The October 2014 edition of Gama News is now available. Click here to read it now.
The October 2014 edition of Gama News is now available. Click here to read it now.
MANCHESTER – 31st October 2014: The Halloween phenomenon, and the revenue opportunities it generates, is making the 31st October an increasingly significant date for FMCG companies. Sales of food and drink products, alongside those of costumes, decorations and other accessories, continue to grow, as Halloween increasingly makes its presence felt both in its traditional territory of North America and also in newer markets such as Europe, where the occasion is …
The uncertainty over the future of the Chiquita business appears one step closer to being resolved as the company announced that it had signed a definitive merger agreement with Cutrale Group and Safra Group. In August, Chiquita announced that it had received an unsolicited offer from the two Brazilian companies – the former one of the world’s largest orange-juice suppliers and the latter an investment firm – having previously agreed …
SIAL, the world’s leading trade fair for the food and drinks industry, returned in 2014 for its latest instalment. 2014 was an opportunity to mark the show’s 50 year presence on the FMCG scene and a diverse range of commemorative events helped to contribute to the sense of occasion. The mood was upbeat as more than 150,00 visitors packed into the show’s eight exhibition pavilions. In line with its self-avowed …
Chivas Regal, the luxury whisky brand belonging to Pernod Ricard, has seen the launch of a new blend named Chivas Regal Extra. In a statement the company described Chivas Regal Extra as a special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with the rarest and finest Chivas malts, creating a rich and generous Chivas blend, for those who look for more. Collin Scott, Master Blender at Chivas Regal, …
In a novel twist on the personalisation trend, Nestle has announced a new platform for its Purina brand that allows owners to create a unique dog food blend designed to meet the individual needs of their pet. Described by Nestle as “the first time a major pet food producer has moved into the personalised food category for dogs in the US market”, the system works via an online platform called …
Gama spoke to Caroline Grolleau, Product Manager, Color Foods. What are your day-to-day activities as Product Manager? I am responsible for the strategic and operational aspects of our marketing function. I carry out market research and analyze our sales in order to define avenues for future development and to support the activities of the sales teams. I also contribute to the business’s strategic decision making through our executive committee meetings. …
Supermarket chain Waitrose has partnered with US company Hiku to become the first retailer to trial home scanning for its customers in the UK. The new device will allow Waitrose customers to fill their electronic/online shopping basket, meaning customers can either scan the barcode or speak the product name into the device, which also comes with a voice to text recognition capability. The palm sized device can be easily attached …
Coca Cola Israel has launched a campaign for its Diet Coke brand centred on unique computer-generated labels, PSFK reports. The company’s “Stay Extraordinary” campaign, which aims to emphasise the uniqueness of each Diet Coke drinker, has seen the creation of 2 million individual bottle designs through a special computer algorithm. The labels are available for 51oz, 17oz and 12oz packs of Diet Coke and are by backed by additional promotional …
Food giant Mars Inc has announced plans to invest $31 million in operations and new R&D facilities at its plant in Greenville, MS, USA, Food Business News reports. The facility manufactures products for brands such as Uncle Ben’s, Seeds of Change and Abu Siouf, the latter being a range exported to the Middle East. Apu Mody, President of Mars Food North America, said: “This is an exciting day for Mars …
German health & beauty retailer Drogerie Markt (DM) has posted record annual earnings, with sales in its domestic market for the year ending 30th September 2014 climbing 9.6% to €6.4 billion ($8.1 billion). According to a Lebensmittel Praxis report, the company’s growth – like-for-like sales were also up 2.4% – means it is now the undisputed market leader in health & beauty retailing in Germany. Commenting on the results, DM …
Compania Natural de Iniciativas Compartidas (Conicom), together with Hijos de Rivera affiliate Customdrinks, has launched PinkCow Cardiotonica, a new heart-healthy functional drink with vitamin B1. PinkCow Cardiotonica features a low-calorie formula that is described as rich in vitamin B1 (0.165mg or 15% RDA per 100 ml), said to help improve cardiovascular and nervous system function as well as contributing to a healthy metabolism. As part of the development process, the …
Hindustan Unilever, the Indian unit of consumer goods giant Unilever Plc, has reported double-digit sales increase for the second quarter of its financial year. The company announced that, during the quarter ending 30th September 2014, the Domestic Consumer business grew by 10%, ahead of market, with 5% underlying volume growth. Double-digit growth was recorded in soaps & detergents, packaged foods and water, while beverages saw volume-led growth in tea & …
Gama spoke to Carlos Mateo, Chief Executive Officer, Sweetwell. What are your day-to-day activities as General Manager? I organize my work, and that of our key managers, around two key priorities: furthering projects that are of strategic importance to the company, and carrying out essential daily tasks. What key trends do you expect to shape food and drink innovation in 2014? Growth in healthy food that is indulgent, driven …
Described as the world’s first high protein popcorn, Naked Protein Popcorn is due to be launched by sports nutrition company The Protein Works. Promoted as the “the ultimate high specification protein snack”, it is described as being made with premium grade whey protein isolate, organic popcorn, organic coconut oil and stevia extract and contains 21.9g of protein per 100g of product. “We’ve had a great first year, but we feel …
Diageo is exploring new possibilities in the luxury market with the launch of the first entry in its Guinness Signature Series™. The new launch, called The 1759™, is described as a limited edition ultra-premium beer made with both beer malt and whiskey malt. Said to be inspired by a 200 year old recipe, the “rich amber ale” offers “new style and flavour” and is aimed at fine dining and gifting …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 27th October 2014: Gama this week looks at an interesting on-the-go concept in the world of baking mixes – Condi Gold Chocolate Cake Mix, a single-serve dessert which can be cooked in just one minute in the microwave. Looking to extend convenience benefits into the baking mixes category, Portuguese manufacturer Condi Alimentar has unveiled Condi Gold Chocolate Cake Mix, a new …
British American Tobacco (BAT) has reported its financial results for the 9 months ended 30 September 2014, posting what it described as “a good performance in a challenging environment”. The results demonstrated continued strong growth of the Global Drive Brands, good market share performance in key markets and a 1% decrease in volume, the company said. Revenue grew by 2.4% at constant rates of exchange, however movements in many of …
The Italian chocolate maker Ferrero is due to launch its fifth brand in India – Schoko Bons Crispy. The launch, a chocolate wafer bar, was developed by Ferrero’s Indian team and follows the company’s first localised product – an elaichi flavour for Tic Tac mints. Commenting on the launch, Emanuele Fiordalisi, Marketing Head at Ferrero India, stated that the firm was focusing on localized innovation in terms of both products …
Arla Foods has announced that it is acquiring cheese company Falbygdens Ost from the food company Atria Scandinavia for an undisclosed amount. Falbygdens Ost matures and processes cheese by flavouring and packaging. The company has approximately 100 employees and sales of around SEK 470 million ($65 million). Henri de Sauvage, Executive Vice President of Arla Foods in Sweden said: “Falbygdens Ost is a strategic complement to Arla’s own cheese business. …
Pernod Ricard, the world’s world’s co-leader in wines and spirits, has announced a “return to growth” for the first quarter of 2014/15. The company posted organic growth of 2% in the period, with earnings rising to € 2,037 million ($2,575 million). “Continued growth” in the Americas (3%) and a “gradual improvement” in Asia-Rest of the World (4%) contributed to the results. However performance in Europe, where sales contracted 1%, was …
Nestle has announced a A$65 million ($57 million) investment at its Purina pet care factory in Blayney, Australia. The upgrade is designed to extend the plant’s capabilities and will also create around 100 full time jobs, Nestle said. The move will take total investment in the location to A$100 million ($88 million) since 2011. The new facility will product wet pet food in pouches for sale in Australia, Japan, China …
Leading global brewer SABMiller has reported its second quarter financials, with beer volumes declining by 3%. SABMiller said overall revenues rose 3% in the three months to the end of September, helped primarily by soft drinks. While total volumes were down 1%, soft drinks sales (which account for 20% of SABMiller’s sales volumes) bucked the trend with a 9% rise. Overall drinks volume in Asia Pacific fell 8% in the …
Johnson and Johnson (J&J), one of the leading companies in the consumer health and pharmaceuticals space, is planning to sell two of its traditional brands in India, according to a report in the Economic Times. J&J is believed to be looking for a buyer for its Savlon line of antiseptic soap and liquids and its Shower to Shower talcum powder. The brands together are expected to raise over Rs 300 …
Tasty Pot Co., a New Zealand manufacturer of meals and soups in tubs, has announced the launch of three new variants for the summer season. Summer Superfood (with quinoa, kale, flax seeds and pomegranate dressing), Mexican Pulled Pork (with wild rice, chilli beans, coriander & chipotle sour cream), and Japanese Teriyaki (with chicken, brown rice, edamame beans and ginger) are said to be joining the rest of the company’s ready …
Packaging developer Tetra Pak has announced the launch of what it describes as the industry’s first carton made entirely from plant based, renewable materials. Tetra Pak said the new version of its Tetra Rex carton would be the first product in the market to have bio-based low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films and bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) caps, both derived from sugar cane, and Forest Stewardship council certified paperboard. The new pack …
UK-based healthcare and household goods manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser (RB) has posted revenue of £2.37 billion ($3.83 billion) for its third quarter, increasing sales on a like-for-like basis by 3% on the previous year. Despite what RB termed a “robust performance in challenging markets”, the results were said to be below some analyst expectations. Bloomberg reports that unfavourable economic factors in Brazil and India are having an adverse effect on the …
La Doria Group, a leading producer of tomato products, preserved vegetables and fruit juice, has announced that it has acquired 100% of the share capital of Gruppo Pa.Fi.al., the holding company of Delfino Spa and Athea Spa. La Doria Group said the acquisition constituted a significant strategic move which would enable it to strengthen its leadership in the European private label market. As a result of the transaction it said …
BM, the Spanish supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a new brand called Bertako Baserrietako Esnoki Froskoak (Bertako) under which it will begin to sell high quality artisanal dairy products. All the products in the new Bertako line are described as being made using a traditional method and with the milk of Laxta sheep, a traditional Basque country breed that is an important source of raw materials for the …
Nestle has announced the inauguration of a new Dairy Farming Institute in China as part of a CHF 30 million ($32 million) investment to help modernise Chinese dairy farming practices. The aim of the operation is to enable local farmers to respond to the country’s milk demand in a sustainable, modern and efficient way in the coming years, the company said. China is one of the fastest growing markets for …
Higher Liner Incorporated, a North America frozen seafood company has acquired salmon importer Atlantic Trading LLC. Atlantic Trading is one of the largest importers of frozen Atlantic salmon, sourcing its fillets and portions from Chile and Norway and selling them in frozen raw (unprocessed) and value-added formats. Atlantic Trading is also a large importer of fresh salmon products under the brand C.Wirthy & Co who sells its products to a …
Coty has announced that it has made an offer to buy the French cosmetic brand Bourjois in order to expand its presence in Western Europe. It would acquire the brand from cosmetics giant Chanel which would then become a significant shareholder of Coty through the receipt of 15 million Class A Coty shares, the company said. Bourjois’ portfolio of colour cosmetic products are sold through approximately 23,000 points of sale in more than 50 countries around the world, enjoying leading positions …
Kraft Foods is to launch a new version of its Philadelphia cream cheese, cobranded with Oscar Mayer, that contains bits of bacon. The new product is due to come on the market after 18 months of development, during which time the company has focused efforts on balancing the flavour of bacon with that of cream cheese. Chris Hjorth, senior director for Philadelphia said: “Bacon is a hard flavour to get …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 17th October 2014: In the innovation spotlight this week is a health drink tapping into the growing popularity of savoury flavours. New from Pacific Foods in the USA, Pacific Organic Bone Broth is a product designed to be “sipped by the cup” as “a delicious, satisfying addition to your everyday routine”. Bone broths as a drink have undergone something of a …
A new facility dedicated to the production of Groupe Bel cheese products has been officially inaugurated in Brookings, SD, USA. Groupe Bel said the new facility, which is its 28th production site worldwide, was a response to growing demand for Mini Babybel cheese in the American market. In 2013, US sales of Mini Babybel rose 24%, with volume reaching nearly 10,000 metric tons, the company said, making the US now the …
Abraaj Group, an investor operating in global growth markets, has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Liberty Star Consumer Holdings (Libstar), one of the largest unlisted food and personal care manufacturers in South Africa. According to Abraaj, the transaction is a further demonstration of the company’s focus on investment opportunities arising from the growth of large consumer and middle classes across its target markets of Africa, the …
The Germany-based flavour and fragrance house Symrise has announced that it has made “another important step in sustainable vanilla production in Madagascar” with the opening of a €3 million ($3.8 million) extraction facility in Benavony. The company said that, with the opening plant, every step in the processing of vanilla can now be performed locally on the East African island for the first time. Dr. Heinz-Jurgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise, …
Ocean Spray has revealed the launch of Ocean Spray Pact, a new product made with cranberry extract and purified water. According to Ocean Spray, Pact contains PACs (proanthocyanidins) extracted from cranberries which are said to help the body to “cleanse and purify better than water alone”. “Consumers are looking to hydrate in a more meaningful way,” said Ken Romanzi, chief operating officer of global brands at Ocean Spray. “They want …
PepsiCo, the beverage & snacks company, has reported its Q3 results, posting an increase of 3.1% in organic revenues with beverages and snacks increasing by 1%. Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said: “We delivered good third quarter results in the face of an ongoing challenged macroeconomic environment driven by increasing volatility in the emerging markets and continued sluggish consumer demand in developed markets”. Ms Nooyi continued: “Our organic revenue grew …
German retail chain Tengelmann, which is active in sectors including groceries, textiles and DIY, has announced that it is to sell off the entirety of its supermarket business to rival Edeka. Previously, Tengelmann had announced that its supermarket arm, which operates under the name Kaiser’s Tengelmann, was to undergo a thorough analysis and that different courses of actions were to be considered. The business, which operates 451 stores, employs 15,958 …
Suntory has added to the line of Jim Beam flavoured bourbon whiskey with the launch of the spicy Jim Beam Fire. According to Suntory, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire features the flavor of red hot cinnamon liqueur to deliver a fiery kick and a smooth finish that makes for a perfect shot. “We’ve led the category in flavor innovation in recent years with Red Stag by Jim Beam, Jim Beam Maple …
Chinese state-owned conglomerate Bright Food has purchased a majority stake in Salov, an Italian olive oil producer, according to reports. The agreement, whicy comes 3 years after the Italian company was initially put up for sale, will see Bright Food take ownership of the brands Sagra and Berio. Sagra is one of the top ten brands in Italy while the Filippo Berio range of olive oils is a major player …
The low cost Spanish perfumery chain Equivalenza has announced that has secured an in-store agreement to open 80 stores in Chile in Walmart’s commercial centres, America Economia reports. While some of the stores will be located in Walmart shopping centres, Espacio Urbano, many will be located in Lider hypermarkets and Lider Express stores. According to the perfumery company’s strategy, the first 60 stores will be opened within 3 years. The …
Flavors Holdings Inc. (Flavors) has announced the acquisition of Merisant Company, a manufacturer and marketer of tabletop sweeteners. Flavors is a holding company that is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc. and the parent entity of Mafco Worldwide Corporation, a manufacturer of licorice extract and related derivatives. “We are very excited about this acquisition, as Merisant’s reputation and offerings in the tabletop sweetener industry will complement …
Pernod Ricard has added a cherry-flavoured variant to its Absolut vodka brand range – Absolut Cherrys. Pernod Ricard said the launch followed the success of existing flavoured varieties and stated it was confident that the addition of this new variety would contribute to overall category growth in the segment. Adam Boita, Pernod Ricard marketing controller, commented on the launch: “Cherry is such a popular flavour that’s ideal for mixing and …
Sunny Delight Beverages (SDCB) has revealed Sparkling Fruit2O Lime Twist, its latest fruit-flavored sparkling water drink range featuring a hint of lime. The launch comes as a result of research which the company says shows that many consumers already add lime to their favourite drinks. “Our line of Sparkling Fruit2O Lime Twists provides a completely unique offering in the sparkling beverage category. This new line has helped us to rise …
Emmi has agreed to sell the yogurt manufacturer Trentinalatte to the Livia Group, FoodBev reports. Emmi acquired Trentinalatte in July 2006 with the goal of creating a strong brand in the Italian yogurt category. However, as evidenced by the company’s H1 financial results, and citing “the difficult economic situation in Italy”, Emmi said that it had needed to consider new options for the Trentinalatte business. After a thorough examination of …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 10th October 2014: This week, Gama turns its attention to a new cider-meets-wine hybrid – Wapple Anteprima Wine-Based Drink. Recently unveiled in Italy, Wapple is promoted as a “new dimension” in alcoholic aperitifs. The 8% abv drink – coined from the words “wine” and “apple” – has been developed by Consorzio Ortofrutticolo di Belfiore, a fruitgrowers’ cooperative from the north of …
Diageo, the world’s leading alcoholic drinks producer, has expanded its Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur portfolio by adding a new fruit-flavoured version – Chocolate Cherry. The new liqueur is described as a modern update on the classic Irish Cream that blends the flavours of luscious chocolate and seductive dark cherries for a unique Baileys taste experience. Stephanie Jacoby, liqueurs brand director at Diageo, commented: “With the launch of new Baileys Chocolate Cherry, …
Scottish family company Macsween, founded in 1953 and headquartered in Edinburgh, has announced that it is to add three special edition products to its portfolio, following the success of its 2013 editions. The new flavours are said to bring together the finest ingredients and most delicious seasons: there is Wild Boar Haggis, described as succulent and sweet with pear, wild mushrooms and spices; Chocolate and Chili Black Pudding, described as …
Woolworths and Coles, Australia’s two primary supermarket chains, are considering a move into smaller-format stores to cater for the needs of city dwellers, according to a story from the Sydney Morning Herald. The newspaper reports that Woolworths is sizing up centrally-positioned sites in major cities including Sydney and Melbourne. 200-400 square metre locations are the company’s target as it looks to tap into a market currently dominated by established convenience …
Dutch dairy conglomerate Royal FrieslandCampina has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the activities of DEK Srl and 80 percent of the shares of Orange Srl. Both companies are distributors active in the Italian dairy industry. DEK Srl has been FrieslandCampina’s dedicated sales agent in Italy for cheese and butter, serving customers in the retail, food service and business-to-business channels. Orange Srl provided a broad portfolio of …
Waitrose has announced that it is setting up a new website to exclusively sell pet foods and accessories. WaitrosePet (waitrosepet.com) will offer a wide variety of around 9,000 pet products including 60 Waitrose own brand lines. The supermarket chain said that alongside popular brands will be specialist and veterinary diets products such as Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Hill’s and James Wellbeloved, as well as other accessories for cats, dogs, …
Superdrug is due to launch a new Clearly Youthful skincare range said to comprise “seven scientifically formulated” products for both ageing and problem skin. According to Cosmetics Business, the range includes an AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream Cleanser, a Blemish Treatment Gel, an SPF15 Skin Balancing Moisturiser, a Triple Action Cleanser, a Mask and Scrub, a Hydrating Day Serum, a Retexturising Glycolic Peel Off Mask, and a Resurfacing Night Serum. The serums, …
Spanish supermarket chain Froiz has announced that it has completed the acquisition of 27 stores previously belonging to rival retailer Supermercados Moldes. The acquisition sees Froiz strengthen its position in the Spanish region of Galicia, where it will now operate in excess of 300 stores. The deal includes the 27 stories – 26 located in the province of Pontevedra and another in Lugo – as well as a logistics warehouse …
Patron Spirits has announced the launch of a “fiery-hot” chilli chocolate liqueur called XO Cafe Incendio to its portfolio of ultra-premium luxury spirits. The new product is described as combining the taste of Patron Silver tequila with fiery-hot Arbol chilli, said to be characterized by its smoky and spicy complex flavour, and Sweet Criollo Chocolate, produced in Mexico’s Tabasco region. “Patrón XO Cafe coffee liqueur has always been one of …
PepsiCo is diversifying its Pepsi cola range with the launch of a new brand, Pepsi True. Pepsi True is a new stevia-sweetened product that will be available exclusively for online purchase on Amazon. With 30% fewer calories than standard cola, Pepsi True hits shelves shortly after the launch of the stevia-sweetened Life brand from rival Coca Cola, and two years after the launch of Pepsi’s own mid-calorie brand Next. Although …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 3rd October 2014: In a display of ‘out of the bag’ thinking, fresh salad is being given the gourmet treatment through premium packaging, courtesy of a new launch in Italy from La Linea Verde – Dimmidisi Le Stellate Salad. Dimmidisi Le Stellate Salad – roughly translated as “Stellar” is an attempt to turn packaged salad from an everyday item into something …
Colruyt, a Belgian supermarket chain primarily focused on discount retailing, is opening a new ‘deli’ concept store with the aim of showcasing quality artisanal produce. According to De Standaard, the store, named ‘Cru’, will not have a discount focus and will instead replicate the feel of a farm shop – from the rustic ‘farm’ styling through to the layout: the space is primarily given over to fresh food departments such …
Mondelez International has announced plans to invest $90 million in a new biscuit plant in Bahrain in order to meet rising demand from the Middle East & Africa for biscuit brands such as Oreo, Ritz and TUC. In a statement, Mondelez said that the planned facility would be its most advanced manufacturing site in the region, and In the initial two- to three-year phase the new plant would operate four …
A partnership between Bacardi-owned Grey Goose and Virgin Galactic which will see see the vodka brand become a sponsor of the first commercial space flight into space has been announced by Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson at the Rose Space Center and Planetarium in New York. The partnership will be celebrated by iconic media, exclusive content, experiential events, limited editions and consumer retail, the two companies said in a …
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