Discount retailer Lidl has announced the launch of a new brand in Switzerland focusing on “quality” and local products. The Qualite Suisse (Swiss Quality) range has launched with fruit and vegetables, bread, meat, cheese, charcuterie and dairy products, with categories such as frozen food, iced tea, chocolate, flour, and sugar to be added in later stages. Commenting on the launch, Lidl Switzerland CEO Nicholas Pennanen said: “‘Qualité Suisse’ is much more …
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Danone, the food and beverage multinational, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Kate Farms, a US-based producer of plant-based, nutritional shakes and formulas for adults and children. Kate Farms shakes are described as containing organic pea protein, fibre and phytonutrients, with no artificial additives or any of the top nine allergens. Commenting on the move, Kate Farms chairman and chief …
Belgian dairy firm Olympia, a subsidiary of Royal A-Ware since 2022, has announced the closure of its dairy processing plant in Pajottegem. In a press release, Royal A-Ware’s said the plant’s installations and infrastructure require upgrades to meet current and future efficiency requirements, which the firm does not consider economically justifiable at the moment. “There has been a diligent search for ways to make Olympia profitable”, the company said, while noting “the …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the Coca-Cola bottler, has invested $14.9 million in a new production line in the Malawian capital Lilongwe through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM). This investment has reportedly boosted CCBM’s production capacity, enabling the bottling of Coca-Cola brand beverages and the Sobo brand on a single line. The system produces 19,200 bottles per hour, in sizes from 300ml to 2 litres, also enabling the company …
Global FMCG giant Nestle has announced an investment of 1,900 billion VND ($73.32 million) to expand its Tri An coffee facility in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai. The spending commitment is part of a wider 4,300 billion VND ($165.4 million) investment strategy for the factory during the 2024-2025 period, aimed at boosting production capabilities and advancing technology. Commenting on the move, Nestle Vietnam MD Binu Jacob said: “Our …
Milo’s Tea, an Alabama-based firm that manufactures, distributes, markets and sells ice teas and lemonades throughout the USA, has announced the opening of a manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, via a $200 million investment. Milo’s Tea said it grown more than threefold over the past ten years, going from fewer than 50 to nearly 1,000 staff and scaling up from one to four manufacturing facilities. Commenting on the move, …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 29th April 2025: Growing consumer aversion to ‘processed’ and ‘artificial’ foods is driving an uptick in launches touting claims such as “no additives” and “no artificial ingredients”, the latest Insight By Gama Compass discovers. An analysis of trends in global food and drink launches since 2013 reveals that consumer preference is instead coalescing around products that showcase simple formulations, identifiable ingredients and minimal levels of processing. Read …
Kandhari Global Beverages has received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire a Coca-Cola bottling facility in northern Gujarat for 2,000 crore INR ($240 million). According to reports, the transaction supports Coca-Cola’s long-term goal of minimising its direct bottling footprint by placing regulatory compliance in the hands of Indian businesses and bottling partners. Kandhari Global Beverages is described as an authorised bottler of Coca-Cola and Schweppes Holdings, …
Reliance Consumer Products, the FMCG arm of Indian retail major Reliance Retail Ventures, has announced plans to invest 1,000 crore INR ($117 million ) to set up a new bottling plant in Begusarai, in India’s Bihar state. The upcoming facility, covering 35 acres and developed by Campa Cola manufacturer and distributor EPIC Agro Product Ltd, is expected to serve as a central node for expanding bottling and logistics capabilities in …
ITC, the Indian conglomerate, has announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Sresta Natural Bioproducts (SNBPL), the company behind organic food and drink brand 24 Mantra Organic, for 472.5 crore INR ($56.7 million). SNBPL offers over 200 products from staples to juices and ready-to-cook foods, ITC said in a statement, adding that the company’s vertically integrated supply chain promotes sustainable livelihoods …
Muller, the UK’s largest milk supplier and distributor, has announced it has agreed to acquire kefir brand Biotiful Gut Health, as it seeks to establish a presence in the functional health yoghurt and drinks segment. Founded in 2012, Biotiful produces a range of kefir and natural gut health products. Commenting on the deal, Muller’s yogurt and desserts CEO Richard Williams said: “This is a business which fits really well within …
The 2025 UK Food & Drink Shows (Food & Drink Expo), held from 7th to 9th April at Birmingham’s NEC, once again offered industry professionals across the food, drink, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing sectors valuable insights into trends and innovations shaping the UK consumer goods sector. Gama and Bonny Bite In a bid to cater to the evolving needs of the market, this year’s edition of the co-located Farm Shop …
Castillo Hermanos, a diversified multinational business group, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with private equity firm Brynwood Partners to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, a leading USA-based beverage company. Harvest Hill was founded by Brynwood VII in July 2014 with the acquisition of Juicy Juice from Nestle USA. Its brand portfolio includes SunnyD, Fruit2O, Veryfine, Little HUG, Nutrament and Daily’s Cocktails, and the company operates …
French based dairy major Lactalis has announced plans to invest R$313 million ($55 million) to expand operations in Brazil’s Parana state. In a statement, the company said the investment would support the establishment of a UHT milk production line at the Londrina facility and expansion of the Carambei plant, increasing its production capacity for yoghurts, fermented milk, dairy beverages and desserts. According to Lactalis CEO Roosevelt Junior, the company has …
Nestle, the food and drink multinational, and South Korean food group Lotte Wellfood have agreed to end their Lotte-Nestle Korea joint venture by the first quarter of 2026. Initiated in June 2014, the Lotte-Nestle Korea partnership operates as a 50-50 joint venture, manufacturing and distributing Nescafe instant coffee, chocolate powder drinks, fruit powder drinks, pet food and culinary products across South Korea. Commenting on the move, Nestle Korea CEO Thomas …
Meiji, the diversified Japanese food business, has announced the launch of Meiji W Skin Care Yogurt, a new dairy yoghurt that has been formulated to protect the skin from UV radiation, as well to maintain hydration and relieve skin dryness. According to Meiji, Meiji W Skin Care Yogurt combines SC-2 lactic acid bacteria (L. bulgaricus OLL1247 strain and S. thermophilus 3078 strain), collagen peptides, and sphingomyelin in a proprietary formula. Catering …
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 – World of Private Label? PLMA’s World of Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam is the place to be if you are involved in private label, whether in manufacturing, procurement or retail. It is where business develops, thrives & grows offering the …
FMCG giant PepsiCo has announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Poppi, a fast-growing prebiotic soda brand, for $1.95 billion. Poppi is made with fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and prebiotics, with less than 5g of sugar per serving, and is available across the US in 14 flavours. Commenting on the move, PepsiCo Beverages US CEO Ram Krishnan said: “As we look to reorient our …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. Offering its 30,000 visitors the opportunity to “immerse themselves in food and drink product discovery”, the latest edition of International Food Event, IFE once again proved to be a vibrant showcase of the biggest and brightest food and drink innovations from the UK and beyond. With ExCel in London’s Docklands playing host, IFE brought together 1,500 exhibitors from all …
Australian importer and manufacturer Entyce Food Ingredients has announced the acquisition of Naked Rivals, an Australian startup that produces “innovative and sustainable” citrus juice products. In a press release, Entyce Food Ingredients said Naked Rivals produces freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, free from pits, peel and preservatives, sold in trays of “cubes” that are each said to contain the juice equivalent of half a lemon or lime. The brand is focused on …
Gama spoke to Charlotte Tickle, Production Director at Global Insight Conferences, ahead of the latest edition of Food & Drink Trends & Innovations. What are your expectations for this year’s Food & Drink Trends & Innovations? We’ve been running the Food & Drink Trends & Innovations conference for 11 years now – so while the trends come and go, the goal is always simple! For our participants to come away …
SLMG Beverages, a subsidiary of Ladhani Group and the largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola in India, has announced plans to invest INR 8,000 crore ($919.6 million) to set up new bottling plants and expand existing facilities. As part of its expansion strategy, SLMG Beverages is investing 1,200 crore INR ($137.9 million) in a new plant in Buxar, in the state of Bihar, alongside a second bottling facility in the same …
Gama spoke to Mohammed Alrajhi, General Manager, Rio Food Industries Factory. Read the full Industry Insight in the next issue of Gama News. What are the key success factors in creating a health-oriented drinks brand? Success in building a leading health-oriented drinks brand relies on a well-balanced combination of quality, innovation and smart marketing strategies. First and foremost, the product must be based on natural ingredients with genuine health …
Gama spoke to Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, ahead of the latest edition of Vinitaly. What are your expectations for this year’s Vinitaly? Vinitaly is the trade fair brand behind the international promotion of Italian wine. Consequently, we are looking forward to a dynamic and appealing Vinitaly that will meet the needs of our exhibitors. This is why we have worked hard on content and incoming fronts alike to offer …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. March 2025 welcomed a fresh-faced entrant to the UK tradeshow scene, with food-to-go showcase Lunch! North marking its inaugural outing in the heart of Manchester’s bustling city centre. Gama with Katie Tyler, Lunch! North and Lunch! Event Director Cramming over 400 stands – and over 12,000 visitors – into the main hall of the Manchester Central exhibition venue, Lunch! North (and …
Nestle, the consumer goods giant, has announced it is investing €15 million ($16 million) at a plant in Girona, Spain to begin production of recyclable packaging for Nescafe instant coffee and Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee capsules. The investment will enable the local production of refill bags for Nescafe instant coffee, ranging in size from 75g to 275g, which Nestle claims weigh 97% less than conventional glass jars. Nestle is also constructing a …
Core Home, a manufacturer of housewares and lifestyle products, has announced the acquisition of Bubluv, an Asian boba tea brand, to mark the company’s entry into the food and beverage industry. Described as being free from artificial ingredients, and low in calories and sugar, Bubluv’s flagship bubble tea is described as a shelf-stable drink with milk and fruit flavours. The product is made using loose-leaf tea with jelly pearls in the varieties Black Milk …
Gama spoke to Julien Bonvallet, Group Brand Director, Informa Markets, ahead of the latest edition of Vitafoods Europe. Vitafoods has a new home in Barcelona this year. What was the rationale for bringing the event to Spain? After 26 hugely successful years in Geneva, we made the decision to move to our new home of Fira Barcelona, Gran Via for Vitafoods Europe 2025. The decision was made after listening to …
Boasting “30 editions of F&B legacy”, Gulfood’s latest outing was a further opportunity for food and drinks industry professionals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond to explore the latest trends and innovations impacting supermarket shelves across the Middle East region. Read this Tradeshow Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. Spread across 24 halls amid the ample showgrounds of the Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood 2025 saw …
Coca-Cola, the soft drinks multinational, is making its first foray into prebiotic sodas with the launch of Simply Pop, a new brand line made with 6g of prebiotic fibre for gut health, as well as vitamin C and zinc for immune function. Claimed to contain 25-30% fruit juice from concentrate and to be free from added sugar, Simply Pop prebiotic soda will be sold in 12oz cans in the varieties Strawberry, Pineapple …
Italian tea company Everton, owned by Clessidra Private Equity, has acquired the US-based firm Eastern Tea, known for producing tea under the Bromley label as well as supplying private label brands. Headquartered in Tagliolo Monferrato, Everton generated approximately €45 million ($47 million) in revenue during its 2024 financial and has production facilities in Italy, India and Croatia. Everton reportedly controls its entire production process from cultivation and processing to packaging. …
Celsius Holdings, the global drinks firm, has announced it has finalised a definitive agreement to acquire functional brand Alani Nu for $1.8 billion, inclusive of $150 million in tax assets. “This strategic transaction will merge two rapidly expanding brands within the U.S. energy drink market, creating a leading better-for-you and functional lifestyle platform that is poised to capitalize on the rising consumer preference for zero-sugar beverages”, the company said in …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 18th February 2025: In this month’s Innovation Insight, our attention turns to the sports drinks category and a new electrolyte drink from the UK that boasts the functional benefits of “whole watermelon” – Raw Hydrate Electrolyte Drink. Read this Innovation Insight in the next issue of Gama News. Promising “a surge of pure vitality”, Raw Hydrate Electrolyte Drink from The Turmeric Co is …
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC), the Switzerland-based soft drinks bottler, has announced the opening of a new production line at its existing 82,000 sq m factory at Sadat City in Egypt. According to sources, the factory has an annual production capacity of 720 million litres and is the fastest and most advanced facility of its kind in the Middle East. The new production line, which is being delivered via an investment of …
Molson Coors, the US brewer, has announced it has secured exclusive rights to produce, market, sell, and distribute the Fever-Tree brand of tonics, ginger beers and mixers in the US as of February 2025. As part of the deal, Molson Coors will also acquire an 8.5% stake in Fever-Tree for $88.3 million, making it the company’s second-largest shareholder. Commenting on the deal, Molson Coors chief executive officer Gavin Hattersley said: “The U.S. …
UK plant-based drink company Rebel Kitchen has announced the launch of what it claims to be the world’s first health shot made from the camu camu berry. Camu camu is described as a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest that contains 30 time more vitamin C per ml than an orange. The shots are said to be made from berries that are freshly frozen to preserve their nutritional properties. Available as a 60ml shot and a 420ml dosing …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 31st January 2025: Functional botanical ingredients such as flowers, berries and plant roots continue to blossom in the food and drink sector, the latest Insight By Gama Compass can reveal. This trend for botanicals ties into ongoing demand for wild, ancient and functional ingredients, pared back formulations and premium concepts, as well as complex and adventurous flavour combinations. Use of botanical ingredients in food and non-alcoholic drinks …
Beverage firm Coca-Cola FEMSA has announced the opening of a new distribution centre in Bauru, in Brazil’s Sao Paulo stated. According to sources, the R$94 million ($15.7 million) distribution centre, is expected to expand the company’s delivery capacity by 30%. Inaugurated on 15th January 2025, the facility is a strategic milestone for the company’s operations in the interior of Sao Paulo, Coca-Cola FEMSA said. Silvio Vargas, Coca-Cola FEMSA Brasil distribution director, commentedL …
Wagh Bakri Tea, an Indian tea company, has announced plans to invest 100 crore INR ($12 million) in a new facility in Dakor, Gujarat for the manufacture and storage of instant tea. The new facility is set to increase instant tea production by five times, from 3,000–4,000 packets daily, as well as expanding storage by 50%. Commenting on the move, Wagh Bakri Tea CEO Sanjay Singal said: “We are setting up a …
Varun Beverages, the PepsiCo bottler, has announced the investment of $48.2 million in its South African subsidiary BevCo. Varun Beverages finalised the acquisition of BevCo last year, and the company is now reportedly acquiring additional share capital of 2.42%. The decided to create two new production lines in Zimbabwe, one which is expected to produce 340 bottles of soft drinks per minute,and another projected to produce 400 bottles of water under the …
Safety Shot, a wellness and dietary supplement company, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Yerbae Brands, a plant-based energy drink firm. Founded in 2017, Yerbae Brands offers plant-based energy drinks based on yerba mate that are claimed to be zero calorie, zero sugar, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, keto-friendly, paleo-approved, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly. Commenting on the deal, Safety Shot chairman John Gulyas said: “We believe that this …
BioSteel, a Canadian sports drink and nutrition firm, has announced the opening of its first dedicated manufacturing facility, located in Windsor, Ontario. Founded in 2009 and acquired by Coachwood Group in 2023, BioSteel offers sports drinks, hydration mixes and protein powders for both consumers and professional athletes. According to sources, the manufacturing facility will manufacture powders and stick packs locally, with a capacity of 100 million stick packs per year and 10,000 …
Nestle, the leading FMCG multinational, has announced it is increasing its portfolio in the US with the launch of a “liquid espresso concentrate” line. Promising consumers “the ultimate hack for customizing café-style iced espresso beverages at home”, the company claims its 100% Arabica espresso concentrate can be prepared without brewing or equipment, simply by pouring over ice and blending with water or milk. The new launch comes as a “rich and …
TreeHouse Foods, a leading manufacturer and distributor of private-label foods and beverages, has announced it has completed its acquisition of Harris Tea for $205 million. The acquisition includes Harris Tea’s manufacturing facilities in Moorestown, New Jersey, and Marietta, Georgia, along with approximately 300 employees. Commenting on the deal, TreeHouse Foods chairman, CEO and president Steve Oakland said: “The acquisition of Harris Tea is a good use of our balance sheet strength, …
US natural and organic products company Hain Celestial has announced the opening of an Innovation Experience Center (IEC) in Hoboken, New Jersey in a bid to further develop its food, drinks and personal care brands. The new centre, which features a 2,200 sq m working kitchen intended as “a hub for hands-on creativity and sensory exploration”, is designed to advance product innovation, conduct ingredient testing, ensure quality and enhance packaging sustainability. One …
Gama spoke to Tricia McNeilly, Founder, ötzibrew. Read the full Industry Insight in the next issue of Gama News. What does it take to develop a successful FMCG brand? I believe that when you’re building a brand, that you really have to build it from passion, and you have to come from integrity. You have to come from your heart when you’re creating products, because when you go through …
Gama spoke to Leana Salamah, SVP Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, ahead of the latest edition of the Winter Fancy Food Show. What are your expectations for the 2025 edition of the Winter Fancy Food Show? We are all very excited for the 2025 Winter Show! The enhanced focus on emerging trends and new-to-market products will elevate the Show experience for our attendees in really meaningful ways. Just one …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, VP – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality, ahead of the latest edition of Gulfood. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? Our 30th landmark edition is a significant milestone for us, and our loyal customers have been instrumental in building Gulfood into what it is today. We will honour the past, remain steadfast in our contributions and commitment to the global F&B sector and …
Gama spoke to Federico Dellafiore, event manager, ahead of the latest edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event. What are your expectations for this edition of IFE? We’re hugely looking forward to the 2025 edition of IFE! As always, the show will be packed with new-to-market products and inspiring opportunities to hear from leaders in food & drink. In addition to innovative brands from around the UK the show will …
Gama spoke to Marina Calheiros, Event Coordinator, ahead of the latest edition of Lisbon Food Affair. What are your expectations for Lisbon Food Affair 2025? In line with our growth and internationalisation objectives, LFA 2025 is aiming to consolidate itself as one of the leading international trade fairs in the food and beverage sector, with an increase in the number of foreign exhibitors and international visitors, reinforcing Portugal’s role as …
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), the Indian Coca-Cola subsidiary, has announced it has inaugurated a factory in Siddipet, in India’s Telangana state. The factory, spanning 49 acres, has a planned investment of 2,091 crore INR ($251 million), with 1,409 crore INR ($170 million) utilised in the initial phase. It is HCCB’s second manufacturing facility in Telangana, complementing the existing factory in Ameenpur, Sangareddy district. Commenting on the news, HCCBL CEO Juan …
Supreme plc, the diversified consumer goods supplier, has announced the acquisition of the Typhoo tea brand from administration in a £10.2 million ($12.95 million) deal. Founded in 1903, Typhoo was the UK’s first pre-packaged tea brand but succumbed to administration in November as a result of falling sales and rising debts. As part of the acquisition, Supreme plc will acquire brands includeing QT, Lift, Herbalists, Heath & Heather, London Fruit …
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the UK-based Coca-Cola bottler, has announced an investment of £42.3 million ($53.1 million) in its facility in Wakefield, UK. The investment is for a new automated storage retrieval system (ASRS) that will more than double current warehouse capacity to over 58,000 pallets, and reduce annual vehicle journeys by 18,500. In total, the facility has received £103 million ($129 million) in investment since 2019 to enhance efficiencies and allow …
Electrolit, the Mexican sports drink firm, has announced plans to build a new $400 million manufacturing facility in the US state of Texas. The new 600,000 sq ft plant will be the company’s first US-based production facility and is expected to open by 2026. It is being constructed in response to “surging” demand driven by its partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper for sales and distribution and a rapidly growing retail …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announce plans to spin-off its water and premium beverages business from 1st January 2025. “As part of the action plan to drive operational performance and unlock potential, Nestlé’s water and premium beverages activities will become a global standalone business under the leadership of Muriel Lienau, Head of Nestlé Waters Europe, as of January 1, 2025”, the company said in a statement. “This will …
Organic cocoa and guarana specialist Koawach has announced the launch of an energy drink which is claimed to be the world’s first caffeinated soft drink made with cocoa fruit juice. Koawach said it had collaborated with Koa, a Swiss-Ghanaian startup that specialises in upcycling cocoa fruit pulp, to create the beverage, which reportedly has 75mg of natural caffeine per can but less sugar than typical energy drinks. The range comes …
Molson Coors, the US brewer, has announced it has taken a majority stake in Zoa Energy, an energy drink brand whose co-founders include Dwayne Johnson. The deal is intended to increase distribution and awareness of the Zoa energy drink brand, as well as enabling its integration into the wider Molson Coors portfolio. The partnership first began three years ago, and Zoa is reportedly now available in over 25,000 retail locations. …
Gama with Nicolas Trentesaux, SIAL Network Managing Director The landmark 2024 edition of SIAL, the self-styled “must-attend” biennial event for the food industry, reinforced the show’s central place in the European consumer goods calendar, building on a 60 year run that was marked in both celebratory and contemplative fashion. Gama with Secretary of State for Fisheries of Portugal Claudia Monteiro Aguiar As the organizers themselves acknowledged, attending SIAL on its …
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), the soft drinks and coffee firm, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Ghost Lifestyle and Ghost Beverages (collectively “Ghost”) for $990 million. Founded in 2016, Ghost is a brand of sports nutrition products, energy drinks, dietary supplements, and apparel, anchored by its flagship energy drink brand Ghost Energy. Commenting on the move, KDP chief executive officer Tim Cofer said: “GHOST is …
Shamrock Farms, a leading US dairy firm, has announced an investment of $59 million to expand its milk manufacturing facility in Augusta County, Virginia. The project will generate 28 new jobs and expand the company’s existing 250,000 sq ft facility in Mill Place Commerce Park by an additional 81,000 sq ft. The investment is earmarked for a new production filling line and cold storage facilities. Commenting on the move, Shamrock …
Acqua Sant’Anna, the Italian mineral water firm, has announced the acquisition of French counterpart La Compagnie des Pyrenees (LCDP), owner of the Eau Neuve brand, for €50 million ($54.5 million). Founded in 1996, Acqua Sant’Anna holds a 13.4% share of the mineral water market in Italy and reported turnover of €320 million ($348.8 million) in 2023. Commenting on the move, Acqua Sant’Anna founder, president and CEO Alberto Bertone said: “It …
The Original Juice Company (OJC), an Australian-based business that sells chilled fruit and vegetable juices, has announced plans to acquire SPC Global (SPC) and the powdered milk business Nature One Dairy to create a leading food and beverage company. As part of the transaction, OJC will issue 133 million shares to SPC shareholders, while Nature One Dairy shareholders will get 29 million shares and up to A$6 million ($4 million) …
Gama spoke to Yannick Verry, Brand Director, ahead of the latest edition of Fi Europe. What are your expectations for this year’s FI Europe? What features are there for consumers to look forward to? Fi Europe is gearing up for its biggest and best year ever. From 19th-21st November 2024, Messe Frankfurt will host the leading global event for food and beverage ingredients. More than 1,500 exhibitors and a programme …
Saudi Arabia based dairy firm Almarai has announced the acquisition of Hammoudeh Food Industries, the food and beverage business of Jordanian conglomerate Hammoudeh, for 263 million SAR ($70.1 million). Founded in the 1960s in Amman, Hammoudeh Food Industries serves as the food and beverage manufacturing division of the Hammoudeh conglomerate, which is also involved in agri-business and chemicals. The company offers a variety of products, including dairy, juices, poultry and …
Gama spoke to Cris Arcangeli, Chief Executive Officer, Beauty’in. Read this Industry Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. What changes have you seen in the consumer goods sector in Brazil (and the wider Latin America region) in recent years, and how do you anticipate it will evolve further? In recent years, the consumer goods sector in Brazil has undergone significant transformations, especially in the area of beauty and …
Coca-Cola, in cooperation with its Nigeria bottling partners, has announced an investment of $1 billion to expand its investments in the country over the next five years. Coca‑Cola said it intended to double its investment rate to support various areas of the value chain, including suppliers, distributors, retailers and recyclers. The new money comes on top of $1.5 billion Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC), known locally as Nigerian Bottling …
Swiss-based baby food, snack bar and spreads firm Hero has announced the acquisition of British plant-based food brand Deliciously Ella for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2016, Deliciously Ella offers crackers, snack bars, ready meals, biscuits, chocolate, dressings, spreads, pasta, kombucha and other products, available at leading grocery retailers Hero said the acquisition would allow it to strengthen its position in the UK snack market, where it is already present …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced plans to sell its Cremora business to the South African subsidiary of French dairy giant Lactalis, as part of a strategic realignment of its operations. Cremora is a creamer brand produced in Babelegi and Potchefstroom, South Africa, as well as in Harare, Zimbabwe. Lactalis will acquire both South African sites, while production of Cremora at Harare will cease, with the plant shifting …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 16th September 2024: Honey is hitting a sweet spot, the latest Insight by Gama Compass can reveal, with an increasing number of food and drink brands choosing to make honey the centrepiece of their innovation and branding efforts, as well as including it as a key ingredient within product formulations. Mentioned nearly 50% more often in new product launches recorded on Gama Compass since 2023 than in …
E-commerce giant Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Saver, a new private label range of budget groceries for its US consumers. Amazon said it had already begun rolling out the new brand line, which includes items such as crackers, biscuits, canned fruit and condiments each priced at under $5, and planned to add more than 100 items over time. Commenting on the launch, Amazon Fresh worldwide vice president Claire …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trentesaux, SIAL Network Managing Director, ahead of the latest edition of SIAL. SIAL is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. How are you planning to commemorate the occasion? This year, SIAL is characterised by both a retrospective and forward-looking approach to the food sector. Attending SIAL on its 60th anniversary is a unique opportunity to reflect on six decades of innovation and change in food, while …
Gama spoke to Jeff Lenard, NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, ahead of the latest edition of the NACS Show. What are your expectations for this edition of the NACS Show? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? The NACS Show is where retailers go to find the future of convenience, whether via products or services on the expo floor, in the education and general …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced an investment of €30 million (£25.4 million) to increase capacity for hot cereal drinks production at its Avanca factory in Portugal. The investment will be used to install advanced machinery to improve operational efficiency and help meet the growing demand for nutritious beverages. The Avanca plant, situated in the north-eastern region of Portugal, is decribed as Nestle’s sole cereal drinks production site …
Coca-Cola Canada Bottling, the Canadian bottler of carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, ice teas and related products, has announced the opening of a new facility in Richmond, British Columbia. According to a report in Canadian Grocer, the $18 million facility contains a sales department, warehouse and distribution centre. Spread over 230 sq ft, the plant is the company’s largest in Canada and its distribution centre will reportedly to …
Forbidden Foods, a health & wellness focused food company, has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Oat Milk Goodness (OMG), a leading Australian plant-based non-dairy milk company, for A$3.4 million ($2.25 million). Founded in 2019, OMG’s portfolio includes barista and chocolate oat milks, as well as a chocolate oat milk with faba bean and pea protein, and is retailed at Woolworths, Ampol Foodary locations, health stores and …
US soft drinks multinational Coca-Cola has announced that the company is teaming up with Mondelez to launch a limited-edition drink and biscuit in partnership with the Oreo brand. In a press release, Coca-Cola said the new Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Coca-Cola sandwich biscuits feature the brands’ signature flavours and are presented in a “sleek, black-and-white packaging design that remains true to the two brands’ iconic personalities”. The new …
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the UK-based Coca-Cola bottler. has announced an additional investment of A$105.5 million ($69.63 million) to create a new warmfill line at its Moorabbin plant in Victoria, Australia. In a statement, CCEP said the investment would be used to develop a 4,200 sq m manufacturing hall, install a high-speed 640 bpm Nitro-Warmfill line, and upgrade the existing infrastructure. The investment will support the company in producing Powerade …
Lassonde, a producer of fruit and vegetable drinks, has announced it has completed a $53 million expansion at its facility in Hendersonville (NC). The site expansion includes a new single-serve aseptic production line offering 10oz and 16oz beverages in 6, 12, and 24-pack formats and a 104,000 sq ft distribution centre. Commenting on the expansion, Lassonde Industries president and chief operating officer Vince Timpano said: “The expansion and improvements at …
Refresco, the independent drinks bottler, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Frias Nutrition, a leading manufacturer of plant-based drinks and meat substitutes, from Alantra Private Equity and the founding family. Frias, which employs around 250 people, is described as a manufacturer of oat, almond and soy drinks, as well as broths, creams and tofu for major European retailers, and has a production facility located in …
Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. What are your expectations for this year’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair? How will you be celebrating the landmark 25th edition? We’re really excited for this year’s event! It’s amazing to think how the speciality food & drink industry has evolved since 1999 and this year we’ll be celebrating both …
Carlsberg, the multinational brewer, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire UK-based soft drink business Britvic for £3.3 billion ($4.2 billion) to expand its bottling operations across Europe. Britvic is the main partner for PepsiCo in the UK and Ireland with exclusive rights to manufacture, bottle, and sell brands including Pepsi, 7UP, and Lipton. It also owns brands such as Robinsons, Tango, Fruit Shoot, J2O, Aqua …
SunOpta, a multi-national food and drinks company, has announced it has completed a $26 million expansion at its Modesto, California facility to increase annual production of oat milk by more than 60%. The company stated that its Modesto oat extraction production line was launched in May, employing proprietary enzymatic processes to break down whole oats into a liquid base to produce oat milk, plant-based yogurt and ice cream. SunOpta offers …
Supreme plc, a diversified consumer goods supplier, has announced the acquisition of trade and assets of Clearly Drinks, a manufacturer of canned and bottled spring water and soft drinks, for £15 million ($19 million). Founded in 1885, Clearly Drinks has a portfolio of still and sparkling spring water, energy drinks, vitamin-infused beverages, juices, coffee-based drinks, and mixers and tonics, marketed under brands like Perfectly Clear, Northumbria Spring, and Revolution Waves. …
Idilia Foods, a diversified Spanish food and drinks firm. has announced the acquisition of 50% of dairy drinks maker Cacaolat from beermaker Damm. Founded in 1933 in Barcelona, Cacaolat is known for its namesake brand of chocolate milk, as well as Letona and Laccao, and generated turnover of €82 million ($88.1 million) in 2023. In a statement, Idilia Foods and Damm said the acquisition would allow Cacaolat to combine its …
PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), has opened a new 115,000 sq ft distribution facility in Colorado Springs, USA. The new plant will reportedly quadruple the company’s inventory capacity for soft drinks, allowing it to distribute popular brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, Celsius, and Rockstar to Colorado residents and consumers across the US. The new facility is said to incorporate cutting-edge technologies like solar power for charging delivery fleet pallet jacks, …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 12th June 2024: The notion of ‘food as fuel’ (especially via protein enhancement) is accelerating in consumer goods innovation, the latest Insight by Gama Compass can reveal. This all fits within a wider trend for positioning that targets ‘performance’ and the ‘everyday athlete’, as the distinction between food and supplements becomes ever more blurred. Meat and dairy (not to mention meat and dairy alternatives), together with …
Leading European dairy company Arla has teamed up with international coffee chain to launch Starbucks Protein Drink with Coffee, a new health-oriented drinking touting 20g of protein per 330g bottle. Available in the varieties Chocolate Mocha, Caffe Latte and Caramel Hazelnut, Starbucks Protein Drink with Coffee is claimed to be made with low-fat milk and to free from added sugar, and will launch with an RRP of £2.75 ($3.50). Commenting …
Yakult, the Japanese probiotic dairy drink manufacturer has announced the opening of its second production facility in the Philippines. Built at a cost of 2 billion PHP ($34 million), and located in El Salvador, Mindanao, the new facility sits on a site of roughly 42,000 sq m, and will produce drinks under the Yakult brand and later also Yakult Light. “Yakult Philippines Plant 2 will respond to an increase in …
CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of the health solutions company CVS Health, has announced the launch of Well Market, a private label brand of snacks, beverages, and other groceries focused on “wellness”. The line includes a selection of nutrition options which claims to cater to different consumer dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan and keto. Among the items, the company claims to offer a first-to-market line of flavour infused sprouted …
Melitta, the German coffee and coffee accessories has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Caturra, a roastery located in the South African city of Cape Town. According to Melitta, Caturra has around 25 employees and has been operating for 30 years, roasting and distributing coffee and serving the South African market in both the retail and out-of-home channels. Matthias Rensch, managing director Melitta Europe – Coffee Division, commented: …
Next In Natural, a private equity company focused on scaling natural food and drink brands, has announced the acquisition of Sound Brands, a maker of sparkling botanical drinks. Sound Brands is described as a producer of sparkling water made with organic tea, botanicals, and fruit extracts. The company’s products are claimed to be free from sugar, sweeteners, and artificial flavours and preservatives. Commenting on the deal, Sound Brands co-founder Tommy …
Gama with Heather Mills, Founder, VBITES Hailed as the “busiest” edition to date, the 2024 edition of Food & Drink Expo (and its co-located events) yet again emerged as a significant showcase of the latest in food and drinks innovation in the UK and beyond. Gama with Ian Taylor, Retail Director, Spar UK Absorbing much of the Birmingham NEC’s extensive showgrounds for three days between 29th April and 1st May, …
Gama spoke to Leana Salamah, SVP Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, ahead of the latest edition of the Summer Fancy Food Show. What are your expectations for this edition of the Summer Fancy Food Show? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? We’re incredibly excited for the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show. In addition to many returning popular features, this year’s show will make it …
Netherlands-based Lipton Teas and Infusions, the tea business divested by Unilever formerly known as Ekaterra, and Sri Lankan conglomerate Browns have agreed a new partnership that will reportedly make the latter the world’s leading tea producer. The long-term agreement will see Lipton Teas and Infusions cede control of its tea estates in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, with a stipulation that tea will be grown and harvested to new quality, social …
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? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? With a record breaking 2,800+ exhibitors from 70 countries, at PLMA’s World of Private Label in Amsterdam the industry can expect a variety of trendy products, including free-from alternatives, plant-based meat, …
Simply Good Foods, a US-based manufacturer and distributor of nutritional foods and snacks, has announced the acquisition of Only What You Need (OWYN), a 100% plant-based ready-to-drink protein shake brand and portfolio company of Purchase Capital. Headquartered in New York and founded in 2017, OWYN is described as a leading shake brand offering products that are high in protein but low in sugars and other carbohydrates. The company’s product range is …
With sustainability continuing to embed itself as a mainstream concern within fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), London’s Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) once again proved a major draw for industry professionals keen to explore the latest in eco-friendly product innovation and the hottest purpose-led trends. Gama with Frank Lantz, Director of Taste, Uhh-mami With some 6,210 delegates and 600 exhibitors congregating inside ExCel’s showgrounds, the mood was characteristically engaged …
Gama spoke to Andy Mather, Brand Director for Vitafoods Europe at Informa Markets, ahead of the latest edition of the leading ingredients tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Vitafoods Europe? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? Since launching in 1997, Vitafoods Europe has become the go-to annual event for the nutraceutical industry, and 2024 marks our final chapter in Geneva before the …
Leading Swiss dairy company Emmi has announced the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Verde Campo, a Brazilian maker of yoghurt, milk drinks and other dairy products from soft drinks major Coca-Cola via its Brazilian subsidiary Laticinios Porto Alegre. Verde Campo is described as a “pioneer in protein” and is claimed to be particularly popular among consumers in the large Brazilian cities, who place a high value on health and …
Uncle Matt’s Organic, a producer of organic beverages, has opened a new 75,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in the US state of Texas, to the west of Dallas and Fort Worth. The facility will reportedly take charge of 100% of Uncle Matt’s chilled juice production. Commenting on the move, Uncle Matt’s Organic founder and chief executive officer Matt McLean said: “Having doubled in size since acquiring the brand back in …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced plans to invest 1,266 crore INR ($154 million) to set up a flavour manufacturing facility for beverages in Ujjain, in India’s Madhya Pradesh state. The plant, spanning an area of approximately 22 acres, is expected to enhance PepsiCo’s beverage production capacity and create more employment opportunities, the company said in a statement. The company added it would enable them to manufacture …
Varun Beverages (VBL), the Indian bottler for PepsiCo, has completed the acquisition of BevCo, a South African beverage company, following approval from the South African Competition Commission. The proposed acquisition was announced in December 2023, valuing BevCo at 1,320 crore INR ($16.4 million). BevCo is described as a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of licensed PepsiCo and own-brand non-alcoholic drinks. It is known for holding PepsiCo franchise rights in South …
Netherlands-based commodities firm Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Cacique, a major Brazilian maker of soluble coffee, for an undisclosed sum. Cacique is described as a leading independent global producer, processor, and exporter of soluble coffee, with two manufacturing sites in Brazil. It has a portfolio of 65 instant coffee products that is exported to more than 70 countries, along with a …
Gama spoke to Francisco López Bago, president of Grupo Gourmets, ahead of the latest edition of Salon Gourmets. What do you expect from this year’s Salon Gourmets? As in the previous edition, we will fill five halls, which means 65,000 sq m of exhibition space, nearly 2,000 exhibitors, 55,000 products… We also have eight stages where dozens of activities will take place, in addition to the more than 1,200 …
IFE, International Food & Drink Event, the annual London-based get-together for the food and drink sector, returned for its latest outing this March, once again proving a key opportunity for a diverse range of brands to pitch their wares to a UK and international audience of industry professionals. Gama with HE Inigo Lambertini, Ambassador of Italy to the UK With ExCel in London’s Docklands again playing host, IFE welcomed some …
Gama spoke to Mauricio García de Quevedo, Director General at Federación Española de Industrias de Alimentación y Bebidas (FIAB). What are FIAB’s current priorities and challenges? Given the complex international scenario we are facing at the moment, there is a real need to contain cost inflation which is affecting both consumers and businesses. One of our major challenges, as far as the politics of international trade is concerned, is to …
For four days this March, Barcelona became the focus of attention for the global food and drink industry as the city’s Fira Barcelona played host to the latest edition of Alimentaria and its co-located show Hostelco. Gama with Rafael Juan, CEO, and Alberto García, Head of Communications, Vicky Foods Proclaimed the most global edition to date, with 900 of the 3,200 exhibitors hailing from outside Spain, Alimentaria&Hostelco 2024 saw particularly strong …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 14th March 2024: In this month’s Insight By Gama Compass, we turn our gaze towards the trend among FMCG suppliers and retailers to tout the use of locally-sourced and traceable ingredients, and explore some of the reasons why provenance is increasingly moving to ‘centre-of-pack’ when it comes to brand messaging. In particular, we look at how of the ‘lure of local’ is being driven by sometimes inter-related …
Gama spoke to Karen Zafar, Founder & Director at Pure Global Trade. What are the key success factors in creating a new retail drinks brand? New to the drinks industry, we are still early on in our journey. It’s a challenge and we are learning every day – it’s incredible and we love it. Be different, create a product which is unique, understand consumer preferences and look to create a …
Reliance Consumer Products, the FMCG arm of Indian retail major Reliance Retail Ventures, has announced a partnership with Elephant House, a leading Sri Lankan beverage company, to manufacture, market, distribute and sell beverages under its namesake brand in India. In a statement, the company said this association would strengthen RCPL’s expanding beverage range that includes brands such as Campa, Sosyo, and Raskik. Elephant House, which is owned by Ceylon Cold …
Consumer goods major Unilever has announced plans to invest $80 million to expand its facility in Jefferson City, MO for the manufacture of the functional powder mix Liquid IV. Liquid IV was acquired by Unilever in 2020 with the aim of strengthening the company’s presence in the health and wellness category, and is said to be now four times larger than it was in the period near acquisition. The range …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced an investment of A$32 million ($20.8 million) to upgrade its manufacturing line for powdered drink concentrates in Smithtown, Australia, bringing total investment in the site to A$80 million ($52.7 million) over the last decade. In a statement, the company said the investment would be used to introduce state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to the factory and support increased production capacity. Operating since 1921, the …
Gama spoke to Frank Mertens, Co-founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Go Mate Drinks. What are the key success factors in creating a new retail drinks brand? It all starts with an intimate understanding of your consumer and making sure that they love your liquid. There are so many options across all types of drinks categories that it is critical you really know your customer, what they want and ensure …
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), Coca-Cola’s Indian subsidiary, has announced plans to invest 350 crore INR ($42.52 million) to set up two manufacturing lines at its plant in Rajgarh, in India’s Maharashtra state. In a statement, HCCB reportedly revealed the new lines will produce low-cost small sparkling packs (ASSPs) and juice cartons. Commenting on the move, HCCB chief public affairs, communications and sustainability officer Himanshu Priyadarshi said: “This investment is a …
Coca‑Cola HBC, the leading Coca-Cola bottler in Italy, has announced plans to invest €42 million ($45 million) to add two canning lines at its Oricola facility in Abruzzo. According to the company, It is the first time in the plant’s history that it will produce cans, as it has previously focused on recycled plastic products (RPET). The expected investment is set to double the plant’s capacity, with one line specifically …
US non-alcoholic drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced plans to invest R$4 billion ($809 million) to strengthen its operations in Brazil in 2024. According to sources, the investment will be used to modernise and expand the company’s manufacturing structure and logistics network, in addition to deepening its relationship with small and medium-sized retailers through an enhanced sales structure. The investment will be spread throughout the entire Coca-Cola System of bottlers and …
Turkish bottler Coca-Cola Icecek (CCI) and its subsidiary CCI International Holland have announced the signing of an agreement to acquire peer Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages (CCBB) for $130 million. Established in 2009, CCBB is described as being involved in the production, sale, and distribution of Coca-Cola’s sparkling and still brands in Bangladesh. The firm has over 300 employees, one bottling plant, and three main warehouses. Commenting on the move, CCI CEO …
Brazilian beverage firm Fruki Bebidas has announced the opening of a new plant in Paverama, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. According to sources, the Paverama plant was the result of a R$178 million ($35.7 million) investment and combines high technology with sustainability. The facility is claimed to have capacity to produce 52,000 PET bottles of 500ml per hour or 30,000 2-litre bottles per hour. The technology …
Danone, the French consumer goods giant, has inaugurated a plant-based beverage facility for its Alpro brand in Villecomtal-sur-Arros, southwestern France. According to the company, it invested millions of euros over two years turning the site into its sole French oat flour to oat juice site for Alpro. Once fully operational, the plant will have capacity to output over 300,000 litres of beverages per day for distribution both domestically and throughout …
Lidl, the German retail giant, has announced the opening of a new bottling plant in Derby, UK with capacity to produce 380 million bottles per year. The plant will be known as MEG Derby. MEG is one of Germany’s leading mineral water and soft drinks manufacturers, and the facility will be its first UK venture. The new factory is reportedly intended to simplify Lidl’s transport logistics, improving the company’s carbon …
Kirin, the leading Japanese drinks firm, has announced it is buying the Healthya tea-catechin business from personal care company Kao to enhance its presence in health-oriented drinks. “Under the Long-Term Management Vision, ‘the Kirin Group Vision 2027’, we are aiming at becoming a global leader in CSV (Creating Shared Value), creating value across our world of Food & Beverages to Pharmaceuticals”, Kirin said in a statement, adding: “With this transfer, Kirin Beverage will further …
Beverage giant Coca-Cola has announced the launch of Spiced, a new flavour variety for the company’s cola lineup in the USA and Canada. Said to be the first new permanent flavour addition to the Coca-Cola range in a number of years, Spiced is described as blending the classic Coca-Cola flavour with notes of spice and raspberry and will roll out in both sugar-sweetened and sugar-free versions. In doing so it …
European soft drinks bottler Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has announced it has received approval from Philippine anti-trust regulators to buy peer Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines (CCBPI) from The Coca-Cola Company (KO), in a joint deal with investment fund Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV). Under the terms of the deal, CCEP holds a 60% stake in the acquired business, and AEV the remainder. In a statement from November, CCEP said the acquisition would build on its successful …
Prime Drink Group, a Quebec-based drinks company, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Triani, a manufacturer and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, for C$38 million ($30.1 million). Founded in 2015, Triani is known for the Cantini, Ettaro and Enjoy wine brands. It also produces and markets Octane, Mojo, Baron, and Seagram malt-based alcoholic beverages, as well as non-alcoholic products under the Hickson brand in Canada …
MPearlRock, a partnership between Kroger’s venture capital arm PearlRock Partners and MidOcean Partners, a private equity firm, has announced the acquisition of Nutpods, a plant-based creamer brand, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2013, Nutpods is described as the leading manufacturer and marketer of plant-based creamers in the US, with a presence in more than 15,000 retail stores. It is said to be the number one plant-based creamer brand within the …
Sprecher Brewing, a brewer with German heritage situated in Glendale (WI), has announced the acquisition of energy drink brand Juvee from global gaming and lifestyle firm 100 Thieves to increase its footprint in non-alcoholic drinks. Launched in 2022, Juvee energy drinks are claimed to boost energy, elevate mood, increase focus and improve overall well-being. Commenting on the acquisition, Sprecher Brewing CEO Sharada Chada said: “This is another exciting step for …
Tata Consumer Products, the Indian FMCG conglomerate, has announced the acquisition of food and drinks businesses Capital Foods and Organic India for a reported combined investment of 70 billion INR ($845 million). Tata Consumer Products said the deal was aligned with the company’s strategy to “expand its product portfolio and its target addressable market in fast-growing/high margin categories”. The company is reportedly buying 75% of the noodle and condiments firm …
Global FMCG giant Nestle has announced an investment of $100 million to expand its Tri An coffee facility in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai. According to the company, the investment will help to meet growing local and international consumer demand for high-quality coffee. The Nestle Tri An factory exports coffee products from brands such as Nescafe, Nescafe Dolce Gusto and Starbucks to more than 29 countries all over …
Systm Foods, a joint venture between brand accelerator Systm Brands and FMCG investment firm Ground Force Capital, has acquired drinks firm Humm for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2009, Humm makes what is said to be the first and only Whole 30-approved kombucha. It will be added to the Systm Foods portfolio alongside fellow plant-based functional beverage brands REBBL and Chameleon Organic Coffee. Commenting on the deal, Andy Fathollahi, CEO …
Netherlands-based coffee and tea major JDE Peet’s has announced it has completed the acquisition of the tea and coffee business of Brazilian firm JAV. Terms of the deal, which includes brands such as Cafe Marata, Cafe Puro, Cha Marata and Cha Castellari and which was first announced last July, were not disclosed. In a statement, JDE Peet’s said the brands, which have a strong presence in the North and North-East …
Gama spoke to Josep Antoni Valls, director general, ahead of the latest edition of Alimentaria. Read the interview in the latest issue of Gama News. What are your expectations for Alimentaria&Hostelco 2024? The 2024 edition will be the most international to date. More than 900 out of the 3,200 exhibiting firms expected will be international, coming from more than 60 countries. The show also anticipates 25% international visitors (around 25,000) and …
Clear Premium Water, an Indian manufacturer of bottled water, has acquired a 51% stake in Kelzai Volcanic Water, a brand of volcanic spring water. Established in 2007, the Kelzai Volcanic Water brand provides water sourced from volcanic springs in the Western Ghats, and is claimed to be rich in essential minerals and electrolytes. It is available in various sizes of plastic and glass bottles in both still and sparkling varieties. …
Chobani, the leading US greek yoghurt firm, has announced the acquisition of La Colombe, an American coffee roaster, for $900 million. Founded in 1994, La Colombe is described as crafting premium roasts from bean to cup, reaching consumers through retail stores, cafes, food service providers, and direct-to-consumer platforms. The deal comes a matter of months after Keurig Dr Pepper announced a 33% ownership stake in La Colombe, which included a …
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), the Indian Coca-Cola subsidiary, has announced an investment of 3,000 crore INR ($368 million) to set up a new plant in Rajkot, in India’s Gujarat state, to manufacture juice and aerated beverages. “The investment is expected to create a considerable industrial footprint, fostering substantial economic and social growth in the region”, HCCB said in a statement. “The Government of Gujarat, in turn, has assured comprehensive support …
Krishna’s Herbal and Ayurveda, a leading manufacturer & supplier of ayurvedic medicines, has announced an investment of 5 crore INR ($600,000) to develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Jodhpur, India. The company is said to be best known for juices with natural and ayurvedic ingredients, and its portfolio is said to encompass products for diabetics, as well as aloe vera, amla, and more. The new 6,000 sq m facility will …
Gama spoke to Ian Wright CBE, Co-Chair of the Food and Drink Export Council. What challenges are consumers facing and how should suppliers respond? “The cost of living is a major problem right the way around the world and it’s making a big difference to the ability of our customers, our consumers and most importantly our shoppers to be able to choose the products that they want from the widest …
Gama spoke to Federico Dellafiore, event manager, ahead of the latest edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event. Read the interview in the latest issue of Gama News. What are your expectations for IFE 2024? What new features are there for visitors to look forward to? We’re so excited for the industry to experience IFE 2024. Alongside popular returning features such as the New Products Tasting Theatre and the Start-Up Market, …
Consumer goods major Nestle is planning to spend over $1.2 billion to bolster its capabilities in Brazil between 2023 and 2025, consolidating the country as Nestle’s third most important market globally. In a statement, Nestle said money would be earmarked for the adoption of new technologies and manufacturing facilities, more sustainable practices, and product innovation. Specific investments include coffee, supplements, chocolate and biscuits, with a new KitKat production line planned …
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), the Indian Coca-Cola subsidiary, has announced plans to invest 1,387 crore INR ($166 million) to set up a new bottling plant in Ratnagiri, in India’s Maharashtra state, according to a report in the Economic Times. The facility will reportedly be spread across an 88-acre site in the Lote Parshuram Industrial area and draw water for its operations from the Vashishthi river. The plant is set to create 350 …
Gama spoke to Yannick Verry, Brand Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Fi Europe. What are your expectations for this year’s FI Europe? For Fi Europe 2023, expectations are high as we anticipate the convergence of over 25,000 F&B professionals and 1,400 exhibitors. The goal is to facilitate invaluable connections, showcasing new products, suppliers and solutions. The event’s diverse highlights, including the Future of Nutrition Summit, the Fi …
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 …
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 …
Gama with Tomás Fuertes, Chairman and Rafael Fuentes, CEO, ElPozo 140,000 food and drink professionals from over 200 countries packed the halls of Kolnmesse’s extensive showgrounds in the German city of Cologne in early October, as Anuga once again proved itself to be the world’s stand-out event for the consumer goods industry. Altogether, nearly 8,000 visitors set up stall across the numerous pavilions, which as usual were organised largely by …
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 …
Coca-Cola has introduced a new guarana flavour of its Fanta soft drink in Brazil. According to Coca-Cola, the new Guarana Fanta is the first to reach the market containing guarana that is 100% certified as being sourced from the Amazon. Flavio Camelier, vice-president of operations at Coca-Cola Brasil, said: “Our goal is to make Fanta a leading brand. After a five-year period focusing on sponsoring the World Cup and the …
Beverage maker Coca-Cola has announced the launch of original Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero in a new bottle that changes colour when the bottle gets cold. The new package is said to feature an indicator ink label that displays the words “ice cold” when chilled, informing consumers the drink is at the right temperature to be served. The feature is said to have been created as the result of a customer survey conducted …
Mexican dairy company Grupo Lala is set to invest $30 million in the construction of a new facility in Guatemala, according to a report in FoodBev. Located in Escuintla, the new dairy facility will be 12,000 sq m in size and will produce pasteurized milk, ultrapasteurized milk (UHT) and ice cream, with capacity for five thousand tons of products per month. It is set to support 3,500 direct and indirect …
Niagara Bottling, a leading bottled water manufacturer in the US, is set to invest $76 million in a new facility in Mesa, Arizona. The new 450,000 sq ft facility, which is expected to create between 45 and 55 new jobs, will be operational by 2018. “Niagara Bottling is a responsible, family-owned company that is committed to supporting our local community, our team members and our environment”, commented Brian Hess, Niagara …
Japanese dairy specialist Yukijirushi Megmilk (trading as Megmilk Snow Brand) has announced plans to increase production capacity for yoghurt drink in western Japan by extending its Kyoto facility. The reason for the investment is said to be high demand for on-the-go yoghurt drinks due to heightened health concerns, and the popularity of the company’s Megumi branded Lactobacillus Gasseri SBT2055 Yoghurt Drink. The new JPY 620 million ($5.6 million) investment will …
New Zealand based dairy firm Fonterra has invested 20 million MYR ($5 million) in its Malaysian milk powder facility at its Susumas site in Kuala Lumpur. According to Jose Miguel Porraz-Lando, managing director of Fonterra brands Malaysia and Singapore, the investment is part of Fonterra’s commitment to food safety and quality. “We continually invest in our infrastructure to ensure we remain world-class in food safety, health & safety, and consumer …
Beam Suntory, the US spirits manufacturer,has partnered with White Coffee to create Jim Beam Bourbon Flavored Coffees, a line of non-alcoholic coffees. The new line, infused with 100% Arabica coffee, is said to feature “Jim Beam’s rich flavor, offering mellow hints of caramel and vanilla”. Five varieties will be available in stores nationwide from spring: Original, said to have a caramel and oaky vanilla flavour combined with a sweet, mildly …
US-based food and soft drinks giant PepsiCo has announced the launch of a new Oats + Milk beverage under the Quaker Oats brand. According to sources, the nutritional grain and dairy drink was developed using a patented SoliOats technology that blends oats with milk, and marks the entry of the company in the dairy market in India. Regarding the new product, Deepika Warrier, vice-president of the nutrition category at PepsiCo …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and soft drinks giant, will unveil a new limited edition of flavoured cola under the Pepsi Fire brand name. Packed in 20oz bottles and 12oz cans, Pepsi Fire is a cinnamon-flavoured beverage that will be available for eight weeks in the US starting on 22nd May. Lauren Cohen, marketing director for Pepsi, commented: “Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and Pepsi Fire …
Leading global dairy firm Parmalat is to invest A$12 million ($8.8million) to upgrade its facility in the suburb of Clarence Gardens, Adelaide, Australia, it has been reported. According to sources, investing in new the processing capability will allow the site to start exporting three milk brands from South Australia to China. Craig Garvin, the company’s Australian chief executive, said: “These new capital expenditure investments will allow Parmalat to significantly increase …
Sanpellegrino, the Italian drinks firm, has introduced a limited edition glow in the dark bottle for children under the Nestle Vera brand. Nestle Vera Kids aims to support parents by ensuring their children have water throughoutthe whole day, including when they are in bed. According to a company statement, the idea behind the new packaging is to allow children to drink the water without needing to ask their parents for …
Multinational beverage firm Coca-Cola has announced that its 44th facility in China has begun operations in Changsha, central China. According to COFCO Coca-Cola Huazhong Beverages, the plant is the largest in Central China and is prepared to have nine production lines: four for water, four for sparkling beverages, and one for juice and juice drinks. Only four of these lines are currently operational but all of them are planned to …
New Age Beverages, a Colorado-based company manufacturing functional drinks under brands including Aspen Pure, Marley and Bucha, has announced the acquisition of Maverick Brands and its flagship coconut water beverages line Coco-Libre. Promoted as “organic coconut water with a purpose”, Coco-Libre is available in plain and pineapple-flavoured varieties. The lineup also includes protein drinks and sparkling coconut water beverages. New Age Beverages said that the acquisition filled an important gap …
Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family owned-and-operated dairies in the US, has announced the expansion of its production facility in Augusta County, Virginia. The expansion comes two years after the facility was first opened and will see production capacity more than double, the company said. Once the facility is finally completed by late 2018, a total of 120 staff will be employed at the site, it added. With an …
Brazilian beverage producer Ambev has launched its first mineral water in the market under the AMA brand. According to the company, the product will initially be distributed in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, but it is expected to be available in the rest of the country by the end of the year. The company is said not to be profiting from sales of the new launch, …
Fruit based concentrate maker Rasna has unveiled its plans to set up a new plant in the Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, the firm’s 10th in India but the first in the south of the country. The company said its new production facility would be especially built to focus on strengthening market share in the powder drink segment in southern India. Delivered through an investment of 60 crore INR ($9.12 million), the …
Vietnamese dairy producer TH True Milk will invest $1.7 billion in a new dairy facility in Russia as part of its expansion plans in the country. The new facility will be set up in Eastern Russia, in a region which “provides the third highest economic contribution per head”. The region falls in the Asian continent which will help to meet the demand in Japan and China on dairy products. The …
Nestle, the food and drink multinational, and soft drink giants Coca-Cola have agreed to end their Nestea iced tea joint venture after 16 years, with the firms now seeking to follow different strategies in the ready-to-drink tea category. In 2001, Coca-Cola and Nestle joined forces to create Beverage Partners Worldwide, a beverage venture offering Nestea ready-to-drink tea in Canada and Europe. From January 2018, Coca-Cola will keep the license to …
Global beverage giant Coca-Cola has announced that regular Sprite will no longer be available in the Netherlands, and will instead be replaced by calorie and sugar free version Sprite Zero, to be sold under the Sprite name. According to Retail Detail, Coca-Cola said that the Netherlands was chosen for the trial as it is among the more health-conscious countries Richard Schlasberg, country manager at Coca-Cola Netherlands said: “If it is …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and soft drinks giant, is expanding its breakfast foods portfolio in India with the launch of Quaker Nutri Food. The new launches are described as familiar breakfast foods called Dosa (a type of pancake), Upma (a porridge made from semolina and rice flour) and Khichdi (a rice and lentil dish), said to contain “40% more oats and vegetables” to make them healthier options. “The lifestyle of millennials …
Food and drink giant PepsiCo is introducing two new “healthier” alternatives to soft drinks called IZZE Fusions and Lemon Lemon, reportedly to target generation Z. IZZE Fusions and Lemon Lemon aim to appeal to younger consumers by containing fewer calories, less sugar, and no artificial sweeteners or flavours. “The consumer is getting more sophisticate”, said Gary So, VP of marketing portfolio transformation for PepsiCo’s North America beverage unit. “They are …
Danone, the France-based dairy and drinks multinational, has recently expanded into the health drinks segment in India, with the launch of Protein Grow, a drink developed for teens. According to The Economic Times, Protinex is a nutritional supplement made with hydrolised proteins that is able to satisfy the nutritional needs of both adults and children. “The launch of Protinex Grow is a unique innovation in the family Health Food Drinks’ …
Nestle Waters. the bottled water division of the food and drinks giant, has invested 1.8 billion THB ($51.5 million) to open a new manufacturing and distribution hub for Nestle Pure Life in Surat Thani. The new Surat Thani factory, the second for Nestle Waters in Thailand, is described as featuring advanced technology for an improvement of environmental performance and is designed to “distribute high-quality drinking water trusted for healthy hydration …
Coca-Cola South Pacific, a division of the global soft drinks giant has launched two new Fanta soft drink products called Jelly Fizz and Sour Tingle. According to Inside FMCG, Jelly Fizz is claimed to be a soft drink blended with juicy liquid jelly pieces and is recommended to be shaken 10 times before opening so it releases the jelly. The Sour Tingle variant, meanwhile, is said to be “loaded with extreme sours and tingles”. “What we know …
Vita Coco, the leading coconut water firm, has announced an expansion of its product line in the UK with the launch of Vita Coco Coconut Milk Alternative. Promoted on pack as “delicious, smooth & dairy free”, Vita Coco Coconut Milk Alternative is described as a blend of coconut cream and coconut water with “a whole lot of coconut”. It is also touted as containing added calcium and vitamins, and as …
Coca Cola, the American multinational beverage company, has announced the launch of two new flavours of soft drink under the Sprite brand: Cherry and Cherry Zero. The new cherry versions of the lemon-lime soft drink are described as caffeine free and made with 100% natural flavours. The Cherry Zero variety is also described as free from calories and sugar. Both varieties will be available across the United States in 20oz bottles. Commenting …
JDE, the world-leading coffee firm, has announced the launch of its coffee brand L’Or in the UK, according to an article in FDIN. Backed by a marketing investment of £8 million L’Or Coffee (meaning ‘Gold’) is described as a response to growing demand for higher quality coffee in the home and comes in instant, roast & ground and capsule versions. L’Or Roast & Ground Coffee reportedly uses JDE’s new Aroma …
Japanese brewery firm Kirin Brewery has announced the launch of new non-alcohol, beer-flavour beverage brand called Zero Ichi. The launch comes after Kirin’s previous foray into alcohol-free beer-style drinks – a brand called Kirin Free, introduced in 2009 – failed to meet consumers’ taste expectations, a Kirin spokesman said. The new Zero Ichi is described as a “first of its kind” product in the alcohol-free beer sector, since it uses an Ichiban Shibori …
British consumer goods multinational, Reckitt Benckiser is said to be in advanced negotiation to take over US infant formula Mead Johnson in a $16.7 billion deal, according to a report in Reuters. Infant nutrition company Mead Johnson is known for its Enfamil brand and is considered to bethe world’s number two infant formula maker with a large presence in China, Latin America as well as the United States. The company also owns …
Gama spoke to Ian Wright MBE, Director General, Food and Drink Federation. What key trends do you expect to shape food and drinks innovation in the UK in 2017? Healthy eating will remain a key trend this year and I believe we’ll continue to see popular products reformulated with reduced sugar and calorie content. This, I believe, will be alongside the launch of more plant-based functional foods and products that support …
Food and drinks multinational Nestle has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Caravan Marketing, a leading Egyptian instant coffee firm. Established in 2003 as a marketing and distribution company, Caravan Marketing serves the Egyptian market with a range of soluble coffee products using its own factory, and is the owner of the Bonjorno brand. Nestle said the acquisition reflected its ambition to invest in Egypt and foster the development …
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCBL), the bottling arm of Cola-Cola in India, has announced an additional investment of 1,000 crore INR ($147 million) to set up two further new, plants according to an article in The Economic Times. The “greenfield” plants will reportedly have lines for soft drinks, juices and bottled water to bottle brands as Coca-Cola, Fanta Thumps Up, Limca, Minute Maid and Maaza. The news follows an announcement just last …
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Coca-Cola’s Indian bottling arm, has broken ground on a new plant in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to a report in the Economic Times. The 110 acre bottling facility will house lines for the firm’s carbonated beverage brand including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Thums Up and Limca, the Economic Times article said. As well as soft drinks, the plant will bottle juices and juice-based drinks under the Minute Maid and …
Gavea Investimentos, a Brazilian investment fund, has received approval from regulatory authorities to take a 49.9% stake in fruit juice firm Natural One, according to a Reuters report quoting a dispatch from the Diario Oficial da Uniao. It had previously been reported that major global firms including Coca-Cola, Ambev and Britvic were vying to buy into the natural tea and juice producer. As a result of the transaction, Natural One founder …
Millennium Products, the parent company of GT’s Kombucha, has acquired functional drinks brand Tula’s CocoKefir for an undisclosed amount, according to a report in BevNet. The transaction is said to have been completed in 2016. The Tula’s CocoKefir line-up includes coconut based kefirs and fermented yogurts and the brands CocoKefir and CocoYo brands. Post acquisition, both brands have been rebranded under the GT’s name. Millennium Products manufactures a variety of …
Global soft drinks giant Britvic has decided to acquire Brazilian juice company Bela Ischia for £54.5 million ($66.9 million) in order to expand its presence in Latin America. The deal is set to conclude at the latest by the end of March of this year. Bela Ischia produces and sells RTD juices, frozen fruit, liquid concentrates and powder concentrates. Its products are principally available in the regions of Rio de …
Japanese food and beverage maker Oishi is stepping up its activities in Thailand with the launch of Oishi Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Strawberry Green Tea. The new flavoured tea, described as featuring “the unprecedented and immensely satisfying taste of mildly-scented sakura and sweet strawberries”, is also presented “in the first-ever colour-changing bottle in Thailand”, as the design of the label changes colour when chilled. Commenting on the launch, Oishi senior vice …
Leading Japanese beverage maker Kirin has announced the launch of new variety of its Kirin Gogo No Kocha (Afternoon Tea) ready-to-drink tea called Milk Tea Dolce Waguri (Japanese Chestnut) Mont Blanc. This limited edition is advertised as being made with two types of Japanese origin ingredients to offer flavour and high quality: the first is a black leaf teaf from Sashima in Ibaraki, Japan, that is claimed to have low …
DMK, the German dairy firm, is to expand its production facilities at Struckhausen, Germany for the manufacture of infant formula, according to a report in Just Food. The expanded facility will reportedly begin manufacturing the Humana formula brand, previously produced as part of a joint venture between DMK and baby food firm Hipp at Herford, North Rhine Westphalia. . Earlier in December, it was announced that Hipp would take over …
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, the US firm selling teas, coffees and related accessories, is to build a new roasting facility in the state of Virginia in order to better serve consumers on the east coast, according to an article in the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. The new 175,000-sq ft roastery in the city of Suffolk is the result of a $58 million investment and will create 135 jobs. Peet’s Coffee …
Food and soft drinks giant PepsiCo has announced the launch of a new bottled water brand called LIFEWTR that is slated for release across the USA in February 2017. Reportedly a response to rival Coca-Cola’s Glaceau SmartWater brand, LIFEWTR is described as purified water with balanced pH and added electrolytes. Product packaging – 700ml and 1l bottles – features labels designed by emerging artists, according to information. The RRP of …
US based soft drinks firm Long Island Iced Tea has announced that it to purchase the ALO Juice brand from The Wilnah International for 5,000 shares of the company’s common stock. The acquisition, which is expected to close at the beginning of 2017, will allow for Long Island Ice Tea to expand in the southeast of the United States, the firm said in a statement. ALO Juice sells a range of …
Harvest Hill , a majority-owned portfolio company of Brynwood Partners, has agreed to acquire the Nutrament brand from Nestle, according to a report in Food Business News. Through the acquisition, the Harvest Hill portfolio is set to expand into the functional drinks space. The firm’s line up already includes fruit drinks under the brands Little Hug, Big Hug, Guzzler and Big Burst, as well as the cocktail and mixer brand Dailys, and …
Global beverage giant Coca-Cola has inaugurated a new bottling facility as part of its previously announced $100 million investment in Cambodia from 2015 to 2018. The plant was constructed for Cambodia Beverage Company, the bottling unit of The Coca-Cola Company Bottling Investments Group (BIG). Located in the capital Phnom Penh, the new “state of the art” plant is expected to generate approximately 300 jobs and will begin operating with two …
Functional drinks and bottled water firm Oshee has launched a new spring water targeted at young children under the Oshee Natural Kids brand. Claimed to be “the perfect solution for parents who care about their children’s health”, Oshee Natural Kids Spring Water is promoted as “100% natural” and “preservative free” and is said to contain the right balance of minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium that are essential for children’s …
Carozzi, the Chilean consumer goods firm, has entered the flavoured water category with the release of two products blending water with fruit juice under the company’s wellness brand Vivo. According to a report in Tecnomercado Retail, the new water is purified, contains fruit juice and is claimed to be unique in the market by virtue of being free from preservatives, added sugar and artificial colours, as well as low in …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 24th November 2016: ‘High vitamin’ claims are continuing to notch upwards in new product launches, according to Gama’s latest study of patterns and trends in global FMCG innovation, with non-alcoholic drinks proving particularly fertile ground for vitamin-related positioning. Based on data from Gama Compass™ between 2014 and 2016, and segmenting vitamin claims by five principal types – vitamins A, B, C, D and E …
Soft drinks giant Dr Pepper Snapple has announced that it is purchasing Bai Brands, a company that manufactures low-calorie coffee-fruit drinks, for $1.7 billion. The Bai Brands product line includes enhanced water, carbonated flavoured water, coconut water and ready-to-drink teas. With its Bai, Bai Bubbles, Cocofusion and other innovative brands, Bai was positioned for expanding growth in key beverage segments, Dr Pepper Snapple said. Bai Brands provides a strong platform …
The South African arm of dairy and drinks multinational Danone has launched Danone Danup, a yoghurt drink targeted at the “modern South African man”, according to a report in Fast Moving. The product is described as combining multigrains such as maize, barley, sorghum and oats with yoghurt and is said to have been developed with the collaboration of South African men. The “hybrid” beverage is also claimed to provide benefits …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 17th November 2016: This month’s Innovation Insight brings evolutions in the world of soft drinks into sharp relief, with a look at a new launch adding an extra dimension to the cola category via ‘ultra’ carbonation technology – Pepsi Strong 5.0GV Cola. Recently launched in Japan, Pepsi Strong 5.0GV Cola is an extension to Suntory’s Pepsi Strong line of carbonated soft drinks that …
Soft drink giants Coca-Cola, Ambev and Britvic have all showed preliminary interest in buying stakes in Brazilian juice producer Natural One, according to sources quoted in Reuters. Natural One, founded 10 years ago by Ricardo Ermírio de Moraes, has hired the investment banking unit of ABC Brasil to advise it on the transaction, sources said. In addition to the three FMCG firms, at least three investment companies, one of which …
Atlanta, USA based food distributor Diaz Foods has announced its acquisition of the Frutel brand from Origin Foods. Frutel is a yoghurt drink blended with whey protein and is available in flavours such as strawberry, banana, peach and mango. It claims to offer a natural energy boost and markets itself as a healthy treat, containing 2.5g of fat and 23g of sugar. Commenting on the deal, Diaz Foods CFO Eric …
Dutch coffee and tea company Jacobs Douwe Egberts has announced that it has made a pre-conditional offer to acquire all issued shares of Singaporean instant food-to-coffee maker Super Group for 1.45 billion SGD ($1.03 billion). Super Group manufactures instant coffee and tea, instant tea mixes and instant cereals, with a portfolio of over 160 instant beverage and food products distributed in over 65 countries. Its brands include Super, Essenso, Owl …
US non-dairy milk producer Blue Diamond is adding an almond-based egg nog to its Almond Breeze line up for the festive season, according to a report in CNBC. Debuting in Classic and Vanilla Chai Spice varieties, Almond Breeze Egg Nog will add to the existing Almond Breeze line up of sweetened and unsweetened almond milks in flavours such as chocolate, vanilla and honey Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog comes in 1qt …
Heritage Foods, an Indian manufacturer of dairy, bakery and other food products, has announced the acquisition of the dairy business of Reliance Retail through a slump sale, according to a report in India Retailing. According to the report, Heritage Foods has made a binding agreement for the acquisition and the transaction will now be subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. Both companies are said to have expressed their belief in …
Coca-Cola South Pacific, the Coca-Cola division responsible for countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, has announced the world premier of a limited edition ginger flavour Coca-Cola drink in Australia as it prepares for the summer. Coca-Cola Ginger is described as “giving consumers a refreshing ginger twist on the classic Coke taste” and is said to be aimed at attracting young adults as well as occasional and …
Brynwood Partners, the investment group that owns the Juicy Juice brand, has announced that its majority-owned portfolio company Harvest Hill has acquired the beverage manufacturing assets of Faribault Foods, a producer of pulses, canned foods and snacks and part of the La Costena group. Faribault Foods’ beverage assets include a manufacturing plant in Elk River, MN, USA, which serves as the leading private label supplier and contract manufacturer of pouch products …
Kraft Heinz has expanded its portfolio in India with the launch of a new functional malt drink powder, according to reports in Just Food and The Hindu BusinessLine. Heinz Power Sprouts are “enriched with the power of sprouted grains”, and are described as containing ragi and barleywo main along with soya and wheat. The product is being positioned as a healthy meal drink which promotes bone development and aids digestion. …
Hangzhou Wahaha, China’s largest beverage producer, has shown interest in a potential takeover of Dean Foods, the largest milk processor in the US, according to a Financial Times article quoting “four people familiar with the company’s plan”. The Chinese firm has reportedly approached a number of banks to seek financial backing for a possible move. Hangzhou Wahaha produces bottled water, milk and tea drinks and reported $7.4 billion in sales …
Coca-Cola, the soft drinks giant, has launched a Sparkling version of its Glaceau Smartwater product in the UK. Describing Glaceau Smartwater as Britain’s fastest growing bottled water brand, Coca-Cola said that Glaceau Smartwater Sparkling would have the same clean, crisp taste as the original but with the addition of tiny bubbles to create a lightly carbonated water. Produced from Northumberland spring water and established in the UK for two years, …
PepsiCo, the global soft drinks and snacks firm, is showing interest in making a deal to acquire US probiotics drinks firm KeVita, according to a report in Reuters quoting “people familiar with the matter”. Any deal would reportedly be through PepsiCo’s Naked Emerging Brands venture, the objective of which is described as expanding the company’s soft drinks portfolio through developing brands positioned towards health-conscious consumers. A deal for KeVita would …
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks firm, has announced that it has decided to exercise its right to acquire the stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Africa’s largest bottling company, formerly held by brewing firm SABMiller. Coca-Cola said that the decision was made as a result of the acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev, adding that it planned to implement long-term strategies in the African markets and aimed to do so with …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trentesaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the show’s latest two-yearly edition in Paris. What are your expectations for this year’s SIAL? SIAL Paris will showcase the food of today and invent the food of tomorrow. The show will open its doors on the same day the United Nations celebrates World Food Day. Over five days, it will be the world’s largest food innovation event! The largest …
Multinational Danone has recently expanded its line of flavoured sparkling water in Argentina with the launch of two varieties under the brand We Lemon Ice. The diet drinks, said to contain 5% lemon juice, are marketed as “new We, new freshness” and are being promoted via space-themed adverts featuring a 70s rock song “Cum on feel the noize” performed by Quiet Riot. We Lemon Ice Bottled Water is available in …
Nestle has announced the opening of a new infant formula plant in Jalisco, Mexico at a cost of $245 million. Described as Nestlé’s largest investment in the child nutrition category worldwide in the last 10 years, the new plant, named Nantli, will have a footprint of 600,000 square metres and will triple the firm’s current capacity for manufacturing child nutrition products in Mexico, Nestle said. Nestle Nutrition global CEO Heiko Schipper said: “The opening of …
Canadian fruit juice company Jusu Juice Bar has announced the acquisition of Alberta-based Cru Juice. Cru Juice focuses on cold-pressed juice that combines raw ingredients with ‘superfoods’ including chia and chlorella. Blends include green apple, cucumber, celery, green kale, parsley, lemon and ginger with chlorella, and almonds, cashews, hemp seeds, medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla bean and cinnamon with sea salt Jusu Bar was founded in British Columbia and produces …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola and coffee and doughnut chain Dunkin’ Brands are set to team up to launch a Dunkin’ Donuts branded ready to drink coffee early in 2017, according to articles in Food Business News and the Wall St Journal. Under the terms of the deal, Coca-Cola will manufacture, distribute and sell the product, making use of its US milk production facilities through its Fairlife dairy joint venture, according to …
Two of Japan’s largest Coca-Cola bottling firms have agreed to merge next year to create a company with combined annual sales of $9.95 billion, according to a Nikkei report. Tokyo-based Coca-Cola East Japan and Fukuoka-based Coca-Cola West bottle and distribute the majority of Coca-Cola’s products in Japan. A combined company would have 90% of domestic market share for Coca-Cola products and would aim for greater efficiency and pricing power, Nikkei reports. …
Nestle is expanding its Nesquik brand to target adults with a new protein-enhanced milk drink in the US. Positioned as “perfect for the casual athlete”, Nesquik Protein Plus is available in Vanilla and Chocolate flavours and “supports the active and healthy lifestyles of adults young at heart who are striving for a balance between ‘grown-up’ responsibilities while not giving up on the fun”, according to a press statement. The product …
German brewer Krombacher has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Vitamalz, an alcohol-free malt beverage, with effect from 16th September. The deal sees Krombacher take full ownership of Vitamalz, a firm in which it had previously held a 47% stake. The Kreuztal-based beermaker said that it had been the sole licence holder of the Vitamalz brand since July, and that the purchase marked the next important step in …
PepsiCo, the US food and drinks firm, is expanding its Tropicana fruit juice range with the launch of “a 100% juice with one billion live and active cultures per serving”. Described as combining the goodness of 100% juice with the functional benefit of probiotics, Tropicana Essentials Probiotics is said to contain more than the recommended daily value of Vitamin C in each 8oz serving and to be free from added sugar, …
Coca-Cola FEMSA, the biggest Coca-Cola bottler in the world by volume, is set to acquire the Brazilian bottling firm Vonpar, according to an article in Correio do Povo. Under the terms of the deal, Coca-Cola FEMSA will reportedly acquire 100% of the shares in the firm, which is one of the largest private Coca-Cola bottlers in Brazil, through its subsidiary Spal Industria Brasileira de Bebidas. Vonpar is a family business …
Raw C, an Australian manufacturer of coconut water products, is a launching a new drink that combines coconut water with organic Arabica coffee, according to a report in Food Mag. Raw C Organic Coffee & Coconut Water is said to feature “100% natural single source coconut water” combined with “the very best organic coffee from Columbia”. Sweetened with coconut flower nectar, the drink is said to contain “a full shot of coffee” for …
Discount supermarket chain Lidl is launching a new organic offering in France under the banner Si Bon, Si Bio (“So Good, So Organic”). The new umbrella name will make approximately 40 items available to French consumers, predominantly in ambient and chilled food categories but also in drinks. Among the products to be offered are fruit juices under the Solevita name, Milbona branded yoghurts, Maribel jam, Sondey biscuits, Combino pasta and pasta sauces, Navarre brand flour, …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and soft drinks giant, has launched a new concentrated form of its Gatorade sports drink for consumers in Australia and New Zealand. The product, which is available in Blue Bolt and Lemon Lime flavours, will come in a 1 litre container that will reportedly enable consumers to make 5 litres of Gatorade by diluting in water. Commenting on the move, PepsiCo senior director of franchise beverages …
Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), the world’s leading ‘pure play’ coffee firm, is to shut its Senseo facility in Grimbergen, Belgium with the possible loss of 274 jobs, according to a report in Levensmiddelenkrant. The factory, located in the Flemish half of the country, predominantly manufactures coffee pods, a category that is reported to have lost market share over recent years as the popularity of capsule formats has increased. “It is with much …
Teekanne, the Dusseldorf-based herbal tea firm, has announced its expansion into the Chinese market through a tie-up with leading tea e-retailer Efuton. The deal will lead to the launch and marketing of a special Teekanne tea range in China, the company said, with the aim of capitalizing on the strong growth in e-commerce and growing demand for Western brands in the country. Describing the partnership as a logical step in …
Consumers in Japan can now purchase a new lemon yoghurt flavoured soy milk drink, courtesy of Japanese beverage company Pokka Sapporo. Released under the Soyafarm name, the new launch is said to have a refreshing flavour, making it ideal for the morning, according to Pokka Sapporo, citing research that found that more soy milk was drunk in the morning than at other times of day. According to information, Soyafarm Lemon …
Hamdard, a Bangladesh-based drinks manufacturer, is moving its RoohAfza brand into the world of ready-to-drink beverages with the launch of RoohAfza Fusion in India. RoohAfza Fusion is an extension of Hamdard’s flagship RoohAfza brand of vivid red fruit and herb cordial, which has been available since 1907. Blending “a fusion of pure fruit juice with RoohAfza” cordial, the new line is being sold in cartons and in the varieties Luscious Litchi, Exciting …
Watt’s, the Chilean food firm, has announced that it is acquiring the Chile arm of dairy multinational Danone. The deal includes 100% of the shares in Danone Chile SA, as well as a production facility in the city of Chillan and the domestic milk and yoghurt brand Calan. The Chilean firm said it had also agreed the principles of a licensing agreement for the Danone, Danone Light and Activia brands …
German supermarket chain Rewe has announced that it is launching a new private label brand in support of its recently-established chain of convenience stores. Named Rewe To Go – the same as the stores themselves – the new brand line up is said to offer a diverse range of products focused on on-the-go consumption. For breakfast time, the German retailer is offering “delicious mueslis, fruity smoothies and freshly cut fruit”. …
South African drinks manufacturer Kingsley Beverages is to open up a plant in the UK, which will be the company’s first outside the Middle East and Africa. Located in Peterborough, the new 14,000 sq m, £36 million ($48 million) facility will include a warehouse and manufacturing facilities as well as office spaces, and construction is set to begin this September. The company currently operates seven factories in Africa and the …
The Australian division of New Zealand dairy conglomerate Fonterra has announced that it is selling its Wagga Wagga business, the owner of the Riverina Fresh brand, to investment firm Blue River Group. Riverina Fresh is present in retail and foodservice channels, producing full cream, light and skimmed milk alongside cream, yoghurt and flavoured milk drinks. As well as local independents, Riverina Fresh milk is sold in Woolworths stores across the state …
UK-based drinks firm JF Rabbit is introducing JF Rabbit’s Veg Water, promoted as the first vegetable water to hit the market globally. The new launch aims to appeal to consumers looking for a healthier alternative to soft drinks and to offer “a new drink experience”. It is said to be made with“fresh vegetable juice, natural Vegetable flavour and water”and is also promoted as free of added sugar and as having …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 1st September 2016: This month’s Innovation Insight picks up on the craze for nitrogen technology now spawning a new generation of products in the RTD coffee space. Centre stage is a product that melds the novel textures of nitrogen infusion with the functional benefits of ‘free from’ to create a new option in non-dairy coffee – Califia Cold Nitro Cold Brew Coffee With Almond …
Chinese dairy company Yili, in partnership with packaging firm SIG Combibloc, has launched a new UHT yoghurt drink under the Baoquzhu brand that contains alginate balls filled with juice that are said to burst in the mouth when chewed. Head of marketing Asia Pacific North at SIG Combibloc Eric Ding said: “The local market is invigorated by new product developments that offer added value for consumers – for example, with …
Monin, the French based producer of liqueurs and syrups, has released what is promoted as the first popcorn-flavoured syrup to add “a roasted popcorn flavour with a hint of nuttiness” to cocktails, smoothies, coffee and desserts. “Popcorn’s popularity as a snack has exploded in recent years, with several new brands and varieties launching into the marketplace”, Lee Hyde, Monin’s beverage innovation manager commented. “We want to capitalise on this trend …
Lucozade Ribena Suntory, the UK soft drinks firm that is part of the Japanese beverage multinational, has announced a new Minis line for its Ribena brand of fruit drinks. Aimed at children and sold in an “exclusive” resealable bottle with a “Less Spill, Less Mess”’ cap, Ribena Minis are offered in Blackcurrant, Orange and Apple & Mango flavours in sleeved packs of 8 x 200ml. Commenting on the launch, marketing manager …
The Brazilian arm of FMCG giant Nestle has released new dual filtration technology for its Nescafe instant coffee that reportedly ensures that only the best flavours end up in each cup of coffee. According to an article in Revista Alimentos e Bebidas, the concept is unprecedented in Brazil and allows the consumer to experience a coffee that is less bitter and has a more intense flavour, since the double filtration removes …
AG Barr, the Scotland-based drinks manufacturer, has announced the launch of a new range under its Rubicon brand that is said to contain half the sugar of its regular products. Rubicon Light & Fruity comprises the varieties Mango, Mango & Coconut, and Mango Lime & Mint and comes in 1 litre cartons with an RRP of £1.57 ($2.04). The sugar reduction is achieved using the natural sweetener stevia, which is …
Multinational food and beverage firm Nestle has announced a 2 billion PHP ($42.5 million) investment to build a new plant south of Manila in the Philippines, according to a report in Business World Online. The 5,400 sq m plant will be the fourth Nestle plant in the world after Australia, Nigeria and Singapore to manufacture protomalt, “a proprietary set of carbohydrates extracted from cassava and barley”, and will be built …
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), the division of the US soft drinks giant formed by the merger last year of three leading European bottlers, has announced that it is expanding its footprint with the acquisition of the Icelandic Coca-Cola bottler Vifilfell. Founded in 1942, Vifilfell is a leader in both the sparkling soft drinks and beer categories in Iceland, according to CCEP. The business services over 2,300 outlets domestically with a …
Health and wellness company Lore Australia is launching a new herbal tea based on “native bio-food” guradji, according to an article in Inside FMCG. According to the company, gurạdji is a traditional native plant that has been used by indigenous people for thousands of years to heal ailments, cleanse the body and clear the mind Lore Australia Guradji Tea is described as caffeine free and naturally rich in bio compounds, …
Piracanjuba, a Brazilian producer of drinks and dairy products, has announced the launch of a new dairy drink made with quinoa, chia and flax. Piracanjuba Quinoa and Flaxseed + Chia Drink is described as combining the various different nutrients present in quinoa, chia seeds and flaxseeds, such as fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. The new semi-skimmed drink is available in Mocaccino (coffee, chocolate and milk) and Chamomile varieties …
Coca-Cola Brasil, the Brazilian arm of the US-based soft drinks giant, has announced that it is entering the coffee market with the launch of the Cafe Leao brand in August. The coffee is described as being made with 100% Arabica beans, grown, roasted and packed in the country, and was developed with the aim of expanding consumer access to specialty coffees. Packs are labelled with slogans such as “exported from …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 14th July 2016: ‘Fresh’, ‘locally-sourced’, ‘quick’, ‘no flavour enhancers’ and ‘additive-free’ are some of the key claims associated with products described as ‘real’ or ‘authentic’, while drinks concentrates, coffee and tea are among the most significant product categories for ‘real’ claims in new launches, according to Gama’s latest look at patterns in innovation and new product positioning. The analysis, conducted on products reported on Gama …
The Spanish arm of multinational beverage firm Coca-Cola is embarking on a campaign that will use ‘nicknames’ to add variety to 100,000 cans of Fanta branded soft drinks, according to a report in Marketing News. Broadly comparable to Coca-Cola’s previous ‘Share A Coke’ campaign that saw the regular Coca-Cola logo replaced on packs with a choice of more than 1,000 different first names, the new Fanta initiative will enable consumers …
Suntory Beverage & Food, part of multinational food and beverage giant Suntory, has announced the acquisition of the beverage business of GSK Nigeria for about ¥7 billion ($69 million). The acquisition comes after Suntory acquired UK beverage brands Lucozade and Ribena from GSK in 2013 for $2.1 billion. However, even after this acquisition, licensing agreements meant that, in Nigeria, the brands continued to be manufactured and distributed by GSK. Commenting …
PepsiCo, the multinational American food and beverage corporation, has announced the comeback of Crystal Pepsi as a limited edition in the USA and Canada due to“overwhelming fan demand” and in a bid to revive its soft drink sales, according to a report in Fortune. Crystal Pepsi, a clear coloured cola originally on the market between 1992 and 1994, will be available in Canada from 11th July and from 8th August …
Voelkel, the German fruit juice firm, is launching three new organic fruit syrup products, according to a report in About Drinks. Newly available on the German market, the latest varieties are Cherry, Ginger & Lemon and Peppermint, joining the existing flavours of Grenadine, Rhubarb, Blackcurrant, Lime, Elderflower and Raspberry. The product is recommended as a drink when diluted with water, but also as an ingredient in cocktails and desserts and …
Danone, the France-based dairy and drinks multinational, has announced that it has agreed to buy US natural and health foods manufacturer White Wave Foods in a deal worth approximately $12.5 billion, including debt and certain other liabilities. White Wave Foods, which generated $4 billion in sales in 2015, has a large portfolio of brands across North America & Europe, with areas of focus including premium organic dairy, non-dairy yoghurt, fresh …
Zevia, the US-based firm specialising in zero-calorie, naturally sweetened soft drinks, has announced that it is expanding into new categories with the launch of energy drinks and sparkling water. Zevia Energy, containing 120 mg of “natural caffeine”, will be available in the flavours Mango Ginger, Raspberry Lime and Grapefruit, with an RRP of $1.99 per can. Meanwhile Zevia Sparkling Water will be sold in eight packs with a suggested retail price of …
US-based startup herbal tea firm Steep Echo has announced the launch of a new Olive Leaf Tea that is promoted as all natural, caffeine free, and made from hand-harvested Santa Barbaran dried olive leaves combined with botanicals. The five blends offered by the company are said to have been crafted in partnership with industry experts and artisans of the tea trade, and comprise Ascent (a spiced blend that has notes …
Fritz Kulturguter, a Hamburg, Germany based firm known for its primarily cola-based soft drinks, has expanded into ready to drink tea with a new carbonated mate tea launch, according to a report in About Drinks. Fritz Mate Tea is described as a spicy and smoky-tasting vegan ready to drink tea based on green mate extract from dried mate leaves. Containing 25mg caffeine per 100ml, it is claimed to offer “unique …
FMCG multinational Nestle has launched Nesfit Smoothie, a 100% plant-based drink made with whole grain rice and fruit juice, for the Brazilian market. The low-calorie beverage is described as a light and smooth drink containing whole grains that preserve the three parts of the grain (bran, endosperm and germ), alongside fruit juices such as passion fruit, blackberry and grape. Promoted as a source of fibre, calcium and vitamin D, it …
Japan-based beverage multinational Asahi is to expand its Wilkinson brand of carbonated soft drink range, first introduced in 1904, by introducing a new Dry Cola flavour. Tagged “Carbonation X Cola”, the new variety offers “a new type of stimulation” by combining strong carbonation and “polished” water with a dry cola flavour. The flavour and strong carbonation is enhanced by a sharp, non-sweet aftertaste that provides a refreshing effect, the company says.. …
Food and drinks firm Idilia Foods is extending its established Cola Cao dairy-based powder drink with a new version sweetened with stevia, according to a report in Tecno Mercado Retail. Available in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla options, Cola Cao with Stevia is said to contain “richer energy” and to be sugar-free , while still providing the same “exquisite and distinctive flavour” as the original product. The product is sold variously in …
Gama Innovation Award – Packaging MANCHESTER – 27th June 2016: Bringing new dispensing technology to the yoghurt space, La Fontaine A Yaourt Yoghurt Drink is the recipient of this month’s Gama Innovation Award – Packaging. Literally translating as “The Yoghurt Fountain”, La Fontaine A Yaourt Yoghurt Drink fom France-based Yeo Frais (part of the Sodiaal group) is a launch that offers an alternative to conventional packaging in the yoghurt drinks category. The …
Gama Innovation Award – Product MANCHESTER – 24th June 2016: The Gama Innovation Award – Product for June goes to Happy Tree Maple Water Cold Brew Coffee, uniting recent trends for cold brewing and ‘plant waters’ in the non-alcoholic drinks industry. Released by US firm Happy Tree – “the innovator of the first cold pressed / HPP maple water”, Happy Tree Maple Water Cold Brew Coffee is described as “the first ever ready-to-drink …
Soft drinks firm Coca-Cola has announced an investment in aloe vera drinks company Aloe Gloe through its Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) unit. Aloe Gloe is a part of LA Libations, an emerging beverage incubator founded by Danny Stepper, Pat Bolden and Dino Sarti who first met while working as merchandisers for Coca-Cola Enterprises. Aloe Gloe produces a range of aloe vera drinks that are promoted as containing 300mg organic aloe vera, …
Loft, a US start-up firm, has announced the launch of the first of its “non-psychotropic, phytocannabinoid-rich” Hemp Infused Herb Tonics, according to an article in Beverage World. The result of two years of development, Loft Hemp Infused Herb Tonics are “an herbal tonic with the restorative, mood-enhancing benefits of hemp and other botanicals – artisan crafted for deliciously balanced flavor”. “Loft was born out of a desire to offer the …
New York, US based Tickle Water has introduced a new line of bottled water products that is promoted as “the first unsweetened sparkler in the market for kids”. Tickle Water Sparkling Water For Kids is advertised as being naturally flavoured and certified OU kosher, as well as free from “hidden ingredients” including preservatives, sodium, GMOs, gluten, calories, artificial sweeteners and sugars. Claimed to “offer[ ] an exciting sipping experience that …
Asahi, the Japanese drinks firm, is to launch a second edition of its Oishi Mizu Plus (Tasty Water Plus) line in collaboration with Calpis, a brand it acquired in 2012. The new bottled water features the same lactic acid bacteria used in Calpis dairy drinks, which is claimed to offer natural sweetness and obviate the need for artificial sweeteners. Said to be processed using Asahi’s original “clear water method” to …
Danone Early Life Nutrition, the infant nutrition division of Danone Group and the producer of baby milk and dairy compound formulas, has announced the opening of a new factory in Pocos de Caldas, Minas Gerais. Danone said that the unit, which is the firm’s eighth in Brazil and the first in its category, would allow the company to operate more closely to Brazilian consumers “This inauguration is an important step …
Soft drinks multinational Coca-Cola has released a limited edition of its can featuring the American flag to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Service Organizations (USO), according to reports in Business Insider and CNN. The US-based firm has rolled out the new design in red, blue and white and also featuring the patriotic song lyric “I’m proud to be American”, as part of the ongoing “Share a Coke and Song” …
Unilever has announced the sale of its AdeS soy beverage business in Latin America to Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca Cola Company for $575 million. Commenting on the deal, Unilever EVP Miguel Kozuszok said: “This sale is a step in reshaping our portfolio in Latin America to deliver sustainable growth for Unilever and enables us to sharpen our focus. AdeS is an iconic brand and we believe that its potential can be …
US-based infant and toddler products firm Munchkin has launched its first formula, claimed to be made from milk produced only by 100% grass-fed cows, for the Australian market. The launch comes after the California-based firm struck a deal with New Zealand dairy producer Synlait to launch grass-fed formula milk in Australia and China. According to a report in InsideFMCG, the grass-fed cows that supply the milk are raised in New Zealand where …
Gama spoke to Helen Warren-Piper, Marketing Director, Premier Foods. What key trends do you expect to shape food innovation in 2016? Health, convenience, indulgence and real food are all still key trends that have a major impact on the FMCG market. Other factors influencing food innovation are of course the sugar debate, reduced salt and a push to have products that are free from artificial ingredients. As a leading British …
US soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has reached an agreement with Arca Continental for the Mexican bottler to join its distribution system in the USA. Announcing the move in a statement, the company said it would contribute its Southwest operating unit in order to hold a 20% stake in a new joint venture called AC Beverages, which includes Arca Continental’s existing operations in Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru. In the United …
German coffee and coffee accessories firm Melitta is launching a new variety of coffee filters specially developed to brew cold coffee-based drinks. Designed with the summer months in mind and promoted as “more than just cold coffee”, Melitta Cold Brew Filter Papers offer “easy-to-prepare cold brew as the basis for refreshing summer blended drinks”. According to Melitta, recommended preparation sees 100g of freshly ground coffee mixed with 500ml water before …
C&C Group, the producer of Magners cider, has signed an agreement with Dutch beer importer Vandergeeten for the distribution of its Tennent’s portfolio in China. Vandergeeten will initially launch Tennent’s 1885 Lager, Tennent’s Stout, Tennent’s Whisky Oak Aged Beer, Tennent’s Scotch Ale, and Tennent’s Extra. Vandergeeten has been distributing food and beverage products from Belgium and Western Europe into China for over 20 years and currently manages a portfolio of …
Gama Innovation Award – Positioning MANCHESTER – 31st May 2016: The Gama Innovation Award – Positioning for May goes to Nescafe Azera Coffee To Go, a new retail concept looking to take on the coffee shop through a portable format that could create a new niche within the instant coffee category. Offering “barista-style coffee made at home in just a few minutes, which you can carry out of the door”, Nescafe Azera Coffee To …
Brazilian coconut water firm Obrigado has extended its line of fruit waters and juices with the launch of a “detox drink” made from matcha together with 10 fruits and vegetables. Promoted as a “100% natural” drink, the product is free of sugar and preservatives and combines matcha tea with an “exclusive” combination of apple, pineapple, grape, melon, lemon and kiwi juices, whole coconut water, cabbage pulp, ginger, cucumber and mint. …
Danish dairy cooperative Arla has announced that it is selling its Rynkeby Foods division to German juice firm Eckes-Granini. Rynkeby is the largest manufacturer of juice and cordials in the Nordic region, selling more than 130 million litres of beverages for consumers primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland under the brands Rynkeby and God Morgon. Arla had previously announced that it was putting Rynkeby Foods up for sale “to focus its future …
UK tea and coffee firm Taylors of Harrogate, the company behind the Taylors of Harrogate and Yorkshire tea brands, has launched a new limited-edition iced coffee blend designed for filters and cafetieres. Made using a blend of roast and ground Arabica beans sourced from Central and South America, Africa and Indonesia, Taylor’s of Harrogate Iced Coffee Ground Coffee has been specially developed to be served cold over ice with milk. …
Denmark-based dairy producer Arla Foods has officially opened a new milk powder packaging facility in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. According to Arla Foods, the new site is an important step for the company as it pursues its 2020 Strategy, with Senegal said to be a significant gateway to further expansion in the West African region. “The facility is the latest milestone in Arla’s ambition to actively take part in …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 20th May 2016: Baby drinks, dairy, snacks, dairy & dairy alternative drinks and functional drinks are among the key markets for high protein claims in new food and drink launches over the past two years, according to Gama’s latest study of global food and drinks innovation. Taking into account products reported on Gama Compass™ since May 2014, Gama’s research also found significant parallels between ‘high protein’ …
In April, Spain once again became the focal point for the world’s consumer goods firms as Alimentaria returned for its latest edition at Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via. Now into its 40th year, Alimentaria hosted a total of 140,000 visitors from 157 countries (16 more than in 2014), indicating, in the show’s words, “its international pulling power and efficient role at galvanising exports for sector companies”. Of the 44,000 international visitors, …
US health food start-up Nothing But Real has announced the launch of its first product: a chocolate flavour drink containing oat and pea protein. Launching in May, Nothing But Real Oat Chocolate & Protein Drink is described as being made from whole grain oats, lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup. Offering “hunger-busting” benefits, it is claimed to contain “an optimal blend of 8 grams of easily absorbable oat and pea …
UK-based firm Sibberi is extending its range of bottled plant waters with the launch of a new drink based on bamboo. The third in Sibberi’s line of plant waters, which also includes maple and birch, Sibberi Bamboo Water is claimed to be “just as hydrating as coconut water, but with zero sugar” , and is described as having hints of green tea with a smokey after taste. Bamboo water first …
World-leading non-alcoholic drinks firm Coca-Cola is exploring a new marketing campaign that will see the firm offer meal and recipe suggestions that can be paired with its soft drinks, according to an article in the Drum. Quoting Coca-Cola Enterprises vice president and general manager Leendert den Hollander, the Drum reports that the company arrived at the idea after discovering that 45% of British consumers searched online for recipe ideas. The …
FMCG multinational Nestle is set to expand its coffee offering in India with the launch of Nescafe Sunrise Insta-Filter Coffee – “which provides the taste of filter coffee and yet does not require a filter”. According to Nestle, the new coffee is made from 100% Indian coffee beans, handpicked from Coorg and Chikmagalur, blended, roasted and transformed into a dry product that “locks the rich aroma and fresh taste of …
Portuguese soft drinks firm Agua de Luso has launched a new product that blends natural water with fruit juice and coconut water. The launch is part of Agua de Luso’s Luso Fruta (‘Fruit’) range that is described as being made with natural juice fruit, no artificial colours or preservatives, and as only containing natural occurring sugars from fruit. Luso Fruta Water with Lime and Coconut Water is described as having …
Retail giants El Corte Ingles and Tesco have embarked on an initiative that will see iconic UK products from the Tesco brand range go on sale in El Corte Ingles stores in Spain, with El Corte Ingles products travelling in the opposite direction, according to reports in European Supermarket Magazine. El Corte Ingles products are set to appear on shelves across the UK following a six-month test phase that initially …
In its second major acquisition announcement of the year, Dutch health foods specialist Wessanen has revealed that it is set to take over IneoBio, a French firm that it describes as being an “expert in organic coffee and tea”. Ineobio is active in organic coffees, teas and herbal infusions and is the owner of Destination, the leading coffee and tea brand sold in French health food stores. It operates a manufacturing …
France-based dairy and drinks firm Danone has released a new marketing campaign in Spain called Nombres (‘Names’), which matches first names with cartoon characters and features them on bottles of Actimel Kids, according to a report in Marketing News. According to reports, the bottles will come in a choice of more more than 130 designs, with each name linked to a different, specially-created video game style character. In parallel, Danone …
Ambev, the Brazilian beer and soft drinks firm, has officially announced the acquisition of Brazilian juice brand Do Bem, according to reports in Giro News and Globo. The official confirmation puts to an end a number of months of speculation about a possible deal, although no figures have been disclosed and it is currently unclear whether the transaction involves the entirety of the Do Bem business or just a controlling …
April 2016 saw thousands of FMCG professionals once again set their sights on the UK’s second city, as Food & Drink – a leading UK show for the food and drinks industry, spanning the grocery, wholesale, speciality retail, manufacturing and foodservice sectors – returned to the NEC in Birmingham for the latest of its two-yearly editions. Food & Drink Expo ran alongside three co-located events – Foodex, the Farm Shop …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 5th May 2016: Featuring in this week’s Innovation Insight is a new player in the hot drinks aisles that promises to take the mess and guesswork out of tea brewing with the introduction of a new instant aerosol format – No More Tea Bags Tea Concentrate. Advertised as “normal tea – only better”, No More Tea Bags Tea Concentrate from UK-based Yum …
Drinks and snacks multinational PepsiCo has launched new ‘craft’ colas for the US and Canadian markets, according to reports in The Street and Canadian Grocer. In the USA, the firm has announced the introduction of 1893 Cola and 1893 Ginger Cola. The 12oz cans, which will be available across stores in the USA, are to commemorate the company’s founding year and focus on ‘authentic’ ingredients such as kola nut extract, …
Nestle South Africa has officially inaugurated its new instant coffee manufacturing plant in Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal following an investment of 1.2 billion ZAR ($84 million). The expansion includes the construction of a waste water treatment plant, a new coffee processing plant, upgrading of existing coffee processing and a state of the art coffee drying plant, the company said. The Estcourt factory is one of the first three factories that the …
Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), the ‘pure play’ coffee firm formed from the merger of DE Master Blenders and Mondelez International in 2014, has announced its intention to acquire the Brazilian coffee firm Cafe Seleto, according to reports in Giro News and Supermercado Moderno. The owner of the Cafe Pilao brand announced its plans on 15th April and said it expected the transaction to be completed in the first half of …
The Australian arm of FMCG multinational Unilever has launched a green tea said to have been blended “to remove any bitter aftertaste”. According to an article in Australian Food News, the new Lipton Delicately Fresh Green Tea was developed following consumer research that revealed consumers tended to avoid green tea due to the often bitter after-taste. The new launch “is uniquely blended with steamed Green Tea leaves, to give your …
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced that it is to relaunch Coca-Cola Zero in the UK as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar as a part of a “strategy to help people reduce their sugar intake”. Announcing the move in a press release, Coca-Cola said that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar would “taste even more like the original Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola Classic), but without sugar” and would be supported by a multi-million pound marketing campaign “designed to get more people …
Gama spoke to Josep Antoni Valls, Managing Director of Alimentaria, ahead of the 40th edition of the international consumer goods tradeshow. What are your expectations for the 40th edition of Alimentaria? We are expecting the most international, innovative and gastronomy-rich edition in the 40 years of the show. Among the more than 140,000 attendees we are expecting for 2016, we will welcome more than 40,000 international visitors from more than …
Danone Uruguay, a division of the dairy and drinks multinational Danone, has announced the launch of a new line of yoghurts that uses an unusual pack device to target on the go consumption. According to Montevideo Portal, the new Ser Click range is exclusively Uruguayan and has been designed to fit “dynamic and modern lifestyles”. The yoghurt cups feature a lid that is opened by lifting a device similar to …
US-based company Healthy Beverage has announced the launch of new line of functional Cactus Water drinks under the Steaz brand, according to reports in Beverage Industry and Beverage Daily. Steaz Cactus Water is described as a ready-to-drink organic beverage based on prickly pear, blended with green tea and natural flavours and lightly sweetened with stevia. Claimed to comprise “a light, refreshing blend”, the product is said to provide natural hydration …
The Indian arm of food and drinks multinational Danone has announced that it will invest $22.5 million to expand a plant in Lalru, Punjab, where it will set up a new spray dryer unit to manufacture infant nutrition products, according to a report in the Ecomonic Times. Commenting on the investment, Danone India MD Laurent Marcel said: “India is a strategic market for us with immense potential in value added …
Orangina Schweppes, a division of Japanese firm Suntory, has announced a foray into the world of ice tea with the launch of a new product line in France, according to a report in LSA. The launch of Maytea Ice Tea follows double-digit sales growth for ice tea in France over recent years, LSA reports. The line is being made available in a number of “spring” oriented flavours that are said …
Huiyuan Juice, a Chinese fruit and vegetable juice producer, has announced that one of its wholly owned subsidiaries has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Yeo Hiap Seng to enter the Malaysian market through the manufacture and distribution of fruit and vegetable juices. The agreement sets out the establishing of a joint venture company which will combine the production management, distribution and marketing expertise from Yeo Hiap Seng, …
Nestle Germany has announced its intention to close its coffee and cocoa plant in Mainz, Germany by the end of December 2017. In a statement, Nestle said that the factory, which has capacity for around 24,000 tons of coffee and cocoa products, was no longer suitable for the requirements of modern and efficient coffee production and that an independent review had concluded that the necessary upgrades to the site would …
Japanese confectionery company Ezaki Glico, which own brands such as Pocky (Mikado in Europe) and Pretz, has announced a new health drink based on the fashionable ‘superfood’ coconut oil. Claimed to be an easy way to daily get all the benefits of coconut oil, Glico Cocosmart is described as being made through an emulsification process and contains 15g of coconut oil and 7.6g of medium chain fatty acids. It is …
Alpro, the soy product specialist, has rolled out a new range of chilled single-serve drinks in the UK under the brand name Alpro Fusion. The drink is described as being a combination of soya or coconut with a “fusion” of fruits and comes in the varieties Soya Apple Kiwi and Coco Pineapple Lemongrass. Alpro UK and Ireland marketing controller Vicky Upton said: “We know there is consumer demand for more …
Gama Innovation Award – Positioning MANCHESTER – 24th March 2016: This month, the winner of the Gama Innovation Award – Positioning is Elmhurst Naturals Banana Water, a product seeking to capitalize on the burgeoning interest in ‘plant waters’ as an alternative to conventional fruit juice products. A “light and refreshing hydrational beverage packed with electrolytes”, Elmhurst Naturals Banana Water is a new drink made from water and “all natural banana concentrate” …
Health-food manufacturer YGC Group, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, has unveiled the launch of a new range of health drinks made with eucheuma, a type of seaweed found locally in South-East Asia. Announcing the launch, YGC Group said the line was suitable for a broad demographic and was promoted as an “everyday drink targeted at the health-conscious”. The line, which features omega-3 rich eucheuma as its primary …
Amado, the health and wellness firm, has announced the introduction of a new “health tea” for sale in its domestic market of Thailand. According to the company, Amado DH Tea offers relaxation and refreshment and promotes good sleep. In addition, the use of “natural matcha from Japan” is claimed to reduce blood sugar levels and normalise blood pressure through regular consumption, which in turn assists in reducing the risk of …
The Brazilian coffee company 3Coracoes is set to acquire its smaller rival Cia Iguacu, which is part of the Japanese group Marubeni, according to a report in New Trade. 3Coracoes said the acqusition, which is subject to approval from competition authorities, would reinforce its market leading position in coffee products in Brazil, in particular strengthening its position in the “competitive” instant coffee category, where it said ti would now become …
Coca-Cola South Pacific is set to launch a new strawberry sherbet variety of its Fanta soft drink in a bid to bring more “fun” to the category, according to an article in Food & Beverage Industry News. The new Strawberry Sherbet Fizz flavour, launched in Australia, is promoted as a fruity and refreshing strawberry sherbet soft drink with “extra tingles & bold bubbles” for added “zing”. Fanta brand manager Ramona …
Nestle, the food, drinks and pet care multinational, has announced that it has broken ground on a new factory in Hung Yen province in the north of Vietnam “to facilitate the company’s product innovations for the local consumption”. The $70 million factory, located at Thang Long II Industrial Park, is Nestle Vietnam’s sixth factory in the country and will produce ready-to-drink chocolate malt beverages under the Milo brand. Nestle said the new factory would …
The UK government has unveiled a new levy to be paid by manufacturers of soft drinks that are high in sugar, according to a report in The Independent. Announcing the measures in the 2016 budget, the government said that the tax would be imposed directly on manufacturers according to the volume of high-sugar drinks sold, rather than added to the retail price paid by the end consumer. The new levy …
Valensina, the German juice manufacturer, is set to launch a new line of products under the Valensina Spate Ernte (Late Harvest) line that is designed to be milder and less acidic than other varieties in the Valensina range. Available from April 2016, Valensina Spate Ernte comprises the varieties Orange with Pulp, Orange without Pulp, Orange Banana & Pineapple with Apple, Pineapple Blueberry & Strawberry and Mixed Fruits. According to a …
Drinks manufacturer Natural Beverages has acquired ethical cola brand Ubuntu Cola for an undisclosed sum, according to an article in FoodBev. Natural Beverages has been distributing Ubuntu cola for the past five years through wholesale and foodservice channels, as well as some Waitrose stores across the UK and Europe. According to FoodBev, in 2007 Ubuntu was the first cola brand in the UK to be certified fairtrade. The Ubuntu brand …
Danone, the French dairy and non-alcoholic drinks multinational, is set to launch a new version of its Evian water multipacks that are collated using glue rather than a shrink wrap, according to a report in LSA. Developed in collaboration with packaging firm KHS, the new pack is said to have required 24 months of development and a specially-adapted production line. It is described as tackling the numerous issues associated with …
Global drinks giant Coca-Cola has announced plans to close up to seven facilities in Germany, including long-standing plants in Bremen and Oldenburg, according to a report in NWZ Online. Aside from Bremen and Oldenburg, smaller facilities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen-Anhalt and Baden-Wurttemberg are also reportedly set for closure, leading to a potential loss of more than 500 jobs. The “rationalisation of the production network” comes in response to “changing market conditions”, …
Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co, a unit of South Korean retail conglomerate Lotte Group, is expected to acquire a major share in a PepsiCo bottling company in Pakistan, the Maeil Business News reports. Quoting sources from Lotte Group and the investment banking industry, Maeil Business News said that the South Korean firm was reportedly looking to buy 51 to 52% of shares in Lahore PepsiCo, a PepsiCo bottling company located in …
Swiss FMCG giant Nestle is to invest about R$400 million ($101 million) to expand production capacity in Brazil over the course of 2016, Supermercado Moderno reports. According to the news agency, the plan is to increase capacity by introducing new production lines, allowing some items that were previously imported to be manufacturer locally. Among the areas slated for investment are pet food and coffee, especially to meet expected growth in …
Coca-Cola is contemplating the sale of its bottling operations in India, valued at $1 billion, as it moves to focus on brands, marketing and strategy in line with global policy, according to sources quoted by the Economic Times. “Coca-Cola plans to start talks with large industrial houses for the potential divestment”, an unnamed source is quoted by the newspaper as saying. “The deal could take 12-18 months to close”, the …
Danish dairy cooperative Arla Foods claimed to have “delivered a robust performance” despite a “tough year for the global dairy industry”, as it announced its latest financial results. According to a press release, the company “came out of 2015 with US11.25 billion (EUR€10.3 billion) in revenue”, which was a 3.3% decline compared to 2014. The firm noted that increased milk supply in Europe combined with China’s slowdown in demand and …
Nestle, the world’s leading food multinational, has released its full year results, posting single-digit organic growth over 2015. The Swiss firm said that organic growth was 4.2% with real internal growth of 2.2%, fuelled in particular by a strong showing in the Americas where turnover was up 5.8%. Total sales for the year amounted to 88.8 billion CHF ($89.57 billion), while net profit was 9.1 billion CHF ($9.18 billion). Commenting on …
Gama Innovation Award – Positioning MANCHESTER – 26th February 2016: The Gama Innovation Award – Positioning for February goes to FitRabbit Organic Dragon Drink, a new children’s beverage looking to tackle concern over sugar levels by claiming to actively protect against tooth decay. Promising “teeth as strong as a dragon’s” and promoted as “the first drink for children that protects against tooth decay”, Fit Rabbit Organic Dragon Drink from Austrian firm …
Dairy and drinks multinational Danone saw total sales rise in 2015 to €22.412 billion ($24.70 billion), according to its latest financial statements. Describing its performance as “solid” and “in line with objectives”, the France-based firm reported that overall sales for the year had risen 4.4% on a like-for-like basis, with trading operating margin up +17 bps to 12.91%. Topline sales growth was driven primarily by the company’s Waters, Early Life Nutrition …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 23rd February 2016: Orange and lemon flavours are associated with premium claims and higher price points, while strawberry flavours are especially common in Latin America and in launches targeted at children, the latest information from Gama Compass™ indicates. For this month’s study of trends and patterns in new product launches, Gama has pinpointed the five leading fruit flavours in global innovation over 2014 and 2015 …
Fujian, China based candy manufacturer Yake Food has entered the mineral water market with a “premium” offering under the Changbai Springs brand name. The line is said to feature an award winning packaging design and is based around the core idea of a “Changbai Oasis” offering “the first morning cup of water”. According to PET Engineering, the company behind the bottle, the design was “born from the idea of enobling the …
Coca-Cola South Pacific has launched Fuze Tea, a new line of ice tea described as an “aspirational iced tea offering” and a “premium product”. The Fuze brand was first launched in the US, where the current lineup now includes ice tea in flavours such as lemon, strawberry and mango orange, as well as a range of juice drinks. In Australia, the range is said to comprise the flavours Wild Raspberry …
Snacks and beverage firm Pepsico has published its full year results for 2015, reporting an increase in organic revenue for the year versus 2014. The US multinational said that, for 2015, organic revenue had increased 5%, although overall net revenue decreased 5% due to the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange. Core gross margin rose to 140 basis points and core operating margin expanded to 30 basis points, PepsiCo added, while …
Wessanen, a Dutch health food producer, has agreed to buy the Piramide tea brand from the Organic Flavour Company. The deal is expected to close in March 2016. Piramide is a long established tea brand in the Netherlands with a range of herbal, black and green teas, claimed to be 100% organic and fair trade certified. Wessannen CEO Christophe Barnouin said: “The accretive acquisition of Piramide is a further step …
In the latest of a line of unusual cola launches, beverage firm Suntory has unveiled what is claimed to be the world’s first cola with the flavour of cherry blossom (sakura). Pepsi Cherry Blossom Cola is said to have the same pale pink colour as cherry blossom itself and is described as having a fragrant, sweet aroma that “adults can enjoy”. The 490ml bottle is designed to be high impact …
Non-alcoholic drinks giant Coca-Cola posted a fall in net operating revenue and gross profit in the 2015 financial year, according to the company’s latest financial statements. While organic revenue grew 4%, full-year net revenue declined 4% to $44.294 billion and gross profit was down 5% to $26.812 billion, the company reported. It noted, however, that global volume had grown 2% for the full year and also reported that it had “gained …
Coca-Cola Femsa has announced plans of shareholder investment of $800 million into the expansion of its operations in the Philippines, according to a report in FoodBev. The company said that it would add two new Tetra Pak and two new PET lines with an initial investment of $170 million in 2016. The move is designed to widen the company’s presence in the ‘on-the-go’ space, alongside the introduction of a new …
Swiss FMCG multinational Nestle is to acquire the remaining shares in Israeli food manufacturer Osem in a deal worth about $840 million, according to a Reuters report. Osem is Israel’s third-largest food producer by sales, behind the Strauss Group and market leader Tnuva. The firm produces more than 2,000 different food items in 11 production sites, both for domestic consumption and for export, particularly to European countries and to the United States. The …
Coca-Cola, the multinational soft drinks giant, has announced that it has agreed to acquire an initial minority shareholding in Chi, a company it describes as “Nigeria’s leading value-added dairy, juices and snacks business”. The agreement creates a strategic relationship within Africa’s largest economy that together serve Nigeria’s sparkling soft drinks, juices, value-added dairy and water beverage brands, including include Hollandia and Chivita, Coca Cola added. The deal makes provision for Coca-Cola to increase …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 29th January 2016: This week we focus on the stellar rise of matcha as an ingredient in new FMCG products, featuring as our case study a launch that takes the on-trend green tea powder and combines it with coconut water and high pressure processed fruit and vegetable juices to create a new health-enhancing ‘superdrink’ – Evolution Fresh Organic Coconut Matcha Smoothie. Launched …
Gama Innovation Award – Packaging MANCHESTER – 27th January 2016: Doganay Lita Lemonade, a soft drink making use of a new ‘hybrid’ PET and glass bottle, is the January winner of the Gama Innovation Award – Packaging. New in Turkey from Doganay, a juice and soft drinks manufacturer, Doganay Lita Lemonade offers “health, naturalness, freshness and chillness!” through new glass and PET hybrid packaging from German firm KHS. The firm’s FreshSafe-PET …
Old Mutual, the UK-based private equity firm, has bought a minority stake in South African food maker In2Food for a price between 200 million and 600 million ZAR ($12 and $36 million), according to a report in Bloomberg. In2Food is a manufacturer of private-label products for grocery chains, founded in Johannesburg in 2007. The firm employs 4,000 people at production plants around South Africa, including one on the outskirts of …
FMCG Unilever posted a turnover increase of 10% in 2015, according to the company’s latest full year financial statements. Total sales for the year rose to €53.3 billion including a positive currency impact of 5.9%. The company also reported underlying sales growth of 4.1% “ahead of our markets”, with volume up by 2.1% and value up by 1.9%. The company reported especially strong growth in emerging markets, with underlying sales rising by 7.1%, …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 22nd January 2016: ‘Natural’ continues to be a cornerstone of product marketing in new food and especially new drinks launches, according to Gama’s latest study of claims in global new consumer goods. In product launches reported on Gama Compass™ over the course of 2015, ‘natural’ was the fifth most likely claim to be used by product marketeers, while two other ‘non-artificial’ claims – ‘no artificial …
JMS Drinks has announced the launch of Sunsoul, promoted as the company’s first low-calorie energy drink aimed at women. Sunsoul 100% Natural Energy Drink comes in a choice of Kaffir Lime & Lemon, Raspberry & Elderflower and Spiced Mango & Pineapple varieties and is claimed to be free of artificial vitamins, taurine and refined sugar. Instead the product is described as containing guarana, kola nut and baobab that is claimed …
Vita Coco, the company behind the the UK’s leading coconut water brand, has announced that it has added a Chocolate variety to its lineup of coconut water products, according to a report in the Grocer. Made from cocoa powder and a “dash” of coconut milk, Vita Coco Chocolate Coconut Water is claimed to have a more “mainstream” flavour than other products in the Vita Coco range, The product will be sold …
Private equity firm Brynwood Partners has announced that it has agreed the acquisition of Sunny Delight Beverages from JW Childs. Based in Cincinnati, OH, USA, Sunny Delight Beverages was formed by JW Childs in 2004 in order to acquire the Sunny Delight brand from Procter & Gamble. Sunny Delight became an independent national beverage company and now turns over more than $400 million in gross sales, operates four manufacturing facilities …
CP Meiji, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of dairy products in Thailand, is launching a new yoghurt drink for the market in Thailand, according to a report in in NNA. The new Meiji Bulgaria Yoghurt Drink, which launches this month in the varieties Low Sugar Mild Flavour and Wild Berry Flavour, is described as being targeted at the over 25, health conscious market. According to NNA, CP Meiji …
Sanitarium, a manufacturer of spreads, snacks, drinks and milk alternatives, has released a limited edition of its Up & Go Liquid Breakfast in a peanut butter flavour. According to a report in Australian Food News, Up & Go is promoted as a “the perfect breakfast option for when you are on the go”. The drink, which is available in a range of flavours as well as in Gluten Free, Oats2Go, …
American organic goods manufacturer Hain Celestial has announced that it has acquired UK-based fruit products maker Orchard House Foods. Orchard House Foods is a leader in prepared fruit, juices, fruit desserts and ingredients with facilities in Corby and Gateshead in the UK. Founded in 1985, the firm supplies retailers, on-the-go food outlets, food service providers and manufacturers Commenting on the acquisition, Hain Celestial president and chief executive Irwin Simon said: …
Mineral water firm Bisleri International is set to expand in the competitive soft drinks space in early 2016 with a new range of flavoured products, according to reports in ET Retail and The Hindu BusinessLine. The new launch will be made available in lemon, spicy, mango and pina colada flavours and is set to be manufactured in at least five different locations, the company said. The expansion is part of …
Nestle’s first Nescafe Dolce Gusto factory outside Europe is set to begin operation with the inauguration of a new coffee capsule facility in Montes Clares, Brazil. Nestle said the investment was in response to demand for the brand´s coffee pods in Latin America, especially in Brazil where Dolce Gusto has been the market leader since its introduction in 2009. The facility, which cost 2 million CHF ($2 million), will produce …
Coca-Cola is entering the dairy sector in Brazil with the acquisition of Verde Campo, a producer of yoghurts, cheese and drinks based in the state of Minas Gerais. According to a report in Veja Abril, Coca Cola will be acquiring Verde Campo through Leao Alimentos, a partner of Coca-Cola and its bottlers in Brazil. Verde Campo is said to have significant operations in Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Belo …
Tiger Brands, a South African consumer goods firm with a broad brand portfolio, is reported to be selling its struggling Nigerian venture to Dangote Industries as a result of nearly $120 million in write-downs. According to Fast Moving, Tiger Brands bought two-thirds of a stake in Dangote Flour Mills for almost $200 million from Aliko Dangote, however growing competition and currency devaluations saw the venture run into trouble. The Daily …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 11th December 2015: The breakfast foods space is being increasingly characterized by new functional claims, convenient and single-serve pack formats, and a diversity of product choices across a broadening range of categories, the latest research by Gama can reveal. Gama’s study, based on products reported on Gama Compass™ over 2014 and 2015, has examined trends and patterns in the world of cereals and breakfast foods, …
Coffee firm Keurig Green Mountain, the firm behind the Keurig Hot and Keurig KOLD beverage systems, has accepted a bid of $13.9 billion for the business from private German fund JAB Holding. The deal established the payment of $92 per share, in an agreement that represents a premium of approximately 77.9% over Keurig Green Mountain’s closing stock price on 4th December 2015, according to a company statement. Company president Brian …
The launch has been announced of a new energy drink for the UK market based on “all-natural” ingredients. Developed by former Red Bull executive Huib Van Bockel alongside Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Tenzing Energy Drink is described as a low sugar, all-natural beverage, made from rock salts from the Himalayas, guarana and lemon juice from Brazil, green coffee and green tea from Kenya, and 13g of beet sugar from the Netherlands. …
French dairy giant Danone is investing €240 million ($261 million) in a new facility in the Netherlands “to capitalise on growing demand for its international early life nutrition brands”. The factory will primarily manufacture goods for Danone Nutricia’s infant formula brands, including Aptamil and Nutrilon. Announcing the news in a statement, Danone said the plant would be located in Cuijk, The Netherlands, chosen to benefit from the “expert know-how of …
Fast-growing consumer goods firm Patanjali Ayurveda is set to invest 1,000-crore INR ($150 million) early next year on various expansions plan, with a particular focus on e-commerce and export, according to reports in the Economic Times and Wellness India. Patanjali Group promoter Baba Ramdev said: “We are likely to invest about Rs 1,000 crore in 2016 for various initiatives. Banks have already sanctioned Rs 500 crore as working capital loan …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 3rd December 2015: With ‘high protein’ now topping new product claims across a number of food and drinks categories, this week’s Innovation Insight looks at one company’s efforts to stand out in an increasingly crowded field by turning to the protein ‘power’ of fresh, free-range eggs – Toni’s Smoothei Vitality Drink. Aiming to “combine[ ] all the positive nutritional properties of the …
Coca-Cola is considering strengthening its presence the Indian dairy market with the launch of its US dairy brand Vio in the country. An Indian version of Vio would be adapted for the local market and, unlike the US offering, would be non-carbonated, according to information. In the US, Vio is offered as a skimmed dairy carbonated drink, available in citrus, peach and berry flavor, free of preservatives and fortified with …
The Swiss coffee company Delica, which is particularly known for its Nespresso compatible capsules marketed under the Cafe Royale brand, is set to open a new factory in the Swiss region of Tessin, according to a report in the Tages Anzeiger. The new factory is being established under the Total Capsule Solutions name and will manufacture, among other products, the new Migros private label M-Budget capsules and capsules under the …
Tata Global Beverage Limited, in association with its subsidiary Tata Coffee, is looking to strengthen its hand in the branded instant coffee category in India with the launch of Tata Coffee Grand. Tata Coffee already has some presence in instant coffee in India – a market currently dominated by Nestle and Unilever – through brands such as Tata Cafe, Tata Kaapi and Mysore Gold. Speaking on the launch to FnB …
Nestle and Facebook have joined forces to release a ‘360° ‘ advertising video for the Nescafe coffee brand, uniquely available on the social media platform. As part of a global campaign to connect with Millennial coffee lovers, the “GoodMorningWorld” video for Nescafe – apparently a first in the FMCG space – allows consumers to customize their viewing experience through the 360° rotation of their mobile phones, using a technology developed …
Montevideo Refrescos, Coca-Cola’s Uruguay bottler, has launched a new bottled water brand called Vitale. Commenting on the launch, Montevideo Refrescos marketing manager Tábata Imbriaco said: “Vitale reflects the company’s mission to develop new hydration options for consumers, offering quality products for all occasions. Good hydration promotes the development of good ideas and supports a healthy lifestyle”. Vitale “looks to promote the creative spirit that characterizes Uruguayans”, Ms Imbriaco added. Brand …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 26th November 2015: Gama returns to the RTD coffee shelves for this week’s Innovation Insight, taking a look at innovative microwaveable packaging that enables consumers to recreate the ‘coffee shop’ experience in their own home – Suntory Renji De Torokeru Hot Latte. In an apparent first for the RTD coffee space, Suntory is expanding its long-standing RTD tea and coffee range with …
Convenience store chain Family Mart is to start selling four varieties of latte, tea and jelly drinks under the Cafe& Meal MUJI name in what will be the brand’s first foray into chilled drinks. The brand, first established by Japanese retail firm Ryohin Keikaku in 2014, is claimed to offer products made with simple methods for the best flavour. The new line, claimed to “maximize the flavour of each of …
Food and beverage firm PepsiCo is expanding its Tropicana range in France with the launch of Tropicana Douceur (‘Mild’), a product that is claimed to be “naturally less acidic” than conventional orange juice. The 100% fruit juices are being launched in two chilled varieties – one with pulp and one without – and also in an ambient variety that is pulp-free. In order to reduce the acidity levels, only certain, …
China’s Yashili New Zealand Dairy, a subsidiary of Yashili International and Mengniu Dairy, has opened an infant formula plant in Pokeno, Auckland, New Zealand after a three-year construction period. Yashili New Zealand general manager and director William Zhao said the company chose Pokeno because of its geography, location and excellent dairy farming facilities. “The operation of the Mengniu-Yashili New Zealand plant will help to build a global network for Mengniu …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 12th November 2015: This month, Gama’s study of dynamics in new consumer goods launches looks at flexible packaging, focusing in particular on the penetration of pouch formats – in their varied manifestations and applications – across different categories and regions. Concentrating on the food, drinks and household industries, Gama has looked at new launches reported on Gama Compass™ over the last 18 months to …
In line with a stated strategy “to focus its future investments on its core business of dairy production”, Danish milk producer Arla has announced its decision to sell its juice subsidiary Rynkeby Foods. Rynkeby Foods is the last remaining company in the group not producing milk based products. According to a company press release, the decision was taken after four months’ strategic analysis. The company will “now initiate a sales …
Coca-Cola has announced that it is expanding its Share A Feeling marketing campaign – first trialled in Vietnam in July – to Thailand. According to the company, the campaign brings the “online emoticon communication trend to real-life, inviting Thais to Share a Coke, Share a Feeling via a proprietary set of 39 emoticons” that will be printed on bottles and cans of cola. Together with the campaign, the company will offer animated …
Gama spoke to Joaquim Vives, General Manager, Mane Iberica. How is the growing demand for more ‘all natural’ formulations impacting on flavour & fragrance companies? This is a major trend and demand will keep growing if the economic situation continues to brighten. However, ‘all natural’ does not consistently point to the same definition when it comes to food & drinks manufacturing. This is not the case for flavourings, as …
Maeil Dairies, a Korean manufacturer of milk products, infant formula, coffees and juices, has entered into a joint venture agreement with Hangzhou, China based Beingmate Baby & Child Food, a leading Chinese baby formula manufacturer, to develop new health-focused baby milk products. Named Hangzhou Beingmate Maeil Food Company, the joint venture will reportedly focus on the production of a special instant formula for premature or low-weight babies, lactose-intolerant infants and …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 5th November 2015: As the incidence of obesity and tooth decay continues to rise worldwide, manufacturers of fruit drinks – especially those targeted at children – are increasingly finding themselves in the firing line over their products’ sugar levels. Now one company is looking to turn this criticism on its head with the launch of a new fruit and vegetable drink that …
Gama spoke to Ori Yehudai, President & CEO, Frutarom. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? I believe that in order to be successful in an ever more challenging economic environment, we must demonstrate creativity and flexibility when dealing with our customers and provide top-notch service. Being able to adapt and adjust to our customers’ needs and work with them in creating innovative but …
Nestle has announced that it has invested 87 million CHF ($88 million) in new food and drink production facilities in Malaysia to cater for rising demand. The firm’s new beverage plant cost 66 million CHF ($67 million) and is Nestle’s eighth plant in Malaysia. Over 40,000 sq m in size, it will produce ready-to-drink products including Milo chocolate and malt drink, Nescafe coffee, Sjora fruit juices and drinks, and Nestle Omega Plus milk. …
German firm Emcur has launched two new beverage mixes based on matcha tea, according to information from Lebensmittelzeitung. The products come in a powder format to be mixed with water, and are both presented in single portion packaging. Emcur Matcha-Aktiv contains caffeine, pantothenic acid and vitamin B12 and is claimed to provide an energy ‘kick’ equivalent to one or two cups of coffee. It has an added grapefruit flavour and …
Mondelez International has announced that it is making an investment of $50 million at its new Lagos plant to meet “surging demand” for hot cocoa drink brand Cadbury Bournvita in Nigeria. The company said the investment would support the company’s global growth strategy by expanding the availability of regional power brands in key markets and creating a more efficient supply-chain footprint. The new Lagos plant is fully automated and replaces …
A long weekend in early October saw the return of Anuga – a key two-yearly gathering for the global food & drinks industry – to the city of Cologne in Germany. Space was at a premium as the “fully booked” pavilions of the city’s extensive Koelnmesse showgrounds once again played host to tens of thousands of trade visitors from across the globe, each keen to explore the latest industry news, …
Gama spoke to Alberto Bertone, President & CEO, Sant’Anna. What key trends do you expect to shape non-alcoholic drinks innovation in 2016? Throughout the world there is a move towards a culture that is more conscious of health and wellbeing, something which is seeing consumers turn away from high-sugar fizzy drinks towards water or other products considered more ‘natural’. This is something which over the last few years has …
Brazilian drinks firm Ebba has introduced what it claims to be the first fruit nectar containing real fruit pieces available in South America. Maguary Nectar With Pieces is being made available in supermarkets across Brazil in a choice of four varieties: Peach, Pineapple, Apple and Mango. Commenting on the launch, Ebba commercial director Fábio Levalessi said: “With the new ‘Maguary Pedacos product range, consumers will have a totally new drinking …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 9th October 2015: In this week’s Innovation Insight, we look at the launch of a drink seeking to bring the benefits of ‘freshly brewed’ to the chilled coffee space through packaging innovation – L Cafe Snowing Black Coffee Drink. Starting from the principle that ‘fresh is best’ when it comes to coffee, L Cafe Snowing Black Coffee Drink is a new product …
South African dairy group Clover Industries is entering the soft drinks market with the acquisition of a majority stake in beverage firm Frankie’s Olde Soft Drinks. According to its website, Frankie’s Olde Soft Drink is a “micro” soft drink business “reproducing some of the favourite soft drink tastes of yesteryear” including Homemade Ginger Beer, Olde Style Root Beer, Original Cream Soda, Cloudy Lemonade and Cinnamon Cola. Johann Vorster, Clover CEO, …
Coca-Cola South Pacific has announced the launch of a new version of its Powerade sports drink in Australia, in move described as the brand’s “biggest reformulation since 2006”. According to Australian Food News, the new formula has been named Powerade ION4, with Coca- Cola saying it contains 5% more electrolytes than the current version. The publication also went on to say that the the launch would be supported with a …
Suntory is expanding its product range in Japan with the launch of the limited edition Pepsi Ghost for the Halloween period. Pepsi Ghost comes in a total of four varieties, sold in a 490ml bottle, and each is said to feature a ‘mystery flavour’. According to Suntory, the line was designed to offer an element of surprise and fun for Halloween events. The packaging features “cute” and colourful ghost designs, …
Coca-Cola has become the first company to implement a custom emoji as a form of paid advertising on the social media platform Twitter, according to reports in FoodBev and Adweek. When Twitter users tweet with the hashtag #ShareaCoke, an emoji featuring two glass Coca-Cola bottles ‘clinking’ will reportedly appear in the post. “Coca-Cola is a massive global partner of Twitter and they have been pushing us for some time on …
Gama spoke to Dietmar Eiden, Vice President of Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, ahead of the 2015 edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this year’s Anuga? Anuga 2015 is fully booked, which means approximately 6,800 exhibitors from around 100 countries will be participating. With an extraordinary 86% of exhibitors from overseas, and with its incomparable range of companies and products on show, Anuga will once again be the …
French dairy producer Les Maitres Laitiers du Contentin (MLC) has signed a supply contract with Synutra, a Chinese infant formula company, which will provide for the construction of a production plant in Normandy France. “This contract will enable the construction of a new plant in Meautis, in the Manche department, with an investment of €114 million, and will create 200 jobs”, MLC management is reported as saying. Financial details of …
US convenience chain 7-Eleven has entered the single serving coffee category with the release of three varieties of store branded coffee pods. The varieties 100% Colombian, Pumpkin Spice and Exclusive Blend are now available in packs of eight pods, retailed at $3.99. The latter two flavour varieties are also available in packs of two pods retailed at $0.99. Dennis Phelps, VP for fresh foods and proprietary beverages at 7-Eleven, said …
In an attempt to streamline its natural and organic portfolios, US supermarket chain Meijer has joined its two private label brands Meijer Organics and Meijer Naturals into one single brand called True Goodness. The company is starting by transitioning 225 of its organic and natural products to the True Goodness brand. By early 2016 the company expects to expand the range to 325 products. The product range includes frozen foods, …
Single Cup Coffee, an Ontario, Canada based hot drinks capsule company, is said to be partnering with cocktail brand Skinnygirl in an attempt to drive autumn sales. According to Canadian Grocer, the firms, which distributes a number of brand beverages that are compatible with most single-serve brewing systems will be introducing seven cocktail-inspired teas and coffees under the Skinnygirl label. Robin White, vice president of sales & marketing at Single …
According to a report in Bloomberg, FMCG giant Unilever is expanding its Lipton brand with the launch of a new single serve tea-brewing machine system named TO by Lipton. The new machine has been developed in cooperation with appliance-maker Krups. Launched in France, the system consists of a tea brewing machine priced at €179 ($202) and packs of 10 capsules priced at around €3.90 ($4.40). Bloomberg reports that the launch …
The Coca-Cola bottlers Arca Continental of Mexico and Corporacion Lindley of Peru have announced an alliance that will create one of the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottling firms. The new entity will have revenues of approximately $5.4 billion and EBITDA of $1.1 billion. Currently, Mexican firm FEMSA is the largest private Coca-Cola bottler with revenues of nearly $10 billion in 2014. Manuel L Barragan Morales, chairman of the board of directors …
Megmilk Snow Brand, the Japanese dairy firm, has announced the launch of “edible coffee” as an extension to its product range. The launch is an addition to the Yukijirushi Coffee range, which has been on the market for more than 50 years. The pack design is almost identical to the long-standing coffee drink but instead bears texts saying “to eat” and “the same taste – now as a dessert!” The …
Nestle has inaugurated its third Nepresso plant in Switzerland as it seeks to meet US growing demand for its coffee capsule range, according to reports in The Local and Bloomberg. The new factory will produce capsules both for the established Nespresso machine and also for the VertuoLine coffee machine, a new product launched last year for the North American market that is designed meet US consumers’ demand for larger cups …
Multinational tea specialist Ito En has announced the launch of a new yoghurt drink for the Japanese market containing the green tea powder matcha. Due to hit shelves in Japan on 7th September 2015 , Ito En Matcha Yoghurt Drink is said to be made with Uji-type matcha and lactic acid bacteria for lower acidity. It is said to combine the mildly bitter flavour of matcha with the smooth, mild …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 4th September 2015: This week, Gama’s innovation focus turns to hot drinks and the world of functional benefits, looking at a new probiotic launch that seeks to unite modern dietary concerns with the traditional British obsession with tea – Stir Daily Cultures Tea. The latest product concept from UK firm Stir Drinks, Stir Daily Cultures Tea is a line of peppermint, …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has unveiled a new addition to its Nescafe range in Spain that is claimed to make consumers feel more “alive”. Nescafe Vitalissimo is aimed at the 40+ age bracket and “helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue with just one cup per day, without compromising on great taste”, according to promotional material. A cup of coffee made with 2 teaspoons (2g) of Nescafe Vitalissimo is claimed to …
Consumers in Japan are now able to purchase coffee in a metal bottle under the Starbucks brand. The new product is manufactured by Suntory and is the company’s first canned coffee for the Japanese market. Launched on the 25th August, the new launch is called Black Coffee Pike Place Roast and replicates a product that is also sold at Starbucks coffee stores in Japan. Claimed to contain no calorie, fat …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 27th August 2015: Innovation dynamics in tea and coffee are the subject of our latest study of product innovation from Gama Compass™. Based on introductions reported over the last 18 months, Gama has analysed factors such as claims, pack format and pack design to find that– despite often being bracketed together – tea and coffee often reveal quite significant differences in relation to both product …
Coca-Cola has announced plans to invest $4 billion in China over the next three years, according to a report in the Jakarta Post. Together with its bottling partners – COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages, Swire Beverages and Coca-Cola Bottling Investments Group China – Coca Cola will invest in expanding production capacity, distribution networks and facilities, and marketing. After the company reported 6% growth in sales during the second quarter of this year, …
Femsa, the Mexican FMCG and retail conglomerate, is preparing to move into Chile, according to a report in America Retail. The company, which is also the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, is said to be looking to install its Oxxo retail chain in the country and also to be exploring a partnership with Andina, Chile’s main bottler of Coca-Cola. Currently Femsa has 64 bottling plants in the Philippines and Latin America …
New Zealand based dairy firm Fonterra has expanded its Anchor brand in China with the launch of a new ultra-premium milk range targeted at children. Anchor Kids’ Golden Milk, developed by the firm’s China Brands business, is described as having 3.6g protein per 100ml – said to be 20% higher than the average protein level for comparable products on the Chinese market – as well as high calcium content and …
Polish food & beverage company Maspex Wadowice has signed a deal to acquire the Romanian bottled water firm Rio Bucovina, according to a report in Business Review. The acquisition of the bottled water manufacturer represents the third acquisition in Romania for Maspex Wadowice in recent years, demonstrating the company’s interest in the country which, according to company representatives, is the firm’s second most important market after Poland. “We haven’t been …
UK supermarket chain Morrisons is to launch a new milk brand that is claimed to support dairy producers by ensuring that 10 pence per litre of the retail milk price is returned directly to farmers. The move comes on the back of a number of direct action protests by farmers targeting the retailer’s stores. “We recognise that the current market for liquid milk is impacting on hardworking dairy farmers and …
Dabur is expanding its digestive product brand Hajmola with the launch of Yoodley, a new ready to drink beverage available in 6 ‘chatpata’ (tangy and piquant ) traditional flavours. Available in colourful 250ml stand-up pouch packaging, the new line comprises Ajooba Aam Panna (a green mango drink), Nimboora Shikanji (a spicy lemon drink), Guava No. 1, Jazbaati Jaljeera (a digestive cumin drink), Golmaal Golgappa (Indian water ball) and Kabhi Kala …
According to the Rabobank ranking for the year 2014, the Swiss company Nestle has maintained its positioned as the biggest dairy company in the world, with a total annual turnover of €20.9 billion ($23.2 billion). The French companies Lactalis (€14.7 billion / $16.3 billion) and Danone (€14.6 billion / $16.2 billion) made it to second and third positions, changing places compared to the 2013 ranking. The fourth place was taken …
Three European bottlers of Coca Cola have agreed to merge to create Coca Cola European Partners (CCEP), a new entity which will generate over $12 billion per year across 13 European countries. The new bottling company, which will be based in London, combines Coca Cola Iberian Partners (CCIP), Coca Cola Enterprises and Coca Cola Erfischungsgetranke AG, making the world’s largest bottler of Coca Cola products, serving more than 300 million …
It has been announced that Parmalat has won a five-year contract “to supply Woolworths’ private label milk in NSW and South Australia”. According to Food and Drinks Business News, the company was the successful contender a $100 million battle for the Woolworths’ private label brand contract after edging out rivals Lion and Murray Goulburn. Lion is said to have retained the contract in Tasmania. The Australian also report that the …
Coca-Cola has effected its first cut in production in India in over a decade following a number of months of poor sales, according to reports in Restaurant India and the Business Standard. In the peak summer season of April-June 2015, Coca-Cola reportedly saw a “mid single digit” drop in sales volumes from the previous year. April-June is the peak season for soft drinks industry in India, contributing about 40 percent …
Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has announced plans to cease stocking some ‘lunchbox-size’ high-sugar fruit drinks and juices as part of a stated campaign against childhood obesity. From the beginning of September and coinciding with the new school year, Tesco is planning to remove single-serve packs of Ribena (owned by Suntory), Rubicon (owned by AG Barr) and Capri-Sun, while continuing to sell ‘no added sugar’ versions as well as …
French dairy firm Danone is planning to sell the Dumex infant formula brand to Yashili International Holdings and use the proceeds to increase its stake in Mengniu, Yashili’s indirect parent, according to reports in Bloomberg and the Financial Times. The move comes as demand for locally-produced baby food has dipped in China, Bloomberg notes. The company said it would now increase its 9.9 % stake in Mengniu by no more …
Italian coffee firm Lavazza has entered into an agreement to acquire the Carte Noire coffee brand from Douwe Egberts, according to media reports. The deal, said to be valued in the region of €800 million (£550 million), follows European commission concerns stemming from the merger of the DE Master Blenders and Mondelez International coffee businesses that created the “pure-play” company known as Jacobs Douwe Egberts. Announcing the move in a statement, …
AG Barr is expanding the Rockstar range by introducing a new variety that will deliver a “cool sensation which adds a new dimension to the drinking experience”. Named Freeze, the new drink will feature a novel “chilling taste sensation” and will be launched in the “refreshing” flavours of Frozen Lime and Frozen Watermelon. The new variants are said to contain the usual blend of caffeine, taurine and B vitamins as …
Brasil Kirin, the Brazilian subsidiary of Kirin Holdings Company, has announced plans to extend its production line in Igarassu, in Pernambuco state, Brazil. The expansion works are reportedly already underway and will be divided into six stages, with an initial investment of R$400 million ($124 million). They are estimated to be completed within the next five years. The expansion covers an area of 38,000 sq m throughout the plant, which …
Drinks manufacturer Volkel has launched three new varieties of fair trade ice tea for consumers in Germany. Certified by the Fair Trade Sustainability Alliance, the new ice teas are described as being the result of alliances with local producers from across the world – namely Egypt, Japan and Argentina. The first of these is a raspberry & hibiscus tea sourced through an alliance with the Egyptian production SEKEM, which is …
Coca-Cola has announced that it is extending its ‘Share a Coke’ campaign to Pakistan with a new variation on the theme for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. As with previous ‘Share A Coke’ campaigns, the strategy is aimed at personalizing the Coca-Cola sharing experience by swapping logos on bottles for names of friends or relations. In the case of Pakistan, the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign will see 500ml, 1L …
Prima Chai is taking “the labour intensive process of preparing traditional Indian tea” by launching a ready-to-drink chai tea for consumers in Canada. According to a press release, the tea was created by Tas Cheema “using a family recipe passed down through generations” after he had identified “the need for an authentic Chai that met the needs of his modern South Asian family”. Commenting on the launch, Mr Cheema said: …
A new RTD canned coffee is set to be launched in Thailand under the Dao brand, according to a report in Press Reader. Available in Iced Classic Blend and Iced Long Black varieties, the product was launched by former Bangkok governor Apirak Osayodhin through a joint venue called V Foods (Thailand), a food and beverage company with registered capital of 10 million baht. According to sources, V Foods signed a …
German tea producer Messmer is tapping into the trend for Japanese green teas with the launch of a new matcha drink in a teabag format. Described as a blend of green tea leaves and Japanese matcha, Messmer matcha tea is claimed to be a “unique tea [that] will give you a feeling of wellness and regeneration [for] moments of wellbeing of particular quality and intensity”. The product is said to …
Candia SA, which is part of French-based dairy cooperative Sodiaal, has signed a deal with Zhejiang International Business (ZIB) to distribute UHT milk and infant formula under the Candia brand in China. Focusing on Greater Shanghai and the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, the joint venture will focus on four methods of distribution: retail stores under the Candia brand which are expected to open at a rate of 10 per year, …
Giant Beverages is launching the new “super-premium” Valmont water brand for the Nigerian market, according to a report in Things New. Promoted as “accompany[ing] fine food and luxurious lifestyle”, the product features “transparent and minimalistic labelling” for “an extra touch of class”, according to sources. The product is being launched in 600ml and 1.5l bottles, as well as in a 750ml sportscap format which is said to be a first …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 26th June 2015: The use of combination packs to target specific health needs is the subject of Gama’s innovation focus for this week, as we look at a new line seeking to unite health drinks and natural snacks through common functional benefits: Daily Serving Functional Juice + Snack Mixes. Comprising a two-part ‘kit’ of a fruit or vegetable drink packaged together …
Coca-Cola Femsa, the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, is looking to enter the Brazilian dairy market through inorganic means, according to a report in Supermercado Moderno. The company is reportedly investigating the possibility of acquiring a Brazilian dairy producer, allowing it to replicate investments already made in Mexico and Panama. Speaking at the inauguration of the company’s newest plant in Minas Gerais, the president of Coca-Cola Femsa Brasil, Jose Ramon Martinez, …
Prairie Farms has launched three limited edition Chef’s Splendour milks which are claimed to “set the standard for new flavour adventures”. Made with “family-sourced reduced fat milk” which is said to be free from artificial growth hormones, the product comes in Sea Salt Caramel, Dark Chocolate Truffle and Vanilla Chai Latte flavours. According to an article in FoodBev, the flavours have been specially crafted by “Prairies Farms’ corporate chef” and …
Finnish food group Raisio has launched Benecol powdered drink in China, partnering with Chinese healthcare group Neptunus. According to a Raisio press release, the firm has been working determinedly to open markets for Benecol products, particularly in Asia and South America which led to the latest launches in Brazil in November 2014, South Korea in February 2015, and the current rollout in China. Olavi Erkinjuntti, Sales Director of Raisio’s Benecol …
Contract Bottling (CBL), a British beverage manufacturer, and Speaking Water Brands have merged to form Clearly Drinks Ltd. CBL produces a wide range of flavoured and natural spring waters and soft drinks for customers in UK, and also exports cordial to the Middle East. Martin Thornton, managing director at Clearly Drinks said: “This is a fantastic opportunity that creates a foundation for further expansion and business growth in all areas. …
Consumers in Japan will be able to purchase a Lemon & Mint flavoured cola under the Pepsi Special brand from July, according to a press release from manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd. The zero-calorie limited edition is the fourth Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) approved cola drink from the brand that is claimed to helps block the absorption of fat into the body. According to Suntory, the new …
Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand (CCANZ), a producer and marketer of soft drinks, has announced that it is to partner with Auckland Airport on the development of a new facility in New Zealand. Under the terms of the partnership, Auckland Airport will reportedly build a 12,000 square metre warehouse to accommodate CCANZ’s manufacturing operations. Chris Litchfield, Managing Director of CCANZ, said: “Auckland Airport has the ability to deliver a product which …
Coca-Cola Femsa has opened the doors to its latest facility in Brazil, located in Itabirito, in the state of Minas Gerais. The result of an investment of US $258 million, the new plant is reported to have been constructed over an area of approximately 65,000 square metres, on a site of around 300,000 square metres. The factory is described as having an annual production capacity of 2.1 billion litres of …
Moscow Brewing Company has been conferred with the exclusive right to produce and distribute the soft drink Irn-Bru in Russia following a long-term licensing contract with A.G. Barr, a UK based soft drink producer. Previously, Irn Bru-sold in Russia was produced by PepsiCo. Moscow Brewing Company will initially launch Irn-Bru in 330ml aluminium cans and 500ml, 1l and 2l PET bottles, according to a report in Upakovano. Commenting on the …
The Coca-Cola Company has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first PET plastic bottle entirely made from plants during the World Expo in Milan, Italy. The pack is the latest development in Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle series. PlantBottle is currently made from sugarcane and waste from the sugarcane manufacturing process using a patented technology that converts natural sugars found in plants into the ingredients for making PET plastic bottles, according to …
Gama spoke to Tim Brown, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Waters North America. What are your day-to-day activities as President & Chief Executive Officer ? As President and CEO of Nestlé Waters North America, I have the opportunity to oversee a complex commercial operation with one goal: bringing healthy, hydrating beverages to homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada. In any given day, I can find myself …
In the US, Estee Lauder has introduced Nutritious Vitality8, a new product range tailored to Asian skin. Promoted as being “infused with our exclusive Pomegranate8 Complex™ to activate the 8 key dimensions of healthy looking vitality for skin that’s Nourished, Hydrated, Energised, Calmed, Supple, Refined, Smoother, Radiant”, the new Nutritious Vitality8 collection features a Radiant Dual-Phase Emulsion priced at $62, a Moisture Creme priced at $62, an Overnight Creme/Mask priced at $68 …
PepsiCo has unveiled four new flavours for its AMP Energy brand line in the USA. New Strawberry Limeade, Passionfruit, Blueberry-White Grape Zero and Watermelon Zero join the existing Original and Cherry Blast variety. Greg Lyons, vice president of marketing, AMP Energy, commented on the release by saying: “We knew energy drink fans were craving some serious flavour innovation in the category. So we made flavor our number one priority when …
Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd has said it will buy Japan Tobacco Inc’s beverage vending machine business for around 150 billion yen ($1.2 billion), according to a report in Reuters. Japan Tobacco announced in February that it would be exiting from the drinks sector, saying that the “operating environment of the beverage business in Japan has become increasingly challenging”. Commenting on the proposed deal at a media briefing, Suntory Beverage …
PepsiCo has unveiled the launch of Pepsi Lemon, a flavoured Pepsi made with lime juice and designed to meet the taste preferences of Hispanic consumers. “Handcrafted” and “made with just the right amount of authentic lime juice”, the new product was developed in collaboration with Adelante, PepsiCo’s employee association that fosters relationships with the Hispanic community, the company said. “Pepsi knows the importance of authentic flavour and delivering on its …
Ito En North America, a Brooklyn based company that focuses on green tea beverages, has partnered with Whole Foods Market to launch a line of unsweetened matcha tea in the USA under the Matcha Love brand name. Matcha Love Organic matcha tea is said to be brewed with 100% organic matcha and whole green tea leaves, and follows the launch in January 2015 of Ito En Matcha Love Culinary Matcha. …
The European Commission has announced that it has conditionally approved the proposed creation of a joint venture between D.E. Master Blenders 1753 B.V. (DEMB) and Mondelez International Inc. The new joint “pure-play” company to be known as Jacobs Douwe Egberts was announced by the two companies in May of last year. Among the conditions for the approval, the EC said that that Mondelez would need to sell its Carte Noire …
Nestle Waters has received an offer for the purchase of its subsidiary Nestle Waters Supply Center that operates the source of Quezac mineral water in France, according to a report in LSA. The purchase offer for the Quezac source, which is located in Ispagnac, Lozere, has been made by entrepeneur Eric Besson. The mooted sale of Quezac – which is fifth in its category and has volume sales of about …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 13th May 2015: The reality of steadily climbing obesity rates across the world has become a hot political topic and, with the threat of increasingly stringent regulation of high-calorie, high-fat and high-sugar food and drinks ever present, the potential impact of rising obesity levels on FMCG categories is now impossible for the industry to ignore. In the latest study of recent product launches reported …
Whole Foods Market is planning to open a sister-chain of smaller, lower cost stores in the USA in response to increasing competition, according to reports from Dow Jones Business News and CNN. Speaking during a conference call, Whole Foods Market said the new stores would be complementary to its existing brand, targeting a type of customer who is cost-conscious but who is also looking for the high standards of food …
India’s 30 year old mango drink brand Frooti has undergone a major revamp, according to articles in FnB News and the Economic Times. The ready to consume mango drink brand owned by Parle Agro is being re-launched in time for summer 2015 with a new visual identity, enhanced recipe, bold packaging and new logo design to exhibit the brand as bold, fearless and iconic. Through this move, Frooti is set …
German drinks business and firm MBG Holdings GmbH (MBG) is to complete the acquisition of The Feel Good Drinks Company (FGD). The initial partnership was established 2 years ago and included a major investment resulting in rapid growth, MBG said in a statement. The recent launch of Feel Good Fruit Teas in Germany and Dubai will be followed by a launch of the products in more markets later this year …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 7th May 2015: In this week’s innovation focus, Gama looks at how growing bottled water sales in the US combined with increased consumer health awareness may start to shape the future of both the bottled water and energy / sports drinks categories, examining a new spring water infused with caffeine and electrolytes – 3 Pure Spring Water. Unveiled in 2014 with …
Arca Continental, Coca-Cola’s second largest bottler and the largest in Latin America, has announced an investment for 2015 of Ps. $5.200 million ($341 million), mainly to strengthen market and sale operations in Mexico and also to establish new production facilities in South America. In addition to automating a plant in Mexico, the company plans the construction of new plants for Coca-Cola and Tonicorp in Ecuador and a new bottling plant …
Orkla ASA has announced that it has signed a new agreement to manage PepsiCo’s brands in Northern Europe. In a statement, the company said that it had begun sales of Tropicana juice in Sweden and Denmark in January 2015, followed by Finland in April. The new agreement also covers Tropicana in Norway, as well as Quaker in the Nordics, and PepsiCo’s snacks in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Peter A. Ruzicka, …
Migrating across London for its latest edition – from its established home at Olympia in Kensington to the more ample surroundings of ExCel in Docklands – Natural & Organic Products Europe returned this April to unveil the latest in “natural, organic, fair trade, free-from, vegan, vegetarian, and eco-living” products from across the world. Along with its relocation, the show boasted a “fresh new look”, attracting around 600 exhibitors and over …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 30th April 2015: The evolution of coconut and chocolate as key ingredients in functional products is Gama’s theme this week, as we look at a “superfood” beverage that brings together raw cacao beans and cold pressed coconut in a new “nutrient rich” product – Rau Chocolate and Coconut Cacao Superfood Drink. An extension to the line of “world first” cacao superfood …
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA (MZB) has announced that it is rolling out a 100% compostable single serve coffee pod in an effort to reduce packaging waste. In a move that is described as a first for the USA, MZB said it would convert its entire portfolio of single-serve coffee pods to the compostable PurPod100™ format by the end of the year. The PurPod100™, developed by Club Coffee of Canada, is …
PepsiCo has recently announced the removal of aspartame from Diet Pepsi against a backdrop of falling sales and consumer safety concerns. As reported by USA Today, an aspartame-free Diet Pepsi “sweetened with sucralose and ace-K” will be available for consumers from August. The source also reports PepsiCo as saying that the new Diet Pepsi “tastes the same as the old one”, while large lettering on the packaging will make it …
Intermarche is rolling out a new concept for the fresh juice category through the use of branding that tells the consumer the precise time the product was made. Featuring a predominantly white label, the primary ‘brand’ of the supermarket’s new orange juice is a time stamp in 24-hour format that is said to indicate the exact moment when the juice was pressed and bottled. Dubbed “le jus le plus frais” …
Coca-Cola is to acquire the Chinese red bean and green drinks maker Culiangwang Beverages, according to a report in Reuters. Valued at $400.5 million including debt, the deal will reportedly allow Coca-Cola to expand its presence in the multi grain beverages market. “The proposed acquisition is in line with Coca-Cola China’s strategy to continue providing a diverse range of beverage products to Chinese consumers with plant-based protein drinks representing a …
Nestle Waters is looking to expand its carbonated water business in the USA as sales of bottled water begin to outpace soft drinks, according to a report in the Wall St Journal cited by CPSnet. The company will tap into the trend for flavoured waters both by launching new products and by expanding capacity, with seven new production lines set to be built in 2015. New products are said to …
Coca-Cola is extending its bottled water line in Japan with the launch of a Tomato flavour under the I Lohas brand. According to the company, the natural water contains tomato extract, made with “carefully selected” tomatoes from Kumamoto prefecture. The water has “fruity sweetness and a light aftertaste” for those who do not like tomato juice. It also contains 40mg of sodium per 100ml and is therefore advertised as “suitable …
Coca-Cola has announced that it is investing in two new production lines in Indonesia with the aim of accelerating growth over the next 3-4 years. “We consider Indonesia a dynamic and promising market and one of the growth engines to achieve our long-term vision,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company. “Our Company’s US $500 million investment reaffirms our belief in Indonesia and will help us capture the …
French retailer Monoprix is investing in a new private label line called Monoprix P’tit Prix. Translating as “small price”, the new line is said to provide affordable alternatives with no compromise on quality. Described as being focused on ‘core’ grocery products, Monoprix P’tit Prix is claimed by the retailer to offer flagship everyday products at a lower cost to consumers, rather than being an attempt to compete with discount chains. Packaging …
Starbucks is to start selling an exclusive smoothie line in 4,300 outlets across the US through a partnership with the dairy giant Danone, according to a report in 4-Traders. The new product will reportedly feature Starbucks’s Evolution Fresh Juice blended with a Dannon Greek yoghurt and will be sold at shops in Washington State, Oregon, Alaska, Northern California and Idaho. Priced at $5.95 for a 16-ounce size, the smoothies will …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it is to invest €102 million ($108 million) to upgrade facilities and expand capacity at its coffee facility in Girona, Spain, according to a report in Distribucion Actualidad. The project will reportedly see production capacity at the facility increase by 30%, making it the largest soluble coffee factory in Europe. The latest investment is said to be focused entirely on meeting export demand, especially …
Gama spoke to David Butler, Vice President, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Coca-Cola. What are your day-to-day activities as Vice President, Innovation and Entrepreneurship? My current focus is leading our Coca-Cola Founders platform. We’ve designed a repeatable and scalable model for co-creating seed-stage startups with a global network of founders. I spend the majority of my time working directly with our portfolio companies on various aspects of their businesses and with …
Karlovarske Mineralni Vody (KMV), the largest producer of mineral and spring water in Central and Eastern Europe, has announced that it has recently finalized the acquisition of Kekkuti Asvanyviz Zrt, a Hungarian bottled water manufacturer owned by Nestle Waters. Krkkuti Asvanyviz Zrt. is one of the leading manufacturers of bottled water in Hungary, offering traditional Hungarian brands such as Theodora Kekkuti and Theodora Kereki, Alessandro Pasquale, chief executive of KMV, …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 26th March 2015: Climatic features such as average summer temperature correlate with interesting variations in category distribution in the non-alcoholic drinks industry, the latest research from Gama Compass™ has revealed. Based on data from the last 12 month period, Gama has found that new product activity in the fruit & vegetable drinks & juices is more prominent in countries with hot (>25°C) and cool …
Starbucks has announced the signing of a partnership with Taiwanese food and beverage producer Tingyi Holding Corp to expand distribution of its products in China. Under the terms of the agreement, Tingyi, the second largest seller of drinks products in China, will manufacture and sell the Starbucks RTD portfolio in China and help the American brand to expand its distribution in the beverage market. Meanwhile Starbucks is to be responsible …
Suntory Beverage & Food has announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Kellogg for the launch of a new on-the-go breakfast product in Japan – Kellogg’s Drinkable Breakfast Fruit Granola. Kellogg’s Drinkable Breakfast Fruit Granola is said to have been developed independently by Suntory, leveraging its flavour-development technology and Kellogg’s extensive experience in nutritional design. Promoted as “suitable for the busy 20-30 year olds who are most likely …
Meiji has announced the launch of new energy drink in Japan specifically targeting new mothers. The new drink, called Mama Up, is being made available under the Meiji Bio Mama brand from 20th March. According to Meiji, Mama Up targets breastfeeding mothers concerned about the potential side effects of conventional energy drinks. Unlike regular products, Mama Up is claimed to be free from caffeine, alcohol and preservatives and is also …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 5th March 2015: This week Gama revisits the trend for textural variety in food and drinks products with a look at a new juice blend containing nuts, seeds and berry pieces – Harvest Soul Chewable Juice. Promoted as being “unlike typical juice drinks”, Harvest Soul Chewable Juice from Harvest Soul Inc. in the USA features a blend of “fruits, vegetables and …
Danone, together with Sumol+Compal, the owner of the Um Bongo brand, has created a new liquid yoghurt for the Portuguese market designed to be consumed through a straw, according to a report in Grande Consumo. The new yoghurt, which comes in a conventional plastic pot, is said to target children’s lunch boxes and features characters familiar to the Um Bongo brand including Elephant and Goronel the Gorilla Goronel.. Commenting on …
Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd has announced that it is launching a new yogurt-flavoured bottled water in Japan from April 2015. Named Yogurina, the new product will be the latest to be added under the Suntory Tennensui (Suntory Natural Water) bottled water brand, and is described as being clear in colour but also as having a “rich yet light sweet yogurt flavour”. According to the manufacturer, the product is based …
FAL Food & Beverages has recently announced the introduction of what it claims to be an Australian first – Coco Joy Flavoured Coconut Milk. Newly launched on the Australian market, the coconut milk is said to be a “healthy, refreshing, dairy-free alternative to flavoured milks”. Made with “real brown coconuts from Southeast Asia’s coconut groves”, the milk is available in Chocolate, Banana and Coffee flavours and is free from dairy, …
The Consumer Affairs Agency has approved two new beer-flavoured non-alcohol drinks products for sale in Japan, the first products of their kind in the country to be given FOSHU approval. According to an article in Mainichi, both Sapporo Breweries and Kao Corp have received the necessary approvals to launch FOSHU non-alcohol beer flavoured drinks. Intially deemed to be potentially inappropriate by authorities due to the possible attraction for minors, the …
Switzerland-based multinational Nestle has released its financial statement for 2014, showing an increase in organic sales over the prior year period. Nestle said that total sales of CHF 91.6 billion ($96.9 billion) for the year represented 4.5% organic growth and 2.3% real internal growth over 2013, despite an actual fall of 0.6% due to negative foreign exchange. Net profit meanwhile rose CHF 4.4 billion to CHF 14.5 billion ($15.3 billion). …
A.G. Barr PLC, the soft drinks group behind brands such as Irn-Bru, has announced that it has acquired Funkin Limited, a UK-based producer of cocktail products. A.G. Barr said that it had purchased Funkin from its founding shareholders for an initial cash consideration of £16.5 million ($25.3 million) plus up to a further £4.5 million ($6.9 million) depending on certain financial performance targets. Funkin offers a broad range of premium …
Deutsche SiSi-Werke Betriebs GmbH, the company behind the Capri-Sonne brand, has announced the launch of an organic fruit puree in Germany under the Fruit Snack name. This new product, especially targeted at kids, is described as consisting of a fruit puree made with certified organic fruits without any other added ingredients. Besides being an extension into the organic sector, Capri-Sonne Fruit Snack is also claimed to place greater emphasis on …
Gerolsteiner, the leading German mineral water company, has reported an increase in sales in 2014 of 5%, according to a report in the Frankfurter Allgemeiner. The company recorded that total revenue for the year rose to €235.3 million ($267.7 million), while sales volumes also increased 3.7% to 6.6 million hectolitres. Axel Dahm, general manager of Gerolsteiner, commented that it had been “a satisfying year”. The company had seen sales growth …
Coca-Cola Brazil is to invest R$ 2.7 billion ($0.95 billion) in new production and distribution capacity over the course of 2015, according to a report in Supermercado Moderno. The sum, part of a planned investment of R$ 4.1 billion for the period 2012-2016, will be used to open five new production lines and two distribution centres, according to reports. Compared to the previous year, Coca Cola said the budget for …
Japanese FMCG firm Kirin Holdings Company is looking to introduce its beverage range into the Philippines, according to a report in Pack Web Asia. The move would reportedly be made through San Miguel Brewery (SMB), a company in which Kirin owns a 48.39% stake. Kirin currently produces and sells water, carbonated soft drinks, juice and RTD tea in countries including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia & Brazil, and would introduce its …
Lactel, a French producer of milk and other dairy products, has announced the launch of Milk’n Go, a new dairy drink targeting the young adult market. A blend of dairy ingredients, fruit puree and cereals, the product is designed as a snack or as on-the-go breakfast alternative, according to a report in LSA. Commenting on the launch, Etienne Verdier, Lactel sales director, said: “To kick start growth, it’s up to …
Mondelez International, the company behind brands including Cadbury, Oreo, Lu and Philadelphia, has reported that it generated $34.2 billion of revenue in 2014, including a negative 5.1 percentage point impact from currency, representing a drop of 3.0% on the previous year. Operating income meanwhile fell 18.4% to $3.2 billion, including a negative 12.4 percentage point impact from restructuring costs and a negative 8.7 percentage point impact from cycling the prior-year reversal …
Campbell Soup is expanding its range under the V8 brand with the launch of a new shelf-stable beverage range featuring vegetables with a “touch of fruit”. The new line-up includes four varieties: Healthy Greens with spinach, yellow carrots, apples & pineapple, Purple Power with purple carrots, beets & apple, Golden Goodness with sweet potatoes, yellow carrots, orange carrots & orange, and Carrot Mango with a blend of carrot and mango …
Japan Tobacco Inc (JT), a manufacturer of cigarettes and grocery products, has announced that it has decided to end production and sale of all beverages by the end of September 2015 due to severe market competition and lack of scale. JT entered the beverage business in 1988 and is especially known for its Roots brand of RTD coffee and flavoured bottled water in Japan. The company is the 10th largest …
Nestle has extended its Nespresso coffee capsule range with new decaffeinated varieties. The company said it had selected three of its most popular Grand Cru coffee varieties and turned them into a decaffeinated version. The new decaffeinated Grands Crus will replace Decaffeinato and Decaffeinato Lungo, joining Decaffeinato Intenso to total 4 decaffeinated coffees within the Nespresso range “The new coffees were especially crafted to match the exceptional character and aroma …
Dannon, the US arm of Danone, has introduced a new high-protein milkshake drink as it tries to tap into demand for on-the-go, high protein products. The new Dannon Light & Fit range is said to contain 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre per serving, as well as being free of fat. Commenting on the launch, Amanda Soled, Registered Dietitian and Associate Health Affairs Manager at The Dannon …
Consumer goods giant Unilever has detailed its global financial performance for 2014, revealing modest growth figures in what it described as “tougher markets”. Underlying sales rose 2.9%, although turnover declined 2.7% to €48.4 billion ($56.1 billion) including a negative currency impact of 4.6%, the company said. The firm reported a slowdown in growth in emerging countries, citing “economic pressures” which “impacted consumer demand”. Growth in these markets was 5.7% whilst …
Rhodes Food, Africa’s leading producer of canned fruit and vegetables, has agreed to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Pacmar, according to a report from CNBC Africa. The purchase will be completed through its wholly-owned subsidiary Rhodes Food Group Proprietary Limited for a price of 165 million rand ($5.6 million), according to information. Pacmar is a contract packaging company supplying wine, fruit juice and other liquid beverages. Commenting …
The Italian coffee firm Lavazza Group has made a definitive offer to acquire the French coffee brands L’Or and Grand Mere, according to media reports. Lavazza has reportedly confirmed its binding offer to the brands’ owners Mondelez and Douwe Egberts Master Blenders, saying they are confident of closing the deal within 2015. L’Or is the producer of coffee capsules compatible with Nestle’s Nespresso machines while Grand Mere is a brand …
Exclusively online and for the Brazilian market, PepsiCo is launching its new fruit-flavoured water brand Drinkfinity. Described by the company as a “personal and portable hydration system”, the new product system is composed of a reusable plastic bottle dubbed “Vessel” that is designed to be used in conjunction with Pods – small capsules containing a blend of flavouring and nutrients in liquid or powder form which are inserted into the …
Ito En, Japan’s largest tea company and beverage manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of the US coffee company Distant Lands Trading (DLTC) for 10 billion yen ($83 million). DLTC specializes in custom roast coffees for private label grocery and food service clients and also sources premium green coffees direct from origin for specialty coffee roasters, as well as private label brands. Through the move, Ito En is aiming to expand …
Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer in the world by volume, will be the site of a new production facility for Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee capsules, Nestle’s first such plant outside Europe. The new facility is the result of a CHF 72 million ($73 million) investment and is intended to supply Brazil and other Latin American countries where demand for coffee products is rising. Nescafe Dolce Gusto is the most …
Wessanen, a leading player in the European natural and organics market, has announced that it has signed an agreement with the owners of Abafoods to acquire the company for a purchase consideration of €52 million ($65 million) on a cash and debt free basis. Abafoods is a European specialist in organic non-dairy drinks, producing goods based on rice, coconut, almond, oat, spelt and soy. The company operates an advanced manufacturing …
Danone has announced that investment in Africa and retaining its medical nutrition business are part of the company’s strategic focus for the next few years. In an interview with the Financial Times, Danone’s new chief executive Emmanuel Faber confirmed that the firm would not be selling off its medical nutrition arm, valued at approximately €3 billion, despite speculation over a possible divestment in recent months. Mr Faber reiterated his “commitment …
CH’I, a manufacturer of herbal extract drinks, is releasing two new “herbal refreshers” for the summer season in New Zealand. The new CH’I Herbal Lemon is described as featuring the handcrafted extract from an ancient herbal blend with lemon juice and cane sugar in mineral water. CH’I Lemon Grass and Lime contains extract of lemongrass with lime and cane sugar in sparkling mineral water. The original version of the beverage …
ITC Ltd has plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore ($160 million) in the dairy and juice businesses in the first quarter of 2015, according to a report in the Economic Times. The expansion will reportedly involves setting up new production facilities in Munger, Punjab,Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. While ITC’s foray into juice began earlier in the year with the acquisition of the Be Natural brand for about …
Coca Cola’s plans to open a new bottling facility in the Indian province of Karnataka are one step closer to fruition, according to a report in Business Today. Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages , part of the Coca Cola group has confirmed the investment of more than Rs 1,000 crore ($160 million) to construct a new facility in the state’s northern region. The new facility will be developed on a 250 …
Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur (ICBP), part of the Indofood Group, has acquired a 100% stake in Danone’s dairy operations in Indonesia as it looks to strengthen its own dairy production, according to a report in the Jakarta Post. The deal includes Danone Dairy Indonesia’s trademarks and industrial design for its top selling product, Milkuat, the company announced. The acquisition, valued at Rp 250 billion ($20.53 million), is expected to be …
The Italian coffee company Lavazza Coffee is entering the instant coffee market for the first time with the launch of the limited edition, Prontissimo! brand exclusively for the UK market. Lavazza UK’s managing director David Rogers commented: “With a strong Italian heritage, our core focus has traditionally been the espresso market. We cannot, though, ignore the UK’s love affair with instant coffee and the opportunity that comes with it being …
In an extension to its recently-launched 250ml format, Coca Cola has unveiled a range of brightly-coloured pack designs for the summer season in Australia. The range, launched with the hashtag #colouryoursummer, is available in a choice of vibrant hues ranging from green and blue to pink, purple and orange. The new packs are the first design change for the Coca Cola brand in Australia since the “Share a Coke” campaign. …
Coca Cola, through its Frescolita brand of cream soda, has expanded its social media presence in Venezuela through the launch of a digital platform related to traditional Venezuelan food. According to Confirmado, the new platform, which is called “El Radar del Sabor” (“The Flavour Radar”) will help users find, recommend, rate and share the best places to eat traditional foods, as well as allowing also them to share recipes and …
The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments (GFI, majority shareholders in Coca-Cola Sabco) have closed a deal on a joint bottling venture in South and East Africa. The new bottler, operating under the name of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, will serve 12 high-growth countries accounting for approximately 40 per cent of all Coca-Cola beverage volumes in Africa, Coca Cola announced.The new company will be the largest Coca Cola bottler …
The Coca Cola Company is planning a move into the dairy market with the launch of a new milk brand called “Fairlife”, according to a report in the Guardian. The new product, which is due to be launched in the US next month, is said to cost twice as much as regular milk and to contain 50% more protein and 30% less sugar. Coca Cola’s global chief customer officer, Sandy …
Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group (MZB Group), the leading private group in the global coffee market, has made another step towards its consolidation process in Asia with the opening of its first roasting plant in Vietnam. The new plant, located in the industrial district of Ho Chi Minh city, covers a surface area of over 5,000 square metres and will produce annually more than 3,000 tonnes of roasted coffee, destined to …
The London-based drinks firm Britvic has reported its preliminary financial results for the fiscal year ended 28th September, posting Group EBIT of £158.1 million ($249.5 million), up 17.6% , and revenue growth of 2.4% to £1,344.4 million (2,121.9 million). For the new financial year, the company expects operating profit between £164 million and £173 million ($259 million and $273 millino), underpinned by strategic cost-saving initiatives. Last year cost savings came …
Japanese foods producer Ajigen has launched its new Magic Extract powder – a product designed to be used to add flavour to beer. Ajigen Magic Extract – labelled “makes beer more delicious” – is set to be rolled out at the start of December and follows last year’s launch by the company of a seasoning powder for ramen noodles. Sold in a pouch, the product comes in three fruit-flavoured varieties …
Danone has expanded its product portfolio in Latin America with the launch of a new flavoured water called We by Ser. The product is being launched in four varieties – lemonwe (lemon), pomelwe (grapefruit), citruswe (citrus) and naranwe (orange) – and is described as being naturally flavoured, sugar free and with “the ideal amount” of carbonation. The line is being promoted with the slogan “our meal habits have changed, and …
Mondelez International, one of the leading global coffee players, is planning to invest £30 million ($47 million) in its UK factory in Banbury to expand production of its Tassimo beverage capsules. The Tassimo brand has become Europe’s fastest growing single-serve system, partnering with brands including Jacobs, Costa in coffee and Cadbury in hot chocolate, according to Mondelez. The expansion is part of Mondelez International’s multi-year investment across its European manufacturing …
PepsiCo has divested its company-owned bottling operations in North India to its franchisee bottling partner Varum Beverages. According to a report in the Economic Times, the move forms part of a battle for market share in India with fierce rival Coca Cola. Chairman and CEO at PepsiCo India D Shivakumar is reported as commenting: “We are expanding our partnership with a strategic partner who understands the local market and has …
KeVita, a producer of sparkling probiotic drinks, has partnered with Whole Food Market to launch the new KeVita range of Cleansing Probiotic Tonics. The new functional drink, which will be made available in more than 300 Whole Food Market stores, is said to offer restorative benefits and feature significant doses of functional ingredients in addition to the brand’s other attributes including low calorie, USDA Organic, gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan benefits. …
The world’s sixth largest consumer health and pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson has acquired the energy drink brand ORSL from Jagdale Industries for an undisclosed amount. According to the terms of the deal, Jagdale Industries will provide transition services in the area of manufacturing, detailing and distribution of its flagship ORSL health drink. ORSL is described as a a patented fruit based electrolyte energy drink that is well known in …
DS Services, a national direct-to-consumer provider of bottled water, office coffee and water filtration services, is to be acquired by Cott Corporation, a manufacturer of soft drinks products. In a statement, Cott said DSS Group had entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Cott Corporation for approximately $1.25 billion or approximately 7.1x 2014E adjusted DSS EBITDA, including the assumption of debt and the issuance of preferred shares …
Dr Chung’s Food is launching new texture-enhanced version of its Vegemil soy drink in South Korea. According to sources, the UHT drink contains apple and mango juice and pieces of nata de coco and peach and is targeted at women. Hwan Jung, marketing director at Dr. Chung’s Food, commented: “With this product we want to attract a new target group: young consumers. Our primary target audience is young women who …
Coca Cola Amatil (CCA) has signed an agreement through which Coca-Cola Company will invest $500 million into the Indonesian subsidiary of CCA in return for an ordinary equity ownership interest of 29.4%. CCA’s Group Managing Director Alison Watkins commented: “This is an exciting development for both CCA and The Coca Cola Company. With a population of more than 240 million and a fast-growing emerging middle class, Indonesia is a key …
Coco Pro has launched what it claims to be the world’s first high protein coconut water, containing 20 grams of whey protein isolate per 330ml serving. Designed as a post-workout drink to deliver muscle recovery and hydration, CocoPro is said to be made with 100% natural ingredients and no added sugar. It is also described as fat and cholesterol free, low in carbohydrates, and contains 135.3 calories per serving. CocoPro …
MANCHESTER – 31st October 2014: The Halloween phenomenon, and the revenue opportunities it generates, is making the 31st October an increasingly significant date for FMCG companies. Sales of food and drink products, alongside those of costumes, decorations and other accessories, continue to grow, as Halloween increasingly makes its presence felt both in its traditional territory of North America and also in newer markets such as Europe, where the occasion is …
SIAL, the world’s leading trade fair for the food and drinks industry, returned in 2014 for its latest instalment. 2014 was an opportunity to mark the show’s 50 year presence on the FMCG scene and a diverse range of commemorative events helped to contribute to the sense of occasion. The mood was upbeat as more than 150,00 visitors packed into the show’s eight exhibition pavilions. In line with its self-avowed …
Coca Cola Israel has launched a campaign for its Diet Coke brand centred on unique computer-generated labels, PSFK reports. The company’s “Stay Extraordinary” campaign, which aims to emphasise the uniqueness of each Diet Coke drinker, has seen the creation of 2 million individual bottle designs through a special computer algorithm. The labels are available for 51oz, 17oz and 12oz packs of Diet Coke and are by backed by additional promotional …
Compania Natural de Iniciativas Compartidas (Conicom), together with Hijos de Rivera affiliate Customdrinks, has launched PinkCow Cardiotonica, a new heart-healthy functional drink with vitamin B1. PinkCow Cardiotonica features a low-calorie formula that is described as rich in vitamin B1 (0.165mg or 15% RDA per 100 ml), said to help improve cardiovascular and nervous system function as well as contributing to a healthy metabolism. As part of the development process, the …
Hindustan Unilever, the Indian unit of consumer goods giant Unilever Plc, has reported double-digit sales increase for the second quarter of its financial year. The company announced that, during the quarter ending 30th September 2014, the Domestic Consumer business grew by 10%, ahead of market, with 5% underlying volume growth. Double-digit growth was recorded in soaps & detergents, packaged foods and water, while beverages saw volume-led growth in tea & …
Leading global brewer SABMiller has reported its second quarter financials, with beer volumes declining by 3%. SABMiller said overall revenues rose 3% in the three months to the end of September, helped primarily by soft drinks. While total volumes were down 1%, soft drinks sales (which account for 20% of SABMiller’s sales volumes) bucked the trend with a 9% rise. Overall drinks volume in Asia Pacific fell 8% in the …
Ocean Spray has revealed the launch of Ocean Spray Pact, a new product made with cranberry extract and purified water. According to Ocean Spray, Pact contains PACs (proanthocyanidins) extracted from cranberries which are said to help the body to “cleanse and purify better than water alone”. “Consumers are looking to hydrate in a more meaningful way,” said Ken Romanzi, chief operating officer of global brands at Ocean Spray. “They want …
PepsiCo, the beverage & snacks company, has reported its Q3 results, posting an increase of 3.1% in organic revenues with beverages and snacks increasing by 1%. Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said: “We delivered good third quarter results in the face of an ongoing challenged macroeconomic environment driven by increasing volatility in the emerging markets and continued sluggish consumer demand in developed markets”. Ms Nooyi continued: “Our organic revenue grew …
Sunny Delight Beverages (SDCB) has revealed Sparkling Fruit2O Lime Twist, its latest fruit-flavored sparkling water drink range featuring a hint of lime. The launch comes as a result of research which the company says shows that many consumers already add lime to their favourite drinks. “Our line of Sparkling Fruit2O Lime Twists provides a completely unique offering in the sparkling beverage category. This new line has helped us to rise …
PepsiCo is diversifying its Pepsi cola range with the launch of a new brand, Pepsi True. Pepsi True is a new stevia-sweetened product that will be available exclusively for online purchase on Amazon. With 30% fewer calories than standard cola, Pepsi True hits shelves shortly after the launch of the stevia-sweetened Life brand from rival Coca Cola, and two years after the launch of Pepsi’s own mid-calorie brand Next. Although …
Colruyt, a Belgian supermarket chain primarily focused on discount retailing, is opening a new ‘deli’ concept store with the aim of showcasing quality artisanal produce. According to De Standaard, the store, named ‘Cru’, will not have a discount focus and will instead replicate the feel of a farm shop – from the rustic ‘farm’ styling through to the layout: the space is primarily given over to fresh food departments such …
Gama spoke to Cristiana Arcangeli, Chief Executive Officer, Beauty’in. What are your day-to-day activities as Chief Executive Officer? I am involved in all processes, but am more focused in product development, marketing and sales. I also do research into new ingredients, packaging, and marketing strategy. What key trends do you expect to shape food and drink innovation in 2014? Functional products is a growing market. That’s why this year …
PepsiCo has announced the opening of its newest R&D centre which is located at Dubiotech in Dubai, UAE. Gulf News reports the comany as saying that the facility will be a hub of new products and flavours for Pepsico’s regional businesses. The new centre is described as featuring a culinary centre and test laboratories that will be used to create PepsiCo food and beverage brands adapted to local taste preferences. …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trentesaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the show this October. What are your day to day activities? Well, it is certainly a busy life with teams to manage not only in Paris but also across the world, now that we have 10 different shows from America (north and south) to the Middle East, from China to the Phillipines and Indonesia. This requires …
PepsiCo Philippines has announced plans to invest P650 million ($14.6 million) in a new facility in its home country as it seeks to expand its presence in the country from beverages into food, Business World reports. The company, which is a licensee of PepsiCo, Inc. and Pepsi Lipton International Ltd. and produces non-alcoholic drinks under brands such as Pepsi-Cola, 7Up, Mountain Dew, Mirinda, MUG, Gatorade, Lipton, Tropicana/Twister, Propel and Sting, …
McDonald’s Canada has concluded a partnership with Kraft Canada to enter into supermarkets across the country with the McCafe brand. By the end of the month the fast food chain will produce and distribute McCafe Premium Roast Coffee in multiple formats, including fine grind as well as single-cup brewing systems such as Tassimo and Keurig. A similar move has recently been announced by McDonald’s in the USA, but there the …
Nestle has announced a five year plan that will see it invest ZAR 2 billion ($200 million) over the next five years to upgrade facilities at its production plants in South Africa. Announcing the strategy in a statement, Nestle said the new investment would be focused on capacity building, general capital refurbishment, biomass boilers and converting its Mossel Bay dairy factory to a water neutral one. The new investment was …
A new production facility manufacturing coffee capsules for the Nescafe Dolce Gusto range has opened its doors in Germany. Based in Schwerin, the plant is described as being the result of a €200 million ($259 million) investment and has a production capacity of around 2 billion capsules per year. As such it is the largest and most advanced plant for the production of Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsules in Europe. It …
The Evolution Fresh brand line, part of the Starbucks group since 2011, has been expanded to include new varieties based on organic chia. The new Cold-Pressed Organic Splendid Carrot smoothie is said to feature carrots accented with a sweet citrus burst from orange and pineapple. Chia seed powder, cucumber, ginger and turmeric are said to combine to provide a nourishing and bright celebration of carrot. Meanwhile Cold-Pressed Organic Avocado Greens …
Coca-Cola South Pacific has recently revealed a range of 250ml slim line cans for its Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Vanilla Coke, Fanta, Lift and Sprite drinks. Priced at AU$2.00 ($1.87), the cans, which are smaller than the conventional size, are said by Australian Food News to “feature the iconic Coke contour visuals”. Speaking about the range, Antoinette Tyrrell, Marketing Manager Coca-Cola South Pacific, said: “The 250ml pack size provides …
The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola) and Monster Beverage Corporation (Monster) have announced a new definitive agreements for a long-term strategic partnership between the companies. The deal, announced in a statement, is valued at $2.15 billion dollars and will see Coca-Cola acquire a 16.7% stake in Monster. As part of the agreement, Coca-Cola and Monster have agreed to respectively transfer their energy and non-energy businesses to the other. Coca-Cola will transfer ownership …
Kruger Group, a manufacturer of branded and private label consumer products including coffee, chocolate and food ingredients, has posted a 9% increase in its annual sales, Lebensmittel Praxis reports. According to company financials for FY 2013, total sales for the group rose to €1.95 billion ($2.6 billion) and, for the first time in a number of years, the company recorded growth not only in export markets but also domestically. Chocolate …
Melbourne-based company Greene St Juice Co has launched a range of cold-press juice – dubbed “organic elixirs” – in Australia. Promoted as being made with Australian produce and featuring selected herbs and super foods, the line is based on a belief “that local organic produce has a powerful vibration of healing energy and balance for the mind, body and spirit”. The range was founded by Natalie and Steve Warner who …
Britvic, the British soft drinks company, is set for expansion into Asia by launching its products in 25,000 stores in India over the next three months, the Economic Times reports. Britvic will reportedly begin by introduced its top-selling product Robinsons Fruit Shoot in ten Indian cities to compete with local company Dabur’s Real brand of fruit juice. It is said to be in conversations with both independents and large retail …
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. has acquired Mighty Leaf Tea in a partnership with private investment firm Next World Group, Food Business News reports. The acquisition of Mighty Leaf Tea, a handcrafted tea manufacturer which makes artisanal teas in a compostable mesh pouch, is aimed at bolstering Peet’s presence in the premium tea market. Mighty Leaf Tea will continue to operate independently and will have full access to Peet’s resources, …
Spanish dairy cooperative Covap has launched a new version of its Cowkids Chocolate Milk featuring images of characters from Marvels’ Avengers. The new 1.5 litre format comes in a range of designs based on popular Avengers superhero characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor. In addition to the new design, the 1.5 litre format is said to have a number of ergonomic advantages. These include a wider cap …
New Zealand beverage manufacturer Frucor has announced the launch of a new version of its V branded iced coffee – V Double Espresso. According to information, the product follows the traditional V Iced Coffee recipe but contains twice the ‘hit’ of caffeine and guarana with 322 calories per 475ml bottle. Initially launched for two weeks in July, the new variant was available in 7 / Eleven stores with a launch …
Technology giant Vodafone and Eataly, the gourmet Italian retail and restaurant chain, are collaborating on a new online grocery platform that will allow users to order and pay for products using their smartphone. Dubbed SmartPoster, the system uses “intelligent posters” displaying products available to order. Users select the products they want from the poster by means of NFC, QR codes or optical recognition to start filling their virtual shopping trolley, …
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the US soft drinks company, has reported an increase in net income and net sales for its second fiscal quarter despite being hit by consumers switching to diet beverages. Net income increased by 35% on the prior year period to $210 million, while net sales rose 1% to $1,631 million, as a sales volume increase, favourable product and package mix and pricing were partially offset by …
Gama spoke to Emanuel Gävert, Global Innovation Manager, Mondelez International. What are your day to day activities as Global Innovation Manager? They are very varied depending on the specific agenda at any given time. A typical month, however, would range from blue sky ideation sessions, consumer immersions, positioning workshops, communications development and leaping sessions through to detailed P&L discussions with specific markets, or cross functional team meetings to resolve executional …
Unilever has unveiled its H1 financial results, revealing that its overall sales have been impacted by slow growth in its food businesses and in emerging economies, as well as declining prices in developed economies. The multinational posted total sales for the first half of 2014 of €24.1bn ($32.5bn), with underlying sales growth beneath analyst estimates at 3.7%. Speaking to Reuters, Unilever’s Chief Financial Officer Jean-Marc Huet commented: “Overall there’s a slowdown …
Coca-Cola Co. has reported its sales for its fiscal second quarter, revealing results below analyst expectations. The lower than expected numbers were primarily due to poorer performance in its flagship North American market where demand weakened for Diet Coke, according to media reports. Sales volume in North America was flat despite a significant increase in marketing around the World Cup. Carbonates including Coke, Fanta and Sprite saw gains, but executives …
Juan Valdez, the Colombian coffee shop chain backed by the the Colombian Coffee Federation, has opened its first outlet in Florida as it looks to take on Starbucks in the latter’s home market. Procaferol SA, the company which manages the Juan Valdez brand, has plans to open 60 new coffee shops in Florida over the next five years. The first has opened in the centre of Miami with a further …
The Coca Cola Company plans to invest $8.2 billion over the next 6 years in Mexico, Food Business News reports. This combined with previous amounts will add up to a total of over $12.4 billion worth of investments during a 10 year period (2010-2020), the company said. The new investment will be allocated to increased infrastructure and production capacity, new jobs, and developing a product range which includes 70 brands …
Nestle has extended its Pure Life water brand in the USA, with a new fruit-flavoured Exotics range, Just Drinks reports. Described by Nestle as being “made by infusing all-natural essences of exotic fruits into sparkling water”, the range is free from both calories and sweeteners, according to packaging claims. Exotics targets consumers “who are moving away from carbonated soft drinks and other sugary beverages towards water as healthy hydration”, the …
Gama spoke to Andre Jacques, Global Innovation & Marketing Services Director, Unicer. What are your day to day activities as Global Innovation & Marketing Services Director? This is a new position, bringing together five different areas: Insights, Category Development, Innovation (project and process management as well as R&D), Interactive Marketing and finally retailer Loyalty Programmes. This means that, besides the challenge of bringing all this together in a meaningful way …
The American coffee company Starbucks has announced that it is opening its first coffee shop in Colombia. The opening, in the capital Bogota, makes Colombia the 62nd country where Starbucks operates. The outlet is be the first of 50 stores that the American company is planning to open until 2018 in Colombia, America Economia reports. Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, commented: “We want customers get into our stores and immediately …
The FIFA World Cup in Brazil is expected to generate revenues of R$ 1.8 billion ($810 million) in retail food and drink sales, according to figures from the Sao Paulo Supermarket Association (APAS). Quoting APAS, Giro News reports that the categories seeing the biggest lift over the four weeks of the competition have been beer, soft drinks, processed meat and barbecue foods. APAS also reports that many fans in Brazil …
Private equity firm Brynwood Partners VII has bought the struggling Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA, Food Business News reports. Specialised in reduced sugar products for children, the Juicy Juice brand has seen its sales drop back in recent years due to increasing concern about healthy products. “We look forward to bringing renewed focus and attention to this great brand that has, and continues to hold, a special place with …
Gama spoke to Oliver Perez, Marketing Director, Danone Portugal. What are your day to day activities as Marketing Director? As Marketing Director, my personal objective – and that of my department – is to oversee profitable growth for our company. In order to structure our work, we split our brands into two areas. Firstly, international brands, where our focus is on the implementation of promotional activities and innovation, managing the …
A malt soft drink called Vigo is set to hit shelves in South Africa after showing positive results in other African markets. The drink’s manufacturer, Namibia Breweries Ltd, has chosen South Africa as the latest market for the drink, as a result of the brand’s success in Botswana and Zambia where it was launched in late 2013. Fastmoving reports that the brand has proven the opportunity for a malt-based soft …
The US Supreme Court has recently ruled that POM Wonderful LLC may take Coca-Cola to court over claims that the latter’s marketing of Minute Maid pomegranate blueberry juice is misleading to consumers. Food Business News reports that the juice contains 0.3% pomegranate juice and 0.2% blueberry juice while less expensive apple and grape juice combine to make more than 99% of the drink. The report goes on to describe that …
This week, Gama takes a closer look at the debut of Coca-Cola Life, a new lower-sugar version of the soft drink slated for launch in the UK this autumn. Life is Coca-Cola’s first major UK brand launch since Coca-Cola Zero in 2006. Positioned as a “lower calorie” cola with 37% less sugar than regular Coca-Cola, Life is sweetened with a combination of standard sugar and the much in-vogue sweetener stevia. …
Energy drink company Mother has recently launched a new product called Revive which it is positioning as a “morning beverage”. According to Australian Food News, Mother Revive has a lemon & lime flavour and contains caffeine, tea and yerba mate to give a “morning lift”. Commenting on the launch, Pamela Wyatt, Mother Marketing Manager, said: “Mother Revive provides Aussies with a wakeup call for the mornings when they are most …
A paper-based water bottle has recently been launched by Australian beverage company, Do Water, in a move which is described as a first for the Australian market. According to the company, the packs are lightweight, collapsible and recyclable. As reported by Australian Food News (AFN), the water is sourced from Sardinia and is also bottled on site. The company went on to say that the water is piped directly from …
This week Gama turns its attention to on-the-go drinks and a new launch from Poland that combines the health benefits of fruit with the satiety benefits of cereal – Tymbark Fruktajl Fruit Drink Snack. Fruktajl – coined from the words ‘fruit’ and ‘cocktail’ – is the latest launch from Tymbark, a Polish manufacturer of fruit drinks, juices and fruit products. Sold in 250ml bottles and positioned as an on-the-go ‘snack’, …
This week, Gama casts its eye over a new addition to the long-established Mitsuya Cider range in Japan – Mitsuya Freezing Cider – which is taking chilled shelving to new extremes. Launched by Asahi Soft Drinks, Mitsuya Freezing Cider is a soft drink that blurs the boundaries between chilled drinks and frozen ice pops. The product is designed to be stored and sold at a temperature of -5 Celsius, at …
Bengal Beverages, which is a franchised bottling company of Coca Cola based in the Indian state of Bengal, has said that it has seen its turnover increase 20% in 2014. According to CMD S R Goenka, the company has invested almost Rs 3,000 million ($51 million) in the last five years in order to modernize and increase production. “We have just installed a sparkling beverage line to add capacity. We …
Nestle has launched 200 limited edition jars for its Nescafe coffee fitted with “alarm clocks” in the cap, as part of its “Wake Up To Life” campaign. The alarm clocks feature seven different tones synchronized with small pulsing lights designed to gently rouse the consumer from sleep. According to PSFK, each “alarm cap” is made via high resolution 3D printing and assembled by hand. The cap features an LED interface …
The confluence of convenience and health & wellness trends in non-alcoholic beverages is Gama’s focus this week, as we take a look at a recent development in the green tea category – Teaforia Shake & Brew Cold Brewing Green Tea Bags. New in the UK, Teaforia Shake & Brew is a concept that allows consumers to drink green tea on the go. Essentially a conventional teabag but with an elongated …
Gama spoke to Brian Sharoff, President of PLMA, ahead of the private label industry trade show in Amsterdam. What are your day to day activities? As president of PLMA, I am responsible for our annual trade shows, conferences, publications, and educational programs. How many people work in the organisation before and during the fair? We have approximately 50 people on our staff in Amsterdam and other major cities. This …
According to media reports, Coca-Cola has raised its stake in Keurig Green Mountain Inc. from 10% to 16% to become its largest shareholder, owning more than 26 million shares. The company had bought an initial stake in Keurig Green Mountain of 10% in February. The move is part of efforts by Coca-Cola to focus more on coffee and countertop carbonation. The “purchases demonstrate our continued belief that Keurig Green Mountain …
Coca Cola Company has announced plans to close two of its four juice production sites in Russia due to the shrinking market. The two plants are run by Coca Cola’s Nidan unit, and production will now shift to its Multon juice unit. The process is to be completed before the end of the year, according to spokesman Vladimir Kravtsoy. The plants affected are located in Novosibirsk in Siberia and in …
In an attempt to broaden its target market, Danone is launching new versions of its classic Evian and Volvic water brands targeting children, LSA reports. New to the Volvic stable is P’tit Volvic. The product is being released in partnership with the film Lego The Great Adventure with the aim of bringing greater visibility to the launch. Characters from the film feature on the product packaging. Meanwhile the Evian brand …
Mondelez International has announced that it has reached an agreement with D.E Master Blenders 1753 B.V. to combine their respective coffee businesses to create a new “pure-play” company to be known as Jacobs Douwe Egberts. The new company, which will have annual revenues of more than $7 billion, will be based in the Netherlands and will bring together the brands Jacobs, Carte Noire, Gevalia, Kenco, Tassimo and Millicano from Mondelez …
Coca Cola has announced plans to remove a controversial chemical ingredient from its drinks portfolio following sustained public pressure. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) has been linked by researchers to health issues including memory loss and skin and nerve problems. The ingredient, which is banned in the EU and Japan but permitted in the US at a maximum concentration of 15 parts per million, is used as a stabilizer in some …
Global company Starbucks Corporation is said to be in advanced talks to acquire 10 percent of SodaStream International Ltd. The home carbonated beverage machine company reportedly has a value of $1.1. billion. Starbucks’ offer reflected a 30 per cent premium on the $850 million market price of SodaStream, it is ireported. According to Australian Food News, sources suggest that SodaStream was seeking a partner, similar to the agreement between Coca-Cola …
Mars has announced it has added two new products to its Mars drinks range – Skittles and Snickers milkshakes. The milk drink range, which comes in a 350ml bottle, now encompasses a wide range of shakes, such as Bounty, Galaxy, Mars, Mars Caramel, Milky Way and Starburst, as well as the new Skittles and Snickers varieties. FoodBev reports that flavoured milk drinks in the UK of this kind are seeing …
AG Barr is expanding its Rubicon brand line in the UK with the launch of Rubicon Coconut Water. The coconut water drink contains 34% juice and will be available in 1l and 330ml sizes, in plain and price marked variations. The company will also reinforce the launch with a £2 million ($3.36 million) investment through the summer, with an outdoor campaign and sampling to drive consumer awareness. Head of Marketing …
The 18th edition of Natural & Organic Products Europe took place this week at Kensington Olympia in London. The show represents a broad cross-section of natural and ethical consumer goods companies and the 2014 event, promoted as “the biggest to date”, attracted over 650 exhibitors from around the world and many thousands of visitors. A recent report from the Soil Association, referenced by Natural & Organic Products Europe, also bore …
Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has had its credit rating cut by Standard & Poor’s (S&P), taking the company from A- to BBB+. The cut is said to be due to weak profit margins continuing to impact operating performance. According to the ABC, S&P said the new rating is still investment grade and Coca-Cola’s outlook remains stable although further downward rating pressure could happen if the company’s debt to earnings ratio substantially …
Britvic has entered the market for ‘water enhancer’ products with the launch of its new brand Robinsons Squash’d. Sold in ‘pocket-size’ bottles, the product is being and is targeting out-of-home drinking occasions. Accordingly the top of the pack is designed to fit on the neck of a standard 500ml bottle of water, allowing consumers to add the concentrate on-the-go without spillage. The product comes in 66ml bottles that stand at …
Fonterra, the New Zealand-based dairy company, has begun construction on its first blending and packing plant in Indonesia. Designed to support the growth of Fonterra’s brands such as Anlene, Anmum and Anchor Beneeto, the plant is located in West Java and is the company’s largest investment in the last 10 years. According to Australian Food News, the plant is expected to be opened by March 2015 and will create 150 …
This week, Barcelona once again played host to one of Europe’s leading international tradeshows – Alimentaria. Celebration its 40th outing – and its 20th in Spain – the event attracted 140,000 visitors to the pavilions of the Fira Gran Via in the south of the city, where 3,800 companies exhibited products from all sectors of the consumer goods industry. International exhibitors were reported to be up, perhaps indicating a growing …
Food and beverage maker Strauss Group has reported its annual results, revealing a large rise in profits. The company announced a 39.1% rise in net income to 329m shekels ($94.3 million) for 2013, while EBIT grew 23% to 769m shekels ($221.3 million). President Gadi Lesin highlighted the Brazilian coffee unit Tres Coracoes as well as Sabra, its US dips joint venture with PepsiCo. International dips is spreads are a relatively new market …
Deutsches Milchkontor (DMK), Germany’s leading producer of milk and dairy products, has reported its 2013 financials revealing that sales have topped €5 billion for the first time. The producer of brands such as Milram, Ravensberger, Golden Cheese and Humana reported total sales of €5.3 billion ($7.31 billion) in 2013, up 4.4% on the 2012 figure. The rising price of milk is reported by Handelsblatt to be one of the key …
From Monday to Wednesday of this week, the great and the good from the UK food and drinks industry gathered at the NEC in Birmingham for Food & Drink Expo. Now into its 20th year, the biannual event saw over 400 companies – ranging from startup brands to the industry’s major names – showcase the latest innovations and ideas from all areas of the food, drinks, packaging and convenience goods …
In Brazil, Ducoco Alimentos e Bebidas, the manufacturer of the brands Ducoco and Menina, has launched a new line of coconut water targeting kids, a product described as the first of its kind for the country. The coconut water drink, a blend of coconut water and fruit juice, is sold in 200ml cartoons and is available in three flavours: strawberry, apple, and pineapple & grape. It is claimed to be …
Leading Italian coffee producer Segafredo Zanetti is expanding into the capsules market with the launch of two new lines compatible with Nestle’s Nespresso machines. The tea range will be marketed under the Nespresso sub-brand Brodies and will comprise four varieties: Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green Tea, and Assam Black Tea. It will retail in boxes of ten capsules, sold for 3.50€. Meanwhile the coffee line will be sold under the Segafredo …
Gama spoke to Angels Solans, Managing Director, Unilever Food Solutions Spain. What are your day to day activities? At Unilever Food Solutions our goal is to help our clients develop and grow their business. A large part of my work centres on achieving this goal, ensuring that the innovative products we offer clients helps them in these objectives. All of our innovations are aimed at allowing our clients to improve …
Gama spoke to Josep Antoni Valls, Director of Alimentaria, ahead of the show’s 20th edition in Barcelona. What are your day to day activities? The major part of my day to day work is taken up with the strategic direction of Alimentaria Barcelona: meetings with the different areas of the organisation, dealings with institutional stakeholders and clients, project and planning reviews, etc. Specifically, providing direction for and ensuring delivery of …
Agua De Luso, one of the leading Portuguese bottled water brands, has diversified into the coconut water market. With the launch, Agua De Luso enters a booming market, with some media reports suggesting coconut water sales could top $1 billion globally in the next few years. Announced by the company this month, the new Luso De Fruta Coconut Water is described as being made with water from the Luso region …
Gama spoke to Jose Luis Martinez, Communication and Marketing Services Director, Nestle Spain. What are your day to day activities? First of all let me say that I have only been responsible for Communication and Marketing Services since January 2014. So frankly my daily activities right now are focused on catching up. If I had to qualify my day to day work I would say that is diverse and intense. …
Suggestions for new nutrition facts labels for packaged foods have recently been proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reflect the latest scientific information, including the stated link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. According to Australian Food News, the FDA has said that the new labels would also replace out-of-date serving sizes to better align with how much people actually consume, …
The Coca-Cola Company has announced that it is due to launch a new low calorie frozen carbonated drink, the first frozen product ever offered under the Diet Coke brand. Following the announcement that Coca Cola is to be released in a capsule format, the company has now revealed that the Diet Coke lineup is to be expanded in the USA with the launch of the frozen beverage brand Diet Coke …
Mondelez International has reported its first annual financial results, with figures for 2013 showing net revenues for the full year of $35.5 billion, up 0.8%. Operating income increased by 9.2% to $4.0 billion, while operating income margin was 11.2%. Organic net revenues increased 3.9%, driven by strong volume/mix of 3.4 percentage points as well as favourable pricing of 0.5 percentage points. Meanwhile emerging market revenues increased nearly 9%, with BRIC …
The Saudia Arabian beverage company Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages is to invest in the region of $100 million to construct a new fruit juice facility in Egypt, Reuters reports. The investment will cover the cost of both the land and the construction, with the facility due to be commissioned between 2016 and 2017. Aujan has previously spent a similar sum investing in food and beverages from across the Middle East region …
Quoting Rayons Boissons, LSA is reporting that the Sunny Delight brand in France is to be purchased by Eclor. With the acquisition, Eclor, which is predominantly a cider producer, is aiming to strengthen its position in the fruit drinks market. The company previously acquired another fruit drink brand, Danao, in 2005. Commenting on the move, Daniel Alcabas, marketing director of Eclor’s subsidiary Agrial, said that the acquisition would make Eclor …
The Coca-Cola Company has teamed up with OPI for a range of nail colours inspired by Coca-Cola products. OPI, the multinational brand owned by Coty Inc, has announced a partnership with The Coca-Cola Company through which a number of well-known Coca Cola brands (including Coca Cola itself as well as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Sprite and Fanta), will be the inspiration for a limited edition of …
The UAE government has announced the banning of “supersized” soft drinks as part of new health measures, as the Gulf state looks to reign in increasing obesity and lifestyle disease rates. According to Arabian Business News, the federal cabinet came to the decision following the second day of what it described as a “brain-storming” session at a Sir Bani Yas island. Reported recently by the United Nations, more than one …
American soft drink giant Coca Cola has purchased a 10% stake in US brand Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, which manufactures Keurig single serve coffee machines. The two companies signed an agreement that will see all drinks within the Coca Cola range (including Coca Cola, Diet Coke and Fanta) turned into single-serve pods for use in Green Mountain’s upcoming cold-beverage machine. Expected to be launched in 2015, the device will enable …
According to Puls Biznesu, Polish confectionery manufacturer Wedel is reorganising its business in the country, with plans to enter into the vending channel and the instant chocolate category. The company has reportedly finished the testing of its new vending machines selling Wedel drinking chocolate. The vending machines have been established in 40 locations across Poland and will sell both milk and dark chocolate drinks. Meanwhile another project under consideration is …
Crushed Ltd is set to launch Crushed, a new 100% fruit snack for children. Crushed Ltd has announced that it will be launching its 100% fruit snack Crushed for UK consumers in February, available in two flavours. According to Crushed, the snacks will provide a healthy portion of fruit and provide children with one of their five a day. The snacks will be available initially in Apple & Banana and …
The Colombian National Federation of Coffee Growers is looking to expand its reach in markets such as Kuwait and Dubai where consumers are willing to pay for luxury and high quality products, Portafolio is reporting. Colombia is the world’s largest coffee producer of washed Arabica coffee and exports beans to major markets including the United States, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Canada, England, Korea, Spain and France. “The focus of our strategy …
Unilever is set to launch new ranges of fruit and green tea under the PG Tips brand. The PG Tips brand is to see the launch of a new range of herbal and fruit teas in an attempt to tap into a growing market. Available from January, the new range will include green teas including Vibrant Mandarin & Orange and Jasmine, and herbal teas such as Redbush & Vanilla. The …
Valensina has denied recent reports in the media linking the company with a takeover bid, Lebensmittel Praxis reports. Valensina, which manufactures and distributes fresh and ambient fruit juices, has sought to quell rumours linking the company with a sale, insisting that the business was instead looking to find a strategic partner to facilitate expansion and development. In a recent announcement the company had commented on “significant increases in sales volumes, …
Sales in the food and beverage industry in Spain have declined in 2013 versus 2012, a leading industry body is reporting. The Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), the trade body representing the food and beverage industry in Spain, estimates that sales across the sector totalled around €89,204 million ($121,005 million) in 2013, 1.07% down on 2012 when total sales were € 90,169 million ($122,314 million). However, the …
US coffee brand Martinson’s brand has announced the release of Joe Winterfest, a new flavour of its single serve Real Cup coffee capsule. The new Joe Winterfest variety is described as having a sweet vanilla and caramel flavour and will sit alongside other other single serve coffees including Caramel Creme, Hazelnut Creme, Mint ‘n’ Mocha, Irish Creme, Cayman Coconut, Vanilla Velvet, Tiramisu Twist, and the limited edition Pumpkin Pie flavour. …
Starbucks may be planning to set up store openings in major Italian cities such as Milan, Rome, Venice, Rimini, Turin, Cagliari, Trento, Palermo and Aosta by the end of 2014, reports from the country indicate. Rumours have circulated ever since a press conference at which Starbucks chairman, president and chief executive officer Howard Schultz commented that Starbucks could operate as well in Italy as in any other global market and suggesting …
Nestle is to launch a new media campaign for its Nescafe Original instant coffee, Talking Retail reports. The campaign will include TV and radio advertising, alongside social media promotions and a sampling campaign in which 1 million samples are to be handed out. The aim of the new campaign is stated to be to inspire British consumers to have a more positive, “can do” attitude. The ‘red mug’ imagery associated …
Britvic soft drinks is to introduce a new on-pack promotion for its Robinsons Fruit Shoot drink in partnership with video game phenomenon Angry Birds. In a deal agreed with Rovio Entertainment, creator of Angry Birds, the new promotion offers consumers the opportunity to play an exclusive adventure puzzle game called Angry Bird Skills. The deal is a first in the UK between Angry Birds and a beverage brand, Britvic claims. …
Jamba Juice, which sells fruit juices and drinks through the Jamba Juice restaurant chain, has announced that it is set to launch its new range of Whole Nutrition smoothies and fresh juices made from “whole” ingredients. The new smoothie range, launched to tie into the New Year health push, “reflects the evolving science of health and well-being”, according to Jamba, and is made with various blends of fruit and vegetables. …
Weetabix Food Co is rolling out a new breakfast drink to target busy consumers, Just Drinks reports. Weetabix On The Go will come in Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavours and will be available in the chilled section of supermarkets, convenience stores and service stations. The resealable 250ml bottles will go on sale at a recommended price of £1.39. “The breakfast on the move category is expected to grow more so …
Coca Cola has launched a new brand campaign called ‘Reasons to Believe’ to be launched through television advertising and social media channels as well as outdoor and in-store activity. The Reasons to Believe campaign, developed by Ogilvy and Mater, includes a 60-second TV advertisement in which negative imagery is offset with positive scenes, offering up ‘reasons to believe’. The campaign has already been developed for more than 70 countries, adapted …
Energy drinks manufacturer Red Bull is planning to release Red Bull in China after recently gaining the necessary permissions to launch. Red Bull – the leading global energy drinks brand – could soon be on shelves in China after the Austrian manufacturer finally gained approval for launch. Reports state the process has been a lengthy one including delays in May 2013 due to issues over distribution rights. As part of …
Mondelez International has reported its H1 results for the French market, revealing category performance and asserting plans for future growth. Speaking to a press gathering in France, Pascal Bourdin, president of Mondelez International (France and Benelux), struck an upbeat tone and stated that the company was on track for growth in Q2. “[In Europe], France represents 25% of our sales but 30% of our growth,” he said. Along with the …
Management at Coca Cola Iberian Partners has approached unions with a plan to restructure the business, with more than one thousand jobs under threat, Alimarket reports. According to reports, the reorganization of the business, which comes less than a year after it was formed from eight existing bottlers in the Iberian peninsula, will see the creation of a new structure with five major areas of activity in Spain. Functions such …
German discount retailer Penny Markt has announced its new premium “Mein Fest” brand line, unveiled in time for the Christmas period. Launched within the last two weeks, the Mein Fest line – which translates as “My Party” – includes more than 140 separate items. Products range from sweet spreads to soups and sauces, home baking products, cheese, desserts, juices, frozen foods, spices, pasta, biscuits and fresh meat and fish, and …
The Tea Huggers range of herbal teas is to launch in the UK. Tea Huggers was founded by Esther Thompson and is based in North London. The range includes seven flavours that are aimed at addressing specific lifestyle needs, named Slow Down, Skinny Fit, Detox, Chill Out, Flu Fit, Good Night and Good Morning. According to Tea Huggers, their tea has been sourced globally with only quality ingredients. Meanwhile the …
According to Vietnam Breaking News, Masan Group, Vietnam’s largest private sector company, is planning for expansion in the beverage market in 2014. Masan Group is currently establishing Masan Consumer Holdings (MCH) to consolidate its stakes in Masan Consumer under one company while acquiring others. Masan Consumer recently acquired a 62% stake in the Vinh Hao Mineral Water Company, expanding its beverage portfolio which also includes Vinacafe Bien Hao, and strengthening …
Cott Beverages has announced the launch of two limited edition flavours of non-alcoholic beer – Gold Spice and Spiced Berry. The drinks manufacturer has introduced two new varieties which are both said to retain the “fiery” ginger flavour of the original but with an added “twist” of flavour. Gold Spice is described as a sweeter drink with honey flavouring, while Spiced Berry is described as adding a festive touch with …
Strauss Group, a manufacturer of food and drinks products, has reported a 17% rise in its quarterly profits. The rise is largely attributable to strong performance in the company’s international coffee and spreads and dips businesses, Reuters reports. Strauss announced on Tuesday that earnings for the third quarter where in the order of 81 million shekels (approx $22.8m) dollars excluding one-time items, compared with 69 million shekels (approx $20.5m) a year …
Morrisons is the first major retailer in the UK to ban sales of energy drinks to under 16s, the BBC reports. The supermarket, which is trialling the ban in stores in Glasgow, Dorset, Leeds, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Suffolk, will require customers wishing to purchase certain energy drinks to show proof of age if staff believe they may be under 16. Any energy drink containing more than 150mg of caffeine per …
The Mexican parliament has passed a new law imposing taxes on foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, the Guardian reports. The new taxes will increase the price of ‘junk foods’ by 8% and will also add one peso (approx 6 cents) to each litre of high-sugar drinks, with the money raised helping to fund health programmes and improve access to drinking water in schools. Meanwhile an accreditation for …
A novel packaging solution could be making a further stride towards retail reality as it is put before a global investment fund, FoodBev reports. Eco-Clic, designed by Julian Tuesdale of New Zealand, features a collapsible system allowing consumers to squash the bottle and thus reduce its height before they dispose of it. According to Eco-Clic, the bottle will fold down to half of its original size. Once this is done, …
Coca-Cola has launched a limited edition bottle for its adult-oriented soft drink Appletiser, designed by musician and brand ambassador Eliza Doolittle. The new limited edition design is aimed at driving sales over the festive season, and will be available in a 750ml glass bottle from November. According to Talking Retail, the “stylish makeover” by platinum selling singer & song writer Eliza Doolittle targets a new audience and is aimed at …
Signalling an intention to diversify beyond the confines of coffee, Starbucks has exploited its recent acquisition of tea retailer Teavana to launch its first “tea bar” in New York City. The coffee giant previewed its latest venture with a demonstration of the concept including handcrafted teas, loose leaf tea, and tea-inspired foods, as well as the “unique tea bar”. Starbucks chairman, president and chief executive officer Howard Schultz stated: “As …
PespiCo has announced plans to increase production in India with funds going towards manufacturing and agriculture. This investment will see the expansion of the PepsiCo production line in India, where eight established brands (Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, 7UP, Slice, Mirinda, Mountain Dew and Aquafina) are already generating 1000 crore rupees in annual sales, according to the company. Pepsi Co aims to double current levels of production in India by 2020, as …
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