Brazil: Mars to discontinue rice brands

FMCG giant Mars has announced plans to discontinue its rice brands Uncle Ben’s and Raris in Brazil, with products being gradually withdrawn from sale over the course of the year, according to an article in Giro News. The two brands offer a range of rice products in pouches, including both white and wholegrain options. The […]
France: Carrefour planning up to 18 stores under Potager City banner

Carrefour, the leading French supermarket chain, is planning to open up to 18 local stores under the Potager City banner by the end of the autumn, according to a report in LSA. An addition to the firm’s Carrefour Proximite portfolio of convenience stores, Potager City aims to cater to the essential food needs of city-dwellers with […]
Tradeshow Insight: IFE, International Food & Drink Event 2023

Staged alongside IFE Manufacturing and Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC), the 2023 edition of IFE, International Food & Drink Event welcomed more than 27,000 buyers and other delegates from the worlds of retail, wholesale and hospitality, all keen to get the latest insights into the UK food and drink sector. Adjacent to the product booths, […]
USA: Dole unveils dried fruit snack range

Dole, the leading fruit processor, has announced the launch of Good Crunch, a dried fruit snack that promises “an ultra-craveable crunch”. Available as Pineapple Bites, Banana Bites and Pineapple Bites with Chili, the new line is claimed to use a gentle dehydration process to lock in fresh fruit flavour and preserve nutrients. It is further claimed […]
UK: Sainsbury’s launches laundry detergent in cartons

Sainsbury’s, the UK grocery retailer, has announced what it claims is a UK first, with the launch of a new line of laundry detergents in cartons, replacing its existing 750ml plastic bottles. The supermarket chain said the switch from plastic to cardboard would halve carbon emissions associated with the range, as well as taking 13 lorries […]
Look Ahead: Sabine Schommer, ISM 2023

Gama spoke to Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM, ahead of the latest edition of the confectionery and snacks tradeshow. What are your expectations for this edition of ISM? ISM offers the industry the opportunity to look beyond current challenges and focus instead on finding solutions, discussing ideas and getting inspiration – all that from 90,000 square […]
USA: Pernod Ricard to acquire majority stake in Skrewball whiskey

Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced that the company has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Skrewball, a producer of flavoured whiskey Skrewball was founded in 2018 and produces a peanut butter whiskey that is now available in the US, Canada and the Caribbean. “Skrewball has proven its uniqueness and […]
USA: Tillamook to open new ice cream facility in Illinois

Farmer-owned dairy co-operative Tillamook has announced plans to open a new ice cream manufacturing facility in Decatur (IL), in 2024. Tillamook currently operates two facilities in Oregon, mainly dedicated to the production of cheese. The new facility will be the first to focus exclusively on ice cream manufacture. Mike Bever, executive vice president of operations […]
France: Picard to open 20 ‘new concept’ stores in 2023

French frozen food retailer Picard has announced plans to open 20 new franchise stores in 2023, incorporating the “Bienvenue en cuisine” (“Welcome to the kitchen”) concept unveiled by the retailer at the end of 2022. Picard’s “Bienvenue en cuisine” format is described as featuring a new reception and “entertainment island”, focusing not only on frozen […]
Canada: McCain to invest C$600 million in Alberta facility

Canada-based potato processor McCain has announced an investment of C$600 million (approx. $436.73 million) to double the size and workforce of its processing facility in Alberta. The investment will allow the company to create two new state-of-the-art production lines and achieve its commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, McCain said. “The development in Alberta marks our largest […]