – promoted to CFO in January 2024 from president of the company's beauty and wellbeing division – might well weigh heavily, with the terminology expressed by Meakins indicative of the pressures on executives to deliver results in such a fraught operating environment. That environment was evident in the comments coming out of CAGNY presentations last week around consumers still struggling with food affordability, while manufacturers are still having to raise prices to offset inflation-linked costs and, at the same time, protect volumes and margins. 'Speed' and 'urgency' would appear to be the not-so-obvious details in Meakins comments but you would have to look closely. The 'board is committed to accelerating its execution', the Unilever chairman said in a statement, referring to the Growth Action Plan (GAP) Schumacher put in place in October 2023, a speedy move just three months after taking the CEO baton. And, perhaps more revealing, Meakins added: 'The board has been impressed with Fernando's decisive and results-oriented approach and his ability to drive change at speed… 'Having worked with Fernando closely over the last 14 months, the board is very confident in his ability to lead a high-performing management team, realise the benefits of the GAP with urgency, and deliver the shareholder value that the company's potential demands.' Demand being another operative word there. One might have expected the shock announcement would have sent Unilever's shares into a dive. But, while they started and traded the day yesterday (25 February) in the red, the decline was limited to around one and a half percent. Read into that what you will. 'Whilst unexpected, we agree with the board that Fernandez is best placed to accelerate the value unlock. We would buy into weakness,' Barclays analysts, led by Warren Ackerman, wrote in a research note. 'Usually, when you get unexpected CEO change, the market worries about a problem or trading. This isn't the case here – rather, the board have made a decisive decision to empower, in our view, the best candidate for the next leg of the story.' Eighteen months is still a short innings for a CEO to make an indelible mark on a business and strategy, but Schumacher has put some notable plans in place at Unilever. Of course, the rate of change may not have been to the board's liking. Market talk has suggested the softness in sales growth implied for the early part of Unilever's new financial year – when 2024 results were delivered on 13 February – might have led to Schumacher's demise. While that reasoning seems unlikely given Unilever's challenges are generally no different to other food manufacturers – although still plausible – his departure is perhaps indicative of the urgency felt by the higher echelons. Underlying sales growth (USG) in Schumacher's first full year as Unilever CEO did slow to 4.2% last year, from 7% in 2023, but volumes ticked up to 2.9% from a meagre 0.2%. Margins also continued in the right direction. The underlying operating margin increased by 170 basis points to 18.4%, building on the 60 point-gain in the previous 12 months. And the gross margin rose 280 basis points to 45% – the highest in a decade, according to Unilever. And, for shareholders, underlying EPS advanced 14.7% to €2.98 ($3.12), a vast improvement on 2023's 1.4% pace. Nevertheless, with Unilever more than a month into its new fiscal year when the 2024 results were presented, Jefferies' analysts suggest the sales environment could have worsened since. That said, both the short- and mid-term USG guidance remained unchanged in yesterday's executive announcement at 3-5% and 4-6%, respectively. But, setting out the course earlier this month, Unilever guided to only a 'modest improvement' in the underlying operating margin in the new year. 'Company reiterates guidance. But indications [were] that 1Q had seen a much slower start, with OSG indicated to be perhaps no more than 3%,' the Jefferies team, including David Hayes, wrote in a follow-up note. 'The worry will be that this slowdown has deepened in the last few weeks.' TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow emphasised the theme, choosing the term 'urgency' in his follow-up commentary. 'On one hand, this announcement fits our buy thesis that the board is running Unilever with a performance-driven mindset and urgency that had been lacking previously,' Moskow wrote in a research note. But Moskow also expressed some concerns on behalf of TD Cowen: 'Making a decision like this in such a short time frame probably reflects a sense of dissatisfaction with the company's near-term performance to some degree. 'As a result, we can't help but wonder if the company's guidance for a back-half loaded 2025 will play out as expected, even though management technically reiterated guidance.' As CEO, Schumacher pledged to streamline Unilever's portfolio under a productivity programme to realise €800m in costs savings, but while he disposed of a number of assets, mainly in the Netherlands but also in Germany and Romania, the company's board may have wanted more. And with sales growth slowing in 2024, perhaps a gap needed plugging in terms of acquisitions, a point put forward by Jefferies. Perhaps even more so as Schumacher has also overseen the planned demerger of the ice-cream business, which is slated to be spun-off by the year-end with a trio of listings announced this month in London, Amsterdam and New York. And, in November, Unilever confirmed the demerger of its ice-cream business units in India and Indonesia, too. Whilst Hein's experience was in foods, remember Fernandez's background is more HPC (this is Unilever's future) Barclays analysts However, presenting the Growth Action Plan in October 2023, the outgoing CEO said Unilever would 'selectively optimise the portfolio' with 'no major or transformational acquisitions'. He added at the time: 'We will continue to prune the portfolio in areas that are less strategically attractive. This will be accompanied by selective bolt-on acquisitions focused in specific high-growth areas, provided they meet the higher bar for M&A criteria and parameters for value creation.' The Jefferies team wrote on Schumacher's departure: 'We would see this creating much uncertainty on the performance in 1Q; what it means for strategy, especially M&A [and] what now for additional cost cuts and other acceleration of changes.' They added, noting the aborted bid by Schumacher's predecessor Alan Jope to buy GlaxoSmithKline's consumer-health business in 2022: 'This provides free-range to the board and new CEO to review strategy. That may see a different positioning on M&A strategy. 'We have considered a need to revisit bigger acquisition ambition, as demonstrated in 1Q22 re: the failed approach for GSK CH for £50bn.' Fernandez, meanwhile, will take up the CEO role on 1 March, the same day Schumacher steps down but he will stay on until May. Market talk is, at least according to Sky News' sources earlier this month, that Unilever has agreed terms to buy the personal-care business Wild, reportedly for £230m ($290.8m). Was that prospective deal opposed by Schumacher? Perhaps we will never know. 'Whilst Hein's experience was in foods, remember Fernandez's background is more HPC (this is Unilever's future),' the Barclays team wrote. And what does that suggest for Unilever's nutrition (food) unit, which has long been touted as a potential divestment target? Jope reorganised operations into five divisions in 2022 – nutrition, ice cream, beauty and wellbeing, personal care and home care – at a time when speculation was rife that food could be chopped, and even ice cream. While Schumacher put in motion the plan to spin-off ice cream in March 2024, he had ruled out the full blown disposal of 'food'. The Barclays' analysts gave their perspective: 'We believe that Hein did a very good job overseeing a lot of change in a short period of time – strategy reset, organisational change, productivity acceleration and innovation step-up. 'Unilever delivered its best results in more than a decade in 2024 with EPS +15%, and so this decision is not a slight on Hein Schumacher. 'We view it as a hard-nosed decision by the board about who is the best person going forward into the next stage of its evolution.' Pace was evident in the Barclays' comments, too, as the Ackerman-led team suggested Fernandez 'may look to accelerate portfolio change and drive costs out more quickly'. And Moskow at TD Cowen also stressed the point: 'Unilever's sudden announcement that Hein Schumacher will step down as CEO on March 1 suggests dissatisfaction with the pace of the company's turnaround.' So what might Fernandez do differently to the departing Schumacher? We might just get a sense when Unilever presents its first-quarter trading update on 24 April with the new CEO at the helm. In the meantime, Hayes' team at Jefferies wrote: 'The step-up from CFO to CEO by Fernandez will be liked by many investors. They like his direct approach but some may also see his style as somewhat maverick.' "Pace of delivery at play in Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher's short innings" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
USA Today
13-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
FrieslandCampina: A world leader in cheese innovation and tradition
Grace Butler Contributor FrieslandCampina is one of the world's largest dairy cooperatives and has earned a reputation for excellence by providing a wide range of high-quality cheeses. The company offers several cheese brands, such as A Dutch Masterpiece,Gayo Azul,Royal Hollandia, and Parrano, all of which reflect a long-standing understanding of cheesemaking and consumer needs. 'In this regard, our approach is to blend the centuries' old Dutch cheesemaking tradition with the current innovation and trends. This guarantees that any product we provide embodies our history but also addresses the needs of the present consumer,' comments Josh Rosen, Brand Manager at FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy. A Dutch Masterpiece: A work of art in the shape of cheese What do cheese and famous painters have in common? A Dutch Masterpiece! This is a series of cheeses like you've never seen before. It's by the Dutch Golden Age painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals and uses traditional methods in its production for the best quality. Without a doubt, this is the most Dutch cheese you'll find. Not only because of its inspiration from famous Dutch painters, but because this cheese is sourced from North Holland. 'The PDO certification is proof of the authenticity and the quality of our Rembrandt cheese. It helps the consumer to know that this 12-month-aged Gouda is made from milk that is sourced from North Holland and is made following the traditional Dutch cheesemaking techniques,' Rosen explains. 'It has a bold flavor, and the texture is quite smooth, making it a good choice for cheese connoisseurs who appreciate the traditional as well as the innovative.' A Dutch Masterpiece is also perfect for gifting to your loved ones, or even a boss you want to impress. Plus, who doesn't love pairing wines, fruits, and charcuterie with a good wine? FrieslandCampina has done an excellent job of integrating art into these aged cheeses to achieve an unforgettable result. Gayo Azul: A Fusion of Cultures Gayo Azul is a cheese that you can easily integrate into both Dutch and Hispanic dishes. Have you ever tried such a versatile cheese? And of course, you can use it in other types of dishes as well. Gayo Azul also produces such popular products as Cotija, Dutch Edam, and Queso Para Freir. 'As Gayo Azul, we embrace the best of both the Dutch and the Hispanic traditions of cheesemaking to produce products that are genuine and useful,' says Rosen. 'From Queso Fresco for tacos to Dutch Edam for a cheese platter, we offer the products that will find a place with most people.' The versatility of this cheese is its greatest attraction. The brand has focused on creating a product that is ideal for different types of cuisine. So, if you like to improvise in the kitchen and create quality dishes, this cheese is for you. The products that Gayo Azul offers go well with traditional dishes as well as new style meals. Royal Hollandia: Enhancing the Specialty Cheese Royal Hollandia is FrieslandCampina's upscale cheese brand that only sells imported Dutch cheeses. The brand's products start from the Mild Gouda and end with the Mediterranean Herb Gouda to cater to the taste of every consumer. 'Royal Hollandia is always on the lookout for the next big thing in terms of flavors and tends to push the envelope,' Rosen explains. 'Our Limited Flavors Collection includes black garlic gouda, very berry goat cheese, and Mediterranean herb gouda, all made with the best ingredients to help you be the chef at home and create delicious recipes for cheese lovers and home chefs.' The bulk wheels, retail wedges, and grab-and-go snacks of Royal Hollandia are designed for convenience and quality. 'We have been able to concentrate on the quality of the products that both retailers and consumers require by focusing on our bulk and wedge formats,' adds Rosen. From a cheeseboard decoration to a key component of various dishes, Royal Hollandia offers only the best for all occasions. Parrano: The Best of Both Worlds in Taste and Versatility Parrano is a new brand for FrieslandCampina, which has the taste of an aged Parmesan cheese combined with the flexibility of a Gouda cheese. This semi-firm cheese has a mild and nutty flavor with some salt and sweet taste. Its surface is smooth, and the cheese has a golden color that is easy to shred, slice, and melt. 'Parrano is perfect for entertaining, cooking, and even snacking,' Rosen says. 'The taste is suitable for many kinds of food, especially Italian, and it can be used in almost every meal, from pasta to cheese boards.' For enhancing the taste of an Italian inspired meal or for adding a touch of class to a snacking platter, Parrano is the perfect example of FrieslandCampina's commitment to providing high quality cheese choices. Farmer Dedication and Sustainability FrieslandCampina is one of the world's largest dairy cooperatives, and it is owned by about 17,000 dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The company's commitment to sustainability and quality starts in the farm and goes up to the production line. 'Our farmers are the lifeblood of FrieslandCampina,' Rosen emphasizes. 'It is their commitment to sustainable farming and the production of quality milk that makes our cheeses the best in the world and sought after all over the globe.' From environmental stewardship to neighborhood development, FrieslandCampina's farmers play a significant role in sustaining the company's reputation for quality. A Tradition of Innovation FrieslandCampina is a leading dairy company in the industry through its long-standing cheesemaking tradition and the understanding of the consumer. The company has a wide range of products to choose from, ranging from traditional Dutch cheeses to speciality cheeses. 'Every product that we produce is a result of our history and our capacity to adapt to the present consumer needs and trends,' concludes Rosen. FrieslandCampina's tradition and innovation make it one of the leading companies in the cheese industry.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
To Breed Heat-Proof Cows, Nigerian Farmers Source Brazilian Bull Genes
As the planet warms, Nigerian farmers are looking to breed cattle that can take the heat, importing semen from a Brazilian breed suited to balmy tropical weather. In Africa, European cattle struggle against the heat, while local breeds produce too little milk. The average cow in Africa supplies just a couple of liters of milk daily, compared with 30 liters for the average cow in the U.S., Bloomberg reports. 'Producing milk in a country like Nigeria is not easy,' said Yvonne van der Vorst, of dairy giant FrieslandCampina. 'The climate does not lend itself very well to dairy farming.' To breed more productive cattle, FrieslandCampina is working with thousands of farmers across the country to inseminate their cows with semen from Girolando bulls from Brazil. 'I will do much better with the Girolando breed,' Nigerian farmer Moyosore Rafiu told Bloomberg. 'They will survive more in our farms, and I'm seeing the signs in the calves already in this farm. It's going to be a big transformation.' If cattle become more productive, then conceivably fewer will be needed to meet the demand for milk. That would be good news for the climate, as belching cows are a major source of heat-trapping gas. If you have two Girolando cows instead of four local cows, it will put 'less pressure on resources,' said Mario Herrero, a professor of food systems at Cornell University. 'That is the way that it needs to happen.'
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FrieslandCampina Selects Wipro to Transform their IT Operations
AMERSFOORT, Netherlands & BENGALURU, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 27, 2025-- Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today announced that it has been selected by FrieslandCampina, a global dairy company with over 150 years of heritage, as their trusted strategic partner to deliver business outcomes aligned with FrieslandCampina's strategic ambition. During the five-and-a-half-year engagement, Wipro will be managing the company's Core IT Services and will provide FrieslandCampina with support in key areas including end-to-end Service Management, Infrastructure & Cybersecurity Services as well as Enterprise Application Management Services. This engagement will also encompass overarching digital transformation programs, HR and employee services to ensure leading operational excellence, end-user experience, and business continuity. Graziella Neuvéglise, Regional Head and Managing Director - Benelux, Nordics and Southern Europe, Wipro Limited, said 'We are excited to work with FrieslandCampina on this comprehensive partnership. Leveraging our wide-ranging technology expertise, we will support FrieslandCampina's strategic objectives of enhancing profitability and sustainable growth; with IT services designed to improve business outcomes and drive innovation.' Holger Janßen, Global Director Enterprise Technology Services, FrieslandCampina, said 'Our strategic partnership with Wipro is a pivotal element to achieve our long-term vision. Leveraging Wipro's extensive expertise in IT delivery and transformation will be instrumental in continuously elevating our efficiency and ability to innovate fast.' About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients' most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations, and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. SOURCE: Wipro Limited Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 01/27/2025 08:09 AM/DISC: 01/27/2025 08:10 AM
