Oppo Brothers has expanded its ice cream portfolio with the launch of a range of frozen fruit snacks dipped in Belgian chocolate. The Oppo Dipped line features three flavours: strawberries & raspberries in milk chocolate; banana & caramel in milk chocolate; and pineapple & coconut in white chocolate. According to the company, Oppo Dipped uses fresh fruit "picked at the peak of their ripeness and frozen directly at the source" before coating them with chocolate. Harry Thuillier, founder of Oppo Brothers, commented: “Since the mochi craze, everyone's wondering what the next exciting thing is going to be in frozen snacking. So, we’re really proud to introduce Oppo Dipped, a new and genuinely disruptive frozen treat that no one will have experienced before." He continued: "We focused our range around the most popular fruits in the UK – strawberries, bananas and pineapple. Naturally sweet and packed full of flavour, these fruits deliver the sweetness people look for in a treat with the added bonus of a beautifully rich chocolate coating that gives a satisfying crack as you bite into it. Fruit has never been this indulgent.” Starting next month, Oppo Dipped will be exclusively sold in Sainsbury's stores and online through Ocado.

The Kroger and Albertsons companies have entered into a definitive agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers for the sale of select stores, banners, distribution centres, offices and private label brands. Subject to fulfilment of customary closing conditions, including the completion of the Kroger-Albertsons merger, C&S will pay Kroger an all-cash consideration of approximately $1.9 billion, including customary adjustments. Prior to the closing, Kroger may require C&S to purchase up to an additional 237 stores in certain geographies. If additional stores are added to the transaction, C&S will pay Kroger additional cash consideration. The sale is in connection with Kroger and Albertsons’ proposed merger, which was announced in October last year. The transaction includes 413 stores, along with QFC, Mariano's and Carrs brand names. In addition, Kroger will divest the Debi Lilly Design, Primo Taglio, Open Nature, ReadyMeals and Waterfront Bistro private label brands. It also sees the divestiture of operational infrastructure, including eight distribution centres, two offices and expert district, division and functional associates, to ensure C&S can continue to operate the divested stores without disruption. Kroger and Albertsons say that the divestiture plan marks the next step toward the completion of the merger by “extending a well-capitalised competitor into new geographies”. The plan ensures that no stores will close as a result of the merger and that all frontline associates will remain employed. Founded in 1918, wholesale grocery supply and supply chain solution provider, C&S, supplies more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, retail chain stores and military bases. The company currently operates Grand Union grocery stores and Piggly Wiggly franchise and corporate-owned stores in Midwestern US and in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of The Kroger Co, said: "Following the announcement of our proposed merger with Albertsons, we embarked on a robust and thoughtful process to identify a well-capitalised buyer who will operate as a fierce competitor and ensure divested stores and their associates will continue serving their communities in the ways they do today. C&S achieves all these objectives...Importantly in our agreement, C&S commits to honouring all collective bargaining agreements which include industry-leading benefits, retaining frontline associates and further investing for growth." He continued: "We are confident the associates joining the C&S family will have an amazing opportunity to continue to build a thriving career in the food industry in one of the largest private companies in our country. C&S's strong operational focus and financial resources, along with a comprehensive operational infrastructure included as part of the divestiture agreement, will position it to successfully operate and continue to grow these iconic brands for years to come." The divestiture plan fulfils the commitments Kroger and Albertsons’ set out in their original merger agreement last year with regard to divesting stores, including extending a competitor to new geographies through the sale of stores to a well-capitalised buyer that is led by seasoned operators with a strong balance sheet and a sound business plan; ensuring that no stores will close as a result of the merger; maintaining all current collective bargaining agreements, which include industry-leading healthcare and pension benefits, bargained-for wages, and ensuring frontline associates remain employed; and committing to invest in associates and stores for the long term. Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons, commented: "I am thrilled that C&S's outstanding capabilities and financial strength will ensure these divestiture stores can continue to grow and serve their communities as they do today. I echo Rodney's confidence in the bright future ahead for the associates joining the C&S team." Eric Winn, COO and designated CEO (effective 2 October 2023) of C&S Wholesale Grocers, added: "We look forward to welcoming thousands of new associates to the C&S family and providing them the opportunity to build long and successful careers. As a leader in the grocery industry, we have a strong heritage of value and customer service that is enabled by a deep commitment to our consumers, employees and communities. Today's announcement is another exciting opportunity for C&S to further expand into the retail market, which is an important component of our growth and future success. We look forward to providing a superior shopping experience that delivers both quality and value to our customers." Citi and Wells Fargo Securities are serving as financial advisors to Kroger, while Goldman Sachs & Co and Credit Suisse are serving as financial advisors to Albertsons Companies.

Belgian-Swiss chocolate giant Barry Callebaut has announced BC Next Level – a new strategic investment programme set to unlock the company’s full potential. The programme is designed to pave the way for the next decade of sustainable growth by “moving Barry Callebaut closer to markets and customers while fostering simplicity and digitisation”. As part of the programme, Barry Callebaut will invest CHF 500 million (approx. $561.13 million) over the next two years in core customer areas, including innovation, service, sustainability and quality. The company says the investment will be powered by digital platforms that boost speed to market and facilitate deeper partnerships with customers. Barry Callebaut’s CEO, Peter Feld, said: “Our mission is to be the heart and the engine for the global cocoa and chocolate industry. We have delivered robust growth for nearly 25 years. Due to evolving customer demands for more sustainable and innovative products, now is the time to bring the group to the next level by strategically investing in its future. We will move decision-making closer to our markets and customers while fostering simplicity and digitisation to advance our well-recognised innovation and sustainability approach to deliver additional value for all our stakeholders.” The BC Next Level operating model is set to move the company closer to its markets and customers while increasing growth, profitability and efficiency. Barry Callebaut says it will increase its regional footprint from three to five regional divisions – Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa – each encompassing five to six country clusters. This also includes the creation of Barry Callebaut’s new Customer Supply and Development organisation, which will enhance product delivery and scale innovation faster globally, while delivering technical service locally to customers. Through the programme, Barry Callebaut aims to deliver savings of around 15% or CHF 250 million (approx. $280.52 million) per year to support margins and cash flow. The majority of the savings will come from reducing the cost-to-serve in operations, optimising the manufacturing footprint, streamlining enabling functions, leveraging shared service centres and a focus on end-to-end supply chain excellence. Patrick De Maeseneire, chairman of Barry Callebaut’s board of directors, commented: “With BC Next Level, Barry Callebaut is set to become even more customer-focused, agile and efficient. The board is convinced that these actions will secure the long-term success of the company and benefit all stakeholders. The management team can count on our full support for the implementation of the action plan presented today.” You may also like to read: Barry Callebaut and Maersk to build cocoa bean warehouse in Malaysia Barry Callebaut appoints Peter Feld as CEO Barry Callebaut to open third manufacturing site in India

Modern Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica has expanded its range of bakery products with the launch of four “authentic” Italian Biscotti. The range – which is made in Italy and follows traditional, regional recipes – includes Crunchy Amaretti, Soft Amaretti, Chocolate & Hazelnut Baci and Almond Cantucci. Crunchy Amaretti is made by bakers in the Ligurian town of Sassello and is twice baked for a sugary crunch. Soft Amaretti are sweet, small cakes and are also made by bakers in Sassello. They have a distinctive bittersweet flavour and marzipan-like centre which comes from the combination of ground apricot kernels and almonds. Chocolate & Hazelnut Baci are made up of two hazelnut biscuits pressed together with a creamy chocolate filling and are made with locally grown Piemonte hazelnuts. Almond Cantucci is baked until crisp and filled with almonds, they are made by a family-owned bakery outside Firenze and are the most popular Italian cookie. Dean Lavender, head of marketing at Crosta & Mollica, said: “Despite being a nation of tea drinkers, the coffee culture is currently thriving in the UK and consumers are increasingly discerning about how they enjoy their caffè moment. Be it first thing in the morning, as an afternoon treat or even the classic Italian post-dinner espresso – authenticity is a key player that consumers are considering, and with the new Crosta & Mollica Cantucci, Baci and Amaretti biscuits, every English household will be able to experience the essence of Italy in the comfort of their home.” The new products will be available to purchase at Tesco supermarkets from 11th September for an RRP starting at £2.95.

TreeHouse Foods has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its manufacturing facility and snack bars business located in Lakeville, Minnesota, US, to John B. Sanfilippo & Son for approximately $63 million. Based in Elgin, Illinois, John B. Sanfilippo & Son is a processor, packager, marketer and distributor of snack bars, dried cheese, nut and dried-fruit-based products. The site, which has been under the TreeHouse Foods umbrella since 2016, oversees the production of various private-label snack bar items, including protein bars and fruit and grain bars. According to the company, the snack bars business "was not expected to contribute positive adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2023". Steve Oakland, chairman, president and CEO of TreeHouse Foods, said: "The sale of our Lakeville facility and snack bars business is another example of our strategy in action to be a focused private label leader in high-growth and high-margin categories. Importantly, we believe the business and its talented colleagues will be well positioned under John B. Sanfilippo & Son's ownership. We remain focused on deploying our capital in a manner that supports our long-term growth targets and enhances value creation for our shareholders." After the completion of the transaction, the current private-label snack bars business, customer connections and Lakeville-based employees will transition to John B. Sanfilippo & Son. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close within a 30-day timeframe.

This afternoon at Plant Based World Expo North America, we were thrilled to unveil the winners for the World Plant-Based Innovation Awards 2023! This year's new innovation categories have posed an exciting challenge for our panel of judges, who had the tough job of selecting the best of the best from the plant-based industry this year. View all results below. Plant-Based Beverage WINNER TCI Co. Ltd. - VeCollal® Biomimetic Collagen FINALIST HiBarlee - Black Sesame Barley Drink FINALIST GoE Wellness - Healthfullicious'ly M’ylk - Creamy Plant Based Hemp Drink FINALIST Vietnam Soya Products Company - VEYO YOGURT - PLANT-BASED DRINKING YOGURT FINALIST Ripple Foods - Ripple Kids Unsweetened Original Plant-Based Milk COMMENDED HiBarlee - Hazlenut Barley Drink COMMENDED HiBarlee - Barley Grass Barley Drink Plant-Based Chocolate WINNER Nature's Bakery - Brownie FINALIST LANDBASE CO. LTD - CHOCDAY - Dark Premium FINALIST 7th Heaven Inc - Peanut Butter Cream Chocolate Treat FINALIST 7th Heaven Inc - Pistachio & Halva Cream Chocolate Snack Bar FINALIST 7th Heaven Inc - Caramelized Coconut Chocolate Snack Bar FINALIST VGAN - VGAN Pink Love raspberry and almonds Plant-Based Condiment WINNER Fabalish - Organic Vegan Mayo FINALIST Yarty Cordial - Black Garlic Vinegar Plant-Based Convenience product WINNER OnlyEg™ (by Float Foods Pte Ltd) - OnlyEg™ Poached Eg FINALIST ZENB - ZENB Agile Bowls FINALIST CropEats - CropLets FINALIST Daiya Foods - Daiya BBQ Plant-Based Chick'n Style Thin Crust Pizza FINALIST Borealis Foods - Chef Woo Spicy Tequila Lime Ramen Cups Dairy alternative WINNER JULIENNE BRUNO® - Burrella® FINALIST The Simple Root - The Simple Root Smoked Gouda Artisan Cheese-Style Spread FINALIST Armored Fresh - Almond Milk American Sliced Cheese FINALIST Planteneers - Parmesan Cheese FINALIST NURISHH INCREDIBLE DAIRY - NURISHH INCREDIBLE DAIRY ANIMAL FREE CREAM CHEESE FINALIST Climax Foods - Climax Blue COMMENDED SimplyV - Simply Plant-based Cream Cheese COMMENDED GoE Wellness - 'EMPIE vanilla Plant-Based Dessert/confectionery WINNER Sprout Dynamics ApS - High-Fiber Sweet Delicacy Butter (HFB) FINALIST OCHO Candy - Plant Based/Vegan Classic Caramel in Dark Chocolate FINALIST Whoa Dough - Whoa Dough Chocolate Chip Bakeables FINALIST GoE Wellness - Pineapple & Coconut | Protein & Vitamin Truffles FINALIST Fabalish - Classy Chocolate Brownie Bites with hidden whole veggies FINALIST Bubbies Ice Cream - Bubbies Plant-Based Rich Chocolate Ice Cream Mochi COMMENDED GoE Wellness - Chocolate & Ginger | Protein & Vitamin Truffles COMMENDED CropEats - Croplets Plant-Based Functional product WINNER ZENB - ZENB Spaghetti FINALIST PGP International - BioHemp Crisp FINALIST CropEats - Croplets FINALIST Borealis Foods - Chef Woo Ramen Flats FINALIST OnlyEg™ (by Float Foods Pte Ltd) - OnlyEg™ Poached Eg COMMENDED dotsdiet.hu - Belgian dark chocolate coated SALTY CARAMEL FIBER BAR with sweetener COMMENDED Szafi Products Kft. - Szafi Life Special Flour Blend Plant-Based Meat WINNER MyForest Foods - MyBacon FINALIST Myrtle Greens - Vegetarian Plus Vegan Kung Pao Chicken Steamed Dumplings FINALIST NotCo - NotChicken™ Crispy Patties FINALIST Beleaf - Plant-Based Smoked Chicken Drumsticks FINALIST Green Wolf Foods - Vegami - vegan salami FINALIST The Mushroom Meat Co. - Beefless Tips COMMENDED Planteneers - Chicken Breast COMMENDED Nasoya - Plantspired Gochujang Plant-Based Steak Plant-Based Protein WINNER ChickP Protein Ltd - Chickpea Protein Isolates FINALIST Fable Food - Fable Meaty Pulled Mushrooms FINALIST GoE Wellness - Nutrilicious'ly Hemp Protein Powder FINALIST Planteneers - Steak Filet FINALIST Lypid - Lypid Pork Belly FINALIST Borealis Foods - Chef Woo Ramen Flats Plant-Based Seafood WINNER Beleaf - Plant-Based Shrimp FINALIST Vegan Zeastar - Plant-based Sushi Rolls - Spicy No Tuna FINALIST Mind Blown™ by The Plant Based Seafood Co. - Mind Blown™ Crab Cakes FINALIST DSM Firmenich - Plant-based (pea) canned tuna FINALIST Planteneers - Salmon Filet Plant-Based Snack WINNER dsm-firmenich - Vertis™ CanolaPRO® nutrition bar with cranberry FINALIST Beleaf - Plant-Based Jerky Thai Hot & Sour FINALIST GoE Wellness - Healthfullicious'ly Cocoly FINALIST Planteneers - Salami Stick FINALIST Surapon Foods Public Company Limited - "Gyoza of the World" COMMENDED The Simple Root - The Simple Root Salsa Con Queso Dip COMMENDED Buono (Thailand) Public Company Limited - Thai Crispy Rice Noodle Snack-Mee Krob (Shoyu Flavor) COMMENDED GoE Wellness - Healthfullicious'ly Morning Flapjack Health innovation WINNER NutriLeads - BeniCaros FINALIST CropEats - Croplets FINALIST doTERRA - MetaPWR Advantage with Collagen + NMN FINALIST Szafi Products Kft. - Szafi Life Liquid Iron Supplement Ingredient innovation WINNER Aliga Microalgae - White Chlorella - a sustainable algae ingredient with neutral colour and flavour FINALIST NutriLeads - BeniCaros FINALIST OnlyEg™ (by Float Foods Pte Ltd) - OnlyEg™ Eg Yolk FINALIST Royal Avebe - PerfectaSOL™ D520 FINALIST Kerry Group - SucculencePB FINALIST Royal Avebe - Next generation potato protein - PerfectaSOL® S FINALIST Chinova Bioworks - Chiber FINALIST The Mushroom Meat Co. - Flexible Ingredient Platform (FIP) COMMENDED IFF - SUPRO® TEX COMMENDED LITHOLIFE SEAWEED MINERALS - SEAWEED CALCIUM Technology innovation WINNER Planteneers GmbH - Plantbaser FINALIST OnlyEg™ (by Float Foods Pte Ltd) - OnlyEg™ Eg Yolk FINALIST Clextral - Galaxy texturization technology for extruded alt-meat and seafood FINALIST Sprout Dynamics ApS - Industrial seed sprouting CSR/sustainability initiative WINNER SunOpta - SunOpta New/start-up business WINNER Green Wolf Foods - Green Wolf Foods FINALIST CropEats - Croplets FINALIST Elato Artisanal Ice Cream and Gelato - Dark Chocolate Truffle Vegan Gelato Packaging design WINNER Yarty Cordials - Coronation Violet Cordial Foodservice initiative WINNER Borealis Foods - Chef Woo's Whole Grain-Rich Ramen for Schools FINALIST The Simple Root - The Simple Root UK Cheddar-Style Sliced Cheese & Nanny Bill's FINALIST The Mushroom Meat Co. - Versatile Alternatives to Raw Beef + Pork About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com or email awards@foodbev.com.

British bakery brand Hovis has announced a new range of artisanal-inspired breads with the launch of its new Rustic Bloomers range. The move marks Hovis’ latest step into the premium, authentic bread market, as the brand aims to “redefine the essence of pre-packaged premium bread”. The Bakers Since 1886 Rustic Bloomers collection includes the Rustic White Bloomer, Rustic Seeded Bloomer and Rustic Granary Bloomer. Hovis says the bloomers promise “quality and authenticity, appealing to today's discerning consumers seeking unique, top-tier bakery selections”. The 550g loaves will be available in White and Seeded, with the seeded variety including sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, millet seeds and golden linseed for a rich, nutty finish. The Rustic Granary Bloomer features cut wheat and rye, providing an extra layer of flavour and texture. Developed using traditional sponge and dough methods and slow fermentation, the bloomer breads are said to offer enhanced flavour complexity and a soft texture. Differing from conventional bloomers, the rustic bloomers are baked in shallow trays, which helps yield a traditional tapered and rounded shape with thick slices, generous end crusts and four distinctive diagonal cuts, tapping into the artisanal-inspired experience. Claire Parlour, marketing director at Hovis, said: "At Hovis, our passion for preserving tradition while embracing innovation has led us to develop the Bakers Since 1886 Rustic Bloomers range. These loaves are more than just bread; they’re a testament to our dedication to delivering a truly authentic and more artisanal inspired experience. With each bite, consumers taste our heritage and commitment to excellence, making every meal a moment to savour.” She continued: “With the total pre-packaged bloomers subcategory now worth £49.5m and showing value growth of 11.6%, shopper demand for premium artisanal inspired products is rising. Through the launch of our Bakers Since 1886 Rustic Bloomers range, we’re directly tapping into this growing trend and providing retailers with the perfect products to drive sales in their stores.” The new bread range is available to purchase in major retailers now for a RRP of £1.90.

Danone UK&I has introduced a new range of high-protein dairy snacks – branded as GetPRO – catering to individuals seeking to maximise the benefits of their exercise routines. Containing between 15-25g of protein per serving, GetPRO’s full range of eleven products includes high-protein yogurts, mousses, puddings and drinks. In addition, GetPRO has no added sugars and low or 0% fat. Tom Hickton, category director at Danone UK&I, said: “We noticed there was a genuine consumer need for great tasting, high-protein products that could support consumers on their fitness journey – and GetPRO is here to do just that. GetPRO will tap into the ever-growing protein segment here in the UK, cementing Danone’s leadership as the number one branded manufacturer in the yogurt category." Zoë-Marie Ellis, head of nutrition & science communication at Danone UK&I, added: “At Danone, we believe nutrition is about making a positive contribution to health and wellbeing. For anyone working towards their own fitness goals, the GetPRO range is a great post-workout option that delivers on taste and offers a variety of different products to suit their needs. These products are packed with protein to help support the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. But the range is not just about health, each of the products taste great too, helping consumers optimise their nutrition after exercise.” The GetPRO range is available in-store and online at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, as well as Waitrose and Tesco from mid-September and Asda from mid-October, with prices ranging from £1.25-£2.50.

Nestlé has reached an agreement with private equity firm Advent International to acquire a majority stake in Grupo CRM, a premium chocolate player in Brazil. Grupo CRM operates a direct-to-consumer strategy, with more than 1,000 chocolate boutiques under the Kopenhagen and Brasil Cacau brands, and a growing online presence. Renata Moraes Vichi will stay in her role as CEO of Grupo CRM and will continue as a minority shareholder. The deal will facilitate Nestlé's expansion within the "high-end" gifting sector. Nestlé says it will leverage its global R&D capabilities to fuel innovation and foster growth. Additionally, the food giant said it will support Grupo CRM’s sustainability ambitions. Laurent Freixe, CEO of Zone Latin America at Nestlé, said: "The acquisition further broadens and strengthens our confectionery presence in Brazil, enabling us to enter the high-end segment. Kopenhagen and Brasil Cacau offer premium chocolates that are highly appreciated by Brazilian consumers. We are pleased that Renata Vichi will continue to lead the company with her deep knowledge and passion for the chocolate business, people and brands. Together, we will explore opportunities to further enhance the company’s unique premium chocolate experience." The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in 2024. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. You may also like to read: Nestlé divests peanut allergy business Palforzia Brazil regulator advised to block sale of DPA to Lactalis New partnerships to advance regenerative agriculture

Better-for-you snack brand SkinnyDipped has raised $12 million in a Series A round, set to facilitate the brand’s expansion and innovation. SkinnyDipped says the round – which reached capacity earlier than expected – is unique as it is composed of individual investors. The raise was backed by Amy Schumer, Mark Wahlberg, Post Malone, Tan France and others. The strategic investment round is in tandem with the brand’s arrival into new retailers such as Costco and Publix. The brand says it will use the funding to continue ongoing retail expansion, support philanthropic efforts and drive innovation as the brand readies itself to move into new spaces over the coming months. Breezy Griffith, CEO and founder of SkinnyDipped, said: "Our journey to this milestone has been challenging, energising and full of passion from all involved. But the real gift has been my discovery of just how much consumer, industry and investor sentiment exists for SkinnyDipped, for which I'm so grateful and proud. Our eclectic and diverse portfolio of investors blows my mind – from A-list artists to uber-athletes – there's just this crazy love for the brand across the board.” David Grutman, the entrepreneur who led the round, added: "I am really impressed by what Breezy and Val and the SkinnyDipped team have achieved. What they've created is amazing. They make the best snacks ever, first of all, and they continue to impress me with all sides of the business. I'm excited to lead this round, and I'm even more excited for what these investors and I are about to do together."

Kellogg has expanded its Pop-Tarts line with the launch of a new flavour: Frosted Chocolatey Chip Pancake. The variant features real chocolate chips in the filling, as well as a buttery toaster pastry topped with maple-flavoured icing and sprinkled with chocolate chip flakes. Heidi Ray, senior director of marketing at Pop-Tarts, said: "Now fans can enjoy the tantalising taste of buttery, chocolatey pancakes anytime, opening a whole new world of breakfast and snacking experiences". Pop-Tarts' Frosted Chocolatey Chip Pancake will be available at Walmart stores from this month, as well as retailers nationwide from December.

Kraft Heinz-owned brand Oscar Mayer has unveiled its first on-the-go refrigerated breakfast offerings with its new Scramblers line. Made by using two fresh eggs, Oscar Mayer Scramblers is available in three varieties: Bacon & Velveeta, Ham & Colby Jack and Wiener & Cheddar. Kelsey Rice, associate director of Oscar Mayer, said: “While people crave a tasty breakfast, it is often compromised with quick, boring options due to busy weekday mornings – and boring is the antithesis of what Oscar Mayer stands for". She continued: "With fans yearning for more fresh, convenient and satiating breakfast options, Scramblers is set to spark smiles through seriously delicious meats, providing hearty ingredients and tasty, meaty recipes in a way only Oscar Mayer can”. Oscar Mayer Scramblers are available at major US retailers.