Australia: Freedom Foods Group acquires nutrition firm Crankt Protein

Freedom Foods Group, the Australia based cereal and snacks producer, has announced the acquisition of nutrition products manufacturer Crankt Protein for A$3.5 million ($2.5 million). Based in New South Wales, Crankt Protein produces protein snack bars and shakes which are sold in Australia and New Zealand through fitness retailers, petrol stations and other channels. Freedom […]
India: Fonterra forms joint venture with Future Consumer

Fonterra, the multinational milk processor, has announced that it has joined forces with the consumer goods firm Future Consumer, part of Future Group, to market dairy products in India. The new venture, which is to be called Fonterra Future Dairy Partners, will market a range of products for both retail and foodservice channels that will “help […]
India: Hindustan Unilever acquires Adityaa Milk ice cream

Hindustan Unilever, the Indian arm of the Anglo-Dutch multinational, has announced the acquisition of the ice cream brand Adityaa Milk from Vijaykant Dairy for an undisclosed sum. The firm said the proposed acquisition was in line with its strategic objective of strengthening its position in the rapidly growing ice cream and frozen dessert market in […]
China: Heineken agrees 40% stake in CRH Beer

Multinational brewer Heineken has announced the signing of a non-binding agreement with China Resources Enterprise (CRE) and China Resources Beer (CR Beer) that will strengthen the Dutch firm’s presence in the Far East. The $3.1 billion agreement will create a long-term strategic partnership in which Heineken will become a 40% minority partner of CRH Beer, […]
Mithun Appaiah, Chief Executive Officer,
Sumeru

Gama spoke to Mithun Appaiah, Chief Executive Officer, Sumeru (Innovative Foods Ltd). How is the way food companies are looking to reach and engage with consumers changing? “Consumer companies are currently grappling with both digital and traditional media. The choice of media and engagement depends on the category. Many brands are myopic and follow the […]
China: Hershey divests Golden Monkey

US confectionery firm Hershey has announced the sale of Golden Monkey, a Shanghai-based confectionery brand, to Henan Yuxiang Food Technology for an undisclosed amount. The move comes as volume sales of sugar confectionery have reportedly declined in China as consumers switch to healthier options. Alongside confectionery, Golden Monkey also markets a tofu-based snacking brand called […]
China: PepsiCo invests in Shanghai facility

PepsiCo, the global food and drinks giant, is to invest $100 million upgrading a facility located in Shanghai, China, according to a FoodBev report. The company said it was installing a new production line as well as adding advanced packaging and warehousing operations at the plant in Sonjiang. The investment will enable PepsiCo to meet […]
India: Britannia to open new plant in Assam

Britannia, the Indian food manufacturer, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing site in Assam, India, according to a report in the Economic Times. Located in the town of Rampur, the new site will reportedly manufacture a broad range of Britannia products to meet demand in north-eastern states. The unit will increase Britannia’s production capacity […]
Australia: Bega Cheese acquires facility from Saputo

Bega Cheese, the Australian cheese firm, is to acquire a manufacturing facility in the state of Victoria, Australia from Canadian dairy giant Saputo, according to an ABC report. Saputo was required to sell the plant by Australian competition regulators as a result of its acquisition of dairy firm Murray Goulburn. Located in the town of […]
Australia: McCain launches ‘Slow Cooked’ meals

International frozen food giant McCain has announced a new range of ready meals in Australia, marketed under the name Slow Cooked. Described as being inspired by traditional dishes, the new line offers “a meal that delivers flavour and has a ‘homecooked’ feel without having to wait for hours for it to cook”. Available in a […]