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.

Pots & Co has announced that General Mills’ venture capital arm is leading a multistage investment of up to £15 million ($20 million) into its business. Based in London, in the UK, Pots & Co produces a range of potted puddings, as well as new mezze-style dips. The company, which currently makes 16 million handmade puddings per year, is said to have generated sales of £14 million in 2020. According to Pots & Co, the 301 Inc-led investment supports its growth strategy to expand its product range and distribution in the US. In addition to the funding, the company has also announced that it has secured increased US retail distribution across the West Coast and Rocky Mountain region. All products distributed in the US are currently made in Pots & Co’s London-based factory. The company says that the new funds will enable it to explore manufacturing capabilities in the US, as well as to invest further in marketing and distribution. Julian Dyer, founder of Pots & Co, said: “We want to create one of the world’s leading food brands and we are thrilled that General Mills has invested in Pots & Co, enabling us to speed up the growth of our business and creating fabulous products for the American consumer.” John Haugen, founder and managing director of General Mills' venture capital arm, 301 Inc, said: “Our mission is to discover new and emerging food brands with a remarkable offering. Pots & Co fulfils that mission with its focus on natural ingredients to create puddings of restaurant quality. “As our first overseas investment and first investment in a UK company, we believe Pots & Co will deliver substantial growth with an increasing range of puddings and with its move into savoury products. We’re excited to partner as the brand expands its presence in the US market.”

German packaging company Südpack has agreed to acquire Netherlands-based manufacturer LPF Flexible Packaging from the Clondalkin Group. Founded in 1907, LPF is a manufacturer of flexible packaging for more than 40 different applications, supplying brands and companies primarily in the food and drink, confectionery, animal feed and agricultural sectors. Located in Grootegast, LPF specialises in high-barrier films for sensitive products. The Dutch company’s key competencies include the development and production of printed and unprinted duplex and tri-plex packaging laminates, which provide protection and prolonged shelf lives to products. LPF has been a part of Clondalkin Group since 2005. As part of the transaction, Südpack says it will gain LPF’s product capabilities, its R&D resources and machinery. The deal – which was made for an undisclosed sum – also marks a step in Südpack’s growth strategy. Erik Bouts, CEO of Südpack, said: “We value LPF’s high level of development and market competence and plan to establish the site in Grootegast as a competence centre for high performance laminates over the long term within the Südpack Group. “In doing so, we want to further expand Südpack’s expertise and performance portfolio in the development and production of high-performance laminates for various applications in order to serve attractive emerging markets and tap into new markets.” Following the transaction, LPF’s workforce will become part of Südpack, while Südpack’s high-performance laminates production will continue as normal at its sites in Ochsenhausen and Bioggio in Switzerland. Jacco Thijen, managing director of LPF, said: “LPF has made significant steps in growing its Flexo laminates business with the support of Egeria during the last four years. In Südpack, we have found a new partner who is willing to make further investments and impresses with their sustainable corporate governance and long-term growth strategy.” The deal is expected to be completed by 1 February and the integration will take place immediately. Last year, Südpack formed a joint venture with Indian packaging manufacturer Kamakshi Flexiprints, as it seeks to accelerate its growth internationally.

Cargill has acquired ProPortion Foods, a US manufacturer of meat products including portion control steaks and marinated ready-to-grill meats. The deal includes two plants, in Round Rock, Texas and Vernon, California, which will produce a variety of fully cooked protein products for Cargill’s retail and foodservice channel customers. According to Cargill, the facilities' capabilities range from ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals, to value-added proteins for foodservice. “Our agreement with ProPortion Foods is an exciting next step as we continue to execute our growth strategy and build our value-added cooked business,” said Rob Stewart, managing director for growth ventures in Cargill’s North American protein business. “We are investing in our future and look forward to growing the Cargill team and our presence in the southern and western US while continuing to build our customer portfolio.” Brian Levy, a partner with ProPortion Foods, added: “My partners and I worked really hard to create a great company in ProPortion Foods. “We’re delighted that the business and our employees will have the opportunity to grow with Cargill, completing the vision we set out to achieve.” The financial terms of the deal – which closed in December – have not been disclosed.

Kellogg's has launched a new line of Special K keto-friendly snack bars, containing 1g of sugar, 2g of net carbs and 7g of protein.  The bars are available in two flavours – Chocolate Almond Fudge and Peanut Butter Fudge.  "Our Kellogg's Special K keto-friendly snack bars help you win however you eat, whether you're all-in on keto, a dabbler, a first-timer or just want something delicious and convenient with 1g of sugar," said Courtney Bentley, Special K brand manager. "That's why on the first tempting day of the year – National Chocolate Cake Day – we're challenging keto-ers and chocolate-cake cravers alike to combat their cravings with a chance at free delivery of our new Chocolate Almond Fudge bars." The bars will be available at retailers nationwide from January with a suggested retail price of $6.99 for a five-count box.

Beam Suntory has expanded its Jim Beam range in the UK with the introduction of a new fruity bourbon blend, Jim Beam Peach. The new offering features a mix of peach liqueur and Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and joins flavours including apple and honey in the brand’s portfolio.   Offering a blend of woody bourbon undertones and fresh peach flavours, the ‘smooth bourbon’ is best served with a dash of soda water or lemonade as part of a highball. For a twist on a pornstar martini, Jim Beam Peach can also be enjoyed mixed with soda water, passion fruit syrup and lemon juice. Jim Beam Peach is available now for £18 as a three-month exclusive at Asda. This week, Beam Suntory has announced that it is relocating its global headquarters from Chicago to New York City in mid-2022.

Westfalia Fruit, a fresh fruit supplier specialising in avocados, has signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in German fruit supplier Hausladen Fruchthandel. With the acquisition, Westfalia aims to capitalise on the German retail avocado market and expand its position as a global avocado market leader. The South African company serves markets in the UK, Europe, Latin America, North America and southern Africa. Founded in 1932, Hausladen supplies exotics such as avocado, mango and papaya, as well as southern European produce in Germany. Headquartered in Munich, the company is also active in neighbouring markets including Austria and Slovenia. “Germany is the third largest retail avocado market in Europe which has strong potential for further growth,” said Westfalia Fruit CEO Alk Brand. He added: “Our presence in this country is key to penetrating the market, supplying key customers and solidifying our leading EU presence. It also provides an important platform for our key growers globally.” Hausladen’s founding family, including Andreas and Christoph Buchner, will remain with the business. Christoph Buchner, who will continue to serve as CEO of the German entity, said: “As a leading exotics importer, ripener, packer and distributor in Germany, we have developed a strong base of blue-chip retail customers and have enjoyed strong historic growth. “This deal provides us with further growth opportunities to become the market leader in Germany and other targeted territories, and gives us access to an established and integrated supply chain with the capacity to expand.” The deal, which was made for an undisclosed sum, is subject to merger control approval.

Mars Wrigley is expanding its range of frozen treats with the introduction of Snickers Peanut Brownie Ice Cream bars. The product marks the first time that Snickers Ice Cream and Snickers Chocolate have launched the same flavour variant, according to Mars, which unveiled the Snickers Peanut Brownie last year. The new offering features brownie-flavoured ice cream with chewy brownie bits, topped with a thin layer of caramel and peanuts, and covered in a ‘milk chocolate-y’ coating. “We're thrilled to give Snickers Peanut Brownie fans even more to be excited about in 2021," said Jayesh Shah, Mars ice cream marketing director. “This new treat will no doubt be a frozen aisle favourite for fans of Snickers, brownies and ice cream alike.” Snickers Peanut Brownie Ice Cream is beginning to roll out in the US and will be in stores nationwide by March 2021. The new offering will be available from mass, grocery and convenience stores as individual 2oz bars and in multipack boxes. In the UK, Mars Wrigley is releasing a lower calorie range of its iconic chocolate bars, Mars, Snickers and Twix.

New canned cocktail brand, Mix of Total Happiness (MOTH), has announced the launch of a range of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in classic flavours. The line is launching exclusively into Waitrose stores across the UK from 1 February for £3.99 per can. Ranging between 14.9-20% ABV, the cocktail range comes in four canned offerings: old fashioned, margarita, negroni and espresso martini. Co-founder of MOTH, Rob Wallis, said: “We launched MOTH because we wanted to make bar-quality cocktails that can be served as easily as a can of beer. Very simply, to make the best cocktails in a can. “We’re picky with provenance and every ingredient is chosen with precision. At the same time - we’re not snobbish. We don’t talk in master mixologist lingo. We believe in fair prices for great drinks.” According to Wallis, the brand is constantly innovating and will be releasing more drinks this year. John Vine, spirits buyer at Waitrose, said: “We have seen a huge trend in customers experimenting and trying out new formats and cocktail cans are definitely growing in popularity. The four different cocktails are some of our customers' favourites, and it's great they will be able to experience high quality drinks at home.”