UK: Waitrose to trial “cashless” store
Supermarket chain Waitrose is set to become the first major chain in the UK to open a retail outlet where cash payments will not be accepted. The new outlet in Sky’s flagship head office building at its campus in Osterley will be 1,400 square feet in size and is set to be complete by the […]
UK: McCormick decides against offer for Premier Foods
McCormick, the US spice and seasoning firm, has announced that it no longer intends making an offer to acquire the UK-based food manufacturer Premier Foods. Premier Foods had reportedly rebuffed three approaches from the American firm before announcing last week that it had entered “constructive” talks regarding a possible takeover. The latest offer put forward by McCormick […]
France: Mondelez confectionery brands to be sold to Eurazeo
North American food business Mondelez is to sell a number of its confectionery brands in Europe to France-based investment firm Eurazeo, according to French media reports. The sale includes more than 10 established brands including Poulain, Carambar, Krema, La Pie Qui Chante and Terry’s as well as the licence to Pastilles Vichy, Rochers Suchard and […]
UK: Cranswick acquires Crown Chicken for £40 million
Cranswick, the UK manufacturer of fresh and coooked meats, pastry products and sandwiches, has announced that it has acquired East Anglia-based Crown Chicken, the UK’s sixth largest poultry producer. Crown is a leading integrated poultry producer that breeds, rears and processes fresh chicken and has annual sales of almost £84 million ($120 million). The deal […]
UK: The Co-operative plans to open 100 stores in 2016
UK supermarket and convenience store chain The Co-operative plans has announced plans to open up to 100 new stores in in 2016, according to a report in Talking Retail. The retailer is said to have already spent more than £8 million ($11 million) on 12 new store openings in areas such as Blackpool, Glasgow, Newhaven […]
UK: Premier Foods in “constructive” talks with McCormick
Having previously rebuffed an approach by US firm McCormick, UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced that it is now in “constructive” talks with the spice and seasonings giant over a possible takeover deal. In an update posted on the firm’s website, Premier Foods said that it had arranged to meet its main institutional investors “to […]
UK: Muller to consult on the closure of two facilities
The UK arm of German dairy firm Muller has announced that it is consulting on the closure of two plants in Scotland as part of a reorganisation of its production operations in the country. In a press release, the firm said that had entered into a 45 day statutory consultation to examine the potential winding down […]
UK: Danone launches Light & Free greek style yoghurt range
French food and drinks multinational Danone is introducing its new Light & Free range of yoghurt, aiming to appeal to young women with a combination of bold pack design and multiple health claims. Broadly comparable to the Dannon Light & Fit range of low-calorie yoghurts on sale in the US, Danone Light & Free will […]
UK: Great Little Grains launches breakfast cereal in a tube
Great Little Grains, a UK-based cereal firm, has announced the launch of a new line of breakfast cereal packed in a board tube. Sown & Grown mueslis and granolas are promoted as “batch produced” and “expertly crafted in the heart of the English countryside” using “100% British grains”. Developed in partnership with packaging Alexir, the […]
UK: Waitrose launches private label brand Waitrose 1
UK supermarket chain Waitrose has announced the launch of a new private label brand designed to unite existing premium ranges under one name. Launched online and in store from April, Waitrose 1 “will offer customers the very best of Waitrose with one simple yet distinctive brand”, the company said. The new name will bring together existing […]