Pilgrim’s Food Masters-owned company Fridge Raiders has announced the newest limited-edition variant as part of its its World Flavours range. The new Peri Peri Chicken Bites will join the other flavour variations in the range, which includes Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bites and Katsu Chicken Bites. Beth George, Brand Manager at Fridge Raiders, commented: "As a nation, we love to snack, and as snacking occasions continue to grow we are seeing consumer’s look for more exciting options and flavours to keep snack times exciting. We are so excited to be offering a tasty product that responds directly to this trend by launching a brand-new flavour that’s sure to invigorate the meat snacking fixture." She continued: "The launch of Peri Peri Chicken Bites is a natural expansion of our limited-edition World Flavours range, catering to consumers actively seeking out new and exciting flavours to fuel their busy days". The new launch will be available exclusively at Asda from 24 January.

Kellogg's has released a new addition to its Special K line-up with a new Brown Sugar Cinnamon variation with added vitamins and minerals. Every serving of the new cereal launch contains 100% of the daily value of ten essential vitamins and minerals, including: Zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Iron, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin and Folate. Special K Brown Sugar Cinnamon features crispy flakes made with whole grains and is layered with a sprinkling of cinnamon and brown sugar. Cindy Huntington, brand director at Kellogg Company, said: "At breakfast, we often face the decision of something delicious we want to eat versus something healthy we feel we should eat. That's a compromise and it takes the enjoyment out of breakfast. That's why we are thrilled to unveil Special K Brown Sugar Cinnamon with 100% daily value of ten vitamins and minerals, our first cereal with this level of nutrition packed into each delicious bowlful. We know it's easier to make healthy habits stick when they're simple and delicious, and this new cereal really delivers on that." The new launch is available in US retailers nationwide for an SRP of $4.19 per 2.5-ounce box and $5.29 per 18.3-ounce box.

Nelson Peltz’s activist hedge fund Trian Partners has acquired a stake in Unilever, according to the Financial Times. The $8.5 billion US hedge fund has taken a position in the UK business' shares, which marks Trian's latest investment in the consumer goods category. The acquisition of shares in the company comes after Unilever's £50 billion attempted takeover of GlaxoSmithKline's consumer health business last week, which resulted in three failed bids. The failed acquisition drove Unilever’s share price down by 11% although the company recovered part of the losses after it said it would not raise its offer any further. The Financial Times stated that shares in Unilever have dropped 17.7% over the past year – excluding dividends. Trian and Unilever have not commented.

Danone North America has launched its latest plant-based product offering to appeal to dairy-milk consumers, Silk Nextmilk. The new release is specially formulated for dairy consumers. The milk contains six key nutrients found in dairy, including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, B12, riboflavin and phosphorus, as well as delivering four grams of plant-based protein per serving. The offering is also lactose-free, non-GMO Project Verified and has 30% fewer calories than dairy milk. John Starkey, president of plant-based food and beverages at Danone North America, said: “Some consumers remain skeptical about plant-based food and beverages due to taste and texture, but Silk Nextmilk is on a mission to change that. We deconstructed dairy to create this revolutionary product that delivers the taste and texture we think dairy drinkers will love. Thanks to Silk Nextmilk — a true category game-changer — we’re confident dairy lovers will want to cross the aisle." Silk Nextmilk is now available in whole fat and reduced-fat varieties for an MSRP of $4.99 per 59-oz carton in the refrigerated section at US grocery stores nationwide, including Target, Kroger, Publix and HEB.

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced the appointment of Andre Maciel as executive vice president and global CFO, effective 2 March 2022. Maciel, who currently serves as Kraft's US CFO and head of digital transformation, will succeed Paulo Basilio as part of the company's leadership review. Basilio – who has been with Kraft since 2013, serving as CFO and president of the US Zone – will remain with Kraft as a strategic advisor until August 2022. “I have had the tremendous pleasure to work with Paulo since 2019,” said Miguel Patricio, CEO at Kraft Heinz “I look back over these years in amazement on everything that the company has been able to accomplish. Paulo has been a critical part of our success. He executed an ambitious acquisitions and divestitures strategy and debt reduction plan. He drove the development of the company’s five-year strategic plan. He oversaw our return to sustained organic net sales and profitability growth and the strengthening of our internal controls. I could go on and on." He continued: “One of Paulo’s greatest accomplishments was in developing key talent within the finance team, including Andre Maciel, the individual I selected to be his successor. Andre’s combination of business and finance experience makes him a trusted leader. His most recent work on digital transformation sets the foundation for our company’s future. I look forward to his partnership in building on our momentum and continuing our focus on long-term profitable growth.” In addition, Yang Xu will become senior vice president and global head of corporate development. Xu, who is currently global head of treasury and M&A (mergers & acquisitions), will step into the new role effective March 2 2022.

Wellness brand Elavi, known for its collagen protein bars, has launched a new range of functional nut butters. Elavi Superfood Cashew Butter is created using creamy cashew butter, superfood powders and hempseed oil. The plant-based, nutrient-dense spread comes in single-serve packs to meet on-the-go demands. The butters come in three flavours – pomegranate beet, blue spirulina vanilla and dark chocolate – and each is vibrantly coloured to reflect the superfoods it contains. Pomegranate beet is bright pink from pomegranate and beet powder. It features undertones of vanilla and the company says it has a sweet finish that is reminiscent of the "nostalgic Fruity Pebbles cereal". Blue spirulina vanilla has a bold blue hue, derived from blue-green algae, which is full of nutrients and antioxidants. Meanwhile, dark chocolate is lightly sweetened with low-glycemic coconut sugar and monk fruit. “As an emerging brand, we have the advantage of having a strong pulse on what our consumers want and can move fast to meet them. Since we started Elavi in 2020 we’ve seen a growing demand in consumer requests for convenience, plant-powered superfoods, and functionality, so creating a line of on-the-go nut butters felt like a natural extension,” said Nikki Elliot, Elavi co-founder. “We are equally excited that a 100% plant-based line now allows us to tap into a new fan base and bring innovation to a category while simultaneously prioritising the planet with our integration of environmentally sustainable hempseed oil."

US vertical farming company Upward Farms has announced plans to expand its indoor farming network with a large-scale facility. The company claims its new 250,000-square-foot facility will be the "world's largest" vertical farm, and will provide fresh, locally sourced microgreens and sustainably raised hybrid striped bass to consumers throughout the northeast and beyond. The facility will conserve more than 100 million gallons of water and more than 120 acres of land on an annual basis, and eliminate 1.7 million food transportation miles per year. The indoor farm, located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, will be completed and fully operational by early 2023. Dennis Davin, department of community and economic development secretary, commented: "I am pleased Upward Farms has decided to make Luzerne County the home of their new vertical farm. The commonwealth has deep roots in the agribusiness industry and is known for having a spirit of innovation. This, along with our prime northeast location, makes Pennsylvania an excellent choice for the world’s largest vertical farm".

Infant and toddler nutrition start-up, Mamamade, has raised £1.5 million in crowdfunding, marking the "largest-ever crowdfund for a baby food start-up". The oversubscribed fundraise took place on Seedrs. The brand received investments from Allplants, Made.com, Heals, Design my Night, Bulb and Xexec. Mamamade offers nutrient-dense, plant-based food products designed by nutritionists and chefs, in order to meet strict organic requirements. The UK company is a direct-to-consumer business that aims to supports parents during their child's growth and development. The brand offers one-to-one coaching, online resources and stage guides. Sophie Baron, founder of Mamamade, commented: "As a female founder in the infant and plant-based space, it hasn’t been the easiest journey, as from the outset, the door was shut to a large number of investors. However, the unprecedented support from our growing community was our inspiration and in fact, many of them are now investors. We are delighted to have secured the funds to take Mamamade to the next level and bring our mission to a wider number of people in the UK and beyond." All Mammade products are made in-house in a new dedicated facility and meals are free from the big eight allergens, including milk, soya and peanuts.

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has announced the appointment of Frank Clyburn as CEO and member of the board of directors, effective 14 February 2022. Clyburn, who will step down from his position as executive VP and president of human health at Merck & Co, succeeds current IFF CEO Andreas Fibig. Clyburn has experience in R&D, mergers & acquisitions, and brings with him the ability to connect with customers and stakeholders on numerous levels. Clyburn said: “I am honoured to serve as IFF’s next CEO. This is an iconic company and industry leader with tremendous opportunity to deliver outstanding customer experience and long-term, sustainable growth. The purpose and vision of IFF is very closely linked with accelerating global trends of nutrition, wellness and sustainability, which means that together, colleagues around the world can deliver significant value for both customers and shareholders. Working with IFF’s world-class talent, unrivalled offerings and impressive innovation platform, I am excited to bring my approach to executional excellence to capitalise on IFF’s bright future.” “Frank is the best executive to lead IFF into its next chapter at the pace we need. His strong operating experience plus his hands-on approach and customer-centric perspective will accelerate the execution of IFF’s strategic and operating priorities,” added Dale Morrison, IFF director. The company has also announced that it will separate its CEO and chairman roles. Morrison, long-standing IFF director, will assume the position of non-executive chairman of the board, also effective 14 February.

US energy drink brand Zoa, which is owned by Molson Coors, has added two new flavours to its portfolio: white peach and tropical punch. The carbonated beverage flavours feature zero sugar, antioxidants, a blend of vitamins, and natural caffeine from green tea and green coffee. Zoa beverages also contain turmeric, camu camu, which includes 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, as well as B vitamins. “We’ve always been mindful about what we put into our bodies and constantly fine tune what will maximise our performance, not only in the gym but in all aspects of life,” said Zoa founder, Dwayne Johnson. “Creating a better-for-you energy drink that consists of powerful ingredients with essential vitamins and natural caffeine was deeply important to us – and we’ve dedicated our time and passion to making it happen.” The new variants join Zoa's other flavours, including original, super berry, lemon lime, wild orange and pineapple coconut. Zoa can be found at Speedway, Circle K, EG America and many other stores in the US. RRP $29.98 for a 12-pack.

C.H. Guenther & Son (CHG), a provider of branded and private label food products, has acquired Minnesota-based Baldinger Bakery and Canada-based Sons Bakery (Baldinger-Sons) for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1888, Baldinger is a speciality bakery with operations in North America. It manufactures hamburger buns, rolls, bagels and other bakery items for multinational quick-service (QSR) restaurant brands. CHG hopes the deal will help expand its bakery manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its relationship with QSR consumers. The transaction will also enable CHG to grow its manufacturing footprint with Baldinger's recently renovated production facility in Minnesota, as well as Sons facilities in Canada. “I am very pleased to welcome the Baldinger and Sons bakeries to the CHG family,” said John Buckles, president and CEO of CHG. “The company’s highly sophisticated manufacturing facilities and longstanding partnerships with blue-chip QSR customers are a great fit as we grow our combined company. I am confident the addition of Baldinger-Sons’ talented team will strengthen CHG’s leadership position in our markets and enhance our product offering for our customers.” Steve Baldinger, CEO of Baldinger-Sons, added: “It was very important for us to find a partner who shares our values and vision for the future while providing the strength and stability to help propel our organisation for years to come. I believe we have found that partner with CHG. Both Baldinger-Sons and CHG are rooted in entrepreneurial, innovative businesses. I am excited to work with Dale, John and their team to create an even brighter future for our newly combined organisation.” CHG is owned by Pritzker Private Capital.

British cheesemaker Wyke Farms has unveiled the "world's first" carbon-neutral branded cheddar, named Ivy's Reserve Vintage Cheddar. Ivy’s Reserve is matured for 18 months under wood to bring out a "rounded" flavour profile which is slightly sweet and nutty. The carbon-neutral status builds on Wyke Farms’ work in improving environmental performance across the core areas: farming, production, conservation and offsetting. The cheese is made using 100% green energy, with electricity and gas sourced from Wyke Farm’s own self-generated solar power and from biogas generated from farm and dairy waste. Rich Clothier, managing director at Wyke Farms, said: "This has been a 12-year journey for us. We started our 100% green strategy in 2010 when we made a commitment to energy independence and generating all of our gas and electric from renewables." He continued: "Since then, we have invested in our knowledge base across this business and on-farm driving environmental improvement year on year. Ivy’s Reserve is a world first and an industry shake-up. This will continue to be our focus in the years ahead as we push for more net positive improvements." Ivy’s Reserve is now available online in the UK for an RRP of £15 for three 250g blocks. It is also available in branches of Costco in the US.