NEWS
New developments in the Food & Beverage industry
Italy’s Lavazza Group to acquire Mars Drinks Electrolux strengthens
I
talian coffee producer, Lavazza Group, has entered into an agreement to buy Mars Inc.’s coffee unit, Mars Drinks. The acquisition covers Mars Drinks’ coffee business in North America, Canada, Japan, and Europe. Under the terms of the agreement, Lavazza will purchase Flavia and Klinz, two leading office coffee makers under Mars Drinks. Lavazza Group is the
third largest coffee producer in the world, holding about 2.5% of the global market according to Euromonitor International. This deal follows its previous acquisitions of Carte Noir and ESP in France, Merrild in Denmark, Blue Pod Coffee in Australia, NIMS in Italy and Kicking Horse Coffee in Canada. “This acquisition fits perfectly within our international expansion strategy, the objective of strengthening key markets, as well as the pursuit of having an even closer relationship with end consumers,” remarked Antonio Baravalle, CEO of Lavazza Group. “Indeed, this acquisition strengthens the Lavazza Group’s position in the OCS (office coffee service) and vending segments, which offer considerable opportunities for growth and development.” As part of its long-term strategy, Lavazza has revealed it will be moving Mars Drinks towards the away-from-home coffee market. Visit: www.lavazza.com
Jacobs Douwe Egberts expands to Nordic beverage market
J
acobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) has recently announced it will acquire Sweden-based coffee business JOBmeal from Valedo Partners Fund II for an undisclosed sum. JOBmeal offers a vast range of office coffee solutions to customers in both Sweden and Finland. This acquisition will enable new growth opportunities for JDE in the Nordic region. The agreement will provide JOBmeal’s customers with access to JDE’s coffee and tea brands, such as Gevalia, Piazza D’Oro, L’Or and Pickwick. George Schoof, general manager JDE Professional Nordics, commented: “The addition of JOBmeal to our Nordic family will enable us to expand our reach in Sweden and Finland. Together we will be better able to serve the evolving needs of customers at all levels, through a truly Nordic footprint.”
Unilever launches premium probiotic ice cream brand
U
nilever has introduced a new probiotic ice cream brand, Culture Republick, which it says is the first premium ice cream to contain probiotics. Culture Republick’s product range will initially include seven flavours: Milk & Honey, Turmeric Chai & Cinnamon, Cold Brew & Chocolate Chip, Pistachio & Caramel, Lemon
12 Industry Europe
Fredrik Mossberg CEO, JOBmeal added: “At JOBmeal, our goal and our passion is to significantly enhance the office coffee experience. Becoming part of JDE gives us great opportunities to accelerate ourdevelopment towards that goal.” Visit: www.jacobsdouweegberts.com
& Graham, Chocolate & Cherry, and Matcha & Fudge. Each pint tub contains three billion live active cultures, between 400 and 500 calories, 16-18 grams of protein, 11–12 grammes of fibre and no artificial sweeteners. According to Unilever, 10% of the brand’s profits will be used to support the arts in local communities. It will collaborate with emerging artists to design each pint tub.
beverage portfolio
E
lectrolux has acquired SPM Drink Systems, an Italian manufacturer of professional dispensers of frozen and hot beverages and soft ice-cream, as part of its plan to expands across the hospitality industry. The extensive product portfolio offered by SPM Drink Systems will enable Electrolux Professional to become a full service solution provider by increasing its current beverage offering to include a comprehensive range of products. Together with the acquisition of Grindmaster-Cecilware in North America in 2017, this further strengthens Electrolux’s presence in the fast-growing beverage segment. “We are excited and pleased to enlarge and complement our product portfolio in beverage with such an attractive, modern and well regarded company with a strong position in Europe. This acquisition is strategic and a perfect match to bring added value to our product offering,” commented Alberto Zanata, head of Electrolux Professional Products. With five decades of heritage and skilled expertise, SPM Drink Systems had combined net sales of approximately €30 million in 2017, and 110 employees. The company’s headquarters and main manufacturing facilities are based in Spilamberto, Italy. Visit: www.electrolux.com Leslie Miller, marketing director of ice cream at Unilever, said: “Culture Republick was created with a distinct purpose in mind. “We believe that humanity could use a bit more brightness. By combining our passions for culture and ice cream, we intend to do our part in making people feel more balanced, inspired and connected.” Visit: www.unilever.com
