UK: AG Barr buys majority stake in brand The Turmeric Co
AG Barr, the UK-based soft drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Innate-Essence Limited, parent company of The Turmeric Co, to expand its footprint in functional beverages and health supplements. Founded in 2018 by former professional footballer Hal Robson-Kanu, The Turmeric Co has reportedly established collaborations for its turmeric wellness shots […]
Canada: Lactalis to close Sudbury facility, exit dairy alternatives
The Canadian division of dairy giant Lactalis has announced it plans to close its plant-based beverage facility in Sudbury, Ontario, in the process withdrawing entirely from dairy alternatives. Originally a dairy plant established in 1962, the site was converted to a fully plant-based operation in 2022 and reopened in June 2024 as the company’s first […]
UK: Reckitt offloads majority stake in Essential Home business
Reckitt Benckiser, the household care and homecare giant, has announced it has agreed to sell a majority stake in its Essential Home business to private equity investor Advent International in a deal worth up to $4.8 billion. The Essential Home portfolio includes air freshener brand Air Wick, water softener brand Calgon, laundry care brand Woolite, and detergent […]
Gut feelings spearheading functional innovation
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 22nd July 2025: Consumer concern about the impacts of dietary choices on digestive health is sparking a notable rise in food and non-alcoholic drink launches that boast ‘gut-friendly’ benefits, the latest insights from Gama Compass reveal. The findings reflect a growing consumer perception of food and drink as central to overall health […]
Greece: Vivartia sells Dodoni dairy business to Hellenic Dairies
Greece’s Vivartia has announced the sale of its dairy subsidiary Dodoni, to local peer Hellenic Dairies for €205 million ($239 million). Founded in 1963 in Ioannina, Dodoni has a portfolio that extends to feta and halloumi cheese, yoghurt, and a coconut oil-based vegan range called Plant’d. The company exports its range to over 50 countries, including […]
Germany: Dr. Oetker to acquire Kathi
Food manufacturer Dr. Oetker has announced that it has signed a contract to acquire Kathi, a fellow German company that makes baking products. Founded in 1951, Kathi operates a production facility in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, and offers a wide range of products including baking mixes, pastries, flour, frozen cakes and baking accessories. Commenting on the move, Kathi […]
Finland: Fazer invests $468 million in new chocolate factory in Lahti
Fazer, the leading Finnish bakery and confectionery firm, has announced plans to invest €400 million ($468 million) in the construction of a new chocolate factory in Lahti. Covering around 33,300 sq m, the new facility will bring together Fazer’s chocolate expertise with automated production lines and innovative technology, enabling the creation of entirely new product […]
UK: Pladis to invest $91 million in manufacturing operations
Pladis, the global bakery and snacks firm, has announced a £68 million ($91.12 million) investment across its UK operations. The company is splitting the investments across multiple sites, allocating £21 million ($28 million) to introduce a modern chocolate moulding line with advanced robotic technology at its Stockport site, where its McVitie’s Jaffa Cake brand is […]
USA: Ferrero to acquire WK Kellogg
Confectionery firm Ferrero has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WK Kellogg, the US breakfast cereal manufacturer, for $3.1 billion. Commenting on the move, Ferrero Group executive chairman Giovanni Ferrero said: “Over recent years, Ferrero has expanded its presence in North America, bringing together our well-known brands from around the […]
France: Ferrara in talks to acquire CPK Group
Ferrara, a subsidiary of confectionery giant Ferrero, has announced it has entered into exclusive discussions to acquire CPK Group, a French manufacturer and distributor of sweets and chocolates, from investment firm Eurazeo. The deal, to be transacted via a European holding company of Ferrara, would aim to combine CPK’s strong position in the European confectionery market […]