Russia: Nestle to open infant formula plant
Nestle, the Swiss FMCG giant, has announced an investment of 30 million CHF ($30.8 million) to build a new infant formula plant in Russia. According to a report in FoodBev, the new facility will be located at the firm’s existing Vologda site, where Nestle has been operating for 14 years. The move is described as […]
Germany: Hassia acquires Bionade and Ti brands
Hassia, the German mineral water and soft drinks firm, is acquiring the carbonated drink brand Bionade and ice tea brand Ti from current owners Radeberger, according to a report in Handelsblatt. Launched in Germany in the early 1990s, the Bionade brand is now distributed across the country in retail and foodservice channels. Produced with malt and fruit […]
Australia: Coca-Cola launches Keri Juice Blenders
Multinational beverage company Coca-Cola is looking to tap in to a “growing” juice category in Australia by launching a new brand called Keri Juice Blenders. According to Coca-Cola, the new single-serving juices are targeted at working adults who are focused on their health and wellbeing, and are made with natural and “unique” ingredients. The range […]
Germany: Coca-Cola to close plant in Weimar
US soft drinks giant Coca-Cola is set to axe a bottling facility in Weimar, central Germany, with 178 positions under threat, according to a report in the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk. Coca-Cola cited overcapacity as the reason behind the decision, following a decline in sales of products packaged in reusable PET bottles. The planned closure is set to […]
Italy: Campari to sell Lemonsoda business to Unibrew
Campari, the Italian wine and spirits producer, has announced its intention to sell its soft drinks business Lemonsoda to Danish brewing and beverage company Unibrew for €80 million ($94 million). According to a Campari statement, the decision to sell its non-alcoholic drink brands Lemonsoda, Oransoda, Pelmosoda and Mojito Soda, sold under the Freedea banner, as […]
UK: Britvic to close Norwich plant
Britvic, the UK-based soft drinks firm, has announced that it is proposing to close its manufacturing site in Norwich, UK , “following a detailed review of our manufacturing sites and distribution network”. The firm said the closure, which is set to take place “towards the end of 2019”, would “improve the efficiency and productivity of […]
USA: Coca-Cola acquires Topo Chico
Coca-Cola, the global soft drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of the Mexican sparkling mineral water brand Topo Chico. The acquisition has been made via the firm’s Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) unit, and will integrate Topo Chico into the portfolio of Cola-Cola brands. Topo Chico has been bottled in Cerro del Topo Chico, Monterrery since […]
USA: Unilever to launch Lipton Wellness tea range
FMCG multinational Unilever has launched Lipton Wellness, a new range of tea described as being made with botanicals and blended with essential oils. The new range, which is being launched in the US, comes in five varieties: Stress Less, a herbal infusion made of cinnamon, chamomile and lavender; Detox, featuring dandelion, nettle and grapefruit; Soothe […]
USA: Nestle takes majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee
FMCG giant Nestle has announced that it has taken a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a speciality coffee roaster and retailer based in Oakland, CA, USA. Nestle describes Blue Bottle Coffee as a “high end” firm that “has achieved iconic status amongst discerning coffee drinkers”. Blue Bottle Coffee markets a range of ready-to-drink and roast […]
UK: Unilever acquires Pukka Herbs
FMCG multinational Unilever has announced the acquisition of UK-based organic herbal tea and supplement company Pukka Herbs for an undisclosed amount. Pukka Herbs is described as producing herbal teas made with 100% certified, organic and ethically sourced ingredients. The firm has a turnover of over £30 million ($40 million) and is currently recording growth of […]