Contract logistics provider ID Logistics is taking over the full logistics and distribution operations, handling up to 17,000 pallets in storage and nearly 8 million parcels annually. The move consolidates part of General Mills France’s flows to enhance performance, service quality and supply chain visibility across the country.

To support operations at the facility, which features 18 loading docks, a team of 30 employees has been recruited. The site utilizes automated barcode scanning on forklifts, collision-prevention technologies, and loading traceability terminals to boost productivity and reinforce safety. Additionally, the facility incorporates sustainable features including rooftop photovoltaic panels, intelligent LED and zenithal lighting, and a rainwater recovery system.

Frédéric Grenier, managing director of ID Logistics France, commented: “By supporting General Mills, ID Logistics confirms its ability to structure integrated logistics solutions combining operational excellence, technological innovation and environmental responsibility, in the service of a high-performing FMCG supply chain”.

Source: ID Logistics

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The transaction includes the Carolina brand, the chilled dough and pasta segments of the Yoki brand, and a manufacturing facility in Ribeirao Preto. General Mills, which acquired the Yoki business in 2012 for approximately $900 million, will retain Yoki’s snacks and seasonings lines. The assets involved in the sale generated around $45 million in net sales during the last fiscal year.

According to General Mills, the move is part of an ongoing strategy to reshape its portfolio. “This transaction is part of General Mills’ Accelerate strategy, which includes a focus on prioritising markets and brands where we have the greatest opportunities for profitable growth”, the company said in a statement.

For 3Coracoes, a joint venture between Strauss and Sao Miguel Holding, the deal represents a strategic expansion beyond its core beverage portfolio and marks its 30th acquisition.

The transition is expected to be completed in the first half of the next fiscal year, subject to regulatory approval from Brazil’s antitrust regulator CADE.

In 2021, General Mills also sold its dough business in Europe, with Cerealia the buyer.

Source: FoodBev / Just Food / Reuters

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The facility incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies designed to improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce lead times. According to the company, the expansion will enhance the nationwide availability of Pillsbury products, supporting the growth of thousands of independent bakeries and foodservice partners. General Mills has been present in the Indian market since 1999 and previously announced its intention to establish this unit during a groundbreaking ceremony in September 2023.

Commenting on the opening, Balki Radhakrishnan, vice president and managing director of Global Emerging Markets at General Mills, said: “We’re extremely proud to increase the availability of Pillsbury products across the country with the opening of our new plant in Nashik. Since 1999, our Pillsbury brand has been offering delicious, quality and convenient baking mixes in India. This expansion allows us to serve our consumers and bakery partners better, faster, and at greater scale”.

Source: Indian Retailer / Business Standard / Live Mint

The post India: General Mills opens manufacturing plant for Pillsbury brand appeared first on Gama.

The transaction sees General Mills divest the 35-year-old brand as part of its ongoing portfolio reshaping strategy, which recently included the $2.1 billion sale of its North American yogurt business. For Violet Foods, the acquisition adds a nationally distributed organic brand to a portfolio that already includes the regional heavyweights Don Pepino and Sclafani, both acquired from B&G Foods in May 2025.

Jim Mitchell, president of Violet Foods, commented: “Acquiring Muir Glen is a transformative step for our company. By combining Muir Glen’s 35-year legacy in organic tomatoes with Violet Foods’ expertise in high-quality, fresh-pack tomato products, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate innovation and facilitate growth for our customers”.

The deal is designed to strengthen Violet Foods’ position in the $5 billion US tomato sauces and canned tomato market. While the company’s existing brands like Don Pepino hold a dominant share in the Northeast pizza sauce category, Muir Glen brings a national footprint and established credentials in the premium organic segment, according to the company.

David West, managing partner at Amphora Equity Partners, added: “We are grateful to General Mills for their collaboration throughout the transaction process. We are eager to build on the momentum that they created with this incredible brand”.

General Mills stated that the sale allows it to further focus resources on its core growth platforms, such as snacks and pet food.

Source: Violet Foods /  Food Dive / Just Food

The post USA: Violet Foods acquires Muir Glen from General Mills appeared first on Gama.

Originally founded in Gladstone (MI) in 1967, Gladstone Food Products manufactured taco shells under its own brand name and taco seasoning under the La Tiara brand. The company ceased operations in January, reportedly due to construction disruptions and increased costs, entering receivership on 18th March.

Commenting on the move, General Mills spokesperson Mollie Wulff said: “General Mills has acquired the assets of Gladstone Food Products, the manufacturer of La Tiara hard taco shells. We look forward to welcoming the well-loved La Tiara brand to the General Mills family of brands”.

General Mills already operates in the taco shell and seasoning category through its Old El Paso brand, which it acquired in 2001 as part of its purchase of Diageo’s Pillsbury division.

Source: Food Business News

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As part of the transaction, General Mills will take over two manufacturing facilities in Joplin (MO), while NXMH will retain the Whitebridge Pet Brands business and brands in Europe.

Commenting on the deal, General Mills group president, Pet, International, and North America foodservice Jon Nudi said: “Acquiring the Tiki Pets and Cloud Star portfolio strengthens our commitment in the Pet space. These brands complement our Blue Buffalo portfolio and will help us incrementally grow in Cat feeding and Treats”.

“We’re excited to welcome the North American Whitebridge team to General Mills and to provide pet parents with an expanding portfolio of brands to feed and treat their pets like family”, he added.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, subject to regulatory review and approval.

Source: General Mills

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Lactalis will acquire the US division, while Sodiaal will acquire the Canadian division. The deal includes brands such as Yoplait, Liberte, Go-Gurt, Oui, Mountain High and Ratio, and production facilities in Murfreesboro (TN), Reed City (MI), and Saint-Hyacinthe, in Canada’s Quebec province.

Commenting on the move, General Mills chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Harmening said: “By efficiently managing our portfolio and sharpening our focus on our global platforms and local gem brands that have stronger growth prospects and more attractive margins, we will be in a better position to drive top-tier shareholder returns over the long term. In Lactalis and Sodiaal, we believe we’ve found the right homes for these businesses, with dairy-focused owners who are well equipped to drive success for our people and growth for these brands into the future”.

Lactalis Group chairman Emmanuel Besnier added: “With this acquisition, we are expanding our position in the US yogurt market. These iconic brands are a strategic fit for Lactalis that broaden the range of our consumers and allow us to become a key dairy player in the US”.

Sodiaal president Jean-Michel Javelle commented: “We are proud to have signed this agreement with General Mills to take over the activities of our Yoplait and Liberté brands in Canada. This project further confirms Yoplait’s return to the cooperative’s vision, a true national heritage brand that makes our farmers and employees proud”.

The transaction is expected to be closed in 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

Source: General Mills / Food Business News

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“With this transaction, the company further advances its Accelerate strategy, including the prioritization of its core markets, global platforms and local gem brands to drive sustainable, profitable growth and top-tier shareholder returns over the long term”, the company said in a statement

Founded in 2016, Edgard & Cooper operates via omnichannel distribution and achieved over €100 million (£108 million) in 2023 retail sales across 13 markets.

Commenting on the deal, General Mills group president, Pet, International, and North America foodservice Jon Nudi said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Edgard & Cooper team to the General Mills family, and we look forward to partnering together to advance their mission to revolutionize premium, natural pet food”.

Edgard & Cooper founder Koen Bostoen added: “We’re excited to join Team General Mills and continue doing what Edgard & Cooper is passionate about — making better dog and cat food with real ingredients that pets love and pet owners feel good about. Combining our brand’s natural positioning and commercial capabilities with General Mills’ marketing and supply chain expertise, we’re ready to accelerate Edgard & Cooper’s growth”.

General Mills plans to finance the acquisition via cash in hand.

Sources: General Mills

The post Belgium: General Mills acquires pet food maker Edgard & Cooper appeared first on Gama.

Initially, Reliance Consumer Products intends to introduce Alan’s Bugles brand of corn chips as a precursor to further product development in the savoury snacks space.

“We intend to actively participate in the growing western snacks market with greater focus on taste profile and overall experience”, Reliance Consumer Products said in a statement. “We are excited to launch range of Alan’s snacks starting with Bugles, which is yet another step towards expanding our footprint in the FMCG market”.

Sheshadri Savalgi, finance director at General Mills India, added: “General Mills is thrilled to have one of its most globally loved brands – Bugles in India. Bugles are iconic cone-shaped corn chips with a light and airy crunch. What started in 1964 as the first delicious horn-shaped corn chip, has expanded across the globe”.

Source: Economic Times / DT Next

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According to sources, the facility processes cassava, potato and peanut products, and the company plans to transfer production to another plant in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais.

The closure will reportedly lead to the loss of 880 direct and indirect jobs, although General Mills said employees would be offered the option to transfer to its Minas Gerais facility. The company was also quoted as citing the need to increase its competitiveness and to accelerate distribution of goods to strategic cities.

“General Mills is making adjustments in its activities to reduce operational complexities”, the company said. “To optimize its operations, the company must create conditions for greater integration between its logistics and manufacturing structures”.

The plant is expected to cease operating in December 2023.

Source: G1 Globo / Giro News

The post Brazil: General Mills to shutter Parana plant appeared first on Gama.

With the acquisition, Eagle Foods will create three diversified platforms focusing on growing centre store categories for retailers and continue investing in its growing snacks and milk business in parallel with this new investment.

“We are builders of brands, categories, and people,” said Bernard Kreilmann, CEO of Eagle Foods. “The Helper and Suddenly Salad brands, with strong heritage and high consumer awareness, are a perfect fit for what Eagle does best – investing in, innovating, and revitalizing brands to drive growth and nurture them to reach their full potential”.

“With this divestiture, we are continuing to reshape our portfolio and advance our Accelerate strategy,” said Jon Nudi, General Mills group president, North America Retail. “This transaction improves our North America Retail segment’s growth profile and allows us to increase our focus on brands and categories where we have the best opportunities to drive profitable growth”.

The transaction is expected to be closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

Sources: Eagle Foods (via PR NewsWire) / General Mills

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According to sources, TNT Crust products are highly complementary to General Mills’ existing frozen baked goods portfolio. With this acquisition, General Mills aims to invest in its portfolio reshaping strategy and expand the “Away-from-Home” category.

Shawn O’Grady, Group President of North America Foodservice of General Mills said: “This acquisition advances our Accelerate strategy and builds on our strong position in the fast-growing away-from-home frozen baked goods category. We have clear competitive advantages in foodservice with our strategic customer partnerships, best-in-class supply chain, and operator-first innovation capabilities. By adding the high-growth TNT Crust business to our frozen baked goods platform, we are adding to our scale in a category that is on trend with consumers and poised for continued rapid growth.”

General Mills’ portfolio includes brands like Cheerios, Haagen-Dazs or Yoplait and generated $18.1 billion net sales in 2021.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Sources: General Mills

The post USA: General Mills acquires TNT Crust from Peak Rock Capital appeared first on Gama.

The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2022, includes General Mills branded and private label dough business in Germany, the UK, and Ireland, including the Knack & Back and Jus-Rol brands.

According to a statement released by the company, the sale is part of the General Mills Accelerate strategy centered on clear priorities on where to play – across geographies as well as platforms and brands – to drive long-term, superior shareholder returns.  Internationally, the strategy includes efforts to reshape the company’s portfolio for sustainable, profitable growth by increasing its focus on advantaged global platforms.

General Mill’s portfolio of brands includes Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, and Yoki.

Source: General Mills

The post USA: General Mills to sell European dough business to Cérélia appeared first on Gama.

According to sources, the company plans to cut from 700 to 800 jobs in the US and Canada and 500 to 600 jobs internationally.

In May, General Mills filed a Form 8-K to announce the restructuring process aimed to align its organisational structure and resources with its strategic actions.

“As we shared in our 8-K filing, we are making organisational changes to ensure General Mills continues its momentum. We are investing in key areas such as digital, data and technology, e-commerce and others that are critical to our future success”, said Kelsey Roemhildt, senior manager of media and investor relations and corporate communications at General Mills.

The restructuring also includes reshaping the portfolio and management modifications.

The giant has had a strong year in sales due to the pandemic and the increase of at-home food consumption but the company expects a slower pace now that the demand is diminishing.

Source: FoodBev

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According to General Mills’ press release, the move is part of the company’s strategy to reshape its portfolio for growth by adding an ‘attractive’ business to the fast-growing pet platform.

Bethany Quam, General Mills group president, pet segment said: “Pet food is a high-growth category, fueled by the humanization of pets, a trend that has only increased during the pandemic. By adding these trusted pet treat products to our portfolio, we are strengthening our position in this attractive category. This acquisition is highly complementary to our existing business, combining BLUE’s leading position in natural pet food with Nudges, Top Chews, and True Chews strong portfolio of natural meat treats for pets. We’re excited for the opportunity to provide pet parents with more ways to feed and treat their pets like family.”

General Mills acquired the business for $1.2 billion in cash, in a transaction that provides an estimated tax benefit of $225 million, equating to an effective purchase price of $975 million, according to sources.

Source: General Mills press release

The post USA: General Mills acquires Tyson Foods’ pet treats business appeared first on Gama.

The ‘memorandum of understanding’ set between both firms includes a reduced royalty rate for use of the Yoplait and Liberte brands in the United States and Canada, as well as full ownership of the Canadian Yoplait business – making the Yoplait Canada yoghurt business a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Mills.

Upon completion, the transaction will let Yoplait S.A.S. operating yogurt businesses in France, the United Kingdom “and certain other markets” not yet revealed. Yoplait S.A.S. should also manage its 28 franchisees manufacturing and distributing network in more than 40 countries around the world.

General Mills chairman and CEO, Jeff Harmening, said: “With today’s announcement, we’re taking another step toward advancing our Accelerate strategy and further reshaping our portfolio to drive profitable growth for the long term. This transaction improves our growth profile, enhances our margins, and creates value for our shareholders. Additionally, it increases our focus on the brand platforms that have the greatest growth potential.”

The proposed transaction is expected to be closed by the end of 2021.

Source: Business Wire

The post USA: General Mills proposes sale of European Yoplait appeared first on Gama.

Oui Dairy Free Coconut Dairy Alternative is described as being made with a coconut base and paired with flavours such as vanilla, strawberry, mango, and raspberry “to deliver a creamy and indulgent taste experience”. The new dairy-free line is claimed to be distinguished from the rest of the range by a light blue label.

Oui Dairy Free “squarely aligns with growing consumer interest plant-based foods”, General Mills said.

In parallel, the firm is also launching Oui Creme Dessert, a creme-fraiche based product available in Caramel Cream, Lemon Tart and Vanilla Bean flavours.

Source: General Mills (via BusinessWire)

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The baking mixes, which will feature Godiva 72% cocoa dark chocolate callets (chocolate chips) will be available in four dessert options – Molten Lava Cakes, Brownie Cheesecake Swirl, Raspberry Chocolate Torte and Flourless Chocolate Torte.

With the launch of the line, Godiva said it was expanding its footprint into the baking aisle, incorporating the brand’s signature chocolate into baking mixes that would assist in creating speciality form desserts at home.

Commenting on the launch, Godiva president of Americas Caroline Le Roch said: “This is an exciting time for Godiva, as we continue to innovate and expand our portfolio with products that will bring us into consumers’ homes on a regular basis. When we started to create the premium baking mixes, we had to ensure that they were of the highest quality, so we knew that bringing on a partner, like General Mills, to do this was imperative. We are thrilled to have consumers create decadent desserts with their friends and family on behalf of Godiva”.

The new Godiva baking mixes line can be found in the baking aisle of leading grocery stores across the US at an RRP of $4.99.

Source: Godiva / General Mills (via PR NewsWire)

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In a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, General Mills said the move formed part of “actions to drive efficiencies in targeted areas of our global supply chain by consolidating production and optimizing our labor, logistics and manufacturing platforms”.

The Carson plant was established in 1979 and produces yoghurts under the Yoplait and Mountain High brands.

“We expect to incur approximately $130 million of net expenses related to these actions, including approximately $25 million of severance and approximately $105 million of other exit costs and project-related costs, primarily asset write-offs”, the company added in its filing. “We expect to pay approximately $30 million of net cash related to these actions”.

Source: Food Business News / General Mills (via Seeking Alpha)

The post USA: General Mills to close California yoghurt plant appeared first on Gama.

Describing La Saltena as a brand with a “great tradition” in the lives of Argentinian families, Molinos Rio De La Plata said its aim was to develop awareness of the brand in every household in the country.

La Saltena offers fresh pasta as well as pastry for traditional Latin American pies. It operates a production plant in Burzaco, near Buenos Aires, and employs more than 500 staff.

Molinos Rio De La Plata described the acquisition of La Saltena as “another step” in its growth strategy, highlighting investments over the past two years that have included the construction of two automated warehouses, alongside new production lines for gluten-free pasta, its Chocoarroz alfajores and Gallo Snacks wafers.

Source: Molinos Rio De La Plata

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From this September, Fibre One will be extended to include 90 calorie cake bars in Triple Choc and Carrot Cake flavours, each available in boxes of 4 x 25g at an RRP of £2.89 ($3.68). The triple choc variant features soft cake with smooth filling and a dark topping with sprinkles, while the carrot cake is said to have a layer of spiced cake, sweet cream cheese, icing and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

For its Nature Valley brand, meanwhile, General Mills has unveiled Nut Butter Cups as well as a new Cocoa Hazelnut flavour of its Nut Butter Biscuits, retailing at £2.89 ($3.68). Designed to be a late afternoon or evening treat, Nut Butter Cups consist of wholegrain oat cups filled with peanut or almond butter, topped with nuts and dipped in chocolate.

Commenting on the launch, General Mills UK & Ireland head of snacking Arjoon Bose said: “The snacking division at General Mills has had a bumper year as we have exponentially grown both our Fibre One and Nature Valley brands. We have strategically realigned the platforms, introducing Popcorn Bars to the diet management portfolio of Fibre One, while innovating within our long-established Nature Valley platform with Nut Butter and more NPD to come”.

Source: General Mills (via Grocery Trader)

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The money raised will be used to expand GoodBelly’s national sales team, support capital improvements and drive product innovation. General Mills led the round and the additional investment came from existing investors, including Emil Capital Partners.

Based in Boulder, NextFoods produces organic probiotic juices, shots and bars for its GoodBelly brand, with all products claimed to be free from dairy and soy .

Commenting on the news, NextFoods CEO Alan Murray said: “We are excited to partner with 301 INC to help take GoodBelly Probiotics to the next level. This investment is a testament to GoodBelly’s leadership in the category and the continued growth of probiotic food and beverages. With this partnership, we look forward to driving new product innovation as well as expanding our team to reach new consumers”.

301 INC vice president and general manager John Haugen added: “We’re thrilled that GoodBelly is joining the 301 INC investment portfolio. The digestive health space is emerging quickly, and we look forward to helping GoodBelly reach more consumers through its remarkable products and brand”.

Source: NextFoods (via Globe Newswire)

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“Setting out to give people something quite different from their typical yogurt experience”, YQ By Yoplait is said to be made from ultra-filtered milk combined with active cultures that undergoes a special “stirring” developed by Yoplait in France. According to General Mills, “the result is a thick, smooth, extra creamy texture with a differential nutritional profile that is intentionally less sweet”.

YQ By Yoplait comes in a choice of eight flavours and is advertised as containing 15g-17g protein per pot, as well as less sugar than the leading brand of Greek yoghurt.

Commenting on the launch, Yoplait vice president for marketing Doug Martin said: “If you look at the most popular diet in America today, the real answer is ‘my diet’. People have tried a lot of approaches and more and more people are finding what works for them. We wanted to give people something that is simply made and presented in a straight forward way with the facts they are seeking”.

Source: General Mills

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Founded in 2002, Blue Buffalo is described as a fast-growing major pet food company that markets natural foods and treats for dogs and cats under the Blue brand. Blue is claimed to be the number 1 “wholesome natural pet food brand” in the US, reporting $1.275 billion in net sales and $319 million in adjusted EBITDA for the 2017 fiscal year.

General Mills said the transaction established it as the leader in the US wholesome natural pet food category and would accelerate its portfolio reshaping strategy.

“The addition of BLUE to our family of well-loved brands provides General Mills with the leading position in the large and growing Wholesome Natural pet food category and represents a significant milestone as we reshape our portfolio to drive additional growth and value creation for our shareholders”, said General Mills chairman and chief executive officer, Jeff Harmening. “We are competing more effectively in our existing categories by really listening to consumers and providing a variety of options that meet their needs. In pet food, as in human food, consumers are seeking more natural and premium products and we have tremendous respect for how attentive Blue Buffalo has been to the needs of their consumers, pet parents and pets, as they have built their brand”.

Source: General Mills

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Founded in 2009, Purely Elizabeth has a portfolio of “innovative and nutrient-rich ingredients” including granola bars, ancient grain granola, probiotic granola, grain-free granola, oatmeal, muesli and cereal. All the firm’s products are said to be made with certified gluten-free, vegan, organic and Non-GMO Project verified ingredients and to be free from artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives.

Purely Elizabeth is also about to launch a new line of “superfood mushroom-powered” bars made of ancient grain granola and OM mushroom formula.

“This investment is a great validation that Purely Elizabeth has become a brand to watch in the natural foods industry”, commented Elizabeth Stein, founder and chief executive officer of Purely Elizabeth. “Our strategic partnership allows us to utilize the resources and support of General Mills to boost our new product development, furthering our mission to redefine the standards of packaged foods”.

Source: Food Business News

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D’s Natural is a firm that markets products that are soy, sugar and dairy free and contain bioengineered ingredients. Its portfolio includes No Cow Bar Snack Bars and Fluffbutter Protein Infused Peanut Spreads.

Taking its name from the address of General Mills’ original Pillsbury mill, 301 INC was created in October 2015 “seeking businesses with early success to have a strong product offering and an expandable brand”. Since the launch of the fund, General Mills has invested in a number of early-stage business included Tio Gazpacho, Kite Hill, Good Culture, Beyond Meat amd Rhythm Superfoods.

Source: Food Business News

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Oriental FMCG giant Bright Foods bought a majority stake in Weetabix in 2012, but so far the UK’s second biggest cereal brand has failed to conquer the Chinese market, the report continues. The company has reportedly hired banking firm Goldman Sachs to advise it as it bids to offload the business.

PepsiCo, which owns Quaker Oats, is said to be among a number of suitors for the 84-year old business. Food giants Nestle and General Mills are also reported to have expressed an interest via their joint venture Cereal Partners Worldwide.

Bright Foods’ 60% stake in Weetabix valued the latter at £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion) at the time of the 2012 deal.

Source: The Telegraph

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The Mount Waverley plant, which produces goods such as Latina chilled pasta meals, is set to close between April and June 2018, General Mills said. The move would also see the consolidation of its Australian manufacturing activity into an expanded production facility in Rooty Hill, New South Wales and broader Australian supply chain network, the firm added.

“The difficult decision to close the Mount Waverley facility, which makes pasta, sauce and ready-to-eat meals, was taken to simplify General Mills’ supply chain and secure the future growth of the business”, the company commented in a press release.

The food giant’s move in Australia follows a previous announcement regarding a restructure of the firm’s global operations, impacting Brazil, China and the USA.

Source: General Mills / Australian Food News

The post Australia: General Mills to close plant in Victoria appeared first on Gama.

The new line features images from the Warner Bros’ film Justice League used under licence, and comes in a traditional Butter flavour in addition to Hamburger and Pizza.

Launched in time for Dia Das Criancas (Children’s Day) in Brazil (12^th October), Yoki Justice League Microwave Popcorn comes in a 50g pack, each featuring a different character from the film: Batman is featured on the Hamburger variety, Superman on the Pizza flavour and Wonder Woman on the Butter flavour.

The new Justice League launch adds to a Yoki popcorn portfolio that consists of Plain, Plain with Salt and Butter varieties, as well as coated popcorn in the variants Butter, Caramel and Chocolate.

Source: Giro News / General Mills

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The funds are slated for the firm’s facility in Buffalo, NY, which is described as the firm’s oldest cereal factory in the USA, and will be used for new packaging equipment, upgraded ingredient systems and to begin production of Corn Chex and Honey Nut Chex cereal products, according to information. The plant currently has 417 staff and produces Lucky Charms and Cheerios branded goods.

Commenting on the investment, Allen Brown, plant manager at General Mills’ Buffalo facility, said: “We’re proud to expand our product portfolio here in Buffalo, and we look forward to continuing to make food that people love”.

Source: Food Business News

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In Brazil, the company said that, as part of plans to eliminate excess capacity, it would be closing factories in Marilia and Sao Bernardo do Campo in the state of Sao Paulo. Goods currently produced at the Marilia site will be transferred to General Mills units in other parts of the country.

In Asia Pacific, General Mills said that it had decided to exit the fruit snacks business in China and would stop producing Trix products at its Nanjing, China, facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Meanwhile in the USA, the firm said that it had made a tentative decision to close its manufacturing facility in Vineland, New Jersey to eliminate excess soup capacity in its North America supply chain, and had also reached a tentative agreement to sell its Martel, Ohio, facility, which manufactures dry baking mix products, to Mennel Milling.

Source: General Mills / Supermercado Moderno

The post USA: General Mills announces supply chain restructure appeared first on Gama.

Tiny Toast, the first new cereal brand launched by General Mills since 2001, comes to the market after one year of development and aims to appeal all the family with the combination of whole grain oats and real fruit that makes “each tiny bit irresistible” with milk or as a snack.

Promoted as free of high fructose corn syrup and containing no artificial flavours or colours, the new product is available in strawberry and blueberry flavours. Each piece of toast is covered by fruit powder that the company says “gives you this really large pop of aroma that’s missing from those other fruit cereals”.

Source: General Mills

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The new “wild game” bars are  Wild Boar with uncured bacon, Venison with sea salt and pepper and Salmon with sea salt, launched alongisde a snack known as Salmon Maple Dill bites.

Commenting on the launch, Epic co-founder Taylor Collins said: “Epic has always focused on staying ahead of other meat snacks and accomplishing this with unbelievable innovation. The idea to create an entire line of wild game products was in the spirit of using delicious and healthy meats that are widely accessible, but deep-rooted in the history of North America”.

The new products have been launched at Whole Foods Market stores and other natural food retailers in the US.

Source: General Mills

The post USA: General Mills launches new snack bars under the Epic brand appeared first on Gama.

Epic Provisions is an animal protein snacks company co-founded in 2013 by Taylor Collins and Katie Forrest, who will remain in the company after the acquisition. The company’s original Epic meat, fruit, and nut bars, available in varieties such as Bison Bacon Cranberry, Beef Habanero Cherry, Chicken Sesame BBQ and Pulled Pork Pineapple, along newer products such as Epic Jerky Bites and Epic Hunt and Harvest Trail Mix. Epic bars are sold throughout the US at Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Natural Grocers, and at sporting and hiking shops and some conventional stores. The acquisition will operate under the Annie’s umbrella, another General Mills acquisition.

“The acquisition of Epic positions General Mills for exciting growth with a highly authentic brand in an entirely new natural snacking category”, said John Foraker, president of Annie’s: “A purpose-driven brand like Epic perfectly aligns with the experience and capabilities set that Annie’s brings to the table. Epic has tremendous potential for growth in the natural snacking category. We’re committed to maintaining the great-tasting Epic snacks people love while further building this important brand to drive positive impact we can be proud of well into the future”.

Source: General Mills

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Carolina operates in southern and south-eastern Brazil and is known for the regional brands Carolina, VeryGurt and Gluck. It started producing yoghurt in 1995 under the Gluck brand and now markets more than 20 lines of dairy products.

The acquisition of Carolina marks the entry of General Mills, which owns the Yoplait brand, into the Brazilian yoghurt category, where it will compete with other major players such as Danone, Nestle, Lactalis and JBS.

Commenting on the launch, Chris O’Leary, executive vice president and chief operating officer – international at General Mills, said: “We are delighted to add Carolina’s strong brands and talented team to General Mills’ growing international business. Carolina’s strong capabilities in yogurt and dairy will accelerate General Mills’ growth in Brazil. We plan to invest and build on the strong Carolina product portfolio, leveraging our own expertise and the Carolina team to grow and expand in Brazil – a very important market for General Mills International”.

Source: General Mills / Valor

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The company has earmarked two more facilities – one in the UK and one in New Zealand – for closure as part of its restructuring plans. The first is a plant in East Temaki, New Zealand that produces pasta, sauces and soup products and  employs 20 staff. The second is a refrigerated dough and baking mix plant in the border town of Berwick in the north-east of England (UK), which employs 265 people.

The first facility is due to be closed by the end of this year, while the UK factory is expected to remain open for a further year to allow time for all its activities to be wound down.

Source: Manufacturing.net / Star Tribune

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According to sources quoted by Reuters, B&G is in late stage discussions but General Mills could yet turn to other interested parties should negotiations fall through. Bonduelle, Cerberus and Platinum Equity are all said to have made offers for Green Giant.

A deal from one of these various parties could value Green Giant, which has roughly $700 million in sales, at between $600 million and $800 million, according to the sources.

In May, with acquisitions in mind, B&G announced a secondary offering to raise approximately $125 million. Two months later, it bought pizza crust producer Spartan Foods of America for $50 million.

If B&G prevails in the auction for Green Giant, it would expand beyond shelf-stable snack food into the frozen food aisle.

Source: Reuters / Food World News

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The company is said to be teaming up with the private equity division of investment bank Centerview to form a consortium to fund the acquisition but reportedly would be likely to face competition from other companies for the brand.

The Green Giant division manufactures more than 160 different products including steamed and canned vegetables, chips and hummus. It is believed to generate around $700 million per year in revenue but has struggled as consumers shift from sauced products to more plain vegetables,  the Reuters reports adds.

Bonduelle has previously secured a number of other North American acquisitions including US-based canned and frozen vegetable firm Allens, and, in Canada, Omstead Foods, Family Tradition Foods and Aliments Carriere.

Source: Reuters

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In Joplin, Missouri, the company said it would shut its manufacturing facility on Junge Boulevard, which manufactures snack products and has been operated by General Mills since 2014, by the end of the year. A facility on Stephens Boulevard in the same location, however, is set to remain open and will continue operating, the company said.

Meanwhile General Mills also announced a preliminary decision to close its plant in West Chicago, Illinois, subject to negotiation with union officials. The West Chicago plant manufactures cereal, meals and snack products and has been operated by General Mills since 1959.

In total, around 620 jobs could be impacted.

Source: General Mills

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According to Australian Food News, the mixes come in three varieties of vanilla cake and devil’s food chocolate cake, which both include icing, as well as chocolate fudge brownies. The new launches are said to be equivalent to three existing varieties in the standard Betty Crocker baking mix range which contains more than 30 SKUs including muffins, tarts, cupcakes, brownies and cookies.

In addition to being gluten free, the new cake mixes are claimed to be free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Available at Coles, Woolworths and independent supermarkets, Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes have a recommended retail price of A$6.59 ($4.93) for 450g.

Source: Australian Food News

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In a website post, the company said it had “heard that artificial ingredients aren’t what you are looking for in your bowl”.

“The change affects roughly 40 percent of our cereals over the next two to three years. Currently, about 60 percent of our cereals already are free of artificial flavours or colours from artificial sources and have been that way for several years”, the company said. “We are aiming for 75 percent by January – including Reese’s Puffs and Trix – and 90 percent by the end of 2016”.

General Mills also noted that the development would take some time because each cereal requires different changes, and particular difficulties have been found in some cases to ensure that the product looks the same after removing the artificial colour.

“We’ve been working relentlessly to make sure these cereals still taste like what people are used to eating”, says Kate Gallager, research and development manager for Cereal.

Source: General Mills

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The brand is being rolled out through three lines: Perle de Lait, a thick French-style yogurt; Panier de Fruits, a yogurt with a fruit layer on the bottom; and O’Fruit, a yogurt drink with large fruit pieces.

The company said it planned to distribute throughout Shanghai initially and then expand from there with a city-by-city approach. The product launch marked the largest expansion of the Yoplait international brand since General Mills assumed a controlling interest in Yoplait in 2011, the company added.

“Our entry into China with Yoplait is a major milestone in General Mills history,” said Ken Powell, General Mills chairman and chief executive officer.

Gary Chu, president of General Mills Greater China said “With the tremendous economic growth in China, consumers are increasingly demanding better quality and experience of foods”, adding: “our goal from the very beginning was to bring the authentic French taste of Yoplait yogurt to China.”

To get an authentic taste, the new yogurt production facility, in a suburb of Shanghai, reportedly uses the same production processes as in France.

According to General Mills, Yoplait is the strong no. 2 player in the $83 billion global yogurt category, generating $4 billion in retail sales and available in more than 50 markets internationally.

Source: General Mills

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The new investment, which aims to increase the capacity of the Murfreesboro plant and will include the addition of two production lines, is part of “Project Century”, the company’s company-wide restructuring plan.

The plant, which currently produces Yoplait yogurt and all of the company’s Toaster Strudel products, is expected to take over some of the Pillsbury refrigerated baked goods production as a result of the closure of the company’s plant in New Albany, IN, in mid-2016.

“On behalf of our Murfreesboro employees, and General Mills, we’re excited for what’s to come and look forward to continued success in Murfreesboro”, said Dave Tincher, plant manager.

Source: Food Business News

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According to a company statement, Annie’s will join the General Mills US natural and organic product portfolio, which includes the Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, Larabar and Food Should Taste Good brands that together generated net sales of approximately $330 million in its latest fiscal year. Net sales for the Annie’s brand in its last fiscal year were $204 million.

Jeff Harmening, General Mills Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – US Retail, said: “This acquisition will significantly expand our presence in the U.S. branded organic and natural foods industry, where sales have been growing at a 12 percent compound rate over the last 10 years. Annie’s competes in a number of attractive food categories, with particular strength in convenient meals and snacks—two of General Mills’ priority platforms”.

He added: “Consumers know and trust Annie’s purpose-driven culture and authentic brand. We believe that combining the Annie’s product portfolio and go-to-market capabilities with General Mills’ supply chain, sales and marketing resources will accelerate the growth of our organic and natural foods business”.

Source: General Mills

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According to Food Business News, with what is said to be the right product portfolio, distribution and manufacturing capacity in place, the company is investing heavily in the marketing and merchandising of its US yoghurt products. However, those investments, along with higher dairy input costs and competitive pricing actions affected profitability during the company’s third quarter. Additionally, it was said that retail sales for the segment declined, due in part to bad weather.

Ken Powell, chairman and chief executive officer for General Mills spoke of the investment by saying: “During this period, we really put our foot down on the pedal with incremental investments business and we are already seeing the benefits.”

In January, the company introduced 16 products, double the number launched in the previous year, along with introductory trade funds to generate feature and display of the new items. General Mills also launched a Greek yoghurt taste-off campaign, which included in-store sampling and a pop-up store in New York City where consumers were able to taste Yoplait Greek products.

Source: Food Business News

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The company reported adjusted diluted earnings per share of US $0.83 for the 13 weeks to the 24 November, less than the expected earnings of $0.88 a share.  The overall operating profit was up 5% at $870.1m, however segment operating profit (excluding corporate expenses) dropped by 4% when compared to previous results.

Net sales were flat at $4.88bn compared to the previous year’s second quarter, however net income increased modestly to 594.9m.

General Mills attributed the lower earnings to increased raw material costs and reduced US sales. Chairman and CEO Ken Powell stated: “The second quarter was a difficult comparison to strong prior-year sales and earnings results for our businesses, In addition, the period included the highest quarterly input cost inflation we expect to see this fiscal year, and food and beverage industry sales in the US”.

Source: Just Food

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