USA: Unilever to launch probiotic ice cream brand Culture Republick

Unilever is launching a new ice brand called Culture Republick, claimed to be the first premium ice cream in the USA containing probiotics. The line, which is offered in 1 pint (473ml) tubs, is claimed to contain three billion live active cultures, between 400 and 500 calories, 16-18g of protein, 11-12g of fibre and no […]
Ireland: Irish Distillers to invest €150 million in two facilities

Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers has announced an investment of €150 million (USD173.5 million) to expand and upgrade its sites in Cork and Dublin as response of the continued rise in demand for Irish whiskey. Out of the total investment, €130 million ($150.5 million) will be allocated for the firm’s Midleton distillery, and maturation site in Dungourney, […]
USA: Smithfield Foods to expand meat facility in Kentucky

Meat-processing company Smithfield Foods has announced an investment of $ 1.2 million to expand its meat production site in Grayson, KY, USA. The Grayson facility, which produces Smithfield brand sliced hams ,will increase production capacity by 20% to meet the growing necessities of the site, the company said. “In the last several years, our growth has allowed […]
USA: Glanbia to acquire SlimFast for $350 million

Irish global nutrition group Glanbia has signed an agreement to acquire Florida-based SlimFast, a leading weight management and health & wellness firm, for $350 million. The deal also includes SlimFast’s sister company HNS. The SlimFast portfolio includes ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix products as well as a new Advanced Nutrition range of meal replacement shakes and smoothies and registered $212 […]
USA: Sedano’s to introduce ‘robotic supermarket’

Miami-based Hispanic retailer Sodano’s has announced the launch of a so-called “robotic supermarket”, after partnering with e-grocery solution Takeoff Technologies. The launch of the “the world’s first robotic supermarket” will occur next month, and will reportedly use cutting-edge technology to allow customers to place orders on an online app and then have the order fulfilled by Takeoff’s automated […]
USA: Target to introduce private label brand Smartly

US retailer Target announced the launch of Smartly, a new lower-priced private label brand of personal and household care productsd, with most products retailing at less than $2. According to a Target press release , the line consists of more than 70 “budget-friendly, effective and well-designed” everyday products, such as hand soap, body lotion, household […]
Malaysia: Nestle to strengthen presence with manufacturing expansion

Nestle’s Malaysia arm is to invest over 100 million MYR ($24 million) to expand its Chembong Milo production facility, investing in what the company describes as a “key manufacturing hub”. According to Nestle, the Chembong facility expansion will establish the world’s biggest Milo manufacturing centre, with capacity to better meet growing local and export demand. “This move is an […]
UK: Calbee to buy Seabrook crisp brand

Japanese snack producer Calbee, through its UK subsidiary, has announced the acquisition of savoury snack manufacturer Seabrook. Based in Bradford, Seabrook produces a range of crinkle cut, straight cut and lattice crisps, as well as low-calorie snacks. The brand’s crisps are available in sea salt and red wine vinegar, cream cheese and chives, and lamb […]
Look Ahead: Nicolas Trenteseaux, SIAL 2018

Gama spoke to Nicolas Trenteseaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the event’s 2018 Paris edition. What are your expectations for this edition of SIAL? It’s looking to be a great year for SIAL Paris! For the 2018 edition, 7,200 exhibitors from 110 different countries are expected to attend, along with 160,000 visitors from 194 countries. […]
Canada: Maple Leaf to acquire Viau Foods

Maple Leaf Foods, a Canadian manufacturer of meat products, has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Viau Foods, a Canadian leader in premium cooked and dry-cured meats. The purchase was set for $215 million, including $30 million in Maple Leaf stock, to be financed through a combination of cash-on-hand and drawings. VIAU […]