Diageo sells Safari to Casa Redondo
Diageo has agreed the sale of Safari, a fruit flavoured liqueur brand, to Casa Redondo, a Portuguese beverage-alcohol company.
Safari is predominantly sold in Benelux, Portugal and Türkiye. Given its consumer base, Diageo believes Casa Redondo is the right owner to take Safari into its next chapter of growth across Europe and beyond.
John Kennedy, Diageo’s President, Europe said: “The sale of Safari reflects Diageo’s commitment to delivering consistent growth and value creation for shareholders.
“This transaction will allow us to further concentrate on our core areas of strength, including tequila and whisk(e)y, as we accelerate towards our ambition; to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world.”
On the purchase of Safari, Daniel and Ricardo Redondo, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Casa Redondo said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Safari from Diageo.
“This transaction underscores our commitment to expanding our portfolio with premium offerings that resonate with consumers globally. We look forward to integrating this brand into our family, continuing to innovate for our customers, whilst ensuring exceptional quality.”
Morrisons partners with Sea Forest to fast track lower methane beef
Morrisons has partnered with Sea Forest, an Earthshot finalist and science-based environmental technology company, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle.
Sea Forest will work with Myton Food Group, Morrisons’ manufacturing arm, exclusively to supply SeaFeedTM – its methane abating livestock feed – to help fast track the introduction of lower carbon beef products such as mince, burgers, steaks and joints in Morrisons.
Approval for the process is being worked through, but if successful customers should see products on the shelf in Morrisons by 2026. The partnership supports Morrisons ambition to achieve net zero agriculture emissions from its directly supplied farms by 2030.
Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “As British farming’s biggest direct customer, we are well placed to support the farmers we work with and help them farm more sustainably. This partnership supports our ambition to have net zero agriculture emissions by 2030.
“Having our own livestock experts with direct relationships with farmers enables us to make changes quickly, meaning that once our trial is complete and we have approvals in place, we can develop our lower carbon beef products and help support the drive to lower emissions from cattle.”
Sam Elsom, CEO of Sea Forest, said: “Distributing our methane-busting solution to one of the most respected retailers and food producers in the UK to reduce livestock methane emissions is a tremendous milestone for Sea Forest.
“SeaFeedTM has the potential to sustainably feed the planet while tackling one of the most challenging pieces of the climate puzzle. Our trials with beef, dairy and wool producers across Australia and New Zealand have demonstrated excellent results and we are delighted to partner with Morrisons to make a meaningful impact on climate change at an international scale.”
The partnership is the latest step in an innovative research programme by Morrisons and Queen’s University Belfast that is looking at the use of seaweed to help reduce methane production in cattle.
Professor Sharon Huws, Director of Research, Queen’s University Belfast, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security (IGF), said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Morrisons and Sea Forest to provide the scientific evidence underpinning the journey towards net zero in the Morrisons beef chain.
“Innovation is at the centre of the IGFS ethos, and this collaboration is an important example of how our research translates into impact for the sector, and indeed for the health of our planet.”
Exclusive UK distributor named for Brad Pitt & the Perrin Family’s The Gardener Gin
Family-owned specialist drinks importer, distributor, and retailer, Amathus Drinks will be the exclusive UK distributor for The Gardener Gin, the latest collaboration from Brad Pitt and the Perrin Family, created in partnership with the gin legend Tom Nichol, one of the world’s pre-eminent Master Distillers.
An ode to the French Riviera, The Gardener Gin is vibrant and complex, with a smooth texture and sparkling scent notes of juniper, and citrus flavours that sneak to the front to produce a rich and balanced flavour.
Made from wheat in copper stills, the organic certified gin rests upon a canvas of citrus, juniper, liquorice, angelica and coriander. It is a melding of lush greens and brilliant golds, laced through with an unconventional blend of both fresh and dry citruses – pink grapefruit, bright lemon and the yin and yang of sweet and bitter orange from the Cap d’Antibes area.
Brad Pitt and the Perrin family, fifth-generation winemakers, first joined forces in 2012 when Pitt worked with the family on their Rosé.
The Gardener Gin will be available to purchase in the UK from Amathus, online and from Amathus’ eleven stores around London.
Greg Kimber, Head of Agency Spirits at Amathus Drinks, says: “We’re delighted to have been trusted to be the exclusive UK suppliers of The Gardener Gin, and to expand our collection of drinks from the creative minds of Brad Pitt and the Perrin Family.
“We’re admirers of Tom Nichol’s work, who is such an important and influential figure in the gin business, and with Pitt and Famille Perrin he has helped create a lively and modern gin that captures the art-de-vivre of the French Riviera. Thanks to their considered mix of bitter orange, sweet orange and pink grapefruit, all grown locally in the heart of the French Riviera, the gin has a rich and balanced taste.”
Matthieu Perrin, co-founder of The Gardener and 5th generation of Famille Perrin, says: “We are extremely delighted to announce our distribution partnership with Amathus Drinks to bring The Gardener to the UK. Their commitment to excellence, diversity, and progression in the dynamic drinks sector mirrors that of Famille Perrin and we look forward to a successful and long-lasting collaboration.”
Carlsberg reaches agreement to acquire Britvic in £3.3bn deal
Carlsberg has reached an agreement to acquire soft drinks business Britvic in a deal that values the latter at approximately £3.3 billion, and gives the brewing giant an opportunity to grow its UK operations and bottling relationship with PepsiCo.
Carlsberg intends to create a single integrated beverage company in the UK, to be named Carlsberg Britvic and led by a management team comprised of individuals from each of Carlsberg, CMBC and Britvic. The enlarged business will have a portfolio of leading brands across the beer and soft drinks categories. Britvic shareholders will vote on the takeover at a general meeting. Following completion Carlsberg is expected to become the largest PepsiCo bottling partner in Europe.Ian Durant, Non-Executive Chair of Britvic, said: “Britvic is an outstanding business with a strong heritage built on its portfolio of family-favourite brands, long-standing customer relationships, a well-invested supply chain infrastructure and a fantastic team of people across multiple markets. All these factors have supported a consistent track record of delivery for Britvic’s stakeholders over a sustained period of time.
“The proposed transaction creates an enlarged international group that is well-placed to capture the growth opportunities in multiple drinks sectors. Crucially, to remain competitive at a time when the market is being shaped by the trend of increasing consolidation among bottling partners, Carlsberg’s agreement with PepsiCo provides the combined group with a strong platform for continued success.
“The Board of Directors believe that the strategic merits of this offer are compelling, and the offer also provides shareholders with the opportunity to receive the certainty of cash consideration that reflects the current strength and medium-term prospects of the Britvic business.
“It also recognises the challenges of achieving an appropriate future rating and valuation for Britvic versus its historical range of trading multiples, alongside less certain long-term alignment with regard to its PepsiCo bottling business. Therefore, the Board is unanimously recommending the offer to our shareholders.“
Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg, said: “With this transaction, we are combining Britvic’s high-quality soft drinks portfolio with Carlsberg’s strong beer portfolio and route-to-market capabilities, creating an enhanced proposition across the UK and markets in Western Europe.
“The proposed transaction is attractive for shareholders of Carlsberg, supporting our growth ambitions and being immediately earnings accretive and value accretive in year three. We are excited about expanding our global partnership with PepsiCo and believe that the longer-term opportunities will be very beneficial for both companies.
“We are pleased that the Britvic Board is unanimously recommending our offer to Britvic Shareholders. We look forward to welcoming Britvic’s employees into the Carlsberg family and creating an exciting, combined company for all employees.
“We are committed to accelerating commercial and supply chain investments in Britvic, and we are confident that Carlsberg Britvic will become the preferred multi-beverage supplier to customers in the UK with a comprehensive portfolio of market-leading brands.“
Silviu Popovici, CEO of PepsiCo Europe, said: “We are looking forward to building on our long-standing and successful partnerships with both Carlsberg and Britvic. We believe that the combination of Carlsberg and Britvic will create even stronger sales and distribution capabilities for our winning brands in important markets. We look forward to continuing to expand the partnership into further important markets in the future.”
Sainsbury’s invests in new AI vet tech to enhance animal welfare on dairy farms
Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer in the world to invest in new AI veterinary technology used to measure and enhance positive animal welfare on dairy farms, which could revolutionise the approach to cattle care.
In partnership with Vet Vision AI, a new spinout company from the University of Nottingham, Sainsbury’s is trialling new technology which has been designed to spot when cows are happy and healthy, and why. The cows are monitored through low cost and portable cameras which can be used by vets on multiple farms.
The AI works by recognising patterns in behaviour, analysing and turning video footage into real-time, accurate data. As well as monitoring behaviour, the AI will offer farmers suggestions on ways to further improve the animals’ lifestyles. Examples of this include housing improvements for better comfort and animal engagement and providing enrichment such as cow brushes, similar to a back scratcher, to reduce stress.
The ability for round the clock monitoring enables more informed decision making, as farmers will have unique insights into cow welfare that they may not be able to identify with standard vet visits. The continuous analysis of behaviour also allows for a ‘test and learn’ approach to the suggested welfare tactics.
The use of AI on farms is an expanding area, but what sets this technology apart is the ability to show when a cow is thriving, as opposed to just spotting illnesses and ailments. The constant monitoring can also identify diseases early, preventing vets having to treat disease later down the line.
Beyond the benefits for the animal, the tech promotes a step forward in farming efficiency as a healthy cow means a more productive cow. If, for example, the AI advises improving cow comfort through increased lying time, this then may lead to better leg health and more milk produced for the same amount of feed, as the cow is stronger on its hooves.
Currently on 30 of Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group farms, the aim is to roll out the technology further next year. The SDDG was founded in 2007 to provide more support to farmers. It includes around 170 farms who supply Sainsbury’s with its own brand milk.
“I have begun to use this AI technology with dairy herd health clients as part of our routine monitoring of health and welfare. The ability of the system to observe the cows’ natural behaviours without disturbing the animals, and to turn these observations into hard outcomes, is of huge value when planning interventions to improve foot health, udder health, fertility performance and so on,” said Dr James Breen, Professor in Cattle Health at the University of Nottingham.
Dr Matt Turner, Vet and Agriculture Manager at Sainsbury’s, said: “Investing in British farming and continuously improving animal health and welfare are key priorities for us and this innovative new technology will mean we can help both farmer and animal.
“Our dairy farmers that are using the technology are already seeing real benefits and we look forward to expanding it to our wider network of Dairy Development Group farms soon.”
Dr Tom Angel, Veterinary Surgeon at Synergy Farm Health, said: “Vet Vision AI has allowed us to identify positive animal welfare on farms, such as increased lying times and cow comfort, as well as management factors that need addressing to improve these outputs. The use of the computer vision technology has then been able to assess the impact of any changes we have implemented, objectively revealing how the animals have responded positively to the environmental and management changes.”
Dave Bacon, dairy farmer at Gleadthorpe Farm, said: “I know that happy, comfortable cows produce more milk, but accurately measuring and knowing how to improve cow comfort can be challenging. Using Vet Vision AI, we were able to measure how comfort levels improved after we upgraded our housing and put new cow mattresses in. Knowing that my cows are more comfortable as a result means I can feel confident the investment was worth it.” European manufacturer of food cans, ends, and closures, Eviosys, to be acquired
Eviosys, the European manufacturer of food cans, ends, and closures, has been acquired by Sonoco, a leader in sustainable packaging.
This strategic move marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining their strengths to enhance service and innovation in the metal packaging industry.
The transaction, valued at approximately $3.9 billion, is expected to close by the end of 2024.
Tomás López, CEO of Eviosys, will continue to lead Sonoco’s EMEA metal packaging business, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership.
Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco, said: “The acquisition of Eviosys establishes our global leadership in metal food can and aerosol packaging, marking an exciting milestone in our strategy to enhance our core metal packaging platform. We are committed to building on Eviosys’ strong foundation and delivering superior value to our customers.”
Tomás López, CEO of Eviosys, added: “By joining forces with Sonoco, we will bring our high-quality, sustainable, and innovative packaging solutions to a broader market. Our shared values and commitment to customer service will drive the success of this acquisition, and I look forward to continuing to lead our dedicated team in this new chapter.”
Visitor registration opens for the next edition of West Africa’s leading manufacturing exhibition and conference
Propak West Africa returns in September to unite the manufacturing industry across three action packed days in Lagos. With the countdown started until the doors open, now is the time to register to attend and be the first to hear the latest news and updates.
Last year marked the milestone of the 10th Edition of Propak which saw a record attendance of both exhibitors and visitors at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. Building on from that and growing into the forth hall at the centre this year for the first time, the exhibition continues to go from strength to strength. This years edition, taking place from the 10th – 12th September 2024, will see no less than 250 companies from all corners of the globe descend on Lagos, ready to showcase their product innovations to over 5,500 visitors.
Speciality Pulp and Paper Ltd have taken the Platinum Sponsor position for the 2024 exhibition, with their market leading products taking centre stage. Alongside them from the Nigerian market companies including Alef Recycling, C. Woerman Nigeria Ltd, Betaglass Ltd, JMG Ltd, Krones West Africa, Sacvin Nigeria, SBA Nigeria, Tetra Pak West Africa and Vista International have all confirmed their stands at the exhibition already, looking to build on their current market share.
Internationally also, many new companies have confirmed their stands at the premier exhibition for the sector with AISA Automation, Carbokene, Coperion, Goma Engineering, MLT Pack Services, Neofyton, Phoenix Industries, Reifenhauser Blown Film, Sacmi Beverage, Snetor Chimie, Tricon Dry Chemicals and Vinmar International ready to meet the West African audience in Lagos.
Alongside the exhibition, this year the organisers have confirmed the return of the KPMG led conference program on the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing, as well as a series of talks in regards to packaging, hosted by the Africa Packaging Organisation and World Packaging Organisation. For the first time visitors will also get the opportunity to witness companies presenting their latest products at the Product Innovation Stage to an intermate audience, allowing for questions from the crowd.
With the proximity of the event, the organisers have said there is much more to be announced over the course of the coming weeks and urge all those interested in staying in touch to register for the exhibition and be kept informed of the new conference sessions, exhibitors and features that are in store.
For more information visit – www.propakwestafrica.com
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 achieved remarkable success connecting global food & beverage businesses for vibrant trade networking
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024, Asia’s leading food and beverage trade show, concluded its resounding success, held under the theme “Beyond Food Experience” from 28 May to 1 June 2024 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Thailand.
This event solidified its reputation as an international platform for business matching and valuable networking among entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry worldwide, driving businesses toward greater success.
Highlights of THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 boasted an impressive presence, featuring 3,133 food and beverage exhibitors (1,109 Thai companies and 2,024 international companies) showcasing their products across 6,238 booths from 52 countries around the world.
The trade show attracted 138,508 visitors, including 85,850 trade visitors and 52,658 public visitors. The total trade value amounted to 96,265.80 million baht. Countries with the highest total purchase were Thailand, China, India, South Korea, and Malaysia, respectively. The top five product categories by sales were fine food, sweets and confectionery, drinks, frozen food, and seafood, respectively.
NOW & BEYOND
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 gathered innovations and trends in the food and beverage industry that cater to current and future lifestyles, focusing on health, sustainability, and emerging trends, to help businesses respond to market demands. The activities included THAIFEX – ANUGA Future Food Market, THAIFEX – ANUGA Halal Market, THAIFEX – ANUGA Organic Market, THAIFEX – ANUGA Startup, THAIFEX – ANUGA tasteInnovation Show, and THAIFEX – ANUGA Trend Zone.
OPPORTUNITY BEYOND
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 brought together exhibitors in the food and beverage industry from 52 countries across various regions, including East Asia, ASEAN, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East, and Australia, to meet with 85,850 trade visitors for fruitful business negotiations, resulting in the greater opportunity for strategic
partnerships and collaborations.
INSPIRATION BEYOND
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 was also a holistic learning hub for exploring new experiences and enhancing knowledge in the food business and marketing through activities, exhibitions, seminars, and consulting services, all designed to help businesses succeed in the future. There were several fascinating activities such as Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2024, Future Food Experience+, Food Arcade, Export Clinic, Thai SELECT Pavilion, and Thai Halal Pavilion.
See you again! Be a part of our great success at THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 from 27 – 31 May 2025 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.
NOW & BEYOND
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 gathered innovations and trends in the food and beverage industry that cater to current and future lifestyles, focusing on health, sustainability, and emerging trends, to help businesses respond to market demands. The activities included THAIFEX – ANUGA Future Food Market, THAIFEX – ANUGA Halal Market, THAIFEX – ANUGA Organic Market, THAIFEX – ANUGA Startup, THAIFEX – ANUGA tasteInnovation Show, and THAIFEX – ANUGA Trend Zone.
OPPORTUNITY BEYOND
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 brought together exhibitors in the food and beverage industry from 52 countries across various regions, including East Asia, ASEAN, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East, and Australia, to meet with 85,850 trade visitors for fruitful business negotiations, resulting in the greater opportunity for strategic
partnerships and collaborations.
INSPIRATION BEYOND
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 was also a holistic learning hub for exploring new experiences and enhancing knowledge in the food business and marketing through activities, exhibitions, seminars, and consulting services, all designed to help businesses succeed in the future. There were several fascinating activities such as Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2024, Future Food Experience+, Food Arcade, Export Clinic, Thai SELECT Pavilion, and Thai Halal Pavilion.
See you again! Be a part of our great success at THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 from 27 – 31 May 2025 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.
Krones Recycling spun off as an independent subsidiary company
The demand for recycled plastics is increasing rapidly worldwide: consumer awareness is growing, companies are setting themselves ever more ambitious sustainability targets and recycling requirements from international governments are also increasing. As a company with almost 30 years of experience in plastics processing and almost 25 years in the field of recycling, Krones has now taken the pioneering decision to pool its recycling expertise in the independent subsidiary Krones Re-cycling GmbH from July 2024.
A logical step, as Krones CEO Christoph Klenk explains: “The spin-off will enable Krones Recycling to develop faster and in line with market requirements. Because in line with our claim Solutions beyond tomorrow, this division makes a decisive contribution to protecting the environment by returning plastic waste to the value-added cycle.”
More flexibility, familiar all-in-one service
In addition, thanks to leaner processes and structures, the new company will be able to respond more quickly to changes in the constantly changing recycling market, says Michael Gotsche, Managing Director of Krones Recycling GmbH: “The newly founded company offers us the necessary flexibility and scope for action to be able to implement decisions in a customer-oriented, fast and optimised manner.”
For all its independence, however, the name Krones Recycling not only symbolises the focus on plant engineering in the field of recycling, it also reflects the close connection to the Krones Group. “We know that our clients appreciate Krones’ overall line expertise, which means they get everything from a single source. They can continue to rely on this in the future. The worldwide sales and service network is also available to us without restriction,” Gotsche continues.
Ambitious goals
A large number of plastics such as PET, PE, PP and PS are already being processed on Krones Recycling’s lines worldwide. “Our vision is to make a daily contribution to a global circular economy for all plastics by offering our customers sustainable and profitable recycling solutions,” says Michael Gotsche, describing the overarching business objective. There is also a clear marker in relation to Krones’ sustainability targets: at least 30 per cent of the plastics processed on Krones lines are to be returned to the cycle as a recycled resource.
Consequently, Krones Recycling will continue to conduct intensive research into new innovations at its in-house Recycling Technology Centre. There, tests on the recyclability of various plastics, including adhesives and colours, can also be carried out under real conditions on behalf of customers.
Symington’s first in UK to choose recyclable K3® r100 from Greiner Packaging
Symington’s has been using Greiner Packaging’s K3® cardboard-plastic packaging solution for its Naked brand instant noodles since 2021 and is now the first UK food producer to move its Oatburst instant porridge brand to Greiner’s award winning K3® r100 self-separating variant.
“The K3® r100 product innovation has made the impossible possible,” says Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland Sustainability and Innovation Manager Rachel Sheldon. “The cardboard wrap and plastic packaging separate from each other without human intervention during the waste disposal process.
“This means that achieving a high recyclability rate (up to 98%) does not depend on proper separation by the end consumer – which was the case with all previous K3® packaging – as it now happens completely independently before the used packaging reaches the recycling facility.”
K3® r100’s sustainability credentials are a perfect match
“Oatburst is ideal for people on the go, so we are delighted that however consumers dispose of the empty container when they have finished enjoying their instant porridge snack, the two packaging materials will self-separate to enable recycling during the waste disposal process,” says Symington’s Finance Director Julian Wetton.
“We were already fans of the original K3® packaging solution from Greiner Packaging, but this new K3® r100 development is really exciting as we can be confident that we have put a perfectly recyclable product into the market.”
Award winning K3® r100
Invented by Greiner Packaging over 40 years ago, and designed for recycling, the K3® cardboard-plastic cup is not only convenient and features an appealing look – its sustainability characteristics are extremely attractive, too. It features a unique tear-tab so that consumers can intuitively separate the cardboard outer wrap from the lightweight plastic cup to enable recycling.
With the latest development, K3® r100, the materials separate themselves before they reach the near-infrared detection (NIR) system at the recycling facility, leading to proper detection, sorting and recycling. K3® r100 therefore enables cardboard and plastic to be assigned to the correct material streams during the initial sorting process, before being recycled.
In January, K3® r100 received the World Star Packaging Awards, and last October, Greiner Packaging received the Green Packaging Star Award, from the Austrian magazine KOMPACK, for Berglandmilch being the first company in the country to use the self-separating K3® r100 packaging.