Profits rise for some food companies despite economic woes

As consumers cut back on spending, profits are down for a number of businesses, but some food companies- such as Nestle and McDonald's, are still doing well. Nestle, which reported a 3.4 percent increase in nine-month sales, has done particularly well in emerging markets and with its high-end brands like Haagen Dazs and Nespresso, the Financial Times reports.

McDonald's also reported strong third quarter sales, with a 4.7 percent sales increase in the US, and 7.1 percent global increase. The company attributes part of its third quarter profit to dollar menu sales and its focus on the value message.

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