Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry's has introduced its new Topped ice cream line in the US, which features seven new flavours covered with a chocolate ganache. Inspired by sundaes, each Topped flavour is paired with a layer of semi-soft chocolate ganache on top. Whiskey Biz features brown butter bourbon ice cream with blonde brownies and whiskey caramel swirls, which is topped with white chocolate ganache and white fudge chunks. The flavour has been produced in partnership with Vermont spirit brand WhistlePig Whiskey, featuring its PiggyBackRye whiskey cooked into the caramel swirls. Meanwhile Chocolate Caramel Cookie Dough consists of chocolate ice cream with caramel swirls and ‘gobs’ of chocolate chip cookie dough, which is topped with caramel cups and chocolate ganache. The remaining five flavours include: PB Over the Top  - Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter swirls and peanut butter cups, topped with mini peanut butter cups and chocolate ganache Salted Caramel Brownie  - Vanilla ice cream with salted caramel swirls and fudge brownies, topped with caramel cups and chocolate ganache Strawberry Topped Tart  - Sweet cream ice cream with strawberry swirls and pie crust pieces, topped with white chocolate ganache and candy sprinkles Thick Mint  - Mint ice cream with chocolate cookie swirls and mint chocolate cookie balls, topped with chocolate cookies and chocolate ganache Tiramisu  - Mascarpone ice cream with fudge swirls and shortbread pieces, topped with espresso fudge chunks and chocolate ganache "We wanted to dial up the indulgence level with this unique line of flavours, which entirely challenges how you eat this ice cream," said Dena Wimette, Ben & Jerry's innovation guru. "We started with sundaes and all the things you add to sundaes to make them great as our inspiration. You could say we ended up going over the Topped." Ben & Jerry’s new Topped ice cream line is available now at retailers nationwide for an RRP of $4.99-5.49. Earlier this month, the company launched Cookie Dough Twist tubs in Rain-dough and Dough-ble Chocolate varieties.

Pladis has announced that after 21 years, it is relocating its global head office from Hayes, Middlesex, to Chiswick, London. The owner of brands such as McVitie’s and Carr's says that its new head office in Chiswick Park will support 16,000 employees and 25 bakeries worldwide. The move will take place in the summer of 2021. Spread out over approximately 28,000 square feet, the new office will also serve as home to Pladis’s UK&I regional office, led by David Murray.  “We have been looking for an office space which better reflects our needs and our ambition to be a defining snacking company of the 21st century,” said Pladis CEO, Salman Amin. “The new office will be much more than just a place for us to work, it will be a space where we can truly showcase our exceptional portfolio and grow and inspire our ambitious team. “Chiswick Park is in a great location that will be appealing for current and future talent, and we are looking forward to welcoming our Pladis colleagues and partners to our new home.”  Pladis will join a number of other brands already situated in Chiswick Park, including Danone and Pernod Ricard.

La Tortilla Factory has announced that Flagship Food Group has invested in its business and will become a majority stakeholder. The manufacturer of tortillas and Mexican food says the investment will support its future growth strategy. Established by the Tamayo family in 1977, La Tortilla Factory is a manufacturer and distributor of better-for-you tortillas and Mexican food products including a wide range of corn, flour and speciality tortillas – such as grain-free cauliflower, low carb and protein – as well as side dishes, sauces and snacks. The firm operates a manufacturing facility in Northern California and operates distribution facilities in multiple cities on the West Coast. Following the transaction, Flagship will hold a controlling interest in La Tortilla Factory, while the third generation Tamayo family members will continue to remain valued partners. The company’s 300 employees will also remain. "We are excited and eager to embrace Flagship Food Group and its entire family of companies and brands as supporters of La Tortilla Factory's strategic growth plan. Their investment acumen and broader experience in the food industry will support and accelerate our strategy, especially given their success and enthusiasm within the Mexican food category," said Jeff Ahlers, CEO of La Tortilla Factory. Upon completion, the La Tortilla Factory brand will join Flagship’s portfolio that consists of the 505 Southwestern, Lilly B’s, TJ Farm’s and Hatch Kitchen brands. Rob Holland, the founding partner at Creo Capital Partners – the majority owner of Flagship Food Products – said: "As Flagship has continued to focus on premium-oriented food brands, and in particular in the Hispanic foods sector, it became clear to us that La Tortilla Factory was a perfect addition to our platform.   “Being one of the leading brands in the better-for-you segment of the tortilla and Mexican food space, LTF further enhances our ability to execute on our growth strategy.” Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Mondelēz International has reported a 2.8% increase in net revenue for 2020, as the company was boosted by its performance in developed markets. The owner of Cadbury and Oreo recorded net revenue of $26.58 billion for the year, while net earnings attributable to the company decreased to $3.56 billion on a non-adjusted basis. Mondelēz says that the rise in net revenue was primarily driven by organic net revenue growth of 3.7% and incremental sales from its acquisitions of Perfect Snacks and Give & Go, partially offset by unfavourable currency impacts. In North America, the company reported net revenue growth of 14.8% for 2020, while its Europe unit saw a 2.4% revenue increase. However, Mondelēz’s Latin America and Asia, Middle East and Africa units recorded declines in net revenue of 17.9% and 0.5%, respectively. Organic net revenue grew in all four regions, but was weaker in the company’s emerging markets. This contrasts to Mondelēz’s 2019 full-year results, when the company was helped by its performance in emerging markets. “2020 was a successful year for Mondelēz International and I am proud of our performance, including record share gains, in a challenging operating environment. Our categories were resilient, with the exception of gum which represented 5% of our revenue in 2020,” said Dirk Van de Put, Mondelēz chairman and CEO. Van de Put continued: “We made meaningful progress with our strategic agenda in 2020, continuing to increase investment in brands and capabilities, simplifying our portfolio, expanding into adjacent categories and making acquisitions in high-growth areas of snacking. We moved quickly to mitigate incremental Covid-related costs and delivered on our commitment to generate strong cash flow.” Mondelēz delivered fourth-quarter revenue and earnings ahead of Wall Street estimates, according to Reuters. The company reported 5.6% growth in net revenue for Q4 2020, with its North America unit seeing a particularly strong performance. Van de Put added: “We enter 2021 in a strong position financially and in the marketplace which gives us confidence that we can deliver on our long-term growth targets in 2021 and beyond.”

Hormel Foods has announced its aim to match 100% of its global energy use with renewable sourcing by 2030, as part of its new set of sustainability goals. The new environmental targets form part of the company’s challenge to achieve 20 corporate responsibility goals by 2030. Other commitments include establishing science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets by 2023 and taking action across its supply chain to improve water quality, including the support of regenerative agriculture initiatives. The targets follow the Minnesota-based corporation’s previous set of sustainability goals in which it achieved significant reductions in its packaging, non-renewable energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use and solid waste sent to landfills. For example, Hormel Foods says it surpassed its goal to reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020. In 2019, the company announced its aim to become powered by almost 50% wind power and signed a virtual power purchase agreement for wind energy with Kinect Energy Group. Hormel Foods aims to release further targets that are part of its 20 By 30 Challenge in future announcements, including goals surrounding education, community and food security. "For nearly 130 years, Hormel Foods has continued to showcase its citizenship and stewardship by using its size and resources to make a difference. From sustainable packaging initiatives to water and energy stewardship, our global team of inspired people is committed to making lasting and measurable progress in protecting our natural resources," said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Hormel Foods. Mark Coffey, senior vice president of supply chain and manufacturing at Hormel Foods, said: "Our worldwide team of professionals and supply chain partners are ready to step up to the challenge to help us achieve these important sustainability goals." Hormel Foods owns brands such as Spam, Justin’s, Hormel Black Label and Skippy.

Crown has announced that it will inaugurate a new aluminium beverage can manufacturing facility in Henry County, Virginia. Located in Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre, the plant will expand Crown’s North American supply network as it aims to address the growing market for standard and speciality beverage cans. The company will invest $145 million in the 355,000 square-foot facility, which will supply cans to customers serving a variety of categories including sparkling water, energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks, teas, functional beverages, hard seltzers, beers and cocktails. "This investment further demonstrates Crown's commitment to support its customers in meeting the increased demand for aluminium beverage cans," said Timothy Donahue, president and CEO of Crown. The Virginia plant will also mark the company’s third greenfield beverage can manufacturing investment in North America over the last five years. Last year, Crown announced it was building a beverage can plant in Kentucky. "The Henry County plant will give Crown a stronger position in the speciality can market, while allowing Crown to better serve the needs of customers and consumers for more sustainable packaging,” added Donahue. The new plant is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2022 and will create 126 jobs. Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, said: “We are thrilled to see a long-time Virginia employer and Fortune 500 company like Crown Holdings select Henry County for its new East Coast manufacturing operation. “The addition of 126 high-quality jobs is a huge opportunity for the people of Southern Virginia, and the region’s tireless efforts to build a skilled workforce pipeline will benefit the company for decades to come." Earlier this month, Crown announced plans to build its sixth beverage can plant in Brazil.

The Laughing Cow is launching two new products this January – The Laughing Cow Blends and The Laughing Cow & Go portable cups.  The company's Blends cheese spread wedges are infused with spices and/or herbs and come in three flavours: Chickpea & Cheese with Herb, Lentil & Cheese with Curry, and Red Bean & Cheese with Paprika. Each of the eight wedges contains 2g of protein and is a source of calcium and vitamin E. The Laughing Cow & Go portable snack cups pair creamy dippable cheese with whole wheat breadsticks. Each serving contains 150 calories, 5g of protein and is a source of calcium, and the range comes in three flavours: Creamy Original paired with whole wheat breadsticks, Creamy White Cheddar paired with pretzel breadsticks and Creamy Herbs paired with multigrain breadsticks. "We're thrilled to kick-off the new year with new and exciting innovations," said The Laughing Cow USA brand director Zach Fatla. "The launch of these products shows the evolution and adaptability of The Laughing Cow to consumer snacking trends – we're bringing big flavour, real ingredients and portability forward as part of a strong line-up of products, including our current variety of original wedges." The two new lines will be available in the refrigerated section of retailers nationally in early 2021. The Laughing Cow Blends cheese spreads can be purchased for an RRP of $3.29; while The Laughing Cow & Go come in a two-pack for an RRP of $2.49.

Chemical and ingredients distribution company, Brenntag, has announced its acquisition of China’s Zhongbai Xingye Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Brenntag plans to purchase the entire share capital of the speciality ingredients distributor, starting with a 67% stake at an enterprise value of around €90 million. The company will then acquire the remaining 33% by the end of 2024. Zhongbai Xingye distributes a wide range of speciality food ingredients, including dairy products and proteins. The company generated sales of approximately €146 million over the 12-month period up to June 2020, according to Brenntag. Brenntag aims to expand its food and nutrition business in China through the acquisition, describing the move as an “important step for our company to become a full-line distributor of food ingredients in the Asian market”. Yaqi Liu, managing director of Zhongbai Xingye, added: “On behalf of Zhongbai Xingye, I extend a warm welcome to Brenntag. We are very pleased to become a part of the Brenntag family and to be such an important cornerstone in their expansion strategy. “The food supplements industry has extraordinary potential worldwide and especially in China that we will leverage together.” Henri Nejade, member of the management board of Brenntag Group and COO Brenntag Specialties, added: "Headquartered in the capital of China, the company offers Brenntag the platform to extend our business of speciality food ingredients in the country." The acquisition of the initial majority stake in Zhongbai Xingye is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021. Closing of the transaction is subject to contractual conditions and regulatory approvals. Brenntag Food & Nutrition – a unit of Brenntag Group – recently opened a new food ingredients facility in Padua, Italy.

Ecotone-owned Whole Earth has combined two spreads in its latest UK launch – smooth peanut butter with honey. The new peanut butter addition follows the release of the brand's chocolate and hazelnut variant last year. With the new product, Whole Earth says it has combined the UK’s two most popular spreads – honey and peanut butter – to create a versatile and delicious option. Made with real honey, the brand claims its new product is ideal as a porridge or cereal topping, as a spread on pancakes or as a baking ingredient. Like the rest of its portfolio, the honey peanut butter contains no artificial colours or preservatives. “Whole Earth Smooth Peanut Butter with Honey brings together two powerhouses in the spreads category into one jar,” said Bryan Martins, Whole Earth marketing and category director at Ecotone UK, formerly known as Wessanen. He added: “For all those people who add both peanut butter and honey to their breakfast, it is not only convenient but also tastes incredible. Both naturally delicious, the flavours of peanut butter and honey marry together perfectly. Following the rapid boom of baking during lockdowns, we predict Whole Earth Honey Peanut Butter to be a staple in every avid baker’s pantry.” Whole Earth’s new peanut butter with honey will launch into Asda stores from February for an RRP of £3.99 per 340g jar.

Astara Capital Partners has announced the acquisition of the flexible packaging operations of Garlock Printing & Converting for an undisclosed sum. Established in 1987, Garlock offers an array of films – including high barrier laminates and easy open sealant and breathable films – for a variety of food and beverage applications such as coffee and tea, condiments, dairy, meat and snacks. The US company offers printing, pouch making and coating capabilities and will mark Astara’s first platform investment since it formed in June 2020. Following the acquisition, Garlock will continue to be managed by its current team and led by its founder and CEO Pete Garlock. Astara says the transaction will allow Garlock to focus on its core flexible packaging business. To develop Garlock’s value creation plan, Astra says it has worked with a group of flexible packaging executives who have previously worked at firms such as Amcor, Mondelēz, Printpack and Transcendia. "We are honoured that these executives collaborated with Astara on this opportunity and are excited that they will continue working with Garlock in the years to come," said Rob Groberg, partner at Astara. "Their assistance exemplifies Astara's approach of bringing functional, strategic, and operational resources to companies in order to build sustainable value." Pete Garlock, CEO of Garlock Printing & Converting, added: "This partnership with Astara is an exciting chapter in our 34-year history. It will allow us to focus exclusively on flexible packaging, where we are growing substantially and emerging as a leader in the use of sustainable films.  “Our commercial and technical team, led by Mike Dennis, is actively partnering with customers and film suppliers to bring recyclable films to the North American packaging market. These capabilities, coupled with our modern production assets, position Garlock for a bright future."

Diageo has received a 15% boost from US spirit sales in its half-year results, helping offset declines in coronavirus-impacted markets. The company’s overall net sales were down by 4.5% to £6.87 billion, compared to £7.2 billion at the same time last year. In the six months ended 31 December 2020, Diageo recorded organic growth of 1% despite significant impact from travel retail and on-trade restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The owner of Gordon's gin and Smirnoff vodka reported operating profit of £2.24 billion, representing an 8.3% decline. However, Diageo witnessed improvement in all regions compared to the second half of fiscal 2020, partially reflecting improved performance in the off-trade and the reopening of the on-trade in certain markets. Diageo’s largest unit, North America, saw its organic net sales rise by 12.3% which helped offset declines in other regions. US spirit net sales increased 15% with growth across all categories: tequila grew 80%, Scotch went up by 6%, vodka 6%, Baileys 12% and Captain Morgan 9%. Meanwhile, Diageo Beer Company USA recorded a 7% rise in net sales with strong growth in Smirnoff flavoured malt beverages, partially offset by a decline in Guinness. Ivan Menezes, Diageo CEO, said: “North America, our largest market, performed particularly strongly and ahead of our expectations. Consumer demand has been resilient and the spirits category continues to gain share of total beverage alcohol.” Europe and Turkey net sales were down by 10%, while Asia Pacific fell by 3% due to international travel and local market restrictions. Nevertheless, Greater China recorded a 15% net sales increase driven primarily by Chinese white spirits and Scotch, representing a significant improvement to its performance last year when the region was first impacted by Covid-19. Africa sales were roughly flat, contributed by a 10% decline in South Africa partly due to alcohol bans in the country. Latin America and Caribbean net sales declined 1%. During the half-year, the company also completed the acquisition of Aviation American Gin and Davos Brands as it aims to further premiumise its portfolio. Menezes added: "We delivered a strong performance in a challenging operating environment, returning to top line organic sales growth during the half. We rapidly pivoted to the channels and occasions most relevant to consumers and invested behind new opportunities. This more than offset the impact of on-trade restrictions and the decline in travel retail.” Diageo expects continued impact in the second half of fiscal 2021 from on-trade restrictions and disruption to travel retail.

General Mills has announced that it is bringing back its Cheerios with happy-heart shapes cereal in both existing and new flavours. The Cheerios brand transformed its iconic O-shaped cereal into a heart shape at the end of 2019 to help spread awareness of America’s heart health and inspire a healthy lifestyle. Launching in late January, the limited-edition boxes will include previous original and honey nut varieties, as well as new flavours: blueberry, chocolate and cinnamon. Made with whole grain oats, General Mills claims its Cheerios cereal can help lower cholesterol as part of a heart-healthy diet. With more than 100 million Americans having some form of heart disease, Cheerios aims to prioritise the importance of heart health through encouraging physical acitivity and the consumption of fibre. “When we launched the happy-heart shaped O’s last year, it helped to educate millions of our fans about the importance of not only following a heart-healthy diet, but also about the benefits of eating Cheerios,” said Kathy Dixon, senior brand experience manager at Cheerios. “Cheerios is on a mission to not only put a smile on people’s faces but to inspire them to find new and fun ways to support their hearts.” The limited-edition Cheerios boxes with happy heart shapes will be available at major retailers nationwide, while supplies last, for an RRP of $3.99 for 10.8oz boxes and $4.99 for 19.8oz boxes. Earlier this month, General Millsdebuted limited-edition cereal box packaging with characters featuring the iconic got milk? moustache.