Tradeshow Insight: Natural & Organic Products Expo 2025
The Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) 2025, the UK’s premier trade event for sustainable and ethical brands, once again made ExCeL London its home this May as industry professionals engaged in another three days of trend-spotting and lively networking. Reportedly responding to feedback from exhibitors and visitors, NOPEX transitioned to a Monday-Tuesday format for […]
USA: Verde Valle Foods acquires A Dozen Cousins
Verde Valle Foods, a producer and distributor of rice, beans and ready meals in a pouch, has announced the acquisition of A Dozen Cousins, a brand focused on ready-to-eat dishes inspired by Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American traditions. Founded in 1967, Verde Valle is a third-generation family firm that owns leading brands such as Verde […]
USA: Kameda transfers ownership of Mary’s Gone Crackers to Dare Foods
Kameda Seika, a Japanese snack firm, has announced that it is divesting its US brand Mary’s Gone Crackers (MGC) to Rosseau Inc, a US subsidiary of Canadian food manufacturer Dare Foods, in a debt-equity swap. Founded in 2004, MGC offers organic, kosher, gluten-free and non-GMO crackers, available at grocery and speciality stores in both the United […]
Switzerland: Lidl launches own brand for local produce.
Discount retailer Lidl has announced the launch of a new brand in Switzerland focusing on “quality” and local products. The Qualite Suisse (Swiss Quality) range has launched with fruit and vegetables, bread, meat, cheese, charcuterie and dairy products, with categories such as frozen food, iced tea, chocolate, flour, and sugar to be added in later stages. […]
UK: Allied Bakeries, Hovis in merger talks
Associated British Foods (ABF) has confirmed it is in discussions with private equity firm Endless, the owner of Hovis, regarding a possible merger with ABF’s Allied Bakeries business, according to a FoodBev report. In a statement, ABF noted that Allied Bakeries “continues to face a very challenging market”, adding: “We are evaluating strategic options against this […]
Annika Porr, Senior Manager, Forward Lab
Fazer
Gama spoke to Annika Porr, Senior Manager, Forward Lab, Fazer. How is Fazer responding to the major consumer trends currently shaping the food industry? At Fazer, we’re seeing several consumer trends that are significantly influencing how we innovate, particularly the demand for quality, innovation, health & well-being and sustainability. Consumers today want brands they can […]
UK: Arla breaks ground on Devon mozzarella plant
Arla, the UK’s largest dairy cooperative, has announced it has commenced work on a £179 million ($238 million) facility in Devon that will specialise in the manufacture of mozzarella cheese. As part of the initiative, the Taw Valley Creamery will undergo extensive upgrades, integrating new technology to enable the export of mozzarella for use in culinary […]
‘Soy waste’ inspires sustainable food launch
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 14th May 2025: As the issue of sustainable resource use becomes ever more firmly embedded in the consciousness of companies, policymakers and the public, so the question of food waste – at every stage of the supply chain – looms ever larger for brands and retailers. This […]
Spain: Whitehole to acquire Embutidos Rios
Investment fund Whitehole has acquired Spanish black pudding maker Embutidos Rios with the aim of boosting its presence in the food sector. Founded in 1930, Embutidos Rios has a workforce of 85 and an annual turnover of more than €10 million ($11 million). Commenting on the deal, José Luis L Ríos, Embutidos Rios executive director said: “This collaboration provides […]
USA: Dr. Schar to expand New Jersey facility
Dr. Schar, a specialist in gluten free baked goods, has announced that the company is expanding its existing facility in Swedesboro (NJ). In a press release, the company said it was investing $28 million in the facility in order to improve product consistency, efficiency and overall baking, as well as higher quality office space. Commenting […]