September’s top news stories

KitKat Chocolatory to launch KitKat Chocolatory in UK

Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate Nestlé launched it’s ‘KitKat Chocolatory’ in the UK.

The Chocolatory will offer nearly 1,500 different chocolate flavour combinations, including milk, dark, white and ruby. It will also feature a variety of ingredients, such as shortbread pieces chunks, honeycomb and rose petals.

Nestlé UK & Ireland KitKat Chocolatory head Rabia Khan said: “KitKat is our biggest brand and this is the biggest news for KitKat since the introduction of the KitKat Chunky exactly 20 years ago.

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The Original Cakerie to expand manufacturing facility in Ontario

Frozen desserts company The Original Cakerie planned to increase its production capabilities by expanding its manufacturing facility in London, Ontario.

The Original Cakerie, which is part of Dessert Holdings, is engaged in the production of more than 350 food products, including layer cakes, bars and brownies, which are currently being produced at its London plant, as well as at an additional manufacturing facility located in Delta, British Columbia.

Dessert Holdings CEO Paul Lapadat said: “In the last four years, we have experienced sizeable growth as demand for our premium, innovative products remains strong with our existing customers and we continue to add new customers as well.

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Beston Global Food signs manufacturing agreement with Soulfresh

Australia’s Beston Global Food Company (BFC) is set to enter the vegan and vegetarian markets, with the signing of a contract manufacturing agreement with Soulfresh.

The companies will produce plant-based meat alternatives and vegetarian products.

Some products have already been launched in major supermarkets under the ‘Eaty’ and ‘Wildly Good’ brands.

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Conagra Brands to build snacking innovation centre in Chicago, US

US-based food company Conagra Brands announced plans to build a snacking innovation centre called The Conagra Brands Center for Food Design in Chicago, Illinois.

To be located next to the company’s headquarters in The Merchandise Mart, the 40,000ft² innovation centre is an expansion of the company’s research, development and culinary centre.

Conagra Brands executive vice-president and co-chief operating officer Tom McGough said: “Conagra Brands’ $2bn snacks business is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the food industry.

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Hershey acquires nutrition bar maker One Brands for $397m

US-based snacks company The Hershey Company completed the acquisition of nutrition bars manufacturer One Brands for $397m.

The deal is expected to complement Hershey’s existing Oatmega business, which is part of the Amplify Snack Brands acquired last year, as well as its recent investment in Fulfil Holdings, a European manufacturer of vitamin-fortified, high-protein bars.

One Brands CEO Peter Burns said: “We are honoured to officially be a part of the Hershey family and to expand One Brands’ reach to more consumers with great tasting products that deliver on superior nutrition and texture.

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Dawn Foods sells distribution centre in Puerto Rico

US-based bakery ingredient manufacturer and distributor Dawn Food Products announced the divestiture of its distribution facility in Puerto Rico to sweeteners and ingredients supplier Able Sales Company.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by both companies.

Founded in 1972, Able Sales is engaged in the supply of sweeteners and raw materials for the food and pharmaceutical industries in Puerto Rico.

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Cargill invests in Belgium site to produce low-sugar chocolates

Global food company Cargill invested $5m at its Mouscron facility in Belgium to improve capabilities at the plant to produce chocolates with reduced sugar levels.

The investment comes in response to the increasing demand for chocolate products with less sugar content.

Cargill Europe chocolate activities managing director Inge Demeyere said: “As more consumers look for reduced sugar chocolate products, our customers are looking for new chocolate recipes that combine an indulgent sensory experience with lower sugar levels.

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Keytone Dairy agrees to acquire Super Cubes in Australia

Australia’s Keytone Dairy announced the execution of a binding agreement to acquire the assets, brands and business of 40Forty Foods, which is currently trading as Super Cubes.

Keytone Dairy will acquire Super Cubes for a consideration of A$726,000 ($493,323) plus an earn-out subject to performance milestones.

Keytone Dairy chairman Peter James said: “The acquisition of Super Cubes demonstrates swift and clear execution of the branded product growth strategy following the acquisition of Omniblend.

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US and Japan sign agreement to improve access for US red meat

The Governments of the US and Japan signed a trade agreement, which is expected to improve access for US red meat imports to Japan.

Once the US-Japan Trade Agreement is implemented, Japan will provide significant market access for food and agricultural products manufactured in the US by eliminating or reducing tariffs, or by allowing a specific quantity of imports at a low duty.

The deal is expected to improve the competitiveness of US producers with other countries that currently have preferential tariffs in the Japanese market under country-specific quotas (CSQs).

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EBRD provides loan to Turkish dried fruits exporter Isik Organic

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provided a loan to Isik Organic, a Turkish exporter of organic dried fruits and nuts.

A loan of €16m from EBRD also includes €1.5m from the Clean Technology Fund, which will be issued under the bank’s Near Zero Waste programme.

The loan will be used by the Turkish firm to increase its production capacity and to reduce wastage.