USA: Zevia expands into energy drinks and sparkling water
Zevia, the US-based firm specialising in zero-calorie, naturally sweetened soft drinks, has announced that it is expanding into new categories with the launch of energy drinks and sparkling water. Zevia Energy, containing 120 mg of “natural caffeine”, will be available in the flavours Mango Ginger, Raspberry Lime and Grapefruit, with an RRP of $1.99 per can. Meanwhile […]
USA: Aldi launches “free from” meat range
Discount grocery retailer Aldi has launched a new line of meat products offering “simple meats at affordable prices they’re known for”. The new Aldi Never Any! line of meat products is specifically claimed to be free from antibiotics, added hormones and steroids and animal by-products. It includes Kirkwood Chicken Breast ($3.99 per lb), Lunch Mate Ham […]
USA: Steep Echo launches Olive Leaf Tea
US-based startup herbal tea firm Steep Echo has announced the launch of a new Olive Leaf Tea that is promoted as all natural, caffeine free, and made from hand-harvested Santa Barbaran dried olive leaves combined with botanicals. The five blends offered by the company are said to have been crafted in partnership with industry experts […]
Canada: McCain to invest $65 million in plant expansion
Canada-based potato processor McCain is to spend $65 million to expand its chips (fries) facility in Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, according to a report in Food Business News. The investment will see the addition of a new production line catering to demand for hash brown patties and other potato products, alongside a 32,000 sq ft expansion to the […]
USA: Hershey rebuffs takeover offer from Mondelez International
Hershey, the US chocolate firm, has announced that it has rebuffed a takeover offer from global snack and confectionery firm Mondelez International. The Pennsylvania-based firm confirmed that it had received a preliminary, non-binding indication of interest from Mondelez to acquire the company for a mix of cash and stock consideration worth $107 a share of Hershey common stock, or […]
USA: Kellogg to invest $100 million in start-up businesses
US-based cereal and snack giant Kellogg has announced its plans to set up a new venture capital fund, called Eighteen94 Capital, which supports growth of food firms by funding $100 million in developing new businesses of new food, ingredients, packaging and technology. With an aim to make “minority investments in companies pursuing next-generation innovation, bolstering […]
USA: Coca-Cola invests in Aloe Gloe
Soft drinks firm Coca-Cola has announced an investment in aloe vera drinks company Aloe Gloe through its Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) unit. Aloe Gloe is a part of LA Libations, an emerging beverage incubator founded by Danny Stepper, Pat Bolden and Dino Sarti who first met while working as merchandisers for Coca-Cola Enterprises. Aloe Gloe produces […]
USA: Teasdale Foods to acquire Mesa Foods
Teasdale Foods, a provider of private label and branded beans, hominy, peppers, sauces, corn and seasoning products that is majority owned by private equity firm Snow Phipps Group, has announced that it is acquiring Hispanic foods firm Mesa Foods. Founded in 1984, Mesa is an industry-leading producer of private label tortillas, flatbreads, taco shells, taco kits and […]
USA: Nestle launches Hot Pockets Food Truck range
FMCG multinational Nestle is expanding its Hot Pockets hot snacks range with a new line of sandwiches and “bites” based on the ‘food truck’ concept. Advertised as “bring[ing] the taste of popular food trucks to freezers nationwide”, the new range is said to have been developed in collaboration with four award-winning food truck proprietors from […]
USA: Mars expands Yorkville factory with $50 million investment
Wrigley, a subsidiary of food multinational Mars, has announced the opening of an extension to its factory in Yorkville, Illinois that will manufacture products under the Skittles brand. The result of $50 million investment, the line will see headcount at the facility increase by 25%, Mars said. Wrigley’s Yorkville factory produces a number of key […]