Russia: VkusVill to open first store in the Netherlands
VkusVill, a Russian-based supermarket chain, is planning to expand and open a store in the Netherlands in the coming weeks, according to a Reuters report. Having started one decade ago selling fresh dairy products from local producers, the company positions itself as a neighbourhood distributor of affordable fresh food through supermarkets and self-checkout micro markets. […]
UK: Diageo acquires majority stake in Seedlip
Diageo, the UK based alcoholic drinks giant, has announced the acquisition of a significant majority shareholding in Seedlip, described as the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit brand. Launched in 2015 by Ben Branson “to solve the dilemma of ‘what to drink when you’re not drinking’”, Seedlip comes in the varieties Spice 94, Garden 108 and […]
UK: Nestle to launch dairy-free coffee mixes
Consumer goods giant Nestle has announced the launch of three dairy-free coffee mixes under the Nescafe Gold brand in the UK and Ireland. According to a company press release, the new products are the world’s first plant-based soluble coffee mixes and all have vegan certification. Available as Coconut Latte, Almond Latte and Oat Latte, the new lineup is said […]
Germany: Danone to launch Volvic coffee drink
The German division of Danone, the dairy and bottled water giant, has launched a new water under the Volvic name that is said to be infused with coffee and to feature added fruit flavours, according to a FoodBev report. Claimed to be a “sensational alternative to iced tea”, the new coffee-infused water is available in Mocha […]
Italy: Lactalis buys Nuova Castelli
French dairy giant Lactalis has announced the acquisition of Italian cheese maker Nuova Castelli, which was majority owned by private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners. With the acquisition of Nuova Castelli, Lactalis said it would strengthen its position in Italy where it currently operates 29 production sites and has a workforce of over 5,500 people. Nuova […]
Spain: Ferrero to acquire Ice Cream Factory Comaker
Global confectionery group Ferrero has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Ice Cream Factory Comaker (ICFC), a Spanish ice cream manufacturer. In a joint press release, Ferrero said the acquisition reinforced its commitment to satisfying consumers’ needs in different categories. ICFC is a global food company specialised in designing and manufacturing ice […]
UK: Wessanen to launch plastic-free teabags
Wessanen-owned UK tea firm Clipper Teas has announced the introdcution of plastic free, non-genetically modified and unbleached teabags for use in all of its products. The new teabags will reportedly be made with natural plant-based material, made from a blend of abaca, plant cellulose fibres and biodegradable thermoplastic PLA. Emma Vass, Wessanen UK CEO, commented: […]
Ireland: Irish Distillers to invest €150 million in two facilities
Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers has announced an investment of €150 million (USD173.5 million) to expand and upgrade its sites in Cork and Dublin as response of the continued rise in demand for Irish whiskey. Out of the total investment, €130 million ($150.5 million) will be allocated for the firm’s Midleton distillery, and maturation site in Dungourney, […]
UK: Calbee to buy Seabrook crisp brand
Japanese snack producer Calbee, through its UK subsidiary, has announced the acquisition of savoury snack manufacturer Seabrook. Based in Bradford, Seabrook produces a range of crinkle cut, straight cut and lattice crisps, as well as low-calorie snacks. The brand’s crisps are available in sea salt and red wine vinegar, cream cheese and chives, and lamb […]
Czech Republic: Isoline launches new customisable functional drink
Isoline, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements has launched a functional drink called Escalate that can be tailored to customer needs. Escalate Functional Drink is described as being free from artificial colours and preservatives and made by using natural fruit and herbal extracts like schisandra, ginseng, matcha tea, ginkgo biloba and guarana, sweetened with stevia. The product […]