Singapore: Oatly to close manufacturing facility

Oatly, the Swedish firm behind the namesake dairy-alternative milk, has announced the closure of a production facility in Singapore as it seeks to lower operational costs in Asia. Following the closure of the facility, the Asia-Pacific region will be served by European facilities, making use of spare capacity within the Europe & International segment. The […]
Netherlands: FrieslandCampina to merge with Belgian peer Milcobel

Dutch dairy multinational FrieslandCampina and Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel have announced their intention to merge with the aim of creating a leading dairy cooperative and company spanning the Benelux region. 2023 figures (excluding Milcobel’s Ysco business, which is in the process of being divested) suggest the combined organisation would achieve €14 billion ($14.56 billion) in […]
Sweets join the ‘super-protein’ craze

The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 17th December 2024: For our latest Innovation Insight, we return to the omnipresent trend for protein-forward product development, casting a glance at a launch seeking to turn sugar confectionery into a ‘high-fuel’ option – Protein Candy Sweets. Newly launched to the market in North America, and marketed with […]
India: Goyal Salt to invest $9.6 million to build new plant

Goyal Salt, a leader in natural salt production, has announced plans to invest 80 crore INR ($9.6 million) to set up a salt manufacturing facility in Gandhidham, near Kutch, in the state of Gujarat, India. The Gandhidham facility, spread across 12 acres, is intended to add production capacity of 450,000 tonnes and would supplement the […]
Belgium: Vache Bleue Group and Flanders Food Production announce merger

Belgian cheese businesses Vache Bleue and Flanders Food Production (FFP) have announced they are to merge to form European Dairy Company, a new dairy powerhouse with a combined turnover of €500 million ($525 million). Founded in 1927, Vache Bleue specialises in private label and freshly packed cheeses. The company operates three production sites in Belgium, […]
Canada: Furlani Foods to acquire Cole’s Quality Foods

Furlani Foods, a leading US producer of garlic breads, has announced the acquisition of its domestic peer Cole’s Quality Foods. Founded in 1943, Cole’s Quality Foods is described as having “brought” frozen garlic bread to North America and offers products such as Texas toast and breadsticks. The company operates production facilities in Muskegon (MI), and […]
Tradeshow Look Ahead: Sabine Schommer, ISM 2025

Gama spoke to Sabine Schommer, Director, ahead of the latest edition of ISM. What are your expectations for ISM 2025? We’re incredibly excited about the upcoming ISM! With 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, it’s set to be an amazing showcase of innovation and creativity in the confectionery and snack industries. What really sets this year […]
Switzerland: Nestle to sell Egmont Honey brand

Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced the sale of its New Zealand based Egmont Honey brand to Huatai International, a Beijing-based private equity fund, after two years of ownership. Founded in 2008, Egmont Honey specialises in manuka honey and sustainable beekeeping practices, exporting its products to more than 20 countries. The move is […]
UK: Surya Foods acquires Karma Bites

Surya Foods, the leading UK world foods importer and supplier, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Karma Bites, a health snack brand. Karma Bites makes popped lotus seed snacks in Himalayan Pink Salt, Peri-Peri, Wasabi, Caramel, and Coconut & Vanilla flavours, white the range described as vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of […]
Simón Fusté, European Snacking Director
Sigma

Gama spoke to Simón Fusté, European Snacking Director, Sigma. How is the Snackin’ For You range geared to meeting consumer needs? We have a number of basic pillars: first of all, what you see is what you get. So all our products contain up to seven ingredients, and no more. We avoid additives and ultra-processed foods. […]