UK: PepsiCo set to acquire crisp firm Pipers
Global snacks and drinks giant PepsiCo is set to acquire the upscale UK crisps brand Pipers, with the deal due to be completed in early 2019 subject to regulatory approval. Founded in Lincolnshire in 2004, Pipers claims to focus on using local ingredients to deliver “the best taste and quality possible”. It supplies hotels, pubs and […]
France: Heineken invests €29 million in Marseille plant
Global brewer Heineken is investing €28.9 million ($32.9 million) to boost production at its brewery at La Valentine, near Marseille, France, according to a Business Insider France report. The expansion works, which are set to begin at the start of 2019 and run for one year, will reportedly increase capacity at the site by 35% […]
USA: PepsiCo acquires Health Warrior
PepsiCo, the snack food and soft drinks giant, has announced its further expansion into the health and wellness arena with the acquisition of plant-based food maker Health Warrior. Founded in 2011 Health Warrior makes products such as nutrition bars, mug muffins and protein powder that are described as containing plant-based superfood, nutrient-dense and gluten-free ingredients […]
China: Vitasoy to invest $154 million in new facility
Vitasoy, a manufacturer and distributor of plant-based food and beverages, has announced a 1.21 billion HKD ($154 million) investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Dongguan, China. 100,000 sq m in size, the Vitasoy facility will be the firm’s largest production facility in mainland China and it is expected to be operative by 2021. […]
UK: Wessanen to launch plastic-free teabags
Wessanen-owned UK tea firm Clipper Teas has announced the introdcution of plastic free, non-genetically modified and unbleached teabags for use in all of its products. The new teabags will reportedly be made with natural plant-based material, made from a blend of abaca, plant cellulose fibres and biodegradable thermoplastic PLA. Emma Vass, Wessanen UK CEO, commented: […]
India: Kraft Heinz to sell brands to Zydus
Multinational food and beverage company Kraft Heinz has annoucned an agreement to sell its India brands to consumer health firm Zydus, the personal care arm of Indian pharmaceutical company Cadila Healthcare, for approximately $625 million on a debt free and cash free basis. The portfolio of brands includes Complan, Glucon-D, Nycil and Sampriti. “The sale of this […]
USA: Foster Farms to launch on-the go chicken snack
US chicken and turkey producer Foster Farms has announced the launch of a range of refrigerated chicken snacks under the Bold Bites brand name. Packaged in single pouches, the fully cooked chicken breast pieces are available in five varieties: Chile, Verde, Korean BBQ, Caribbean Jerk, Cajun and Parmesan Garlic. According to Foster Farms, Bold Bites […]
USA: Lancaster Colony to acquire Bantam Bagels for $34 million
T. Manzetti, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Lancaster Colony, has acquired New York-based bakery firm Bantam Bagels for $34 million. Bantam Bagels is a producer and marketer of frozen mini stuffed bagels and mini stuffed pancakes for both retail and foodservice with an annual net sales of around $20 million. Lancaster Colony Corporation is a […]
Brazil: Grupo Pao de Acucar repositions and expands Qualita private label brand
Brazil’s leading supermarket chain Grupo Pao de Acucar has announced the decision to reposition its private label Qualita brand, launching a number of new sub-brands. According to the retailer’s press release, the private label’s entire product portfolio and pricing have been revisited, with the aim of offering quality items at a lower price than leading brands in […]
USA: Kroger debuts Home Chef meal kits
US supermarket chain Kroger has announced that Home Chef meal kits are now being rolled out to more than 200 stores across the US Midwest. The announcement comes after Kroger acquired the Home Chef private meal kit company this summer. Robert Clark, senior vice president of merchandising at Kroger said: “We are excited to introduce Home […]