Flagstone Foods, a manufacturer and distributor of private-label snack nuts and trail mixes in North America, has acquired Emerald Nuts from Campbell Soup Company. Spanning almost 20 years, Emerald is known for items such as assorted glazed nut products and grab-and-go 100-calorie packs. The acquisition adds one of the “leading snack nut brands in the US" to Flagstone’s portfolio. Flagstone operates three plants in the US, located in Robersonville, North Carolina, El Paso, Texas and Dothan, Alabama. The company processes, packages and distributes nuts, trail mixes, and other snacks to premier retail customers nationwide. Atlas Holdings acquired Flagstone in 2019, and at the end of 2022, Harry Overly was hired as Flagstone's CEO to support the company’s growth. Overly said: "Adding Emerald Nuts to our portfolio establishes a new avenue for Flagstone to service our customers with innovative snack products and unites two industry leaders with a shared commitment to the highest levels of product quality and innovation. Our Flagstone team is excited to welcome Emerald as a transformative acquisition to our portfolio, and we're looking forward to continuing to drive growth for both Flagstone and our retail partners." Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Global grain trader Viterra is in talks to merge with Bunge, a person familiar with the matter said. The source said that there is no certainty that Glencore-owned Viterra will be able to reach an agreement on the terms. While both companies refused to comment when contacted by FoodBev, neither denied that the it was untrue. Sources said that the two parties are discussing the deal. Merging with Viterra would also put Bunge, with 2022 revenues of $67.2 billion, closer to nutrition company Archer Daniels-Midland (ADM) who registered sales of almost $102 billion last year, and who is said to be its rival. The reported merger with Bunge would also put Viterra among the top tier of global grains merchants, with access to export terminals in the US, one of the largest grain producers and suppliers. Last year, Viterra acquired the grain and ingredients business of Gavilon Agriculture Investment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marubeni America Corporation. The purchase price for the acquisition was $1.1 billion. Gavilon has since been rebranded to Viterra. You may also like to read: Bunge to acquire Louisiana refinery from Fuji Oil Australian Plant Proteins secures $35.4m investment from Bunge Bunge to sell California rice mill to Farmers’ Rice Cooperative

The original founders of Funky Buddha Brewery – Ryan and KC Sentz – are reacquiring their business in Oakland Park, Florida, from Constellation Brands. Founded in 2010, Funky Buddha produces a wide range of craft beers. However, the brand was acquired by Constellation in 2017. The decision to reclaim Funky Buddha was mutually agreed upon by the Sentz brothers and Constellation, in which they recognised that now is the "ideal time" for the original owners to reassume command of the brewery, focusing on beverage innovation, new consumer experiences and additional product lines. Amidst the transition, Funky Buddha's signature beer portfolio, such as Floridian and Hop Gun, will continue to be available for distribution, with the founders planning to introduce new products. KC Sentz said: "Beverage innovation has always been our biggest strength, and Ryan and his team have some incredible ideas in the pipeline. As we approach our tenth anniversary, it seems like the perfect time for our business to evolve and reignite the community’s passion for craft beverages.” Ryan Sentz added: “We enjoyed working with Constellation, and we learned a lot from them. As we embark on the next chapter, we plan to push boundaries and create entirely new drinking experiences in beer and beyond. We’ll be serving good vibes on tap for many years to come." The reacquisition of the brewery is set for June 2023. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Kirin Holdings has partnered with Kellogg Japan to introduce a new addition to Kellogg's All-Bran portfolio, as it aims to support immune system health. All-Bran Immune Care is a functional food with a "double health claim" that contains a blend of L. lactis strain Plasma (postbiotic) and fermented dietary fibre arabinoxylan, which is derived from wheat bran. Kirin explained that wheat bran-derived arabinoxylan is a fermentable dietary fibre that has been reported to improve intestinal health and bowel movements. Meanwhile, L. lactis strain Plasma helps "maintain immune function in healthy people". According to Kirin, the new product can be enjoyed as a daily meal. In addition, the company highlights that this is the first 'meal'-type product containing L. lactis strain Plasma as a functional food, as opposed to a snack or side dish.

German manufacturer of sustainable film solutions, RKW Group, has announced the expansion of its RKW Ecore product portfolio. As consumers look for more sustainable plastic packaging solutions, the RKW Ecore portfolio has been expanded to include mono-axially stretched PE films (MDO PE), marketed under the brand RKW Horizon. According to RKW Group, the Horizon product portfolio of MDO films is “unique worldwide” and includes transparent MDO films and print carriers, with oxygen barriers if needed, as well as white opaque variants. MDO PE films can be laminated with a functional PE sealing film, resulting in packaging made from a single raw material, polyethene. Unlike many conventional pouch packaging, the films are single-grade and are therefore fully recyclable. Luc Hermans, sales director of consumer packaging at RKW Group, said: "Especially as a manufacturer of high-quality plastic films, we are aware of our responsibility. That's why we have bundled our development resources and created a product portfolio that provides optimum protection for food. We are developing materials that meet the requirements for a smaller carbon footprint, improved recyclability and increased use of recycled plastics." The RKW Horizon films are designed to meet the high requirements of flexible packaging manufacturers in terms of tear resistance, transparency, gloss, printability and good processability. Additionally, the films are said to feature “excellent machinability” on conventional packaging equipment. MDO films can be used for a wide variety of packaging forms, such as stand-up pouches, gusseted pouches, pillow pouches, sachets and lid films. They can be utilised in the packaging of confectionery and snacks, coffee and tea as well as frozen foods, and can also be used in the non-food sector for the packaging of pet food, personal care products or cleaning and detergents. The new films are produced at RKW’s Petersaurach site in Bavaria, Germany. A recent investment into the site resulted in a new five-layer extrusion film line and a new nine-layer extrusion line to significantly expand the production capacities for high-quality sealing films and MDO PE films.

Kerry has introduced its new Tastesense Advanced range of solutions, to deliver low- and zero-sugar products without compromising on sweetness. Tastesense Advanced is an alternative to sugar and stevia, supporting the development of sweetness closer to sugar and beyond 3⁰ Brix sucrose sweetness equivalence. The solution contains plant-derived materials and is said to reduce carbon emissions by 30% and water usage by 45%. Ian McGarvey, SVP of technology and innovation for taste at Kerry, said: "We are excited to introduce our new Tastesense Advanced range that addresses sweetness optimisation and delivers high levels of sugar reduction, reaching beyond 50%. This new solution is more advanced compared to single-ingredient solutions, offering added benefits across sustainability, taste and health.” As part of the creation process, Kerry conducted research into solutions that could “satisfy consumers' taste preferences in low or no-sugar products”. Kerry's innovation teams selected raw materials and examined the interaction with proprietary solutions. Tastesense Advanced is non-GMO and is available in kosher, halal, and vegan suitable options.

Modern Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica has continued its product line expansion with the launch of new oven-ready aperitivo snacks. Crosta & Mollica has added two new SKUs to its oven-ready range, with the launch of aperitivo snacks; Truffled Mushroom Arancini and Cacio e Pepe Pasta Fritta. The brand’s new arancini – rice balls originating from Sicily – contain a centre of sauteed porcini and field mushrooms with a hint of truffle, combined with Grana Padano cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, chives and thyme. The centre is covered in risotto rice and coated in breadcrumbs and black pepper, and the balls are then pre-fried prior to packing to create a golden crispy outer layer. The Cacio e Pepe pasta bites are created with a combination of macaroni pasta, Pecorino cheese and a bechamel sauce, which is then balled and coated in breadcrumbs and cracked black pepper. The pasta balls are pre-fried to achieve a crispy outer texture and a smooth centre. Both Italian-inspired snacks require oven-baking for around 11 minutes and are available to purchase on Ocado now for an RRP of £5.50. You may also like to read: Crosta & Mollica enters gluten-free category with latest launch Crosta & Mollica introduces Sorbetto Shells Crosta & Mollica launches frozen ready meal range

Anritsu has launched a new line of inspection equipment – XR75 DualX+ – which helps improve contaminant detection in the food industry. Founded in 1895, Anritsu is a Japanese manufacturer of inline product detection and inspection equipment for the food and pharma industry. Anritsu explained that the DualX+ is a next-generation Photon Detector technology, featuring specific algorithms for fish and poultry applications. The new technology enhances image quality, resulting in sharper and more precise detection capabilities, as well as reducing the occurrence of false rejection rates. Contaminants on the targets are clearly displayed and identified through the shadows they cast, while foreign bodies – including smaller and thinner in shape, such as fish bones, small poultry bones and fine metal fragments – are easily identified. The company said: "The human costs associated with missing a contaminant in food can be considerable to everyone involved, and the thorough production line inspection equipment that Anritsu provides is vital to the food industry across the world. Poultry and fish bones can be minuscule, so the inspection equipment needs the highest sensitivity, and that is what Anritsu has delivered with this new machinery."

Ardagh Group has announced the first step towards the establishment of a global centre of excellence (CoE) in Cape Town, South Africa. The new CoE will provide some IT services to Ardagh's businesses across Europe, US and Africa. According to the company, the centre will contribute to a positive change in the lives of South African youth by developing skills and growing jobs in the technology field. Paul Coulson, chairman of Ardagh Group, said: “With world-class technology skills and an established infrastructure Cape Town provides the perfect home for Ardagh’s new CoE. We look forward to growing our presence to support our global business objectives.” He continued: “With social development at the core of our sustainability strategy, our CoE in Africa will help to empower local youth as well as underpin Ardagh’s future in, and commitment to, the region. We recognise the critical role education, and access to education, play in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful communities." "This initiative aligns closely with Ardagh’s programme to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education among our communities. It now covers more than 400 schools across Europe and the Americas, with plans to expand into Brazil and Africa in the next year. We are proud to employ more than 21,000 skilled people across our global network, and we look forward to welcoming new members to our growing team here in Africa.” Ardagh said that the CoE will be a crucial part of a range of positive social impact investments in South Africa, particularly Cape Town. The company manufactures a range of glass packaging for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries from its seven production facilities in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. Alderman Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for economic growth in Cape Town, commented: “Investments like these solidify Cape Town as a preferred destination for investment on the African continent. The city aims to make it easier for businesses to start up, invest and expand in Cape Town." Vos added: "The plan is to not only be the easiest place to do business in South Africa but in Africa overall. This will positively influence our youth by equipping them with key training, education and transportable skills that will enable them to thrive in their future careers.”

Premier Foods is expanding its Bisto gravy range with its latest launch, Chicken with Garden Herbs Gravy, HFSS-compliant limited-edition gravy granules. The latest product taps into Bisto’s awareness that some consumers are eating lighter roasts throughout the summer months – Chicken with Garden Herbs Gravy has been specially developed to complement lighter dishes. Helen Touchais, brand director for flavours and seasonings and home baking at Premier Foods, said: “Shoppers continue to opt for roast dinners when looking to treat themselves and family to a tasty meal, a staggering 1.1 billion were eaten last year. Our new Chicken with Garden Herbs Gravy aims to provide consumers with more flavour options and help retailers drive incremental sales alongside the wider Bisto range that is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.” Bisto Chicken with Garden Herbs Gravy will be available in Asda stores across the UK from June, for an RRP of £2.

Arla Foods has inaugurated its state-of-the-art dairy farm in Kaduna as part of the company’s efforts to ensure sustainable milk production in Nigeria. The farm, located in Damau village, Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State, was inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Governor El-Rufai described the new dairy farm as a significant milestone and game-changer for the dairy sector in Nigeria, commending the management of Arla Foods for having faith and confidence in Nigeria and the Kaduna State Government. He explained that the farm is another testament to the commitment of the Kaduna State Government to collaborating with private organisations and providing the enabling environment for businesses to set up and thrive in the state. The Danish-designed dairy farm is the first of its kind in Nigeria and was created to ensure optimum animal welfare and productivity, showcasing sustainable milk production in Nigeria. It covers 400 hectares of land, with the capacity to house 400 milking cows and 1000 animals in total. Currently, the farm is home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which arrived in May 2023 and are settling into their new environment. Arla Foods’ International EVP, Simon Stevens, said: “This milestone symbolises what can be achieved with strong partnerships. We can see how the contribution of the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, NGOs, the farming community and many more have helped to deliver a big project.” “This achievement symbolises the massive potential we see in Nigeria and the exciting journey this country is on. We have been part of this journey for quite some time, and we are extremely committed to continuing to play a part and contribute to the development of the dairy industry.” Stevens added that the farm, delivered at an investment cost of €10 million, would serve as a place of milk production and an epicentre of dairy farming knowledge. Danish ambassador to Nigeria, Sune Krogstrup, commented that the project demonstrates Arla Foods' commitment to boosting the local dairy segment of the agricultural value chain that would positively impact the economy of Kaduna State and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP. Head of Arla Foods West Africa, Anna Månsson, said that the dairy farm is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is poised to define the future of dairy in Nigeria. She noted that more than 40 people would be directly employed at the farm, with expected milk production of 1.6 million kilograms in 2024 and a target of 4 million kilograms of annual milk production.

US yogurt producer Stonyfield Organic is investing $7 million to expand its Londonderry, New Hampshire, facility in response to the increasing demand for its yogurt pouches. Stonyfield Organic is expanding its plant by 17,000 square feet. According to the company, Stonyfield Organic yogurt pouches have seen double-digit growth "due to several factors," such as nationwide distribution growth. The product is currently available in over 75% of grocery stores across the US. The expansion on the site will support increased retail distribution, enabling Stonyfield Organic to double its pouch production at the plant. This will result in an addition of 46 million pouches produced annually at the facility and will include the installation of more pouch production lines. Stonyfield Organic Yogurt pouches provide on-the-go convenience and are organic and nutritious, containing 14 essential nutrients. “Stonyfield set the standard for organic yogurt pouches many years ago, and they continue to be our most in-demand product,” says Bill Cassidy, CEO of Stonyfield Organic. “This expansion will accelerate our production of our yogurt pouches and add 35% to our total pouch network to increase accessibility for our consumers.” The expansion will be completed by the end of June this year, with the new yogurt pouch line will be operational in October.