USA: ConAgra Foods divests private label operations
North American packaged food firm ConAgra Foods has confirmed that it is to dispose of its Ralcorp private label operations, having entered into a definitive agreement to sell the unit to TreeHouse Foods. The deal is worth approximately $2.7 billion in cash, excluding transaction-related expenses. Under the terms of the agreement, ConAgra Foods said it would divest the vast majority […]
USA: General Mills to close UK and New Zealand plants
US-based food producer General Mills has announced plans to close two more plants as it looks to streamline its manufacturing operations globally, according to reports in Manufacturing.net and the Star Tribune. The company has earmarked two more facilities – one in the UK and one in New Zealand – for closure as part of its […]
USA: Kellogg in talks to acquire Diamond Foods – reports
Breakfast cereal manufacturer Kellogg is in “late stage talks” with Diamond Foods over a potential acquisition of the company, according to a report in the New York Post. The newspaper quoted sources as saying that the value of the deal would be more than $1.5 billion, equivalent to $35 to $40 per share. The deal […]
USA: Fresh & Easy chain to be wound down – reports
According to reports in the Los Angeles Times and Supermarket News, the embattled Fresh & Easy retail chain is to begin closing down its network of stores in the USA. Disclosing in a statement that the chain was undertaking “the process for an organized wind-down”, the company said that it was now looking for a […]
USA: PepsiCo and Coca Cola eye up stake in Chobani – reports
Long-standing food and beverage rivals PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are tussling over a stake in yoghurt-maker Chobani, according to a source quoted by Reuters. According to the agency’s source, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are among the companies in discussion to seal a deal that Chobani hopes could value the company at around $3 billion, the source reports. […]
Canada: 7-Eleven and Walmart Canada partner for “Grab & Go” pilot
Retail chains 7-Eleven and Walmart Canada are partnering on a pilot e-commerce pilot project in the Toronto area, according to a report in the Canadian Grocer. Under the scheme, consumers placing orders at www.walmart.ca will be able to have their orders delivered for pickup at one of six 24-hour convenience stores operated by 7-Eleven. The […]
USA: 330 Family Dollar stores to be rebranded as Dollar Express – reports
Several hundred Family Dollar stores – divested as part of the chain’s merger with Dollar Tree – are to be revamped under the banner of Dollar Express, according to a report in Supermarket News, quoting a source at investment banking firm Jefferies. According to the news agency’s source, Dollar Tree would continue to support the stores […]
USA: Mondelez International may divest European cheese and grocery businesses – reports
Mondelez International is contemplating a divestment of its cheese and grocery business in Europe, according to a Reuters report quoting “people familiar with the matter”. The value of the two business could be up to $3 billion, according to the Reuters story. Mondelez International separated its cheese and grocery divisions into a single standalone business […]
USA: PepsiCo launches Doritos Rainbows
PepsiCo has announced the launch of a new Rainbows version of its Frito-Lay Doritos tortilla chips in the USA. The product features the classic tortilla chips in a range of ‘rainbow’ colours and has been launched in partnership with the It Gets Better Project, which works for the welfare of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and […]
USA: Diageo launches Guinness Nitro IPA
Diageo has announced the launch of a new India Pale Ale (IPA) for the US market that is said to make use of the same nitrogenation technology as its Guinness brand of stout. Guinness Nitro IPA is claimed to possess balanced flavour and aroma, creamy mouthfeel and a perfectly formed and long-lasting head of dense […]