Netherlands: Heineken sells DR Congo operations
Heineken, the Dutch brewing company, has announced the sale of its shareholding in Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries SA (Bralima), its operating company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The stake has been acquired by ELNA Holdings Ltd, a Mauritius-based investment firm, which will assume full responsibility for Bralima’s operations, including production, distribution and its […]
USA: Heck family reacquires Kenwood Vineyards
Pernod Ricard, the French spirits and wine group, has completed the sale of Kenwood Vineyards to the Heck family, the owners of Korbel Champagne Cellars. The transaction marks the return of the Sonoma-based winery to the Heck family, who previously owned the brand for 18 years between 1996 and 2014. Founded in 1970, Kenwood Vineyards […]
Tradeshow Insight: IFE 2026
The International Food & Drink Event (IFE), the latest edition of which took place on the 30th March to 1st April 2026 at ExCeL London, serves as one of the largest trade shows for the food and beverage industry in the UK. As a central component of the broader Food, Drink & Hospitality Week – a […]
Prof. Keeley Crockett, Professor in Computational Intelligence
Manchester Metropolitan University
Gama spoke to Prof. Keeley Crockett, Professor in Computational Intelligence at Manchester Metropolitan University. You’ve often said that AI is currently facing a ‘trust’ test similar to the one physical brands face. Why is that the starting point for this conversation? It’s fundamental. The consumer has to trust your products, and it’s exactly the […]
Tradeshow Insight: Alimentaria 2026
Alimentaria 2026, held in Barcelona from 23rd to 26th March, marked its 50th anniversary this year as a premier global platform for the food, beverage, and foodservice industries. This edition, staged at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, successfully integrated with Hostelco to cover the entire hospitality and catering value chain. The event concluded with […]
France: Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman confirm merger talks
Pernod Ricard, the French spirits producer, and US-based Brown-Forman have confirmed they are in preliminary discussions regarding a potential “merger of equals”. The talks are currently at an early stage. Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest spirits maker, said it “confirms that it is in discussions regarding a potential business combination with Brown-Forman”. However, the group […]
Netherlands: De Kuyper to sell Mandarine Napoleon to Iconic Nectars
De Kuyper Royal Distillers, the Netherlands-based spirits producer, has agreed to sell its Mandarine Napoleon brand to Iconic Nectars, a French family-owned spirits group. The transaction, executed through Iconic Nectars’ subsidiary Pages-Vedrenne, is expected to complete by the start of April 2026 for an undisclosed sum. The divestment aligns with De Kuyper’s long-term strategy to […]
India: Kati Patang acquires Agnetta International
Kati Patang, the Indian craft beer company, has announced the acquisition of the premium wine and spirits company Agnetta International for R$3.5 crore ($420,000). The Agnetta International brand range includes both new and old world wines, including still and sparking options, as well as a range of spirits such as tequila, Scotch whiskey, Russian vodka […]
Tradeshow Insight: Lunch! North 2026
The return of Lunch! North to Manchester Central on 10th and 11th March 2026 solidified the event’s status as a primary fixture for the food-to-go and cafe sectors in the north of England. Co-located with the Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) show, the combined event transformed the venue into a concentrated hub for regional hospitality, […]
Tradeshow Look Ahead: Hannah Tovey, London Wine Fair 2026
Gama spoke to Hannah Tovey, Head of London Wine Fair, ahead of the latest edition of the wine and spirits showcase. What are your primary expectations for the 2026 edition, and what is the prevailing mood you are sensing from exhibitors as we approach May? This will be the 45th edition of London Wine Fair, […]