US-based cheese company Sargento Foods has signed a definitive agreement to acquire string cheese producer Baker Cheese Factory. Baker Cheese Factory produces premium mozzarella string cheese (including jalapeño, smoked and light variants), which is distributed nationwide across the US. The company currently employs 250 people in St Cloud, Wisconsin. Sargento Foods says that cheese snacking has become a fast-growing sector as consumers continue to demand more on-the-go options. Louie Gentine, CEO of Sargento Foods, commented: "Throughout our history, we have always looked for new ways to build long-term stakeholder value. We’re excited to welcome Baker Cheese and its employees to the Sargento Family. This is a great opportunity and will allow us to continue our industry-leading growth in the marketplace." The acquisition will enable Sargento Foods to better serve consumers by enhancing its growing portfolio of sliced, shredded and snack cheese products. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica has introduced a plant-based offering – Vegana Pizza – to its range in order to provide an "authentic alternative" for consumer demand. The Vegana Pizza features a sourdough base, crafted in "traditional Neapolitan style", covered with a tomato and caramelised balsamic onion sauce and hand-topped with IGP Tropea red onions, grilled mushrooms and broccolini. The pizza also consists of a creamy chickpea sauce topping, with rosemary, sea salt and olive oil. The vegan full-size pizza will RRP for £4.75 and can also be purchased Pizzetta-style, which offers two smaller-sized portions per pack, for an RRP of £4.75.

Plant-based meat company Heura has launched a sustainable technology platform that aims to reduce food waste, extract more nutrients from plants and avoid chemical processing. Called Good Rebel Tech, the new platform exploits intrinsic plant properties to unlock healthier food options using simple, low-energy processes. The technology enables Heura to "valorise micronutrients naturally present in the starting materials" and "enhance bioavailability when required, as opposed to including them as additive ingredients". The process reduces the number of physical processes needed during manufacturing and cuts all chemical processing. Isabel Fernández, science and technology director at Heura, said: "Instead of focusing on extracting and isolating proteins from legume seeds, we are researching ways to leverage the functionality of whole plants in their naturally occurring structures". She continued: "By leveraging discoveries in cellular plant physiology, colloids and biopolymer science combined with computational fluid dynamics and engineering techniques, we’ve been able to create a technological platform that rewrites current plant-based food processing rules and leads to new sustainable manufacturing ecosystems." Good Rebel Tech will be filing its first patents throughout this year, with aims to cover the production of nutritional plant-based products. Heura has quadrupled the size of its research and development team and plans to launch up to ten new products in 2022.

Treatt’s portfolio of natural extracts is growing with the introduction of refreshing new TreattClear citrus extracts for beverages. The range extension is in response to increasing consumer demand for authentic, intense and refreshing citrus profiles that meet consumers’ healthier living needs while hitting a spot-on taste. Refreshingly true to the fruit taste that performs across applications Treatt’s citrus beverage ingredients deliver an impactful and authentic profile that is true to the fruit, with an effective cost in use. The new range of profiles will appeal to health-conscious consumers who value the impact of flavour for an authentic citrus experience, from juicy, pithy notes to peely, zesty, floral and refreshing profiles with high performance in still, sparkling, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage applications. Nicole Fabre, Citrus Category Manager at Treatt, explained: “Our TreattClear citrus extracts are as close to the fruit as you can get. We are capturing the best of nature with minimal intervention, delivering an authentic-tasting beverage which consumers will love. These water soluble extracts are already proving a winner with beverage brands and formulators alike due to natural claims, authentic taste profiles and ease of use.” Performance in beverage, driven by global trends Now is the perfect time for Treatt to expand its range of water soluble natural citrus extracts offering everything from established global flavour favourites such as orange and lemon to thriving flavours like tangerine, clementine, Sicilian blood orange and Mexican key lime. Delicately balanced taste The impact and performance of these citrus extracts are best tasted for yourself. Book your demo and sample the refreshing taste of TreattClear. #beverageflavours #naturalextracts #Treatt #citrus #cleanlabel

Valeo Foods has acquired Les Industries Bernard & Fils from Phoenix Partners for an undisclosed sum. Based in the Province of Quebec, Canada, Bernard has been producing pure maple syrup since the 1800s. The company's products are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, with primary distribution in the US and Canada. The transaction represents Valeo Foods' first acquisition in North America and will see the business expand its existing presence in the maple syrup sector with the Buckwud brand. Valeo Foods owns brands such as Rowse honey, Kettle crisps, Jacob’s biscuits and Barratt confectionery. Valeo Foods CEO Seamus Kearney said: “Bernard is a great business, led by a very experienced and passionate team and its acquisition further enhances our growing portfolio of family-favourite food brands and products...Valeo Foods is on a journey to becoming a leading global food business and we remain focused on growing our operations organically and through further acquisitions.” Valeo says the transaction is expected to add a further $95 million to the company's revenues.

Heineken-owned Desperados has entered the hard seltzer market with the launch of Desperados Alcoholic Sparkling Water in the Netherlands. Desperados Alcoholic Sparkling Water is made with carbonated alcoholic water, lime and tequila. The new 4.5% abv beverage contains 99 calories and will initially be available in one flavour – Lime Twist – with plans to release more iterations in the future. Desperados' global marketing manager, Rutger van der Stegen, said: “We created Desperados Alcoholic Sparkling Water in response to the evolving drinking habits of consumers who are looking for a fruity-yet-fresh beer alternative for any occasion. It is designed to sit alongside our wider product line, giving consumers the choice whether to enjoy an alcohol-free Desperados Virgin 0.0, Desperados Original or Desperados Alcoholic Sparkling Water.” Last year, Heineken announced the global launch of Desperados Virgin 0.0%.

Speciality chemical company Evonik has resumed operations at its Mepron plant in Mobile, Alabama, in order to supply US milk and dairy markets. Mepron is a methionine formulation that prevents degradation in the rumen and fosters a balanced nutrient supply for dairy cows. To support US dairy customers, Evonik started local production of Mepron back in 2015. The company's methionine formulation is based on the essential amino acid, DL-methionine. Dairy cows require a high amount of methionine and the use of Mepron enables amino acid balancing of dairy rations to subsequently reduce CO2 emissions and nitrogen excretion. Farmers benefit from the increase in production economics and milk quality, proven by higher milk output, enhanced herd health, immunity and fertility. Bonnie Tully, president of the North American region for Evonik, said: "We are convinced that, especially in times of global supply chain disruptions, our North American customers in the milk and dairy industry need the supply security of a strong, reliable and regional methionine producer. Now is the right time to ramp up the plant in the US again, showing our regional customers that they can rely on Evonik." The company has already invested $175 million into the production facility and the reopening will create ten high-skilled jobs.

Müller is enhancing production for both its Milk & Ingredients and Yogurt & Desserts businesses in the UK, in a bid to create new opportunities for British dairy farming and expand domestic and international demand for its dairy products. The Müller Milk & Ingredients unit will strengthen its range of extended shelf-life milk products at its Droitwich dairy facility, as well as expand its UK butter manufacturing capabilities. Meanwhile, the dairy giant will upgrade the Yogurt & Desserts unit at its Market Drayton facility in Shropshire over the next five years. Müller will also install new automated packing and repacking lines, a refurbished high bay warehouse and combined heat and power energy generation, which will help reduce carbon. Rob Hutchison, joint CEO at Müller Milk & Ingredients, said: “We know that farmers want partnerships they can rely on through thick and thin, offering a competitive milk price and contract, and supporting their ambitions to develop and grow their businesses". He continued: “Our branded and private label products are trusted by customers and consumers and we aim to build on this, broadening our reach in the UK and internationally and as a result, benefitting the whole supply chain". Justin Cook, CEO at Müller Yogurt & Desserts, added: “Having already invested heavily in our Telford site, this work gives us the means to meet the evolving requirements of our customers, whilst helping to displace imported products with those made here, with milk from British dairy farms".

Finnish baked goods producer, Fazer Group, has signed an agreement with Moscow-based company, Kolomenskij Bakery and Confectionery, to divest its Russian subsidiary. Prior to the sale announcement, Fazer had suspended all of its exports and investments to Russia in March. According to the company, the renaming of the Russian subsidiary has been finalised and Fazer's operations in Russia will come to an end. Fazer president and CEO, Christoph Vitzthum, said: “I am pleased that we have signed an agreement for the sale of our Russian business. Exiting Russia is a complex process, and now we are one step closer to achieving a complete and controlled exit.” The company operates three bakery businesses in St Petersburg and one in Moscow and employs 2,300 people. All Fazer employees will be transferred to the new owner. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Read More: Valio announces sale of Russian operations Carlsberg to dispose of largest brewery in Russia Fonterra to exit Russian businesses following Ukraine invasion

Norwegian packaging manufacturer Elopak and packaging group GLS have announced a joint venture to provide sustainable packaging solutions to consumers in India. The newly formed company, GLS Elopak, will leverage the "respective expertise, assets and networks of Elopak and GLS to capitalise on the significant consumer demand in India," said Elopak. With each party holding 50% ownership, GLS Elopak – headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana – will manufacture and process packaging solutions designed to ensure the safety and accessibility of beverages and liquid food to consumers across the world, catering to both fresh and aseptic segments such as dairy, plant-based, juice, water and liquor. With its manufacturing hub at Rewari, Haryana, GLS Elopak will be the "only" producer of fibre-based packaging for liquid food in the region. The company will offer various sizes of Roll-Fed aseptic cartons under the brand 'Alpak' and will introduce Pure-Pak fresh and aseptic cartons and complementary solutions. Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi said: “We are delighted to announce this latest exciting step in our journey as we look to deliver on our growth strategy. India is the world’s biggest milk market, with serious growth potential. Together with GLS, there is an opportunity for us to be at the forefront of offering innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to this market that protect both the product and the environment.” He continued: “GLS’s innovative methods and state of the art processes are impressive, and we look forward to working with them closely through GLS Elopak to capitalise on this opportunity to meet growing demand”. GLS director Arpit Goyal added: “We strongly believe that the capabilities and synergies between the two organizations and shared vision of the management will result in a leading liquid packaging company in India, which is both sustainable and innovative in its approach”. He continued: “Given the growth potential in India and the need for alternative packaging solutions, especially in the fresh milk and water segment, GLS Elopak will be able to add value and contribute to the country in the best possible manner”.

Portobello Road Distillery has expanded its vodka range with the launch of the "world's first" vodka distilled with asparagus. The limited-edition release is made with asparagus from the Allen family on Portwood Farm in Norfolk. This is then steeped for 24 hours in British potato vodka before being bottled as a limited run of 600. The vegan vodka features no filtration and no additives. Jake Burger, Portobello Road Distillery co-founder, commented: "When you give our British Asparagus Vodka a good old sniff, there's no mistaking what it is - right away you're hit with the unique aroma of asparagus, joined by a slight nuttiness. If we could imagine smell as a colour, it is distinctly green on the nose. When you take a sip, again, the flavour of asparagus arrives early and lingers long, with a surprising amount of sweetness." He continued: "Due to our potato vodka's ability to carry both flavour and texture, the liquid seems to coat the inside of the mouth and tickle every inch of your tastebuds. The sweetness eventually gives way to an earthiness and a nuttiness. The vegetal note also lives long on the palate, without any real sensation of alcohol heat felt in the throat or the palate. Your lasting impression is one of freshness, softness and creaminess." Portobello Road Distillery's British Asparagus Vodka is available now for the on and off-trade.

Ecotone-owned Whole Earth has introduced what it claims is the UK's first "squeezable" bottled peanut butters. Whole Earth's Drizzler is available in two flavours: Classic Roasted Super Smooth Peanut Butter and Golden Roasted Super Smooth Peanut Butter. The offerings are made with 100% nuts and with a "unique production process", which delivers a "runnier" texture. Bryan Martins, Whole Earth marketing and category director at Ecotone UK, said: "As a market leader for over six years, we are proud to bring game-changing product innovation to market that introduces shoppers to a completely new way to enjoy peanut butter. Drizzler has a unique taste, texture and format that’s never been seen in the nut butter category before." Whole Earth's Drizzler is made with no added sugar and is a natural source of protein and fibre. The product is available at Waitrose and Tesco stores for an RRP of £3.30 per 320g tube.