Venezuela: Unilever finds buyer for ice cream business
Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant, has announced it has announced a buyer for its ice cream business in Venezuela in the shape of Mack de Venezuela, a Colombian automotive company. The transaction includes both the Tio Rico brand and its associated factory. Commenting on the move, a Unilever spokesperson said: “In accordance with our focus […]
UK: AG Barr buys majority stake in brand The Turmeric Co
AG Barr, the UK-based soft drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Innate-Essence Limited, parent company of The Turmeric Co, to expand its footprint in functional beverages and health supplements. Founded in 2018 by former professional footballer Hal Robson-Kanu, The Turmeric Co has reportedly established collaborations for its turmeric wellness shots […]
Greece: Vivartia sells Dodoni dairy business to Hellenic Dairies
Greece’s Vivartia has announced the sale of its dairy subsidiary Dodoni, to local peer Hellenic Dairies for €205 million ($239 million). Founded in 1963 in Ioannina, Dodoni has a portfolio that extends to feta and halloumi cheese, yoghurt, and a coconut oil-based vegan range called Plant’d. The company exports its range to over 50 countries, including […]
Germany: Dr. Oetker to acquire Kathi
Food manufacturer Dr. Oetker has announced that it has signed a contract to acquire Kathi, a fellow German company that makes baking products. Founded in 1951, Kathi operates a production facility in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, and offers a wide range of products including baking mixes, pastries, flour, frozen cakes and baking accessories. Commenting on the move, Kathi […]
Finland: Fazer invests $468 million in new chocolate factory in Lahti
Fazer, the leading Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced plans to invest €400 million ($468 million) in the construction of a new chocolate factory in Lahti. Covering around 33,300 sq m, the new facility will bring together Fazer’s chocolate expertise with automated production lines and innovative technology, enabling the creation of entirely new product […]
UK: Pladis to invest $91 million in manufacturing operations
Pladis, the global bakery and snacks firm, has announced a £68 million ($91.12 million) investment across its UK operations. The company is splitting the investments across multiple sites, allocating £21 million ($28 million) to introduce a modern chocolate moulding line with advanced robotic technology at its Stockport site, where its McVitie’s Jaffa Cake brand is […]
USA: Ferrero to acquire WK Kellogg
Confectionery firm Ferrero has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WK Kellogg, the US breakfast cereal manufacturer, for $3.1 billion. Commenting on the move, Ferrero Group executive chairman Giovanni Ferrero said: “Over recent years, Ferrero has expanded its presence in North America, bringing together our well-known brands from around the […]
France: Inspired Pet Nutrition acquires pet food processor Sopral
Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the pet food company controlled by investment firms CapVest and Parquest, has agreed to acquire Sopral, a French premium dry pet food manufacturer. Based in Plechatel in the Brittany region, Sopral offers products under the Pro-Nutrition Prestige, Pure Life and Protect brands. The company has a presence in over 50 countries […]
Germany: Griesson De Beukelaer invests in Wurzen plant
Griesson De Beukelaer, the German bakery company behind the Prinzenrolle brand, has announced an investment of €100 million ($117.5 million) to expand production capacity for its Griesson Soft Cake brand at its factory in Wurzen, eastern Germany. The investment will go towards constructing a new production hall, a logistics building with an automated high-bay warehouse, […]
Italy: Valeo Foods Group acquires Melegatti Cakes
Valeo Foods, a leading European producer of sweets and snacks, has announced the acquisition of Melegatti Cakes, an Italian sweet bakery manufacturer, in line with its strategy to expand in baked treats. Founded in 1894 in Verona, Melegatti has a portfolio that includes the Italian cakes pandoro and panettone, as well as croissants and a variety of […]