China: Walmart partners with JD.com in e-commerce initiative
Walmart, the leading supermarket chain in the US, and JD.com, China’s largest e-commerce company by revenue, have announced the formation of a strategic alliance “to better serve consumers across China through a powerful combination of e-commerce and retail”. The agreement between the companies includes a wide range of business initiatives, covering both online and offline retail. […]
UK: Mars launches trail mixes based on confectionery brands
Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats, the EU confectionery arm of the food multinational, is launching new trail mixes under its established chocolate brands, according to reports in Talking Retail and FoodBev. The new line is described as comprising M&M’s with raisins, cranberries and peanuts, Bounty with chocolate pieces, coconut, pineapple, raisins and sultanas, and Galaxy with chocolate pieces, […]
USA: Mars expands Yorkville factory with $50 million investment
Wrigley, a subsidiary of food multinational Mars, has announced the opening of an extension to its factory in Yorkville, Illinois that will manufacture products under the Skittles brand. The result of $50 million investment, the line will see headcount at the facility increase by 25%, Mars said. Wrigley’s Yorkville factory produces a number of key […]
Australia: Aldi arrives in Western Australia
Aldi, the discount retail chain, has opened new outlets in Perth, the first four of 70 planned supermarkets for western Australia, according to a report in Inside Retail. Aldi’s Australian website lists a total of four stores now open in the Western Australia region, located in Belmont, Kwinana, Lakeside Joondalup and Mirrabooka Square. A further […]
USA: ConAgra Foods sells JM Swank
ConAgra Foods, the US food manufacturer, has announced the disposal of JM Swank, a national food ingredient sourcing and distribution company, after an agreement was reached with California-based private equity firm Platinum Equity to acquire the business. JM Swank is the latest divestment by ConAgra Foods as it seeks to focus on core brands. Late […]
Brazil: Heineken to close plant in Bahia
Heineken, the Dutch beermaker, has announced that it will cease operations at its plant in Feira de Santana (Bahia), Brazil. According to Heineken Brazil, “the decision was taken based on viability studies and on the need to drive the company’s operations to the next level of excellence, while maintaining its financial sustainability”. The company said […]
USA: Loft launches Hemp Infused Herb Tonic
Loft, a US start-up firm, has announced the launch of the first of its “non-psychotropic, phytocannabinoid-rich” Hemp Infused Herb Tonics, according to an article in Beverage World. The result of two years of development, Loft Hemp Infused Herb Tonics are “an herbal tonic with the restorative, mood-enhancing benefits of hemp and other botanicals – artisan […]
Italy: Nestle to sell confectionery brands
Nestle, the FMCG multinational, has announced that it is rearranging its confectionery business in Italy, including the sale of six of its brands to the Italian-based sweets firm Fida. The brands changing hands are Rosanna, Fondenti, Glacia, Fruttallegre, Lemoncella and Spicchi. The deal comes only three months after Nestle announced plans for a €60 million […]
Canada: Felicetti launches pasta for babies
Felicetti, the Italian pasta firm, has launched a line of organic pasta for babies in Canada, according to a report in Food In Canada. Launched in a 340g bag under the Felicetti brand, the pasta is said to be small in size and easy-to-swallow, and is specially designed for babies over the age of six […]
USA: Kashi acquires Pure Organic
Kashi, the health foods manufacturer that is part of the Kellogg group, is to acquire start up firm Pure Organic, a manufacturer of bars and other organic snack reports, according to a report in Just Food. Pure Organic produces a range of snack bars including Fruit & Nut Bars, Ancient Grains Bars, Fruit Sandwiches and Fruit […]