USA: Lidl confirms market entry
German discount retailer Lidl has confirmed that it is planning to enter the US market, initially by establishing a headquarters and distribution centre in the country, according to a report in Supermarket News. Promising “a unique experience for American consumers that will be unlike anything else in the market”, the firm, which is part of […]
USA: Unilever to launch first non-dairy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
US ice-cream manufacturer Ben & Jerry’s, part of the Unilever group, has confirmed the development of a range of non-dairy ice creams which are due to hit shelves next year. Without disclosing the exact flavours under development, the company said its aim was to maintain all the characteristics of its dairy flavours and to transfer […]
Campbell Soup Co. set to expand with Garden Fresh Gourmet acquisition
Campbell Soup Co. is looking to expand within the packaged fresh food category with the acquisition of Garden Fresh Gourmet for $231 million. According to an article in Food Business News, Garden Fresh Gourmet, which generated $100 million in net sales last year, is the leading US brand in refrigerated salsa and also produces hummus, […]
USA: Henkel and Coty size up P&G hair & beauty businesses – reports
Henkel and Coty have made offers to buy separate parts of P&G’s beauty businesses, worth up to a combined $12 billion, according to a report in Reuters quoting “people familiar with the matter”. The sale of one or more personal care assets would be in line with the stated strategy of P&G’s new CEO, AG […]
USA: Coca-Cola unveils “first PET bottle entirely made from plants”
The Coca-Cola Company has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first PET plastic bottle entirely made from plants during the World Expo in Milan, Italy. The pack is the latest development in Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle series. PlantBottle is currently made from sugarcane and waste from the sugarcane manufacturing process using a patented technology that converts […]
USA: Smithfield Foods Inc sells 37% stake in Campofrio
Smithfield Foods Inc, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WH Group, has announced the sale of its entire equity interest in Campofrio – one of Europe’s biggest packaged meat firms – to Alfa for $354 million in cash. Through Sigma Alimentos, Alfa is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of highly recognized branded foods in […]
USA: In The Raw brand enters beverage market
Sweetener maker Cumberland Packing Corp has announced its entry into the ready-to-drink beverage market with the launch of In The Raw soft drinks. Promotoed as “perfectly sweetened” with a blend of fair trade certified sugar and zero-calorie stevia, the beverages are said to contain half the amount of sugar of leading full-calorie brands and only […]
USA: Diageo to shut down packaging facility in Maryland
UK-based wine and spirits firm Diageo has announced plans to shut down bottling operations at its Relay facility in Maryland, USA, according to reports in the US media. A company spokesperson is reported as saying that the facility was “significantly underutilized” and that the move would help “optimize the company’s supply footprint”. “Following a comprehensive […]
USA: Estee Lauder launches Nutritious Vitality8 range for Asian skin
In the US, Estee Lauder has introduced Nutritious Vitality8, a new product range tailored to Asian skin. Promoted as being “infused with our exclusive Pomegranate8 Complex™ to activate the 8 key dimensions of healthy looking vitality for skin that’s Nourished, Hydrated, Energised, Calmed, Supple, Refined, Smoother, Radiant”, the new Nutritious Vitality8 collection features a Radiant Dual-Phase Emulsion […]
USA: Nestle launches Hot Pockets Snack Bites and Breakfast Bites
Nestle is expanding its hot snacks range with the launch of new Snack Bites and Breakfast Bites under the Hot Pockets brand. Hot Pockets are claimed to feature freshly-baked crusts around a blend of premium Hickory Ham, Signature Pepperoni and 100% real cheese. Commenting on the launch, Christopher Brody, marketing manager for Hot Pockets, said: […]