Danish Crown has announced plans to close a deboning facility in Boizenburg, as it scales down production capacity in Germany in response to declining demand. The company will bring together its slaughtering and deboning activities at its abattoir in Essen, southwest of Bremen. Since the country was hit by African swine fever in the autumn of 2020, Germany’s production of pigs has dropped, according to Danish Crown. Jais Valeur, group CEO of Danish Crown, commented: “We simply have to make more money in Germany. Therefore, we believe it is time to shift the focus from pure large-scale production to a more agile set-up.” He continued: “The abattoir in Essen has an important task in supplying our own processing facilities with raw materials, and at the same time production will be adapted so that we can produce exactly the goods that our customers in both Germany and the rest of Europe demand from week to week”. Within the next six months, Danish Crown plans to transfer a large part of the activities of the Boizenburg facility, where Danish Crown has had operations for almost 20 years, to its abattoir in Essen. Danish Crown says that the more than 200 employees affected will be offered work at other facilities where possible. Per Laursen, production director at Danish Crown, said: “It is a sad situation because there are many skilled and loyal employees at the facility in Boizenburg. To the extent that it is possible, they will be offered a job at one of our other facilities.” The management in Boizenburg is now negotiating with the facility's work committee about the conditions for transferring employees to other sites, as well as what can be done for the workers who do not want to accept the offer of another job in the group.

Emerging World, the sole importer of PRAN-RFL Group’s products in the Middle East region, has signed a land lease agreement with KEZAD Group for the establishment of a new manufacturing plant. The PRAN (Programme for Rural Advancement Nationally) facility will be spread over more than 42,000 square metres in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi), with direct access to AD Ports Group’s Khalifa Port. The AED 110 million ($29 million) plant is being developed in multiple phases and will enable Emerging World to produce and export PRAN products to markets across the Middle East and North Africa region. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, chief executive officer of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD, said: “KEZAD is delighted to welcome Emerging World and enable the development of this new manufacturing facility within our expansive food trade ecosystem, an environment that ensures that businesses can thrive in today’s competitive market”. He added that Emerging World shares KEZAD’s mission regarding “the importance of securing national and regional supply chains, in line with the vision of our wise leadership to improve access to affordable healthy diets for people across communities”. Hasan Mahbub, managing director of Emerging World, commented: “Our agreement with KEZAD aims to boost our export to Middle Eastern countries, and the establishment of Emerging World’s manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone to expand our business”. He continued: “An initial investment of AED 60 million ($16 million) will be made to set up the manufacturing facilities, with the production of different food products including instant noodles, milk drinks, fruit drinks and confectionery products under the PRAN brand. Initially, we expect production revenue to be in the region of AED 160 million ($43 million) per annum.” The land lease agreement with KEZAD has been signed for a period of 30 years.

London-based sustainable chocolate business, Love Cocoa, has secured a $4.25 million investment funded by venture capital investor, Richard Koch. The funds will be used to grow Love Cocoa’s senior management team, launch its first brick-and-mortar store and expand retail distribution. Established by James Cadbury, a descendant of the Cadbury brand founder, the business is made up of luxury chocolate brand, Love Cocoa, and vegan oat-milk chocolate brand, H!P Chocolate. Love Cocoa chairman and serial fast-moving consumer goods entrepreneur, Giles Brook, said: "Love Cocoa continues to rise and rise, becoming one of the leading luxury chocolate brands, while H!P is making a name for itself as the standout vegan-based chocolate brand winning on taste and importantly (non) milky texture, where it is replicating its dairy counterparts incredibly." Cadbury commented: “I’m delighted to have Richard and his team’s backing. I’m excited to be working with him on driving the strategic development of both Love Cocoa and H!P Chocolate, helping propel them from challenger brands to chocolate industry powerhouses.” Koch added: “Love Cocoa and H!P Chocolate are at the forefront of sustainable chocolate innovation. I’m looking forward to supporting the business on the next stage of its incredible journey.”

Michael Angelo's has entered a new category with the launch of a range of pasta sauces. Michael Angelo's pasta sauce is available in four varieties: Nonna's Secret Marinara, made with naturally sweet, slow-simmered tomatoes; Nonna's Secret Tomato Basil, features Marinara sauce with the addition of bright basil; Nonna's Secret Roasted Garlic, combines slow-simmered tomatoes with kettle-roasted garlic; and Nonna's Secret Spicy Marinara, contains a blend of spices to bring the right amount of heat. According to Michael Angelo's, the pasta sauces are made with fewer than ten ingredients and do not contain tomato paste or added sugars, "unlike other jarred sauces". "Michael Angelo's offers traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations, so our customers can enjoy a delicious meal as good as homemade without starting from scratch," said Risa Cretella, executive vice president and group general manager at Sovos Brands. "We are passionate about sharing convenient, comforting meal solutions in today's busy world. Our new sauces extend the delicious authenticity and simplicity of Michael Angelo's into a new category. " Michael Angelo's pasta sauce line is available exclusively at select Walmart locations nationwide for a retail price of $4.48.

Mr Kipling has expanded its non-HFSS Deliciously Good range with the limited edition launch of Hot Cross Pies. The new pies take on the classic sweet and spiced flavours of Easter, “reinvented” in a new pie format. Mathew Bird, brand director at Premier Foods, said: “These non-HFSS pies contain 30% less sugar and real fruit pieces, making them ideal for driving penetration with health-conscious consumers”. The pies will be available in UK retailers for a limited time, for an RRP of £1.75.

Swedish protein bars brand, Barebells, has added a new HFSS-compliant bar to its portfolio. Barebells' Crispy Nougat features a crispy milk chocolate coating with a smooth nougat that has hints of vanilla and wafer, and roasted hazelnut pieces. The bar contains 20g of protein and has no added sugar. “We started developing this bar in response to the HFSS regulation. It’s safe to say that Crispy Nougat over delivers on taste and doesn’t compromise on the high nutritional standards we have across the Barebells range,” said Maria Ledesma, trade marketing manager at Barebells. Barebells' Crispy Nougat is available to purchase at selected gyms and stores across the UK for an RRP of £2.49.

GNC has released a new Beyond Raw Lit pre-workout flavour to join its existing collection. Jolly Rancher Cherry is the latest flavour to be added to the line and is offered in two formats, pre-workout powder and on-the-go pre-workout (ready-to-drink can). Kevin Maloberti, vice president of Merchandising at GNC, said: "The launch of our Jolly Rancher Cherry flavour is our newest collaboration with The Hershey Company. Time and again, we've seen science-backed formulas with mouth-watering flavours yield both results and connection with our consumers.” “Our commitment to industry-leading flavour innovation, especially when it comes to our anchor brands like Beyond Raw, is a priority and we're confident Beyond Raw Lit pre-workout in Jolly Rancher Cherry will offer intense energy, endurance and the focus necessary for big training routines." Beyond Raw Lit Jolly Rancher Cherry is now available for purchase at selected US retailers and online.

South Mill Champs has opened a new mushroom farm in Oxford, Pennsylvania, to support increased demand across its customer channels. According to the company, the facility will be one of North America's largest single-site mushroom farms. The opening marks the completion of the first stage of a “multi-year, multi-phase” farm and compost operation buildout. Lewis Macleod, CEO of South Mill Champs, said: “Mushrooms are continuing to surge in popularity as consumers become more proactive about their health”. He added: “As a company, we've experienced tremendous success on the fresh side of the business, and we have grown our portfolio of mushroom-forward food products to align with consumers' needs as they aim to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets. Increased production will support existing and planned growth across all customer channels.” Advanced technologies and processes will be implemented at the new facility, such as automated and environmentally efficient climate control and watering systems. South Mill Champs says that modern growing processes and systems will increase product quality while reducing the possibility of “human contact variables” such as cross-contamination. Once green initiatives such as solar panels are fully implemented, South Mill Champs expects to generate the majority of the facility’s annual electricity from a renewable source. Additionally, it says that it will capture and reuse “millions of gallons of rain and wastewater”. Agricultural byproducts and other waste materials will be upcycled to make compost. Mike Pia Jr, vice president of business growth at South Mill Champs, commented: “We've been innovating since the beginning. Our family has been producing compost and growing mushrooms for over 90 years in Pennsylvania.” He continued: “Our approach is, and has always been, to stay nimble and adapt to new technologies as they become available and proven. There is a growing demand for fresh, quality produce, and we want to meet that demand with the best product possible for our partners and, ultimately, the consumer. This new facility will allow us to do just that.” South Mill Champs says that it added over 100 harvesting and operational jobs following the completion of phase one.

Indian snack brand 4700BC has partnered with ice cream brand Noto to introduce a new flavour of popcorn ice cream. The Himalayan salt caramel popcorn-flavoured ice cream is rich in caramel and contains the subtle saltiness of Himalayan pink salt. Chirag Gupta, founder of 4700BC, said: "At 4700BC, we have always believed in the power of innovation and experimentation in the business world. Our collaboration with Noto is a perfect example of that as we bring together two unlikely but complementary flavours, popcorn and ice cream, to create a truly one-of-a-kind sensory experience. He continued: "Our Himalayan salt caramel popcorn is already a fan favourite, and we can't wait for everyone to try it in a whole new form as a part of our collaboration with a new-age innovative vegan ice cream brand, Noto. Their vegan ice cream is the perfect complement to our gourmet popcorn, creating a guilt-free indulgence...We are confident that it will become a new classic in the world of sweet indulgence." Ashni Shah, founder of Noto, added: "We at Noto love the idea of taking two different products, identities ideologies to create a unique product. Collaborating is an integral part for us, it helps create a community, opens up new perspectives and also keeps customers engaged. Popcorn and ice cream are household staples that are always available, and together it creates a magical combination...This collaboration represents the intersection of innovation and nostalgia, and we are confident it will be a hit with our customers."

Dash Water, a zero-sugar, zero-calorie seltzer company that uses ‘wonky’ fruit to infuse its beverages, has completed an £8.7 million Series A funding round. The round was led by private equity firm Beringea and also included participation from Irish rugby captain Johnny Sexton, Dash chairman David Milner and others. Dash co-founder, Alex Wright, commented: “This is a big moment for Dash. This latest investment gives us the firepower we need to change the way people look at soft drinks for good. It’s clear that people want a genuine alternative to the sugary soft drink, one that’s healthy and uncompromising on taste.” He continued: “But until now, there’s been no other option. It’s brilliant to welcome big hitters who share our vision and want to join us on the next part of the Dash journey. From Beringea’s team to international sports stars, it’s amazing to see how many people believe in using wonky fruit to create delicious, healthy drinks.” The funds will be used to support Dash’s growth and expansion plans, including increasing production and distribution and investing in research and development. Dash also plans to enter new markets across Europe and increase its presence in Australia. Luke Edis, investment manager at Beringea, commented: “Beringea sees tremendous potential in Dash. While seltzer is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the US, it is a product that has vast potential for growth in the UK and Europe.” He added: “As the UK’s leading seltzer, Dash is driving the rise of this increasingly valuable category. Its sustainable product, using wonky fruit and veg to reduce food waste, is resonating with consumers looking for a healthy, flavourful drink, and we believe it can go from strength to strength across the UK and into Europe.”

Summit Plastics, a US custom packaging manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of Fredman Bag Company. Founded in 1889, Fredman specialises in custom flexible packaging, serving the food and beverage, medical, agricultural, industrial and retail markets. The company operates a 50,000-square-foot facility with printing and converting capabilities. With the deal, Summit aims to expand its geographical presence and product portfolio. Tom Nathanson, chairman of the company's board, said: "This transaction further expands our market reach and adds to our product capabilities. We welcome the talented employee base at Fredman and look forward to their contributions to the combined business." The deal follows Summit's investment in another custom flexible packaging producer, ClearView Packaging, in 2021. Tim Fredman, president of Fredman Bag, added: "Partnering with Summit and ClearView will enhance our ability to support our employees, customers and suppliers. We have known and respected the ClearView family for decades, and our employees are excited for the growth and opportunity as part of a larger platform." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

US-based fresh chicken-brand, Perdue, has launched two new items, Perdue Flavour-Infused Chicken and Perdue Chicken Plus Snackers. The products were developed as part of Perdue’s continued focus on providing innovative, flavourful, quality and better-for-you options for meals and snacking occasions. The ready-to-heat and-eat Flavour-Infused Chicken is natural, minimally processed and without artificial ingredients. The chicken is available in three flavour varieties, Sesame Ginger, Green Chilli and Greek. The bite-sized Chicken Plus Snackers are also natural, minimally processed and without artificial ingredients. Available in Pizza, BBQ and Firecracker flavours, the snacks come with vegetables and 9g of protein. The items are available in major retailers across the US including Kroger, Shoprite, Safeway, and Meijer.