China: Nestle opens new research centre and technology hub
Nestle, the Switzerland-based consumer goods giant, has announced an expansion of its research and technology activities in China with the inauguration of a new research & development centre in Beijing and a system technology hub in Shenzhen. In a statement, Nestle said the new R&D centre would enable it to accelerate trend-based innovation in China […]
Australia: Lion takes 50% share in Four Pillars Gin
Australian beverage and dairy company Lion is making its first major foray into the spirits sector with the acquisition of a 50% stake in Four Pillars Gin. Founded in Healesville in 2013, Four Pillars Gin is a craft distiller offering gins such as Rare Dry, Spiced Negroni, Navy Strength and Bloody Shiraz. It currently has […]
Australia: McCain expands Tasmania plant
McCain, the Canada-based frozen potato firm, is expanding its french fry chip manufacturing site in Smithton, Australia through a A$40 million ($28.3 million) investment, according to Australian media reports. Tasmania Talks reports that, following the upgrade, Smithton will become McCain’s main french-fry production facility in Australia and New Zealand. As a result of the investment, […]
Australia: Halewood buys Ironbark Distillery, sets up new division
Halewood, the UK-based wine and spirits firm, is expanding its footprint in Australia by buying local spirits firm Ironbark Distillery and setting up a dedicated Australian division, according to a report in Spirits Business. Based in New South Wales, Ironbark Distillery markets vodka, gin, rum and moonshine, which are described as being produced using local […]
India: 7-Eleven enters market through Future Retail tie-up
7-Eleven, the world’s largest convenience retailer, has revealed it is entering the Indian market for the first time through a master franchise agreement with a subsidiary of Future Retail. The new master franchisee plans to build 7‑Eleven stores as well as convert some of its existing locations to the 7‑Eleven brand, with the first store set […]
India: Varun Beverages to acquire PepsiCo’s bottling operations in south and west India
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s Indian bottling partner, is set to acquire PepsiCo’s company-owned bottling, sales and distribution operations in the south and west regions of India, according to a report in the Economic Times. Varun Beverages is already the franchise partner for PepsiCo’s bottling operations in the North and East, having acquired those divisions in 2014. The latest acquisition, the value […]
India: Lactalis announces deal for Prabhat Dairy
Lactalis, the French dairy giant, has announced it has acquired the Indian milk processor Prabhat Dairy, with the operation set to be effective at the beginning of the second quarter of 2019. Economic Times reports that Lactalis paid about 1,700 crore INR ($283 million) through a slump sale, and that the deal includes Prabhat Dairy’s milk processing business […]
Japan: Ajinomoto to build new $180 million soup factory
Ajinomoto, the Japan-based seasonings and ready meals firm, has announced plans to construct a new plant to manufacture soup and other products at its Kawasaki site at a cost of 20 billion JPY ($180 million). The company said the new plant was part of a strategy that includes the restructuring of the value chain of its Japan Food […]
India: Unilever seals deal for GSK’s health consumer products division
FMCG giant Unilever has announced it has secured a deal to acquire GSK’s health consumer products division in India, Bangladesh and other predominantly Asian markets, for a total consideration of €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion). The transaction is said to consist of an all-equity merger of Hindustan Unilever Ltd with GSK Consumer Healthcare India, the acquisition of an 82% stake in […]
China: Nestle introduces first incubator product
FMCG multinational Nestle has announced the launch of its first products developed by its incubator team in China. According to Nestle, the products were released under the new brand name Xingshan and comprise three herbal drinks and three herbal soups, offering the benefits of Chinese medicine and cuisine. Developed jointly by the Nestle China incubator […]