Belgium: Lotus Bakeries looking to build factory in the US
Biscuit and cakes manufacturer Lotus Bakeries has announced that it is looking to establish a factory in the USA in order to meet rising demand for its products in the country. Announcing the project in a press release, the Belgian firm said that it was considering Mebane, NC as the location for its new facility, with conversations already […]
Japan: Coca-Cola bottlers agree to merge – reports
Two of Japan’s largest Coca-Cola bottling firms have agreed to merge next year to create a company with combined annual sales of $9.95 billion, according to a Nikkei report. Tokyo-based Coca-Cola East Japan and Fukuoka-based Coca-Cola West bottle and distribute the majority of Coca-Cola’s products in Japan. A combined company would have 90% of domestic market […]
Germany: Krombacher acquires Vitamalz
German brewer Krombacher has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Vitamalz, an alcohol-free malt beverage, with effect from 16th September. The deal sees Krombacher take full ownership of Vitamalz, a firm in which it had previously held a 47% stake. The Kreuztal-based beermaker said that it had been the sole licence holder of […]
UK: Aldi to invest £300 million in stores
German discount chain Aldi has announced that it will be investing a sum of £300 million ($388 million) in its UK store network. The first aim of the investment is to refurbish current stores by adding ‘food-to-go’ areas, increasing baby & toddler, wines and spirits range, as well as adding new colours, lighting and signage. […]
UK: Unilever launces Knorr dried meal mixes
Unilever, the FMCG multinational, is broadening its Knorr portfolio in the UK with the launch of dried meal kits under the name Naturally Tasty!, according to a report in Talking Retail. Promoted as “full of natural ingredients”, Knorr Naturally Tasty! Dried Meal Kits are said to be free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Packs provide […]
UK: McCain expands into chilled food
Canada-based frozen food giant McCain is expanding into the chilled sector, with the launch of new ranges of ready-to-cook fries and roast potatoes in the UK. McCain Shake Shake Fries – one of the items in the firm’s new line up – come as a bag of chips that includes sachet of seasoning, which is […]
France: Lidl unveils organic banner
Discount supermarket chain Lidl is launching a new organic offering in France under the banner Si Bon, Si Bio (“So Good, So Organic”). The new umbrella name will make approximately 40 items available to French consumers, predominantly in ambient and chilled food categories but also in drinks. Among the products to be offered are fruit juices under the Solevita name, […]
UK: Boparan Holdings looking to buy Bernard Matthews – reports
Investment firm Boparan Holdings, the parent company of 2 Sisters Food Group, is to table a bid to acquire troubled UK turkey producer Bernard Matthews, according to a report in the Telegraph. The business, which has reportedly been loss-making in recent times, is said to have been up for sale for a number of months […]
Ireland: Ornua opens butter production & packing facility
Ornua, the Irish dairy cooperative, has announced the opening of its new €38 million ($42 million) Kerrygold butter production and packing facility in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, Ireland. Named Kerrygold Park, the new facility will have a capacity of up to 50,000 tonnes of butter per annum and will initially employ 65 people. In a statement, Ornua said that […]
UK: Mondelez International to launch Ritz Bakefuls
Mondelez International, the confectionery and snacks giant, is set to launch a new line of savoury snacks in the UK under the name Ritz Bakefuls. Described as a crispy, baked snack with 30% less fat, Ritz Bakefuls will be sold in multipacks of 5 x 23g single serve bags and will be available in Cream Cheese […]