UK: Heinz to launch baked beans with stevia
Heinz is to launch a new stevia-based low-sugar version of its canned baked beans in the UK, according to a report in Talking Retail. The stevia-sweetened product will reportedly contain 50% less sugar than standard Heinz Baked Beans and will replace the existing reduced sugar & salt variety, which boasts a 30% reduction in sugar […]
Ireland: Hibernia Distillers launches Hyde Irish Whiskey
Hibernia Distillers Limited, a company based in Cork, Ireland, has launched a new 10-year-old single malt whiskey under the Hyde brand, according to a report in European Supermarket Magazine. Hyde 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey is described as being aged in flame-charred oak Bourbon barrels, finished in fine Oloroso Sherry casks, and cut with West […]
Greece: Sklavenitis to acquire 60% stake of rival supermarket chain Veropoulos
Sklavenitis, a major Greek supermarket chain, is to acquire 60% stake of Veropoulos, a national competitor which holds the Spar retail franchise for Greece, according to a report in Kathimerini. Sklavenitis is the third largest chain in Greece and has 110 stores mostly in the Athens area. Veropoulos operates 185 stores with an especially large […]
Switzerland: Nestle in talks to sell Davigel to Brakes Group
Nestle is in talks to sell its frozen food unit Davigel to food service operator Brakes Group as part of an effort to streamline its portfolio, according to an article in Reuters. Brakes, which is owned by Bain Capital, already has businesses such as Freshfayre and M&J Seafood within its portfolio, and it is said […]
UK: Morrisons announces 5,000 shop floor jobs, head office cuts
Morrisons, the UK’s fourth biggest supermarket chain, has announced that it is looking to hire 5,000 new shop floor staff in its supermarkets in a bid to improve service and increase the number of available checkouts. The new strategy also includes proposals to reduce up to 720 head office roles, where staff numbers have grown […]
Netherlands: Heineken to buy majority stake in Pivovarna Lasko
Heineken has announced that it has signed a binding agreement with the Slovenian brewer Pivovarna Lasko, to acquire 51.11% of the issued share capital. The transaction, worth €114.3 million ($121.8 million), will help Heineken to strengthen its position in the European market due to Slovenia’s strategic location, the company said in a statement. Jean-Francois van […]
France: Monoprix launches new low-cost private label line
French retailer Monoprix is investing in a new private label line called Monoprix P’tit Prix. Translating as “small price”, the new line is said to provide affordable alternatives with no compromise on quality. Described as being focused on ‘core’ grocery products, Monoprix P’tit Prix is claimed by the retailer to offer flagship everyday products at a […]
UK: Mondelez International unveils Cadbury Dairy Milk Puddles
Mondelez International has added a new playful brand range to the Cadbury Dairy Milk line up in the UK, according to a report in Talking Retail. The new Cadbury Dairy Milk Puddles is described as a chocolate tablet in the shape of rippled ‘puddles’, with a smooth cream filling, and is reportedly targeting younger female […]
Germany: Nestle unveils herb-topped stock cubes
Nestle has unveiled a new product addition to its line of Maggi seasonings in Germany – Maggi Krauter & Bouillon Stock Cubes. The new ‘herb & bouillon’ cubes consist of a regular stock cube that is topped with a layer of parsley, chives and chervil and is available in three different varieties: Gemuse (Vegetable), Rind […]
UK: Kopparberg introduces “first” frozen cider
Kopparberg is expanding its Swedish cider range with the launch of a new ‘cider sorbet’ that is sold in a pouch and designed to be served frozen. Promoted as the “first frozen cider” and being launched in the UK in time for the summer months, Kopparberg Frozen Fruit Cider follows the launch of similar pouch […]