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Food

All the posts published.
1 MIN READ

USA: General Mills expands Oui By Yoplait into dairy-free, desserts

December 6, 2019
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Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Bauli expands into sports nutrition with Maxsport stake

December 4, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: PepsiCo agrees deal to acquire PopCorners brand

December 3, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Hostess Brands to acquire Voortman Cookies

December 2, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Arla to close Gefleortens dairy business

November 29, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Lion Australia to sell dairy division to Mengniu

November 28, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: M. Dias Branco pulls plug on new factory

November 27, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Pif Paf Alimentos acquires Fricasa

November 26, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Bumble Bee Foods files for bankruptcy, strikes asset sale deal

November 22, 2019
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Financial, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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. …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Unilever to close Weis ice cream factory

November 20, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Chobani expands dairy-free offering with oat-based range

November 18, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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. …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Dean Foods files for bankruptcy

November 15, 2019
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Financial, Food, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UAE: Yasar to set up processed cheese plant

November 14, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Middle East & Africa

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, …

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2 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Saeed Al Mansoori, SIAL Middle East 2019

November 14, 2019
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Food, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Mars to launch vegan chocolate bars

November 13, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: McCain increases capacity for speciality potato

November 12, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Riviana Foods expands Tennessee rice plant

November 11, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Zwanenberg agrees deal to acquire Struik

November 8, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: JBS acquires Marba

November 7, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Lassonde to acquire fruit snack firm Sun-Rype

November 5, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Nestle opens infant cereal snack plant

November 1, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, News

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Mondelez expands sweets factory

October 31, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia: BRF to open chicken processing plant

October 30, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Danone invests in milk formulated for young children

October 29, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Arla to invest $55 million in Bahrain factory

October 25, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tulip mulls closure of Bodmin site

October 24, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Hipp acquires organic firm Barnhouse

October 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Greece: Upfield acquires Violife brand owner Arivia

October 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kind to acquire Creative Snacks

October 17, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Popchips sold to equity fund VMG Partners

October 14, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Valeo buys Matthew Walker pudding brand

October 11, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hain Celestial divests Arrowhead Mills and SunSpire brands

October 8, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Frito-Lay invests again in Indiana plant

October 7, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Meat firms Reinert and Kemper to merge

October 3, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle launches plant-based burgers in North America and Europe

October 1, 2019
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Europe, Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Mars opens new Snickers factory

September 30, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Zwanenberg acquires Chicken Tonight brand

September 27, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Aviko to expand capacity at production site

September 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Mengniu acquires infant formula firm Bellamy’s

September 20, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Celsius Holdings to acquire Func Food Group

September 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Health & Beauty, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Conagra Brands to sell business unit to Utz Quality Foods

September 17, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Heinz Kraft launches ketchup with added vegetables

September 16, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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% …

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1 MIN READ

USA: ACH announces acquisition of Anthony’s Goods

September 13, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Wells acquires Halo Top ice cream brand, buys Unilever factory

September 12, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kroger launches new plant-based line

September 11, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Oatly to open second European production site

September 10, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: McCain to invest again in Florenceville facility

September 9, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kellogg launches imitation meat line Incogmeato

September 6, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Burton’s Biscuit acquires Paterson Arran

September 5, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Anne Schumacher, Anuga 2019

September 5, 2019
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Tyson Foods to take 40% stake in Grupo Vibra

September 3, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Campbell Soup to offload European crisps business

September 3, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Pilgrim’s Pride to acquire Tulip from Danish Crown

September 2, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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: …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hain Celestial sells Tilda rice brand to Ebro Foods

August 28, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hershey seals $397 million deal to acquire One Brands

August 28, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Stonewall Kitchen buys Vermont Village

August 27, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Ajinomoto takes majority stake in More Than Gourmet

August 27, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Norway: Orkla takes stake in Noi Sirius

August 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Simply Good Foods to acquire Quest Nutrition

August 23, 2019
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Food, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Del Monte Pacific to close and sell facilities

August 22, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Target launches Good & Gather brand

August 21, 2019
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Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, North America, Products, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Hershey announces investment in Fulfil

August 20, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Egypt: Dina Farms invests to expand dairy operations

August 19, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Smithfield Foods launches Pure Farmland plant-based range

August 16, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Malysia: Ajinomoto to invest in halal foods plant

August 15, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: MegaMex Foods and Herdez to announce new licensing agreement

August 13, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Nestle to invest in new Maggi noodle plant

August 6, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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: …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hostess Brands sells Superior Cake Products

August 5, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Campbell Soup sells remaining Campbell International operations

August 5, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Indonesia: Nestle invests in factory expansion

August 1, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: HeavenlyRx acquires majority stake in Tru Brands

August 1, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: PepsiCo to establish snack plant in Uttar Pradesh

July 31, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Brasmar acquires Foncasal

July 31, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Cranswick acquires Katsouris Brothers

July 30, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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, …

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1 MIN READ

China: PepsiCo buys stake in Natural Food International

July 30, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ebro Foods to sell organic food business to Midsona

July 29, 2019
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Emmi acquires dessert firm Pasticceria Quadrifoglio

July 26, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Muller expands Telford facility

July 25, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Dr. Oetker acquires baking aids firm Mavalerio

July 24, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: McCain invests in new factory

July 23, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

South Africa: PepsiCo to buy Pioneer Foods

July 22, 2019
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Food, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Fresh Express to launch Chiquita-branded snack range

July 19, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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, …

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2 MIN READ

Consumers still nuts for coconut

July 19, 2019
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Food, Insight by Gama Compass, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle claims first with 70% dark chocolate “made only from cocoa fruit”

July 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Belourthe acquires baby food business from Cerealto Siro

July 17, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Chief Executive Officer,
Agthia Group

July 16, 2019
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Food, Interviews, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Warburtons to close Newburn plant

July 15, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Campbell Soup to offload Kelsen Group

July 12, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Nissin plans new plant

July 11, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever agrees to buy 75% of Romanian brand FruFru

July 10, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Princes opens new pea processing plant

July 9, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Lactalis acquires Ehrmann’s US yoghurt division

July 9, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Intersnack acquires minority stake in Universal Robina division

July 8, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Israel: Froneri acquires Osem ice cream business

July 8, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Orkla sells Glyngore brand to Amanda Seafoods

July 5, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: AMC opens new Merseyside food factory

July 4, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Karro Food Group buys seafood firm Young’s

July 4, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Muller confirms closure of Foston dairy

July 3, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Amy’s Kitchen opens new plant in New York

July 2, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Mars takes majority stake in Foodspring

June 28, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Unilever to close Nevada ice cream plant

June 27, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Kerry Foods opens new facility

June 27, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Cedar’s Foods nears completion of new facility

June 26, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Kerry Foods to close Burton-on-Trent factory

June 26, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia: Nadec abandons plan to acquire Al Safi Danone

June 25, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Bell Food Group to sell German sausage business

June 25, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Falfurrias Capital Partners acquires CF Sauer

June 24, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: KraftHeinz launches Fruitlove “spoonable smoothie”

June 21, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mondelez acquires Perfect Snacks

June 20, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Fazer agrees to buy Kaslink

June 19, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Emmi increases stake in Laticinios Porto Alegre

June 19, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Allied Bakeries to cease manufacturing in Cardiff

June 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Tyson Foods forays into meat alternatives

June 17, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Raisio to invest €45 million in plant-based foods

June 13, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Savencia agrees deal for cheesemaker Papillon

June 11, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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. …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Biscuit International acquires Aviateur

June 10, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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) …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Jensen Meat acquires Before the Butcher

June 10, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: Bonduelle acquires frozen vegetable plant

June 5, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Coca-Cola Amatil sells SPC processing business

June 5, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Godiva joins forces with General Mills to launch baking mixes

June 4, 2019
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Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: BRF and Marfrig in merger talks

June 3, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Lactalis buys Nuova Castelli

May 31, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: JBS to invest $95 million to expand beef facility

May 31, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Golding Farms to acquire Arcobasso Foods

May 30, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Litehouse to acquire Sky Valley Foods

May 30, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ferrero to acquire Ice Cream Factory Comaker

May 29, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Saint Jean to invest in fresh pasta site

May 28, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Fonterra to close Victoria site

May 28, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Cofresh to open factory for ‘free from’ snacks

May 24, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Brasmar acquires La Balinesa

May 20, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: B&G Foods acquires Clabber Girl

May 17, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: KraftHeinz “buying back Utrecht plant over bankruptcy concerns”

May 17, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Dr. Oetker doubles capacity at Lancashire facility

May 16, 2019
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Europe, Food

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hershey to expand Virginia plant

May 16, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Tyson Foods plans $300 million Utah production plant

May 14, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Fonterra sells Tip Top ice cream business to Froneri

May 14, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hain Celestial agrees to sell Hain Pure Protein

May 13, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Fazer rolls out Nordic-inspired chocolate

May 10, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hain Celestial sells WestSoy plant-based protein business

May 10, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Savencia Fromage & Dairy to close factory in Saint-Saviol

May 9, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: McCain takes majority stake in Serya

May 8, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Mexico: PepsiCo to invest $4 billion, build new factory

May 8, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: McCain invests in potato processing site in Washington

May 7, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: JBS buys pork firm Adelle

May 3, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Post to acquire cereal business from TreeHouse Foods

May 3, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Kameda Seika and LT Foods to open cracker factory

May 1, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Easton Pharmaceuticals completes acquisition of Supreme Sweets

April 30, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mondelez International makes investment in snack firm Hu

April 30, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Cacique to acquire El Sol Foods

April 29, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Saputo acquires Lion Australia’s speciality cheese business

April 26, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Dr. Oetker acquires plant-based pizza firm Magioni

April 26, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Cristal Union to close two facilities

April 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Newlat acquires pasta firm Delverde

April 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Central Valley Meat acquires Harris Ranch beef operations

April 16, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Campbell Soup to sell Bolthouse Farms

April 16, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: New World Foods acquires Meatsnacks Group

April 15, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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2 MIN READ

Biscuits double up for flavour innovation

April 15, 2019
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Europe, Food, Innovations

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Consortium acquires Wessanen in €885 million deal

April 12, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Granarolo acquires majority stake in Venchiaredo

April 12, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Taylor Farms buys Earthbound Farm from Danone

April 11, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever to launch layered Carte D’Or ice cream

April 11, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Fairlife to build new facility in Arizona

April 10, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Maple Leaf Foods to build $310 million factory for plant-based foods

April 9, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tulip invests in Lincolnshire site

April 9, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Bubs Australia acquires Australia Deloraine Dairy

April 5, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: DMK buys baby food brand Alete

April 4, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Austria: Emmi acquires majority of Leeb Biomilch

April 3, 2019
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kellogg to sell biscuit, snack brands to Ferrero

April 2, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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2 MIN READ

Spicy flavours still packing a punch in food NPD

April 1, 2019
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Food, Insight by Gama Compass

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Vegetable firm Huercasa opens factory in Romania

March 29, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Yili to acquire Westland Milk Products

March 28, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Nestle opens new research centre and technology hub

March 27, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever to launch Marmite Peanut Butter

March 26, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kroger divests Turkey Hill

March 20, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Illy acquires Prestat chocolates

March 19, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: FrieslandCampina plans new dairy plant

March 14, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: McCain expands Tasmania plant

March 11, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mars launches accelerator for “food innovators”

March 7, 2019
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Food, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Lancashire Farm invests in new production plant

March 6, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Intersnack set to close popcorn factory

March 1, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Campbell Soup sells Garden Fresh Gourmet as part of fresh food divestment strategy

February 28, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Saputo announces deal for Dairy Crest

February 26, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Esselunga introduces private label brand for children

February 25, 2019
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Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Milho de Ouro opens new snack plant

February 21, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: General Mills to close California yoghurt plant

February 20, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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”. …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle to “explore options” for Herta business

February 19, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

US: South Mill Champs to launch mushroom snack brand Shrooms

February 18, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: JBS to invest $20 million to expand pork facility

February 14, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tayto launches joint venture through Bite UK deal

February 12, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Danone builds plant-based food capacity

February 11, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

South Africa: Clover Industries subject of consortium buyout bid

February 8, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Burton’s Biscuit acquires Thomas Fudge’s

February 7, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Saco acquires California Sun Dry

February 4, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Katjes launches vegan chocolate bar

January 30, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Delta Cafes moves into snacks with “coffee bar” launch

January 29, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Patties Foods acquires Simplot’s Pakenham facility

January 28, 2019
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Egypt: Lactalis acquires Greenland from Americana Group

January 24, 2019
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Argentina: Molinos Rio De La Plata acquires La Saltena brand

January 23, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Lactalis announces deal for Prabhat Dairy

January 22, 2019
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Kellogg to invest in new Pringles line

January 21, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Mark Napier, Gulfood 2019

January 21, 2019
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Food, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Fazer makes changes to manufacturing operations

January 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Nobre expands into cheese

January 16, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Argentina: BRF sells Campo Austral

January 15, 2019
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Tonnies closes Nohra site

January 14, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Chobani launches non-dairy line

January 11, 2019
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Arla sells plant to Vache Bleue

January 10, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Arla acquires Kraft branded cheese business in Middle East and North Africa

January 7, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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2 MIN READ

Jelly turns toy with “slime” launch

December 21, 2018
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Food, Innovations, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Conagra Brands finds new buyer for Wesson oil

December 21, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Unilever acquries De Vegetarische Slager

December 20, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: FrieslandCampina acquires cheese firm Millan Vicente

December 13, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Orkla divests Mrs Cheng’s brand

December 12, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Japan: Ajinomoto to build new $180 million soup factory

December 11, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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) …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ebro Foods to construct €70 million factory

December 6, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: KraftHeinz snaps up Primal Kitchen in $200 million deal

November 30, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Joanne Cook, SIAL Middle East 2018

November 29, 2018
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Food, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Unilever to expand facility in Minas Gerais

November 28, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Maple Leaf Foods to build new value-added poultry plant

November 27, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

South Africa: Rhodes Food Group acquires RCL Foods’ protein snacks business

November 22, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Griesson De Beukelaer to close Kempen site

November 21, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: CJ CheilJedang takes majority stake in Schwan’s

November 19, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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. …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kellogg launches cereal brand to support digestive health

November 15, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Premier Foods mulling sale of Ambrosia brand

November 13, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Nestle introduces first incubator product

November 12, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mondelez launches SnackFutures innovation hub

November 8, 2018
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Food, Marketing, North America, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Parmalat to acquire Kraft Heinz’s natural cheese business

November 7, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: PepsiCo set to acquire crisp firm Pipers

November 6, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: PepsiCo acquires Health Warrior

November 2, 2018
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Food, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Vitasoy to invest $154 million in new facility

November 1, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Kraft Heinz to sell brands to Zydus

October 30, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Foster Farms to launch on-the go chicken snack

October 26, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Lancaster Colony to acquire Bantam Bagels for $34 million

October 24, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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, …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Grupo Pao de Acucar repositions and expands Qualita private label brand

October 23, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kroger debuts Home Chef meal kits

October 22, 2018
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Food, North America, Products, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Unilever to launch probiotic ice cream brand Culture Republick

October 19, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Smithfield Foods to expand meat facility in Kentucky

October 16, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Glanbia to acquire SlimFast for $350 million

October 15, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Sedano’s to introduce ‘robotic supermarket’

October 12, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Calbee to buy Seabrook crisp brand

October 8, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Nicolas Trenteseaux, SIAL 2018

October 5, 2018
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Maple Leaf to acquire Viau Foods

October 5, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Carre Leon launches cocoa butter & vegetable seasoning bars

October 2, 2018
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Barry Callebaut to buy Burton’s Foods chocolate factory

September 28, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Jeronimo Martins acquires five Piotr iPawel stores

September 28, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: SPC to sell IXL and Taylor’s brands to Kyabram Conserves

September 27, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Thailand: Nestle launches KitKat Duo Milk Tea

September 26, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Walmart acquires Cornershop in Mexico and Chile

September 25, 2018
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Food, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Ocean Brands to acquire Club Des Millionnaires

September 21, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Cargill to acquire poultry firm Konspol

September 20, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hershey acquires Pirate Brands from B&G Foods

September 18, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Mondelez unveils Oreo savoury flavours

September 17, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Florestal Alimentos acquires Chocolates Planalto

September 17, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Mergers & Acquisitions

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. …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: TH Milk announces new milk processing plant

September 13, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Nigeria: FrieslandCampina to invest €23 million in milk factory

September 12, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Wessanen to acquire dairy alternative brand Abbot Kinney’s

September 11, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Bakkavor Group to buy Haydens Bakery from Real Good Food

September 10, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Stir Foods & Pacifica Foods to acquire Sabra sauce brand

September 7, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Finsbury Food Group acquires Ultrapharm for £17 million

September 4, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

South Africa: Sea Harvest Group to acquire Ladismith Cheese for $30.8 million

August 31, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

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, …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Arla to open €36.3 million innovation centre

August 30, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Prataap Snacks to acquire majority of share of Avadh Snacks

August 28, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Kraft Heinz to invest £20 million to expand Wigan facility

August 28, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Packaging

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Nestle to seek new options for Lean Cuisine

August 24, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: FrieslandCampina to take over activities of Best Cheese Holland

August 23, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Argentina: Grupo Bimbo to invest $20.1 million to increase export capacity

August 23, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Slendier to launch ‘low-carb’ konjac-based range

August 21, 2018
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hormel Foods sells processing plant to WholeStone Farms

August 20, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: General Mills adds to Fibre One and Nature Valley brand lines

August 20, 2018
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Argentina: PepsiCo expands Mar Del Plata plant

August 16, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Stonyfield debuts ‘no spoon’ yoghurt snack

August 16, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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3 MIN READ

Sunflower stays top of the plant oil tree

August 15, 2018
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Food, Insight by Gama Compass

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Valeo Foods strengthens in sweets with Tangerine Confectionery deal

August 13, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Cerealis invests €7 million in new production lines

August 10, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Kellogg launches cereal line Kashi By Kids

August 10, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Zentis to assume full control of Peeters

August 9, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Fonterra forms joint venture with Future Consumer

August 8, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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. …

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1 MIN READ

USA: PepsiCo to expand operations in Indiana

August 8, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Brazi Bites sells majority stake to San Francisco Equity Partners

August 7, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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. …

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1 MIN READ

India: Hindustan Unilever acquires Adityaa Milk ice cream

August 7, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Mithun Appaiah, Chief Executive Officer,
Sumeru

August 6, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Interviews

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: Hershey divests Golden Monkey

August 3, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

China: PepsiCo invests in Shanghai facility

August 3, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Sabra expands Virginia production facility

August 2, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Biscuit International acquires Arluy

August 1, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Premium Brands takes majority stake in Yorkshire Valley Farms

July 31, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Britannia to open new plant in Assam

July 31, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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. …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Bega Cheese acquires facility from Saputo

July 30, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Lotus Bakeries to buy Kiddylicious

July 27, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia: Almarai opens new dairy facility

July 27, 2018
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Food, Middle East & Africa, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Calu sells dairy plant to Polenghi

July 26, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Lindt & Sprungli to invest in New Hampshire site

July 25, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UAE: Indian firm Kwality to close Dubai operation

July 24, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: McCain launches ‘Slow Cooked’ meals

July 23, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Products

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: …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Intersnack acquires Popchips business in Europe

July 23, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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2 MIN READ

Cream cheese innovation looks to the skyr

July 20, 2018
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Food, Innovations, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Kaufland debuts K To Go brand

July 20, 2018
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Egypt: Dr Oetker acquires bakery business Tag El Melouk

July 19, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Darrell Lea buys Life Savers brand from Nestle

July 18, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Dean Foods to close facility in Illinois

July 18, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: B&G Foods buys McCann’s brand from TreeHouse Foods

July 17, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Bel to invest in new facility

July 13, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Mexico: Galdisa opens plant in Texas

July 13, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Hain Daniels launches William’s British Conserves

July 12, 2018
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Halen Brands launches line of health-oriented chocolates

July 11, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Brynwood Partners to acquire JM Smucker bakery assets

July 10, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Nestle launches Nesplus breakfast cereal

July 6, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Philippines: Century Pacific to invest in new plant

July 6, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Patisseries Gourmandes to acquire La Trinitaine biscuit factory

July 5, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Dean Foods acquires majority stake in Good Karma

July 4, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Argentina: Arcor to establish factory in Angola

July 3, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Manufacture & Distribution

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. …

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1 MIN READ

India: Ananda Dairy to open new plant, expand store footprint

July 2, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Conagra Brands to acquire Pinnacle Foods

June 29, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Hola Nola Foods acquires NatureStar Foods

June 28, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Nestle unveils Sweet Earth pizza line

June 26, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: General Mills invests in GoodBelly Probiotics

June 25, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Baxters to sell Canadian division

June 20, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: General Mills launches YQ By Yoplait

June 20, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Olymel to acquire chicken processor Pinty’s

June 19, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ebro Foods to invest in Vegetalia brand

June 18, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tayto set to acquire The Real Pork Crackling Company

June 18, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Norway: Orkla to build new plant in Latvia

June 15, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Brazil: Coca-Cola launches new Ades non-dairy drinks

June 14, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Lakeside Foods to acquire Good Eats Food

June 14, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Barilla announces plans for expansion

June 13, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: HelloFresh makes retail debut

June 11, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Tyson Foods launches Yappah! brand targeting food waste

June 8, 2018
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Food, North America, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

Colombia: Grupo Bimbo introduces Iron Kids line

June 7, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Coca-Cola to build plant for Fairlife milk

June 7, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Compagnie des Fromages & RichesMonts to close Coutances factory

June 6, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Bacon Specialist Zandbergen to be acquired by Danish Crown

June 6, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nomad Foods set to acquire Aunt Bessie’s business

June 5, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Tyson Foods to sell Sara Lee Frozen Bakery and Van’s businesses

June 5, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle closes Nairobi office in sub-Saharan Africa reorganization

June 4, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Metropoulos & Co emerges as new owner for Necco

June 4, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Savencia Fromage & Dairy acquires Rogue Creamery

June 1, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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: …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tayto buys Pop Notch assets

May 31, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Arla to close production and packing sites

May 30, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: PepsiCo set to acquire Bare Foods

May 29, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UAE: Nestle launches KitKat Moments Desserts

May 29, 2018
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Food, Middle East & Africa, Products

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, …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mars to build $69 million Wrigley plant in Kenya

May 25, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Dairy Crest to invest £85 million in Davidstow plant

May 25, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Necco sold to Spangler Candy in bankruptcy auction

May 24, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

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 …

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2 MIN READ

Granola sets it sights on sweet spreads

May 24, 2018
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Food, Innovations, North America

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: FrieslandCampina invests in Holland Dairy

May 21, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Intersnack to acquire Tyrrells business

May 18, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Nestle to invest €40 million in production sites

May 18, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Nobre introduces meat substitute line Vegalia

May 16, 2018
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Europe, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

France: Avril signs alliance with Costa d’Oro brand owners

May 16, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: MTR Foods invests in start-up company FirmRoots

May 14, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

India: Nestle to introduce breakfast cereal

May 11, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Highlander Partners to acquire Huhtamaki’s confectionery portfolio

May 9, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

US-based private investment firm Highlander Partners has acquired the confectionery portfolio owned by Finnish food and beverage firm Huhtamaki. In relation to the deal, Highlander Partners said it had created a new entity where the asset will be held and that will continue to license to chocolate maker Hershey under the same terms and conditions. The acquisition includes leading brands such as Jolly Rancher, Payday, Zero, Chuckles, Good & Plenty, …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle to sell Serbian chocolate brand Cipiripi

May 9, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

The Serbian arm of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced that it is disposing of its children’s chocolate brand Cipiripi. The firm is selling the product line to Paracinki, a subsidiary of the distribution firm Silbo. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Cipiripi brand range includes confectionery bars, chocolate spread and chocolate drink mix. Commenting on the deal, Yana Mikhailova, regional director of South Eastern Europe at Nestle said: …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mondelez acquires biscuit brand Tate’s Bake Shop

May 8, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

Snacks and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced that it is expanding its brand portfolio with the acquisition of US biscuit maker Tate’s Bake Shop. Mondelez, which is acquiring Tate’s Bake Shop for almost $500 million from private equity firm The Riverside Company, will operate Tate’s Bake Shop as a separate standalone business. The company will continue to produce all of its products at its existing manufacturing facility, as well as …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Danone to close manufacturing facility in Connecticut

May 4, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

French dairy multinational Danone has announced the closure of one of its manufacturing facilities in the USA by the end of the year, with 147 jobs affected. Danone, which markets products in North America under the Dannon and Activia names, took on the facility in Naugatuck, Connecticut in 2013, as part of its acquisition of the YoCrunch brand. At the time it was acquired, the plant generated annual sales of …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Dr. Oetker to expand pizza plant

May 2, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

Dr. Oetker, the Germany-based ready meals, desserts and culinary aids firm, is to make a fresh investment in its pizza plant located in London, ON, Canada, according to a report in Global News. The upgrade is set to include a new production line featuring dough mixing together with baking, topping, freezing, and packaging operations, and is expected to lead to capacity at the plant almost doubling from 10,000 to 18,000 …

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1 MIN READ

UAE: Mitsubishi takes minority stake in Al Islami Foods

May 1, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

Mitsubishi, the Japanese conglomerate which is active in the FMCG space through its Living Essential Consumer Products division, is to take a minority stake in the UAE frozen foods firm Al Islami Foods. The size of the stake was not disclosed. Al Islami, a subsidiary of the Dubai Cooperative Society, said that the decision to partner with Mitsubishi was the result of a study it had conducted into strategic NPD options, …

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1 MIN READ

Australia: Patties Foods launches wine-based pie range

April 27, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Products

Australia-based food producer Patties Foods is launching a range of pies in partnership with winemaker Andrew Peace Wines under the Herbert Adams name. The new range is described as being made using wines from the Andrew Peace Wines range, which are produced in the Swan Hill region of Victoria. Labelled Herbert Adams Gourmet Wine Infusions, the line is available in the varieties Slow-Cooked Beef with Caramelised Onion & Cabernet Sauvignon, …

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2 MIN READ

Vegan launches power up in 2018

April 26, 2018
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Food, Health & Beauty, Household Care, Insight by Gama Compass, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Pet Care

Insight by Gama Compass  MANCHESTER – 11th April 2018: The proportion of consumers following vegan diets is on an upward curve, and this is being increasingly reflected in product launch activity in the FMCG arena, according to the latest figures from Gama Compass. Data from for the first few months of 2018 shows that as many as 9% of new consumer goods launches are now promoting a ‘vegan’ claim, up from …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Bell Group acquires fruit and vegetable firm Sylvain & Co

April 25, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Bell Group, a Swiss firm predominantly active in the meat space, has announced an expansion of its activities in fresh packed fruit and vegetables with the acquisition of local firm Sylvain & Co for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in the canton of Vaud in western Switzerland, Sylvain & Co produces a range of bagged salad leaves as well as ready-to-eat salads and fruit under its namesake brand. With annual revenues of …

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1 MIN READ

France: Even to invest €80 million in manufacturing sites in 2018

April 24, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Even, a French food cooperative, is set to invest €80 million ($98 million) in its dairy and baby milk plants over the course of 2018, according to a report in Usine Nouveille The multi-million euro investment is to be divided among the firm’s various milk, cheese and infant formula factories, predominantly located in the region of Brittany. The company, which is based in Ploudaniel in the Finistere department, collects and …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Bubbies Ice Cream opens new facility in Phoenix

April 23, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts, a Hawaiian firm best known for mochi ice cream, has announced the opening of a new “state-of-the-art” manufacturing plant in Phoenix, AZ. According to a company statement, the plant is the manufacturer’s first on the US mainland, adding to an existing facility at Aiea in Hawaii.  The move will increase production capacity and respond to success the company has enjoyed both in the US and overseas, the firm …

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1 MIN READ

Tradeshow Insight: Food & Drink Expo 2018

April 20, 2018
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

This April, crowds once again descended on the NEC for the latest edition of the Food & Drink Expo, the UK’s premier event for the national food & drinks sector held biennially in Birmingham. Expecting to receive around 30,000 delegates across the three days of the event, the Food & Drink Expo saw some 1,500 exhibitors set up shop to showcase a broad swathe of product offerings, representing the diversity of …

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1 MIN READ

India: Parag Milk Foods to purchase Danone plant

April 19, 2018
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Asia Pacific, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Parag Milk Foods, a dairy firm based in Maharashtra, India, is to acquire a manufacturing plant formerly owned by French dairy giant Danone with an investment of 30 crore INR ($4.5 million). The plant, located in Rai near Delhi, became available following Danone’s decision to exit the dairy sector in India and refocus its business in the country on infant nutrition, a move announced at the start of the year. “In …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Apex buys snack maker Papes Safor

April 17, 2018
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Grupo Apex, a Spanish producer of crisps and savoury snacks, is acquiring Valencia-based crisp maker and Aitana brand owner Papes Safor, according to a report in Sweet Press. “Papes Safor is a family company founded in 1992 that specialises in the manufacture of high quality crisps and snacks”, Grupo Apex said in a statement. “It shares with Grupo Apex an emphasis on careful selection of raw materials for use in …

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1 MIN READ

Canada: Premium Brands to acquire Oberto

April 16, 2018
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Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Middle East & Africa

Canadian speciality foods firm Premium Brands has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Oberto, a US maker of meat snacks. Family-owned Oberto is a manufacturer of beef jerky and other protein-based snack foods located in Seattle, WA. The company owns brands such as Oberto, Pacific Gold and Cattleman’s Cut. IN addition to the Oberto acquisition, Premium Brands said it had further increased its investment in Vancouver-based …

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1 MIN READ

Argentina: Mondelez launches Milka Bis! Wafer bars

April 13, 2018
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Food, Latin America, Products

Consumer goods giant Mondelez has expanded its portfolio in the confectionery space with the launch of Milka Bis! wafers in Argentina. The new product is described as a set of crunchy wafers that are coated with Milka chocolate. The size is said to be ideal to enjoy the combination of wafer and chocolate “anytime, anywhere”. The launch comes two years after the company entered the coated wafers segment with the …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Perdue Farms to add third line at cooking plant

April 12, 2018
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Food, Manufacture & Distribution, North America

Perdue Farms, a leading US manufacturer of poultry products, has announced that it is investing $42 million to increase production capacity at its facility in Houston County, GA. The firm, which markets a range of retail products under brands such as Perdue, Simply Smart and Harvestland, said the investment would be used to install a third cooking line to occupy 30,000 sq ft and create 125 new jobs. Commenting on …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Nestle to invest €40 million in Hamburg facility

April 11, 2018
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

FMCG giant Nestle has announced an investment of around €40 million ($49 million) to expand and modernize its confectionery production plant in Hamburg, according to a report in Lebensmittelpraxis. The facility, which manufactures products for the firm’s Kit-Kat, Smarties, After Eight and Choco Crossies brands, is Nestle’s largest factory for confectionery products in Europe with daily capacity of 1 million units, two thirds of which is exported. The investment comes …

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2 MIN READ

‘Free from’ claims slip back in 2017 NPD

April 11, 2018
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Food, Insight by Gama Compass, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Insight by Gama Compass  MANCHESTER – 11th April 2018: The percentage of food and drinks launches making ‘free from’ claims such as ‘no gluten’ and ‘no dairy’ declined slightly in 2017, the latest research from Gama has discovered. Gama found that, as a whole, the proportion of new food and drink products making ‘no gluten’ claims declined from 17.5% in 2016 to 15.6% in 2017, while ‘no lactose’ claims declined from 4.9% …