France: Suntory to close La Courneuve facility
Suntory Beverage & Food, a division of food and beverage giant Suntory, has announced the closure of its La Courneuve production facility as part of a strategic restructuring to improve operational efficiency. The facility primarily manufactured drinks for well-known brands like Orangina and Schweppes, including carbonated drinks, fruit drinks and other non-alcoholic products aimed at French consumers. […]
USA: Amazon launches budget private label brand
E-commerce giant Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Grocery, a new private-label brand featuring more than 1,000 foods with a customer rating of four stars or higher. Amazon said its range includes milk, olive oil, fresh produce, meat, and seafood with the majority of products priced below $5 for strong customer value. The private-label […]
Tradeshow Insight: Anuga 2025
Anuga 2025 in Cologne, Germany, confirmed its position as the world’s largest food and beverage trade fair. From 4th to 8th October, the event drew more than 145,000 trade visitors from over 190 countries and hosted more than 8,000 exhibitors from 110 nations. The international character was clear, with the majority of exhibitors and visitors […]
Finland: Olvi Group to acquire Varska Originaal
Finnish beverage company Olvi Group has announced the acquisition of Estonian mineral water producer Varska Originaal. Founded in 1993, Varska Originaal is a mineral water producer that also has infused and functional waters in its portfolio. The company employs around 70 people, and in 2024 its production volume reached 45 million litres. Commenting on the […]
India: SLMG Beverages to invest $1 billion
SLMG Beverages, a subsidiary of Ladhani Group and the largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola in India, has announced plans to invest $1 billion over six years to expand in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand. The company will invest around $150 million each year to expand manufacturing capacity, upgrade warehousing, enlarge its logistics fleet, and supplying more […]
USA: Heineken to acquire FIFCO’s beverage and retail businesses
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced that it has entered into binding agreements with its long-term partner Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) to acquire the remaining 75% of Distribuidora La Florida, as well as FIFCO stakes in certain other businesses, for $3.2 billion. Heineken’s stake in Distribuidora La Florida, encompasses its beverages, food, and […]
Tradeshow Insight: Lunch! 2025
This week, London’s ExCeL was once again transformed into the hub of the UK’s thriving food-to-go industry as Lunch! 2025 opened its doors to thousands of visitors. Co-located with The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, the two-day event welcomed a dynamic mix of operators, buyers and suppliers, all looking to connect, discover and stay […]
Israel: Strauss Group to launch ‘animal-free’ dairy product line
Strauss Group, a food and beverage manufacturer, has announced the launch of CowFree, a new brand range containing animal-free beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) protein that mirrors the properties of cow’s milk protein. The product range includes a milk drink analogue under the name Yotvata, and a cream cheese under the name Symphony. The products are described as being are fortified […]
Ian Wright CBE, Co-ChairFood and Drink Export Council
Gama spoke to Ian Wright CBE, Co-Chair of the Food and Drink Export Council. From your perspective, what makes the UK such a strategically important market for food and drink businesses – both domestic and international? The UK market remains one of the most accessible and innovation-friendly environments in Europe. For businesses looking to […]
UK: Regal Foods acquires Suncrest soft drinks brand
Regal Foods, a Yorkshire-based food and drink manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of soft drinks brand Suncrest from European food oil group KTC Edibles for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1985, Suncrest is known for its range of tropical fruit-flavoured beverages. Its offerings span still and carbonated drinks, available in bottled, canned and carton formats, with varieties […]