Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has adjusted its full-year inflation assumption from 4% to 4.5% due to adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields, particularly in the UK [24][25] - The gross margin dropped in Q2, attributed to increased inflation and supply chain challenges [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant focus on cost competitiveness, leading to a reduction in SG&A expenses primarily driven by overheads rather than advertising and promotion [30][31] - Innovations and renovations are expected to contribute nearly double the sales compared to the previous year, with a focus on snacking and protein products [32][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market in Q2 experienced a volume decline of approximately 5.5%, particularly in key regions like the UK, due to extreme weather conditions [16][22] - The company has gained market share in volume despite overall market underperformance in categories like fish and vegetables [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adjusting its ERP implementation strategy to mitigate risks and improve inventory management [7][8] - There is a strong emphasis on innovation, with plans to enhance product offerings in response to changing consumer preferences and weather patterns [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current challenges and emphasized the importance of preparing for future weather-related impacts on sales [50][53] - The company is committed to maintaining flexibility in capital allocation, focusing on share buybacks and dividends while being cautious about M&A opportunities [55] Other Important Information - The company is exploring partnerships with startups to enhance its innovation pipeline and speed up product development [43][45] - There is a focus on optimizing the supply chain and reducing complexity within the operational network to improve cost efficiency [40][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in full-year guidance - Management acknowledged past challenges with guidance and emphasized lessons learned from ERP implementation and inventory management [6][8] Question: Organic growth expectations for Q3 - Management indicated that while growth is expected in Q3, it is contingent on market conditions and weather patterns [17][19] Question: Inflationary pressures and pricing strategy - Management confirmed an increase in inflation assumptions and indicated plans to adjust pricing where feasible [24][26] Question: SG&A savings initiatives - Management detailed ongoing efforts to reduce overhead costs and improve cost competitiveness [30][31] Question: Innovation pipeline and future products - Management highlighted a significant increase in sales from innovation and renovation, with a focus on snacking and protein products [32][34] Question: Supply chain optimization and facility closures - Management discussed plans for supply chain optimization, including the closure of a smaller factory in the Nordics [40][41] Question: Long-term portfolio adjustments for climate change - Management addressed the need to adapt product offerings to changing weather patterns and consumer preferences [50][53] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed ongoing share buybacks and dividends while maintaining flexibility for future opportunities [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has adjusted its full-year inflation assumption from 4% to 4.5% due to adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields, particularly in the UK [23][24] - There has been a noted drop in gross margin in Q2, attributed to increased inflation and weather-related challenges [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a significant increase in innovation contributions to sales, with expectations for nearly double the previous year's contribution [32][34] - SG&A expenses have been reduced, primarily driven by overhead savings rather than advertising and promotion [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market in Q2 experienced a volume decline of approximately 5.5%, particularly in key regions like the UK, which impacted sales [15][21] - The company has gained market share in volume despite overall market underperformance during the hot weather [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its product assortment to better align with changing consumer preferences during hotter weather, including more natural and marinated fish options [51][54] - There is an emphasis on cost competitiveness and maintaining pricing strategies to recover from inflation while avoiding overpricing compared to competitors [30][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future despite disappointing first-half performance, citing a strong portfolio and effective strategy [60] - The company is preparing for potential future heat waves by adjusting product offerings and improving supply chain agility [54][51] Other Important Information - The company has conducted share buybacks amounting to €100 million in H1 and announced a dividend, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [56] - The company is exploring partnerships with startups to enhance innovation and speed up product development [44][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in full-year guidance after recent performance - Management acknowledged past optimism regarding ERP implementation and excess inventory issues, indicating a more cautious approach moving forward [5][6][8] Question: Organic growth expectations for Q3 and Q4 - Management clarified that while growth is expected in Q3, the overall guidance remains conservative due to market conditions [14][16] Question: Impact of ERP supply disruption on sales - Management confirmed that the ERP lag from the previous year will positively affect comparisons, but current market conditions remain challenging [19][20] Question: Inflationary pressures and pricing strategies for 2026 - Management indicated that pricing adjustments will be necessary to recover from inflation, with a focus on maintaining competitiveness [22][26] Question: SG&A savings and overhead expense reductions - Management detailed ongoing initiatives to reduce overhead costs while remaining competitive in pricing [30][31] Question: Innovation pipeline and future products - Management highlighted a significant increase in sales from innovation and renovation, with a focus on snacking and new product categories [32][34] Question: Supply chain optimization and facility closures - Management discussed plans for supply chain optimization, including the closure of a smaller factory in the Nordics [41][42] Question: Long-term strategies for dealing with climate change - Management emphasized the need for agility in product offerings to adapt to changing weather patterns and consumer preferences [49][54] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed ongoing share buybacks and dividends while maintaining flexibility for future opportunities [56][57]

Unilever’s sales rose in the second quarter, driven by personal care brands such as Dove Soap and a strong performance in the ice cream division it plans to spin off https://t.co/bcOAUSrSEE ...

But I just want to commend the leadership, Michael, and the whole team and everyone you represent at IDFA and all the dairy farmers and ice cream producers they represent for taking on this voluntary proactive effort to eliminate the use of artificial colors in ice cream products by the end of 2027. Today FDA has approved a new blue vegetable dye in addition to many of the other dyes that we've all the three dyes that we've already uh rapidly approved over the past two months. Secretary Kennedy and I are no ...

Industry Trend - US ice cream makers are planning to eliminate a number of artificial colors from their products by 2028 [1]

Company Overview - Marble Slab Creamery is a small-batch ice cream franchise under FAT Brands, known for its imaginative flavor combinations and innovative frozen slab technique [1][2][5] - The company has been in operation for over 40 years, offering homemade ice cream with free Mix-Ins, shakes, and ice cream cakes [2][5] - Marble Slab Creamery has locations in various countries including Bahrain, Canada, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico, and the United States [5] Promotions and Marketing - In celebration of National Ice Cream Month and Ice Cream Day, Marble Slab Creamery is providing loyalty members with surprise offers every Sunday in July [1][2] - On July 20, loyalty members will receive a free small ice cream offer, valid for seven days [1] - The Vice President of Marketing emphasized the company's commitment to providing fun deals and unlimited flavor combinations to enhance customer experience [2] Corporate Structure - FAT Brands is a leading global franchising company that owns 18 restaurant brands and operates over 2,300 units worldwide [4] - The company strategically acquires, markets, and develops various dining concepts, including Marble Slab Creamery [4]

Core Insights - Metro is emphasizing its commitment to local Ontario farmers and producers through its Summer MVPs initiative, which celebrates the contributions of these local food champions [2][3] - The initiative highlights over 1,400 local products from nearly 250 Ontario suppliers, showcasing a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and locally made goods [3] Company Commitment - Metro's Summer MVPs campaign aims to support local communities by investing in local farmers and producers, reinforcing the importance of fresh, quality ingredients [3][10] - The company operates a network of 995 food stores and 640 pharmacies, with annual sales exceeding $21 billion, positioning itself as a leader in the food and pharmacy sectors in Québec and Ontario [12] Featured Local Producers - GoodLeaf Farms, known for its sustainable indoor hydroponic farming, provides fresh, pesticide-free greens year-round, emphasizing local sourcing and community support [4][5] - Mastronardi Produce, a family-owned business since 1954, specializes in premium greenhouse-grown produce, focusing on quality and sustainability [5][6] - Shaw's Ice Cream, revived by the McLaughlin sisters, emphasizes local ingredients and community roots, making their products widely available across Canada [6][7] - Tonica Kombucha, founded by Zoey Shamai, has grown from a small local business to a leader in Ontario-made kombucha, supported by Metro's partnership [9] - Mercanti Specialty Foods Inc. offers Mama Yolanda's Gourmet Lasagna, made with local ingredients and a family recipe, highlighting the importance of tradition and community [10]

Core Insights - Unilever ranks sixth in global snacks sales and is the leader in the ice cream category, holding 20% of retail value sales worldwide [2] - A demerger of Unilever's ice cream business is planned by the end of the 2025 financial year, which will impact the group's overall earnings figures starting in 2024 [2] Company Profile Overview - The "Unilever Group in Snacks" company profile provides a strategic analysis of the company's performance in the snacks industry, including regional and category shares, brand portfolio, new product developments, market strategies, competitive challenges, and future prospects [3] - The report covers various product categories including Confectionery, Ice Cream, Savoury Snacks, Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars, and Fruit Snacks, along with market sizes, company shares, brand shares, and distribution data [4] Market Insights - The report aims to provide a detailed understanding of the snacks market, identify growth sectors, and analyze factors driving change [7] - It includes five-year forecasts to assess the predicted development of the market, focusing on competitive positioning and exposure to future growth [7]

Core Insights - FAT Brands has launched the first co-branded location of Round Table Pizza and Marble Slab Creamery in Oakland, CA, marking its 10th co-branding initiative to date [1][2]. Company Overview - FAT Brands is a global franchising company that owns 18 restaurant brands and operates over 2,300 units worldwide, focusing on fast casual, quick-service, and casual dining concepts [4]. - Round Table Pizza has been recognized for its high-quality ingredients and hand-crafted pizzas since its founding in 1959, with approximately 400 locations across the United States [5]. - Marble Slab Creamery has been innovating in the ice cream sector for over 40 years, known for its homemade, small-batch ice cream and unique frozen slab technique [3][6]. Co-Branding Strategy - The co-branding of Round Table Pizza and Marble Slab Creamery aims to enhance the guest experience by offering complementary food options, combining the rich flavors of pizza with the sweetness of ice cream [2].