‘Energy’ bakery & snacks trending low-carb, low-calorie
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 15th December 2025: Consumer demand for convenient, on-the-go energy is reshaping bakery and snack innovation, but perhaps in ways not immediately obvious. In this month’s Insight by Gama Compass, we explore how the notion of ‘energy’ continues to reshaped away from sugar-packed bars and calorie-dense snacks towards a health-first notion of […]
UK: LDC takes majority stake in poultry specialist Gressingham Foods
French agri-food giant LDC has secured a majority stake in UK duck and speciality poultry producer Gressingham Foods, strengthening its manufacturing presence in the British market. The transaction was completed with the Buchanan family, Gressingham’s founders, via their operating company Green Label Holdings. The acquisition of Green Label Holdings, which employs around 700 staff, was […]
USA: Bettani Farms buys three plant-based brands
Bettani Farms, the US-based alternative protein startup, has rapidly expanded its product portfolio by acquiring three challenger brands: plant-based meat supplier Hungry Planet and vegan cheese producers Numu and Stockeld Dreamery. The Californian firm, which rebranded from Climax Foods in October following a $6.5 million Series A raise, is grouping the businesses under a new […]
Japan: JTI to build new manufacturing facility in Romania
Japan Tobacco International (JTI), the global tobacco company, has announced plans to construct a new state-of-the-art factory in Stefanestii de Jos, Ilfov County, Romania, to replace its current manufacturing site in Bucharest, which the company claimed has reached its spatial limits. Construction work on the new facility is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, […]
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 […]
UK: Co-op unveils £1 billion investment plan
Co-oper, the UK grocery retailer, has announced a £1 billion ($1.27 billion) “Backing Britain” investment plan which includes the opening and refurbishment of approximately 100 stores over the next year. The mutual retailer revealed that the substantial financial commitment involves a combination of network expansion, pricing strategy and supply chain support. Specifically, Co-op plans to […]
UK: Lindt & Sprungli launches exclusive “Tokyo-Style” matcha strawberry chocolate
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli has unveiled a limited-edition Tokyo Style Chocolate Matcha Strawberry bar availble at its flagship Piccadilly store in London. The new bar is described as combining ceremonial-grade Chamei Minami matcha, crispy Genmai roasted rice, Swiss white chocolate, and strawberry pieces – a homage to traditional Japanese tea ceremony ingredients, according to […]
France: Auchan to convert around 300 supermarkets into Intermarche and Netto outlets
Auchan, the French retail group owned by the Mulliez family, has announced plans to convert nearly 300 of its supermarkets in mainland France into stores operated under the Intermarche and Netto banners by the end of 2026. Under the plan, the supermarkets – currently operated by Auchan Retail – will be run under a franchise […]
Australia: Tempo Group rescues heritage condiments brand Spring Gully
Sydney-based Tempo Group has acquired the intellectual property and brand portfolio of Spring Gully Foods – including the Spring Gully, Gardener, Leabrook Farms and Ozemite labels – after the South Australian condiment maker entered voluntary administration in October. Spring Gully Foods, founded in 1946 and known for jams, sauces, pickles and relishes, ceased trading in […]