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Nº 68 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2026 £ 25 / € 30

Intersnack to take Utz Brands private Transaction values US salty snack business at $2.9 billion

Platinum Equity, Nestle to form waters joint venture New Peranel venture to have enterprise value of $5.6 billion

Tradeshow Insight InterTabac 2026 The London Food & Drink Festival 2026

Insight by Gama Compass

Est. 2013—ISSN 2055—205 X

Functional, no added sugar claims ticking up in kids’ food and drink

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

LOOK AHEAD

Mithun Appaiah Wow! Momo Foods

Fabio Cordella Fabio Cordella Group

Jean-Gabriel Mollard SIAL 2026

Yannick Verry Fi Europe 2026

Editorial

CEO & Executive Editor Cesar Pereira In this issue's Insight by Gama Compass (page 14), we explore changing dynamics in the children’s food and drink sector as product launches increasingly embrace the functional foods agenda. With parents progressively filtering their children’s dietary requirements through the lens of their own health preoccupations, positive health associations – most notably around protein, fibre, and reduced sugar – are taking centre stage, competing directly for consumer attention with more established claims highlighting the avoidance of artificial additives. Elsewhere in this edition, we pass on vital wisdom and inspiration to the leaders of the future via exclusive interviews with two seasoned industry figures and serial entrepreneurs: Mithun Appaiah of Wow! Momo Foods and Fabio Cordella of the Fabio Cordella Group. Both share their top tips, lifetime learnings, and strategic advice for navigating today's fast-moving consumer landscape. Read more on pages 10 and 36. Looking ahead to an action-packed Q4, we sit down with the directors of SIAL and Fi Europe to uncover why these industry showstoppers remain unmissable, while getting an exclusive sneak peek at the breakthrough product innovations and disruptive market trends set to define their show floors this autumn. For the full previews, check out pages 44 and 45. Finally, with the Gama Innovation Conference and Awards (GICA) in Manchester just around the corner, final preparations are officially underway. We are especially excited to mark the return of the Gama Innovation Box, offering ambitious suppliers a direct route to market through connections with key international buyers across retail, hospitality and travel, alongside the second edition of the Gama Speed Pitch, where up to 12 innovative start-ups and scale-ups will deliver compelling 3-minute pitches to an elite panel of over 50 global investors. We hope to see you there! Cesar Pereira CEO, Gama

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IN THIS EDITION

Summary

Industry Insight: Mithun Appaiah

Intersnack to take Utz Brands private

14 Insight by Gama Compass: Functional, no added sugar claims ticking up in kids’ food and drink

Gama Innovation Conference & Awards 2026

Tradeshow Insight: InterTabac 2026

Retail Roundup: H-E-B, Morrisons, Cencosud

Industry Insight: Fabio Cordella

Tradeshow Insight: The London Food & Drink Festival 2026

Look Ahead: NACS Show 2026 World Vape Show Dubai 2026

Look Ahead: SIAL 2026

45 Look Ahead: Fi Europe 2026 UPCOMING EVENTS

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INTERSNACK TO TAKE UTZ BRANDS PRIVATE USA: TRANSACTION VALUES UTZ BRANDS AT $2.9 BILLION Intersnack Group, the German savoury snacks manufacturer, has agreed to acquire Utz Brands, the US salty snacks producer in a transaction valuing the business at approximately $2.9 billion. Under the deﬁnitive agreement, Intersnack will purchase all outstanding shares of Utz’s Class A common stock for $14.25 per share in cash representing a premium of approximately 91% to its closing share price on the 20th July 2026. Following completion, Utz will become a privately held company jointly owned by Intersnack and the Rice and Lissette family entities, with each holding a 50% stake, and its shares will subsequently be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The deal will provide Intersnack with its ﬁrst presence in the US snack market. Johan van Winkel, executive chairman of Intersnack Group said: “We have long admired Utz’s brands, its heritage and the strength of its team. Together with the Rice and Lissette family and Utz’s management and associates, we see a tre-

USA: PMI OPENS COLORADO MANUFACTURING CAMPUS

Philip Morris International (PMI), the international tobacco and nicotine company has officially opened its $1.2 billion manufacturing campus in Aurora, Colorado. The 780,000 sq ft facility, located on a 148-acre site, represents PMI U.S. first greenfield manufacturing complex in the United States and began

mendous opportunity to build on Utz’s strong foundation and help shape the future of snacking in North America". The acquisition will be ﬁnanced through approximately $920 million in cash from Intersnack, a new $1.1 billion term loan facility, borrowings under a $250 million asset-based lending facility, equity rolled over by the Rice and Lissette family, and the reinvestment of part of the proceeds from a $44 million tax receivable agreement settlement. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory clearance and shareholder approval.

By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Foodbev Image source: Intersnack / Utz Brands (montage)

full commercial production in July 2026. Designed to expand domestic production capacity for Zyn nicotine pouches, the campus integrates production, packaging, warehousing, distribution and operations, supporting markets across Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The investment, originally announced as a $600 million project in 2024, doubled in planned capital expenditures through 2028 to include manufacturing equipment, infrastructure, facility development and future production expansion. Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI US, stated: “Aurora represents an important milestone for PMI U.S. and our continued in‐ vestment in our business here. This facility expands our pro-

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duction capacity, strengthens our supply chain, and enhances our ability to serve growing demand in the United States and around the world”. The facility is expected to directly employ approximately 500 people, with PMI estimating the site will support around 1,000 indirect jobs. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Tobacco Reporter Image source: Philip Morris International

SWITZERLAND: NESTLE TO CLOSE HUNGARY CONFECTIONERY FACTORY

Nestle, the Swiss food and beverage corporation, has an‐ nounced plans to close its confectionery manufacturing fa‐ cility in Diosgyor, Hungary by the end of the year due to a decline in demand for seasonal chocolate products.

The site primarily manufactures chocolate hollow ﬁgures for major brands such as Smarties, KitKat and Milky Bar. According to the company, falling demand in recent years has led to a signiﬁcant reduction in output at the plant. The Diosgyor facility accounts for less than 3% of Nestle’s total revenue in Hungary and under 1% of its local production volume. Originally opened in 1962, the factory became part of Nestle in 1991 and exports products to more than 20 countries. Nestle stated that it has initiated discussions regarding a potential sale of the site, expressing a desire to transfer the facility to “an investor who wishes to continue confectionery production”. A Nestle spokesperson noted that the aim is to ensure “as many colleagues as possible” can transition to the new owner. Production of its hollow chocolate products will be transferred to a co-manufacturer in the UK. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Food & Beverages Business Image source: Nestle

USA: VITA COCO TO ACQUIRE COPRA FOR AN ESTIMATED $175 MILLION

UK: TESCO TRIALS SHELF-SCANNING ROBOTS The Vita Coco Company, the US-based beverage manufacturer, has acquired US-based super-premium coconut water producer Copra for an upfront consideration of $175 million subject to customary closing adjustments. The acquisition gives Vita Coco a platform to enter the superpremium cold-chain segment of the coconut water category where it does not currently compete. Copra, which utilizes an extract-and-fill-on-site operating model supported by a factory in Thailand, generated a net sales CAGR of 48% over the past three years in the coldchain coconut water segment. The business expects full-year 2026 net sales to exceed $100 million. Copra’s sales are predominantly in the Americas presenting opportunities for international expansion and branded growth. Michael Kirban, co-founder and executive chairman of Vita Coco, commented: “Copra brings specialized capabilities, deep sourcing expertise and a super-premium offering that can help us serve more consumers, and expand our market share while continuing to help shape and lead the category’s continued global growth". The transaction closed on 22nd July 2026. The upfront purchase price consisted of 80% cash on hand and the remainder in Vita Coco common stock, with additional earnout con‐ sideration to be paid in 2029 based on 2028 financial per‐ formance, featuring a floor of $45 million and a cap of $100 million. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source / image source: Vita Coco

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Tesco, the UK grocery giant, is trialling an autonomous robot named Tally to roam supermarket aisles and scan shelves for out-of-stock items, misplaced goods and pricing errors.

Manufactured by Simbe Robotics, a US-based retail technology developer, the fivefoot-tall robot utilises artificial intelligence, computer vision and cameras to independently navigate store aisles. The collected data regarding stock availability, positioning and pricing is transmitted directly to store teams, allowing staff to respond quickly to replenish shelves. According to Tesco, the robots are intended to identify shelf gaps and provide workers with better information to improve overall product availability. Simbe claims that Tally can detect up to 10 times more out-ofstock products than manual audits and has identified more than 607 million instances of unavailable products globally. The pilot is currently underway in a single Tesco store, with plans to expand to a small number of additional locations. Tesco is not the first UK supermarket to test this technology, with rival chain Morrisons having initiated a trial of the same robot in three stores last year to verify displayed stock, pricing and compliance. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Retail Gazette / Grocery Gazette Image source: Tesco

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PLATINUM EQUITY, NESTLE TO FORM BOTTLED WATER JV SWITZERLAND: NEW PERANEL VENTURE TO HAVE ENTERPRISE VALUE OF $5.6 BILLION Platinum Equity, a global investment ﬁrm, and Nestle, the food and beverage group have announced plans to create a 50 / 50 joint venture named Peranel for the Nestle Waters and premium beverages business. Assigning an enterprise value of $5.6 billion (€4.9 billion) to Peranel, the transaction covers a portfolio of more than 30 brands sold in 120 countries, including S.Pellegrino, Source Perrier, Acqua Panna and Nestle Pure Life. Headquartered in Paris, the standalone business will be led by CEO Muriel Lienau and includes an in-house R&D team that has contributed to approximately 120 launches since 2022. Commenting on the deal, Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestle, said: “By partnering with Platinum Equity, Peranel will be better positioned to execute its strategy

USA: HENKEL EXPANDS HAIR CARE PRESENCE WITH OLAPLEX ACQUISITION

Henkel, the German consumer goods giant, has completed the acquisition of premium hair care brand Olaplex. Following the fulﬁlment of all closing conditions and required regulatory approvals, the brand is now fully part of Henkel’s consumer brands business. Olaplex is a premium channel hair care brand with a scienceled portfolio spanning professional hair care community chan-

with enhanced agility. Through additional focus, it will be well equipped to drive its long-term growth ambitions by strengthening this unique port-folio of international and local brands, with continued investments in innovation, premiumisation, operational excellence and sustainability”. Subject to employee consultation processes and applicable regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the ﬁrst half of 2027.

By: Innovation Editor – Europer Source: Platinum Equity Image source: Nestle

nels, specialty retail and e-commerce. In the ﬁscal year 2025, Olaplex generated approximately €370 million ($395 million) in sales with a strong gross margin, split between the USA and international markets. Commenting on the acquisition, Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel stated: “The successful closing of the Olaplex acquisition marks an important milestone in the execution of our purposeful growth agenda. After having streamlined our portfolio over the past years, we are now adding back size and scale”. Amanda Baldwin, CEO of Olaplex, added: “Together with Henkel, we have the opportunity to accelerate our innovation, expand our global reach and continue delivering the high-performance products our stylists, partners and consumers know and love”.

USA: COTY SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR EARLY TRANSITION OF GUCCI BEAUTY LICENSE

Coty, the USA-based beauty company, has entered into an agreement to transition the Gucci Beauty license back to Kering for a consideration of approximately $400 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Coty will continue to operate the Gucci Beauty brand until at least 30th June 2027, ending the license approximately one year ahead of the original license term.

By: Innovation Editor – North America Source / image source: Henkel Gama Information Services Ltd.

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As part of the agreement, Coty received $250 million in cash at signing and will receive an additional $150 million no later than 30th September 2027. Of this additional amount, up to $30 million is contingent on certain criteria. The company has also agreed to sell to Kering an amount of Gucci Beauty inventory sufficient to support the transition. Furthermore, Coty and Kering have agreed to a mutual resolution of all pending litigation and related claims concerning the Gucci Beauty license. Markus Strobel, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of Coty, said: “This agreement delivers a favorable outcome to conclude the Gucci Beauty license, enabling Coty to redeploy capital and focus on our priority brands. It recognizes the substantial value created in Gucci Beauty under our stewardship and enhances our financial flexibility”. Coty originally acquired the Gucci Beauty license in 2016. The transaction proceeds will be used to support debt reduction, investment in its core prestige fragrance and beauty portfolio and organizational optimi-

zation to reﬂect the new scope of the business. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Coty (via BusinessWire) Image source: Coty / Kering (montage)

DENMARK: CARLSBERG AND SAPPORO TO FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Carlsberg, the Danish brewing giant, has entered into an agreement with Sapporo, the Japanese beverage company, to form a major strategic joint venture across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, alongside a partnership in the UK. The joint venture will encompass Carlsberg’s existing operations in Hong Kong, Singa-

pore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, holding perpetual exclusive rights to produce and distribute Sapporo Premium Beer across these markets. Additionally, Sapporo will licence Carlsberg to produce and distribute the brand in the UK and Myanmar under long-term agreements. Carlsberg will hold a 75% stake in the joint venture and retain full operational control in the markets, receiving a gross cash consideration of $643 million from Sapporo, which will hold the remaining 25% stake. Carlsberg CEO Jacob AarupAndersen commented: “The new joint venture and long-term strategic partnership add Sapporo’s premium Japanese brand to Carlsberg’s strong portfolio […] enabling us to accelerate our growth ambitions in these important markets”. Completion of the transaction remains subject to required regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Carlsberg / Sapporo (via Webwire) Image source: Carlsberg / Sapporo (montage)

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

IN BRIEF Avallon MBO, the Polish private equity fund, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Polish cosmetics ﬁrm Inglot. Established over 40 years ago, Inglot operates a business model based on in-house production and independent product development, and has a global presence. Source: Portal Spozywczy / Wiadomosci Kosmetyczne Danone, the French dairy and drinks multinational, is expanding its presence in Asia-Paciﬁc. The company has agreed to fully acquire MADE Group, an Australia-based nutrition company, and will also purchase the remaining 49% stake in its

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existing fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia. Source: Danone Itoham Yonekyu, the Japanese conglomerate, has entered into an agreement to purchase New Zealand meat ﬁrm Greenlea Group. The transaction includes Greenlea Premier Meats and Greenlea’s interest in the Waitoa Estate. Source: FMCG Business / Rural Life De Cecco, the Italian pasta manufacturer, has signed a binding agreement to fully acquire RossoGargano, an agricultural consortium and tomato processor based in Foggia. The deal allows De Cecco to secure full control of its supply chain. Source: Italian Food.net / Intesa Sanpaolo

USA: KROGER TO ACQUIRE GIANT EAGLE Kroger, the US retail giant, has signed a deﬁnitive agreement to acquire regional competitor Giant Eagle, a US food and pharmacy retailer, in a transaction valued at $1.65 billion.

According to a company statement, the transaction consists of $1.25 billion in cash consideration alongside the assumption of approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities. The deal, which has been unanimously approved by Kroger’s board of directors, is funded entirely with cash. Giant Eagle currently generates approximately $9 billion in annual sales. The family-owned business operates a footprint consisting of 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. The transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory clearance, which is anticipated to require limited Giant Eagle store divestitures. RBC Capital Markets is serving as exclusive ﬁnancial advisor to Kroger, while Wells Fargo is advising Giant Eagle. Kroger chief executive ofﬁcer Greg Foran commented: “Giant Eagle expands our reach into attractive adjacent markets, allowing us to do what we do best: Run outstanding stores, deliver fresh foods and convenient meal solutions at affordable prices, and take care of our customers and associates every single day”.

By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Kroger (via PR Newswire) Image source: Kroger / Giant Eagle (montage)

INDIA: L’OREAL TO ACQUIRE MAJORITY STAKE IN INNOVIST

L’Oreal, the world’s leading beauty player, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Innovist, a digital-first personal care house of brands in India. Founded in 2019, Innovist is a science-led company behind skincare and hair care brands such as Bare Anatomy and Chemist at Play. Under the agreement, Innovist’s founding team will remain in place as minority shareholders to continue operating and scaling the business in collaboration with L’Oreal India. The brands will become part of L’Oreal’s Consumer Products Division portfolio, and L’Oreal will start consolidating Innovist sales from the date of the closing of the transaction. The deal is expected to be completed in the next few months, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Commenting on the investment, L’Oreal chief executive officer Nicolas Hieronimus said: “Our investment in this innovative Indian start-up is a clear testament to our unwavering commitment to expanding L’Oréal’s footprint in India”. Rohit Chawla, CEO and founder of Innovist, added: “This partnership with L’Oréal brings together a deep alignment in this vision and product philosophy, with the global scientific inno-

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vation resources to grow this ambition”. By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source: L’Oreal Image source: L'Oreal / Innovist (montage)

JAPAN: COCA-COLA TO LAUNCH “BEANLESS” RTD COFFEE SUBSTITUTE Coca-Cola, the soft drinks multinational is introducing a “beanless” coffee substitute in Japan this September under its Georgia ready-to-drink label.

The product, which will be named Cafe Water, represents the enterprise’s first product of its kind anywhere in the world and enters the market as a chilled, canned beverage. The launch addresses long-term agricultural sustainability challenges linked to climate change, with projections indicating that the global land area suitable for Arabica coffee cultivation could shrink by 50% by 2050. The production model reportedly substitutes traditional agricultural beans with structural flavour enhancers and dietary fibre derived from corn. To comply with local regulations for drinks containing no coffee beans, the business is avoiding coffee bean graphics on the product packaging. A spokesperson for Coca-Cola Japan commented: “You can enjoy the distinctive aroma and flavor of coffee while drinking it as lightly as water”. Separately, Asahi is also preparing to introduce a plant-based, coffee alternative branded Future Latte later this year.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT MITHUN APPAIAH Gama spoke to Mithun Appaiah, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, Wow! Momo Foods How did you adapt the Wow! Momo restaurant experience for retail shelves and home kitchens? The biggest challenge was taking a product consumers were used to enjoying fresh at a restaurant and making that experience work at home. We therefore looked beyond the product to the entire eating experience. One key innovation was our microwaveable tray, which gives consumers multiple ways to prepare the momos – they can steam them traditionally in a cooker or steamer, or simply mi‐ crowave them for convenience. The idea was simple: convenience should not come at the cost of the eating experience. We took the core of the Wow! Momo restaurant proposition and redesigned the product and packaging around how consumers actually want to eat it at home.

" Quick commerce has changed more than our route to market; it has become an important source of consumer insight " What operational foundations were most critical when building an FMCG arm within an established restaurant group? Redesigning the product was only one part of the transition. Building

an FMCG business required us to rethink the operating model behind it. For frozen products, one of the biggest challenges is the cold chain. The product has to move from manufacturing to warehouse, distributor and retailer while maintaining the right temperature at every stage. That means dedicated freezer vehicles, disciplined handling and strong inventory control. Shelf life adds another layer of com‐ plexity. Modern trade and other organised channels can be very stringent about the remaining shelf life they will accept – often requiring stock to have more than 70% of its shelf life remaining. So forecasting, production planning and inventory rotation become critical; producing the product is only half the job. Alongside this, we need the commercial engine – distributor relationships, retail execution, trade marketing and digital commerce – to ensure the product reaches the consumer efﬁciently. So the transition wasn't simply from restaurant to retail. We had to build a system that could deliver the right product, at the right temperature, with enough shelf life, through the right channel – consistently and at scale. How has the rapid growth of 10minute quick-commerce changed your product innovation and packaging strategy? Quick commerce has changed more than our route to market; it has become an important source of consumer insight and product innovation. The speed and granularity of the channel helps us understand emerging occasions, pack

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sizes, price points and ﬂavour preferences – and then use those insights to develop products around them. For example, we developed our Any Time Momo pack for quick commerce to cater to the singleserve consumption occasion. We also introduced Peri Peri Smileys exclusively on Swiggy Instamart, using the platform to create a differentiated, impulse-led product. So we increasingly see quick commerce not just as a distribution channel, but as a consumer laboratory – a place to identify new occasions, test propositions and learn quickly before scaling successful innovations.

FUTURE LEADERS In today's volatile markets, velocity gets you noticed, but discipline keeps you alive. Sustainable scale requires bridging global vision with relentless execution. First, earn true brand loyalty through repeat purchases rather than relying on incentives. Second, adopt a glocal mindset that combines global standards with tailored strategies. Third, protect cash ﬂow and operational efﬁciency as your ultimate moat against shocks. Finally, foster a culture of accountable owners to outlast shifting cycles.

By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source: Nikkei / Viable Earth / Coffee Factz Image source: Coca-Cola

Bimbo Bakeries USA, the US baking company owned by Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, has part‐ nered with Hershey to launch a co-branded cake and pastry collection across the USA.

USA: JBS TO CLOSE TWO FACILITIES

JBS, the global meat company, has announced the planned closure of two of its facilities in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The closures will affect a beef production facility located in Souderton (PA), which is a suburb of Philadelphia, alongside a value-added facility based in Memphis (TN). According to the company, these operational changes are part of a broader strategy focused on growth, modernization and long-term competitiveness in the USA. Production from the two af‐ fected sites will be absorbed into other operations across its network, ensuring continuity of supply and service for customers. Commenting on the closures, JBS USA CEO Wesley Batista Filho stated: “These decisions are never easy because they directly affect our team members and the communities where we operate. […] At the same time, we must ensure our operations are efﬁcient, modern, and positioned to compete”. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source / image source: JBS

USA: BIMBO PARTNERS WITH HERSHEY FOR CO-BRANDED CAKES AND PASTRY RANGE

Following a debut in Mexico, the new range is scheduled to launch in American convenience stores this year. The collection is described as combining the baked goods expertise of the Marinela and Bimbo brands with Hershey’s chocolate and includes Hershey’s Snack Cakes, Pinguinos, Mantechox and Crossantines Minis. The products will be available for an RRP of $1.99. Commenting on the collaboration, Paula Flores, senior brand manager for Marinela at Bimbo Bakeries USA, said: “Pairing the timeless, fun spirit of Marinela® and Bimbo® with the beloved taste of Hershey’s creates something truly special – a combination our consumers have been waiting for”. Bimbo Bakeries USA employs more than 20,000 U.S. associates and operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Bimbo (via PR Newswire) Image source: Bimbo

INDIA: HALEON ANNOUNCES FIRST MANUFACTURING FACILITY

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Haleon, the consumer health company, has announced plans to establish its first manufacturing facility in India. The state-of-the-art greenfield site will be located at Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh and is spread across more than 40 acres in the Smart Industrial Park. The total investment for the strategic oral health-focused facility is approximately 2,000 crore INR, equivalent to £175 million ($215 million). Designed on Haleon’s new global advance blueprint, the factory will feature futureready automated manfacturing capabilities and is expected to be operational by 2029–30. According to the company, the project is projected to create up to 500 jobs alongside indirect employment opportunities. The investment will enable supply across India as well as key export markets in wider Asia. Haleon CEO Brian McNamara commented: “India is a key strategic market for Haleon and an important driver of our longterm growth. This investment strengthens our local manufacturing footprint and expands our reach in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer health markets”. By: Innovation Editor – Asia Pacific Source / image source: Haleon

FRANCE: FERRERO INVESTS TO MODERNISE FACILITIES, LAUNCH NUTELLA COOKIES

Ferrero France, the French subsidiary of the Italian confectionery group, has announced a new €30 million ($32.1 million) in‐ vestment at its Nieppe factory in Hauts-de-France, operated by afﬁliated company Biscuits Delacre, to launch Nutella Cookies.

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This funding will back the installation of a production line unique to the European market. The announcement marks the latest stage of a broader industrial plan by the group, which has invested nearly €210 million ($225 million) in France since 2021. This historical total includes a €15 million ($16 million) industrial and environmental modernization of its Villers-Ecalles site in Normandy – which produces 26% of the world’s Nutella chocolate spread – alongside a separate €15 million ($16 million) investment into a new 3kg Nutella packaging line for professionals. Mauro de Felip, managing director of Ferrero France, commented: “The investments announced today translate our willingness to pursue a sustainable and concrete development on the territory, by reinforcing our industrial capacities, by supporting the innovation of our brands – such as the launch of Nutella Cookies on the French market – and by contributing sustainably to the economic dynamism of the regions in which we operate”. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Ferrero

INDIA: COCA-COLA EXPLORES HINDUSTAN COCA-COLA HOLDINGS PUBLIC LISTING

The move will involve selling a portion of The Coca-Cola Company’s shareholding in HCCH, which is the parent company of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), its largest bottler in India. The transaction follows a July 2025 deal where Jubilant Bhartia Group, an Indian family-owned conglomerate, acquired a 40% stake in HCCH. Sanket Ray, president, India and Southwest Asia and emerging large markets lead for The Coca-Cola Company, commented: “Under the leadership of our trusted partners in Jubilant Bhartia Group, following the listing the bottler will be well placed to continue to pursue growth”. Established in 1997, HCCH and its operating subsidiary HCCB operate 14 bottling plants across 10 Indian states. The company prepares, packages, distributes and sells sparkling and still beverages, including CocaCola, Sprite and Fanta. CocaCola has retained Rothschild & Co to advise on the potential listing. By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source / image source: CocaCola

GERMANY: NESTLE TO FULLY ACQUIRE YFOOD LABS Nestle, the global food industry giant, has agreed to fully acquire yfood Labs GmbH, one of Europe’s leading ‘smart food’ brands.

Coca-Cola, the US total beverage ﬁrm, has announced it is exploring a potential public listing in India for Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH). According to a company statement, the potential listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India is targeted for 2027.

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Nestle has held a 49% minority stake in the German ready-todrink meals business since 2023. Subject to customary approvals, the remaining shares held by the founders are expected to transfer to Nestle with effect from 3rd July 2026. While the ﬁnancial terms of the transaction will ofﬁcially not be disclosed, the Financial Post said the deal valued yfood at $523 million. Full ownership will allow Nestle to leverage its global infrastructure, international distribution network, and operational scale to accelerate yfood’s growth. The brand offers nutritionally complete ready-to-drink meals across 30 countries at more than 50,000 points of sale, largely in Europe. Driven by strong brand building, expanded distribution, and continuous product innovation, yfood generated approximately €150 million ($174 million) in sales during 2025, representing double-digit yearon-year growth. The company is currently preparing for its next phase of growth, including the brand’s expansion into new markets beyond Europe. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Nestle / Food Dive / Latham & Watkins Image source: Nestle/ Yfood Labs (montage)

USA: TARGET OPENS LARGEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN COLORADO

Target, the US retail corporation, has expanded its logistics

network with the launch of its newest and largest food distribution center in Thornton (CO). Representing a $367 million investment, the 529,000 sq m temperature-controlled facility will service 129 stores across 11 states. The facility is expected to employ 383 Target team members and features 12 banana ripening rooms. According to Target, the facility will replenish locations up to two days faster, ensuring fresher products and more consistently stocked shelves. The Thornton facility is Target’s ninth food distribution centre nationwide and its fourth to open in just three years. Crucially, it is the retailer’s ﬁrst facility equipped with consolidation capabilities. A dedicated section will combine separate shipments from different vendors into fully loaded trucks, a system that reduces transportation volume and costs across the network while streamlining the unloading process at other locations.

Amy Probst, senior vice president of food and beverage supply chain, trade and transportation at Target, stated: “This is an investment in the future of food and beverages at Target. We’re advancing and expanding our fresh supply chain capabilities so that guests can rely on us for all their high-quality meals, snacks and seasonal treats”. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source / image source: Target

UK: BOOTS LAUNCHES MEAL DEAL RANGE CATERING TO GLP-1 USERS Boots, the UK health and beauty retailer, has introduced a new healthy on-the-go food range called Boost by Boots, designed to offer nutritionally balanced options at lunchtime, speciﬁcally targeting GLP-1 users. The

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new range of 15 products, including sandwiches, salads and sushi, is available as part of the Boots meal deal range. The product rollout follows research conducted by Boots Online Doctor among 1,000 GLP-1 users, which highlighted the challenges of meeting dietary needs on the go. The study revealed that 70% of GLP-1 users purchase food on the go at least twice a week, with high protein and lower calorie options being key considerations. The range was crafted with support from the company’s inhouse nutrition team to offer protein and ﬁbre focused options alongside controlled calories, fat, saturated fat and salt. The new items include varieties such as a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, a Butter Chicken Wrap, an Egg Shakshuka Rainbow Salad and Sweet Chilli Prawn Dragon Rolls. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Boots

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INSIGHT BY GAMA COMPASS

FUNCTIONAL, NO ADDED SUGAR CLAIMS TICKING UP IN KIDS' FOOD & DRINK

Children’s food and drink launches are increasingly embracing the functional foods agenda, rapidly catching up with the wider consumer landscape – a shift that suggests that, to a certain extent at least, parents are progressively filtering their children’s dietary requirements through the lens of their own health preoccupations. In this month’s Insight by Gama Compass, we explore the changing dynamics in the children’s food and drink sector, noting how positive health associations – most notably around protein, fibre, and reduced sugar – are taking centre stage, competing directly for consumer attention with more established claims such as those highlighting the avoidance of artificial additives.

A close examination of innovation data reveals a telling evolution in how manufacturers go about communicating health to parents. For nearly a decade, claims focused on the removal of ‘health nasties’ – specifically "no artificial flavours” and “no artificial colours" alongside "gluten-free", which followed a remarkably synchronised path in children’s launches. Both claim sets experienced rapid adoption from the 2015-2017 period, rising to appear on over 30% of global kids' food and drink launches between 2021 and 2023. However, in the 2024– 26 YTD period, both have pulled back to around 28%.

15.6% to 22.8% of launches, while "high protein" claims rose from 19.4% to 23.9%. By contrast, across the broader food and drink market, high ﬁbre increased more modestly from 11.5% to 14.6%, while high protein rose from 16.8% to 24.0%. This highlights how aggressively the children's category is adapting to functional trends that were once the exclusive domain of adult wellness. Good4UKids Breakfast Boosts reect a shift towards healthy, plant-based positioning in kids' food and drink

This modest decline does not mark a return to artificial ingredients; rather, it reflects a pivot over the past three years away from purely defensive claims towards affirmative, nutrient-centric messaging. Parents, this suggests, are increasingly looking for positive dietary additions that mirror their own nutritional priorities. Over the same time-frame, "high fibre" claims in children's products surged from

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" Snacks are now viewed as convenient vehicles for delivering missing daily nutrients " Snacks, in particular, have emerged as a critical vector for delivering functional benefits to young consumers. In the children’s category, snacks are nearly three times more likely than general market launches to feature a high fibre claim, indexing nearly twice as high as more obvious categories like bakery. This underscores a fundamental shift in parental perception: snacks are no longer viewed merely as hunger fillers or indulgence treats, but as convenient vehicles for delivering missing daily nutrients. Alongside dairy and dairy drinks, snacking has also become a primary hotspot for high protein claims tar-

to 18.2%. This indicates that while plant-based claims may be stabilising or consolidating in adult categories, the children's sector is actively embracing a maturing trend. This historical deﬁcit suggests that plant-based positioning in the children's sector retains signiﬁcant room for medium or long-term growth.

Select claims in children's food & non-alcoholic drink launches, 2015- 2026 YTD6D

no added sugar

high protein

high ﬁbre

geted at younger demographics. Concurrently, the growth of "no added sugar" positioning in children's products has been remarkable. Driven by widespread parental concern over reﬁned sugars in particular, "no added sugar" claims in kids' launches expanded rapidly from 7.8% in 2015–17 to 26.0% in 2024–26 YTD. While the broader food and drink market also saw expansion in sugar-reduction claims, rising from 4.4% to 12.4%, the movement in children’s products has been far more pronounced. Today, "no added sugar" appears more than twice as frequently on children's items as it does on general food

" Plant-based positioning in the children's sector retains room for growth "

vegan

and beverage launches. Furthermore, it functions as an anchor claim, routinely co-occurring alongside claims such as "no artificial colours”, “no artificial flavours", "gluten-free", "natural", and "organic" to form the baseline expectation for "better-for-you" youth-targeted products. Children’s food and drink is also catching up to trends in animal-free claims, albeit on a unique trajectory. Between the 2021–23 and 2024–26 YTD periods, "vegan" claims on kids' launches climbed from 14.7% to 21.5%. Interestingly, over that exact same timeframe, vegan claims across general food and drink launches actually contracted slightly from 21.9%

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There is a speciﬁc detail that matters here, however: manufacturers of children’s products are largely using plantbased positioning to accentuate naturally vegan, whole ingredients. Nearly 1 in 5 kids' launches making a vegan claim are in fruit and vegetable categories, followed closely by pasta, rice and grains. In fact, 30% of children's products marketed as "high ﬁbre" – an inherent property of produce and whole grains – are also labelled as vegan. This means that the avenue for future growth for vegan claims in children’s food and drink may lie more in articulating the inherent qualities

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INSIGHT BY GAMA COMPASS

Snak Stars Sport Bites pairs cartoon sports imagery with high protein claims

of fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains rather than necessarily by pursuing animal-free alternatives to traditional meat and dairy products. This broad-based alliance of plant-derived nutrition, functional health and sugar re‐ duction is clearly illustrated by recent product launches, of which perhaps no clearer example is Good 4 U Kids Breakfast Boost Milled Seeds + Berries in the UK – demonstrating how brands are framing plant-based ingredient diversity as a functional beneﬁt for development. The product highlights "10 plants in every spoonful" and explicitly markets its formulation to support "growing: immune, bones & teeth, digestion, brain," anchoring its health pitch in vitamin D, seaweed-derived iodine and zero added sugar. Meanwhile, in North America, the crossover between adult ﬁtness culture

and kids’ snacking is giving rise to active-lifestyle positioning. Snak Stars Sport Bites exemplifies this trend by pairing sports imagery with nut-free, high-protein claims. Marketed as a "high-protein, better-foryou snack built for everyday performance", it explicitly uses adult-oriented functional cues like pea protein, dates and honey to promise a "smarter nutritional profile" for young at‐ hletes and fitness enthusiasts. This contrast also highlights significant regional disparities in how parents view nutrition. Claims relating to protein and fibre content index substantially higher in North America and Asia-Pacific than in Europe. Conversely, European markets demonstrate a far stronger focus on "no added sugar" messaging. Where European parents apparently prioritise sugar mitigation, North American formulations are much more inclined to adopt "mini-adult" functional tropes, integrating protein and activelifestyle claims into children's daily routines. By way of a counterpoint, claims linked directly to biological development maintain

" The evolution of claims in children’s food and drink serves as a fascinating mirror to broader shifts in product marketing "

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remarkable consistency glo‐ bally. "High calcium" claims remain steady across all geographic regions, frequently paired with “high vitamin D" as the traditional twin pillars of childhood bone health. Notably, high protein claims are increasingly co-occurring alongside vitamin D and calcium on children's packaging. This suggests a subtle positioning shift by brand marketers, who are aligning protein with foundational deve‐ lopmental health in the minds of parents, regardless of whether that connection is fully grounded in traditional pae‐ diatric guidelines. The evolution of claims in children’s food and drink ultimately serves as a fascinating mirror to broader shifts in product marketing and consumer priorities over the past decade. While these changes reﬂect a desire among parents to align their children's diets with their own wellness goals, they also highlight a distinct focus: developmental health remains paramount, sugar reduction stays high on the agenda, and a transformed relationship with snacking replaces the ‘sugar rush’ of traditional confectionery indulgence with considered, nutrientdense additions. Source / image source: Gama Compass

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UK: ALDI EXPANDS SUPPLY CHAIN WITH MAJOR DISTRIBUTION CENTRE Aldi, Britain’s biggest discounter, has made the ﬁrst delivery from its new distribution centre at Bardon in Leicestershire, marking the start of the ﬁrst phase of operations at the UK’s largest supermarket warehouse.

The retailer has invested more than £500 million ($625 million) in the site, which forms part of its broader £1.6 billion ($2 billion) investment strategy in Britain during 2026 and 2027. Once fully operational, the Bardon facility will employ around 1,000 people and serve nearly 350 stores across the UK, acting as a national replenishment hub with the capacity to handle nearly seven million pallets of stock a year.

The site consists of five linked buildings, containing four ambient and six temperature-controlled chambers. It features 100 HGV bays at the front and 40 at the rear, as well as 19,000 roof-mounted solar panels. According to the company, Aldi has worked with technology partners Dematic and Cimcorp to install automated storage systems to unpack supplier deliveries and store product cases in floor-to-ceiling racking. Giles Hurley, chief executive officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, stated: “The state-of-the-art technology in Bardon will significantly increase the efficiency of our warehouse network, meaning we can continue to deliver the best possible prices for our customers, every single day”. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Aldi

PORTUGAL: PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL TO SET UP GENERATIVE AI FACILITY

Tabaqueira, the largest Portuguese tobacco manufacturer, has been selected by its parent company, Philip Morris International (PMI), to house its new generative artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) factory, reinforcing the country’s role as a strategic hub for innovation and technology within the group. According to the company, the new AI operation will be based at Tabaqueira’s plant in Albarraque and will serve PMI’s global operations from Portugal. Directed by Tomi Virkki, head of the PMI AI Factory, the operation will coordinate an international team of engineers dedicated to developing and implementing generative AI solutions. The AI Factory will feature its own PMI team focused on leadership and operations, complemented by an implementation partner providing scalable specialized knowledge. Depending on the needs of the project, the operation could involve around 100 specialists. The mission of the facility is to drive the development of AI tools and applications across PMI’s different business areas globally, ranging from industrial process optimization to the personalization of consumer experiences.

MANUFACTURE & DISTRIBUTION ding Gerber, Coffee Mate and Nestle Toll House. Source: Nestle

IN BRIEF Tiger Brands, one of Africa’s largest listed food manufacturers, is constructing a large-scale bakery facility on South Africa’s East Rand to streamline its inland bread production network. Designed to replace ﬁve to six older, less efﬁcient inland bakeries scattered across the region, the facility will operate under Tiger Brands’ Albany bread brand. Source: Milling MEA Nestle, the consumer goods multinational, has announced the opening of a new distribution centre in Arvin (CA). The 700,000 sq ft facility will enable the delivery of products from brands inclu-

Campbell’s Soup, the food and beverage company, has completed an 88,000 sq ft expansion to its plant in Maxton (NC). The facility upgrades include the addition of two aseptic ﬁlling and packaging lines, designed to increase production capacity by 20% and enhance efﬁciency. Source: Campbell’s Soup Pernod Ricard, the global spirits producer, has inaugurated a new production line at its manufacturing and logistics facility in Las Labores. The company invested €14.5 million ($15.5 million) into the expansion. Source: Financial Food / Revista InfoRetail

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Through this decision, Tabaqueira also plans to deepen partnerships with national universities and companies to promote a more robust, innovative and competitive technological ecosystem in Portugal. Tomi Virkki stated: “The creation of the AI Factory in Portugal represents a milestone in PMI’s technological transformation. We are bringing together cuttingedge talent and knowledge to develop generative artiﬁcial intelligence solutions that will have a global impact on various areas of our business". By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Grande Consumo Image source: PMI

UK: UNILEVER COMPLETES £150 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PORT SUNLIGHT Unilever, the consumer goods giant, has completed a £150 million ($201 million) investment in its historic Port Sunlight site, underlining its strategic importance to the company’s UK and European operations. The investment includes hightech manufacturing upgrades in the site’s Home Care factory and a new advanced automated distribution centre.

Spanning 10,000 sq m, the distribution facility is powered by 2,000m of automated conveyors and eight giant 30m high stacking cranes capable of handling up to 17,000 pallets. Connecting directly to Port Sunlight’s three factories, it enables direct dispatch to retailers in the UK and a number of European markets. The manufacturing upgrades will increase laun-

dry capsule production threefold, supporting the launch of Persil’s new advanced four-chamber capsules. Powered by 100% renewable energy, the centre will deliver an estimated 27% reduction in primary logistics, saving 827 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Marc Woodward, head of Unilever UK, commented: “This is a landmark moment for Port Sunlight. The completion of investments in Home Care manufacturing and the opening of a new ﬂagship dis‐ tribution centre will support the growth of our business and reinforce Port Sunlight’s role as a strategic hub for our UK and European operations”. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Unilever

USA: FERRERO TO LAUNCH PRODUCT LINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NETFLIX

Ferrero, the sweet-packaged food company, has unveiled plans to debut an all-new “Wonka” branded product range alongside an exclusive global partnership with Netﬂix. According to a company press release, the manufacturer will roll out a series of ten seasonal and limited-edition products across chocolate, sugar confectionery, ice cream and cereals. The initial products are scheduled to hit stores from this autumn. They will be available in the USA and key markets across Europe, speciﬁcally the UK, France, Italy and Germany, leveraging strong Wonka brand awareness. Ferrero Group originally acquired the exclusive confectionery rights to the Wonka brand in 2018.

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Commenting on the launch, Alessandro Rapali, Premium Chocolate president at Ferrero Group, said: “We’re excited to be introducing a new Wonka family of products, starting with chocolate, sugar confectionery, ice cream and cereals. For generations, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory has been part of popular culture; our ambition is to apply the Ferrero lens to the Wonka universe and to bring fresh new energy to the seasonal aisle”. The long-term collaboration with Netﬂix will leverage marketing, media and trade synergies to progressively unlock opportunities for storytelling and consumer engagement. It coincides with the entertainment service’s expansion of the on-screen Wonka universe, which includes a 2026 reality competition series, The Golden Ticket, and a 2027 animated ﬁlm, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory.8. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Ferrero (via PR Newswire) Image source: Ferrero

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THAILAND: NESTLE TO BUILD COFFEE FACILITY FOR NESCAFE BRAND

Nestle, the Swiss food and beverage giant, has announced an investment of 23 billion THB ($688 million) to construct a new Nescafe manufacturing facility in Thailand’s Samut Prakan province.

The high-tech factory, which is scheduled to begin operations in the latter part of 2028, will produce a broad range of Nescafe products, including soluble coffee, coffee mixes, and readyto-drink formats. Equipped with advanced manufacturing technology and artiﬁcial intelligence (AI), the site will feature Nestle’s most advanced coffee ex‐

traction and state-of-the-art aroma preservation technologies, cutting-edge automation including robotic systems and an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) warehouse. The project is expected to create more than 520 local jobs. Nestle Indochina chairman and chief executive ofﬁcer Nikhil Chand commented: “The new coffee factory will produce NESCAFÉ products using innovation and a wide range of locally sourced ingredients and raw materials, including coffee beans, sugar, and fresh milk from Thai farmers, further supporting local agriculture and economic development”. The value of local ingredients and materials used at the factory is estimated at approximately 4.3 billion THB ($128.6 million) annually. The initiative builds on Nestle’s presence in the country, where it invested more than 27.8 billion THB ($831.2 million) between 2018 and 2025 to expand manufacturing capabilities across key product categories, including ready-to-drink beverages and pet food.

By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source / image source: Nestle

IRELAND: KERRY DAIRY IRELAND REBRANDS, ANNOUNCES €300 MILLION INVESTMENT

Kerry Dairy Ireland, the Irish dairy business behind brands such as Cheestrings and Smug Dairy, has officially rebranded as Kinisla and launched a €300 million ($326 million) five-year investment programme. The transition follows a landmark year where the business began transitioning to a fully farmer-owned co-operative model. According to a company statement, the name Kinisla draws inspiration from kinship and island identity, reflecting its heritage. The upcoming capital strategy will be deployed

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES

IN BRIEF PepsiCo, the food and drinks giant, has expanded beyond its traditional hot breakfast offering with a ready-to-prepare Overnight Oats range under its Quaker brand in the UK. The range combines 100% wholegrain oats, chia seeds and ﬂavour inclusions in a stand-up, re-sealable pouch format. Source: Talking Retail / FoodBev Asahi, the Japanese food and beverage company, has announced an agreement with Varun Beverages to introduce its Calpis brand in India. The companies are planning a ready-to-drink, non-al‐ coholic beverage and also a non-carbonated dairybased product. Source: Asahi

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AB InBev, the global brewing giant, is debuting new fruit-flavoured beers for the UK market. Stella Artois Strawberries & Cream has been released as part of the brand’s role as the official beer partner of the Wimbledon 2026 tennis championships. Separately, the brewer has also announced the launch of Bud Light Lemon Squeeze for the summer months. Source: Grocery Trader / Global Drinks Intel Global beverage firm Coca‐Cola has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Bodyarmor Fit, the brand’s first-ever sparkling sports drink. Designed “to bring modern hydration to everyday moments”, the sugar-free range contains electrolytes, caffeine, choline and green tea extract and is available in five fruit-forward flavours. Source: Coca-Cola

across its Consumer Foods and Nutritional Ingredients business divisions to scale up manufacturing innovation, support its Evolve RegenDairy sustainability framework, and create more than 100 new roles. Commenting on the milestone, Chris Roberts, managing director of Consumer Foods at Kinisla, stated: “Today is a hugely exciting day for us, one that marks an important milestone for the business as we reveal our new corporate identity that reﬂects our heritage and our bold ambitions for the future. It signals our commitment to putting people back at the heart of the business: the dairy farmers who supply our grass-fed milk and the consumers who buy our brands.”

new manufacturing facilities and modernizing existing operations. Speciﬁcally, the expansion strategy involves establishing a new concentrates plant in Madhya Pradesh and snacks manufacturing units in Assam and Tamil Nadu. By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source: Business World / Financial Express / Times of India Image source: PepsiCo

UK: MARS INVESTS £190 MILLION IN SLOUGH CHOCOLATE FACTORY

By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Kinisla (via BusinessWire) Image source: Kinisla

INDIA: PEPSICO TO INVEST 5,700 CRORE INR IN CAPACITY EXPANSION PepsiCo, the US food and soft drinks giant, has committed to investing 5,700 crore INR ($683 million) in India by 2030 to expand its manufacturing capacity.

According to a report in Business World, the capital injection will be deployed over the next ﬁve years to meet growing consumer demand. The investment plan is aimed at scaling up the company’s supply chain infrastructure, boosting production capabilities, and strengthening its footprint in the Indian food and beverage industry. The company intends to focus the fresh funding on building

“Our Slough factory is deeply rooted in our heritage, and as a proud family-owned business, we are committed to investing in a future that creates lasting, positive impact for the communities in which we operate”. The Slough plant, which serves as a major production hub for the European market, manu‐ factures household confectionery brands including Mars, Snickers and Maltesers. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Mars

USA: WALMART OPENS THIRD MILK PROCESSING FACILITY Walmart, the USA-based retail giant, has opened its third owned and operated milk processing facility in Robinson (TX).

Mars, the global food and confectionery giant, has announced a £190 million ($245 million) investment to upgrade its historic manufacturing facility in Slough, England. According to a company statement, the multi-million pound programme is designed to modernise the site, which has been operational for over 90 years. The investment will fund a new state-of-the-art logistics centre, enhanced production lines for the company’s core chocolate portfolio and sustainable infrastructure developments. A key focus of the upgrade includes the deployment of advanced packaging equipment to reduce plastic waste across its con‐ fectionery brands. Adam Grant, general manager Mars Snacking UKI, said: “This investment reflects our confidence in the UK as a hub to manufacture and innovate. In taking a long-term view, we are ensuring our operations remain world-class, competitive and fit for the future”.

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The new facility represents an investment of over $350 million and will create more than 400 new jobs. Sourcing directly from local dairy farmers, the site will process and bottle options including whole, 2%, 1%, skimmed and chocolate milk for the company’s Great Value and Sam’s Club Member’s Mark brands. According to the retailer, the operation will supply more than 650 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across the south-central United States. John Laney, executive vice president, food at Walmart US, commented: “The opening of our new facility in Robinson, Texas, will help us deliver more of what our customers want – fresh, affordable food and quality they can trust”. He added that the site would “bolster our capacity to meet the demand for high-quality milk, make our

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TRADESHOW INSIGHT

INTERTABAC 2026 Dortmund, Germany

From 15th to 17th September, InterTabac and its colocated events NUBIZ and InterSupply once again served as a focal point for the global nicotine industry and emerging nicotine-free categories at Messe Dortmund in Germany. Spanning ten exhibition halls, the event gathered around 750 exhibiting companies from 64 countries alongside a substantial international contingent of trade visitors. Highlighting the broad reach of the event, roughly 60% of the overall visitor base travelled from overseas, in‐ cluding delegates from as far aﬁeld as the USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, China, Indonesia, India, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, as well as key European markets.

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ted inside wine barrels to mirror the flavour profiles of aged spirits. Additionally, regional culinary flavours made a noticeable appearance, underlined by one particular brand offering a nicotine pouch touting the flavour of Dubai chocolate. Gama and Don Fabio Cigars: chief executive Fabio Cordella with partners Guillermo Rico, Amauri and Diego Lugano

Across the exhibition halls, technical and formulation trends were evident across several product categories, particularly through the continued adoption of natural and herbal ingredients. In the pouch segment, formulations on show included those inspired by the concepts of traditional Indian medicine, as well as those containing ingredients such as ashwagandha, typically positioned for their mood-enhancing be‐ neﬁts. Elsewhere, cacao was introduced into pouch matrices to deliver energy, with the inﬂuence of food-grade ingredients also extending to traditional formats, demonstrated by cigars incorporating tobacco leaves fermen-

A central focus of the 2026 conference schedule was the evolving regulatory landscape at both the national and regional levels, with educational panels and presentations addressing compliance, policy direction and market orientation seeing particularly high attendance.

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Hardware and delivery technology similarly demonstrated notable evolution, particularly within the oral nicotine, nasal delivery and vaping sectors. This included ultra-thin, leaf-shaped pouches introduced to reduce thickness while accelerating nicotine and ﬂavour delivery speeds. In the hardware space, vaping devices were paired with versatile charging accessories, including multi-way wireless charging pads, while ultrasonic cold nebulisation technology was featured in prototype form. Alternative nasal delivery mechanisms were also displayed, including ﬂavoured “nasal powders” as well as specialised nasal vaping devices. The next edition of InterTabac, NUBIZ, and InterSupply is scheduled to take place from 14th to 16th September 2027.

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supply chain more resilient, while increasing freshness by reducing the time from dairy farm to shelf […]”. The launch follows Walmart’s investment in its ﬁrst milk processing facility in Fort Wayne (IN) and a second facility in Valdosta (GA), which opened last year. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source / image source: Walmart

NETHERLANDS: HEINEKEN TO ACQUIRE RAINFOREST WATER

Heineken, the international brewing group has signed an agreement to acquire RainForest Water, the Costa Rican premium brand of artesian water through its local subsidiary Distributor to Florida. RainForest Water captures and bottles artesian water directly at the source in the Sarapiquí region of Costa Rica using exclusively recyclable and reusable aluminium bottles to eliminate plastic. Powered by renewable energy, its operations are complemented by initiatives in reforestation, forest conservation, biodiversity protection and local community development. According to the companies, integration into Heineken’s structure will allow RainForest Water to accelerate its expansion into new markets while maintaining its principles of innovation, quality, and sustainability. The acquisition strengthens Heineken’s presence in the non-alcoholic beverage segment in Costa Rica. Ariel Aizenman, founder and CEO of RainForest Water, stated:

“This agreement conﬁrms that innovation, quality, and purpose can transform a Costa Rican product into a brand of international value”. The completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. Upon completion, RainForest Water will become part of Distribuidora La Florida’s portfolio. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Grande Consumo Image source: Heineken / Rainforest Water (montage)

ITALY: NESTLE PURINA TO INVEST 520 MILLION CHF IN NEW PET FOOD FACILITY Nestle Purina, the pet food division of Swiss food group Nestle, is investing CHF 520 million ($580 million) in a new wet pet food plant and integrated logistics platform in Mantova, Italy. Starting operations in 2029, the facility will produce super-premium wet pet food for cats and dogs to meet growing demand across Europe.

The investment will bring the number of Purina production sites in Europe to 15, serving an estimated population of around 111 million cats and 91 million dogs across Europe. The facility will feature a logistics platform designed to serve retail customers more efﬁciently, support more sustainable transport ﬂows and strengthen supply chain resilience for Purina products as well as other Nestle categories. Commenting on the investment, CEO of Nestle Purina PetCare Europe Rafael Lopez said: “Petcare is one of Nestle’s four fo-

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cus businesses, and this investment is a clear signal of our continued growth ambition for the category. Super-premium wet pet food is particularly attractive right now. It offers a variety of textures and sensory experiences combined with great nutrition for dogs and cats, all things that people are looking for as they welcome pets into the heart of their families". Petcare accounts for 29% of Nestle sales in Zone Europe and 21% of the group’s global sales. The investment in Mantova follows Nestle’s announcement earlier this year of a CHF 370 million ($410 million) investment in a wet pet food factory in Brazil. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Nestle

MEXICO: FERRERO TO INVEST $86 MILLION IN GUANAJUATO PLANT

Ferrero Mexico, the local division of the Italian confectionery group, is set to invest $86 million through 2027 in its manufacturing facility located in San Jose Iturbide, Guanajuato. The capital allocation will expand production capacity, up‐ grade energy infrastructure from medium to high voltage, strengthen logistics networks and increase export volumes. The op‐ erational expansion will initially generate roughly 60 direct jobs in Guanajuato and will virtually double the plant’s installed annual production capacity from approximately 35,000t to nearly 70,000t. According to Ferrero, the in‐ vestment will expand existing production lines for Nutella and Kinder Chocolate while deve-

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loping new product presentations, including a specialized Nutella format tailored for domestic and US consumers. The ﬁrm plans to raise its export share to between 55% and 60% over the next ﬁve to six years and diversify into categories where it holds a limited market presence, including biscuits, ice cream, sweets and cereal bars. Paolo Cornero, CEO of Ferrero Mexico and Central America, stated: “The Ferrero Group sees that in the next six years Mexico faces the challenge of nearly doubling its level of value. This means moving from about US$627 million today to more than US$1.14 billion in revenue". By: Innovation Editor – Latin America Source: Mexico Business News Image source: Ferrero

SWITZERLAND: JTI TO ACQUIRE BREAK AND MORO TOBACCO BRANDS

Japan Tobacco Inc, the tobacco manufacturer, has announced that its subsidiary JT Group signed an agreement on 22nd July to acquire the trademarks and related intellectual property rights for the European Union and Switzer-land of ﬁne cut tobacco brands BREAK and Moro from Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) for €176 million (¥32.6 billion / $191 million).

quisition will be funded through JT Group’s existing cash reserves and will not have any material impact on the company’s consolidated financial performance for the 2026 fiscal year. According to JT Group, the deal aligns with its overarching tobacco strategy by improving return on investment within the combustibles category, which will in turn support investments in reduced-risk products and ensure sustainable profit growth over the medium to long term. The addition of BREAK and Moro is intended to complement JT Group’s existing fine cut portfolio while strengthening its business foundation in its Western Europe cluster. Gian Luigi Cervesato, JTI’s regional president, Western Euro-pe, commented: “The acquisition of BREAK and Moro fully aligns with our tobacco business strategy and reflects our disciplined approach to driving sustainable growth over the medium to long term. By strengthening our Combustibles portfolio, we are reinforcing our position in a key region and advancing our growth ambitions, while sup‐ porting continued investments in reduced risk Products”. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: JT Group Image source: JT Group / Scandinavian Tobacco Group (montage)

FRANCE: LACTALIS TO ACQUIRE TRIBALLAT

ted designation of origin (PDO) cheeses. Founded in 1901 and based in Rians, Triballat operates 17 production facilities including 14 in France, one in Spain and two in the US, employing 1,600 people. Specialising in goat’s cheese, faisselles cheeses and dairy desserts, the business produces the Rians brand along with PDO cheeses such as Epoisses, Crottin de Chavignol and Selles-sur-Cher. Triballat generated annual revenue of €365 million ($415.5 mil‐ lion) last year, with around 30% derived from overseas markets. The transaction remains subject to employee representation consultation processes and merger control regulatory approvals. In a joint statement, chairman Hugues Triballat and his counterpart at Lactalis, Emmanuel Besnier, said: “Guided by the same vision of excellence, a deep attachment to our local roots and strong family values, we are convinced of the relevance of this transaction. We share the same ambition: to preserve a remarkable heritage while giving it the means to continue its development in France and internationally". By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Just Food Image source: Lactalis / Triballat (montage)

USA: MARS SNACKING TO CLOSE NEWARK US HQ Mars Snacking, the US-based confectionery and snacks manufacturer and Mars subsidiary, has announced plans to close its US headquarters in Newark (NJ) by the end of 2027 as it consolidates operations in Chicago.

The transaction is expected to be completed within 2026, subject to receiving all necessary regulatory clearances. The ac-

Lactalis, the French dairy business, is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Triballat, a France-based family-owned producer of protec-

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Retail Roundup USA

H-E-B ANNOUNCES $700 MILLION SUPPLY CHAIN EXPANSION H-E-B, the US food retailer with sales of more than $50 billion, has announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its supply chain operations. The project, which will be the company’s largest investment in its manufacturing and supply-chain division, is expected to create 720 jobs by 2028 and more than 1,200 new full-time jobs over the next decade. H-E-B has identified its Foster Road campus in San Antonio (TX), which is more than 870 acres, as a potential location for the expansion. Preliminary plans for the site include construction of what is described as a “state-of-the-art” bakery, a refrigerated warehouse, a transportation building, and additional facilities, as well as an expansion of its existing manufacturing plant. Commenting on the expansion, Carson Landsgard, H-E-B chief supply chain officer, said: “We look forward to advancing our plans to grow our supply chain operations, a project that reaffirms our commitment to be an economic engine for our great state". Source / image source: H-E-B

MORRISONS TO CLOSE 100 CONVENIENCE STORIES

Morrisons, the British supermarket chain, is planning to close 100 of its convenience stores over the coming months. According to the company, the affected stores had been loss-making for a considerable period. The properties were originally acquired in 2022 as part of a £190 million ($237.50 million) rescue deal for the McColl’s retail chain. Morrisons stated that the trading performance of these sites had been challenged for several years despite operational turnaround efforts. Despite the upcoming store closures, the retailer noted that it maintains a robust expansion plan for 2026. Source: Retail Gazette Image source: Morrisons

BRAZIL

CENCOSUD TO ACQUIRE ST. MARCHE Cencosud, one of the largest retailers in the Americas, has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the operations of St. Marche, a premium specialty grocery chain based in Brazil. The transaction, executed through Cencosud’s wholly-owned subsidiary Cencosud Brazil Comercial Ltda, involves the acquisition of the supermarket business from Hortus Comercio de Alimentos S.A. and its subsidiaries. The deal will be carried out on a debt-free, cash-free basis. Funding for the transaction will come from capital generated by the recent divestment of Cencosud’s operations in Minas Gerais. The acquisition remains subject to closing conditions, including approval by the Brazilian competition authority and approval regarding the Hortus Group judicial reorganization plan. Source / image source: Cencosud

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The company ﬁled a WARN notice in New Jersey stating that it will eliminate 307 jobs at its Newark headquarters by 16th October 2026. Mars originally transitioned its US headquarters to New Jersey in 2020 while keeping its global headquarters in Chicago. The decision follows the company’s announcement to invest $100 million to expand its Chicago headquarters, creating 600 jobs. The move aims to strengthen its presence in snacking following the acquisition of Kellanova, the owner of Pringles and Rice Krispies, after which Mars Wrigley was renamed Mars Snacking. Commenting on the strategy, the company stated: “This decision is part of our broader strategy to position Mars Snacking for long-term growth and strengthen our operations in key locations across North America”. Mars added that it will continue investing in its New Jersey operations, including ongoing innovation and manufacturing work in Hackettstown. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Food Dive Image source: Mars

UK: SUNTORY INVESTS £14.5 MILLION IN BLACKCURRANT FACILITY

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I), the producer of Ribena and Lucozade, has announced a £14.5 million ($18.9 million) investment in a new blackcurrant processing facility. Developed in partnership with Bevisol, a Herefordshire-based subsidiary of Dohler Group, the facility in Ledbury is in operation in time for this years harvest

to process fruit sourced from SBF GB&I’s network of 33 British farms. The plant introduces modern technologies, including advanced evaporators using vapour recompression, cleanable membrane ﬁltration, automated handling systems and digital smart tag tracking to enhance efﬁciency across the supply chain. Karl Ottomar, supply chain director at SBF GB&I, commented: “By investing in innovative processing here in the UK, we are supporting our supply chain while continuing to work closely with the farmers who have been at the heart of Ribena for generations". The project forms part of a wider £57.5 million ($74.8 million) investment across the company UK supply chain, which also encompasses a planned £25 million ($32.5 million) manufacturing line in 2027. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I

BRAZIL: NESTLE INVESTS R$ 540 MILLION IN ARACATUBA PLANT Nestle, the global food and beverage company, has an‐ nounced an investment of R$ 540 million ($96 million) in its Aracatuba factory in Sao Paulo by 2028.

According to the company, the resources will be allocated to industrial modernisation, oper‐ ational efﬁciency gains, incor‐ porating new technologies, and strengthening production capacity. The Araçatuba facility is Nestle Brazil largest factory in terms of net revenue, producing over 180 products, including infant formulas, medical nutrition and

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healthy aging lines, primarily for the domestic market, as well as exports to Latin America and the Middle East. The announcement forms part of Nestle broader investment cycle in Brazil from 2025 to 2028. Marcelo Melchior, CEO of Nestle Brazil stated: “The Nutrition and Health area represents one of Nestle main growth avenues worldwide, and Brazil occupies a strategic position in this journey. The investment in Araçatuba demonstrates our conﬁdence in the Brazilian operation’s ability to produce highly technologically complex foods with the highest quality standards, to meet the needs of consumers in Brazil and other countries”. Alongside production, Nestle is expanding its Medical Visit Program to host over 700 healthcare professionals annually starting in 2027. The plant also incorporates sustainability initiatives, including biomethane usage, 100% clean electricity and biomass heating. By: Innovation Editor – Latin America Source / image source: Nestle

GERMANY: FRONERI EXPANDS OSNABRUCK PLANT

Froneri, the global ice cream manufacturer, is investing more than €30 million ($32.6 million) in expanding its German headquarters plant in Osnabruck. The investment will signiﬁcantly increase production capacity through new facilities scheduled to go into operation for the 2027 ice cream season. The expansion will feature new production lines for private-label ice cream alongside a fully automated production line for Moven-

pick family packs, which hold market leadership in their segment. Commenting on the expansion, Froneri German CEO Gotthard Kirchner said: “with this investment, we are sending a clear signal of our commitment to Germany as a business location and creating the foundation to reliably meet the increasing demand from our retail partners in the future”. Froneri operates more than 30 production plants worldwide, including 20 in Europe and two in Germany, and ranks as the world’s second-largest ice cream manufacturer.

Paciﬁc Seafood, the US seafood provider, and Ocean Beauty Seafoods, have merged their distribution businesses to leverage the growing demand for highquality seafood products. The transaction, which closed effective 13th July 2026, includes Ocean Beauty’s distribution operations in Astoria and Portland (OR), Boise (ID), Dallas (TX), Helena (MT) and Renton (WA). However Ocean Beauty’s Salt Lake City distribution facility was not part of the transaction at the time of closing.

By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Froneri

USA: PACIFIC SEAFOOD AND OCEAN BEAUTY SEAFOODS MERGE DISTRIBUTION

According to the companies, Ocean Beauty’s distribution ope-

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rations will remain focused on serving customers with reliability and consistency, while gaining access to Pacific Seafood’s broader resources and network. The merger supports Pacific Seafood’s continued expansion further east and advances its longterm growth strategy, including its Mission 31 initiative. Commenting on the merger, Frank Dulcich, president and ceo of Pacific Seafood, stated: “We are excited to bring our teams together by combining the best of both our respective companies, which will make us stronger and better together to serve our valued customers, our communities in which we serve, and our joint teams and their families”. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Pacific Seafood (via Business wire) Image source: Pacific Seafood / Ocean Beauty Seafoods (montage)

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT FABIO CORDELLA Gama spoke to Fabio Cordella, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, Fabio Cordella Group How are consumer expectations changing around these lifestyle rituals, and why do crossover concepts (like barrelaging tobacco in wine casks) resonate so strongly with today’s luxury consumer? High-end consumers no longer view luxury items in isolation; they are seeking complete sensory experiences and authentic stories. Pairing ﬁne wine with hand-rolled cigars is an age-old tradition, but modern connoisseurs want a deeper connection between the two.

" Consumers are increasingly drawn to lowyield, transparent producers who can prove their heritage " Crossover techniques like fermenting tobacco leaves in our Cordella wine barrels create a natural bridge between two distinct artisanal worlds. It resonates because it offers the consumer a multi-layered story of craftsmanship, where the oak, wine notes and aged tobacco unite into a unique, memorable ritual rather than just a transaction. What key trends are you observing regarding how discerning consumers evaluate true

craftsmanship versus clever marketing in today's market? The modern luxury consumer is far more educated and discerning than ever before. They look beyond glossy branding to evaluate true origin, soil quality, fermentation time and meticulous production methods. In both winemaking and premium tobacco blending, you cannot shortcut time or shortcut nature. True craftsmanship reveals itself in consistency, balance and patience. Consumers are increasingly drawn to low-yield, transparent producers who can prove their heritage and demonstrate genuine mastery of their craft from seed to final product. How do traditional lifestyle categories like fine wine and handrolled cigars fit into the life of the modern consumer? In today’s hyper-connected, fastpaced world, time has become the ultimate luxury. Fine wine and premium cigars naturally align with this shift toward mindfulness because their consumption cannot be rushed. Crafting a cigar or producing a vintage wine takes years, and enjoying them requires an intentional pause. They provide a deliberate opportunity to dis‐ connect, step back from daily noise, and create memorable moments of relaxation and conversation, which is precisely what today’s luxury consumer values most.

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Fabio Cordella Cantine with Amauri and Ronaldinho Gaúcho at Vinitaly 2025

FUTURE LEADERS Never compromise on quality, and stay deeply committed to authentic storytelling. In the luxury space, consumers immediately sense when a brand lacks real substance. You must build your foundation on exceptional craftsmanship, uncompromising standards and clear brand identity. Beyond the physical product, luxury is built on emotional connection and trust. If you focus on genuine passion, build authentic relationships and remain patient, the market will recognise and respect the true value of what you have built over time.

INDIA: ITC FOODS LAUNCHES B NATURAL COCONUT COLA

ITC Foods, the Indian consumer goods company, has launched B Natural Coconut Cola, a fusion drink that pairs the hydration of coconut water with the taste and ﬁzz of cola. Designed for conscious consumers, the product represents an entirely new beverage category in India, according to the company. The beverage formulation contains zero caffeine, zero added sugar and provides 9 calories per serving. It was developed in close collaboration with the company’s Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre teams. Vivek Kookkal, vice president and business head – Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC, commented: “With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience – combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple”. The beverage is available in a 250ml can priced at 60 INR ($0.72). The company stated that it will roll out the product across retail and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities in‐ cluding Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hy‐ derabad, Chennai and Kolkata. By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source: Hospibuz Image source: ITC

UK: NICHOLS TO LAUNCH MYPROTEIN CLEAR WHEY PROTEIN WATER

CHEESE BUSINESS

Nichols, the UK-based diversiﬁed soft drinks group, has announced the forthcoming launch of Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water.

Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader, has reached a deﬁnitive agreement with Agropur to acquire the assets of its ﬁne cheese division.

Scheduled for release in The new product line expands the group’s functional drinks portfolio and builds on its existing partnership with THG plc, the global e-commerce group, under a multi-year brand licence agreement. The new ready-to-drink range is described as sugar-free and low in calories, and is packaged in 500ml bottles. Each bottle contains 15g of clear whey protein isolate. The range will be distributed across UK convenience, wholesale and grocery channels in Vimto and Raspberry Lemon flavours, the first of these recalling Nichols’ flagship soft drinks brand. It will retail at an RRP of £2.99 ($4.03). Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols, commented: “This launch combines the world’s leading online sports nutrition brand – offering huge credibility in functionality – with Nichols’ proven expertise in soft drinks, and is expected to contribute to our delivery of long term, profitable growth”. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Nichols

CANADA: LACTALIS CANADA TO ACQUIRE AGROPUR’S FINE

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Under the terms of the agreement, Lactalis Canada will acquire Agropur’s fine cheese import activities, two production facilities in Oka and Saint-Hy‐ acinthe, Quebec, and renowned brands including OKA, Monsieur Gustav and L’Extra. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and approval by Competition Bureau Canada, will also see approx‐ imately 400 employees added to the company’s workforce. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition adds to Lactalis Canada’s portfolio of specialty and core cheese brands, which already includes President and Galbani. Mark Taylor, president & CEO of Lactalis Canada, commented: “This acquisition reflects Lactalis Canada’s clear ambition in this country – to lead through investment in efficient capacity and capability building […]”. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Lactalis Image source: Lactalis / Agropur (montage)

UK: NESTLE UNVEILS AERO AND MILKYBAR CHOCOLATE COLLABORATION Nestle, the global food a manufacturer, has launched a new chocolate range in the UK and Ireland that features a collaboration between its Aero and Milkybar brands.

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and beverage business, has completed its acquisition of a se‐ lection of wine brands and assets from Constellation Brands.

The new range combines the “bubble” experience of Aero con‐ fectionery with Milkybar white chocolate and is produced at the company’s factory in York. The products are available in formats including a sharing bar and a bag of bite-sized treats. According to the company, the range is currently available in selected stores, with a full na‐ tionwide rollout scheduled for August. Commenting on the launch, Nestle marketing manager Rachel Beaufoy said: “The iconic Milkybar white chocolate combined with the signature Aero bubbles is a duo we know fans will love”. The launch is intended to mark the Milkybar brand’s 90th birthday this year; Aero was originally invented one year earlier, in 1935. The launch follows other recent brand additions, such as Aero caramel ﬂavour bubbles, Aero pistachio ﬂavour chocolate sharing bars and Milkybar Crunchy Pops white chocolate sharing bags. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Nestle

USA: POULTER FAMILY WINES ACQUIRES CONSTELLATION BRANDS ASSETS

According to the company, the transaction returns the Selaks brand alongside seven other brands to local ownership. The deal also incorporates a 10,000tonne winery and vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. The other seven brands included in the acquisition are Little Harvest, State of Light, Superstate, The People’s Wine, Tipping Point, Wild Grace and Young & Co. Poulter Family Wines operates as a vertically-integrated business, managing growing, making and selling operations. The company’s portfolio spans more than 100 SKUs sold throughout New Zealand and internationally. The company stated that the transaction is a deliberate next step that builds on its purchase of Sacred Hill Winery in 2022 and its continued investments, including the recent expansion of its Auckland bottling facility. Commenting on the acquisition, Poulter Family Wines head of manufacturing and sales Sam Poulter said: “The timing is right for our business, and it supports our plans to keep adding value, not just volume, in a way that stays here in New Zealand and helps our industry keep ﬂourishing, both at home and globally”. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: The Shout Image source: Poulter Family Wines / Constellation Brands (montage)

POLAND: CAPRI SUN EXPANDS PRODUCTION NETWORK

Poulter Family Wines, the family-owned New Zealand wine

Capri Sun, the Switzerland-based beverage manufacturer, has commenced construction on a new

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production facility in Stargard, Poland.

The investment aims to expand the company’s production capabilities in Europe and lay the groundwork for future growth. The ﬁrst phase of construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and represents an investment of more than €70 million ($76 million). According to Capri Sun, the new site will create around 120 jobs in the region and has been designed to allow for potential future expansion. Strategically located, the Stargard facility will provide direct access to markets across Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Nordic countries, reducing delivery times and increasing supply chain ﬂexibility. Capri Sun Group CEO Roland Weening said: “With the new plant, we are reaching an im‐ portant milestone in our growth strategy. At the same time, we are creating the conditions to meet the increasing demand for our products in Europe”. The company’s main plant in Eppelheim, Germany, will continue to serve as its centre of expertise, supporting the global production network with knowhow, training and innovation. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Capri Sun

USA: MARS TO CLOSE NATURE’S BAKERY PLANT IN MISSOURI

Mars, the snacks and confec‐ tionery company, has announ-

ced plans to permanently close its Nature’s Bakery manufacturing plant in Hazelwood (MO). According to a local government Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing, the shutdown will take place by September 2027 and will result in the elimination of 345 jobs. The layoffs will be executed in two rounds, with 130 employees scheduled to leave on 11th September this year, followed by a further 215 workers on 26th February next year. A spokesperson for the Nature’s Bakery brand, which produces plant-based, nut-free and dairyfree snack bars, stated: “As we continuously evaluate our manufacturing footprint and evolving business needs, we’ve carefully made the difficult decision to close our Hazelwood manufacturing facility in September 2027”. Production will be transferred to other facilities, including a 339,000 sq ft automated factory in Salt Lake City (UT), which opened in 2025 following a $237

million investment. Nature’s Bakery also operates a plant in Carson City (NV). Mars originally acquired Nature’s Bakery in 2020 through Kind, its snacking business. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Food Business News / Just Food Image source: Mars

INDIA: VARUN BEVERAGES TO ACQUIRE DEVYANI DAIRY, BEVERAGE BUSINESS VBL Industries (Kenya) Limited (VBL Kenya), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian beverage producer Varun Beverages, has entered into a Business Transfer Agreement to acquire the value-added dairy beverages, juices and packaged drinking water business of Devyani Food Industries (Kenya) Limited (DFIL Kenya), an RJ Corp subsidiary.

Under the terms of the agreement, VBL Kenya will pay a purchase consideration of $32 million to DFIL Kenya, which is a promoter group company. The transaction is expected to be completed on or before the 1st August. The acquisition includes all assets associated with the business as a going concern, including a manufacturing facility located on a strategically located 52-acre land parcel in Nakuru, Kenya. According to the company, the transaction will enable VBL Kenya to deepen its penetration in Kenya and the broader East African region by leveraging DFIL Kenya’s manufacturing infrastructure and distribution capabilities. The company is also pre-

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

IN BRIEF Orkla Foods, the European food company, has signed an agreement to acquire a 40% ownership stake in Go-Tan, a leading European brand within Asian sauces. Go-Tan employs approximately 250 people across four production facilities, three in the Netherlands and one in Hungary. Source: Orkla Foods Molinos Rio de la Plata, Argentina’s largest branded food company, has agreed to purchase 100% of Chilean plant-based food ﬁrm NotCo’s operations in Argentina and Uruguay. The company said that the deal provides “innovation credentials based on trends associated with a new generation of consumers”. Source: Just Food / Green Queen

TGI Group, the diversiﬁed conglomerate, and Wilmar International, the agribusiness group, have agreed to combine their businesses in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin into a 50:50 joint venture. The combined business will span upstream agriculture, oil palm plantations, oils, nuts, rice, food manufacturing and nationwide distribution, targeting an addressable market size of over $12 billion. Source: TGI Group Second Nature Brands, a snacks ﬁrm, has agreed to acquire Tillamook Country Smoker from Insignia Capital Group and family shareholders. The acquisition complements its wider portfolio of snacking brands, which includes Kar’s Nuts, Second Nature Snacks, Sahale Snacks, Sanders, Brownie Brittle and Voortman. Tillamook Country Smoker produces meat snacks and has sales of more than $175 million. Source: Second Nature Brands (via PR Newswire)

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TRADESHOW INSIGHT THE LONDON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2026 London, UK The London Food & Drink Festival debuted on 16th and 17th September 2026 at ExCeL London, establishing a uniﬁed platform for the UK food, beverage, hospitality, and retail sectors and bringing together ﬁve long-standing shows – The Na‐ tional Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, Lunch!, Natural & Organic Food Show, London Drinks Exchange, and Artisan Food & Drink Show – under a single roof. Over two days, the festival welcomed nearly 11,000 trade visitors, representing a 26% increase in attendance compared to the same period the previous year.

Emblematic of an industry where boundaries between the retail, foodservice and hospitality sectors are increasingly blurred, the exhibition spanned a broad spectrum of categories, hosting more than 600 exhibitors showcasing thousands of new food, beverage, technology and equipment products. The scale of attendance was supported by senior buying representatives from major retail and hospitality businesses, including su‐ permarket chains, food-to-go

brands, pub groups and transport operators. A central feature of the funda‐ mental changes for 2026 was the introduction of the London Drinks Exchange, a new dedicated space within the festival focusing on the beverage sector with an expanded focus on the low- and non-alcoholic drinks market. Concurrently, the in‐ clusion of the Natural & Organic Food Show and Artisan Food & Drink Show within the festival format expanded the event's scope toward sustainable, ethical and healthy products. This shift mirrors broader market movements, including 4.2% growth in the UK organic market in 2025 to £3.9 billion ($5.2 billion). The overall floor plan encom‐ passed specialized product categories ranging from organic foods, plant-based alternatives, functional beverages and freefrom items to coffee, specialty produce, ingredients, packaging solutions and private label manufacturing. Specific dedicated areas included Vegan World, the Start Up Zone, Launchpad, and Innovation Challenge Galleries, which highlight early-stage brands and new-to-market launches from the preceding 12 months. Innovations across the show floor reflected wider industry shifts towards functional wellness, plant-based nutrition, better-for-you snacking, sustainable packaging and operational technology. Alongside the exhibition floor, the festival presented an ex‐ tensive seminar schedule com-

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prising over 200 speakers across eight distinct stages. The educational program was divided into sector-speciﬁc theatres, including the Coffee Shop Stage, Food-to-Go Stage, Retail & Convenience Stage, Pub & Bar Stage, Casual Dining Stage, Restaurateur Stage and Natural & Organic Food Stage. Additions to the feature schedule included the CHEF LIVE Stage, which hosted culinary demon‐ strations and technical presentations. Across the various stages, panel discussions and individual presentations covered operational strategy, marketing, development trends, sustainability and market out-looks across retail and hospitality.

The London Food & Drink Festival will return for its second edition in 2027 on 22nd and 23rd September. Image source: The London Food & Drink Festival

paring to launch a carbonated soft drinks range. By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source: Varun Beverages Image source: Varun Beverages / RJ Corp (montage)

INDIA: THE MAGNUM ICE CREAM COMPANY OPENS NEW R&D CENTRE

Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC), the world’s leading ice cream business, has opened its new Research, Design & Innovation (RD&I) centre in Bengaluru, India. Spanning 13,000 sq ft, the “future-ready” facility houses a state-of-the-art laboratory and a digitally enabled pilot plant. The new facility is located in Whiteﬁeld, Bengaluru, which is recognised as India’s technology hub. Designed as a creative laboratory “where science meets indulgence”, the centre is established to accelerate consumerled product and packaging innovation across a broad brand portfolio, including Kwality Wall’s, Cornetto, Magnum, Carte D’Or, Feast and Twister. The site will work closely with the company’s Global Design Centre in Colworth, UK and its Regional Innovation Hub in Istanbul, Turkey. Zbigniew Lewicki, chief research, development & innovation Ofﬁcer at TMICC, commented: “India is one of the world’s most exciting ice cream markets, with fast-evolving tastes, occasions and expectations. The new Bengaluru RD&I Centre brings together our global science, technology and culinary expertise with deep local consumer insight, helping us to move faster from idea to market-ready innovation”.

By: Innovation Editor – Asia Paciﬁc Source / image source: The Magnum Ice Cream Company

SPAIN: ROYAL A-WARE TO MERGE WITH GRUPO TGT Royal A-ware, the dairy organisation, has reached an agreement on the proposed merger with Grupo TGT, one of the largest cheese producers and cheese distributors in Spain and Portugal.

The two family-owned businesses are combining their expertise to further strengthen their position in the international cheese market and serve their customers even better. Following the transaction, Grupo TGT will continue to operate from Spain as an independent organisation within Royal A-ware, retaining its local expertise and trusted customer relationships. The merger will provide Royal A-ware with a stronger position in the Southern European dairy market, while Grupo TGT will be able to build on Royal Aware’s international production capacity, innovative strength and supply chain integration.

lowing approval, Teodoro Garcia will join the supervisory board of Royal A-ware. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: Royal A-ware / Grupo TGT Image source: Royal A-ware / Grupo TGT (montage)

UK: LAVAZZA AND MULLER LAUNCH CHILLED COFFEE RANGE

Lavazza has partnered with dairy company Muller to launch a new ready-to-drink chilled coffee range inspired by Italian recipes. The new dairy-based range is available in a 220ml format and features four varieties: Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Caramel Latte ﬂavour and Cappuccino Tiramisu. According to the companies, the collaboration pairs Lavazza’s coffee knowledge with Muller’s capabilities in chilled dairy production.

Jan Anker, shareholder of Royal A-ware, commented: “[…] By joining forces, we are creating new opportunities for growth and can serve our customers even better with a wide range of cheese and dairy products”.

The launch marks Lavazza’s step into the refrigerated coffee category, drawing on its 130 years of coffee expertise. The products are currently available in the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s and are scheduled to roll out across other retailers in the coming months. The range is already available in German and Italian markets, with plans for introduction to other European countries.

Teodoro Garcia, shareholder of Grupo TGT, added: “[…] Together, we can offer our customers even greater value and build a sustainable future for our company”.

In addition, the launch will be featured in the Wimbledon Queue through Lavazza’s ofﬁcial part‐ nership with The Championships, Wimbledon.

The merger is subject to approval by the relevant authorities. Fol-

By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source / image source: Muller

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OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Upcoming Events

GLOBAL FOOD WEEK 2026 WHAT? A comprehensive industry gathering featuring international trade exhibitions, high-level conferences, and innovation showcases. It convenes global agriculture and food leaders to address food security, sustainable production and future supply chain technologies. WHERE? Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates WHEN? 6th to 8th October 2026

FHC SHANGHAI GLOBAL FOOD TRADE SHOW 2026 WHAT? A premier international trading event connecting global suppliers with mainland China's expanding retail, hospitality, and catering sectors. The exhibition showcases high-end imported foods, culinary innovations and advanced processing solutions. WHERE? Shanghai, China WHEN? 10th to 12th November 2026

ORGANIC & NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO DUBAI 2026 WHAT? The Middle East's leading dedicated trade event for organic, natural and sustainable products. Bringing together global producers and regional buyers, it highlights organic food and beverage, wellness, beauty and eco-friendly packaging innovations.. WHERE? Dubai, United Arab Emirates WHEN? 16th to 18th November 2026

FOODEX SAUDI 2026 WHAT? Saudi Arabia's ﬂagship international trade exhibition focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry. It offers a major platform for global brands to secure distribution and connect with key importers, distributors, and hospitality buyers. WHERE? Jeddah, Saudi Arabia WHEN? 23rd to 25th November 2026

WORLD FOOD ISTANBUL 2026 WHAT? Eurasia's leading international food and beverage trade show, serving as a critical commercial bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The event brings together thousands of global brands, retail buyers, and foodservice professionals. WHERE? Istanbul, Turkey WHEN? 15 to 18th December 2026

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GAMA SPOKE TO JEFF LENARD, VICE PRESIDENT OF NACS MEDIA & STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS What are your primary goals and expectations for the NACS Show 2026 in Las Vegas?

NACS SHOW 2026 WHERE? Las Vegas, USA

WHEN? 6th to 9th October 2026

Our goal every year is largely the same: we want to show attendees the future. This means developing dynamic Education Sessions and a robust exhibit hall that not only looks at what is happening today, but how it will affect consumers and convenience retailing over the coming years. Las Vegas is always a fun destination for attendees, but it’s equally important for us to deliver a quantifiable return on investment to attendees that can help them stay ahead of the curve and meet evolving consumer definitions of convenience. Convenience stores are increasingly becoming ‘food destinations’. How is this evolution being reflected on the show floor this year?

We've seen a rapid increase in foodservice sales in our industry. Foodservice sales in 2024 were 28% of in-store sales, more than double the 12% only 20 years earlier. Our industry has embraced foodservice but competing channels have noticed and are trying to capture back market share. The expo showcases foodservice, but as importantly it highlights merchandising concepts that allow attendees to enhance the customer experience. And, of course, you can ﬁnd other new products that can make stores stand out from traditional quickservice restaurants and their limited menus.

GAMA SPOKE TO JAKE NIXON, EVENT DIRECTOR What are your overall expectations for the 2026 edition of World Vape Show Dubai?

WORLD VAPE SHOW DUBAI 2026 WHERE? Dubai, United Arab Emirates

WHEN? 10th to 12th November 2026

To ensure that WVS Dubai continues to serve as a platform for networking, learning, and generating business leads to spearhead the future of our industry on a global scale. By bringing together the largest manufacturers and suppliers along with key buyers from over 100 countries, we can ensure WVS Dubai remains the key industry event within the global calendar. With the GCC moving toward uniﬁed regulations, how has the Compliance Clinic evolved to help brands navigate these new regional hurdles? The landscape of the harm reduction sector is ever changing and ensuring products are compliant within their respective markets is essential. Consequently, the compliance clinic ma-

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kes up a very important component to the event by enabling brands to seek professional advice on the show ﬂoor. You’ve expanded the Hosted Buyer programme with a focus on East Africa and South America. Is Dubai now a gateway for these markets? The beauty with Dubai is that it serves as gateway into all global markets. In 2025 we welcomed over 100 countries and had reports of brands making conections from all corners of the globe. Having said that, markets such as Africa are becoming incresingly important and WVS Dubai continues to serve as an excellent meeting point.

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GAMA SPOKE TO JEAN-GABRIEL MOLLARD, DIRECTOR

SIAL 2026 WHERE? Paris, France WHEN? 17th to 21st October 2026

What are your primary goals and expectations for SIAL 2026 as it returns to Paris? Our priority for SIAL Paris 2026 is clear: to make this edition a powerful accelerator for business and transformation across the food industry. As technologies, consumer expectations and economic challenges evolve rapidly, we want professionals to better understand the market, discover innovation and create concrete opportunities. Following the 60th anniversary celebrations in 2024, how is the show evolving to remain the ‘global summit’ for food industry professionals? SIAL Paris is evolving by strengthening what has made it a global reference for over 60 years: business, innovation and inspiration. In 2026, we are enhancing the experience with AI-powered matchmaking, new sector-focused areas and more immersive innovation formats. SIAL Innovation celebrates its 30th anniversary, while SIAL Summits and Talks will address major transformations, from AI and traceability to consumer expectations. Our ambition is to turn global insights and connections into concrete opportunities for the industry. The SIAL Innovation Awards are a hallmark of the event. What key trends do you expect to see dominating the entries this year? The entries conﬁrm a shift towards innovation that delivers tangible value. We are seeing more expe-

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riential pleasure, highly targeted functional nutrition, convenience combined with additional benefits and solutions focused on environmental impact and carbon footprint. Personalisation is also becoming increasingly important. What stands out is how companies are combining enjoyment, health, practicality and responsibility rather than addressing these expectations separately. With thousands of exhibitors from around the world, what is your top advice for buyers looking to efficiently navigate the halls? My top advice is to prepare before arriving. With thousands of exhibitors, buyers should define clear sourcing priorities, identify target companies and use our AI-powered matchmaking tools to schedule relevant meetings. Once onsite, sector-based halls, guided routes and dedicated spaces such as SIAL Innovation and the Start-up Village make it easier to spot emerging concepts. The goal is not to see everything, but to focus on the innovations and connections that can create real value for your business.

" Companies are combining enjoyment, health, practicality and responsibility rather than addressing them separately "

GAMA SPOKE TO YANNICK VERRY, EVENT DIRECTOR

FI EUROPE 2026 WHERE? Frankfurt, Germany WHEN? 17th to 19th November 2026

What are your primary goals and expectations for this year’s edition of Fi Europe? Our central goal for Fi Europe 2026 is to bring the F&B community together around the innovation needed to meet the challenges facing the ingredients sector – from health and sustainability to economic resilience. We expect to welcome over 27,000 attendees and more than 1,650 exhibiting companies from across 135 countries. This year, we are particularly focused on helping the industry move from ideas to market faster, with practical ingredient solutions that address supply chain volatility and evolving consumer health demands. Which specific ingredient categories or functional health trends do you expect to take centre stage on the show floor this year? We expect to see strong interest around targeted wellness, clean processing and next-generation formulation. Precision nutrition and metabolic health will be key areas, alongside a growing focus on biotics – including prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics – designed to support gut health, immunity and healthy ageing. We also expect to see a strong presence of clean-label functional proteins and texturisers, driven by demand for permissible indulgence and nutrient-dense formulations with clean ingredient decks. Meanwhile, alternative protein formulations are moving beyond heavily processed substitutes towards minimally processed, whole-food plant matrices and novel fungal or microalgae proteins that offer improved flavour profiles and cost parity. How is sustainability being integrated into the show’s program-

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ming for 2026? Sustainability remains a key part of Fi Europe 2026, with particular focus on upcycling, circularity and the protein transition. The dedicated Upcycled Foods & Ingredients Innovation Tour will showcase practical solutions, while the AI Sustainability Hub by MeNow will explore how AI can help identify new ingredients from waste streams and speed up innovation. There will also be a panel on scaling upcycled ingredients, alongside a dedicated TransFoodMission table at the Community Hub. A Hybrid/Balanced Foods Innovation Tour and a dedicated Innovation Hub session will address protein transition. The Community Hub will feature presentations from various organisations, while our Sustainability Networking Event will provide an opportunity for people across the sector to connect and share ideas. The conference programme will also cover regulatory compliance, lifecycle assessments and eco-design packaging, giving attendees practical insights they can take back to their businesses.

" This year, we are particularly focused on helping the industry move from ideas to market faster "

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USA: ACON INVESTMENTS PARTNERS WITH FINI TO ACQUIRE YUMEARTH

BRAZIL: HORMEL FOODS TO SELL CERATTI BRAND TO ZANCHETTA ALIMENTOS

ACON Investments, the US private equity ﬁrm, has acquired a controlling stake in Yum-Earth, the US organic confectionery brand, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition was supported by industry partner Fini, the Spain-headquartered confec‐ tionery manufacturer, which will also hold an ownership stake in the business. Founded in 2007, YumEarth specialises in allergy-friendly candy made with clean, simple ingredients. The company’s portfolio includes chewy sweets, lollipops and fruit snacks, which are sold online and through approximately 30,000 retail outlets, including Target and Walmart. According to a press release, the transaction represents the ﬁrst investment of the ACON Evolution Fund, which focuses on consumer and industrial sectors. ACON and Fini plan to leverage their respective expertise to support YumEarth’s strategy and accelerate its growth. YumEarth CEO Steve Van Tassel stated: “Our partnership with ACON and Fini represents an exciting new chapter for YumEarth. […] With ACON’s experience supporting consumer brands and Fini’s deep confectionery ex‐ pertise, we are well-positioned to expand our reach”. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: ACON Investments (via PR Newswire) Image source: ACON Investments / Fini (montage)

Hormel Foods, the global branded food company based in the USA, has entered into a deﬁnitive agreement to sell its Brazilian operations to Zanchetta Alimentos, a Brazilian food company. Operating under the Ceratti brand, the business offers meats such as mortadella, sausage and salami for the Brazilian retail and foodservice markets. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. According to sources, the divestiture reﬂects the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio and focus its in‐ ternational strategy on markets with stronger long-term growth opportunities. Hormel Foods entered Brazil in 2017 after acquiring Ceratti owner Cidade do Sol for $104 million. However, interim CEO Jeffrey Ettinger previously stated that the Brazilian market had been “challenged” and had acted as a “drag” on overall per‐ formance, hurting the interna‐ tional segment’s ability to deliver on growth objectives. The sale is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approval. Operations will continue as usual until the transaction closes. By: Innovation Editor – Latin America Source: Food Dive / Investing.com Image source: Hormel Foods / Zanchetta (montage)

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GERMANY: LACTALIS INVESTS IN QUARK PRODUCTION AT NEUBURG FACILITY Lactalis, the French dairy giant, is investing approximately €50 million ($57 million) to expand production capacity at its Neuburg dairy facility in Bavaria, Germany. The expansion project involves the construction of a new single-storey production building spanning approximately 5.5 hectares.

Scheduled to begin operations in August or September, the new facility will add quark to the site’s output. By 2030, the expanded plant is expected to produce approximately 40,000 tonnes of quark and 104,000 tonnes of whey annually. Overall, the site’s annual production volume is projected to reach around 308,000 metric tonnes, supported by a total raw material input of approximately 314,000 metric tonnes. Production will operate on a continuous three-shift, seven-daya-week schedule, creating around 70 new jobs. The investment reinforces the company’s position in Germany’s fresh dairy market and supports its long-term growth plans. In 2025, Lactalis Germany generated €1.3 billion ($1.48 billion) in turnover, placing it among the top ten dairy companies in Germany. By: Innovation Editor – Europe Source: FoodBev / Just Food Image source: Lactalis

USA: COCA-COLA TO FINALLY CLOSE MASSACHUSETTS BOTTLING PLANT

its C$32 million ($23.5 million) Global Innovation and Discovery Centre in Acheson, Alberta.

CEO & Executive Editor Cesar Pereira Editorial Director Tom Warden

Coca-Cola, the global beverage giant, is set to ﬁnally close its bottling facility in Northampton (MA) by the end of this year. The planned closure will result in the layoff of 175 workers, with the job cuts expected to take place in August and November. The Northampton plant is responsible for producing the company’s non-carbonated beverages, including juices and teas such as Minute Maid and Powerade. The closure had been planned since 2021 but the decision was pushed back from its original 2023 target. A company spokesperson stated: “While employees have been aware of these plans for some time, the company is issuing formal notices now to provide as much advance notice as possible”. They added: “The company is committed to supporting employees through this transition, including working closely with the state to identify new job op‐ portunities". The decision follows other network adjustments, including plans announced in April last year to close a bottling facility in American Canyon (CA). In its most recently reported quarterly results, Coca-Cola posted net revenues of $12.5 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year. By: Innovation Editor – North America Source: Food Dive / Just Drinks Image source: Coca-Cola

CANADA: CHAMPION PETFOODS OPENS GLOBAL INNOVATION CENTRE

Production Editor Vicente Boix Creative Director

The pilot facility, located at the company’s NorthStar Kitchen, was funded by parent company Mars. The centre is designed to develop, evaluate and refine new recipes, proprietary technologies and product concepts for its Orijen and Acana brands before scaling them to high-volume production. According to the company, an additional investment of C$15 million ($11 million) is planned for its Canadian facilities over the next five years to enhance production, packaging and sus‐ tainability. This builds on C$591 million ($435 million) invested over the past ten years to establish pet food manufacturing in Canada. Stacey Osborn, president of Champion Petfoods, commented: “This facility empowers our Associates to push the boundaries of pet nutrition, developing nutrient-rich foods with the speed, safety and scientific rigour that pet lovers expect from us”.

Lydia Girón Marketing Piera La Piscopia, Alicia Verrando, Daniela Agüera Ruiz Director Antonio Coronado Editors Silvia Ruiz, Patricia Viana, Sergio Costa, Shally Gupta, Jamila M'Barki Corrections & clariﬁcations Gama strives for the highest editorial standards, and quality is key to Gama’s values and mission. However, given the nature of the editorial business there may be occasions where errors or inaccuracies occur in the information we publish. It is Gama’s policy to correct any signiﬁcant errors or omissions as soon as possible, and we invite you to contact us should you have any comments about the accuracy of our content. Copyright & disclaimer All information in this publication is copyright Gama. Unless where stated or attributed, Gama retains copyright and all other intellectual property rights on all text and graphic images in this publication. Reproduction, distribution or transmission by any means without the prior permission of Gama is prohibited. All rights reserved.

The centre will leverage the regional agricultural network to source fresh ingredients and collaborate with scientists and veterinarians from the University of Calgary and the University of Guelph to pioneer evidencebased pet nutrition, with ﬁndings from the studies set to be open-sourced.

Gama has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication but does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.

By: Innovation Editor – North America Source / image source: Mars

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Champion Petfoods, the Canadian pet food manufacturer, has announced the grand opening of

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