Finland: Valio acquires Raisio’s plant protein business
Valio, the Finnish dairy company, has announced that it is acquiring the plant protein business of food business Raisio. The deal, valued at €7 million ($7.28 million), includes production equipment at Raisio’s plant protein factory in Kauhava, Finland, as well as the Harkis and Beanit brands. Commenting on the deal, Valio senior vice president Kimmo […]
Ireland: Lidl to invest €600 million in new stores, distribution centre
Lidl, the German retail giant, has announced that it will invest €600 million ($625 million) to open 35 new stores and a regional distribution centre in Ireland over the next five years. As a part of the programme, the retailer plans to open 12 stores over the next 12 months and invest €200 million ($208 […]
South Africa: Pernod Ricard acquires Inverroche gin
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced it has acquired Inverroche, a “luxury” gin brand hailing from South Africa, with distribution in 25 countries. In a press release, the company said it had concluded the acquisition of the shares it did not already own on 6th February. Commenting on the move, Sola Oke, managing director of […]
India: Reliance Consumer Products acquires Velvette
Reliance Consumer Products, the FMCG arm of Indian retail major Reliance Retail Ventures, has announced the acquisition of personal care brand Velvette. Founded in 1980 as a brand of Sujatha Biotech, the Velvette brand is described as being the first to introduce PVC shampoo sachets. The brand’s manufacturing unit is in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Commenting on the move, […]
Spain: Reina Group to acquire Vital Healthy Food
Reina Group, the Spanish retail and foodservice conglomerate has announced the acquisition of sandwich-maker Vital Healthy Food for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Manzanares, Ciudad Real, Vital Healthy Food offers filled brioche and empanadas in addition to its core sandwich range According to sources, the acquisition is intended to allow Reina to opening […]
India: Bajaj Consumer Care acquires Vishal Personal Care
Bajaj Consumer Care, a leading Indian hair care manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of Vishal Personal Care, which operates under the Banjara’s hair and skincare brand, for 108.3 crore INR ($13 million). Founded in 1991 in Hyderabad, Banjara is known for its natural solutions with a product portfolio that includes facial kits, herbal powders, and shampoos and […]
UK: Ferrero launches double-layer Tic Tac sweets
Ferrero, the global confectionery has launched Tic Tac Two, a twist on the brand’s traditional hard sweets and mints that feature dual flavour combinations in a double-sided format. Debuting this February, Tic Tac Two comes in the varieties Raspberry & Lemon, Strawberry & Lime, and Fresh & Mild Spearmint, and reportedly targets young adults. Commenting on […]
USA: Aldi to sell 170 Winn-Dixie And Harveys stores
Aldi, the German retail giant, has announced the sale of 170 Winn-Dixie And Harveys supermarket stores in the US to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a consortium of private investors. Aldi bought 400 Winn-Dixie And Harveys grocery stores and 170 Winn-Dixie liquor stores in 2023 and plans to convert the remaining 220 Winn-Dixie And Harveys stores to […]
UK: Meatly launches ‘world’s first’ cultivated pet food
Meatly, a UK-based cultivated meat company, has announced what it claims is the world’s first launch of cultivated pet food in collaboration with pet food brand The Pack. Chick Bites, which is being launched in Pets At Home stores from this February, is described as a blend of plant-based ingredients with Meatly’s cultivated chicken. Meatly […]
“Whole watermelon” stakes a claim in sports drinks
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 18th February 2025: In this month’s Innovation Insight, our attention turns to the sports drinks category and a new electrolyte drink from the UK that boasts the functional benefits of “whole watermelon” – Raw Hydrate Electrolyte Drink. Promising “a surge of pure vitality”, Raw Hydrate Electrolyte Drink from […]