Challenge Butter has partnered with McCormick-owned seasoned salt brand, Lawry's, to launch a new butter-based, seasoned snack spread in the US. Challenge Seasoned Butter Snack Spread is a combination of "freshly churned" Challenge Butter and Lawry's signature blend of salt, herbs and spices. Michael Burdeny, president of Challenge Dairy Products, Challenge Butter's parent company, said: "Our Butter Snack Spread line is designed to bring more flavour to our consumers, so we are thrilled to add Lawry's, a family favourite kitchen staple to our latest offering...We predict fans of both will be ecstatic to easily elevate their snacks and meals with this new versatile butter." The butter snack spread is available at select retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Albertsons, Meijer, HEB and Raley's, for an SRP of $3.99 per 6.5oz tub.

UK-based Pickles and ferments brand Vadasz is expanding its range of fresh condiments with the launch of its new Hot and Sweet Jalapeño Relish. The new relish contains a flavour combination of sweet pickled jalapeños, green peppers, apple, onion and spices. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, contains no artificial ingredients and is made through cold brining, which preserves and seasons while enhancing texture and flavour of ingredients. Charlie Holland, head of marketing at Vadasz – part of The Compleat Food Group – said: “When we identified that consumers were looking for hot, fresh, and sweet flavours, we started to experiment and discovered a delicious pairing of apple and green pepper with jalapeño, which offered us the perfect opportunity to expand into a new format and create our first ever relish super condiment.” Holland added: “As the cost-of-living continues to put pressure on household budgets, we’re seeing consumers increasingly seeking out premium options that can take at-home meal occasions to the next level”. The relish launched in Waitrose on Wednesday 14 June 2023 (RRP £4.75 for 400g). It follows the launch of Vadasz’s Pineapple and Turmeric Sauerkraut earlier this year.

Destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant will become the biggest problem in the agriculture of southern Ukraine, said the minister of agrarian policy and food of the country, Mykola Solskyi. The Russian-held plant has severely weakened following a reported explosion in the early hours on Tuesday 6 June. The Kakhovka canal supplies water to more than half a million hectares of land, according to Solskyi. The irrigation problem is set to significantly impact agriculture as well as the environmental and social spheres in the south of Ukraine. Kakhovka’s reservoir was the source of two irrigation and water supply systems – the Kakhovka system and the North Crimean canal. These systems were built with water levels in mind that could minimise the use of electricity for pumps. As a result of the destruction, the water level has dropped, meaning that the water does not reach the systems. In order to raise the level, the dam must be rebuilt. Water supply of 31 irrigation systems of the fields of Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions will be stopped due to the destruction. In 2021’s record harvest, these systems provided irrigation for 584 thousand hectares, of which around 4 million tons of grain and oilseeds worth approximately $1.5 billion were collected. The ministry of agrarian policy and food of Ukraine predicts the flooding of approximately 10 thousand hectares of agricultural land on the right bank of the Kherson region as a result of the dams destruction. Land that does not have irrigation systems in place will also suffer, as farmers will no longer have any reason to cultivate it, Solskyi. The main and most stable income the farmers received was said to be from the harvests on the fields that had irrigation systems in place. Solskyi commented: "The consequences of irrigation termination are much more serious. Not just half a million hectares, but a million and a half hectares will not be used to their full potential. It will take 3 to 5 to 7 years to restore the irrigation. And this should be a priority. This is not only an agricultural and environmental issue, but also a social one. Farmers maintain social life in the surrounding villages, pay taxes, pay rent to landlords, who are mostly elderly people, for their shares." The ministry stated that ingress and death of freshwater fish and other biological resources in the salt waters of the Black Sea will also prove to be problematic. Although neither Russia nor Ukraine have claimed responsibility for the destruction, many major news outlets including Reuters and The Guardian have reported that Ukraine's security service intercepted a telephone call proving a Russian "sabotage group" blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric station and dam –though the outlets note that they have not independently verified the recording.

Mitsui has announced its decision to purchase a partial stake in Italian food company, Euricom, for JPY 20 billion (approx. $142.97 million). Euricom, a producer and supplier of rice products, has processing facilities throughout Europe and business operations in more than 30 countries around the world. The company sources rice from Southeast Asia, India and South America. The investment will see Mitsui accelerate the development of businesses that can offer improved food experiences by catering to diverse demands for healthy products. The business strives to deliver value that enhances the quality of dietary lifestyles. Mitsui said that its investment in Euricom was driven by the increasing demand for rice products in Europe. The company said: "Against the backdrop of dietary diversification and a growing focus on health and the environment, the markets for rice products and pulses are growing across the globe. In Europe, surging immigration is also contributing to significant demand growth." Mitsui further stated that its partner company, ETC Group Limited (ETG), is "highly competitive" in originating and trading rice and pulses. Mitsui added: "By leveraging ETG's raw material procurement networks in Africa and North America with Euricom's extensive sales channels and close relationships with major European retailers, Euricom can step up the development of new rice products and strengthen their business operations in areas other than rice products, such as pulses."

Bumble Bee Seafoods is expanding its line of canned, pouched and kit-based tuna products with 12 new additions to US stores. The new SKUs include: Bumble Bee Prime Yellowfin in Extra Virgin Olive Oil in three flavours: Lemon & Pepper, Balsamic & Herb and Basil Pesto & Roasted Garlic (5 oz. cans). Bumble Bee Snack on the Run! Tuna Salad and Crackers kit in ranch flavour. Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna, available in oil and in water, both with MSC-certified tuna (in 5 oz. and 10 oz. cans, in readily recyclable paperboard 4-packs and 10-packs of 5 oz. cans, and in a 3-pack of 3 oz. pouch format, water only). Bumble Bee Pouched Wild-Caught Tuna in teriyaki flavour, with MSC-certified tuna. Bumble Bee Pouched Wild-Caught Light Tuna in water in a 3-pack format and Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Cans, with low sodium. Connie Shepherd, senior vice president of strategy and commercialisation at Bumble Bee, said: “We are proud to be able to offer our valued retail partners a range of new product offerings this year that deliver superior consumer value”. She added: “Our goal is to offer our retailers a variety of seafood products that are delicious, accessible, and affordable. From our premium Yellowfin Bumble Bee Prime product line, to on-trend new pouch flavours, to the kid-friendly new Ranch flavour addition to our popular Snack on the Run! kits, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” Products designated with the MSC blue fish icon indicate that the seafood is from an MSC-certified sustainable fishery.

UK-based fish and seafood company Young’s Seafood has expanded its Gastro range with the addition of two new products. The new additions are Tempura Battered Roast Garlic and Herb Sole Fillets and Breaded Sweet Chilli Fish Fillets, both designed to appeal to consumers seeking affordable restaurant-style dishes to eat at home. The sole fillets offer shoppers a different species alternative to traditional cod and haddock, providing a new flavour profile and served in “light and crisp” tempura-style batter. Young’s is also launching “zingy” sweet chilli breaded fish fillets designed to appeal to younger consumers and those seeking new flavour options. Julian Fletcher, marketing director at Young’s Seafood, said: “Whilst we are seeing shoppers moving spend from out of the home to in-home due to the cost of living, many consumers still want to retain the feel-good factor of eating out.” He continued: “Premium frozen fish is perfectly placed to cater for these needs, and we’re seeing this trend reflected in the growth of our Gastro brand, which has welcomed 500,000 new shoppers over the past year as shoppers seek out delicious, new fish options that can add excitement to mid-week dinners and weekend meal occasions alike”. The fillets are available to purchase now in Iceland stores nationwide for an RRP of £4.50. You may also like to read: Young’s Seafood expands Gastro range with extra large battered fish fillets Young’s Seafood launches new Red Thai Infused Salmon Young’s launches fish-based frozen meals for kids

Packaging and recycling specialist Alpla Group has announced a €60m investment in building a PET recycling plant in the South African town of Ballito. The plant is expected to recycle around 60,000 tonnes of PET bottles per year, with 35,000 tonnes of mechanically recycled rPET flakes and pellets to be produced from them. Alpla plans to process the majority of this to produce its own bottles. Marking the company’s entry into the South African recycling market, construction will start this summer with completion set for autumn 2024. The Alpla Group opened its new headquarters in Lanseria near Johannesburg in autumn last year. The plant will be built on a 90,000-square-metre site in Ballito, near Durban in the province of KwaZulu Natal. It is expected to increase the annual production capacity of all ALPLA recycling companies and cooperations to around 238,000 tonnes for rPET (recycled PET) and 74,000 tonnes for rHDPE (recycled HDPE). Alpla CEO Philipp Lehner commented: “Our goal is a bottle-to-bottle cycle at the location of our activities. In this way, as a recycler and producer, we can secure the supply of safe, affordable and sustainable packaging worldwide and at the same time promote awareness of the recyclable material.” For the realisation of the plant, Alpla is partnering with local stakeholders including PETCO (Producer Responsibility Organisation). The plant plans to employ around 100 people and is expected to generate more than 10,000 indirect jobs in the coming years. Dietmar Marin, managing director of the recycling division at Alpla said: “By setting up the first recycling resources of our own in Africa, we are equipping ourselves for the future, making a contribution to increasing the collection rate and reducing waste by recycling valuable raw materials. At the same time, we are creating many new jobs locally.”

Chr. Hansen’s human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 6’-Sialyllactose sodium salt (6’-SL) has been approved for the highest use levels in infant formula and follow-on formula in the EU. Marketed under MyOli 6’-SL HMO, 6’-SL is authorised for the EU market and under proprietary protection for five years. According to Chr. Hansen, 6′-SL HMO can reduce the risk of adhesion of harmful bacteria and their proteins and support brain development in infants, by supplying sialic acid – an essential building block for neurons. The Danish enzyme producer now has EU authorisation for all five HMOs in its MyOli 5 HMO Mix, including 2’-FL, 3-FL, LNT, 3’-SL and 6’-SL, which are approved at the highest use levels in the industry. Jesper Sig Mathiasen, senior vice president, Chr. Hansen HMO, said: “The fact that Chr. Hansen MyOli 5 HMO Mix is now approved for use in the EU at the highest use levels is an important milestone. It means that Chr. Hansen can now supply a blend of five HMOs bringing infant nutrition solutions closer to breast milk, to the benefit of infants who cannot be breastfed for various reasons. The European approval is also an important step towards using HMOs at natural concentration levels in infant formula and follow-on formula.” HMOs are said to be the third most abundant solid component of breast milk and are known in many different variations.

Bunge and Glencore-owned Viterra have now confirmed that they will merge businesses in an $8.2 billion deal, as reported by FoodBev at the end of May. The merger of Bunge and Viterra will create a global agribusiness company that is able to meet the demands of “increasingly complex markets," to better serve farmers and end-customers. The definitive agreement includes certain affiliates of Glencore, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, to merge with Viterra in a stock and cash transaction. As a result, the two merged organisations will benefit from more diversified capabilities, greater operational flexibility across oilseed and grain supply chains and processing, and increased resources. Under the terms of the agreement, Viterra shareholders would receive approximately 65.6 million shares of Bunge stock, with an aggregate value of approximately $6.2 billion and approximately $2 billion in cash. In addition, Bunge plans to repurchase $2 billion of Bunge's stock to enhance accretion to adjusted earnings per share. Upon close of the transaction, Viterra shareholders own 30% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis and approximately 33% after completion of the repurchase plan. Greg Heckman, Bunge’s CEO, said: “The combination of Bunge and Viterra significantly accelerates Bunge’s strategy, building on our fundamental purpose to connect farmers to consumers to deliver essential food, feed and fuel to the world. Our highly complementary asset footprints will create a network that connects the world’s largest production regions to areas of fastest growing consumption, enhancing the geographical balance and adaptability of our global value chains and benefitting farmers and end-customers.” He added: “Together, we will be positioned to increase our operational efficiency while innovating to address the pressing needs of food security, efficiency for end-customers, market access for farmers, and sustainable food, feed and renewable fuel production.” Following the close of the transaction, the combined company will be led by Heckman and Bunge’s CFO, John Neppl. Viterra’s CEO, David Mattiske, will join the Bunge executive leadership team in the role of co-chief operating officer. The combined company will operate as Bunge with headquarters in St Louis, Missouri, US. Viterra’s current headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, will be an important commercial location for the combined company. Mattiske said: “Viterra and Bunge are two leading agriculture businesses. In combining our highly complementary origination, processing and distribution networks, we are better positioned to meet the increasing demand for the food, feed and fuel products we offer". The merger is expected to close in mid-2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by Bunge shareholders. BofA Securities is acting as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins is acting as legal counsel to Bunge.

Splash Beverage Group, a portfolio company of beverage brands, has launched Tapout Cognitive Energy, a sparkling 10-calorie beverage. The new line is available in three distinct flavours: Cherry Lemonade, Orange, and Peach Mango. The Tapout energy drink will be making its way to distributors and into US retail stores this summer. Developed by performance-nutritionist Sanjeev Javia, in collaboration with Tapout ambassador and former NFL player Drew Brees, the formula is said to consist of unique ingredients to provide a clean and sustained energy boost and support cognitive function, mental clarity and focus. A serving of the Tapout energy drink delivers a balance of sparkling flavour, antioxidants and natural caffeine, with zero sugar or artificial colours. Robert Nistico, CEO of Splash Beverage Group, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Tapout Cognitive Energy to our customers, offering them a new and enjoyable beverage to stay focused and energized throughout the day. We believe the product will resonate well with today’s consumers looking for a healthier and more effective way to boost their performance, no matter what their game." Brees added: "I am excited to support the launch of Tapout Cognitive Energy. I have always found staying focused and energised is very important for optimal performance. I believe that our Tapout Cognitive Energy formula will help people achieve this."

Chobani has launched a new range of zero-sugar yogurt in a drink format. Chobani Zero Sugar drinking yogurts are available in four flavours: mixed berry, peaches & cream, strawberry cheesecake and milk & cookies. The drinks, which are said to have an "excellent" source of protein and billions of probiotics, are made using natural fermentation. In addition, Chobani Zero Sugar is sweetened with only natural sugar alternatives. It is free of lactose and preservatives, contains 0g total sugar and is a good source of calcium. Niel Sandfort, chief innovation officer, said: "After a few years of being hyper-focused on optimising our core portfolio and improving excellence in our supply chain and service levels, we are extremely excited to once again dazzle the shelves with the launch of our new zero sugar drinks". He continued: "This latest innovation takes an already successful product line, made with natural ingredients, to the next level by evolving it into a drinking format, perfect for the on-the-go consumer".

McCownGordon is working with US supermarket giant Walmart to design and build a 330,000-square-foot high-volume case-ready beef facility in Kansas. McCownGordon is leading the design and construction of the new facility in Olathe, Kansas, in collaboration with ESI Design Services – a construction company committed to building sustainable food facilities across the US. The new facility is the result of a $257 million investment by Walmart. Ramin Cherafat, McCownGordon’s CEO, said: "Serving the facility needs of national food and beverage brands with comprehensive design and construction services is a mainstay of our growing manufacturing business unit. We are excited to partner with Walmart on their first owned and operated case-ready beef facility.” David Baskin, Senior VP of deli, meat and seafood at Walmart, commented: “At Walmart, enhancing quality is integral to how we innovate. Once opened, our case-ready beef facility in Olathe will mark an important next step in our journey to create an end-to-end Angus beef supply chain, ensuring our customers have access to the high-quality meats they expect at the everyday low prices they rely on.” The project is expected to break ground later this year and will create over 1,000 design, fabrication and construction jobs. The site is set for completion in 2025.