FoodBev Media’s Siân Yates rounds up this week’s food and beverage news, including:
A2 Milk and Synlait in exclusivity dispute
A2 Milk announced this week that it would be cancelling Synlait Milk’s exclusive manufacturing and supply rights for some of its infant formula products.
The announcement was published on the New Zealand Stock Exchange on Monday 18 September. A2 said it gave Synlait written notice of the decision the previous Friday (15 September), due to Synlait’s delivery in full and on time performance (DIFOT) falling below the required level within the fiscal year 2023 for it to maintain its rights.
Heineken Mexico invests €430m in new brewery
Heineken Mexico plans to invest €430 million in the establishment of a new brewery in Yucatán, aiming to expand sustainable brewing practices and foster community growth.
Construction will take place in the Kanasín municipality, marking the company’s inaugural brewery in southeastern Mexico.
Heineken said the new brewery will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will aim to address the growing demand in the southeast while capitalising on the region’s robust road, rail and port connectivity.
KDP appoints Tim Cofer as COO, to assume CEO role in 2024
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has appointed former Mondelēz International executive Tim Cofer as its new chief operating officer, with plans for Cofer to succeed current CEO Bob Gamgort in the second quarter of 2024.
Cofer, who will join KDP on 6 November, will work closely with Gamgort while in the capacity of COO. Following the transition, Gamgort will assume the role of executive chairman.
Cofer has over 30 years of multinational expertise, and currently serves as CEO of Central Garden and Pet Company.
Danone installs CHP and microgrid solution in South African dairy plant
Danone is installing a 5-MW combined heat and power (CHP) solution and microgrid controller at its dairy manufacturing plant in Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
The facility produces a variety of dairy items, such as Nutriday yogurt and Ultramel custard. The microgrid project will support Danone’s global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 while also addressing the demand for a resilient local energy solution during the ongoing supply challenges in South Africa.
Moshesh Cogeneration, a special-purpose vehicle owned by Moshesh Partners, has chosen Clarke Energy to build the turnkey CHP facility and microgrid controller for Danone. Moshesh will own and operate the plant for a period of 20 years under a PPA contract with Danone.
Absolut expands Absolut Nights range with new variety
Absolut Vodka has expanded its Absolut Nights shot range, with the launch of its second product, Nordic Spice.
The new spirit, inspired by spices used in the Nordics, provides an “aromatic, high-energy” vodka that combines the spiced flavour of green cardamom with ginger and apple, delivering a smooth drink with subtle fruity undertones and a spicy kick.
Absolut recommends serving the 35% ABV drink ice cold and neat, along with a ginger ale or apple juice chaser.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2023
