Quinoa Corporation, a business trading as Ancient Harvest, has acquired US gluten-free peer Pamela’s, according to a statement from the former’s private equity investor Encore Consumer Capital. The deal, described as combining “two heritage gluten-free pioneers”, “more than doubles the business under Quinoa Corporation’s management, strengthens its ability to expand its retail footprint, and combines the gluten-free formulation expertise and supplier networks of both brands to facilitate new product development”, Encore …
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Gama spoke to Anne Schumacher, Vice President Food & Food Technology of Koelnmesse GmbH, ahead of the 50th anniversary edition of ISM. What are your expectations for this 50th edition of ISM? Of course, we are looking forward to a great event. ISM is again very well positioned this year. With more than 1,750 exhibitors from 76 countries, we were able to increase the number of exhibitors in our anniversary year …
Fazer, the Finnish dairy and confectionery firm, is considering closing a production facility for its Yosa brand of oat-based products, according to a FoodBev report. The plant in Kaarina, south-west Finland, is reportedly being shut as part of an efficiency drive, with production moving to another manufacturing site in the town of Koria. While noting that non-dairy oat-based products were playing a “key role” in the development of the business, Heli …
A factory in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA that manufactured products under the Golden Island Jerky brand is set to close following the sale of the company to meat snacks firm Jack Links, according to a report in the Orange County Register. The decision to close the factory was announced in December, and Jack Links has now confirmed it intends to absorb production of Golden Island Jerky into its four existing factories elsewhere …
‘Big Four’ UK supermarket chain Asda has announced plans to address the challenge of reducing plastic waste by opening a “test and learn sustainability store” in Leeds that will allow consumers to bring in their own containers and refill with a variety of dried goods. Launching in May, the store will use dedicated refill stations to allow consumers to make packaging-free purchases of Asda own-brand coffee, rice and pasta, as well …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the landmark 25th edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? We anticipate this edition – which marks the 25th anniversary of Gulfood – being a hotbed of innovation reflecting the trends within an industry where demographic shifts such as urbanisation, migration, and the rise of the middle class are reshaping consumer …
Hershey, the US confectionery and snacks firm, has announced it is moving Krave, the meat jerky firm it acquired in 2015, into the vegan foods space with the launch of Krave Plant-Based Jerky. Said to features a taste and texture similar to that of Krave Gourmet Meat Cuts, Krave Plant-Based Jerky is described as being made from peas and fava beans “for an eating experience and nutritional profile superior to any …
Bimbo, the Mexican bakery giant, has acquired the Lender’s Bagels business from US food firm Conagra Brands via its subsidiary Bimbo Bakeries USA. Announcing the divestment in a press release, Conagra Brands said the transaction included the Lender’s brand and related intellectual property, as well as a production facility in Mattoon, IL, and inventory. Founded in 1927, Lender’s Bagels offers refrigerated bagels in Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, Egg, French Toast, Onion, …
PepsiCo, the US-based snack foods firm, has taken a significant stake in the Ethiopian crisp firm Senselet. Veris Investments, the private equity fund which founded Senselet in 2015, said it would continue to maintain a minority interest in the firm and would partner with PepsiCo to further grow the business and develop potato sourcing programmes in Ethiopia. Distributed in Addis Ababa and other large Ethiopian cities, Senselet’s flagship Sun Chips …
Coca-Cola, the soft drinks giant, has announced it has taken full control of the Fairlife dairy brand after agreeing a deal for the remaining 57.5% stake in the business from its joint venture partner Select Milk Producers. Fairlife came to prominence in 2014, when Coca-Cola announced it was entering the dairy sector with a new premium brand of ultra-filtered milk. Outlining the rationale for the move, Coca-Cola claimed that value-added dairy products had been growing …
Utz Quality Foods (Utz), the US snack firm, has announced it has acquired Illinois-based crisp maker Kitchen Cooked for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in Farmington, IL, Kitchen Cooked is described as a leading manufacturer and distributor of snack foods serving central Illinois and eastern Iowa. Starting in the 1930s by manufacturing crisps, Kitchen Cooked has more recently expanded its product line to include extruded snacks, popcorn, pretzels, tortilla chips and pork scratchings. …
Bunge, the leading agri-commodities business, has announced it has reached a deal to sell its margarine and mayonnaise assets in Brazil to JBS subsidiary Seara Alimentos, which primarily markets meat products, in a deal worth around R$700 million ($174 million). The transaction includes three production plants in Gaspar (SC), Sao Paulo (SP) and Suape (PE), as well as the retail brands Delicia and Primor, and the foodservice brand Gradina. “The transaction is in …
Multinational food and drinks giant Nestle has announced it is to sell a 60% stake in its Herta division to Casa Taradellas, an Italian meat and pizza firm, in a move that will see the two firms establish a new joint venture. The deal includes Herta charcuterie available in six European countries, as well as the Herta dough business in France and Belgium. Nestle said it would retain and develop its existing …
Hailed as its biggest edition yet, SIAL Middle East returned to the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this month to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Once again, halls were packed with a diverse array of food and drinks products from all around the world, giving an indication of the new tastes and concepts set to land on grocery shelves and restaurant menus in the UAE in the months to …
Nuova Castelli, the Italian cheese maker soon to be owned by Lactalis, is closing its lone manufacturing facility in the USA, according to a Just Food report. Closure of the facility, which is located in Blockville, NY, could lead to up to 67 job losses, US media outlets say. The company has only been operating the factory, which was previously the Empire Specialty Cheese manufacturing plant, for three years, having acquired …
Danone, the food and drinks multinational, has announced it is investing “tens of millions” of euros to upgrade its dairy processing plant in Ochsenfurt, Germany, in order to expand production and improve efficiencies. The investment is primarily geared towards allowing the plant to manufacture ambient dairy products and also plant-based foods, alongside its existing yoghurt and dairy dessert production lines for brands such as Activia and Dany. The upgrade, which will …
Gama spoke to Jacek Plewa, General Manager, Global Food Industries. What overarching trends do you expect to shape frozen food innovation in 2020 and beyond? “The major, game changing development for frozen (and chilled) categories is growth in plant-based protein products, which is going to be exponential and is en-route to taking plant-based products mainstream, evolving from a niche protein to a major centre-of-plate contender, suggesting that a major transformation …
Froneri, the UK-based ice cream firm, has announced it is expanding into North America with the acquisition of the Nestle USA ice cream business for $4 billion. The deal would move Froneri “towards global leadership” in the ice cream category, the company said. The Nestle US ice cream brand portfolio includes Dreyer’s, Haagen-Daaz, Outshine, Skinny Cow, Edy’s, and Drumstick, in addition to the Nestle brand itself. The business unit employs …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 12th December 2019: Highlighting continued interest in on-the-go breakfast options, this month’s Innovation Insight looks at a new packaging concept aiming to bring the traditional breakfast cereal format in line with prevailing consumer trends – Nestle Box Bowls Cereal. Essentially a reinvention of single-serve breakfast cereal multipacks, Nestle Box Bowls are an attempt to reinvigorate traditional boxed cereals by adapting the format …
General Mills, the US food and drinks firm, is expanding its Oui By Yoplait yoghurt line with the introduction of a new coconut-based range, and a line of more indulgent desserts. Oui Dairy Free Coconut Dairy Alternative is described as being made with a coconut base and paired with flavours such as vanilla, strawberry, mango, and raspberry “to deliver a creamy and indulgent taste experience”. The new dairy-free line is claimed …
Bauli, the Italian bakery firm, is expanding into the sports nutrition market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Slovakian supplement firm MaxSport, according to a report in Startitup. MaxSport, which markets products such as pasta, protein shakes, nut butter, protein snacks and snack bars in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and over 30 other countries, reportedly does not have its own manufacturing facilities but relies on third party producers. Its …
PepsiCo, the leading food and drinks multinational, has announced it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire BFY Brands, the makers of the PopCorners snack line, for an undisclosed sum. The firm said the addition of BFY Brands would expand Frito-Lay’s snacking portfolio and “further deliver on its Winning with Purpose vision to offer consumers more positive nutritious options”. PopCorners is descirbed as a high growth, better-for-you popped corn snack sold in …
Hostess Brands, the US bakery firm, has announced it has acquired Voortman Cookies, a “rapidly growing” manufacturer of wafers, sugar-free and specialty biscuits, from Swander Pace Capital for approximately $320 million. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Burlington, Canada, Voortman Cookies is described as the number one player in creme wafers and sugar free cookies, with distribution across the USA and Canada. Hostess Brands said the acquisition would enable it to enter …
Arla, the Danish milk processor, is to shut its Gefleortens business in Sweden, according to a FoodBev report, in a further sign of the pressures facing the global dairy sector. Gefleortens, which Arla acquired in 2017, is based in Gavle, north of Stockholm, and produces a range of dairy products including milk, cream and yoghurt. Arla reportedly cited increased competition as a reason for its decision, in addition to increased …
Lion Australia, the Kirin-owned Australian food and drinks manufacturer, has announced it has reached an agreement to sell its Dairy & Drinks business to Chinese dairy firm Mengniu in a deal valued at A$600 million ($406 million). The sale includes all white milk, milk-based drinks, yoghurt, juice and water ice brands and assets, as well as Lion Dairy & Drinks’ International business, its share of the joint ventures Vitasoy Australia Products and …
M. Dias Branco, the leading Brazilian biscuit and pasta firm, has announced it has abandoned plans to construct a new factory in Juiz de Fora in Minas Gerais state, according to a report in New Trade. The company had originally announced the R$305.6 million ($72 million) scheme in 2014, with the intention of using the plant to produce both pasta and biscuit products. However, as a result of its acquisition of …
Pif Paf Alimentos, a leading meat and poultry processor, has announced it has acquired Brazilian peer Fricasa, a pork specialist, for an undisclosed sum. The firm, the largest meat processor in the Minas Gerais region, said the deal would increase its pork processing capacity by 70% and would add around 15% to its annual turnover. Founded in 1962 and with operations in the southern Brazilian states and the Sao Paulo …
Bumble Bee Foods, the US manufacturer of preserved fish and chicken products, has filed for bankruptcy and agreed a deal to sell its assets to Taiwanese seafood processor FCF, according to a Food Business News report. FCF will pay reportedly $925 million for Bumble Bee Foods’ assets. The declaration of bankruptcy will facilitate the sale and help Bumble Bee reduce its debt burden, the US company is quoted as saying. …
Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch FMCG firm, has announced it is consolidating production of Weis ice creams in Australia at its site in Minto, New South Wales, meaning the long-standing Weis factory in Toowoomba, Queensland will close. “The ice cream market – in terms of costs, competition and distribution channels – has changed very quickly and pressure on our business has significantly increased”, Unilever Australia & New Zealand CEO Clive Stiff said. Unilever …
Chobani, the second-largest yoghurt maker in the US, has announced the launch of a new oat-based range as it expands its offering in the non-dairy space. Called simply Chobani Oat, the new line will include oat-based yoghurt, due for launch next month, and oat-based milks due for launch in January next year. It is also launching a “barista blend” product designed to behave like steamed whole milk in coffee and tea. …
Dean Foods, the troubled US dairy firm, has announced it has filed for bankruptcy protection amid financial difficulties. The firm, which is the US’s leading milk processor, said it and most of its subsidiaries had initiated voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, adding that it intended to use the process to support its ongoing business operations and address debt and unfunded pension obligations while it works toward an “orderly and efficient” sale. Dean …
Yasar, the Turkish firm behind the Pinar brand, is to set up a dairy plant in the Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi, UAE with an initial investment of approximately $27 million, according to a report in Arabian Business. The plant, reportedly the first processed cheese factory to be established in the UAE, will act as a manufacturing hub for Yasar in the MENA region. Commenting on the move, Arda Cenk Tokbas, …
Gama spoke to Saeed Al Mansoori, IDEX Executive Director at ADNEC, ahead of the 2019 edition of SIAL Middle East. What are your expectations for the 10th edition of SIAL Middle East? We are very much looking forward to our 10th anniversary edition as we are expecting to draw over 1,000 exhibitors, with more than 30 country pavilions and over 20,000 industry experts from more than 50 countries. The event will …
Mars, the global confectionery giant, is rolling out a range of vegan-labelled milk chocolate bars in the UK, according to a report in The Guardian. The new line-up under the Galaxy brand will be offered in the varieties Smooth Orange, Caramelised Hazelnut and Caramel & Sea Salt, and will come in 100g packs bearing Vegan Society certification. Reformulating its Galaxy bars to replace dairy ingredients with hazelnut paste and rice …
McCain, the leading potato processor, has announced it is investing C$80 million ($60 million) to increase capacity for formed potato specialities in Canada, to meet growing demand from retail and foodservice customers. The firm said the creation of the new high-speed formed potato speciality line at its Grand Falls plant in New Brunswick would strengthen its potato processing presence both in Canada and North America. The new production line will be operational by early …
Riviana Foods, a leading US rice and pasta firm, has announced it has expanded its production capacity for microwaveable rice products under the Minute rice brand via a $27 million investment. The firm, which claims to be the largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products in the US, said the investment would double current operational output, adding that it was the second time in three years that …
Zwanenberg, the diversified food brands firm, has submitted a deal to acquire Struik, the Dutch soup manufacturer, to competition regulators in the Netherlands, according to a Tubantia report. Struik, which is currently owned by veal processor Van Drie Group, following a deal agreed in 2016, manufactures a range of ambient soups and stocks, as well as the Sonnen Bassermann line of soups, stews and ready meals in Germany, and the …
JBS, the Brazilian meat firm, has acquired beef and pork products maker Marba, via its subsidiary Seara Alimentos, for an undisclosed sum, according to a report in InfoMoney. The company said the acquisition was “in line with our strategy of increasing the number of added-value brands and brands in our portfolio”. Founded in 1961, Marba produces a broad range of traditional Brazilian meat products, including mortadela, linguica, salami and bacon …
Lassonde, the Canadian agri-food firm, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Sun-Rype, a fruit-based snack and drinks maker, for a cash consideration of approximately C$80 million ($61 million). Founded in 1946, Sun-Rype produces juices and fruit snacks in Kelowna, BC, and also operates facilities in Selah and Wapato in the USA’s Washington state. The company manufactures and sells a variety of ready-to-drink fruit based juices and drinks under the Sun-Rype …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it has opened a plant in Shuangcheng District, Harbin City, in the Heilongjiang province of China, which is said to be the company’s first Chinese factory dedicated to the production of Gerber Nutripuff infant cereal snacks. The factory, built at a cost of around 100 million CYN ($14 million), will produce organic and regular Gerber NutriPuffs in a total of eight flavours. The products will be packed …
Mondelez, the global snacks and confectionery firm, has invested C$4o million ($30 million) to upgrade a confectionery facility in Hamilton, Canada to increase capacity, according to a report in Canadian Grocer. The investment is reportedly being spent on a new line that will make 11 million pieces of Maynards jelly sweets a day for distribution across Canada and the USA. The new production line in Hamilton is part of a wider commitment to manufacturing …
BRF, the Brazilian meat and poultry firm, is investing $120 million to open a chicken processing plant in Saudi Arabia to strengthen its Middle East presence, according to a Reuters report. The investment underlines BRF’s goal to remain a leading supplier to countries of the Gulf, BRF chief financial officer Carlos Moura is quoted as saying. The company currently operates a facility in Abu Dhabi (UAE) serving the region, in addition to …
Horizon Organic, an organic dairy firm and Danone subsidiary, has announced the launch of a new milk formulated to meet the nutritional needs of young children. Horizon Organic Growing Years is said to have been developed in partnership with paediatricians and created specifically for children aged one to five. The formulation is said to include DHA Omega-3 to support brain health, choline to transport DHA in the body, prebiotics for gut …
Arla, the Danish dairy co-operative, has announced plans to invest $55 million in its factory in Manama, Bahrain, with a view to making the plant its key strategic manufacturing hub in the Middle East & North Africa. The dairy giant took over the plant as part of its acquisition of the Mondelez branded cheese business in the Middle East. The majority of Arla’s products sold in the region will now be …
Tulip, the meat processor and branded food maker, has announced it is considering closing its meat processing site in Bodmin, Cornwall, UK, with the loss of up to 270 jobs. “The site has been operating at a significant loss for several years and while it remains a well-invested site with industry-leading capabilities, it is unsustainable to maintain operations under the existing business model”, the company said, while adding: “Closure is …
Hipp, the German organic baby food firm, has announced its expansion into new categories with the acquisition of Barnhouse, a maker of natural granola and other breakfast foods from the Upper Bavaria region. Founded in 1979, Barnhouse markets a broad range of granolas as well as other traditional breakfast cereals such as cornflakes and muesli under its namesake brand, and is described as the maker of the world’s first organic …
Upfield, described as the global leader of plant-based butter and spreads, has announced it has secured a deal to acquire Arivia, the Greek owner of the Violife cheese alternative brand, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in the 1990s, Arivia develops a range of plant-based dairy and dairy-free products, using mainly coconut oil. Its products include dairy-free alternatives to cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheese. The firm’s flagship Violife brand is claimed to be the …
Kind, the US-based snack company minority owned by Mars, has announced the acquisition of Creative Snacks, a family-owned snack company based in North Carolina, to further strengthen its presence in ‘better-for-you’ snacks. Founded in 2009, Creative Snacks offers premium-positioned snack foods including almond and coconut nut clusters, pretzels and trail mixes, as well as granola. Commenting on the acquisition, Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of Kind, said: “The Creative …
VMG Partners, a US private equity fund specializing in consumer goods, has announced the acquisition of the Popchips brand in North America, and most international markets outside of the UK and Europe, via its newly-created “branded snacking platform” Velocity Snack Brands (VSB). Founded in 2007, Popchips is a “better for you” snack brand sold in supermarkets across the USA. Alongside the flagship Popchips brand, the firm’s portfolio also includes brands such …
Valeo, the Irish food firm, is to acquired the UK puddings business Bakery Foods, trading as Matthew Walker, from the UK food giant 2 Sisters in a deal worth £67 million ($85 million), according to a FoodBev report. Based in Derbyshire where it operates a factory employing 200 staff, Matthew Walker produces Christmas puddings, sponge puddings and other traditional British desserts under its namesake brand for both retail and foodservice …
North American natural and organic foods firm Hain Celestial has announced the latest in a series of divestments with the sale of the Arrowhead Mills and SunSpire brands to Hometown Food, a wholly-owned portfolio company of Brynwood Partners VII and Brynwood Partners VIII, for $15 million. The Arrowhead Foods lineup includes baking mixes, breakfast cereal, flour, pancakes, and pie crusts, while SunSpire is a brand of baking chocolate and chocolate confectionery. The transaction …
Frito-Lay, the snacking division of food and drinks giant PepsiCo, is investing $70 million to upgrade a prodjction facility in Frankfort, IN, according to a report in Inside Indiana Business. The investment is reportedly to be used to install a new snack production line as well as to expand an existing warehouse. 45 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the upgrade. News of the expansion follows a …
Reinert and Kemper, two of Germany’s largest manufacturers of sausage products, have announced they are to merge to form the second biggest meat processor in the country, with annual turnover of more than €700 million ($767 million). Named TFB The Family Butchers, the newly-created company will offer customers a wide portfolio ranging from value lines to premium branded products, and will bring together Reinert’s expertise as a brand manufacturer with Kemper’s specialism …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it is expanding its plant-based food range with the launch of burger and imitation mince in the USA and Switzerland United States. The ingredients and recipes in the new line are said to be customized to meet local tastes, to “ look and cook” like raw beef and provide a “juicy, meat-like” taste and texture. In the USA, Nestle is launching an Awesome Burger …
Mars, the global confectionery firm, has officially inaugurated a new facility in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state that will be dedicated to the manufacture of Snickers bars, according to a report in New Trade. The new plant, in the town of Gurararema, is said to have been built as part of a R$500 million ($120 millon) investment in Mars Wrigley Brazil, and will create 125 new jobs. The additional capacity reportedly …
Zwanenberg, a producer of meat preserves, snacks, soups, sauces, convenience meals and vegetarian products, has announced an agreement to acquire the Chicken Tonight sauce brand from Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever. Zwanenberg said it already made the sauces for Unilever but from now one would also assume responsibility for marketing and sales. Commenting on the deal, Zwanenberg Nederland CEO Maarten Elsinga said: “Chicken Tonight is a wonderful extension of our …
Aviko, one of Europe’s biggest producers of fresh, frozen, dried and specialty potato products, has announced plans to expand production capacity at its plant in Poperinge, Belgium, including the establishment of an entirely new production facility for frozen French fries and potato flakes. The new plant will have a capacity of 175,000 tonnes for frozen chips (fries) and 11,000 tons for flakes annually includes waste water treatment, a 40 metre …
Mengniu, a leading Chinese dairy firm , has made a bid to acquire Bellamy’s, Australia’s largest organic infant formula producer, for approximately A$1.5 billion ($1.03 billion). Bellamy’s produces, supplies and markets a range of organic food and infant formula for babies and toddlers, sourcing ingredients from Australian and international suppliers. Bellamy’s products are distributed in Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and China, including Hong Kong. Commenting on the proposed …
Celsius Holdings, the maker of fitness drink Celsius, has announced the acquisition of Func Food Group, a Finnish supplements and health foods firm, for $15.1 million in cash and the assumption of $9.5 million of outstanding debt. Func Food is a markets and distributes beverages, protein bars, supplements and superfoods under the brands Celsius, FAST Sports Nutrition, CocoVi and FitFarm. Celsius Holdings said the deal represented an opportunity to quickly …
Leading US food manufacturer Conagra Brands has announced it has reached an agreement to sell its direct store delivery snacks business to Utz Quality Foods, described as the largest privately held savoury snack firm in the USA, for an undisclosed sum. Crisp, popcorn, pretzel and savoury snack brands such as Tim’s Cascade Snacks, Hawaiian Snacks, Erin’s, Snyder of Berlin and Husman’s will now transfer to Utz Quality Foods. “We continue …
Kraft Heinz, the leading US food and drinks firm, has announced a health-oriented makeover for its flagship Heinz ketchup brand, with the introduction of a new variety that contains added vegetables. Marketed as “miraculously offer[ing] the veggies parents love, without compromising the thick and rich HEINZ taste kids love”, Heinz Tomato Ketchup with a Blend of Veggies is said to contain 25% added vegetables (butternut squash and carrot) and 25% …
ACH, a manufacturer of branded cooking oils and baking products, has announced the acquisition of natural and organic food firm Anthony’s Goods for an undisclosed sum. Anthony’s Goods markets a range of gluten-free flour alternatives, baking aids and supplements, including coconut and almond flours, spirulina and algae powder, and activated charcoal. Commenting on the acquisition, ACH CEO Imad Bazzi said: “One of the key reasons we partnered with Anthony’s Goods …
Wells, described as the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream manufacturer in the USA, has announced it has acquired the Halo Top brand from Eden Creamery. The purchase expands Wells’ current portfolio to five distinct brands, the company said. Advertised as “light ice cream that actually tastes like ice cream” and as having fewer calories, less sugar, and more protein than traditional ice cream, Halo Top range is touted as having created …
Kroger, the leading supermarket chain, is the latest US firm to move into the imitation meat space with the launch of a new plant-based line under its Simple Truth banner. The product line is said to include fresh meatless burger patties and grinds as well as plant-based cookie dough, pasta sauces, sausages, deli slices, dips and other items. In a press release Kroger said the launch was in response to …
Oatly, the Scandinavian firm behind the namesake dairy-alternative milk, is opening its first new factory outside Sweden with an investment in a new plant in Vlissingen, Netherlands, according to a report in AD. The factory, which is designed to meet increased demand for the company’s oat-based goods, will employ 15 staff and produce 120 million litres of Oatly products per year. Commenting on the launch, Oatly spokesperson Fredrik Gustavsson said: “We have seen …
Canada-based potato processor McCain has announced plans to further invest C$12 million ($9 million) at its facility in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada, adding capacity to the existing line that produces chips (fries) for the company’s food service and retail business. The extra capacity will require an additional 400 hectares of potatoes from local growers, McCain said in a statement. The project is to be completed in two phases, one which …
Kellogg, the leading US cereal and snacks firm, has announced it is expanding its MorningStar Farms plant-based range with the launch of Incogmeato, a new line of imitation meat products. The “next-gen” product line is said to include the company’s first ready-to-cook plant-based burger, which will be sold in the refrigerated meat aisle, as well as frozen, plant-based imitation chicken tenders and nuggets. Commenting on the launch, MorningStar Farms Plant-Based …
Burton’s Biscuit, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Maryland and Wagon Wheels, has announced it has acquired Paterson Arran, a Scottish independent food company, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition includes the Paterson’s shortbread brand as well as the foodservice biscuit and chutney brands Bronte, Cafe Bronte and Arran Fine Foods. Paterson Arran, which employs around 200 people, runs the Royal Burgh Bakery in Livingston, West Lothian, which produces …
Gama spoke to Anne Schumacher, Vice President Food & Food Technology, Koelnmesse, ahead of the latest edition of the Cologne tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Anuga? Anuga 2019 is fully booked which is a great success again. Over 7,400 exhibitors from more than 100 countries will be part of this year’s edition. In addition to that, Anuga is celebrating its 100th anniversary – a remarkable sign of …
Tyson Foods, the US meat processor, has announced it has reached a deal to take a 40% stake in Brazilian poultry firm Grupo Vibra for an undisclosed sum. Describing the deal as “part of its global growth strategy”, Tyson Foods said its stake in Grupo Vibra would give it more flexibility in serving customers in key global markets, noting that nearly 98% of protein consumption growth is expected to come from outside the …
Campbell Soup, the US foods manufacturer, is continuing to shed non-core businesses, this time striking a deal to offload its European crisps business, including the Kettle brand, to the Irish firm Valeo Foods. The US company said it would use the proceeds from the sale, which is valued at around £66 million ($79 million) to reduce debt. Campbell Soup’s European Chips business includes UK-based Kettle Foods and Netherlands-based Yellow Chips. Headquartered in Norwich, …
Pilgrim’s Pride, the chicken and prepared foods firm, has announced it has acquired Tulip, a leading, integrated prepared foods supplier with 12 fresh and value-added operations in the UK, from Danish Crown, in a deal worth around £290 million ($354 million). In the retail sphere, Tulip markets namesake pork products as well as Danepak, the UK’s leading bacon brand. Commenting on the deal, Pilgrim’s Pride global CEO Jayson Penn said: …
Hain Celestial, the natural foods firm, has announced it has agreed a deal to sell its Tilda brand of basmati and speciality rice to the Spanish consumer goods firm Ebro Foods for $342 million in cash. The firm said it was planning to use a portion of the sale proceeds to pay down debt, and was evaluating distribution alternatives for the remainder. Tilda operates two plants in Rainham (UK) and employs 326 …
Hershey, the US confectionery firm, has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire One Brands, the maker of a line of low-sugar, high-protein nutrition bars, for a purchase price of $397 million. The chocolate maker said the deal “strengthened its position as a snacking leader” and would “provide a competitive offering of brands in the nutrition bar category”, adding that it would complement the company’s existing Oatmega …
Stonewall Kitchen, the US speciality foods firm, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Vermont Village brand of organic applesauce and apple cider vinegar, with the deal expected to close in September. Produced by the Village Cannery of Vermont since 1995, the Vermont Village brand has largely specialized in organic applesauce. More recently it added a line of raw and organic apple cider vinegars which are described as …
Ajinomoto, the US seasonings firm, has announced it has taken a 50.1% equity stake in More Than Gourmet (MTG), a US saucemaker, via a strategic partnership with its consolidated subsidiary Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America. Most famous for its demi-glace French-style sauce concentrates sold in both retail and foodservice channels, More Than Gourmet has also been marketing the Kitchen Accomplice brand of broths and burger seasonings since 2013. It operates a …
Orkla, the Scandinavian consumer goods giant, has announced it has signed an agreement to take a 20% stake in Noi-Sirius, described as Iceland’s leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturer. Established in 1920 and with about 150 employees, Noi Sirius markets chocolate brands such as Sirius, Noa Konfekt, Noa Kropp, Noa Paskaegg and Konsum. While over 70% of the company’s turnover is generated in its domestic market, a growing percentage of its …
Simply Good Foods, a branded nutritional and snack foods firm, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire the functional foods maker Quest Nutrition for $1.0 billion in cash. Quest Nutrition is described as being focused on creating snacks with high protein levels but minimal sugars and net carbohydrates. The firm’s product lineup includes snack bars, biscuits, savoury snacks, protein powders and pizzas. “The acquisition of Quest strengthens Simply …
Del Monte Pacific, a leading fruit and vegetable processor, has announced plans to divest production facilities of its US subsidiary Del Monte Foods, including the closure of two production facilities and the sale of another. The facilities to be closed are located at Sleepy Eye, MN and Mendota, IL, where production is set to cease at the end of the current pack season. A third plant in Cambria, WI, will …
Target, the US grocery retailer, has announced the introduction of Good & Gather, which it described as its largest private label brand for food and drinks. The new flagship brand will offer a wide range of food and beverage products that “prioritise taste, quality ingredients and ease, at a great value”, the company claimed in a press release. “Our guests are incredibly busy and want great-tasting food they can feel …
Hershey, the US confectionery and snacks firm, has announced a minority investment in the Ireland-based functional food firm Fulfil via its C7 Ventures arm. Founded in 2016, Fulfil produces vitamin-fortified, high-protein, low-sugar nutrition bars made from ingredients such as soy, whey protein and chocolate, which it markets in the UK and Ireland. Commenting on the launch, Hersey chief growth officer Mary Beth West said: “Successful companies evolve and engage consumers …
Dina Farms, a Qalaa Holdings subsidiary and the largest private sector farm in Egypt, has announced an investment of $24.4 million in its dairy farm and related businesses over the coming three years in order to expand production, according to a report in Food Business Africa. The company’s plans are said to include the setting up of a new production line to double production capacity for yoghurt. Commenting on the …
Smithfield Foods, the US meat processor, has announced it is venturing into plant-based foods with the launch of a new brand range called Pure Farmland. The Pure Farmland line comes as meat-free breakfast patties, meatballs, burger patties, and pre-seasoned protein starters, designed to help consumers “grow their plant-based protein options for all meal occasions, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and appetizers”. All the items are described as being made with ingredients …
The Malaysian division of Japanese seasoning firms Ajinomoto is set to invest 355 million MYR ($84.62 million) to build a new production plant for halal foods on a plot of land located in Seremban, in Negeri Sembilan, according to a report in The Edge Markets. The company is said to have recently acquired the freehold plot for 86.1 million MYR ($20.5 million). Commenting on the move, Ajiinomoto is quoted as …
MegaMex Foods, a Mexican food joint venture of Herdez and Hormel Foods, has announced a new licensing agreement with UTZ Quality Foods to manufacture, market and distribute Herdez branded tortilla chips and pork rinds to retailers in the US. According to the company, the partnership between MegaMex Foods and UTZ will speed up the entry of Hispanic snacks into the US market. The agreement will bring a number of varieties …
The Indian arm of Swiss consumer goods giant Nestle has announced plans to invest an initial sum of 700 crore INR ($98.6 million) over the next two years to set up a new plant for Maggi noodles. Located in Sanand, Gujarat, the factory will be Nestle’s ninth in India and the fourth dedicated facility for Maggi noodles. Commenting on the move, Suresh Narayanan, Nestle India chairman and managing director, said: …
Hostess Brands, the US bakery manufacturer owned by Gores Holdings, has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Superior Cake Products bakery business to Chicago-based Sara Lee Frozen Bakery for $65 million. Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is a leading maker of frozen bakery and dessert products. Superior Cakes Products manufactures sweet goods such as eclairs, madeleines, brownie bites, and black and white cookies, among other products. Commenting …
Campbell Soup, the leading US food manufacturer, is continuing its divestiture program with the sale of the Arnott’s business and its remaining Campbell International operations to KKR, a global investment firm, for $2.2 billion. Arnott’s was acquired in 1997 by Campbell and has operations centres in Western Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide in Australi, as well as Bekasi in Indonesia. The Campbell International division also includes Campbell Soup’s “simple meals” business …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced the expansion of three factories in Indonesia through a $100 million investment. Upgrades to the three factories, located in Karawang (West Java), Kejayan (East Java) and Panjang (Lampung) will increase Nestle’s current production capacity in the country by 25%, the company said. “We recognize an increasingly conducive business opportunity in Indonesia, coupled with the growing consumer demand towards Nestle’s nutritious and high-quality food and …
HeavenlyRx, a hemp and CBD company, has announced the acquisition of Tru Brands, a US health and wellness company marketing plant-based bars and nutritional powder. Under the agreement, Heavenly Rx will acquire a 51% stake in Tru Brands for $3.5 million in cash and $2.57 million in company stock. Tru Brands currently markets a brand called Truwomen, with a line up of products that “boast the use of clean, plant …
PepsiCo, the US based drinks and snacks giant, is planning to invest 514 crore INR ($74.7 million) over the next three years to set up a snack manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, according to a report in the Economic Times. The new plant is expected to create over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, the company said in a statement. Commenting on the move, PepsiCo India president and CEO …
Brasmar, the Portuguese seafood firm, has announced it has acquired Foncasal, a Spanish company specializing in cooked octopus and other chilled seafood products. Based in Logrono in Spain’s Rioja region, Foncascal markets a range of seafood including octopus, squid, prawns and crab under brands including Nuchar, Baltia, Moncasa and Montenia. The company has annual turnover of €18 million ($20 million) and has an international presence, especially in the Mediterranean and …
Cranswick, a supplier of fresh and added-value food products, has revealed it has purchased Mediterranean food producer Katsouris Brothers in a deal worth £43.5 million ($53.2 million). Announcing the deal alongside its first quarter trading results, Cranswick described Katsouris Brothers as a processor and multi-channel supplier of continental and Mediterranean food products, operating a facility in the Wembley area of London. The firm’s product range includes olives, antipasti, oils, cheeses, …
Global snacks and drinks giant PepsiCo has acquired a stake in Natural Food International, one of China’s largest natural food firms, according to media reports. PepsiCo’s 26% stake in the Shenzhen-based company will reportedly make it Natural Food International’s second largest shareholder. Natural Food International makes products from grains, nuts, and beans, with a focus on grain-based premium nutrition powder. Described as China’s second largest natural food producer by retail …
Ebro Foods, the Spanish food company, has announced it has received a binding offer from Midsona, a Swedish leader in organic and health foods and self-care ,for the acquisition of the entire share capital of Alimentation Sante for €57.5 million ($64 million). “Ebro has analyzed the strong investment needed to reach a relevant position in the Bio food business.”, the firm said in a statement “In this scenario, and considering …
Emmi, the Switzerland-based dairy firm, has announced the acquisition of Pasticceria Quadrifoglio, an Italian dessert company headquartered in Piumazzo di Castelfranco Emilia for an undisclosed sum. The integration of Pasticceria Quadrifoglio, which operates two production sites near Modena, will further expand Emmi’s production and distribution capabilities, the company said. The existing “Emmi Dessert Italia” network, which Pasticceria Quadrifoglio will join, already comprises production locations in Gattico, Pero and Lasnigo in …
Muller, the UK’s largest milk supplier and distributor, has expanded its facility in Telford with the construction of a chilled yogurt manufacturing line, capable of producing 500 million pots each year. The expansion represents an investment of £50 million ($62 million), will create 65 new jobs in the area, and enable Muller to meet growing demand from consumers for branded and private label yogurts made with milk from British farms, the …
Dr. Oetker, the German food firm, has announced it is strengthening its presence in Brazil with the acquisition of local baking aids firm Mavalerio for an undisclosed sum. Mavalerio has sales volumes of 31,000 tonnes per year. Its product range includes sugar and chocolate sprinkles, chocolate coatings, icing mixes, cocoa powder, sugar, popcorn and flavourings. Founded in 1969, the firm has grown internationally over a number of years, leading to …
McCain, the leading frozen potato firm, has announced it is investing $100 million to construct its first factory manufacturing chips (french fries) in Brazil. Due to be opened in the first half of 2021, the facility will significantly increase McCain’s production capacity in Latin America, the company said. Located in the city of Araxa, in Minas Gerais state, the factory is also expected to generate 150 direct jobs and 450 …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all the shares of leading South African food manufacturer Pioneer Foods for approximately $1.7 billion. In a press release, PepsiCo described Pioneer Foods as having a “robust, locally relevant” product portfolio of cereals, juices and other African food staples, including well-known brands like Weet-Bix, Liqui-Fruit, Ceres, Sasko, Safari, Spekko, and White Star, …
Fresh Express, the Chiquita-owned packaged salad firm, is expanding its on-the-go snack portfolio with the launch of fruit-based Chiquita Bites and Chiquita Sticks. The company said the new lines “make planning delicious and refreshing snacks for weekend getaways or school lunches a breeze”. Chiquita Bites is described as savoury snack packs featuring fresh fruit, cheese and nuts and containing at least 7g of protein. They are available as apple wedges, …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 19th July 2019: Coconut – whether as an ingredient or flavour – is continuing to set the pace in the food and non-alcoholic drinks industries. This month’s Insight By Gama Compass examines how coconut has achieved ‘superstar’ status, assesses its penetration across different categories, and considers some of the trends driving its ongoing popularity. Brands across the globe are continuing to turn to coconut to headline …
Consumer goods giant Nestle is claiming a world first with the creation of a 70% dark chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit, using the beans and pulp as the only ingredients. “Nestlé has developed a natural approach, which allows it to extract the pulp and use it in chocolate with no compromise on taste, texture and quality”, the company claimed in a statement. Unlike most chocolate, the new product …
Belourthe, a Belgian based company specialized in the manufacturing of infant cereals, has announced it has reached an agreement to buy the baby food business of Cerealto Siro, a food multinational based in Madrid, Spain, for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes the Nutriceal brand of baby foods including cereals, purees and biscuits. Founded in 1974 (and owned until 2013 by the Nutricia / Danone group), the Nutriceal business also …
Gama spoke to Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Chief Executive Officer, Agthia Group. What overarching trends do you expect to shape drinks and food innovation in 2020-21? “Consumers no longer accept products as they traditionally did – they want ‘value-added’ products that are convenient, healthier and benefit their lifestyles. Recent industry reports have shown that the increasing rate of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are pushing consumers worldwide to shift towards …
Warburtons, the leading UK baking firm, has announced plans to close a plant at its Newburn bakery in Newcastle upon Tyne with the loss of up to 118 jobs, according to a report in the Evening Chronicle. Operational since 1989, the Newburn facility employs around 100 staff in its traditional bakery. It also has a separate ‘free from’ facility, which has made its gluten, dairy and milk free products for the last eight …
Campbell Soup, the leading US food manufacturer, has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Kelsen Group, a biscuit company that is part of the Campbell International business. to a Ferrero affiliated firm for $300 million. The company said the deal would enable it to reduce its debt burden, adding that the process is now underway to divest the remainder of Campbell International, including the Arnott’s biscuit brand. Based in …
Nissin, the instant noodle maker, has announced its plans to invest 180 million CYN ($26.19 million) to build a new production plant in Zhuhai, southern China, for the manufacturing of packaging materials. The company said the investment would facilitate its business growth and development in Hong Kong and the rest of China. The plant is due for completion by 2021. Commenting on the move Nissin executive director, chairman of the …
Unilever, the consumer goods giant, has agreed a deal to acquire a 75% stake in the Romanian firm Good People, which markets a range of health-oriented food under the FruFru brand, according to reports in Just Food and the Romanian media. Founded in 2006, Good People is described as the first “fresh, healthy” food concept in Romania, offering a range of fruit and vegetable based meals, drinks and other convenience …
Princes, the preserved foods firm, has announced it has completed the first part of a planned £80 million ($100 million) investment in its Long Sutton site in Lincolnshire, UK with the opening of a new pea processing plant. Long Sutton is described as Princes’ largest food production site in the UK, producing a range of canned products including peas, pulses, beans, bean meals, fruits and canned ready meals. Commenting on …
Lactalis, the French dairy giant, has announced it has acquired Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, the US yoghurt business of German dairy firm Ehrmann. Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy has two manufacturing facilities employing 250 people in the state of Arizona. The company makes and distributes yoghurt and other dairy products under the Green Mountain Creamery and Liebe brands, and also has a private label business. “The Ehrmann acquisition is a terrific complement to …
Intersnack, the Germany based-snack giant, has acquired a 40% stake in Universal Robina’s Australia and New Zealand business URC Oceania, according to ESM and Inquirer.net reports. The partnership is intended to boost the two companies’ presence in the region’s snack food market. Intersnack will reportedly pay for the transaction through a combination of cash and shares in Yarra Valley Snack Foods, the company’s natural snack food unit in Australia. In …
Froneri, the UK ice cream manufacturer formed by the merger of the Nestle and R&R ice cream business, has announced its expansion into Israel with the acquisition of Noga Ice Creams, owned by Nestle-owned business Osem, one of the largest food manufacturers and distributors in Israel. Noga markets ice cream under brands including La Cremeria, Extreme, Cookilida, Crunch and Gumigum. Commenting on the news, Froneri CEO Ibrahim Najaf said: “We’re …
Orkla, a leading supplier of branded consumer goods in Scandinavia, is selling its Glyngore canned fish business to Amanda Seafoods via its Danish subsidiary Orkla Foods Danmark for an undisclosed sum. Established in 1940, Glyngore is described as Denmark’s best-known herring and tuna brand and had net sales totalling 43 million DKK ($6.5 million) in 2018. Orkla said the aim of the sale was to “reduce portfolio complexity and concentrate …
AMC, a Spanish manufacturer of juices and fresh foods, has announced it has opened a new plant-based production facility in Merseyside, according to reports in UK Investor Magazine and Asian Trader. The new purpose-built £11 million ($14 million) Skelmersdale factory will produce freshly squeezed juice and a variety of vegetable-based foods. According to Asian Trader, it is producing non-dairy yoghurt for Rebel Kitchen, and plant-based soups for brands including Bol. …
Karro Food Group, a leading UK pork processor owned by private equity firm CapVest has acquired UK seafood firm Young’s for an undisclosed sum, according to a FoodBev report. The new group will employ around 5,000 people across the UK and Ireland and will have annual sales of more than £1.2 billion ($1.51 billion) a year. Grimsby-based Young’s produces a range of fresh, frozen, own-label and branded fish at 12 …
Muller, the leading dairy firm and the UK’s largest milk supplier and distributor, has confirmed that it is to close its production facility in Foston, Derbyshire, with the loss of 223 jobs. In a press release, the company said the decision followed a 45-day statutory review of the its dairy network which examined factory utilisation against a backdrop of declining consumption of fresh milk and “significant changes” in retailing. During …
Amy’s Kitchen, a maker of vegetarian foods based in Santa Rosa, CA, is set to open a new production facility in Goshen, NY, according to reports in Veg News and North Bay Business Journal. The current plans are for a 389,000 sq ft “environmentally efficient” facility that will create up to 680 jobs. It will produce items such as vegan pizzas, burritos, and pasta products, Veg News said. “We are …
Mars, the leading US food firm, has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a significant majority stake in Foodspring, a direct-to-consumer targeted nutrition company based in Berlin, Germany. Foodspring will be incorporated within Mars Edge, a division of Mars focused on health and wellness. Foodspring is described as one of the largest and fastest growing targeted nutrition businesses in Europe, with currently six focus countries and …
Unilever, the consumer goods giant, is to close an ice-cream factory in Henderson, Nevada with the loss of 300 jobs, according to a Reuters report. The plant, which is due to cease production at the end of August, is said to manufacture ice cream and frozen novelties for Ben and Jerry’s, Breyers, Magnum, Popsicle, Good Humor and Klondike, among other brands. Unilever is set to finally close the plant during …
Kerry Foods, the Ireland-based food firm, has announced the official opening of a new €20 million ($23 million) production facility in Tumkur, India, 120km from Bangalore. The new 40,585 sq m plant will serve Kerry Taste & Nutrition’s global and regional customers in the South West Asia region, the company said. “Our Tumkur facility will enable Kerry to offer a broader range of technologies, and more comprehensive scientific research and …
Cedar’s Foods, a US producer and co-manufacturer of hummus, has announced it is completing a new 125,000 sq ft facility to produce Mediterranean foods at its base in Ward Hill, MA. The company said the new $100 million facility would enable it double its total annual production output to 208 million pounds. Commenting on the investment, Cedar’s Foods CFO Chris Gaudette said: “Cedar’s is dedicated to providing our customers with …
Kerry Foods, the Ireland-based food firm, has announced plans to close its factory in Burton-on-Trent with the loss of 900 jobs, according to a report in the Derby Telegraph and the BBC. The closure of the site, which manufactures ready meals for leading supermarket chains, reportedly came as the result of the loss of a major Tesco contract. Describing itself as a leading supplier of added-value branded and customer branded …
Nadec, the National Agricultural Development Company of Saudi Arabia, has abandoned plans to acquire food and beverage firm Al Safi Danone, jointly held by Al Safi Holding and Danone Dairy Investments Indonesia, according to a report in The National. Nadec is said to have signed a share purchase agreement with Al Safi Holding last year to acquire 100% of Al Safi Danone, funded through a SAR536 million ($142.91 million) increase …
Bell Food Group, the Swiss meat and salad firm, has announced it is selling its sausage business in Germany to the Zur Muhlen Group, a local meat processor, in order to refocus on the air-dried ham category in the country. The acquisition will see Zur Muhlen Group take over plants in Suhl (Thuringia) and Borger (Lower Saxony) together with all around 400 employees. The Swiss company said the sale of …
Falfurrias Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in Charlotte, NC, USA. has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire CF Sauer, a maker of condiments, spices, seasonings and extracts sold through the retail and foodservice channels. With manufacturing facilities in Richmond, VA, Greenville, SC, New Century, KS, and San Luis Obispo, CA, CF Sauer producers the Duke’s Mayonnaise and The Spice Hunter brands, and also sells mayonnaise …
Kraft Heinz, the third-largest food and beverage company in the USA, has announced the launch of Fruitlove, a new brand of smoothie that can be eaten with a spoon. Said to combine the benefits of creamy yogurt and real fruit and vegetables, Fruitlove Spoonable Smoothie comes in single-serve plastic pots and is said to provide a source of protein, calcium and vitamins A, B1 and B3. “We know that snacking …
Snacks and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Perfect Snacks, a California-based company described as a “pioneer” in the refrigerated nutrition bars segment. Founded in 2005, Perfect Snacks markets a range “fresh-from-the-fridge” protein snacks, made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts and fruit as well as 20 organic “superfoods” such as kale, spinach, and lemon. Since launching its flagship refrigerated snack bar, the …
Fazer, the leading Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced it has agreed to Kaslink, a family-owned company specialising in Scandinavian cooking products, drinks and snacks, for an undisclosed sum. Kaslink’s product range includes Aito Oat Milk, Maire dairy products, Koria protein drinks, Vesi Water and Nordic Cuisine cooking sauces. The firm had net sales €65 million ($73 million) in 2018 and employs 170 staff. “With this acquisition, Fazer is …
Swiss milk processor Emmi has announced it is increasing its stake in Brazilian firm Laticinios Porto Alegre, taking its holding in the Minas Gerais based milk processor from 40% to 70%. Emmi has held a stake in the Laticinios Porto Alegre since July 2017, and said the company had been developing positively in “an extremely challenging market environment”. “With the acquisition of a majority stake, Emmi is underlining its willingness …
Allied Bakeries, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Kingsmill, Allison’s, Sunblest and Burgen, has announced plans to halt production at its site in Cardiff with the loss of up to 180 jobs, according to BBC and Wales Online reports. “Earlier this year Allied Bakeries announced the loss of a major own label bakery contract, following which we have undertaken a detailed review of our bakery network to optimise …
Tyson Foods, the US meat firm, has announced its first major foray into plant-based foods with the launch of its new Raised & Rooted brand, and a range of vegetarian and blended products. The initiative makes Tyson Foods the largest US meat producer to enter the alternative protein segment with its own products, the company said in a statement. The initial products under the Raised & Rooted brand include plant-based nuggets as …
Raisio, the Finnish firm behind brands such as Benecol, Elovena, Sunnuntai, Torino and Benella, has announced it is investing an estimated €45 million ($50.8 million) in a production facility for the development and manufacture of plant-based added-value products. Describing the investment as a response to the strong growth in demand for plant-based food, particularly in European markets, Raisio said it was continuing to invest in the growth of the cholesterol-lowering …
Savencia, the French dairy processor, has announced it has reached a deal to acquire roquefort specialist Papillon for an undisclosed sum. Papillon is described as a historic producer of PDO roquefort, marketing cheese “reputed for its exceptional quality” since 1906. Savencia, which has been distributing Papillon cheese in French retail channels since 2007, said the acquisition was part of its strategy to strengthen its portfolio with high quality, locally-produced cheeses. …
Biscuit International, the France-based bakery firm, has acquired cake and biscuit firm Aviateur for an undisclosed sum, according to reports in the Dutch media. Both Biscuit International and Aviateur predominantly manufacturer private label products, although Aviateur also has a retail line under a namesake brand. Based in Broek op Langedijk, Aviateur is said to produce 6 million small cakes and biscuits each day, with annual turnover of €105 million ($119 million) …
Jensen Meat, a California-based beef firm has acquired meat substitutes start-up Before the Butcher, according to an article in Veg News Before the Butcher is the owner of the Uncut brand, which offers a range of plant-based burgers for the retail channel. Its line includes soy-based savoury chicken burgers, roast turkey burgers, breakfast sausage, Italian sausage an chorizo sausage. As a result of the deal, Before the Butcher will reportedly have …
Bonduelle, a company specializing in processed vegetables, has announced it has acquired the industrial assets of Shock LLC, a frozen vegetable company located in the Belgorod region in Russia. The French firm said the new site’s location in a temperate climate region with particularly fertile soils would accelerate the development of the Bonduelle frozen business in Russia and neighbouring states. Bonduelle has been commercially present in the Russian market through …
Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA), one of the largest bottlers of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages in the Asia-Pacific region, has announced it has reached a deal to sell the SPC fruit and vegetable processing business to Shepparton Partners, a joint venture between Perma Funds Management and The Eights, for A$40 million ($28 million). CCA originally announced it was putting its SPC unit up for sale last August. Commenting on the deal, CCA group …
Godiva, the leading chocolate firm, has announced the launch of a new line of baking mixes in partnership with the US multinational General Mills. The baking mixes, which will feature Godiva 72% cocoa dark chocolate callets (chocolate chips) will be available in four dessert options – Molten Lava Cakes, Brownie Cheesecake Swirl, Raspberry Chocolate Torte and Flourless Chocolate Torte. With the launch of the line, Godiva said it was expanding …
Brazilian food companies BRF and Marfrig have entered into talks to merge their companies and potentially create one of the world’s largest meat producers, the firms have announced. The companies said the potential merger would help to scale and increase geographical and product diversification, including expanding operations in South America, the US and Middle East, reducing financial leverage and risk exposure. The structure of any combined company has not yet …
French dairy giant Lactalis has announced the acquisition of Italian cheese maker Nuova Castelli, which was majority owned by private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners. With the acquisition of Nuova Castelli, Lactalis said it would strengthen its position in Italy where it currently operates 29 production sites and has a workforce of over 5,500 people. Nuova Castelli makes traditional Italian cheese with protected designation of origin (PDO) cerftification, including parmesan, gorgonzola …
JBS USA, a subsidiary of the Brazilian meat-packer and food processor JBS, has announced a $95 million expansion project at its beef production facility in Grand Island, NE. According to a company statement, the expansion of the 107,000 sq ft facility, which is expected to be completed in early 2021, will include new improved animal handling facilities, a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled harvest floor and facility reconfiguration designed to improve team member …
Golding Farms Foods, a manufacturer of sauces and condiments, has announced the acquisition of Arcobasso Foods, a maker of dressings, sauces and beverage mixes. The company said the deal would allow it to expand its portfolio of private label and branded products and grow its presence locally and nationally. John Frostad, CEO of Golding Farms, said: “Arcobasso Foods is a special company with long-standing relationships and commitments to customers, suppliers, …
Litehouse, a maker of refrigerated salad dressings, has entered into an agreement to acquire Sky Valley Foods, a producer of organic shelf-stable dressings, condiments and sauces for $46 million. With the acquisition, Litehouse said it planned to grow its portfolio with centre-store, clean and organic products, and increase capacity, with the creation of 160 jobs over the next five years, and expand its presence on the East Coast. Litehouse will …
Global confectionery group Ferrero has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Ice Cream Factory Comaker (ICFC), a Spanish ice cream manufacturer. In a joint press release, Ferrero said the acquisition reinforced its commitment to satisfying consumers’ needs in different categories. ICFC is a global food company specialised in designing and manufacturing ice cream cones, sticks, tubs, lollies and cakes in more than 15 countries. In addition to contract …
Saint Jean, the specialist in fresh pasta and Italian ready meals, is spending €48 million ($54 million) to add a new plant at its production site in Romans-sur-Isere in the Drome department of south-western France, according to a report in Les Echos. The first phase of the project reportedly includes a 7,500 sq m manufacturing facility with six production lines, and a 6,000 sq m logistics operation, due to be operational by late 2020 …
Fonterra, the New Zealand based dairy giant, has announced it is to close its processing plant in Dennington, Australia due to overcapacity and constrained milk supply. The closure of the factory, which is located in the south west of the state of Victoria and currently produces “lower value” products, comes amid “significant changes, including a declining milk pool” in the Australian dairy industry, Fonterra said. Commenting on the news, Fonterra Australia …
Cofresh, which claims to be the UK leader in Indian-style snacks, is investing £20 million ($25. million) in a new factory and warehouse in Nuneaton, UK to keep pace with the expansion of the business, according to a report in the Leicester Mercury. The 18-month investment will allow Cofresh to complement its existing factory in Leicester, and thus split its snack production between two sites. The Leicester factory will continue …
Brasmar, a Portuguese seafood company, has announced it has acquired La Balinesa, a Spanish firm that produces smoked salmon, for an undisclosed sum. The Porto-based firm said the deal would underline its leadership position on the Portuguese market, expand its product range, and strengthen its footprint in Iberia as a whole. La Balinesa is described as a leading company in the manufacture of smoked fish in Spain. Located in the …
B&G Foods, the US owner of food brands such as Green Giant, has announced it is acquiring baking aids business Clabber Girl from Indiana-based wholesale supplier Hulman & Co for an undisclosed sum. The Clabber Girl product range includes baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cornflour marketed under brands such as Clabber Girl, Rumford, Davis, Hearth Club and Royal. B&G Foods said it expected the acquired business to generate approximately $70 to $75 …
KraftHeinz, the US consumer goods giant, is said to be buying back a plant it previously owned in Utrecht, Netherlands, reportedly over fears the factory was headed for bankruptcy. According to an article in Levensmiddelenkrant (quoting ANP), a trade union leader familiar with the matter said expected growth at the plant had not materialized, and 90 jobs had been under threat. KraftHeinz sold its drinks, bread toppings and breakfast cereal facility in …
Dr. Oetker, the Germany-based food firm, has completed a £30 million ($39 million) upgrade to its pizza manufacturing facility in Leyland, Lancashire, UK, according to a report in Business Lancashire. The site, which manufactures the firm’s Chicago Town and Ristorante pizza lines, has seen a doubling in total capacity with a new production line for the Chicago Town Deep Dish pizzas range. The upgrade also includes new raw materials storage capacity and …
Hershey, the leading US confectionery firm, is investing $104 million to expand a production plant in Augusta County, VA, USA, according to a report in Area Development. Once expanded by 111,000 sq ft, the site will reportedly create 65 new jobs and be able to produce penuche (fudge-like confectionery) and peanut cream for distribution to other Hershey facilities on the US east coast. Commenting on the launch, Susanna Zhu, vice president, …
Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of meat firm Tyson Foods, is investing almost $300 million to build a new meat production plant in Utah, USA, according to media reports. The new unit, which is to be built in the Salt Lake City area, will reportedly be a 400,000-square-foot case-ready plant which will take large cuts of beef and pork and convert them into steaks, chops, roasts and ground meat for …
Froneri, the ice cream joint venture of Nestle and R&R ice cream, has announced it has agreed to acquire the New Zealand ice cream business Tip Top from global dairy co-operative Fonterra for 380 million NZD ($250 million). The Tip Top name and its operations, including the Auckland based factory site at Mount Wellington will be maintained as part of the deal, Froneri said. Tip Top offers single serve ice …
Hain Celestial, a North American organic and natural products company, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell all of its equity interest in Hain Pure Protein Corporation, which includes the FreeBird and Empire Kosher businesses, to investment fund Aterian Investment Partners for $80 million. Empire Kosher is a brand of kosher poultry including processed and unprocessed products as well as deli meats. Meanwhile the FreeBird …
Fazer, the Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced the introduction of a new line of chocolate for the US market under the brand Nordi. Launching into the New York metropolitan area, the Nordi chocolate line is described as being made with 70% cocoa and comprises the varieties Sea Buckthorn & Salty Caramel, Hazelnut and Campsite Coffee, Raspberry & Tangy Licorice, and Smooth and Dark Original. Following its initial launch, …
Hain Celestial, an organic and natural products company with operations in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, has announced that it has completed the divestiture of its WestSoy tofu, seitan and tempeh businesses to Keystone Natural Holdings, a portfolio company of Keystone Capital focusing on plant based food, for an undisclosed sum. Commenting on the deal, Mark L Schiller, Hain Celestial president and CEO, said: “This brand divestiture …
Savencia Fromage & Dairy, a specialist in cheese and value-added dairy ingredients, is set to close its production facility in Saint-Saviol with almost 100 jobs affected, according to reports in the French media. The factory, which Savencia Fromage & Dairy acquired from Lescure in 2013, will reportedly cease operations in October 2019. La Nouvelle Republique reports that the cheesemaker had invested up to €12.5 million ($14.0 million) in the plant …
McCain, the leading frozen potato firm, has announced the acquisition of a 70% stake Serya, a Brazilian food company which manufactures pre-formed potato specialities. Founded in 2015 in the state of Minas Gerais, Serya is described as having new, high technology facilities that allow it to produce a wide range of potato products for the Brazilian market. The firm’s website lists products including potato shapes and ‘noisettes’ with Forno de …
PepsiCo, the global food and drinks giant, has announced plans to invest $4 billion in Mexico between 2019 and 2020, leading to the creation of an estimated 3,000 new jobs. The investment includes $109 million to build what PepsiCo said what would be its first new plant in Mexico in 20 years. The facility, to be located in Guanajato, is scheduled to be operational by 2025 and will strengthen PepsiCo’s …
McCain, the world’s largest producer of frozen potato products, has announced a $300 million investment in its potato processing facility in Othello, WA, USA, saying the move would significantly expand its North American production capacity. The 170,000 sq ft expansion will add another battered and conventional french fry processing line to its production capabilities in the USA and create an anticipated 180 new jobs, McCain said. The additional capacity will …
JBS, the leading Brazil meat firm, is acquiring Rio Grande do Sul based pork processor Adelle for R$235 million ($59.4 million), according to a report in Folho de Sao Paulo. The acquisition, conducted through the JBS subsidiary Seara, includes a pork processing plant located in the city of Seberi. The unit is said to have begun operations in 2015. Commenting on the move, JBS said the acquisition of Adelle would …
Post, a packaged goods company focused on breakfast foods, has announced that it has agreed to acquire the private label ready-to-eat cereal business of TreeHouse Foods for an undisclosed sum. Post described the acquired unit as a leading private label cereal manufacturer with wide-ranging cereal production capabilities across two facilities, serving a diverse set of customers across retail channels. “The ready-to-eat cereal category represents nearly $9 billion in revenue at …
Kameda Seika, a Japanese snack firm, is forming a joint venture with LT Foods to produce its flagship crispy rice cracker in the northern Indian state of Haryana, according to a report in the Japan Times. LT Foods is described as a leading local food maker engaged in the milling, processing and marketing of branded and non-branded basmati rice, as well as the manufacturing of rice-based products for its domestic …
Easton Pharmaceuticals, a healthcare firm based in Ontario, Canada, has announced it has completed its acquisition of bakery firm Supreme Sweets in a cash and stock deal. Supreme Sweets operates a 40,000 sq ft facility in Toronto, where it produces traditional baked goods, including gluten-free and keto products, which it supplies to major grocery chains in North America, as well as specialty coffee chains, both under its own brands and …
Mondelez, the US confectionery, food, and beverage multinational, has announced that it has made a minority investment in Hu Master Holdings, the owner of both Hu Products and Hu Kitchen, described as a fast-growing US-based snacking company. Hu is described as making minimally-processed, paleo-inspired foods with simple, real ingredients and was created by siblings Jason H Karp, Jordan Brown and Jessica Karp in 2012. The firm’s product line includes chocolate, …
Cacique, self-styled as the leading maker of authentic Mexican style cheeses, cremas, and chorizos in the US, has announced the acquisition of specialist salsa firm El Sol Foods for an undisclosed sum. El Sol Foods’ salsas are described as being “handcrafted with fresh produce” using a small batch, cold process for “homemade, authentic Mexican flavors”. Newly marketed under the Cacique brand, the product will be available in nine varieties, including …
Saputo, a Canadian dairy company, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the specialty cheese business of Lion Australia for A$280 million ($197 million). The deal is said to include all of Lion Australia’s specialty cheese brands, including King Island Dairy, Tasmanian Heritage, South Cape, Mersey Valley, Heidi Farm and Australian Gold, as well as cheese manufacturing assets at Burnie (The Heritage) and King Island (King …
Dr. Oetker, the leading food multinational, has acquired a majority stake in Magioni, a start-up firm specializing in plant-based pizzas, according to a report in Levensmiddelenkrant. The Magioni product range includes brightly-coloured pizza bases made from cauliflower, beetroot, courgette and pumpkin, which are said to be produced and stretched by hand. As well as prepared pizza bases, Magioni makes ready-prepared pizzas in vegetarian varieties such as Margherita and Funghi, and …
Cristal Union, the number two sugar firm in France, has announced plans to close two facilities in response to oversupply and falling prices in the sugar market. Usine Nouvelle reports the firm, which markets the Daddy brand, is to shutter its plants in Toury, Eure et Loir and Bourdon in Auvergne, with more than 300 jobs affected. It is also said to be considering reducing activities at its Erstein packaging site …
Delverde, an Italian food company specialising in premium-positioned pasta, has been acquired by Italian food company Newlat, according to reports in ESM and Il Sole 24 Ore. Delverde is being acquired from leading Argentine food firm Molinos Rio de la Plata for €9.25 million ($10.45 million), reportedly as part of Newlat’s strategy of acquiring historic Italian food brands from overseas multinationals. Based in Fara San Martino in Italy’s Abruzzo region, …
Central Valley Meat, a meat processor founded in 1993, has announced it is to acquire beef firm Harris Ranch, comprising Harris Feeding Company and Harris Ranch Beef Company, for an undisclosed sum. Harris Ranch Beef is described as California’s largest beef producer and the largest ranch on the west coast of the United States. Its retail product lineup includes fresh beef, mince, patties, speciality beef and ready meals. Under the agreement, …
Campbell Soup, a US producer of canned soups and related products, has announced that it has agreed to sell its organic foods division Bolthouse Farms to an affiliate of private equity fund Butterfly Equity for $510 million. Acquired in August 2012, Bolthouse Farms employs around 2,200 staff and is a leading producer of organic beverages, dressings and carrots with a base in Santa Monica, California. Its new owner, Butterfly Equity, …
New World Foods, an Australian-based meat jerky firm, has acquired UK peer Meatsnacks Group for an undisclosed sum, according to a Just Food report. New World Foods markets the Mariani and Local Legends brands of meat jerky in its native Australia, as well as Japan, South Korea and the UK through channels including supermarkets, food retailers, duty free outlets and convenience stores. Meanwhile, the Meatsnacks Group portfolio includes Wild West beef …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 15th April 2019: For this month’s Innovation Insight, we look at the rise of ‘two in one’ concepts in the bakery category. Under the spotlight is a recent launch from Fox’s Biscuits that aims to add distinctive ‘double flavour’ variety to the biscuit aisles – Fox’s Double Dough Biscuits. Newly launched in the UK, Fox’s Double Dough Biscuits aim to “shake up …
Dutch food business Wessanen, the owner of brands such as Kallo, Whole Earth, Bjorg and Mrs Crimble’s, has announced it has been acquired by a consortium comprising the private equity firm PAI Partners and Charles Jobson (Wessanen’s largest shareholder) for a total consideration of around €885 million ($996 million). The acquisition will enable Wessanen to continue to invest in initiatives in order to maintain its position as a leader in …
Granarolo, an Italian dairy company based in Bologna, has announced it is acquired a majority stake in Venchiaredo, a specialist maker of stracchino cheese. Founded in 1968, Venchiaredo has a product range that includes Venchiaredo stracchino cheese, Friulan stracchino, and Venciaredo Fresh. The company reported turnover of €26.9 million ($30.42 million) in 2018, up 18% on the year before. The deal sees Granarolo increase its stake Venchiaredo from 24% to …
Taylor Farms, a maker of salads and fresh foods, has acquired US organic salad business brand Earthbound Farm from international dairy giant Danone for an undisclosed sum. Earthbound Farm is described as the largest producer of organic salads in the US and had annual sales of around $400 million in 2018. In a statement, Taylor Farms said: “We are grateful for Danone’s stewardship of Earthbound Farm during the past two …
Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, is set to expand its Carte D’Or range in the UK with the launch of new layered ice creams featuring cake and biscuit pieces. Said to be backed by a marketing investment of £3 million ($3.9 million), the new range comes in the varieties Brownie and Vanilla, Sea Salted Caramel and Raspberry Cheesecake, priced at £3.99 ($5.22) for a 430ml tub. The Raspberry Cheesecake …
Fairlife, the dairy firm formed as a joint venture between Coca-Cola and Select Milk Partners, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing capacity by building a new production and distribution facility in Goodyear, AZ with a $200+ million investment. The firm said the 300,000 sq ft plant, which is set to begin operations in 2020, would enable increased production of all Fairlife products, including the different varieties of Fairlife ultra-filtered …
Maple Leaf Foods has revealed plans to build a plant-based protein food processing factory in Shelbyville, Indiana with a $310 million investment. At approximately 230,000 sq ft, the new plant will be the largest facility and investment of its kind in North America, the company said in a press release. Maple Leaf Foods added that the facility would produce plant-based tempeh, franks, sausages and raw foods, including the recently launched …
Tulip, the meat firm owned by Danish Crown, is set to invest £2.3 million ($3 million) to upgrade a production facility in Ruskington, UK in response to increased demand for its snack products, according to reports in FoodBev and the Sleaford Standard. Tulip said the investment would allow the creation of a new “specialist snacking site” for niche products and would also add capacity for higher-volume lines. It reported having …
Bubs Australia, a goat milk products manufacturer, has agreed to acquire infant formula producer Australia Deloraine Dairy for a consideration including A$25 million ($17.8 million) in cash and A$10 million ($7.1 million) in shares, according to a FoodBev report. Australia Deloraine Dairy is a multinational food company predominately involved in manufacturing and marketing dairy, staple and natural foods. Its Melbourne facility is said to have the capacity to process 10 …
German milk processor Deutsches Milchkontor has announced a deal to acquire baby food producer Alete as part of a business “realignment and restructuring” process. The acquisition includes the brands, as well as sales and distribution channels, of Alete GmbH and German Babyfood GmbH. DMK described the deal as “very important”, since it is currently investing approximately €145 million in a complete renovation of a site in Struckhausen (Lower Saxony) to …
Emmi, a Swiss dairy company, is expanding its business with the acquisition of a 66% stake in Austrian milk processor Leeb Biomilch. Founded in 2001, Leeb Biomilch has established a leading position in Europe for organic goat’s and sheep’s milk products in fresh and UHT milk, milk drinks and yogurt. The firm also offers vegan products made from almonds, coconuts and oats under the MyLove-MyLife brand. It has 50 employees …
Kellogg, the leading US cereal and snacks firm, has announced it has reached an agreement to sell selected biscuit, fruit and fruit-flavored snack, pie crust, and ice cream cone businesses to confectionery firm Ferrero in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.3 billion. The transaction includes Kellogg’s biscuit business, including brands like Keebler, Mother’s, Famous Amos, Murray’s, and Murray’s Sugar Free, as well as biscuits manufactured for Girl Scouts of the USA. At the operational level, it includes …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 1st April 2019: Hot and spicy flavours are maintaining their popularity in new food launches, while recent years have also seen the concept of “extreme” heat take hold in a number of categories. In this month’s Insight By Gama Compass we look at how hot and spicy flavours are impacting different areas of the food sector, as well as some of the new and unusual …
Huercasa, a Spanish producer and trader of processed, ready-to-eat products, is planning to open a new factory in Romania to supply products to its operations in Germany, Poland and other Eastern Europe markets. The new plant is being built on a 200,000 sq m plot in Calarasi, in the Valaquia region, 150km from the Romanian capital Bucharest. According to Diario de Valladolid, the planned spend is in the order of …
Chinese dairy firm Yili has announced that it is set to acquire New Zealand’s Westland Milk Products, a New Zealand dairy firm, via its subsidiary Hongkong Jingang Trade Holding for an enterprise value of 588 million NZD ($400 million). Westland Milk Products manufactures a range of dairy products and ingredients for foodservice, industrial and retail clients. Its retail lineup includes Westgold butter and UHT milk, and the make-at-home yoghurt brand …
Nestle, the Switzerland-based consumer goods giant, has announced an expansion of its research and technology activities in China with the inauguration of a new research & development centre in Beijing and a system technology hub in Shenzhen. In a statement, Nestle said the new R&D centre would enable it to accelerate trend-based innovation in China to meet fast-changing consumer demand. The site, accommodating over 40 R&D specialists with expertise in …
Consumer goods giant Unilever has extended its Marmite yeast extract brand into a new category in the UK with the launch of Marmite Peanut Butter. According to Unilever, Marmite Peanut Butter “retains the umami taste of Marmite, but mingles these classic flavours with the smooth and salty flavour of peanut butter to create a delightfully savoury blend”. The new launch is said to feature the “recognisable brand colours” of Marmite …
Kroger, the US supermarket chain, has announced it has divested its Turkey Hill division to an affiliate of investment fund Peak Rock Capital for an undisclosed sum. Turkey Hill produces iced teas, fruit drinks, milk, frozen dairy desserts and a variety of ice cream products at adedicated manufacturing and distribution facility. As part of the sale agreement, the Peak Rock Capital affiliate will continue to operate the Turkey Hill business out …
Italian coffee giant Illy is acquiring the UK chocolate maker Prestat as it seeks to expand its presence in the gourmet food sector, according to reports in Comunicaffe and Reuters. Illy said that Prestat could partner with Domori, a premium chocolate giant acquired by the Italian firm in 2006. Producing a range of predominantly gifting chocolate, with an emphasis on chocolate truffles, Prestat reported sales of £7 million ($9.3 million) last year …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy producer, has announced that it is exploring options to build a “sustainable and innovative” dairy processing plant in the Netherlands. The company said the plant was intended for the manufacture of fresh dairy products and ingredients used for the production of early life and adult nutrition, as well as cheese, adding that it would be built “according to the latest insights in the area of technology and …
McCain, the Canada-based frozen potato firm, is expanding its french fry chip manufacturing site in Smithton, Australia through a A$40 million ($28.3 million) investment, according to Australian media reports. Tasmania Talks reports that, following the upgrade, Smithton will become McCain’s main french-fry production facility in Australia and New Zealand. As a result of the investment, McCain will be capable of manufacturing 25 new retail products and providing additional capacity across …
Mars, the US-based food giant, has announced the launch of a new accelerator which aims to “help early stage food-focused companies fast-track growth”. Launched as Seeds of Change – named after the Mars Food organic seed and food brand – the accelerator will focus on start-up food brands, innovative experiential offerings, new business models, and emerging technology, selecting six US and four Australian participants to develop their business. Chosen companies will take part in a four-month mentorship program with …
Lancashire Farm, a UK dairy firm, has invested £3.5 million ($4.6 million) in a new production plant at its site in Rochdale, UK to increase capacity for yoghurt products, according to a report in Rochdale Online. The investment has led to the creation of a 70,000 sq ft plant with increased capacity and capability in terms of milk intake, processing, filling and storage, and will reportedly increase the amount of …
Intersnack, the leading German snacking firm, is considering closing its Largo Foods popcorn factory in Barnsley, UK, operated by its UK subsidiary KP Snacks, according to a report in Insider Media. The move would see production transfer to the firm’s nearby Butterkist facility in Pontefract. KP Snacks managing director Mark Duffy said the decision to move production was due to over-capacity across the firm’s popcorn manufacturing base. “The Largo Foods UK …
Campbell Soup, the US food business, has announced it is selling its Garden Fresh Gourmet business to an affiliate pf Fountain of Health USA, a maker of hummus, dips, variety packs, prepared salads, pates, and frozen desserts, for an undisclosed sum. Campbell Soup bought Garden Fresh Gourmet in 2015, at the time bidding to expand in packaged fresh and organic foods. The sale forms part of Campbell’s Soup strategy, announced …
Saputo, the Canadian dairy giant, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire its UK peer Dairy Crest in a deal worth around £975 million ($1.28 billion). Headquartered in the UK, Dairy Crest manufactures and markets cheese, butter, spreads and oils under leading brands such as Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life and Frylight, and also produces value-added dairy ingredients. It employs approximately 1,100 people in seven locations across the UK and generated £456.8 million ($600.5 …
Italian retail store chain Esselunga has launched a new line of products under the CheJoy brand name, which are targeted at children from the age of four. Created in partnership with Walt Disney, the products feature Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck, as well as characters from the Frozen, Star Wars and Spider-Man film series. The range is described as featuring options for breakfast, meals …
Brazilian snack manufacturer Milho de Ouro has begun operations at a new plant in the city of Embu das Artes, in the metropolitan region of Sao Paulo, according to a report in Newtrade. The plant has been designed exclusively for the Tira Teima brand of flavoured wheat snacks, in a facility said to be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. The new unit has the capacity to process almost 900 tons of …
General Mills, the US food giant, has announced it intends to close its yoghurt factory in Carson, CA, USA as part of a restructure of its manufacturing operations. In a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, General Mills said the move formed part of “actions to drive efficiencies in targeted areas of our global supply chain by consolidating production and optimizing our labor, logistics and manufacturing platforms”. …
Nestle, the consumer goods giant, has revealed it intends to “explore strategic options” for its Herta charcuterie (cold cuts and meat-based products) business, with a view to a potential sale. Announcing the move alongside its financial results for 2018, Nestle said the decision was “a further step in positioning the portfolio towards attractive high-growth categories”. Recent times have seen the Swiss firm shifting its business towards ‘better for you’ segments, such …
Leading US mushroom producer and supplier South Mill Champs is entering in the snack category by launching a mushroom-based snack. Launched under the Shrooms brand name, the new range consists of four lines in a total of 14 different flavours, all containing mushroom as their main ingredient: Shrooms Crispy Mushrooms, Shrooms Mushroom Jerky, Shrooms Splits Jerky and Shrooms Snack Bar. South Mill Champs described mushrooms as a “functional superfood” containing …
Leading beef, pork and prepared foods firm JBS has announced a $20 million investment to expand its Plumrose facility in Ottumwa (IA) to meet growing demand for bacon among retail and foodservice customers. The expansion is said to also include bacon processing and equipment upgrades, including new state-of-the-art slicing equipment. Commenting on the investment, Plumrose USA president Tom Lopez said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to the Ottumwa community …
Tayto, the UK’s third largest snacks firm, has signed a deal to acquire “grab and go” snack firm Bite UK, according to media reports. The joint venture, to be called Bite UK Snacks, will reportedly focus on “healthy snacking” and will see Bite UK’s flagship Pure Bite brand distributed throughout Tayto’s network. The Pure Bite range includes Strawberry & Gojiberry and Blueberry & Cranberry Popped Rice Clusters, Almond and Hot …
Danone, the global dairy firm, has unveiled a new facility for the manufacture of plant-based foods at its site in Dubois, PA, USA, according to FoodBev and Food Business News reports. The multi-million dollar investment will see products under brands such as Silk, So Delicious and Vega manufactured in a dedicated facility. Danone has previously stated its intention to triple the size of its plant-based business by 2025, setting a …
Clover Industries, the leading South African dairy firm, is the subject of a buyout bid by a multinational consortium, according to media reports. The bid, which values the company at 4.8 billion ZAR ($359 million), is being led by Israels’s Coca-Cola franchise Central Bottling Co, which owns 60% of the potential acquirer. Other partners include the South African investment firm Brimstone Investment. It is reported that, if the bid is …
Burton’s Biscuit, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Maryland and Wagon Wheels, has announced the acquisition of Dorset-based biscuit firm Thomas Fudge’s for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1916, Thomas Fudge’s focuses on “indulgent” sweet and savoury biscuits, producing lines such as florentines, flapjacks, biscuits for cheese, wafers and flatbreads. In a statement, Burton’s Biscuit described the premium sector as one of the fastest-growing in the biscuit category, …
Saco, a distributor of specialty consumer packaged goods, has announced it is to acquire leading sun-dried tomato business California Sun Dry for an undisclosed sum. California Sun Dry has a comprehensive product portfolio of jarred and bagged sun-dried tomato products, as well as related products such as tomato spread and pesto, and enjoys the number one market share position in the US sun-dried tomato category. Saco said the acquisition would help …
Katjes, the German sugar confectionery firm, is making its debut in the chocolate category with the launch of Katjes Chocjes, a vegan chocolate bar made using oat milk instead of cow’s milk. According to a report in Horizont, the new Katjes line is intended to have a focus on sustainability. The cocoa used in the bar is described as UTZ certified, while the paper wrapping is claimed to have FSC certificaton. Due to …
Portuguese coffee firm Delta Cafes has entered the snack bar business with the launch of a energy-boosting cereal bar that contains caffeine. Branded as Croffee, the cereal bar is said to be “healthy, satiating and stimulating” and comes in a brown-coloured wrapper bearing images of coffee beans. Each bar is said to contain caffeine content equivalent to one espresso coffee, and is claimed to be source of fibre and to contain …
Australian pie and pastry firm Patties Foods has acquired Simplot’s facility at Pakenham in Victoria, Australia, according to a Food and Drink Business report. The move follows Simplot’s exit from the frozen meals category last August leading to the closure of their Pakenham facility, where the company manufactured Nestle’s Lean Cuisine range. Patties Foods is also said to have closed a multi-year contract to produce Leggo’s pasta products for Simplot …
Dairy giant Lactalis is expanding its presence in the Middle East with the acqusition of milk and cheese firm Greenfield from Kuwaiti restaurant and foods business Americana Group. The French firm said the acquisition will strengthen the position of its Lactalis Halawa joint venture as a major producer of dairy products in Egypt, and demonstrated its interest in developing the Egyptian market. Founded in 1995, Greenfield owns 5 factories in Egypt and employs 1,250 …
Molinos Rio De La Plata, the leading Argentine food firm, has announced the acquisition of the La Saltena pasta and dough brand from US food giant General Mills. Describing La Saltena as a brand with a “great tradition” in the lives of Argentinian families, Molinos Rio De La Plata said its aim was to develop awareness of the brand in every household in the country. La Saltena offers fresh pasta as …
Lactalis, the French dairy giant, has announced it has acquired the Indian milk processor Prabhat Dairy, with the operation set to be effective at the beginning of the second quarter of 2019. Economic Times reports that Lactalis paid about 1,700 crore INR ($283 million) through a slump sale, and that the deal includes Prabhat Dairy’s milk processing business as well as its subsidiary Sunfresh Agro Industries. Established in 1998 in Shrirampur, Maharashtra, Prabhat Dairy …
Kellogg, the leading US cereal and snacks firm, is investing in new manufacturing facilities to expand capacity for its Pringles snacks brand in Europe, according to reports in Portal Spozywczy and Just Food. The company is said to be investing nearly 314 million PLN ($83 million) in the upgrade, which will see a new building and production lines constructed at the firm’s Kutno site in central Poland. The investment is …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the latest edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? Innovation is the buzz word for most areas of manufacturing these days as new advanced technology tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics come into play. The food and beverages (F&B) industry is no exception and is perhaps even more …
Fazer, the leading Finnish food group, has announced multiple changes to its manufacturing operations in its home market, with the opening of a new plant-based foods factory and the possible closure of another facility making pre-packaged bread. The firm is investing €40 million ($46 million) to construct a new plant-based foods plant in the city of Lahti, in a move Fazer said would strengthen its position “as a forerunner in …
Nobre, part of the Campofrio group, has launched a line of cheese, marking its entry into the dairy sector in Portugal. The firm, which is primarily known for its meat products, said the strategy would strengthen its position in the Portuguese market. According to the company, the new line is conveniently sliced, making it a versatile choice for tapas, starters or light lunches. Commenting on the move, Nobre said: “In …
Brazilian food conglomerate BRF has announced the sale of its assets in Campo Austral, a manufacturer of refrigerated and frozen meat products, and with it its exit from the Argentinian meat sector. According to Clarin, the $145.5 million sale was executed in parts, as the Campo Austral plant in Florencio Varela and its associated assets and liabilities, including the Bocatti and Calchaqui brands, will be taken over by the Argentine …
Tonnies, the German meat firm, is closing its Weimarer Wurstwaren manufacturing site in Nohra, Thuringia, with the plant due to be shuttered on 28th February. According to an MDR report, Tonnies cited a slowdown in investment and price pressures in the meat industry as factors in the closure. MDR also reports that in recent times the site had begun manufacturing vegetarian products as consumer preferences changed. Weimarer Wustwaren, most famous for producing Thuringia …
Chobani, the leading US greek yoghurt firm, has announced the launch of the company’s first plant-based product line under the name Chobani Non-Dairy. Claimed to be “packed” with probiotics and to contain 25% less sugar than other non-dairy brands, Chobani Non-Dary is described as a coconut-based blend with “only natural ingredients” and “real fruit” for a creamy texture and a refreshing taste. The line is available as Blueberry, Peach, Slightly Sweet Plain, Strawberry …
The German division of Danish dairy giant has announced it has sold its plant in Bad Worishofen to the Belgian cheesemaker Vache Bleue. Arla said it decided to take the step of seeling the plant as production and distribution of the speciality cheeses produced there were no longer in line with the strategic orientation of the stores it supplies in Germany and Europe. The transaction includes the sale of all shares in the French …
Arla, the Danish dairy giant, has announced the acquisition of Mondelez’s processed cheese business in the Middle East region, which is currently licensed under the Kraft brand. Arla said the deal was set to significantly strengthen its position in the Middle East and North Africa, giving access to new product categories, new markets and a state-of-the-art production site. The company said that, up till now, most of its products sold in …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 21st December 2018: For this month’s Innovation Insight we explore the growing trend for experience-based product launches. Under the microscope is a new jelly product for children from KraftHeinz that offers added play value: Jell-O Play Edible Slime. Launched in the USA and initially available only through online retailer Amazon, Jell-O Play Edible Slime is described as the first edible slime launched by …
Conagra Brands has announced it has found a new buyer for its Wesson oil business, after a previous deal to sell the brand to JM Smucker fell through over anti-trust concerns. The US food manufacturer and owner of brands such as Gardein, Reddi Whip and Marie Callender’s, said it had reached a definitive agreement to sell the Wesson division to Richardson International, Canada’s largest agribusiness firm. Wesson is an edible …
Multinational consumer goods firm Unilever has announced the acquisition of De Vegetarische Slager (The Vegetarian Butcher), a Netherlands-based meat substitutes firm, for an undisclosed sum. Unilever said the acquisition fitted with its strategy of expanding its portfolio into plant-based foods that are healthier and have a lower environmental impact, and would allow it to respond to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan meals. Founded in 2007, The Vegetarian Butcher produces plant-based …
Dutch dairy multinational FrieslandCampina has announced the acquisition of Millan Vicente, a co-packer and distributor of cheese based in Zaragoza, Spain for an undisclosed sum. Describing Millan Vicente as an important partner in Spain for many years, FrieslandCampina said the deal would further strengthen FrieslandCampina’s position in supplying cheese to Spanish and Portuguese consumers. Millan Vicente was founded in 1995 and provides a wide variety of cheeses to modern retail. Post-acquisition it will …
Orkla has announced that it has disposed of its Mrs Cheng’s brand, selling the business to Continental Foods for an undisclosed sum. The Mrs Cheng’s brand, which has a product portfolio of soy sauces and Thai casserole bases in Sweden, became a part of Orkla through the acquisition of Rieber & Son in 2013 and had net sales of 23.5 million SEK ($2.56 million) in 2017. Commenting on the deal, Orkla …
Ajinomoto, the Japan-based seasonings and ready meals firm, has announced plans to construct a new plant to manufacture soup and other products at its Kawasaki site at a cost of 20 billion JPY ($180 million). The company said the new plant was part of a strategy that includes the restructuring of the value chain of its Japan Food Products business, and will achieve flexible production capabilities and high productivity (about double current levels) …
Ebro Foods, the multinational Spanish foods firm, is constructing a new factory in Spain to boost its production of convenience foods, according to a report in ABC De Sevilla. The new €70 million ($79 million) plant, to be located in the La Rinconanda municipality of Seville, is described as being the largest plant in the world for rice, ready meals and other convenience foods sold in pots. The factory will occupy …
Kraft Heinz, the US-based food multinational, has announced the acquisition of sauces and dressings firm Primal Kitchen for $200 million. Primal Kitchen is described as a “better-for-you” brand primarily focused on condiments and sauces including mayonnaise, salad dressings and avocado oil, but with growing product lines in snacks and other categories. The brand is claimed to hold leading positions in both e-commerce and natural channels and is expected to generate …
Gama spoke to Joanne Cook, Managing Director, SIAL Middle East, ahead of the event’s 2018 edition. What are your expectations for this edition of SIAL Middle East? Over the years since its launch, SIAL Middle East has registered double-digit growth. 2018 will be no exception. We are expecting more than 1,000 exhibitors, 20,000 visitors and 500 fully hosted VIP buyers. There are some new exhibitor sectors that are a key …
Consumer goods giant Unilever has announced an investment of R$127 million ($32.8 million) to expand its facility in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil. According to an article in O Tempo, construction works are already in progress and operations are expected to start between April and May 2019. Unilever’s Pouso Alegre site currently produces stocks and soups for the Arisco and Knorr brands and soy-based drinks for the AdeS brand, as …
Maple Leaf Foods, the Canadian meat firm, has announced plans to construct “one of the most technologically advanced poultry-processing plants in the world” in London, ON, Canada with a C$660 million ($500 million) investment. Construction at the new 640,000 square feet facility is set to begin in the spring of 2019, with start-up planned to commence in the second quarter of 2021. As a result of the new plant being built, …
Rhodes Food Group, the leading South African food firm, has revealed it is acquiring the protein snacking business of RCL Foods for ZAR 30 million ($2.15 million). Announcing the deal alongside its third quarter results, Rhodes Food Group said the newly acquired business, which produces protein snack foods for leading retailer Woolworths, would be integrated into Rhodes Food Group’s ready meals operation in Groot Drakenstein. “The protein-snacking business is complementary to …
Griesson De Beukelaer, the Germany bakery firm behind the Prinzenrolle brand, is closing its factory in Kempen, North-Rhine Westphalia with up to 270 jobs affected, according to reports in the German media. The biscuit and cracker maker is said to be looking to close the factory by the end of 202o and consolidate manufacturing at the firm’s largest site in Kahla, Thuringia. The firm is reported to have said that upgrading the …
CJ CheilJedDang (CJCJ), South Korea’s leading food firm, is taking an 80% stake in US food delivery and consumer brands firm Schwan’s via its US susbsidiary, according to a report in the Minnesota Star Tribune. Schwan’s turns over about $3 billion per annum and markets a variety of frozen retail products, including Red Baron, Freschetta and Tony’s pizzas, Mrs Smith’s pies and Edwards desserts, alongside operating its flagship food delivery service. …
Cereal and snacks giant Kellogg has announced the launch of a new “3 in 1” cereal brand that claims to makes digestive health support “easily accessible”. HI! Happy Inside cereal is described as containing a blend of prebiotics, probiotics and fiber to provide support for good gut health. The range is claimed to contain a blend of fruit, yoghurty pieces and whole grains that stay crunchy in milk, and is …
Premier Foods, the UK food manufacturer, is mulling the sale of its Ambrosia custard and desserts brand as it continues to look at ways of reducing its debt burden. The company made the announcement as it reported a statutory loss after tax of £700,000 ($910,000) for the first half of its financial year, despite growing revenue by 1.3% and seeing trading profit increase by 6.2%. The Ambrosia brand range includes canned and frozen …
FMCG multinational Nestle has announced the launch of its first products developed by its incubator team in China. According to Nestle, the products were released under the new brand name Xingshan and comprise three herbal drinks and three herbal soups, offering the benefits of Chinese medicine and cuisine. Developed jointly by the Nestle China incubator team and the company’s brand division Totole, the new products are said to feature rose, …
Snacks and confectionery multinational Mondelez International has announced the launch of an innovation hub called SnackFutures. According to the manufacturer, the new hub was developed to tap into rapidly changing consumer trends, creating new opportunities in the snacking sector. The innovation hub will join internal human resources with external partnerships to enable Invention of new brands and businesses in key strategic areas, reinvention of small-scale Mondelez brands with large-scale potential, …
Kraft Heinz, the multinational food firn, has announced it is selling its natural cheese business in Canada to dairy firm Parmalat for C$1.62 billion ($1.23 billion) The agreement includes the sale of natural cheese brands Cracker Barrel, P’tit Quebec and aMOOza! in the Canadian market, as well as a production facility located in Ingleside, Ontario. Kraft Heinz said it would continue to own and market its other cheese products in Canada, …
Global snacks and drinks giant PepsiCo is set to acquire the upscale UK crisps brand Pipers, with the deal due to be completed in early 2019 subject to regulatory approval. Founded in Lincolnshire in 2004, Pipers claims to focus on using local ingredients to deliver “the best taste and quality possible”. It supplies hotels, pubs and restaurants as well as selected retail outlets such as delis and farm shops. PepsiCo said …
PepsiCo, the snack food and soft drinks giant, has announced its further expansion into the health and wellness arena with the acquisition of plant-based food maker Health Warrior. Founded in 2011 Health Warrior makes products such as nutrition bars, mug muffins and protein powder that are described as containing plant-based superfood, nutrient-dense and gluten-free ingredients and also as being low in sugar. The acquisition is PepsiCo’s first to form part …
Vitasoy, a manufacturer and distributor of plant-based food and beverages, has announced a 1.21 billion HKD ($154 million) investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Dongguan, China. 100,000 sq m in size, the Vitasoy facility will be the firm’s largest production facility in mainland China and it is expected to be operative by 2021. Winston Lo Vitasoy’s executive chairman commented, “Mainland China is now our biggest and fastest growing …
Multinational food and beverage company Kraft Heinz has annoucned an agreement to sell its India brands to consumer health firm Zydus, the personal care arm of Indian pharmaceutical company Cadila Healthcare, for approximately $625 million on a debt free and cash free basis. The portfolio of brands includes Complan, Glucon-D, Nycil and Sampriti. “The sale of this niche business fits into our overall global growth strategy and our focus on investing in …
US chicken and turkey producer Foster Farms has announced the launch of a range of refrigerated chicken snacks under the Bold Bites brand name. Packaged in single pouches, the fully cooked chicken breast pieces are available in five varieties: Chile, Verde, Korean BBQ, Caribbean Jerk, Cajun and Parmesan Garlic. According to Foster Farms, Bold Bites chicken snacks contain 15g of protein per serving, are free from hormones, artificial colour and …
T. Manzetti, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Lancaster Colony, has acquired New York-based bakery firm Bantam Bagels for $34 million. Bantam Bagels is a producer and marketer of frozen mini stuffed bagels and mini stuffed pancakes for both retail and foodservice with an annual net sales of around $20 million. Lancaster Colony Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice markets. Dave Ciesinski, …
Brazil’s leading supermarket chain Grupo Pao de Acucar has announced the decision to reposition its private label Qualita brand, launching a number of new sub-brands. According to the retailer’s press release, the private label’s entire product portfolio and pricing have been revisited, with the aim of offering quality items at a lower price than leading brands in each category. Among the cahnges are the creation of ‘Leve’ (Light) and Premium lines, planned …
US supermarket chain Kroger has announced that Home Chef meal kits are now being rolled out to more than 200 stores across the US Midwest. The announcement comes after Kroger acquired the Home Chef private meal kit company this summer. Robert Clark, senior vice president of merchandising at Kroger said: “We are excited to introduce Home Chef’s new retail meal kits to our store customers. Offering a rotating menu of recipes …
Unilever is launching a new ice brand called Culture Republick, claimed to be the first premium ice cream in the USA containing probiotics. The line, which is offered in 1 pint (473ml) tubs, is claimed to contain three billion live active cultures, between 400 and 500 calories, 16-18g of protein, 11-12g of fibre and no artificial sweeteners, and is being offered at a retail price of $3.99 to $4.99. Initially, …
Meat-processing company Smithfield Foods has announced an investment of $ 1.2 million to expand its meat production site in Grayson, KY, USA. The Grayson facility, which produces Smithfield brand sliced hams ,will increase production capacity by 20% to meet the growing necessities of the site, the company said. “In the last several years, our growth has allowed us to invest in our facilities and create new opportunities for those living in the …
Irish global nutrition group Glanbia has signed an agreement to acquire Florida-based SlimFast, a leading weight management and health & wellness firm, for $350 million. The deal also includes SlimFast’s sister company HNS. The SlimFast portfolio includes ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix products as well as a new Advanced Nutrition range of meal replacement shakes and smoothies and registered $212 million of net sales in 2017. Glanbia group managing director said: “I am pleased to announce …
Miami-based Hispanic retailer Sodano’s has announced the launch of a so-called “robotic supermarket”, after partnering with e-grocery solution Takeoff Technologies. The launch of the “the world’s first robotic supermarket” will occur next month, and will reportedly use cutting-edge technology to allow customers to place orders on an online app and then have the order fulfilled by Takeoff’s automated micro-fulfillment centre, assisted by Sedano’s associates. According to sources, the artificial intelligence robots will be …
Japanese snack producer Calbee, through its UK subsidiary, has announced the acquisition of savoury snack manufacturer Seabrook. Based in Bradford, Seabrook produces a range of crinkle cut, straight cut and lattice crisps, as well as low-calorie snacks. The brand’s crisps are available in sea salt and red wine vinegar, cream cheese and chives, and lamb and mint flavours. In a statement, the company said: “Through the acquisition of Seabrook brand …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trenteseaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the event’s 2018 Paris edition. What are your expectations for this edition of SIAL? It’s looking to be a great year for SIAL Paris! For the 2018 edition, 7,200 exhibitors from 110 different countries are expected to attend, along with 160,000 visitors from 194 countries. In 2016, 60% of our exhibitors declared they made 6 months of extra turnover thanks …
Maple Leaf Foods, a Canadian manufacturer of meat products, has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Viau Foods, a Canadian leader in premium cooked and dry-cured meats. The purchase was set for $215 million, including $30 million in Maple Leaf stock, to be financed through a combination of cash-on-hand and drawings. VIAU produces a range of prepared meat products including Italian cooked meats, sausages, pizza toppings, shaved …
Carre Leon, a French start-up firm has created a new culinary aid resembling chocolate bars that is made by blending cocoa butter and vegetables. Called Carres Futes (translating as ‘Smart Bars’), the product blend is achieved by replacing cocoa beans with whole, dehydrated vegetables. The line is available in three flavours: tomato, pepper, basil and shallot; leek, celery and fennel; and carrot, beetroot & garlic. Claimed to be a “100% natural …
Cocoa processor Barry Callebaut has announced the acquisition of Burton’s Foods chocolate factory near Liverpool, UK, for an undisclosed amount. The Swiss company will acquire the British factory by the end of this year to expand its manufacturing capacity in the country. Barry Callebaut has also announced an agreement with the biscuit maker for the long term supply of over 12,000 tonnes of chocolate and compound a year to Burton’s …
Portuguese retailer Jeronimo Martins has acquired five stores from Piotr iPawel, a competing retail chain of delicatessen and supermarket stores operating in Poland. The acquisition sees Jeronimo Martins pursuing its strategy of expanding outside Portugal. The opportunity arose at a time that Piotr iPawel is reported to be experiencing financial difficulties. Jeronimo Martins now owns 2,837 stores globally. The newly-acquired stores, located in Wroclaw, Poznan, Tychy and Kalisz, will be operated …
Australian fruit and vegetable cannery SPC, part of the Coca-Cola Amatil group, has sold the IXL jam and Taylor’s marinade and sauces brands to Kyabram Conserves. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. According to a company statement, Kyabram Conserves will continue to produce IXL and Taylor’s products from the site in Kyabram. “IXL and Taylor’s are great brands, but the Spreads and Sauces/Marinades categories were a small part of the …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has expanded its product range with the launch of a new Kit Kat variety for its Southeast Asian market. The new Kit Kat Duo Milk Tea was launched in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. According to Nestle the new flavour is a “full-bodied, creamy and soothing flora scent of a steaming cup of hot Milk Tea” that maintains its traditional crispy wafer centre while featuring …
US-based discount retail chain Wal-marthas announced the acquisition of Cornershop, a leading online marketplace for crowdsourced on-demand deliveries from supermarkets, pharmacies and specialty food retailers in Mexico and Chile, in a deal worth $225 million. According to Walmart, the transaction is an important step forward to accelerate the company’s omnichannel capabilities and its growth in Latin America. Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, said: “Cornershop’s digital expertise, technology and …
Canned seafood producer Ocean Brands has announced the acquisition of Canadian brand Club Des Millionnaires from Harold T. Griffin. Club Des Millionnaires produces a broad range of canned sardine and anchovy products including small sardines (brislings) bearing the tagline “Fish She is Very Small”. “We are very pleased with the acquisition of Club Des Millionaires”, said Ocean Brands president Ian Ricketts. “Today’s consumers have an increased demand for natural sources …
Leading US multinational Cargill has announced the acquisition of Polish value-added food company Konspol, which manufactures a portfolio of chilled, convenience, frozen and cold cut categories. As a result of the acquisition, Cargill strengthens the company’s global poultry footprint to 14 countries. The deal will aso increase production capacity and proximity to existing customers offering expanded value-added and poultry products, the company said Konspol operates a feed mill, five broiler farms …
US confectionery firm Hershey has announced a definitive agreement to purchase Pirate Brands from B&G Foods for $420 million. The “strategic acquisition” includes the Pirate’s Booty, Smart Puffs and Original Tings brands. Pirate Brands will operate within Amplify, Hershey’s ‘better-for-you’ snacking hub in Austin. Commenting on the deal, Hershey’s chief growth officer Mary Beth West said: “Pirate’s Booty is a leading cheese puffs brand loved by moms and kids as a …
Leading bakery and snacks producer Mondelez International has announced the launch of its cookie brand Oreo in two unconventional flavours. A limited edition for the Chinese market, the new Hot Chicken Wing flavour, featuring a buffalo sauce-esque orange cream, and Wasabi green, were announced by the firm on Twitter. Mondelez International has also announced a contest on Twitter and Instagram that invites Oreo fans to suggest the next limited edition, …
Brazilian confectionery maker Florestal Alimentos has announced the acquisition of chocolate firm Chocolates Planalto. Florestal Alimentos and Chocolates Planalto are both base in the Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil, but whilst Florestal Alimentos is specialised in sugar confectionery, Chocolates Planalto is focused solely in artisanal chocolate. The deal will enable Florestal Alimentos to enlarge its portfolio beyond its current 420-strong product range and move into more artisanal products. …
Vietnamese dairy producer TH Milk has broken ground on a new milk facility in Borovsk as part of its planned investment in Russia. The facility, which will have a capacity of 1,500 tonnes of raw milk per day, results from an investment of more than $630 million. The project is claimed to provide innovative solutions for increasing the productivity of milking herd and modern technological solutions, including automatic feeding and …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy giant, has announced that will invest €23 million ($26.6 million) in an evaporated milk and ready-to-drink milk factory in Nigeria. The new facility is part of the FrieslandCampina Dairy Development Programme (DDP), an initiative that aims to use knowledge and training to improve farming infrastructures . The initiative is focused on improving the quality of milk, increasing productivity per cow and securing access to market. Ben …
Netherlands based multinational food company Wessanen has signed an agreement to acquire plant-based dairy alternative brand Abbot Kinney’s for an undisclosed sum. According to a company statement, dairy alternative products are a core category for Wessanen and Abbot Kinney will be a good addition to Wessanen’s portfolio. “Driving the change to plant-based food is the essence of our strategy”, commented Wessanen CEO Christophe Barnouin. “The acquisition of Abbot Kinney’s is …
Fresh prepared food provider Bakkavor Group is to acquire Haydens Bakery from Real Good Food for £12 million. The deal is subjected to adjustment in relation to levels of working capital and net debt. This comprises £9.6 million in cash and £2.4 million of existing finance leases. Founded in 1976, Haydens Bakery is a manufacturer of sweet bakery products for UK’s grocery retailers operating from two facilities in Devizes in …
Stir Foods and Pacifica Foods (known as Stir-Pacifica), part of Chicago based company Wind Point Partners, has acquired sauce business Sabra Dipping Co. The deal includes the Santa Barbara and Chachies brands alongside with the Sabra brand. Founded in 2000, Stir-Pacifica manufactures soups, sauces, dressings and fresh sauces for both retail and food service customers. “I am delighted to welcome the Sabra salsa business and its employees to Stir-Pacifica”, said …
UK bakery manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has announced the acquisition of ‘free from’ bakery manufacturer Ultrapharm Ltd for £17 million ($13.3 million). According to a Finsbury Food Group statement, the acquisition is part of an ongoing plan to diversify the company’s product capability into high growth areas. Founded in 1993, Ultrapharm has a workforce of 240 employees developing an extensive range of bakery products such as bread, bun, rolls and …
Fishing and food business Sea Harvest has entered into agreement to acquire South African dairy firm Ladismith Cheese for 527 million ZAR ($35.8 million). Sea Harvest group CEO, Felix Ratheb said: “Ladismith Cheese exhibits strong fundamentals. It is a profitable, branded fast moving consumer goods food manufacturer of significant scale in the food and agricultural sector”. “The acquisition of Ladismith Cheese will provide Sea Harvest, through its wholly-owned subsidiary company, …
Arla Foods, the Danish dairy firm, will invest €36.3 million ($41.4 million) to build an innovation centre in Denmark focusing on research and development within whey and milk-based ingredients. The new facility will be part of Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI), an Arla subsidiary, and will “discover and deliver new ways of using milk and whey to serve the needs of the world’s growing population,” according to a company statement. “The …
Indian snack food company Prataap Snacks has announced the acquisition of an 80% of share in Avadh Snacks, a Gujarat based snack food company, for 148 crone INR ($2.1 millon ). Prataap Snacks manufactures fried and sliced crisps made from potatoes, hummus, lentils, and namkeen, a type of traditional savoury Indian snack, under the Yellow Diamond brand name, while Avadh Snacks manufactures namkeens under the Avadh brand name. Amit Kumat, …
Kraft Heinz, one of the world’s largest food and beverage firms, has announced an investment of £20 million ($26 million) in its facility in Kitts Green near Wigan in the UK. According to sources, the investment will be spent on modernising the filling and packaging operations, including a high-speed production line capable of filling 1,200 cans of soup and beans per minute, a high-speed weigh filling line and a triple-pack …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant Nestle, has announced that it is “considering alternative options” for its Lean Cuisine brand in Australia. The announcement comes after Simplot revealed that it will not renew the licence agreement that it signed in 2009 to manufacture and market Lean Cuisine under licence in Australia. The decision was taken as part of Simplot’s strategy to exit the frozen meals category and focus on its …
Dutch multinational dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina has taken over activities of Best Cheese Holland, including brands such as Parrano and Tjiezi. The acquisition is described as a response to the growing demand of consumers for cooking and snacking cheeses. “The acquisition of the brand Parrano and the dairy dippers fits in well with our ambition to provide dairy products for all consumption moments”, said Roel van Neerbos, president of FrieslandCampina Consumer …
Multinational Mexican bakery company Grupo Bimbo will invest $20.1 million to boost production at the Argentinian plant of San Fernando, to supply neighbouring countries. Four new lines will be added to the existing lines of white and wholegrain bread products to produce pre-cooked frozen baguettes. “Since 1995, we have been betting on this great province, where our first factory was installed in the province of Pilar”, said Diego Bustos, general manager …
Health food company Slendier has developed a new line of noodle, rice, pasta and ready meals made of konjac flour for the UK market. The range of products, which is said to be lower in calories and carbohydrates than wheat-based products, includes fettuccine, noodle, lasagne, spaghetti and pasta as well with three varieties of ready meals made of vegetable fettuccine with different types of Italian style sauces. “Through research and …
Hormel Foods and WholeStone Farms have entered into an agreement to sell the Hormel Foods processing plant in Fremont, NE to WholeStone Farms. The transaction includes both the processing plant and a multiyear agreement to supply raw pork to Hormel Foods. “The strategic decision to transition the Fremont facility to WholeStone arms reflects the long-term, changing dynamics in the pork industry, and most important, is aligned with our vision as …
General Mills, the leading US food producer, has launched new lines for its Fibre One and Nature Valley portfolios in the UK. From this September, Fibre One will be extended to include 90 calorie cake bars in Triple Choc and Carrot Cake flavours, each available in boxes of 4 x 25g at an RRP of £2.89 ($3.68). The triple choc variant features soft cake with smooth filling and a dark …
Global food and drinks giant PepsiCo has announced the investment of over $28.7 million to expand its Mar Del Plata plant in Argentina. According to a statement released by PepsiCo, the investments made between 2017 and 2018 were used to improve the plant at a technical and structural level, adding a total of 7,490 sq m to the site footprint and creating six new production lines. PepsiCo said the new …
Leading US organic yoghurt maker Stonyfield, part of the Lactalis group, has launched its new Snack Pack range targeting “families on the move”. Featuring organic low fat yogurt together with a sweet or salty ‘dipper’, the new line is available in the varieties Strawberry Yoghurt with Graham Crackers, Chocolate Flavoured Yoghurt with Graham Crackers and Chocolate Flavoured Yoghurt with Pretzels. Each Stonyfield snack pack has suggested retail price of $2.29 …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 15th August 2018: With vegetables and other plant-based ingredients gaining a greater profile in the consumer goods sector, this month’s Insight By Gama Compass takes a timely look at the use of edible oil within food NPD, exploring trends in the use of sunflower, palm, rapeseed, olive, coconut and other plant oils and considering how these relate to prevailing consumer trends. As a top-level observation, vegetable …
Valeo Foods, the Irish food firm, is acquiring the UK sweetmaker Tangerine Confectionery from private equity fund Blackstone in a deal worth in excess of £100 million ($127 millino), according to Sky News and Food Manufacture reports. The acquisition is said to include manufacturing sites in Pontefract, York, Blackpool, Cleckheaton and Liverpool that together employ more than 1,000 staff, and will bring together traditional confectionery brands including Poppets, Fox’s, XXX, Barratt’s, Dip …
Portuguese food manufacturer Cerealis has announced plans to expand production lines at its facility in Trofa in the north of Portugal. According to Distribuicao Hoje, in addition to expanding the plant, the €7 million ($8 million) investment will enable the company to modernise its packaging lines through automation, as well as enabling the creation of a new line of cereal bars. Through the investment, Cerealis plans to develop a new …
Kellogg, the US cereal and snacks giant, has announced the first line under its Kashi organic brand that is specifically targeted at children. Named Kashi By Kids, the new cereal line is said to feature “tasty superfoods ingredients + fun shapes + mighty plant based nutrition” and is described as being co-created “with passionate Gen Z leaders who inspire others to make a difference in the world”. The organic cereal …
Zentis, the fruit and preserves firm, has announced plans to take full control of chocolate spread maker Peeters over the coming years. The German jam maker said it had increased its stake in Peeters in July from 37 to 50%, and intended to acquire 100% of the shares in the business by January 2021. The move would fully integrate Peeters, which markets the Penotti chocolate spread brand, as a Zentis …
Fonterra, the multinational milk processor, has announced that it has joined forces with the consumer goods firm Future Consumer, part of Future Group, to market dairy products in India. The new venture, which is to be called Fonterra Future Dairy Partners, will market a range of products for both retail and foodservice channels that will “help meet the growing demand for high-quality dairy nutrition in India”, according to a company statement. …
Frito-Lay, the snacks division of global food and drinks giant PepsiCo, is set to expand a production facility in the city of Frankfort, IN, USA, according to a report in Inside Indiana Business. The firm is said to be investing $159 million in the upgrade to its Clinton County operations, which will see two new production lines and extra warehousing capacity added and the creation of 50 new jobs. Frito-Lay …
San Francisco Equity Partners (SFEP), a private equity firm focused on growth consumer goods companies, is taking a majority stake in frozen ‘cheese bread’ brand Brazi Bites, according to a report in Project Nosh. With a reported revenue of $8.5 million, Brazi Bites specializes in Brazilian-style ‘cheese bread’ which it distributes to stores across the US in Cheddar & Parmesan, Garlic Asiago, Zesty Pepper Jack and 3 Cheese Pizza flavours. …
Hindustan Unilever, the Indian arm of the Anglo-Dutch multinational, has announced the acquisition of the ice cream brand Adityaa Milk from Vijaykant Dairy for an undisclosed sum. The firm said the proposed acquisition was in line with its strategic objective of strengthening its position in the rapidly growing ice cream and frozen dessert market in India. Incorporated in September 2004, Adityaaa Milk is described as a fast-growing brand with origins …
Gama spoke to Mithun Appaiah, Chief Executive Officer, Sumeru (Innovative Foods Ltd). How is the way food companies are looking to reach and engage with consumers changing? “Consumer companies are currently grappling with both digital and traditional media. The choice of media and engagement depends on the category. Many brands are myopic and follow the digital trend without understanding the media that their specific target group consumes. Then there are …
US confectionery firm Hershey has announced the sale of Golden Monkey, a Shanghai-based confectionery brand, to Henan Yuxiang Food Technology for an undisclosed amount. The move comes as volume sales of sugar confectionery have reportedly declined in China as consumers switch to healthier options. Alongside confectionery, Golden Monkey also markets a tofu-based snacking brand called Munching Monkey. Commenting on the news, Hershey spokesperson Jeff Beckman said: “We are constantly evaluating …
PepsiCo, the global food and drinks giant, is to invest $100 million upgrading a facility located in Shanghai, China, according to a FoodBev report. The company said it was installing a new production line as well as adding advanced packaging and warehousing operations at the plant in Sonjiang. The investment will enable PepsiCo to meet demand for crisps from Chinese consumers. Commenting on the move, Ram Krishnan, president and CEO …
Sabra, the joint venture between PepsiCo and Strauss that markets hummus and other dips and spreads in North America, has broken ground on the latest expansion to its production facility located in Chesterfield County, VA. The firm said that the 40,000 sq ft expansion at the site – described as the world’s largest factory dedicated to the manufacture of hummus – would enable it to expedite product delivery to retail …
Biscuit International, a leading player in the private label biscuit market in Europe, has expanded its business with the acquisition of Arluy, Spain’s fifth largest producer and distributor of biscuits. A family-owned business, Arluy was founded in 1988 and markets a portfolio including Reglero, Rio, Zahor and B-live as well as the flagship Arluy brand. Based in the Rioja region, the company reportedly generated turnover last year of more than …
Premium Brands, the speciality food firm, has announced that it has taken a 62.6% interest in Yorkshire Valley Farms, a poultry processor based in Canada. Yorkshire Valley Farms is a leading producer of fresh and frozen chicken products such as chicken joints, mince, burgers and meatballs, the majority of which it markets under its namesake brand. The firm has annualized sales of approximately C$65 million ($50 million) and operates a …
Britannia, the Indian food manufacturer, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing site in Assam, India, according to a report in the Economic Times. Located in the town of Rampur, the new site will reportedly manufacture a broad range of Britannia products to meet demand in north-eastern states. The unit will increase Britannia’s production capacity in Assam, where the firm already has two sites, from 30,000 to 90,000 tonnes annually. …
Bega Cheese, the Australian cheese firm, is to acquire a manufacturing facility in the state of Victoria, Australia from Canadian dairy giant Saputo, according to an ABC report. Saputo was required to sell the plant by Australian competition regulators as a result of its acquisition of dairy firm Murray Goulburn. Located in the town of Koroit, the plant is described as being one of the largest milk drying facilities in …
Belgian biscuit and cake manufacturer Lotus Bakeries has announced the purchase of baby and toddler food business Kiddylicious for a price in the region of £42 million ($55 million). The sale price is described as being about twice Kiddylicious’ forecast sales for 2018. Based in southern England, Kiddylicious was set up in 2009 and last year posted £16 million in sales. The brand will join Bear snacks and Nakd snack …
Almarai, a leading Middle East food and drinks firm, has announced the opening of a new dairy facility in Saudi Arabia in partnership with GEA, a supplier group of food industry process technology. Described as Saudi Arabia’s “largest and most modern dairy processing facility”, the new site is dedicated to milk and yoghurt production, with the capacity to process two million litres of milk a day. According to GEA, the …
Calu, a Brazilian agricultural cooperative, has announced the sale of its plant in Uberlandia’s industrial district in Minas Gerais to dairy firm Polenghi, part of the French Savencia group. The deal follows suspension of construction at the site in 2015, with 90% of the works completed, due to the economic situation in Brazil. According to sources, Polenghi plans to restart construction works soon and expects production to begin in January …
Lindt & Sprungli, the global chocolate firm, has unveiled plans to enhance its production site in Stratham, NH, USA via a 200 million CHF ($202 million) investment. Announcing the move alongside its financial results for the first half of 2018, the Swiss firm said that the money would be invested in the construction of new high-tech production lines for cocoa and chocolate mass within the next three to four years “to …
Kwality, the leading Indian dairy firm, is pulling the plug on its operations in Dubai, UAE in the face of falling milk prices, according to a report in Arabian Business. Kwality Dairy Products DZE is located in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone and is a 100% subsidiary of the Indian firm. A slump in the global prices of skimmed milk powder and anhydrous milk fat is said to be behind the decision …
International frozen food giant McCain has announced a new range of ready meals in Australia, marketed under the name Slow Cooked. Described as being inspired by traditional dishes, the new line offers “a meal that delivers flavour and has a ‘homecooked’ feel without having to wait for hours for it to cook”. Available in a 300g size for an RRP of A$6.99 ($5.16), the new range comes in three options: …
Intersnack, the German snacks giant, has announced the acquisition of Popchips Ltd, the firm that owns and markets the Popchips brand in Europe. In North America and other international markets the brand will be retained by Popchips Ltd’s parent company Popchips Inc. The Popchips brand range includes crisps and potato-based puffed snacks in a variety of flavours. Commenting on the deal, KP Snacks CEO Mark Thorpe said: “Popchips is a …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 20th July 2018: For this month’s Innovation Insight we turn our attention to the dynamics of the yoghurt category, and in particular the growth of the skyr segment, as we cast an eye over a new fresh cheese launch from Arla in the USA – Arla Skyr Cream Cheese Spread. Marketed as having a “rich, tangy flavour”, Arla Skyr Cream Cheese Spread …
Kaufland, the Schwarz Group owned German supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a brand called K To Go to target on the go occasions. Referencing findings from a recent study, the firm said that more than a third of consumers regularly opted for on the go snacks as a workday lunch, and that the K To Go brand would offer increased convenience for time-pressed consumers. The K To Go …
Germany-based food producer Dr. Oetker has acquired Tag El Melouk, the leading Egyptian manufacturer of baking ingredients, desserts, and other food products, for an undisclosed amount. Tag El Melouk , which has two production facilities in Cairo, produces a range of products in the baking ingredients and dessert powders categories under the brands Cook’s and Tag El Melouk. Founded in 1954, the firm employs around 400 staff and has revenue …
Confectionery firm Darrell Lea has announced the purchase of the Life Savers brand from the Australian arm of multinational consumer goods giant Nestle for an undisclosed sum. The agreement will see Darrell Lea, which is owned by Quadrant Private Equity, acquire rights to the Life Savers brand in Australia and New Zealand. Darrell Lea will then move its confectionery manufacturing operation from New Zealand to Australia, with the production line …
Dean Foods, the leading US dairy processor, is to close a bottling facility in Huntley, IL according to media reports. The move is the latest in a string of closures for the firm as it seeks to consolidate its operations in the face of falling consumer demand for milk products. Earlier this month, Dean Foods filed a notice of its intention to close a dairy plant in Louisville, KY, with …
US-based consumer goods firm B&G Foods has announced the acquisition of the McCann’s Irish Oatmeal brand from TreeHouse Foods, the private label manufacturer, for $32 million in cash. Positioned as a “premium” Irish oatmeal brand, McCann’s is sold across the USA and Canada as a classic traditional steel cut Irish oatmeal “known for the distinctive, nutty flavor of steel cut Irish oats”. TreeHouse Foods first acquired the McCann’s Irish Oatmeal …
Bel, the leading cheese firm, has announced the construction of its first plant in Canada fully dedicated to the production of Mini Babybel cheese. The facility, which is scheduled to begin commercial production in early 2020, represents an investment of $66.1 million and will create 170 jobs. Located in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, the new plant is said to be aligned with Bel’s strategy of prioritizing local manufacturing to bolster growth in …
Galdisa, a maker of snack and peanut based products, has opened its first processing plant in the USA in Conroe Park North Industrial Park, in the north of Houston, Texas. Based in Mexico, Galdisa markets a range of nuts and other seeds and beans under brands such as Gold Fritz and Golden. According to sources, the plant was officially opened on the 6th July through the firm’s subsidiary Galdisa USA …
Natural and organic products manufacturer Hain Daniels, part of the Hain Celestial group, has announced the launch of a new jam brand in the UK. William’s British Conserves are described as being made from 100% British-grown fruit and will be packaged in an embossed 340g jar complete with a sleeve detailing the brand’s history, with the aim of securing share in the premium jam category. Described as having a home-cooked …
US consumer goods company Halen Brands is launching a line of health-oriented chocolates called Joyfuls into mass market channels, according to a Foodbev report. The new chocolate brand, which claims to be inspired by an artisan form of confectionery called mendiants, is claimed to be made from ingredients certified as happily sourced, non-GMO and fair trade. Sold individually wrapped, the 60% cocoa chocolate is described as being topped with fruit, …
Brynwood Partners, the US investment firm, has made its latest play in the food and drinks space with the acquisition of bakery assets belonging to food manufacturer JM Smucker. According to Brynwood Partners, the deal includes the exclusive US rights to the Pillsbury shelf-stable baking range, along with the Hungry Jack, White Lily, Jim Dandy and Martha White brands. The Pillsbury brand licence agreement is described as a royalty-free, perpetual agreement with brand owner General …
The Indian arm of FMCG giant Nestle, as part of its Cereal Partners Worldwide venture with General Mills, has announced the launch of a new range of family breakfast cereals range under the brand Nesplus. The firm had previously announced its intention to launch a line of cereals in the country. The range is said to feature a combination of multigrain wheat, rice, oats and millet, and will be available …
Century Pacific, a seafood processor, is setting up a new plant in General Santos City to cater for growing demand for tuna, according to a report in the Philippine Star. The firm, which enjoys a market leading position in canned fish in its domestic market, said the move was in line with its efforts to grow its business by 10 to 15% over the next 10 years. Funding from the project …
Patisseries Gourmandes, a French firm specialized in making baked goods, has entered into an exclusive negotiation to acquire the manufacturing activities of fellow bakery firm La Trinitaine, according to a report in Ouest-France. Stores operating under that La Trinitaine banner are said to be excluded from the deal. Founded in 1956, La Trinitaine produces a range of biscuits, cakes and other bakery products, with a focus on Breton specialities, and …
Dean Foods, the US consumer goods firm, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Good Karma, a leading brand of flaxseed-based products. The company took a minority stake in the dairy alternative producer last year. Based in Boulder, CO, USA, Good Karma produces a range of plain, flavoured and nutritionally-enhanced flaxseed milk alternatives, as well as dairy-free yoghurts and yoghurt drinks. The firm’s product range is said to “deliver strong nutritional …
Arcor, the Argentinian confectionery giant, is to establish a new factory in Angola in order to further its footprint in African markets. The manufacturer is said to be forming a joint venture with construction firm Webcor in order to build the new facility, which will be the company’s first outside Latin America. The total investment is described as being $45 million, of which Arcor is said to be contributing half. …
Ananda Dairy, an Indian milk processor, is to step up its presence in its domestic market with plans for hundreds of new stores and a new manufacturing plant, according to a report in the Economic Times. The new processing facility is earmarked for the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and is expected to have capacity for 4 – 500,000 litres of milk per day. The plant would join existing facilities Bulandshahr, …
Conagra Brands, the leading US food manufacturer, is to acquire Birds Eye owner Pinnacle Foods in a cash and stock deal worth $10.9 billion, the two firms have announced in a statement. The deal will reportedly make the combined company the second leading player in US frozen food behind Nestle. In addition to Birds Eye, Pinnacle Foods markets brands such as Duncan Hines, Earth Balance, EVOL, Erin’s, Gardein, Glutino, Hawaiian Kettle …
Hola Nola Foods, a snack food firm based in Los Angeles, CA, USA, has announced the acquisition of NatureStar Foods, the manufacturers of the Plocky’s crisp line. In a statement, Hola Nola Foods, which currently manufactures tortillas, tortilla chips, salsas and popcorn, said it was looking to expand its snacks portfolio with Plocky’s hummus and tortilla chips. Kevin Holden, president of Hola Nola Foods said: “Plocky’s award winning Hummus Chips …
Global consumer goods firm Nestle has announced the addition of a pizza line to its Sweet Earth brand of plant-based foods in the USA. Offering “pizza enlightenment”, the new line of frozen pizzas provides “wholesome, craveable flavors made with organic ingredients” as well as “unique crusts blended with ancient grains, carrot and rosemary, bold sauces, and fresh toppings”. Launching across the US, the Sweet Earth pizza line comprises Veggie Lover’s, …
Leading US food producer General Mills, through its new business development and venturing unit 301 INC, is among the companies participating in a $12 million investment in NextFoods, the makers of Goodbelly Probotics, according to a recently released statement The money raised will be used to expand GoodBelly’s national sales team, support capital improvements and drive product innovation. General Mills led the round and the additional investment came from existing …
The Canadian arm of UK canned soup and sauces producer Baxters has been sold for around C$24 million ($18 million) to a financial consortium comprising Fonds De Solidarite FTQ, Fondaction, Investissement Qubec and Champlain Financial Corporation. With volume sales of 60 million cans per year, Baxters Canada serves a wide range of consumers under its three brands Aylmer, Primo and Baxters. Alongside soups and sauces, the firm also manufactures ready-to …
General Mills, the US food giant, has announced the launch of YQ By Yoplait, a new yoghurt promoted with the slogan of “smarter, not sweeter”. “Setting out to give people something quite different from their typical yogurt experience”, YQ By Yoplait is said to be made from ultra-filtered milk combined with active cultures that undergoes a special “stirring” developed by Yoplait in France. According to General Mills, “the result is a …
Olymel, a leading Canadian processor of pork and poultry products, has announced the 100% acquisition of the Ontario-based poultry firm Pinty’s. Specialising in fully cooked chicken and other related products, Pinty’s operates three processing plants, located in Port Colborne, Paris, and Oakville. The firm markets a range of coated and uncoated chicken products for the retail trade under brands such as Pinty’s , EatWell and Pub & Grill. Olymel said the transaction would …
Spanish rice, pasta and sauce manufacturer Ebro Foods has announced plans to build a new factory to manufacture products under the Vegetalia banner, according to a report in Just Food. The new organic food production facility will be Ebro Food’s fourth and is set to be located in Barcelona, with works to start in the autumn of 2019. Ebro Foods acquired the Spanish organic food manufacturer Vegetalia for €15 million …
Irish snacks firm Tayto has announced the acquisition of meat snack maker The Real Pork Crackling for an undisclosed sum. Established for over 25 years, The Real Pork Crackling produces pork scratchings and owns leading pork crackling brands such as Golden Pork Crunch, and has listings in major UK supermarket chains such as Asda, Co-Op, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. The deal to buy The Real Pork Crackling is the latest in …
Scandinavian food giant Orkla has announced that it plans to build a new biscuit factory, which is to be located in the Latvian capital Riga. In a press release, the company said that the decision was part of the group’s strategy of consolidating production in fewer but more efficient plants and investing in new, modern technology and concentrating production in one facility. Commenting on the decision, Ann-Beth Freuchen, executive vice …
Soft drinks firm Coca-Cola Brasil has expanded its portfolio of dairy alternative drinks in Brazil with the launch of new plant-based beverages under the AdeS brand. A year after buying the AdeS business from Unilever, Coca-Cola Brasil said it was launching the new products to cater to consumers looking for alternatives to animal milk that also contained a source of calcium. The new lineup of plant-based milks comprises Almond, Vanilla …
Lakeside Foods, a Wisconin, US-based producer of frozen foods and canned vegetables is set to acquire the Arkensas-based Good Eats Food for an undisclosed sum, according to an article in Food Business News. Promoted as “veggies with a twist”, the Good Eats Food range includes mashed cauliflower, soups and frozen sweetcorn marketed under the brands Ruthie’s Twisted Harvest and Serious Bean Co. Commenting on the deal, Lakeside Foods president and …
Italian pasta and sauce company Barilla has announced plans to spend €1 billion ($1.18 billion) over the next five years in production, innovation and geographic expansion. The company said that 60% of the newly announced investment would be geared towards boosting competitiveness and sustainability by improving processes and technologies, while the remainder would support innovation and international expansion. Among specific projects, Barilla said it intended to invest in its facility …
HelloFresh, a US meal kit provider, has announced its debut in the retail space with the launch of a range of products in Ahold Delhaize supermarkets. Starting from June, HelloFresh meal kits will be made available at more than 500 stores under Ahold Delhaize’s Giant Food and Stop & Shop brands. The company said it then expected to roll out its products to more retailers over the course of the …
Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest meat firms, has announced the launch of a new brand called Yappah! in a bid to combat food waste. Yappah! Protein Crisps are described as being crafted from “rescued” and “upcycled” vegetable and grain-based ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. The brand is the first created by Tyson Innovation Lab, a specially-selected team responsible for developing innovative products. According to Tyson Fooods, …
Multinational Mexican bakery firm Grupo Bimbo has announced the launch of a new line of high-iron bread products targeted at children, which is being marketed under the Bimbo Iron Kids brand. According to La Republica, the product launch is part of the company’s ‘Let’s Talk About Iron’ campaign, which is described as being focused on improving children’s intake of iron in order to prevent diseases such as iron-deficiency anaemia. The …
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks giant, has announced plans to bring its milk brand Fairlife to Canada, including the construction of a production facility in the country. Canada will be the first country outside the US where Fairlife milk will be available. Shane Grant, president of Coca-Cola’s Canadian business unit, said: “We’re thrilled to be adding fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk to Coca-Cola’s growing and diverse portfolio of beverages here in Canada. This …
Compagnie des Fromages & RichesMonts (CF&R), a subsidiary of dairy giants Savencia Fromage & Dairy and Sodiaal, has announced plans to shut a cheese plant in Coutances, France with the loss of up to 86 permanent jobs. The firm is one of the leading players in the European soft cheese market, offering products such as brie and camembert under the brands Coeur de Lion and Le Rustique. Le Rustique is described as the …
Danish Crown, the Denmark-based meat processor, has announced the acquisition of Dutch meat firm Bacon Specialist Zandbergen via its subsidiary Tulip. Bacon Specialist Zandbergen offers a range of bacon products, primarily for retailers and the foodservice industry, alongside retail products including bacon cubes and rashers under its own Bacon Specialist Zandbergen brand. Founded in 1984, the firm is based in the Amsterdam suburb of Haarlem, where both its production facilities and …
Nomad Foods, the UK-based frozen food giant, has reached an agreement to acquire the Aunt Bessie’s business from William Jackson & Son in a deal worth €240 million ($281 million). Aunt Bessie’s is a leading manufacturer and distributor of frozen foods in the United Kingdom. Frozen Yorkshire puddings and frozen potatoes together account for most of the brand’s revenues, with the company holding number one and number two market share …
US meat processor Tyson Foods has entered into an agreement to sell its Sara Lee Frozen Bakery and Van’s business to private equity firm Kohlberg & Co as part of its strategy to focus on its protein business. The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, include the Chef Pierre, Bistro Collection and Van’s brand and the license to use Sara Lee in certain markets. The agreement also includes the sale …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced plans to reorganise its activities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The move means the FMCG firm will close the headquarters of its Equatorial Africa unit in Nairobi, Kenya by the end of July, reallocating functions to its head offices in Accra, Ghana and Johannesburg. South Africa. The reorganization also includes the expansion of the southern African region to include the Horn of Africa, as well as …
Necco, the US confectionery firm, has been acquired by Sweetheart Candies Co owner Metropoulos & Co for $17.3 million, after the cancellation of a proposed deal with Spangler Candy. Spangler Candy made the winning bid for Necco in a bankruptcy auction, but the deal is said to have collapsed when the former pushed for a change in the $18.3 million purchase price, according to a Fortune report. Commenting on the …
Savencia Fromage & Dairy, a global specialty cheese manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of artisan cheese maker Rogue Creamery for an undisclosed sum. Rogue Creamery is a US-based organic cheese maker that specializes in blue cheese. Savencia Fromage & Dairy announced that Rogue Creamery would retain its current president and would continue to function as a separate public benefit borporation. Commenting on the news, Rogue Creamery president David Gremmels said: …
UK crisp and snack manufacturer Tayto has acquired a range of assets, including trademarks and brand names, from popcorn company Pop Notch for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in Northern Ireland, Tayto is the third largest snack manufacturer in UK, with six sites in the country. The group’s portfolio includes brands such as Tayto, Golden Wonder, Mr Porky and Jonathan Crisp. Commenting on the deal, Tayto CEO Paul Allen said: “We …
Arla, the Danish dairy firm, has announced plans to close a number of UK operations as part of an efficiency-saving programme. In a bid for “optimised UK cheese production”, the cooperative said it was proposing to cease production at its Llandyrnog creamery in Wales, consequently moving cheddar cheese volumes to creameries in Taw Valley in south-west England and Lockerbie in Scotland. In addition, Arla said it intended to integrate all of its …
Food and drinks giant PepsiCo has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bare Foods, a producer of baked fruit and vegetable snacks under the Bare Snacks brand. Bare Foods Co was founded in 2001 and is described as a leader in apple, banana and coconut snacks. Its product range, including beetroot, carrot and sweet potato crisps, is sold across the USA and is said to use real, whole-food ingredients, to be …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has expanded its product line-up in the Middle East with the launch of KitKat Moments Desserts. An extension to the firm’s lineup of bitesize chocolate wafers, KitKat Mini Moments Desserts is described as being inspired by desserts from across the world: namely Cherry Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Creme Brulee and Tiramisu, which feature as an assortment of 15 chocolates in a sharing pouch. The new product, …
International confectionery giant Mars is to spend $69 million constructing a new manufacturing facility for its Wrigley’s chewing gum division in Kenya, according to a report in the Daily Nation. Once complete, the new plant will produce 7.8 billion pellets of chewing gum annually, raising Mars’ market share in chewing gum in Kenya to 75%. Aside from Kenya, the plant is also expected to serve other east African markets such …
UK milk, butter and cheese producer Dairy Crest has announced an investment of £85 million ($100.3) million to boost cheese production, in order to meet increasing demand from both domestic and overseas markets. The investment at the Davidstow plant in Cornwall is intended to increase growth in the firm’s cheddar cheese brands Cathedral City and Davidstow, as well as enhance whey production capacity. The expansion plans are to be implemented …
Necco, the US manufacturer of confectionery products such as Necco Wafers, has been sold in a bankruptcy auction to Spangler Candy for $18.83 million. The firm beat off competition from investment firms Gordon Brothers and Round Hill to secure the acquisition. Prior to the auction, Gordon Brothers had been in negotiations to acquire Necco for $13.3 million. The Necco business dates back to 1847 and produces the traditonal sugar confectionery …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 24th May 2018: For this month’s Innovation Insight, we take a look at a new launch bringing oats to the sweet spreads category in the guise of on-trend granola: Kween Granola Butter. Described by its makers as “spreadable gold”, Kween Granola Butter is an oat-based product seeking to compete for attention in the sweet spreads space alongside more traditional options such as …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy giant, has announced that it has made an investment in the Ethiopian dairy firm Holland Dairy, in partnership with Veris Investments, an Amsterdam-based private equity firm. Veris Investments describes itself as an independent firm that “makes equity and mezzanine investments in companies and projects with activities in the food value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa”. FrieslandCampina said the deal would enable it to strenghten its export position in …
German snacks firm Internsack has announced the acquisition of UK crisp business Tyrrells from US confectioner Hershey for an undisclosed sum. The Tyrrells business includes a head office and two manufacturing sites in the UK, along with US manufacturing operations, the Aroma Snacks business in Germany and Yarra Valley Snack Foods in Australia. Hershey acquired Tyrrells as part of its purchase of the Amplify Snack Brands business, announced at the end …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it is intending to invest €40 million ($47 million) to upgrade its production capabilities in Portugal, with 80% of the amount to be invested this year. According to Terranova, the investment will be made in the next 18 to 20 months in two plants – one in Avanca in the central region of Portugal, and one in the northern city of Oporto – in …
Nobre, a Portuguese meat products firm, is expanding into the burgeoning meat substitute space with a line of imitation meat products under the Nobre Vegalia brand name. Products in the Nobre Vegalia range are said to be targeted at the “flexitarian community” – typically consumers who are not vegetarian but who are looking to reduce their meat content. Based primarily on egg white, the product lineup is claimed to be …
Avril, a French firm active in sectors such as oil, eggs and animal feed, has announced an alliance with the founding families of the Italian olive oil brand Costa d’Oro. “The partners aim to raise the Costa d’Oro brand to become the global reference in top quality olive oil, combining natural authenticity, innovation and traceability”, Avril announced in a statement. The deal will create the third most important olive oil brand …
MTR Foods, the Indian food manufacturer that is part of the Orkla group, is making an investment in the children’s food maker FirmRoots, according to a report in the Economic Times. The deal is the first to be concluded as part of Orkla’s 50 crore INR ($7.4 million) MTR Seed Fund, established last year to invest mostly in food-tech start ups in India. The amount of the stake and the …
The Indian arm of FMCG giant Nestle is to expand its portfolio in the country by producing and marketing a range of breakfast cereal products. The products set to be introduced come from the range of Cereal Partners Worldwide, Nestle’s global joint venture with US cereal maker General Mills. Nestle said the move, which has been approved by the board of directors of Nestle India, was “in line with the …