After UK organic baby food firm Ella’s Kitchen was snapped up by a US buyer a fortnight ago, last week a peer across the pond, Happy Family, revealed it agreed to sell to Danone, representing the Aptamil and Cow & Gate owner’s move into the category. Elsewhere, Morrisons’ move into the UK online grocery channel through a venture with Ocado and Nelson Peltz’s fresh investment in Mondelez International and PepsiCo grabbed the headlines. Our top coverage last week also included an interview with US frozen, organic and free-from business Amy’s Kitchen and a look at the rise of caffeine in food in the US.
In the spotlight: Danone to build on baby nutrition success with organic buy
Danone’s deal to acquire over 90% of US organic baby food firm Happy Family is a first for the French food giant in the category and appears to strengthen its fast-growing infant-nutrition division. Michelle Russell takes a look at the deal.
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Morrisons and Ocado announce online JV as Waitrose studies deal
After months of talks, Morrisons has announced plans to launch an online grocery service through a venture with specialist Ocado. Waitrose, which already has a partnership with Ocado, is studying the deal closely.
US: Peltz ups Mondelez, PepsiCo stakes
Trian Fund Management, the investment vehicle of activist shareholder Nelson Peltz, has upped its stakes in snack food giants PepsiCo and Mondelez International.
In the spotlight: Wrigley wins FDA plaudits amid caffeine scrutiny
At first it appeared the villain of the piece with the launch of its Alert Energy Caffeine Gum, which prompted an FDA review of caffeine in foods. However, Wrigley was subsequently praised by the regulator for showing “leadership” when it halted production. So far, however, no other food companies have shown that level of support for the FDA’s move. Ben Cooper reports.
Interview: Amy’s Kitchen sets out international mission
Amy’s Kitchen, the US frozen-food, organic and free-from business, is a quarter of a century old this year but there is a passion – almost a sense of mission – one would normally associate with a start-up. Dean Best spoke to co-owner Amy Berliner and European commercial director Damien Threadgold.
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By GlobalDataUS: Overhill: Bellisio sale “best path” for investors
The CEO of US frozen-food firm Overhill Farms has said the sale of the business to peer Bellisio Foods is the best way to maximise value for shareholders.
On the money: Work to boost business showing, says Post
US breakfast cereal firm Post Holdings has insisted its work to make its business more “reliable” are starting to show despite mixed first-half results.
CANADA: Bakkavor closes plant two years after launch
Chilled foods supplier Bakkavor has closed its plant in Canada just two years after the opening of the site marked the UK-based firm’s entry into the country’s grocery market.
On the money: Asda: We offer clear prices, not gimmicks
Asda CEO Andy Clarke today (16 May) hit out at the “gimmicky” and “unsustainable” promotions of its rivals and said the UK grocer’s “clarity” on prices was paying off.
On the money: Lifeway to use UK as launchpad for Europe expansion
US dairy kefir maker Lifeway Foods has said its recent expansion into the UK positions the company to pursue additional distribution opportunities throughout Europe.
