The August 2014 edition of Gama News is now available. Click here to read it now.
The August 2014 edition of Gama News is now available. Click here to read it now.
Coca-Cola South Pacific has recently revealed a range of 250ml slim line cans for its Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Vanilla Coke, Fanta, Lift and Sprite drinks. Priced at AU$2.00 ($1.87), the cans, which are smaller than the conventional size, are said by Australian Food News to “feature the iconic Coke contour visuals”. Speaking about the range, Antoinette Tyrrell, Marketing Manager Coca-Cola South Pacific, said: “The 250ml pack size provides …
Elizabeth Arden’s financial woes have continued as the multinational cosmetics firm reported a net loss of $155.9 million for the fourth quarter of its financial year, compared to a loss of just $5 million for the same period of the previous year. The results comes on the back of a $26.5 million loss in the third quarter, itself 20 times greater than in the equivalent period of 2012/13. Total annual …
UK retailer has set its sights on developing its private label portfolio, unveiling new ranges of Indian and Oriental foods to be launched this September. Among the 17 new lines being introduced are ready meals, including Chicken Jalfrezi with Rice, Lamb Rogan Josh with Rice, Thai Green Chicken Curry with Rice and Chicken in Blackbean Sauce with Rice, stir fry items such as sweet chilli and Chinese stir fry sauces, …
Australian dairy producer Bega Cheese has posted record profit for its 2013/14 financial year, ABC Online and The Business Spectator report. Bega posted a total net profit of A$66 million ($61 million), up 160 % on the A$25.4 million it booked in 2012/13, much of which was attributed to the company’s sale of Warrnambool to Canadian firm Saputo, after its own failed takeover bid. Bega’s shares in Warrnambool were worth …
Nail varnish manufacturer OPI has launched its first full size neon shades for consumers, a move described by the company as a “welcome addition to OPI’s permanent line”. The Beauty Hub reports that the line arrives in time for summer with electric shades of lemon-lime, tangerine, hot pink, coral, lime and purple. Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP explained that: “with hands and feet constantly on display during warmer …
McCain Foods has signed a deal to sell its frozen pizza business in North America to Dr. Oetker, CBC News reports. As a result of the deal, the value of which has not yet been disclosed, Dr. Oetker will acquire the Ellio’s brand in the US and a licence to use the McCain brand in Canada for a period of two years. Also included in the sale are operations at …
Beiersdorf has reported its second quarter results, posting earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of 217 million euros ($290 million) and sales of €1.575 billion ($2.09 billion). The company was hit by a slowdown in some emerging markets. According to Reuters, the company had previously seen growing demand from increasingly brand-conscious consumers in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America as a way to compensate for saturated Western European economies. Beiersdorf …
This week Gama casts its eye over the latest display of multifunctionality in the health and beauty industry – Clarins Sun Care Radiant Oil Spray. Combining the benefits of a body oil, a hair oil and sunscreen in one, Clarins Sun Care Radiant Oil Spray is the latest addition to the Clarins line up of sun protection products in Europe. Described as “a beautifying oil enriched with a nourishing elixir”, …
US pharmacy giant Walgreens is said to be buying the remaining 55% of UK high street pharmacy Alliance Boots. According to the BBC, the Walgreens board is now seeking approval from shareholders for the £9 billion ($15 billion) deal after previously buying a 45% stake in the company in 2013. Walgreens said the company would not use the deal to alter its current tax status and the merged company would …
Ward McKenzie (McKenzie’s), an Australia-based producer of staple foods including pulses and legumes, seasonings and cereals, has announced the launch of more than 10 new store cupboard items as it looks to expand its range. Among items already launched are coconut and quinoa flours, suitable for both sweet and savoury dishes, that the company says contain “nothing but 100 per cent pure coconut flour and 100 per cent natural milled …
Heineken, the world’s third largest brewer, has posted its financial results for the first half of 2014, showing a growth in volume across the majority of its markets. In a statement, Heineken said that group revenue was up 4.6% organically, while beer volumes were up 3.1%, driven by growth in Africa Middle East, the Americas and Western Europe. Central and Eastern Europe was affected by poor weather and floods, while …
The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola) and Monster Beverage Corporation (Monster) have announced a new definitive agreements for a long-term strategic partnership between the companies. The deal, announced in a statement, is valued at $2.15 billion dollars and will see Coca-Cola acquire a 16.7% stake in Monster. As part of the agreement, Coca-Cola and Monster have agreed to respectively transfer their energy and non-energy businesses to the other. Coca-Cola will transfer ownership …
Kruger Group, a manufacturer of branded and private label consumer products including coffee, chocolate and food ingredients, has posted a 9% increase in its annual sales, Lebensmittel Praxis reports. According to company financials for FY 2013, total sales for the group rose to €1.95 billion ($2.6 billion) and, for the first time in a number of years, the company recorded growth not only in export markets but also domestically. Chocolate …
Danish brewery Carlsberg is to invest Rs 200 crore ($32.9 million) in India in an attempt to revive its sales in the country, the Economic Times reports. The investment is designed to increase the popularity of its products and help it compete with other major players including Heineken, United Breweries and SABMiller. Currently Carlsberg only has a market share of 8% in India – its lowest share of any of …
Avon has reported total revenue of $2.2.bilion for the second quarter of 2014, 13% lower than the same period of 2013. According to Cosmetics Business, net income based on continuing operations was $20 million compared with $85 million in the same period of the previous year, while the company’s net debt stood at $1.9 billion as of 30 June 2014. This figure was said to be $170 million less than …
La Costena Group, a privately held global leader in a wide range of packaged foods categories, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Faribault Foods, a privately held manufacturer of canned beans and vegetables based in Minneapolis. According to the agreement, Faribault Foods will be combined with La Costena’s US affiliate Arizona Canning and the combined companies will operate as Faribault Foods and be headquartered in Minneapolis. As …
In line with an agreement signed in March 2013, Italian food giant Granarolo has completed the 100% acquisition of French dairy holding company Compagnie du Forum. Compagnie du Forum is the holding company of the Codipal group which is active in the dairy market in France, in particular through its Costa Azzurra brand. In 2013, it achieved sales of around €115 million ($154 million), showing positive growth over the previous …
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. has confirmed that it has received an unsolicited offer from 2 Brazilian companies to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Chiquita at a price of $13.00 per share in cash to Chiquita shareholders. Cutrale Group, one of the world’s largest orange-juice suppliers, and investment firm Safra Group have offered 611 million dollars as they look to stymie the US banana company’s plans to merge …
Melbourne-based company Greene St Juice Co has launched a range of cold-press juice – dubbed “organic elixirs” – in Australia. Promoted as being made with Australian produce and featuring selected herbs and super foods, the line is based on a belief “that local organic produce has a powerful vibration of healing energy and balance for the mind, body and spirit”. The range was founded by Natalie and Steve Warner who …
Coca-Cola, in cooperation with its African bottling partner,s has announced the investment of an additional $5 billion in long-term sustainable development projects by the end of the decade, Bloomberg reports. With this new round of investment, which will reach $ 17 billion in total by 2020, the world’s largest beverage company is said to be aiming to tackle a number of social and environmental problems. The company and its bottling …
The JM Smucker Company (JM Smucker), an American manufacturer of fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, beverages, shortening and natural peanut butter, has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Sahale Snacks, Inc. (Sahale). Sahale is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium, branded nut and fruit snacks, which are primarily sold in the United States. Its net sales are projected to be approximately $50m for the 2014 calendar …
The UK’s very first money-free Twitter store is set to be opened in Covent Garden, London between 15th and 17th August by Marc Jacobs Fragrances. No money will needed at the pop-up store as all transactions will be made purely by social media with customers using the hashtag #MJDaisyChain. According to the Independent, customers will be encouraged to “shop” by tweeting using the hashtag, with bigger ticket items including Marc …
Brazilian food giant JBS has announced that it is to acquire the business of poultry of Tyson Foods in Mexico and Brazil for $575 million. The announcement of the acquisition comes a month after Tyson and JBS battled for control of the American company Hillshire Brands, with the latter finally winning out. JBS said that the Mexican business – Tyson de Mexico – would be acquired for $400 million through …
Dollar Tree, the largest discount retailer in the US, has announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which it will acquire rival chain Family Dollar in a cash and stock transaction. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is expected to close by early 2015, at which time the Family Dollar shareholders will receive $59.60 in cash and …
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is expanding its range of rolling tobacco with a new premium Signature Blend line under the Amber Leaf brand which is made with organic Brazilian tobacco. Amber Leaf is produced by the Gallaher Group, a division of JTI, and is sold in countries such as Japan, the USA and the United Kingdom. Launched on the 1st August, Amber Leaf Signature Blend comes in two pack formats: …
Britvic, the British soft drinks company, is set for expansion into Asia by launching its products in 25,000 stores in India over the next three months, the Economic Times reports. Britvic will reportedly begin by introduced its top-selling product Robinsons Fruit Shoot in ten Indian cities to compete with local company Dabur’s Real brand of fruit juice. It is said to be in conversations with both independents and large retail …
Having established a presence in its domestic market through a chain of 118 stores, Spanish perfumery chain La Botica de los Perfumes is now looking to the Portuguese market to expand its business, Distribucion Actualidad reports. The perfume franchise was founded in 2011 since when it has seen significant growth to reach a turnover of €20 million ($27 million) per year. The company is said to focus on 100% natural …
Supermarket group Morrison has Andrew Higginson as its next chairman, according to media reports. Sir Ian Gibson, Morrison’s current chairman who is is to retire in 2015, commented: “Andy Higginson has a tremendous reputation and a distinguished career at the forefront of retailing in the UK and I am sure he will be a huge asset to Morrisons. I am very pleased to welcome him to the Board as Deputy …
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. has acquired Mighty Leaf Tea in a partnership with private investment firm Next World Group, Food Business News reports. The acquisition of Mighty Leaf Tea, a handcrafted tea manufacturer which makes artisanal teas in a compostable mesh pouch, is aimed at bolstering Peet’s presence in the premium tea market. Mighty Leaf Tea will continue to operate independently and will have full access to Peet’s resources, …
Sammontana has launched the first ice lolly sweetened with stevia, Beverfood reports. The ice lolly is available in lemon and red grapefruit flavours, is fat free and contains 38 calories per 100g (25 kcal per serving). The name and the design of the product, which was developed by ArteficeGroup, is intended to to communicate health and wellness benefits. The name Levia was chosen to immediately evoke lightness and the packaging …
A new twist on toaster snacks features this week, as Gama considers the latest innovation in the cheese and hot snacks categories – Alpenhain Toastertaler Grilled Cheese Snacks. Launched by Alpenhain in Germany, Alpenhain Toastertaler are an unusual addition to the hot snacks landscape. Sold frozen, the square-shaped “blocks” of cheese are designed to be cooked directly in the toaster, without the need for baking paper or any other preparation. …
Spanish dairy cooperative Covap has launched a new version of its Cowkids Chocolate Milk featuring images of characters from Marvels’ Avengers. The new 1.5 litre format comes in a range of designs based on popular Avengers superhero characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor. In addition to the new design, the 1.5 litre format is said to have a number of ergonomic advantages. These include a wider cap …
Cereal company Quaker Oats has agreed to remove trans fats from its Oatmeal to Go and Instant Quaker Oatmeal products by the end of next year after agreeing to settle on long-running litigation over its product labelling and trans fat content. The company, which is part of the PepsiCo group, said that it would now reformulate its oatmeal line to remove all partially hydrogenated oils, a move which is estimated …
ITC, India’s largest cigarette manufacturer, has announced that it is intending to expand its business by moving into the electronic cigarettes market, the Economic Times reports. According to company chairman YC Deveshwar, ITC is in conversations with government to develop a framework under which its range of e-cigarettes can be launched. Mr Deveshwar said that by the time it was established that e-cigarettes were less harmful than standard products, the …
Origin Wine has launched a new wine bottle design that separates into four individual “glasses” on opening. Named Stormhoek Stack, the 750ml pack is claimed to be100% recyclable, lightweight and shatterproof. Stormhoek Stack, which is made with a technology called “StackTek”, comes as four 187ml stemless PET glasses that are said to look and feel like glass but are 50% lighter. The glasses have a foil closure and the stack …
American-based multinational P&G is planning to reduce its portfolio, shedding up to 100 brands, Fortune reports. Speaking to industry analysts, P&G Chief Executive Alan Lafley said the company planned to focus on the 70 to 80 brands which account for around 90% of its sales and 95% of its profits. Mr Lafley, who rejoined the company after serving in the same role from 2000 to 2009, commented that focusing on …
Portlebay Popcorn has expanded its product line-up with three new sweet flavours, the Western Morning News reports. The varieties Cinnamon Swirl, Very Berry and and Lemon Sherbert join an existing range of five savoury flavours: Kracklecorn, Orchard Wood Smoked Cheddar, Wasabi & Sweet Ginger, Crispy Bacon & Maple Syrup, and Chilli & Lime. Launched in 2012, Portlebay Popcorn is headquartered in Plympton, Devon and has gained listings in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, …
Riso Gallo, one of the largest rice producers in Europe, has announced the launch of a new product line targeting the largest minority ethnic communities in Italy: Indian, North African and Chinese. The products being offered are Basmati Rice, Dragon Rice, Quality Rice and Soft Rice and, according to Riso Gallo, each has been designed to correspond to the consumption habits of each community: the latter comes in a 5kg …
British American Tobacco (BAT) is to introduce a new ‘charge-on-the-go’ e-cigarette in a bid to tackle the problem of battery life in the category, Bloomberg reports. Due for launch in August, the new version of Vype eSticks can be continuously charged via the packaging, which users plug in overnight. Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s director of regulatory affairs, said: “One of the problems with small batteries in small e-cigs is that the …
New Zealand beverage manufacturer Frucor has announced the launch of a new version of its V branded iced coffee – V Double Espresso. According to information, the product follows the traditional V Iced Coffee recipe but contains twice the ‘hit’ of caffeine and guarana with 322 calories per 475ml bottle. Initially launched for two weeks in July, the new variant was available in 7 / Eleven stores with a launch …
Unilever has unveiled a new initiative designed to reduce waste and generate sustainable power at its Ben & Jerry’s ice cream plant in the Netherlands. The result of two years of testing and trial runs, the company’s newly-developed machinery is claimed to take waste products from the ice cream manufacture process and convert these into energy. The BIOPAQ®AFR Biodigester – dubbed ‘The Chunkinator’ – is an anaerobic flotation reactor taking …
Christian Louboutin, the famous Parisian shoe designer, has recently revealed a new nail polish which is said to be the designer’s first product within the beauty industry. According to Premium Beauty News, the nail polish, which is in the brand’s “signature” colour of red, is named Rouge Louboutin and is described as a “timeless, vibrant red suited to any skin tone”. Said to be inspired by the Ballerina Ultima shoe, …
Premier Foods has announced its intention to close its Hovis plant in Leicester, UK as part as of a plan to “simplify” production. At the beginning of the year Premium Foods sold 51% of Hovis to the Gores Group and the business is now run as a joint venture. The deal was established to allow Premium Foods to revitalize its bakery business atits remaining nine bakery plants. A Hovis representative …
Technology giant Vodafone and Eataly, the gourmet Italian retail and restaurant chain, are collaborating on a new online grocery platform that will allow users to order and pay for products using their smartphone. Dubbed SmartPoster, the system uses “intelligent posters” displaying products available to order. Users select the products they want from the poster by means of NFC, QR codes or optical recognition to start filling their virtual shopping trolley, …
The worlds of wine and coffee collide in an unusual new launch featured by Gama this week – Friends Fun Wine Coffee-Flavoured Wine. New in the US, Friends’s melding of coffee and wine is the latest addition to the company’s range of low-alcohol “fun wines”, which come in cans and primarily target party occasions. Blending sweet coffee flavours with red and white wine, Friends’s latest invention focuses on novelty taste …
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