Hovis sale ’nonsense’

A spokesperson for Premier Foods has dismissed speculation that Rank Hovis is to be put up for sale as "utter nonsense". An article in the Daily Mail stated that Premier’s board had met advisory firm NM Rothschild to discuss a sale, but the spokesperson said this meeting never took place.

UK doughnut site

Krispy Kreme is to open its first dedicated production site in the UK. The 5,392sq ft site, at Heywood Distribution Park in Greater Manchester, will enable it to continue growth plans in the north west. A manufacturing line and processing kitchen will allow the firm to produce up to 3,000 doughnuts an hour at the site.

Staying schtum

Sainsbury’s is remaining tight-lipped over reports that it could open 1,000 sandwich shops if a concept store is successful. The chain reportedly told analysts about its plans for Fresh Kitchen, launched on London’s Fleet Street last month, but a spokesperson said: "While the store is trading well, we are not in a position to talk about future plans."

Classic move for CSM

CSM has acquired Classic Cakes, which produces a range of premium sweet bakery products for the foodservice and retail markets. CSM said the acquisition would enable it to offer customers a wider range of innovative products.