Italy: Lavazza to acquire Carte Noire – reports
Italian coffee firm Lavazza has entered into an agreement to acquire the Carte Noire coffee brand from Douwe Egberts, according to media reports. The deal, said to be valued in the region of €800 million (£550 million), follows European commission concerns stemming from the merger of the DE Master Blenders and Mondelez International coffee businesses […]
Spain: Mahou San Miguel adds three flavours to San Miguel 0.0% range
Mahou San Miguel, the leading Spanish brewer, has introduced three new flavour combinations for its San Miguel 0.0% range that mixes alcohol-free beer and 100% natural fruit juice. Launched in time for the summer, the new varieties are Pinacuya (Pineapple and Passionfruit), Melocotuva (Peach and Grape) and Naramango (Orange and Mango). The first of these […]
France: Bonduelle aiming to land Green Giant acquisition – reports
French firm Bonduelle, which produces canned and processed vegetable goods, is seeking to acquire General Mills’ Green Giant arm, according to a report in Reuters quoting “people familiar with the matter”. The company is said to be teaming up with the private equity division of investment bank Centerview to form a consortium to fund the […]
France: Danone experimenting with screen technology for fridge units
France-based firm Danone is experimenting with a new ‘screen’ technology that allows it to communicate messages to consumers digitally at point of sale, according to an article in LSA. Designed for the transparent ‘doors’ that are a now common feature of many supermarket chiller cabinets, the screen is intended to increase interaction with the consumer […]
UK: AG Barr launches Rockstar Freeze energy drink
AG Barr is expanding the Rockstar range by introducing a new variety that will deliver a “cool sensation which adds a new dimension to the drinking experience”. Named Freeze, the new drink will feature a novel “chilling taste sensation” and will be launched in the “refreshing” flavours of Frozen Lime and Frozen Watermelon. The new […]
Spain: El Corte Ingles mulls international expansion – reports
El Corte Ingles, the leading Spanish grocery and department store, is planning to expand internationally with locations potentially in Mexico, Italy and Peru, according to a report in El Confidencial Digital (ECD). Currently present only in Spain and Portugal, the retailer is now said to be seeking new avenues for growth, backed by investment from […]
UK: Portlebay Popcorn adds Cappuccino to its flavour range
Devon, UK-based popcorn manufacturer Portlebay Popcorn has expanded its range of flavoured popcorn with the launch of a new Cappuccino variety. Promoted as the “first Cappuccino popcorn in the UK”, the new product is described as featuring “notes of silky caramel and a bitter hint of coffee”. “We strive to constantly innovate and continue to […]
Netherlands: Cloetta acquires Lonka
Cloetta, a confectionery maker active in the Netherlands, Italy and the Nordics and with presence in more than 50 countries, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the Dutch firm Locawo (Lonka) for SEK 295 million ($34 million). Lonka primarily produces and sells fudge, nougat and chocolate products. Approximately 50% of sales are branded […]
Russia: Mars to open M&M’s production line
Mars has invested 3 billion rubles ($52 million) to build a new production plant in Stupino, near Moscow, which will produce M&M’s confectionery. The new plant will reportedly increase the factory’s capacity by 18%. “The production lines and cutting-edge technologies provide an opportunity to manufacture the products in various formats without shutdowns and production reloads”, the […]
Germany: Volkel launches fair trade ice tea
Drinks manufacturer Volkel has launched three new varieties of fair trade ice tea for consumers in Germany. Certified by the Fair Trade Sustainability Alliance, the new ice teas are described as being the result of alliances with local producers from across the world – namely Egypt, Japan and Argentina. The first of these is a […]