Core Insights - The study suggests that grocery receipts could potentially help build credit files for "credit invisible" borrowers, who currently lack credit records [1][2] - Researchers have found a correlation between grocery shopping behavior and bill payment reliability, indicating that shopping habits may serve as alternative data for credit scoring [3][4] Group 1: Research Findings - The research utilized data from Peruvian consumers, combining loyalty transactions, credit card repayment data, and administrative records to analyze the predictive power of grocery shopping behavior on payment reliability [3] - Consumers who purchased healthier foods were more likely to pay their bills on time, while those who bought less healthy items showed a higher likelihood of missed payments [4] - Consistent shopping patterns, such as shopping on the same day each week and spending similar amounts, were linked to timely bill payments [5] Group 2: Implications for Credit Scoring - The simulation conducted by researchers indicated that incorporating shopping data could increase credit approval rates for borrowers without credit files from 16% to between 31% and 48% [6] - For consumers with established credit histories, adding shopping data had minimal impact on approval outcomes, suggesting its primary use may be in identifying safe candidates for new credit lines [6]

Core Viewpoint - Austrian dairy group SalzburgMilch is planning a strategic merger with local peer Pinzgau Milch, aiming to create a joint company and enhance collaboration in dairy product manufacturing [1][5]. Company Overview - SalzburgMilch is Austria's third-largest dairy group, sourcing milk from approximately 2,400 farming suppliers and marketing over 600 products. It processes 331 million kilograms of milk annually and employs around 450 people [3]. - Pinzgau Milch, a contract manufacturer of dairy products, reported a turnover of €155 million in 2024, with 47% of its sales coming from exports. The company employs around 250 people and sources milk from about 1,000 farms, with nearly 60% being organic [4]. Financial Performance - In 2024, SalzburgMilch generated sales of €350 million ($405 million), with more than 40% derived from exports [4]. - Pinzgau Milch's turnover for 2024 was €155 million, with exports constituting 47% of its sales [4]. Strategic Intent - The merger is intended to optimize synergies, strengthen regionality and product quality, and ensure long-term viability of the farming structure while retaining added value within the region [2][5]. - The deal is part of a broader trend of mergers in the European dairy industry, following recent announcements by other major players [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Serbian dairy company Imlek is being sold by private-equity investor MidEuropa to investment firm AJFH, with the transaction pending regulatory approvals [1] Company Overview - Imlek is described as the leading dairy business in Serbia and the Balkans, operating four production facilities in Belgrade and processing 400 million liters of milk annually from over 3,500 farmers [2][3] - The company offers a variety of dairy products, including butter, yogurt, flavored milk drinks, cheese, and kefir, and owns several brands such as Moja Kravica and Mlekara Subotica [3] Transaction Details - The acquisition is led by Andrej Jovanović, the entrepreneur behind AJFH, and Imlek's CEO Bojan Radun, with plans to drive the company's growth [2][3] - The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of the upcoming year [3] Leadership Background - Andrej Jovanović co-founded Marbo Products, now a subsidiary of PepsiCo, and has experience in the food and drinks sector [4] - Bojan Radun has been CEO of Imlek since 2018 and has a significant interest in juice producer Nectar [5] Financial Context - MidEuropa previously acquired Imlek as part of its purchase of Danube Foods Group, which reported revenues of €400 million (approximately $461 million) in 2014 [5]

Core Insights - Danone has announced a significant investment in a yogurt factory in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, to address the increasing demand for yogurt in the country [1][2] - The investment is described as Danone's largest in Canada, aiming to enhance yogurt tub output by 40% and raw milk processing capacity by 20% [1][2] - The new production line is expected to commence operations next year, with a focus on modernizing energy usage at the site [2] Company Performance - In Q3 2025, Danone's sales in North America increased by 1.5% on a like-for-like basis, with a volume/mix growth of 0.3% [3] - The company noted challenges in the plant-based category, particularly in drinks under the Silk and Alpro brands, while high protein products showed strong momentum [3] - Earlier expansions were also announced for plants in the US and Kazakhstan, indicating a broader growth strategy [3] Recent Developments - In August, Danone revealed plans for a multi-million-dollar investment to expand its yogurt factory in Minster, Ohio, which will include a new production line and create 30 full-time jobs [4] - The company is also set to more than double the output of its manufacturing plant in Kazakhstan, further emphasizing its growth initiatives [4]

Core Insights - Brownes Dairy is planning to formally seek a buyer or investment in the business next year, with the sale process currently ongoing [1][3] - The company was put on the market after a $200 million loan from Mengniu Dairy Co. was called in [1][2] - Brownes Dairy, established in 1886, is recognized as Western Australia's oldest dairy company, offering a variety of products including yogurt, cheese, and coffee [3] Company Background - Brownes Dairy was sold to Australia Zhiran Co. in 2017, which is backed by a consortium including Changchun Lianxin Investment Consulting Company [2] - The company has received significant interest from various investors as it prepares to go to market in 2026 [3] Product Development - Brownes Dairy markets the ready-to-drink coffee brand Hunt and Brew, which was launched in the UK last year [4] - The recent acquisition of local co-packer Indul is expected to enhance production capacity, which was previously limited [4] - CEO Natalie Sarich-Dayton described the current phase as a watershed moment for Brownes Dairy, indicating strong confidence in the Hunt and Brew brand [5]

Core Viewpoint - Oatly Group AB, the world's largest oat drink company, is set to report its third-quarter financial results on October 29, 2025, before the U.S. market opens [1]. Company Overview - Oatly has been focused on oat-based products for over 30 years, developing expertise that has led to advancements in a variety of dairy alternatives, including milk, ice cream, yogurt, cooking creams, spreads, and on-the-go drinks [3]. - The company is headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, and its products are available in more than 50 countries globally [3]. Upcoming Events - A conference call and live webcast will be held on October 29, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results [1][2]. - The webcast will be archived for 30 days for later access [2].

Group 1 - Giant Eagle is implementing a new business strategy called "Because It Matters" to drive growth amid challenging economic conditions and rising grocery prices [3][4] - The strategy includes a seasonal pricing initiative aimed at reducing prices on frequently purchased items, with the company planning to invest "millions" in these price cuts [5][9] - A one-week sale has been launched, reducing prices for 1,000 products to $1, including items like pasta and baby food [6] Group 2 - The company is prioritizing hiring and training staff, including certified butchers and bakers, to enhance customer service through various training programs [7] - The strategy also emphasizes a wide selection of fresh produce, seafood, and prepared meals, with plans for daily deliveries to stores [8] - Giant Eagle plans to invest $100 million in price reductions, service improvements, and store revitalization during 2025 and 2026 to better meet customer needs [9]

Visiting someone in hospital? Take fresh fruit and yogurt. https://t.co/wFVs9PGgYQ ...

Group 1 - Danone has been a shareholder in Lifeway for over two decades and recently explored a third acquisition attempt, signing a confidentiality agreement for due diligence [3][4] - Despite the rising kefir sales attributed to digestion and protein benefits, Danone has decided that the potential acquisition of Lifeway is no longer worth pursuing at the current price [3][7] - Lifeway has experienced 22 consecutive quarters of growth and reported record-breaking sales in the first two quarters of 2025, indicating strong performance [5] Group 2 - Lifeway has expressed its focus on executing its growth strategy following Danone's unsolicited proposal, aiming to create value for shareholders and stakeholders [5] - The abandonment of the acquisition attempt allows for internal family disputes within Lifeway, with calls to oust current CEO Julie Smolyansky due to alleged corporate governance failures [6] - Danone proposed to buy Lifeway for $25 per share in September 2024, later increasing the offer to $27, both of which were rejected by Lifeway [7]

Core Insights - Ahold Delhaize USA is launching a pilot project aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy production in collaboration with Danone North America and The Nature Conservancy [1][3] - This initiative marks Ahold Delhaize USA's fourth sustainable agriculture project focused on farmland, following previous partnerships aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from wheat farming [2] Project Details - The pilot project will commence this year and aims for a shared reduction in methane emissions from selected Danone North America yogurt products sold by Ahold Delhaize USA brands over the next five years [3] - The initiative will support dairy farm partners in implementing sustainable agricultural practices, including manure separation and irrigation efficiency tools [4][5] Collaboration and Governance - The Nature Conservancy will provide technical assistance to farmers and ensure the long-term viability of the sustainable practices implemented [5] - NatureVest, the impact investing team of The Nature Conservancy, will identify market mechanisms to help agrifood companies implement sustainable supply chain solutions [5] Strategic Goals - The project aligns with Ahold Delhaize USA's commitment to supporting healthier people and a healthier planet, focusing on practical methods to decrease emissions across the yogurt production supply chain [6]