Martens Brewery acquires United Dutch Breweries

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The Belgian, family-owned company Martens Brewery has acquired United Dutch Breweries from Gimv and its management. With a brewing history dating back to 1538, United Dutch Breweries (UDB) was one of the first companies to export iconic Dutch beers worldwide. In close collaboration with its partners, UDB has developed an attractive portfolio of affordable premium beer brands, which are shipped to all corners of the globe, with a presence in more than 100 markets worldwide. Since Gimv Consumer’s investment in 2015, UDB has evolved from a predominantly trade- and volume-focused company into a more focused, innovative, and growth-driven business. In 2023, UDB successfully launched its ‘Easy Brewing System’ in West Africa, an innovative and sustainable way to unlock local beer markets globally. Martens Brewery, founded in 1758, is the largest family brewery in Belgium, located in Bocholt, Limburg. With a state-of-the-art brewery in terms of sustainability and efficiency, Martens Brewery produces and sells more than 4 million hectoliters of beer in more than 100 countries worldwide. Koen Bouckaert, Managing Partner Consumer, and Patrick Franken, Partner Consumer, said: “On the eve of a new growth phase, this transaction reflects United Dutch Breweries’ growth ambitions. “By leveraging the best-in-class production and supply chain capabilities of Martens Brewery, UDB can fully capitalize on its own brand portfolio and unique global market access, creating new and attractive growth opportunities for the combined group. “Furthermore, both companies are highly complementary, offering a unique opportunity to unlock synergies and create value for all stakeholders, making this a perfect match.” Tom Verhaegen, CEO of United Dutch Breweries, said: “The combination of UDB and Martens Brewery creates enormous opportunities for all our stakeholders, not least for our customers and employees. “We are adding UDB’s strong commercial, branding, and route-to-market competencies to Martens Brewery’s production and supply chain capabilities, which are truly excellent in terms of quality, flexibility, and innovation. We look back with gratitude on our years with Gimv and look forward with great enthusiasm and pride to a bright future with Martens Brewery.” Jan Martens, Director of Martens Brewery and the 8th generation of the Martens family, added: “We see the partnership with UDB as a new milestone in the history of our family brewery. “After many investments in highly advanced and sustainable beer production and bottling capacity, our focus and strategy are now geared toward strengthening our position in global markets with profitable and strong beer brands. UDB will certainly complement our ambitions in this regard. “The 9th generation of family brewers is ready, along with all our employees in Belgium and the Netherlands, to turn this new challenge into a success story.” Danny Dresselaerts, CEO of Martens Brewery, adds: “We are very proud to have realized this transaction together with Gimv and UDB, and we view the strategic partnership with UDB as a key milestone in the further development and strengthening of our joint global business. “Furthermore, UDB, with strong brands such as Oranjeboom and Royal Dutch and an extensive international sales network, will significantly accelerate our growth ambitions. “The complementarity between both companies also offers unique opportunities to create more value, and we look forward with great confidence to realizing these ambitions together with the UDB team.”

Interlock Adhesives launches Henkel innovative low temperature hotmelt adhesive – TECHNOMELT SUPRA

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Interlock Adhesives Ltd is delighted to announce the launch of Technomelt Supra 079 ECO Cool, an innovative hot melt adhesive developed by Henkel. This product uniquely combines the strengths of the Technomelt Supra Eco and Supra Cool series, setting a new benchmark in sustainable packaging solutions. Technomelt Supra ECO 079 Eco Cool hot melt adhesive is a breakthrough in adhesive technology. By merging the bio-based materials of the Supra Eco range with the energy-efficient properties of the Supra Cool series, Henkel has created a product that optimizes sustainability at two critical points in the value chain: raw materials and processing. This bio-based adhesive boasts a minimum of 49 percent direct bio-based content, complemented by 30 percent ISCC-certified mass-balanced material. The ISCC certification ensures the precise allocation of certified and non-certified materials, enhancing the product’s sustainability credentials. One of the standout features of Technomelt Supra 079 ECO Cool is its ability to operate at significantly reduced application temperatures, lowering energy consumption by up to 40 degrees Celsius. This not only minimizes CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment, but also offers operational advantages such as a reduced risk of burns for personnel. By utilising Technomelt Supra ECO 079, companies can achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 32 percent compared to premium polyolefin-based hot melts. This translates to an estimated savings of approximately 7,500 kilograms of CO2 per year, based on an adhesive consumption of 7 tons annually. These savings are calculated based on a cradle-to-gate analysis of the product’s carbon footprint, excluding the use phase and end-of-life emissions. Moreover, Technomelt Supra ECO 079 is compatible with the paper recycling process and has been certified by the cyclos-HTP institute. The cyclos-HTP certification attests to the adhesive’s compliance with scientifically based requirements for packaging recyclability, further enhancing its sustainability profile. Technomelt Supra ECO 079 represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable packaging adhesives, providing companies with a powerful tool to enhance their environmental stewardship while maintaining high-performance standards. For more information about Technomelt Supra 079 ECO Cool, please contact Interlock Adhesives Ltd.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Eco-friendly Composition: 49 percent direct bio-based content, complemented by 30 percent ISCC-certified mass-balanced material
  • Lower Application Temperature: up to 40°C
  • High Performance: Offers excellent bonding strength and versatility across various packaging applications.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Contributes to lower environmental impact through its innovative formulation. Approx. 7500KG less CO2 with an annual consumption of 7,000kg
  • Verified cradle to gate claim from ISCC.

Supporting Innovation through Collaboration

Interlock Adhesives is a strategic partner in the development and distribution of the TECHNOMELT SUPRA 079 ECO Cool. This collaboration leverages both companies’ expertise to deliver a high-quality, sustainable product that addresses the evolving needs of the packaging industry.

Food tech spinout secures £3.5m investment

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Northern Gritstone has led MicroLub’s combined £3.5 million Seed round, making a £1.8 million investment into the ingredients technology company that replaces fats and oils with water without losing ‘mouthfeel’.

MicroLub, a University of Leeds spin-out, has developed a new ingredients technology that addresses key consumer demands for lower-calorie and sustainable food options.

Fats and oils make foods texturally appealing and tastier by adding ‘lubricity’ and a ‘creamy’ mouthfeel. However, they also add calories. With obesity contributing to a projected global annual health bill of $4.3 trillion, and over half the world’s population on course to be overweight or obese within the next decade, MicroLub is addressing the need for less-calorific healthier alternatives.

MicroLub also aims to contribute to sustainability by supporting the alternative protein industry in making plant-based foods less astringent.

The spinout already has strong traction with some of the largest food and food ingredients companies and with retail sales of reduced-fat dairy and plant-based food products in Europe, the US and the UK alone worth more than $120 billion, the market opportunity for MicroLub is significant.

The company was founded by Anwesha Sarkar, Professor of Colloids and Surfaces at the University of Leeds and Director of Research and Innovation for the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Anwesha is also Project Leader of the newly created National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre where MicroLub is a partner company.

Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: “Northern Gritstone is delighted to support MicroLub’s world-class team. Obesity is a challenge in many countries reducing the quality of life of an individual and often shortening it. MicroLub shows that innovation coming out of the University of Leeds has the potential to help solve these global challenges.”

Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Founder of MicroLub, said: “When we discovered the technology and tested lubricity, we knew it had many potential applications, which we can now explore with this investment led by Northern Gritstone.”

David Peters, CEO of MicroLub, said: “There is a huge market opportunity in food for MicroLub. We already have strong traction with ingredients giants and some of the largest food and dairy companies, who are looking for innovative ways to make their products healthier, more nutritious and more sustainable. I am very excited at the journey ahead with our customers.”

Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “This groundbreaking research is addressing a major global challenge while placing the UK at the forefront of the quest to reduce health inequalities. We are proud of our track record of transforming academic research into commercial success.”

Aldi removes plastic windows and trays from several savoury goods lines

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Aldi is removing the plastic windows and trays from several of its savoury goods lines. The supermarket’s Specially Selected pies and quiches, as well as Crestwood frittatas and quiches, will now come in cardboard packaging, removing the need for plastic windows. Additionally, the plastic trays will be removed from its Crestwood twin slices and Crestwood pork pies. The UK’s fourth largest supermarket is expected to eliminate 127 tonnes of unnecessary plastic packaging per year once these changes are all rolled out. Customers will be able to buy these products in their new packaging from 27 November, while Aldi’s seasonal Mini Pork Pie Selection will be trayless this festive period. Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said: “We are constantly reviewing ways to become a more sustainable supermarket and reducing unnecessary plastic packaging is just another example of the progress we’re making. “We know our customers care about our environmental commitments just as much as we do and we hope these changes help make their daily shop more sustainable.”

Pernod Ricard to sell Minttu and local Nordic brands

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Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement to sell the liqueur Minttu and its whole portfolio of Nordic local brands produced in Turku with their related assets to Oy Hartwall AB, a Finnish multi-beverage company and affiliate of Danish group Royal Unibrew. The local portfolio of brands includes spirits, liqueurs and Finnish wine brands, the most known being liqueur Minttu, along with their related production assets based in Turku (Finland). Hartwall also acquires Lapponia liqueurs as well as a wide selection of berry and fruit wines and a variety of glögi brands. This transaction will enable Pernod Ricard to focus its resources behind its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business, in line with its premiumisation strategy. The sale is the result of Pernod Ricard’s continuous assessment of its strategic opportunities and active portfolio management in line with its longstanding policy to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders, employees, clients and partners.

AI-powered project to transform UK beef farming

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UK beef farming could be radically transformed thanks to new research which will tackle the industry’s critical environmental, social, and economic challenges using artificial intelligence.
The £1.2m UKRI-funded BeefTwin project seeks to improve feed efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance animal welfare, and increase profitability for farmers.
Led by Professor Xiao Ma, director of the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, the research will combine expertise in biosciences, environmental sciences, management sciences, computer sciences, and animal sciences.
Experts from the University of Nottingham; Royal Holloway University; the University of Sheffield, and the University of Lincoln will work across disciplines to leverage AI and data-driven technologies to address the urgent challenges facing the UK beef industry.
Beef farming significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, with annual emissions totalling four billion metric tons (FAO, 2023).
UK beef farms also face low profitability due to factors like inconsistent beef quality, lack of precision farming practice, and power imbalance and loss of value within the supply chain.
In addition, grazing beef farming makes it difficult to collect real-time data on animal health, feed conversion, and environmental impact.
BeefTwin will develop an AI-powered DigitalTwin for each cow in the herd – creating a virtual representation of the farming system which involves the usage of real-time data, simulation, machine learning and real time tracking of emissions.
This unique project will integrate the expertise of scientists from different disciplines to measure conversion rates taking place in the farm and develop a more efficient model through reconfigured farming practices. These include:
  • Biology focused microbial analysis of cattle waste to understand feed conversion to productivity in terms of meat and methane emissions (Dr Ellen Nisbet, University of Nottingham)
  • Environmental science centred analysis to track methane emissions and identify their sources using drones, sensors and methane analysers (Dr Rebecca Fisher, Royal Holloway University)
  • Working closely with farmers to identify the wider socioeconomical issues and different grazing patterns of the cattle and assess the impact on productivity and efficiency of the farm (Professor Louise Manning, Lincoln University)
  • Computer science and AI centred study to leverage sensor and computer vision data to empower precision measurement on cattle weight, behaviour, growth patterns, farming practice variations and methane emission tracking (Professor Jungong Han, University of Sheffield)
  • A management sciences centred team at NTU will closely monitor the changing dynamics of the farming practices from data and create a new reconfigured smart farming model representing efficient and optimised conversions that benefit the entire farming value chain (Professor Xiao Ma and Dr Fatima Gillani, Nottingham Trent University)
The results will contribute to the development of new farming practices, where operations are simulated and optimised to improve resource efficiency and profitability for farmers. This will lead to reduced GHG emissions from the farm; improved feed conversion efficiency; increase beef farming productivity; and enhanced animal welfare and reduced calf mortality rates.
The BeefTwin project aims to collaborate with farmers, policymakers, and industry experts throughout to ensure practical and impactful solutions.
Director of CBIT and project lead, Professor Xiao Ma, said: “The beef industry in the UK, and Europe, is facing a number of challenges and competition from smart farming nations such as South America and Southeast Asia, where they have upskilled rural communities and seen their profitability increase.
“Due to yield-driven beef grading, the industry’s low margins, and value being extracted later in the food supply chain, for example by supermarkets and abattoirs, UK farms often rely on subsidies to survive, and authorities are required to finance the industry.
“We are seeing a worrying trend where industries are being outsourced to other countries, and if we don’t act quickly, we risk losing beef farming to the same fate. The UK needs to catch up and if we do it right then we can protect our small farm model and keep local people in their farms by improving the value chain and making farming self-sustainable.
“By fostering collaboration and innovation, BeefTwin aims to create a more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible future for beef farming.”
BeefTwin – AI-powered Digital Twin for Sustainable Beef Farming will work with farms across the UK for two years.

Raise a glass to enriching discoveries: DEWAR’S® unveils new “Here’s to the Story” global brand campaign

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DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky has unveiled its latest global campaign, “Here’s to the Story” – a reimagined brand platform celebrating the near 180-year legacy of the brand’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to inspiring life’s most enriching discoveries. “Here’s to the Story” marks the beginning of a wider reimagining for DEWAR’S as the brand refreshes its global marketing strategy, backed by its storied history and the pivotal role the brand has played in popularizing Scotch Whisky around the world. Crafted for those who are thirsty for enriching experiences, this campaign reaffirms the brand’s position as the ultimate companion for life explorers. At the heart of this new brand platform is the conviction that life’s true value lies not in material possessions but in the experiences we gather, the people we encounter, and the stories we cherish. DEWAR’S recognizes that every interaction adds a unique chapter to our life’s narrative, filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable moments. “Here’s to the Story” is more than just a tagline—it’s a philosophy that celebrates the richness of life’s journey, best savored with a glass of DEWAR’S, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky, in hand. “The “Here’s to the Story” campaign is a tribute to DEWAR’S tradition of exceptional craftsmanship and the novel characters and stories that have shaped the brand over the centuries. Our whisky has always been more than a drink, it’s a celebratory symbol of life’s greatest moments and the shared stories that define them,” said Laila Mignoni, Global Vice President, Creative Excellence, Bacardi. “This campaign is an invitation to our consumers to take a seat at the table and toast to the stories that make life truly fulfilling.” As part of the campaign’s debut, DEWAR’S is launching a bespoke video that captures the essence of “Here’s to the Story.” The ad features a long table surrounded by various storytellers such as Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod, famed Spanish photographer, Eugenio Recuenco, and other inspiring creative minds—passing a dram of whisky amongst each other. “At DEWAR’S, we believe the richness of life lies in the stories we share and the experiences we treasure,” said Misha Semiz, Global Vice President Blended Scotch, Bacardi. “Far from a one-off advertising campaign, ‘Here’s to the Story’ marks the beginning of a new brand belief and an ongoing thread for DEWAR’S. It represents a renewed vision and the start of a new chapter in our journey, which includes product and visual world updates to elevate DEWAR’S into the premium-plus space. Our aim is to redefine how whisky is perceived, open up new possibilities and invite a broader audience into the world of Scotch. It’s a tribute to the intelligent, witty, and sophisticated moments and people that make life extraordinary.” DEWAR’S is embarking on an exciting new chapter defined by innovation, cultural resonance, and a deeper connection with today’s whisky enthusiasts. This evolution comes at a time of tremendous opportunity, with expectations for the super premium+ whisky segments to continue outpacing the wider category. DEWAR’S is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, with its award-winning Double Double range and a refined brand strategy to solidify its presence in the premium+ space. DEWAR’S is the most awarded Blended Scotch, with numerous awards for the brand’s Double Double range of 21 year and older expressions, which exemplify the expertise of its whisky-makers, headed up by acclaimed Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, six-time winner of Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition (IWC). The integrated campaign will roll out globally, featuring cinematic ads, social media content, and collaborations with renowned creators who embody the curious, witty, and sophisticated spirit of life exploration. DEWAR’S will also engage with like-minded world travelers and influencers across social media platforms, creating a vibrant community of storytellers.

Arla Foods bids for food and beverage firm in Egypt

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Arla Foods has made an offer for the majority of the shares in the Arabian Food Industries Company (Domty), a listed company with approximately 4,000 employees and two production sites in Egypt. The offer corresponds to a value of 8.9bn EGP (Egyptian pounds) or approximately $183m for 100% of the shares. It is however expected that the current owners, the El Damaty family, will continue with a shareholding alongside Arla and Mohamed El Damaty will continue as the CEO. It is Arla’s intention to delist the company from the Egyptian stock exchange. The non-binding offer is subject to satisfactory due diligence, definitive documentation, corporate and regulatory approval. ”The dairy market in Egypt is substantial, Domty is a leading player in that market and the company is well-aligned with our strategy in Egypt. We are now looking at the details before deciding whether to proceed with purchasing the business,” says Kim Villadsen, SVP for MENA in Arla Foods. Arla Foods has a long-standing presence in the Middle East and North Africa, which is the company’s largest commercial area outside of Europe. “Expanding into Egypt is a natural step in our journey to better serve all our MENA consumers, reinforcing our commitment to regional production and ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality dairy products tailored to regional preferences,” says Kim Villadsen.

In Good Company takes on UK distribution of Normandy’s SASSY Cider

Craft beer portfolio business, In Good Company – which houses brands including Magic Rock, Fourpure and Big Drop – has become the chosen UK distributor for premium French brand, SASSY Cider. Made with 100% natural juice from locally sourced apples and pears, and with a lower ABV and fewer calories, SASSY Cider blends authentic Normandy provenance with contemporary cocktail culture. The brand has positioned its ciders as more than just a simple drink, but the perfect aperitif, alternative to wine or cocktail ingredient. This approach has won it high profile listings in the UK including Côte Restaurants, Bill’s, The Ivy Collection, The Wolseley Hospitality Group (including Brasserie Zedel), Majestic Wine, Daylesford, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. In Good Company has newly been onboarded to manage full UK distribution, with the goal of taking SASSY’s retailer and hospitality listings to the next level. In Good Company’s CEO, Steve Cox, said: “We’re excited to welcome SASSY to In Good Company as we start work on growing UK distribution of its range of both apple and pear ciders, as well as its brilliant Calvados. The brand has a very compelling point of difference and its products really deliver on taste, and we’re looking forward to utilising both our on and off trade industry relationships to build on the success of its distribution with premium outlets to date.” He continued: “In the last year, we’ve significantly expanded In Good Company’s portfolio, newly brewing and managing distribution for craft beers Big Drop and People’s Captain and just a few months back, winning the contract to distribute China’s leading beer Tsingtao. It’s a tough market out there but we’re confident that the increasing breadth of our offering, alongside our strong industry knowledge, sets us in good stead to meet ambitious growth targets.” In Good Company Off Trade Controller, Tom Buckle, said: “We are very excited to be entering into this distribution agreement with Maison Sassy here in the UK. Whilst SASSY already has some fantastic listings across the on and off trade, we are looking forward to introducing this exciting range of products to a wider audience – commencing with an exciting new retailer listing very soon.” Xavier d’Audiffret, co-founder of SASSY Cider, said: “Steve and his team at In Good Company know the UK retail and hospitality industries inside out. They have long-standing expertise in the premium beverages market and really strong relationships, so felt like the perfect partner where our cider could sit alongside a range of beers in their portfolio that also carry very strong quality and craft credentials.” SASSY Cider co-chairman, David Flochel continued: “I’m thrilled to chair SASSY alongside Xavier and now working with Steve and his teams to accelerate SASSY’s growth. Together, we will execute our shared plans and next phase of growth!”

Strawberry-picking robots trialled to tackle labour shortages

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Robots which can harvest and package strawberries in a matter of seconds have been trialled in Essex as part of plans to tackle a labour shortage in the industry.
The University of Essex has been working with jam makers, Wilkin & Sons, to test the new prototype, which it says costs a fraction of the price of existing technology. This latest project, funded by a £1.02million grant via the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ flagship Farming Innovation Programme, has seen the low-cost robot tasked with picking strawberries from one of Wilkins and Sons’ vertical farms in Tiptree. The robot, which can pick a strawberry in just 2.5 seconds, is based on a previous prototype which has been successfully trialled for the last two seasons. The modular architecture can be easily adapted to other crops – with robotic harvesting trials planned later on in the project with onions, tomatoes and lettuce.
Dr Vishwanathan Mohan and Professor Klaus McDonald-Maier, both from Essex’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, have helped design and build the robot. Dr Mohan said: “Through this project we want to transform how food is grown efficiently using robotics and AI, and make state-of-the-art agri-robotics technologies accessible to everyone. “Even if smaller farms and businesses can afford a robot, you need a whole fleet of them to make a difference, so it is vital we find cost-effective alternatives to help the agricultural industry. “At the same time robotics is a game changer to tackle some of the critical challenges facing us – food security, labour security, climate and energy.” The prototype is able to pick the strawberries using a robotic arm, before weighing each one and placing it in packaging. It is hoped the project will not only reduce the repetitive, labour-intensive process of crop picking, but will also extend the shelf-life of produce by speeding up the packaging process. Existing crop-picking robots cost on average around £150,000 but if successful, the new prototype will cost a fraction of the price at around £10,000. Chris Newenham, Joint Managing Director of Wilkin & Sons, said: “Wilkin & Sons are once again delighted to partner with the University of Essex in tackling what is currently the most significant challenge for our industry. “Our experience from our initial work with the institution is that these challenges are inordinately complex and take time, it is work which is definitely not for the faint hearted but we are confident that we are working with the very best partners and very much looking forward to seeing the fruits of our collective labours over the coming years.”