Danone is to sell its Russian assets, now known as H&N, to a Russian businessman in a deal that sums RUB 17.7 billion (approx. $188 million), according to the Financial Times (FT). The report states that Danone is looking to sell its Russian business to Vamin Tatarstan, a Russian dairy company owned by businessman Mintimer Mingazov. The news comes seven months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the seizure of the French company’s local operations. In a letter sent to Russia’s Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev – and seen by FT – Ayrat Mukhamadeev, the director of a newly created company owned by Vamin Tatarstan, said it had agreed to pay RUB 17.7 billion to take control of Danone’s Russia business. The letter stated that RUB 7.7 billion (approx. $81.8 million) would go towards paying off debt in the Russia operation, with the remainder funding Danone’s equity in the company. The deal – which is subject to the approval of Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture before being voted on by a special government subcommittee in charge of approving exits by Western companies – remains uncertain. To date, various Western companies have had their applications rejected, or seen their deals fall apart because of disagreement within the Russian Government. According to reports, Danone has agreed to provide support until the end of July 2025 as it continues to localise production of certain ingredients to preserve “the high quality of products to which Russian consumers are accustomed”. The FT has reported that Danone has taken a loss of more than €700 million on its Russia operations since its seizure, as well as an additional depreciation of €500 million last July due to the fall in the value of the Russian rouble. Mukhamadeev's letter said the price represented a 56% discount to market value – Moscow demands discounts of at least 50% for foreign asset sales. While other Western companies pulled out of Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, Danone initially said it planned to stay in the country, though it changed its stance in October 2022 when it said it would seek a buyer in a transaction that could result in a write-down of up to €1 billion. News of the proposed sale comes after Putin issued a decree putting Danone’s and Carlsberg’s Russian businesses under “temporary external management” in July last year. Danone declined to comment when approached by FoodBev. rket

Danone has acquired Functional Formularies, a provider of organic, wholefood enteral feeding formulas, from Swander Pace Capital. Based in the US, Functional Formularies develops formulas designed to provide essential nutrients and support for individuals who may have difficulty consuming solid foods due to various health conditions. Its products are crafted from organic, wholefood ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives commonly found in traditional nutritional supplements. The acquisition signals Danone's commitment to catering to the growing demand for nutritional products that prioritise health and wellness. With this acquisition, Danone aims to strengthen its position in the health and nutrition sector while providing consumers with innovative and high-quality nutritional solutions. As a pivotal component of the Renew Danone strategy, this acquisition bolsters Danone’s medical nutrition portfolio in the US, amplifying its enteral tube feeding offerings. Juergen Esser, deputy CEO and CFO at Danone, said: “As a global leader in medical nutrition, we are delighted to welcome Functional Formularies to Danone”. He added: “We are confident that with the addition of the greatly differentiated product portfolio of Functional Formularies, which complements our existing Real Food Blends branded range, we are even better positioned to support the nutritional needs of tube-fed families and patients”. Financial details were not disclosed.

Little Moons, a player in the frozen and chilled snack segment, has added a new flavour – Brown Butter Caramel – to its portfolio of mochi ice cream. The new flavour combines sweet buttery caramel with a smooth gelato base, offering consumers a unique snacking experience. Each serving features chocolate-covered caramel pieces encased in the brand’s signature soft mochi dough, which aims to enhance the overall indulgence of the product. This launch marks not only a new flavour addition but also a rebranding initiative for Little Moons, which includes a refreshed logo and packaging design. The changes are intended to strengthen the brand's market presence and appeal as a global snacking option. Ross Farquhar, director of marketing, innovation and sustainability at Little Moons, highlighted the company’s commitment to flavour innovation, stating that "Brown Butter Caramel delivers on that promise – blending rich buttery caramel, with our signature creamy gelato ice cream, for a smooth and nutty snack". The product is gluten-free and free from artificial additives, containing only 67 calories per bite, appealing to health-conscious consumers. This product will be available in Sainsbury’s starting today, priced at £5.00. Following its initial launch in Sainsbury’s, the new flavour is set to roll out nationwide in September.

Greatview, a global supplier of aseptic carton packaging solutions, has inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Perugia, Italy, through its major shareholder, NewJF. This expansion is strategically aimed at meeting the increasing demand for locally produced, sustainably manufactured packaging solutions within Europe. The facility, named 'Greatview Italy,' has been developed in collaboration with CG Europoligrafico, an established Italian manufacturer of advanced packaging with a history dating back to 1928. The new plant is designed to provide high-quality aseptic carton packaging specifically for liquid food products, catering to the needs of dairy and beverage producers seeking reliable packaging partners. The first product to be launched from the new facility is the 200ml Slim Brick Plus. This packaging solution features a robust polymer barrier, enhancing product safety and distribution resilience for sensitive liquids. Importantly, the materials used in production will be sourced from certified sustainably managed forests, aligning with Greatview's commitment to environmental stewardship. Victor Lee, group executive president – international and executive director at Greatview, said: “Our extensive market analysis and discussions with potential customers indicate a strong demand for high-quality aseptic packaging solutions among beverage and dairy producers". He continued: "The new plant enhances our capabilities and market presence in the region, providing customers with local support, cost-effective options, and improved supply chain flexibility”. Greatview Italy operates under a rigorous environmental policy that adheres to international certification standards, including ISO 9001, BRC and FSC. The facility is designed to conduct systematic assessments aimed at continuous operational improvement and environmental protection. As the third-largest aseptic packaging solution provider globally, Greatview aims to leverage this new facility to strengthen its market position in Europe. The company, established in 2003 and now part of NewJF, operates eleven production facilities worldwide, boasting an annual capacity of over 50 billion packs. This scale allows for significant investment in tech and innovation, enhancing Greatview's operational efficiency and service offerings.

General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal brand has teamed up for the second time with Hormel Black Label Bacon, this time launching a limited-edition cinnamon and bacon-flavoured cereal. The collaboration follows last year’s debut of the Hormel Black Label Cinnamon Toast Crunch Flavored Thick Cut Bacon , which combined Hormel’s salty and savoury bacon rashers with General Mills’ sweet ‘Cinnadust’ seasoning for a sugary, crispy crust. Now, this 2025 sequel ‘flips the script’ on the original collaboration, introducing a limited-edition cereal infused with the smoky flavour of Black Label bacon and the classic sweet Cinnadust. The cereal contains artificial bacon flavouring, designed to taste like Hormel’s real bacon products. Each specially designed 6oz pouch unites the branding of both household names, adorned with Cinnamon Toast Crunch ‘Cinnaswirls’. Aly Sill, senior brand manager at Hormel Foods, said: “After seeing the fan response to last year’s collaboration, we knew we had to bring these two breakfast icons back together. We’re shaking up the way bacon fits into daily routines, and we can’t wait for consumers to experience it.” The cereal launched available exclusively at Walmart online from 8 July, available until supplies last.

The Compleat Food Group has acquired Freshpak, a private-label producer specialising in added-value egg products, chilled food-to-go snacks and deli fillers. Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK, Freshpak employs around 500 staff at its 40,000 square metre production facility and reported revenues of £93 million in 2024. The company is recognised as the leading supplier of private-label chilled food-to-go snacks and deli fillers in the UK, as well as a key player in egg processing. Freshpak's products are featured in major UK grocery chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op, in addition to serving various foodservice clients. The acquisition is expected to enhance Compleat's capabilities in egg processing, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for health-oriented and protein-rich food options. The addition of Freshpak’s deli fillers will complement Compleat's existing deli business, while its expertise in food-to-go products is anticipated to open new avenues for innovation and market growth. This acquisition follows a series of strategic moves by The Compleat Food Group, which is backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners. In the past year, the company has also acquired SK Foods and Zorba Foods and speciality food producer Harvey & Brockless, as well as The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co , a leading supplier of chilled Yorkshire puddings in the UK. With these acquisitions, Compleat’s total turnover now exceeds £1.3 billion, and its workforce has grown to over 6,000 employees across 17 sites. Nick Field, CEO of The Compleat Food Group, said: “Welcoming Freshpak into our portfolio enhances our capabilities in key product categories and allows us to further drive value and growth with our partners, while also exploring new opportunities in both retail and foodservice sectors”. Toby Brinsmead, CEO of Freshpak, expressed optimism about the acquisition, noting that Freshpak has established a solid reputation for quality and innovation. “Joining The Compleat Food Group marks an exciting new chapter for our business, and I am confident that under the Group’s ownership, Freshpak will continue to thrive and grow,” he enthused. While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, this acquisition is seen as a strategic move to bolster Compleat's position in the UK chilled prepared food market.

The Coca-Cola Company has today (15 July 2025) announced the appointment of Hemant Rupani as CEO of Bangalore-based bottler Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), effective from 8 September. Rupani joins HCCB following a nine-year career with Mondelēz International. He currently serves as the food and beverage giant’s business unit president for Southeast Asia, which includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. He will succeed current HCCB chief executive Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who will be moving to pursue a new opportunity in the Coca-Cola system. Rupani will report to the HCCB board of directors. In a statement announcing his appointment, The Coca-Cola Company described Rupani as a highly accomplished business leader who has delivered impressive results during his career, praising his strong track record in driving commercial success and his strong blend of expertise in both Indian and multinational organisations. In his new role, he will help the bottler to deliver on its considerable investment in India. A native of India, Rupani joined Mondelēz in 2016 as director of sales for the country. He went on to serve as vice president and managing director for Vietnam, before being promoted to his current role in 2022. Since the beginning of his career in 1997, Rupani has held roles of increasing responsibility at F&B giants such as PepsiCo and Britannia Industries, as well as Mondelēz. HCCB is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in India. In December 2024, The Coca-Cola Company announced an agreement for Jubilant Bhartia Group to acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings, HCCB's parent company.

Ruly, a new entrant in the UK confectionery sector, has officially launched its line of caffeine-infused sweets, aiming to capture a niche in the growing functional candy market. Founded in 2024 by Sophie Murray and Lydia Franks, Ruly seeks to provide consumers with a flavourful alternative to traditional energy products, catering particularly to the demands of busy professionals and fitness enthusiasts. The company has introduced its lightning bolt-shaped sweets in two flavours: Tropical Crush and Berry Delicious. Each 42g pack contains 80mg of caffeine, along with guarana and B vitamins, designed to offer a sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with sugary energy drinks. Unlike conventional energy gummies that focus on single-dose servings, Ruly’s product encourages a 'micro-boosting' approach, allowing consumers to control their caffeine intake by consuming one sweet at a time. Murray, who transitioned from the restaurant industry to management consulting, and Franks, a finance director, were inspired to create Ruly based on their own experiences with afternoon energy slumps. The founders aimed to develop a product that would serve as a convenient pick-me-up, suitable for various situations – from office work to outdoor activities – without the mess associated with traditional energy drinks. “Energy drinks are typically consumed in one go, while Ruly gives you ultimate convenience and control,” said Murray. “Our format allows consumers to snack at their own pace, whether they choose to enjoy the whole bag for maximum effect or space them out for a gentler boost throughout the day.” The launch comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, more functional snack options. Ruly positions itself as a unique player in the market by highlighting flavour and enjoyment, in contrast to the often medicinal taste of traditional energy supplements. The brand's approach aims to redefine how energy is consumed, promoting a balance between taste and functionality. Ruly’s products are currently available for purchase on their website, with pricing set at £2.49 per 42g bag or £2.29 per bag when purchased in bulk. The company is targeting both individual consumers and potential retail partnerships, as it seeks to establish a foothold in the competitive UK snack market.ns.

AG Barr, the Scottish beverage company known for its flagship product Irn-Bru, has acquired a majority stake in Innate-Essence Limited, parent company of The Turmeric Co. This move underscores AG Barr's commitment to expanding its footprint in the functional beverages and health supplements market. The acquisition, which reportedly grants AG Barr between 50% and 75% ownership of the London-based brand, was finalised for an undisclosed sum. The Turmeric Co, founded in 2018 by former professional footballer Hal Robson-Kanu, specialises in health-focused drinks that leverage the growing consumer interest in wellness and functional nutrition. As part of the deal, AG Barr's CEO Euan Sutherland and CFO Stuart Lorimer will take on joint directorships at Innate-Essence, signalling the company's intention to integrate its operational expertise into the management of The Turmeric Co. A spokesperson from AG Barr emphasised the potential for growth within the functional beverage sector, noting: “These brands are in the high growth functional beverages and vitamin and supplements sectors, and we’re excited to bring our deep industry experience to support their future growth”. This acquisition aligns with AG Barr’s recent financial performance, which saw a revenue increase of 5.1% to £420.4 million for the year ending January 31 2025. The company also reported a significant rise in adjusted pre-tax profit, up nearly 16% to £58 million during the same period. AG Barr's strategy appears to be focused on diversifying its portfolio amid recent challenges, including the decision to sell its Strathmore bottled water brand, which had struggled to compete in a saturated market. The company has indicated that the facility in Forfar, Scotland, where Strathmore was produced, was deemed unsustainable. The Turmeric Co has established partnerships with notable sports organisations, including Leicester Tigers and Premier League clubs Brentford and Everton, enhancing its visibility in the competitive health drink sector. This acquisition may position AG Barr to leverage these partnerships and further capitalise on the demand for functional beverages among health-conscious consumers.

Givaudan] has announced an innovative approach to tea development through its 'Tea Time' programme, which integrates insights from European social media influencers. This initiative aims to reshape the tea experience by combining consumer trends with creative storytelling, leveraging Givaudan's advanced digital tools and expertise. The programme, which will be showcased at Drinktec 2025 in Munich from September 15-19, has resulted in six unique tea concepts co-created with influencers from diverse backgrounds, including culinary professionals and mixologists. According to Diego Campos, regional marketing manager for Europe, the collaboration marks a significant shift in how beverage experiences are conceptualised and developed. The Tea Time programme followed a structured three-phase process: immersion, casting and collaboration. Central to this initiative was the use of Myromi, Givaudan’s patent-pending handheld aroma delivery device, which allowed influencers to blend and refine aromas in real-time during a live co-creation session. This interactive approach not only facilitated immediate feedback but also empowered participants to enhance existing tea blends with their unique perspectives. Givaudan's research across four European countries identified three key opportunity areas: healthy hydration, surprising indulgence and premium formats. These insights guided the development of new tea concepts designed to cater to evolving consumer preferences, such as functional calming blends and luxurious dessert-style teas. Among the notable creations emerging from this initiative are: Pistachio Royale: A luxurious latte featuring rich pistachio flavours. Golden Hour: A non-alcoholic sparkling tea inspired by summer gatherings. ClariTea: A refreshing herbal blend aimed at promoting clarity and calm. These concepts reflect a modern interpretation of tea culture, appealing to today's experience-driven consumers. Diego Campos highlighted the programme's focus on transforming insights into tangible products, noting: “By merging consumer data with creativity and influencer collaboration, we’ve streamlined the path to market for tea innovations that resonate with consumers”. Givaudan's participation at Drinktec 2025 will highlight these innovative tea concepts as part of its broader theme of 'innovation efficiency' across beverages, including beer and soft drinks.

Researchers from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at Chulalongkorn University (Chula), in Bangkok, Thailand, have transformed coconut jelly biowaste into valuable food ingredients. The collaboration between Chula researchers and companies such as Ampol Food Processing, has effectively repurposed leftover coconut jelly scraps into efficient food additives. The innovation, named ‘cello-gum,' can be used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries, which would potentially reduce the need for “costly imported additives” within Thailand The research team, led by Hathaikarn Manuspiya, is confident that the ingredient will propel circular economy development within the country while increasing the value of waste generated by the food and agricultural industries. Cello-gum is a nanocellulose product made from residual jelly scraps, typically discarded as waste from the coconut jelly production process. These, which are abundant in Thaliand, are transformed into products that serve as effective additives in food and other industries. Coconut jelly is a bacterial cellulose that possesses strong mechanical properties, high porosity and substantial water absorption capacity. It is easily moldable, biodegradable and non-toxic and when used as a composite material or additive, coconut jelly ensures good adhesion of other substances. The bacterium responsible for producing coconut jelly is Acetobacter xylinum, which can be cultured in a lab and fed with sugar and carbon sources. When the bacteria get fed, they excrete fibre, which is a good type of cellulose. "The additives are high in purity and safe,” Manuspiya explained. “Food stabilisers play a pivotal role in industries such as food...In rice milk products, for example, additive substances are essential to maintain colloidal properties, preventing the milk from separating into layers. This enhances the texture, giving the product the appearance of containing rice. The same goes for fruit juices that often incorporate cellulose-based additives to augment content." The collaboration with Ampol Food Processing, a global exporter of coconut jelly, aims to leverage the knowledge of bacterial cellulose to create additives that add significant value to coconut jelly scraps. Manuspiya added: “Upon discovering research on transforming coconut jelly scraps into high-value materials, the company expressed interest in such possibilities. Enormous amounts of scrap are generated daily during the production process and typically discarded through burning. By repurposing them into additives, we can contribute to reducing Thailand's importation of various additives, which amounts to over THB 10 billion (approx. $278.5 million) per year.” She explained that various agricultural wastes, despite containing smaller amounts of cellulose, can be turned into cello-gum. "The production process can incorporate bagasse, corn and pineapple, albeit with potential alterations or additions,” Manuspiya said. Owing to the success of cello-gum, Chula's College of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, Center for Excellence in Petrochemical and Materials Technology has launched a spin-off company, Bionext. Bionext aims to expand commercial production capacities of cello-gum and collaborate with large companies. To do this, Bionext expects to scale-up its development, conduct research and propose projects.

New research from data analytics firm GlobalData suggests that brands are launching retro-inspired products and packaging in response to increasing consumer nostalgia. According to GlobalData, the wake of rapid social and economic changes post-Covid-19 has led to an increased nostalgia for the past in American consumers, prompting brands to reintroduce products and packaging that evoke a sense of familiarity. Meenakshi Haran, lead consumer analyst at GlobalData, noted that nostalgia often triggers sensory experiences for consumers, evoking sentimental feelings about a past period or place they've encountered. Haran said: "They seek familiar flavours, fragrances or products that take them back to that time or place. Americans, in particular, are feeling nostalgic about the 'good times' and looking for familiarity in the food and drinks products they choose, as affirmed by 67% of respondents in GlobalData's consumer survey." She explained that brands are tapping into this by reintroducing old-style flavours and products, adding: "Olipop, for instance, claims to be a new kind of soda in retro cans, reminiscent of nostalgic packaging designs, while Spindrift, a sparkling water brand, introduced two new variants inspired by the 1990s when purple grape-flavoured products were popular. Similarly, Oreo debuted its new limited-edition “dirt cake” flavor that claims to be a spin on the classic childhood-favorite, mud-pie dessert." With the abundance of new product launches competing for consumer attention, Haran advised that companies should focus on distinguishing their offerings and making them stand out on store shelves. While the demand for retro products remains strong among American consumers, brands should strike a balance between nostalgia and meeting sensory expectations for visual and taste experiences to foster repeat purchases and drive sales.