Hain Celestial has completed the divestiture of its UK fruit business to private equity firm Elaghmore, as it continues to simplify its portfolio. The financial terms of the deal – which includes the Orchard House Foods business and associated brands – have not been disclosed, but it is believed that the price of the acquisition was around £25 million, according to a source familiar with the matter. The transaction is the latest in a series of divestitures by Hain in recent years, including the sale of the Danival, Casbah and Europe’s Best brands in 2020. The previous year, Hain’s simplification efforts saw it offload brands including Tilda rice, Arrowhead Mills and SunSpire. “The divestment of this complex, non-core asset fully aligns with our brand simplification and strategic transformation processes,” said Mark L. Schiller, Hain Celestial president and CEO. “By divesting this business, which was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the remaining Hain Celestial business will show immediate improvement in its growth rate and margins, allowing us to reinvest capital behind the strength of the remaining international platform. “We remain confident in our ability to continue to improve our overall margin and cash flow profiles to fuel sustainable long-term growth and profitability.”

Tyson Foods has announced that it is investing $26 million to expand production at its Wright Brand bacon facility in Vernon, Texas. The expansion project – which is scheduled for completion by March this year – is expected to create 32 new jobs, bringing the plant’s workforce to more than 800. The Wright Brand has reportedly increased volume by 29% since 2017, surpassing bacon category growth during the same period. The expansion is expected to satisfy current demand and allow room for additional growth. “We’re pleased we can continue to build on the proud heritage of this iconic and delicious brand,” said Noelle O’Mara, group president of prepared foods for Tyson Foods. “More importantly, we’ve had a strong presence in Vernon for nearly 100 years as one of the largest employers. It’s an honour to continue that long history by adding new jobs in the local community.” Last year, Tyson Foods announced that it had invested $27 million to upgrade its prepared foods production site in Caseyville, Illinois.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed yellow mealworms safe for human consumption, paving the way for insect-derived food products to be sold across Europe. The announcement marks a significant step for the future of insect-based food, as the EFSA’s scientific advice supports EU national decision makers who authorise the products for the European market. EU-wide approval would mean insect-based biscuits and burgers could appear on shelves across Europe, as well as enable mass production. Yellow mealworms mark the first insect to be approved for human consumption, following a safety evaluation by EFSA based on an application from French insect farmer Micronutris. The ‘novel food regulation’ came into force in 2018, and EFSA has since received a large volume of applications for insects including fresh and dried adult crickets, locusts and litter beetles. Over the last few years, the novelty of using insects in food has led to high interest in the West, due to changing consumer attitudes and the environmental and economic benefits associated with them. Cited by The Guardian, Ermolaos Ververis, a scientific officer at the agency, said: “This first EFSA risk assessment of an insect as novel food can pave the way for the first EU-wide approval. “Our risk evaluation is a decisive and necessary step in the regulation of novel foods by supporting policymakers in the EU in making science-based decisions and ensuring the safety of consumers.” Insect-based products are currently prohibited from sale in countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain and without approval from the EFSA, they face being banned elsewhere on the continent too. While the UK, Netherlands and Denmark permit the use of insect in foods, the 2018 novel food authorisation law has meant mass production has been held back, as companies wait upon a final decision.  The EU’s member states have seven months to counter a proposal for authorisation, following the publication of EFSA’s opinion, which will then go to a vote. Despite heralding a source of protein, EFSA scientists recommend that those with allergies to crustaceans and dustmites should not eat insect-derived product as it could trigger an allergic reaction.

Mars Wrigley is releasing a lower calorie range of its iconic chocolate bars – Mars, Snickers and Twix – across the UK. The 100 calorie or less chocolate bar range will hit shelves from this week, in response to consumers being increasingly conscious of the choices they make when buying confectionery. The new Snickers, Mars and Twix bars will reportedly retain the exact same recipes, but at a reduced portion size. According to Mars, nearly 50% of shoppers consider the portion size of snacks and one in four say that calorie labelling impacts their purchase decisions. Kerry Cavanaugh, Mars Wrigley marketing director, said: “Our new 100 calorie format gives consumers their favourite brands original recipes but in a size that is a meaningful snacking choice.  “This new range is for consumers who want a sweet treat but in a smaller portion size. These chocolate bars are perfect for the 68% of Brits who have said they would rather have less of their favourite chocolate than a larger amount of a lower-sugar chocolate.” Each single bar has a suggested RRP of £0.40 and £2.79 for multipacks. Original versions of the chocolate bars will still be available for purchase.

Danone North America has expanded its Silk portfolio with the introduction of a new multi-serve beverage containing plant-based protein. A source of calcium, Silk Ultra is available in creamy chocolate, unsweet and original flavours, and can be enjoyed straight out of the carton, in a smoothie or over cereal. The brand says that the beverage is geared towards athletes and offers 20g of complete plant-based protein per serving. Silk Ultra is also a source of vitamins A, D, B2 and B12. “Fitness enthusiasts know that protein plays a critical role in supporting muscle performance, and serious athletes are incorporating more plant-based options into their diets and training regimens,” said Andrew Hartshorn, senior vice president, plant-based food and beverages for Silk. “As the experts in developing delicious plant-based beverages for over 30 years, Silk saw a real consumer need for a great-tasting plant-based beverage in the protein space. Silk Ultra delivers complete plant-based protein and truly delicious taste, so athletes don't have to compromise.” Silk Ultra is available in multi-serve cartons, for an MSRP of $4.99 per 59oz product, from grocery stores nationwide in the US. Last year, Danone North America added to its Silk portfolio with a new range of Almondmilk Mix-Ins Yogurt Alternatives.

Thailand-based SCG Packaging has closed its acquisition of UK foodservice packaging solution provider, Go-Pak, initiating a first payment of £77.5 million. The deal was first announced on 2 November 2020, which saw SCG Packaging subsidiary SCGP Solutions Singapore agree to purchase a 100% stake of Go-Pak from its existing shareholders. Headquartered in Bristol, Go-Pak also operates production facilities in Southern Vietnam. The company predominately manufactures packaging for the ready-to-eat and takeaway food and beverage business in the UK, European and North American markets. Go-Pack has an annual production capacity of 4 billion units and over 250 products categories. The firm posted full-year revenues of £68.7 million at the end of Q3 2020. Meanwhile, SCG Packaging offers fibre-based packaging, performance and polymer packaging for a range of products including food service, with over 40 facilities across Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Following the transaction, SCG Packaging says Go-Pak will expand its foodservice packaging portfolio, while enabling it access to a customer base in the UK, Europe and North America. It will also strengthen its production and distribution capabilities to grow its position in the ASEAN market. A first payment of £77.5 million will be issued by SCG Packaging, while a second and third payment will be based on Go-Pak’s incremental financial performance for the next two financial years, which will range from £30 million to no more than the total of £56 million. At the time of the initial deal, Wichan Jitpukdee, CEO of SCG Packaging, said: “The transaction is in line with the strategy of expanding the client base who are manufacturers of food and consumer products and increasing the capability for downstream packaging production to reinforce the company’s strength as the leader in integrated packaging solutions provider.” Adam Anderson, Go-Pak managing director, said: “Joining the SCG family of businesses is a very exciting prospect for Go-Pak. Not only does this mean a continuation of the great service for our customers, but being part of such a large integrated packaging group will enable us to offer further international support and a wider product range for our current and future customers in the UK, Europe and US.”

Australian cultured meat company Vow Food has secured $6 million in a seed funding round to further develop its exotic lab-grown meats. The start-up claims to be the first company in the world to produce a food product from the cells of an undomesticated animal, with its Kangaroo Dumpling in 2019. Since then, Vow has expanded its portfolio to include 11 different animals including standard livestock such as pork and chicken, but also more exotic fare like alpaca and water buffalo. The oversubscribed funding round was led by Square Peg Capital and joined by existing investors Blackbird Ventures and Grok Ventures, as well as new investor Tenacious Ventures. Vow has recently completed a new food design studio and laboratory in Sydney and has grown its team from five to 22 people in less than a year. “There’s no doubt that cultured meat is becoming available and will soon be mainstream, as evident earlier this month with the world’s first cultured meat product approved for sale in Singapore,” said George Peppou, co-founder and CEO of Vow. With the funding, Vow is looking to outperform meat instead of replacing it. “This is about so much more than an alternative to animal agriculture, it’s about a category of products totally distinct from, and better than, what animals are capable of producing,” added Peppou. Tim Noakesmith, Vow’s co-founder and chief commercial officer, said: “We believe that the only way to change the behaviour of billions of people is to make many products that are simply better than what we have today.” James Tynan at Square Peg Capital said: “In Vow, we found a team with the most audacious vision for the future of food. They’re tackling one of the biggest problems on the planet and have delivered results with less than 1% of the resources of its competitors. We’re thrilled to help them make this vision a reality.”

T. Hasegawa USA has acquired Mission Flavors & Fragrances, a manufacturer of flavour solutions for the food and beverage industries. According to T. Hasegawa USA, the deal aligns with its strategy to broaden its flavour portfolio within the dairy, bakery, plant-based alternatives, fruit-filling and confectionary categories. Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, Mission Flavors & Fragrances also offers solutions for health and wellness, meat, and prepared meal applications, among others. “The acquisition of Mission Flavors & Fragrances expands our technical capabilities and overall flavour portfolio so we can better serve our customers,” said Tom Damiano, CEO of T. Hasegawa USA. “We welcome their entire team, which is well known for its customer service excellence and aligns with our customer-centric focus." Patrick Imburgia, president of Mission Flavors & Fragrances, added: “The collaboration of resources, talent and innovation will be a tremendous recipe for success, expanding upon our existing capabilities. We know that T. Hasegawa USA's leading-edge technology, flavour modulation, reaction and thermal processing will benefit our customers.” The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Molson Coors has partnered with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Dany Garcia, Dave Rienzi and John Shulman to launch a new energy drink, Zoa. The healthy energy drink contains clean, natural caffeine from green coffee and green tea, antioxidants from camu camu and acerola, as well as a unique blend of vitamins and nutrients that support immune function and elevate energy levels. Molson Coors will be the exclusive distribution partner for all retail locations, as the company looks to expand its portfolio beyond beer. The company will enable Zoa to tap into vast distribution and retail channels, and offer beverage expertise and marketing support. “I’m very passionate about Zoa. I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve our eager consumers with Zoa..,” said Johnson. “My co-founders and I spent the last 18 months formulating this healthy and great tasting product that we could all use now more than ever.” “Ensuring we packed it with the critical vitamins and immune support we ourselves consume daily. Zoa is the world’s first and only healthy energy drink that contains our unique combination of 100% vitamin C, 100% vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12, and vitamin D, along with other vital ingredients. Johnson continued: “Zoa includes a host of nutrients that work to support our immune systems and provide us with a healthy dose of the caffeinated edge we need for focus, balance and success throughout our day. It’s truly our privilege to bring it to market for consumers to enjoy.”

Krispy Kreme has launched a line of mini doughnuts in the US this week, inspired by familiar desserts.  The limited-edition mini doughnuts collection features the following varieties: Lemon Bar, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake.  “Coming off 2020, celebrating any and all wins – including small ones – is a way we can keep each other’s spirits up,” said Krispy Kreme's chief marketing officer, Dave Skena. “Our Mini Dessert Doughnut Collection is a great way to celebrate the little wins to bring out the big smiles that keep us going.”

Alfa Laval has acquired Sandymount – a US-based beverage technology company with a unique and patented membrane technology to concentrate beer.  The Swedish company, which deals with heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, will help to open up new business opportunities for Sandymount, and enable a more sustainable beer-delivery supply chain.   "Sandymount's patented membrane technology, Revos, in combination with Alfa Laval's extensive product range for beer production, will enable beer producers to deliver high-quality beer in concentrated form," a press release said.  This solution will help to address the issues surrounding the transportation of beer supply. "This new technology is a valuable complement to Alfa Laval's portfolio of brewery solutions which will enable us to deliver processes for high-quality concentrated beer," said Nish Patel, president of the Food & Water Division. "Innovative and validated solutions like this will improve our customers' supply chains and thereby have a positive impact on both their bottom line and the environment." Ronan McGovern, founder of Sandymount, added: "The Revos technology has been verified and validated by major breweries and I am excited to see it become part of Alfa Laval and leverage the organisation's experience and global footprint in solution delivery". The newly acquired company, with its founder and employees, will be integrated into the Business unit Food Systems in the Food & Water Division.

Orkla Care's Health and Sports Nutrition Group subsidiary has acquired Norwegian sports nutrition brand Proteinfabrikken for an undisclosed sum. Proteinfabrikken sells a range of sports nutrition products such as protein bars, drinks and whey protein powders under its PF brand, and also sells and distributes a variety of other sports nutrition, food and fitness equipment brands and products. In 2019, Proteinfabrikken registered turnover of NOK 82 million ($9.6 million), with most of the sales to customers in Norway. Around half of the company's sales are made through the firm's own online store. Orkla Care was previously the second-largest shareholder in the company, as it acquired a 16.7% minority stake in Proteinfabrikken in 2014. As part of this new agreement, Orkla's Health and Sports Nutrition Group unit has now acquired 100% of the shares in Proteinfabrikken, including Orkla Care's initial interest. Johan Görgård, CEO of Health and Sports Nutrition Group said: “Health and Sports Nutrition Group holds a strong position in Sweden, while Proteinfabrikken has a strong presence in Norway. "Together, the companies will be a good fit, both in terms of their product portfolios and by giving us a solid base in Scandinavia.”