This week in the UK, fast food orders have boosted sales at the online food and delivery service Just Eat by 43 percent. ETH Zurich and Ashesi University in Ghana have partnered with Nestlé to create a new master’s program in sub-Saharan Africa. Campbell Soup was named one of America’s “Most JUST Companies” by Forbes, and JUST Capital and Orea and PFLAG National celebrated their LGBTQ+ allyship.

In brief: Business 
Just Eat says its food sales have grown 43 percent in the UK after adding 800 McDonald’s restaurants and 300 Greggs outlets to its network. The company also credited the impact of lockdown after it delivered 46 million UK orders between July and September. More consumers are working from home and the firm expects to see further growth in the winter month. The group also saw demand rise in Germany, Canada and Australia, booking 151.4 million orders worldwide in Q3 – an increase of 46 percent.

ETH Zurich and Ashesi University have partnered with Nestlé and other Swiss companies to create a new master’s program in sub-Saharan Africa. Corporations can also help young people get the skills to thrive in the world of work. Nestlé, together with ABB, Barry Callebaut, LafargeHolcim and Bühler, is partnering with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) to launch the “ETH Masters in Africa – Engineering for Development.” The curriculum for this unique three-year program will be developed in close collaboration with Ashesi University in Ghana.

In brief: Recognition & awards
Campbell Soup has been named one of America’s Most JUST Companies by Forbes and JUST Capital. Campbell performed “exceptionally well” in transparent consumer communications (tied for first overall) and community support (fifth overall).

In brief: Acquisitions
The Carlsberg Group has agreed with Bitburger Braugruppe to acquire the Wernesgrüner Brewery, including the Wernesgrüner brand, in the Vogtland region of Saxony, Germany. The addition of Wernesgrüner brewery to its supply chain network will improve efficiency and flexibility in production and logistics for the German business. The transaction is anticipated to complete on January 1, 2021, subject to competition clearance. 

Fonterra Co-operative Group increased the mid-point of its forecast Farmgate Milk Price range to NZ$6.80 (US$4.41) per kgMS, up from NZ$6.40 (US$4.21) per kgMS, while retaining its current +/-50c per kgMS range. Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the more robust 2020/21 milk price forecast is mostly driven by improved demand in China. “Despite the initial impact of COVID-19, we have seen demand for dairy in China recover quickly. In particular, demand for Whole Milk Powder, a big driver of milk price, has been stronger than expected. While it is still early in the season, dairy prices have improved from the levels we saw on global dairy trade through the first wave of COVID-19 and demand for milk powders has proved resilient,” says Hurrell. 

In brief: Other highlightsWaitrose customers in the UAE will be able to order Waitrose products online straight to their homes.
Tequila Herradura is expanding its ultra-premium portfolio with the launch of Tequila Herradura Legend, which showcases Herradura’s sophistication in tequila production and barrel making. The tequila will be a permanent expression in the portfolio, available in selec US markets in October.

Oreo and PFLAG National have created the #ProudParent campaign to celebrate allies, foster inclusivity, and champion the idea that we can collectively help make the world a more compassionate place, wher all families belong. Oreo and PFLAG National, kicked off their partnership in June 2020. Together, the two will continue to shine a light on the importance of a supportive family in fostering greater LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Waitrose customers in the United Arab Emirates cannow order Waitrose products online straight to their homes with the launch of the supermarket’s first dedicated website overseas – Waitrose.ae. More than 15,000 grocery products will be available with over 2,800 delivery slots available each week, reaching more than 1,500 homes across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The website will offer same-day delivery, with the cut-off for amendments being two hours before delivery. 

Additionally, the executive director of Waitrose has thanked all 53,000 Waitrose Partners for helping it gain the title of Which? Supermarket of the Year, dedicating the award to Britain’s resilient food industry, including its farmers and producers, who continue to supply food throughout the pandemic.