UK: Unilever acquires Pukka Herbs
FMCG multinational Unilever has announced the acquisition of UK-based organic herbal tea and supplement company Pukka Herbs for an undisclosed amount. Pukka Herbs is described as producing herbal teas made with 100% certified, organic and ethically sourced ingredients. The firm has a turnover of over £30 million ($40 million) and is currently recording growth of […]
UK: Associated British Foods acquires Acetum
Associated British Foods (ABF), the UK manufacturer of bakery, sugar and other grocery products, has unveiled the acquisition of Acetum, described as the leading Italian producer of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, subject to competition clearance. Announcing the move in its latest trading update, the company said it had “ambitious plans” for the newly acquired firm […]
USA: Nestle to acquire Sweet Earth
The US arm of FMCG multinational Nestle has announced that it has agreed to acquire Sweet Earth, a plant-based foods manufacturer based in Moss Landing, CA, USA. Launched in 2011, Sweet Earth markets a range of frozen meals, burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and chilled plant-based burgers and proteins are sold in more than 10,000 stores, including independent […]
South Africa: Checkers expands Oh My Goodness! Range
South African retailer Checkers, part of the Shoprite group, has expanded its Oh My Goodness! private label range, introducing new ‘healthier’ snack options for children. The new products, developed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his daughter Matilda, are claimed to be “packed with all of the goodness and none of the junk”. The new […]
South Africa: Distell sells wine farms and brands
South African wine and spirits group Distell has announced the sale of wine farms and brands with the aim of doubling revenue and profits by 2021. According to Supermarket & Retailer, Distell CEO Richard Rushton said that the company had already sold the La Bonheur and Stellenzicht wine farms and respective brands, which were part […]
USA: McDonald’s and Coca-Cola partner to sell McCafe Frappes
US-based global fast-food chain McDonald’s has signed an agreement with soft drinks giant Coca-Cola to sell ready-to-drink McCafe Frappe beverages in retail stores. According to a Coca-Cola press release, the new coffee drink will be offered in Mocha, Caramel and Vanilla and sold in re-sealable 405ml PET bottles. Flagged as being made with “100% Arabica […]
UK: The Hut Group acquires spa brand ESPA
The Hut Group, an e-commerce firm specialising in health and lifestyle brands, is continuing is rapid expansion into cosmetics and toiletries with the acquisition of UK spa brand ESPA in a rumoured £100 million ($130 million) deal. ESPA markets a range of skincare and cleansing products for men and women, as well as operating 600 […]
Look Ahead: Dietmar Eiden, Anuga 2017
Gama spoke to Dietmar Eiden, Vice President of Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse, ahead of the 2017 edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this year’s Anuga? “Fully booked exhibitions halls and shopping baskets full to the brim” – that’s how we announced the upcoming Anuga in our preliminary report. And this year’s Anuga […]
Mexico: Grupo Bimbo to build distribution centre in Mexico City
Multinational Mexican bakery company Grupo Bimbo has announced the construction of a new metropolitan distribution centre in the Azcapotzalco district of Mexico City. The result of an investment of M$2.3 billion ($129 million), the 89,000 sq m facility, the purpose of which is to enhance the company’s logistics capacity and to increase productivity and efficiency, […]
UK: Premier Foods launches Bisto Foil Bakes
Premier Foods, the UK food manufacturer, has announced an extension to its Bisto brand range with the launch of Bisto Foil Bakes. According to the company, each product includes a packet of flavouring mix and a foil bag complete with a steam vent window. Consumers are instructed to use chicken, fish or meat, rub it with […]