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 …
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Gama spoke to Anne Schumacher, Vice President Food & Food Technology of Koelnmesse GmbH, ahead of the 50th anniversary edition of ISM. What are your expectations for this 50th edition of ISM? Of course, we are looking forward to a great event. ISM is again very well positioned this year. With more than 1,750 exhibitors from 76 countries, we were able to increase the number of exhibitors in our anniversary year …
Fazer, the Finnish dairy and confectionery firm, is considering closing a production facility for its Yosa brand of oat-based products, according to a FoodBev report. The plant in Kaarina, south-west Finland, is reportedly being shut as part of an efficiency drive, with production moving to another manufacturing site in the town of Koria. While noting that non-dairy oat-based products were playing a “key role” in the development of the business, Heli …
‘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 …
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 …
Multinational food and drinks giant Nestle has announced it is to sell a 60% stake in its Herta division to Casa Taradellas, an Italian meat and pizza firm, in a move that will see the two firms establish a new joint venture. The deal includes Herta charcuterie available in six European countries, as well as the Herta dough business in France and Belgium. Nestle said it would retain and develop its existing …
Innis & Gunn, the Scotland-based beermaker, has unveiled plans to build a new brewery at Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park, west of Edinburgh, UK at a cost of around £20 million ($26 million). Described as the first major brewery to be built in Edinburgh for 150 years, the new plant is also claimed to be the UK’s first major collaboration between a full-scale brewery and a university and will create a centre …
Danone, the food and drinks multinational, has announced it is investing “tens of millions” of euros to upgrade its dairy processing plant in Ochsenfurt, Germany, in order to expand production and improve efficiencies. The investment is primarily geared towards allowing the plant to manufacture ambient dairy products and also plant-based foods, alongside its existing yoghurt and dairy dessert production lines for brands such as Activia and Dany. The upgrade, which will …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 12th December 2019: Highlighting continued interest in on-the-go breakfast options, this month’s Innovation Insight looks at a new packaging concept aiming to bring the traditional breakfast cereal format in line with prevailing consumer trends – Nestle Box Bowls Cereal. Essentially a reinvention of single-serve breakfast cereal multipacks, Nestle Box Bowls are an attempt to reinvigorate traditional boxed cereals by adapting the format …
Bauli, the Italian bakery firm, is expanding into the sports nutrition market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Slovakian supplement firm MaxSport, according to a report in Startitup. MaxSport, which markets products such as pasta, protein shakes, nut butter, protein snacks and snack bars in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and over 30 other countries, reportedly does not have its own manufacturing facilities but relies on third party producers. Its …
Arla, the Danish milk processor, is to shut its Gefleortens business in Sweden, according to a FoodBev report, in a further sign of the pressures facing the global dairy sector. Gefleortens, which Arla acquired in 2017, is based in Gavle, north of Stockholm, and produces a range of dairy products including milk, cream and yoghurt. Arla reportedly cited increased competition as a reason for its decision, in addition to increased …
Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, has announced it has entered into an agreement to sell part of its laundry detergent business in Central America to the Guatemalan household and personal care firm Industria La Popular for an undisclosed sum. The deal will see Unilever divest its direct application laundry soap bars business in Central America, including the licence to use the brands Xtra, Surf, Unox and Rinso. The rights to use the brands …
Mars, the global confectionery giant, is rolling out a range of vegan-labelled milk chocolate bars in the UK, according to a report in The Guardian. The new line-up under the Galaxy brand will be offered in the varieties Smooth Orange, Caramelised Hazelnut and Caramel & Sea Salt, and will come in 100g packs bearing Vegan Society certification. Reformulating its Galaxy bars to replace dairy ingredients with hazelnut paste and rice …
Zwanenberg, the diversified food brands firm, has submitted a deal to acquire Struik, the Dutch soup manufacturer, to competition regulators in the Netherlands, according to a Tubantia report. Struik, which is currently owned by veal processor Van Drie Group, following a deal agreed in 2016, manufactures a range of ambient soups and stocks, as well as the Sonnen Bassermann line of soups, stews and ready meals in Germany, and the …
Arla, the Danish dairy co-operative, has announced plans to invest $55 million in its factory in Manama, Bahrain, with a view to making the plant its key strategic manufacturing hub in the Middle East & North Africa. The dairy giant took over the plant as part of its acquisition of the Mondelez branded cheese business in the Middle East. The majority of Arla’s products sold in the region will now be …
Tulip, the meat processor and branded food maker, has announced it is considering closing its meat processing site in Bodmin, Cornwall, UK, with the loss of up to 270 jobs. “The site has been operating at a significant loss for several years and while it remains a well-invested site with industry-leading capabilities, it is unsustainable to maintain operations under the existing business model”, the company said, while adding: “Closure is …
Hipp, the German organic baby food firm, has announced its expansion into new categories with the acquisition of Barnhouse, a maker of natural granola and other breakfast foods from the Upper Bavaria region. Founded in 1979, Barnhouse markets a broad range of granolas as well as other traditional breakfast cereals such as cornflakes and muesli under its namesake brand, and is described as the maker of the world’s first organic …
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 …
Upfield, described as the global leader of plant-based butter and spreads, has announced it has secured a deal to acquire Arivia, the Greek owner of the Violife cheese alternative brand, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in the 1990s, Arivia develops a range of plant-based dairy and dairy-free products, using mainly coconut oil. Its products include dairy-free alternatives to cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheese. The firm’s flagship Violife brand is claimed to be the …
Carlsberg, the Danish beer giant, has unveiled two new research prototypes as part of its Green Fibre Bottle initiative, a project to develop a fully biodegradable wood-fibre drinks bottle which it first announced in 2015. The beermaker said it would now also be joined in the project by Coca-Cola, Absolut and L’Oreal in a paper bottle “community” launched by Paboco, a joint venture between packaging company BillerudKorsnas and bottle manufacturing specialist Alpla. The two …
Valeo, the Irish food firm, is to acquired the UK puddings business Bakery Foods, trading as Matthew Walker, from the UK food giant 2 Sisters in a deal worth £67 million ($85 million), according to a FoodBev report. Based in Derbyshire where it operates a factory employing 200 staff, Matthew Walker produces Christmas puddings, sponge puddings and other traditional British desserts under its namesake brand for both retail and foodservice …
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 …
Reinert and Kemper, two of Germany’s largest manufacturers of sausage products, have announced they are to merge to form the second biggest meat processor in the country, with annual turnover of more than €700 million ($767 million). Named TFB The Family Butchers, the newly-created company will offer customers a wide portfolio ranging from value lines to premium branded products, and will bring together Reinert’s expertise as a brand manufacturer with Kemper’s specialism …
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it is expanding its plant-based food range with the launch of burger and imitation mince in the USA and Switzerland United States. The ingredients and recipes in the new line are said to be customized to meet local tastes, to “ look and cook” like raw beef and provide a “juicy, meat-like” taste and texture. In the USA, Nestle is launching an Awesome Burger …
Zwanenberg, a producer of meat preserves, snacks, soups, sauces, convenience meals and vegetarian products, has announced an agreement to acquire the Chicken Tonight sauce brand from Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever. Zwanenberg said it already made the sauces for Unilever but from now one would also assume responsibility for marketing and sales. Commenting on the deal, Zwanenberg Nederland CEO Maarten Elsinga said: “Chicken Tonight is a wonderful extension of our …
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 …
Aviko, one of Europe’s biggest producers of fresh, frozen, dried and specialty potato products, has announced plans to expand production capacity at its plant in Poperinge, Belgium, including the establishment of an entirely new production facility for frozen French fries and potato flakes. The new plant will have a capacity of 175,000 tonnes for frozen chips (fries) and 11,000 tons for flakes annually includes waste water treatment, a 40 metre …
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 …
Oatly, the Scandinavian firm behind the namesake dairy-alternative milk, is opening its first new factory outside Sweden with an investment in a new plant in Vlissingen, Netherlands, according to a report in AD. The factory, which is designed to meet increased demand for the company’s oat-based goods, will employ 15 staff and produce 120 million litres of Oatly products per year. Commenting on the launch, Oatly spokesperson Fredrik Gustavsson said: “We have seen …
Burton’s Biscuit, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Maryland and Wagon Wheels, has announced it has acquired Paterson Arran, a Scottish independent food company, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition includes the Paterson’s shortbread brand as well as the foodservice biscuit and chutney brands Bronte, Cafe Bronte and Arran Fine Foods. Paterson Arran, which employs around 200 people, runs the Royal Burgh Bakery in Livingston, West Lothian, which produces …
Gama spoke to Anne Schumacher, Vice President Food & Food Technology, Koelnmesse, ahead of the latest edition of the Cologne tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Anuga? Anuga 2019 is fully booked which is a great success again. Over 7,400 exhibitors from more than 100 countries will be part of this year’s edition. In addition to that, Anuga is celebrating its 100th anniversary – a remarkable sign of …
Pilgrim’s Pride, the chicken and prepared foods firm, has announced it has acquired Tulip, a leading, integrated prepared foods supplier with 12 fresh and value-added operations in the UK, from Danish Crown, in a deal worth around £290 million ($354 million). In the retail sphere, Tulip markets namesake pork products as well as Danepak, the UK’s leading bacon brand. Commenting on the deal, Pilgrim’s Pride global CEO Jayson Penn said: …
Orkla, the Scandinavian consumer goods giant, has announced it has signed an agreement to take a 20% stake in Noi-Sirius, described as Iceland’s leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturer. Established in 1920 and with about 150 employees, Noi Sirius markets chocolate brands such as Sirius, Noa Konfekt, Noa Kropp, Noa Paskaegg and Konsum. While over 70% of the company’s turnover is generated in its domestic market, a growing percentage of its …
CK Asset Holdings, a Hong Kong private equity company, has agreed a deal to acquire Greene King, Britain’s largest pub and brewery company, in a deal worth £4.6 billion ($5.6 billion), according to a Reuters report. CK Asset Holdings is said to be paying £2.7 billion ($3.3 billion) for the beer firm, in addition to assuming its debt. The Hong Kong firm already holds a 3% stake in Greene King …
Hershey, the US confectionery and snacks firm, has announced a minority investment in the Ireland-based functional food firm Fulfil via its C7 Ventures arm. Founded in 2016, Fulfil produces vitamin-fortified, high-protein, low-sugar nutrition bars made from ingredients such as soy, whey protein and chocolate, which it markets in the UK and Ireland. Commenting on the launch, Hersey chief growth officer Mary Beth West said: “Successful companies evolve and engage consumers …
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 …
Brasmar, the Portuguese seafood firm, has announced it has acquired Foncasal, a Spanish company specializing in cooked octopus and other chilled seafood products. Based in Logrono in Spain’s Rioja region, Foncascal markets a range of seafood including octopus, squid, prawns and crab under brands including Nuchar, Baltia, Moncasa and Montenia. The company has annual turnover of €18 million ($20 million) and has an international presence, especially in the Mediterranean and …
Cranswick, a supplier of fresh and added-value food products, has revealed it has purchased Mediterranean food producer Katsouris Brothers in a deal worth £43.5 million ($53.2 million). Announcing the deal alongside its first quarter trading results, Cranswick described Katsouris Brothers as a processor and multi-channel supplier of continental and Mediterranean food products, operating a facility in the Wembley area of London. The firm’s product range includes olives, antipasti, oils, cheeses, …
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 …
Casino, the French supermarket group, has announced the signature of a unilateral purchase agreement to sell Vindemia, the leading retailer in the Indian Ocean (Reunion Island, Madagascar, Mayotte, Mauritius), to the autmotive and retail business GBH for an enterprise value of €219 million ($244 million). Founded in 1972 on Reunion Island and gradually acquired by Casino between 2001 and 2007, Vindemia is said to have multi-format positioning comprising hypermarkets, supermarkets, cash …
Emmi, the Switzerland-based dairy firm, has announced the acquisition of Pasticceria Quadrifoglio, an Italian dessert company headquartered in Piumazzo di Castelfranco Emilia for an undisclosed sum. The integration of Pasticceria Quadrifoglio, which operates two production sites near Modena, will further expand Emmi’s production and distribution capabilities, the company said. The existing “Emmi Dessert Italia” network, which Pasticceria Quadrifoglio will join, already comprises production locations in Gattico, Pero and Lasnigo in …
Muller, the UK’s largest milk supplier and distributor, has expanded its facility in Telford with the construction of a chilled yogurt manufacturing line, capable of producing 500 million pots each year. The expansion represents an investment of £50 million ($62 million), will create 65 new jobs in the area, and enable Muller to meet growing demand from consumers for branded and private label yogurts made with milk from British farms, the …
Campari, the Italy-based spirits group, has announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Compagnie Financiere Chevrillon and a group of minority shareholders to acquire the French company Rhumantilles, owner of 96.5% of the Martinique-based rum maker Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs. Campari described Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs as “an iconic ‘Rhum Agricole’ producer with secular know-how rooted in craftsmanship and French Caribbean tradition”. The firm owns Trois Rivieres and …
Peroni, the Italian beer firm now owned by Asahi, has announced it has invested €13 million ($14.6 million) to open a new line at its bottling plant in the southern Italian city of Bari. The company said recent investments at the site had allowed it to surpass volumes of 1.8 million hectolitres in 2018, representing an increase of 5.7% on 2017. Commenting on the investment, Bari plant director Michele Cason …
Consumer goods giant Nestle is claiming a world first with the creation of a 70% dark chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit, using the beans and pulp as the only ingredients. “Nestlé has developed a natural approach, which allows it to extract the pulp and use it in chocolate with no compromise on taste, texture and quality”, the company claimed in a statement. Unlike most chocolate, the new product …
Belourthe, a Belgian based company specialized in the manufacturing of infant cereals, has announced it has reached an agreement to buy the baby food business of Cerealto Siro, a food multinational based in Madrid, Spain, for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes the Nutriceal brand of baby foods including cereals, purees and biscuits. Founded in 1974 (and owned until 2013 by the Nutricia / Danone group), the Nutriceal business also …
Jumbo, the Dutch grocery retailer, has announced it has agreed a deal to acquire the Agrimakt retail chain from the agricultural cooperative CZAV for an undisclosed sum. Agrimarkt operates a network of six stores in Goes, Middelharnis, Roosendaal, Vlissingen, Oud-Beijerland and Terneuzen in the south-western Netherlands, employing around 360 staff. Commenting on the proposed deal, CZAV general director Antoon van Vugt said: “Developments in the supermarket space have made it clear …
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 …
Warburtons, the leading UK baking firm, has announced plans to close a plant at its Newburn bakery in Newcastle upon Tyne with the loss of up to 118 jobs, according to a report in the Evening Chronicle. Operational since 1989, the Newburn facility employs around 100 staff in its traditional bakery. It also has a separate ‘free from’ facility, which has made its gluten, dairy and milk free products for the last eight …
Colgate-Palmolive, the household and personal care giant, has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Filorga skin care business for an equity purchase price of €1.496 billion (approximately $1.690 billion). The US firm said the deal, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2019, was part of its strategy to focus on its higher-margin oral care, personal care and pet nutrition businesses, and expand its portfolio …
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 …
Johnson & Johnson, the leading personal care and pharmaceutical firm, is aiming to boost its environmental credentials with the launch of a concentrated shower gel in France as part of the Le Petit Marseillais range, according to an LSA report. Described as the first mass-market product of its kind in France, Le Petit Marseillais Concentrated Shower Gel is due for launch in August or September of this year. A 100ml bottle of the …
Princes, the preserved foods firm, has announced it has completed the first part of a planned £80 million ($100 million) investment in its Long Sutton site in Lincolnshire, UK with the opening of a new pea processing plant. Long Sutton is described as Princes’ largest food production site in the UK, producing a range of canned products including peas, pulses, beans, bean meals, fruits and canned ready meals. Commenting on …
Orkla, a leading supplier of branded consumer goods in Scandinavia, is selling its Glyngore canned fish business to Amanda Seafoods via its Danish subsidiary Orkla Foods Danmark for an undisclosed sum. Established in 1940, Glyngore is described as Denmark’s best-known herring and tuna brand and had net sales totalling 43 million DKK ($6.5 million) in 2018. Orkla said the aim of the sale was to “reduce portfolio complexity and concentrate …
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. …
Karro Food Group, a leading UK pork processor owned by private equity firm CapVest has acquired UK seafood firm Young’s for an undisclosed sum, according to a FoodBev report. The new group will employ around 5,000 people across the UK and Ireland and will have annual sales of more than £1.2 billion ($1.51 billion) a year. Grimsby-based Young’s produces a range of fresh, frozen, own-label and branded fish at 12 …
L’Oreal, the French personal care company, has confirmed it has entered into exclusive negotiation with Clarins, a French skin care, cosmetics and perfume firm, with a view to acquiring the brands Mugler and Azzaro. Mugler and Azzaro are positioned as luxury fashion and toiletry brands with a range of male, female and unisex fragrances. Mugler was created by French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, while the Azarro label was founded by …
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 …
Mahou San Miguel, the Spanish beer firm, has announced it has acquired a 70% stake in Madrid-based craft brewer Brutus for an undisclosed sum. The leading Spanish beermaker said Brutus would complement its portfolio and support its premiumisation strategy. Founded in 2015, Brutus is positioned as a “next generation” beer and has been rolled out in 350 “select” locations in major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Post-acquisition, the …
Mars, the leading US food firm, has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a significant majority stake in Foodspring, a direct-to-consumer targeted nutrition company based in Berlin, Germany. Foodspring will be incorporated within Mars Edge, a division of Mars focused on health and wellness. Foodspring is described as one of the largest and fastest growing targeted nutrition businesses in Europe, with currently six focus countries and …
Kerry Foods, the Ireland-based food firm, has announced plans to close its factory in Burton-on-Trent with the loss of 900 jobs, according to a report in the Derby Telegraph and the BBC. The closure of the site, which manufactures ready meals for leading supermarket chains, reportedly came as the result of the loss of a major Tesco contract. Describing itself as a leading supplier of added-value branded and customer branded …
Bell Food Group, the Swiss meat and salad firm, has announced it is selling its sausage business in Germany to the Zur Muhlen Group, a local meat processor, in order to refocus on the air-dried ham category in the country. The acquisition will see Zur Muhlen Group take over plants in Suhl (Thuringia) and Borger (Lower Saxony) together with all around 400 employees. The Swiss company said the sale of …
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 …
Allied Bakeries, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Kingsmill, Allison’s, Sunblest and Burgen, has announced plans to halt production at its site in Cardiff with the loss of up to 180 jobs, according to BBC and Wales Online reports. “Earlier this year Allied Bakeries announced the loss of a major own label bakery contract, following which we have undertaken a detailed review of our bakery network to optimise …
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 …
Raisio, the Finnish firm behind brands such as Benecol, Elovena, Sunnuntai, Torino and Benella, has announced it is investing an estimated €45 million ($50.8 million) in a production facility for the development and manufacture of plant-based added-value products. Describing the investment as a response to the strong growth in demand for plant-based food, particularly in European markets, Raisio said it was continuing to invest in the growth of the cholesterol-lowering …
AG Barr, the UK drinks firm behind the Irn-Bru and Rubicon brands, has announced a minority investment in the start-up alcohol-free spirits business Elegantly Spirited, owner of the Stryyk brand. As part of the minority investment, AG Barr said its Funkin subsidiary has entered into a long-term agreement to act as exclusive UK distributor for all Elegantly Spirited products, in addition to the AG Barr group investing an initial £1 …
Brown-Forman, the owner of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand, has announced it is strengthening its presence in the crafts spirits space with the acquisition of The 86 Company, the owner of the Fords Gin brand. Distilled in London, Fords Gin is described as a collaboration between Simon Ford and Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers. Said to be a mix of nine botanicals, Fords Gin starts with a traditional base of …
Savencia, the French dairy processor, has announced it has reached a deal to acquire roquefort specialist Papillon for an undisclosed sum. Papillon is described as a historic producer of PDO roquefort, marketing cheese “reputed for its exceptional quality” since 1906. Savencia, which has been distributing Papillon cheese in French retail channels since 2007, said the acquisition was part of its strategy to strengthen its portfolio with high quality, locally-produced cheeses. …
Biscuit International, the France-based bakery firm, has acquired cake and biscuit firm Aviateur for an undisclosed sum, according to reports in the Dutch media. Both Biscuit International and Aviateur predominantly manufacturer private label products, although Aviateur also has a retail line under a namesake brand. Based in Broek op Langedijk, Aviateur is said to produce 6 million small cakes and biscuits each day, with annual turnover of €105 million ($119 million) …
Remy Cointreau, the leading French spirits firm, has announced it is to acquire brandy maker Maison de Cognac JR Brillet and part of its vineyard estate. “Since the beginning of the Brillet family’s history in the 17th century, Maison JR Brillet has built up a vineyard estate and a stock of eaux-de-vie that enables it to produce high-end products”, Remy Cointreau said in a statement. “The acquisition of Maison JR …
Dia, the Spanish supermarket chain, plans to close 219 outlets this month after a buyer for them failed to materialise, according to a report in El Pais. The retailer had previously announced up to 300 of its stores might have to shut after it closed its 2018 financial year with €352 million ($396 million) in losses and in a situation of technical bankruptcy. It is reported that, of the more …
Bonduelle, a company specializing in processed vegetables, has announced it has acquired the industrial assets of Shock LLC, a frozen vegetable company located in the Belgorod region in Russia. The French firm said the new site’s location in a temperate climate region with particularly fertile soils would accelerate the development of the Bonduelle frozen business in Russia and neighbouring states. Bonduelle has been commercially present in the Russian market through …
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 …
French dairy giant Lactalis has announced the acquisition of Italian cheese maker Nuova Castelli, which was majority owned by private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners. With the acquisition of Nuova Castelli, Lactalis said it would strengthen its position in Italy where it currently operates 29 production sites and has a workforce of over 5,500 people. Nuova Castelli makes traditional Italian cheese with protected designation of origin (PDO) cerftification, including parmesan, gorgonzola …
Saint Jean, the specialist in fresh pasta and Italian ready meals, is spending €48 million ($54 million) to add a new plant at its production site in Romans-sur-Isere in the Drome department of south-western France, according to a report in Les Echos. The first phase of the project reportedly includes a 7,500 sq m manufacturing facility with six production lines, and a 6,000 sq m logistics operation, due to be operational by late 2020 …
Cofresh, which claims to be the UK leader in Indian-style snacks, is investing £20 million ($25. million) in a new factory and warehouse in Nuneaton, UK to keep pace with the expansion of the business, according to a report in the Leicester Mercury. The 18-month investment will allow Cofresh to complement its existing factory in Leicester, and thus split its snack production between two sites. The Leicester factory will continue …
Canopy Growth, a cannabis company based in Smiths Falls, Canada, has announced it has finalized an all-cash transaction to acquire This Works, a UK-based natural skincare and sleep solutions firm, for a purchase price of £43 million ($54.49 million). The firm’s best-known products are sad to include a deep sleep pillow spray, morning expert hyaluronic serum, and skin deep dry leg oil. “Through their unique approach of formulating solutions that …
Brasmar, a Portuguese seafood company, has announced it has acquired La Balinesa, a Spanish firm that produces smoked salmon, for an undisclosed sum. The Porto-based firm said the deal would underline its leadership position on the Portuguese market, expand its product range, and strengthen its footprint in Iberia as a whole. La Balinesa is described as a leading company in the manufacture of smoked fish in Spain. Located in the …
KraftHeinz, the US consumer goods giant, is said to be buying back a plant it previously owned in Utrecht, Netherlands, reportedly over fears the factory was headed for bankruptcy. According to an article in Levensmiddelenkrant (quoting ANP), a trade union leader familiar with the matter said expected growth at the plant had not materialized, and 90 jobs had been under threat. KraftHeinz sold its drinks, bread toppings and breakfast cereal facility in …
Dr. Oetker, the Germany-based food firm, has completed a £30 million ($39 million) upgrade to its pizza manufacturing facility in Leyland, Lancashire, UK, according to a report in Business Lancashire. The site, which manufactures the firm’s Chicago Town and Ristorante pizza lines, has seen a doubling in total capacity with a new production line for the Chicago Town Deep Dish pizzas range. The upgrade also includes new raw materials storage capacity and …
Auchan, the French grocery retailer, is selling the entirety of its Italian subsidiary Auchan Retail Italia to the local retail cooperative Conad, according to a Reuters report. Auchan generated around €3.6 billion ($4.1 billion) in revenue from its 1,600-strong Italian store network last year. Commenting on the deal, an Auchan spokesperson is quoted as saying: “The business was in great difficulties. We are leaving to Conad a financial situation that will …
Beiersdorf, the German personal care heavyweight, has announced it has reached a deal to acquire the Coppertone suncare brand from chemicals firm Bayer for a purchase price of $550 million. Founded in 1944, Coppertone is described as the first sun care brand launched in the US market, and its product range is currently distributed in the USA, Canada and China. It generated sales of $213 million in 2018. Beiersdorf said Coppertone …
Froneri, the ice cream joint venture of Nestle and R&R ice cream, has announced it has agreed to acquire the New Zealand ice cream business Tip Top from global dairy co-operative Fonterra for 380 million NZD ($250 million). The Tip Top name and its operations, including the Auckland based factory site at Mount Wellington will be maintained as part of the deal, Froneri said. Tip Top offers single serve ice …
Savencia Fromage & Dairy, a specialist in cheese and value-added dairy ingredients, is set to close its production facility in Saint-Saviol with almost 100 jobs affected, according to reports in the French media. The factory, which Savencia Fromage & Dairy acquired from Lescure in 2013, will reportedly cease operations in October 2019. La Nouvelle Republique reports that the cheesemaker had invested up to €12.5 million ($14.0 million) in the plant …
The Hut Group, an online health and beauty businesses, has announced the acquisition of Christophe Robin, a “luxury” natural haircare brand, for an undisclosed sum. Christophe Robin offers a range of 70 different products including shampoos, masks, conditioners, “colour boosts” and lotions designed for a variety of different needs. The brand has listings in multiple geographies including the UK, US, Europe and Asia through retailers such as Sephora and Space …
Sainsbury and Asda, the two UK retail giants, have announced they have decided to call off their proposed merger after the move was blocked by the UK’s competition watchdog. The BBC reports that the Competition and Markets Authority was concerned the deal would lead to price rises and longer checkout queues. Asda and Sainsbury announced their intention to merge almost exactly a year ago, in a move that would have …
Dr. Oetker, the leading food multinational, has acquired a majority stake in Magioni, a start-up firm specializing in plant-based pizzas, according to a report in Levensmiddelenkrant. The Magioni product range includes brightly-coloured pizza bases made from cauliflower, beetroot, courgette and pumpkin, which are said to be produced and stretched by hand. As well as prepared pizza bases, Magioni makes ready-prepared pizzas in vegetarian varieties such as Margherita and Funghi, and …
Casino, the French supermarket group, has announced that it has signed an agreement with funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm, to sell it a portfolio of 12 Geant Casino hypermarkets and 20 Monoprix and Casino supermarket properties. The deal for the 32 stores amounts to €470 million ($527 million), of which €374 million ($419 million) is to be paid by the end of July. …
Cristal Union, the number two sugar firm in France, has announced plans to close two facilities in response to oversupply and falling prices in the sugar market. Usine Nouvelle reports the firm, which markets the Daddy brand, is to shutter its plants in Toury, Eure et Loir and Bourdon in Auvergne, with more than 300 jobs affected. It is also said to be considering reducing activities at its Erstein packaging site …
Pernod Ricard, the leading wine and spirits firm, has announced it has reached an agreement with US spirits distributor Biggar & Leith for the acquisition of the Italian gin brand Malfy. Malfy is described as a range of gins distilled by the Vergnano family in the Italian region of Moncalieri, and is already present in international markets such as the USA, UK and Germany. Each gin in the Malfy range …
Delverde, an Italian food company specialising in premium-positioned pasta, has been acquired by Italian food company Newlat, according to reports in ESM and Il Sole 24 Ore. Delverde is being acquired from leading Argentine food firm Molinos Rio de la Plata for €9.25 million ($10.45 million), reportedly as part of Newlat’s strategy of acquiring historic Italian food brands from overseas multinationals. Based in Fara San Martino in Italy’s Abruzzo region, …
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 …
Unilever, the consumer goods giant, has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Fluocaril and Parogencyl oral care brands from P&G, the US FMCG multinational. Fluocaril and Parogencyl are described as therapeutic brands sold in the pharmacy channel, mostly in the Spanish and French markets. Fluocaril offers oral care solutions specialising in protection against cavities, while Parogencyl tackles gum issues. Unilever said the acquisition would give Unilever a …
New World Foods, an Australian-based meat jerky firm, has acquired UK peer Meatsnacks Group for an undisclosed sum, according to a Just Food report. New World Foods markets the Mariani and Local Legends brands of meat jerky in its native Australia, as well as Japan, South Korea and the UK through channels including supermarkets, food retailers, duty free outlets and convenience stores. Meanwhile, the Meatsnacks Group portfolio includes Wild West beef …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 15th April 2019: For this month’s Innovation Insight, we look at the rise of ‘two in one’ concepts in the bakery category. Under the spotlight is a recent launch from Fox’s Biscuits that aims to add distinctive ‘double flavour’ variety to the biscuit aisles – Fox’s Double Dough Biscuits. Newly launched in the UK, Fox’s Double Dough Biscuits aim to “shake up …
Dutch food business Wessanen, the owner of brands such as Kallo, Whole Earth, Bjorg and Mrs Crimble’s, has announced it has been acquired by a consortium comprising the private equity firm PAI Partners and Charles Jobson (Wessanen’s largest shareholder) for a total consideration of around €885 million ($996 million). The acquisition will enable Wessanen to continue to invest in initiatives in order to maintain its position as a leader in …
Granarolo, an Italian dairy company based in Bologna, has announced it is acquired a majority stake in Venchiaredo, a specialist maker of stracchino cheese. Founded in 1968, Venchiaredo has a product range that includes Venchiaredo stracchino cheese, Friulan stracchino, and Venciaredo Fresh. The company reported turnover of €26.9 million ($30.42 million) in 2018, up 18% on the year before. The deal sees Granarolo increase its stake Venchiaredo from 24% to …
Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, is set to expand its Carte D’Or range in the UK with the launch of new layered ice creams featuring cake and biscuit pieces. Said to be backed by a marketing investment of £3 million ($3.9 million), the new range comes in the varieties Brownie and Vanilla, Sea Salted Caramel and Raspberry Cheesecake, priced at £3.99 ($5.22) for a 430ml tub. The Raspberry Cheesecake …
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, …
Tulip, the meat firm owned by Danish Crown, is set to invest £2.3 million ($3 million) to upgrade a production facility in Ruskington, UK in response to increased demand for its snack products, according to reports in FoodBev and the Sleaford Standard. Tulip said the investment would allow the creation of a new “specialist snacking site” for niche products and would also add capacity for higher-volume lines. It reported having …
Unilever, the consumer goods giant, has announced it is expanding further in the premium skincare category with the acquisition of derma-cosmetic firm Garancia for an undisclosed sum. Sold mainly in pharmacy channels and through selective retail distribution, Garancia offers 38 facial and body skincare products that are claimed to feature “clean and effective formulas combined with a scientific approach”. Founded in 2004 by pharmacist Savéria Coste, the brand now offers a …
Atlantic Grupa, a Hungarian manufacturer of food and beverages, has announced it has sold its sports and functional nutrition division to the German food and beverage trading business Genuport for an undisclosed sum. The transaction includes Multipower, described as one of the European leaders in the sports and functional food market, with a range of products and food supplements for athletes and recreational athletes, as well as the brands Champ …
German milk processor Deutsches Milchkontor has announced a deal to acquire baby food producer Alete as part of a business “realignment and restructuring” process. The acquisition includes the brands, as well as sales and distribution channels, of Alete GmbH and German Babyfood GmbH. DMK described the deal as “very important”, since it is currently investing approximately €145 million in a complete renovation of a site in Struckhausen (Lower Saxony) to …
Emmi, a Swiss dairy company, is expanding its business with the acquisition of a 66% stake in Austrian milk processor Leeb Biomilch. Founded in 2001, Leeb Biomilch has established a leading position in Europe for organic goat’s and sheep’s milk products in fresh and UHT milk, milk drinks and yogurt. The firm also offers vegan products made from almonds, coconuts and oats under the MyLove-MyLife brand. It has 50 employees …
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 …
Lion, the Australian food and drinks firm owned by Kirin, has continued its recent spate of acquisitions with the purchase of UK craft beer maker Magic Rock Brewing. Founded in 2011 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Magic Rock Brewing produces a range of beers describd as being “inspired by local brewing traditions and the vibrant US craft beer scene”. The firm’s volumes are said to have tripled since it moved to a …
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 …
Huercasa, a Spanish producer and trader of processed, ready-to-eat products, is planning to open a new factory in Romania to supply products to its operations in Germany, Poland and other Eastern Europe markets. The new plant is being built on a 200,000 sq m plot in Calarasi, in the Valaquia region, 150km from the Romanian capital Bucharest. According to Diario de Valladolid, the planned spend is in the order of …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 27th March 2019: This month’s Innovation Insight delves into the world of low-sugar, low-alcohol drinks, shining a spotlight on a new launch that creatively fuses together flavoured alcoholic beverages and bottled water: Balans Aqua Spritz. Promoted as “a brand new Swedish brand and drinks concept”, Balans Aqua Spritz is described as a 4% abv alcohol-infused sparkling water with a hint of natural fruit …
Consumer goods giant Unilever has extended its Marmite yeast extract brand into a new category in the UK with the launch of Marmite Peanut Butter. According to Unilever, Marmite Peanut Butter “retains the umami taste of Marmite, but mingles these classic flavours with the smooth and salty flavour of peanut butter to create a delightfully savoury blend”. The new launch is said to feature the “recognisable brand colours” of Marmite …
Hipp, the German infant products firm, is developing its offering in the personal care space with the launch of a range of nappies as part of its Hipp Babysanft (“Baby Soft”) brand. Marketed as “extra soft”, Hipp nappies are described as being especially kind to skin, thanks to a “unique softness” formula and the avoidance of “undesirable additives” such as perfumes and lotions. They are also said to be made from …
German discount retailer Aldi is expanding into convenience store retailing in the UK with the launch of new small format stores under the banner Aldi Local. Said to be aimed at urban consumers, Aldi Local is described as carrying around 1,500 lines, 300 fewer than a conventional Aldi store. INews reports that the first test store, which is located in Balham, has a floor area of around 600 sq m, …
Italian coffee giant Illy is acquiring the UK chocolate maker Prestat as it seeks to expand its presence in the gourmet food sector, according to reports in Comunicaffe and Reuters. Illy said that Prestat could partner with Domori, a premium chocolate giant acquired by the Italian firm in 2006. Producing a range of predominantly gifting chocolate, with an emphasis on chocolate truffles, Prestat reported sales of £7 million ($9.3 million) last year …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy producer, has announced that it is exploring options to build a “sustainable and innovative” dairy processing plant in the Netherlands. The company said the plant was intended for the manufacture of fresh dairy products and ingredients used for the production of early life and adult nutrition, as well as cheese, adding that it would be built “according to the latest insights in the area of technology and …
Portuguese retailer Jeronimo Martins is contemplating a further expansion in central or Eastern Europe, according to a Jornal Economico report. In an interview with the newspaper, Jeronimo Martins chief executive Pedro Soares dos Santos said that the company was now established in Poland and was considering expanding to nearby countries, in particular Romania, although this may not be in 2019. “We have reached a scale in Poland such that, in …
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 …
Lancashire Farm, a UK dairy firm, has invested £3.5 million ($4.6 million) in a new production plant at its site in Rochdale, UK to increase capacity for yoghurt products, according to a report in Rochdale Online. The investment has led to the creation of a 70,000 sq ft plant with increased capacity and capability in terms of milk intake, processing, filling and storage, and will reportedly increase the amount of …
Intersnack, the leading German snacking firm, is considering closing its Largo Foods popcorn factory in Barnsley, UK, operated by its UK subsidiary KP Snacks, according to a report in Insider Media. The move would see production transfer to the firm’s nearby Butterkist facility in Pontefract. KP Snacks managing director Mark Duffy said the decision to move production was due to over-capacity across the firm’s popcorn manufacturing base. “The Largo Foods UK …
Marks & Spencer, the UK department store chain, has announced it has partnered with digital grocery specialist Ocado to create its first major platform for online grocery retail. Under the joint venture, M&S is acquiring a 50% share of Ocado’s UK retail business, which will be supported by Ocado Smart Platform, for a total consideration of up to £750 million ($999 million). Marks & Spencer said the venture would trade as …
Saputo, the Canadian dairy giant, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire its UK peer Dairy Crest in a deal worth around £975 million ($1.28 billion). Headquartered in the UK, Dairy Crest manufactures and markets cheese, butter, spreads and oils under leading brands such as Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life and Frylight, and also produces value-added dairy ingredients. It employs approximately 1,100 people in seven locations across the UK and generated £456.8 million ($600.5 …
Nestle, the consumer goods giant, has revealed it intends to “explore strategic options” for its Herta charcuterie (cold cuts and meat-based products) business, with a view to a potential sale. Announcing the move alongside its financial results for 2018, Nestle said the decision was “a further step in positioning the portfolio towards attractive high-growth categories”. Recent times have seen the Swiss firm shifting its business towards ‘better for you’ segments, such …
Tayto, the UK’s third largest snacks firm, has signed a deal to acquire “grab and go” snack firm Bite UK, according to media reports. The joint venture, to be called Bite UK Snacks, will reportedly focus on “healthy snacking” and will see Bite UK’s flagship Pure Bite brand distributed throughout Tayto’s network. The Pure Bite range includes Strawberry & Gojiberry and Blueberry & Cranberry Popped Rice Clusters, Almond and Hot …
Burton’s Biscuit, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Maryland and Wagon Wheels, has announced the acquisition of Dorset-based biscuit firm Thomas Fudge’s for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1916, Thomas Fudge’s focuses on “indulgent” sweet and savoury biscuits, producing lines such as florentines, flapjacks, biscuits for cheese, wafers and flatbreads. In a statement, Burton’s Biscuit described the premium sector as one of the fastest-growing in the biscuit category, …
Casino, the French supermarket group, has announced plans to sell of a total of 32 hypermarkets and supermarkets in France as part of a plan to dispose of non-strategic assets. The retailer said it had signed agreements to sell six hypermarkets located outside the Paris region in the towns of Castelnaudary, Saint Gregoire, Dole, Cholet, Anglet and Castres, to E. Leclerc for a combined consideration of €100.5 million ($115 million). It said …
Katjes, the German sugar confectionery firm, is making its debut in the chocolate category with the launch of Katjes Chocjes, a vegan chocolate bar made using oat milk instead of cow’s milk. According to a report in Horizont, the new Katjes line is intended to have a focus on sustainability. The cocoa used in the bar is described as UTZ certified, while the paper wrapping is claimed to have FSC certificaton. Due to …
Portuguese coffee firm Delta Cafes has entered the snack bar business with the launch of a energy-boosting cereal bar that contains caffeine. Branded as Croffee, the cereal bar is said to be “healthy, satiating and stimulating” and comes in a brown-coloured wrapper bearing images of coffee beans. Each bar is said to contain caffeine content equivalent to one espresso coffee, and is claimed to be source of fibre and to contain …
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, …
Kellogg, the leading US cereal and snacks firm, is investing in new manufacturing facilities to expand capacity for its Pringles snacks brand in Europe, according to reports in Portal Spozywczy and Just Food. The company is said to be investing nearly 314 million PLN ($83 million) in the upgrade, which will see a new building and production lines constructed at the firm’s Kutno site in central Poland. The investment is …
Fazer, the leading Finnish food group, has announced multiple changes to its manufacturing operations in its home market, with the opening of a new plant-based foods factory and the possible closure of another facility making pre-packaged bread. The firm is investing €40 million ($46 million) to construct a new plant-based foods plant in the city of Lahti, in a move Fazer said would strengthen its position “as a forerunner in …
Nobre, part of the Campofrio group, has launched a line of cheese, marking its entry into the dairy sector in Portugal. The firm, which is primarily known for its meat products, said the strategy would strengthen its position in the Portuguese market. According to the company, the new line is conveniently sliced, making it a versatile choice for tapas, starters or light lunches. Commenting on the move, Nobre said: “In …
Tonnies, the German meat firm, is closing its Weimarer Wurstwaren manufacturing site in Nohra, Thuringia, with the plant due to be shuttered on 28th February. According to an MDR report, Tonnies cited a slowdown in investment and price pressures in the meat industry as factors in the closure. MDR also reports that in recent times the site had begun manufacturing vegetarian products as consumer preferences changed. Weimarer Wustwaren, most famous for producing Thuringia …
The German division of Danish dairy giant has announced it has sold its plant in Bad Worishofen to the Belgian cheesemaker Vache Bleue. Arla said it decided to take the step of seeling the plant as production and distribution of the speciality cheeses produced there were no longer in line with the strategic orientation of the stores it supplies in Germany and Europe. The transaction includes the sale of all shares in the French …
Arla, the Danish dairy giant, has announced the acquisition of Mondelez’s processed cheese business in the Middle East region, which is currently licensed under the Kraft brand. Arla said the deal was set to significantly strengthen its position in the Middle East and North Africa, giving access to new product categories, new markets and a state-of-the-art production site. The company said that, up till now, most of its products sold in …
Multinational consumer goods firm Unilever has announced the acquisition of De Vegetarische Slager (The Vegetarian Butcher), a Netherlands-based meat substitutes firm, for an undisclosed sum. Unilever said the acquisition fitted with its strategy of expanding its portfolio into plant-based foods that are healthier and have a lower environmental impact, and would allow it to respond to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan meals. Founded in 2007, The Vegetarian Butcher produces plant-based …
Leading healthcare and pharmaceuticals firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer have announced plans to merge their respective consumer health businesses in a move that will see GSK separate to create two new global companies. GSK said it would have a majority controlling equity interest of 68% in the joint venture, which has combined sales of approximately £9.8 billion ($12.7 billion) and will bring brands such as Sensodyne, Voltaren and Panadol together with Advil, Centrum …
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 …
Clarins, the French toiletries giant, is launching a new brand of natural toiletries in France and the UK under the My Clarins brand. According to a report in Cosmetics Business, the new line will target the 18 to 29 year old age bracket and will initially consist of nine products. Available from January 2019, the range is said to consist of formulations that are mostly 88% of natural origin and …
Dutch dairy multinational FrieslandCampina has announced the acquisition of Millan Vicente, a co-packer and distributor of cheese based in Zaragoza, Spain for an undisclosed sum. Describing Millan Vicente as an important partner in Spain for many years, FrieslandCampina said the deal would further strengthen FrieslandCampina’s position in supplying cheese to Spanish and Portuguese consumers. Millan Vicente was founded in 1995 and provides a wide variety of cheeses to modern retail. Post-acquisition it will …
Orkla has announced that it has disposed of its Mrs Cheng’s brand, selling the business to Continental Foods for an undisclosed sum. The Mrs Cheng’s brand, which has a product portfolio of soy sauces and Thai casserole bases in Sweden, became a part of Orkla through the acquisition of Rieber & Son in 2013 and had net sales of 23.5 million SEK ($2.56 million) in 2017. Commenting on the deal, Orkla …
Ebro Foods, the multinational Spanish foods firm, is constructing a new factory in Spain to boost its production of convenience foods, according to a report in ABC De Sevilla. The new €70 million ($79 million) plant, to be located in the La Rinconanda municipality of Seville, is described as being the largest plant in the world for rice, ready meals and other convenience foods sold in pots. The factory will occupy …
Migros, the leading Swiss grocery retailer, is expanding in the healthcare space with the acquisition of the Topwell pharmacy chain via its subsidiary MedBase. Topwell is described as Switzerland’s oldest pharmacy chain and operates a network of 42 stores in the German-speaking part of the country. Its product range includes healthcare and beauty items alongside infant nutrition and other related products. Migros said it intended to combine the MedBase and Topwell …
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 …
Griesson De Beukelaer, the Germany bakery firm behind the Prinzenrolle brand, is closing its factory in Kempen, North-Rhine Westphalia with up to 270 jobs affected, according to reports in the German media. The biscuit and cracker maker is said to be looking to close the factory by the end of 202o and consolidate manufacturing at the firm’s largest site in Kahla, Thuringia. The firm is reported to have said that upgrading the …
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 …
Diageo, the UK based alcoholic drinks giant, has announced the sell-off of 19 brands to the US spirits firm Sazerac for an aggregate consideration of $550 million. The transaction includes the whiskey brands Seagram’s VO, Seagram’s 83 and Seagram’s Five Star, the rum brands Myers’s and, Parrot Bay, the sambuca brand Romana, the vodka brand Popov, the liqueur brands Yukon Jack and Goldschlager, and the cocktail brand Stirrings, alongside brands such …
Premier Foods, the UK food manufacturer, is mulling the sale of its Ambrosia custard and desserts brand as it continues to look at ways of reducing its debt burden. The company made the announcement as it reported a statutory loss after tax of £700,000 ($910,000) for the first half of its financial year, despite growing revenue by 1.3% and seeing trading profit increase by 6.2%. The Ambrosia brand range includes canned and frozen …
Global snacks and drinks giant PepsiCo is set to acquire the upscale UK crisps brand Pipers, with the deal due to be completed in early 2019 subject to regulatory approval. Founded in Lincolnshire in 2004, Pipers claims to focus on using local ingredients to deliver “the best taste and quality possible”. It supplies hotels, pubs and restaurants as well as selected retail outlets such as delis and farm shops. PepsiCo said …
Global brewer Heineken is investing €28.9 million ($32.9 million) to boost production at its brewery at La Valentine, near Marseille, France, according to a Business Insider France report. The expansion works, which are set to begin at the start of 2019 and run for one year, will reportedly increase capacity at the site by 35% to 450,000 hectolitres. The upgrade will also enable production of the Desperados beer brand at …
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 …
Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers has announced an investment of €150 million (USD173.5 million) to expand and upgrade its sites in Cork and Dublin as response of the continued rise in demand for Irish whiskey. Out of the total investment, €130 million ($150.5 million) will be allocated for the firm’s Midleton distillery, and maturation site in Dungourney, Co Cork, expanding capacity with the construction of eight new maturation warehouses, each holding 16,800 …
Japanese snack producer Calbee, through its UK subsidiary, has announced the acquisition of savoury snack manufacturer Seabrook. Based in Bradford, Seabrook produces a range of crinkle cut, straight cut and lattice crisps, as well as low-calorie snacks. The brand’s crisps are available in sea salt and red wine vinegar, cream cheese and chives, and lamb and mint flavours. In a statement, the company said: “Through the acquisition of Seabrook brand …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trenteseaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the event’s 2018 Paris edition. What are your expectations for this edition of SIAL? It’s looking to be a great year for SIAL Paris! For the 2018 edition, 7,200 exhibitors from 110 different countries are expected to attend, along with 160,000 visitors from 194 countries. In 2016, 60% of our exhibitors declared they made 6 months of extra turnover thanks …
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 …
Carre Leon, a French start-up firm has created a new culinary aid resembling chocolate bars that is made by blending cocoa butter and vegetables. Called Carres Futes (translating as ‘Smart Bars’), the product blend is achieved by replacing cocoa beans with whole, dehydrated vegetables. The line is available in three flavours: tomato, pepper, basil and shallot; leek, celery and fennel; and carrot, beetroot & garlic. Claimed to be a “100% natural …
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 …
Cocoa processor Barry Callebaut has announced the acquisition of Burton’s Foods chocolate factory near Liverpool, UK, for an undisclosed amount. The Swiss company will acquire the British factory by the end of this year to expand its manufacturing capacity in the country. Barry Callebaut has also announced an agreement with the biscuit maker for the long term supply of over 12,000 tonnes of chocolate and compound a year to Burton’s …
Portuguese retailer Jeronimo Martins has acquired five stores from Piotr iPawel, a competing retail chain of delicatessen and supermarket stores operating in Poland. The acquisition sees Jeronimo Martins pursuing its strategy of expanding outside Portugal. The opportunity arose at a time that Piotr iPawel is reported to be experiencing financial difficulties. Jeronimo Martins now owns 2,837 stores globally. The newly-acquired stores, located in Wroclaw, Poznan, Tychy and Kalisz, will be operated …
UK-based retailer Tesco has announced the launch of Jack’s, a new store concept that promises to offer customers great tasting food at the lowest possible prices. According to a press release, the launch is part of Tesco’s centenary celebrations and the stores are named after the company’s founder Jack Cohen. Besides offering low prices, Jack’s stores will feature well-known as well as own brands, a range of merchandise on a “when …
Leading US multinational Cargill has announced the acquisition of Polish value-added food company Konspol, which manufactures a portfolio of chilled, convenience, frozen and cold cut categories. As a result of the acquisition, Cargill strengthens the company’s global poultry footprint to 14 countries. The deal will aso increase production capacity and proximity to existing customers offering expanded value-added and poultry products, the company said Konspol operates a feed mill, five broiler farms …
Leading brewer Carlsberg has announced a series of changes that aim to reduce plastic waste by more than 1,200 tonnes a year. The main improvement is a new “Snap Pack” for its beer multipacks that replaces plastic wrap with a technology that glues the cans together. The new technique is said to have taken three years to achieve and will reduce the amount of plastic used in multi-packs by 76%, the …
Vietnamese dairy producer TH Milk has broken ground on a new milk facility in Borovsk as part of its planned investment in Russia. The facility, which will have a capacity of 1,500 tonnes of raw milk per day, results from an investment of more than $630 million. The project is claimed to provide innovative solutions for increasing the productivity of milking herd and modern technological solutions, including automatic feeding and …
Netherlands based multinational food company Wessanen has signed an agreement to acquire plant-based dairy alternative brand Abbot Kinney’s for an undisclosed sum. According to a company statement, dairy alternative products are a core category for Wessanen and Abbot Kinney will be a good addition to Wessanen’s portfolio. “Driving the change to plant-based food is the essence of our strategy”, commented Wessanen CEO Christophe Barnouin. “The acquisition of Abbot Kinney’s is …
Fresh prepared food provider Bakkavor Group is to acquire Haydens Bakery from Real Good Food for £12 million. The deal is subjected to adjustment in relation to levels of working capital and net debt. This comprises £9.6 million in cash and £2.4 million of existing finance leases. Founded in 1976, Haydens Bakery is a manufacturer of sweet bakery products for UK’s grocery retailers operating from two facilities in Devizes in …
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 …
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 …
UK bakery manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has announced the acquisition of ‘free from’ bakery manufacturer Ultrapharm Ltd for £17 million ($13.3 million). According to a Finsbury Food Group statement, the acquisition is part of an ongoing plan to diversify the company’s product capability into high growth areas. Founded in 1993, Ultrapharm has a workforce of 240 employees developing an extensive range of bakery products such as bread, bun, rolls and …
French farming and food cooperative Agrial has announced the acquisition of UK cider producer Aston Manor. Financial terms were not disclosed. Agrial has 150 processing sites in 15 countries and develops food-processing activities in the fields of milk, fresh produce, beverages and meat. Aston Manor is the UK’s largest independent cider producer, operating four sites and manufacturing brands such as such as Kingstone Press, Frosty Jack’s and Knights , as well …
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 …
Carlsberg, one of the leading global brewers, has announced plans to invest up to €100 million ($117 million) to upgrade its Kronenbourg brewery in Obernai, France. “Today, Carlsberg’s rich heritage and close ties to France are perfectly united with our ambitions to invest further in our successful French business,” said Carlsberg CEO, Cees’t Hart. “We are proud of our position as the leading French brewer and of the impressive growth …
Kraft Heinz, one of the world’s largest food and beverage firms, has announced an investment of £20 million ($26 million) in its facility in Kitts Green near Wigan in the UK. According to sources, the investment will be spent on modernising the filling and packaging operations, including a high-speed production line capable of filling 1,200 cans of soup and beans per minute, a high-speed weigh filling line and a triple-pack …
Dutch multinational dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina has taken over activities of Best Cheese Holland, including brands such as Parrano and Tjiezi. The acquisition is described as a response to the growing demand of consumers for cooking and snacking cheeses. “The acquisition of the brand Parrano and the dairy dippers fits in well with our ambition to provide dairy products for all consumption moments”, said Roel van Neerbos, president of FrieslandCampina Consumer …
Health food company Slendier has developed a new line of noodle, rice, pasta and ready meals made of konjac flour for the UK market. The range of products, which is said to be lower in calories and carbohydrates than wheat-based products, includes fettuccine, noodle, lasagne, spaghetti and pasta as well with three varieties of ready meals made of vegetable fettuccine with different types of Italian style sauces. “Through research and …
General Mills, the leading US food producer, has launched new lines for its Fibre One and Nature Valley portfolios in the UK. From this September, Fibre One will be extended to include 90 calorie cake bars in Triple Choc and Carrot Cake flavours, each available in boxes of 4 x 25g at an RRP of £2.89 ($3.68). The triple choc variant features soft cake with smooth filling and a dark …
German supermarket chain Tegut, part of the Swiss Migros group, has announced the launch of a new private label brand called Jeden Tag (‘Everyday’) which is positioned as an economy range. Featuring red-themed packaging, the new brand assortment will comprise a permanent selection of up to 700 items and will offer dairy, confectionery, staple foods, canned foods, frozen foods and household goods, among other products. The range is said to …
Russian discount retailer Svetofor has announced plans expand to Romania with the opening of a network of stores under the Mere banner. According to an article in ZF Companii, the retailer plans to open 100 stores in the next two years, the first opening this September in Snagov, about 40km north of Bucharest, and the second opening in the same month in the city of Brasov. At an average size …
Valeo Foods, the Irish food firm, is acquiring the UK sweetmaker Tangerine Confectionery from private equity fund Blackstone in a deal worth in excess of £100 million ($127 millino), according to Sky News and Food Manufacture reports. The acquisition is said to include manufacturing sites in Pontefract, York, Blackpool, Cleckheaton and Liverpool that together employ more than 1,000 staff, and will bring together traditional confectionery brands including Poppets, Fox’s, XXX, Barratt’s, Dip …
Portuguese food manufacturer Cerealis has announced plans to expand production lines at its facility in Trofa in the north of Portugal. According to Distribuicao Hoje, in addition to expanding the plant, the €7 million ($8 million) investment will enable the company to modernise its packaging lines through automation, as well as enabling the creation of a new line of cereal bars. Through the investment, Cerealis plans to develop a new …
Renova, the Portuguese household paper manufacturer, has announced the launch of a new toilet tissue which will see traditional plastic wrap replaced with a paper pack format. The new pack format is being launched for a range of unscented, undecorated 4-roll toilet tissue that will be available in four options: Hyper Soft, Balance, Ultra Fort and Recycled. The company said that to encourage consumers to buy there would be no …
Zentis, the fruit and preserves firm, has announced plans to take full control of chocolate spread maker Peeters over the coming years. The German jam maker said it had increased its stake in Peeters in July from 37 to 50%, and intended to acquire 100% of the shares in the business by January 2021. The move would fully integrate Peeters, which markets the Penotti chocolate spread brand, as a Zentis …
Biscuit International, a leading player in the private label biscuit market in Europe, has expanded its business with the acquisition of Arluy, Spain’s fifth largest producer and distributor of biscuits. A family-owned business, Arluy was founded in 1988 and markets a portfolio including Reglero, Rio, Zahor and B-live as well as the flagship Arluy brand. Based in the Rioja region, the company reportedly generated turnover last year of more than …
International cosmetics firm L’Oreal is strengthening its presence in the natural personal care space with the acquistion of the German company Logona. Founded in 1978 and based in Hanover, Germany, Logona markets a range of products under brands such as Logona and Sante, with an emphasis on plant extracts and natural ingredients. The firm’s premium-positioned Logona brand range includes haircare, skincare and hygiene products and is mostly sold through specialist channels. Meanwhile the …
Belgian biscuit and cake manufacturer Lotus Bakeries has announced the purchase of baby and toddler food business Kiddylicious for a price in the region of £42 million ($55 million). The sale price is described as being about twice Kiddylicious’ forecast sales for 2018. Based in southern England, Kiddylicious was set up in 2009 and last year posted £16 million in sales. The brand will join Bear snacks and Nakd snack …
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 …
Intersnack, the German snacks giant, has announced the acquisition of Popchips Ltd, the firm that owns and markets the Popchips brand in Europe. In North America and other international markets the brand will be retained by Popchips Ltd’s parent company Popchips Inc. The Popchips brand range includes crisps and potato-based puffed snacks in a variety of flavours. Commenting on the deal, KP Snacks CEO Mark Thorpe said: “Popchips is a …
Kaufland, the Schwarz Group owned German supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a brand called K To Go to target on the go occasions. Referencing findings from a recent study, the firm said that more than a third of consumers regularly opted for on the go snacks as a workday lunch, and that the K To Go brand would offer increased convenience for time-pressed consumers. The K To Go …
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 …
Melitta, the leading German manufacturer of coffee, coffee makers and coffee accessories, has announced the acquisition of the Italian household goods firm Cuki Group. Based in Volpiano, near Turin, Cuki Group is the parent company of Cuki Cofresco, the Italian market leader in food storage and refuse bags. The company markets retail brands such as Cuki and Domopak and manufactures goods including foil, baking paper and food storage bags. Cuki Group’s …
Natural and organic products manufacturer Hain Daniels, part of the Hain Celestial group, has announced the launch of a new jam brand in the UK. William’s British Conserves are described as being made from 100% British-grown fruit and will be packaged in an embossed 340g jar complete with a sleeve detailing the brand’s history, with the aim of securing share in the premium jam category. Described as having a home-cooked …
Blue Gem, the private equity firm that owns upermarket retailer Liberty, fashion brand Jack Wills and baby care firm Mamas and Papas, is expanding in the cosmetics market with the acquisition of Iconic London. Launched via Instagram in 2015, Iconic London offers “cruelty-free” and vegan make up products and is said to have built a following of 800,000 consumers through social media. The company offers a broad range of cosmetics, including eye …
Henkel, the German household and personal care giant, is launching a new line of natural toiletries under the brand name Nature Box, according to a Lebensmittel Zeitung report. The new brand range, which comprises both haircare and skincare products, is designed to “appeal to a new audience, reinvigorate the category and become an important pillar within our personal care business”, the company is quoted as saying. Leading retailer DM currently …
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 …
Patisseries Gourmandes, a French firm specialized in making baked goods, has entered into an exclusive negotiation to acquire the manufacturing activities of fellow bakery firm La Trinitaine, according to a report in Ouest-France. Stores operating under that La Trinitaine banner are said to be excluded from the deal. Founded in 1956, La Trinitaine produces a range of biscuits, cakes and other bakery products, with a focus on Breton specialities, and …
Mast-Jagermeister, the manufacturer of herbal liqueurs, has taken a stake in craft gin brand Gin Sul, according to a report in About Drinks. Described as a Hamburg gin with Portuguese roots, Gin Sul features as a key botanical cistus ladanifer, a citrus-flavoured plant that is said to grow wild on Portugal’s Costa Vicentina. Described as one of Germany’s leading premium gin brands, Gin Sul is sold in white-coloured bottles and is …
Gin and craft beer producer Colonsay Beverages has announced a new vodka which is said to be the first in the UK to be distilled from oats. In order to create the product, the Scottish craft distillery said it had added oats to a refurbished copper pot still along with wheat and rye, resulting in a higher-than-average strength of 43% abv. According to a report in Foodbev, Colonsay Beverages developed …
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 …
European supermarket heavyweights Tesco and Carrefour have announced plans to form a strategic alliance covering global supplier relationships, the joint purchasing of own brand products and goods not for resale. Anticipated to be formally agreed within the next two months, the partnership will be governed by a three-year operational framework. In a statement, the retailers said the alliance would enable both companies to enhance their competitiveness by improving the quality and choice …
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, …
Consumer goods giant Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in the Italian personal care and wellbeing business Equilibra. Founded in Italy in 1987, Equilibra is a natural health & beauty firm using plant-based ingredients with functional benefits such as aloe, shea (karite), argan and almond. Its product range includes skin and hair care products, as well as nutritional supplements. Unilever said Equilibra would be run as …
Ganassini, an Italian personal care firm, is acquiring UK luxury beauty brand The Organic Pharmacy, according to a report in Cosmetics Business. The deal, which marks Ganassini’s entry into the organic products space, will see The Organic Pharmacy sit alongside Ganassini’s other brands such as Rilastil and Korff, and also the natural beauty brand Bioclin. The Organic Pharmacy offers a broad personal care range including skin and body care as well as male …
Heineken, the global beer giant, has acquired a minority stake in UK-based Beavertown for £40 million ($55 million). The cash injection is said to be targeted at buiilding a new 125,000 sq ft plant that will allow Beavertown to increase its brewing capacity tenfold, up to a total of 450,000 hl. It is estimated the facility will create around 150 jobs while the current site in Tottenham will be used …
French cosmetics giant L’Oreal is planning the launch of a new brand of organic cosmetics for this coming September, according to an LSA report. Named La Provencale Bio, the product range is set to source many of its main ingredients from the south-eastern region of Provence, and will also be manufactured in France . Intended for mass market distribution, La Provençale Bio will be based on natural ingredients such as …
Louis Delhaize, a Belgian retail group operating supermarkets and hypermarkets under banners such as Cora and Match, is to close its online grocery platform Wink, according to a Gondola article. Established in 2013, Wink operated as a standalone e-commerce brand with an emphasis on click and collect ordering, but failed to gain significant traction in a country where online sales currently account for little more than 1% of total grocery …
The Canadian arm of UK canned soup and sauces producer Baxters has been sold for around C$24 million ($18 million) to a financial consortium comprising Fonds De Solidarite FTQ, Fondaction, Investissement Qubec and Champlain Financial Corporation. With volume sales of 60 million cans per year, Baxters Canada serves a wide range of consumers under its three brands Aylmer, Primo and Baxters. Alongside soups and sauces, the firm also manufactures ready-to …
Spanish rice, pasta and sauce manufacturer Ebro Foods has announced plans to build a new factory to manufacture products under the Vegetalia banner, according to a report in Just Food. The new organic food production facility will be Ebro Food’s fourth and is set to be located in Barcelona, with works to start in the autumn of 2019. Ebro Foods acquired the Spanish organic food manufacturer Vegetalia for €15 million …
Irish snacks firm Tayto has announced the acquisition of meat snack maker The Real Pork Crackling for an undisclosed sum. Established for over 25 years, The Real Pork Crackling produces pork scratchings and owns leading pork crackling brands such as Golden Pork Crunch, and has listings in major UK supermarket chains such as Asda, Co-Op, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. The deal to buy The Real Pork Crackling is the latest in …
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 …
Scandinavian food giant Orkla has announced that it plans to build a new biscuit factory, which is to be located in the Latvian capital Riga. In a press release, the company said that the decision was part of the group’s strategy of consolidating production in fewer but more efficient plants and investing in new, modern technology and concentrating production in one facility. Commenting on the decision, Ann-Beth Freuchen, executive vice …
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. …
Italian pasta and sauce company Barilla has announced plans to spend €1 billion ($1.18 billion) over the next five years in production, innovation and geographic expansion. The company said that 60% of the newly announced investment would be geared towards boosting competitiveness and sustainability by improving processes and technologies, while the remainder would support innovation and international expansion. Among specific projects, Barilla said it intended to invest in its facility …
Frozen foods retailer Iceland has opened its first two stores in Norway and is now looking for new sites in the country in which to expand, the company has announced. The UK-based chain, which already has a moderate presence in international markets, opened its first store in Norway at the end of May, located in a 280 sq m unit in Asker. Containing a total of 33 freezer cabinets, the …
Compagnie des Fromages & RichesMonts (CF&R), a subsidiary of dairy giants Savencia Fromage & Dairy and Sodiaal, has announced plans to shut a cheese plant in Coutances, France with the loss of up to 86 permanent jobs. The firm is one of the leading players in the European soft cheese market, offering products such as brie and camembert under the brands Coeur de Lion and Le Rustique. Le Rustique is described as the …
Danish Crown, the Denmark-based meat processor, has announced the acquisition of Dutch meat firm Bacon Specialist Zandbergen via its subsidiary Tulip. Bacon Specialist Zandbergen offers a range of bacon products, primarily for retailers and the foodservice industry, alongside retail products including bacon cubes and rashers under its own Bacon Specialist Zandbergen brand. Founded in 1984, the firm is based in the Amsterdam suburb of Haarlem, where both its production facilities and …
UK crisp and snack manufacturer Tayto has acquired a range of assets, including trademarks and brand names, from popcorn company Pop Notch for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in Northern Ireland, Tayto is the third largest snack manufacturer in UK, with six sites in the country. The group’s portfolio includes brands such as Tayto, Golden Wonder, Mr Porky and Jonathan Crisp. Commenting on the deal, Tayto CEO Paul Allen said: “We …
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 …
Arla, the Danish dairy firm, has announced plans to close a number of UK operations as part of an efficiency-saving programme. In a bid for “optimised UK cheese production”, the cooperative said it was proposing to cease production at its Llandyrnog creamery in Wales, consequently moving cheddar cheese volumes to creameries in Taw Valley in south-west England and Lockerbie in Scotland. In addition, Arla said it intended to integrate all of its …
UK milk, butter and cheese producer Dairy Crest has announced an investment of £85 million ($100.3) million to boost cheese production, in order to meet increasing demand from both domestic and overseas markets. The investment at the Davidstow plant in Cornwall is intended to increase growth in the firm’s cheddar cheese brands Cathedral City and Davidstow, as well as enhance whey production capacity. The expansion plans are to be implemented …
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 …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy giant, has announced that it has made an investment in the Ethiopian dairy firm Holland Dairy, in partnership with Veris Investments, an Amsterdam-based private equity firm. Veris Investments describes itself as an independent firm that “makes equity and mezzanine investments in companies and projects with activities in the food value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa”. FrieslandCampina said the deal would enable it to strenghten its export position in …
German snacks firm Internsack has announced the acquisition of UK crisp business Tyrrells from US confectioner Hershey for an undisclosed sum. The Tyrrells business includes a head office and two manufacturing sites in the UK, along with US manufacturing operations, the Aroma Snacks business in Germany and Yarra Valley Snack Foods in Australia. Hershey acquired Tyrrells as part of its purchase of the Amplify Snack Brands business, announced at the end …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it is intending to invest €40 million ($47 million) to upgrade its production capabilities in Portugal, with 80% of the amount to be invested this year. According to Terranova, the investment will be made in the next 18 to 20 months in two plants – one in Avanca in the central region of Portugal, and one in the northern city of Oporto – in …
Nobre, a Portuguese meat products firm, is expanding into the burgeoning meat substitute space with a line of imitation meat products under the Nobre Vegalia brand name. Products in the Nobre Vegalia range are said to be targeted at the “flexitarian community” – typically consumers who are not vegetarian but who are looking to reduce their meat content. Based primarily on egg white, the product lineup is claimed to be …
Avril, a French firm active in sectors such as oil, eggs and animal feed, has announced an alliance with the founding families of the Italian olive oil brand Costa d’Oro. “The partners aim to raise the Costa d’Oro brand to become the global reference in top quality olive oil, combining natural authenticity, innovation and traceability”, Avril announced in a statement. The deal will create the third most important olive oil brand …
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, …
Dutch brewer Heineken is expanding its presence in Central America with the acquisition of a minority stake in Belize Brewing, the leading beer firm in Belize. Belize Brewing is a subsidiary of Bowen & Bowen, which has been an importer and distributor of Heineken brands including Heineken, Amstel and Red Stripe in Belize since 2016. The firm also produces the market leading beer brand Belikin. Commenting, on the deal Marc Busain, President Americas at …
Kaufland, the leading German supermarket chain operated by the Schwarz Group, has announced the launch of a new private label brand called Bevola, focused on health and beauty and exclusively available at Kaufland stores. Launched with the slogan “love yourself – take care of yourself”, the brand line consists of over 120 items targeted at “the whole family”. Products under the new brand include face, body and shave care produces for …
The Serbian arm of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced that it is disposing of its children’s chocolate brand Cipiripi. The firm is selling the product line to Paracinki, a subsidiary of the distribution firm Silbo. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Cipiripi brand range includes confectionery bars, chocolate spread and chocolate drink mix. Commenting on the deal, Yana Mikhailova, regional director of South Eastern Europe at Nestle said: …
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 …
The Hut Group, the health & lifestyle e-retailer, is further strengthening its presence in the cosmetics space with the acqusition of mascara brand Eyeko, Cosmetics Business reports. Eyeko, a UK firm founded in 1999, specialises in a range of eye cosmetics including mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, as well as offering eye care products such as serum and cleansing wipes. The deal is the latest in a series of acquisitions that has …
Supermarket chains Sainsbury’s and Asda, the 2nd and 3rd leading players in UK grocery retail respectively, have announced that they have reached an agreement to merge the two business in a deal that is set to shake up the UK supermarket sector. “The Combined Business will create a dynamic new player in UK retail with an outstanding breadth of products, delivered through multiple channels”, the two firms said in a statement. The …
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced the launching of a new cider brand exclusively for the Irish market Developed by Heineken Ireland, Appleman’s is said to be haven specifically made to suit Irish consumer taste preferences and is described as “beautifully simple, perfectly balanced and effortlessly refreshing cider”. The company claims that the new cider is twice pressed “by fourth generation Cider Masters” and thus offers a taste that is …
Merck, a German firm active in sectors such as life sciences and healthcare, has that is has announced an agreement to sell its consumer health business to consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble for €3.4 million ($4.2 billion). The acquisition will allow P&G to expand its consumer healthcare portfolio to include brands such as Femibion, Neurobion, Nasivin and Seven Seas. Merck’s range includes products for muscle, joint and back pain, …
Bell Group, a Swiss firm predominantly active in the meat space, has announced an expansion of its activities in fresh packed fruit and vegetables with the acquisition of local firm Sylvain & Co for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in the canton of Vaud in western Switzerland, Sylvain & Co produces a range of bagged salad leaves as well as ready-to-eat salads and fruit under its namesake brand. With annual revenues of …
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 …
AB InBev Efes, the company formed by the merger of AB InBev’s operations in Russia and Ukraine with those of Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes, is launching a new radler beer brand in Russia in a bid to appeal to millennial consumers, according to a report in Sostav.ru. The new brand, called What The Fruit?, is described as a classic light beer blended with natural fruit juice, and is being made available …
Global beer giant AB InBev, via its venture capital division ZX Ventures, has announced the acquisition of UK-based spirits producer company Atom Group for an undisclosed amount. The deal will see AB InBev acquire Atom Group’s three business units: the online alcohol retailer Master of Malt, spirits distributor Maverick Drinks as well as spirits maker Atom Brands whose portfolio includes Ableforth’s gin and rum, The Handmade Cocktail Company and The …
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 …
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 …
Luxco, a US spirits firm, has announced that it has acquired a controlling stake in Niche Drinks, a maker of whiskey and liqueur based in Northern Ireland. Founded in 1983 and with a manufacturing site in the city of Derry, Niche Drinks produces a range of cream liqueurs, whiskeys and ready to drink cocktails for retail customers in Ireland, the UK, the USA and Europe, as well as marketing products under …
Grupo Apex, a Spanish producer of crisps and savoury snacks, is acquiring Valencia-based crisp maker and Aitana brand owner Papes Safor, according to a report in Sweet Press. “Papes Safor is a family company founded in 1992 that specialises in the manufacture of high quality crisps and snacks”, Grupo Apex said in a statement. “It shares with Grupo Apex an emphasis on careful selection of raw materials for use in …
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 …
Mahou San Miguel, the leading Spanish brewer, has announced the acquisition of 51.78% of bottled mineral water company Aguas del Valle de La Orotava. Aguas del Valle de La Orotava is a Canary Islands based company which owns the Fonteide and Los Alpes mineral water brands, as well as two springs on Tenerife. Mahou San Miguel said the deal would boost its position in the mineral water sector in Spain …
BrewDog, the UK-based beer firm, is expanding into the cider space with the acquisition of London producer Hawkes. Positioned as “saviours of cider”, Hawkes markets a range of cider under the Urban Orchard, Soul Trader and Elephants on Ice, as well as an alcoholic ginger beer and a cider / beer hybrid under the Hawkes name. In a statement, BrewDog said: “Hawkes’ approach to cider parallels our heritage with beer, …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced an investment of around €40 million ($49 million) to expand and modernize its confectionery production plant in Hamburg, according to a report in Lebensmittelpraxis. The facility, which manufactures products for the firm’s Kit-Kat, Smarties, After Eight and Choco Crossies brands, is Nestle’s largest factory for confectionery products in Europe with daily capacity of 1 million units, two thirds of which is exported. The investment comes …
Nestle, the consumer goods giant, has announced plans to upgrade a manufacturing facility in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine through a 700 million UAH ($26.2 million) investment. The reconstruction and modernisation programme, which is scheduled to be completed by 2021, is being undertaken at a site which produces foods such as mashed potato and noodles for the Nestle Milvina brand. The project is to be implemented in two stages and will …
Fleury Michon, a meat products and ready meal manufacturer, is to purchase Paso Traiteur, a deli foods firm based in Olonne-sur-Mer, France, for an undisclosed sum. Employing 140 staff and operating two facilities, Paso Traiteur is a leader in chilled appetizers, primarily producing a variety of filled bread called prefou that is a speciality of the Vendee region. The firm also manufactures bread-based dumplings and mini burger appetizers. The acquisition is …
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 …
Young’s Seafood, a UK based producer of fish and fish-based ready meals, has announced that it plans to close its Pinney’s processing and manufacturing facility in Annan, Scotland, following a review of its operations. Describing production at the site as “no longer financially sustainable”, the seafood firm said it intended to move remaining natural salmon production to an existing facility in Grimsby, while recruiting up to 50 roles at a separate scampi factory in …
European dairy co-operative Arla has announced its intention to sell cheese plant in Sonthofen, Germany to the dairy company Allgauer Hof-Milch. Arla said the decision was taken as the speciality cheese produced in Sonthofen no longer followed the strategic plan of its businesses in Germany and Europe. “All of our production sites in Germany are focused on supplying both the German market and our export markets, playing a crucial role …
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the UK based healthcare multinational, is to buy out its stake in its consumer healthcare venture with Novartis at a cost of $13 billion. The joint venture, which includes the toothpaste brand Sensodyne and painkiller brand Panadol, as well as Nicotinell stop smoking aids, was formed in 2015 as part of Novartis’ portfolio transformation, which comprised a three-part inter-conditional transaction with GSK, including the combination of the Novartis …
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that is launching its first chocolate bar based on new “structured sugar” technology. Called Milkybar Wowsomes, the new product is claimed to be “the first chocolate bar in the world to use Nestlé’s innovative sugar reduction technique”. The technology is said to consists of creating aerated, porous particles of sugar that dissolve more quickly in the mouth, allowing consumers to perceive the same level of …
Hoogvliet, the Dutch supermarket chain, has announced an expansion of its private label product range with the launch of a premium assortment under the name Buitengewoon (‘Out Of The Ordinary’). The retailer, which operates a network of 68 stores in western and central Netherlands, said the new range would initially consist of 75 products and would target “special occasions, holidays and festivities and indulgent moments such as Sunday breakfast”. Products available …
Doux, the troubled French poultry processor, has filed for liquidation in the face of mounting losses. Reuters reports that Terrena, which acquired a majority stake in Doux two years ago, has been hit by cheaper imports from Brazil, particularly in its key exports in the Middle East. According to an article in Ouest-France, the business has been losing in the order of €3 million ($3.7 million) per month. Doux, which owns …
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 …
Brasserie Goudale, a French beermaker, is set to more than double its production capacity through a €45 million ($56 million) investment, according to a report in Usine Nouvelle. The brewer is investing the funds at its facility in Arques in the Pas de Calais region of France, less than two years after first opening the site. Initiated in January, works at the site include a new brewery, which will be …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 16th March 2018: This month’s Innovation Insight looks at the changing fortunes of the traditional white potato, as ‘healthier’ vegetable alternatives put down roots within the frozen chips category. Under the microscope is a product that introduces new vegetable options to the frozen ‘potato’ aisle: Aunt Bessie’s Rosemary & Sea Salt Swede Chips. Promoted as being “perfect when you fancy a change from …
French firm Bonduelle, a producer of canned and processed vegetables, has announced the launch of VeggissiMmm!, a range of fresh and frozen meat substitutes that are designed to turn vegetable ingredients into the centrepiece of a meal. Set for release in April, Bonduelle VeggissiMmm! will offer products including falafel with chickpeas carrot, courgettes and dates, as well as meat substitutes such as vegetarian burgers and dumplings. Commenting on the launch, …
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 …
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 …
Snacks and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced the extension of its Maynard Bassetts Wine Gums range with a new Mocktails variant. The new jelly sweets will contain three non-alcoholic flavours – Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Cuba Libre – and will be targeted at younger adults with an emphasis on the “night in” occasion. Commenting on the launch, Marta Sanso, Joyful Candy senior brand manager at Mondelez, said: “This new …
Fonterra Ventures, the investment arm of the New Zealand dairy giant, has announced that it is bolstering its presence in the nutrition space through an investment in Goodminton, the German holding company behind the Foodspring start-up. Described as Fonterra Ventures’ “first strategic partnership”, the deal will enable Fonterra to tap into active nutrition, a segment which it described as rapidly expanding. Commenting on the deal, Judith Swales, Fonterra chief operating offficer, Velocity …
Piccolo, a UK company specialized in baby food, has announced the launch of a stage-three ready meals line that features Mediterranean flavours. Launched on the back of the firm’s stage-one and stage-two pouches, Piccolo Baby Meals come in a split pot package that combines textured grains, vegetables and sauce such that the vegetables are claimed to retain their nutrients and the grains their texture. Commenting on the launch, Piccolo founder …
Toms, the Danish confectionery group, is said to be preparing to relocate production of Hachez chocolate from its traditional base in Bremen, Germany to an unspecified new location in Poland. According to a report in the Weser Kurier, the 250 employees at the firm’s factory in the city were informed of the decision at the end of February. Toms is said to be looking to set up production at its …
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 …
Dr. Oetker, the German food firm, and Bavarian dairy company Molkerei Gropper have announced they are to join forces to invest in the manufacture of new refrigerated product lines. The 50:50 joint venture will see Dr. Oetker contribute its chilled products plant in Moers to the new company, while Molkerei Gropper is to effect a capital increase in the same amount to be used to invest in buildings, infrastructure and new production facilities. Production will …
Leading Italian supermarket Coop has launched D’Osa, a new private-label line entirely dedicated to home cooking, as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. The new range is advertised as being made with 100% raw and organic Italian ingredients, with low salt content and no artificial sweeteners, colours or thickeners. Comprising 37 items in total, ranging from baking mixes to desserts, sweet and savoury pastries, flour and other baking aids, D’Osa is …
Gama spoke to Tammy Butterworth, Global R&D Grains Formulation Manager, PepsiCo. How is the role of breakfast changing in consumers’ lives, and what do FMCG companies need to do to adapt to this change? “Breakfast maintains an important role in people’s lives – what is changing is the time it can be given. When asked, people instinctively know that breakfast sets them up for the day (and the statistics bear this …
Bio-tiful Dairy, a company specializing in organic kefir milk drinks and snack, has announced the launch of a new product made from a blend of kefir and quark. Bio-tiful Dairy Kefir Quark is advertised as a unique combination of bio-live kefir and high-protein quark that is also a source of calcium, vitamins B2 and B12 and other minerals. The new launch is described as containing over 18g of protein and …
Lidl, the German discount retailer, is set to invest €200 million ($250 million) in Ireland in 2018 to strengthen its store and distribution network. Already the fourth largest grocery retailer in Ireland with market share of 10.5%, Lidl is now set to expand further by investing in both its stores and a new distribution centre, the latter being the firm’s largest single project for 2018 with a price tag of €80 …
French dairy multinational Danone has expanded its Light & Free range of yoghurts in the UK with launch of two new skyr products, available in portion pots and promoted as low in sugar. The Icelandic-style range comes in Blueberry Blast and Raspberry Razzle varieties, both available in single-serve 150g tubs. The yoghurts are described as featuring real fruit, no added sugar, 81 calories and 0% fat, while still containing 14g of …
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 …
SHS Group, a firm representing leading FMCG brands in Ireland and UK, has settled a deal to purchase 3V Group, the owner of Meridian Foods and soft drink producer Rocks, for an undisclosed amount. Meridian Foods is one of the UK’s leading nut butter producers, manufacturing products such as almond butter, cashew butter and sunflower seed butter. The company also provides fruit spreads and nut-based snack bars. Rocks, meanwhile, is …
Unilever, the FMCG multinational, has announced that it has received a undisclosed offer from Dr. Oetker, the German pizza, desserts and culinary aids firm, to acquire its Alsa baking and dessert business. Alsa, which was acquired by Unilever in 2010, manufactures over 50 baking products for the French market including pastry aids, recipe mixes and jams for cake fillings. Commenting on the announcement, Didier Muller, general manager Dr. Oetker France, said: …
Tesco, the UK’s leading grocery retailer, is considering the creation of a new ‘discount’ store chain to counteract the threat of Aldi and Lidl, according to an article in the Sunday Times. The Guardian reports that the new discount stores would seek to match the German discount supermarkets on price, while carrying only 3,000 lines, compared to 25,000 lines in a typical Tesco Extra hypermarket. The newspaper also reports that a second option …
Finnish dairy firm Valio has announced that it is re-entering the ice cream market after a gap of 10 years with a new line of lactose-free products. Produced at Valio’s Oulu dairy in northern Finland, and available in stores from this March, the line is promoted as a new alternative within the super premium ice cream segment and comes in six flavour combinations: crazy caramel with a hint of salt, …
Global dairy company Arla has announced a licensing agreement with UK firm Yeo Valley Dairies, a subsidiary of the Yeo Valley Group, which will give Arla the right to use the Yeo Valley brand for milk, butter, spreads and cheese products. Yeo Valley is the UK’s largest organic brand and the largest family-owned dairy business, with a range of products that includes yoghurt, milk, butter, cream, ice cream and compote. …
Halewood, a UK wine and spirits specialist, has announced the acquisition of spiced rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers from Cornwall-based Rum & Crab Shack. The deal takes Halewood’s premium rum portfolio to four brands. The firm also markets Rum Sixty-Six, Liverpool Rum and Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Spiced Rum. Dead Man’s Fingers was created in 2015 as a blend of Caribbean rums, featuring notes of saffron cake, sweet Pedro X ice …
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 …
Orkla, the Scandinavian food giant, has announced the acquisition of bakery firm Struer Brod via its wholly-owned subsidiary Orkla Foods Sverige. Struer Brod was established in 1929 and predominantly manufactures bakery products such as breadcrumbs, as well as breakfast cereals, for both retail and foodservice channels. The firm has also supplied Orkla since 2012. In 2016, Struer Brod had a turnover of 114 million DKK ($19 million), about half of …
Multinational consumer goods firm Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire Romanian ice-cream producer Betty Ice for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 1994 by entrepreneur Vasile Armenean and with a total turnover of €30 million ($37 million), Betty Ice operates a manufacturing facility in Suceava as well as more than 180 ice-cream kiosks, employing 760 workers in Romania. Betty Ice sells ice cream positioned as standard, premium and super-premium with …
Fairfields Farm, a snack firm based in Colchester, UK has acquired its Manchester-based peer Ten Acre for an undisclosed sum. Ten Acre produces a range of handcooked crisps and has more recently branched out into popcorn, which it markets in flavours such as wasabi, fennel and lemon, cappuccino, and strawberries & cream. Foodbev reports that the acquisition was motivated in particular by Ten Acre’s export activities, with the firm currently selling …
Multinational dairy firm Arla has announced plans to close a fermented milk factory in Braband, Denmark, in a rejig of its production operations. In a statement, Arla said that “an increasing demand for yogurt products from European consumers and a lack of expansion options” at the Braband site meant that production would need to be shifted elsewhere. The factory is set to close by mid 2019. Commenting on the move, …
Germany confectionery company Katjes Fassin has announced that it has acquired an unspecified stake in the UK sweets firm Candy Kittens. Founded in 2012 and promoted as “a fashionable confectionery brand that is truly young at heart”, Candy Kittens markets a range of “gourmet sweets” in flavours such as pineapple, watermelon and blueberry. The products are described as being free from gluten, artificial colours and artificial flavours. “Katjes is a …
Global retailer Spar has announced that Spar Netherlands and EG Group have reached an agreement to open Spar Express stores at all Texaco filling stations in the Netherlands, following a successful pilot. According to the retailer, Spar will start the conversion of around 130 Texaco stores from early 2018, planning to re-brand two stores a week with the aim of having the conversion process finished by mid-2019 at the latest. …
Portuguese retailer group Jeronimo Martins has launched a new beauty care private label brand for its Pingo Doce stores named Be Beauty Care. According to sources, the range includes eight face and body care products that are suitable for different skin types and are made with natural ingredients such as shea butter. They are claimed to be hypoallergenic and free from parabens, artificial colours and silicones. Pingo Doce marketing director …
Spanish food firm Ebro Foods has announced its latest acquisition: the purchase of a 70% stake in filled pasta firm Bertagni 1882. The binding agreement has been reached through Ebro Foods’ 100% subsidiary Panzani and 52% subsidiary Pastificio Lucio Garofalo, the firm said in a statement. Founded in Bologna, Bertagni 1882 is described as the oldest brand of filled pasta in Italy. It operates production plants in Vicenza and Avio and has …
Nomad Foods, the UK-based frozen food giant, has announced that it is set to acquire its Irish peer Green Isle, a subsidiary of Boparan Holdings and owner of the Goodfella’s pizza brand. Green Isle manufactures and distributes a portfolio of branded and private label frozen pizzas in the UK and Ireland. The Goodfella’s brand, which accounts for the majority of the firm’s revenues, was founded in 1993 and holds number one and number two market share …
Aldi Sud and Aldi Nord, the two divisions of the discount retailer Aldi in Germany, have joined forces to launch a new private label brand of high-welfare fresh poultry called Fair & Gut (‘Fair & Good’). The Fair & Gut brand is said to bring together a disparate range of welfare standards under a single umbrella. The range, which is described as being somewhere between traditional farming methods and organic …
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 …
UK retailer Tesco has announced the launch of a new range of plant-based meals under the name Wicked Kitchen. The supermarket said it had partnered with chef Derek Sarno to develop a line aligned to growing demand for vegetarian and vegan food, by celebrating “everything that’s ‘wicked’ and tasty about plants”. Tesco said that the proportion of UK consumers following a plant-based diet had grown and was set to increase …
Burts Chips, the UK-based crisp manufacturer, is branching out into popcorn with the acquisition of Savoury & Sweet, owner of the Lord Poppington’s and Popcorn & Me brands. The deal, said to be worth in excess of £10 million, will see an investment of around £5 million in Savoury & Sweet’s factory in Leicester, including a new popcorn production line, the Leicester Mercury reports. Savoury & Sweet, which manufactures popcorn …
Molson Coors, the US-based beer giant, has announced that it is to acquire UK cider firm Aspall for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1728, Suffolk-based Aspall is an established brand of cider and cider vinegars whose brand portfolio includes Premium Cru Cyder, Aspall Cyder, Clement’s Four, Cyderkyn and Imperial Vintage. Molson Coors’ said that Aspall’s “high-quality portfolio strengthens Molson Coors’ position in a fast-growing market for premium cider in the UK”. Commenting …
Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, has confirmed that it is to close its factory in Norwich, in a shakeup of its UK manufacturing operations. The closure of the factory was first mooted when soft drinks firm Britvic announced that it would be axing its own factory on the same site. At the time, Unilever said that the move would have “serious implications” for its own operations there, due to the …
French dairy giant Lactalis has announced an expansion into the growing ‘skyr’ segment with the acquisition of Siggi’s, a US-based manufacturer of Icelandic-style yoghurt. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2005, Siggi’s offers Scandinavian-style skyr yogurts that are made with “simple ingredients, not a lot of sugar”. According to the company website, Siggi’s yogurts are free from artificial sweeteners and use only hormone-free milk from family farms. The firm …
Colian, a Polish manufacturer of confectionery, dried fruit and drinks, is to acquire Irish chocolate firm Lily O’Brien’s from investment fund The Carlyle Group for €40 million ($48 million). “Lily O’Brien’s represents a compelling strategic fit for Colian with its high level of brand recognition and market position, complementing Colian’s existing products”, The Carlyle Group said in a press statement. Founded in 1992, Lily O’Brien’s employs 120 people at its Newbridge …
Valeo Foods, the Irish foods company, is acquiring the confectionery arm of Finnish firm Raisio for an enterprise value of €100 million ($121 million). Raisio, predominantly known as the owner of the international Benecol brand, said that its confectionery operations in the UK and the Czech Republic would be transferred to become part of Valeo Foods via a share transaction. Raisio’s confectionery business includes the brands Poppets, Fox’s, XXX, Just and …
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, …
Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ leading grocery retailer, is planning to leave the German market with the closure of its handful of convenience store outlets in the country in the first quarter of next year. The Dutch supermarket chain entered the German market in 2012 via the convenience store banner Albert Heijn to Go, currently operating six standalone outlets and five forecourt stores in Shell petrol stations in the country. These …
Campari, the Italian spirits group, has announced that it is to buy brandy firm Bisquit Dubouche from its South African counterpart Distell. Established in 1819, Bisquit Dubouche offers a classic range of cognacs – namely Bisquit VS Classique, Bisquit VSOP, Bisquit Prestige and Bisquit XO, together with “rare collections” and limited editions, that are claimed to be “characterized by craft and unique features”. The Bisquit Cognac brand is expected to achieve pro-forma net sales of around €9 million ($10.7 million) in the …
Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant Unilever has completed the long-awaited sale of its spreads business, having secured a deal worth €6.825 billion ($8.04 billion) on a cash-free, debt-free basis with investment firm KKR. Unilever’s Spreads business includes brands such as Becel, Flora, Country Crock, Blue Band, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Rama and ProActiv. It operates across 66 countries and had a turnover of €3.032 billion ($3.57 billion) in 2016. Commenting on the move, …
Pioneer Foods UK, the UK division of the South African food manufacturer, has announced that it is acquiring UK cereal firm Good Carb Food Company. The transaction, which is effective immediately, sees Pioneer Foods UK acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of The Good Carb Food Company – owner of the market-leading Lizi’s granola brand – for an undisclosed sum. Pioneer Foods said it had been manufacturing Lizi’s brand granola products …
Netherlands-based retailer Jumbo is set to expand beyond the Dutch market with the opening of a new store in Bree in Belgium. According to a report in Retail Detail, Jumbo will construct a 1,997 sq m building in a new retail park that project developer Immo Bree Invest is building in the town, which is situated in the northeast of the province of Limburg, close to the Dutch border. The …
French food cooperatives D’Aucy and Triskalia have announced plans for closer cooperation leading to an eventual merger, according to a report in Paysan Breton. The two groups, which are both based in the region of Brittany, said that the move would enable a combined group to become a “leading player, anchored in their local area”. The cooperatives generated a combined income of €3.1 billion in 2016 and said they had ambitions …
Germany-based multinational cheese maker Hochland has expanded operations with the acquisition of a cheese facility in Belinksky, Russia. According to sources, Hochland plans to enlarge and modernise the facility over the coming years. The site is set to produce retail branded cheese products as well as supplying cheese as a raw material for the Hochland processed cheese plant in Raos. Founded in 1927, Hochland specializes in the development, production, refinement and marketing …
Hain Celestial, the US organic and health foods manufacturer, has announced the “strategic acquisition” of the Welsh firm Clarks UK, a producer of natural sweeteners. Based in Newport, Clarks UK markets natural sweeteners including maple syrup, honey and carob, date and agave syrups under the Clarks name. Its Clarks branded maple syrup is described as the UK market leader. Commenting on the deal, Irwin D Simon, founder, president and chief executive officer …
Heineken, the global beer giant, has announced that laid the foundation stone of its first brewery in Mozambique following an investment of $100 million. Located in the province of Maputo, the brewery will have a production capacity of 0.8 million hectolitres and will brew beers for domestic consumption, with operations expected to begin by the first half of 2019. Heineken has been operating in Mozambique since 2016 via a sales and …
Maxima Grupe, a Lithuania based holding company that controls retail chains, has announced that it has started negotiations to acquire Polish retail chain Emperia. According to the company, the investment would allow the group to further expand in Poland, where it is already present with the Aldik banner. Petras Jašinskas, chairman of the board at Maxima Grupe, said: “Expansion in Poland by acquiring operating retail chain is a logical and …
Izico, the Dutch manufacturer of frozen snacks, is strengthening its position in the UK with the acquisition of vegetarian food producer Goodlife Foods. Goodlife Foods markets a range of frozen vegetable-based products, including vegetarian ready meals and meat-free sausages and burgers. The firm supplies both retail and food service channels and has been operating for over 25 years. According to the company website, Goodlife Foods “source[s] the healthiest vegetables from …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy cooperative, has announced plans to close its factory in Gutersloh, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, as part of what it describes as a “a comprehensive reorientation in the German market”. Calling the move a “fresh start”, the company said it planned to refocus its efforts on core brands such as Landliebe, Tuffi and Frico, as well as concentrating its commercial activities in the Dusseldorf area. FrieslandCampina said that …
Pukka Pies, a UK manufacturer of pies for the retail and foodservice industries, is looking to expand its operations by building a new facility at its manufacturing site in Leicester, according to a report in the Leicester Mercury. The firm is said to have submitted plans for a 50,000 sq foot facility to be built near its existing headquarters in the Syston area of the city, as it seeks to add …
Scandinavian FMCG firm Orkla has announced an expansion into the sports supplements space with the acquisition of Health And Sports Nutrition Group (HSNG), described as the largest e-commerce firm for sports nutrition in the Nordic region. HSNG runs the Gymgrossisten and Bodystore platforms, offering food, dietary supplements and health and well-being products in addition to clothing. equipment and accessories. The websites offer proprietary brands and products distributed on behalf of third …
Agrial, the agri-food co-operative, is to acquire the Brittany-based charcuterie firm Tallec, according to a report in Les Echos. Headquarterted in Bannalec, Tallec manufactures traditional ham, terrines and pate, generating €37 million ($44 million) in annual revenue. It operates from two factories and employs around 200 staff. Commenting on the move, Agrial corporate relations director Michel Marielle said: “Our aim is to form a charcuterie division made up of family firms with premium …
The Danish arm of Scandinavian FMCG firm Orkla has announced the sale of its K Salat prepared salads brand to deli foods maker Stryhns, part of the Norwegian Agra group, for an undisclosed sum. Orkla described the move as being part of an effort to concentrate its activities on fewer categories. K-Salat has a product portfolio of salad spreads, mayonnaise, remoulade, dressings and potato salads. Under the agreement, Stryhns will …
Warpaint London, a UK cosmetics manufacturer and owner of the W7 brand, is set to acquire rival Retra Holdings after raising £21.2 million ($28.0 million) in new investment. Retra Holdings owns the Technic, Body Collection and Man’s Stuff brands and generated revenue of £17.5 million ($23.05 million) in 2016. The firm focuses on the ‘gifting’ sector, primarily selling its products through high-street retailers and supermarket chains including Boots, Asda and Matalan. …
HAK, a Dutch manufacturer of preserved vegetables and fruit, is bolstering its position on the German market with the majority acquisition of food distributor Foodeko. According to a report in Levensmiddelenkrant, HAK’s parent company Neerlands Glorie Groente en Fruit has taken a 51% stake in Foodeko to form a new joint venture called HAK-Foodeko. The owners of the new business reportedly have plans to expand the business and double its turnover …
Beechdean, a UK ice cream maker, has acquired the outstanding shares in fellow ice cream firm Lovingtons for an undisclosed sum. Beechdean already held 50% of Lovingtons through a deal transacted in May. Lovingtons is a manufacturer of ice creams that are sold through foodservice channels, to ice cream parlours and to the retail trade via wholesalers. Founded in 1997, it is described as “one of the most recognised names in …
FMCG giant Unilever is selling its Drie Hoek brand of natural household cleaners to the Dutch firm Marcel’s Green Soap, led by former Unilever executive Marcel Belt. Drie Hoek is a traditional ‘green’ soap brand dating back over 100 years and is primarily sold in the Netherlands. Described as being made from plant ingredients such as linseed and rapeseed oil, Drie Hoek cleaners come in liquid and solid forms and …
UK retailer Tesco has announced the launch of a new range of ecologically-certified household products under the label Tesco Eco Active. According to a press release from the retailer, the launch responds to consumer demand for more environmentally-friendly products, which is at an all-time high in the UK. Tesco’s household goods product developer Sanjeev Kaushal said: “Customers tells us that they want to buy eco-cleaning products but they must be …
UK health food company Pack’d has launched a new range of frozen protein smoothie kits that are claimed to be developed with sport nutritionists. Each portion, which is said to contain up to 20g of protein, is made of a mix of fruit and vegetable and whey protein to be blended with milk, water, almond, milk or coconut water. Sweet potato, fig, acai, cherry, beetroot and lucuma are described as …
Dutch pharmacy chain Kruidvat, owned by Asian conglomerate AS Watson, has launched a new city store concept in Antwerp, Belgium. According to Retail Detail, the new Kruidvat In De Stad (‘Kruidvat In The City’) concept is designed for city centre locations, offering more shelf space for beauty products, on-the-go snacks and weekly offers, alongside the retailer’s traditional range. Large screens, modern designs and “innovative” product presentation are described as being …
Leading Russian food retailer X5 Retail Group has announced plans to sell its Perekrestok Express stores in Moscow and refocus on its other three major store formats. According to the retailer, the smaller format convenience stores will be divested as the company seeks to concentrate its efforts on its Pyaterochka proximity stores, Perekrestok supermarkets and Karusel hypermarkets. Igor Shekhterman, X5 Retail Group CEO, said: “Convenience stores like those that Perekrestok …
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, …
Fuchs Gruppe, Germany’s leading manufacturer of herbs and spices, has announced it has acquired Bart Ingredients, the UK’s second largest seasonings maker, for an undisclosed sum. The Dissen-based firm said that acquisition of Bart Ingredients would advance its internationalisation strategy and significantly boost its position on the UK market. Based in Bristol, Bart Ingredients produces a range of spices, seasonings and ingredients, including a range of seasonings under the Levi …
Global confectionery group Ferrero is to acquire Ferrara, the third-largest US non-chocolate confectionery company, for an undisclosed amount. Ferrara produces confectionery products as Trolli gummy sweets, Brachs seasonal sweets, and Black Forest Organics organic fruity sweets. “We are pleased to announce this agreement with Ferrero, which will enable the continued growth and momentum behind our iconic and well-loved brands”, said Ferrara CEO Todd Siwak. “Joining forces with Ferrero gives us …
Hilton Food Group, a UK meat firm, has acquired Icelandic Group’s Seachill unit in a deal worth £80 million ($106 million). Seachill, one of the UK’s leading fresh fish processors, is the owner of The Saucy Fish Co brand and operates two facilities in Grimsby, Humberside employing around 700 staff. The firm markets a range of pre-packed sea food including fishcakes and fish and sauce, as well as a ‘foil bake …
Crop’s, a Belgian producer of fruit, vegetables and ready meals, has acquired the Polish firm Agram for an undisclosed sum, according to a report in Just Food. Agram produces 28,000 tons of vegetables and fruit a year, principally cauliflower, broccoli, onions, strawberries, blueberries and rhubarb. It operates two facilities in Poland and employs around 200 staff. Crop’s, which currently sources 25% of its production from Poland, said the deal would enable …
Confectionery and nut butter firm Ferrero is to partner with FMCG multinational Unilever to bring the Kinder chocolate brand to the ice cream category, according to a report in La Stampa. Under the terms of the agreement, Ferrero will license the Kinder brand to Unilever, who in turn will take responsibility for production and distribution. The brand range will reportedly be launched in cup, stick, cone and sandwich formats, with …
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 …
Dutch retailer Jumbo is expanding its product offer in the vegetarian and vegan space with the launch of a new line of private label products under the brand name Veggie Chef. Targeted at the growing proportion of consumers looking for meat alternative products, the new line features a total of 21 vegetarian and 19 vegan products, taking Jumbo’s dedicated meat-free product range to 86 items. The product range includes an …
Les Grands Chais de France, France’s leading private winemaker, is to acquire German wine group Binderer, according to a report in WeinWirtschaft. The deal is said to include Binderer St. Ursula Weinkellerei and the Hungarian group Danubiana, as well as subsidiaries St Rochusberg Weinhandels, Torre Giacomol and Binderer Wine Select. Binderer markets wines from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary and the New World and exports to 20 international markets, chiefly Great Britain, …
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 …
Swiss retailer Migros has introduced a new line of organic private label baby food under the Mibebe brand name. The new line is targeted at babies up to 1 year of age and comprises 27 products that are said to be made with natural and high-quality ingredients and no added sugar. The Mibabe range includes juices, snacks and desserts that are produced in Switzerland, and other products such as jars …
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 …
De Kuyper, a Netherlands-based spirits producer, is acquiring the Heering liqueur brand from Danish firm Peter Heering, FoodBev reports. The Heering lineup consists of a cherry and a coffee liqueur that are both promoted for their use in cocktails. Heering Cherry Liqueur has been produced since 1818, while Heering Coffee Liqueur was launched in 2007. Advertised as “the original ‘cherry brandy’ “, Heering Cherry Liqueur is said to be available in …
Carrefour Italia, the Italian arm of the French retail group has announced the launch of a new brand to highlight sustainable practices and home-grown produce. According to the retailer, the new Filiera Qualita brand will be added to products from 4,700 suppliers demonstrating high ethical standards, including avoidance of antibiotics, animal welfare, support for biodiversity and environmentally-friendly practices . The brand range is also said to support local and smaller …
Casino, the French retail giant, is launching a new convenience stores concept focusing on organic, gourmet and locally sourced products. Launched under the Franprix Noe banner, the new concept is already available through two stores recently opened in Paris that are said to be aimed at meeting the needs of urban consumers. Casino said that the new stores offered a range of organic products, cheese and meat counters, freshly-baked products, …
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 …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 3rd October 2017: The popularity of ‘warming’ autumnal flavours and the growing influence of vegetable ingredients in the bakery space come under the spotlight in this month’s Innovation Insight, as we take a look at a product launch bringing a unique combination of root vegetables, nuts and spices to the breakfast cereal category: Dorset Cereals Spiced Carrot & Apple Muesli. Described as the brand’s …
French multinational Danone has announced an investment in organic frozen baby food start up Yooji, through its investment arm Danone Manifesto Ventures. Founded in September 2012, Yooji is said to be aiming to revolutionise baby food by providing frozen portion-sized products that are sourced from organic farms. The firm’s range is claimed to respond to a growing demand from parents for high-quality healthy baby meals which are easy and convenient, yet remain …
Potato snack company Kettle Foods has completed the acquisition of UK popcorn producer Cornpoppers for an undisclosed sum, according to a FoodBev report. Founded in 1979, Cornpoppers is a family business which supplies branded and private label popcorn products to retailers and wholesalers. Its portfolio comprises three cinema-style popcorns, as well as speciality flavours such as jalapeno, chilli & lemon, and maple syrup. “The acquisition of Cornpoppers is the next exciting …
Mexican beverage company FEMSA has announced the sale of a 5.24% stake in beer firm Heineken. According to Heineken, FEMSA has divested 22,485,00 shares in Heineken NV, which represents 3.90% of the issued share capital, at a price of €84.50 ($101.28) per share, and 7,700,00 shares in Heineken Holding NV, representing 2.67% of the issued share capital, at a price of €78 ($93.49) per share. The sale of around €2.5 …
UK-based meat substitute producer Quorn Foods is extending its product portfolio in the US with a new line of refrigerated meat substitutes. “Quorn’s US launch into the refrigerated meat alternative category follows years of intensive product development to ensure that the new Quorn refrigerated products deliver the same taste and quality for which Quorn frozen products are renowned”, the firm said in a statement. The new line will be made …
UK-based ice cream company Jude’s has launched Jude’s Little, a new range of low-sugar milk lollies targeted at children. Claimed to contain 30% less sugar than regular lollies, Jude’s Little Milk Lollies are described as being made using 100% naturally- sourced ingredients, sweetened with milk and apple juice concentrate and enriched with vitamin D and calcium Jude’s Little Milk Lollies are available as a pack of 8 X 35ml lollies …
The UK arm of German dairy firm Muller has announced an investment of £100 million ($135 million) to develop, manufacture and market a new generation of dairy products made using British milk. The investment, which is expected to be implemented over the next 18 months, will be focussed on strengthening the categories where the company already has a leading position, as well as developing new branded and private label products …
German based dairy manufacturer Muller has announced the launch of Muller Rice 5 Grains, an extension to its line of rice pots that promises to “satisfy multiple hunger moments throughout the day”. According to Muller, the new products were developed to “to fulfil all eight moments of what Müller is calling the ‘daily hunger spectrum’ ” and are said to contain a blend of white rice, barley, spelt, millet and …
Lantmannen, a Swedish cereal cooperative, has announced that it has completed its acquisition of Orient Products, a Russian crispbread manufacturer, for an undisclosed sum. Orient Products is the leader in crispbread in Russia, marketing products under the Schedrie and Kruazett brands. The company is headquartered in Saint Petersburg and has production facilities in Sertolovo, just outside the city. Lantmannen itself is active in the crispbread space through brands such as Finn Crisp, Vaasan …
Sir Plus, a German start-up firm, has announced the opening of its first retail store dedicated to the sale of ‘surplus’ food from manufacturers and distributors. Located in the Charlottenburg area of Berlin, the new store is set to market a range of fruit, vegetables, drinks and other groceries at “a significant saving compared to the usual prices found in supermarkets”, the company claimed in a statement. The company said its …
The Italian division of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced an investment of €5o million ($60 million) to modernise production facilities at its Buitoni pizza plant in Benevento, Italy. Nestle said the investment would see the installation of three new production lines using the latest technology, as well as temperature-controlled warehousing and a new linear layout. The developments will lead to the creation of around 150 new jobs and a production capacity …
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 …
Associated British Foods (ABF), the UK manufacturer of bakery, sugar and other grocery products, has unveiled the acquisition of Acetum, described as the leading Italian producer of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, subject to competition clearance. Announcing the move in its latest trading update, the company said it had “ambitious plans” for the newly acquired firm and its brands. “The acquisition will broaden our international presence in speciality foods”, it said. …
The Hut Group, an e-commerce firm specialising in health and lifestyle brands, is continuing is rapid expansion into cosmetics and toiletries with the acquisition of UK spa brand ESPA in a rumoured £100 million ($130 million) deal. ESPA markets a range of skincare and cleansing products for men and women, as well as operating 600 spas across 60 countries. The firm, which is currently under the ownership of private equity …
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 …
Premier Foods, the UK food manufacturer, has announced an extension to its Bisto brand range with the launch of Bisto Foil Bakes. According to the company, each product includes a packet of flavouring mix and a foil bag complete with a steam vent window. Consumers are instructed to use chicken, fish or meat, rub it with the seasoning and then bake in the oven. “The premium foil baking bag infuses the …
Casalasco, Italy’s leading grower and processor of tomatoes, has announced that it has acquired the De Rica brand of tomato products from canned foods firm Generale Conserve. Casalasco describes De Rica as a historic Italian brand synonymous with natural, authentic and high quality products. The firm added that the brand’s relaunch by General Conserve at the end of 2013 had boosted its presence in the premium canned vegetable segment both …
Nestle Skin Health, a healthcare division of FMCG multinational Nestle, has announced its intention to cease operations at its Egerkingen factory in Switzerland with the potential loss of 190 jobs. The firm said low production volumes at the site had resulted in underutilization of assets and had thus placed additional pressure on manufacturing cost. “Nestle Skin Health is continuously reviewing and adapting its portfolio, simplifying the organization, reviewing its business models, and assessing …
Co-operative, the UK retail group, has entered into exclusive talks to acquire the convenience store chain Nisa, according to a BBC report. “We can confirm that we’ve entered into a period of exclusivity with Nisa, which will provide the opportunity for us to carry out more detailed due diligence in the coming weeks”, a Co-operative spokesman is quoted as saying. The ethically-oriented firm is reported to have superseded rival Sainsbury …
Ajinomoto, one of Japan’s largest food makers, has signed a deal to fully acquire its partner in Turkey, Kukre Gida, which is the parent company of food brand Kemal Kukrer. Ajinomoto first took a 50% stake in the company in 2013 and has now signed a new deal to acquire the remaining stake for $51.36 million. The firm said it aimed to strengthen its local portfolio for long-term growth. Ajinomoto has been …
Belgian retailer Delhaize has launched a range of ‘raw’ cakes as part of its private label range. Delhaize Raw Cakes are described as unprocessed, uncooked and made of natural ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, cereal and raw nuts. The products are said to be suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as well as to be free from refined sugars, lactose, gluten and additives. Available in the varieties Hey Chocolate Lover! (Chocolate & Caramel) , Hey …
Polish retailer Eurocash Group, the largest wholesale FMCG distributor in the country, has sign a letter of intent to acquire the supermarket chain Mila, which has a network of about 190 stores. According to sources, Eurocash is looking to acquire a 100% stake in the retailer’s business and has been granted exclusive talks to complete the transaction by 8th September. Mila currently has 188 supermarkets in Poland. In 2016 the retailer …