Vegan Food Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Tofutown, a German tofu manufacturer with €60 million in revenue. The latest acquisition is Vegan Food Group’s first since it rebranded as a new development out of its initial company, VFC Foods, founded in 2020 by Veganuary co-founder Matthew Glover and chef Adam Lyons. Vegan Food Group’s portfolio, which also includes the VFC Foods, Meatless Farm and Clive’s Purely Plants brands, already has 80 SKUs in the UK and EU across 21,000 distribution points. In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Vegan Food Group’s chief mission officer Glover said that the combined entity will be positioned for profitability in 2024 with a “clear line of sight” for scaling group revenues beyond €100 million following the Tofutown deal. Tofutown was established over 40 years ago and is a supplier of 100% natural organic tofu, spreads and meat alternatives in the EU, predominantly in Germany where the company is based. Headquartered in Wiesbaum (North Rhine-Westphalia), it supplies major retailers such as Aldi, Lidl, DM and Edeka under the Tofutown brand. Its two manufacturing sites, spanning 55,000-square-metres in total, produce a wide range of new plant-based products, with its Lüneburg (Lower Saxony) site becoming one of Europe’s largest plant-based manufacturing facilities. Dave Sparrow, CEO of Vegan Food Group, said: “VFG will now be a major player in plant-based food, with a significant manufacturing scale across three sites, employing over 300 staff, and with a strong network of strategic manufacturing and supply chain partners”. He added: “This acquisition allows VFG to fast-track our growth across the UK and the EU in chilled, frozen, and ambient products, in both branded and own label retail, as well as foodservice”. Markus Kerres, CEO of Tofutown, said that joining Vegan Food Group will be an exciting opportunity to successfully continue Tofutown founder Bernd Drosihn’s vision in the coming decades. He commented: “With Germany and the UK being the two biggest markets for plant-based foods, we’re well-positioned to thrive over the next decade”. Vegan Food Group has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire all shares of Tofutown. Completion is subject to final approvals but is expected to happen soon, the companies revealed. KPMG conducted the financial due diligence, while Addleshaw Goddard provided legal advice.

Sports nutrition brand Warrior has added a new protein water product to its portfolio of high-protein snacks and supplements. The high-protein and low-calorie beverage is available in two flavours, tropical and berry. Each bottle contains essential vitamins and electrolytes to boost hydration, with the added benefit of ten grams of collagen peptides to nourish skin, hair and nails. Warrior’s protein water is sugar-free and contains less than 50 kcal per 500ml bottle. Both flavours are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and free from genetically modified ingredients. Kieran Fisher, founder of Warrior and parent company KBF Enterprises, commented: “Last year was a phenomenal year for product innovation and we are thrilled to be starting 2024 by introducing Warrior Protein Water to the market”. He added: “This provides an easy and convenient solution for people to boost their protein intake whilst on-the-go and we are confident this new addition will excite new and existing customers”. The protein water is available online and at selected SPAR stores across the UK.

JBT's Proseal has launched its latest technology, the fully automated CDS Case De-Stacker. This solution is designed to complement and maximise the efficiency of Proseal's case-packing equipment. The new Proseal CDS Case De-Stacker reduces the workload on operators by automating the de-stacking process, thereby minimising repetitive manual handling demands. By de-stacking both RPC and cardboard cases of standard sizes in any orientation, the technology enhances operational speed and safety while reducing operator fatigue. Compatible with Proseal's CP2, CP3 and CP4 models, the CDS boasts a delivery rate of up to 35 cases per minute, catering to the most demanding of applications. Moreover, it can be integrated into manual packing lines and existing automated packaging equipment. To ensure operator safety, the CDS Case De-Stacker is equipped with muting sensors and a muting light curtain, conforming to relevant safety standards. This feature enables the system to differentiate between a stack of cases and a person entering the area, mitigating potential risks during operation.

US-based Duravant – a manufacturer of engineered equipment and automation solutions for the food processing, packaging and material handling sectors – has completed its acquisition of Ferdinand Henneken, a German company specialising in protein processing solutions. With the acquisition, Duravant outlines its commitment to expanding its presence in the protein sector, aiming to meet the evolving needs of food and beverage manufacturers. Headquartered in Bad Wünnenberg, Germany, Henneken's portfolio includes an innovative range of equipment, including vacuum tumblers, tenderizers, injectors and brine mixers, designed to enhance product quality and yield for meat, poultry and seafood processors. Mike Kachmer, chairman and CEO of Duravant, said: “We are excited to broaden our equipment and technology offering to protein processors by welcoming Henneken to the Duravant family. Henneken’s unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for innovation has been core to their success, and we look forward to strengthening that legacy of delivering customer-centric solutions.” Founded in 1977, Henneken has established itself as a key provider of secondary processing solutions, leveraging German engineering expertise and an understanding of meat science and technology. Kai Henneken, founding family member of Henneken, added: “We are excited to collaborate with other Duravant operating companies such as Marlen, Marelec and Foodmate. We share a culture of dedication to delivering greater value to meat and poultry processors through innovation and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.” Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Duravant operates globally with manufacturing, sales and service facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The company's portfolio of operating companies delivers end-to-end process solutions, supported by engineering expertise, project management and aftermarket support networks.

Organic Valley has introduced Flavor Favorites, a new line of boldly flavoured organic cheeses designed to enhance mealtime and snacking occasions. The new line includes Italian Herb Mozzarella Shreds, Spicy Cheddar Shreds, Spicy Cheddar Slices and Smoky Cheddar Slices. Italian Herb Mozzarella Shreds provide a basil flavour with a background of garlic and herbs on a creamy mozzarella base, while the Spicy Cheddar Shreds combine habanero and paprika to deliver a “family-friendly” heat centred around smooth cheddar. Similarly, the Spicy Cheddar Slices blend habanero and paprika to provide a gradual heat, while the Smoky Cheddar Slices feature hickory-smoked sea salt to deliver a balanced, savoury smoke flavour, both also centred around a smooth cheddar. The cheeses are ethically sourced from small family farms in the US and are United States Department of Agriculture-certified organic and produced without antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs. The Flavor Favorites shreds are available for an RRP of $5.99; while slices are sold at an RRP of $6.99.

Fonterra’s dairy ingredients and solutions brand, NZMP, has unveiled its digital Carbon Footprinter tool to provide emissions profiles on New Zealand-sourced dairy products. The Carbon Footprinter will enable customers to access 2023 emissions data for NZMP New Zealand-sourced dairy products. The tool will forecast potential emission reductions for products up to 2030, based on the assumption that Fonterra achieves its 2030 climate targets. According to Fonterra’s director of sales and marketing for global markets, Gillian Munnik, the Carbon Footprinter is the “first of its kind and scale” in the dairy industry and makes it quick and easy for customers to access NZMP product emissions data. Through the digital tool, customers can select from NZMP’s major New Zealand-sourced dairy product categories, input the volume bought and swiftly retrieve the emissions data of the products they purchase. Munnik said: “We know that for many of our customers, our NZMP products form a large part of their Scope 3 emissions. We are being open and transparent and making it simple for our customers to understand how our climate plans and actions directly relate to the ingredients they purchase from us.” “Fonterra’s New Zealand farmers already have one of the world’s lowest on-farm emissions footprints, and this new tool demonstrates that NZMP has the dairy expertise and mindset to support our customers with their own emissions reduction journey.” Carbon Footprint Certificates will be available for customers to provide independent assurance of NZMP product-level emissions. This data is free of charge and made available through New Zealand-based sustainability accreditor, Toitū Envirocare. The news comes days after Fonterra announced it was merging its New Zealand and Australia businesses to form Fonterra Oceania. You may also be interested in: Nestlé to offer additional payments to Fonterra dairy farmers Fonterra announces climate plans for the future Fonterra accelerates Scope 1 and 2 emissions cut, forecasts $790m investment

US vertical farming company Oishii has raised $134 million in a Series B funding round led by Japanese telecommunications firm NTT. The round included participation from a diverse group of investors with expertise in food tech, sustainable agriculture and automation, such as Bloom8, McWin Capital Partners, Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co, the Japan Green Investment Corporation for Carbon Neutrality and robotics business Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The funding round will see Oishii expand its distribution to new markets, open a new solar-powered facility and invest in advanced robotics and energy-saving innovations. Founded in 2016, Oishii offers unique products like the Omakase Berry, Koyo Berry and Rubī Tomato. The company said it plans to unveil another type of berry later this year. Oishii is known for its innovative approach to growing "sophisticated produce" beyond greens, with the help of bees in its indoor farms pollinating each flower. Hiroki Koga, CEO and co-founder of Oishii, said: “We founded Oishii to solve some of the biggest food supply issues our world faces today – but to do so deliciously. The time is now to take our technology from a promise of a better tomorrow to a proven reality – making good on the movement my predecessors in Japan started a decade ago. This capital will help us pave the way for mainstream adoption of vertical farming in the US, and we’re grateful to welcome many new partners to the Oishii family who share our vision of a sweeter future.” Akira Shimada, president and CEO of NTT, added: “While many in the industry prioritise short crop cycles and unrelenting expansion, Oishii has bucked all trends by emphasizing taste over timelines and profitability over proliferation. Oishii is a leading company with a great vision, a strategic approach, and one-of-a-kind technology, and has succeeded in what was previously considered difficult to achieve. We are confident that Oishii will be a great partner to take on the challenges for the future of agriculture.”

Sensor manufacturer Sick has unveiled the “world’s first” photoelectric sensor with a touchscreen display, the Sick W10. Designed for universal use and easy set-up, the W10 is an all-in-one sensor for precise detection technology and is adaptable for “countless” F&B applications. The photoelectric proximity sensor uses intelligent onboard algorithms developed from the experience of common industry applications to achieve “high repeatability” across the board. The W10’s settings are pre-configured enabling rapid installation. It is also equipped with common sensor functions, such as background or foreground suppression, available to select from a single device. With an IP69K-rated stainless steel housing and eye-safe ‘Class One’ visible red laser, the W10 is said to adapt swiftly to widespread uses in factory and logistics automation with built-in modes for standard, high-speed or precision operation. The IP69K rating means a piece of equipment can withstand intensive cleaning with high-pressure, high-temperature jets. The W10 facilitates accurate detection duties in F&B applications, “even with highly reflective, dark or uneven surfaces,” Sick said. The machine can be used to detect the level of a hopper or to detect the gaps between products on a conveyor, triggering a wrapping machine reliably. It uses precise laser triangulation detection, which enables accurate and reliable operation due to the focused beam that produces a small light spot and a precise evaluation receiver. The short-range version has a working distance between 20-400mm, and the long-range version offers a 20-700mm range. It has a response time of 1.5ms in speed mode, facilitating reliable switching at high speeds. The sensor incorporates IO-link connectivity enabling its data to be shared with Industry 4.0 IoT systems, ideal for machine diagnostics and troubleshooting, as well as for edge configurations. IO-link also provides the option of remote set-up and device replacement. David Hannaby, Sick’s UK market product manager for presence detection, said: “For the first time, it’s exciting to operate a sensor that feels as natural to use as a mobile phone. The touchscreen display is revolutionary. Just swipe up, select and configure. The W10 guides you effortlessly through the operating modes needed for any installation from the very big to the very small.” He continued: “With just four product variants, choosing the sensor you need for your application has never been more straightforward. The W10 turns the headache of having to select and stock perhaps hundreds of different spares into a single part number.”

Infant formula and baby food manufacturer Bubs Australia has settled its legal dispute with its founder and former CEO Kristy Carr and ex-chairman Dennis Lin. In a statement made in its half-year results commentary yesterday (26 February), Bubs Australia said it had "settled the proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia”. The statement continued: “The statement commenced by Ms Carr and Mr Lin against Bubs, Katrina Rathie, Steve Lin, Paul Jensen and Reg Weine and the crossclaim commenced by Bubs against Ms Carr and Mr Dennis Lin have been (mutually) discontinued on confidential terms with no orders as to costs”. The dispute became public in May 2023 after Bubs revealed the departure of CEO Carr – who founded the business in 2005 – in a stock-exchange filing, a fortnight after instigating a strategic review. In the months leading up to Carr’s departure, Bubs had reported an EBITDA loss of AUD 42 million (approx. $27.5 million)* compared to an AUD 1.2m (approx. $785,548)* profit the year before. In May last year, Bubs said it was axing Carr for “failing to comply with reasonable board directions.” At the time, it said that the non-executive directors had decided to make a leadership change and alter the “governance framework of the company,” to ensure that it aligns with Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Principles and best practice. In July 2023, Carr and Lin, alongside another departee, CFO Iris Ren, attempted to gain back control of the board – this was defeated. In the months that followed, Rathie took up the role of chair after Lin’s departure while then COO Richard Paine became interim CEO. Paine remained as chief executive until August 2023 when former non-executive director and board member Weine took up the post. Bubs’ latest financial results show that in the six months to 31 December 2023, revenue of AUD 39.4 million (approx. $25.8 million) was 25% up YOY, while the company’s net loss decreased from AUD 44.4 million (approx. $29.1 million) to AUD 7.7 million (approx. $5 million). *These currency exchanges use today’s (27 February 2024) exchange rate.

Barebells has expanded its soft protein bars portfolio with the introduction of a new flavour: Coco Choco. Barebells' Soft Bar Coco Choco is a coconut-infused soft protein bar covered in a smooth milk chocolate coating. The bar contains over 10% coconut flakes, provides 16g of protein, has a soft texture and no added sugar. Coco Choco joins the brand's soft bar portfolio alongside Caramel Choco, Salted Peanut Caramel and Banana Dream. “We are excited to bring another soft bar to the UK," said Matt Hollier, managing director at Vitamin Well UK and Ireland, the parent company of Barebells. "The consumer response to the soft bars has been overwhelmingly positive, and Coco Choco complements the existing candy-like range perfectly with its unique taste and unbelievable texture." The new bar will be available for purchase from WHSmith and on Amazon.

Conagra Brands-owned brand Angie's Boomchickapop has partnered with Cinnabon to launch a cinnamon roll-inspired popcorn flavour. Angie's Boomchickapop Cinnabon Drizzled Kettle Corn features Cinnabon Makara's cinnamon and has notes of baked dough and warm spice, paired with a cream cheese drizzle and hints of vanilla. The popcorn is whole-grain, non-GMO and gluten-free. Lucy Brady, president of grocery and snacks at Conagra Brands, said: "People know and love the taste of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. Angie's Boomchickapop is excited to partner with Cinnabon to bring its iconic flavour to the number-one kettle brand in ready-to-eat popcorn. It's a perfect snack for anyone craving something sweet, salty and delicious." Angie's Boomchickapop Cinnabon Drizzled Kettle Corn is available at grocery stores for an SRP of $4.29.

Illva Saronno has purchased the "full rights" of The Engine Company, owner of Engine Gin, for an undisclosed sum. The move follows the company’s initial investment in Engine in 2021, coupled with a global distribution agreement. According to the company, the acquisition strengthens Illva Saronno's presence in the gin world. Founded in 2021, Engine draws inspiration from motorsports imagery, specifically from the 1980s era. The products are known for their tin can packaging. Engine Gin exclusively uses organic ingredients. Its bold flavour combines juniper's balsamic tones with lemon zest, intense sage and a floral undertone. The taste has a slightly bitter finish from sage leaves and a balanced sweetness from liquorice root. Aldino Marzorati, Illva Saronno's CEO, said: “We are pleased and proud to announce the complete acquisition of Engine, a 100% Italian brand that integrates perfectly into our established portfolio. The decision to acquire The Engine Company is an integral part of our corporate strategy, aimed at offering excellent products globally." "Engine appeals to an international audience, positioning itself as a distinctive product in the gin landscape, and we are excited to bring it to the 160 countries in which we currently operate. Today, a young brand enters the Illva Saronno Holding family, synonymous with innovation and quality, and we are confident this will help strengthen our positioning based on an increasingly diversified and premium product portfolio.” Illva Saronno said that the company will continue the global distribution of Engine. In the US, distribution will remain with Disaronno International, while the partnership with Velier for distribution in Italy will also be upheld. Engine Gin is available in the US for $34.99.