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  • Warburg Pincus backs Global Eggs with up to $1bn investment

    Private equity firm Warburg Pincus has agreed to invest up to $1 billion in Global Eggs, valuing the multinational table egg producer at $8 billion. The investment will be made through the Warburg Pincus Capital Solutions Founders Fund (WPCS FF). As part of the transaction, Allison Ross, principal at Warburg Pincus, will join Global Eggs’ board of directors. Founded in 2018 by executive chairman Ricardo Faria, Global Eggs operates more than 50 farms across the US, South America and Europe, with over 45 million birds. The company produces conventional, cage-free, free-range and specialty eggs and expects to produce more than 15 billion eggs this year. Global Eggs has expanded through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Its vertically integrated operations span pullet breeding, feed production, packaging and logistics. Faria said: "In under a decade, we have scaled Global Eggs to become the largest multinational producer and distributor of table eggs, and with Warburg Pincus' investment and ongoing support, we will accelerate our next chapter of growth in both new and existing markets". "We have proven our ability to execute in the United States, South America and Europe, and given Warburg Pincus' global reach, we believe they are the right partner to advance our long-term ambitions." Gaurav Seth, managing director and head of Capital Solutions, Americas at Warburg Pincus, commented: "Ricardo is an exceptional entrepreneur and we were aligned with his vision from day one to build on the company's strong foundation in a category supported by durable demand." Allison Ross, principal at Warburg Pincus, added: "Global Eggs has an exciting and significant opportunity ahead, and we look forward to leveraging our expertise to help the company enter new markets, drive efficiencies and strengthen its brands".

  • Cimbroni 33 Classic and Cimbroni 33 Coffee launch to redefine the Sambuca category in the UK

    A new era for Sambuca is underway with the UK debut of Cimbroni, positioned as the first true luxury Sambuca to enter the domestic drinks market. The brand aims to reposition the historic Italian spirit within the premium and super-premium space, aligning it more closely with categories such as Tequila and Gin rather than the traditional shot-led perception prevalent in the UK. The venture marks the first move into spirits for Julian Hearn, founder and CMO of multi-million-pound nutrition brand Huel. He co-founded Cimbroni alongside Kennet Newell-Hearn, a former professional rugby player and luxury spirits enthusiast. Together, the pair are targeting a reappraisal of Sambuca’s role in the back bar and in at-home consumption. Traditionally served in Italy as a digestivo – neat, with three coffee beans (con la mosca), or alongside espresso – Sambuca has long been associated with ritual and after-dinner occasions. Cimbroni seeks to retain this cultural heritage while modernising the serve and broadening its appeal to premium spirits drinkers. Central to the brand’s proposition is a production process designed to deliver greater depth and refinement than standard Sambuca expressions. Crafted with Organic Agave and a blend of botanicals including orris root, Damascus rose, myrrh, petitgrain and elderberry, the spirit is aged for 33 days in oak – a claimed category first – to build structure and complexity. The result, according to the founders, is a notably drier, deeper and more balanced profile intended for sipping rather than shooting. Julian Hearn said: "Sambuca has unfairly garnered a somewhat cheapened reputation as a ‘shot’ drink in the UK market, and we’re here to transform that, restoring the elegance it was originally created with in Italy centuries ago." Cimbroni launches with two 70cl SKUs, each priced at £45 RRP and available initially via the brand’s dedicated website. The varieties include: Cimbroni 33 Classic (40% ABV) – Aged for 33 days in oak and infused with eleven botanicals, including cardamom, clove, liquorice, cassia bark, star anise, fennel and elderflower. Organic Agave is used to enhance texture and balance. The liquid delivers layered anise, dry oak influence and a subtle smoky finish designed for slow sipping. Cimbroni 33 Coffee (38% ABV) – A darker, more robust interpretation that builds on the Classic’s botanical base with pronounced roasted coffee and burnt caramel notes. Oak ageing contributes warmth and length, positioning the variant as an after-dinner alternative to coffee liqueurs or traditional digestifs. Hearn commented: “At its core, Sambuca embodies ritual, clarity of flavour and celebration. Cimbroni refines these elements, bringing a level of craftsmanship and luxury that the category has never seen before.” Cimbroni is now available for UK-wide purchase direct-to-consumer at an RRP of £45 per 70cl bottle.

  • B&G Foods sells Green Giant US frozen vegetable line to Seneca Foods

    B&G Foods has sold its Green Giant US frozen vegetable product line to Seneca Foods as part of an ongoing strategy to sharpen its focus on core brands. Effective from yesterday (2 March 2026), the sale includes B&G’s frozen vegetable manufacturing operations in Yuma, Arizona. The company will retain its frozen vegetable production facilities in Irapuato, Mexico, and has entered into a co-pack agreement with Seneca through which it will continue to produce certain Green Giant frozen products for the New York-headquartered food group. Seneca Foods is a vertically integrated US-based food processor and distributor that specialises in a range of packaged fruit and vegetable products. The company partners with over 1,600 farms and employs more than 3,000 people across its 30 locations across North America. B&G previously sold its Green Giant US shelf-stable vegetable product line to Seneca in November 2023, and the Le Sueur US shelf-stable vegetable product line to McCall Farms in August 2025. Most recently, it agreed to sell the Green Giant and Le Sieur frozen and shelf-stable vegetable product lines in Canada to Nortera Foods . The Canada deal is expected to close during Q2 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Casey Keller, president and CEO of B&G Foods, commented: “We believe that reuniting the Green Giant US frozen product line with the Green Giant US shelf-stable product line under the ownership of Seneca Foods, one of the largest processors of fruits and vegetables in the United States, is an important next step for the future of the Green Giant brand”. Proceeds from this latest sale are expected to support the repayment of long-term debt and other general corporate purposes, such as the purchase of assets. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Top image: © Green Giant

  • JBS USA breaks ground on $150m expansion at Cactus beef plant

    JBS has officially broken ground on a $150 million expansion of its beef production facility in Cactus, Texas, marking a significant reinvestment in US beef processing capacity and rural infrastructure. The project will add a new, state-of-the-art fabrication floor and expand the plant’s ground beef room, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing overall production capacity at one of the company’s largest beef facilities. Construction is now underway, with completion expected in 2027. According to company leadership, the expansion is designed to position the Cactus facility for long-term competitiveness while creating additional opportunities for cattle producers, customers, team members and the surrounding communities. Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA, said: “This groundbreaking marks an exciting moment for JBS USA, our team in Cactus and cattle producers. The investment reflects our long-term commitment to the US beef industry and the rural communities where we live and work.” Located in the Texas Panhandle, the Cactus plant employs more than 3,600 team members and partners closely with regional cattle producers, purchasing approximately $3.3 billion in livestock annually. “By modernising and expanding our Cactus facility, we are ensuring that our business and the thousands of families who depend on it remain positioned for success now and in the future,” Batista Filho continued. State and local officials emphasised the economic significance of the expansion for Texas producers and the broader region, with State Representative Caroline Fairly stating that the project will be transformational for the area. In addition to infrastructure improvements, JBS USA has expanded its presence in rural communities through its Hometown Strong and Better Futures programmes. Since 2020, the company has invested more than $11 million in Cactus-area projects.

  • Birds Eye and Sauce Shop turn up the heat on frozen with flavour-first wings launch

    The frozen aisle is getting a flavour-forward upgrade as Birds Eye expands its high-growth Chicken Shop range through a branded collaboration with Sauce Shop. The new SKUs – Buffalo Hot Chicken Wings and Honey & Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings – are designed to capitalise on sustained demand for premium, customisable fakeaway occasions at home. Each 385g pack contains Birds Eye Chicken Shop wings paired with a dedicated Sauce Shop sachet, giving shoppers the ability to dial up heat, sweetness or smokiness to taste – a feature aimed squarely at younger, flavour-led consumers seeking restaurant-style experiences without delivery costs. The launch responds to continued growth in fakeaway missions, particularly among 18–34-year-olds, where flavour ranks as the top purchase driver in chicken-based occasions. Research shows more than half of younger shoppers actively vary flavour choices, while 40% say new flavours elevate the experience and make it feel more special. Positioned around quick service restaurant-style quality in frozen, the range delivers +28.8% value growth and +28% volume growth year on year, while recruiting new shoppers into frozen poultry. The products are designed for smaller group occasions, which account for 74% of fakeaways, and are compatible with air fryer cooking, a key purchase driver in the category. By pairing a high-performing frozen brand with a fast-growing ambient sauce specialist, the collaboration aims to drive cross-category interest, incremental basket spend and repeat purchase. Claire Sutton, marketing director at Birds Eye, comments: “Our Chicken Shop range has always been about bringing quick service restaurant-style quality into the frozen fixture and flavour sits at the heart of that. Partnering with Sauce Shop lets us bring the kind of sauces people obsess over online straight into the freezer aisle.” Sauce Shop has delivered +40.4% retail sales value growth in the past year, with significant gains in hot sauce and BBQ segments. Pam Digva, co-founder at Sauce Shop, adds: “This partnership is rooted in flavour. Pairing our best-loved Buffalo Hot and Honey & Chipotle BBQ profiles with quality wings gives people the freedom to tailor heat and flavour at home.

  • US group Tilray Brands acquires BrewDog in £33m deal

    Tilray Brands has acquired certain assets of BrewDog’s global platform, including the brand and related IP, UK brewing operations and 11 brewpubs in the UK and Ireland, for £33 million. Tilray – a CPG company headquartered in New York and specialising in beverages, cannabis and functional F&B products – has purchased BrewDog’s UK and Ireland assets after the Scottish brewer appointed advisory firm AlixPartners to seek a new buyer last month following continued losses, job cuts and closures of ten of its UK bars. Additionally, Tilray revealed it is currently separately negotiating to acquire certain BrewDog assets in the US and Australia, expected to be finalised in approximately 30 days. The acquisition will create a $500 million global craft beer and beverage platform, and is expected to generate around $200 million in annual net revenue for Tilray as it pursues international growth into new markets. On a combined basis, Tilray said it expects to see its diversified global business reach $1.2 billion in annual revenue. BrewDog, founded in 2007, is one of the UK’s largest independent craft beer brands. It is well known for its portfolio of portfolio of craft, premium and ‘low and no’ alcohol beer brands including its flagship Punk IPA. Earlier today, it was revealed that the company had closed all of its bars for the day to comply with licensing issues related to a change in ownership. For Tilray, which offers a diverse beverage portfolio spanning craft beer, spirits, energy drinks and more, the expansion into new markets is described as a ‘strategic priority and natural next phase of growth’. The addition of BrewDog accelerates this process by providing scaled brewing capacity outside of the US, enabling Tilray to benefit from an established international distribution network alongside BrewDog’s brewpub and hospitality infrastructure in the UK and select international markets. Irwin D Simon, chairman and CEO of Tilray Brands, said: “BrewDog is one of the most iconic, mission-driven craft beer brands in the UK. It helped redefine modern craft beer through bold innovation, fearless creativity and an unwavering commitment to great beer.” He added: “Tilray’s management brings operational and strategic expertise, a diversified global beverage infrastructure and a disciplined investment approach needed to unlock BrewDog’s next phase of growth…. Through this expanded platform, we see significant growth opportunity for BrewDog through broader distribution and the ability to invest back into brand and innovation, while introducing Tilray’s complementary beverage brands into international markets.” 484 jobs have been impacted by the deal, with national lead for hospitality at UK workers' union Unite, Bryan Simpson, describing the management of the rescue sale and its impact on staff a "national disgrace". Additionally, thousands of shareholders who have invested in the business through BrewDog's 'Equity for Punks' crowdfunding scheme will be set to lose their investments following completion of the acquisition. Members of staff impacted by the job cuts were informed during a 'hastily arranged' conference call with only 25 minutes notice, Unite said, with Tilray and the press reportedly informed of the sale before workers. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "This is a devastating day for BrewDog workers. Nearly 500 lost livelihoods while yet another corporate deal is stitched together behind closed doors." The union said it will be demanding 'urgent answers' from both Brewdog and Tilray with regards to the alleged lack of consultation with workers on redudancies, calling for full transparency around the sale process and unpaid wages.

  • Higgidy taps into global flavour and brunch trends with new quiche launches

    UK savoury pastry brand Higgidy has added two new sharing quiches and a single-serve mini quiche to its range ahead of the spring 2026 season. Targeting brunch occasions, the new Shakshuka inspired Red Pepper and Greek Feta Brunch Quiche combines Mediterranean tomato and red peppers with Belazu’s rose harissa paste in a seeded, spelt shortcrust pastry topped with a Greek feta and coriander crumb. Meanwhile, the Cypriot Halloumi and Chimichurri Quiche with Chilli taps into popular world flavours, combining extra mature cheddar cheese, parsley and spinach in a free-range egg filling. Baked in a seeded shortcrust pastry, the sharing quiche is topped with Cypriot halloumi tossed in an Argentinian-influenced chimichurri sauce. Also responding to the growing interest in global flavours, the new individually sized Extra Mature Cheddar & Kimchi Quiche with Spring Onions features a seeded shortcrust pastry filled with a tangy and savoury Korean-inspired filling. It is topped with a crumb that mixes the spicy, pickled flavour of kimchi with red Leicester cheese, cayenne pepper and paprika. Like all products in Higgidy’s range, the quiches are made using free range eggs and include no artificial flavourings or colourings. The two sharing quiches are priced at an RRP of £4.60 per 400g pack, while the mini quiche is priced at £3 for a 155g pack. They will be available in selected retailers from 8 April, with wider grocery rollout throughout the month.

  • Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America expands portfolio with new 8oz Ring Neck Bottles

    Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America, an operating business of Ardagh Group, has expanded its American-made glass packaging range with the launch of two newly designed 8-oz ring-neck food bottles. Targeted at dressings, sauces and marinades, the flint (clear) glass bottles are produced in the US and available for direct purchase from AGP-North America. The launch strengthens the company’s stock packaging portfolio at a time when food brands are increasingly seeking sustainable, premium packaging solutions that resonate with consumer expectations. The new 8-oz ring-neck bottles are available with either a lug or continuous thread (CT) finish, providing flexibility for a range of closure systems and filling operations. Designed to deliver clarity and shelf impact, the bottles are positioned as a premium yet practical option for brands looking to elevate product presentation in the competitive condiments and dressings category. Like all of Ardagh’s glass packaging, the bottles are 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss of purity or quality – a key attribute as circularity and material transparency remain top of mind across the food and beverage sector. “Ardagh Glass Packaging is pleased to offer these new 8oz ring neck bottles that deliver the clarity, durability and shelf appeal brands expect for their products,” said Rashmi Markan, chief commercial officer for AGP-North America. “These versatile glass bottles also provide the premium look in a trusted packaging material that consumers desire.” With more than 125 years of glass manufacturing heritage in the US, Ardagh continues to expand its stock portfolio across colours, sizes, styles and finishes. The addition of the 8oz ring neck format provides small- to mid-size brands, as well as larger CPG players, with a ready-to-scale packaging option manufactured domestically.

  • BrewDog closes all bars for the day as sale announcement anticipated

    Scottish craft beer company BrewDog has closed all of its bars for the day today (2 March 2026), with an announcement regarding the sale of the business expected early this week. The brewer appointed consultant firm AlixPartners last month following a turbulent period marked by continued losses and a significant restructuring of its operations. According to BBC News , an internal email sent to the group’s workforce by chief executive James Taylor has now confirmed that all bars will remain closed for the day to comply with licensing issues related to an anticipated change in ownership. The company was founded in 2007 by James Watt, who stepped down as CEO in 2024, and Martin Dickie, who left the business last year. It operates breweries and bars across Europe, the US and Asia, with around 60 venues in the UK. Last month, BrewDog revealed it would cease production of spirits at its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, in a move to simplify operations and sharpen its focus on beer and RTD cocktails. Ongoing financial challenges also saw the company close ten of its UK bars in 2025, in addition to hundreds of pubs delisting its flagship Punk IPA beer . The company announced job cuts last year following a £37 million loss in 2024, its fifth consecutive annual pre-tax loss. Though the brewer saw notable success at the height of the craft beer boom around 2017, it has since faced a series of challenges maintaining commercial viability as growth across the sector has slowed significantly, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. The brand has also faced controversy surrounding allegations of a ‘toxic’ workplace culture, with current chief executive Taylor undergoing efforts to restore the company’s reputation over the last couple of years. James Howell, managing director at corporate law firm Rubric Law, said BrewDog's decision to appoint advisers and run a competitive process is "about value discovery and deal certainty, not just finding a buyer". "Looking at BrewDog specifically, the triggers here appear investor-led and performance-driven rather than growth-driven," Howell commented. "That changes the dynamic – buyers will focus heavily on margin resilience, liabilities, lease exposure and operational efficiency, not just brand strength. I’ve seen plenty of deals where brand alone cannot bridge gaps in fundamentals." He warned that weak readiness is a key legal risk in such processes, with issues in due diligence having the potential to quickly affect valuation and derail momentum. "That risk is amplified where there is a large shareholder base, as alignment mechanics and drag provisions suddenly become critical to execution," he added. "For founders and SME owners watching this play out, my view is simple: strong exits are engineered, not improvised. The businesses that achieve the best outcomes in M&A are the ones that prepare before they ever launch a process." Further news on the sale's completion is now expected shortly, with Sky News reporting that Magners cider owner C&C Group and Danish brewing group Royal Unibrew are among the interested parties.

  • Scan Sverige acquires two northern Swedish slaughterhouses

    Scan Sverige has signed an agreement to acquire Delsbo Slakteri and Jämtlandsgården Livsmedel, marking a strategic expansion of its slaughtering capacity in northern Sweden. The move is part of a broader initiative by parent company Lantmännen to strengthen Swedish agriculture and livestock production, with a particular focus on unlocking growth potential in Norrland. The two businesses, owned by Mattias Norell and Thomas Gill through Delsbo Kött, together generate annual revenues of approximately SEK 190 million (approx. $20.9 million) and employ around 40 people. Both facilities specialise in the slaughter of beef and lamb, serving regional producers in an area increasingly viewed as pivotal to Sweden’s future meat supply. Lars Appelqvist, CEO of Scan Sverige, said: "To meet the increased demand for Swedish meat, investments are required". "Through the acquisitions of Delsbo and Jämtlandsgården, we are strengthening our production and slaughtering capacity in Norrland and creating better opportunities to grow together with our suppliers in a part of the country with particularly good conditions for increased Swedish meat production.” For parent company Lantmännen, the transaction is aligned with its long-term strategy to reinforce Sweden’s food value chain and national food security. Magnus Kagevik, president and CEO of Lantmännen, added: “The acquisitions are an important step in further strengthening Lantmännen’s position in the food value chain and driving growth in Swedish food production. Increased and competitive food production across the country creates value for agriculture and strengthens Sweden’s long-term food security.” Scan Sverige already maintains a long-standing collaboration with both Delsbo Slakteri and Jämtlandsgården. Under the new structure, the current owners will remain active in the business alongside the existing organisation, ensuring operational continuity and local expertise. Mattias Norell and Thomas Gill will also play a key role in an ongoing feasibility study examining the potential establishment of a new slaughterhouse in northern Sweden, an initiative that could further expand processing capacity in the region. Norell and Gill said in a joint statement: “We have had a well-functioning and good collaboration with Scan Sverige for many years. The acquisition means increased capacity and potential for Swedish meat production. We look forward to continuing to work together with employees and suppliers to ensure more Swedish meat from northern Sweden on the plate.” The transaction remains subject to approval by relevant authorities and is expected to be completed during the first half of 2026.

  • Prime Drink Group appoints Germain Turpin as interim CEO

    Prime Drink Group has appointed Germain Turpin as interim president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Alexandre Côté, who will step down from the role but remain on the company’s board of directors and oversee special projects. Turpin brings more than 20 years of experience in Québec’s water industry. A former owner of two water assets now held by Prime, he will focus on supporting the development and operational optimisation of the company’s water portfolio. He currently serves as a member of Prime’s board. The board thanked Côté for his contributions to the company’s operations and welcomed Turpin to the position. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Prime Drink Group operates in the bottled water and beverage sector, focusing on the acquisition, development and optimisation of water sources and related assets. This announcement follows Prime Drink Group’s binding letter of intent, signed last April, to acquire a majority stake in functional drinks brand Relax Downlow .

  • Starbucks launches RTD coffee and protein range

    Starbucks is expanding its ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio with the launch of Starbucks Coffee & Protein, a new line combining Starbucks coffee with added nutrition. Each 12oz bottle contains 22g of complete protein, 5g of prebiotic fibre, five vitamins and minerals and 2g of sugar. The products, which will launch nationwide in the US on 23 March, will be available in two flavours: Classic Caffè and Caffè Mocha, with a suggested retail price of $3.99. Distribution will include grocery, online, convenience and gas station channels. The range was developed through the North American Coffee Partnership (NACP), the joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo. Brian Smith, senior director of brand marketing at NACP, said: “Consumers are looking for wellness solutions that fit seamlessly into their morning routines. Starbucks Coffee & Protein delivers both great taste and nutrients, offering 22g of complete protein and 5g of prebiotic fiber in a convenient, ready-to-drink bottle that supports busy lifestyles.” The launch follows the introduction of Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foams in Starbucks coffeehouses across the US and Canada last year. Alongside the Coffee & Protein range, Starbucks will introduce additional RTD products on 23 March. These include Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Zero Sugar, available in French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate flavours, containing under 100 calories per 15oz can and priced at $3.59. The company is also adding Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato to its RTD Frappuccino Lite line. The 9.5oz product contains 100 calories and no added sugars and will retail at a suggested price of $2.99. Existing Frappuccino Lite flavours include Sea Salt Caramel Gelato, Creamy Vanilla Gelato and Double Chocolate Gelato.

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