France: Wessanen relocates, rebrands as Ecotone
Wessanen, the European manufacturer of natural food and drinks, has announced that it is changing its name to Ecotone and relocating its headquarters from the Netherlands to Lyon, France. As part of the rebranding exercise, the company has announced it will become a mission driven company according to French law and focus on a new […]
Argentina: Walmart to sell business
US-based retailer Walmart has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its business in Argentina to Grupo de Narvaez. Walmart will not retain an equity stake, but will support the business through transition services and sourcing agreements under the new ownership, the company said. Grupo de Narvaez has retail operations in Argentina, Ecuador, […]
Canada: Kerry Group to acquire Bio-K Plus
Global food manufacturer Kerry Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Bio-K Plus International, a Canada-based firm that develops, manufactures, and distributes “clinically supported” probiotic fermented beverages and supplements in the North American market. Kerry Group said the acquisition would expand its portfolio of products orientated to the growing proportion of consumers demanding functional foods, beverages, and supplements […]
UK: Pret A Manger to launch retail coffee line
Coffee chain Pret A Manger has launched a line of coffee products for retail for the first time in the UK. Launched in partnership with supermarket chain Waitrose, the line, which will “allow customers to play the role of barista at home”, includes the two core coffees used in Pret’s stores: Pret’s Organic Classic Blend […]
Switzerland: Nomad Foods to acquire Findus Switzerland
Leading frozen foods company Nomad Foods has entered into an agreement to acquire Findus Switzerland from Froneri, and intellectual property from an affiliate of Nestle, for approximately €110 million ($131 million). Findus is a leading frozen brand with a portfolio of products across categories such as fish, vegetables, and ready meals. The acquisition of Findus […]
UK: Nestle to acquire majority stake in Mindful Chef
Consumer goods major Nestle has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Mindful Chef, a meal kit company, in a bid to strengthen its direct-to-consumer offering in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 2015, Mindful Chef delivers meals to households across the UK. Consumers can choose from 16 “specially curated” healthy recipes each week, which […]
US: Benestar Brands acquires Miller Baking Company
Snack producer Benestar Brands has acquired Miller Baking Company, the manufacturer of Pretzilla branded soft pretzel bites and buns, according to a report in Nutrition Investor. With the acquisition, Benestar Brands, a portfolio company of US-based private investment firm Highlander Partners, aims to continue growth by both driving new snack innovations and accelerating existing products. […]
Germany: Bacardi to launch Twistails cocktail ‘pods’
Bacardi, the world’s largest privately-held spirits company, has announced the launch of Twistails cocktails pods, designed to provide bar-quality cocktails at home. Launched in the UK and Germany, the dual-chamber cocktail pods are described as being filled with Bacardi rum and natural flavours, and are available in the flavours mojito, strawberry daiquiri, and rum punch. […]
USA: The Fillo Factory to acquire GeeFree Foods
US-based food manufacturer The Fillo Factory has acquired GeeFree Foods, a manufacturer of gluten-free frozen products, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2013, GeeFree Foods is known for its gluten-free pastry sheets. In 2017, GeeFree partnered with Procida Funding to expand distribution to over 5,000 retail stores across the US. The Fillo Factory produces and distributes appetizers, […]
UK: Ornua to invest £3 million at cheese packing facility
Dairy firm Ornua has announced an investment of £3 million ($4 million) in “state-of-the-art” cutting and packaging equipment at its facility in Leek, UK. The funds will be used to install an additional high-speed cheese slicing line and the expansion of Ornua’s cheese grating capabilities which will result in an additional 7,000 tonnes of capacity, […]