USA: Coca-Cola to sell Zico coconut water to original founder
Global soft drinks company Coca-Cola Company has sold the Zico coconut water brand back to its original owner, through the equity firm PowerPlant Ventures, after eight years. Mark Rampolla, creator of the Zico brand and co-founder of PowerPlant Ventures, said: “I respect the decision of Coca-Cola to focus on other elements of their beverage business. […]
USA: Maple Leaf Foods to expand plant-based production
Maple Leaf Foods has announced that its subsidiary Greenleaf Foods, a leader in plant protein products, has acquired a food processing plant in Indianapolis, USA, in order to increase production capacity for tempeh. According to Maple Leaf Foods, growing demand for Greenleaf Foods’ Lightlife tempeh products was the driving force behind the acquisition of the 118,000 sq […]
USA: Utz Brands to acquire Vitner’s snack brand
Savoury snacks US firm Utz Brands has announced that its subsidiary Utz Quality Foods has reached an agreement to acquire the Vitner’s snacks brand and distribution assets from Snak-King Corp for $25 million. The sale includes intellectual property such as the brand trademark and direct-store-delivery (DSD) distribution assets related to the brand’s products. “This transaction is […]
USA: Ben & Jerry’s launches Doggie Desserts
Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s, a subsidiary of FMCG multinational Unilever, has entered into the pet food market with Doggie Desserts, a new line of frozen dog treats. The range is said to use the same ingredients a the company’s regular non-dairy desserts such as pea protein, coconut oil, and wheat flour, with a […]
USA: Jimmy’s Cookies acquires Ecce Panis from Campbell Soup
US-based manufacturer of branded and private label biscuits Jimmy’s Cookies has entered into an agreement to acquire artisan bread brand Ecce Panis from Campbell Soup. The acquisition includes Ecce Panis’ bakery facility, which will double Jimmy’s Cookies’ manufacturing capacity for its gourmet biscuit business. “The addition of the Ecce Panis brand is consistent with our […]
USA: Mondelez to acquire snacking company Hu Master Holding
Snack and confectionery multinational Mondelez has announced the acquisition of Hu Master Holding, a US-based snack company. In 2019, Mondelez made a minority investment in Hu through its SnackFutures division. Hu is a family business founded in 2012 that has become a category leader in premium chocolate bars with a portfolio of products that includes snacking […]
USA: Zevia secures $200 million investment
Global institutional investor Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) has invested $200 million in the US beverage producer Zevia. Zevia is headquartered in Los Angeles and produces zero-calorie, stevia-sweetened soft drinks, organic teas, and mixers that are distributed in the US and Canada. Zevia CEO Paddy Spence commented: “Zevia is focused on making […]
Canada: Lactalis Canada buys Ultima Foods
Lactalis Canada, a subsidiary of French dairy giant Lactalis, has announced the acquisition of yoghurt and fresh dairy firm Ultima Foods from Agropur Group. According to the company, the transaction includes all shares in Ultima Foods, and the Iogo, Iogo Nano, and Olympic brands as well as yoghurt production facilities in several locations. With the […]
USA: Whole Earth Brands to buy Wholesome Sweeteners
Plant-based food firm Whole Earth Brands has entered into an agreement to acquire Wholesome Sweeteners for an initial price of $180 million. Founded in 2001, Wholesome Sweeteners produces plant-based and fair-trade certified sweeteners, including sugar, honey, agave nectar, allulose, and other liquids and sweetener products, holding a 76% share in the organic granulated sugar segment […]
China: Nestle launches Harvest Gourmet brand
Food and drink giant Nestle has announced that it is introducing the plant-based brand Harvest Gourmet in China. According to a company’s press release, the plant-based range includes burgers, sausages, nuggets, and mince, as well as alternatives to meals such as kung pao chicken, braised meatballs, pork belly, and spicy wok. The new range will be […]