Swiss-Ghanaian start-up Koa has inaugurated its second cocoa fruit factory in Ghana, which is set to scale its production facilities tenfold. Koa is on a mission to transform the cocoa industry through its upcycling of cocoa fruits – the company says it is the “first in West Africa to have unlocked a new value chain around the overlooked cocoa pulp”. Koa works closely with cocoa smallholders to utilise more parts of the cocoa fruit, increasing cocoa farmers’ income while creating innovative and sustainable ingredients for chocolate, confectionery, ice cream and beverages. To scale its business, Koa built this second factory located in Akim Achiase in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Daniel Otu, production and operations director at Koa, said: “The new factory will allow the company to grow in line with the demand from our customers. The factory will generate 250 new jobs in rural Ghana, and we will extend our cocoa fruit upcycling to an additional 10,000 cocoa farmers.” The inauguration of the cocoa fruit factory highlights Koa’s contribution towards sustainable growth in Ghana and making a positive impact on the cocoa industry. Koa’s MD and co-founder, Anian Schreiber, commented: “By supplying products for both the Ghanaian and international market, we will add value to the farmers, the communities, and all people who work around here. This factory will connect Achiase and Ghana to the world”. Ghana's Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Hammond, added: “As a government, we believe that prosperity for all is achievable through industrial transformation that is inclusive and sustainable that also ensures the highest standards of food safety to guarantee significant market access for products wholly or substantially produced in Ghana.”

UK vertical farming company Jones Food Company has launched a new British salad range brand, Homegrown. Homegrown’s new range – comprising of three salad bags – has launched in Asda supermarkets, which the company says makes it the first British retailer supplying a vertically farmed bagged salad range at this kind of scale. The range includes three SKUs, Mixed Salad, Rocket and Hot & Peppery Cress. James Lloyd-Jones, CEO of Homegrown’s owner, Jones Food Company, said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch Homegrown with Asda. They, like us, understand that growing produce vertically can have significant sustainability benefits. All of our salad is entirely British grown which results in fewer food-miles than salad flown in from around the world, is grown using only renewable energy and uses 90% less water than plants, which have been more traditionally produced. We can harvest our crops in one day and deliver into supermarket depots the next, so the freshness is guaranteed.” Dom Edwards, Asda produce director, added: “We’re delighted to be the first British retailer supplying a vertically farmed bagged salad range at this kind of scale, enabling customers to buy nationally and online. As well as clear sustainability benefits, the salad leaves aren’t subject to adverse weather – resulting in better availability and more consistent quality for our customers.” The new vertically farmed salad bags are available to purchase now in Asda stores nationwide.

Hillenbrand has completed the acquisition of Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) business from Schenck Process Group for approximately $730 million. Hillenbrand is a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. FPM specialises in the design, manufacturing, and service of feeding, filtration, baking, depositing, milling and material handling equipment, and systems for the food, plastics, chemicals, and construction material industries. First announced in May, Hillenbrand expects FPM to generate revenue of approximately $540 million for the full calendar year of 2023, accompanied by an estimated EBITDA of around $68 million. Kim Ryan, president and CEO of Hillenbrand, said: “The completion of the FPM acquisition further strengthens our leadership position across attractive, growing end markets of food, durable plastics and chemicals. This acquisition represents another step forward in the execution of our strategy to grow as a pure-play industrial company." "By combining the applications and systems processing expertise of FPM with our Advanced Process Solutions segment and deploying the Hillenbrand Operating Model, we are well-positioned to offer greater value to our customers and drive scale efficiencies. I am confident this transaction further positions us to deliver profitable growth and compelling long-term shareholder value.”

Welsh soft drinks producer Radnor Hills has acquired a production site in Blaen Twyni, Swansea, Wales, from Highland Spring Group. The deal includes a 40-acre water source in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, and supports the "ongoing growth" of the company's business. According to Radnor Hills, the facility has supplied "major supermarkets" in the UK with still, sparkling and flavoured natural spring water drinks for several years. Founded in 1990, Radnor Hills produces over 400 million drinks annually, and its brand includes a range of own-brand spring water, Heartsease Farm, Radnor Splash and its line of school-approved children’s drinks, Radnor Fizz. William Watkins, founder and managing director of Radnor Hills, said: “This deal represents an important milestone in the growth of our company and will allow us to keep pace with our growing consumer demand". He continued: “The Blaen Twyni site presented us with the ideal opportunity to expand our capacity with a plentiful source of pure natural Welsh spring water, which complements the supply of pure water we already have at our source in Heartsease." “We’re excited to welcome the highly skilled and dedicated workforce from Blaen Twyni to our Radnor family. The opportunity for us to continue to safeguard jobs in Wales and to offer further employment opportunities to the local area in the fullness of time is extremely important to us." Simon Oldham, managing director of Highland Spring Group, commented: “Our business is focused on driving the growth of Highland Spring as the UK’s number one plain bottled water brand, which forms part of our long-term strategy to continue to invest in and develop high-quality, sustainable products which provide healthy hydration in an environmentally sustainable way.” The acquisition, which was completed last week, will protect jobs at the location.

Müller Yogurt & Desserts has tapped into the popularity of the retro trend with a new product launch, Müller Corner Originals. To drive category growth and excitement, Müller is bringing back favourites from the last thirty years. The first retro flavours to feature from the dairy company’s back catalogue will be Mississippi Mud Pie Inspired – which originally launched in 1997 – and Strawberry and Choc Orange Balls. Toby Bevans, strategy and marketing director at Müller Yogurt & Desserts, said: “Let’s jump back to 1997, construction started on the Millennium Dome, Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone was published and Katrina and the Waves won Eurovision. This was also the year that Müller introduced Müller Corner Mississippi Mud Pie Inspired.” He continued: “We know that people are excited by all things retro. The proof is in the pudding, since we brought Müller Corner Mississippi Mud Pie Inspired back, the reaction has been incredible. Müller Corner is an icon in the yogurt world, and with a huge back catalogue of favourites for us to bring back, we want to use this to bring excitement, fun and some retro good times to the dairy aisle.” Müller Corner Originals represents the first product to be rolled out in Müller’s redesigned packaging. The brand says its new designs make its packaging more cohesive, distinctive and easy to find. The retro flavours are available to purchase now in UK retailers in single and multipacks.

Ebro Foods has released a new Cajun Jambalaya-flavoured rice under its Tilda brand. The new product features a blend of long-grain rice, onions, celery, bell peppers and cajun spices. It joins the brand's existing line-up, which includes: Golden Vegetable, Masala, Indonesian Fried Rice, Peri Peri and Katsu Curry. Tilda's Cajun Jambalaya rice is gluten-free and has no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings. Anna Beheshti, Tilda’s head of marketing, said: “Known for its rich and bold flavours, Jambalaya is a fusion of influences from France, Spain and Africa. This makes it a popular choice among Caribbean and African communities, as well as the ideal option for shoppers who are more broadly interested in spicy, hearty and flavourful dishes. The introduction of this SKU aligns with our mission to embrace life in all its flavours by delivering great-tasting products, convenient for a quick lunch or dinner. “The interest in global cuisines and flavour experimentation was accelerated by lockdown, and it still shows no sign of slowing. Tilda has a track record of innovation in rice, continuously building on key trends to ensure relevance in the category. Cajun Jambalaya is the latest example of our commitment to bringing global flavours to UK plates in tasty, quick and easy ways.” Cajun Jambalaya is available at Asda stores for an RRP of £1.25.

“Doing the best" is the aim at the core of Pascual's activity. It means asking yourself if everything possible has been done or if there is still room for improvement. The attention to the wellbeing of the planet pushes Pascual to continuous innovation and the use of increasingly sustainable solutions within its production plants, which are equipped with the latest generation machinery, such as the SMI combined packaging machine of the CM FP range. Everything comes from the earth and is done for the good of the earth In Aranda de Duero, in the Spanish province of Burgos, everything revolves around the concepts of environment, culture, tradition and wellbeing. In the heart of this fascinating territory of northern Spain, lies the headquarters of the Pascual company, a reference point in the food sector, which within the concept of "doing the best," contains all its history, made of passion, tradition, quality and innovation. From 1969 to now, after more than 50 years of activity, the company continues to differentiate itself for wellbeing at 360°, because "doing the best" for the environment, people and animals becomes an act of love and responsibility towards the planet. The first Spanish company in the sector to bottle milk in cardboard cartons, since 1973 Pascual has revolutionised the way we have breakfast and has grown by always being at the table with consumers, offering them the best. For the packaging processes within its production lines, in Spain and around the world, Pascual has been collaborating with SMI for years. An example of such a partnership is represented by the recent supply of a combined packaging machine from the CM 800 FP range, installed at the Gurb plant in Barcelona, for the packaging of Pascual milk bottles, in wrap-around cardboard boxes and in tray + film and film only formats, with the use of 100% recycled shrink film. The contribution to sustainability Pascual has taken a further step forward in its environmental sustainability goals. In 2020 it became the first company in Castilla y León – and the first dairy company in Spain – to register its direct and indirect emissions of CO2 at the Spanish Office for Climate Change (only 12% of companies do so). Pascual will further improve the recyclability and sustainability of containers for all its brands by using the new 'anchored' cap and adapts in advance to legislative changes that represent a real challenge for the packaging industry – the directive establishes that plastic bottles and cartons must contain at least 25% recycled plastic (a parameter that some brands such as Bezoya already reach, 100%). A further step forward in the field of sustainability and in the application of the concept of circularity was made with the use of 100% recycled shrink film, used for the packaging of Pascual milk bottles, in tray + film and film only, made by the SMI combined packaging machine installed at the Gurb plant. Pascual has given plastic a second life and, thanks to the use of recycled shrink film resource rather than virgin plastic, has been able to reduce the carbon footprint of the raw material. Pascual means history, tradition, culture and sustainable development This Spanish company is the testimony of the strength of passion and energy put in place for the wellbeing of the earth, animals and people. From these synergies, unique and quality products are produced that are packaged by the machines supplied by SMI, because "doing the best" also means pursuing continuous improvement in the solutions offered to consumers: new products, new taste combinations, new packaging solutions, new packaging. Pascual has been collaborating with SMI for years, for the packaging process of the production lines of Aranda de Duero in Burgos and Gurb in Barcelona as well as some plants abroad, such as that of San Juan del Rio in Mexico, where six SMI packaging machines are installed. At the Aranda de Duero plant in Burgos, Spain, there are currently four packaging machines supplied by SMI for secondary packaging, in particular, two combined machines of the CM range, a shrink wrapper of the SK range and a packaging machine of the MP range for packaging 0.15 litre, 0.2 litre, 0.25 litre and 0.5 litre containers in 2x2, 1x2 and 1x3 clusters. At the Gurb plant in Barcelona, Spain, the third combined SMI packaging machine of the CM range was recently supplied to Pascual; this is used for packaging 1.5 litre milk bottles in wrap-around cardboard boxes in 2x2 and 2x4 formats, and in 3x2 film-only bundles. CM Ergon packer The ideal solution for every packaging need The choice to install a combined packaging machine of the CM range at the Gurb plant stems from the need to have a flexible machine able to meet the needs of a constantly evolving food market, which forces companies in the sector to adopt increasingly dynamic, competitive and flexible production processes. The frequent changes in consumer habits and preferences impose new competitive challenges and a great ability to adapt to the food & beverage industry, both with regard to the range of products to be offered and the packaging. The CM range does its best in packaging plants characterised by frequent changes in format or product, like the CM FP 800 model chosen by Pascual, that processes 1.5 litre PET milk bottles in wrap-around boxes and bundles in film only. Main advantages of SMI solution for Pascual All models of the CM range are designed to guarantee high levels of flexibility and versatility to the user. With the installation of just one single packaging machine, high-quality packaging can be produced in film only, tray + film, pad + film, tray only and cardboard boxes completely or partially closed. The CM is a versatile machine, able to switch quickly and easily from one type of production to another, and is the most suitable answer to intercept every new market demand, which also allows Pascual to manage the production process in an efficient, flexible and economical way. For instance, when the processing program involves packaging in tray or wrap-around boxes only, the heating tunnel and the film wrapping system are automatically deactivated by the machine control system. Other advantages include: Possibility to pack a wide variety of containers at a maximum speed of 80 packs/minute; System equipped with a heating tunnel with metal chain, which ensures a better splicing of the film below the package; The tray+ film and film-only formats are made with the use of 100% recycled shrink film; it is an advantageous and eco-sustainable solution, which allows Pascual to give a second life to plastic and reduce the carbon footprint of the raw material; The CM range is particularly suitable for bottling lines with frequent changes from one product to another or from one format to another and to easily adapt to the future needs related to the marketing strategies of food & beverage producers; Great quality/price ratio; High level of performance and reliability Find out more on SMI's website.

Tredegar has announced the sale of its flexible packaging films business Terphane to affiliates of Oben Group for a net debt-free base consideration of $116 million. Terphane, which solely comprises Tredegar’s flexible packaging segment, has around 500 employees with manufacturing sites located in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil and Bloomfield, New York, US. Terphane’s headquarters is located in São Paulo, Brazil, and the company exports to 29 countries. John Steitz, Tredegar’s president and CEO, said the purchase will enhance the scale and growth opportunities in the competitive global flexible packaging market. Gonzalo Belaunde, Oben’s CEO, said: “We are excited about signing the agreement to acquire Terphane, a relevant producer of BOPET (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate) films in Brazil. Completion of this transaction will strengthen Oben’s position as a global player in the highly competitive flexible films industry, by expanding production capacity of BOPET films and providing a great platform to expand production capacity for other films, especially BOPP, in the US and Brazil. We expect our combined operations and expertise, and the synergies created by the transaction, to enhance our service to clients. We look forward to the employees of Terphane joining the Oben team.” José Bosco Silveira, president of the Terphane Group, added: "With the addition of Terphane's operations in Brazil and the US, the Oben Group will have an operational presence in the two largest consumer markets for flexible packaging in the Americas, strengthening its position in a highly competitive global market for plastic films. Terphane's high level of specialisation, technical expertise, market tradition and capacity for innovation in specialty polyester films, together with Oben's broad manufacturing and product portfolio, will enable the future joint business to further expand its value proposition to clients in the packaging market in the Americas and worldwide.” According to Bosco Silveira, Terphane will remain under the umbrella of the Tredegar Corporation and will operate completely independently of Oben Group, pending review and approval by regulatory authorities. He said that the company’s focus will continue to be on leveraging the company's team of professionals to develop and produce solutions that help its direct customers and brand owners create better, safer, more competitive and sustainable packaging. The transaction will have its closing contingent upon the satisfaction of customary conditions, including clearance by competition authorities in Brazil and Colombia.

Ice cream brand Enlightened has teamed up with US heavy metal band Metallica’s non-profit organisation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), to release a limited-edition, guitar-shaped ice cream bar. Inspired by one of lead vocalist James Hetfield’s guitars, the Enlightened x AWMH vanilla dark chocolate ice cream bar will raise money for the AWMH foundation in its mission to bolster local food banks. Michael Shoretz, CEO and founder of Enlightened, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with All Within My Hands to create a product that not only brings joy to taste buds but also helps to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing food insecurity, a mission we have supported through our company history". The Enlightened x AWMH guitar-shaped ice cream bar will be available for a limited time at Sprouts Farmers Market, Wegmans and more for $6.99 per box of four.

UK pastry brand Higgidy is set to make its frozen debut in partnership with supermarket chain Waitrose, as it launches a range of new products. The new frozen range boasts four new SKUs in twin-packs of pies or quiches, ready to cook in 30-35 minutes in a conventional oven or air fryer. The new frozen range includes a Chicken and Creamy Leak Pies, Roasted Red Pepper and Basil Quiches, Roasted Butternut Squash and Feta Pies and British Steak Pies. Higgidy CEO Rachel Kelley said: “We wanted to offer our customers a convenient way to have Higgidy on hand whenever they need us, launching a new frozen range is a great way to do this. We are proud to partner with Waitrose to bring these products to market and are looking forward to introducing our popular pies and quiches to a wider audience.” Neil Whelpton, partner and Frozen Buyer at Waitrose, added: “We are so excited to be bringing Higgidy to our frozen aisle, the products they have created specifically for us are just so tasty its tricky not to eat a twin pack by yourself! I hope our customers try and love them as much as we do.” The new products’ RRPs range from £5 to £5.95 and launch exclusively into Waitrose supermarkets from 18 September.

Nestlé has divested its peanut allergy treatment business, Palforzia, to biopharmaceutical company Stallergenes Greer. Headquartered in Switzerland, Stallergenes Greer specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergies through immunotherapy. The deal follows Nestlé's announcement last year, stating its intention to undertake a strategic review of Palforzia. The food giant said it will "receive milestone payments and ongoing royalties" from Stallergenes Greer. Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science, said: "We are confident that Stallergenes Greer will take Palforzia forward and ensure this unique treatment supports patients around the world. At the same time, the divestiture allows Nestlé Health Science to focus on its core strengths and key growth drivers." According to the company, a customary transition period will be implemented to ensure business continuity and to provide patients with uninterrupted access to the treatment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

KP Snacks has unveiled a new range of better-for-you popcorn under its Popchips brand. The non-HFSS popcorn will roll out in two flavours: salted and sweet & salty. According to the company, Popchips popcorn aims to attract new consumers within the popcorn category, with a particular focus on adults. Alex Callender, Popchips brand manager, said: “We are really excited to be expanding the Popchips portfolio and to be moving into a new snacking category with the brand. Over the last few years, we have seen great momentum behind Popchips.” Popchips popcorn is initially launching in a sharing bag format for an RRP of £2.