Analysis - Why brands and retailers are quarrelling over purchasing alliances

Nestlé performed better than expected in the first quarter. Increased demand for coffee and baked goods boosted sales.

Heineken sold as much beer in the last quarter as a year ago. The world's second-largest brewing group was able to compensate for the European lockdowns with growth in Asia and Africa.

French retailer Carrefour has had a solid first quarter, where especially the strong performance in the home market is a boost. In Belgium, the retailer gained market share again, the south of Europe remained somewhat below expectations.