Member Info for Billyn

Princes doesn’t own Branson Pickle, unless Im missing some big news in the last couple of years. It was acquired by Mizkan, along with Sarsons and Haywards Pickles, from PFD in late 2012. Mizkan bought these basket case brands and succeeded in achieving the impossible- making them worse.

Assuming we’ll have to pay Anjum an annual fee, like I think we do with Loyd, for continuing to use her image/name / etc - I guess it isn’t really a brand without her (like Grossman)

Hi Dogger, which products did (maybe still do) PF make own label equivalents? Pretty sure not cooking sauces, eg Sharwoods, Grossman, but I have no idea re Kipling, ambrosia etc.

Re own label vs premium, couldn’t agree more! And It is the Aldi and Lidl who have been winning during the last 12 years of reduced living standards- at least for the masses. The current environment will accelerate that- just like COvid accelerated internet / technology adoption. I suspect the super premium is also winning, but would love to have some evidence to support that.
In my day, no Loyd Grossman own label equivalent made by PF.

Fair question Dogger. The baseline that employees who feel valued are more motivated is not in dispute - hope. As is the current labour shortage. I am seeing- at the younger group, there is a demand for a more inclusive environment- I guess those who rail against woke describe them as “snowflake”. Down with inclusivity! At the upper age group, about 700k people have left the job market innsearch of more balanced life. That is why we have both high employment and less people in employment. Don’t think that’s a difficult concept, but appreciate for some it’s a bit too complicated. We need both of these groups in the labour - retain them and attract them.

Even if you are against “woke”, which generally means against anti racism, anti sexism, but I’m sure that’s not you…. , in a time of labour shortage, any activity which attracts and retains employees is a good thing.

Still interested to have views on why Nissin wouldn’t bid. More generally, Japanese food businesses have been eager to invest overseas, particularly because the growth opportunities in Japan are absent- declining population; and risk aversion- business interruption due to earthquakes etc.

Any reason Nissin wouldn’t make an offer?

Hi guys, if I understand correctly, sugar has been a major part of ABF’s performance, and sugar’s low price over the last 5 years has been a major drag on its performance/ share price. It appears the price of sugar has returned to levels last seen 5 years ago. Fair to say that should have a significant positive impact on profitability? Or is this part of the business relatively minor?
Thanks for your input.

I’d be shocked and disappointed if they are not going out the the market for prices increases to reflect increased costs, and improving cash margin improvement in the process.

Comment might jinx it.

Nutters have arrived. Keep your head down

I bet the “get it cheaper at this website” has shifted a few....

Couldn’t agree more PP1. And the same people bleating about “where was the government....etc” are mostly the same who complain about too much regulation, HSE, and red tape. Governments stepping back on the basis of reducing regulation/ freeing up the markets results in unchecked modern slavery, dodgy building standards, spread of COVID in food factories, need I go on? Oh yes, and the 2008 crash was partly down to reduced banking regulation, auctioned by Labour, championed by Cameron.

The excess deaths have been circa 70,000. I agree it is a relatively small dent, and not THE reason for having hope. On a scale of reasons to be hopeful, changes to consumer habits/ wfh etc, and the already positive news on pensions before Covid are much higher. In the interests of balance, it would be good to hear reasons not to be hopeful. Doesn’t mean we have to agree, but it is good to be challenged.