Keurig Dr Pepper, the soft drinks and coffee firm, has announced plans to invest $100 million to expand its coffee roasting facility in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, generating more than 250 new jobs by 2027. The facility, which was opened two years ago with an initial $380 million investment, is focused on roasting and packaging coffee for K-Cup pods designed for Keurig brewers. Commenting on the move, Keurig Dr Pepper …
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AG Barr, the UK-based soft drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of soft drinks brand Rio from independent brewer Hall and Woodhouse in a deal worth £12.3 million ($15 million). The acquisition will complement AG Barr’s current portfolio, which includes brands such as Irn-Bru, Boost, Funkin, and Rubicon. The Rio brand has been marketed, sold and distributed on an exclusive licence basis by AG Barr’s recently-acquired Boost Drinks division since …
Netherlands-based commodities firm Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and Polish private label coffee manufacturer Instanta have announced the opening of a new plant in Binh Duong province, Vietnam, for the manufacture of freeze-dried coffee. The joint venture facility, which will have an annual production capacity of 5,600 tonnes, was established to meet rising global demand for instant coffee, particularly more premium freeze-dried coffee. The facility’s product offering is tailored to meet the preferences of …
Gama spoke to Jan Philipp Hartmann, Director, ahead of the latest edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this year’s Anuga? This year’s Anuga is really something to behold. With more than 7,800 exhibitors from 118 countries and a fully booked net exhibition area of about 300,000 sq m, we are ensuring that this year’s Anuga will once again build on its pre-pandemic successes. The foreign share is …
Albert Heijn, the leading Dutch supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a new plant-based line comprising 200 products under the brand AH Terra. The new line-up includes plant-based dairy alternatives for coffee, hummus and vegetable spreads, plant-based cheese and meat alternatives, non-dairy mayonnaise, margarine, snacks, and plant-based shrimp. Commenting on the brand launch, Albert Heijn CEO Marit van Egmond said: “To drive the protein transition and to expand our …
Britvic, the UK-based non-alcoholic drinks firm, has announced plans to invest £6 million ($6.84 million) to expand production capacity at its Ballygowan facility in Newcastle West, Ireland, creating 28 new jobs. The investment is intended to expand the site’s production capacity by over 20% to meet increasing demand for Ballygowan mineral water. It will also provide additional bottling capacity for 50 million recycled and recyclable 500ml bottles. Commenting on the …
Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. What are your expectations for this edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair? We’re so excited for this year’s event! The speciality food & drink industry is an amazing place to be at the moment, with huge enthusiasm from consumers, inspiring innovation from producers and a real sense of discovery for …
Britvic, the UK soft drinks maker, has announced it is adding a sixth bottling line to its Beckton facility in East London via a £22.5 million ($28.6 million) investment. The expansion is designed to help support Britvic’s long-term growth ambitions in Britain, increasing production capacity at the site by nearly 30%, the company said. The new line will produce carbonated soft drinks under brands such as Tango and Pepsi Max, with the first …
Tilray Brands, a US pharmaceutical and FMCG firm, has announced it has acquired eight beer and energy drink brands from multinational brewer AB InBev in a deal worth $85 million. The acquisition of the Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, Blue Point Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider and HiBall Energy brands includes four production facilities in Oregon, Colorado, and New York, as well as the …
Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory have announced the launch of Suntory Oceania, a A$3 billion ($2 billion) partnership to manufacture and distribute premium spirits and alcohol-free drinks in Australia and New Zealand. Suntory Oceania will market 40 leading alcoholic drinks brands including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Hibiki Whisky, and Canadian Club, with the non-alcoholic drinks portfolio including Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, BOSS coffee, Iyemon green tea, and Suntory Tennensui water. Commenting …
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc has announced that, together with Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., the companies have entered into a letter of intent to purchase Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. According to a press release by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the two companies have agreed and signed a non-binding Term Sheet to purchase Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines for $1.8 billion, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as majority owner (60%) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures with a …
Kommunity Brew, a Western Australian functional beverage company, has acquired Melbourne’s Cool Cool Beverage Company (CCBC). The acquisition will add the Sips Sparkling and Liberty Kombucha brands to Kommunity Brew’s portfolio and opens up immediate export opportunities for the company via Sips Sparkling’s shelf-stable product range. “The integration of CCBC into our business is a major milestone in the evolution of Kommunity Brew, putting us in a strong position to …
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), the leading North American drinks company, has announced a strategic partnership with La Colombe which will see it take a 33% ownership stake in the US coffee roaster via a $300 million investment. In a statement, KDP said the deal included a long-term sales and distribution agreement for La Colombe’s ready-to-drink coffee, as well as a manufacturing and distribution agreement for La Colombe branded K-Cup coffee …
US infant formula firm Bobbie has announced the acquisition of Nature’s One, a paediatric nutrition company from the state of Ohio,. “The industry-disrupting acquisition allows Bobbie, the fastest-growing American infant formula company in the last five decades, to meet its full growth potential while strengthening domestic manufacturing”, the company said in a statement. Founded in 2019, Bobbie claims to have a portfolio of products that are made with organic and …
Vida Veg, a Brazilian producer of plant-based foods, has announced that the company is investing R$10 million ($2 million) to expand an existing plant in Lavras, Minas Gerais state. According to sources, the firm is tripling the size of the factory and looking to increase production capacity five-fold, with the aim of establishing capability for 1,000 tons of manufactured goods per month. The project is said to take into investment …
Monster, the leading US energy drinks company, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Vital Pharmaceuticals, owner of the Bang Energy brand, after the latter declared bankruptcy. In a statement, Monster said it would acquire Bang Energy’s performance beverages and related Bang Energy businesses through the purchase of substantially all of Bang Energy’s assets, reportedly valued at $362 million, under an Asset Purchase Agreement. The agreement is said …
Royal Unibrew, the Danish brewing and beverage company, has signed an agreement to acquire non-alcoholic drinks firm Vrumona from Heineken in a deal worth €300 million ($315 million). Vrumona is a Dutch soft drinks company with a brand range including Royal Club, Sisi, Sourcy, as well as being a bottler for partner brands such as 7 Up, Pepsi and Rivella. Vrumona’s seven production lines at its factory in Bunnik produce …
Indian instant coffee maker CCL Products has announced plans to build a new 400 crore INR ($304 million) manufacturing plant in Kuvvakolli, in India’s Andhra Pradesh state, according to an Economic Times report. The facility, which is to be built on a 22-acre site, will include a plant with an annual capacity of 16,000 metric tonnes for the manufacture of spray-dried instant coffee. At a press conference, CCL Products founder …
Indian instant coffee maker CCL Products has acquired the Percol, Rocket Fuel, Plantation Wharf, The London Blend, Perk Up and Percol Fusion brands from Food Brands Group, a subsidiary of Swedish coffee firm Lofbergs, for £0.55 million ($0.69. million), according to a report in the Free Press Journal. The deal will give CCL Products access to major supermarkets in the UK, with the Percol brand range available in chains such as …
Heartland, a specialist in low-calorie sweeteners, coffee creamers and water enhancers, has announced the launch of a new zero-calorie drink mix under the brand Splenda Peel & Pour. The liquid drink mix is designed to be mixed with two quarts (around 1.9 l) of water per pod and is available in pink lemonade, sweet tea, fruit punch, and peach mango options. Commenting on the launch, Jeff Marvel, Splenda senior brand …
Warsteiner, the leading German brewing company, has announced a €20 million ($21.6 million) investment in its factory in Herford, Rhineland-Palatinate, according to a report in LebensmittelPraxis. The money will predominantly go towards a new bottling line, but funds have also been earmarked for logistics and marketing. The production line, which is expected to be operational in the summer of 2024, will allow the Herford site to expand into new product categories, …
Gama spoke to Peggy Davies, PLMA President, ahead of the latest edition of PLMA – World of Private Label. What are your expectations for this edition of PLMA? We have seen tremendous interest from the industry; thus, expectations are high. We expect two dynamic days of business meetings, sharing ideas and sourcing for new products. Are consumers switching to private label brands in response to cost-of-living pressures? If …
Multinational beverage firm Coca-Cola has announced plans to build a new facility in upstate New York to produce Fairlife branded products. In a statement, the company said the decision to build the facility was part of its plans to expand in the Northeast market and represents an investment of $650 million in the region. Located in Webster, the plant is expected to source milk from co-operatives to produce Fairlife’s dairy …
ITC, the leading Indian conglomerate, has announced the debut of Fruits ‘N Bits, a line of fruit beverages that are claimed to have real fruit chunks and seeds. Launched under the B Natural brand, the new line is claimed to be free from concentrates and added preservatives, and comes in the varieties Mixed Fruit, Litchi (with Apple) and Guava. Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Singal, chief operating officer – Dairy …
Japanese brewer Kirin has announced the acquisition of Blackmores, an Australian vitamin and supplement producer, in a deal worth $1.2 billion. According to a Reuters report, the deal will enable Kirin to further diversify its portfolio. While alcoholic beverages comprise around half of Kirin’s sales, the company also has a health sciences division which the Blackmores acquisition is intended to complement. The Blackmores product range includes vitamins, dietary supplements and …
This April, thousands of delegates descended on the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, as stakeholders from across the hospitality, manufacturing, grocery and speciality & convenience retail sectors once again gathered together for the 2023 edition of the Food & Drink Expo. Altogether, over 1,500 suppliers took to the show floor to showcase their latest product offerings. As ever, the flagship exhibition was co-located with the Farm Shop & Deli …
London’s ExCel exhibition centre played host to yet another showcase of global innovation in mid April, as Natural & Organic Products Europe (NOPE) returned for its latest outing in the heart of the UK capital. Boasting a range of “the best, most environmentally friendly, health-conscious” products covering all sectors of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, NOPE attracted more than 7,300 visitors all keen to take in the latest …
Gama spoke to Giorgio Rigali, Head of Communications, ahead of the latest edition of Food & Drink Expo. What are your expectations for this year’s Food & Drink Expo? This year’s Food & Drink Expo is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. The UK food and drink industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, with businesses recognising the role of large face-to-face events in helping spread their …
Global food manufacturer Kerry Group has announced the opening of its Southern Europe Innovation Centre in Barcelona, Spain to create new food and beverage solutions for the Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French markets. In a press release, the company said the new facility would combine an existing office with a customer suite and applications labs, and would work with Kerry’s existing technology centres in Vigo and Granada and global taste …
Staged alongside IFE Manufacturing and Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), the 2023 edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event welcomed more than 27,000 buyers and other delegates from the worlds of retail, wholesale and hospitality, all keen to get the latest insights into the UK food and drink sector. Adjacent to the product booths, the Sustainability Stage saw sessions on building resiliency into the UK’s food systems, meeting evolving …
Spanish dairy firm Pascual has set up its first manufacturing unit in Africa, producing and marketing milk for the Angolan market. According to an article in Revista Inforetail, the move is part of company plans to nearly triple its international turnover over the next three years. Pascual is said to have been operating in Angola for more than 25 years via an export model and currently has market share of …
Gama spoke to Philippa Christer, event director, ahead of the latest edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event. What are your expectations for this year’s IFE? I’m so excited for this year’s edition of IFE. There are so many new aspects of the show and additional features for visitors to explore. This year we’ve introduced the Startup Market for newly launched food & drink brands and the New Products Tasting …
FMCG giant Danone has announced plans to invest up to $65 million over the next two years to create a new bottle production line at its existing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, according to a Food Manufacturing Report. The investment aims to increase production of coffee and coffee creamer products under brands such as International Delight and SToK to meet consumer demand. The new production line is also intended to contribute …
Saudi Arabia based dairy firm Almarai has recently announced the purchase of a 48% stake in International Dairy and Juice from FMCG giant PepsiCo to become the 100% owner of the business According to a report in The National, International Dairy and Juice was formed as a joint venture in 2009 via a partnership between Almarai and PepsiCo to produce and distribute food and beverages in Egypt and Jordan. The …
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced an investment of over €40 million ($43 million) in a new production line at its factory in Luneburg, Germany for reusable glass bottles. The new filling line, which is expected to be operating by summer 2024, is designed for the Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite brands. 30 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the expansion. “For the future, we see …
Gama spoke to Danila Brunner, Director of Biofach / Vivaness, ahead of the latest edition of the organic consumer goods tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Biofach? After the one-off BIOFACH and VIVANESS Summer Edition 2022, we are looking forward to seeing the organic sector again from 14th to 17th February 2023. We expect over 2,700 exhibitors for the combined BIOFACH and VIVANESS trade fair from more than …
Danone, the French consumer goods giant, has inaugurated its new Daniel Carasso Research & Innovation Center in Paris with the aim of creating “the products of the future” The new centre, located on the Paris-Saclay campus, will be dedicated to development and innovation in the categories of “fresh dairy and plant-based products” and “natural mineral water” . In a statement, Danone said the facility would have state-of-the art laboratories to research …
Milo’s, an Alabama-based firm that manufactures, distributes, markets and sells ice teas and lemonades throughout the USA, has announced plans to build its fourth manufacturing plant in Spartanburg County, SC. The company said the expansion was a direct response to the growth of the Milo’s brand, which it claimed was the number one refrigerated tea and fastest growing lemonade in the U.S. The 110,000 sq ft facility will initially employ more than 100 staff, with further …
Reliance Consumer Products has announced the acquisition of 50% equity stake in carbonated soft drink company Sosyo Hajoori Beverages Private. Founded in 1923, Sosyo is a leading company in the soft drink market in India with brands such as Sosyo, Opener, Kashmira, Lemee, Hajoori Soda, Ginlim, Runner and S’eau with over 100 flavours launched in the market. “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Reliance Consumer Products, a …
Soft drink manufacturer A.G. Barr has announced the acquisition of the functional energy drink brand Boost for an initial consideration of £20 million, on a debt-free, cash-free basis. Founded on 2021, Boost has a portfolio of energy drinks, RTD iced coffees and sport-focused beverages, operating an asset light model, outsourcing production, warehousing, and logistics. “Boost is one of the UK’s most recognisable functional drinks brands, and we are delighted to …
Italian coffee producer Lavazza has reportedly made a binding offer to acquire the French firm MaxiCoffee, owned by the company founder Christophe Brancato, 21 Invest and other investors. According to sources, Lavazza made the deal so that the company can strengthen its position in France and also in e-commerce. Lavazza Chief Executive Antonio Baravalle said: “Our strategy is to support the further development of MaxiCoffee, which will maintain its profile …
Leading beverage company in North America, Keurig Dr Pepper, has announced an investment in Athletic Brewing Company, America’s leading non-alcoholic craft beer maker. According to the Keurig Dr Pepper’s statement, the company purchased a minority stake of $50 million in Athletic Brewing Company in a move to tap into the rapidly emerging beverage categories. As part of the deal, Keurig Dr Pepper will have an equity stake in Athletic Brewing …
US-based firm American Beverage Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harvest Hill Beverage Company, has announced the acquisition of Poppilu, a lemonade brand targeted to children. Founded in 2017, Poppilu was at a first stage targeted to adults but its target shifted in 2020, when the need for a lemonade for kids was identified. Poppilu is sold in pouches in three ‘bold and tangy’ lemonade flavours (Original Lemon, Blueberry and Peach …
Florida-based Primo Water Corporation has announced the acquisition of all the assets of fellow bottled water producer Crystal Spring Water Company, which is based in Rhode Island. According to Primo Water Corporation, the purchase will allow it to increase its distribution in both Rhode Island and South-eastern Massachusetts, where Crystal Spring Water Company’s products are already present. Tom Harrington, CEO of Primo Water Corporation, said: “Crystal Spring Water Company offers high-quality spring water solutions …
Japanese drinks giant Asahi has announced the acquisition of Australian soft drinks firm StrangeLove. According to sources, StrangeLove offers a range of adult soft drinks including sparkling waters, low-calorie sodas and premium mixers. Robert Iervasi, Asahi CEO, said: “We expect StrangeLove to really shake things up in the on-premise premium mixer and adult soft drink space with a high-quality, Australian-made brand. This deal will also strengthen our offer to retailers, …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it is investing €100 million ($98 million) in a coffee plant in Girona, Spain. According to sources, the investment will be made over the next three years with the goal of increasing the factory’s medium to long-term competitiveness. Nestle plans to install state-of-the-art technology that, combined with automation and digital technology, will improve sustainability and logistics, as well as boosting the manufacture of single-dose …
FMCG giant PepsiCo has launched a limited-edition range of S’mores inspired flavours for its Pepsi cola line in the US. Released on the last day of summer, the Pepsi S’mores Collection is available in the varieties Toasty Marshmallow, Graham Cracker and Chocolate. The Toasty Marshmallow variant is said to have a marshmallow base with toasted notes to bring out the “fireside flavour”, whilst the Graham Cracker variety is said to have notes …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola is partnering with Japanese beverage firm Kirin to develop functional drinks, according to a Nikkei Asia report. The companies are said to be collaborating to create drinks that contain lactococcus lactis strain plasma (LC-Plasma), a postbiotic ingredient developed by Kirin Holdings that is claimed to boost immunity in healthy people. The collaboration will reportedly help Coca-Cola to bolster its position in the growing health drinks segment, …
FMCG giant Danone has announced it is ceasing production of Bonafont bottled waters in Brazil, including all of its activities in the Jacutinga plant in the state of Minas Gerais. According to a FoodBev report, the decision is line with Danone’s decision to focus on dairy and plant-based products and specialised nutrition in the country, which are described as being more profitable and with higher growth rates. Danone said: “The decision to discontinue …
Coca-Cola has announced Dreamworld, the latest offering within its Coca-Cola Creations concept. According to a company press release, Coca-Cola Dreamworld, which also comes in a zero sugar version, “explores the realms of the surreal, the imaginary, and the otherworldly” offering “a surprising and unexpected flavor from a dream world”. Commenting on the launch, Alessandra Cascino, creative and shopper programme director of Coca-Cola North America, said: “Coca-Cola Dreamworld taps into Gen Z’s …
PepsiCo, the leading US consumer goods firm, has announced a distribution agreement and the acquisition of $550 million stake in energy drink company Celsius Holdings at the price of $75 per share, corresponding to 8.5% ownership of the company. Celsius is a US global consumer packaged goods company that produces lifestyle energy fitness drinks. With this agreement, PepsiCo will become the preferred distribution partner globally for Celsius Holdings and will support …
FMCG giant PepsiCo has announced the acquisition of 152 acres of land in the Denver Development Area that will be used for a new 1.2 million sq ft manufacturing facility. According to sources, the new plant will be PepsiCo Beverages North America’s largest and most sustainable. The new facility will replace a manufacturing plant in the River North Art District, tripling production capacity and created 250 new jobs. Johannes Evenblij, president of …
Keurig Dr Pepper have recently announced the acquisition of the non-alcoholic cocktail brand Atypique from Station Agro-Biotech. The agreement made for the acquisition has both Keurig and Station Agro-Biotech fuel the growth of Atypique using the research done by Station Agro-Biotech in the product category and Keurig’s sales network. Chief financial officer for the international branch of Keurig Dr Pepper, Ozan Dokmecioglu said “We are excited to add this new …
Coca Cola Canada Bottling has announced its plans to invest nearly CAD$42 million ($32 million) into the Lower Mainland region’s operations due to growing demand in British Columbia and to help their capability in the region. According to sources, the investment will be applied to create a new manufacturing line in the Richmond plant, allowing the facility to use pre-form bottles at the location and in the warehouse and distribution …
US firm Athletic Brewing Company has officially started production at its 50,000 square foot new facility in Milford, Connecticut. Athletic Brewing is one of the country’s largest non-alcoholic beer producers and it has experienced exponential growth over the past five years, producing 1.4 million cases of beers in 2021. It is expected that with this new facility, the company will be able to produce 6 million cases annually. With a …
Uk based Oat-milk business Minor Figures has received a minority investment from Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV) and Green Monday Group, a plant-based food business. Founded in 2015, with offices in the US and Australia as well, Minor Figures produces barista oat milk for retail and coffee shops under its own brand name, RTD coffees and teas distributed in 16 countries. Green Monday produces the OmniPork line of meat alternatives fish …
New Berlin Beverage, a recently founded holding company with a focus on emerging and innovative beverages, has announced the acquisition of Minna, a line of sparkling iced teas. Minna’s portfolio consists of various types of sparkling tea, including fruity flavours such as cherry cacao green tea and pineapple passion fruit tea. CEO of New Berlin Beverage and Minna, Anshu Dua, said “This acquisition will allow Minna to deliver superior supply …
Starbucks and Bolthouse Farms have entered into a definitive agreement for Bolthouse Farms to acquire brand and business of Evolution Fresh. Evolution Fresh is a producer of cold pressed juice products which was owned by Starbucks since the 2010s. The transaction will allow Bolthouse Farms to expand its beverage portfolio with cold pressed premium juices, while Starbucks will focus on growing the core Starbucks business. Vice president of Starbucks’ global …
Plant Based and holistic wellness firm Simply Better Brands Corp. and Jones Soda Co, manufacturer and distributor of premium craft beverages, have announced that the two companies have executed a binding letter in which Simply Better Brands will acquire the Jones Soda company and its assets. According to sources, the combination of the two rapidly growing companies is expected to produce an accelerated growth in the areas of food and …
UK-based Post Holdings, Weetabix breakfast cereal maker, has acquired UFit protein shakes brand owner Lacka Foods. Founded in 2012, Lacka Foods manufactures high-protein and high-fibre shakes fortified with vitamins and minerals that also include a range of vegan, plant-based options made with pea protein and coconut milk. According to sources, the company will operate independently after the transaction and no changes will be made to the management team. Weetabix said …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced the launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Bite, the second drink from Coca-Cola Creations and the first Coca-Cola flavour born in the metaverse, released to physical retail afterwards. According to sources, the limited-edition drink will be introduced digitally on an island created in Fortnight Creative and it will be sold in twin packs – one can drink and the other can for collection purposes. Oana …
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has announced an investment of €30 million ($32 million) to create a new production line in its manufacturing facility located in Dunkirk, France. According to Coca-Cola, the site produces a wide range of packs and sizes, and also produces aseptic, which is needed to make still drinks. François Gay-Bellile, CEO of CCEP France said: “Coca-Cola has been produced in France for over 100 years and has a …
Nestle USA has announced an investment of $675 million to build a new factory in Glendale Arizona to meet the growing demand for its products. The new facility will produce creamers for Nestle’s category-leading portfolio, including the Coffee mate, Coffee mate natural bliss, and Starbucks brands. “Beverages play an increasingly important role in the lives of consumers, a trend that’s been accelerated by the pandemic and is expected to continue …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced the investment of $260 million in its manufacturing facility in the city of Tucker, Georgia. The expansion will create about 136 new full time jobs, bringing up PepsiCo’s total workforce in DeKalb county to over 600. The facility will be expanded by more than 260,000 sq feet as well as is expected to increase production fivefold by 2025. By 2025, this …
Rowdy Energy, a US-based manufacturer of energy drinks, has announced the launch of Power Burn, a new product that is claimed to burn up 135 calories per can, in addition to having energising benefits. Launched in Pink Lemonade, Pineapple Passionfruit, Mango Dragonfruit, and Watermelon varieties, Power Burn energy drink is described as containing only 5 calories per can and as providing 160mg of natural caffeine from green tea and green …
Multinational drinks company, The Coca-Cola Company, has announced the launch of a space-inspired drink, under the Coca-Cola Starlight brand name. According to the company, the limited-edition series, part of its global innovation platform Coca-Cola Creations, was inspired by ‘the infinite possibilities of space’, and it fuses the signature Coca-Cola flavour with ‘unexpected touches, including a reddish hue and cooling taste sensation evoking the feeling of a journey to space’. Oana …
Golden Grail, a fast-growing company in the beverage sector, has announced the acquisition of Tickle Water, an innovative, premium sparkling water created for children, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2016, Tickle Water is a naturally flavoured sparkling water free from GMOs, gluten, sugar, sodium, calories, sweeteners, preservatives, and also Kosher certificated, available in four flavours, orange mango, watermelon, grape, and green apple. “Tickle Water is the fourth and latest …
Eat Beyond Global, an investment issuer focused on innovative food tech as well as plant-based and alternative food products, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mylk Brands owner of Banana Wave for C$11.5 million. US-based, Banana Waves has a portfolio of five gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO beverages made from oats and real banana. All varieties have 90 calories or fewer and contain vitamin b, potassium, fiber, and protein. Michael …
Winery company Vintage Wine Estates has announced the acquisition of Meier’s Wine Cellars, doing business as Meier’s Beverage Group. Founded in 1895, Meier’s is a leading producer, bottler, importer, and marketer of specialty beverage alcohol and non-alcohol products. The company owns a bonded winery, brewery, and distilled spirits plant with processing, blending and bottling capabilities for a broad variety of beverage alcohol and non-alcoholic products, including three bottling lines and a state-of-the-art …
Global food manufacturer Welch Foods has announced plans to invest $26.3 million to expand its facility in Michigan. As part of the expansion, Welch’s will build a new bottling line to meet the increasing demand for single-serve beverages, creating up to 57 new jobs. “Welch’s is pleased that our close partnership with UFCW Local 825 has enabled us to commit to this investment, which will support our growth, continue to …
AB InBev-owned beer company Corona is launching Corona Sunbrew an innovative non-alcoholic beer which vitamin D. The ‘innovative, first-of-its-kind, non-alcoholic beer’ is said to contain 30% of the daily value of vitamin D in 330ml serving. The new Corona Sunbrew beer is made by extracting alcohol from Corona Extra and then blending the non-alcoholic beer with vitamin D and natural flavours. Felipe Ambra, global vice president for Corona, commented: “As …
US food and beverages manufacturer JM Smucker has entered into an agreement to sell its natural and organic beverage and grains businesses to Nexus Capital for $110 million. The sale includes assets of RW Knudsen and TruRoots brands, a licensing agreement for Santa Cruz Organic beverages and manufacturing facilities in Chico, California, and Havre de Grace, Maryland. Tina Floyd, vice president and general manager of consumer foods at JM Smucker, …
Fazer, the leading Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced the acquisition of the Swedish plant-based drink producer Trensums Food from Profuragruppen for an undisclosed sum. Trensums Food is a growth company and a leading oat drink producer in Europe, the company was the first in the world to commercially produce oat drinks selling its products to a large part of the world. The acquisition will provide Fazer with a …
Gama spoke to Saeed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Capital Events LLC at ADNEC Group, ahead of the 2021 edition of SIAL Middle East. What are your expectations for the 11th edition of SIAL Middle East? We are very much looking forward to the 11th edition of SIAL ME and welcoming people to ADNEC once again. The event is the perfect platform for both exhibitors and buyers …
Natural spring water company BlueTriton Brands has announced the completion of the acquisition of certain assets of Saratoga Spring Water Company (SSWC). Founded in 1872, Saratoga Spring Water Company bottles natural spring water from Saratoga Spring selling throughout the United States and internationally. “We are thrilled to welcome Saratoga Spring Water Company’s products into the BlueTriton family,” said Tony W. Lee, managing partner of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC and …
Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant has announced the sale of its global tea business Ekaterra to CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII for €4.5 billion ($5.1 billion). Ekaterra has a portfolio of 34 tea brands such as Lipton, PG tips, Pukka, and T2, with 11 production facilities in 4 continents, and Tea estates in 3 countries generating revenue of around €2 billion in 2020. “The evolution of our portfolio into …
Danone, the food and beverage multinational, has announced the sale of its water and beverage business in Denmark, to Royal Unibrew, a Denmark-based brewing, and beverage company. According to sources, the sale is part of Danone’s strategic portfolio review and of the continuous optimization of its capital allocation. Royal Unibrew’s CEO, Lars Jensen, said: “I am very pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement to acquire Aqua …
Coca-Cola, the multinational drinks company, has announced the acquisition of the remaining stake in BodyArmor, a US sports drink, for $5.6 billion. In 2018, Coca-Cola acquired 15% stake in BodyArmor with a path to full ownership. The company will operate as a separate business and maintain its base in New York. “BodyArmor has been a great addition to the system lineup over the last three years, and the company has …
Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s), a food and drink company based in Asia, has announced an investment of 20 million MYR ($4.8 million) in a high-speed combi production and filling line in Malaysia, according to a FoodBev report. The “Combi Line”, which is said to be the first of its kind in Malaysia, “fuels Yeo’s commitment to deliver on its brand promise, ‘Serving Up Goodness’, by innovating its manufacturing standards and …
Britvic, the UK-based non-alcoholic drinks firm, has announced that it is investing £26.9 million ($36.2 million) in its Rugby factory, creating 20 new jobs. The company will install a fourth canning line to produce recyclable 330ml cans for soft drinks range, increasing capacity by a further 18% per cent. “This new, state-of-the-art canning line will be a fantastic boost for Britvic’s Rugby facility which continues to produce recyclable cans for some of …
Full Sail IP Partners has announced the acquisition of juice and smoothie brand Odwalla from Coca-Cola for an undisclosed sum, according to a Reuters report Founded in 1980, Odwalla is a producer of plant-based fruit juices, smoothies, and energy bars. According to sources, Full Sail IP Partners plans to expand the Odwalla brand beyond the drinks category into food and supplements, making products with health benefits. Full Sail IP Partners …
Arla, the Danish dairy firm, has announced an investment of 300 million SEK (approximately $35 million) in its dairy facility in Gotene, Sweden, to expand its organic range, according to a FoodBev report. The investment, which follows a previous investment of 95 million SEK ($11 million) in Gotene to expand its butter capabilities, will allow the firm to double the capacity for handling organic milk. “We are constantly looking into …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced an investment of $64 million to expand its drinks concentrates factory in Uruguay. Located in the free trade zone of Colonia, PepsiCo’s facility is one of eight in the world dedicated to the preparation of beverage concentrates for PepsiCo’s portfolio brands such as Pepsi, Seven Up, Mirinda and Gatorade. The facility, which has been operating in Uruguay for 30 years, employs …
US drinks business First Bev has announced it has acquired a controlling stake in the California-based kombucha firm Health-Ade. Founded in 2012, Health-Ade markets itself as a producer of “feel-good, bubbly beverages” with gut-health benefits, such as kombucha, prebiotic sodas and cocktail mixers, and has annual retail sales of over $200 million. “I couldn’t be more excited for Health-Ade to have someone with Jack’s experience and credentials step into the …
Coca-Cola HBC, the Swiss-based international bottling company, has announced the acquisition of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Egypt (CCBCE) for $427 million. The deal will give access to the second largest non-alcoholic ready-to-drink market in Africa by volume, Coca-Cola HBC said, adding that the acquisition also aims to increase the penetration of the Coca-Cola Company’s brand portfolio and expand the brand’s presence in high-growth areas. Coca-Cola HBC CEOZoran Bogdanovic, said: “We …
Coca-Cola, the soft drinks multinational, has announced plans to shut down operations in facilities located in American Canyon (CA) and Northampton (MA), according to a FoodDive report. The operation will reportedly affect around 500 staff and is set to be achieved in 2023. The decision is said to follow a restructure which has seen Coca-Cola stop the production of a number of its brands since 2020. A Coca-Cola spokesperson said …
PAI Partners, a French private equity firm, has announced an agreement to acquire Tropicana, Naked and other juices brands from US food and beverage company PepsiCo for about $3.3 billion. Pepsi Co will retain the exclusive US distribution rights to the brand portfolio. According to sources, the benefits from the sale are expected to enhance PepsiCo’s balance sheet and allow it to make organic investments. PepsiCo chairman and CEO Ramon …
Independent drinks bottler Refresco has announced that set to acquire the Germany-based beverage company Hansa-Heeman. Hansa-Heeman, which employs around 800 people, manufactures drinks for both private labels and manufacturer brands. 60% of the firm’s volume is in mineral water, with the remaining 40% in carbonated soft drinks. Its annual revenue is approximately €300 million ($356 million). Refresco said it would acquire brands such as Furst Bismarck, Hella, and St. Michaeli, …
Danish beverage firm Royal Unibrew has signed an agreement to acquire French energy drink business MC Energy, owner of the Crazy Tiger brand, in a deal worth $97 million. Crazy Tiger reportedly holds around 10% volume share in the French energy drinks markets and employs 25 staff. Its flagship product is available in both bottles and cans and features a formulation based on caffeine, taurine, and vitamins. Royal Unibrew said …
Nestle Indonesia, a subsidiary of multinational food and drinks giant Nestle, has started the construction of a US$ 200million facility in Central Java. The 20 hectares of land facility will produce Bear Brand liquid milk and ready-to-drink beverages Milo and Nescafe to meet the consumer demand for dairy products in the region creating about 200 new jobs. Ganesan Ampalavanar, president director of PT Nestle Indonesia said: “We are optimistic about …
Global soft drinks giant Britvic has announced the acquisition of the UK plant-based drink business Plenish, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2012, Plenish makes a range of plant-based milks and plant-powered juices from high-quality, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. The products are low calories, and free from added sugar and preservatives. The acquisition follows Britvic’s plans to build a portfolio of soft-drinks brands for every consumer occasion focussing on …
Green Hygienics Holdings Inc, a company that focuses on the high standard cultivation and processing of industrial hemp and manufacturing of pharmaceutical grade-bioactive cannabinoids, has announced the letter of intent (LOI) to acquire the Bohemian Beverage Co. Bohemian Beverage Co. has a portfolio of twenty beverage brands, including CBD-infused teas, kombuchas, beers, ciders, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more, which are directly distributed and sold through the firm’s own subsidiary storefront. Ron …
SunOpta has announced the acquisition of plant-based beverages brands Dream and WestSoy from Haim Celestial for $33 million. The acquisition will allow SunOpta, a leading manufacturer of organic, natural, and non-GMO plant-based and fruit-based food and beverage products, to accelerate growth in the dairy alternative sector. “This transaction is very consistent with our previously stated objective of pursuing strong organic and inorganic growth in our plant-based business,” said Joe Ennen, …
Hemp-infused beverage company, Good Hemp, has closed the acquisition of Diamond Creek Group a manufacturer of ionised high alkaline natural spring water. According to sources, the acquisition of Diamon Creek is part of the distribution expansion plans of Good Hemp. The growing demand of functional water is expected to reach $18.24 billion by 2025. Ken Morgan, founder of Diamond Creek, said: “I am very excited about the closing of the …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 18th March 2021: This month’s Innovation Insight focuses on a new functional beverage promising to deliver “truly effective hydration” by combining the natural properties of milk with the benefits of the latest technology – GoodSport Sport Drink. Newly introduced by GoodSport Nutrition in the US, GoodSport Sport Drink repositions milk as a drink for athletes, using the latest in filtration techniques to …
Multinational food and drinks giant, Nestle has announced the acquisition of Essentia Water, a premium functional water brand based in Washington. Worthing $192 million in sales the past year, Essentia produces ionized alkaline water, being the leading brand in that space in the United States. Now it will be part of Nestle USA Premium Waters portfolio together with Perrier, San Pellegrino, and Acqua Panna. In a statement, Nestle acknowledged that …
Oatly, the Swedish firm behind the namesake dairy-alternative milk, has announced plans to open its first UK factory at the beginning of 2023. With a forecast capacity of 450 million litres production of oat milk per year, the new factory is said to be one of the largest plant-based dairy factories in the world and is expected to supply Peterborough area, where it is to be located. Oatly has committed …
American multinational beverage Coca-Cola company has revealed intentions to acquire a controlling stake in Bodyarmor, a functional drinks business. Bodyarmor’s portfolio includes a range of enhanced water drinks, sports drinks made with coconut water, and lower-calorie. According to sources, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said: “We can confirm that The Coca-Cola Company has filed a pre-acquisition notification with the Federal Trade Commission relating to its intent to acquire a controlling interest in …
Multinational food and drinks giant Nestle has reached an agreement to sell its Nestle Water North America business to One Rock Capital Partners in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. for $4.3 billion. The sale includes brands such as Poland Spring, Deer Park, Ozarka, Ice Mountains, Zephyrhills, Arrowhead and Spring. International premium brands including Perrier, S.Pellegrino, and Acqua Panna are not part of the deal. The movement is part of Nestle’s …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the 2021 edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? For more than three decades, Gulfood has been at the forefront of the global industry and the 2021 edition is no different. Gulfood was the only major global F&B sourcing event to take place in 2020 and, as a result, this year’s show …
Babasucco, an Italian consumer goods company, has launched a new drink called Energy Estratto which is claimed to harness all the properties of avocado. The new launch is the latest in Babasucco’s line of cold-pressed juices which it first launched to the Italian market in 2015. According to the company, the line was created “to satisfy a specific function and has been studied to nutritionally satisfy”, and will “help you to reach …
Global soft drinks company Coca-Cola Company has sold the Zico coconut water brand back to its original owner, through the equity firm PowerPlant Ventures, after eight years. Mark Rampolla, creator of the Zico brand and co-founder of PowerPlant Ventures, said: “I respect the decision of Coca-Cola to focus on other elements of their beverage business. I still have a lot of love for ZICO, and I know consumers do too. …
Nigerian Breweries has announced opened a new 5.1 billion NGN ($13.3 million) “ultra-modern” automated PET bottling line at its Ijebu Ode brewery in Nigeria The PET line, which is claimed to have been designed with the latest technology that meets world-class safety and quality standards, is expected to produce 24,000 bottles per hour, increasing capacity for Maltina and other drinks. According to the company, the PET line was developed to …
US agricultural cooperative Ocean Spray has announced a partnership with ingredients firm Amai Proteins to develop protein-sweetened reduced sugar cranberry juice. Founded in 1930, Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers in the United States, Canada, and Chile. “We will continue to develop options that showcase the incredible health benefits of the cranberry while highlighting our commitment to health and wellness”, said Katy Latimer, VP …
Ocean Spray, a US-based agricultural cooperative, has unveiled the B1U brand, described as “a line of functional beverages to support a holistic and inclusive health and wellness routine”. According to a company press release, B1U features on-trend functional benefits, simple ingredients, easy to understand nutrition and recyclable packaging. The new brand aims to “demystify nutrition so that consumers are able to make educated decisions and ultimately ‘own the one you’ “. Free …
Global food manufacturer Kerry Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Bio-K Plus International, a Canada-based firm that develops, manufactures, and distributes “clinically supported” probiotic fermented beverages and supplements in the North American market. Kerry Group said the acquisition would expand its portfolio of products orientated to the growing proportion of consumers demanding functional foods, beverages, and supplements made with clinically supported functional ingredients. Neil Cracknell, President Kerry Applied Health & Nutrition, said: …
Coffee chain Pret A Manger has launched a line of coffee products for retail for the first time in the UK. Launched in partnership with supermarket chain Waitrose, the line, which will “allow customers to play the role of barista at home”, includes the two core coffees used in Pret’s stores: Pret’s Organic Classic Blend Ground Coffee (200g) which is used for filter coffee; and Pret’s Organic Espresso Beans (450g), …
Gama spoke to Nasma Al Ameri, Head of Marketing (Events) at ADNEC, ahead of the F&B Networking Hub 2020. What are your expectations for the F&B Networking Hub 2020? The F&B Networking Hub 2020 represents a link with the upcoming SIAL ME 2021 event. Having had to postpone SIAL ME to 7th – 9th September 2021, we still want to continue to support the industry, connecting F&B communities during these …
European bottler Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), has made an offer to buy Australian Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) for A$9.28 billion ($6.62 billion). According to sources, the Australian bottler is backing the offer, which prices the company below the market valuation that was made in February. CCA has reportedly seen a decrease in profit since March, due to the shutdown of restaurants and pubs. CCA chief executive Alison Watkins said: “We are really confident about …
US food and beverage company PepsiCo has announced the launch of Driftwell, a new relaxation drink that contains l-theanine. According to Beverage Daily, the “enhanced water beverage” went from concept to execution in under a year, and was part of the firm’s internal program “The Next Big Idea”, which uses an online platform for employees to team up and develop new innovations. The non-carbonated drink, designed to help consumers to …
Kirin and Mengniu have announced that they will not complete their planned million transfer deal for tLion Dairy & Drinks, which was announced towards the end of 2019. The deal between the two companies had been awaiting approval from Australian competition regulators. Reuters noted that the announcement followed a media report last week that the deal might be in jeopardy after the approval of a foreign investment law in July. “This is an …
A consortium led by Flexis Capital has announced the acquisition of Waterloo Sparkling Water for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2017, Waterloo Sparkling Water is a producer of fruit-flavoured carbonated waters that are free from sugar, calories, and artificial sweeteners. The private equity consortium is formed by Moore Strategic Ventures, Eurazeo, JW Levin Management Partners and Waterloo Capital’s investors. According to sources, the new capital will be used to “grow …
Global soft drinks giant Coca-Cola and its bottling partners have announced plans to invest $75.3 million on new production lines and a factory in China, according to a FoodBev report. Swire Coca-Cola China, one of Coca-Cola’s bottling partners, is said to be investing $36.2 million in six new production lines, creating an estimated output of $246 million worth of soft drinks per year, while COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages, another bottling partner, …
Beverage USA Holdings has announced the acquisition of Nerd, a Texas-based mental acuity beverage company for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2006, Nerd is a beverage producer focus on concentration, memory and energy drinks, made with nootropics and performance-boosting nutrients such as lpha-GPC, Huperzine-A, GABA, DMAE, and Ginkgo Biloba, to help mental acuity. Howard Davner, President of Beverage USA Holdings, said: “We knew Nerd Focus was truly something special after …
Nespresso, an operating unit of the Nestle Group, has announced the investment of CHF 160 million (£135 million) to expand production centre in Romont, Switzerland. Opened in 2015, this facility is the main producer of Nespresso Vertuo capsules and machines, distributed worldwide. With this investment, the company will augment its capacity in 10 new production lines, creating 300 new jobs over the next 10 years. The first production line is …
Nestle Waters, a subsidiary of multinational giant Nestle, has announced the sale of its Canadian bottled water business Pure Life to Ice River Springs for an undisclosed sum. Ice River Springs is a Canadian family-owned private label bottled water manufacturer and producer of the Ice River Green brand. According to sources, this acquisition “fulfils a strategic ambition of Ice River Springs to expand the company’s offering in Canada beyond private …
The eSports company Faze Clan has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in meal replacement CRTL, a start-up for an undisclosed sum. According to CTRL, the company produces a line of powdered meal replacements shakes containing proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and other elements to boost healthy digestion. Skyler Johnson, co-founder of CTRL, commented: “Faze Clan is the ultimate embodiment of esports as a lifestyle brand, …
Sanpellegrino Group, a Nestle subsidiary, has announced the sale of Nestle Vera water brand to Acqua Vera Spa for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1979 and acquired by Nestle in 2005, Acqua Vera holds approximately 6% of the Italian bottled water share market, registering an annual turnover of €80 million last year, according to sources. In addition to the Nestle Vera brand, the deal includes the bottling facilities in Santo …
SCB Global Java, a holding company specialised on investments in the coffee market, has announced the acquisition of White Tale Coffee, for an undisclosed sum. Based in Denver, Colorado, White Tale Coffee is a premium artisanal coffee brand, that supplies its products through an e-commerce subscription platform. This deal is the third investment by SCB Global Java, after the acquisitions of Caribbean Coffee Company and Bona Fide Nitro Coffee & …
Thai enterprise TCP Group has announced its plans to invest ¥1.06 billion ($149.3 million) to expand its presence in the Chinese market, over the next three years. This investment intends to support its local partnerships, establish a new representative office, in-country team, and manufacture centers as well as support the launch of new Red Bull products and other products from the company’s portfolio. According to sources, the company expects this …
Indian company, Tata Consumer has announced the acquisition of PepsiCo’s stake in NourishCo Beverages for an undisclosed sum. Created in 2010 by the two companies, NourishCo Beverages is a 50:50 joint venture, focused on the healthy hydration market in India. According to sources, this deal allows Tata Consumer to widen its portfolio in the food and beverages space as well as strengthen its position on that Indian market. Sunil D’Souza, …
Dean Foods, the food and beverages company, has announced the sale of Uncle Matt’s Organic Brand to Harmoni. Founded in 1999 by Matt McLean and sold in 2017 to Dean Foods, the juice brand Uncle Matt’s Organic is now being sold to a company created by its founder as well as a team of investors. “If you told me three years ago after selling to a publicly-traded, multi-billion-dollar CPG leader …
Multinational food and drinks giant Nestle has launched NesQino, a customisable functional beverage product on the market in China. NesQino offers a digitally connected Q-cup machine, a variety of superfood sachets, and three base sachets: smoothie, oat shake, and milkshake. Consumers can choose from 21 different flavour recipes, which are made from 100% natural ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and probiotics. Mayank Trivedi, head of Nestle’s dairy …
Natural energy drink brand Tenzing, has launched a plant-based energy drink containing anti-oxidising berries and vegan BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). The new Tenzing Blackberry & Acai obtains its vegan BCAAs from fermented corn by probiotic bacteria and claimed to contain caffeine, vitamin C, and electrolytes. Founder of Tenzing, Huib van Bockel, said: “Somehow people have come to believe that energy from nature is not as strong as artificial energy drinks. …
Kofola, a Czech-based beverage company, has announced the acquisition of two mineral water brands, Karlovarska Korunní and Ondrasovka for an undisclosed sum. This deal happens after the approval of the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition. Both Karlovarska Korunni and Ondrasovka are mineral water brands with a rich history and tradition in the Czech Republic, and according to Kofola this acquisition will strengthen its position in the category of …
Mondias Natural Products, a Canadian-based company specialised in natural health products, has announced the acquisition of Erablier for an enterprise value of C$1 million ($690,000). Based in Quebec, Canada, Erablier is a producer of organic maple water, obtained from sugar extracted from maple tree sap. According to Mondias Natural Products, the acquisition will expand its portfolio and further deliver on its vision to offer consumers “healthy and nutritious experiences”. Patrick …
Myprotein, UK-based sports nutrition brand, developed a clear plant-based protein shake that will be introduced on the US market, to meet the increased demand for vegan products. According to the manufacturer, the powdered protein shake is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extracts, being sugar and fat free, and it is available in two flavours: Coconut & Mango and Pear & Ginger. Containing 10 grams of protein per serving, the …
PepsiCo, the US based drinks and snacks giant, has announced the acquisition of Rockstar Energy Beverages for $3.85 billion. Founded in 2001, Rockstar Energy Beveragesproduces beverages that are designed for those who lead active lifestyles, offering over 30 flavours at convenience and grocery stores in more than 30 countries. Through the deal, PepsiCo is aiming to cement its presence in the fast-growing drink energy category, adding Rockstar to its portfolio …
Danone, the food and drinks multinational, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Harrogate Water, a UK-based bottled water company, for an undisclosed sum. Owned by the Cain family, Harrogate Water has a history dating back to 1740 s and abstracts water from an underground aquifer below the Harrogate Pinewoods. The company reported turnover of £21.6 million ($27.8 million) for the year ending 31st March 2019. Commenting on …
Lucozade Ribena Suntory, the UK subsidiary of Japanese food and drinks giant Suntory, has inaugurated a new £13 million ($16.9 million) production line at the firm’s factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire. The new high-speed line fills 55,000 bottles an hour, enabling Lucozade Ribena Suntory to keep up with the demand for its expanding range of low-sugar drinks, the company said. It also uses heat and pressurised air instead of water to clean …
Agthia, the leading Middle East food and beverage firm, has unveiled what is said to be the region’s first drinks bottle made from bioplastic. The new Plant Bottle for Agthia’s flagship Al Ain mineral water brand is described as being made from fermented sugars that are converted into a resin called polylactic acid. The pack is claimed to be able to withstand high summer temperatures but also to be fully compostable …
Unilever, the FMCG multinational, is considering the sale of its tea division in light of declining sales. Speaking during a conference call to announce the firm’s Q4 results, Unilever CEO Alan Jope described the firm’s tea business, which includes the PG Tips and Lipton brands, as being “more mature […], consolidated […] and structurally slower growing”, and said the future of the business would now be the subject of a strategic review. …
Keurig Dr Pepper, the soft drinks and coffee firm, has acquired the caffeinated sparkling water brand Limitless for an undisclosed sum, according to a BevNET report. Founded in Chicago in 2016, Limitless produces calorie-free, sparkling water containing 35mg of caffeine per 12oz can. Reportedly inspired by “a passion for finding the cleanest caffeine possible”, the line comes in a choice of Watermelon, Ginger Mint, Cucumber Pear, Blood Orange, Lemon Lime and …
The Mexican arm of food and drink multinational Nestle has announced plans to invest $700 million to upgrade its 17 manufacturing plants to increase productivity, improve processes and expand production capacity. The investment includes $200 million, announced in November last year, for the first phase of a new coffee factory in Veracruz, which will process 20,000 tons of coffee per year from Mexican coffee growers, and which is expected to begin operations in the …
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks giant, has announced plans to invest up to €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in France over the next five years in support of “sustainable development” and a broadening of its product portfolio. The firm said that, together with Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), its primary French bottling partner, it planned to make a significant investment into innovation and the introduction of new products, as well as the expansion …
Fazer, the Finnish dairy and confectionery firm, is considering closing a production facility for its Yosa brand of oat-based products, according to a FoodBev report. The plant in Kaarina, south-west Finland, is reportedly being shut as part of an efficiency drive, with production moving to another manufacturing site in the town of Koria. While noting that non-dairy oat-based products were playing a “key role” in the development of the business, Heli …
‘Big Four’ UK supermarket chain Asda has announced plans to address the challenge of reducing plastic waste by opening a “test and learn sustainability store” in Leeds that will allow consumers to bring in their own containers and refill with a variety of dried goods. Launching in May, the store will use dedicated refill stations to allow consumers to make packaging-free purchases of Asda own-brand coffee, rice and pasta, as well …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the landmark 25th edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? We anticipate this edition – which marks the 25th anniversary of Gulfood – being a hotbed of innovation reflecting the trends within an industry where demographic shifts such as urbanisation, migration, and the rise of the middle class are reshaping consumer …
Danone, the global dairy and beverages business, is shutting two plants in Brazil that produce bottled mineral water, according to a report in NewTrade. The production sites, which are located in Jundiai (Sao Paulo state) and Nova Iguacu (Rio de Janeiro state) produce bottled water for Bonafont, a major Latin American water brand that has a leading position on the Mexican market. Over 200 jobs are described as being impacted by the …
Diageo, the leading alcholic drinks firm, has announced it has made a minority investment in the spirit alternative business Ritual via its accelerator arm Distill Ventures. The investment marks a futher foray by Diageo into alcohol-free spirits, following its previous acquisition of a majority stake in Seedlip, described as the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit brand. Designed for use in cocktails, Ritual products use botanicals to echo the taste, smell and …
Riedel, the leader in the Netherlands for fruit drinks, is acquiring Healthy People, a local juice and snack maker, for an undisclosed sum, according to a Levensmiddelenkrant report. Founded in 2006, Healthy People is described as being the first company in the Netherlands to introduce a “superfruit” pomegranate juice. Its other products include fruit juices, coconut water, kefir, drinks for infants, smoothies, and dried fruit snacks. The deal agreed for Healthy People …
Jacob’s Douwe Egberts, the leading coffee firm (formed from the merger of the Mondelez International and D.E Master Blenders 1753 businesses in 2014), and US speciality coffee firm Peet’s Coffee, are to be merged ahead of a potential IPO of the combined business in 2020. The exploration of an IPO is said to be a key milestone in the partnership between Acorn Holdings (which includes JAB, the controlling shareholder in both …
Hailed as its biggest edition yet, SIAL Middle East returned to the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this month to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Once again, halls were packed with a diverse array of food and drinks products from all around the world, giving an indication of the new tastes and concepts set to land on grocery shelves and restaurant menus in the UAE in the months to …
Varun Beverages, the Indian soft drinks firm, is expanding production capacity in Africa with the inauguration of the second phase of its bottling plant in the Zimbabwean capital Harare, according to a report in Food Businesss Africa. The expanded plant, a franchise bottling operation for PepsiCo, now features three further production lines, in addition to the first PET line opened in 2018. Commenting on the investment, Varun Beverages chairman Ravi Jaipuria said: “The additional …
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 …
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 …
Bang Energy, a US manufacturer of energy drinks and sports nutrition products, has announced it has spent $52 million to acquire a new 400,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility in Phoenix, AZ in order to expand capacity. The new factory will manufacture products for a range of brands in the Bang Energy portfolio, including Stoked, Bang Keto Coffee, Redline, as well as its latest launch Bang Miami Cola. Bang Energy CEO & CSO …
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 …
Massimo Zanetti, the Italian coffee specialist, has announced it has acquired Cafe Pacaembu, a coffee firm based in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1957, Cafe Pacaembu is described by Massimo Zanetti as one of the most traditional brands in the Sao Paulo. “In a highly fragmented market, it still represents one of the best known coffees”, the firm said, adding that it was particularly renowned for …
Refresco, the Dutch soft drinks firm, has reached a deal with PepsiCo which will see it acquire a number of the US firm’s factories in Spain, according to reports in FoodBev and Food Business Africa. Under the terms of the agreement, PepsiCo will transfer two of the three factories it currently operates in Spain – Tafalla (Navarra) and Seville – to Refresco, meaning Refresco will produce a proportion of PepsiCo’s drinks …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the Coca-Cola bottler, has acquired stakes in two Coca-Cola franchise bottlers in Kenya through its wholly-owned subsidiary Coca-Cola Sabco East Africa (CCSEA) for a combined sum of $194 million, according to a report in Food Business Africa. CCSEA has acquired the 53.9% stake in Almasi Beverages and 27.6% stake in Nairobi Bottlers previously owned by public East African investment company Centum. Since CCSEA already held a 72.4% stake in Nairobi Bottlers, it will …
Coca-Cola European Partners, the Coca-Cola bottler, has announced the opening of a new canning production line at its factory in Sidcup, UK at a cost of £16 million ($20 million). The firm said the new line was part of a £55 million($68 milliuon) investment into its Sidcup operations and would be dedicated to making CCEP’s latest lightweight cans, which range from in size from 330ml to 500ml. In addition to the …
Kraft Heinz, the multinational food firm, is partnering with spirits giant Diageo to create a new line-up of coffee products in association with the Baileys brand. The product range will include Baileys ready-to-drink cold brew in cans, Baileys roast & ground coffee, and Baileys K-Cup pods and is aimed at bringing “indulgent flavour” to the coffee category. Commenting on the launch, Diageo senior licensing manager Declan Hassett said: “Baileys is …
Coca‑Cola HBC, Europe’s leading Coca-Cola bottler, has announced it is strengthening in the bottled water space with the acquisition of Acque Minerali, a producer and distributor of mineral water and adult-oriented sparkling beverages under the Lurisia brand. The firm said the acquisition was being made in conjunction with Coca‑Cola Co, and that they will together pay €88 million ($97 million) for the Italian water brand. Founded in 1940 in Roccaforte …
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), a leading coffee and soft drinks firm based in the USA, has announced plans to develop a new production and warehouse facility in Allentown, PA with an investment of around $200 million. The company said the new facility provides it with additional, highly efficient capacity for existing and new brands, and would also help it optimize its logistics footprint in the Northeast. “KDP is focused on …
Mengniu, a leading Chinese dairy firm , has made a bid to acquire Bellamy’s, Australia’s largest organic infant formula producer, for approximately A$1.5 billion ($1.03 billion). Bellamy’s produces, supplies and markets a range of organic food and infant formula for babies and toddlers, sourcing ingredients from Australian and international suppliers. Bellamy’s products are distributed in Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and China, including Hong Kong. Commenting on the proposed …
Celsius Holdings, the maker of fitness drink Celsius, has announced the acquisition of Func Food Group, a Finnish supplements and health foods firm, for $15.1 million in cash and the assumption of $9.5 million of outstanding debt. Func Food is a markets and distributes beverages, protein bars, supplements and superfoods under the brands Celsius, FAST Sports Nutrition, CocoVi and FitFarm. Celsius Holdings said the deal represented an opportunity to quickly …
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 …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the leading Coca-Cola bottler on the African continent, is taking a 60% stake in Eswatini Beverages, a soft drinks firm based in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), according to a report in Food Business Africa. The firm will remain 40% owned by a sovereign wealth fund but will reportedly operate as a subsidiary of CCBA under the name Eswatini Coca-Cola Beverages (ECCB). Commenting on the deal, ECCB country manager Sanele Khumalo …
Mayorga Organics, an independently owned and operated company specializing in organic coffee, has announced plans to open a new 33,000 sq ft facility in Miami, FL. The company said the new site would work in conjunction with an existing facility in Rockville, MD to provide distribution of coffee, chia, and other organic products across the East Coast Mayorga’s new plant will reportedly feature an open floor plan with a coffee …
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 …
The UK arm of French dairy multinational Danone is expanding into the smoothies category with the launch of Danone Activia Live Culture Smoothies. The new no added sugar drinks are said to contain a mix of yoghurt, fruit and vegetables including live bacterial cultures, and to be a source of protein, calcium and fibre. An “orange” variety is described as blending mango, peach, carrot, date and linseed, while a “red” …
Diageo, the UK based alcoholic drinks giant, has announced the acquisition of a significant majority shareholding in Seedlip, described as the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit brand. Launched in 2015 by Ben Branson “to solve the dilemma of ‘what to drink when you’re not drinking’”, Seedlip comes in the varieties Spice 94, Garden 108 and Grove 42. Diageo first invested in Seedlip in 2016 as part of its Distill Ventures …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced the launch of three dairy-free coffee mixes under the Nescafe Gold brand in the UK and Ireland. According to a company press release, the new products are the world’s first plant-based soluble coffee mixes and all have vegan certification. Available as Coconut Latte, Almond Latte and Oat Latte, the new lineup is said to be made with a “specially-crafted” blend of 100% Arabica coffee and plant-based ingredients. Neil …
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 …
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 …
Global consumer goods firm Nestle has announced the launch of three new Starbucks-branded coffee creamers in the USA. The launch follows a licensing agreement, agreed last year, that allows Nestle to market Starbucks-branded products around the world. Starbucks Coffee Creamers will be available in Caramel, White Chocolate, and Cinnamon Dolce, said to be inspired by the Caramel Macchiato, White Chocolate Mocha and Cinnamon Dolce Latte coffees served in Starbucks cafes. …
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, …
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 …
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 …
Ralex Brands, which owns the aloe juice brand Simplee Aloe, has acquired fellow London-based drinks business Wow Drinks, for an undisclosed “seven-figure” sum, according to a report in Just Drinks. Founded in 2015, Wow Drinks markets a range of cold-pressed drinks labeled Nutrition, Restore and Balance. It is also launching a cannabidiol-enhanced peach tea and a product designed to improve cognitive function, advertised as the UK’s first nootropic drink. Commenting on the …
Unilever, the consumer goods giant, has agreed a deal to acquire a 75% stake in the Romanian firm Good People, which markets a range of health-oriented food under the FruFru brand, according to reports in Just Food and the Romanian media. Founded in 2006, Good People is described as the first “fresh, healthy” food concept in Romania, offering a range of fruit and vegetable based meals, drinks and other convenience …
PepsiCo, the US based drinks and snacks giant, is taking on rival Coca-Cola in the UK RTD coffee category, with the launch of a new brand range in partnership with coffee specialist Lavazza. The new “cappuccino” drink is advertised as an “intense espresso shot blended with white milk froth” and is described as featuring a blend of Lavazza coffee and milk. Tagged as having a “noble Italian taste”, it is …
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. …
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 …
AG Barr, the UK-based soft drinks firm, is expanding its portfolio of “adult” soft drinks with the launch of the new St Clements fruit drinks brand, positioned as an alternative to alcohol. St Clements drinks are made from sparkling water and fruit juice concentrate, and are sold in 500ml bottles with a crown cap closure. Available in Apple & Pear and Raspberry & Blackberry varieties, they are marketed as “refreshingly …
Coca-Cola, the US-based soft drinks giant, is planning to expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa with a five-year, $300 million investment in Ethopia, according to a report in Food Business Africa. The additional investment forms part of an existing project through which the company will establish a new $70 million plant in Sebeta for the manufacture of soft drinks. Coca-Cola’s fourth and largest plant in Ethiopia, it will have a manufacturing …
Mid Europa, a UK-based private equity firm, has announced it has sold the Serbian soft drinks business Knjaz Milos to a joint venture formed by food and drinks multinational PepsiCo and Czech water distributor KMV for an undisclosed sum. The fund acquired Knjaz Milos together with leading regional dairy and confectionery players Imlek and Bambi in 2015, and, capitalising on increased consumer demand for water and other drinks products, reportedly emerged as the …
Fazer, the leading Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced it has agreed to Kaslink, a family-owned company specialising in Scandinavian cooking products, drinks and snacks, for an undisclosed sum. Kaslink’s product range includes Aito Oat Milk, Maire dairy products, Koria protein drinks, Vesi Water and Nordic Cuisine cooking sauces. The firm had net sales €65 million ($73 million) in 2018 and employs 170 staff. “With this acquisition, Fazer is …
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks giant, has announced it is launching a new lineup of RTD coffee under the Costa brand for consumers in the UK. “The ready-to-drink offering contains a double shot of Costa Coffee’s smooth and delicious Mocha-Italia signature blend, to deliver the same Costa Coffee experience which consumers know and love”, the company said in a statement. The launch of the drink, which is described as being …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 6th June 2019: The burgeoning demand for ‘clean’ and ‘unadulterated’ products finds a new expression in this month’s Innovation Insight. Under the microscope is a bottled water that takes a potentially revolutionary approach to product ‘flavour’ with a unique aroma-based concept – Szent Water. New to the market in California (and across the US via e-commerce), Szent Water is aiming to turn the …
The German division of Danone, the dairy and bottled water giant, has launched a new water under the Volvic name that is said to be infused with coffee and to feature added fruit flavours, according to a FoodBev report. Claimed to be a “sensational alternative to iced tea”, the new coffee-infused water is available in Mocha & Lemon, Robusta & Cassis and Arabica & Passion Fruit Lychee varieties. The new launch …
Milo’s, an Alabama-based firm that manufactures, distributes, markets and sells fresh-brewed teas and lemonades in 45 states throughout the USA, has announced it plans to break ground on a new manufacturing and distribution centre in Tulsa, OK. The firm said it planned to invest $60 million in the construction of a 108,000 sq ft facility and in the installation of advanced manufacturing equipment to provide additional production capacity to support …
GreenSpace Brands, a Canadian-based business that develops, markets and sells natural food brands has announced it is selling assets within the Nothing But Nature business relating to the Kiju brand of organic juice and iced tea to Zurban Beverages for $8 million. The Kiju juice line is described as 100% juices that are premium, certified organic juice blends with no added sugar. Meanwhile the firm’s ice teas are “heavenly blends …
A new instant coffee plant built for Indian drinks conglomerate Tata has opened its doors in the Binh Duong province of Vietnam, the firm’s construction partner GEA has revealed. The plant, Tata’s first instant coffee factory outside of India, will reportedly produce 5,000 tonnes of instant coffee per annum. In a previous statement, Tata said: “We believe that Vietnam will not only open up new markets for us, but it …
Caliva, a California, US-based cannabis company, has bought soft drinks firm Zola in a bid to expand into CBD-infused beverages, according to FoodBev and BevNet reports. Zola, which focuses on “plant-based hydration”, markets a range of soft drinks including coconut water, acai juice, and natural energy drinks. Caliva said the deal would allow it to broaden its cannabis business into the beverage space through access to Zola’s research and development …
Conagra Brands, the leading US food manufacturer, has announced it is expanding its Reddi-Wip whipped topping brand into the coffee creamer category with the launch of its new Barista Series of cream-based products. The company said its new Nitro Creamer and Sweet Foam products were designed to give consumers a coffeehouse experiences any time of day, without the coffee shop lines or price. “Given the continued strength of coffee sales …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 9th May 2019: Plastic bottles are still the dominant format for non-alcoholic drinks products launched worldwide, accounting for over half of all new launches hitting the market, the latest study from Gama has found. Yet consumer goods companies are under pressure like never before to reduce or mitigate their use of plastic. This month’s Insight by Gama Compass explores the dynamics of plastic packaging in 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 …
Tata subsidiary Tata Global Beverages, the world’s second largest tea producer, has announced it has reached a deal to acquire the total branded packet tea business of rival Indian firm Dhunseri for a total consideration of 101 crore INR ($14.4 million). The proposed acquisition, which includes the brands Kala Ghora and Lal Ghora, is said to be subject to due diligence, the signing of definitive binding agreements and other approvals. …
Swiss based FMCG giant Nestle has announced plans to invest R$300 million ($75.96 million) in 2019 in a bid to expand its presence in the Brazilian coffee sector. According to UOL Economia, Nestle will use the investment to develop and market 30 new coffee product, including a line of Starbucks branded coffees, roast and ground coffee beans, and capsules for Nespresso and Dulce Gusto machines. The move is described as …
Vrumona, a Dutch soft drinks firm, is entering the syrups category with a 51% stake in the cordial brands Ranja and Limeau. Manufactured since 1921, Ranja syrups are available in strawberry, orange, raspberry and reine claude (greengage flavours). They are promoted as “real” and “pure” syrups that are free from artificial sweeteners, colours and preservatives. Advertised as “syrup from Amsterdam”, Limeau syrups come in Cranberry, Ginger Ale and 4 Fruits varieties …
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 …
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 …
Lone Star Gold, a manufacturer and distributor of natural and functional hemp derived beverages, has announced the acquisition of Good Hemp, a hemp-derived CBD-infused drinks brand based in Colorado. Good Hemp products have been sold throughout the USA since 2016 via Amazon, as well as through local retailers. The product line includes Good Hemp 2oh!, described as a line-up of refreshing, all-natural, ready-to-drink waters in six flavours, as well as Good Hemp Fizz, …
Suntory, the leading Japanese drinks firm, is rolling out a new version of its flagship Pepsi cola that is said to be based on popular Japanese flavours. Labelled Pepsi Japan, the new product is reported to be flavoured with the Japanese citrus fruit yuzu as well as a “a carefully balanced combination of spices [and] a subtle flavour of salt”. The cola will be available from 9th April in regular and …
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 …
Lion, the Kirin-owned Australian food and drinks firm, is expanding further in the non-alcoholic drinks space with the acquisition of New Zealand ice tea brand Teza. Teza previously belonged to Greenstone Drinks and is described as the first “real-brewed” iced tea in New Zealand. The product is said to be made with batch brewed organic leaf tea and is available in flavours such as Feijoa & Lime Blossom and Lemon …
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 …
Norwegian company Orkla has announced a 43.5% investment in Portuguese firm Asteriscos e Reticencias, a manufacturer of fermented tea-based health drinks under the brand Captain Kombucha, for an undisclosed sum. Captain Kombucha was established in 2016 and is currently majority owned by its two founders, with the German firm Doehler Ventures also having a 15% stake. Promoted as “a delicious naturally fermented drink, handcrafted to perfection”, it is also advertised …
Coca-Cola, the soft drinks giant, is launching Coca-Cola Energy, a new energy drink brand for the European market. Featuring “a great Coca-Cola taste and feeling that people already know and love”, the new drink is said to be taurine-free and to feature caffeine from naturally-derived sources, guarana extracts, and B vitamins. Coca-Cola Energy is being launched in Spain, Hungary and the UK before being rolled out in additional countries across …
The Canadian arm of drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced it is spending around C$20 million ($15 million) to upgrade its production lines at a plant in Brampton, Ontario to manufacture a new 250ml “mini bottle” for its Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke and Sprite brands. In a statement, the firm said the bottle was the first of its kind in North America and featured a special coating to increase shelf …
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 …
The Argentinian division of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it has opened a new production line for the manufacture of “value added” milk products at a site in Planta de Villa Nueva, in the province of Cordoba. The 480 million ARS ($12 million) spend, part of 4-year, 5.2 billion ARS ($130 million) investment plan, will enable Nestle allows to manufacture 10 million litres of UHT milk products every year under the Nesquik, Nido and …
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 …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced the launch of Nesquik All Natural cocoa powder, which is claimed to feature simplified, natural ingredients and is available in recyclable paper pouches. According to Nestle, the product is made with five natural, simplified ingredients, containing more cocoa than other Nesquik products. It is also claimed to contain less sugar and to be made with raw cane sugar, instead of processed white sugar. Michelle …
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 …
Coca-Cola has announced it has taken full ownership of Chi, described as Africa’s leading producer of juice and value-added dairy drinks. The soft drinks giant had previously taken a 40% stake in the Nigerian firm, with provision to increase equity investment to 100% within three years. The deal “further signals Coca-Cola’s optimism about Africa’s consumer opportunity and a commitment to its long-term investment and growth plan on the continent”, Coca-Cola said in a statement. …
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s Indian bottling partner, is set to acquire PepsiCo’s company-owned bottling, sales and distribution operations in the south and west regions of India, according to a report in the Economic Times. Varun Beverages is already the franchise partner for PepsiCo’s bottling operations in the North and East, having acquired those divisions in 2014. The latest acquisition, the value of which is said to be between 24 and 27 billion INR ($340 and $380 …
Fuller’s, the UK beermaker, has announced it has entered into an agreement for the sale of its entire beer business to the European division of Japanese drinks giant Asahi for an enterprise value of £250 million on a debt free, cash free basis. The business being sold comprises the entirety of Fuller’s beer, cider and soft drinks brewing and production, wine wholesaling, as well as distribution, and also includes the Griffin Brewery, …
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 …
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 …
Berain, a Saudi Arabia based mineral water firm, is partnering with developer ZonesCorp to construct a new bottling plant in the UAE, according to a report in Arabian Business. The $37 million plant, located in the food industry zone of Al Ain Industrial City, is set to begin operations in the first quarter of 2020 and will produce around 70,000 bottles per hour. The facility will also create 424 jobs in manufacturing, …
Peet’s Coffee, a US speciality coffee company, has announced it has acquired a majority stake in Revive Kombucha, a craft brewery based in Petaluma, California, for an undisclosed sum. Revive offers an array of naturally fermented, organic, GMO free, fair trade certified, and raw bottled kmobuchas, available in the varieties Ginger Lime, Original Cola, Hibiscus Refresher, Turmeric Ginger Citrus, Yerba Mate Ginger, Mocha Java Coffee and Cucumber Mint Lemon. Peet’s Coffee said …
Life on Earth, a US consumer goods firm offering “all-natural” drinks and snack products, has announced it has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire 100% ownership interest in Wild Poppy, a maker of “fresh and clean” drinks across the USA. The Wild Poppy range comprises four varieties of fruit juice as well as a line of three carbonated drinks, the latter launched in 2017. The product line has distribution in 1,100 outlets …
Coca-Cola has announed the launch of tea capsules under its Leao and Matte Leao brands for the Brazilian market. The new tea capsules are said to be compatible with Nespresso coffee makers and are available in three versions: Matte Leao Original and the “premium” line Leao Senses, which comes in the flavours Blackberry, Blueberry & Vanilla and Passionfruit, Orange & Ginger. According to Coca-Cola, the clear capsules have an internal …
Global snacks and drinks giant PepsiCo has announced the closure of its factory in the Free Economic Zone of Manaus, reportedly after changes to taxes in the soft drinks sector. According to Exame, PepsiCo said that the decision to leave the region “was taken with the goal of efficiently managing our operations throughout Brazil and positioning the company for long-term growth, regardless of the recent change in the tax regime”. …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced an investment of €27.9 million ($31.6 million) in its production facility in Ghent, Belgium to install a canned drinks line. The new can line will be added to the current production lines at the facility, which comprises one glass packaging line and two juice lines. Commenting on the investment, Bernard Santens, production director at Coca-Cola European Partners said: “The new can line will run …
FMCG giant Unilever has announced it has secured a deal to acquire GSK’s health consumer products division in India, Bangladesh and other predominantly Asian markets, for a total consideration of €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion). The transaction is said to consist of an all-equity merger of Hindustan Unilever Ltd with GSK Consumer Healthcare India, the acquisition of an 82% stake in GSK Bangladesh Limited, and the acquisition of certain other commercial operations and assets outside India. …
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 …
Duvel Moortgat, the Belgian brewing firm, has taken a 60% stake in London-based kombucha firm Jarr Kombucha, according to a report in The Drinks Business. The deal will reportedly allow Jarr Kombucha to “significantly increase production” as well as giving it access to Duvel Moortgat’s UK distribution network. Funds raised from the acquisition are also said to be earmarked for a new site in London. Jarr Kombucha comes in Original, Ginger and …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it is spending 43 million CHF ($43 million) to create two new coffee capsule production lines at its site in Romont, Switzerland. The firm said the investment was to supply demand for its Nespresso Vertuo coffee system. “Nestlé has identified coffee as a strong growth driver and the coffee business has seen positive organic growth over the past years”, Nestle said in a statement. “The …
Sanpellegrino, the Italian bottled water firm within the Nestle Waters group, has announced an investment of €70 million ($80 million) over three years to make Acqua Panna “the premium still water” within the Nestle portfolio. The group said it was earmarking the investment to improve efficiencies at its Scarperia and San Piero sites, as well as to boost its marketing activities, in a bid to develop the brand on international …
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, …
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 …
Wessanen-owned UK tea firm Clipper Teas has announced the introdcution of plastic free, non-genetically modified and unbleached teabags for use in all of its products. The new teabags will reportedly be made with natural plant-based material, made from a blend of abaca, plant cellulose fibres and biodegradable thermoplastic PLA. Emma Vass, Wessanen UK CEO, commented: “We believe in making ethical and sustainable choices and want to provide the best products …
Nestle’s Malaysia arm is to invest over 100 million MYR ($24 million) to expand its Chembong Milo production facility, investing in what the company describes as a “key manufacturing hub”. According to Nestle, the Chembong facility expansion will establish the world’s biggest Milo manufacturing centre, with capacity to better meet growing local and export demand. “This move is an investment to further strengthen our Nestle presence in Malaysia”, commented Alois Hofbauer, CEO of Nestle …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trenteseaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the event’s 2018 Paris edition. What are your expectations for this edition of SIAL? It’s looking to be a great year for SIAL Paris! For the 2018 edition, 7,200 exhibitors from 110 different countries are expected to attend, along with 160,000 visitors from 194 countries. In 2016, 60% of our exhibitors declared they made 6 months of extra turnover thanks …
Isoline, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements has launched a functional drink called Escalate that can be tailored to customer needs. Escalate Functional Drink is described as being free from artificial colours and preservatives and made by using natural fruit and herbal extracts like schisandra, ginseng, matcha tea, ginkgo biloba and guarana, sweetened with stevia. The product is claimed to be ideal to support body regeneration after intense activity. Escalate is also said …
Coca-Cola Amatil is to invest A$ 165 million ($118.9 million) to expand a bottling and warehouse facility in Richlands, Australia. The new plant, which will have capacity to produce more than 90 million-unit cases of drinks per year, will produce sparkling and still beverages, juices, teas, alcohol and dairy drinks. It will also include a new “state-of-the-art” 30,000 sq m distribution centre with capacity for 45,000 pallets. According to a company …
The French division of soft drinks powerhouse Coca-Cola has announced the acquisition of still drinks producer Tropico, along with its namesake brand. Tropico soft drinks are sold in most retail chains in France and Belgium, generating revenue of around $34 million last year. According to a company statement, Tropico is Coca-Cola’s first in Frnce and is said to be part of a diversification strategy that will enable the company to grow in …
The Australian arm of soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced the acquisition of kombucha maker Organic & Raw Trading , owner of the Mojo organic live culture kombucha drinks brand. The acquisition of Mojo sees Coca-Cola enter the kombucha category for the first time. Commenting on the acquisition, Coca-Cola Australia president Vamsi Mohan said: “This is another important step in our company’s ongoing work to offer beverages for all occasions, which …
Finnish dairy firm Valio has announced that will merge two of its co-operatives into a new co-operative ready to launch on 1 September 2019. Based in Lapinlahti, the new co-operative, a result of the merger of Osuuskunta ItaMaito and Osuuskunta Maitosuomi, will be known as Osuuskunta Maitosuomi and will be Valio’s largest single shareholder with a stake of 42.7%. It will also be Valio’s leading supplier of raw milk, providing …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 10th September 2018: September’s Innovation Insight returns to the theme of functional vegetable ingredients with a look at the launch of a new sports drink that “harnesses the natural goodness” of on-trend sweet potato – V8 +Hydrate Isotonic Drink. An extension to Campbell’s established V8 brand range of fruit and vegetable drinks, V8 +Hydrate, which is initially being rolled out in the US …
UK dairy and gluten free soup specialist Soupologie has announced the launch of Viva La Vinegar, “the UK’s first collection of cold-pressed Drinking Vinegars”. The line aims to be a low-calorie alternative to juices and smoothies. The drink is made by mixing apple cider vinegar with coconut vinegar, and then flavouring it with cold-pressed fruits and vegetables, diluted with water. The new range is described as low in sugar and …
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 …
Multinational carbonated drink firm Coca-Cola has announced the acquisition of Moxie, a New England soft drink brand, for an undisclosed sum. According to sources, the Coca-Cola is acquiring the Moxie brand from Coca-Cola of Northern New England, which is an independent bottling partner of the main company based in Bedford, New Hampshire. Moxie was patented in 1885 and is said to be the first bottled carbonated beverage made in the United States. “Moxie is …
Cola-Cola Amatil, the Australian softt drinks and food firm, has started a “strategic review” of SPC, an Australian processor of packaged fruit and vegetablea. According to Alison Watkins, managing director of Coca-Cola Amatil, the review coincides with the completion of a four-year, A$100 million ($72 million) co-investment in SPC in conjunction with the Victorian government. “We believe there are many opportunities for growth in SPC, including new products and markets, further …
Global food and drinks giant Pepsico has acquired Israel-based SodaStream for $3.2 billion. SodaStream makes home-machines which transform tap water into carbonated water that can be flavoured by adding syrups. “Today marks an important milestone in the SodaStream journey. It is validation of our mission to bring healthy, convenient and environmentally friendly beverage solutions to consumers around the world”, commented Daniel Birnbaum, SodaStream director and CEO. “PepsiCo and SodaStream are …
Soft drinks powerhouse Coca-Cola has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a minority stake in functional drinks business Bodyarmor for an undisclosed sum. The firm said that the deal was “uniquely structured to create value for both companies” and would allow it to increase its holding in the future, including a “path to ownership under defined terms”. Bodyarmor’s flagship Superdrink is described as “a premium sports drink […] …
Starbucks, the international coffee firm, has announced that is expanding its functional beverage portfolio by launching Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha. Acquired by Starbucks in 2011, Evolution Fresh offers cold-pressed juices and smoothies that are made by pressing and squeezing vegetables and fruits, then bottling the juice cold using high-pressure processing. Evolution Fresh Kombucha is described as a combination of selected artisanal teas that are fermented and paired with the company’s …
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. …
Rocky Mountain High Brands, a lifestyle brand management company, has announced the total acquisition of BFit Brands, maker of whey protein and energy drink FitWhey. FitWhey is described as being a naturally sweetened, flavoured and coloured water-based protein drink that combines quality whey protein isolate with caffeine and vitamin B. Designed to “maximize performance”, the beverage is made with nine ingredients and comes in Berry, Lemonade, Orange Cream and Grape …
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 …
Coffee firm Tchibo has announced an investment of €20 million ($23 million) to improve facilities at its roastery in Hamburg, Germany. The multi-year upgrade programme will see “the most up-to-date” drum roasting and hot air roasting technologies installed at the site, with work scheduled to be completed by 2020. Commenting on the investment, Tchibo CEO Thomas Linemyr said: “With this wide-ranging upgrade of our roasting facilities we are underlining the significance of …
Consumer goods powerhouse Nestle is expanding its hot drinks capacity in Vietnam with the launch of a new production line to manufacture Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee capsules. The new line is claimed to use Vietnamese coffee beans, “providing premium coffee products for domestic consumption and export”. It is initially expected to process 2,500 tons of coffee per year (equivalent to 130 million capsules), with volumes planned to be increased over …
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 …
Danish beverage company Royal Unibrew has completed the acquisition of 100% of the French drinks maker Etablissements Geyer Freres (EGF) for 600 million DKK ($94 million). EGF manufactures organic and local products and owns Lorina lemonade as well as the PureThe and InFreshhh brands. The firm employs 100 staff and operates production facilities in the north-eastern part of France, and has a significant presence in retail channels in France and the …
PepsiCo, the leading food and drinks manufacturer, is expanding its breakfast portfolio in the UK with the launch of new milk drinks under the Quaker brand. Described as being “perfect for your breakfast on the go”, Quaker Breakfast Drink is said to blend wholegrain oats, milk and fruit “to give you a delicious tasty and satisfying drink, to start your day at its best”. The new product highlights PepsiCo’s continued focus on on-the-go …
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 …
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, …
Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca-Cola franchise bottler in the world by sales volume, has announced the acquisition of Montevideo Refrescos (Monresa) from Coca-Cola Co for $250.7 million in an all cash transaction. The deal, which was made on a cash-free and debt-free basis, increases the presence of Coca-Cola FEMSA to 11 countries aroundthe world. With a market of 3.4 million consumers and 26,000 sales points, Montevideo Refrescos is the exclusive …
International coffee shop chain Starbucks has announced the launch of packaged tea in grocery stores through its Teavana brand. Starbucks said the launch of the new retail line came on the back of 14% sales growth for its Teavana and Refreshment business at US company-operated Starbucks stores in the 2018 fiscal year to date. Teavana packaged tea will be available from this summer and is set to expand across the …
Germany based coffee and coffee accessories firm Melitta is introducing a range of coffee capsules in Brazil that is compatible with Nespresso coffee makers. The new product lineup comprises Ristretto, Marcato, Staccato, Audacce and Tenuto, which are divided according to their aroma profiles of intense, balanced and fruity. According to Embalagem Marca, the range is manufactured in Brazil, in an exclusive production line in Melitta’s unit in Avare (Sao Paulo). …
All Market, the company behind Vita Coco coconut water, has agreed a deal to acquire “clean” energy drink brand Runa, according to a report in Foodbev. Runa is an organic energy drink range based on guyusa, described as a rainforest plant with a naturally high content of slow-release caffeine and polyphenols. Commenting on the launch, Vita Coco co-founder and CEO Michael Kirban said: “We’ve spent 14 years at Vita Coco creating …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola, together with local partner Swire, has announced the opening of a new production plant in Yunnan province, China. Described as the largest Coca-Cola production plant south of the Yangtze River in China, the new facility is said to have achieved a gold certification of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). “The investment is another example of the Coca-Cola system’s commitment to investing and growing in China”, Coca-Cola said …
Danone Asia Pacific Holdings, a subsidiary of French dairy multinational Danone, has signed a non-binding agreement to obtain a 49.9% stake in Yashili New Zealand Dairy, according to a FoodBev report. Yashili New Zealand Dairy produces a range of dairy products, focusing mainly on infant formula. The company owns a factory capable of producing 50,000 tonnes of infant formula annually. In a statement, Yashili New Zealand Dairy said: “The consideration, the …
The German arm of Swiss FMCG giant Nestle has announced the closure of its Caro hot drinks factory in Ludwigsburg, according to a report in the Stuttgarter Zeitung. Sales of Caro coffee alternatives, which are based on grains such as rye, barley, malt and chicory and have been produced at the Ludwigsburg site for over 150 years, have reportedly been falling as consumers switch instead to coffee and coffee mixes. …
US-based multinational beermaker Molson Coors has announced the acquisition of Clearly Kombucha, a maker of functional drinks, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2010, Clearly Kombucha markets a portfolio of six non-alcohol fermented tea drinks, all cold-filtered and certified organic, vegan, kosher, non-GMO and gluten-free. Headquartered in California, the firm also has distribution in Colorado, Texas, Washington, Oregon and Montana. Clearly Kombucha will become part of the MillerCoors business through …
Mexican Coca-Cola bottler Arca Continental has announced that it will build a new production and distribution facility in Houston, TX, USA, through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. In a statement, the company said that the $250 million facility would be the first Coca-Cola production plant built in the US in a decade. Manuel L Barragan Morales, chairman of the board of directors of Arca Continental, said: “This significant investment confirms …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 11th April 2018: This month, Gama is taking a fresh look at the debate around sugar content in consumer goods from the vantage point of new product development, focusing in particular on the soft drinks space, and assessing to what extent a new regulatory climate – as well as broader consumer trends – are impacting on the sugar content of new products in categories such …
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 …
The Argentinian arm of global soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced an investment of $1.2 billion over three years to modernize its production activities in the country. The strategy for 2019-2021 comes on top of a $1 billion investment for 2016-2018 which Coca-Cola said it was “executing as planned”, together with local bottling partners Andina, Arca Continental, FEMSA and Reginald Lee. The planned upgrades and capacity increases in Argentina “form part …
Manpasand Beverages, an Indian manufacturer of fruit drinks, has announced the construction of a new facility in the east Indian state of Odisha, according to a report in the Economic Times. The new plant, located in the Chhatabar Industrial Area in the Khurdha district of Odisha, is being built at a cost of 150 crore INR ($22 million) and is one of four new facilities the firm is currently establishing. The first, …
Hochdorf, a Swiss ingredients firm active in areas such as dairy, cereals, fruit & vegetables and oil, has announced the acquisition of local infant nutrition maker Bimbosan for an undisclosed sum. The firm, which has itself manufactured infant formula since 1908, operated essentially as a private-label producer until it acquired a 51% share in the Pharmalys Group at the end of 2016. It said the 100% acquisition of Bimbosan was another …
Brynwood Partners, the investment group that owns Cold Spring Brewing, has announced the complete acquisition of Carolina Beverage Group from SunTx Capital Partners. The deal, agreed for an undisclosed sum, includes three manufacturing facilities, a warehouse and a broad range of value-added production services. Carolina Beverage is a contract manufacturer that processes malt beverages, distilled spirits, energy drinks, teas, functional drinks and RTD beverages. On completion of the deal, the …
Keurig Green Mountain, the North American coffee giant, has announced the construction of a new facility for its K-Cup coffee capsules. The new plant, located in Moore, SC, USA, is projected to see an investment of $350 million and lead to the creation of 500 jobs. Keurig Green Mountain said that the facility would primarily house coffee roasting and packaging for the firm’s single-serve K-Cup pods, but would also have potential to support beverage …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Africa’s largest bottling company, has opened a new juice line at its Nairobi facilities in Kenya. The result of an investment of 7 billion KES ($70 million), the new juice line will manufacture a range of products such as fruit juices, sports drinks, dairy fusions, juices with bits and iced tea. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is the biggest Coca-Cola bottling partner on the African continent. Formed in 2016 …
AG Barr, the Scotland-based soft drinks firm, has announced the launch of a new range called Street Drinks to be marketed under its Rubicon brand. Promising “a whole new world of refreshment”, Rubicon Street Drinks are sasid to feature four unique flavours “inspired by authentic street drinks from some of the world’s hottest places”. The blends of still fruit juice, natural flavours and herbs are being sold in brightly coloured 330ml cans …
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 …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced the launch of a cold brew coffee line under its coffee creamer brand Coffee-Mate. Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss cold brew coffee is said to be designed to bring the premium coffee shop experience to the consumer’s home or work. According to the manufacturer, the product is made with natural high quality and recognisable ingredients, containing 100% Arabica beans that are slowly steeped in cool water for …
Nestle Waters, Nestle’s bottled water division, has announced a 25 million CHF ($25 million) investment at its Henniez bottled water site in Switzerland to upgrade and modernize facilities. Dubbed H2Orizon 2020, the investment aims to improve efficiency by modernizing equipment and processes, as well as stimulate innovation and reduce ecological impact. Among the planned improvements are the installation of a new production space for the preparation of flavoured waters and fruit juice, …
The dairy arm of Australian food and drinks firm Lion is launching a new version of its Farmers Union iced coffee enriched with protein and fibre, according to an article in Australian Food News. Named Edge, the brand extension is being made available in Original and Mocha flavours and is promoted as a quick ‘liquid breakfast’. The products are being made available through supermarket, independent and convenience channels across the …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it has reached a deal with international coffee shop chain Starbucks, enabling it to market the latter’s retail and foodservice products across the globe. The $7.15 billion deal gives Nestle the right to market Starbucks branded products in perpetutity, enabling it to “capture exciting new growth opportunities in the rest of the world with Starbucks premium products”, the firm said in a statement. The company …
Lassonde, a producer of ready-to-drink fruit and vegetable juices and drinks, has announced that it has agreed a deal to acquire family-owned juice firm Old Orchard Brands for $146 million. Old Orchard Brands is headquartered in Sparta, MI and posted sales of $103.3 million for its 2017 fiscal year. Old Orchard is described as a leading brand in the shelf-stable fruit juice category across the central United States and the nation’s second largest brand in frozen juice …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Coca-Cola FEMSA, the world’s biggest Coca-Cola bottler by volume, has announced plans to invest $430 million in a new plant in Tocancipa, Colombia. The new facility, located in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s industrial facilities in Cundinamarca, is part of a network of seven plants that the bottler has throughout the country. The new facility will reportedly handle 40% less water and non-renewable resources than the firm’s other plants operated in Colombia, and is …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has unveiled the first set of a new range of limited edition bottles inspired by emojis for its Pure Life water range in the UK. Created “to inspire children to drink more water”, the new 33cl sized bottles come in four designs – Hahaha, Ooops, Raaar and Mwahh – where the colourful emjoi character forms the upper part of the bottle. Commenting on the launch, Silika …
Idilia Foods, a Spanish firm with a broad portfolio of food and drinks products, is extending its Cola Cao milkshake range with two new varieties based on dairy alternative milks. Cola Cao milkshakes are produced via a joint venture between Idilia Foods and dairy firm Calidad Pascual, with the product line manufactured in Calidad Pascual’s facilities. The product line is sold in a cup format and is currently offered in …
Isigny Sainte Mere, a French dairy cooperative manufacturing products such as cream, butter and cheese, has announced a further investment in its infant formula capacity to meet demand from emerging markets. The Normandy-based dairy processor said it would be investing €60 million ($74 million) in the new facilities, which will see a fifth drying tower installed at its manufacturing site at Isigny-sur-Mer. The expansion will add 120 new jobs and additional …
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% …
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s bottling partner in India, has announced that construction has started on a new production facility in the northern state of Punjab. Located in the city of Pathankot, the new greenfield plant will add in-house production capacity for Tropicana fruit juices, Quaker Oats milk drinks and Gatorade energy drinks, according to a report in the Economic Times. The factory will reportedly be the first fully backward integrated facility …
Dunn’s River Brands, a beverage portfolio management company, has announced the acquisition of a majority interest in Temple Turmeric for an undisclosed sum, according to a BevNet report. New-York based Temple Turmeric produces a range of ‘elixirs’, raw vinegars and ‘pure prana shots’ made from organic whole root turmeric juice. In a statement, Temple Turmeric founder Daniel Sullivan said: “We were looking for new approaches to product development and Dunn’s …
Gama spoke to Michael Wunsch, Managing Director, Barakat. To what extent is the demand for “pure”, “raw”, “fresh” and “unprocessed” ingredients impacting the juices category in the UAE? “Barakat has witnessed a significant increase in volumes in retail for fresh juice consumption over the past years. Consumers are more aware of the importance of consuming healthy drinks. The UAE is exposed to stricter food regulations and consumers are made aware …
Food and drinks giant PepsiCo has put its Tropicana facility in Hermes, France up for sale as a result of declining juice sales, according to French media reports. The 4,000 sq m site, which employs just under 100 staff, has reportedly seen juice volumes decrease from 80 million litres to 60 million litres within the space of five years, while staff numbers have been cut by around 30. PepsiCo is …
Parmalat, the global dairy firm, has announced the launch of Ice Break Bold Espresso, described as the most highly caffeinated RTD coffee on the Australian market. Ice Break Bold Espresso is described as containing the equivalent of three shots of coffee (44mg of caffeine) per 100ml, and is further claimed to be a bold, creamy drink containing real coffee flavour, 100% robusta roasted coffee beans and fresh full cream milk. “We …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has unveiled a new addition to its Nescafe Azera range in the UK and Ireland that features nitrogen infusion technology. Called Nescafe Azera Nitro, the launch is designed to achieve a smoother and creamier tasting coffee taste and will be available in Americano and Latte varieties. Nescafe Azera Nitro Americano is described as a refreshing and smooth black coffee infused with nitrogen, while the Latte option …
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), an independent Coca-Cola bottler, has announced plans to invest €120 million ($148 million) in Portugal over the next five years. Announcing the news as part of 40 year commemorations of Coca-Cola’s presence in Portugal, CCEP country manager Rui Serpa said the money would be invested in launching new products “in line with Portuguese consumer trends” such as low-sugar beverages and organic products, as well as the …
Consumer goods giant Unilever has announced it is to invest $120 in Pakistan over two years as it seeks to unlock “the country’s high potential for long-term growth”. The Anglo-Dutch giant said the majority of the investment would be used to enhance manufacturing operations across Unilever’s four factories in Pakistan. “We have been a part of Pakistan’s growth for nearly 70 years, during which time we have seen our business grow …
Snacks and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced plans to close two factories in Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to InfoMoney, the decision to cease operations at the two factories – one in Buaru and the other in Piracicaba – was taken in order to optimise the company’s production network and guarantee sustainable growth. The company will transfer production from the two site to its facilities in Curitiba and Pernambuco, which are …
Coca Cola, the soft drink multinational, has announced plans to launch a ‘chu-hi’ style alcopop in Japan that will be the company’s first alcoholic drink in its 132 years of history. ‘Chu-hi’ is a canned sparkling flavoured drink that traditionally includes a distilled local beverage called shochu. The drink ranges in alcohol content from 3 to 8% and is described as being particularly popular with female drinkers. Commenting on the …
Gama spoke to Josep Antoni Valls, Managing Director, Alimentaria, ahead of the event’s 2018 edition. What are your expectations for this edition of Alimentaria? This year the joint event of Alimentaria with Hostelco, the International Exhibition of Equipment for Restaurants, Hotels and Mass Catering, will create one of the largest international platforms for the food, gastronomy and hospitality industries. The synergies generated by this new alliance will be evident in …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it is investing R$200 million ($61 million) in its Nescafe Dolce Gusto Factory in Brazil, located in Monte Claros, Minas Gerais. According to InfoMoney, the investment will double the factory’s current production capacity to 800 million capsules per year. The investment will allow the opening of two new production lines to manufacture varieties already being produced at the facility: Espresso Coffee, Espresso Intenso, Barista, …
US dairy company Hiland Dairy has announced the release of four new variants of flavoured milk. According to the company, the new “indulgent” flavours are being launched to celebrate spring and are made with fresh and pure dairy milk from local farmers. Greg Stephenson, marketing manager at Hiland Dairy, said: “Flavoured milk is a great way to treat yourself and a healthy alternative to soft drinks and fruit juice. And, …
AG Barr, the soft drinks group behind brands such as Irn-Bru, has launched Strathmore Botanics, a new range of spring water infused with natural botanicals and fruit flavours. In a statement, AG Barr said that the drink, which is free from calories and added sugar, is designed to “tap into the growing popularity of natural botanical tastes”. The range will be available in late March in three different flavours: Orange …
The Nigerian arm of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced an investment of 4.1 billion NGN ($11.4 million) to open a new beverage production plant in Ogun state, Nigeria. The new plant will expand production of the brand’s Milo ready-to-drink range to an annual production capacity of approximately 8,000 tonnes, creating up to 100 new jobs. The new facility is described as being equipped with the latest technology and as …
Warm sunshine and clear blue skies greeted guests arriving for the 2018 outing of Gulfood, the largest trade event in the Middle East for the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Now into its 23rd edition, Gulfood welcomed almost 100,000 visitors to the showgrounds of the Dubai World Trade Centre, with 1 million square feet of floorspace dedicated to the showcasing of the latest trends and product ideas from across the food …
French dairy multinational Danone is making a $18.3 million upgrade to its New Zealand infant formula factory, according to a report in Foodbev. The investment will reportedly double production capacity at the Danone facility in Auckland, allowing the firm to export greater quantities of infant nutrition products. The move is part of a wider Danone investment programme in New Zealand, initiated in 2014, through which the firm has so far …
The Emirates Industry for Camel Milk Products (trading under the name Camelicious), a specialist in camel milk derived products, has announced the launch of what it claims to be the first infant formula to be made from camel milk. The product is said to be rich in vitamins C, B1 and B2, as well as containing more thiamin than sheep’s, cow’s or goat’s milk. It is additionally claimed to be …
French dairy multinational Danone has announced that it has decided to sell the majority of the stake it owns in probiotic dairy drink firm Yakult as it “enters a new phase in its strategic partnership” with the Japanese firm. According to reports, Danone will sell its 21.29% stake for around $1.9 billion, before participating in a share buyback scheme through which it is targeting a total of 7% of Yakult’s …
PepsiCo, the soft drinks and snack foods giant, has announced a further investment in the packaged water category with the launch of Bubly, a new brand of flavoured sparkling drinks. Bubly “combines refreshing and delicious flavors with an upbeat and playful sense of humor […] while keeping it real with no artificial flavors, no sweeteners, and no calories”, PepsiCo said in a statement. Commenting on the launch, Todd Kaplan, vice …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it has acquired the Latin America firm Terrafertil, a company selling natural, organic, plant-based foods and snacks, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in Ecuador in 2005, Terrafertil markets a range of plant-based foods, including fruit and nut snacks, non-dairy milks, grains, nut butters and juices under its flagship Nature’s Heart brand. The firm is the world’s largest buyer of goldenberries (also called cape gooseberry …
Font Salem, the Spanish leader in private label products and co-packing, has announced that it intends to invest €40 million ($49.3 million) over the next three years to expand its plant in Santarem, Portugal. Part of Grupo Damm, Font Salem is one of the biggest beer manufacturers in Spain, as well as producing a variety of still and sparkling soft drinks and water. The Santarem factory is described as Grupo …
FMCG giant Nestle has introduced a new powdered drink under the Nescafe Smoovlatte brand in Brazil. According to Nestle, the launch is in line with global trends and is aimed at introducing coffee to young adults. The new drink, which marks the entry of the Nescafe brand to the powdered “frappe” category in Brazil, is available in the flavour variants Chocotino and Chocomelo, blending a ‘hit’ of coffee with the …
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), an independent Coca-Cola bottler, has announced plans to close two plants in the UK, according to a BBC report. The closure of a manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes, as well as a distribution centre in Northampton, is set to see up to 300 jobs lost. The Milton Keynes plant has nine manufacturing lines and produces 60 million cases of soft drinks per year. Both facilities will now be …
Coffee firm Keurig Green Mountain and soft drink company Dr Pepper Snapple have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create a new combined company called Keurig Dr Pepper. Under the terms of the deal, Dr Pepper Snapple shareholders will receive a dividend of $103.75 per share (a total cash payment of $18.7 billion), and retain 13% of the combined company. Commenting on the deal, Keurig …
US soft drinks giant Coca-Cola is seeking to reinvigorate its Diet Coke brand with a new design and four flavoured varieties. “Re-launching with a bold new look [and] a fresh attitude”, Diet Coke will now be sold in a silver-colour 12 fl oz “sleek cans” featuring a vertical stripe of colour through the centre. The four flavours being introduced are Ginger Lime, Twisted Mango, Zesty Blood Orange and Feisty Cherry, …
Brazilian drinks business Do Bem, now part of the Ambev group, has announced the launch of a range of dairy-alternative milk in four variants. According to the company, the products have been in development for over a year and are source of calcium as well as low calorie, lactose-free and gluten-free. The plant-based line is described as being made from mature coconut as a natural alternative to cow’s milk, and …
DoseBiome, a start-up firm based in Toronto, Canada has released a new ready to drink tea drink named Qii that is claimed to have oral care benefits. According to company information, Qīī combats the food sources of “bad bacteria” and “keeps mouths healthy between morning and night”. The product is described as containing XyVita, a xylitol-containing formulation that works by reducing acidity and risk of tooth decay. Qii Oral Care …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the event’s 2018 edition. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? In a word, innovate. The global food and beverage industry is one of the most competitive sectors in the global economy, so staying still is the equivalent of going backwards. Whether you are a fledgling start-up in the Middle East, or a major international manufacturer …
Patanjali, the fast-growing Indian FMCG firm, is seeking to further expand its manufacturing operations with the proposed construction of a new food plant in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The company, which manufactures ayurvedic products, has reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding to build a food and herbal processing unit in the village of Rajnandgaon at a cost of 671 crore INR ($106 million). According to a Business Standard report, the new facility …
German retailer Edeka has announced the acquisition of juice manufacturer Albi. According to Edeka, by taking over Albi – one of the leading fruit juice producers in Germany – the group will strengthen its positioning in the fruit juice segment. Albi will also complement the portfolio of Edeka fruit juice subsidiary Sonnlander, the firm added. Albi is a family-owned company that was founded in 1928, producing a range of fruit, …
Promoted as “the authentic business class event for the region’s food & beverage sector”, SIAL Middle East returned to the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its latest edition this month, drawing a diverse crowd of visitors over the three days of the event. The exhibition saw both local and international companies showcasing a diverse array of food and drinks products from all over the world. In total, around …
Italian based coffee company Lavazza has launched Il Mattino Vivace, a new ground coffee product to be sold to consumers in India. According to sources, Il Mattino Vivace (Lively Morning) coffee is the first made by the firm in India from Indian coffee beans, and specifically for consumers in the country. The filter coffee, said to be mild and aromatic, is claimed to be made with beans sourced from the …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola is launching a new variant of its Maaza mango juice drink which will be sold under the name Maaza Gold, according to a report in the Economic Times. Maaza Gold is described as being a thicker and smoother version of the traditional mango drink, which has been available in India since the 1970s and which was acquired by Coca-Cola in 1993. The firm said the launch …
Jacobs Douwe Egberts, the world-leading specialist coffee maker, has made a bid to acquire the entirety of OldTown, a leading Malaysian manufacturer of coffee products and operator of coffee shops. In a statement, OldTown said the proposed pre-conditional cash offer for all the issued ordinary shares of OldTown represented a total aggregate consideration of approximately 1.47 billion MYR ($360 million). Founded in 1999, OldTown is involved n the manufacturing, marketing and …
Lactalis, the global dairy giant, is to cement its presence on the Brazilian market with the acquisition of milk processor Itambe Alimentos from CCPR, a dairy cooperative based in Minas Gerais. CCPR excercised a right to acquire the outstanding 50% of Itambe Alimentos from fellow Brazilian firm Vigor, following the latter’s acquisition by Mexican dairy giant Grupo Lala. The deal value will be in the order of $600 million, according to …
SLN Coffee, an Indian coffee processor, is entering the branded instant coffee space with the launch of the Levista label. The firm, described as one of the leading exporters of coffee from India, and one of the largest suppliers of roasted and ground coffees in the country, said it aimed to generate 100 crore INR ($15.5 million) revenue from the brand within three years. “We have been supplying quality green …
Brazilian food and beverage manufacturer Yoki Alimentos has recently expanded its beverage range by entering the ready to drink functional tea market. The new tea has been launched under the Yoki Mais Vita brand and all the varieties are claimed to be free from sodium, calories, sugar and carbohydrates. Four variants have been introduced in total: Green Tea with Lemon, Black Tea with Orange and Guarana Extract, Green Tea with …
PepsiCo, the food and soft drinks giant, is launching a new Joosy version of its Mirinda fruit-flavour soft drink in India. According to a report in the Economic Times, the new version of the carbonated soft drink will contain orange juice and pulp sourced from Indian farmers. The drink is first being introduced in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, with a 500ml bottle retailing at 35 INR ($0.54). The …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 28th November 2017: This month’s Innovation Insight takes a look at the stellar rise of avocado in the FMCG space, as the fruit forges new roles across the food, drinks and personal care industries. The latest development sees avocado make a name in the world of ready-to-drink chocolate shakes with the introduction of a new ‘delicious’ yet ‘low fat’ product that has recently debuted …
Nestle, the global FMCG giant, is further developing its Nescau drinking chocolate brand with the launch of Nescau Protein + Milkshake, a ready-to-drink chocolate flavour shake that is claimed to be especially high in protein. According to a report in Giro News, Nestle said the new drink targeted younger, urban consumers with busy lifestyles who were seeking products with a dietary benefit. Nescau Protein + Milkshake is flagged as containing 13g of …
France-based dairy and drinks multinational Danone has invested in Kona Deep, a Hawaiian ocean bottled water that is claimed to be naturally rich in electrolytes. The company has taken a minority stake in the firm via its venture arm Danone Manifesto Ventures, participating in Kona Deep’s $5.5 million financing round, which includes Grand Crossing Capital and other Hawaiian investors. Kona Deep is described as offering a premium pure water with unique properties, …
Nestle, the FMCG giant, is rumoured to be among companies considering a move for Hain Celestial, the US-based manufacturer of health and wholefoods. News agency Bloomberg reports that the Swiss firm has held preliminary talks about purchasing all or parts of Hain Celestial, according to “people familiar with the matter”. Bloomberg further cites its sources as saying that other US manufacturers, as well as buyout firms, could emerge as potential suitors, or …
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks giant, is tapping into the trend for ‘fizzier’ soft drinks with the launch of a new high-carbonation cola under the Thums Up name in India. Said to be the first extension to the Thums Up brand in 40 years, Thums Up Charged will offer “an intense combination of the strong taste of Thums Up with even more thunder”, a company spokesperson is quoted as saying. Sugar content …
PepsiCo, the food and beverage giant, has announced the launch of a new salted caramel flavour for its Pepsi cola. The flavour extension is part of a new lineup of festive products aimed at “delivering bold and cheerful holiday flavors that will satisfy everyone in the room”, according to a press release from the company. The new salted caramel flavour is promoted as “an indulgent new, limited-time flavor which blends …
Insight by Gama Compass DUBAI – 8th November 2017: The UAE continues to be a hotbed for investment in the FMCG sector, with new product development coming from both domestic and international firms eager to tap into new opportunities, especially in the UAE’s fast-growing food and drinks industries. Dettol Gold Bar Soap Camellure Shampoo with Camel MilkNew product development trends highlight the importance of market-specific preferences and domestic innovation in the UAE, as …
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), the leading US dairy co-operative, has announced that it has acquired dairy processor Cumberland Dairy for an undisclosed sum. Located in Bridgeton, NJ, Cumberland Dairy manufactures ultra-pasteurized dairy products including milk, cream, milk cream, dessert mixes and non-dairy creamers. The firm supplies retail chains, convenience stores, wholesale food distributors and restaurants, predominantly on a private label basis but also through its FreshLife brand. Commenting on the news, …
The US arm of FMCG multinational Nestle has announced the acquisition of Chameleon Cold-Brew as part of a strategy to diversify its coffee portfolio. Chameleon Cold Brew is described as premium crafted organic coffee, sourced consciously and sustainably grown. The firm offers ready-to-drink cold-brew, cold-brew concentrate, kegs, cold brew kits and whole bean coffee. The move follows Nestle’s acquisition of speciality coffee roaster Blue Bottle Coffee, which was announced in …
Anglo-Dutch consumer giant Unilever has announced an agreement to acquire the Tazo tea brand from Starbucks for $384 million. According to a company statement, Tazo had sales of $112.5 million in the past year and enjoys a strong position in specialty black, green and herbal teas, as well as liquid concentrates such as chai latte. “With its strong appeal to millennials, Tazo is a perfect strategic fit for our US …
Saputo, a leading global dairy firm, has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire its Australian counterpart Murray Goulburn for a purchase price of A$1.31 billion ($1.0 billion) on a debt-free basis, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance. Murray Goulburn produces a full range of dairy products, including milk drinks, milk powder, cheese and butter, as well as a range of ingredient and nutritional products, such as infant formula. …
DanoneWave, the business unit of dairy and drinks giant Danone in the USA, has announced it is to invest $60 million in a plant-based beverage facility in Virginia. The company will add production capacity and will expand the warehouse at the Mt Crawford facility, generating 46 new jobs. DanoneWave was formed following the acquisition of WhiteWave Foods by Danone for $12.5 billion and is now the largest public benefit corporation …
This October, the city of Cologne once again became a hub for the global food and drinks community as a record numbers of exhibitors, and tens of thousands of trade visitors, descended on the Kolnmesse showgrounds for the latest instalment of Anuga, one of the world’s leading trade fairs in the FMCG space. In total, 7,405 exhibitors representing over 100 countries chose to showcase their product lines at Anuga 2017, …
India-based tea producer Goodricke has announced the acquisition of the packaged tea division belonging to tobacco firm Godfrey Phillips India. According to India Retailing, the agreement gives Goodricke Group the rights to the trademarks, titles and brands of the Godfrey Phillips tea business including the brands Tea City, Tea City, SC Gold, Symphony, Samovar, SC Premium, Super Cup, Rangoli and Utsav. Goodricke CEO AN Singh said: “This acquisition will bring …
Multinational beverage company Coca-Cola has announced the launch off Schweppes 1783, a line of “premium” mixers claimed to have been developed in partnership with some of the world’s “top mixologists”. According to Coca-Cola, the new range was “inspired by the alchemy of Jacob Schweppe in 1783” and “combines the effervescence and balanced taste of Schweppes with all-natural ingredients – as well as brand new, unique flavours that have been developed …
Nestle, the Swiss FMCG giant, has announced an investment of 30 million CHF ($30.8 million) to build a new infant formula plant in Russia. According to a report in FoodBev, the new facility will be located at the firm’s existing Vologda site, where Nestle has been operating for 14 years. The move is described as being in line with Nestle’s strategy to focus investment on high-growth categories including coffee, infant nutrition …
Hassia, the German mineral water and soft drinks firm, is acquiring the carbonated drink brand Bionade and ice tea brand Ti from current owners Radeberger, according to a report in Handelsblatt. Launched in Germany in the early 1990s, the Bionade brand is now distributed across the country in retail and foodservice channels. Produced with malt and fruit juice through a fermentation process, Bionade drinks are promoted as containing wholly natural ingredients and …
Multinational beverage company Coca-Cola is looking to tap in to a “growing” juice category in Australia by launching a new brand called Keri Juice Blenders. According to Coca-Cola, the new single-serving juices are targeted at working adults who are focused on their health and wellbeing, and are made with natural and “unique” ingredients. The range comprises two 100% juices (Orange and Cloudy Apple), and three 99.9% juice blends (Carrot Apple …
US soft drinks giant Coca-Cola is set to axe a bottling facility in Weimar, central Germany, with 178 positions under threat, according to a report in the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk. Coca-Cola cited overcapacity as the reason behind the decision, following a decline in sales of products packaged in reusable PET bottles. The planned closure is set to include administrative as well as production facilities, with functions such as HR, sales, marketing and finance …
Campari, the Italian wine and spirits producer, has announced its intention to sell its soft drinks business Lemonsoda to Danish brewing and beverage company Unibrew for €80 million ($94 million). According to a Campari statement, the decision to sell its non-alcoholic drink brands Lemonsoda, Oransoda, Pelmosoda and Mojito Soda, sold under the Freedea banner, as well as the Crodo brands (with the exception of Crodino), is part of the firm’s …
Britvic, the UK-based soft drinks firm, has announced that it is proposing to close its manufacturing site in Norwich, UK , “following a detailed review of our manufacturing sites and distribution network”. The firm said the closure, which is set to take place “towards the end of 2019”, would “improve the efficiency and productivity of our manufacturing operations”. Production of Robinsons cordial and Fruit Shoot children’s soft drinks are to …
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of the Mexican sparkling mineral water brand Topo Chico. The acquisition has been made via the firm’s Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) unit, and will integrate Topo Chico into the portfolio of Cola-Cola brands. Topo Chico has been bottled in Cerro del Topo Chico, Monterrery since 1895 and is sold in Northem Mexico and the USA. Matt Hughes, VP of emerging …
FMCG multinational Unilever has launched Lipton Wellness, a new range of tea described as being made with botanicals and blended with essential oils. The new range, which is being launched in the US, comes in five varieties: Stress Less, a herbal infusion made of cinnamon, chamomile and lavender; Detox, featuring dandelion, nettle and grapefruit; Soothe Your Tummy, with ginger, peppermint and fennel; Bedtime Bliss, featuring chamomile, mint and orange peel; …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it has taken a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a speciality coffee roaster and retailer based in Oakland, CA, USA. Nestle describes Blue Bottle Coffee as a “high end” firm that “has achieved iconic status amongst discerning coffee drinkers”. Blue Bottle Coffee markets a range of ready-to-drink and roast and ground coffee, sold online and in retail stores. The firm also operates a network …
FMCG multinational Unilever has announced the acquisition of UK-based organic herbal tea and supplement company Pukka Herbs for an undisclosed amount. Pukka Herbs is described as producing herbal teas made with 100% certified, organic and ethically sourced ingredients. The firm has a turnover of over £30 million ($40 million) and is currently recording growth of around 30%. Unilever said that the acquisition would allow Pukka Herbs to scale, while also …
US-based global fast-food chain McDonald’s has signed an agreement with soft drinks giant Coca-Cola to sell ready-to-drink McCafe Frappe beverages in retail stores. According to a Coca-Cola press release, the new coffee drink will be offered in Mocha, Caramel and Vanilla and sold in re-sealable 405ml PET bottles. Flagged as being made with “100% Arabica beans” and as having a “deliciously smooth taste”, the range will hit shelves in 2018. …
Gama spoke to Dietmar Eiden, Vice President of Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, ahead of the 2017 edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this year’s Anuga? “Fully booked exhibitions halls and shopping baskets full to the brim” – that’s how we announced the upcoming Anuga in our preliminary report. And this year’s Anuga will welcome a record number of exhibitors, with more than 7,200 exhibitors expected in Cologne …
Canadian energy drink company Guru Energy is to launch Organic Lite, a new version of its namesake energy drink that is said to be sweetened with monk fruit. Organic Lite is described as being infused with green tea, echinacea, ginseng, guarana, stevia and lemon juice. It contains 20 calories and is claimed to be organically certified, as well as gluten free and vegan. “We are proud to offer Canadian consumers certified …
Coffee supplier and distributor Farmer Brothers is to acquire all assets of Boyd Coffee Company, a provider of coffee, tea and other beverages, accord to a report in Food Business The purchase consists of up to $42 million in cash and 21,000 shares of a new series of preferred stock, making an estimated total price of $58.6 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months. Founded …
Royal Cup, an importer and roaster of specialty coffees and teas, has announced the acquisition of Richgood Gourmet, a manufacturer of cold-brew coffee and owner of the Icebox Coffee brand. The founder of Icebox Coffee, Bebe Goodrich, will remain in the company as director of liquid product innovation, leading new product development. Royal Cup’s CEO Bill Smith said: “Combining forces to expand our cold-brew offering and improve our ready-to-drink product mix …
Minnesota, US based beverage maker Cold Spring Brewing has been acquired by Brynwood Partners, as the private equity firm further expands its portfolio of consumer brands. Founded in 1874, Cold Spring Brewing produces non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and beer for other companies’ brands and retailer private labels, as well as brewing beer under their own brand. The company employs about 350 workers and records annual sales of more than $60 …
International seasoning and food firm Ajinomoto has revealed plans to enter India’s instant drinks market with the launch of powdered tea and coffee products. Under the plans, the company will begin selling its Blendy brand outside Japan for the first time after acquiring the trademark rights for Blendy in November 2016. The launch will be carried out through Ajinomoto’s affiliate Ajinomoto India Private and will see Blendy 3 in 1 …
Leading beverage maker Asahi has announced the launch of a new coffee jelly drink under the long established coffee brand Wonda. The new Wonda Shake Jelly Coffee is presented in a plastic bottle and is sold with a separate sachet of milk powder that is designed to be mixed into the drink before being consumed. In this way consumers are said to be able to ‘customise’ the ‘milkiness’ of the …
Suntory, the Japanese drinks giant and owner of the Ribena and Lucozade brands in the UK, is moving into the functional water space with the launch of Lucozade Sport Fit Water. Described as “purified spring water plus 4 key electrolytes”, Lucozade Sport Fit Water is “designed to keep you hydrated and replenish what you lose in sweat so that you can train hard and unlock your potential”. The electrolytes featured …
Probiotic dairy drink manufacturer Yakult Honsha has announced the construction of a new plant in Foshan, Guangdong, China. According to Yakult, Guangzhou Yakult started construction on the Foshan plant in July. The new factory will produce Yakult and Yakult Light fermented milk drinks and will be the third plant for Guangzhou Yakult, and the sixth for the Yakult group, in China. “Guangdong Province is witnessing strong demand for Yakult in …
Global beverage giant AB InBev has announced the acquisition of leading organic drink maker Hiball Energy, which produces energy drinks under the Hiball Energy brand and sparkling juices and sparkling waters under the Alta Palla brand. The acquisition, which will expand AB InBev’s presence in the non-alcoholic drinks sector, is aimed at supporting Hiball Energy and its brands through brand-building experience, access to a wholesaler network and operational expertise. Hiball’s energy drinks and sparkling …
Refresco, an independent bottler of beverages for retailers and manufacturers in Europe and the US, has announced the acquisition of Cott Beverages in an all-cash transaction worth $1.25 billion. Cott Beverages, which generates $1.7 billion in annual revenues, is described as drinks firm Cott’s “traditional beverage manufacturing business”. It is one of the world’s largest producers of non-alcoholic beverages with a portfolio including carbonated soft drinks, shelf stable juice and …
British FMCG and pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline has announced its intention to sell its Horlicks brand of hot drinks in the UK, together with its MaxiNutrition business. The sale is reportedly part of the company’s strategy of focusing on its pharmaceutical business, which accounts for £16.1 billion ($20.1 billion) in annual sales. Horlicks was originally acquired by GlaxoSmithKline forerunner SmithKline Beecham in 1969. The malted hot drink is available in Light and …
Coca-Cola Singapore has announced the opening of a new storage and distribution center in Tuas. Located opposite to an existing Coca Cola plant, the new $57.5 million facility includes an “overhead bridge with a conveyance system to transport products from the manufacturing facility to the storage warehouse and vice versa”, according to information reported on Foodbev. President of Asia Pacific Group of The Coca-Cola Company John Murphy commented: “Asia is …
Dean Foods, one of the American leading food and beverages companies, has acquired Uncle Matt’s Organic, a producer of organic beverages where the financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 1999, and located in Florida, Uncle Matt’s Organic makes organic fruits and juices, including probiotic-infused juices and fruit-infused waters. After the acquisition, the company will operate as a subsidiary of Dean Foods. “Our mission has always been to produce the …
Kraft Heinz, one of the world’s largest food and beverage firms, has launched a new range of coffee that allows consumers to adjust the level of caffeine intake. Marketed under the Maxwell House brand name and available in the US, the Max Boost line offers three different levels of caffeine per cup – 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 – “without changing the taste or how you prepare it”. According to Luke …
Nurtrinor, a Canada based agri-food cooperative, has acquired a majority stake in cheese specialist Fromagerie Champetre, company based in Repentigny in Canada. The acquisition, according to a company statement, is part of a three-year investment plan to strengthening Nutrinor’s position in the agri-food sector, enabling the cooperative to position itself on the dairy processing market outside the region. With the acquisition, Nutrinor will be able to transform more than 52 million …