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Europe

All the posts published.
1 MIN READ

Spain: Carrefour to acquire 47 stores from El Corte Ingles

September 22, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Carrefour, the leading French supermarket chain, has announced it has entered into an agreement with Spanish peer El Corte Ingles to acquire 47 stores under the SuperCor banner. The stores involved in the transaction are located mainly in the Madrid, Catalonia, Andalucia and Comunidad Valenciana regions, and have an enterprise value of €60 million ($62.1 million). In a press release, the company said the acquisition would strengthen its geographical presence …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Albert Heijn launches plant-based brand

September 20, 2023
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products, Retail

Albert Heijn, the leading Dutch supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a new plant-based line comprising 200 products under the brand AH Terra. The new line-up includes plant-based dairy alternatives for coffee, hummus and vegetable spreads, plant-based cheese and meat alternatives, non-dairy mayonnaise, margarine, snacks, and plant-based shrimp. Commenting on the brand launch, Albert Heijn CEO Marit van Egmond said: “To drive the protein transition and to expand our …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Britvic announces £6 million factory investment

September 19, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Britvic, the UK-based non-alcoholic drinks firm, has announced plans to invest £6 million ($6.84 million) to expand production capacity at its Ballygowan facility in Newcastle West, Ireland, creating 28 new jobs. The investment is intended to expand the site’s production capacity by over 20% to meet increasing demand for Ballygowan mineral water. It will also provide additional bottling capacity for 50 million recycled and recyclable 500ml bottles. Commenting on the …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Fuchs expands in Romania

September 11, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Fuchs, the German spices and seasoning specialist, has announced plans to invest in Romania to expand and upgrade its existing manufacturing assets. In a statement, the company said the investment of more than €14 million ($15 million) would go towards the construction of a new production building with state-of-the-art facilities. The move is intended to “accelerate [the company’s] ambitious growth targets in the branded and private label business in the …

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3 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Nicola Woods, Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023

September 5, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair.   What are your expectations for this edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair? We’re so excited for this year’s event! The speciality food & drink industry is an amazing place to be at the moment, with huge enthusiasm from consumers, inspiring innovation from producers and a real sense of discovery for …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Iceland embarks on major NPD push with launch of 500 items

August 30, 2023
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Europe, Food, Products, Retail

Iceland, the UK frozen food retailer, has announced the launch of 500 new exclusive products in its Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores, as well as its concessions in The Range. The new range includes ready meals under brand licences such as TGI Fridays, Yo!, Cathedral City, Blue Dragon and MyProtein, as well as own brand offerings. Sweet options are also being expanded through items such as Mars Galaxy cookie …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Lieken scales back manufacturing operations

August 29, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Lieken, the German manufacturer of bread and other baked goods, is scaling back its manufacturing operations with the closure of a production line at its factory in Ludersdorf, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The closure, which will reportedly affect around 80 jobs, is said to be part of a strategic decision to refocus the business on its core categories of sandwich loaves and other sliced bread. According to a report in Lebensmittel Praxis, the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Britvic adds bottling line to Beckton factory

August 23, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Britvic, the UK soft drinks maker, has announced it is adding a sixth bottling line to its Beckton facility in East London via a £22.5 million ($28.6 million) investment. The expansion is designed to help support Britvic’s long-term growth ambitions in Britain, increasing production capacity at the site by nearly 30%, the company said. The new line will produce carbonated soft drinks under brands such as Tango and Pepsi Max, with the first …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Asda launches cooking ingredients range

August 22, 2023
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Europe, Food, Products, Retail

Asda, the UK grocery retailer, has announced the launch of a new line of cooking ingredients under the banner Cook By Asda. The new line-up of over 130 “affordable, high-quality” pre-prepared ingredients is intended to inspire shoppers to experiment with different flavours, the company said, identifying product highlights such as gochujang, massaman and laksa spice pastes, chipotle breadcrumbs and nooch seasoning. The range is described as spanning more than ten …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Diageo cleared to proceed with Baileys plant expansion

August 21, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has been given the green light to proceed with the expansion of a facility in Northern Island that acts as a primary manufacturing site for the firm’s Baileys brand of cream liqueur. According to reports in the Irish Times and Food Manufacture, the £26 million ($33 million) expansion of the firm’s Mallusk site in Country Antrim has now been approved by planning authorities, around …

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2 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Sabine Loos, InterTabac 2023

August 11, 2023
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Europe, Tobacco, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, ahead of the latest edition of InterTabac.   What are your expectations for this edition of Inter Tabac? I’m full of anticipation and very excited about InterTabac and InterSupply 2023. I’m particularly looking forward to the many new products that are traditionally presented at the show, and also to the many contacts and discussions with people in the industry. Overall, I’m …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Auchan acquires business from Grupo Dia in the country

August 4, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

French multinational retail group Auchan has announced the acquisition of Grupo Dia’s operation in Portugal, where the company currently operates 489 stores. According to sources, the deal includes all 489 stores under the Minipreco and Mais Perto banners, three warehouses, licenses and assets necessary for the operation. In addition, the agreement guarantees the integration of 2,650 Minipreco employees. Martín Tolcachir, global executive president of Grupo Dia commented: “Our goal is …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Iceland to axe Swift convenience store chain

July 24, 2023
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Europe, Retail

Iceland, the UK frozen food retailer, has announced plans to close its five-strong Swift convenience store chain, according to an article in Retail Gazette. The Swift convenience store model was launched in November 2021 on a trial basis in Newcastle upon Tyne, before expanding to London in March 2022. Unlike its larger format stores, Iceland’s Swift banner focused on ambient, chilled and fresh groceries, with a focus on ready-to eat …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Diageo invests in alcohol-free Guinness production

July 19, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced a €25 million ($28 million) investment in a new facility at its St James’s Gate site in Dublin, Ireland to boost production of alcohol-free stout under the Guinness 0.0 brand. The production facility comprises six 500,000-hectolitre vessels with a total capacity of 90 million pints. The two-storey building houses a cold filtration system that removes the alcohol. Commenting on the investment, Diageo Ireland managing …

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1 MIN READ

France: Carrefour to acquire Cora and Match banners from Louis Delhaize

July 14, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Global retail giant Carrefour has entered into an agreement to acquire the Cora and Match banners in France from Louis Delhaize. Cora and Match operate 60 hypermarkets and 115 supermarkets and have a workforce of around 24,000. Carrefour said the acquired stores would complement it geographically, especially in eastern and northern France, where it currently has limited presence. The transaction includes acquiring real estate for 55 hypermarkets and 77 supermarkets. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Ineos forays into retail household care

July 13, 2023
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Europe, Household Care, Products

Chemicals giant Ineos is foraying into the UK retail household care industry with a range of cleaning detergents and other products launching exclusively in Asda. The new range is described as being developed with proprietary technology that introduces “active fragrances” designed to improve well-being and promote better sleep. Commenting on the launch, Ineos Hygienics chief operating officer Rory Tait said: “All of our products are designed to bring the benefits …

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1 MIN READ

France: Lactalis expands production in Bosnia and Herzegovina

July 11, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Lactalis, the French dairy giant, is investing $2.6 million to expand production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to a Food Business Africa report. In a statement, the firm said the 788 sq m facility was expected to increase milk manufacturing capacity by 16%, allowing it to bolster production of its Dukat and Alpsko Mleko brands. Lactalis’s Bosnia and Herzegovina subsidiary reportedly processes over 45 million litres of milk per year, with half of the …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Emmi to sell Glaserne Molkerei

July 10, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Emmi, the leading multinational dairy firm, has announced it is selling Glaserne Molkerei, a producer of organic dairy products from north-eastern Germany, to private equity firm Mutares. Emmi first invested in Glaserne Molkerei in 2012 and fully acquired the business in 2016. The German firm generates around €100 million (S110 million) in revenue from a range of products, including milk, butter, yoghurt, buttermilk and cheese. “The transaction is consistent with …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Gourmet Italian Food acquires Firma Italia

July 6, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Gourmet Italian Food, a diversified food manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of Firma Italia, an Italian producer of dried ready meals. Firma Italia was founded in 1995 by Silvano and Mario Birolo and produces a wide range of ready meals, including pasta, risotto, soup, sauces and ethnic meals. Gourmet Italian Food was founded in 2021 by Alcedo SGR and FVS SGR, combining the former’s Eurochef business and the latter’s La …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Royal Unibrew acquires soft drinks firm Vrumona from Heineken

July 5, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Royal Unibrew, the Danish brewing and beverage company, has signed an agreement to acquire non-alcoholic drinks firm Vrumona from Heineken in a deal worth €300 million ($315 million). Vrumona is a Dutch soft drinks company with a brand range including Royal Club, Sisi, Sourcy, as well as being a bottler for partner brands such as 7 Up, Pepsi and Rivella. Vrumona’s seven production lines at its factory in Bunnik produce …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Coca-Cola HBC to acquire Finlandia vodka from Brown-Forman

June 27, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Coca-Cola HBC, the Swiss-based soft drinks bottler, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire to acquire Brown-Forman Finland, owner of the Finlandia vodka brand, for $220 million. The company said the acquisition would strengthen its portfolio across more of its markets, enhancing its position as a leading 24/7 beverage partner through mixability opportunities with non-alcoholic products and partnerships with customers in Horeca channels. Finlandia was established in 1970 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Apex acquires Patatas Fritas Santo Reino

June 26, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Grupo Apex, a leader in the Spanish snacks market, has announced the acquisition of Patatas Fritas Santo Reino, a manufacturer and distributor of traditional crisps and other salty snacks. The acquisition will give Grupo Apex its eighth factory in Spain and expand the company’s manufacturing presence to the Andalusia region. “The acquisition allow Grupo Apex will […] improv[e] the Group’s coverage throughout the national territory, which will in turn improce …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: BAT opens innovation hub for “new category” products

June 26, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Tobacco

Multinational tobacco firm British American Tobacco has announced the opening of a new innovation hub in the Italian city of Trieste focusing on “new category” products such as e-cigarettes, novel oral nicotine and heated tobacco. In a press release, BAT said the hub would include laboratories, production offices, technical rooms, 12 production lines for new category products, a digital boutique and innovation lab, and was aligned with its efforts to …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Carlsberg invests $44 million in Ukraine operations

June 22, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Leading Danish brewer Carlsberg has announced that the company is investing 1.5 billion UAH ($44 million) in its Ukraine operations in 2023. In a press release, the company said the investment would be used to install a new production line to increase capacity for canned products. Oleh Khaidakin, managing director of Carlsberg Ukraine, said: “This line will optimize operations, meet consumer demand for canned products, and increase the manufacture of …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Sofina Foods to close Young’s factory

June 21, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Sofina Foods, a Canada-based supplier of pork and seafood products, has announced plans to close its Young’s plant on Marsden Road in Grimsby, UK. According to a FoodBev report, Sofina Foods had determined the Marsden Road site was no longer viable, and now planned to transfer white fish processing operations to the Humberstone Road site in the town, and smoked operations to an existing site in Fraserburgh, Scotland. “If the …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Barilla to invest €1 billion in expansion bid

June 15, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Italian food producer Barilla has announced that the company is investing €1 billion ($1.09 billion) in a bid to expand both domestically and internationally. According to an article in Corriere Della Sera, the company is intending to allocate half of the total to its Italian business, boosting its competitive position and assisting efforts at internationalization. In addition, Barilla is claimed to be planning a new base in the Netherlands from …

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1 MIN READ

UK: PepsiCo to invest £58 million in Walkers factory

June 9, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced an investment of £58 million ($67.3 million) to scale its long-standing facility in the UK city of Leicester. In a statement, the company said the investment would be used to increase production capacity, replace gas-fired ovens with ones runing on renewable electricity, installing compact packaging equipment to decrease plastic usage in snack multipacks, and invest in the development of additional ranges …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Chocolate brand Montezuma’s sold to Paramount Retail Group

June 7, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Paramount Retail Group (PRG), a UK owner of pet care and food brands, is acquiring all the assets of upscale chocolate maker Montezuma’s, according to a FoodBev report. Commenting on the deal, Ravi Sharma, executive director at PRG, said: “The purchase of Montezuma’s will strengthen our confectionery division offering instant synergies with our existing brands and manufacturing facilities ‘Bristow’s of Devon’, giving a strong presence in hard-boiled, fudge, toffee, and …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Muller announces Cologne dairy closure plans

May 31, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

German dairy firm Muller has announced plans to close its dairy plant in Cologne, Germany with the reported loss of up to 220 jobs. The company blamed a decision by regulators to require it to divest the Tuffi brand as part of its wider acquisition of FrieslandCampina’s portfolio in Germany. “Conditions imposed by the Bundeskartellamt prevent continued economic operation [of the factory]”, Muller said in a statement. The plant is expected to …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Greenyard acquires dairy-free ice cream startup Gigi Gelato

May 26, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Greenyard, the leading Belgian fruit and vegetable processor, has announced it has acquired Gigi Gelato, a start-up firm based in the Netherlands that produces dairy-free Italian-style ice cream. Gigi Gelato, which is in sold in European markets, is a pure-plant product that provides an answer to today’s consumer search for healthier alternatives in indulgence products like ice-cream, Greenyard said in a statement. The product is currently availabe in Strawberry Blueberry …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Warsteiner to invest in Herford brewery

May 24, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Warsteiner, the leading German brewing company, has announced a €20 million ($21.6 million) investment in its factory in Herford, Rhineland-Palatinate, according to a report in LebensmittelPraxis. The money will predominantly go towards a new bottling line, but funds have also been earmarked for logistics and marketing. The production line, which is expected to be operational in the summer of 2024, will allow the Herford site to expand into new product categories, …

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1 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Peggy Davies, PLMA – World of Private Label 2023

May 19, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Food, Health & Beauty, Household Care, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Peggy Davies, PLMA President, ahead of the latest edition of PLMA – World of Private Label.   What are your expectations for this edition of PLMA? We have seen tremendous interest from the industry; thus, expectations are high. We expect two dynamic days of business meetings, sharing ideas and sourcing for new products.    Are consumers switching to private label brands in response to cost-of-living pressures? If …

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1 MIN READ

France: Auchan expands retail footprint to Algeria

May 19, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

French retailer Auchan has announced the opening of it first store in Algeria, with doors expected to open in Q4 of this year. In a press release, Auchan said the expansion to Algeria, which is the third country that the group has entered in Africa after Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire, has been made possible through a global partnership with the Great Way Group, a major player in the retail sector …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Sofidel acquires household paper firm Hakle

May 12, 2023
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Europe, Household Care, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian firm Sofidel, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of household paper products, has announced the acquisition of German peer Hakle for an undisclosed sum. In a press release, Sofidel said it was acquiring the toilet tissue brand Hakle, the moist tissue brand Hakle Feucht, and the kitchen towel brands Dick & Durstig and Servus, as well as their respective intellectual property rights and domains. Commenting on the acquisition, Philippe …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Spar enters Latin America

May 11, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Dutch convenience retailer Spar has announced its first foray into the Latin American market with the opening of an outlet located in Paraguaian city of Luque. In a statement, Spar said the new store, which opened on 5th May, is operated by Amiria Group, which has been granted a license to operate the brand in the market. Amiria Group already operates a local retail business under the banners Los Jardines and …

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2 MIN READ

Tradeshow Insight: Food & Drink Expo 2023

May 1, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

This April, thousands of delegates descended on the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, as stakeholders from across the hospitality, manufacturing, grocery and speciality & convenience retail sectors once again gathered together for the 2023 edition of the Food & Drink Expo. Altogether, over 1,500 suppliers took to the show floor to showcase their latest product offerings. As ever, the flagship exhibition was co-located with the Farm Shop & Deli …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Scandinavian Tobacco Group acquires XQS

April 24, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tobacco

Scandinavian Tobacco Group, the leading tobacco firm, has announced the acquisition of XQS International, a maker of tobacco alternative products. The transaction value consists of an upfront payment as well as an earn-out agreement. Assuming all targets are met, the total purchase price will be about 150 million DKK ($22 million) and it will be fully financed by cash at hand and debt. In 2022, XQS International’s reported net sales were …

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1 MIN READ

Tradeshow Insight: Natural & Organic Products Europe 2023

April 23, 2023
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

London’s ExCel exhibition centre played host to yet another showcase of global innovation in mid April, as Natural & Organic Products Europe (NOPE) returned for its latest outing in the heart of the UK capital. Boasting a range of “the best, most environmentally friendly, health-conscious” products covering all sectors of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, NOPE attracted more than 7,300 visitors all keen to take in the latest …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Tegut to take over organic supermarket chain Basic

April 19, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

German retailer Tegut has announced the acquisition of organic supermarket chain Basic after the latter reportedly ran into financial difficulties. Headquarted in Munich, Basic has a network of 19 outlets and headcount of 500. Commenting on the deal, Basic CEO Christoph Eich said: “We are very pleased to now be a part of the Tegut family. For our colleagues, this is the end of a period of uncertainty. Our customers …

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3 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Giorgio Rigali, Food & Drink Expo 2023

April 11, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Giorgio Rigali, Head of Communications, ahead of the latest edition of Food & Drink Expo.     What are your expectations for this year’s Food & Drink Expo? This year’s Food & Drink Expo is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. The UK food and drink industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, with businesses recognising the role of large face-to-face events in helping spread their …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Zur Muhlen Gruppe to acquire Eberswalder

April 11, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Zur Muhlen Gruppe, a leading European business in the meat industry, is set to acquire Eberswalder, a manufacturer of sausage products based in the German capital Berlin, according to a report in Lebensmittel Praxis. “Our customers have appreciated our traditional recipes for three generations and they can continue to count on this in the future”, Sebastian Kühn, managing director of EWG Eberswalder Wurst is quoted as saying. The company is reported as …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: Kraft Heinz to sell baby food business

April 6, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

FMCG giant Kraft Heinz has reached an agreement to sell its baby food business in Russia to Chernogolovka, a domestic food and drinks manufacturer, according to a Reuters report. The deal includes the brands Umnitsa and Sami S Usami and was reportedly already in progress prior to the conflict in Ukraine. “The decision to sell is a commercial decision in the best interests of our people and the local communities …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Blady Gros acquires canned fish firm Grupo Cerdeimar

April 5, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Blady Gros, the holding company behind fish processor Blady Tuna Market, has reached a deal to acquire a majority stake in Grupo Cerdeimar, a traditional fish cannery based in Spain’s Galicia region. The deal reportedly comes after Grupo Cerdeimar, which traces its history back to 1884, found itself in financial difficulties earlier in the year. According to articles in El Economista and Revista InfoRetail, Blady Tuna Market has achieved rapid sales growth …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Dr. Oetker agrees deal for pizza snack maker Galileo

April 3, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Dr. Oetker, the leading food manufacturer, has announced its intention to acquire Galileo, a maker of frozen pizza snacks based in the German town of Trierweiler. The company, which is already prominent in the pizza category with its Ristorante brand, said it would acquire Galileo’s production facility in Trierweiler and take over all its existing 200 employees. Galileo produces pizzas, donuts, bagels, flat breads, and sweet baked goods and is represented …

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1 MIN READ

France: Carrefour planning up to 18 stores under Potager City banner

March 28, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Carrefour, the leading French supermarket chain, is planning to open up to 18 local stores under the Potager City banner by the end of the autumn, according to a report in LSA. An addition to the firm’s Carrefour Proximite portfolio of convenience stores, Potager City aims to cater to the essential food needs of city-dwellers with a range of high-quality fresh produce, and is in addition to to the range of fruit …

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2 MIN READ

Tradeshow Insight: IFE, International Food & Drink Event 2023

March 27, 2023
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

Staged alongside IFE Manufacturing and Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), the 2023 edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event welcomed more than 27,000 buyers and other delegates from the worlds of retail, wholesale and hospitality, all keen to get the latest insights into the UK food and drink sector. Adjacent to the product booths, the Sustainability Stage saw sessions on building resiliency into the UK’s food systems, meeting evolving …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Sainsbury’s launches laundry detergent in cartons

March 23, 2023
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Europe, Household Care, Packaging, Products, Retail

Sainsbury’s, the UK grocery retailer, has announced what it claims is a UK first, with the launch of a new line of laundry detergents in cartons, replacing its existing 750ml plastic bottles. The supermarket chain said the switch from plastic to cardboard would halve carbon emissions associated with the range, as well as taking 13 lorries off the road and saving around 22 tonnes of plastic annually. The laundry liquid has also …

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4 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Sabine Schommer, ISM 2023

March 23, 2023
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Europe, Food, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM, ahead of the latest edition of the confectionery and snacks tradeshow.   What are your expectations for this edition of ISM? ISM offers the industry the opportunity to look beyond current challenges and focus instead on finding solutions, discussing ideas and getting inspiration – all that from 90,000 square metres of exhibition space! It’s here that market-leaders and smaller players alike come together to …

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1 MIN READ

France: Picard to open 20 ‘new concept’ stores in 2023

March 20, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

French frozen food retailer Picard has announced plans to open 20 new franchise stores in 2023, incorporating the “Bienvenue en cuisine” (“Welcome to the kitchen”) concept unveiled by the retailer at the end of 2022. Picard’s “Bienvenue en cuisine” format is described as featuring a new reception and “entertainment island”, focusing not only on frozen products, but also other bulk products and kitchen accessories, and more diverse product lines encompassing …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Pascual starts dairy production in Africa

March 9, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Spanish dairy firm Pascual has set up its first manufacturing unit in Africa, producing and marketing milk for the Angolan market. According to an article in Revista Inforetail, the move is part of company plans to nearly triple its international turnover over the next three years. Pascual is said to have been operating in Angola for more than 25 years via an export model and currently has market share of …

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2 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Philippa Christer, IFE 2023

March 8, 2023
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Philippa Christer, event director, ahead of the latest edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event.   What are your expectations for this year’s IFE? I’m so excited for this year’s edition of IFE. There are so many new aspects of the show and additional features for visitors to explore. This year we’ve introduced the Startup Market for newly launched food & drink brands and the New Products Tasting …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Pembrokeshire Creamery invests in new plant

March 3, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

UK-based dairy firm Pembrokeshire Creamery has announced that the company is investing in its first manufacturing facility, a milk processing site in Pembrokeshire Food Park, in the Welsh town of Haverfordwest. According to a Business Live report, the new milk-bottling facility is currently under construction and it is expected to create 80 jobs over the next three years. The firm will reportedly invest £17 million ($20.4 million) in the 3,000 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Muller to sell Tuffi brand, license Landliebe to allay anti-trust concerns

March 1, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Muller, the leading Germany dairy firm, is to divest the Tuffi brand of milk and cheese products to a third party dairy company. The sale was a condition of Muller’s purchase of part of FrieslandCampina’s portfolio in Germany, which has just been greenlighted by competition regulators. Similar anti-trust concerns lay behind the regulator’s decision to require Muller to grant exclusive, irrevocable brand licences for use of the Landliebe brand for an unlimited period. “With …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Fazer to discontinue dairy business at Koria factory

February 28, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Fazer, the leading Finnish food group, has announced it will be ceasing dairy production at the Koria factory in southern Finland by the end of August 2023, with 82 jobs expected to be affected. Fazer noted it was only a small player in the highly-competitive Finnish dairy industry, mainly producing private label products, and that the changes were part of its strategy to focus on its core plant-based business. “Efficiency …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Dia studying exit with Minipreco sale – reports

February 22, 2023
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Spanish retailer Dia is exploring the possibility of selling its business in Portugal, where it operates under the Minipreco banner, according to reports in Jornal de Negocios and Inforetail. The company currently has 499 Minipreco supermarkets in the country, 297 of which are said to be operated under franchising arrangements. Dia also owns three distribution centres in Portugal. The retailer has hired Societe Generale as a financial advisor to study …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: CCEP to invest in production line for reusable bottles

February 20, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced an investment of over €40 million ($43 million) in a new production line at its factory in Luneburg, Germany for reusable glass bottles. The new filling line, which is expected to be operating by summer 2024, is designed for the Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite brands. 30 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the expansion. “For the future, we see …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Serious Sweets Company acquires Mallow & Marsh

February 13, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK confectionery firm Serious Sweets Company has announced the acquisition of Mallow & Marsh, a producer of handmade marshmallow products. Serious Sweets Company is a supplier of confectionery to major retailers and foodservice and manufactures private label products such as fudge, toffee, marshmallows, brittles and butterscotch. The acquisition will add a premium marshmallow business to its portfolio. Rob Whitehead, Serious Sweets Company founder, said: “The opportunity for premium confectionery sits …

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3 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Danila Brunner, Biofach 2023

February 13, 2023
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Europe, Food, Health & Beauty, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Danila Brunner, Director of Biofach / Vivaness, ahead of the latest edition of the organic consumer goods tradeshow.   What are your expectations for this edition of Biofach? After the one-off BIOFACH and VIVANESS Summer Edition 2022, we are looking forward to seeing the organic sector again from 14th to 17th February 2023. We expect over 2,700 exhibitors for the combined BIOFACH and VIVANESS trade fair from more than …

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5 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Marina Calheiros, Lisbon Food Affair 2023

February 10, 2023
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Europe, Food, Tradeshows

Gama spoke to Marina Calheiros, Coordinating Manager, ahead of the inaugural edition of Lisbon Food Affair.     What is the rationale and the vision for Lisbon Food Affair? Lisbon Food Affair has a distinguishing positioning, featuring a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and internationalization adapted to the recent needs and demands of consumers/markets and, consequently, to the challenges of companies and the global market, with emphasis on foreign representative participation. In …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Europe Snacks acquires Burts Snacks

February 9, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Burts Snacks, the firm behind the Burts brand of upscale crisps, has been acquired by Europe Snacks, the self-proclaimed leading pan-European private-label player in savoury snacks, according to a report in Insider Media. Founded in 1995, Burts Snack is predominantly known for traditional potato crisps but has also recently expanded into ridged crips and lentil chips. Commenting on the move, Jitu Patel said “Burts provides high quality snacking and has …

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1 MIN READ

France: Danone inaugurates R&D centre for “products of the future”

February 8, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Danone, the French consumer goods giant, has inaugurated its new Daniel Carasso Research & Innovation Center in Paris with the aim of creating “the products of the future” The new centre, located on the Paris-Saclay campus, will be dedicated to development and innovation in the categories of “fresh dairy and plant-based products” and “natural mineral water” . In a statement, Danone said the facility would have state-of-the art laboratories to research …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Dole to sell fresh vegetables division to Chiquita

February 3, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Dole, a global leader in fresh produce, has announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its fresh vegetables division to Fresh Express, a subsidiary of fruit supplier Chiquita, for approximately $293 million in cash. The fresh vegetables divisions comprises operations related to the processing and sale of whole produce, as well as salads and meal kits. It has agricultural operations and four processing facilities across the US, employing over 3,000 …

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2 MIN READ

‘Ice cube’ soup hones in on convenience, waste-free benefits

January 31, 2023
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Europe, Food, Innovations

The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 31st January 2023: This month’s Innovation Insight spotlights a new launch aiming to ally the distinct virtues of chilled and dried soup through a novel ‘ice cube’ format – Soupologie Souper Cubes. An extension to Soupologie’s health-focused line of ready-made, vegetable-forward soups in the UK, Soupologie Souper Cubes are a novel retail format that seeks to combine the convenience and dosing advantages of …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Korch and Hermann Wein announce merger

January 30, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

German meat producers Radeberger Fleisch- und Wurstwaren Korch (Korch) and Hermann Wein have announced the two businesses are to combine, according to a report in Lebensmittel Praxis. Korch’s Original Radeberger Premium Lachsschinken ham is said to be particularly popular in the former east, while Hermann Wein is described as the market leader in Germany for black forest ham. Rieker Investment, which acquired a stake in Korch in 2022, will remain a shareholder in …

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1 MIN READ

France: Discount retailer Toujust to make debut

January 27, 2023
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Europe, Retail

Toujust, a new French grocery retailer, is planning to make its debut in the first quarter of this year, promising prices that are up to 10% lower than its direct competitors. The chain, whose name is a play on the expression “tout juste” (“just right”), will be 25% owned by its suppliers, with whom the company intends to work directly to eliminate the costs associated with intermediaries. The model is …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Sainsbury’s partners with Just Eat for deliveries

January 26, 2023
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

UK based supermarket retailer Sainsbury’s has signed a partnership agreement with takeaway food app Just Eat for rapid grocery deliveries. According to an article in Retail Gazette, the partnership will allow Sainsbury’s customers to benefit from 30-minute deliveries. In a first phase, the service will be available in London, Edinburgh and Bristol, launching in 175 stores by the end of February 2023, although Sainsbury’s plans to extend the service to …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: AsCom Confection acquires Bodeta

January 25, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

German chewing gum manufacturer AsCom Confection has taken over confectionery producer Bodeta after the latter had filed for insolvency, according to a report in Lebensmittel Praxis. Bodeta was reportedly struggling financially due to rising energy and raw material costs, leading the firm to trigger a process of self administration in order to restructure its business. According to sources, Bodeta’s 120 employees will remain in post, with the firm continuing to …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Latteria Soresina to acquire Fratelli Oioli

January 24, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Latteria Soresina, the leading Italian dairy cooperative, has announced the acquisition of Fratelli Oioli, a dairy company specialising in the production of gorgonzola cheese with protected designation of origin (PDO). In a press release, Latteria Soresina said the acquisition would make it the first company able to offer PDO gorgonzola from ‘farm to table’. “The Fratelli Oioli company has always upheld the importance of values such as integrity and dedication …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Kerry to sell Sweet Ingredients Portfolio to IRCA for €500 million

January 16, 2023
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Global food manufacturer Kerry Group has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell its Sweet Ingredients Portfolio to INCA, an international leader in chocolate, creams and high-quality semi-finished food ingredients, for €500 million. The Sweet Ingredients Portfolio is a manufacturer of sweet and cereal products with a broad range of technological capacities serving the markets of bakery, cereal, confectionery, dairy and ice cream in Europe and the US. “We are pleased …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: Magnit to create new discount supermarket – reports

January 13, 2023
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Russian retailer Magnit is reportedly planning to open a new discount supermarket chain, according to an article on the Kommersant newspaper. Sources close to the retailer reported that the retailer plans to develop a new chain of discounters, a concept that started being planned in 2022, it is expected to be approved in Q1 2023 and afterwards the first stores will open. The discount supermarkets have been trending in the …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Royal Unibrew to acquire Norrebro Bryghus microbrewery

January 5, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Brewing and beverage company Royal Unibrew has expand its portfolio with the acquisition of the Danish microbrewery Norrebro Bryghus. “We have found a new owner who we believe can continue the Norrebro Bryghus brand and the business we have built up over two decades,” said Martin Thomsen, managing director and co-owner of Norrebro Bryghus. “We are proud of the chapter we have written.” “Royal Unibrew has been given the opportunity …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Refresco to complete acquisition of alcoholic beverage Avandis

January 3, 2023
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Global independent beverage solutions provider Refresco has acquired Avandis, a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, from cocktails spirits companies Lucas Bols N.V. and De Kuyper Royal Distillers. With the acquisition, Refresco will expand the offering in the alcoholic category in Europe and according to company’s press release, the company is now a step closer to achieve its goal of “Our Drinks On Every Table”. The production facility of Avandis in Zoetermeer, …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: Kellogg to divest Russian operations to snacks maker Chernogolovka

December 30, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Kellogg Co has announced the divestment of its Russian operation to local snacks and drink maker Chernogolovka, joining the list of Western companies that have sold their assets in the country. The movement comes after the cereal maker suspended earlier this year all imports of its products in Russia and pulled investments including advertising and promotions in the country, following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Chernogolovka manufactures snacks, energy drinks and …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Orkla to acquire Swedish confectionery company Bubs Godis

December 29, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Orkla Confectionery & Snacks has acquired confectionery company Bubs Godis. Founded in 1992, Bubs Godis is a manufacturer of vegan sugar confectionery with a strong growth on the Nordick market. According to Patrick Axzell, CEO at Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Sweden the acquisition is aligned with strategic investment of the company in confectionery and sustainable brands, and a good platform to continue growth in Nordic and Baltic countries. With the …

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1 MIN READ

France: Pernod Ricard to acquire majority stake in Cockorico brand

December 28, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in start-up Cockorico, a French brand specialising in ready-to-serve cocktails. Founded in Lyon in 2019 by three spirits and hospitality business experts, the brand makes a range of premium pre-mixed, ready-to-serve bottled cocktails. “We are delighted to begin this partnership with Cockorico, which has experienced exceptional growth since its creation,” said Philippe Coutin, chairman of Pernod …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Mondelez International to sell gum business to Perfetti Van Melle

December 22, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, North America

Snack and confectionery multinational Mondelez International has announced that has agreed to sell its gum business in the USA, Canada and Europe to Perfetti Van Melle Group for $1.350 billion. The sale is part of the strategy of Mondelez International to accelerate growth and focus portfolio on chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks categories. The acquisition includes the gum brands Trident, Dentyne, Stimorol, Hollywood, V6, Chiclets, Bubbaloo and Bubblicious in the …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Dawn Foods to complete sale of frozen manufacturing business to Europastrys

December 20, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Global bakery manufacturer and distributor Dawn Foods has announced the sale of its frozen bakery manufacturing business Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Pacific (AMEAP) to Europastry. The sale includes Dawn’s frozen bakery manufacturing plant located in The Netherlands, R&D capabilities based in the United Kingdom, and all associated customer relationships in the region purchasing Dawn-produced frozen products. “Dawn and Europastry have been partners for many years, providing …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Rema 1000 to acquire majority of Aldi’s Danish store network

December 16, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Rema 100 Denmark, part of Reitan Retail, has agreed to acquire the majority of German discount grocer Aldi’s grocery store network in Denmark. According to the company statement, Rema 100 will acquire 114 stores and three distribution centres in attractive locations which will help the company to accelerate growth and increase market share with high-quality products at low prices. “Rema 1000 Denmark has been a fantastic growth story, demonstrating the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Asda to open 300 new convenience stores and create 10,000 new jobs

December 9, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

British supermarket chain Asda has announced plans to open 300 Asda Express convenience store and create 10,000 new jobs by the end of 2026. The strategy behind the development of a convenience store network is to become the UK’s second largest supermarket. Each Asda Express store will stock with 3,000 products to cover customer’s needs, including fresh ambient and chilled groceries, as well as products from Asda’s premium Extra Special …

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1 MIN READ

France: Campari and Moët Hennessy to acquire 100% of Tannico

December 7, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Campari Group and Moët Hennessy has acquired, through their 50-50 joint venture, full ownership of online wine and spirits company Tannico. Founded in 2012, Tannico’s e-commerce platform offers a catalogue of over 1,500 labels from 2,500 wineries focusing 90% of the business in B2C. The platform also provides wine courses, video tutorial and in the B2B area, services to wineries professionals in the hospitality sector. “With this operation, we confirm …

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1 MIN READ

UK: A.G. Barr to acquire Boost Drinks

December 6, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Soft drink manufacturer A.G. Barr has announced the acquisition of the functional energy drink brand Boost for an initial consideration of £20 million, on a debt-free, cash-free basis. Founded on 2021, Boost has a portfolio of energy drinks, RTD iced coffees and sport-focused beverages, operating an asset light model, outsourcing production, warehousing, and logistics. “Boost is one of the UK’s most recognisable functional drinks brands, and we are delighted to …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Magellan & Cheers acquires Perucchi

November 30, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

New spirits group Magellan & Cheers has announced the acquisition of Spanish vermouth brand Perucchi. The new group is founded and led by Jean-Noël Reynaud, which has an international career of more than 30 years in companies such as Remy Cointreau, Coca-Cola, Lactalis, and Marie Brizard. Perucchi is a brand with 150 years, known especially for its vermouth that is made from wines, mistelles, herbs, plants and roots, although the …

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1 MIN READ

France: Lavazza to acquire MaxiCoffee

November 29, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Italian coffee producer Lavazza has reportedly made a binding offer to acquire the French firm MaxiCoffee, owned by the company founder Christophe Brancato, 21 Invest and other investors. According to sources, Lavazza made the deal so that the company can strengthen its position in France and also in e-commerce. Lavazza Chief Executive Antonio Baravalle said: “Our strategy is to support the further development of MaxiCoffee, which will maintain its profile …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Danish Crown invests in new factory

November 25, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Denmark-based meat processor Danish Crown has announced the investment in a new bacon factory in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, UK. According to the company’s statement, the aim of the new factory is to offer UK customers high quality, traceable pork products that are manufactured in a more sustainable way and to supply bacon to the UK market. The firm will invest over £100 million ($119 million) in the new 30,500 sq. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Asahi to close Dark Star Bewery

November 23, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Japanese drinks giant Asahi Beverages has announced that the company is going to cease operations in its Dark Star brewery in Partridge Green, Sussex, on the 31st of December 2022 due to current economic challenges. According to sources, the company said that the facility is operating significantly below capacity, which is not sustainable. Asahi said in statement: “This is not a step we have taken lightly, however, there are significant …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Philip Morris International to launch Bonds by Iqos

November 22, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Tobacco

Multination tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced the launch of Bonds by Iqos, its latest heat-not-burn tobacco system to be used with specially designed tobacco sticks, Blends. The product offers an alternative to consumers who want to “replace cigarettes with innovative, science-based, smoke-free alternatives”. “Providing a range of alternatives to continued smoking—with a variety of taste, technology, usage, and price options—is imperative and helps us to address a …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Aldi acquires companies from Altmuehltaler Mineralbrunnen

November 18, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

German retailer Aldi Nord has announced the acquisition of some companies from the beverage firm Altmuehltaler Mineralbrunnen Group. According to Aldi’s press release, the Altmuehltaler Mineralbrunnen Group is one of the most important producers and bottlers of mineral water and non-alcoholic soft drinks in Germany and the firm employs around 400 people, jobs that will remain secure after the transaction. The deal includes production sites in Treuchtlingen (Bavaria) and Breuna …

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1 MIN READ

UK: BAT to invest in Charlotte’s Web

November 16, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tobacco

Multinational tobacco manufacturer British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced a c.£48.2 million investment in Charlotte’s Web Holdings, a producer of hemp extract wellness products in the USA. “Our investment in Charlotte’s Web represents another step for BAT in our exploration beyond tobacco and nicotine, as we continue to build a strong foundation to deliver A Better Tomorrow,” said Kingsley Wheaton, Chief Growth Officer at BAT. Jacques Tortoroli, CEO of Charlotte’s …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company to sell Eagle Brewery

November 11, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced plans to sell the Eagle Brewery to its long-term partner, S.A. Damm. Damm is a Spanish brewer, best know for its premium beer Estrella Damm. Since 2010, the production of Estrella Damm for the UK has been packaged at the Eagle Brewery. As part of the agreement, the Eagle Brewery’s beers will remain part of the CMBC’s portfolio, and it will become the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses acquires Parlick

November 10, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Lancashire based cheesemaker Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has announced the purchase of Parlick, a brand from dairy firm Singletons & Co. According to sources, the Parlick brand had ceased trading since September this year and the deal enabled the Parlick’s products to remain stocked without any break in the supply to retailers like Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. The investment strengthens Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses’ portfolio, now including sheep’s milk cheese as well. Butlers …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Morrisons to close unprofitable McColl’s stores

November 3, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

British supermarket chain Morrisons has announced the closure of 132 McColl’s convenience stores so that the retailer can make a profit in the medium term. According to an article in European Supermarket Magazine, the retailer plans to close most stores this year, leaving 55 stores with a post office to close in 2023. The McColl’s chain was acquired out of administration last May, but the deal was only cleared last …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Campari to acquire initial 70% stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery

November 1, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian spirit group Campari has reached an agreement to acquire an initial 70% stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery for $420 million, strengthening its bourbon offer. Under the agreement, the company will be able to acquire the remaining 30% of the premium Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey producer in 2031. Bob Kunze-Concewitz, Chief Executive Officer Campari Group: “We are very excited to take a controlling interest in worldclass Wilderness Trail Distillery. …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Apex to acquire Pop Up brand

October 31, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish snacking firm Grupo Apex has announced the acquisition of popcorn brand Pop Up from Grupo Bimbo for an undisclosed sum. Grupo Apex said it had also signed a long-term agreement that grants the exclusive distribution in Spain, Portugal and Andorra for the Eagle nuts brand. “Both operations, which are added to the recent acquisition of the Catalan manufacturer of vegetable chips Viube Foods, are part of the strategy of …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Asda to open Asda Express convenience stores

October 26, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Asda, one of Britain’s leading retailers, has announced the launch of convenience stores under the banner Asda Express. According to the company’s press release, the first store is scheduled to open on the 8th November 2022 in Sutton Coldfield, and a second store is expected to open the following month on the 6th December in Tottenham Hale, London. Both stores are said to create 37 new jobs. In an effort …

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1 MIN READ

France: Remy Cointreau enters perfume market

October 25, 2022
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Manufacture & Distribution

Remy Cointreau, the leading French spirits firm, has announced the launch of a ‘luxurious’ perfume house called Maison Psyche. According to a company press release, Maison Psyche was created as a collaboration between Baptiste Loiseau, cellar master of Maison Remy Martin, and Sophie Labbé, principal perfumer at Firmenich. Baptiste Loiseau and Sophie Labbé said: “Maison Psyche was born from our shared love for the terroirs and age-old expertise, both in Cognac …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Nestle to invest in Girona coffee facility

October 4, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it is investing €100 million ($98 million) in a coffee plant in Girona, Spain. According to sources, the investment will be made over the next three years with the goal of increasing the factory’s medium to long-term competitiveness. Nestle plans to install state-of-the-art technology that, combined with automation and digital technology, will improve sustainability and logistics, as well as boosting the manufacture of single-dose …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: BAT to acquire minority stake in Sanity Group

September 28, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tobacco

Multinational tobacco company British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced the acquisition of a non-controlling minority stake in Sanity Group. Founded in 2018, Sanity Group aims to improve quality life using cannabinoids. The investment will help the German company to expand and strengthen research and development activities. “Our goal is to leverage the full potential of the cannabis plant and to explore and harness the different cannabinoids – with the new …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Mercadona invests in €60 million in logistics platform

September 26, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Spanish retailer Mercadona has made an investment of €60 million ($58.5 million) in its logistics platform in Riba-Roja del Turia, Valencia. According to an article in Revista Inforetail, the resources will be used to optimise and modernise its warehouse for fresh produce in the logistics centre. With the investment, improvements will be made in the centre’s processes, facilities and working conditions The warehouse will see an increase in production capacity from 23,000 …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Baker & Baker acquires Peipen

September 14, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Baker & Baker, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of bakery products, has announced the acquisition of Peipen, a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) producer. According to sources, the deal will enable the firm to expand the production capacity of the Portuguese pastry with new production lines. The agreement includes a 5000 sq. mt. manufacturing facility located in Peniche, with all the equipment, and Baker & Baker, reportedly, entered a …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Irish Distillers to build new whiskey distillery

September 7, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of the French drinks conglomerate Pernod Ricard, has announced plans to build a €250 million ($247.7 million) whiskey distillery in Midleton, Ireland, according to a FoodBev report The new distillery will be located in a 55-acre area that is connected to the company’s existing Midleton Distillery, and will produce whiskeys for the Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, the Spot family and Method and Madness. Nodjame Fouad, …

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1 MIN READ

Austria: Billa introduces plant-based store concept

September 1, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Austrian retailer Billa, a subsidiary of the Rewe Group, has announced the opening of a store with a plant-based concept called Billa Pflanzilla. According to sources, the new concept was launched in response to research that revealed that 46% of Austrians have recently reduced consumption of animal products and that 28% of 18 and 19 year olds don’t eat meat. Marcel Haraszti, CEO of REWE International AG, said: “We are already very …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Netto Poland moves headquarters to Warsaw

August 30, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Polish branch of supermarket chain Netto has announced this week that it is moving its headquarters to Harmony Office Center II in Warsaw. According to sources, the retailer will take 2000 sq. metres within the complex which has a favourable position due to its proximity to Warsaw city centre and very good public transport access as well as a metro station that is only 900 metres away. The move has, …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Apex acquires Viube Foods

August 22, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish-based snacks company Grupo Apex has acquired Spanish Viube Foods, a manufacturer of vegetable crisps. Viube Foods is based in Girona and produces and markets vegetable chips made with 100% natural ingredients and in an artisanal way, under the Mikso brand. According to sources, with the acquisition, Grupo Apex has now seven factories and aims to be a ‘benchmark’ in this segment, believing that it has ‘great growth potential’. The …

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1 MIN READ

France: Bel Group acquires majority stake in Shandong Junjun Cheese

August 5, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

French dairy producer Bel Group has announced the acquisition of 70% shares of the Chinese cheesemaker Shandong Junjun Cheese. As well as manufacturing cheese, Shandong Junjun Cheese is the fourth-largest milk producer in China. The company has reportedly achieved over 100% annual growth since 2018. According to a statement released by Bel, the investment will help the French giant with its international expansion strategy and reinforce its growth in manufacturing …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Emmi sells 25% stake in Italian cheese firm Ambrosi

August 2, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Swiss dairy firm Emmi has announced the sale of its 25% stake in cheese business Ambrosi in order to focus on “profitable growth segments”. Ambrosi is an Italian cheese specialist and producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, mozzarella and gorgonzola cheeses. The stake was acquired in 2007, with the aim of generating international growth in several countries in the speciality and premium cheeses segment. “Italian cheese classics such as Parmigiano …

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1 MIN READ

France: Agrial acquires Rochebillard et Blein

August 1, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Agrial, a French agricultural and agrifood co-operative, has announced the acquisition of dry charcuterie producer Rochebillard et Blein. Rochebillard et Blein has 115 employees over three production sites – two in Violay and one in Taninges, producing nearly 2,000 tonnes of various charcuterie products that are sold in supermarkets, charcuterie shops, and traditional butchers. Stephane Poyac, executive vice president of Agrial, said: “Co-operative has been present on the dry charcuterie …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Premier Foods to acquire The Spice Tailor

July 28, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods Plc has announced the acquisition of 100% of The Spice Tailor, a maker of Indian and South East Asian meal kits and accompaniments,  for an initial consideration of £43.8 million ($52.4 million). In a statement, Premier Foods said the Spice Tailor would benefit from increased levels of marketing investment to drive product awareness and household penetration, new product development resources, and access to Premier Foods’ commercial capabilities …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Rollagranola acquires Primrose’s Kitchen’s assets

July 27, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Granola company Rollagranola has bought Primrose’s Kitchen, the UK-based breakfast cereal business that went into liquidation in December 2021. Founded in 2014, Hitchin-based Rollagranola has acquired the stock, packaging, intellectual property, and brand name of Primrose’s Kitchen, a supplier of organic and vegan, and gluten-free muesli from the South of England. Rollagranola’s founder Robin Longden said the buy-out of Primrose’s Kitchen “signals a new direction” for the company. “The purchase …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Diageo plans to invest in carbon-neutral brewery

July 18, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced plans to invest €200 million ($202 million) in Ireland’s first purpose-built carbon neutral brewery in Kildare. According to the company, the new facility will produce lagers and ales, and with a capacity of 2 million hectolitres, it will become the second largest brewing plant in Ireland. The brewery will reportedly use 100% renewable energy and will make use of the latest process technology to …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Sperlari Group to acquire Paluani

July 14, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Sperlari Group, the Italian leader in the candy and nougat industry that belongs to the German group Katjes International, has announced the acquisition of Italian confectionery company Paluani. Paluani was owned by the Campedelli family, but the firm ended in an insolvency procedure. The Sperlani group was the only bidder that presented a proposal to the Bankruptcy Court of Verona to purchase Paluani. The agreement includes the absorption of 48 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Kaufland invests in new modern greenhouse

July 13, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

German supermarket chain Kaufland has announced that they’re investing on sourcing produce from Germany all year round and thus the firm is opening Germany’s most modern greenhouse, together with the Reichenspurner family, in the region of Chiemgau. According to sources, the greenhouse will grow strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, and the like throughout the year over an area of 22 football fields. Additionally, the greenhouse is set to have electricity and heat …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Laumont to build a new production facility

July 12, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Laumont, a company that produced truffles and mushrooms, has announced the construction of a new 4,000 sq. mt facility centre in Tarrega, Spain. According to a statement released by the firm, the new facility will increase the production capacity to answer the increasing demand of the business and it will allow the production of new truffle-based products. Additionally, there will be an investment in new machinery and in the creation …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Danone plans to sell factory

July 4, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

FMCG giant Danone has announced that they are looking for a buyer for its factory in the north west of Spain, since they are looking to close it. According to sources, last month Danone announced the closure of the factory in the town of Salas in the name of improving ‘competitiveness and industrial efficiency’. The workers of the factory held a demonstration against the decision and Danone states that the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Lotus Bakeries acquires Peter’s Yard

July 1, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Lotus Bakeries announced the complete acquisition of UK based Peter’s Yard artisanal sourdough business. Peter’s Yard produces a wide range of healthy crackers, crispbreads and flatbreads, and sourdough bites. Lotus Bakeries is well-known for the natural snack category and brands like Lotus, Kiddylicious, BEAR snacks, among others. Lotus Bakeries has been an investor in Peter’s Yard since July 2019, when the firm acquired 20% of the business. Lotus Bakeries said …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Jeronimo Martins Group invests in Andfjord Salmon

June 28, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Jeronimo Martins Group has acquired 10.1% (16.8 million euros) of the Norwegian company Andfjord Salmon for sustainable salmon production. “Just a few days before the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, we are investing in a promising and truly innovative sustainable business project that is fully aligned with our corporate responsibility priorities. Andfjord Salmon’s project is focused on using efficient technology to produce salmon – a strategic product to …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: FrieslandCampina sells some of its German portfolio to Muller

June 21, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Dutch dairy multinational FrieslandCampina has announced that they will sell some of their brands and factories in Germany to their local peer Muller. A spokesperson from FrieslandCampina said: “Our local German brands need more scale, and Unternehmensgruppe Theo Muller offers this growth perspective through synergy benefits”. In the sale, there are included brands such as Landliebe, Tuffi, Sudmilch, Puddis, and Mondelice as well as the Friesland’s foodservice brand Gastro. Additionally, …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Vall Companys to buy control of Sada

June 20, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spain-based meat processor Grupo Vall Companys has closed a deal to buy 75% of local poultry firm Grupo Sada from Netherlands agri-food business Nutreco. According to sources, Grupo Sada has a total of five plants in Spain and supplies poultry products to retailers and the foodservice sector. Grupo Vall Companys’ processes and supplies fresh and frozen products, including chicken and turkey. The poultry division, has four slaughterhouses and five cutting …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Minor Figures attracts investment from Danone and Green Monday

June 17, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Uk based Oat-milk business Minor Figures has received a minority investment from Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV) and Green Monday Group, a plant-based food business. Founded in 2015, with offices in the US and Australia as well, Minor Figures produces barista oat milk for retail and coffee shops under its own brand name, RTD coffees and teas distributed in 16 countries. Green Monday produces the OmniPork line of meat alternatives fish …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Katjes Group acquires UK gluten-free firm Genius Foods

June 9, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Germany confectionery company Katjes Group has acquired the UK gluten-free bakery Genius Foods through its venture-capital arm Katjes Greenfood. Founded in 2009, Genius Foods has a product portfolio of rolls, bagels, loaves, wraps, and pittas sold in the major retailers and in the foodservice channel. Last year, the firm achieved EUR40m (US$42.7m) in sales. With this acquisition, Katjes Greenfood aims to expand its gluten-free product market, which has been growing …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Northcoast Seafoods sold to Seafood Connection

June 6, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK seafood provider Northcoast Seafoods has been sold to a Dutch company Seafood Connection, a subsidiary of Japan’s Maruha Nichiro, for an undisclosed sum. With a workforce of 112 people, Northcoast Seafoods provides prawns and whitefish products to retailers. According to the Seafood Connection press release, both companies can complement each other and help Northcoast to grow thanks to the sourcing power of Maucha Nichiro. “Ever since I met the …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Grupa Sokolow builds a new meat processing plant

June 1, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Grupa Sokolow, one of the largest meat producers in Central and Eastern Europe, has opened a new meat processing plant in Sokolow Podlaski. Sokolow already has ownership of 8 specialised production plants in Poland, being the plant in Sokolow Podlaski the largest of the company. The branch in Sokolow specialises in sliced cold meats, sausages, and grill products as well as a wide variety of pork meats. President of the …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Spar regional operator Aspiag opens logistics hub

May 23, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Aspiag Service, Spar’s regional operator for three Northeastern regions in Italy, has opened a new 18,000 square-metre distribution centre in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. According to Spar’s press release, the company invested €33 million ($34.9 million) in the facility, which currently employs more than 50 people, and has a 25,500-pallet capacity, featuring three floors with 1,700 sq. m. of office space. Alessandro Urban, Aspiag Service regional director for Emilia-Romagna, said, “This distribution …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Campari acquires Picon aperitif

May 17, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian company Campari Group, owner of Aperol, has acquired the French aperitif Picon from Diageo for €119 million ($125.5 million). Created in 1837, Picon is a ‘market-leading’ aperitif that has achieved net sales of €21.5 million ($22.4 million) and CAAP of €12.9 million ($13.4 million) in the 2021 fiscal year. According to sources, France is currently Campari Group’s fourth-biggest market (5.9% of the Group’s net sales). With this acquisition, the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Morrisons buys McColl’s convenience stores

May 11, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

British supermarket chain Morrisons, owned by the US private equity group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, was selected ahead of Asda owners’ in the bid for McColl’s chain ownership. According to sources, McColl’s was sold via a pre-pack administration, after the retailer’s lenders had declined a request to restructure its debt. With Morrisons’ offer, McColl’s stores and human resources will be retained. The 16,000 McColl’s staff will be transferred to Morrisons, …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Aldi opens its largest distribution centre

May 9, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

German discounter Aldi invested €60 million ($63.2 million) in the opening of a 57,000-square-metre distribution centre located in Moita, Portugal. According to sources, the new facility, which is part of the retailer’s expansion plan announced in 2020, will supply goods to more than 150 stores and it will centralise Aldi’s logistic operations, which were previously split between the Montijo and Quinta do Anjo platforms. “We have always seen Portugal as …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Windmill Organics assumes control of Machandel

April 22, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Netherlands based firm Machandel has sold its 40% share in the business to UK based food firm Windmill Organics, which has owned a 60% majority stake in the business since 2012. Windmill Organics was founded in London in 1978 and sells products in 30 different countries, owning brands such as Biona, Bonsan, and Amisa, that can be found in large retail chains. Windmill will now take full control of the …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Nestle to acquire majority stake in Ankerkraut

April 21, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Nestle has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the German innovative spice mixes maker Ankerkraut, as the European private-equity firm EMZ Partners exits the German business. According to sources, the acquisition is part of the transformation of Nestle’s portfolio acquiring businesses with attractive growth prospects on consumer trends. “Our partnership with EMZ saw Ankerkraut go from strength to strength, and we thank the team for their support. We …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Kestrel Foods acquires Just Live a Little Granola

April 20, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Northern Irish food manufacturer Kestrel Foods has announced the acquisition of non-HFSS granola brand, Just Live a Little Granola. Just Live a Little Granola will be joining Kestrel Foods’ portfolio which includes the Forest Feast and Acti-Snack brands as well as producing private label products in order ‘to continue its growth within the plant-based arena’. After the investment Kestrel Foods will be able to offer healthier products under more categories, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Post-Holdings acquires Lacka Foods

April 13, 2022
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

UK-based Post Holdings, Weetabix breakfast cereal maker, has acquired UFit protein shakes brand owner Lacka Foods. Founded in 2012, Lacka Foods manufactures high-protein and high-fibre shakes fortified with vitamins and minerals that also include a range of vegan, plant-based options made with pea protein and coconut milk. According to sources, the company will operate independently after the transaction and no changes will be made to the management team. Weetabix said …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Diageo acquires 21Seeds

April 12, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of 21Seeds, a rapidly growing flavoured tequila infused with real fruit juice brand. According to sources, 21 Seeds was founded in 2019 by three female entrepreneurs, Kat Hantas, Nicole Emanuel, and Sarika Singh with the goal of creating great-tasting, smooth spirits with a light touch flavour, easy to mix and enjoy. After the deal, they will continue to operate 21Seeds in partnership …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Lactalis to acquire BMI dairy assets

April 11, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

French dairy company Lactalis has entered into an agreement to acquire dairy businesses and brands of German company Bayerische Milchindustrie eG (BMI). According to sources, the agreement includes the firm’s production of fresh milk, yoghurt, quark, cream and ayran – a yoghurt beverage – as well as the manufacturing site in Wurzburg, Bavaria. BMI currently operates seven production facilities in Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt and after the deal, the company plans …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Fox’s Biscuits and Burton’s Biscuits to merge

April 5, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK based biscuit companies Fox’s Biscuits and Burton’s Biscuits, owned by Ferrero, are merging into a single business called Fox’s Burton’s Companies UK. According to sources, on the 28th March 2022, the two firms merged and will now be led by Simon Browne, the previous head of Burton’s Biscuits. Simon Browne said: “After many years of looking at one another, we are excited about bringing together two businesses that share …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Lidl to open the largest Distribution Centre in Luton

April 4, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

German discount retailer Lidl has announced that it is opening a distribution centre in Luton, UK. The construction of the new 1.2million sq ft Lidl Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) is said to have started last year and the retailer is now looking to recruit warehouses jobs and expects to employ 1,200 people by 2025. Vacancies for operation managers to support roles in HR and payroll will also open next year, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: 2 Sisters Food Group acquires Banham Poultry

March 29, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK chicken giant 2 Sisters Food Group has recently acquired British poultry producer Banham Poultry. According to sources, the Competition and Markets Authority announced that it had rubber-stamped the deal on the 25th March 2022, after a merger inquiry back in January on the initial review of the purchase. Ranjit Singh Boparan, CEO of 2 Sisters Food Group, made a move to purchase Banham Poultry last October with his own …

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1 MIN READ

UK: PZ Cussons acquires Childs Farm

March 28, 2022
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions

Consumer goods firm PZ Cussons has announced the acquisition of Childs Farm, the UK’s leading baby and children’s personal care brand. According to sources, after the investment, the maker of Carex soap and Original Source shower gel PZ Cussons will hold a 92% stake in Childs Farm for a total of £36.8 million ($48.5 million). Childs Farm portfolio includes bath and shower, skincare, and hair care products, all of those …

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1 MIN READ

France: Coca-Cola invests in manufacturing site

March 24, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has announced an investment of €30 million ($32 million) to create a new production line in its manufacturing facility located in Dunkirk, France. According to Coca-Cola, the site produces a wide range of packs and sizes, and also produces aseptic, which is needed to make still drinks. François Gay-Bellile, CEO of CCEP France said: “Coca-Cola has been produced in France for over 100 years and has a …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Ocado to partner with Auchan Poland to develop online business

March 22, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Digital grocery specialist Ocado has announced its partnership with Auchan Poland to help the retailer develop the online business using the Ocado Smart Platform. Ocado and Auchan Poland will build a customer fulfillment centre in Warsaw starting in 2024, with more centres to be built after that. Ocado said that Auchan will benefit from its in-store fulfillment software that will enable more efficient picking from stores. Chief executive of Auchan …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Group of Butchers to acquire Menken Keuken

March 16, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

The market-leading provider of premium artisanal meat products, Group of Butchers, has announced the acquisition of Menken Keuken. The acquisition will allow Group of Butchers to expand its portfolio of private label products with the addition of salads, dips, and tapas. Founder in 1997, Group of Butchers supplies meat products, ready meals vegetarian products, soups, and salads to supermarkets in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. Commenting on the acquisition, the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Real Drinks Group to acquire Beer Britannia

March 15, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Real Drinks Group, known for bringing its innovative drinks to the market, has acquired the UK beer specialist distributor Beer Britannia for an undisclosed sum. The Real Drink Group will continue to curate, supply, and package branded and private label drinks, while Beer Britannia will complement and expand the offering of Real Drink Group into the off trade market across supermarkets, convenience stores, and off licenses in the UK. The …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Little Moons sells minority stake to L Catterton European fund

March 14, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Little Moons company, a family-run ice cream premium company, has sold a significant minority shareholding to private-equity firm L Catterton, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2010, Little Moons produces “ice cream from another world”, bite-sized balls of artisanal gelato wrapped in a layer of mochi dough without preservatives or artificial ingredients. Howard Wong, co-founder of Little Moons said, “This transaction marks an exciting milestone for Little Moons, which began …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Gold&Green Foods to be acquired by Valio

March 4, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading Finnish food firm Valio has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Gold&Green, known for the Pulled Oats plant protein brand, from food and drinks firm Paulig for an undisclosed sum. The agreement includes all the rights to the Gold&Green brand, intellectual property, and research and development, but does not include other Gold&Green Foods operations or the Gold&Green Foods production site in Jarvenpaa, Paulig said in a …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Heineken to invest €73 million in Italian facility

March 2, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Heineken, the multinational Dutch brewer, has announced the investment of €73 million in Italy to modernise and expand its brewery in Assemiri, Cagliari. The investment will be used to renovate the existing machinery and add new three warehouses to store material and products. According to sources, the investment will support the growth of the beer production in Sardinia, with a positive impact on both, local and national production chains. “The …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Henkel to merge Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care

February 25, 2022
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Household Care, Manufacture & Distribution

German household and personal care giant Henkel has announced the merger of its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses into one unit, in a press release reporting its annual results and growth agenda. According to Henkel, the new Henkel Consumer Brands business unit will create a ‘multi-category platform’ for the consumer business under one roof. The integration is said to have already started, by having talks with employee …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Rewe to invest €5 billion to expand international business

February 22, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

German retailer, Rewe Group has announced its plan to invest €5 billion between 2021 and 2025 to expand its international business. According to sources, the company’s target is to increase organic gross sales to more than €20 billion by 2025, and the number of stores to around 5,000. At the moment, Rewe counts with about 4,500 stores spread in Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania, Croatia, Hungary, and …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Aryzta to double Malaysian bakery capacity

February 15, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

International bakery company Aryzta has doubled its manufacturing capacity in Malaysia by acquiring the bakery, equipment, and the corresponding land of co-manufacturer De-Luxe Food Services from Envictus International Holdings. The option to acquire the assets was part of the original agreement with Envictus, and it doubles the company’s manufacturing capacity in breads, buns, and pastries, which will help to meet its growing customer demands in the foodservice and QSR channels …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Ornua to expand offering in Middle East and Africa

February 14, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Ornua, the Irish dairy cooperative, has announced plans to expand its product offering into the Middle East and Africa. The company has announced the launch of Kerrygold butter sticks, in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. The dairy product is made from the milk of grass-fed cows and offered in a format of 100g. Ornua will also launch a new pizza cheese range targeted at the Middle East and North African …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Dagrofa Group to invest in network expansion

February 11, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Dagrofa Group, the parent company of Spar Denmark, has announced the investment of DKK 450 million ($68.35 million) over the next three years in three of its retail chains, including Spar Denmark. The plan includes the development of a new retailer model to attract more independent retailers, where the new license model will be based on shared earnings with retailers and support retail development. “This year, the model will be …

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1 MIN READ

Turkey: Azelis to acquire ingredient manufacturer Tunçkaya

February 9, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Azelis, a leading provider of food and chemical ingredients, has announced the acquisition of Tunckaya, a distributor of food ingredients and additives in Turkey. According to Azelis’ press release, the acquisition strengthens its position in the fast-growing Turkish market for food. “We’re very happy to bring Tunçkaya into the Azelis family. Their strong relationships in the food market and general market position is a fantastic addition for our lateral value …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle Health Science to acquire majority stake in Orgain

February 4, 2022
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions

Nestle Health Science, a business unit of Nestle SA, has acquired the majority stake in Orgain, a leading company in the plant-based nutrition business. According to Nestle’s press release, the acquisition will complement Nestle Health Science’s portfolio of nutrition products. Founder in 2009, Orgain makes protein-based shakes, powders, and snacks based on the belief that everyone deserves access to good, clean nutrition. “Nutritional protein plays a key role in supporting …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tesco to close Jack’s discount stores

February 1, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

UK-based supermarket chain Tesco has announced the closure of seven of its 13 Jack’s discount stores, while the other six remaining outlets will become Tesco stores. Tesco opened Jack’s store in 2018 with the promise to be “the cheapest in town” to win back shoppers from German discount stores Aldi and Lidl. According to sources, Tesco will try to find alternative roles for the 130 employees affected by the move. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever to cut 1,500 management jobs

January 27, 2022
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant has announced it will cut 1,500 management jobs globally as part of the changes in its organisation model. The company’s re-organisation comes under intense pressure from shareholders to boost growth. Unilever will move from three to five distinct business groups: beauty & wellbeing, personal care, home care, nutrition, and ice cream. It will reduce its senior management roles by 15% and more junior management …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Diageo to sell Meta Abo Brewery to BGI in Ethiopia

January 25, 2022
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks company, has entered into an agreement to sell its Ethiopian brewery Meta Abo Brewery to BGI, a subsidiary of the French multinational Casteel Group. Meta Abo Brewery was acquired by Diageo in 2012 for US$225 million, and since then, the company has invested US$344 million to expand and transform the brewery industry in Ethiopia.  The company brews bottled and draught beer using water sourced from a reserve …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Aldi to open first Shop&Go store in London

January 18, 2022
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

German discount retail giant Aldi has opened its first Shop&Go store in London which uses state-of-the-art technology to allow customers to shop without scanning the products or going through the checkout. To use the checkout-free store, customers will have to download the Aldi Shop&Go app and register an account which will allow them to enter the store and pick up the products. Once the shopping is finished, the client just …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Regal Food Products Group to buy Just Desserts

January 11, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Yorkshire-based food company Regal Food Products Group has announced the acquisition of premium dessert manufacturer Just Desserts for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1985, Just Desserts bakes over 130 hand-crafted desserts and cakes including tarts, cheesecakes, and gateaux distributed throughout the foodservice industry. Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Food Products Group, commented: “We immediately recognised a business that presented itself with opportunity, not just for us as a food group …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Schouten Europe to buy Nijland Food

January 4, 2022
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Dutch family business of meat and alternative products, Schouten Europe, has announced the acquisition of Nijland Food from Goor, which recently declared bankruptcy. Both companies have been working together for twelve years, Nijland has been packaging products for Schouten and has also produced some Schouten products. According to sources, the acquisition of Nijland does not mean that Schouten will produce and package all its products itself. “We have always outsourced …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Fazer to acquire plant-producer Trensums Food

December 17, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Fazer, the leading Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced the acquisition of the Swedish plant-based drink producer Trensums Food from Profuragruppen for an undisclosed sum. Trensums Food is a growth company and a leading oat drink producer in Europe, the company was the first in the world to commercially produce oat drinks selling its products to a large part of the world. The acquisition will provide Fazer with a …

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2 MIN READ

Milk alternatives bet on the power of potato

December 16, 2021
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Europe, Food, Innovations

The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 16th December 2021: This month’s Innovation Insight shines a spotlight on a launch looking to shake up the dairy alternatives category through the power of the humble potato – Dug Potato-Based Milk. Recently launched by Sweden’s Veg of Lund and positioned as “the most sustainable alternative” to conventional milk on the market, Dug Potato-Based Milk sees potatoes stake their claim among an …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: JBS to acquire King’s Group and Principe charcuterie brands

December 15, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Global protein-based food company, JBS, has entered into an agreement to acquire King’s Group by its subsidiary Rigamonti. The deal will help JBS to strengthen its presence in the United States and Europe. With an investment of €82 million (US$ 92.5 million), the company acquires four plants in Italy and the entire operation of Principe in the United States, having a portfolio and structure for producing and distributing authentic Italian …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Kraft Heinz to acquire majority stake in Just Spices

December 13, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Multinational food company The Kraft Heinz Company has announced the acquisition of an 85% stake in German-based company Just Spices for an undisclosed sum. According to sources, the remaining 15% ownership stake in Just Spices will be retained by its three founders who will remain with the company once the acquisition is complete. Founded in 2014, Just Spices is a manufacturer of spices blends and salad dressings with a portfolio …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: McCain Food to invest in Strong Roots

December 9, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Potato and frozen food specialist McCain Foods has announced the investment of $55 million for a minority stake in Strong Roots, a plant-based frozen food company based in Ireland. The partnership will allow both companies to meet the rising consumer demand for healthy and natural food products. Strong Roots will continue to operate independently however will use McCain Foods’ global presence to expand its footprint in existing markets, and to …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Brothers Drinks to reacquire Babycham brand from Accolade Wines

December 8, 2021
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Brothers Drinks Co has reached an agreement with Accolate Wines to reacquire the sparkling perry brand Babycham. Launched in 1953 and invented by Francis Showering, who helped start Brothers Drinks, Babycham was a popular alcoholic drink during the 60s and 70s described as a light, sparkling perry made from pear and soda water and has an ABV of 6%. “We are proud to welcome the Babycham brand back into our …

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1 MIN READ

UK: AG Barr to acquire Moma Foods

December 7, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

British soft drink maker AG Barr has entered into an agreement to acquire a 60% majority stake in plant-based milk manufacturer Moma Foods and plans to take full ownership of the company over the next three years. Founded in 2006, Moma is a manufacturer of dairy-free oat milk, bircher muesli, porridge, and low-sugar granola. Tom Mercer, founder, and chief executive at MOMA Foods, said: “I’m hugely excited to embark on …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Beiersdorf to introduce eco-friendly aerosol can for Nivea Ecodeo range

December 6, 2021
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Products

German health and beauty company Beiersdorf has introduced a more climate-friendly aerosol valve system for its Nivea Ecodeo products as well as a range of 100% recycled aluminium cans. Some of the Nivea Men deodorants and most of the Nivea Men shaving gels will be available in this type of climate-friendlier packaging on the European market. Beiersdorf teamed up with the UK-based company, Salford Valve Company Ltd. (Salvalco), and Switzerland-based Nussbaum …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ferrero to acquire remaining share of ICFC

December 2, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian confectionery group Ferrero has announced the acquisition of remaining shares of the Ice Cream Factory Comaker and relevant group companies (ICFC). Ferrero initially acquired a controlling stake in ICFC in July 2019, to support its long-term strategic goals in the ice cream market. ICFC is a company specialised in private label ice creams distributing its product to several countries. According to the company’s statement, during the last two years, …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Tesco to acquire Joyce’s supermarkets

December 1, 2021
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Europe, Food, Retail

Supermarket chain Tesco Ireland has announced the acquisition of ten Joyce’s supermarkets based in Galway for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is the first significant investment made by Tesco since it entered the Irish market in 1997 and it is part of its strategy to grow its store’s footprint bringing quality and value to more customers. The stores will be rebranded as Tesco stores throughout 2022 and they will sell …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever to sell tea business Ekaterra for €4.5 bn

November 22, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant has announced the sale of its global tea business Ekaterra to CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII for €4.5 billion ($5.1 billion). Ekaterra has a portfolio of 34 tea brands such as Lipton, PG tips, Pukka, and T2, with 11 production facilities in 4 continents, and Tea estates in 3 countries generating revenue of around €2 billion in 2020. “The evolution of our portfolio into …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Heineken to create an African drinks group

November 18, 2021
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Multinational brewer Heineken has announced its plans to acquire Distell Group Holdings and Namibia Breweries to form a southern African drinks group worth €4 billion ($4.6 billion). The acquisition of Distell will be a push into wine and spirits for Heineken, with liqueur brand Amarula and wines labels Nederburg and Two Oceans. “We are very excited to bring together three strong businesses to create a regional beverage champion, perfectly positioned …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Danone to sell Aqua d’Or

November 17, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Danone, the food and beverage multinational, has announced the sale of its water and beverage business in Denmark, to Royal Unibrew, a Denmark-based brewing, and beverage company. According to sources, the sale is part of Danone’s strategic portfolio review and of the continuous optimization of its capital allocation. Royal Unibrew’s CEO, Lars Jensen, said: “I am very pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement to acquire Aqua …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Glanbia plc to sell minority stake in Glanbia Ireland

November 12, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Glanbia plc and Glanbia Co-op have today announced they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the sale of 40 per cent stake in Glanbia Ireland to Glanbia Co-op for a purchase price of €307 million ($352 million). The transaction will allow Glanbia to focus on its two growth platforms, Glanbia Performance Nutrition and Glanbia Nutritionals, as well as strategic joint ventures. “Glanbia Ireland has a successful heritage, and …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Palacios to acquire UK dessert producer Rhokett

November 11, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish-based foods business Grupo Palacios has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Rhokett, a chilled dessert supplier, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2002, Rhokett offers a wide range of hand-finished cheesecakes and other desserts from three production facilities. Grupo Palacios sells meat products, refrigerated pizzas, ready-made tortillas, prepared dishes, and desserts to more than 40 countries. The company has five production facilities in Spain and one in the …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Nomadic Dairy to be acquired in €29 million deal

November 9, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Food investment specialist group BiaVest has partnered with Development Capital to acquire Nomadic Dairy from Donegal Investment Group for an upfront consideration of €23 million ($26 million) and €6 million ($7 million) as a deferred consideration contingent on financial performance next year. Nomadic Dairy has a portfolio of six yoghurt-based products with more than 20 varieties and flavours made with locally sourced Irish farm milk. The company supplies its dairy …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Granarolo to acquire Calabro Cheese

October 27, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Granarolo, an Italian dairy company based in Bologna, has announced the acquisition of 100% of Calabro Cheese, a US fresh cheese distributor. The acquisition will allow Granarolo to build a strategic platform to distribute its wide range of typical and PDO products from Italy, the company said. “The consolidation of Granarolo in the USA is an important step in the Group’s foreign growth policy”, said Granarolo chairman Gianpiero Calzolari. “The …

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1 MIN READ

France: Biscuit International to buy Continental Bakeries

October 25, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Biscuit International, a leading player in the private label biscuit market in Europe, has announced the acquisition of Continental Bakeries from its majority shareholders Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Continental Bakeries is described a leading European manufacturer of private label sweet biscuits, bread replacements, and toast with production facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Sweden and a workforce of 2,300 people. The acquisition will allow Biscuit International to grow …

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1 MIN READ

France: Savencia Fromage & Dairy to acquire plant-based company Hope Foods

October 11, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Savencia Fromage & Dairy has announced the acquisition of Hope Foods, a US producer of plant-based products, for an undisclosed sum. Hope Foods has a manufacturing facility able to produce a wide range of plant-based products including its organic hummus made using state-of-the-art technology to retain freshness, peak flavour, and nutritional benefits, Savencia Fromage & Dairy said in a statemnt. “Hope enlarges our brands portfolio in the USA into fast …

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1 MIN READ

UK: CD&R to acquire Morrisons for £7 billion

October 8, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

US private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) has won an auction to acquire the Morrisons  supermarket chain with an offer of £7 billion ($9.4 billion), outbidding Fortress Investment Group, according to an Insider Media report. CD&R reportedly bid £2.87 in cash for each Morrison share, beating the £2.86 offer made by Fortress Investment Group. Morrisons has a workforce of about 120,000 staff in the UK, including across its 497 supermarkets, as …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Britvic announces £26.9 million factory investment

October 6, 2021
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Britvic, the UK-based non-alcoholic drinks firm, has announced that it is investing £26.9 million ($36.2 million) in its Rugby factory, creating 20 new jobs. The company will install a fourth canning line to produce recyclable 330ml cans for soft drinks range, increasing capacity by a further 18% per cent. “This new, state-of-the-art canning line will be a fantastic boost for Britvic’s Rugby facility which continues to produce recyclable cans for some of …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nomad Foods to acquire Fortenova Group

October 1, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Nomad Foods, Europe’s leading frozen food company, has announced the acquisition of east European frozen foods business Fortenova Group for a purchase price of approximately €615 million ($694 million). Fortenova Group has a portfolio of products such as fish, ready meals, fruits, vegetables, pastry, and ice cream marketed under the Ledo and Frikom brands. The company operates in attractive markets that are new to Nomad Foods, including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Calbee UK to complete £5 million investment in facilities

September 29, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Calbee, the UK crisp and snack manufacturer, has completed a £5 million ($6.6 million) investment in two manufacturing facilities to meet increasing consumer demand, according to an Insider Media report. The investment in Calbee’s Deeside and Bradford factories comes after the company reported like-for-like growth in its financial results, boosted by enhanced demand for its Seabrook  brand. “The real credit for our performance goes to the team we have at …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Barilla to team up with Unilever to sell ice cream and snacks

September 28, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading Italian food company Barilla and consumer goods multinational Unilever have entered into a strategic agreement to sell ice cream and snacks in Italy, according to a Reuters report. The deal, agreed between Barilla and Unilver’s Algida division, will reportedly tap into increased demand, especially in the summer season, and allow Barilla to compete with larger overseas companies. Francesco Del Porto, head of the Italy Region at Barilla, said: “We are convinced that …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Aldi to invest £1.3 billion to accelerate growth

September 27, 2021
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Europe, Food, Retail

German discount retailer Aldi has announced an investment of £1.3 billion ($1.8 billion) in the UK over the next two years to accelerate growth and market share, according to a Reuters report. Aldi is Britain’s fifth-largest supermarket group and has experienced rapid growth over the last decade. The retailer currently has 920 stores in the UK, and is reportedly planning to use the billion-pound investment to open 100 new stores, …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Grupo Apex to acquire Emilio Arias Lizano

September 13, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish-based snacks company Grupo Apex has acquired nut and seeds producer Emilio Arias Lizano for an undisclosed sum. Located in Ciudad Real, Productos Emilio Arias Lizano produces a wide range of nut and seed snacks including sunflower seeds, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds. According to sources, Grupo Apex sees sunflower seeds as a strategic snacking product for Spanish consumers and therefore a necessary addition to its portfolio. In the last ten years, Grupo …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Arla to invest 300 million SEK to expand organic range

September 10, 2021
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Arla, the Danish dairy firm, has announced an investment of 300 million SEK (approximately $35 million) in its dairy facility in Gotene, Sweden, to expand its organic range, according to a FoodBev report. The investment, which follows a previous investment of 95 million SEK ($11 million) in Gotene to expand its butter capabilities, will allow the firm to double the capacity for handling organic milk. “We are constantly looking into …

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1 MIN READ

UK: PepsiCo to invest £24 million to upgrade factory

September 9, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced an investment of £24 million ($31.7 million) to upgrade its facility located in Lincoln, UK, to meet growing consumer demand. The investment will be used to replace the existing machinery with new state-of-art equipment and technology, to increase the production of Quavers snacks, and make space for new product lines. A further £1 million ($1.3 million) will be used at the …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Sonae to acquire UK plant-base brand Gosh Food

September 8, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Retail and telecoms conglomerate Sonae has announced the acquisition of 95.4% of the share capital and voting rights in Claybell, owner of the Gosh Food plant-based foods brand, via its Food4Future subsidiary for £64 million ($85 million). UK-based Gosh Food is a manufacturer of free-from products such as burgers, sausages, and bites trading under the Gosh! brand, as well as a private label producer for retailers and foodservice channels. The …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: PepsiCo to build new 1 billion PLN snack facility

September 1, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced plans to build a 1 billion PLN ($245 million) facility in Poland to produce savoury snacks. According to a company press release, the new plant will have the capacity to respond to growing consumer demand, and will become the largest and most environmentally sustainable PepsiCo facility in Europe. With an estimated area of seven football pitches, the facility will supply snacks …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Kendamil to launch ice cream made with infant formula

August 23, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

UK-based baby milk company Kendamil has released what it describes as the world’s first’ ice cream made with infant formula. The limited-edition product has reportedly been designed for adults to counter the perception that infant formula tastes fishy, metallic, sour or bitter. “We are proud to launch the first-ever ice cream made with formula milk,” said Ross McMahon, CEO and founder of Kendamil. “We have worked passionately with the finest local …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Valeo Foods to acquire New World Foods Europe

August 10, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Diversified Irish food business Valeo Foods has announced the acquisition of New World Foods Europe (NWFE), a British meat snack producer. Valeo Foods, which was recently acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity, owns brands such as Rowse honey, Kettle crisps, and Jacob’s biscuits. NWFE has beeing selling products under the brands Kings, Wild West, Speyside and Cruga, as well as The Meatsnacks Group, since 2018. The company has a workforce …

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1 MIN READ

France: PAI Partners to acquire Tropicana and other juice brands from PepsiCo

August 6, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

PAI Partners, a French private equity firm, has announced an agreement to acquire Tropicana, Naked and other juices brands from US food and beverage company PepsiCo for about $3.3 billion. Pepsi Co will retain the exclusive US distribution rights to the brand portfolio. According to sources, the benefits from the sale are expected to enhance PepsiCo’s balance sheet and allow it to make organic investments. PepsiCo chairman and CEO Ramon …

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1 MIN READ

UK: S-Ventures to acquire Pulsin

July 28, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

British investment firm, S-Ventures has acquired Pulsin, a plant-based nutrition company for £7.5 million ($9.99 million). Pulsin produces plant-based products such as protein and keto bars, powders, and shakes under its own brands as well as third parties. The acquisition follows S-ventures willingness to diversify in the health and wellness foods segment, earlier this year the company acquired Ohso Chocolate, a probiotic chocolate brand and We Love Purely, a plant-based …

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1 MIN READ

France: Henkel to acquire Swania SAS

July 27, 2021
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Europe, Household Care, Mergers & Acquisitions

German company Henkel has announced the acquisition of Swania SAS, a household care supplier based in France. The acquisition will allow Henkel to strengthen its position in the detergents and cleaning products market committed to limiting the impact on the environment. Swania is a French ecological home care company which portfolio includes Maison Verte a brand with detergents and household care products certified with the Ecolabel. Chairman of the Henkel …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ebro Foods to sell Panzani

July 26, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish food company Ebro Foods has announced the sale of part of its Panzani unit to French private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for EUR550 million (US$648.4). Ebro Foods has a leading position in the global pasta and rice markets, with brands such as Panzani, Olivieri, Bertagni, Garofalo, Santa Lucia, Russo de Cicciano, and Roland Monterrat, among others. The agreement includes the dried pasta, couscous, sauces, and semolina divisions of …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever to partner with Arzeda

July 22, 2021
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Europe, Household Care, Mergers & Acquisitions

Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant has announced a strategic partnership with Arzeda, the industry-leading Protein Design Company. Arzeda is a synthetic biology company that creates novel proteins, enzymes derived from nature, and specialty chemical products used through smart technologies to optimise their functionalities. Over the next three years, Unilever will use Arzeda’s world-leading digital biology techniques to innovate its own cleaning and laundry portfolio. Peter ter Kulve, Unilever Home …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Medina Dairy and Freshways Dairy merge

July 21, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

British dairy firms Medina Dairy and Freshways Dairy have announced a merger agreement to create a more sustainable and progressive dairy business. According to sources, the merged business called Medina Freshways Ltd is believed to have the “requisite scale and agility to compete with the two large players which dominate the dairy sector in the UK”. Medina Dairy supplies milk, dairy, and bakery products, whilst Freshways Dairy claims to be …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Paladin launches piri piri sauce with Cannabis

July 19, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Portuguese brand of sauces and seasonings Paladin, owned by Mendes Goncalves, has announced the launch of a new product: a piri piri hot sauce with cannabis. According to sources, the hot sauce is produced with the seeds of Cannabis sativa L., an ingredient of natural origin that is now trending worldwide and is being increasingly used in food products. Available under the brand Paladin Sacana, the company commented that the …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Refresco to acquire Hansa-Heeman

July 13, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Independent drinks bottler Refresco has announced that set to acquire the Germany-based beverage company Hansa-Heeman. Hansa-Heeman, which employs around 800 people, manufactures drinks for both private labels and manufacturer brands. 60% of the firm’s volume is in mineral water, with the remaining 40% in carbonated soft drinks. Its annual revenue is approximately €300 million ($356 million). Refresco said it would acquire brands such as Furst Bismarck, Hella, and St. Michaeli, …

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1 MIN READ

France: Royal Unibrew to acquire Crazy Tiger energy drink

July 9, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Danish beverage firm Royal Unibrew has signed an agreement to acquire French energy drink business MC Energy, owner of the Crazy Tiger brand, in a deal worth $97 million. Crazy Tiger reportedly holds around 10% volume share in the French energy drinks markets and employs 25 staff. Its flagship product is available in both bottles and cans and features a formulation based on caffeine, taurine, and vitamins. Royal Unibrew said …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Morrisons agrees takeover deal

July 8, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

UK supermarket chain Morrisons has agreed on a takeover offer from a consortium led by US-based Fortress Investment Group in a deal worth $9.01 billion, according to BBC and FoodBev reports. Morrisons, which has around 500 outlets and a workforce of more than 110,000, had previously rejected a bid from another US private investment group which valued the company at $7.65 billion. Fortress Investment Group’s previous UK investments include alcoholic …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: KDV Group to become primary investor in Hak

July 7, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

KDV Group, the Russia snacks, and confectionery firm, has agreed on a deal to become a leading shareholder in Hak, the Dutch vegetable business, by signing a preliminary purchase agreement to acquire a stake previously held by NPM Capital. KDV Group operates 15 factories and has a workforce of more than 20,000 employees. It sells its products in 35 countries, mainly in Eastern Europe, Russia and China. The company’s principal …

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1 MIN READ

France: Danone to acquire majority stake in Harmless Harvest

July 5, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

French dairy multinational Danone has announced it has acquired a majority stake in Harmless Harvest, a US business offering coconut-based drinks and yoghurt, through its corporate venture arm Danone Manifesto Ventures (DMV). DMV first invested in Harmless Harvest in 2017 as part of a $30 million capital growth round. Founded in 2009, Harmless Harvest is described as a leader in the fast-growing premium coconut water category in the US. It …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Philip Morris International to acquire Fertin Pharma

July 5, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tobacco

Tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced the acquisition of Fertin Pharma for DKK 5.1 billion (approximately USD 820 million). Fertin Pharma is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative pharmaceutical and well-being products, specializing in the research, development and production of gums, pouches, liquefiable tablets, and other solid oral systems for the delivery of active ingredients, including nicotine. The company has more than 850 employees in its facilities …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Barry Callebaut to acquire Europe Chocolate Company

July 1, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Swiss Barry Callebaut Group, manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, has signed an agreement to acquire Europe Chocolate Company (ECC), a Belgian privately-owned manufacturer of chocolate specialties and decorations. The acquisition will expand Barry Callebaut’s chocolate molding capabilities and allow the group to offer tailor-made solutions as well as cater to the increasing demand. Founded in 1993, ECC manufactures a wide range of industrial specialty chocolates and decorations such …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Italian Wine Brands to acquire Enoitalia

June 29, 2021
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian Wine Brands (IWB), an Italian winery, has announced the acquisition of 100% of its peer Enoitalia for an equity value of €150 million ($179 million). With both companies each generating a little over €200 million ($239 million) in annual sales, the deal is set to create Italy’s largest private wine company. The acquisition of Enoitalia will also support IWB’s geographic expansion, by virtue of the former’s presence in markets …

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1 MIN READ

Turkey: Kraft Heinz to purchase sauce maker Assan Foods

June 16, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Kraft Heinz, the leading US food and drinks multinational, has announced an agreement to purchase Turkish sauces business Assan Foods for approximately $100 million. Assan Foods manufactures and sells a wide range of products including tomato paste, ketchup, mayonnaise, and pasta and meat sauces under brands such as Colorado, Kingtom, and Oba, as well as private label. With approximately 400 employees, Assan Foods serves the domestic market and exports to …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Livekindly Collective to purchase The Dutch Weed Burger

June 15, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Livekindly Collective, described as an activist network focused on meat-free foods, is set to acquire The Dutch Weed Burger, a Netherlands-based company that uses seaweed to make plant-based meat alternatives, according to a FoodBev report. Founded in 2019, The Dutch Weed Burger offers a wide variety of plant-based foods enriched with algae and microalgae, such as Weed Burger, Weed Balls, Weed Dogg, Seawharma and Nuggets. The firm, whose products are …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tesco and Carrefour to discontinue purchasing alliance

June 8, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

British retailer Tesco and French retailer Carrefour have announced that their purchasing alliance will not be extended. The global purchasing alliance was announced on July 2018, formed to cut down costs and secure better deals with major suppliers. Operational for three years, the alliance enabled the retailers to access new opportunities, suppliers, and new products. The retailers released a joint statement that said that “moving forward, both companies have agreed …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Kraft Heinz to invest £140m in UK facility

June 3, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

US foods giant Kraft Heinz has announced its plans to invest £140m ($199m) in its Kitt Green food manufacturing facility located in the UK. According to sources, the investment would be the largest made by the company in a facility outside the US in more than two decades. The move, which is subject to approval in the US, will fund equipment and technology to modernise the manufacturing capacity, reduce the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Ferrero to acquire Burton’s Biscuit

June 2, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Ferrero-relative company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Burton’s Biscuit from Ontario Teachers’ for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will allow the Italian producer to enlarge its offer of sweet biscuits products by adding to its portfolio British iconic brands such as Maryland Cookies, Jammie Dodgers, Wagon Wheels, Paterson’s, and Thomas Fudge’s, in addition to the six manufacturing sites in the United Kingdom, which are located in Blackpool, …

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1 MIN READ

Greece: Mondelez to buy snack maker Chipita for $2 billion

June 1, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Mondelez International, the snack and confectionery multinational, has announced the acquisition of Greek snacking company Chipita for approximately $2 billion. Chipita is a producer of salty and sweet snacks in Central and Eastern Europe, with a leading position in the production of packaged croissant and baked snacks, having a portfolio of brands that among others include 7Days, Chipicao, and Fineti. According to company’s statement, the acquisition will allow Mondelez business …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Continente opens new store concept Continente Labs

May 27, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Supermarket chain Continente, part of Portuguese retail and telecoms conglomerate Sonae, has announced the opening of a new store concept, Continente Labs. According to sources, it takes five seconds to buy something in the new 150 sq. mt. store, as the store is scan-less and cashier-less and the purchases are made through the Continente Labs app. The store is equipped with around 230 cameras on the ceiling and over 400 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Thai Union acquires remaining shares of Rugen Fisch

May 25, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

International seafood leader Thai Union Group PCL has announced the acquisition of the remaining 49 percent shares of the German shelf-stable seafood leader company Rugen Fisch AG. According to Thai Union’s statement, the company first acquired a majority of 51 percent of shares in Rugen Fisch in 2016 and has now purchased the remaining 49 percent. Thiraphong Chansiri, president and CEO of Thai Union Group, said: “Rugen Fisch has been …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Exponent to acquire indulgent dessert brand Gu

May 19, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Exponent Private Equity has signed an agreement to acquire indulgent, premium dessert brand Gu from Noble Foods for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2003, Gu offers a variety of restaurant-quality desserts such as cheesecake, mousses, and hot pudding, as well as a range of free-from products. In 2010, Noble Foods acquired Gu brand and has supported its growth since then. “We are excited to be partnering with Exponent on the …

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1 MIN READ

France: Carrefour signs partnership with Nordic Coops

May 10, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Global retail giant Carrefour International Partnership has announced that the company has signed an agreement to form a commercial partnership with Nordic Coops, focusing on private labels. According to Carrefour’s press release, the partnership will enable Nordic Coops to buy Carrefour’s food and non-food private labels, such as French, Italian, and Spanish food private labels, as well as the development of manufacturing synergies. Patrick Lasfargues, Carrefour’s executive director for international …

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1 MIN READ

Norway: Orkla to acquire Icelandic company Noi-Sirius

May 7, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Scandinavian consumer goods giant, Orkla, has announced the full acquisition of the Icelandic chocolate and confectionery company Noi-Sirius for an undisclosed sum. In 2019, Orkla acquired a 20% minority stake in Noi-Sirius and now Orkla has agreed to acquire the remaining shares in the company. Noi-Sirius is a chocolate and confectionery manufacturer with a workforce of around 120 employees with iconic brands such Sirius, Noa Konfekt, Noa Kropp, Noa Paskaegg, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Britvic to acquire plant-based drink business Plenish

May 4, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Global soft drinks giant Britvic has announced the acquisition of the UK plant-based drink business Plenish, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2012, Plenish makes a range of plant-based milks and plant-powered juices from high-quality, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. The products are low calories, and free from added sugar and preservatives. The acquisition follows Britvic’s plans to build a portfolio of soft-drinks brands for every consumer occasion focussing on …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Tony’s Chocolonely to acquire Belgian chocolate maker Althaea-De Laet Int

April 30, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Tony’s Chocolonely has announced the acquisition of its Belgian chocolate bars manufacturer Althaea-De Laet Int for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will allow Tony’s Chocolonely to operate its own factory, scale up its manufacturing capacity, innovate faster, and be more flexible in production. Althaea-De Laet Int was founded in 1960 as a family business, manufacturing private label products to companies such Tony’s Chocolonely. Anne-Wil Dijkstra, choco co-captain (COO) at Tony’s …

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1 MIN READ

Greece: CVC Capital Partners to acquire majority stake in Dodoni

April 27, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners VII has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Greek dairy company Dodoni from SI Foods Ltd, Dodoni’s majority shareholder. According to CVS Capital Partners’ press release, in 2012, the leading Greek dairy and best-selling Greek Feta PDO brand Dodoni, was privatised and sold to SI Foods Ltd, a group of private investors. SI Foods will remain active …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Real Good Food to sell Brighter Foods to The Hut Group for £43 million

April 22, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK-based Real Good Food has announced the sale of its snack bar subsidiary Brighter Foods to The Hug Group for £43 million. Brighter Foods is a manufacturer of healthy snack bars for global confectionery, wellness, and breakfast food brands. The deal will allow Real Good Food to reduce debt, pay some of its pension deficit and provide working capital to support its growth. Mike Holt, Real Good Foods executive chairman, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Vibrant Foods to acquire Fudco

April 12, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Producer and distributor of South Asian food in the UK, Vibrant Foods, has announced the acquisition of Fudco a producer of Asian food. Founded in 1979, Fudco has a portfolio of 2,500 SKUs with products such as nuts, spices, dried fruits, pulses, specialty flour and other Asian foods. Rohit Samani, executive chairman of Vibrant Foods, commented: “We see this new partnership as a powerful new platform for the brand to …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Chocolates Valor acquires Imperial

March 26, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish chocolate producer, Chocolates Valor, has announced the acquisition of Portuguese firm Imperial Produtos Alimentares, the major chocolate manufacturer of Portugal. Imperial, owner of brands such as Regina, Pantagruel, Jubileu and Pintarolas, was part of the venture capital fund Vallis Sustainable Investments I, but within a few weeks it will become part of the leading group in Spain Chocolates Valor, which invoices around €138 million, has two industrial facilities and …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Mondelez to acquire majority stake in Grenade

March 24, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Snack and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in sports nutrition firm Grenade for an undisclosed sum. Founder in 2010, Grenade is a manufacturer of sports nutrition products with a portfolio of high protein, low sugar products such as bars, shakes, and drinks with exports over 30 countries. The partnership with Mondelez will give access to Grenade to more resources allowing the company to accelerate …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: FrieslandCampina and Arabian Food Industries form joint venture

March 22, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Dutch dairy multinational FrieslandCampina has announced that the company has signed a joint venture agreement with Arabian Food Industries (Domty) to export cheese to Africa and the Middle East. According to FrieslandCampina’s press release, the firms are combining efforts in a new company in order to sell affordable cheese products to markets in Africa and the Middle East from Egypt. “We have been seeking this venture as a company for …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Kellogg’s to Invests in Belgian Pringles plant

March 18, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Leading US cereal and snacks firm Kellogg has announced plans to invest nearly $35,7 million in its Pringles snacks brand factory in Belgium, to boost sustainability and to increase capacity. With an annual production of around 104,000 tonnes of crisps and a workforce of around 650 employees, Mechelen is one of the three largest Pringles worldwide factories and shipping crisps to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Besides the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Vibrant Foods acquires Everest Dairies

March 17, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK based Vibrant Foods, parent company of South-East Asian food brands has acquired paneer maker Everest Dairies, aiming to expand its portfolio. Everest Dairies is based in Leicester, employing 43 people and supplies paneer products and set yoghurts to retailers and foodservice. The new brand will join a portfolio that includes the brands TRS, East End Foods and Cofresh. Besides producing and distributing products in the UK, Vibrant Foods also …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Oatly Unveils Plans to Open Its First UK Factory

March 12, 2021
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Oatly, the Swedish firm behind the namesake dairy-alternative milk, has announced plans to open its first UK factory at the beginning of 2023. With a forecast capacity of 450 million litres production of oat milk per year, the new factory is said to be one of the largest plant-based dairy factories in the world and is expected to supply Peterborough area, where it is to be located. Oatly has committed …

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1 MIN READ

USA: Diageo set to buy RTD Ranch Water brand

March 10, 2021
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of beverage producer Far West Spirits, for an undisclosed amount. Far West Spirits produces the Lone River ‘Ranch Water’ brand, an RTD beverage producer known for drawing inspiration from the classic Texan ‘Ranch Water’ cocktail. The Ranch Water agave-flavoured range includes Original, Spicy, and Rio Red Grapefruit. Each 355ml can is said to be low calorie and low sugar. Commenting …

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1 MIN READ

Turkey: Siniora Food acquires Trakya ET

March 9, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Siniora Food Industries, a subsidiary of Arab Palestinian Investment Company (APIC) and a leading regional meat processing company, announced the acquisition of a 77% stake in Trakya ET Co., a meat manufacturing firm in Turkey. According to PR Newswire, the acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to grow its market share regionally and globally and the Turkish market will be a key element for Siniora products to enter the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nestle to acquire recipe company SimplyCook

March 4, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Food and drink giant Nestle has entered into an agreement deal to acquire British producer of recipe kits SimplyCook for an undisclosed sum. SimplyCook provides pre-portioned, letterbox-sized recipe kits delivered with simple instructions and specific supplies, to consumers in the UK and Ireland. Since its launching, the London-based company claims to has helped customers cook over 20 million recipes. “I am delighted to welcome the SimplyCook team to Nestlé. We …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Ahold Delhaize to acquire 39 Deen stores

February 25, 2021
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Europe, Food, Retail

Dutch retailer Ahold Delhaize has announced that it has reached an agreement with Deen to acquire a number of stores to be converted to operate under the Albert Heijn banner. According to the company, Deen intends to sell 80 stores, distribution centres, its remaining business units, and its head office in Hoorn. An agreement is said to have been reached between Deen and Albert Heijn, Vomar Voordeelmarkt, and DekaMarkt, under which …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Lidl to open 23 new stores

February 23, 2021
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Europe, Food, Retail

Supermarket chain Lidl has announced that it plans to open 23 new stores in Belgium by the end of February 2022. According to a press release from the retailer, new stores have already opened in Zottegem and Virton, with four more set to open in Retie, Beaumont, Aubange, and Tongeren later in February. Lidl also said it planned to remodel nine stores in Belgian cities and to relocate 10 stores as part …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: Atria to sell Pit-Product

February 19, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Finnish firm Atria has announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Russian food subsidiary Pit-Product. In a press release, Atria said it had investigated various ways of developing its Russian business and has now entered into an agreement to sell Pit-Product to Agricultural Complex Mikhailovskiy, part of the Cherkizovo Group. Cherkizovo is claimed to be Russia’s largest manufacturer of meat products and has been listed on …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle to sell Nestle Waters North America

February 17, 2021
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Multinational food and drinks giant Nestle has reached an agreement to sell its Nestle Water North America business to One Rock Capital Partners in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. for $4.3 billion. The sale includes brands such as Poland Spring, Deer Park, Ozarka, Ice Mountains, Zephyrhills, Arrowhead and Spring. International premium brands including Perrier, S.Pellegrino, and Acqua Panna are not part of the deal. The movement is part of Nestle’s …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Wyke Farms opens new export centre

February 12, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

UK-based cheesemaker Wyke Farms has announced the opening of an export “centre of excellence” with increased maturing and dispatch storing space and an on-site packaging facility. According to a company press release, the cheese production capacity of aging was increased by an additional 2,500 tonnes of cheddar stocks since demand for Wyke Farms’ flagship 18-month-old Ivy Reserve cheddar has seen an increase in demand worldwide. Besides the increased production capacity, the …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: In’s Mercato to open 30 stores in 2021

February 11, 2021
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Europe, Food, Retail

Italian discount retailer In’s Mercato is planning to open 30 new stores this year, aiming to expand its footprint and consolidate its brand. According to ESM, the retailer, owned by Pam-Panorama Group, is also planning to refurbish 90 stores in northeast, northwest and central Italy, in addition to the 30 new store openings. The new stores will feature an In’s Forno in-store bakery, as well as In’s Orto, which sells fruit …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Mondelez to invest £15 million in new chocolate production line

February 9, 2021
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Snacks and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced plans to invest £15 million ($21 million) into a new production line at its Bournville chocolate facility in Birmingham, UK. According to sources, £11 million of the investment will be spent to create a new production line for Cadbury Milk tablets as the company consolidates the majority of its tablets production at the site, and £4 million to increase the chocolate making capacity …

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2 MIN READ

France: Biscuit International to buy Portuguese bakery firm Dan Cake

February 8, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Biscuit International, the France-based bakery firm, has reached an agreement to acquire Dan Cake, a Portuguese manufacturer and distributor of biscuits and cakes for an undisclosed sum. Dan Cake is a family-owned business founded in 1978 and headquartered in Coimbra, Portugal. The company, which has two manufacturing sites and employs 500 staff, is a leading producer of cakes and biscuits in Portugal and a leader in the butter cookies market. …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Barilla to acquire Capelli dry pasta business

February 3, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading Italian food company Barilla has acquired the Capelli dry pasta company in Canada from Spanish firm Ebro Foods for C$165 million ($130 million). The Capelli pasta business includes the Capelli, Lancia, and Splendor brands and a manufacturing plant in Montreal. “We’re leading the charge in transforming the pasta category, and as a category leader worldwide, it’s our mission to be an architect of growth” ,said Claudio Colzani, chief executive …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Heineken to take ownership of Brixton Brewery

February 2, 2021
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Multinational brewer Heineken has announced the full acquisition of Brixton Brewery for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition comes three years after Heineken bought a 49% stake in the firm. According to sources, the founders of Brixton Brewery will continue leading the company operations. Jez Galaun, founder of Brixton Brewery commented: “When we look back over the past seven years, we honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come – from home …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Coop to open first unmanned store

January 28, 2021
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Europe, Food, Retail

Scandinavian retail chain Coop has announced the launch of its first unmanned store located at Satrahojden in Gavle, Sweden The store, part of a move by Coop to explore innovative retail solutions, was tested last summer and will be operated by Coop Mitt, a co-operative running more than 60 stores in Gastrikland, Halsingland, Dalarna, Uppland and Vastmanland. According to sources, the store is equipped with cameras and automatic doors, and customers need to …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Kendamil unveils two new baby cereal products

January 25, 2021
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Europe, Food, Products

UK baby food firm Kendamil has launched two new baby cereal products, according to a FoodBev report. Suitable for babies from four months, the new Broccoli & Cheesy Cauliflower and Apple and Blackcurrant Oat Porridge are claimed to be free from added sugars, palm oil and preservatives. Launched in line with what Kendamil said was increasing demand from customers, the new Broccoli & Cheesy Cauliflower infant cereal is claimed to …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Barilla acquires majority stake in Pasta Evangelists

January 22, 2021
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian pasta and sauce company Barilla has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Pasta Evangelists, a startup that delivers fresh pasta meal kits to homes in the UK. Founded in 2016, Pasta Evangelists delivers boxes of fresh pasta meal kits directly to clients and also distributes pasta and sauces through digital platforms and a physical outlet. According to Barilla, the acquisition, made through its venture firm BLU1877, represents …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Babasucco launches new avocado-based Energy Estratto drink

January 21, 2021
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Europe, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products

Babasucco, an Italian consumer goods company, has launched a new drink called Energy Estratto which is claimed to harness all the properties of avocado. The new launch is the latest in Babasucco’s line of cold-pressed juices which it first launched to the Italian market in 2015. According to the company, the line was created “to satisfy a specific function and has been studied to nutritionally satisfy”, and will “help you to reach …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Baxters Food Group to acquire Truitt Bros

December 31, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK food manufacturer Baxters Food Group has acquired US-based contract manufacturer Truitt Bros for an undisclosed sum. Truitt Bros is a manufacturer of shelf-stable, thermally processed foods, operating from two facilities with a workforce of over 500 staff. According to sources, the acquisition is part of Baxters’ plans to expand its US and global growth strategy. “Truitt Bros is an industry innovator, providing high quality customised products to a wide …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: IK Investment Partners to sell Signature Foods

December 30, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

IK Investment Partners has announced the sale of Signature Foods to Pamplona Capital Management for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Signature Foods is a branded and private label food franchise in the chilled categories of spreads and dips, bites and tapas, and meal solutions with a portfolio of brands including Johma, Delio, Hamal, and Heks’nkaas. Signature Foods employs over 600 people across its seven production facilities in Belgium, …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: FrieslandCampina to close Yoko Cheese factory

December 15, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Dutch dairy multinational FrieslandCampina has announced the closure of its Yoko Cheese packaging facility in Genk, Belgium by the end of 2021. According to FrieslandCampina press release, the decision to close the facility is based on the current underutilisation of its cheese packaging network, and the company’s efforts to restructure its operations to save costs. The closure will reportedly lead to 211 job losses. Hans Meeuwis, president of FrieslandCampina Dairy Essentials, said: …

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1 MIN READ

France: Remy Cointreau to sell shares in Passoa to Lucas Bols

December 7, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Family-owned business Remy Cointreau has announced the sale of its shares in the Passoa SAS joint venture to Lucas Bols for € 71.3 million ($86 million). The joint venture was established in December 2016 between Lucas Bols and Remy Cointreau to operate and further develop the Passoa passionfruit-flavoured liqueur brand in France and international markets. According to sources, Remy Cointreau was in charge of the distribution, manufacturing, trademark, and inventory of …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever to complete unification process

December 2, 2020
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Europe, Food, Health & Beauty, Household Care, Mergers & Acquisitions

Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, has announced the completion of the unification of its group legal structure under a single parent company, Unilever plc. Founded in 1930, Unilever has been operating under two separated listed companies – a Dutch NV and a UK plc. With the unification, Unilever NV will merge into Unilever plc. “This is an important day for Unilever and we would like to thank our shareholders …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Oscar Mayer to buy factory for meat-free foods

November 20, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Prepared foods manufacturer Oscar Mayer has announced that it is acquiring the David Wood Foods’ factory in Flint, UK to produce meat alternative foods. Commenting on the move, Oscar Mayer chief executive Francois LeGrain said: “Although the Covid pandemic has changed consumer preferences with people having more time to cook from scratch at home, the meat-free alternative segment continues to enjoy significant growth and is strategically important to the Oscar Mayer …

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1 MIN READ

France: PAI Partners announces three European acquisitions

November 18, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

European private equity firm PAI Partners has announced the acquisition of the UK chilled food businesses Addo Food Group and Winterbotham Darby, as well as the Spanish fish solution company Angulas Aguinaga. Addo Food Group (Addo) is described as a chilled savoury pastry producer, while Winterbotham Darby supplies foods such as olives, antipasti, continental meats, brioche, and pasta. Meanwhile Angulas Aguinaga is described as a leader in modern fish and fish-based …

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1 MIN READ

France: Wessanen relocates, rebrands as Ecotone

November 16, 2020
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Europe, Food, Marketing

Wessanen, the European manufacturer of natural food and drinks, has announced that it is changing its name to Ecotone and relocating its headquarters from the Netherlands to Lyon, France. As part of the rebranding exercise, the company has announced it will become a mission driven company according to French law and focus on a new goal of “food for biodiversity”. By 2030, the company said it pledged to further grow …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Pret A Manger to launch retail coffee line

November 11, 2020
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Europe, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products

Coffee chain Pret A Manger has launched a line of coffee products for retail for the first time in the UK. Launched in partnership with supermarket chain Waitrose, the line, which will “allow customers to play the role of barista at home”, includes the two core coffees used in Pret’s stores: Pret’s Organic Classic Blend Ground Coffee (200g) which is used for filter coffee; and Pret’s Organic Espresso Beans (450g), …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nomad Foods to acquire Findus Switzerland

November 10, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading frozen foods company Nomad Foods has entered into an agreement to acquire Findus Switzerland from Froneri, and intellectual property from an affiliate of Nestle, for approximately €110 million ($131 million). Findus is a leading frozen brand with a portfolio of products across categories such as fish, vegetables, and ready meals. The acquisition of Findus Switzerland will unify Nomad Foods’ ownership of the Findus brand across Europe, the company said. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nestle to acquire majority stake in Mindful Chef

November 9, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Consumer goods major Nestle has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Mindful Chef, a meal kit company, in a bid to strengthen its direct-to-consumer offering in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 2015, Mindful Chef delivers meals to households across the UK.  Consumers can choose from 16 “specially curated” healthy recipes each week, which are described as being made from high quality and sustainably sourced ingredients. Mindful Chef CEO …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Bacardi to launch Twistails cocktail ‘pods’

November 5, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Bacardi, the world’s largest privately-held spirits company, has announced the launch of Twistails cocktails pods, designed to provide bar-quality cocktails at home. Launched in the UK and Germany, the dual-chamber cocktail pods are described as being filled with Bacardi rum and natural flavours, and are available in the flavours mojito, strawberry daiquiri, and rum punch. According to sources, consumers only need to add water and ice to the Twistails shaker, …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Ornua to invest £3 million at cheese packing facility

November 3, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Dairy firm Ornua has announced an investment of £3 million ($4 million) in “state-of-the-art” cutting and packaging equipment at its facility in Leek, UK. The funds will be used to install an additional high-speed cheese slicing line and the expansion of Ornua’s cheese grating capabilities which will result in an additional 7,000 tonnes of capacity, bringing total annual production to over 110,000 tonnes, the company said. The investment is said …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Diageo to acquire Chase Distillery

October 29, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of Chase Distillery, a firm specialising in products such as gin and potato vodka. According to Diageo, Chase Distillery has a portfolio of seven gins, four vodkas, and elderflower liqueur. The distillery has a focus on quality and sustainability, using British potatoes, apples, and botanicals from the Chase Farm, Diageo added. Dayalan Nayager, managing director, Diageo Great Britain, said: “We are …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Finnebrogue Artisan to build new factory

October 23, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

UK meat producer Finnebrogue Artisan has announced plans to build a new facility to produce plant-based food in County Down. According to sources, the Northern Ireland company will invest £25 million ($32 million) to build Europe’s “most advanced” plant-based food factory. “This state-of-the-art factory, combined with some extraordinary technological leaps in new product development, will enable us to make nutritionally balanced, delicious and sustainable plant-based food that’s virtually indistinguishable from …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: JCCoimbra acquires Vianeza sauces and mayonnaise

October 22, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

JCCoimbra Group, a leading Portuguese olive oil firm, has recently acquired Purcen’s Vianeza brand range of mayonnaise and sauces. JCCoimbra Group specializes in supplying olive oil and vegetable oil to both the consumer market and manufacturing industry. In a statement, JCCoimbra CEO Miguel Arouca said: “This is a strategic decision to allow us to achieve growth through diversification, essential for JCCoimbra to further cement its presence in the market. The addition of the brand [Vianeza] to …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Carlsberg to acquire Wernesgruner Brewery

October 13, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading Danish brewer Carlsberg has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Wernesgruner brewery from Bitburger Braugruppe. According to Carlsberg, Wernesgruner is one of the most traditional German beer brands and will give Carlsberg a better position in northern and eastern Germany. The addition of the Wernesgruner brewery to theCarlsberg network will improve efficiency and flexibility in production and logistics to its German business, the company added. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Ferrero to acquire Fox’s Biscuits from 2 Sisters for £246 million

October 7, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

CTH Invest, a Belgian holding company associated with Ferrero, has entered into an agreement to acquire part of Fox’s biscuit business from 2 Sister Food group for £246 million ($328 million), according to a FoodBev report. Fox’s Biscuits owns brands such as Rocky Bars, Party Rings, Crunch Creams, and also manufactures for private label companies. As part of the deal, CTH Invest will acquire Fox’s manufacturing facilities at Batley and Kirkham in …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Walmart to sell Asda for £6.8 billion

October 5, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Supermarket giant Walmart has entered into an agreement to sell UK grocery chain Asda to Issa Brothers and TDR Capital for £6.8 billion ($9.1 billion). The acquisition will return the chain to UK ownership following its acquisition by Walmart for £6.7 billion ($8.9 billion) in 1999. According to sources, the new owners joined together to acquire an equal ownership stake in Asda, and they intend to invest more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Meatless Farm to raise money for global expansion

September 29, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Plant-based manufacturer Meatless Farm has raised $31 million to support expansion plans in the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia, according to a FoodBev report. The funds will reportedly be used to expand the brand in existing markets, grow the business to new regions, add more products to the portfolio, and further develop manufacturing in Canada. Founded in 2018, Meatless Farms operates in Leeds (UK), Amsterdam (Netherlands), New York (USA) …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Cargill builds “House of Chocolate” complex

September 28, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Leading US multinational Cargill has announced plans to build a new chocolate complex at its site in Mouscron, Belgium. According to a press release from the multinational, the 700 sq m “House of Chocolate” complex will feature a “chocolate experience centre”, a pilot plant, a sensory lab and a creative workspace for Cargill’s European R&D team. The firm said it aimed to create a space where consumers can experience the whole …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Vivera to invest €30 million to expand meat-free facility

September 24, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Plant-based foods company Vivera has announced an investment of €30 million ($36 million) to expand its Dutch facility and meat alternative production, according to a FoodBev report. The investment, which will be made over the next three years, is reportedly being made in response to the increasing demand for plant-based food suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Founded in 1990, Vivera is a manufacturer of meat alternatives such as burgers, steak, …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Paulig to invest €45 million in new factory

September 4, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Finland-based food company Paulig has announced plans to invest €45 million ($54 million) in the construction of a new facility to produce “tex mex” products in Belgium. Founded in 1876 in Helsinki, Paulig is decribed as a family-owned producer of coffee, snacks, plant-based products, and spices, with operations in 13 countries. The new plant will be built in Roeselare, Belgium, next to two other Paulig factories, and will mainly produce tortillas. …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Bayn Europe completes deal for low-sugar candy producer Tweek

September 1, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Swedish ingredient group Bayn Europe has announced it has completed its acquisition of Tweek, a reduced-sugar candy manufacturer, for 45 million SEK (€4.23 million). Founded in 2016, Tweek is said to have become the market-leading company and brand in Sweden for sugar-reduced sweets, with a total market share of about 30%. Tweek is claimed to be one of the pioneers of fibre-based sweets, where sugar is replaced with fibre instead of …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Carrefour to acquire 172 stores from Supersol

August 28, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Global retail giant Carrefour has announced the acquisition of 172 convenience stores and supermarkets from the Spanish retail chain Supersol. The French retailer operates 1,179 stores across Spain, recording net sales of €8.8 billion ($10.5 billion) in 2019 while the total net revenue of Supersol was €450 million ($537 million) last year. The stores involved in the transaction are located mainly in Andalusia and the Madrid region, and have an …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Bestway Wholesale to sell 37 stores

August 14, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Independent UK food and drink wholesaler Bestway has announced the sale of 37 outlets across the country, in line with its strategy of reducing its overall store footprint, according to a Kam City report. Dawood Pervez, managing director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “We remain committed to corporate stores and would still be operating c.140 stores further to 37 stores changing ownership. We do expect a large number of these stores …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Hanegal to acquire plant-based meals company Fairdig

August 10, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Danish food company Hanegal has announced the acquisition of Fairdig, a plant-based ready-meals producer for an undisclosed sum. Based in Ega, Denmark, Fairdig produces frozen ready-meals inspired in world cuisine flavours such as Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Moroccan. This acquisition follows Hanegal plan to have “85% of its products aligned with the plant-based category by 2030”. Cees Kuypers, co-owner of Hanegal, said: “The acquisition is strategically important to us as …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Pastas Gallo to acquire ready-meals company Ta-Tung

August 6, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish pasta manufacturer, Pastas Gallo, has announced the acquisition of Ta-Tung, a producer of Asian fresh ready-meals for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1980, Ta-Tung produces ready-meals inspired by cookery from Asian countries such as Japan, India, China, Thailand, and Cambodia. As part of the internalization plan of the company, Ta-Tung has recently entered the Italian, French and Portuguese markets. The company, according to sources, has a turnover of €15 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Acon to acquire preserved vegetables company Alsur

August 5, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

American private equity firm Acon has announced the acquisition of Alsur, a Spanish-based producer and distributor of preserved and canned vegetables. Founded by the Jimenez family in 1988, Alsur has production and packaging facilities in Spain, and Peru to serve the US market. The company has its own brand producing also private label products. According to sources, with this acquisition, Acon intends to “focus on expanding Alsur’s geographic footprint in …

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1 MIN READ

Italia: Aksia to acquire Valpizza stake

August 4, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian private-equity firm Aksia has announced the acquisition of a majority stake at Valpizza, a local pizza maker for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1992 in Valsamoggia, Valpizza is a producer of frozen pizza and pizza bases with a production facility of 7,400 sq ft. According to sources, the company had a turnover of €20 million last year, producing around 30 million items. Marco Rayneri, managing partner of Aksia, said: …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Henkel to acquire majority stake in Invincible Brands

July 31, 2020
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions

German household and personal care giant Henkel has announced the acquisition of 75% stake of Invincible Brands Holding for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2015, Invincible Brands Holding is a platform of direct-to-consumer (D2C) beauty brands, distributed all across Europe. This deal will involve three major brands: HelloBody, Banana Beauty, and Mermaid+Me producers of premium beauty care products that support clean beauty and sustainability. Carsten Knobel, Henkel CEO, said: “As …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Gosh! Food to build £5 million facility

July 30, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

UK-based vegan producer Gosh! Food has announced its plans to invest £5 million to build its second production site in the country. The new 17,000 sq ft factory is expected to be opened in 2021 creating 25 new jobs. According to sources, the new site will allow the company to meet the current demand for plant-based food and expand its offering into new categories. Jane Rayner, Gosh! Food CEO said: …

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1 MIN READ

Portugal: Danone to add Portuguese desserts flavours to its Oikos yoghurts

July 28, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Food and drinks multinational Danone has announced the launch of a new Oikos yoghurt with Bola de Berlim (Custard Doughnut) flavour, a typical Portuguese summer pastry. Ludovic Reysset, CEO of Danone Portugal, said: “The yoghurt category suffered in Portugal because it is considered a snack and, as a general rule, it is more used at work, or on-the-go”. Three weeks ago, the company launched Pastel de Nata (Custard Tart) flavoured …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Euro Food Brands to acquire The Food Doctor brand

July 24, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

UK distributor of food and drink, Euro Food Brands, has announced the acquisition of The Food Doctor brand from William Jackson Food Group. The Food Doctor is a snack brand founded in 1999 which produces healthy foods such as bagels, wraps, pitta bread, and nut snacks, made of wholesome ingredients, according to sources. The new acquisition will be part of the Euro Food Brands’ portfolio joining brands like Campbell’s Soup, …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Migros to partner InnovoPro to create chickpea protein yoghurt

July 23, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Swiss retailer Migros has announced the launch of a new dairy-free yoghurt range made with chickpea protein from InnovoPro. InnovoPro is a food tech company based in Israel, which creates chickpea protein concentrates claiming to be the first company in the world to launch a 70% chickpea protein concentrate (CP Pro 70) being suitable for “wide range of applications, spanning the dairy alternatives, meat analogues, bakery and sports nutrition categories”. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Asda to launch 100% recyclable crisp tube

July 21, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

UK retailer Asda has announced the launch of a 100% recyclable crisp tube, moving its entire Snax brand range into cardboard packaging. With this new packaging, the company will be able to cut 98.2 tonnes of non-recyclable materials, the equivalent of 2.34 million crisp tubes. The retailer has the commitment to reduce own-brand plastic packaging by 15% by 2021 and reach 30% recycled content in its plastic packaging by the …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Noel Alimentaria to built a new facility

July 15, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Spanish meat producer Noel Alimentaria has announced the investment of €25 million on a new producing facility in Olot, Girona. The new facility, which is scheduled to be finished by June 2021, will have an area of 15,000 square-metres, 200 new jobs providing a “great boost for fresh produce division”, cutting, packaging, and freezing pig meat. Noel Alimentaria commented: “Thanks to this action, the company will be able to promote …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Diageo to launch “first” 100% paper-based spirits bottle

July 14, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Packaging

Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the creation of what is says is the world’s first 100% plastic-free and paper-based spirits bottle, entirely made from “sustainably-sourced” wood pulp. Developed by packaging technology company Pulpex, the new bottle is said to be fully recyclable and “will allow brands to rethink their packaging designs, or move existing designs into paper, whilst not compromising on the existing quality of the product”, …

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1 MIN READ

Estonia: Liviko to launch drinking and disinfectant vodka

July 13, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

Liviko, an Estonia-based distiller, has announced the launch of the dual-purpose vodka Travel Safe bio, a drinking vodka that can be used as a disinfectant. Founded in 1898, Liviko is a well-known exporter of brands such as Vana Tallinn Liqueur, Crafter’s London Dry Gin, and Crafter’s Aromatic Flower Gin. Made from 100% organic grains, this new vodka is sold in travel-friendly bottles of 100ml and have an ABV of 60%, …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nespresso to invest $170 million in production facility

July 8, 2020
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Nespresso, an operating unit of the Nestle Group, has announced the investment of CHF 160 million (£135 million) to expand production centre in Romont, Switzerland. Opened in 2015, this facility is the main producer of Nespresso Vertuo capsules and machines, distributed worldwide. With this investment, the company will augment its capacity in 10 new production lines, creating 300 new jobs over the next 10 years. The first production line is …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Vibrant Foods to acquire Cofresh Snack Foods

July 6, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Food company Vibrant Foods has announced the acquisition of Cofresh Snack Foods, a UK-based producer of healthy Indian snacks for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1974, Cofresh Snack Foods owns two main brands, Cofresh and, Eat Real, and according to sources, the company’s retail sales stood at around £75 million last year. This acquisition follows Vibrant Foods plan to “consolidate the apparent growing ethnic foods and healthy snacking market”. Rohit …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Bell Food Group to sell two factories

July 2, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Bell Food Group, the Swiss meat processor and convenience food specialist, has announced the sale of two production plants in France and Hungary. The production facility based in France, with 70 employees, will be sold to Isla Delice, a French halal meat supplier while the Hungarian charcuterie facility will be acquired by the retailer Spar Hungary. The transactions are part of the company strategy to restructuring its international charcuterie business, …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Midsona to acquire nutritional brand Gainomax

June 30, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Swedish leader in organic and health foods and self-care Midsona has announced the acquisition of the sports nutrition brand Gainomax from the dairy cooperative Norrmejerier, for SEK60 million (£5.2 million). Gainomax is one of the most-known sports nutrition brands of functional and exercise recovery products in Sweden with sales of approximately SEK80 million (£6.97 million) in 2019. Norrmejerier, a dairy cooperative owned by 422 local farmers, said that this sale …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Nestle to sell water brand Nestle Vera to Acqua Vera Spa

June 22, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Sanpellegrino Group, a Nestle subsidiary, has announced the sale of Nestle Vera water brand to Acqua Vera Spa for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1979 and acquired by Nestle in 2005, Acqua Vera holds approximately 6% of the Italian bottled water share market, registering an annual turnover of €80 million last year, according to sources. In addition to the Nestle Vera brand, the deal includes the bottling facilities in Santo …

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1 MIN READ

Poland: Tesco to sell Polish operations for £181 million

June 18, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

British retailer Tesco has announced the sale of its business in Poland to Danish retailer Salling Group, for PLN 900 million (£181 million). This sale follows Tesco’s strategy of withdrawal some of its global positions, similar to the sale of its business in Thailand and Malaysia in March, to focus on its strongest markets. According to sources, the transaction will include the sale of 301 stores, as well as the …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: LiveKindly Co. to acquire the vegan brand Oumph

June 17, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Brand collective LiveKindly Co. has announced the acquisition of the Swedish plant-based meat brand Oumph for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2015 by Food for Progress company, Oumph is a brand of meatless products and meals with a strong emphasis on the climate impact. According to sources, this acquisition will allow LiveKindly to become “one of the world’s largest plant-based food companies at scale and at speed,” accelerating product innovation …

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1 MIN READ

Norway: Orkla to sell Vestlandslefsa brand to Baxt Lierne

June 16, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Orkla, the Scandinavian consumer goods giant, has announced the sale of Vestlandslefsa, its potato flatbread brand to Baxt Lierne a Norwegian bakery company subsidiary of Skagerrak-Holding AS. According to sources, this sale is part of Orkla’s plans to restructure its portfolio and focus on its pizza production at its factory in Stranda, Norway. In addition to the Vestlandslefsa brand, the deal includes recipes, production equipment, and the Li-Klenning trademark. Paul …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Upfield Group to invest €50 million on R&D

June 15, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Upfield Group, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of plant margarines, spreads and cheeses, has announced its plans to invest €50 million on the creation of a new food science centre in the country. According to company’s press release, the investment is a commitment to the development of great-tasting food made from plants and sustainable packaging solutions. David Haines, CEO of Upfield Group, said: “The announcement today demonstrates our commitment to ambitious and …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle Health Science to acquire majority stake in Vital Proteins

June 12, 2020
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions

Nestle Health Science has announced the acquisition of majority skate in Vital Proteins, a producer of supplements, vitamin, food, and beverage products. Founded in 2013, Vital Proteins brand portfolio’s includes Atrium Innovations, Garden of Life, Pure Encapsulations, and Persona, distributed across 35,000 retailers. Greg Behar, CEO of Nestle Health Science, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Nestle Health Science to enter a growing area of nutrition with a successful …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Puig to acquire majority stake in Charlotte Tilbury

June 8, 2020
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish-based perfume and fashion company Puig has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury. Launched in 2013 by Charlotte Tilbury itself, the British-based brand creates and develops luxury makeup and skincare products. Charlotte will continue as chairman, president, and Chief Creative Officer of the company. According to the company press release, this acquisition “will add an established and rapidly growing makeup and skincare brand to …

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1 MIN READ

Norway: Orkla to acquire PepsiCo’s Havrefras Brand

June 3, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Orkla, the Scandinavian consumer goods giant, has announced the acquisition of Havrefras Brand, a breakfast cereal brand from PepsiCo, for an undisclosed sum. Created in 1959, Havrefras brand has been part of PepsiCo’s portfolio since the acquisition of The Quaker Oats Company in 2001. According to sources, this acquisition is in line with Orkla’s strategy of further developing a portfolio with a strong health profile. The deal will not include …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Kennemervis Groep to acquire Bobeldijk Food Group

June 2, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Kennemervis Groep, Netherlands-based fish processing company, has announced the acquisition of Bobeldijk Food Group, for an undisclosed sum. Based in Netherlands, Bobeldijk Food Group is a manufacturer of vegetarian and vegan products, owner of the plant-based meat alternatives brand Vegafit. According to sources, the acquisition will support the growth of Bobeldijk Food Group’s presence in the plant-based product market. Eugene Scholten, CEO of Kennemervis Groep said: “We see around us …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Carlsberg UK to form £780 million joint venture with Marston’s

May 26, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

Carlsberg, the Danish beer giant, has announced a 60:40 joint venture in the UK with Marston’s with a combined value of £780 million. With the deal Carlsberg will become the controlling shareholder owning a 60% stake in the joint venture. The new company, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company will have a strong portfolio from both companies of international, national, and regional beers. Cees’t Hart, CEO of Carlsberg commented on the deal: …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Dacsa Group to complete Dacsa Atlantic acquisition

May 18, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Spanish company, Dacsa Group has completed the acquisition of the 100% company stake of Dacsa Atlantic, in which, had been 50% shareholder. Previously called Atlantic Meals, Dacsa Atlantic is one of the leading Portuguese companies on the rice and maize market, specialised on drying, storage, processing and commercialisation of these products for the food and brewery industry as well as, large distributions chains with rice brands such as Ceifeira, Atlantic, …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Costa Food Group to acquire stake in Aviserrano Group

May 12, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian meat processor Costa Foods Group has acquired 50% stake of Aviserrano Group, entering the poultry sector. Based in Spain, Aviserrano Group is one of the national leading players of fresh and processed chicken and turkey meat with a turnover of €315 million and almost 1,800 employees. The Group is owned by several companies such as Avinatur, Jovi Serrano, Paviso Alimentacion, and Serrano Protein. Alfonso Serrano, CEO of Aviserrano Group, …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Panapesca to acquire stake in Il Faro Quality Fish

May 11, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Panapesca, an Italian seafood processor, has announced the acquisition of 65% stake of Italian ready-to-eat company Il Faro Quality Fish, for an undisclosed sum. According to sources, this deal is part of Panapesca’s industrial development plan, to enter on the ready-to-eat market segment and consolidate its presence in the northeast of Italy. Fabrizio Paesini, CEO of Panapesca, commented: “We had been focused for some time on the acquisition of a …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tenzing to launch natural energy drink with vegan BCAAs

April 29, 2020
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Europe, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products

Natural energy drink brand Tenzing, has launched a plant-based energy drink containing anti-oxidising berries and vegan BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). The new Tenzing Blackberry & Acai obtains its vegan BCAAs from fermented corn by probiotic bacteria and claimed to contain caffeine, vitamin C, and electrolytes. Founder of Tenzing, Huib van Bockel, said: “Somehow people have come to believe that energy from nature is not as strong as artificial energy drinks. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nomo to launch nut-free Hazelnot chocolate bar

April 28, 2020
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Europe, Food, Products

Kinnerton, a British-based chocolate confectionery, has announced the launch of a nut-free hazelnut flavour chocolate bar under the Nomo brand name. The “Hazelnot Crunch” chocolate bar is made, according to sources, using creamy chocolate, rice crispie pieces, cocoa nibs, and nut-free hazelnut flavour and it is free from egg, gluten, and dairy retailing at £2.00. Senior innovation and brand manager at Kinnerton Confectionery, Emma Perrett, said: “Ensuring that no one …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Imperial Brands to sell Premium Cigar business for €1,225 million

April 27, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tobacco

Tobacco enterprise Imperial Brands has announced the sale of its worldwide premium cigar business to investment consortia of individual investors for €1,225 million. This deal will include the sale of hand-rolled Cuban cigars brands Cohiba and Montecristo, as well as 50% stake Cuba’s official exporter Habanos. According to sources, this disposal reinforces the company’s focus on simplifying its business, allowing the company to pay its debt. Joint Interim Chief Executives …

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1 MIN READ

Czech Republic: Kofola to acquire two Czech mineral water brands

April 21, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Kofola, a Czech-based beverage company, has announced the acquisition of two mineral water brands, Karlovarska Korunní and Ondrasovka for an undisclosed sum. This deal happens after the approval of the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition. Both Karlovarska Korunni and Ondrasovka are mineral water brands with a rich history and tradition in the Czech Republic, and according to Kofola this acquisition will strengthen its position in the category of …

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1 MIN READ

UK: PepsiCo to launch Doritos Stax in a canister

April 16, 2020
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Europe, Food, Packaging

PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced the launch of Doritos Stax, in a triangular-shaped canister for its tortilla chip snack. The product will be available at the end of April, in three flavours – Ultimate Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, and Mexican Chilli Salsa– with an RRP of £2.50 for 170g package. Commenting on the launch, PepsiCo’s marketing director for snacks Clafoutie Sintive, said: “Historically, canister snacks …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Futura Foods to open a new plant in Wales

April 9, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Futura Foods, the UK-based dairy company, has announced the opening of a new cheese cutting and packaging factory in Minffordd, Wales. The new 5,574 sq metre factory acquired in October 2019, will have the capability to produce 20,000 tons of cheese per year, creating 22 jobs and increasing the company’s operations. Hans Christiansen, managing director of Futura Foods, said: “I am immensely proud of the team who have worked extremely …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Napolina to launch first ready-to-eat canned quinoa

April 8, 2020
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Europe, Food, Products

Napolina, the Italian cooking brand, has announced the launch of its drained canned quinoa, “the first of its kind on the UK market.” This product comes along with a new range of pulses, including chickpeas, red kidney beans, and cannellini beans, all of them available in 150g cans and vacuum packed to ensure there is no liquid to drain. Neil Brownbill, commercial director of Napolina, said: “Our innovation in the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nurture Brands to acquire The Primal Pantry

April 3, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Nurture Brands, a UK-based food company, has announced the acquisition of the healthy snack bar brand The Primal Pantry, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2019 following the merge between Ape and Emily, Nurture Brands is a plant-based snacking and beverage group. According to sources, the acquisition of The Primal Pantry is part of Nurture Brand’s plan to become the UK’s fastest-growing plant-based snacking and beverage business. Ben Arbib, founder …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Pernod Ricard to became exclusive owner of Monkey 47

March 31, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

  Pernod Ricard, the French producer of wines and spirits, has announced the acquisition of the remaining stake of the German gin brand Monkey 47 for an undisclosed sum. The deal was concluded after Pernod acquired a majority stake in the brand in 2016. Created in 2008 by The Black Forest Distillers, Monkey 47 is a gin produced with 47 plant ingredients such as spruce tips, lingonberries, elderflower, sloes, and blackberry leaves. …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Newlat in talks to buy Centrale del Latte d’Italia

March 24, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Italian food group Newlat has announced that it intends to buy a majority stake in Centrale del Latte d’Italia, an Italian-based dairy group. With revenue of €180 million ($ 193 million) last year, Centrale del Latte d’Italia is a producer of milk, yogurt, cream and cheese as well as fresh vegetables, pasta, cured meats, and desserts. Besides Europe, the company exports to China, Hong Kong, Macao, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi …

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1 MIN READ

France: Casino Group to sell Leader Price assets to Aldi

March 23, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

French-based retailer Casino Group has announced the agreement to sell 567 Leader Price stores and 3 warehouses to Aldi in France for an enterprise value of €735 million ($787 million). The sale is said to be in line with Casino Group’s strategy to reduce debt and improve its financial situation, reportedly amid fierce competition between French domestic retailers. According to the company, the agreement will see the transferred Leader Price …

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1 MIN READ

UK: PZ Cussons announces sale of Luksja, plans to sell Nutricima

March 19, 2020
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Europe, Food, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions

PZ Cussons, a leading consumer products group, has announced the sale of its Polish care brand Luksja and its plans to sell its Nigerian dairy business Nutricima. The Greek personal care company, Sarantis Group, was the buyer of Luksja. The group will also distribute some PZ Cussons brands in Central and Eastern Europe. Nutricima is planned to be sold to an affiliate of Royal FrieslandCampina in the Netherlands, where the …

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1 MIN READ

France: Bel Group to acquire All in Foods

March 17, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Bel Group, the multinational cheese firm, has announced the acquisition of the French start-up All In Foods for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2013, All in Food is a family business which develops and produces plant-based cheese and sauce alternatives and is the owner of Nature & Moi brand. According to Bel Group, this acquisition is in line with its strategy to expand the company’s activities beyond cheese products and …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Mercadona to invest €1.8 billion in 2020

March 16, 2020
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

Mercadona, the Spain-based supermarket chain, has announced its intention to invest €1.8 billion in 2020 on a “transformation plan”. The plan will mainly consist of opening new 69 stores in Spain and 10 in Portugal. Similarly, Mercadona will renovate 160 supermarkets, install ready-to-eat food counters in 460 stores, build new logistics facilities and continue to develop its “global fresh” project. With a supermarket network of 1,636 stores and a workforce …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Toast Ale and Warburtons launch “beer made with crumpets”

March 12, 2020
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Products

Toast Ale, a UK-based brewing company, has announced the launch what is said to be the first beer created from leftover crumpets, the result of a partnership with bakery company Warburtons. Warburtons, described as a family business run by the fifth generation of the Warburton family, bakes millions of crumpets a year. The idea behind the launch, using surplus crumpets, is to give a second life to food waste. The …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tesco to sell its Thai and Malaysian operations

March 11, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

Tesco, the UK-based multinational supermarket chain, has announced its intention to sell its business in Malaysia and Thailand to a conglomerate of Charoen Pokphand Group entities, in a deal valued at $10.6 billion. According to sources, the decision has been taken to simplify the Tesco group, enabling a stronger focus on its retail business in the UK, Ireland and Central Europe where the supermarket chain has over 4,500 outlets ranging …

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1 MIN READ

Russia: VkusVill to open first store in the Netherlands

March 10, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Retail

VkusVill, a Russian-based supermarket chain, is planning to expand and open a store in the Netherlands in the coming weeks, according to a Reuters report. Having started one decade ago selling fresh dairy products from local producers, the company positions itself as a neighbourhood distributor of affordable fresh food through supermarkets and self-checkout micro markets. VkusVill, which can be translated to “Taste Town”, is one of the fastest growing retailers …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Danone to acquire a majority stake in Harrogate Water

February 28, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Danone, the food and drinks multinational, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Harrogate Water, a UK-based bottled water company, for an undisclosed sum. Owned by the Cain family, Harrogate Water has a history dating back to 1740 s and abstracts water from an underground aquifer below the Harrogate Pinewoods.  The company reported turnover of £21.6 million ($27.8 million) for the year ending 31st March 2019. Commenting on …

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1 MIN READ

USA: B&G Foods Acquires Farmwise

February 25, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

B&G Foods, the US company behind brands such as Back to Nature, Green Giant and Cream of Wheat, has announced the acquisition of Farmwise, a Massachusetts-based producer of vegan and plant-based products, for an undisclosed sum. Founded by a husband and wife team, Farmwise makes vegetable-enhanced versions of traditional frozen potato products and vegetable-based alternatives to chicken nuggets, as well as vegetarian appetisers. Retailed across the USA, the products are …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Lucozade Ribena Suntory inaugurates new bottling line

February 19, 2020
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Lucozade Ribena Suntory, the UK subsidiary of Japanese food and drinks giant Suntory, has inaugurated a new £13 million ($16.9 million) production line at the firm’s factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire. The new high-speed line fills 55,000 bottles an hour, enabling Lucozade Ribena Suntory to keep up with the demand for its expanding range of low-sugar drinks, the company said. It also uses heat and pressurised air instead of water to clean …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: DMK to sell ice cream plant to Schwarz Gruppe

February 12, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

DMK, the leading Germany dairy cooperative, has announced plans to sell its ice cream plant in Waldfeucht-Haaren, North Rhine-Westphalia to retail giant Schwarz Gruppe, which operates the Lidl and Kaufland businesses, for an undisclosed sum. Describing the move as being part of plans to “streamline its production network in the ice cream business unit”, DMK said the transfer of the factory ownership, together with its 200 staff, would take place …

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1 MIN READ

USA: The Good Bean acquires Beanitos

February 11, 2020
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

The Good Bean, a California, US based maker of organic chickpea snacks, has acquired rival snack firm Beanitos, according to a report in NOSH.com The terms of the deal, which were not wholly disclosed, will reportly seen Good Bean take over Beanitos assets, including its products, recipes, branding and retailer relationships, without assuming any responsibility for the company’s debt. Beanitos’ existing investors are also reported to have injected more capital into the …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever considering disposal of tea assets

February 7, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Unilever, the FMCG multinational, is considering the sale of its tea division in light of declining sales. Speaking during a conference call to announce the firm’s Q4 results, Unilever CEO Alan Jope described the firm’s tea business, which includes the PG Tips and Lipton brands, as being “more mature […], consolidated […] and structurally slower growing”, and said the future of the business would now be the subject of a strategic review. …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever mulls future of washing powder factory

February 5, 2020
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Europe, Household Care, Manufacture & Distribution

Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant, has announced it is undertaking a review of its washing powder factory in Warrington, UK in light of falling sales of powder detergents. The future of the plant, which manufactures Persil and Surf laundry powder and employs 123 staff, will be decided by the end of February, Unilever said. “Unilever has made considerable efforts to address the site’s challenges in recent years, from investing in …

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1 MIN READ

France: Coca-Cola announces €1 billion of investments

January 24, 2020
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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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3 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Anne Schumacher, ISM 2020

January 22, 2020
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Europe, Food, Tradeshows

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Fazer to close Yosa oat factory

January 21, 2020
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Asda to trial refill stations at “sustainability store”

January 17, 2020
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Europe, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Retail

‘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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Riedel acquires juice and snack maker Healthy People

January 8, 2020
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: JDE and Peet’s Coffee to merge, explore IPO

December 31, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Switzerland: Nestle to sell majority stake in Herta, set up JV

December 30, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Innis & Gunn announces new brewery

December 20, 2019
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Danone invests in Ochsenfurt factory

December 17, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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2 MIN READ

Cereal boxes evolve to address need for speed

December 12, 2019
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Europe, Food, Innovations

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Bauli expands into sports nutrition with Maxsport stake

December 4, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Bauli, the Italian bakery firm, is expanding into the sports nutrition market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Slovakian supplement firm MaxSport, according to a report in Startitup. MaxSport, which markets products such as pasta, protein shakes, nut butter, protein snacks and snack bars in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and over 30 other countries, reportedly does not have its own manufacturing facilities but relies on third party producers.  Its …

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1 MIN READ

Sweden: Arla to close Gefleortens dairy business

November 29, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Arla, the Danish milk processor, is to shut its Gefleortens business in Sweden, according to a FoodBev report, in a further sign of the pressures facing the global dairy sector. Gefleortens, which Arla acquired in 2017, is based in Gavle, north of Stockholm, and produces a range of dairy products including milk, cream and yoghurt. Arla reportedly cited increased competition as a reason for its decision, in addition to increased …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Unilever divests part of Central American laundry business

November 25, 2019
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Europe, Household Care, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Mars to launch vegan chocolate bars

November 13, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

Mars, the global confectionery giant, is rolling out a range of vegan-labelled milk chocolate bars in the UK, according to a report in The Guardian. The new line-up under the Galaxy brand will be offered in the varieties Smooth Orange, Caramelised Hazelnut and Caramel & Sea Salt, and will come in 100g packs bearing Vegan Society certification. Reformulating its Galaxy bars to replace dairy ingredients with hazelnut paste and rice …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Zwanenberg agrees deal to acquire Struik

November 8, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Zwanenberg, the diversified food brands firm, has submitted a deal to acquire Struik, the Dutch soup manufacturer, to competition regulators in the Netherlands, according to a Tubantia report. Struik, which is currently owned by veal processor Van Drie Group, following a deal agreed in 2016,  manufactures a range of ambient soups and stocks, as well as the Sonnen Bassermann line of soups, stews and ready meals in Germany, and the …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Arla to invest $55 million in Bahrain factory

October 25, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Arla, the Danish dairy co-operative, has announced plans to invest $55 million in its factory in Manama, Bahrain, with a view to making the plant its key strategic manufacturing hub in the Middle East & North Africa. The dairy giant took over the plant as part of its acquisition of the Mondelez branded cheese business in the Middle East. The majority of Arla’s products sold in the region will now be …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Tulip mulls closure of Bodmin site

October 24, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Tulip, the meat processor and branded food maker, has announced it is considering closing its meat processing site in Bodmin, Cornwall, UK, with the loss of up to 270 jobs. “The site has been operating at a significant loss for several years and while it remains a well-invested site with industry-leading capabilities, it is unsustainable to maintain operations under the existing business model”, the company said, while adding: “Closure is …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Hipp acquires organic firm Barnhouse

October 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Hipp, the German organic baby food firm, has announced its expansion into new categories with the acquisition of Barnhouse, a maker of natural granola and other breakfast foods from the Upper Bavaria region. Founded in 1979, Barnhouse markets a broad range of granolas as well as other traditional breakfast cereals such as cornflakes and muesli under its namesake brand, and is described as the maker of the world’s first organic …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Refresco and PepsiCo form a new partnership

October 21, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Greece: Upfield acquires Violife brand owner Arivia

October 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Upfield, described as the global leader of plant-based butter and spreads, has announced it has secured a deal to acquire Arivia, the Greek owner of the Violife cheese alternative brand, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in the 1990s, Arivia develops a range of plant-based dairy and dairy-free products, using mainly coconut oil. Its products include dairy-free alternatives to cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheese. The firm’s flagship Violife brand is claimed to be the …

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1 MIN READ

Denmark: Carlsberg unveils cardboard bottle prototypes

October 15, 2019
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Packaging

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Valeo buys Matthew Walker pudding brand

October 11, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Valeo, the Irish food firm, is to acquired the UK puddings business Bakery Foods, trading as Matthew Walker, from the UK food giant 2 Sisters in a deal worth £67 million ($85 million), according to a FoodBev report. Based in Derbyshire where it operates a factory employing 200 staff, Matthew Walker produces Christmas puddings, sponge puddings and other traditional British desserts under its namesake brand for both retail and foodservice …

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1 MIN READ

UK: CCEP opens new canning line

October 4, 2019
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Europe, Manufacture & Distribution, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Germany: Meat firms Reinert and Kemper to merge

October 3, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Reinert and Kemper, two of Germany’s largest manufacturers of sausage products, have announced they are to merge to form the second biggest meat processor in the country, with annual turnover of more than €700 million ($767 million). Named TFB The Family Butchers, the newly-created company will offer customers a wide portfolio ranging from value lines to premium branded products, and will bring together Reinert’s expertise as a brand manufacturer with Kemper’s specialism …

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1 MIN READ

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

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

Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced it is expanding its plant-based food range with the launch of burger and imitation mince in the USA and Switzerland United States. The ingredients and recipes in the new line are said to be customized to meet local tastes, to “ look and cook” like raw beef and provide a “juicy, meat-like” taste and texture. In the USA, Nestle is launching an Awesome Burger …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Zwanenberg acquires Chicken Tonight brand

September 27, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Zwanenberg, a producer of meat preserves, snacks, soups, sauces, convenience meals and vegetarian products, has announced an agreement to acquire the Chicken Tonight sauce brand from Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever. Zwanenberg said it already made the sauces for Unilever but from now one would also assume responsibility for marketing and sales. Commenting on the deal, Zwanenberg Nederland CEO Maarten Elsinga said: “Chicken Tonight is a wonderful extension of our …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Coca-Cola HBC to acquire Acque Minerali

September 25, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Belgium: Aviko to expand capacity at production site

September 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Aviko, one of Europe’s biggest producers of fresh, frozen, dried and specialty potato products, has announced plans to expand production capacity at its plant in Poperinge, Belgium, including the establishment of an entirely new production facility for frozen French fries and potato flakes. The new plant will have a capacity of 175,000 tonnes for frozen chips (fries) and 11,000 tons for flakes annually includes waste water treatment, a 40 metre …

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1 MIN READ

Finland: Celsius Holdings to acquire Func Food Group

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

Celsius Holdings, the maker of fitness drink Celsius, has announced the acquisition of Func Food Group, a Finnish supplements and health foods firm, for $15.1 million in cash and the assumption of $9.5 million of outstanding debt. Func Food is a markets and distributes beverages, protein bars, supplements and superfoods under the brands Celsius, FAST Sports Nutrition, CocoVi and FitFarm. Celsius Holdings said the deal represented an opportunity to quickly …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Oatly to open second European production site

September 10, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Oatly, the Scandinavian firm behind the namesake dairy-alternative milk, is opening its first new factory outside Sweden with an investment in a new plant in Vlissingen, Netherlands, according to a report in AD. The factory, which is designed to meet increased demand for the company’s oat-based goods, will employ 15 staff and produce 120 million litres of Oatly products per year. Commenting on the launch, Oatly spokesperson Fredrik Gustavsson said: “We have seen …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Burton’s Biscuit acquires Paterson Arran

September 5, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Burton’s Biscuit, the UK bakery firm behind brands such as Maryland and Wagon Wheels, has announced it has acquired Paterson Arran, a Scottish independent food company, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition includes the Paterson’s shortbread brand as well as the foodservice biscuit and chutney brands Bronte, Cafe Bronte and Arran Fine Foods. Paterson Arran, which employs around 200 people, runs the Royal Burgh Bakery in Livingston, West Lothian, which produces …

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1 MIN READ

Look Ahead: Anne Schumacher, Anuga 2019

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

Gama spoke to Anne Schumacher, Vice President Food & Food Technology, Koelnmesse, ahead of the latest edition of the Cologne tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Anuga? Anuga 2019 is fully booked which is a great success again. Over 7,400 exhibitors from more than 100 countries will be part of this year’s edition. In addition to that, Anuga is celebrating its 100th anniversary – a remarkable sign of …

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1 MIN READ

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

September 2, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Pilgrim’s Pride, the chicken and prepared foods firm, has announced it has acquired Tulip, a leading, integrated prepared foods supplier with 12 fresh and value-added operations in the UK, from Danish Crown, in a deal worth around £290 million ($354 million). In the retail sphere, Tulip markets namesake pork products as well as Danepak, the UK’s leading bacon brand. Commenting on the deal, Pilgrim’s Pride global CEO Jayson Penn said: …

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1 MIN READ

Norway: Orkla takes stake in Noi Sirius

August 23, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Orkla, the Scandinavian consumer goods giant, has announced it has signed an agreement to take a 20% stake in Noi-Sirius, described as Iceland’s leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturer. Established in 1920 and with about 150 employees, Noi Sirius markets chocolate brands such as Sirius, Noa Konfekt, Noa Kropp, Noa Paskaegg and Konsum. While over 70% of the company’s turnover is generated in its domestic market, a growing percentage of its …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Greene King to be sold to CK Asset Holdings

August 21, 2019
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Ireland: Hershey announces investment in Fulfil

August 20, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Hershey, the US confectionery and snacks firm, has announced a minority investment in the Ireland-based functional food firm Fulfil via its C7 Ventures arm. Founded in 2016, Fulfil produces vitamin-fortified, high-protein, low-sugar nutrition bars made from ingredients such as soy, whey protein and chocolate, which it markets in the UK and Ireland. Commenting on the launch, Hersey chief growth officer Mary Beth West said: “Successful companies evolve and engage consumers …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Danone launches Activia Live Culture Smoothies

August 19, 2019
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Europe, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products

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” …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Diageo acquires majority stake in Seedlip

August 9, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Nestle to launch dairy-free coffee mixes

August 8, 2019
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Europe, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Products

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Brasmar acquires Foncasal

July 31, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Brasmar, the Portuguese seafood firm, has announced it has acquired Foncasal, a Spanish company specializing in cooked octopus and other chilled seafood products. Based in Logrono in Spain’s Rioja region, Foncascal markets a range of seafood including octopus, squid, prawns and crab under brands including Nuchar, Baltia, Moncasa and Montenia. The company has annual turnover of €18 million ($20 million) and has an international presence, especially in the Mediterranean and …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Cranswick acquires Katsouris Brothers

July 30, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Cranswick,  a supplier of fresh and added-value food products, has revealed it has purchased Mediterranean food producer Katsouris Brothers in a deal worth £43.5 million ($53.2 million). Announcing the deal alongside its first quarter trading results, Cranswick described Katsouris Brothers as a processor and multi-channel supplier of continental and Mediterranean food products, operating a facility in the Wembley area of London. The firm’s product range includes olives, antipasti, oils, cheeses, …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Ebro Foods to sell organic food business to Midsona

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

Ebro Foods, the Spanish food company, has announced it has received a binding offer from Midsona, a Swedish leader in organic and health foods and self-care ,for the acquisition of the entire share capital of Alimentation Sante for €57.5 million ($64 million). “Ebro has analyzed the strong investment needed to reach a relevant position in the Bio food business.”, the firm said in a statement “In this scenario, and considering …

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1 MIN READ

France: Casino divests Vindemia chain

July 29, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Emmi acquires dessert firm Pasticceria Quadrifoglio

July 26, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

Emmi, the Switzerland-based dairy firm, has announced the acquisition of Pasticceria Quadrifoglio, an Italian dessert company headquartered in Piumazzo di Castelfranco Emilia for an undisclosed sum. The integration of Pasticceria Quadrifoglio, which operates two production sites near Modena, will further expand Emmi’s production and distribution capabilities, the company said. The existing “Emmi Dessert Italia” network, which Pasticceria Quadrifoglio will join, already comprises production locations in Gattico, Pero and Lasnigo in …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Muller expands Telford facility

July 25, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Muller, the UK’s largest milk supplier and distributor, has expanded its facility in Telford with the construction of a chilled yogurt manufacturing line, capable of producing 500 million pots each year. The expansion represents an investment of £50 million ($62 million), will create 65 new jobs in the area, and enable Muller to meet growing demand from consumers for branded and private label yogurts made with milk from British farms, the …

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1 MIN READ

France: Campari in negotiations to acquire rum brands Trois Rivieres and Maison La Mauny

July 23, 2019
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions

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 …

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1 MIN READ

Italy: Peroni invests €13 million in new bottling plant

July 18, 2019
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Alcoholic Drinks, Europe, Manufacture & Distribution

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 …

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1 MIN READ

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

July 18, 2019
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Europe, Food, Products

Consumer goods giant Nestle is claiming a world first with the creation of a 70% dark chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit, using the beans and pulp as the only ingredients. “Nestlé has developed a natural approach, which allows it to extract the pulp and use it in chocolate with no compromise on taste, texture and quality”, the company claimed in a statement. Unlike most chocolate, the new product …

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1 MIN READ

Spain: Belourthe acquires baby food business from Cerealto Siro

July 17, 2019
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Europe, Food, Mergers & Acquisitions

Belourthe, a Belgian based company specialized in the manufacturing of infant cereals, has announced it has reached an agreement to buy the baby food business of  Cerealto Siro, a food multinational based in Madrid, Spain, for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes the Nutriceal brand of baby foods including cereals, purees and biscuits. Founded in 1974 (and owned until 2013 by the Nutricia / Danone group), the Nutriceal business also …

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1 MIN READ

Netherlands: Jumbo acquires Agrimarkt chain

July 16, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Retail

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Ralex Brands buys Wow Drinks

July 15, 2019
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Europe, Mergers & Acquisitions, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 …

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1 MIN READ

UK: Warburtons to close Newburn plant

July 15, 2019
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Europe, Food, Manufacture & Distribution

Warburtons, the leading UK baking firm, has announced plans to close a plant at its Newburn bakery in Newcastle upon Tyne with the loss of up to 118 jobs, according to a report in the Evening Chronicle. Operational since 1989, the Newburn facility employs around 100 staff in its traditional bakery. It also has a separate ‘free from’ facility, which has made its gluten, dairy and milk free products for the last eight …

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1 MIN READ

France: Colgate-Palmolive expands in premium skin care with Filorga buy

July 12, 2019
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Europe, Health & Beauty, Mergers & Acquisitions