China: Hangzhou Wahaha seeking potential takeover of Dean Foods – reports
Hangzhou Wahaha, China’s largest beverage producer, has shown interest in a potential takeover of Dean Foods, the largest milk processor in the US, according to a Financial Times article quoting “four people familiar with the company’s plan”. The Chinese firm has reportedly approached a number of banks to seek financial backing for a possible move. […]
Thailand: CP Foods invests $20 million to build new plant
Thailand-based food giant CP Foods has announced an investment of 700 million THB ($20 million) to build a new plant in Wang Noi, Thailand, according to a report in Undercurrent News. The new facility will reportedly specialize in manufacturing meal soups, producing 70,000 tons a day. “The elderly, sick persons, and vegetarians” are described as […]
China: Yili acquires 37% stake in Shengmu Dairy
Yili, China’s leading dairy company, has purchased a 37% stake in rival dairy firm Shengmu for $680 million, according to a report in Bloomberg. Shengmu, which specialises in organic milks and yoghurts, is the only Chinese dairy company to sell and produce organic milk which is certified European-standard, Bloomberg reports. It claims to have a […]
Australia: Schwarz Group considering opening Kaufland stores
Schwarz Group, the German retail giant behind the Lidl and Kaufland brands, is considering opening stores under the Kaufland brand in Australia, according to an article in N-tv.de. The supermarket group is currently conducting a feasibility study, “only after which a decision on a possible entry into the market will be made”, N-tv.de reports, quoting […]
India: Future Consumer launches oat brand Kosh
Future Consumer, an Indian consumer goods firm operating in the food, drinks, personal care and household space, has launched a new brand called Kosh with the stated objective of increasing the popularity of oats among Indian consumers. The new Kosh brand will be available as Instant Oats, Broken Oats, Oats Atta and Wheat + Oats […]
India: Creamline Dairy Products invests in new plant
Creamline Dairy Products, a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet (part of the Godrej group) and a dairy player in southern India, is investing 30 million crore ($4.5 million) to set up a new plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India to increase dairy production, according to a report in the Business Standard. The company currently owns seven […]
Japan: Kirin buys minority stake in Brooklyn Brewery
Kirin, the Japanese brewery firm, has announced that it has bought a minority share of 24.5% in the US based Brooklyn Brewery as a first step towards a business partnership between both companies. Under the partnership, Kirin said it planned to further energize the craft beer market in Japan and Brazil while supporting the growth […]
Malaysia: Gruma inaugurates new plant
Gruma, a Mexican manufacturer of corn flour, tortilla, flatbread and pizza base products, has opened a new plant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to Gruma’s president and CEO Juan Moreno, the investment of $55 million represents a “solid step” towards “consolidating our global presence and strengthening our position as the world leader in the production […]
Japan: Asahi set to bid for SABMiller’s Eastern Europe brands – reports
Japanese beverage giant Asahi is set to table a bid in the order of ¥500 billion ($4.87 billion) to acquire brewer SABMiller’s assets in eastern Europe, according to reports in Nikkei and Beverage Daily. The brands to be sold include Pilsner Urquell in Czech Republic, Tyskie and Lech in Poland, Dreher in Hungary, Topvar in […]
Australia: Be Natural launches cereal to be paired with coconut water
Be Natural, the Australian cereal and snack foods firm, has launched a new granola product that is specifically recommended to be partnered with coconut water rather than milk. Be Natural Coco-nutty Granola, flagged with the words “plant power”, is made with spelt, shredded coconut, nuts, seeds or fruits, and is offered in the varieties Coconut, […]