FoodBev Media’s Siân Yates rounds up this week’s food and beverage news, including:
Ukraine says Black Sea corridor is working after suspension claims
The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov has denied reports that the new Black Sea export corridor had been suspended.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Kubrakov said: “The information regarding the cancellation or unscheduled stoppage of the temporary #Ukrainian_corridor for the movement of civilian vessels from and to the ports of the Big Odesa (region) is false. All available routes established by the Ukrainian Navy are valid and being used by civilian vessels.”
Nestlé to close baby formula plant in Ireland, risks 540 jobs
Nestlé plans to shut down its Wyeth Nutrition infant formula facility, as well as its co-located R&D centre, in Askeaton, County Limerick, Ireland, putting 542 jobs at risk of redundancy.
In a statement, the food giant said that it would be ceasing operations at Wyeth Nutrition infant formula factory by Q1 2026, and the R&D centre by Q1 2025. Nestlé said: “Regrettably, today’s announcement means approximately 542 colleagues will be placed at risk of redundancy”.
Nestlé acquired Wyeth Nutrition in 2012 as part of its acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition.
Nichols announces changes to board
Soft drinks company Nichols has announced some key changes to its board of directors this week, including the appointment of a new chief financial officer (CFO).
Richard Newman will join Nichols’ board as a director, with effect from 29 January 2024, before becoming CFO and company secretary in March 2024 following the publication of the group’s preliminary results for the year to 31 December 2023.
David Taylor, who is currently acting as interim CFO and company secretary, will step down from the board at the same time following a transition of responsibilities.
AG Barr expands soft drinks portfolio with Rio acquisition
AG Barr has announced its acquisition of the Rio soft drinks brand through the purchase of Rio Tropical, for a total cash consideration of £12.3 million.
The UK-based multi-beverage manufacturer will add the Rio tropical soft drink to its existing portfolio, which includes the Irn-Bru, Boost, Funkin and Rubicon brands.
AG Barr acquired Rio Tropical from the independent brewer and pub company Hall and Woodhouse. The tropical fruit drink has been marketed, sold and distributed on an exclusive licence basis by AG Barr’s recently acquired Boost Drinks division since 2021.
This week’s product round-up:
Synbio Tech introduces Krunchy Kefir
Probiotic manufacturer Synbio Tech has unveiled its latest product, Krunchy Kefir, a solid kefir probiotic product
Synbio Tech says that Krunchy Kefir represents a “breakthrough” in probiotic and postbiotic science. Crafted from clinically validated Abkefir probiotic strains, the product surpasses traditional kefir offerings.
Ocean Spray introduces sweeter cranberry juice
Cranberry juice brand Ocean Spray has introduced a different, sweeter type of cranberry juice drink, Ocean Spray Pink Cranberry.
The new drink contains vitamin C, with no added sugar, artificial colours or flavourings. It contains a blend of pink, red and white cranberries, which provide a smooth, sweet and refreshing taste compared to the tangy flavour of red cranberry juice.
OGT launches “world’s first” wrapperless snack bars
Today marks the launch of One Good Thing (OGT), a sustainability start-up that says it has produced the “world’s first” range of wrapperless protein and snack bars.
In a bid to reduce plastic waste for on-the-go snackers, the new bars are made from raw cold-pressed, low-carbon ingredients and coated with a completely edible, natural film.
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