China: Valio announces lactose-free milk offer

Finnish dairy firm Valio is to start selling lactose-free milk powder in China via online channels, according to a report in ESM. The launch, described as the first lactose-free consumer offer on the market, will reportedly see packaged milk made available in skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole varieties. The product range is intended to benefit from a […]
South Africa: Danone launches male-targeted Danup yoghurt drink

The South African arm of dairy and drinks multinational Danone has launched Danone Danup, a yoghurt drink targeted at the “modern South African man”, according to a report in Fast Moving. The product is described as combining multigrains such as maize, barley, sorghum and oats with yoghurt and is said to have been developed with […]
Brazil: Coca-Cola, Ambev and Britvic interested in Natural One – reports

Soft drink giants Coca-Cola, Ambev and Britvic have all showed preliminary interest in buying stakes in Brazilian juice producer Natural One, according to sources quoted in Reuters. Natural One, founded 10 years ago by Ricardo Ermírio de Moraes, has hired the investment banking unit of ABC Brasil to advise it on the transaction, sources said. […]
South Africa: Ajinomoto purchases 33% of Promasidor

Japanese food manufacturer Ajinomoto has outbid PepsiCo to buy a 33% stake in South African firm Promasidor for $532 million, according to a Reuters report. Promasidor sells powdered milk and drinks, dairy products and cereal and is mainly active in Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The deal reported to be […]
Australia: Coca-Cola launches limited edition Ginger flavour

Coca-Cola South Pacific, the Coca-Cola division responsible for countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, has announced the world premier of a limited edition ginger flavour Coca-Cola drink in Australia as it prepares for the summer. Coca-Cola Ginger is described as “giving consumers a refreshing ginger twist on the classic Coke taste” […]
India: Kraft Heinz launches Heinz Power Sprouts

Kraft Heinz has expanded its portfolio in India with the launch of a new functional malt drink powder, according to reports in Just Food and The Hindu BusinessLine. Heinz Power Sprouts are “enriched with the power of sprouted grains”, and are described as containing ragi and barleywo main along with soya and wheat. The product […]
UK: Coca-Cola launches sparkling version of Glaceau Smartwater

Coca-Cola, the soft drinks giant, has launched a Sparkling version of its Glaceau Smartwater product in the UK. Describing Glaceau Smartwater as Britain’s fastest growing bottled water brand, Coca-Cola said that Glaceau Smartwater Sparkling would have the same clean, crisp taste as the original but with the addition of tiny bubbles to create a lightly […]
Brazil: Arcor releases churros flavour panettone

Argentina confectionery firm Arcor’s Brazilian arm has announced the expansion of its line of filled panettone products with the launch of Churros and Brigadeiro Gourmet varieties. According to New Trade, the churros flavour panettone features a touch of cinnamon and a milk caramel filling and is recommended to be sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar. […]
UK: Arla Foods launches Arla Quark

Danish dairy cooperative Arla Foods has announced the launch of Arla Quark, a new line of products based on the “relatively unknown” fat-free soft cheese, for the consumers in the UK. Offered in the varieties Plain (500g), Garlic & Herb (250g) and Cherry Tomato & Basil (250g), the new product is described as ideal for […]
Thailand: CP Foods invests $20 million to build new plant

Thailand-based food giant CP Foods has announced an investment of 700 million THB ($20 million) to build a new plant in Wang Noi, Thailand, according to a report in Undercurrent News. The new facility will reportedly specialize in manufacturing meal soups, producing 70,000 tons a day. “The elderly, sick persons, and vegetarians” are described as […]