France: Danone invests $18.3 million in New Zealand site
French dairy multinational Danone is making a $18.3 million upgrade to its New Zealand infant formula factory, according to a report in Foodbev. The investment will reportedly double production capacity at the Danone facility in Auckland, allowing the firm to export greater quantities of infant nutrition products. The move is part of a wider Danone […]
USA: General Mills to acquire pet food firm Blue Buffalo
General Mills, the leading US food producer, has expanded into the natural pet food space with the acquisition of Blue Buffalo, in a deal that has an enterprise value of approximately $8.0 billion. Founded in 2002, Blue Buffalo is described as a fast-growing major pet food company that markets natural foods and treats for dogs and cats under […]
Germany: Dr. Oetker and Molkerei Gropper to form joint venture
Dr. Oetker, the German food firm, and Bavarian dairy company Molkerei Gropper have announced they are to join forces to invest in the manufacture of new refrigerated product lines. The 50:50 joint venture will see Dr. Oetker contribute its chilled products plant in Moers to the new company, while Molkerei Gropper is to effect a capital increase in the […]
UAE: Emirates Industry for Camel Milk Products launches infant formula
The Emirates Industry for Camel Milk Products (trading under the name Camelicious), a specialist in camel milk derived products, has announced the launch of what it claims to be the first infant formula to be made from camel milk. The product is said to be rich in vitamins C, B1 and B2, as well as […]
Mexico: Grupo Modelo enters food space with hot sauce launch
Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo, owned by global beermaker AB InBev, is entering the food space with the launch of a bottled hot sauce, according to a report in Periodico Central. The firm’s Chingona Sauce is being launched under the name Victoria – a local beer brand – in a venture that reportedly represents 30% of […]
Italy: Coop launches home cooking range
Leading Italian supermarket Coop has launched D’Osa, a new private-label line entirely dedicated to home cooking, as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. The new range is advertised as being made with 100% raw and organic Italian ingredients, with low salt content and no artificial sweeteners, colours or thickeners. Comprising 37 items in total, ranging from […]
USA: Albertsons and Rite Aid to merge
Albertsons, the US grocery retailer, has announced that it has reached an agreement to merge with Rite Aid, a leading pharmacy chain, in a cash and stock deal. Rite Aid shareholders will own a 28 to 29.6% stake in the combined company, whilst current Albertsons shareholders will own a stake from 70.4 percent to 72 […]
Brazil: Nestle to launch organic oat products
The Brazilian arm of consumer goods giant Nestle has announced that it is set to expand its cereal offering with the launch of two organic cereal products in March. Noting “the promising potential of the organics market” in Brazil, Nestle said it was planning to launch its organic oats in the varieties Flocos De Aveia (Large […]
Canada: Bonduelle acquires Del Monte business from Conagra
Bonduelle, the leading global vegetable firm, has announced an agreement to acquire the Del Monte processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada for a total value of C$43 million ($34 million). The deal with Conagra includes the right to use the Del Monte brand in different segments of processed fruits and vegetables but excludes all […]
USA: Tcho announces acquisition by Ezaki Glico
Tcho, a chocolate maker based in California, USA, has announced that it is to be acquired by the Japanese food giant Ezaki Glico. Previously owned by investment fund Emil Capital Partners, Tcho describes itself as a “premium” chocolatier “known for its bold packaging designs, innovative supply chain, and playful flavors”. It also claims to be a […]