May’s top news stories

Barry Callebaut officially launches ruby chocolate in US and Canada

Zurich-based chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer Barry Callebaut officially launched ruby, its fourth type of chocolate product in US and Canadian markets.

The initiative is part of Barry Callebaut’s global launch plan and follows the rollout in Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand markets.

In September 2017, the company unveiled ruby chocolate, which is produced using ruby cocoa beans.

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Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods secures $1.48bn credit facility

Canadian consumer packaged meats company Maple Leaf Foods announced that it secured a C$2bn ($1.48bn) credit facility with its existing banking syndicate.

The funding arrangement includes an unsecured committed revolving line of credit and two unsecured committed term facilities.

Maple Leaf Foods chief financial officer Debbie Simpson said: “We are very pleased with our new credit facility and the strong and continued support received from our banking partners.

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Bits x Bites creates China Food Tech Hub

Chinese venture capital firm Bits x Bites created ‘The China Food Tech Hub’ to nurture collaboration between startups by partnering with a consortium of multinational consumer food companies, agricultural processors, flavour houses and biotech firms.

The consortium includes companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo Greater China and General Mills.

Other companies in the consortium include Givaudan, Griffith Foods, Louis Dreyfus Company, Novozymes, Nutreco, Puratos and Danone.

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Bühler opens Cubic innovation campus in Switzerland

Swiss food equipment manufacturer Bühler officially opened its Sfr50m ($49.8) CUBIC innovation campus with eight application centres.

Located at the Bühler site in Uzwil, the innovation centre is a three-storey building and has been designed to accommodate up to 300 researchers.

The eight application centres focus on the development of various segments, including chocolate, coffee, bakery, nutrition, grain and pasta products.

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2SFG unveils plans to accelerate business transformation

UK-based food manufacturer 2 Sisters Food Group (2SFG) unveiled a series of initiatives in order to accelerate its business transformation strategy.

The company intends to make further investments in its UK Poultry and Fox’s Biscuits businesses.

Additionally, 2SFG has proposed to reduce its UK poultry sites in order to produce shorter, efficient supply chains and enhance the company’s competitiveness against its peer group.

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EC’s method to measure food waste across the EU

The European Commission (EC) announced the adoption of a new methodology to address the issue of food wastage across the European Union (EU).

According to EC, nearly 20% of the food produced in the EU is lost or wasted every year, which is causing social and environmental damage, as well as economic harm.

As a measure to address the issue, EC has adopted a Delegated Act, which lays down a common food waste measurement methodology and supports its member states in measuring the food.

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Firmenich agrees to buy majority stake in VKL Seasoning in India

Swiss company Firmenich made plans to expand its presence in the Indian market with the acquisition of a significant stake in seasonings and flavours manufacturer VKL Seasoning from private equity company True North.

Firmenich intends to further enhance its capabilities and customer reach in India, which is one of the key markets for the company.

The company also plans to expand its raw material palette for clean label ingredients.

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Mars and JVP partner to develop foodtech solutions in Israel

US-based confectioner Mars partnered with international venture capital fund Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) to pursue innovative tech solutions for global food, agriculture and nutrition challenges in Israel.

Under the new partnership, Mars will focus on start-ups and support the formation of companies.

The company will work with Israeli academic institutions, such as the Hebrew University, the Weizmann Institute, the Technion, Migall and Tel Hai College to further foodtech innovations.

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ADM combines business to form Ag Services & Oilseeds

US-based food processing and commodities trading company Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) announced the creation of a new business unit by combining its origination and oilseed business operations.

Ag Services & Oilseeds will become effective from 1 July.

Archer Daniels Midland chairman and CEO Juan Luciano said: “ADM’s ability to provide value through the entire supply chain, from origination to processing to transportation to ingredients and solutions, is what sets us apart from others in the industry.

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Pretzels to expand manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Indiana

US-based company Pretzels announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Indiana.

With the expansion of the Indiana facility, the company intends to increase its capacity across a range of products and capabilities.

Pretzels CEO Greg Pearson said: “This expansion exemplifies Pretzels’ commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations by significantly enhancing our capabilities and capacity.