Flowers Foods has agreed to acquire Papa Pita Bakery, a manufacturer and distributor of bagels, tortillas, bread, buns, muffins and flatbreads. Papa Pita operates a 270,000-square-foot facility in West Jordan, Utah. The company's primary brands include Papa Pita, Great Grains, Bubba's Bagels and Maya's Tortillas, and the business is a long-term co-manufacturer of Flowers products. "Papa Pita began as a family business and is an inspiring example of the American dream. Its leaders have grown the company strategically through product and category expansions," said Ryals McMullian, president and CEO of Flowers Foods. Papa Pita will continue to operate out of its Utah facility, bolstering Flowers' presence in the western US. Farzad Mohebbi, president and CEO at Papa Pita, added: "Our success has been a direct result of the dedication of our hard-working team members, their ability to think big about what's possible and a constant focus on how we can grow. Flowers shares these same traits, making our partnership a great fit." The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Flowers plans to fund the transaction with cash and existing credit facilities.

Global bakery manufacturer and distributor, Dawn Foods, has announced the sale of its frozen manufacturing business in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific (AMEAP) to Europastry. The sale includes a production plant in Steenbergen, the Netherlands, research and development capabilities in Evesham, UK, and associated customer relationships in the region. Dawn Foods' CEO, Carrie Jones-Barber, said: “Dawn and Europastry have been partners for many years, providing great American bakery products to customers across Europe and AMEAP. As we continue to focus on our long-term strategic goals, Dawn's focus in the Europe and AMEAP region is on driving growth in bakery ingredients. “We look forward to continuing to work with Europastry, along with all customers in this region, to help them grow their business with our fantastic bakery ingredients and tailored solutions.” Dawn Foods will continue to produce and distribute bakery ingredients across Europe and AMEAP, North America and Latin America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

US prebiotic soda brand Poppi has raised $25 million in financing led by consumer-focused investment firm, Cavu Consumer Partners. Based in Austin, Texas, Poppi offers a range of sodas that combine fruit, apple cider vinegar and inulin prebiotics and aim to support gut health. The beverages are formulated with clean ingredients, with each can containing less than 5g of sugar and 25 calories. Poppi says that it is investing in establishing a "best-in-class" executive team, with new high-level appointments. The capital will also be used to further fuel sales growth, marketing and product innovation. The brand plans to expand distribution, with the aim of being in over 30,000 retail stores across the US by the end of 2023. Poppi co-founder, Allison Ellsworth, said: "I would have never imagined that what started as a homemade remedy for my chronic health conditions would go from the farmers market to Shark Tank, and now to some of the biggest retailers nationwide. The growth we've experienced these past two years is a testament to the demand for functional products that taste good and do our bodies good." Rohan Oza, co-founder and managing partner at Cavu Consumer Partners, added: "Poppi is one of the fastest-growing beverage brands I've ever been a part of. Seeing what Stephen and Allison have done to date has been incredible, and with a seasoned leadership team now in place, we believe Poppi will continue its meteoric growth, cementing position as the modern soda of tomorrow."

Quebec-based Winter Farm has raised CAD 46 million (approx. $34.3 million) to strengthen its position in the vertical farming industry. The milestone was achieved thanks to a “renewed commitment” from the Quebec government and Investissement Québec, as well as support from new investors. The funding will be used to build a vertical farming site dedicated to strawberry production. According to Winter Farm, the Vaudreuil site will produce nearly 1 million kilograms of Fraise d'hiver strawberries yearly. In the coming months, six 600-square-metre vertical farm installations will be added to two existing farms already in operation to allow for production of “high-quality” strawberries, while using between 20 to 25 times less space than open field production. The site will also recover 90% of irrigation water used and generate minimal greenhouse gases. Winter Farm has also announced the acquisition of Les Serres Vaudreuil, formerly owned by the St-Denis family, who will now manage operations and production of Fraise d'hiver strawberries. Alain Brisebois, president and CEO at Winter Farm, said: "The arrival of new partners is a vote of confidence in favour of Winter Farm's industrial potential and our ability to deliver superior-quality fruit. Innovation is key to develop a more sustainable and competitive local agriculture that can challenge import markets.” André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region, commented: "An agriculture based on a variety of production models is essential to increasing sustainable food autonomy in Quebec… Our government is pleased to support... efforts in providing consumers with healthy local products, year-round." Guy LeBlanc, president and CEO at Investissement Québec, added: "Investissement Québec is proud to renew its support of Winter Farm. Their innovative vertical production solutions address the agri-food and environmental challenges we are facing. This new project will enable them to increase local production and strengthen Quebec's food autonomy."

Protekt has launched a new liquid supplement beverage enhancer that delivers high-impact antioxidants such as vitamin C, D, zinc and echinacea to support optimal health and immunity. The liquid formulation offers two flavours: mixed berry and orange. According to the company, the solution dissolves instantly in hot or cold water, "compared to powders or tablets". The liquid contains zero calories, no sugar, no added artificial flavours or ingredients, and is sweetened with plant-sourced stevia. To keep consumers' immunity strong, Protekt's liquid immunity beverage enhancer protects against external stressors, extreme weather conditions that may alter their immune system and seasonal viruses. Protekt's hydration formula features a proprietary 10:2:1 electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium, which provides "vital minerals for intense workouts, heat exhaustion, travel and improved general wellness". “With millions of consumers facing seasonal physical and mental health concerns, Protekt strives to innovate 100% natural products to promote healthy bodies and minds including our immune system,” said Nick Norris, co-founder and CEO of Protekt. “This new formulation was created to fit seamlessly with our lineup of supplements, so consumers can easily work the Immunity formula into their daily routines.” “At Protekt, our mission since inception has been driven by providing consumer education on essential, science-backed products that establish a health baseline to flourish in life, so creating a supplement that supports our overall immunity and adding new flavours to our existing products were natural next steps for the brand,” added Tim Duba, co-founder and president of Protekt. “We take pride in creating a revolutionary immunity formulation to prevent seasonal health concerns that also taste great, and we look forward to continue expanding our well-rounded wellness product lineup."

Mars has announced the launch of a new performance nutrition bar, Snickers Hi Protein. The bars feature the same chocolate, caramel and peanut ingredients as classic Snickers bars, but contain 20 grams of protein. Senior brand director at Mars Wrigley, Michelle Deignan, said: "Mars is consumer obsessed, and after talking with many consumers through the product development process, it was clear that the performance nutrition category was missing one key ingredient - delicious tasting products. With the demand for delicious-tasting protein bars increasing, Snickers Hi Protein bars are guaranteed to be a hit whether you work out avidly, casually or are looking for a delicious snack with more protein." Snickers Hi Protein bars will be available at select retailers from January 2023, with wider expansion later in the year.

US sparkling water brand, Spindrift, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of four new beverages in 2023. From mocktail-inspired to iced tea beverages, Spindrift's four variants include: Nojito, Peach Strawberry, Mint Green Tea and Mango Black Tea. The range contains 0g of added sugar, no artificial flavouring and is low in calories. Bill Creelman, founder and CEO of Spindrift, said: "For us, 2023 is about continuing to innovate the beverage industry through incredible real ingredients. We started by introducing real ingredients to the sparkling water aisle, we're now focused on extending that same innovation and creativity to other beverage categories. We're broadening our product offerings to provide consumers with delicious options for every occasion." He continued: "For years, our community has told us that Spindrift is their go-to non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Our products are something you can offer everyone at the party, no matter where they are or what they're drinking. Nojito is a nod to that. We can take inspiration from classic flavour combinations but do them in our way: perfect for folks looking for unsweetened, non-alcoholic options that taste amazing." Creelman also mentioned that the Peach Strawberry flavour had been one of the Spindrift requests "for years". Meanwhile, the Mint Green Tea beverage is made with brewed green tea, mint and lemon, while the Mango Black Tea flavour is said to add a "tropical twist" to the drink, featuring mango blended with brewed black tea and squeezed lemon.

Asahi Group Holdings has established an investment management company, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation, in San Francisco, US. From January 2023, Asahi will begin to manage a start-up investment fund, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation Fund. The company plans to make minority investments in US start-ups, facilitating sustainable growth of existing businesses within the beer category, while expanding into new areas. Atsushi Katsuki, president and CEO at Asahi Group Holdings, said: "In addition to its size, the US is one of the most attractive markets in the world for creating new trends. We look forward to co-creating with start-ups that will open up new markets for alcohol and non-alcohol beverages. We aim to 'deliver on our great taste promise and bring more fun to life' by grasping new trends in the US and creating new value." The fund will provide funding to US start-ups that have “attractive brands” with significant future growth potential in the non-alcoholic beer-taste beverages, adult soft drink beverages and low-alcohol categories, as well as start-ups with technology that leads to new sales and manufacturing methods. Asahi will use its business platform to support the expansion of sales in the US and abroad for the products and services provided by such companies. Total investment is expected to be approximately $70 million by the end of 2025. The investment managers of Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation will consist of employees appointed from Asahi Group’s regional headquarters.

Fonterra and Nestlé have agreed to sell their Dairy Partners Americas (DPA) Brazil joint venture to French dairy company Lactalis for BRL 700 million (approx. $133 million), subject to closing transaction adjustments. The sale, which is said to have been delayed due to pandemic-related market conditions, is aligned with the co-op’s strategy of prioritising its New Zealand milk pool. Fonterra chief executive, Miles Hurrell, commented: “DPA Brazil has reached maturity as an investment for us, and the sale allows us to prioritise our resources to the businesses that are core to our strategy”. DPA Brazil has been held for sale in Fonterra’s financial statements since January 2020. The joint venture was established by Fonterra and Nestlé in 2003 to manufacture and commercialise dairy products throughout Latin America. In 2014, DPA reoriented its focus to Brazil and chilled dairy. Fonterra currently holds a 51% stake in the JV and Nestlé 49%. DPA operates two plants and employs around 1,300 people, marketing brands including Nestlé, Chamyto, Ninho and Chandelle in Brazil. The deal is expected to be completed by mid-2023, subject to regulatory authority approvals.

Unilever’s Indian subsidiary, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), is set to enter the health and wellbeing category through investments in two companies – Zywie Ventures (OZiva) and Nutritionalab (Wellbeing Nutrition). Founded in 2016 by Aarti Gill and Mihir Gadani, OZiva is a plant-based and clean-label consumer wellness brand that supplies products such as lifestyle protein, hair and beauty supplements, and solutions for women's health. HUL will initially acquire a 51% equity stake in OZiva, and the rest will be purchased in three years, "based on pre-agreed valuation criteria". OZiva's current team will continue to operate all business functions. Meanwhile, HUL is buying a 19.8% interest in Wellbeing Nutrition. The company's product range includes marine collagen powder, Melts oral strips and health capsules. The current Wellbeing Nutrition team, led by founder and CEO Avnish Chhabria, will continue to operate all functions of the business. Sanjiv Mehta, CEO and managing director of HUL, said: “These strategic investments give us an entry into the fast-growing health and wellbeing category. They align strongly with our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of consumers and empower people to take charge of their health through solutions that they can trust. I strongly believe that HUL is well-positioned to support further scale-up of these businesses through our R&D, market development, distribution capabilities and Unilever’s global health and wellbeing expertise.” Aarti Gill and Mihir Gadani, founders of OZiva, added: “We are glad to partner with HUL to achieve our vision of empowering people to live better and healthier with OZiva. Over the last few years, we have created an innovative portfolio that has helped millions of consumers live a better life. As the next step in this journey, with OZiva's focus on innovation in the space of health and wellbeing and HUL's strong capabilities in category development and distribution, we believe we can together create a stronger purpose-led brand that brings us closer to our vision and touches more lives around the world.” Avnish Chhabria, founder and CEO of Wellbeing Nutrition, commented: “We are very excited to welcome onboard Hindustan Unilever as a strategic investor. Wellbeing Nutrition has been on a mission to make clean nutrition accessible to consumers all over the world on the back of innovative products, such as Melts (oral thin strips) and Slow (two-in-one capsule technology), formulated using high-quality and globally sourced natural ingredients. We believe this partnership will help scale Wellbeing Nutrition by leveraging HUL’s reach and capabilities and become a lifestyle wellness brand of choice.” Both transactions are expected to be completed within three months, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Nestlé has announced plans to invest CHF 40 million (approx. $42.7 million) into a new production site in Smolyhiv, in the Volyn region of western Ukraine. The company's Torchyn factory and Volyn Production Network will together comprise Nestlé's European regional hub for food and culinary products, employing around 1,500 people and supplying markets across the continent. The rare wartime investment in Smolyhiv is aimed at increasing the capacity of noodles culinary production in Ukraine. In a statement, Nestlé said it “is the first multinational company… new investments to take concrete steps to ensure progressive development in Ukraine”. The expansion is set to provide new job opportunities and support the growth of the Ukrainian economy. Nestlé’s CEO of the southeastern Europe market, Alessandro Zanelli, said: “I am proud to confirm our commitment to invest in Ukraine. This is an important move for Nestlé, taken in a very challenging time for the country. We aim to create a food and culinary hub, ensuring incremental jobs and serving the needs of Ukrainians and all European citizens with high-quality products.” Since the beginning of the invasion, Nestlé has provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainians, including donating more than 4,000 tons of products to those affected.

Kellogg’s has expanded its Crunchy Nut offering with the introduction of Salted Caramel Flavour Twist. The new cereal marks the first time the brand has changed its classic honey-nut flakes since it launched in 1980. Rui Frias, senior brand activation manager from Kellogg’s UKI, said: “Crunchy Nut is our biggest cereal brand and this will be the first time we’ve made the decision to introduce a twist on our classic honey-nut flavour. Salted caramel was the perfect pairing for the brand and we can’t wait to see what people think.’’ The new cereal will be available at UK retailers from March 2023 for an RRP of £3.29.