Look Ahead: Nasma Al Ameri, F&B Networking Hub 2020
Gama spoke to Nasma Al Ameri, Head of Marketing (Events) at ADNEC, ahead of the F&B Networking Hub 2020. What are your expectations for the F&B Networking Hub 2020? The F&B Networking Hub 2020 represents a link with the upcoming SIAL ME 2021 event. Having had to postpone SIAL ME to 7th – 9th September […]
Canada: TPG Growth to acquire majority stake in SmartSweets
Private equity firm TPG Growth has acquired a majority stake in SmartSweets, a Canadian sweets brand, for an undisclosed sum. SmartSweets manufactures a range of ‘better-for-you’ alternatives to traditional confectionery made with plant-based fibre. The sweets are said to contain between 87 and 92% less sugar than traditional sweets, as well as being free from […]
UK: Diageo to acquire Chase Distillery
Leading alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of Chase Distillery, a firm specialising in products such as gin and potato vodka. According to Diageo, Chase Distillery has a portfolio of seven gins, four vodkas, and elderflower liqueur. The distillery has a focus on quality and sustainability, using British potatoes, apples, and botanicals from […]
Australia: CCEP makes takeover offer for Coca-Cola Amatil
European bottler Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), has made an offer to buy Australian Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) for A$9.28 billion ($6.62 billion). According to sources, the Australian bottler is backing the offer, which prices the company below the market valuation that was made in February. CCA has reportedly seen a decrease in profit since March, due to the […]
USA: JM Smucker to sell Crisco business
US food firm JM Smucker has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell the Crisco oils and shortening business to B&G Foods. According to a company press release, the move is part of JM Smucker’s intent to exit the US baking category to focus on pet food, coffee, and snacking products. The sale […]
USA: Bacardi to launch 100% biodegradable bottle
Bacardi has announced plans to launch a 100% biodegradable spirits bottle to replace its existing packaging made from petroleum-based plastics. The new “eco-friendly spirit bottle” is designed to replace the 80 million plastic bottles – equivalent to 3,000 tons of plastic – currently produced by the company each year. According to Bacardi, the new bottle will be […]
UK: Finnebrogue Artisan to build new factory
UK meat producer Finnebrogue Artisan has announced plans to build a new facility to produce plant-based food in County Down. According to sources, the Northern Ireland company will invest £25 million ($32 million) to build Europe’s “most advanced” plant-based food factory. “This state-of-the-art factory, combined with some extraordinary technological leaps in new product development, will […]
Portugal: JCCoimbra acquires Vianeza sauces and mayonnaise
JCCoimbra Group, a leading Portuguese olive oil firm, has recently acquired Purcen’s Vianeza brand range of mayonnaise and sauces. JCCoimbra Group specializes in supplying olive oil and vegetable oil to both the consumer market and manufacturing industry. In a statement, JCCoimbra CEO Miguel Arouca said: “This is a strategic decision to allow us to achieve growth through diversification, essential for […]
USA: Banza launches pizzas with chickpea crust
Banza, a US producer of chickpea-based products such as pasta and rice, has entered a new category with the introduction of a new range of frozen pizzas featuring chickpea crusts. According to sources, the new line includes three varieties – Four Cheese, Roasted Veggie and Margherita – as well as a two-pack with a plain […]
China: Alibaba to take control of Sun Art
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in grocery retailer Sun Art from Auchan for approximately $3.6 billion. Alibaba acquired a 36% stake in Sun Art in 2017, and has now increased its holding to 72%. The move indicates “Alibaba’s commitment to Sun Art and its strategy to integrate online and offline resources […]