Packaging manufacturer Crown has announced that its Brazilian subsidiary Crown Embalagens plans to build its sixth beverage can plant in the country. The new facility will produce two-piece aluminium cans in multiple sizes and will have two lines, both of which are expected to begin production next year. Crown Embalagens’ new plant will be located in Minas Gerais state, southeast Brazil, to meet the growing demand in the region for beer and soft drink cans.  Djalma Novaes, president of Crown's Americas division, said: “Brazil is an important growth market for us and our partner, Évora S.A. This expansion will help meet the country’s increased demand for beverage cans and demonstrates Crown’s continuing commitment to grow with our customers. “The aluminium beverage can is perfect for the Brazilian market; it is recyclable and sustainable, is shipped easily and most efficiently preserves the quality of the beverage product for the ultimate consumer.” The facility will have an annual capacity of 2.4 billion cans when fully operational, expanding Crown's production capacity in Brazil to 13.3 billion cans per year. Last year, Crown announced plans for a new beverage can manufacturing facility in Kentucky to support increased demand for beverage cans in North America.

Danone has announced that it is focused on delivering shareholder value after a report revealed that Bluebell Capital Partners has bought a stake in the French company and is pushing for governance changes. A report by French business magazine Challenges has revealed that Bluebell bought shares in Danone at the end of last year and has since sent a letter to management calling for a review of the company’s governance and strategy. The London-based activist fund has asked for the chairman and CEO roles to be split and has called on current chairman and CEO Emmanuel Faber to step down. Danone did not comment about Faber’s position. In an emailed statement to FoodBev in response to Challenges’ report, a Danone spokesperson said: “We value constructive dialogue with all our shareholders. The leadership team of Danone is highly focused on delivering long-term sustainable value for our shareholders.” In order to deliver more profitable results, Danone announced a major reorganisation of the business and up to 2,000 staff cuts back in November. The company revealed plans to group its three businesses (dairy and vegetable products, specialised nutrition and water) by geographical area. The owner of Evian and Volvic had been witnessing declining sales in its waters unit, as it suffered during lockdown. “The first stage of this plan includes an ambitious adaptation plan to return Danone to profitable growth in less than 12 months, as soon as H2 2021 and for our recurring operating margin to return to its pre-Covid levels at more than 15% by 2022,” said Danone in an emailed statement. “On December 14th we also announced plans to reinforce our governance by creating a new Strategy and Transformation Committee to assist in overseeing the evolving strategic plan for the company.” The company also announced the departure of CFO Cecile Cabanis but has since reported her appointment to the newly-created role of non-executive vice chairman. Meanwhile, Danone told FoodBev that its “leadership team looks forward to sharing additional elements of the plan in subsequent investor updates.”

AR Packaging has announced its acquisition of Firstan Holdings, including the Firstan Limited subsidiary, as it looks to strengthen its position in the UK. The deal is said to broaden AR’s offering to UK food and healthcare customers through the addition of local folding carton production. With a factory in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, Firstan Limited is a manufacturer of folding cartons, supplying the food and pharmaceutical sectors, among others. Commenting on the acquisition, AR Packaging president and CEO Harald Schulz said: “This addition is of significant strategic importance to strengthen our position on the UK market. “Together with our existing two plants in the UK, Firstan provides an excellent platform for further growth in this important and fast-moving market.” Andrew Hartwig, former majority shareholder and managing director of Firstan Holdings, added: “Our strategically located and well invested facility will together with our skilled team add further capabilities to AR Packaging and we will together offer extended services to all UK customers.” The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

UK ice cream brand Northern Bloc has secured a ‘seven-figure’ investment from Mobeus Equity Partners to expand in the plant-based sector. Founded in 2014, Northern Bloc offers a range of vegan and dairy ice creams in flavours such as hazelnut & tonka bean and vegan strawberry & yuzu. The brand has national distribution in the UK retail sector, as well as an international footprint, and also sells its tubs through the out-of-home channel. Northern Bloc says that it will use the new funds to increase its production capacity, strengthen its team and focus on its ‘brand experience’.  Dirk Mischendahl, who co-founded Northern Bloc with Josh Lee, said: “The appetite for sustainable eating has jumped forward five years in the space of just one. The result of our actions on the planet became very real in 2020, both in terms of the origin of the pandemic and the positive changes that were made to the environment during the global lockdown. “Plant-based is no longer a dietary requirement, it’s fast becoming a way of life, and Northern Bloc is proud to be at the forefront of bold, innovative, amazing-tasting products which suit this revolution. “Entering Veganuary, our aim is to continue to grow our business, building on our strong base in the retail market whilst maintaining our premium offering for the out-of-home sector.” Jane Reoch, investment director at Mobeus Equity Partners, added: “Northern Bloc is a true breakthrough brand, well positioned for growth as the plant-based movement garners global attention. “The products use all-natural flavours with no compromise on quality or taste. Dirk, Josh and the team have been a pleasure to work with throughout the transaction.” In January 2020, Northern Bloc introduced fully recyclable and biodegradable packaging, replacing the plastic coating on its paper tubs with an organic alternative.

Nestlé has announced a new partnership with Plug and Play, a global innovation platform for industry accelerators, as it looks to drive its innovation efforts in Indonesia. Through the partnership, Nestlé will leverage Plug and Play’s innovation expertise and ecosystem of start-ups, corporations and investors. As a result, the owner of KitKat hopes to accelerate its innovation capabilities for future food technologies and solutions. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that looks to bring together the most promising start-ups with the world’s leading corporations, in order to drive investment, foster innovation and secure collaborative partnerships. Since its inception in 2006, Plug and Play's accelerator programmes have expanded worldwide to over 30 locations, with over 30,000 start-ups and 400 official corporate partners. "I have witnessed the decline of many traditional and conservative companies because they failed to adapt to rapidly evolving industries. We are really proud that Nestlé Indonesia is partnering with us to embark on this pursuit of innovation and transformative excellence in the food industry,” said Halim Hartono, director of GK-Plug and Play. Plug and Play was invited by Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) back in 2016, in order to accelerate the country’s innovation efforts within its start-up ecosystem. Guy Kellaway, communication director of Nestlé Indonesia, added: "For over 150 years, we have continuously focused on innovating our brands, products, systems and technologies in order to remain relevant, and competitive. We look forward to this exciting partnership with GK Plug and Play which will drive our innovation efforts in the region." Nestlé Indonesia currently employs about 3,600 employees and operates three factories that produce milk, food and beverages under brands such as Dancow, Milow, Nescafé and KitKat.

Post Foods Canada has teamed up with fast-food restaurant chain Tim Hortons to introduce a new mocha-flavoured cereal. Post Tim Hortons Café Mocha Flavoured Cereal combines rich chocolate and smooth coffee flavours with mocha-swirled marshmallows. “Last year we partnered with Tim Hortons to launch Post Timbits cereal, and it was one of the most successful innovations in the history of our category,” said Tausif Hossain, senior brand manager, Post Foods. “We're thrilled to extend that partnership to Post Tim Hortons Café Mocha Flavoured Cereal. Coffee lovers can have their coffee and eat it too – or at least in the form of a cereal – with the roll out of the new Post Tim Hortons Café Mocha Flavoured Cereal.” Samuel Heath, head of retail at Tim Hortons, added: “Post captured the delicious taste of our café mocha in a crunchy and delicious way, and we hope Canadians will love it just as much as we do.” Post Tim Hortons Café Mocha Flavoured Cereal will be available from major grocery retailers starting this month. In the US, Post Consumer Brands is introducing on-the-go cereal snacks that are inspired by its Pebbles and Honeycomb brands.

FoodBev Media is delighted to announce the launch of The Plant Base, an exciting new magazine that will cover all aspects of the fast-growing plant-based food and beverage sector! Launching in March 2021, The Plant Base will be the first B2B magazine in the food and beverage industry that is dedicated solely to the plant-based sector, providing readers with unrivalled insights into the current developments across the area, as well as an essential guide to the future of the segment. The Plant Base will be a bi-monthly publication, covering compelling subjects such as plant-based meat and dairy alternatives; bio-packaging; the future of farming; and much more. Much like FoodBev Media’s existing publications – FoodBev and Refreshment magazines – each issue of The Plant Base will feature innovations, news, in-depth exclusive features, market research, expert insights, and more – keeping you abreast with one of the industry’s most exciting and fast-evolving markets. FoodBev Media’s Martin White will serve as editor of The Plant Base. Commenting on the launch of the magazine, White said: “The exponential growth of the plant-based sector in recent years has firmly established the area as one of the most fascinating and dynamic segments of the food and beverage industry. “With flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan eating habits on the rise across the world, this looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, with many major players across the food, beverage and dairy industries clamouring to establish a firm foothold in the area. “I am therefore thrilled to announce the launch of The Plant Base, which will serve as an essential resource for any business with an interest in the plant-based sector.” FoodBev Media marketing manager, Matthew Rushton, added: “The plant-based sector is dominating the food and beverage industry in terms of innovation and conversation these days. It is clear that the growth of the plant-based sector is not just a passing phase, it is a key focus area in the food and beverage industry and should be treated as such. “That is why I am so excited FoodBev is launching The Plant Base, the first B2B magazine dedicated to helping the industry, not only to better understand the plant-based market, but also to see how companies can adapt and be successful in this fast-expanding sector!” Alongside the launch of The Plant Base, FoodBev Media has launched a dedicated Twitter account for The Plant Base (@ThePlantBaseMag), and will also be creating a free monthly newsletter, both of which will cover the latest developments in the plant-based sector; covering industry news, innovations, events and more.  As an added bonus, every subscription prior to Issue #1 being published will receive an automatic early bird 10% discount! Find out more about The Plant Base magazine here.

UAE-based food and beverage company Agthia Group has acquired a majority stake in Nabil Foods, a regional producer of frozen and chilled processed protein products. Founded in Jordan, Nabil Foods specialises in manufacturing a wide range of frozen and chilled 100% halal products – from chicken shawarma sandwiches to kubbeh balls – that are distributed in more than 20 local and international markets through retail, restaurants and catering. The company has a processing capacity of 43,000 tons per year and a range of over 600 individual product lines. In the year ending 30 September 2020, Nabil Foods recorded revenues of AED 365 million (approximately $99.4 million). The transaction – which is subject to certain regulatory approvals – will see Agthia acquire an indirect 80% stake in Nabil Foods, including a 60% stake from ADQ in exchange for a convertible instrument and a further 20% stake from Ideal Holding Limited. The approximate price of the 60% stake in Nabil Foods from ADG has been valued at AED 394 million ($107.3 million). The deal marks Agthia’s first entry into the processed protein industry through a well-established brand and gives it further access to new markets, distributors and customers. With the purchase, Agthia says it will have immediate access to new revenue streams and significant cross-selling opportunities to support its growth strategy. Established in 2004, Agthia Group is an Abu Dhabi-based food and beverage firm and part of the holding company ADQ. Its portfolio of brands span beverages to fruit and vegetables to dairy and frozen baked products, including Yoplait and Capri-Sun. Alan Smith, CEO of Agthia Group, said: “The acquisition of Nabil Foods, once completed, would represent another step towards meeting our ambitions; it would be an accretive acquisition for both the business and our shareholders, an expansion into a growing sector with high-quality product offerings and a mutual commitment to innovation aligned with evolving consumer trends. “The coming period will see us leveraging our stronger portfolio of brands and products to boost revenues, while continuing to seek growth opportunities that align with our strategy and deliver shareholder value.”

Start-ups are newly emerging businesses established by entrepreneurs in order to bring a unique product or service to market.  Here, FoodBev takes a look at five qualities that can ultimately make a food or beverage start-up a success.  An innovative idea A successful business usually starts with a unique idea – for example, a solution to a societal challenge. It is important that a new product or service conforms with today’s consumer needs. Does it offer convenience? World Food Innovation Awards winner, SAVRpak, won the ‘best convenience packaging’ category in 2020 for its patented packaging technology that can extend food freshness and shelf life. Does it offer functionality? For instance, Zeno Functional Foods won ‘best health or wellness food’ category in 2020 with its innovative snack bar, Sobar, which addresses a need for a low-caloric food that can effectively reduce alcohol absorption. A successful product could also have exciting or unique features, such as 2019’s ‘best organic product’ winner PLAYin CHOC’s kids cube which, along with vegan mini chocolate bars, contains a 3D puzzle toy to assemble and play with. Check out the competition Defining the target market and USP of a product idea is crucial. Research what both direct and indirect competitors are doing within that market, and use them as a benchmark to create a relevant difference. A thorough competitor analysis will also give potential start-ups plenty of data to help develop their own strategies and could ultimately boost further innovation and recognition in the market space. Incubators Start-up incubators help turn innovative product ideas into viable businesses by offering support on a range of elements, from work facilities to advice on suppliers and investors. Many industry giants have launched their own incubator programmes to support food and beverage start-ups. For example, in August 2020, PepsiCo named Spudsy winner of the 2020 North America Greenhouse programme. With the aim of ramping up innovation efforts in the snacking space, Mondelēz International joined forces with business incubator The Hatchery Chicago in 2019, which has been described as “one of the largest food incubation spaces in the US”. Investors Gaining support from investors can help fuel business plans and make start-up company growth possible. Many angel investors and venture capitalists focus on particular areas of the food and beverage industry, such as foodtech, dairy or plant-based. Global venture capital fund, Lever VC – whose partners were investors in Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Memphis Meats and other sector leaders – have launched a new fund investing in a range of early-stage plant-based and cell-cultivated meat and dairy companies. In addition, the judging panel for the 2021 World Food Innovation Awards features two judges who specialise in food industry investment. First, is co-founder and partner head of operations at Mission Ventures, Louis Bedwell, who leads on the delivery of the Good Food Fund, a prototype venture fund and accelerator that aims to bring healthier challenger brands to market. Second, is Eric-Alan Rapp, a partner investing in sustainable agrifood tech companies at Danish investment fund, Vækstfonden (VF). All companies entering the World Food Innovation Awards 2021 will have their innovations recognised and assessed by all members of the panel. Branding It is imperative to get the product’s branding and packaging right, and competitor research will help start-ups develop their own unique mark in relevant sectors. Research groups may also be useful throughout the brand-building process, in order to gauge how consumers view and interact with products/services. What is the brand’s story? Storytelling can help to shape a brand’s message and showcase the thought-process behind the innovation. Compelling messages such as sustainability concerns or aiding health and immunity demonstrate to consumers how buying certain products can make a difference. World Food Innovation Awards 2019 winner of ‘best packaging technology’, Stixfresh, developed a sticker which could extend the shelf life of fruit by up to two weeks, addressing concerns that 52% of fruits and vegetables from farm to fork go to waste. Packaging also plays an important role in showcasing what’s on offer inside and helping the product stand out on the shelf. For example, ‘best plant-based start-up’ finalist from the 2020 World Plant-Based Awards, Bright Barley, presented a simple yet convenient carton design with a strong plant-based message highlighting nutritional ingredients. Think your innovative start-up company is award-worthy? Enter the ‘best start-up’ category in the World Food Innovation Awards now!  For more awards information and to see our other 25 categories, click here .

ETF Partners has invested £5 million in UK start-up The Modern Milkman (TMM) to support its plastic-free grocery delivery service. The Manchester-based business delivers fresh groceries from independent and local suppliers directly to customers' doorsteps in returnable and reusable packaging. While the start-up began as a local milk round that looked to reduce plastic waste, it has since grown to deliver goods such as fresh fruit juice, eggs, coffee and cereals. According to ETF Partners, The Modern Milkman’s digitally advanced delivery platform grew its revenue by ten times in 2020. To date, the start-up has helped reduce more than nine tons of single-use plastic. With the capital, the start-up hopes to boost its growth plans in 2021 and accelerate sustainable grocery shopping in the UK. The company looks to expand beyond Northern England across the UK, hoping to help consumers shift away from single-use plastic, without having to compromise on convenience. The funding comes as demand for food deliveries are soaring as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, as an increasing number of UK consumers are shopping online. Simon Mellin, founder and CEO of The Modern Milkman, said: “ETF was the obvious choice of investor for us and we’re thrilled to have their support as we move into the next phase of our journey. We believe their insight, skill and experience in the sustainability space will help us deliver the positive impact we strive to have on the environment at pace, as we move forward with our expansion plans across the UK over the course of 2021.”  Tomer Strikovsky from ETF Partners added: “In today’s world, many of us are looking to reduce our environmental impact on the planet, but convenience remains key to daily life. We have full confidence that TMM will play an important role in changing how we consume food, and we continue to be impressed by the founders and their commitment to sustainability.”

Meal delivery service Deliveroo has raised more than $180 million in Series H funding from existing investors. The round – which values Deliveroo at over $7 billion – was led by Fidelity Management and Research Company, and Durable Capital Partners. The investment comes ahead of a potential initial public offering, which would mark the biggest new share issue in London for three years, according to Reuters. Deliveroo says that it will use the funds raised in its latest financing round to continue to invest in the company’s growth and in enhancements to its services for restaurants, riders and consumers. Examples of areas in which the new capital will be used include: expanding the company’s Editions delivery-only kitchen sites globally; extending Deliveroo’s Plus subscription service; and expanding on-demand grocery services. Will Shu, founder and CEO of Deliveroo, said: "This investment will help us to continue to innovate, developing new tech tools to support restaurants, to provide riders with more work and to extend choice for customers, bringing them the food they love from more restaurants than ever before. We are really pleased our shareholders see the opportunity and growth potential ahead of us.” Henry Ellenbogen, managing partner and chief investment officer at Durable Capital Partners, added: "I have been impressed with the team's ability to spot opportunities, innovate and adapt to changes in the market. "The online food delivery market is nascent and underpenetrated. We believe Deliveroo has the potential to become a much bigger company over time."

Campbell Soup Company has announced its plans to close its snacks manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia by spring 2022. The plant – which produces a range of candy, crackers, cookies, nuts and bars under brands such as Synder’s of Hanover and Pepperidge Farm – currently employs 326 people. Campbell says impacted employees will receive severance or separation packages. The decision comes after a careful review of the company's snacks division’s manufacturing operations and the plant was chosen in part due to its age and reduced consumer demand for non-core products that are manufactured there.   Founded in 1927 by Tom Houston, the Columbus facility marks the oldest plant in the Campbell network. The 94-years-old plant previously operated as Tom’s Foods, before it was acquired by Lance in 2005 and then as part of Campbell’s purchase of Snyder’s-Lance in 2018. The company plans to operate the facility for up to 18 months and will shut it down in phases. Campbell says it will phase out the production of candy under the Lance brand and will shift production of its higher demand Lance, Emerald and Late July snacks across the division’s manufacturing network. Valerie Oswalt, executive vice president and president of Campbell Snacks, said: “Closing one of our facilities is a very difficult decision. The Columbus plant is the oldest in our manufacturing network, making it difficult to retrofit. Our Columbus team is talented and dedicated, and we are committed to assisting them through this transition.”