Tradeshow Look Ahead: Federico Dellafiore, IFE 2026
Gama spoke to Federico Dellafiore, event director, ahead of the latest edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event. What are your expectations for this edition of IFE? IFE 2026 is set to be one of our most engaging editions yet. Every year, the show brings together a fantastic mix of food and drink producers, buyers […]
South Africa: Varun Beverages to acquire Twizza in $54 million deal
Varun Beverages, the India-based bottling partner for PepsiCo, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Twizza, a South African carbonated soft drinks manufacturer, for an enterprise value of 1.47 billion ZAR ($54.1 million). Twizza Beverages, a prominent player in the South African market, operates manufacturing facilities in Queenstown, Middelburg and […]
Coconut water gets a ‘Dubai-inspired’ makeover
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 30th December 2025: The convergence of functional hydration and high-end confectionery trends is redefining the beverage landscape, illustrating how ‘permissible indulgence’ is becoming a primary driver for health-conscious consumers. In this month’s Innovation Insight, we examine a limited-edition collaboration that introduces gourmet complexity to the plant-based hydration category […]
Norway: Olvi Group expands Nordic footprint with majority stake in Brewery International
Olvi Group, the Finnish multi-beverage manufacturer, has agreed to acquire a 51% majority stake in Brewery International, a leading importer of premium drinks in Norway and Sweden. The transaction, which includes an option to acquire the remaining shares at a later date, is expected to close in January 2026. Brewery International operates as a specialist […]
Italy: Valsoia moves into kefir market with Kele & Kele stake
Valsoia, the Italian health food specialist, has entered the European kefir market by acquiring a 70% stake in the Slovenian producer Kele & Kele. The transaction values the Slovenian company at an enterprise value of €5.4 million ($5.9 million), with Valsoia paying an initial €3 million ($3.3 million) for the majority interest. Effective from 3rd […]
UK: Proof Drinks adds The Artisan Drinks Company to portfolio
Proof Drinks, the London-based beverage distributor, has expanded its premium offering through a strategic partnership with soft drinks firm The Artisan Drinks Company. The deal brings Artisan’s full range of premium mixers and its new line of functional soft drinks into the Proof Drinks portfolio. Founded by artist Alan Walsh and mixologist Mikey Enright, The […]
Austria: SalzburgMilch and Pinzgau Milch plan strategic merger
Austrian dairy processors SalzburgMilch and Pinzgau Milch Produktions plan to merge, creating a joint company with a combined annual turnover of €520 million (approximately $563 million). The consolidation effort aims to leverage synergies across all operational areas, extending their existing production collaboration into milk collection, processing, logistics, sales and administration. The merged entity will be […]
USA: Perfetti Van Melle expands Airheads brand into soft drinks
Perfetti Van Melle (PVM), the global confectionery leader, has broadened its North American portfolio by launching a new line of Airheads-branded carbonated soft drinks across the US. The Italian-Dutch group, known for confectionery brands including Mentos and Chupa Chups, confirmed the launch in partnership with Fire Brands, which has developed the new Airheads Soda line. […]
USA: FreshBrew acquires licensed coffee portfolio
FreshBrew, one of the largest private-label coffee and tea producers in the US, has acquired the Branded Coffee licensed division of New York-based White Coffee Corporation. The strategic acquisition, described by the companies as one of the largest transactions in the industry this year, transfers ownership of the nation’s largest portfolio of licensed bagged coffee […]
Tradeshow Look Ahead: Mark Napier, Gulfood 2026
Gama spoke to Mark Napier, VP – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality, ahead of the latest edition of Gulfood. What are your expectations for this edition of Gulfood? Gulfood 2026 will be the largest, most transformative edition in the event’s 31-year history. With two mega venues, over 8,500 exhibitors, and a fully expanded ecosystem across logistics, […]