Varun Beverages, the India-based bottling partner for PepsiCo, has entered into an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in the South African firm Crickley Dairy. The transaction is valued at 238 million ZAR ($14.3 million) and will be executed through Varun Beverages’ wholly owned subsidiary, The Beverage Company (Bevco). Varun Beverages previously completed the acquisition of Bevco, a South African beverage producer, in March 2024. Based in the Eastern Cape, …
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Middle East & Africa
Woolworths, the South African retail group, has announced an agreement to acquire 100% of its long-term supplier, In2food. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, In2food is a major industry player generating annual revenues exceeding 5 billion ZAR ($290 million). In2food, a South African producer of fresh prepared foods, snacks and bakery items, has been a strategic partner to Woolworths for more than three decades. It is …
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group, the UAE’s largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones, has commenced construction on a new 150 million AED ($41 million) baby food manufacturing plant for dairy firm Nutridor. Situated in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah, the 43,000 sq m facility will focus on the production of a range of infant formulas and baby food products under the Abevia brand, which currently includes dairy-based items …
Almarai, the Saudi Arabian food and beverage giant, has signed a multimillion-euro contract with JBT Marel to supply three advanced fish processing lines for its new facility in King Abdullah Economic City. The partnership, formalised in January 2026, marks the strategic expansion of the dairy leader into the seafood sector as part of a broader 18 billion SAR ($4.8 billion) five-year growth plan. The new purpose-built facility in Rabigh will …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the next issue of Gama News. Held from 26th to 30th January, Gulfood 2026 marked a significant structural change for the annual event by operating simultaneously across two venues for the first time: the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. This expansion brought the total event space to over 280,000 sq m, accommodating more than 8,500 …
British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) has announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Heidelberg, Gauteng, South Africa, by the end of 2026, marking the end of the company’s local cigarette production after more than 50 years. The decision to wind down operations at the historic site, which employs approximately 230 people, is reportedly driven by the surge in the illicit cigarette trade. According to BATSA, illegal products now …
Solico Group, the Middle East-based food manufacturer known for brands such as Kalleh and Pemina, has inaugurated a new production facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) with an investment of 130 million AED ($35.4 million). The new purpose-built plant, operating under the name SoFood, spans 5,000 sq m and will serve as the group’s innovation and manufacturing hub for the GCC region. According to the company, the facility has …
JBS, the Brazilian meat processing giant, has announced a capital injection of $85 million to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia, positioning the country as a strategic hub for its halal operations. The investment encompasses the expansion of the company’s processed food facility in Jeddah and upgrades to its existing plant in Dammam. According to the company, the Jeddah unit (which focuses on breaded chicken products such as nuggets) …
Unilever, the global consumer goods giant, has expanded its home care manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia with the inauguration of a new production line for its Omo liquid detergent brand at its Jeddah facility. The new state-of-the-art line has been installed at the Binzagr Unilever Limited (BUL) factory and will serve as a key regional export hub. According to the company, over 50% of the new line’s output is allocated …
Grupo Bimbo, the Mexico-headquartered bakery conglomerate, has agreed to acquire Joy Food International, a Moroccan producer of packaged industrial bread, through its Spanish subsidiary Bakery Iberian Investments SL. The transaction involves the purchase of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of the Casablanca-based firm. Founded in 2009, Joy Food International operates a production facility in the Lissasfa industrial zone, manufacturing a portfolio that includes burger buns, sandwich bread, …
Cupid Ltd, the Indian manufacturer of personal care and sexual wellness products, has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. The Mumbai-listed company said it intended to set up the plant to cater to the growing demand for personal care products within the Middle Eastern market. The proposed facility is expected to represent a significant investment in the region, with the company aiming to leverage Saudi …
Varun Beverages, the India-based bottling partner for PepsiCo, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Twizza, a South African carbonated soft drinks manufacturer, for an enterprise value of 1.47 billion ZAR ($54.1 million). Twizza Beverages, a prominent player in the South African market, operates manufacturing facilities in Queenstown, Middelburg and Cape Town. The company specialises in the production and distribution of carbonated soft drinks (CSD), …
McCain South Africa, the local arm of the Canadian frozen food giant, has agreed to sell its vegetable manufacturing operations to Enduring Ventures, a US-based entrepreneurial holding company. The transaction, for which financial details were not disclosed, includes the acquisition of the well-known Harvestime brand. The deal encompasses a vegetable processing facility in Springs, Gauteng, and a raw processing plant in Marble Hall, Limpopo. Together, these sites employ over 350 …
Tiger Brands, the leading South African packaged goods group, has committed 1 billion ZAR ($59 million) to construct a new bakery plant in Klerksdorp, in South Africa’s North West province, specifically to boost capacity for its dominant Albany bread brand. The significant investment, which the company claims is part of its long-term strategy to modernise its manufacturing footprint, will result in an advanced facility focusing on production efficiency and environmental …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, VP – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality, ahead of the latest edition of Gulfood. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? Gulfood 2026 will be the largest, most transformative edition in the event’s 31-year history. With two mega venues, over 8,500 exhibitors, and a fully expanded ecosystem across logistics, startups, fresh and grocery trade, we expect a significant increase in trade activity, cross-border deals …
South African dairy firm Woodlands Dairy Group has announced its acquisition of 100% of Ladismith Cheese Company, including its subsidiaries Ladismith Powder Company and Mooivallei Suiwel, from seafood wholesaler Sea Harvest Group. Founded in 1999, Ladismith Cheese Company offers a portfolio of cheese, butter and milk powder. Made up of Woodlands Dairy and its fully owned subsidiary Fairfield Dairy, Woodlands Dairy Group specialises in UHT milk, yoghurt, cheese, custard, flavoured milk …
Gama spoke to Wedyan Alahmadi, Head of Marketing at Halwani Bros. Read this Industry Insight in the next issue of Gama News. What makes Gen Z so important, both globally and in Saudi Arabia? Gen Z today represents around 25% of the world’s population – that’s about 2 billion people – and their spending power is expected to reach $12 trillion by 2030. They are the first generation born …
UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced plans to acquire South African food producer RFG Holdings through a share swap that will see RFG shareholders collectively owning approximately 22.5% of the enlarged Premier Group. Founded in 1896 in Groot Drakenstein, Western Cape, RFG specialises in convenience foods for local and global markets. Its portfolio includes Rhodes canned vegetables and juices, Pakco curry powders and Man’s Meal pies, alongside private label …
Coca-Cola and Gutsche Family Investments (GFI) have announced the sale of a 75% controlling stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) to Swiss bottler Coca-Cola HBC for $2.6 billion. CCBA is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Africa, operating in 14 countries and handling 40% of Coca-Cola’s product volume on the continent. Commenting on the move, Coca-Cola executive vice president and chief operating officer Henrique Braun said: “Coca-Cola HBC has demonstrated a strong …
Windoria, a food company created through the merger of La Doria and Winland Foods and indirectly owned by Investindustrial-affiliated funds, has entered into an agreement to acquire Saudi Arabia sauce maker Al-Fursan. Al-Fursan, along with its subsidiaries Al-Faris Al-Arabi Trading Ltd. Co. and Al-Faris Food Industries Ltd. Co., manufactures and distributes sauces, condiments and other shelf-stable food products such as ketchup and vinegar. The company owns brands such as Baidar, …
US supermarket chain Walmart has announced plans to open its first stores in South Africa before the end of 2025. Commenting on the move, Walmart International president and CEO Kath McLay said: “Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. Walmart also will offer a variety of locally sourced products. By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart …
Gama spoke to Priya Chopra, Director of Strategy, Union Coop. Read the full Industry Insight in the next issue of Gama News. What key trends do you expect to shape food and drink innovation in the United Arab Emirates in 2025 / 26? Food and drink innovation in the UAE is being driven by agritech, with vertical farming and smart agriculture improving local food security. Long-shelf-life meals (up to 25 …
Private equity firm Ezdehar Management has acquired a majority stake in Egyptian snack maker Kemet for Natural Food S.A.E. through its Ezdehar Mid-Cap Fund II. Founded in 1998 in Giza, Kemet specialises in pretzels, with a portfolio featuring Pretzo, Mixy and Munchos, a filled pretzel snack. Its products are exported across four continents, as well as being distributed in the wider Middle East. Commenting on the move, Ezdehar managing director …
The Coca-Cola Company, the multinational drinks company, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell Chi, a leading food and beverage player in Nigeria, to UAC of Nigeria. Founded in 1980, Chi offers a portfolio that includes dairy products, fruit juices, nectars, still drinks and snacks. Hollandia is Nigeria’s market leader in evaporated milk and drinking yoghurt, while Chivita leads in fruit juices. The Coca-Cola Company took …
Saudi Arabia based dairy firm Almarai has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Pure Beverages, a drinking water company based in Saudi Arabia, for 1.040 billion ($277 million). Founded in 1979, Pure Beverages Industry Company claims to produce “bottled water of exceptional quality”, running “high-tech” production plants that align with global standards. The bottled waters it sells are marketed under the brands Ival and Oska. In a statement, Almarai said: …
Nigerian FMCG firm Mamuda Group has announced an investment of $50 million to expand in Ogun state. According to sources, the investment will happen in several phases. Starting in June, the company will begin work on a new facility for its subsidiary Mamuda Beverages, before investing in the group’s food subsidiary Mamuda Foods, agricultural subsidiary Mamuda Agro & Allied Products and Mamuda Care, its detergents and beauty division. The investment will reportedly …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the Coca-Cola bottler, has invested $14.9 million in a new production line in the Malawian capital Lilongwe through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM). This investment has reportedly boosted CCBM’s production capacity, enabling the bottling of Coca-Cola brand beverages and the Sobo brand on a single line. The system produces 19,200 bottles per hour, in sizes from 300ml to 2 litres, also enabling the company …
Brazilian food conglomerate BRF has announced it is investing $160 million in a new processed food plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In a press release, BRF said the new plant would have a production capacity of around 40,000 tonnes per year to begin with, but with potential for that to be doubled. It will initially serve the Saudi Arabian market, although goods may subsequently be exported to other countries in the region as well. …
Gama spoke to Mohammed Alrajhi, General Manager, Rio Food Industries Factory. Read the full Industry Insight in the next issue of Gama News. What are the key success factors in creating a health-oriented drinks brand? Success in building a leading health-oriented drinks brand relies on a well-balanced combination of quality, innovation and smart marketing strategies. First and foremost, the product must be based on natural ingredients with genuine health …
Boasting “30 editions of F&B legacy”, Gulfood’s latest outing was a further opportunity for food and drinks industry professionals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond to explore the latest trends and innovations impacting supermarket shelves across the Middle East region. Read this Tradeshow Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. Spread across 24 halls amid the ample showgrounds of the Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood 2025 saw …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced it has acquired Inverroche, a “luxury” gin brand hailing from South Africa, with distribution in 25 countries. In a press release, the company said it had concluded the acquisition of the shares it did not already own on 6th February. Commenting on the move, Sola Oke, managing director of Pernod Ricard Africa, said: “Africa is a market with great potential for Pernod Ricard. Our …
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC), the Switzerland-based soft drinks bottler, has announced the opening of a new production line at its existing 82,000 sq m factory at Sadat City in Egypt. According to sources, the factory has an annual production capacity of 720 million litres and is the fastest and most advanced facility of its kind in the Middle East. The new production line, which is being delivered via an investment of …
Carrefour, the leading French supermarket chain, has ended operations in the Middle East state Oman after three decades operating in the country. The closure affects 13 hypermarkets and two supermarkets which now operate under the Hypermax name. “Effective from January 7, 2025, Carrefour operations will be discontinued in the Sultanate of Oman”, the company said in a statement. “On behalf of the Management and Staff, we express our sincerest gratitude for …
Edita, described as a leader in the Egyptian snack food market, has agreed to acquire a 49% staked in Tuama Jabur Abbas, a fellow snack food firm based in Iraq, for a total of $8 million USD. The partnership will establish Edita Iraq and also see Edita acquire two production lines for cakes, as well as one for biscuits. Edita said it aimed to leverage its established brand equity through exports, including …
Varun Beverages, the PepsiCo bottler, has announced the investment of $48.2 million in its South African subsidiary BevCo. Varun Beverages finalised the acquisition of BevCo last year, and the company is now reportedly acquiring additional share capital of 2.42%. The decided to create two new production lines in Zimbabwe, one which is expected to produce 340 bottles of soft drinks per minute,and another projected to produce 400 bottles of water under the …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, VP – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality, ahead of the latest edition of Gulfood. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? Our 30th landmark edition is a significant milestone for us, and our loyal customers have been instrumental in building Gulfood into what it is today. We will honour the past, remain steadfast in our contributions and commitment to the global F&B sector and …
Monoprix, the French retailer owned by the Casino Group, has announced a partnership with convenience retailer TMT to enter the Egyptian market in 2025. “Monoprix will utilise its expertise in assortment management, store design, and customer experience, while TMT will take responsibility for operations management and adapting to market specifics”, the company said in a statement. Monoprix will offer a variety of fresh food, local delicacies, and a broad range …
Heineken, the leader global brewer, has agree a joint venture with consultancy firms Sirocco and Mercantile International to manufacture beer in the United Arab Emirates, according to a FoodBev report. Located in Dubai, the brewery will reportedly be the largest in the Middle East region and will produce beer for brands such as Heineken, Kingfisher, Amstel and Birra Moretti. Up to 190 workers will be employed at the site. “This …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced the company has invested 746 million ZAR ($41 million) to add a new state-of-the-art potato crisp production line to its factory in Johannesburg, South Africa. The new line is intended to ease the burden on PepsiCo’s existing four potato crisp lines across in South Africa, all of which are said to be operating at high capacity. The Isando plant in Johannesburg is described as being …
JBS, the global meat company, has announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in Nigeria over the next five years to built one pork, two beef and three poultry meatpacking facilities. The company said the project would focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices , similar to similar initiatives in other regions Commenting on the move, JBS Global CEO Gilberto Tomazoni said: “Our experience in regions where we operate worldwide shows that developing …
Pure Ice Cream, a UAE-based ice cream manufacturer, has signed an agreement to build a new ice cream production facility at Dubai Industrial City via an AED80 million ($21.7 million) investment. Pure Ice Cream is the owner of Kwality Global ice cream and the official Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) licensee for Hershey’s and Reese’s ice cream, as well as producing private-label products for brands such as Baskin Robbins. The facility …
Leading European dairy company Arla has made a non-binding offer to acquire a majority stake in dairy company Arabian Food Industries, trading as Domty, for 31.48 EGP ($0.66) per share. Domty is a publicly listed company that employs 4,000 staff and operates two production facilities, with a range of over 200 items including branded white and processed cheeses and juice. The offer values the company at EGP 8.9 billion ($183 …
Saudi Arabia based dairy firm Almarai has announced the acquisition of Hammoudeh Food Industries, the food and beverage business of Jordanian conglomerate Hammoudeh, for 263 million SAR ($70.1 million). Founded in the 1960s in Amman, Hammoudeh Food Industries serves as the food and beverage manufacturing division of the Hammoudeh conglomerate, which is also involved in agri-business and chemicals. The company offers a variety of products, including dairy, juices, poultry and …
Coca-Cola, in cooperation with its Nigeria bottling partners, has announced an investment of $1 billion to expand its investments in the country over the next five years. Coca‑Cola said it intended to double its investment rate to support various areas of the value chain, including suppliers, distributors, retailers and recyclers. The new money comes on top of $1.5 billion Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC), known locally as Nigerian Bottling …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has signed an agreement with Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) to construct a food manufacturing plant via a 270 million SAR ($72.9 million) investment. The new plant will cover a site of 117,000 sq m in Jeddah and will fulfil local demand, as well as producing goods for export to other markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced plans to sell its Cremora business to the South African subsidiary of French dairy giant Lactalis, as part of a strategic realignment of its operations. Cremora is a creamer brand produced in Babelegi and Potchefstroom, South Africa, as well as in Harare, Zimbabwe. Lactalis will acquire both South African sites, while production of Cremora at Harare will cease, with the plant shifting …
Kellanova, the leading US cereal and snacks firm, has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its majority stake in Egyptian biscuit producer Bisco-Misr to Hayel Saeed Anam Group (HSA Group), a diversified business conglomerate. Founded in 1957, Bisco Misr is the leading packaged biscuit company in Egypt, with manufacturing facilities in Cairo and Alexandria. Its brands include Bisco Tea, Nice, Maamoul, Marie, Bisco Wafers and Seasonal Kahk. …
Wine and spirits group KWV has announced the acquisition of Red Heart Rum from spirits major Pernod Ricard for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition marks KWV’s entry into the rum category, diversifying a spirits portfolio that already features Cruxland Gin, Wild Africa Cream and Ponchos Tequila. Commenting on the acquisition, KWV CEO John Loomes said: “We are thrilled about the addition of Red Heart Rum to our portfolio. This acquisition …
UK alcoholic beverage multinational Diageo has announced the sale of its Guinness Nigeria business to the Tolaram Group, a diversified holding company based in Singapore. According to sources, Diageo will sell its 58.02% stake in Guinness Nigeria to the Talaram Group for 81.60 NGN ($0.05) per share, as part of its wider plans to exit the brewing business in Africa. In 2022, the firm sold its brewing business in Cameroon …
US based household paper firm Kimberly-Clark has announced the closure of its nappy factory in Ikorodu, Lagos, and with it the company’s exit from Nigeria, Trend Type reports. According to sources, the factory is shutting its doors just two years after opening, having been operating at below capacity since 2023. Kimblerly-Clark is said to have struggled to make the plant profitable in the face of the high cost of energy …
Melitta, the German coffee and coffee accessories has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Caturra, a roastery located in the South African city of Cape Town. According to Melitta, Caturra has around 25 employees and has been operating for 30 years, roasting and distributing coffee and serving the South African market in both the retail and out-of-home channels. Matthias Rensch, managing director Melitta Europe – Coffee Division, commented: …
Spinneys, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based retail chain, has announced plans to open its first stores in Saudi Arabia as it seeks to expand its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Spinneys is an operator of premium grocery retail supermarkets under the Spinneys, Waitrose and Al Fair brands, and presently has stores in Egypt, Qatar, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the UAE. The new …
Nigerian Breweries, Nigeria’s leading beermaker and subsidiary of global brewing giant Heineken, has announced plans to temporarily pause operations at two of its nine breweries and optimise production capacity at the other seven breweries, as part of a Business Recovery Plan. In a statement, the firm said the move, which also includes a Rights Issue, was essential to improve its operational efficiency and financial stability and enable a return of …
South African consumer goods firm Tiger Brands has announced the opening of a 300 million ZAR ($15.8 million) peanut butter manufacturing facility in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The company described the move as one of its largest capital investments for a single project. The new facility aims to modernise operations, providing increased in-house flexibility for faster innovation and new product launches. Black Cat is claimed to be one …
Varun Beverages (VBL), the Indian bottler for PepsiCo, has completed the acquisition of BevCo, a South African beverage company, following approval from the South African Competition Commission. The proposed acquisition was announced in December 2023, valuing BevCo at 1,320 crore INR ($16.4 million). BevCo is described as a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of licensed PepsiCo and own-brand non-alcoholic drinks. It is known for holding PepsiCo franchise rights in South …
Gama spoke to Valeria Krynetskaya, Head of Plant-Based Venture THRYVE at IFFCO Group. What are the drivers behind consumers’ dietary choices in the Middle East? “At the moment, consumers are mostly looking to evolve their diet towards lower salt, lower sugar and free from to reduce their weight. An important factor in these choices in the GCC is the doctor or nutritionist who advises them what kind of diet to …
FMCG giant PepsiCo has announced it is investing 200 million SAR ($53.3million) to upgrade a snacks facility in Saudi Arabia. According to sources, the facility is located in the Eastern city of Dammam and the investment will enable an increase in production capacity to meet growing demand on both local and export markets. On its website, PepsiCo Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) describes itself as major export hub for PepsiCo …
Saudi Arabia based dairy firm Almarai has recently announced the purchase of a 48% stake in International Dairy and Juice from FMCG giant PepsiCo to become the 100% owner of the business According to a report in The National, International Dairy and Juice was formed as a joint venture in 2009 via a partnership between Almarai and PepsiCo to produce and distribute food and beverages in Egypt and Jordan. The …
FMCG multinational Nestle has announce the investment of SAR 7 billion (1.86 billion) over the next decade to support business growth. The company will initially invest SAR 375 million ($99.8 million) to build a manufacturing plant which is expected to be opened by 2025. The facility will make infant nutrition products and ready-to-drink coffee, exporting to countries in the Middle East and North Africa. “Nestle’s investments will contribute to food …
Tyson Foods and Tanmiah Food have signed a strategic partnership in which Tyson Foods will acquire 15% of stakes in Tanmiah subsidiary Agriculture Development Company (ADC) and 60% equity in Supreme Foods Processing Company. Tyson Foods is a recognized leader in protein, whilst Tanmiah is a producer of fresh and value-added poultry and other meats, animal feed, health products, and a foods brand franchise operator. According to sources, the deal …
Arabian Food Industries (Domty) has announced that an offer has been submitted for 90% of the Egypt-based food business by Expedition Investments for EGP5 ($0.26) per share. According to Daily News Egypt, Expedition Investments is a company created to acquire Domty owned by investors in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. According to sources, Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority is studying the submitted offered and the decision will be …
Irish nutrition company Kerry Group, has recently announced the opening of the largest and most advanced taste manufacturing plant the group has ever had in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new site, an investment of $40 million, covers a 10,000 sq. m. area and is said to be one of the most environmentally efficient manufacturing sites with features such as low energy usage equipment and solar panel equipment …
South African consumer goods firm Tiger Brands has announced the investment in Herbivore Earthfoods, a producer of plant-based and vegan products. According to sources, Herbivore Earthfoods produces a vast range of alternative dairy and meat substitute products. This investment will allow Tiger Brands to reach new consumers looking for products that are healthier, with high nutritional benefits, and plant-based meat products, a type of product that has been high in …
Global retail giant Carrefour has announced a partnership with Electra Consumer Products and its subsidiary Yenot Bitan as part of its expansion strategy. This partnership will allow the global retailer to open stores under the Carrefour banner in Israel before the end of 2022 and will allow the sale of Carrefour branded products in more than 150 Yenot Bitan stores before summertime. Zvika Schwimmer, the Electra Consumer Products CEO said, …
Global food manufacturer Kerry Group has expanded operations in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new 21,500-square-foot facility at the Jeddah site. The new facility, which is Kerry’s largest in the Middle East, Nort Africa can Turkey (MENAT) region, employs 130 people, and it will help companies to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food and beverages. “Today’s consumer-led food revolution and the world’s environmental …
Gama spoke to Saeed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Capital Events LLC at ADNEC Group, ahead of the 2021 edition of SIAL Middle East. What are your expectations for the 11th edition of SIAL Middle East? We are very much looking forward to the 11th edition of SIAL ME and welcoming people to ADNEC once again. The event is the perfect platform for both exhibitors and buyers …
Agthia, the leading Middle East food and drinks firm, has announced that it has acquired a 100% stake in BMB Group for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2007, BMB Group is described as an innovative healthy snack and food company with a large portfolio of confectionery and other food brands such as Asateer, Al Qamar, Freakin’ Healthy, and Benoit, distributing over 2,000 SKUs across 23 countries. The acquisition of BMB …
Coca-Cola HBC, the Swiss-based international bottling company, has announced the acquisition of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Egypt (CCBCE) for $427 million. The deal will give access to the second largest non-alcoholic ready-to-drink market in Africa by volume, Coca-Cola HBC said, adding that the acquisition also aims to increase the penetration of the Coca-Cola Company’s brand portfolio and expand the brand’s presence in high-growth areas. Coca-Cola HBC CEOZoran Bogdanovic, said: “We …
South Africa-based food business Rhodes Food Group (RFG) has announced the acquisition of the frozen food business of domestic peer Pioneer Foods for an undisclosed sum. Pioneer Foods’ frozen foods portfolio includes pies, pastries, sausage rolls, pizza, and party packs, and the brands Today, Mama’s, Big Jack, and Man’s Meal. Manufacturing is conducted from a facility in Atlantis in the Western Cape and products are distributed nationally, according to RFG. …
Gama spoke to Shahid Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Al Islami Foods. What key trends do you expect to shape food innovation as a whole in 2021 and beyond? “The trend tilting toward healthy eating is getting stronger. Within that, from an innovation perspective, we feel plant-based items will take the lead in 2021 and beyond, as 28% of people say they have been eating more protein from plant sources, further …
UAE-based food and beverages company, Agthia, has acquired a majority stake in Egyptian producer of frozen processed chicken and beef products and owner of the Atyab brand, Ismailia Investments. The acquisition is part of Agthia’s plans to expand its presence in the processed protein sector after the recent acquisition of Nabil Foods. Ismailia Investments has a portfolio of brands such as Atyab, Meatland, Shiketita, and Furat with a processing capacity …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the 2021 edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? For more than three decades, Gulfood has been at the forefront of the global industry and the 2021 edition is no different. Gulfood was the only major global F&B sourcing event to take place in 2020 and, as a result, this year’s show …
Agthia, the leading Middle East food and drinks firm, has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Nabil Foods, a regional manufacturer of frozen and chilled protein products that are distributed to more than 20 local and international markets. According to a report in the Khaleej Times, Nabil Foods specialises in manufacturing a range of frozen and chilled meat products, from chicken shawarma sandwiches to kubbeh balls. The acquisition …
Nigerian Breweries has announced opened a new 5.1 billion NGN ($13.3 million) “ultra-modern” automated PET bottling line at its Ijebu Ode brewery in Nigeria The PET line, which is claimed to have been designed with the latest technology that meets world-class safety and quality standards, is expected to produce 24,000 bottles per hour, increasing capacity for Maltina and other drinks. According to the company, the PET line was developed to …
Gama spoke to Nasma Al Ameri, Head of Marketing (Events) at ADNEC, ahead of the F&B Networking Hub 2020. What are your expectations for the F&B Networking Hub 2020? The F&B Networking Hub 2020 represents a link with the upcoming SIAL ME 2021 event. Having had to postpone SIAL ME to 7th – 9th September 2021, we still want to continue to support the industry, connecting F&B communities during these …
Saudi Arabian food and drink company Almarai, has announced its plans to expand its current poultry production and manufacturing facilities with an investment of 275 million riyals ($73.33 million). Based in Riyadh, Almarai produces bakery, juices, dairy and baby nutrition products that are distributed across the Middle East and Africa, through retailers and foodservice channels. According to sources, the company’s board of directors also agreed to proceed with a study …
Carrefour, the global retail giant, has announced Mobimart, said to be the first mobile “grocery bus” in Dubai, via its partnership with UAE-based conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim. Developed by the UAE-based startup Bespoke Trailers, Mobimart is designed to bring shopping to “underserved” communities, offering fresh food and daily groceries six days a week. The bus will visit various residential areas in Dubai with designated time stops, parking near to customers’ …
Agthia, the leading Middle East food and beverage firm, has unveiled what is said to be the region’s first drinks bottle made from bioplastic. The new Plant Bottle for Agthia’s flagship Al Ain mineral water brand is described as being made from fermented sugars that are converted into a resin called polylactic acid. The pack is claimed to be able to withstand high summer temperatures but also to be fully compostable …
Lulu, the Middle East grocery retailer, has announced its intention to add 20 new hypermarkets to its store network over the next two years, according to a report in Arabian business. The new stores will reportedly be spread across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, including in Khalifa City, Al Falah, and Riyadh City in Abu Dhabi, Silicon Oasis and Dubai South Mall in Dubai, and Muwaila, Saja, and Umm Al Tarafa …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the landmark 25th edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? We anticipate this edition – which marks the 25th anniversary of Gulfood – being a hotbed of innovation reflecting the trends within an industry where demographic shifts such as urbanisation, migration, and the rise of the middle class are reshaping consumer …
Hailed as its biggest edition yet, SIAL Middle East returned to the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this month to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Once again, halls were packed with a diverse array of food and drinks products from all around the world, giving an indication of the new tastes and concepts set to land on grocery shelves and restaurant menus in the UAE in the months to …
Gama spoke to Jacek Plewa, General Manager, Global Food Industries. What overarching trends do you expect to shape frozen food innovation in 2020 and beyond? “The major, game changing development for frozen (and chilled) categories is growth in plant-based protein products, which is going to be exponential and is en-route to taking plant-based products mainstream, evolving from a niche protein to a major centre-of-plate contender, suggesting that a major transformation …
Yasar, the Turkish firm behind the Pinar brand, is to set up a dairy plant in the Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi, UAE with an initial investment of approximately $27 million, according to a report in Arabian Business. The plant, reportedly the first processed cheese factory to be established in the UAE, will act as a manufacturing hub for Yasar in the MENA region. Commenting on the move, Arda Cenk Tokbas, …
Gama spoke to Saeed Al Mansoori, IDEX Executive Director at ADNEC, ahead of the 2019 edition of SIAL Middle East. What are your expectations for the 10th edition of SIAL Middle East? We are very much looking forward to our 10th anniversary edition as we are expecting to draw over 1,000 exhibitors, with more than 30 country pavilions and over 20,000 industry experts from more than 50 countries. The event will …
Carrefour, the global retail giant, has announced its first foray into central Asia with the opening of new stores in Uzbekistan via its partnership with UAE-based conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim. Carrefour said it was planning to open three supermarkets and one hypermarket in the Uzbek capital Tashkent in 2020, followed by another two supermarkets and one hypermarket in 2021. Commenting on the move, Patrick Lasfargues, Carrefour executive director for international partnerships, said: “We are delighted …
BRF, the Brazilian meat and poultry firm, is investing $120 million to open a chicken processing plant in Saudi Arabia to strengthen its Middle East presence, according to a Reuters report. The investment underlines BRF’s goal to remain a leading supplier to countries of the Gulf, BRF chief financial officer Carlos Moura is quoted as saying. The company currently operates a facility in Abu Dhabi (UAE) serving the region, in addition to …
Campari, the Italian spirits firm, has announced it has taken a majority stake in the spirits firms Licorera Ancho Reyes and Casa Montelobos, respectively the owners of the “super premium” spicy liqueur Ancho Reyes and mezcal Montelobo, for $35.7 million. Ancho Reyes is described as a natural and authentic liqueur made from ancho and poblano chiles cultivated in the volcano-enriched soils of Puebla, Mexico, and is said to offer an ideal …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the Coca-Cola bottler, has acquired stakes in two Coca-Cola franchise bottlers in Kenya through its wholly-owned subsidiary Coca-Cola Sabco East Africa (CCSEA) for a combined sum of $194 million, according to a report in Food Business Africa. CCSEA has acquired the 53.9% stake in Almasi Beverages and 27.6% stake in Nairobi Bottlers previously owned by public East African investment company Centum. Since CCSEA already held a 72.4% stake in Nairobi Bottlers, it will …
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the leading Coca-Cola bottler on the African continent, is taking a 60% stake in Eswatini Beverages, a soft drinks firm based in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), according to a report in Food Business Africa. The firm will remain 40% owned by a sovereign wealth fund but will reportedly operate as a subsidiary of CCBA under the name Eswatini Coca-Cola Beverages (ECCB). Commenting on the deal, ECCB country manager Sanele Khumalo …
Lulu, the Abu Dhabi based business conglomerate, has announced plans to invest 1.83 billion AED ($500 million) in the Egyptian market after reaching a series of agreements with authorities in the country, according to a report in Arabian Business. The firm’s expansion plans are said to include six new hypermarkets and four mini markets across the country. Lulu is also reportedly in talks to enter Egypt’s wholesale fruit and vegetable market, with a view to establishing a logistics …
Dina Farms, a Qalaa Holdings subsidiary and the largest private sector farm in Egypt, has announced an investment of $24.4 million in its dairy farm and related businesses over the coming three years in order to expand production, according to a report in Food Business Africa. The company’s plans are said to include the setting up of a new production line to double production capacity for yoghurt. Commenting on the …
AB InBev, the world-leading brewer, has announced it has agreed to divest Carlton & United Breweries to Japanese beermaker Asahi for an enterprise value of A$16 billion ($11.3 billion). As part of the transaction, AB InBev said it would grant Asahi the rights to commercialize the portfolio of AB InBev’s global and international brands in Australia. The majority of the proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down …
PepsiCo, the global snacks and drinks giant, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all the shares of leading South African food manufacturer Pioneer Foods for approximately $1.7 billion. In a press release, PepsiCo described Pioneer Foods as having a “robust, locally relevant” product portfolio of cereals, juices and other African food staples, including well-known brands like Weet-Bix, Liqui-Fruit, Ceres, Sasko, Safari, Spekko, and White Star, …
Gama spoke to Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Chief Executive Officer, Agthia Group. What overarching trends do you expect to shape drinks and food innovation in 2020-21? “Consumers no longer accept products as they traditionally did – they want ‘value-added’ products that are convenient, healthier and benefit their lifestyles. Recent industry reports have shown that the increasing rate of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are pushing consumers worldwide to shift towards …
Froneri, the UK ice cream manufacturer formed by the merger of the Nestle and R&R ice cream business, has announced its expansion into Israel with the acquisition of Noga Ice Creams, owned by Nestle-owned business Osem, one of the largest food manufacturers and distributors in Israel. Noga markets ice cream under brands including La Cremeria, Extreme, Cookilida, Crunch and Gumigum. Commenting on the news, Froneri CEO Ibrahim Najaf said: “We’re …
Nadec, the National Agricultural Development Company of Saudi Arabia, has abandoned plans to acquire food and beverage firm Al Safi Danone, jointly held by Al Safi Holding and Danone Dairy Investments Indonesia, according to a report in The National. Nadec is said to have signed a share purchase agreement with Al Safi Holding last year to acquire 100% of Al Safi Danone, funded through a SAR536 million ($142.91 million) increase …
Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), the Dubai-based conglomerate and Carrefour franchise operator in the UAE, is taking the French store brand to Uganda, according to a report in Food Business Africa. The firm is said to have already secured space at Oasis Mall in the Ugandan capital Kampala for a store selling packaged foods, drinks and household products, alongside other items. The store debut comes on the back of the first Carrefour …
Spinneys, the Middle East grocery retailer, has announced plans to significantly expand its store presence in the UAE, with a new outlet just opened and eight more in the pipeline for 2019. In a statement, Spinneys said it planned to open eight new supermarkets in Jumeirah Golf Estate, Dubai, Damac Hills, Dubai, Dubai Creek Residences, Meydan, Dubai, and Al Maryah Central, Abu Dhabi before the end of the year. Measuring …
Guinness Nigeria, a subsidiary of UK alcoholic drinks giant Diageo, has unveiled the launch of Guinness Gold, a new lager designed especially for the Nigerian market. Infused with crystal and amber malt, Guinness Gold is described as offering a depth of flavour and as using the same yeast as the original Guinness stout. Commenting on the launch, Guinness Nigeria marketing director Adenike Adebola said: “We are thrilled to see the …
Clover Industries, the leading South African dairy firm, is the subject of a buyout bid by a multinational consortium, according to media reports. The bid, which values the company at 4.8 billion ZAR ($359 million), is being led by Israels’s Coca-Cola franchise Central Bottling Co, which owns 60% of the potential acquirer. Other partners include the South African investment firm Brimstone Investment. It is reported that, if the bid is …
Coca-Cola has announced it has taken full ownership of Chi, described as Africa’s leading producer of juice and value-added dairy drinks. The soft drinks giant had previously taken a 40% stake in the Nigerian firm, with provision to increase equity investment to 100% within three years. The deal “further signals Coca-Cola’s optimism about Africa’s consumer opportunity and a commitment to its long-term investment and growth plan on the continent”, Coca-Cola said in a statement. …
Dairy giant Lactalis is expanding its presence in the Middle East with the acqusition of milk and cheese firm Greenfield from Kuwaiti restaurant and foods business Americana Group. The French firm said the acquisition will strengthen the position of its Lactalis Halawa joint venture as a major producer of dairy products in Egypt, and demonstrated its interest in developing the Egyptian market. Founded in 1995, Greenfield owns 5 factories in Egypt and employs 1,250 …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the latest edition of the Middle East tradeshow. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? Innovation is the buzz word for most areas of manufacturing these days as new advanced technology tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics come into play. The food and beverages (F&B) industry is no exception and is perhaps even more …
Berain, a Saudi Arabia based mineral water firm, is partnering with developer ZonesCorp to construct a new bottling plant in the UAE, according to a report in Arabian Business. The $37 million plant, located in the food industry zone of Al Ain Industrial City, is set to begin operations in the first quarter of 2020 and will produce around 70,000 bottles per hour. The facility will also create 424 jobs in manufacturing, …
Gama spoke to Joanne Cook, Managing Director, SIAL Middle East, ahead of the event’s 2018 edition. What are your expectations for this edition of SIAL Middle East? Over the years since its launch, SIAL Middle East has registered double-digit growth. 2018 will be no exception. We are expecting more than 1,000 exhibitors, 20,000 visitors and 500 fully hosted VIP buyers. There are some new exhibitor sectors that are a key …
Rhodes Food Group, the leading South African food firm, has revealed it is acquiring the protein snacking business of RCL Foods for ZAR 30 million ($2.15 million). Announcing the deal alongside its third quarter results, Rhodes Food Group said the newly acquired business, which produces protein snack foods for leading retailer Woolworths, would be integrated into Rhodes Food Group’s ready meals operation in Groot Drakenstein. “The protein-snacking business is complementary to …
FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy giant, has announced that will invest €23 million ($26.6 million) in an evaporated milk and ready-to-drink milk factory in Nigeria. The new facility is part of the FrieslandCampina Dairy Development Programme (DDP), an initiative that aims to use knowledge and training to improve farming infrastructures . The initiative is focused on improving the quality of milk, increasing productivity per cow and securing access to market. Ben …
Fishing and food business Sea Harvest has entered into agreement to acquire South African dairy firm Ladismith Cheese for 527 million ZAR ($35.8 million). Sea Harvest group CEO, Felix Ratheb said: “Ladismith Cheese exhibits strong fundamentals. It is a profitable, branded fast moving consumer goods food manufacturer of significant scale in the food and agricultural sector”. “The acquisition of Ladismith Cheese will provide Sea Harvest, through its wholly-owned subsidiary company, …
Global food and drinks giant Pepsico has acquired Israel-based SodaStream for $3.2 billion. SodaStream makes home-machines which transform tap water into carbonated water that can be flavoured by adding syrups. “Today marks an important milestone in the SodaStream journey. It is validation of our mission to bring healthy, convenient and environmentally friendly beverage solutions to consumers around the world”, commented Daniel Birnbaum, SodaStream director and CEO. “PepsiCo and SodaStream are …
Almarai, a leading Middle East food and drinks firm, has announced the opening of a new dairy facility in Saudi Arabia in partnership with GEA, a supplier group of food industry process technology. Described as Saudi Arabia’s “largest and most modern dairy processing facility”, the new site is dedicated to milk and yoghurt production, with the capacity to process two million litres of milk a day. According to GEA, the …
Kwality, the leading Indian dairy firm, is pulling the plug on its operations in Dubai, UAE in the face of falling milk prices, according to a report in Arabian Business. Kwality Dairy Products DZE is located in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone and is a 100% subsidiary of the Indian firm. A slump in the global prices of skimmed milk powder and anhydrous milk fat is said to be behind the decision …
Germany-based food producer Dr. Oetker has acquired Tag El Melouk, the leading Egyptian manufacturer of baking ingredients, desserts, and other food products, for an undisclosed amount. Tag El Melouk , which has two production facilities in Cairo, produces a range of products in the baking ingredients and dessert powders categories under the brands Cook’s and Tag El Melouk. Founded in 1954, the firm employs around 400 staff and has revenue …
Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has expanded its product line-up in the Middle East with the launch of KitKat Moments Desserts. An extension to the firm’s lineup of bitesize chocolate wafers, KitKat Mini Moments Desserts is described as being inspired by desserts from across the world: namely Cherry Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Creme Brulee and Tiramisu, which feature as an assortment of 15 chocolates in a sharing pouch. The new product, …
Mitsubishi, the Japanese conglomerate which is active in the FMCG space through its Living Essential Consumer Products division, is to take a minority stake in the UAE frozen foods firm Al Islami Foods. The size of the stake was not disclosed. Al Islami, a subsidiary of the Dubai Cooperative Society, said that the decision to partner with Mitsubishi was the result of a study it had conducted into strategic NPD options, …
Canadian speciality foods firm Premium Brands has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Oberto, a US maker of meat snacks. Family-owned Oberto is a manufacturer of beef jerky and other protein-based snack foods located in Seattle, WA. The company owns brands such as Oberto, Pacific Gold and Cattleman’s Cut. IN addition to the Oberto acquisition, Premium Brands said it had further increased its investment in Vancouver-based …
Gama spoke to Michael Wunsch, Managing Director, Barakat. To what extent is the demand for “pure”, “raw”, “fresh” and “unprocessed” ingredients impacting the juices category in the UAE? “Barakat has witnessed a significant increase in volumes in retail for fresh juice consumption over the past years. Consumers are more aware of the importance of consuming healthy drinks. The UAE is exposed to stricter food regulations and consumers are made aware …
French dairy multinational Danone has agreed to sell its joint venture Al Safi Danone to Saudi Arabia’s National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) for an undisclosed sum, according to media reports. Al Safi Danone produces dairy and juice products for the Saudi Arabian market and was formed by Danone and Al Faisaliah Group Holding in 2000, with Danone holding the majority share in the business. Under the terms of the deal, …
Global Food Industries, the manufacturing arm of Albatha Consumer Group, has announced the launch of what is described as the “Middle East region’s first-ever healthy chicken burgers and nuggets”. The products fall under the brand The Healthy Farm and come as Chicken Quinoa & Kale Burgers and Super Chicken Quinoa & Kale Nuggets. They are said to contain a blend of boneless halal chicken breast, red quinoa, kale, and seven …
RCL Foods, a manufacturer of food products, is investing 150 million ZAR ($12.6 million) to open one of the largest pet food facilities in South Africa. The company said that the new 1,500 sq m facility, located in Randfontein near Johannesburg, would feature innovation and technology improvements allowing for a revolution in its Canine Cuisine, Bobtail and Catmor pet food ranges. In a statement, RCL Foods announced that it would …
The Nigerian arm of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced an investment of 4.1 billion NGN ($11.4 million) to open a new beverage production plant in Ogun state, Nigeria. The new plant will expand production of the brand’s Milo ready-to-drink range to an annual production capacity of approximately 8,000 tonnes, creating up to 100 new jobs. The new facility is described as being equipped with the latest technology and as …
Warm sunshine and clear blue skies greeted guests arriving for the 2018 outing of Gulfood, the largest trade event in the Middle East for the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Now into its 23rd edition, Gulfood welcomed almost 100,000 visitors to the showgrounds of the Dubai World Trade Centre, with 1 million square feet of floorspace dedicated to the showcasing of the latest trends and product ideas from across the food …
The Emirates Industry for Camel Milk Products (trading under the name Camelicious), a specialist in camel milk derived products, has announced the launch of what it claims to be the first infant formula to be made from camel milk. The product is said to be rich in vitamins C, B1 and B2, as well as containing more thiamin than sheep’s, cow’s or goat’s milk. It is additionally claimed to be …
Global retailer Spar has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with the opening of three stores in Riyadh, the country’s capital. The move is described as the first phase of the retail group’s expansion in the country through a partnership with Saudi conglomerate Al Sadhan Group. While the first Spar stores in the Saudi Arabian market will be aimed at the mid- to premium sector, as the brand develops the …
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood, ahead of the event’s 2018 edition. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? In a word, innovate. The global food and beverage industry is one of the most competitive sectors in the global economy, so staying still is the equivalent of going backwards. Whether you are a fledgling start-up in the Middle East, or a major international manufacturer …
Promoted as “the authentic business class event for the region’s food & beverage sector”, SIAL Middle East returned to the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its latest edition this month, drawing a diverse crowd of visitors over the three days of the event. The exhibition saw both local and international companies showcasing a diverse array of food and drinks products from all over the world. In total, around …
Portuguese retail and telecoms conglomerate Sonae is reportedly in talks to acquire Egyptian supermarket chain Spinneys, which is currently owned by Abraaj Group. According to an article in Jornal De Negocios (citing Bloomberg), the owner of the Continente chain is in negotiations with Abraaj Group over a potential deal that would reportedly be concluded with a local partner. Abraaj Group is also said to be negotiating the sale of Spinneys …
Swiss food giant Nestle has announced its intention to close its facility in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, by the end of January 2018. The company stated that the move would allow it to focus on building sales and distribution in the country, providing new arrangements to support the sustainability of the business in the country. The factory, which was opened in 2009, produces Maggi stock cubes …
South African Breweries (SAB), a subsidiary of global beer giant AB InBev, has announced the launched of Castle Free lager, described as the first alcohol-free lager to be brewed in South Africa. The new product, an extension of the existing Castle lager brand, is said to have been the result of an investment of 30 million ZAR ($2.1 million). According to a report in FastMoving, the move is described as …
Pioneer Foods, a leading South African food manufacturer, has announced that it has agreed a deal whereby it will acquire the outstanding shares in its joint venture with Heinz Foods Proprietary SA, a subsidiary of the US food giant Kraft Heinz, for an undisclosed sum. As a result of the deal, Heinz Foods South Africa will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Pioneer Foods. In addition, Pioneer Foods said it would enter into …
FMCG multinational Unilever has announced that it will acquire Remgro’s interest in Unilever South Africa, exchanging it for the Unilever South Africa spreads business and a cash transaction. According to Unilever, the company is buying a 25.5% stake from Remgro in Unilever South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd in exchange for the Unilever spreads business in Southern Africa and a sum of 4.9 million ZAR ($371 million), which represents a deal …
South African retailer Checkers, part of the Shoprite group, has expanded its Oh My Goodness! private label range, introducing new ‘healthier’ snack options for children. The new products, developed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his daughter Matilda, are claimed to be “packed with all of the goodness and none of the junk”. The new products include bakery snacks such as mini rice cakes priced at 9.99 ZAR ($0.78), available …
South African wine and spirits group Distell has announced the sale of wine farms and brands with the aim of doubling revenue and profits by 2021. According to Supermarket & Retailer, Distell CEO Richard Rushton said that the company had already sold the La Bonheur and Stellenzicht wine farms and respective brands, which were part of the Lusan premium wine estate. The move will allow Distell to “redouble our efforts …
Mumbai-based FMCG company Marico has announced the acquisition of the leading South African hair styling brand Isoplus for about 36 crore INR ($5.6 million). The deal, which includes Isoplus’ manufacturing facilities, working capital and intellectual property rights, was made between the previous owners JM Products and Mary L Harris and Marico’s subsidiary Marico South Africa. The Isoplus brand is claimed to be the market leader in South African’s styling segment …
Dabur South Africa, a subsidiary of FMCG manufacturer Dabur, has announced the acquisition of hair care brand Long and Lasting by acquiring both manufacturer and distributor in a deal reportedly worth around 25 crore INR ($3.9 million). Long and Lasting is manufactured in South Africa by D&A Cosmetics, while the distributor of the product is Atlanta Body & Health Products. Both companies sell mid-range products across the South African market. …
South African wine and spirits group Distell has announced a partnership with the Cruz Vodka business worldwide, purchasing a 75% stake in the brand from Blue Sky Brand Company (BSBC). Financial terms were not disclosed. Commenting on the investment, Distell said: “The transaction strengthens Distell’s portfolio in the premium vodka category, one of the fastest growing spirits categories in South Africa and which is expected to continue exhibiting strong growth …
Twinsaver Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of tissue paper products in South Africa, has acquired Sylko, a manufacturer of paper and related products such as aluminum foil, and disposable household products such as plastic tableware. The investment follows the group’s acquisition of hygienic disposable products manufacturer Validus Medical and a 580 million ZAR ($43 million) investment to improve Twinsaver Group’s production capacity. Twinsaver Group CEO Garth Towell said: “It …
The South African arm of the multinational brewer Heineken has acquired Stellenbrau, a craft beer producer, for an undisclosed amount. Established five years ago, Stellenbrau has a portfolio that includes four signature beers: Craven Craft Lager, Jonker’s Weiss, Alumni Ale and Governor’s Red Rooibos Lager. Heineken South Africa MD Ruud van den Eijnden commented “Stellenbrau was a natural fit, as it is what Heineken was 150 years ago, sharing the …
Food and drinks multinational Nestle has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Caravan Marketing, a leading Egyptian instant coffee firm. Established in 2003 as a marketing and distribution company, Caravan Marketing serves the Egyptian market with a range of soluble coffee products using its own factory, and is the owner of the Bonjorno brand. Nestle said the acquisition reflected its ambition to invest in Egypt and foster the development …
Clover Industries, the South African food and dairy firm, has agreed to acquire 51% of the shares of olive oil producer Olive Pride, according to a report in Bizcommunity. Clover Industries is acquiring the stake from AECI Holding subsidiary Southern Canned Products (SCP), which will retain 49% of the business. According to reports, the transaction means Clover Industries will now be in charge merchandising, sales, marketing & distribution services for …
FMCG multinational Unilever has opened a manufacturing plant at Dubai Industrial Park through an investment of 1 billion DHS ($272 million). According to a report in Sustainable Brands, goods produced at the new plant will have the “Made in UAE” label and 80% of production will be exported to the Europe and MENA regions. The 100,000 sq m plant is described as the largest of its kind in the region …
South African investment fund Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has agreed to purchase world leading brewer AB InBev’s entire indirect stake in alcoholic drinks firm Distell. The stake comprises 58,000,000 shares or 26.4% of the company, which would go to PIC for an undisclosed amount. The sale of the stake was a condition of regulatory approval in South Africa for AB InBev’s takeover of rival brewer SABMiller. Distell is a multinational …
South African spirits firm Spirit of Rooibos is launching a new eponymous rooibos (redbush tea) spirit promoted as a “premium triple distilled neutral spirit, craft infused with natural organic rooibos”. According to Fastmoving, the drink is created from sugar cane by a professional distillery, before being supplied to a bottling plant where the rooibos is added. The aperitif, which is said to have 28% abv, features “hand picked and carefully …
The South African arm of dairy and drinks multinational Danone has launched Danone Danup, a yoghurt drink targeted at the “modern South African man”, according to a report in Fast Moving. The product is described as combining multigrains such as maize, barley, sorghum and oats with yoghurt and is said to have been developed with the collaboration of South African men. The “hybrid” beverage is also claimed to provide benefits …
Japanese food manufacturer Ajinomoto has outbid PepsiCo to buy a 33% stake in South African firm Promasidor for $532 million, according to a Reuters report. Promasidor sells powdered milk and drinks, dairy products and cereal and is mainly active in Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The deal reported to be agreed with Ajinomoto would value the whole firm at $1.6 billion. Ajinomoto is a food …
Rhodes Food Group, the South African food firm, intends to acquire 100% of instant food maker Pakco for shares valued at $14.6 million, according to a report in Business Day Live. Rhodes Food Group is a food manufacturing company with brands such as Bull Brand, Bisto, Magpie and Squish and is active in categories including canned meat, pies and fruit puree drinks. The acquisition of Pakco will reportedly give Rhodes …
UAE-based supermarket chain Zoom, part of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), has announced its intention to open 30 new stores per year until 2025 as part of the regional expansion plans which also include new stores in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The plan, which includes standalone Zoom stores, stores in ENOC’s service stations and franchise stores, is set to increase the firm’s network of stores by 150″. The move will …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 25th August 2016: New ingredients and formats, along with an emphasis on the ‘real’ and ‘rustic’, are some of the hallmarks of product innovation in the frozen potato category over the last two years, as the latest insights from Gama Compass™ reveal. Despite representing a relatively small fraction of NPD within the overall retail frozen food space – only 4% of total launches in the last …
India biggest dairy co-operative Amul Dairy has announced a plan to build an ice cream plant in Khed City with an investment of RS 120 crore ($18 million). “Pune is our largest market for Amul ice cream and currently there is a supply shortage. We wanted a quick set up in and around Pune, and obviously, Khed City qualifies as our preferred destination”, Amul Dairy K Rathnam said in a statement. …
Irish seasoning specialist Redbrook has been acquired by Israeli ingredients company Frutarom for $44.8 million. The Dublin-based company specialises in seasoning blends, marinades, glazes and cures for the meat and savoury food processing sectors. Redbrook takes Frutarom’s acquisition in 2016 to six, with previous buys including the Austrian firm Wiberg for $130 million, the US Grow Company for $20 million and the Germany-based Extrakt Chemie for $6 million. Commenting on …
South African packaged goods company Pioneer Foods has bought UK’s Streamfoods for £7.5 million ($10.0 million), according to reports in Fin 24 and Business Day Live. Northamptonshire-based Streamfoods is owned by the Wellness Group of companies and manufactures a range of fruit snacks and bars, predominantly targeting children, under the Fruit Bowl brand. The acquisition will reportedly allow Pioneer foods to integrate the Fruit Bowl brand into their exisiting fruit …
Suntory Beverage & Food, part of multinational food and beverage giant Suntory, has announced the acquisition of the beverage business of GSK Nigeria for about ¥7 billion ($69 million). The acquisition comes after Suntory acquired UK beverage brands Lucozade and Ribena from GSK in 2013 for $2.1 billion. However, even after this acquisition, licensing agreements meant that, in Nigeria, the brands continued to be manufactured and distributed by GSK. Commenting …
Pick N Pay, South Africa’s number two grocery chain, has unveiled plans to expand its geographical footprint with the the opening of its first stores in Nigeria. Announcing the move alongside its 2016 financial statements, the retailer said that a key part of its strategy was “to establish a second engine of growth in markets in the rest of Africa”, adding that it had “examined the opportunity in Nigeria in detail, given the opportunity …
Nestle South Africa has officially inaugurated its new instant coffee manufacturing plant in Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal following an investment of 1.2 billion ZAR ($84 million). The expansion includes the construction of a waste water treatment plant, a new coffee processing plant, upgrading of existing coffee processing and a state of the art coffee drying plant, the company said. The Estcourt factory is one of the first three factories that the …
Associated British Foods (ABF) has announced that it has reached an agreement with Illovo Sugar to acquire the 48.65% interest in Illovo that it does not already own, in a deal worth around 5.6 billion ZAR ($389 million). ABF, a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group owning brands such as Twinings, Ovaltine and Ryvita, acquired its majority shareholding in Illovo in 2006. Commenting on the acquisition, ABF said in …
Farmer-owned South African agribusiness GWK has recently announced the launch of “proudly South African farmer brand” Nature’s Farms, according to an article in the South African Food Review. The announcement was reportedly made as the firm unveiled a new multi-million rand wheat mill, pasta plant and biscuit factory at ModderRiver near Kimberley in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Nature’s Farms pasta, biscuits, wheat flour and maize meal are said to be …
Chinese investment conglomerate Fosun Group has announced that it has agreed to he acquisition of a 100% equity interest in Israeli cosmetics manufacturer Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories for 290 million ILS ($77 million). Fosun will wholly own Ahava, which makes skin care products from Dead Sea minerals and mud and markets facial care products including Dead Sea Osmoter Facial Serum, Facial Mud Exfoliator and Active Moisture Gel Cream. The business …
Distell, the leading producer and marketer of spirits, wines and ciders in South Africa, has extended its flagship brand Savanna for the launch of a new tequila flavoured cider under the brand name Savanna Loco. Supported by the strapline: “Savanna Loco. Add a leeedle crazy!”, the 6% abv drink is said to feature the crisp taste of Savanna Dry with fresh tequila flavour. The “leeedle” twist of tequila flavour is …
Carrefour, the world’s second largest grocery retailer, is seeking to enter the Israeli market through an investment in the Victory supermarket chain, according to a report in Bloomberg. Talks about a potential investment, which were reportedly confirmed by the Israeli firm following media speculation, come as Victory itself is planning to submit a bid for Alon Blue Square’s troubled Mega Supermarket chain in order to strengthen its presence in the near …
Trend Insight by Gama Compass™ Unlocking trends and pointing the way to new opportunities in consumer goods innovation MANCHESTER – 8th March 2016: A continued focus on ‘homeliness’, exploiting changing needs at the breakfast occasion, satisfying the appetite for indulgence, and catering to growth in single-serve and ‘sharing’ options are among the areas in which frozen bakery and pastry firms can look to direct their innovation efforts in the year ahead, …
Swiss FMCG multinational Nestle is to acquire the remaining shares in Israeli food manufacturer Osem in a deal worth about $840 million, according to a Reuters report. Osem is Israel’s third-largest food producer by sales, behind the Strauss Group and market leader Tnuva. The firm produces more than 2,000 different food items in 11 production sites, both for domestic consumption and for export, particularly to European countries and to the United States. The …
Old Mutual, the UK-based private equity firm, has bought a minority stake in South African food maker In2Food for a price between 200 million and 600 million ZAR ($12 and $36 million), according to a report in Bloomberg. In2Food is a manufacturer of private-label products for grocery chains, founded in Johannesburg in 2007. The firm employs 4,000 people at production plants around South Africa, including one on the outskirts of …
US spirits manufacturer Beam Suntory has announced that it has bought a 50% equity stake in South African alcoholic drinks distributor ABV Brands. ABV Brands has been the appointed distributor in South Africa for Beam Suntory (previously Beam Global) since its foundation in 2010, during which time ABV Brands has grown sales of Beam Suntory’s brands by more than 260%, Beam Suntory said in a statement. The transaction announced represents …
Tiger Brands, a South African consumer goods firm with a broad brand portfolio, is reported to be selling its struggling Nigerian venture to Dangote Industries as a result of nearly $120 million in write-downs. According to Fast Moving, Tiger Brands bought two-thirds of a stake in Dangote Flour Mills for almost $200 million from Aliko Dangote, however growing competition and currency devaluations saw the venture run into trouble. The Daily …
Israeli flavour and fragrance company Frutarom has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Austrian flavouring company Sagema and German company Wiberg for an approximate total of $130.4 million. The purchases, said to be Frutarom’s largest to date, follows a total of 12 acquisitions over the course of 2015. Wiberg is a flavouring firm within the savoury solutions sector that includes flavour extracts, …
Ornua, Ireland’s largest dairy product exporter, has announced the opening of a new packing factory in Nigeria. The facility will provide a new route to market for Irish powdered milk, which will be exported to Nigeria and then packaged and marketed under the Kerrygold brand, the company said. Kerrygold powders are sold in small sachets, pouches or tins, primarily through small distributors. The new plant in Nigeria is the latest …
Gama spoke to Ori Yehudai, President & CEO, Frutarom. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? I believe that in order to be successful in an ever more challenging economic environment, we must demonstrate creativity and flexibility when dealing with our customers and provide top-notch service. Being able to adapt and adjust to our customers’ needs and work with them in creating innovative but …
Rhodes Food, a South African manufacturer of longlife meat, vegetable and fruit products, fruit drinks and fresh foods, has announced it will acquire the business assets of Alibaba Food Holdings (Alibaba) for 42,000,000 ZAR ($3 million). Alibaba, based in Athlone, Cape Town, manufactures a range of halal food products including samosas, pies and rooties. Its products are sold to major South African food retailers, forecourt bakery outlets and independent traders. …
Mondelez International has announced that it is making an investment of $50 million at its new Lagos plant to meet “surging demand” for hot cocoa drink brand Cadbury Bournvita in Nigeria. The company said the investment would support the company’s global growth strategy by expanding the availability of regional power brands in key markets and creating a more efficient supply-chain footprint. The new Lagos plant is fully automated and replaces …
South African food manufacturer Clover Industries is to expand capacity for dairy production with the launch of a new 65 million (ZAR $5.9million) yoghurt production line at its plant in Bloemfontein, according to a report in FastMoving. The move was triggered by Clover’s dairy facility – acquired from DairyBelle earlier in the year – running out of capacity earlier than expected; according to FastMoving, Clover had expected the plant to …
Saudia Group, a Qatar-based chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets chain is set to expand into the UAE with the opening of Kenz Hypermarket in Ajman. According to Arabian Business News, the hypermarket is one of three businesses under the Saudia Group umbrella investing 80 million AED ($21 million) in the opening, which is said to be the company’s first outside of Qatar. NK Musthafa, chairman of Saudia Group of Companies …
Breakfast food maker Kellogg has announced that it has acquired Mass Food Group, Egypt’s leading cereal company, for approximately $50 million. Founded in 1996, Mass Food Group has revenues of $18 million and makes local brands such as Temmy’s cereals and NutriFit cereal bars. Mass Food Group also exports foods to more than 30 markets, including Europe, East Asia and Africa. “As the number one cereal company in Egypt, Mass …
Saudi food manufacturer Halwani Brothers has announced plans to acquire El Rashidi El Mizan, a Qalaa Holdings subsidiary and market-leading confectioner in the halawa and tahina segments. The deal will reportedly be financed partly from the company’s own funds and partly through an Islamic financing facility. No further financial details about the offer have been disclosed. Qalaa Holdings announced in February that it was planning to divest its key food …
In a bid to boost its presence in Africa, Kellogg has announced that it is set to spend $450 million to acquire a 50% stake in Multipro, a food sales and distribution firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. Multipro is owned by Tolaram, and Kellogg will also have an option to buy a stake in Tolaram’s African unit Tolaram Africa Foods which owns 49% of Dufil Prima Foods , the maker …
Arla has announced plans to expand in Africa through new joint ventures in Nigeria and Senegal. In Nigeria, it will be partnering with Tolaram to provide the distribution backbone that will help Arla grow and develop its business in West Africa, the company said, adding that the move was part of Arla’s strategy to develop new markets outside the EU. The two new joint ventures are described by Arla as …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 27th August 2015: Innovation dynamics in tea and coffee are the subject of our latest study of product innovation from Gama Compass™. Based on introductions reported over the last 18 months, Gama has analysed factors such as claims, pack format and pack design to find that– despite often being bracketed together – tea and coffee often reveal quite significant differences in relation to both product …
South African firm KWV is said to have launched “its own” Cruxland premium London dry boutique gin, said to have been “hand crafted for a new world gin drinking experience”. According to FastMoving, the gin is made from 100% grape spirits and infused with nine exotic botanicals including rare “Kalahari N’abbas (truffles)”. Development of the product is said to have taken almost three years. Master distiller Pieter de Bod spoke …
Diageo has announced it will sell its 42.25% stake in DHN Drinks, a joint venture which owns the licenses for the combined beer, RTD and cider portfolio of Heineken, Diageo and Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL). With this transaction Heineken will increase its stake from 42.25% to 75% and NBL will increase its stake from 15.5% to 25% in DHN Drinks. NBL will also acquire the 25% stake that Diageo owns in …
Nestle is said to be investing $120 million in a food processing plant in Dubai, UAE to manufacture products under the Nescafe and Maggi brands. Described as a 175,000 sq m manufacturing facility, the plant is set to create 400 jobs. According to Global AgInvesting, a groundbreaking ceremony has already taken place with production due to start at the end of 2015. Rainer Mueller, communications director for Nestle Middle East …
Unilever South Africa has opened a 511 million ZAR ($41 million) expansion at its “state of the art” Indonsa factory in Durban, which is said to make it the group’s largest savoury factory by volume. FoodStuffSA reports the company as saying that investment at the plant, which was commissioned in December 2011, “increased the factory’s manufacturing capacity to 100 000 t, which would be fully utilised beyond 2020”. Unilever’s global …
Starbucks has announced it will partner with Taste Holdings for the opening of its first outlets in South Africa in 2016. According to a company statement, the license agreement sees Taste owning the exclusive rights to develop Starbucks retail outlets in South Africa and it will own and operate the stores directly. “We are proud to be bringing Starbucks to South Africa next year,” said Kris Engskov, president, Starbucks Europe, …
Coca-Cola has announced that it is extending its ‘Share a Coke’ campaign to Pakistan with a new variation on the theme for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. As with previous ‘Share A Coke’ campaigns, the strategy is aimed at personalizing the Coca-Cola sharing experience by swapping logos on bottles for names of friends or relations. In the case of Pakistan, the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign will see 500ml, 1L …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 9th July 2015: Gama turns its attention to the household care industry for its latest analysis of product launches reported by Gama Compass™, focusing on innovation patterns in the air care, laundry & fabric care and cleaners & detergents markets. According to Gama’s analysis, leading the way from a fragrance perspective in new household care launches was lavender, appearing almost twice as frequently as …
Giant Beverages is launching the new “super-premium” Valmont water brand for the Nigerian market, according to a report in Things New. Promoted as “accompany[ing] fine food and luxurious lifestyle”, the product features “transparent and minimalistic labelling” for “an extra touch of class”, according to sources. The product is being launched in 600ml and 1.5l bottles, as well as in a 750ml sportscap format which is said to be a first …
FrieslandCampina has announced that it has increased to more than two thirds its equity stake in FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, its subsidiary. As a result of the €180 million ($204 million) purchase, the company now owns 67.61% of the shares, compared to 54.58% previously. CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina Roelof Joosten said: “The size of the market, the growth outlook and the commitment of the Nigerian people to bolstering the stability …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 11th June 2015: The key characteristics of new ice cream & dessert products are the subject of Gama’s latest analysis of recent launches from Gama Compass™, examining in particular how private label launches compare to the market as a whole in terms of category breakdown, price and brand positioning. Encompassing launches reported over approximately the last 12 month period, Gama’s research shows that dairy-based …
Fresh Del Monte has announced the launch of Fresh Market, a new retail concept for Saudi Arabia that “brings convenience to consumers who enjoy healthy living with a wide offering of fresh food and beverage options, on-the-go”. Fresh Market aims to give customers “a grab-and-go opportunity to make better food choices and staying healthy” providing a range of “ultra-fresh juices, smoothies and freshly made salads, wraps and muffins”. Mohammed Abbas, …
Arla Foods and Egypt’s leading dairy firm Juhayna Food Industries have agreed to form a joint venture to sell Arla’s products across Egypt, Arla has announced. Juhayna is a major producer of UHT milk, yoghurt and juice but has a “very limited production” of butter, cheese and cream, Arla said in a statement. Arla has specialised in these categories across the Middle East and Africa, the company added. Rasmus Malmbek …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 13th May 2015: The reality of steadily climbing obesity rates across the world has become a hot political topic and, with the threat of increasingly stringent regulation of high-calorie, high-fat and high-sugar food and drinks ever present, the potential impact of rising obesity levels on FMCG categories is now impossible for the industry to ignore. In the latest study of recent product launches reported …
Leading global food and drinks firm Mondelez has announced plans to invest $11 million to install its largest Oreo production facility in Africa. The newly-created facility is based in Casablanca, Morocco and will have the capacity to produce up to 900 million Oreo biscuits per year through local subsidiary Mondelez Maroc, the company said. The investment means that Mondelez Maroc will make the Oreo brand more available to Moroccans, offering …
Gandour, a food and confectionery company from the Lebanon, has released “Moods”, a new range of chocolate products for the Middle East region. The new range, described as “luxury” and “premium”, is said to be the result of a study that the company conducted in the Middle East and North Africa to better understand consumer needs and to develop products in line with market demand. “Moods” Chocolate is available in …
The British ice cream company R&R has announced the acquisition of the ice cream business of Nestle South Africa, in a move designed to increase its sales across the African continent. Nestle South Africa’s ice cream business includes brands such as Dairymaid, Country Fresh, Eskimo Pie and King Cone as well as Rolo and KitKat. The business has a manufacturing facility with nine production lines at Clayville, Johannesburg and approximately 200 …
Al Ain Dairy Company has launched a new range of ice creams made with fresh camel milk, according to a report in Hotelier Middle East. Announcing the launch at Gulfood, Kingston Fernandez, head of sales at Al Ain Dairy said the product had been created in six flavours including chocolate, vanilla, and cardamom and was being launched in supermarkets from February. Al Ain had previously revealed its intention to launch …
Rhodes Food, Africa’s leading producer of canned fruit and vegetables, has agreed to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Pacmar, according to a report from CNBC Africa. The purchase will be completed through its wholly-owned subsidiary Rhodes Food Group Proprietary Limited for a price of 165 million rand ($5.6 million), according to information. Pacmar is a contract packaging company supplying wine, fruit juice and other liquid beverages. Commenting …
Cereal, cookies and snacks producer Kellogg has announced that it is to acquire a majority stake in the Egyptian biscuit producer Bisco Misr, subject to the completion of a public mandatory tender offer process. Kellogg said it expected to acquire a 85.93% stake in Bisco Misr based upon the number of shares tendered to the company through the Egyptian Stock Exchange as of the close of Kellogg’s Mandatory Tender Offer …
PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers, has inaugurated a new 55,000 square metre snack plant in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to supply the snack market across the country. The facility is PepsiCo’s 15th in the Middle East, a region where the company has been doing business for 60 years. The opening of the plant follows comes months after PepsiCo opened an innovation centre in Dubai, the firm’s …
The Brazilian food company BRF has inaugurated a new $160 million production plant in Kizad, Abu Dhabi, according to a report in Gulf Business. The new facility, which will reportedly have a production capacity of approximately 70,000 tonnes of food products a year, is said to support the company’s plans to expand in the Middle East market. BRF International CEO Pedro Faria said: “The Kizad plant is testament to BRF’s …
The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments (GFI, majority shareholders in Coca-Cola Sabco) have closed a deal on a joint bottling venture in South and East Africa. The new bottler, operating under the name of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, will serve 12 high-growth countries accounting for approximately 40 per cent of all Coca-Cola beverage volumes in Africa, Coca Cola announced.The new company will be the largest Coca Cola bottler …
Arrow Food, a partnership between the Saudi Bin Laden Group and Foodstuff Group, has entered the race to acquire Arab Dairy Products, offering to buy 100% of the company. Arrow Food has made an offer for EGP57.12 ($7.98) per share, beating the offer from Pioneers Holdings. The latter, which already holds a 25% stake in Arab Dairy, made an offer of EGP56 a share to buy 60.2% of the company. …
Coca Cola Israel has launched a campaign for its Diet Coke brand centred on unique computer-generated labels, PSFK reports. The company’s “Stay Extraordinary” campaign, which aims to emphasise the uniqueness of each Diet Coke drinker, has seen the creation of 2 million individual bottle designs through a special computer algorithm. The labels are available for 51oz, 17oz and 12oz packs of Diet Coke and are by backed by additional promotional …
Abraaj Group, an investor operating in global growth markets, has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Liberty Star Consumer Holdings (Libstar), one of the largest unlisted food and personal care manufacturers in South Africa. According to Abraaj, the transaction is a further demonstration of the company’s focus on investment opportunities arising from the growth of large consumer and middle classes across its target markets of Africa, the …
PepsiCo has announced the opening of its newest R&D centre which is located at Dubiotech in Dubai, UAE. Gulf News reports the comany as saying that the facility will be a hub of new products and flavours for Pepsico’s regional businesses. The new centre is described as featuring a culinary centre and test laboratories that will be used to create PepsiCo food and beverage brands adapted to local taste preferences. …
Nestle has announced a five year plan that will see it invest ZAR 2 billion ($200 million) over the next five years to upgrade facilities at its production plants in South Africa. Announcing the strategy in a statement, Nestle said the new investment would be focused on capacity building, general capital refurbishment, biomass boilers and converting its Mossel Bay dairy factory to a water neutral one. The new investment was …
Lootah Premium Foods has launched Lussory Gold, a new alcohol-free halal sparkling wine, in the UAE. With 24-carat edible gold flakes said to go up and down in rhythm with the wine’s bubbles, the “exclusive” non-alcoholic wine is described as being made with grapes from the Spanish region of La Mancha in the same way as regular wine or champagne. Speaking to Hotelier Middle East, Tony Colley, general manager of …
Coca-Cola, in cooperation with its African bottling partner,s has announced the investment of an additional $5 billion in long-term sustainable development projects by the end of the decade, Bloomberg reports. With this new round of investment, which will reach $ 17 billion in total by 2020, the world’s largest beverage company is said to be aiming to tackle a number of social and environmental problems. The company and its bottling …
The Swiss chocolate company Lindt has launched its “Hello” confectionery brand in South Africa and is now supporting the launch through a marketing campaign taking place at locations across the country. “Post-boxes” are being set up in malls in several cities in South Africa, with consumers invited to send a postcard with a message to friends or family anywhere in the world. In return, they will receive a free product …
A malt soft drink called Vigo is set to hit shelves in South Africa after showing positive results in other African markets. The drink’s manufacturer, Namibia Breweries Ltd, has chosen South Africa as the latest market for the drink, as a result of the brand’s success in Botswana and Zambia where it was launched in late 2013. Fastmoving reports that the brand has proven the opportunity for a malt-based soft …
7-Eleven has signed a master franchise agreement with Seven Emirates Investment LLC to run the first 7-Eleven stores in the UAE, Fastmoving reports. The first convenience store is planned to open in Dubai by next summer, with the master franchisee planning to open new outlets as well as converting some existing stores to the 7-Eleven brand. “The UAE is a growing and dynamic part of the world and is attracting …
Simba, part of PepsiCo South Africa, has opened a new “state of the art“ potato chip manufacturing plant in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal. The plant – the third for Simba in South Africa – is designed to help the company to meet an increased for its Simba and Lay’s brands. The new plant is said to be strategically located to increase PepsiCo’s regional presence, and joins existing locations in Gauteng and the …
Lulu Group, a UAE-based chain of more than 100 supermarkets and hypermarkets, has announced plans to expand into new Asian markets with the opening of stores in Malaysia and Indonesia. The company, which operates outlets across the Gulf as well as in Yemen, Egypt and India, is now planning to open five hypermarkets in Malaysia, which will be the company’s first market in South-East Asia. Due to be completed in …
Heineken has reported in a statement that it is to combine its two units in Nigeria – Nigerian Breweries Plc and Consolidated Breweries Plc – in an effort to improve efficiencies. The company owns 54.1% of the former, which has brands such as Heineken and Star, and 53.8% of the latter, maker of beers such as Turbo King. Heineken described the move as being “based on a significant and compelling …
Dutch retailer Spar International has announced plans to enter the Middle East market with the aim of having 30 stores open by the end of 2015. As reported by Fast Moving, the company currently has over 12,000 stores worldwide and is looking to open eight stores in Abu Dhabi, two in Qatar and one in Lebanon. The company also added that it plans to expand further in the UAE as …
Said to be a result of continuing softness in the beer market, Guinness Nigeria Plc has recorded a turnover of N53 billion ($330 million) for the half year period ending 31 December 2013. In a statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, parent company Diageo said net income fell to N5 billion ($30.7 million) in the six months through December, compared with N6.42 billion ($40.0 million) a year earlier. Indicators also …
Woolworths has become the first African retailer to receive the international Good Egg Award from international farm animal welfare organisation Compassion in World Farming (Compassion), Fastmoving reports. The retailer is said to have received the award for its ongoing commitment to leading the free range egg category in South Africa. The Good Egg Award recognises organisations that have a written policy to source only cage-free eggs or egg products. Fast …
Food and beverage maker Strauss Group has reported its annual results, revealing a large rise in profits. The company announced a 39.1% rise in net income to 329m shekels ($94.3 million) for 2013, while EBIT grew 23% to 769m shekels ($221.3 million). President Gadi Lesin highlighted the Brazilian coffee unit Tres Coracoes as well as Sabra, its US dips joint venture with PepsiCo. International dips is spreads are a relatively new market …
The National reports that, despite requests from retailers in the country, the United Arab Emirates will not overtun a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and e-shisha pipes in the country. A number of municipalities had referred store owners to the Ministry of Health for advice on applying for licenses to sell e-cigarettes, however the ministry stated that an examination of the products had found them to be harmful to …
Due to expanding market share in the US and emerging economies, Frutarom is said to have seen “record” growth in 2013. According to Just Food, the Israel-based ingredients and flavour firm noted a 28.3% increase in underlying net profit which totalled $63.6m. Including a one-time expense, net profit finished at $63.6m. President and CEO of Frutarom, Ori Yehudai, spoke of the growth by saying: “2013 was another record year, during …
Waitrose has announced its first export deal in the African continent, making over 250 of its private label groceries available in Food Lover’s Market stores in South Africa, Talking Retail reports. The retailer said a variety of products would be exported including shortbread, muesli, risotto and pasta, ice cream, sorbets and own-brand wines from France, Italy and Portugal. David Morton Waitrose Business to Business director said, “To be exporting to …
The Saudia Arabian beverage company Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages is to invest in the region of $100 million to construct a new fruit juice facility in Egypt, Reuters reports. The investment will cover the cost of both the land and the construction, with the facility due to be commissioned between 2016 and 2017. Aujan has previously spent a similar sum investing in food and beverages from across the Middle East region …
In 2013 the South African wine industry sold 525.7 million liters of wine, increasing volumes by 26% over 2012 , according to the export association Wines of South Africa (WOSA). According to Siobhan Thompson, CEO of WOSA, the increase in exports was due to a good harvest in South Africa in 2013 which filled the gap created by the poor European harvest, and also allowed South Africa wines to penetrate …
Two new products featuring a “breakthrough cellular level whitening formula” have been added to the Olay product line in the UAE, P&G has announced. White Radiance Intensive Fairness Serum and Intensive Fairness Cream provide whitening results that “come from deep cellular radiance, making your skin glow from within”, according to P&G. The products contain a new formula called CelLucent ™ – an ingredient named Sepiwhite and niacinamide are combined to …
Clover Industries has predicted a 20% rise in earnings per share for H2 2013. In a statement to the stock exchange, the South Africa dairy processor Clover Industries attributed the rise in earnings to reduced marketing spend , having heavily invested in product launches in the comparable period of the previous year. It also reported that it had been boosted by higher selling prices for its products. However, the company …
Dairy manufacturer Juhayna Food Industries is set to receive a loan to finance production expansion. Juhayna, one of the largest dairy and juice manufacturers in Egypt, has secured a $73 million (500 million Egyptian pounds) loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The company is set to use the loan to finance the production of new products and upgrades within its distribution network. Juhayna currently operates across …
Strauss Group, a manufacturer of food and drinks products, has reported a 17% rise in its quarterly profits. The rise is largely attributable to strong performance in the company’s international coffee and spreads and dips businesses, Reuters reports. Strauss announced on Tuesday that earnings for the third quarter where in the order of 81 million shekels (approx $22.8m) dollars excluding one-time items, compared with 69 million shekels (approx $20.5m) a year …
To cater for the growing Saudi Arabian market, Nestle has expanded a plant in Turkey with the addition of lines to produce Maggi bouillon products. The company has invested $10.9m in their cereal plant located in Karacabey, in western Turkey, creating around 100 new jobs. The expansion of the plant, which first opened in 1989, will now allow Nestle to produce its Maggi bouillon brand for the Saudi Arabian market. …
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) announced today the signing of agreements with Spinneys Abu Dhabi for the building of a new distribution centre. A land plot has been allocated in the logistics cluster of Kizad Area A, where the company will set up a temperature-controlled distribution centre to store products from multinational consumer goods manufacturers. The facility will also be used to store food and non-food products that will …
Multinational FMCG manufacturer Procter & Gamble (P&G) has seen business in Africa grow more than tenfold in the past decade, Bizcommunity reports. According to P&G vice-chairman in charge of global business units Dimitri Panayotopoulos‚ there remain huge long long-term business opportunities in the continent. “The African population is growing and consumers are becoming more affluent and demanding high-quality brands that weren’t previously available here‚” he commented. Among future investments, the …
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Middle East & Africa Archives - Gama