Greencore to acquire Bakkavor in £1.2 billion takeover deal
Bakkavor has given its initial approval to a £1.2 billion cash and share takeover offer from Greencore.
The boards of both companies have agreed on the key financial terms of the deal, which would create a combined convenience foods business with an estimated turnover of approximately £4 billion.
Reports last week revealed that Greencore returned with a third offer after its second proposal, valued at around £1.14 billion, was rejected on 10 March.
The transaction is still subject to agreement on the remaining terms of the offer and obtaining regulatory approval.
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The boards of both companies have agreed on the key financial terms of the deal, which would create a combined convenience foods business with an estimated turnover of approximately £4 billion.
Reports last week revealed that Greencore returned with a third offer after its second proposal, valued at around £1.14 billion, was rejected on 10 March.
The transaction is still subject to agreement on the remaining terms of the offer and obtaining regulatory approval.
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15/Apr/2025 09:52
Müller acquires Biotiful Gut Health in deal worth over £100 million
Müller UK & Ireland has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of kefir brand Biotiful Gut Health.
Although Müller has not revealed the exact value of the acquisition, the multi-million pound deal is expected to support the company’s expansion into the functional health yoghurt and drinks market.
Biotiful, founded by Natasha Bowes in 2012, reported a slight drop in pre-tax profits to £2.4 million for the year ending 31 March 2024, with a turnover of £35.5 million.
The deal follows Müller’s earlier acquisition of the family-owned Yew Tree Dairy.
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Although Müller has not revealed the exact value of the acquisition, the multi-million pound deal is expected to support the company’s expansion into the functional health yoghurt and drinks market.
Biotiful, founded by Natasha Bowes in 2012, reported a slight drop in pre-tax profits to £2.4 million for the year ending 31 March 2024, with a turnover of £35.5 million.
The deal follows Müller’s earlier acquisition of the family-owned Yew Tree Dairy.
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14/Apr/2025 16:50
Actiph Water launches “Find Your Sport” campaign offering 1 million free sports passes
This Summer, Actiph Water - Europe's leading alkaline ionised water brand - is launching its biggest-ever giveaway to inspire movement and adventure across the UK.
In partnership with TLC Worldwide, the “Find Your Sport” campaign will giveaway over one million free sports passes, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to discover new activities and stay active.
Anyone who purchases qualifying Actiph Water products, can claim a free sports pass worth up to £15. With a simple and easy redemption process customers can unlock access to a variety of activities and sports across the UK.
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In partnership with TLC Worldwide, the “Find Your Sport” campaign will giveaway over one million free sports passes, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to discover new activities and stay active.
Anyone who purchases qualifying Actiph Water products, can claim a free sports pass worth up to £15. With a simple and easy redemption process customers can unlock access to a variety of activities and sports across the UK.
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09/Apr/2025 12:28
Dairy powerhouses Arla and DMK announce strategic merger
Arla Foods and DMK Group is to merge in a deal that will establish Europe’s largest dairy co-operative.
Subject to board and regulatory approval, the deal would create a €19bn co-operative sourcing milk from more than 12,000 farmers across Europe.
Germany’s largest dairy co-op, DMK (Deutsches Milchkontor), generated €5.1bn in revenue last year. Based in Lower Saxony, its brand portfolio spans milk, cheese, baby formula, and desserts, including Oldenburger, Milram, Uniekaas, Humana, and Osterland.
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Subject to board and regulatory approval, the deal would create a €19bn co-operative sourcing milk from more than 12,000 farmers across Europe.
Germany’s largest dairy co-op, DMK (Deutsches Milchkontor), generated €5.1bn in revenue last year. Based in Lower Saxony, its brand portfolio spans milk, cheese, baby formula, and desserts, including Oldenburger, Milram, Uniekaas, Humana, and Osterland.
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09/Apr/2025 10:21
Taylors Snacks Unveils 'Extreme Ridge' Crisps in 900 M&S Stores Across UK & Ireland
Taylors is set to launch its new ‘Extreme Ridge’ crisps in 900 M&S stores, featuring a thinner cut and tighter ridges than standard crisps for a lighter, crispier bite.
To support the launch, Taylors has expanded its Errol production facility, creating 30 new jobs.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Taylors Snacks, said:
'Partnering with M&S on this range has been a thrilling milestone for our business.
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To support the launch, Taylors has expanded its Errol production facility, creating 30 new jobs.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Taylors Snacks, said:
'Partnering with M&S on this range has been a thrilling milestone for our business.
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04/Apr/2025 10:09
Apetito prepares to launch a new frozen meals facility in the UK
The Germany-based frozen ready meals company Apetito is planning to establish a new manufacturing facility in the UK.
The new facility will be built next to Apetito’s existing factory on Canal Road in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in southwest England. According to a statement, it will be constructed on the site of the company’s former 'Pie Site,' which closed at the end of 2024.
Apetito, which also runs the Wiltshire Farm Foods meal delivery service in the UK, confirmed that its existing Trowbridge factory.
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The new facility will be built next to Apetito’s existing factory on Canal Road in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in southwest England. According to a statement, it will be constructed on the site of the company’s former 'Pie Site,' which closed at the end of 2024.
Apetito, which also runs the Wiltshire Farm Foods meal delivery service in the UK, confirmed that its existing Trowbridge factory.
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01/Apr/2025 08:16
Otter Brewery opens first pub & restaurant
Otter Brewery has opened its first pub and restaurant in the heart of Exeter. The venture, which sees Otter Brewery owners Patrick and Tor McCaig linking with Patrick’s brother Joe and wife Becks (current proprietors of ‘The Holt – Honiton’), will see the launch of a new pub and restaurant in a stunning medieval building, adjacent to Exeter Cathedral. Speaking of the project, Patrick enthuses:
“For many years we have been waiting for the right location to give us the best opportunity to bring something new, exciting and above all independent to the centre of Exeter. ‘The Holt - Exeter’ is exactly that and precisely what we have been searching for.
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“For many years we have been waiting for the right location to give us the best opportunity to bring something new, exciting and above all independent to the centre of Exeter. ‘The Holt - Exeter’ is exactly that and precisely what we have been searching for.
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31/Mar/2025 09:00
St Ewe Free Range Eggs earns B Corp Certification
St Ewe Free Range Eggs has been awarded B Corp certification, becoming the UK's first egg packer to achieve this sustainability milestone.
To earn B Corp certification, businesses must meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The Cornwall-based egg supplier hopes this accreditation will set a new standard for ethical and sustainable food production, inspiring the wider industry to uphold these values.
St Ewe’s founder and CEO Rebecca Tonks said: “Becoming part of the B Corp movement is just the beginning of our journey at St Ewe.
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To earn B Corp certification, businesses must meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The Cornwall-based egg supplier hopes this accreditation will set a new standard for ethical and sustainable food production, inspiring the wider industry to uphold these values.
St Ewe’s founder and CEO Rebecca Tonks said: “Becoming part of the B Corp movement is just the beginning of our journey at St Ewe.
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24/Mar/2025 08:35
Pladis appoints David Murray as Glocal CCO and names a new Managing Director for UK & Ireland
Pladis has promoted its UK & Ireland Managing Director, David Murray, to the newly established role of Global Chief Commercial Officer.
After leading Pladis UK & Ireland for five years, Murray will now oversee the company’s global platform, brand strategy, and commercial transformation in his new role.
Effective 6 April, Mete Buyurgan, a Pladis veteran, will succeed Murray as UK & Ireland Managing Director.
Buyurgan transitions to Pladis' UK & Ireland division from its Turkish.
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After leading Pladis UK & Ireland for five years, Murray will now oversee the company’s global platform, brand strategy, and commercial transformation in his new role.
Effective 6 April, Mete Buyurgan, a Pladis veteran, will succeed Murray as UK & Ireland Managing Director.
Buyurgan transitions to Pladis' UK & Ireland division from its Turkish.
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07/Mar/2025 16:53
Danone reports strong growth as volumes increase in all the right places
Danone reports strong full-year financials, with profits rising due to increased volumes and stable pricing.
Danone's strategic focus on core performers, while managing underperforming brands and business segments, has significantly strengthened its full-year results.
Sales increased by 4.3% to over €27 million, driven by a 3% rise in volume and stable price growth of 1.3%, marking the company's fifth consecutive quarter of positive financial performance.
Reported growth was 0.
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Danone's strategic focus on core performers, while managing underperforming brands and business segments, has significantly strengthened its full-year results.
Sales increased by 4.3% to over €27 million, driven by a 3% rise in volume and stable price growth of 1.3%, marking the company's fifth consecutive quarter of positive financial performance.
Reported growth was 0.
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03/Mar/2025 10:19
Apetito launches street food van to 'revolutionise' school lunches
Meals provider Apetito is giving schools the opportunity to 'transform' their catering with a new street food van experience designed to 'bring a breath of fresh air' to school meals.
The street food van offers a healthy alternative to traditional grab-and-go options, which often consist of sandwiches, pasties, chocolates, and crisps. It also meets the demand for convenient, nutritious meals in large schools with limited dining space or tight service times.
Rupert Weber, Apetito’s general manager of education division.
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The street food van offers a healthy alternative to traditional grab-and-go options, which often consist of sandwiches, pasties, chocolates, and crisps. It also meets the demand for convenient, nutritious meals in large schools with limited dining space or tight service times.
Rupert Weber, Apetito’s general manager of education division.
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27/Feb/2025 16:29
Unilever CEO to step down after 18 months
Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher has unexpectedly announced his resignation, departing less than 18 months into the role.
The departing CEO will be succeeded by current Chief Financial Officer Fernando Fernandez, who will assume the role on 1 March.
Schumacher will step down at the end of February and officially leave the company on 31 May.
Fernandez was appointed CFO in January last year, having previously led Unilever’s beauty and wellbeing division.
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The departing CEO will be succeeded by current Chief Financial Officer Fernando Fernandez, who will assume the role on 1 March.
Schumacher will step down at the end of February and officially leave the company on 31 May.
Fernandez was appointed CFO in January last year, having previously led Unilever’s beauty and wellbeing division.
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26/Feb/2025 10:46
Ridgeway Brewery acquired by Crafty Brewing
Crafty Brewing has acquired Ridgeway Brewery, forming a combined business capable of producing 100,000 litres of beer per week.
Crafty Brewing, based in Dunsfold, Surrey, produces beers including Arctic Fox Pilsner, Wave Catcher Session IPA, Distant Horizon Hazy Pale, Loxhill Biscuit Gluten-Free Golden Ale, and Blind Side Best Bitter.
Oxfordshire-headquartered Ridgeway Brewery is known for its strong export focus, with beers including Ridgeway IPA, Biter, and ESB, as well as Christmas beers such as Santa’s Butt.
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Crafty Brewing, based in Dunsfold, Surrey, produces beers including Arctic Fox Pilsner, Wave Catcher Session IPA, Distant Horizon Hazy Pale, Loxhill Biscuit Gluten-Free Golden Ale, and Blind Side Best Bitter.
Oxfordshire-headquartered Ridgeway Brewery is known for its strong export focus, with beers including Ridgeway IPA, Biter, and ESB, as well as Christmas beers such as Santa’s Butt.
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21/Feb/2025 15:49
Molson Coors secures exclusive rights to Fever Tree
Molson Coors has acquired an 8.5% stake in British drinks company Fever-Tree in a £71m deal, aiming to help the mixer brand 'unlock growth' across the US.
The deal comes as Molson Coors, the Colorado-based brewer, aims to broaden its non-alcoholic offering and position itself as a “total-beverage company”.
Starting 1 February, Molson Coors will have the exclusive rights to sell, distribute, and produce Fever-Tree products in the US. This move is part of a broader strategy by Molson Coors to expand its non-alcoholic and beverage portfolio.
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The deal comes as Molson Coors, the Colorado-based brewer, aims to broaden its non-alcoholic offering and position itself as a “total-beverage company”.
Starting 1 February, Molson Coors will have the exclusive rights to sell, distribute, and produce Fever-Tree products in the US. This move is part of a broader strategy by Molson Coors to expand its non-alcoholic and beverage portfolio.
more »
30/Jan/2025 15:55
AG Barr announces appointment of new Chief Commercial Officer
Dino Labbate, former Britvic GB Commercial Director for Hospitality, has been appointed as the new Chief Commercial Officer at AG Barr.
Labbate begins his role this week, following a seven-year tenure at Britvic PLC. With prior experience at Kraft Heinz, Burton’s Biscuits, and Northern Foods, Dino brings extensive FMCG knowledge and expertise across all sectors of the food and drink industry.
Euan Sutherland, CEO of the AG Barr Group, said: “This is a new role for the business and reflects our growth ambitions.
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Labbate begins his role this week, following a seven-year tenure at Britvic PLC. With prior experience at Kraft Heinz, Burton’s Biscuits, and Northern Foods, Dino brings extensive FMCG knowledge and expertise across all sectors of the food and drink industry.
Euan Sutherland, CEO of the AG Barr Group, said: “This is a new role for the business and reflects our growth ambitions.
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23/Jan/2025 09:06
UK’s Gail’s appoints former Comptoir Group CEO as Managing Director
Nick Ayerst, the former managing director of Leon, will be joining Gail’s as managing director in March.
Most recently, Ayerst served as chief executive of Comptoir Group, having joined the Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean restaurant business in October 2022.
His departure was confirmed in Comptoir Group’s most recent trading update, published earlier this month.
Before his time at Leon.
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Most recently, Ayerst served as chief executive of Comptoir Group, having joined the Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean restaurant business in October 2022.
His departure was confirmed in Comptoir Group’s most recent trading update, published earlier this month.
Before his time at Leon.
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22/Jan/2025 09:29
The McVitie’s Chocolate Digestive celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025
The McVitie’s Chocolate Digestive is turning 100 in 2025, and no biscuit is more worthy of a celebration, says David Murray, UK & Ireland Managing Director of parent company Pladis.
Murray said: “It’s the king of our portfolio.” While Murray remains tight-lipped about the specifics – “no spoilers” – he promises “the best party ever. You’ll want to be invited… I know I’m being humorous, but it’s serious.”
Murray sits at the head of a boardroom table in Pladis’ Chiswick Park headquarters, where the table is stacked with the company’s standout innovations of 2024.
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Murray said: “It’s the king of our portfolio.” While Murray remains tight-lipped about the specifics – “no spoilers” – he promises “the best party ever. You’ll want to be invited… I know I’m being humorous, but it’s serious.”
Murray sits at the head of a boardroom table in Pladis’ Chiswick Park headquarters, where the table is stacked with the company’s standout innovations of 2024.
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21/Jan/2025 08:10
Carlsberg finalises acquisition of Britvic
Danish brewing giant Carlsberg has finalised its £3.3 billion acquisition of soft drinks specialist Britvic.
The merger between the beverage giants was finalised in July following weeks of negotiations, during which Britvic turned down Carlsberg's initial two offers.
With approval from the CMA and a court-sanctioned scheme, the acquisition has led to the formation of Carlsberg Britvic. This merger establishes the company as the UK’s largest multi-beverage supplier, making the UK Carlsberg Group's top market by global revenue.
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The merger between the beverage giants was finalised in July following weeks of negotiations, during which Britvic turned down Carlsberg's initial two offers.
With approval from the CMA and a court-sanctioned scheme, the acquisition has led to the formation of Carlsberg Britvic. This merger establishes the company as the UK’s largest multi-beverage supplier, making the UK Carlsberg Group's top market by global revenue.
more »
20/Jan/2025 08:40
2 Sisters appoints new chief financial officer
A former Marks & Spencer director, Paul Friston, has joined the board of Boparan Holdings (BHL), the parent company of 2 Sisters Food Group as the new group chief financial officer.
He will join the 2 Sisters Food Group in early February and take a seat on the BHL board.
With a 28-year track record at Marks & Spencer, he brings extensive experience in financial and corporate leadership. A chartered accountant, he has held senior roles in finance, strategy, commercial, and transformation, as well as serving as managing director of M&S’s international business for six years.
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He will join the 2 Sisters Food Group in early February and take a seat on the BHL board.
With a 28-year track record at Marks & Spencer, he brings extensive experience in financial and corporate leadership. A chartered accountant, he has held senior roles in finance, strategy, commercial, and transformation, as well as serving as managing director of M&S’s international business for six years.
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15/Jan/2025 11:02
Müller faces £65.3 million loss despite £100 million sales surge
Dairy giant Müller has reported £65.3 million in losses over the past year, despite a sales increase of over £100 million.
Müller's UK and Ireland division reported pre-tax losses of £65.3 million in 2023, following a loss of £6.2 million in 2022.
However, the financial results, revealed through the release of delayed accounts, also indicated that the dairy manufacturer's sales rose from £2.33 billion to £2.43 billion during the same period.
The company attributed its performance to a 'one-time loss' resulting from its decision to divest from the Milk & More business.
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Müller's UK and Ireland division reported pre-tax losses of £65.3 million in 2023, following a loss of £6.2 million in 2022.
However, the financial results, revealed through the release of delayed accounts, also indicated that the dairy manufacturer's sales rose from £2.33 billion to £2.43 billion during the same period.
The company attributed its performance to a 'one-time loss' resulting from its decision to divest from the Milk & More business.
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06/Jan/2025 09:33