Switzerland: Lidl launches own brand for local produce.
Discount retailer Lidl has announced the launch of a new brand in Switzerland focusing on “quality” and local products. The Qualite Suisse (Swiss Quality) range has launched with fruit and vegetables, bread, meat, cheese, charcuterie and dairy products, with categories such as frozen food, iced tea, chocolate, flour, and sugar to be added in later stages. […]
Tradeshow Insight: The Vaper Expo 2025
Running for ten years, and advertised as Europe’s premier dedicated tradeshow for the e-cigarette category, The Vaper Expo UK 2025 returned to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) this May for its latest outing. Overall, the expo attracted over 20,000 visitors and featured more than 500 brands across 300+ exhibitor stands, offering a comprehensive overview of […]
USA: Danone acquires majority stake in Kate Farms
Danone, the food and beverage multinational, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Kate Farms, a US-based producer of plant-based, nutritional shakes and formulas for adults and children. Kate Farms shakes are described as containing organic pea protein, fibre and phytonutrients, with no artificial additives or […]
UK: Allied Bakeries, Hovis in merger talks
Associated British Foods (ABF) has confirmed it is in discussions with private equity firm Endless, the owner of Hovis, regarding a possible merger with ABF’s Allied Bakeries business, according to a FoodBev report. In a statement, ABF noted that Allied Bakeries “continues to face a very challenging market”, adding: “We are evaluating strategic options against this […]
Annika Porr, Senior Manager, Forward Lab
Fazer
Gama spoke to Annika Porr, Senior Manager, Forward Lab, Fazer. How is Fazer responding to the major consumer trends currently shaping the food industry? At Fazer, we’re seeing several consumer trends that are significantly influencing how we innovate, particularly the demand for quality, innovation, health & well-being and sustainability. Consumers today want brands they can […]
UK: Arla breaks ground on Devon mozzarella plant
Arla, the UK’s largest dairy cooperative, has announced it has commenced work on a £179 million ($238 million) facility in Devon that will specialise in the manufacture of mozzarella cheese. As part of the initiative, the Taw Valley Creamery will undergo extensive upgrades, integrating new technology to enable the export of mozzarella for use in culinary […]
‘Soy waste’ inspires sustainable food launch
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 14th May 2025: As the issue of sustainable resource use becomes ever more firmly embedded in the consciousness of companies, policymakers and the public, so the question of food waste – at every stage of the supply chain – looms ever larger for brands and retailers. This […]
Spain: Whitehole to acquire Embutidos Rios
Investment fund Whitehole has acquired Spanish black pudding maker Embutidos Rios with the aim of boosting its presence in the food sector. Founded in 1930, Embutidos Rios has a workforce of 85 and an annual turnover of more than €10 million ($11 million). Commenting on the deal, José Luis L Ríos, Embutidos Rios executive director said: “This collaboration provides […]
USA: Dr. Schar to expand New Jersey facility
Dr. Schar, a specialist in gluten free baked goods, has announced that the company is expanding its existing facility in Swedesboro (NJ). In a press release, the company said it was investing $28 million in the facility in order to improve product consistency, efficiency and overall baking, as well as higher quality office space. Commenting […]
Belgium: Lidl to invest €122 million in new logistics centre
German retail chain Lidl has announced it is investing €122 million ($136 million) in a new logistic facility in Herentals, Belgium. At 43,000 sq m, the distribution centre is described as Lidl’s largest in Belgium to date, and from 2027 will supply supermarkets in the Antwerp area. In line with sustainability objectives, offices at the facility will be warmed […]