The upturn in business sentiment following the global economic downturn looks like it could bring with it a wave of consolidation in the global food and drink sector, according to Research and Markets' "United States Food and Drink Report - Q4 2009 Edition."
As home to some of the world's most important multinational firms the United States looks like it will play a key part in this process, with two major deals announced over the last three months:
In September it was reported that JBS, the world's largest beef processor, is set to launch a bid for the largest poultry processor in the U.S., Pilgrim's Pride. Pilgrim's Pride is the largest chicken producer in the U.S., accounting for around a quarter of the entire chicken market, and the acquisition would put JBS on par with current market leader Tyson Foods in terms of overall scale in the meat sector.
Another firm looking to take advantage of the depressed state of global equity prices is Kraft, which in September launched a $16 billion bid for UK-based confectionery producer Cadbury.
United States Food and Drink Report provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts, food and drink associations, government departments and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the United States' food and drink industry.
