Heineken has announced its full acquisition of Brixton Brewery, three years after it took a minority stake in the south London-based craft brewer. Upon closing the transaction, Brixton Brewery is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heineken UK. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Established in 2013, Brixton Brewery started its business with one employee and making most deliveries on foot in and around Brixton Market. The UK craft beer manufacturer says its 2017 investment from Heineken enabled it to build a purpose-built brewery and create a tap room and experimental brewery at its original railway arch. Brixton Brewery’s team now includes 25 people. “When we look back over the past seven years, we honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come – from home brewing to starting a small brewery, to building a highly recognisable community-based brand, with a large new brewery and tap room,” said Jez Galaun, founder of Brixton Brewery. He added: “Over the past three years of working together, we’ve built a strong relationship with Heineken who share our commitment to quality and responsibility. We have benefitted from the Heineken team’s expertise and market reach, and we want to build on it. "There’s no denying the fact that the next few years will be challenging for many reasons, so we’re happy to have the opportunity to secure the future of Brixton Brewery for our families, our team, our community and fans of our beers, who’ve been hugely supportive of our success so far.”    Following the acquisition, the founders of Brixton Brewery will continue to lead the brewery’s day-to-day operations and strategic and creative direction. However, by extending its partnership, Brixton Brewery says it will leverage Heineken’s expertise and routes-to-market and expand its availability across the UK. Jochen Van Esch, craft development director at Heineken, said: “We are incredibly excited about the next chapter. Brixton Brewery will continue to operate as a separate entity. Our investment and support will mean the founders can stay in charge of day-to-day management of the company and its creative direction, and we can help develop retail opportunities, support with supply chain expertise and facilitate collaborations.”

Barilla has announced its acquisition of Ebro Foods’ Catelli dry pasta business in Canada, in a deal valued at CAD 165 million (approximately $128.6 million). Ebro Foods, through its indirectly-owned Canadian subsidiary Catelli Foods Corporation, entered an agreement for the divestiture of its dry pasta business to Barilla back in October 2020. The acquisition closed on 29 January 2021. Founded in 1867, Catelli offers a range of pasta including gluten-free, ancient grain and veggie options. In 2019, the Canadian brand reportedly posted a turnover of CAD 103.3 million (approximately $80.5 million). As part of the deal, Barilla will acquire the Catelli, Lancia and Splendor brands, as well as a manufacturing plant in Montreal, Quebec. The deal also marks an expansion of its North American operations and comes less than a month after Barilla purchased a majority stake in Pasta Evangelists, a UK company which delivers fresh pasta recipe boxes direct-to-consumers. Following the acquisition, Ebro will maintain its presence in the Canadian market through its Garofalo, Olivieri, Minute Rice and Tilda brands. “In Barilla, we’re leading the charge in transforming the pasta category, and as a category leader worldwide, it’s our mission to be an architect of growth,” said Claudio Colzani, CEO of the Barilla Group. He added: “Given the synergies between our business strategies, commitments and values, Catelli dry pasta is a natural fit for the expansion of our business. This acquisition will help underscore the importance of our responsibility to not only serve and satisfy the ever-changing needs of consumers through innovation but also to anticipate them.” Barilla has also announced the investment of €1 billion in Italy between 2020 and 2024 to fund several projects, including improvements of its existing pasta production sites and acquisitions in the country. Last year, Barilla finalised the purchase of the Muggia pasta plant from Pasta Zara.

Conagra Brands has announced plans to discontinue its production operations and close it Sandwich Bros. facility in Milwaukee, resulting in a loss of 190 jobs. Located at 7620 N. 81st Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the plant was acquired as part of Conagra’s deal for Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin in 2018, which produces frozen breakfast and entrée flatbread sandwiches. At the time of the deal, Conagra said Sandwich Bros’. products will continue to be made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The decision – which was announced in a lay off notice to the state of Wisconsin – was made in an effort to improve efficiencies and effectiveness within Conagra’s supply chain network. According to Richard Wallen, the director of human resources at Conagra Brands, the closure will affect all employees and is expected to be permanent. The total number of jobs lost comes to 190, including 172 employees in production and production support and 18 in management and administration.  The facility is expected to close on 2 April 2021 or within 14 days of the date.

Prepared meal company WeCook has raised CAD 7 million ($5.5 million approx.) in a financing round to accelerate its growth. Founded in 2013, WeCook offers ready-to-eat, home-delivered meals across Quebec and Ontario. The company's new financing was led by Desjardins Capital, which has increased its stake in WeCook with an equity investment for the second time in a year. The round also received participation from private investors, as well as National Bank's technology and innovation banking group, which provided debt financing. “I'm excited about the interest generated by this round of financing as WeCook becomes even more successful in Quebec and sees tremendous sales growth in Ontario, less than a year after we launched our operations in that province,” said Étienne Plourde, founder and CEO of WeCook. “We're staying focused on our goal of becoming the largest company in Canada's home-delivered, ready-to-eat meals sector, which includes expansion into Western Canada in 2022.” Marie-Hélène Nolet, chief operating officer of Desjardins Capital, added: “We're proud to continue our association with WeCook, whose operational and financial performance is quite remarkable. “Disciplined execution of its business strategy and the ability to produce definitive results reflect the strong skills and rigorous approach of the two young entrepreneurs leading the company as well as their extensive knowledge of food processing and digital marketing.”

Eat Just has teamed up with Cuisine Solutions – a manufacturer of sous vide foods – for the launch of plant-based Just Egg Sous Vide bites in US retailers. The launch forms part of an exclusive agreement between the two companies, whereby Cuisine Solutions will develop and produce Eat Just’s plant-based sous vide egg worldwide. French for ‘under vacuum’, sous vide is a cooking method in which food is vacuum-sealed and slow-cooked in water at precise temperatures. The Just Egg Sous Vide bites come in four flavours inspired by regional cuisines and whole plants: America (roasted potato, dill, chives, red bell pepper and black pepper); India (curry, broccoli, cauliflower, coconut milk and lemongrass); Japan (portobello mushrooms, yams, togarashi, soy and tamari); and Mexico (roasted poblanos, chipotle chilli powder, black beans, corn and lime). Depending on the flavour, the bites contain between 9-13g of protein per serving. Made using mung bean protein, they are also free of cholesterol, non-GMO, dairy-free and contain no artificial flavours. Just Egg’s bites join its vegan egg portfolio that includes a pourable liquid and pre-baked folded format. Earlier this month, the company introduced its plant-based egg patty alternativeto the menu of Chinese fast-food chain, Dicos. “The Cuisine Solutions team is the best in the world at what they do. We partnered with them because of their unparalleled expertise and leadership in the sous vide industry and their commitment to make our food system even better. We're excited for consumers to taste what we've been working on,” said Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just. Felipe Hasselmann, president and CEO of Cuisine Solutions, added: "Josh’s vision for the future of plant-based food is extremely inspirational and also very much aligned with Cuisine Solutions’ vision – both organisations seek to impact and revolutionise the food industry on a daily basis, which is what makes this such a natural partnership. “We are extremely excited to start supplying customers with the best sous vide egg bites in the market made with the best plant-based eggs.” Just Egg Sous Vide bites will roll out in March in the freezer section at select grocery stores.

US frozen snack and appetiser brand, Farm Rich, has added Sweet Onion Petals with Aussie-Style Dipping Sauce to its portfolio. The new offering features individual onion pieces in a crispy panko coating, with a 3oz dipping sauce. Each serving contains 220 calories and 0g of trans fat and cholesterol, according to Farm Rich. “Shoppers have come to expect a variety of creative, easy and wholesome snacks from Farm Rich,” said Ciera Womack, Farm Rich director of marketing. “With more snacking from home right now, these Sweet Onion Petals give consumers the restaurant flavour they crave, but made in the comforts of their own kitchens. Plus, they're a fun new appetiser for game day.” Priced at around $6.99 per 15oz carton, the new offering is available nationwide in the US. Sweet Onion Petals and other Farm Rich snacks can be found at grocery stores including Hy-Vee, Jewel, Safeway, Harris Teeter and more. Last year, Farm Rich introduced new plant-based Breaded Zucchini Sticks and Cauliflower Bites.

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has joined The Climate Group’s EV100 initiative, which brings together companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). CCEP has announced that it has committed to switch all of its cars and vans to EVs, or ultra-low emission vehicles where EVs are not viable, by 2030. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from CCEP's car fleet and vans make up approximately 17% of the company’s total Scope 1 emissions, according to CCEP. Currently, only 5% of CCEP’s cars and vans are EVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Through EV100, CCEP will work to transition all of the approximately 8,000 cars and vans in its light vehicle fleet, as well as half of the approximately 700 heavy goods vehicles it uses in Belgium and Germany. The commitment follows the launch of CCEP’s new climate strategy, which includes the ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2040, a goal which is being supported by a €250 million investment. The company has also established a new science-based target to reduce GHG emissions across its value chain by 30% by 2030 (compared with 2019). Joe Franses, VP, sustainability at CCEP, said: “This represents another important milestone along CCEP’s journey to a low carbon business. We have made a commitment to reduce GHG emissions across our entire value chain by 30% by 2030 (versus 2019), and the transition to electric vehicles is crucial to achieving our 2040 net zero ambition. “We are proud to use our voice to support EV100 in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and making electric transport the new normal by 2030.” Head of EV100, Sandra Roling, added: “We’re delighted that CCEP are joining the EV100 initiative. As such a notable brand, with a significant presence all over Europe, they will be helping to make electric transport the new normal as part of their commitment. We look forward to working with CCEP closely.” CCEP says that it will also support employees by offering workplace vehicle charging, as well as by making it easier for them to charge electric vehicles at home, at work and on the go.

Agrana has announced the appointment of Arla Foods executive Markus Mühleisen to the role of group CEO from June, following the retirement of long-serving CEO Johann Marihart. The Austrian ingredients producer reported that Mühleisen will serve as CEO for three years from 1 June 2021, succeeding Marihart who will retire on 31 May 2021 after nearly three decades in the role. Since 2018, Mühleisen has served as head of Arla Foods Germany. Prior to this, he has held numerous senior positions at Nestlé and General Mills. "I am delighted about the appointment of Markus Mühleisen. He has acted successfully in diverse management positions and has considerable international experience in the food and luxury food industry. Markus Mühleisen will ambitiously strive to continue the successful development of Agrana," said Agrana chairman, Erwin Hameseder. Marihart started working at Agrana nearly 45 years ago, first at the sugary refinery in Leopoldsdorf, before moving onto the potato starch mill in Gmünd, the former Österreichische Agrar-Industrie on 1 July 1976. During the course of the merger of Österreichische Agrar-Industrie with the re-organised sugar industry, Marihart became a founding board member of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG in 1988. He served as CEO since 1991 and has overseen the expansion of the company into a processor of agricultural products in fruit, starch and sugar segments operating on all continents.  “The successful development of Agrana has been closely linked to Johann Marihart. Under his leadership, Agrana grew to become a successful international industrial player. Revenues have increased seven-fold during the Marihart era,” said Hameseder. “Besides the successful expansion in Europe, one of his other major achievements has been establishing the fruit division. He was central to the company establishing a further division for diversification purposes – a strategy which has paid off particularly during difficult economic times and one which makes Agrana fit for the future,” he added.

Hancock Natural Resource Group (HNRG), a company of Manulife Investment Management, has acquired a majority stake in David Del Curto (DDC), on behalf of its third-party clients. David Del Curto is a Chilean fruit production, packing and export company, which produces more than ten different types of fruit across 11 farms, while also managing ‘one of the largest’ nurseries in the country. In addition, the company operates three packing facilities with a capacity of nine million boxes of fruit. Manulife Investment Management says that the acquisition aligns with its aim of growing its private markets offering across sectors including agriculture. Fernando Cisternas, CEO of DDC, said: “By joining the Manulife Investment Management and HNRG team, we are able to rely on their extensive agricultural experience to expand our operations and further the reach of the firm. We feel the acquisition will bring tremendous additional resources to our teams and partners.” Supplying a global customer base, DDC currently packs and markets fruit for approximately 90 third-party growers, as well as fruit from its own farms. "David Del Curto is a well-respected firm with more than 65 years of success in fruit production and extensive sales relationships throughout Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East," said Stephen J. Blewitt, global head of private markets at Manulife Investment Management. "The acquisition strengthens and diversifies our existing portfolio as DDC is in a solid position; both currently with market-leading characteristics and for the future with state-of-the-art farmland facilities and opportunity for additional strategic growth." The Corso Group (TCG), which acquired an ownership stake in DDC in 2005, will maintain a minority holding in the firm. DDC will continue to be led by its current CEO Fernando Cisternas. “We are very excited to work on the ownership transition with the strong DDC management team that is already in place and value The Corso Group's continuing partnership,” said William E. Peressini, CEO of HNRG. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

CSM Bakery Solutions is expanding its range of Cadbury retail bakery products with the introduction of new Mini Bite Grab Bags. Available from next month, the new offerings include: Cadbury Dairy Milk Flapjack Bites, Cadbury Dairy Milk Mini Cookies and Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramel Flapjack. CSM – which holds the license for Cadbury retail bakery products in the UK – says that the new range will launch in Sainsbury's on 10 February, priced at £1 per bag. The bites can be enjoyed as part of a picnic, packed lunch, or as an after-dinner treat, while the grab bag design is said to be “perfect for a life on the go”. Cadbury Dairy Milk Flapjack Bites feature a ‘velvety chocolate’ topping, while the caramel equivalent offers the addition of smooth caramel. Meanwhile, the Cadbury Dairy Milk Mini Cookies are baked with Cadbury chocolate buttons and caramel pearls. “We’re so pleased to be extending our grab bag offering into Sainsbury’s stores,” said Peter Duncan, European licensing director at CSM Bakery Solutions. “We’re always looking for ways to bring a moment of joy to chocolate fans and these bags do just that. We hope people think they’re as tasty as we do.”

Biotech company Ukko has raised $40 million in Series B funding to help accelerate the development of healthier food and therapies for food allergies. The Israel-based company aims to eliminate the world’s most prevalent food allergies and sensitivities including peanuts and gluten. Ukko uses a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) platform that engineers food proteins to eliminate their allergenicity, while keeping their good biochemical and nutritional characteristics. Through its platform, the company says it uses patient samples, computational biology, immunology and protein engineering to make proteins that do not trigger the immune system. The round was led by Leaps by Bayer – the investment arm of Bayer – and was joined by Continental Grain Company, PeakBridge Ventures, Skyviews Life Science and Fall Line Capital, as well as existing investors Khosla Ventures, Innovation Endeavors and Time Ventures. Currently, Ukko is working on improved gluten proteins that are designed for people with celiac and other gluten sensitives, which will allow food companies and home cooks to make products such as bread, pizza and pasta that are suitable for everyone. In addition, the firm is using its protein design platform to develop a new and promising investigational therapy for peanut allergy. The company says the funding will allow it to enter clinical trials with its investigational therapeutic for peanut allergy, as well as accelerate the development of Ukko’s gluten that is designed for those with celiac and other gluten sensitives. Yanay Ofran, chairman and co-founder of Ukko, said: “Big data allows us to understand the underpinnings of food sensitivities. Computational tools allow us to precisely design the proteins that make up our bodies and our food. “New genome editing technologies allow us to rewrite DNA to produce these new proteins in living cells. Ukko sits at the intersection of these breakthrough technologies, allowing us to redefine healthy food at the molecular level, based on real data." Anat Binur, CEO and co-founder of Ukko, added: "Hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from food allergies and experts see it as a global epidemic. Ending food allergy is critical and is only the beginning. Ukko's tech has the potential to leverage science and human data to redesign our food and medicine." Ukko plans to address additional major food allergens in the future.

Post Consumer Brands is marking Pebbles’ 50th birthday with the introduction of two light ice creams inspired by the brand’s cereals. The new Fruity Pebbles light ice cream features a fruity cereal milk light ice cream with rice cereal bits and a fruity swirl. Meanwhile, the Cocoa Pebbles offering is made with both chocolate and cereal milk light ice creams swirled together, with chocolatey rice cereal pieces. “Fans of Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles cereal who also savour the milk at the bottom of their bowls are going to love these new Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles light ice creams,” said Amy Brothers, Pebbles Cereal brand manager at Post Consumer Brands. “As a brand that has inspired kids and kids-at-heart for 50 years, we thought it would be fun to churn fans’ favourite flavours into a frozen treat that will take the Pebbles cereal eating experience to a new level.” According to Post Consumer Brands, the new Pebbles light ice creams contain half the fat and one third fewer calories than regular ice cream. The new offerings will be available at retailers nationwide in the US, beginning in February. Both ice creams come in a 48oz container (SRP $5.99), while the Fruity Pebbles light ice cream will also be available in a 14oz container for $2.99.  Post Consumer Brands recently introduced new on-the-go cereal snacks that are inspired by its Pebbles and Honeycomb brands.