Denmark: Scandinavian Tobacco Group acquires Torano Family Cigar Company brands
Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) has announced the acqusition of all brands belonging to US-based cigar firm Torano Family Cigar Company. The transaction, the terms and conditions of which were not disclosed, will see Scandinavian Tobacco acquire the entire Torano Family portfolio, assuming responsibility for ownership and distribution. STG said the acquisition would strengthen the position […]
UK: Burton’s Biscuits mulling bid for United Biscuits
UK bakery firm Burton’s Biscuits is eyeing up a bid for its larger rival United Biscuits (UB) after the latter was put up for sale by its private equity owners, the Telegraph reports. However Burton’s, which produces biscuit products under brands including Jammy Dodgers, Maryland and Cadbury, is likely to face stiff competition from global […]
Germany: Aldi Nord introduces traceability platform for meat products
German supermarket chain Aldi Nord has launched a new initiative designed to increase the traceability of its meat products. The Aldi Transparenz Code (ATC), a numeric code found of the back of product packaging, is described as providing detailed information on the origin of meat and sausage products, as well as other products containing meat, […]
Belgium: Ardo and Dujardin merger gains approval
Belgium-based frozen vegetable producers Ardo and Dujardin Foods have announced that the merger agreement between the two companies, signed in March of this year, has been approved by the competition authorities in every market in which the companies are active. No restrictions or conditions were applied, however the companies said that the merger would not […]
Germany: Henkel invests €35 million in new centralised warehouse
German personal care and household goods manufacturer Henkel has announced the opening of its largest completely automated warehouse, located at its head office in Dusseldorf, Germany. The result of a €35 million ($45 million) investment, the new facility is described as covering the surface are of two football pitches and has storage capacity for more […]
France: Marionnaud rebrands and launches digital media campaign
As part of its 30 anniversary celebration, France-based multinational perfumery chain Marionnaud is embarking on a rebranding exercise and new digital media campaign, LSA reports. To emphasise its connections with the French capital, the company is changing its name from Marionnaud to Marionnaud Paris. The move is intended to boost its prestige in international markets. […]
France: Groupe Bel H1 profit down as raw material costs rise
The France-based multinational dairy company Groupe Bel, which owns brands including Babybel, Boursin, Kiri, Leerdammer and La Vache Qui Rit, has posted a profit fall for the first six months of its 2014 financial year. Net profit for H1 ended 38.9% down at €82 million ($106 million) while operating profit was down 48.4% to €47 […]
Innovation Insight: St Hubert Margarine with Chocolate Chips
Gama’s innovation focus this week is a product that seeks to take margarine into uncharted waters through sweet flavours – St Hubert Margarine with Chocolate Chips. Launched in France as an extension to the established St Hubert line of margarines, St Hubert Margarine with Chocolate Chips is an attempt to reposition margarine as a healthy […]
UK: Spar to launch private label Indian and Oriental ranges
UK retailer has set its sights on developing its private label portfolio, unveiling new ranges of Indian and Oriental foods to be launched this September. Among the 17 new lines being introduced are ready meals, including Chicken Jalfrezi with Rice, Lamb Rogan Josh with Rice, Thai Green Chicken Curry with Rice and Chicken in Blackbean […]
Germany: Dr. Oetker to acquire McCain pizza business in North America
McCain Foods has signed a deal to sell its frozen pizza business in North America to Dr. Oetker, CBC News reports. As a result of the deal, the value of which has not yet been disclosed, Dr. Oetker will acquire the Ellio’s brand in the US and a licence to use the McCain brand in […]