M&A
Nutella owner Ferrero acquires Nestlé’s US candy business for $2.8bn
Nestlé has sold its US candy business ($924m in 2016 sales), which includes Butterfinger, Baby Ruth and Raisinets, to Nutella maker Ferrero for $2.8bn in cash.
Archives for January 16, 2018
Talking Rain president hints at energy launch; says ‘Essence Of’ unsweetened waters have not delivered on early promise
2017 “was a pretty challenging year for the beverage industry in general, but we still grew pretty significantly in terms of dollar sales and case volumes,” says the president of Sparkling ICE brand owner Talking Rain, who is exploring a “caffeinated”...
Quality and price propel Trader Joe’s to the top of dunnhumby’s retailer preference index
While some commentators say Trader Joe's is most at risk of losing customers to a resurgent Whole Foods, the chain's curated product selections, superior customer service, and creative private label items have helped propel it to the top of dunnhumby’s...
Northern lights out? Chocolate sees big sugar tax hike in Norway
Industry players and a market researcher speculate how Norway’s 83% increased duty on chocolate and sugar products, which took effect on January 1 this year, will affect sales.
Bayer fails to make case for qualified health claim linking vitamin D consumption to MS risk reduction
Once again FDA has denied Bayer’s request to approve a health claim linking vitamin D to the reduced risk of multiple scleroris on the grounds that the available scientific evidence does not meet the agency’s high standards for support.
New cuts and old breeds of meat beat vegetable-centric dishes as top trends for 2018, chefs predict
For all the strides plant-based diets made in 2017, including the growing popularity of veggie burgers that bleed, cauliflower rice and zucchini noodles, new cuts of meat is predicted to be the number one food trend to watch in 2018, according to the...
News in Brief
More than 200 ill and one dead in Hepatitis E outbreak
More than 200 cases of Hepatitis E and at least one death have been reported in Namibia since October last year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
New CEO for Tate & Lyle
Nick Hampton, the company’s current chief financial officer, will take over as CEO of ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle in April.
Are fragmenting attitudes to health a threat to food brands?
New research finds that consumers are increasingly confused by the numerous – and sometimes contradictory – messages about food and health. A loss of trust in traditional sources of information adds to the chaos and stands as a barrier to the development...
It’s Fresh tech extending produce life to cut food waste
It’s Fresh has secured fresh investment as it works to increase use of “groundbreaking” technology that, it says, extends the shelf life, quality, freshness and flavour of produce.
Mosa Meat CEO on clean meat, competition and disrupting a $1 trillion market
In 2013, Mosa Meat showed the world what clean meat looks like; 'Burger 2.0' will now be ready in under 2 years. But it's not a case of being first, the CEO says. “The global meat market is worth over one trillion dollars. Four companies in a shared...
Majority of labs pass mycotoxin proficiency tests
Two proficiency tests (PT) were organised by the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for mycotoxins on ergot alkaloids (EAs) in rye and deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat.
Mondelēz partners with Post Holdings to give consumers new way to enjoy iconic brands
Mondelēz has teamed up with Post Consumer Brands, Post Holdings’ cereal division, to launch several cereal products using flavors of its long-established cookie and cracker brands, including Honey Maid, Nutter Butter and Chips Ahoy.
Full-year 2017 sales
Lindt continues to grow, but Russell Stover drags down US sales
Lindt & Sprüngli has reported sales growth above the chocolate industry average in 2017, but faces headwinds in the US.
Waste crackdown: McDonald’s commits to renewable, recyclable packaging by 2025
All packaging used by fast food giant McDonald’s will come from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2025.
FQN looks at firms to watch in 2018
FoodQualityNews has compiled a list of articles with 12 companies that first appeared in our editorial coverage last year.
Romanian group to invest in meat production and processing
Romanian agricultural holding Agricola Group plans to invest €10 million this year to boost its capacity at various locations.
Bell Food Group becomes ‘leading’ convenience supplier with Hügli acquisition
Swiss meat producer Bell Food Group is to become one of Europe’s leading convenience food suppliers following its acquisition of food group Hügli.
News in Brief
Altmann Analytik to launch storage systems at Analytica
Altmann Analytik GmbH & Co. KG will launch a series of storage systems at Analytica April 10-13, 2018.
Scots face reality of obesity’s effects as survey backs firm action
Firm limits on salt, fat and sugar, a tax on sugary drinks and a ban on the use of cartoon characters in food advertisements received strong support in a survey carried out by NHS Health Scotland.
Bottle drop: Asia drinks giant F&N launches recycling vending machines in Singapore
Beverage manufacturer Fraser and Neave (F&N) and NTUC FairPrice supermarkets in Singapore have launched a ‘reverse vending machine’ to boost environmentally-friendly consumer behaviour in the city state, where household recycling rates remain stubbornly low.
Diet high in salt causes cognitive decline — but it can be reversed
Excessive salt consumption creates a gut-brain axis that leads to deficits in cognitive function, a new study on mice suggests.
Space snacks: Japan seeks lift-off for more accredited foods for astronauts
Astronauts currently have to eat the same meal roughly every 16 days — but this is something Japan is looking to remedy with the help of food manufacturers.