FTSE 100 news / Companies and sectors / Associated British Foods / 8 October 2026

Associated British Foods (ABF): news on Thursday 8 October 2026

−2.8 slightly negative

Coverage was dominated by Primark's recall of Halloween decorations over asbestos fears, which leans negative. Favourable pieces on Primark's skincare and Christmas ranges and the completed Hovis deal softened this.

What drove it

Primark asbestos recall
Primark product launches
Hovis deal completion

The 12 stories

Each headline's own score, strongest first. Links go to the publisher.

−7.5 Primark recalls Halloween witch toys over asbestos fears Metro.co.uk
Primark product recall over asbestos fears hurts reputation
−7.3 Primark issues urgent recall for Halloween products over asbestos risk Joe.co.uk
Urgent Primark recall over asbestos risk
−7.2 Primark Halloween decorations recalled over fears they may be 'contaminated with asbestos' Birmingham Live
Primark decorations possibly asbestos contaminated, recalled
−7.0 Penneys issues recall notice for Halloween decoration over asbestos risk www.irishpost.com
Penneys (Primark) recall over asbestos risk
−6.8 Primark Issues Health Warning As Popular Halloween Decorations Are Recalled en.econostrum.info
Health warning as Primark decorations recalled
−6.7 Primark warning as Halloween decoration recalled due to asbestos risk The Hereford Times
Primark Halloween decoration recalled over asbestos
+4.2 Primark Korean skincare range reviewed by doctor based on skin type The Mirror
Positive coverage of Primark's new skincare range
+4.0 Primark launches Korean skincare – doctor issues verdict on if it's worth it Liverpool Echo
Primark skincare launch gets positive coverage
+3.3 What does FTSE 100 group Associated British Foods (LSE:ABF) get from completing the Hovis deal while Primark cuts prices? Kalkine Media
Hovis deal completion offsets Primark price cuts
+3.0 Primark's new Christmas range is the nostalgic Spode lookalike shoppers will love – and it's 74% cheaper House Beautiful
Positive coverage of Primark Christmas range and low prices
+2.5 Primark’s chocolate brown 2-in-1 raincoat will keep you dry, cosy and see you through every shower in style Cosmopolitan
Favourable product promotion for Primark raincoat
+0.8 Billionaire Weston family behind Primark buys Boots for £6.7bn EasternEye
Weston family buying Boots; ABF only named as Primark owner context

Associated British Foods: every day · Consumer staples on 8 October 2026 · FTSE 100 overview for the day