Ben & Jerry's, Unilever in fresh legal clash
The ice cream maker and its parent are back in the courtroom over censorship allegations.
Manufacturers
Lifeway Foods rejects Danone’s ‘opportunistic proposal’, adopts ‘poison pill’ plan
The kefir maker’s board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan in a bid to avoid a hostile takeover.
Gopuff integrates SNAP, expands private label & fresh food offerings
Gopuff’s Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) integration for its e-grocery platform will also include its recently introduced Basically Premium private label line, reaching millions of eligible households.
Glanbia splits business in shock reshuffle
Glanbia has split its business into two entities to boost performance in its “next growth phase”.
Mead Johnson, Abbott Laboratories cleared in NEC trial
The infant formula manufacturers were facing $6.2bn in punitive damages over allegations their infant formula products caused a potentially life-threatening intestinal disease in a prematurely-born baby.
‘Consumers want the same experience’: How Bel’s Nurishh is evolving plant-based cheese
Plant-based cheese has long held a poor reputation. Can Bel’s reformulated Nurishh range change mainstream consumer perceptions?
Meiji invests USD28m to boost production capacity of Hello Panda in US, catapult overseas sales
Japanese dairy giant Meiji will invest USD28m into its US subsidiary to increase production capacity of its hero brand Hello Panda, aiming to raise overseas sales ratio to 10% or more by 2026.
Bel bets on healthy snacking and India's growing middle class as it bolsters Britannia tie-up
The rise of healthy snacking is a strategic cornerstone for The Laughing Cow maker in India as the company continues to invest in cheese manufacturing in the region.
Kabrita USA's goat milk infant formula expands in retail, backed by its own supply chain
Kabrita USA's vertically-integrated supply chain, managed by its parent company Ausnutria, helped the brand secure US regulatory recognition and retail expansion, Jacqueline Lipiec, general manager, Kabrita North America, told FoodNavigator-USA.
Nestlé streamlines operations amid soft demand
The food major downgrades its FY24 growth outlook again as it predicts consumer demand to remain soft.
Land O’Lakes exec talks butter and cheese trends in a ‘dairy renaissance’
The farmer-owned co-operative is betting on continued strong demand for cheese products and capitalizing on consumer interest in seasonal butter.
Arla launches 'Go High in Protein' campaign
Arla Foods Ingredients announced its Nutrilac ProteinBoost range of patented microparticulated whey proteins to appeal to manufacturers formulating to meet theconsumer demand for high protein products.
Mackie’s head of operations on growth, sustainability and export opportunities
The British ice cream brand has brought in key new hires as it aims to expand its market reach beyond the UK. Paul Henshaw, head of operations, talks to Dairy Reporter.
‘Tons of opportunity’ for plant-based milk in schools, Silk SVP says
Kallie Goodwin, senior vice-president of Silk, tells us why Danone North America wants to increase access to plant-based milk alternatives in US schools.
Animal health has ‘untapped innovation potential’, says Elanco – How to fix it?
We caught up with Elanco EVP of innovation and regulatory affairs, Ellen de Brabander, to discuss the recent divesture of the animal health giant’s aqua business, its high hopes for the methane-reducing feed supplement Bovaer, and how the newly created...
Goodles' deluxe mac and cheese wants to be 'your new main squeeze'
Better-for-you pasta brand Goodles is moving beyond the dry-mix mac and cheese category with its deluxe line, as the brand seeks to double its revenues by innovating in the squeezable pouch segment, brand Co-founder and CEO Jen Zeszut told FoodNavigator-USA.
A twist in the tea: Yili seeks to capture new consumer base with twist-top RTD range
China dairy giant Yili has ventured into the ready-to-drink (RTD) tea segment with an entirely new product concept dubbed the ‘instant brewed tea’ under its INIKIN brand as it looks to capture a new base of local consumers.
Animal rights activists sentenced after damage to dairy site
A British court has fined activists more than $70,000 after damaging a dairy distribution center in 2022.
Danone and Microsoft to collaborate on AI to boost operational efficiency
In order to improve its operational efficiency, dairy major Danone has enlisted Microsoft. The two companies will collaborate to implement AI in Danone’s systems.
Kerry upgrades EPS guidance despite profit dip
The Irish food and ingredients producer said consumer market demand ‘remains relatively subdued’ as it posted an after-tax profit reduction of more than 22% year-on-year for H1 2024.
How Mars is planning to green-up its dairy supply
The snacking, petcare, nutrition and confectionery major is engaging long-term dairy suppliers to accelerate sustainable measures on-farm – here’s how.
HI & FI China 2024
Mengniu steps up clinical studies on flagship probiotic strain used in yogurt range
China’s Mengniu Dairy is conducting more human clinical studies on Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PC-01 – its proprietary probiotic strain used in its Yoyi C yogurt range.
‘Celebrate competition’: Oatly optimistic about plant-based milk category growth, strides forward in global expansion
Oat drink major Oatly expects continuing demand for plant-based milks as its current generation of consumers mature, and believes that more players entering the market will help boost category growth.
‘All options’ on the table for Mead Johnson Nutrition as Reckitt announces restructure
“We want to do what's right for shareholders and we'll look at all options," said Reckitt Benckiser CEO Kris Licht, adding he’d welcome a quick sell-off.
Reckitt braces for sales slump after tornado hits infant formula warehouse
A key Mead Johnson Nutrition warehouse in Indiana has been badly damaged after a tornado struck the state, with Reckitt warning investors to expect a sales slowdown.
Arla Foods' FDA-approved hydrolysates simplify allergy, gut comfort integration in infant formulas
Arla Foods Ingredients, a supplier of milk and whey-derived ingredients, receives FDA approval for its whey protein hydrolysates, simplifying integration into infant formulas for allergy management and gut comfort without impacting cost for consumers,...
Nestlé's milk iron caseinate approved for use in supplements from this month
The European Commission (EC) has published regulation allowing iron caseinate from milk, made by Nestlé, to be added to dietary supplements from this month (July 2024) after gaining Novel Food approval last year.
‘A learning experiment’: 16 Handles takes a punt on savory ice cream
The US ice cream chain is testing the waters with a rare foray into savory flavors. Are consumers ready for French Fry frozen yogurt?
Danone seeks untapped opportunities in a booming high-protein space
The French dairy major is looking to deepen and expand its protein strategy to meet evolving consumer preferences for high-protein dairy products.
Summer Fancy Food Show
Vêsucré’s recipe for creamy, clean-label vegan desserts: neurodivergent employees + simple ingredients
Crafted by a neurodivergent team with special skills for consumers with special diets in a facility where nothing goes to waste, startup Vêsucré is bringing to market decadent vegan desserts that are free from soy, gluten and refined sugar.
Gut-boosting treat: Meiji releases functional chocolate containing fructooligosaccharides
Meiji has launched new chocolate products that replaced sugar with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which is said to help regulate intestinal flora and offer various health benefits.
Balchem expands plant-based dairy capabilities with cold-water soluble oat creamer
Ingredient provider Balchem revealed VitalBlend Oat 2540, a cold-water-soluble creamer, designed to capitalize on demands for plant-based milks, Josephine Nakhla, the company’s powders and cereals strategic marketing and business development director,...
Startup Spotlight
From DIY to nationwide: How Bandit built its vegan cheese business
In this episode of Startup Spotlight, Bandit’s Founder Bo Babaki discusses how his passion project making vegan cheese eventually landed him a distribution deal with Lancaster Farm Fresh in 2020 and secured a $1.5 million investment from VC firm Prime...
Flashfood releases 2023 impact report, highlighting Meijer SNAP EBT success story
Flashfood diverted 37 million pounds of food from landfills and saved consumers more than $93 million on food, including $13 million in fresh produces, the technology provider said in its recently published 2023 impact report.
News
Cheese maker Mona Island Dairy appoints administrators
Cheese maker Mona Island Dairy ltd has appointed administrators after failing to raise the funds needed to continue operating.
Müller reveals major export plans as it agrees Yew Tree Dairy deal
The UK’s largest milk supplier is set to leverage Yew Tree's milk powder production capabilities to grow its export footprint.
Arla Foods pairs with Mondelēz in first confectionery brand partnership
The collaboration with the confectionery giant will create ‘a unique and enticing proposition for consumers’, says the dairy co-operative as it hints: this is just the beginning.
Indian protein boost: Parag Milk Foods’ Avvatar aims to fill protein gap and tackle adulteration
Indian company Parag Milk Foods is focused on addressing “critical needs” of local consumers, who face a high prevalence of protein deficiency and what it believes is high levels of product adulteration, through its whey protein brand Avvatar.
Regenerative agriculture: How manufacturers and farmers are working together
Regenerative agriculture has gained widespread attention in recent years as manufacturers and consumers grow to fully understand its importance. But how are farmers approaching it and what challenges are they facing?
Fonterra enjoys strong Q3, sets FY25 forecast farmgate milk price
The New Zealand co-operative reported increased milk sales and after-tax profits, but expectations for next season remain in the balance.
What is specialized nutrition - and why are dairy majors drawn to it?
Consumer demand for healthy living continues to drive the specialized nutrition market as dairy companies such as Danone solidify their presence in this space.
FNA DEEP DIVE: NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Beverage elevation: Kirin, Yili, Yeo’s and more APAC leaders weigh in on functionality, convenience as key drivers
Major brands from Kirin to Yili believe that there is an increasing need for the APAC beverage sector to innovate with added functional and convenience benefits for consumers, especially in a time when the industry is seen as increasingly costly.
Better-for-you pizza? How Nomad cuts fat, salt and calories from Goodfella’s
Every pizza in Nomad Foods’ Goodfella’s range is now non-HFSS. Here’s how.
PeakBridge raises $187m for Growth Fund II, invests in protein, cocoa, dairy alternatives
This week, food tech venture capital (VC) firm PeakBridge closed its Growth Fund II after raising $187m – surpassing its target — and invested in meat, dairy, and cocoa alternatives as part of its second fund, Nadav Berger, the company’s founder and...
Fonterra to focus on B2B services in sweeping strategic change
The New Zealand co-operative is set to offload some of its best-known consumer brands to create ‘a simpler, higher-performing’ business.
How brands communicate gut health benefits, creatively
In Europe, food and drink makers tapping into the gut health trend find themselves hamstrung by health claims regulations. How can they communicate benefits, without breaking the law?
News
Arla to invest more than £300m into UK sites
On the day of the Farm to Fork Summit, the dairy giant has said it will be injecting money into four of its sites across the UK, in addition to its previously announced plans for its Taw Valley site.
Tillamook makes animal welfare, sustainable packaging progress in 2023 Stewardship Report
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is making significant strides across its packaging, recycling and animal welfare programs, as outlined in its 2023 Stewardship Report, Paul Snyder, executive VP of stewardship for the co-op dairy producer,...
From sustainability to talent: Dairy executives' key priorities, ranked
Environmental sustainability is now a top 5 strategic priority for dairy business executives, but the topic is still far from being top-of-mind, according to research.
News
Danone acquires US firm to strengthen medical nutrition portfolio
Global food and drink manufacturer Danone has announced the acquisition of Functional Formularies.