USA: Mars invests in European manufacturing, innovation
Mars, the US-based diversified food company, has announced plans to invest €1 billion ($1.17 billion) to boost manufacturing and innovation across the EU. At the production level, the company is planning to invest significantly to modernise its manufacturing footprint, upgrading facilities to boost efficiency, product quality and consumer innovation, including new pouch packaging for its […]
France: Organic retailer Biocoop plots major store expansion
Bicoop, the leading French organic retailer, has announced major expansion plans, bidding to increase its overall store count by 160 by 2029. The investment comes on the back of growth in the first half of 2025 which saw the retailer increase sales to more than €1.8 billion (S2.1 billion). The expansion plans would take the Biocoop network […]
UK: Honestly Tasty acquires La Fauxmagerie
UK vegan cheese specialist Honestly Tasty has announced the acquisition of its domestic peer La Fauxmagerie. As part of the transaction, La Fauxmagerie will rebrand as Saporia and operate through a new dedicated online store, offering a more extensive plant-based range. Commenting on the move, Saporia founder Tim Barclay said: “La Fauxmagerie’s store was pioneering, […]
USA: Glanbia to sell SlimFast US to Heartland Food Products Group
Irish global nutrition group Glanbia has announced that it has signed an agreement to sell weight management brand SlimFast US to Heartland Food Products Group, a US-based leader in the consumer-packaged goods industry, for an undisclosed sum. The existing Heartland Food Products Group portfolio features Splenda, a zero-calorie sweetener brand offering stevia and monk fruit […]
South Africa: Walmart to open first stores
US supermarket chain Walmart has announced plans to open its first stores in South Africa before the end of 2025. Commenting on the move, Walmart International president and CEO Kath McLay said: “Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. Walmart also will offer […]
Spain: Grupo Apex acquires Uriarte Iturrate assets
Leading Spain-based snack company Grupo Apex has announced the acquisition of the brand and assets of Uriarte Iturrate, formerly part of the Ecolumber Group, including its production plant in Murgia (Alava), along with machinery, technology, trademarks and patents. The acquisition extends Grupo Apex’s portfolio to 13 production sites, bringing in seven employees as well as […]
India: Usha Shriram begins FMCG push with bottled water
Usha Shriram, an Indian company primarily known for its household hardware and appliances, has announced its entry into the FMCG sector through the launch of bottled drinking water brand Aquaero. The company intends to use the brand as a launchpad for a wider product portfolio including atta, maida and besan flours, pulses, spices, oil and ghee […]
UK: Kraft Heinz expands into pulse-based ready meals
The UK division of US-based food multinational Kraft Heinz is expanding into a new category with the launch of pulse-based ready meals sold in pouches. The new product line, which can apparently be microwaved in just 90 seconds, are described as a response to rising demand for convenient, nutritious and flavourful meals. The lineup comprises Chilli […]
Argentina: Carrefour acquires Super A chain
Carrefour, the leading French supermarket chain, has announced the acquisition of the Super A supermarket chain, which operates 16 stores in the western Argentinian province of Mendoza, for an undisclosed amount. As part of the deal, all Super A locations will be rebranded as Carrefour Express and will begin operating under the new banner this month. […]
Tradeshow Look Ahead: Anna Canal, Alimentaria 2026
Gama spoke to Anna Canal, director, ahead of the latest edition of Alimentaria. What are your expectations for Alimentaria 2026? Alimentaria is the leading food, beverage, and gastronomy platform in Spain and one of the main international benchmarks for the sector. The synergies generated by the joint celebration of Alimentaria and Hostelco for this next edition […]