Coconut water gets a ‘Dubai-inspired’ makeover
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 30th December 2025: The convergence of functional hydration and high-end confectionery trends is redefining the beverage landscape, illustrating how ‘permissible indulgence’ is becoming a primary driver for health-conscious consumers. In this month’s Innovation Insight, we examine a limited-edition collaboration that introduces gourmet complexity to the plant-based hydration category […]
Japan: Asahi to acquire controlling stake in East African Breweries from Diageo
Asahi, the Japanese beverage giant, has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in East African Breweries (EABL) from the UK-based spirits firm Diageo in a deal valued at $2.3 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi will acquire Diageo Kenya Ltd, which holds a 65% shareholding in EABL, alongside a 53.68% direct stake in […]
India: Honasa Consumer acquires formulation firm CosmoGenesis Labs
Honasa Consumer, the Indian personal care firm and parent company of brands such as Mamaearth and The Derma Co, has acquired the assets of CosmoGenesis Labs for 40 million INR ($479,000). Thane-based CosmoGenesis Labs is a specialist in cosmetic formulation and development, having supported over 5,000 personal care formulations for businesses in India. The acquisition […]
India: Godrej commits $1.19 billion investment in Telangana
Godrej, the Indian multi-business conglomerate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Telangana to invest 10,000 crore INR ($1.19 billion) in the state over the next few years. The investment will be distributed across several of the group’s key business units. Godrej Agrovet, the company’s agribusiness arm, plans to establish an integrated […]
Japan: JTI to build new manufacturing facility in Romania
Japan Tobacco International (JTI), the global tobacco company, has announced plans to construct a new state-of-the-art factory in Stefanestii de Jos, Ilfov County, Romania, to replace its current manufacturing site in Bucharest, which the company claimed has reached its spatial limits. Construction work on the new facility is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, […]
Australia: Tempo Group rescues heritage condiments brand Spring Gully
Sydney-based Tempo Group has acquired the intellectual property and brand portfolio of Spring Gully Foods – including the Spring Gully, Gardener, Leabrook Farms and Ozemite labels – after the South Australian condiment maker entered voluntary administration in October. Spring Gully Foods, founded in 1946 and known for jams, sauces, pickles and relishes, ceased trading in […]
Australia: Woolworths unveils new A$1.3 billion distribution hub
Woolworths, the Australian grocery retailer, has officially opened two state-of-the-art distribution centres in Western Sydney via a A$1.3 billion ($830 million) investment, the largest single-site investment in the company’s history. The new Moorebank Logistics Precinct comprises a regional distribution centre (RDC) alongside a national distribution centre (NDC), together covering 75,000 sq m of warehousing. The […]
Australia: Pure Foods Tasmania completes acquisition of Elato Ice Cream
Pure Foods Tasmania (PFT) has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Australian ice cream and gelato brand Elato Ice Cream (Elato), strengthening its frozen desserts portfolio. As part of the acquisition, PFT will take ownership of all Elato Ice Cream intellectual property and brand assets, including recipes, formulations and distribution agreements, with plans […]
Australia: M&S enters wholesale food partnership with Coles
Marks & Spencer (M&S), the British multinational retailer, has entered the Australian grocery market through a new wholesale partnership with Coles, one of the country’s largest supermarket chains. From 19th November, Coles stores nationwide will stock M&S items such as Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar confectionery, shortbread and luxury tea. While the initial launch […]
India: Varun Beverages announces Carlsberg Africa JV
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s bottling partner in India, has announced it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Carlsberg for the distribution of alcoholic beverages in Africa, and to this end will establish a wholly owned subsidiary in Kenya. In a statement, Varun Beverages said: “We are incorporating a wholly-owned subsidiary in Kenya under Varun […]