France: Auchan and Systeme U to further alliance – reports
French retail chains Auchan and Systeme U are to extend their alliance by potentially implementing a new set of franchising agreements, encompassing store rebrandings, according to a report in LSA. Auchan is said to be proposing a new arrangement that would see 70 Hyper U hypermarkets adopt the Auchan name, operating under a 10 year […]
Ireland: BWC Group to acquire Londis
BWC Group, owner of the retailer Spar in Ireland, is to acquire rival group Londis, according to a report in the Irish Times. Stephen O’Riordan, chief executive of Londis, which operates 200 stores across the country, said: “We’re keen to continue a journey that has seen the group drive efficiency and service whilst delivering value […]
Russia: Cherkizovo launches “healthy steaming” chicken line
Cherkizovo Group, a manufacturer of meat and poultry products, has released a new ready to cook chilled chicken range promoted as being especially suited for steaming or slow cooking. The new line, being made available under the Petelinka brand in Russia, is said to be free of high fat and high-calorie ingredients and low in […]
Germany: Lambertz takes over nougat maker Ifri Schumann
Aachen, Germany based confectionery manufacturer Lambertz is to take over Nuremberg based firm Ifri Schumann, according to a report in Handelsblatt. Ifri Schumann is a producer of traditional gingerbread products and also has an operation manufacturing nougat. The nougat business, where Lambertz is not currently active, would be a good complement to the firm’s existing […]
Belgium: Vandemoortele acquires Lanterna-Agritech
Vandermoortele, a leading European player in frozen bakery products, has announced that it is to acquire Lanterna-Agritech (LAG), extending its product range with typically Italian products. LAG employs around 300 people and has production operations in Genoa, Ravenna and Padua. In 2013 its turnover was €87 million ($100 million). Commenting on the deal, LAG spokesman […]
UK: Unilever reports modest 2014 growth amid market slowdown
Consumer goods giant Unilever has detailed its global financial performance for 2014, revealing modest growth figures in what it described as “tougher markets”. Underlying sales rose 2.9%, although turnover declined 2.7% to €48.4 billion ($56.1 billion) including a negative currency impact of 4.6%, the company said. The firm reported a slowdown in growth in emerging […]
Germany: Rossmann releases annual results, announces plans for 2015
The German pharmacy chain Rossmann has announced its financial results for 2014, revealing that its total sales have exceeded €7 billion for the first time. The company closed 2014 with sales amounting to €7.2 billion ($8.3 billion) and revenue growth of 8.7%. In its home country of Germany, where it operates 1,919 stores, the firm […]
Switzerland: Emmi launches high-protein probiotic yoghurt
Emmi is launching a new protein-enriched probiotic yoghurt range, YoQua, as it looks to respond to the global trend for protein-enhanced products. The new YoQua probiotic yogurt contains 8%-10% protein and 2% fat and is claimed to be the “perfect mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack” which will eliminate hunger pangs. “Proteins are fashionable, for a variety […]
Germany: DM launches Zell Activ face and eye care series
German health & beauty retailer Drogerie Markt (DM) has launched a new line of face and eye care products said to help support skin regeneration and prevent aging. The new ‘Zell Activ’ series, launched under the Alverde Naturkosmetik brand, is said to include an active ‘PowerExtension’ formula made with 100% vegetable stem cells which is […]
Netherlands: Heineken opens brewery in Ethiopia
Beer maker Heineken has inaugurated a new brewery in Ethiopia – the country’s biggest – located in Kilinto, in the municipality of Addis Ababa. With a total capacity of 1.5 million hectolitres, the factory is producing beer for the Walia, Bedele and Harar beer brands but will also soon also commence production of the flagship […]