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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) rebuked Joriki, the co-manufacturer of plant-based milks for Danone and Walmart in Canada, for not following necessary protocols to prevent listeria contamination. The CFIA was unable to pinpoint the main source of contamination but noted that cross-contamination could have occurred after processing. The outbreak resulted in three deaths, prompting the CFIA to halt production at the Joriki facility for cleanup and renovations to eliminate the risk of contamination. The CFIA did not conduct a license investigation at the facility before the outbreak, as it was not considered high-risk based on previous assessments. [Extracted from the article]

Danone has confirmed that it still purchases soy from Brazil, despite previous reports suggesting otherwise. The company's statement comes in response to concerns over deforestation and the EU's proposed regulations on sourcing commodities from deforested land. Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has defended its environmental practices and due diligence over soybean exports, emphasizing the country's commitment to sustainability. Danone maintains that the majority of Brazilian soy it sources is used in its feed supply chain for dairy farmers, with efforts to ensure sustainability and traceability. [Extracted from the article]

Oddlygood, a Nordic plant-based food and drinks business owned by Finnish dairy firm Valio, has acquired UK-based Rude Health to expand its market share in the UK plant-based drinks category. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the move is aimed at driving growth in the UK and Europe. Rude Health, known for its plant-based milks and breakfast products, will continue to operate independently under Oddlygood's ownership. This acquisition follows Oddlygood's previous purchase of the Swedish dairy alternatives brand Planti in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

CEOs from major consumer-goods companies like Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Danone are calling for a "legally binding treaty" to address the global issue of plastic waste. The UN is set to hold negotiations next month in South Korea to tackle this problem. The CEOs emphasize the need for specific measures in the treaty, such as global criteria for restricting chemicals and phasing out problematic plastics, to drive progress towards a circular economy. The urgency of the issue was underscored by a report from The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which highlighted the need for systemic change to combat plastic pollution. [Extracted from the article]

Goldman Sachs has seen a significant increase in its ranking as an M&A financial adviser in the consumer sector, thanks to Mars' planned $36bn takeover of Kellanova. The US-based bank advised Kellanova on the deal, which is set to be finalized in the first half of 2025. Houlihan Lokey led in the number of M&A transactions in the consumer sector, while Citi, Lazard, J.P. Morgan, and Nomura also ranked highly in the value of consumer M&A deals. [Extracted from the article]

Danone's focus on "competitive growth and quality growth" has led to positive results, with the company experiencing growth in almost all regions and across various product categories. Despite challenges in some regions, Danone's strategic approach has resulted in increased volume-mix and like-for-like sales growth. The company's investments in brand equity and selective pricing initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, particularly in Europe and North America. Danone remains confident in its ability to sustain these results and continue to grow in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the contrasting food and agriculture policies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the context of the 2024 US presidential election. Harris focuses on addressing food inflation, promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting small farmers, and advocating for fair trade policies. In contrast, Trump prioritizes deregulation, financial support for farmers, protectionist trade policies, and stricter immigration enforcement. The article highlights the candidates' positions on key issues such as food prices, climate change, farm subsidies, trade, and labor rights, providing insights into their potential impact on the industry. [Extracted from the article]

The former Chief Financial Officer of Freedom Foods, Campbell Nicholas, has been fined and disqualified from management for four years by the Federal Court of Australia for contraventions of the corporations act. Nicholas admitted to various charges of violations, including overinflating inventories and overstating profits in financial reports. The Court found that his actions were deliberate and spanned over eight months, leading to his disqualification from managing corporations. Noumi, the company formerly known as Freedom Foods, settled a class action lawsuit and agreed to pay legal costs of A$4m. [Extracted from the article]

Flora Food Group, formerly known as Upfield, has acquired a manufacturing facility in Hugoton, Kansas. The facility will serve as the hub for Flora Food Group's creams and cream cheeses products for the US, Canada, and the rest of the Americas region. The company's existing facility in Texas will continue to produce butter and spreads products. This acquisition brings the company's total manufacturing sites to 15 across five continents, employing approximately 4,800 people. Flora Food Group also owns brands such as BlueBand, Country Crock, and Violife. [Extracted from the article]

Edward Smolyansky, a major shareholder of kefir maker Lifeway Foods, has purchased a dairy plant in the US. Smolyansky is currently involved in a proxy campaign to remove the current board of directors at Lifeway Foods. If successful, he plans to present the plant in Belmont, Wisconsin to the new board for review, or use it for his new venture, Pure Culture Organics. The facility will be repurposed for kefir production and will also produce a non-dairy alt-kefir beverage. The plant was previously owned by Saputo and was closed last year. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian plant-based meal replacement brand Sperri has received new investment to support its expansion into the US market. The investment was led by Canadian venture capital fund Nàdarra Ventures and supported by Invest Nova Scotia. Sperri's products are designed to be accessible, affordable, and effective, with a focus on providing proper nutrition and relieving pressure from the healthcare system. The brand offers flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla maple and is available for purchase through various retailers, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Amazon, and its online shop. [Extracted from the article]

Danone, a major food and drink company, has decided to remove the Nutri-Score labels from its dairy and plant-based drinks sold in Europe. The company was one of the first to voluntarily adopt the labels but is unhappy with recent changes to the European scheme that categorize dairy and plant-based beverages with soft drinks. Danone believes this creates a major inconsistency and gives consumers an erroneous view of the nutritional quality of their products. The Nutri-Score system, which provides an at-a-glance ranking of a product's nutritional quality, has faced opposition in some European markets. [Extracted from the article]

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has proposed a federal ban on food "price gouging," which would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the power to prosecute companies that excessively increase prices. The proposal is part of a broader economic policy presentation in which Harris aims to target "bad actors" among food and grocery companies who artificially inflate prices. However, the proposal has faced pushback from Democrat leaders and economists, who argue that it is more political than practical. While food prices have increased during the Biden-Harris administration, there is no evidence to suggest that companies are engaging in price gouging. [Extracted from the article]

Laurent Freixe, the incoming CEO of Nestlé, has outlined his priorities for the company, including gaining market share and improving execution. He emphasized the importance of engaging with employees and investing in the business to raise the quality of execution. Nestlé recently trimmed its forecast for organic growth and EPS guidance, leading to concerns among investors. The change in leadership at Nestlé has raised eyebrows, but the company's chairman believes a new CEO could benefit the business. Freixe plans to increase investments in innovation and focus on meeting consumers' needs to drive sales and gain market share. [Extracted from the article]

Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage group, has announced that its current CEO, Mark Schneider, will be stepping down after eight years with the company. Schneider will be succeeded by Laurent Freixe, the current CEO of Nestlé's Latin America business. The reasons for Schneider's departure were not disclosed. During Schneider's tenure, Nestlé underwent portfolio reshaping through asset disposals, focusing on categories such as pet food, coffee, and infant nutrition. Nestlé's share price has also increased since Schneider took over as CEO. [Extracted from the article]

Japan-based food manufacturer Ajinomoto Group has partnered with carbon-neutral protein maker Solar Foods to launch a new brand called Atlr.72. The brand will introduce two products, Traditional Flowering Mooncakes and Ice Cream Sandwiches, in Singapore. These products will use Solein, Solar Foods' all-purpose protein grown with air, as a substitute for dairy. Ajinomoto plans to expand the brand to other countries and regions in the future. The partnership aims to reduce the environmental impact of food production and promote a respect for nature in consumers. [Extracted from the article]

Elmhurst 1925, a US dairy-alternatives supplier, has expanded into the plant-based meat market by launching a plant-based chicken product made from hemp protein. The company is selling a dry powder kit that allows consumers to make plant-based cutlets by adding water, oil, and a blend of spices. The product, sold under the TerraMeat brand, provides 26g of complete protein per serving and aims to replicate the texture and layering of traditional meats without the need for filler ingredients or unnecessary additives. Elmhurst 1925 CEO Henry Schwartz stated that the company is committed to offering simple ingredients and clean-label alternatives to processed options. [Extracted from the article]

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched "phase II" of its voluntary guidelines to encourage food manufacturers to reduce salt levels in their products. The goal is to reduce people's daily intake of salt to about 2,750 milligrams per day over the next two and a half years, which would be 20% below the levels of consumption in 2021. However, this target would still be above the recommended intake of 2,300 milligrams per day for people 14 years and older. The FDA's sodium reduction efforts are part of the government's National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which aims to cut diseases linked to diet by 2030. [Extracted from the article]

Australian healthy nutrition business Forbidden Foods is acquiring domestic alt-milk producer Oat Milk Goodness (OMG) for A$3.5m (US$2.3m). Forbidden Foods plans to leverage its distribution network and relationships with major retail groups to expand the oat-milk business. OMG, co-founded by Australian cricketer Steve Smith, generates annual revenues of A$1.2m and offers a range of flavored milks and oat milk drinks. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to complement Forbidden Foods' core range of healthy snack foods and capitalize on the growing market for health-focused products. [Extracted from the article]

Investment in alternative protein companies in Europe has significantly decreased in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Investors are becoming more selective and cautious about the businesses they support, and many companies that entered the market during its peak may struggle to secure further funding without strong sales figures. However, larger players like Oatly and Heura Foods continue to attract backing. The Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe suggests that investment in cell-based meat companies indicates ongoing investor interest in innovative alternatives. Despite recent challenges faced by established businesses in the field, the demand for plant-based meat alternatives is expected to continue growing. [Extracted from the article]

A listeria outbreak in Canada has been traced back to a factory in Ontario that produces plant-based milk alternatives for Danone and Walmart. The contamination occurred on a dedicated production line at the facility, which is operated by a third-party manufacturer called Joriki. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a voluntary recall on 15 Silk products and Walmart's private-label Great Value plant-based milks. Two consumers have died from listeria infections, with the majority of cases occurring in Ontario. The French dairy giant Danone entered the dairy-free market in 2016 by acquiring WhiteWave Foods. [Extracted from the article]

German plant-based food manufacturer Veganz has secured €10m ($10.9m) in equity financing from US-based investment firm Global Corporate Finance LLC (GCF). The funds will be used to scale the production of Veganz's milk-alternative brand Mililk and its pea protein-based meat alternative, Peas On Earth. Veganz aims to optimize and automate production processes to meet increasing demand. Last year, Veganz acquired parts of cheese-alternatives producer Happy Cheeze and its production facility. Veganz is focused on expanding in Germany and the DACH region, but is also considering options for expansion in other countries. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese plant-based beverage company Sichuan Viee Beverage Food Co. (Viee) has received a strategic investment from private-equity firm L Catterton. The financial details of the investment were not disclosed. L Catterton plans to partner with Viee to strengthen its brand in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions and expand its presence in other provinces in China. Viee's range of drinks, made primarily from peanuts and walnuts, are designed to complement the spicy foods commonly consumed in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions. Viee is the largest plant-based beverage company in western China and offers a variety of oat and soy milk products. The investment from L Catterton is expected to help Viee further grow its business. [Extracted from the article]

Danone, a France-based dairy company, expects its volumes to continue growing in the second half of the year, despite the need for further pricing. The company delivered positive first-half numbers for sales, volumes, pricing, and gross margin. The CEO and finance chief are confident that this positive trajectory will be maintained, although not with the same intensity in some cases. Danone's gross margin increased in the first six months, and they anticipate continued expansion in the future. Europe, North America, and China, North Asia, and Oceania all saw increases in sales and volumes. Danone's sales guidance for the year remains at 3-5%, with a moderate improvement in the recurring operating margin. [Extracted from the article]

Califia Farms, a US-based alternative dairy company, has acquired Uproot, a plant milk dispenser manufacturer, in order to expand its presence in the foodservice industry. Uproot develops plant-based milk dispensers that aim to reduce packaging waste and provide a convenient and sustainable solution for serving plant-based milks. The deal will allow Califia Farms to bring its milk alternatives to all of Uproot's dispenser locations, helping the company expand its away-from-home portfolio of products and services. The founders of Uproot will join Califia Farms following the acquisition. [Extracted from the article]

A US judge has temporarily halted the $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, two retail giants. The judge canceled a preliminary hearing and granted an injunction to halt the transaction. Instead, a two-week trial on the proposed merger will begin on September 30th. The merger has faced opposition from the US Federal Trade Commission and a group of US Attorneys General, who argue that it would harm staff and customers. The deal has also raised concerns about increasing grocery prices, job cuts, and store closures. [Extracted from the article]

Oatly, a Sweden-based alternative dairy company, has reported a narrowing of losses in the second quarter, with CEO Jean-Christophe Flatin describing it as a quarter of solid progress. The company saw its losses decrease to $11 million, a $41.5 million improvement from the previous year, while revenue increased by 3.2% to $202.2 million. Oatly's North American operation also reported its first full quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA, with earnings of $1.2 million compared to a loss of $10.9 million the previous year. The company has also seen positive results from its China operation. Oatly has adjusted its full-year guidance upwards, expecting constant currency revenue growth in the range of 6% to 10% and adjusted EBITDA in the range of -$35 million to -$50 million. The company remains on track with its cost-saving program and the exit of its manufacturing facilities in the US and the UK. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch drinks group Refresco has acquired Spanish plant-based beverage maker Frías Nutrición. Frías produces private-label plant-based drinks for Spanish retailers and has a production facility in Burgos, Spain. Refresco aims to expand its plant-based portfolio and strengthen its position in the fast-growing plant-based drinks category. The deal is expected to be completed later this year. [Extracted from the article]

Two deaths in Canada have been linked to listeria infections caused by plant-based milk alternatives sold by Danone and Walmart. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed cases of potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes related to Silk, owned by Danone, and Walmart's Great Value plant-based milks. Ten other people have also suffered infections. The CFIA issued a voluntary recall on 15 Silk products, and Danone has removed the affected products from retail shelves. The majority of those infected are over 60 years old and 67% are female. [Extracted from the article]

Royal A-ware, a Netherlands-based dairy group, is planning to acquire The Dairy Food Group, a Belgium-based peer. The Dairy Food Group manufactures dairy products for branded manufacturers and retailers under private label. The deal includes The Dairy Food Group's businesses such as daily milk collection group BMC, dessert specialists Eurodesserts, and fromage-frais-to-milk drinks supplier Limelco. The acquisition is in line with Royal A-ware's strategy of expanding its dairy operations in Belgium and strengthening its position in the domestic market. The transaction is subject to approval from the European Commission and is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. [Extracted from the article]

An Australian parliamentary committee is recommending reforms in the food and drinks industry to address the increasing rates of diabetes and obesity, particularly in children. The committee suggests improving food labeling to raise awareness of sugar content, implementing a tax on sugary drinks, and regulating marketing and advertising of unhealthy foods targeted at children. They also propose additional funding for obesity screening and greater access to diabetes and weight-loss drugs. The committee emphasizes the importance of prevention and calls for changes in dietary guidelines, urban planning, and educational resources. Low-carbohydrate diets and front-of-pack identification of added sugar content are also highlighted as important measures. [Extracted from the article]

German cereal manufacturer H&J Brüggen and dairy producer Frischli are planning to establish a joint venture focused on oat-based food and drink products. The companies aim to produce a range of oat-based drinks, concentrates, and other functional oat products to be sold in German retail. The plan is awaiting approval from the national federal cartel agency, and if approved, joint operations are expected to begin in early 2025. Both companies will continue to run independently, and the joint venture will combine their knowledge in processing milk and oats to meet the growing demand for plant-based milks in Germany. [Extracted from the article]

Over 100 campaign groups have written a letter to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) requesting the retraction of a report that they believe downplays the impact of reducing meat and dairy consumption on food emissions. The report, published in conjunction with the COP28 environmental summit, claimed that shifting to diets lower in meat and dairy had limited potential to reduce emissions. However, the authors of the papers on which the report was based have since complained that their research was distorted and underestimated the emissions reduction potential of diets lower in animal products. The campaign groups have highlighted errors in the report's methodology and called for a comprehensive investigation into how these errors were allowed. They also recommend that the FAO's 2050 Roadmap be delayed until more robust and transparent processes are adopted. [Extracted from the article]

Kerry Group, an Irish company, has launched a new blended dairy range called Smug, which includes alternative cheddar, butter-style products, and milk. The company aims to appeal to "conscious dairy lovers" by promoting the health and environmental benefits of Smug, such as lower saturated fat and CO2 emissions compared to traditional dairy. However, the success of blended dairy products is uncertain, as the consumption of fresh cow's milk is declining in the UK and Europe, while plant-based alternatives are gaining traction. Some experts argue that hybrid dairy products may not be attractive to consumers who are shifting towards plant-based options and suggest that companies should focus on 100% plant-based alternatives instead. [Extracted from the article]

Kerry Group, an Irish company, has launched a new blended dairy range called Smug, which includes alternative cheddar, butter-style products, and milk. The company aims to appeal to "conscious dairy lovers" by promoting the health and environmental benefits of the Smug range, which has lower saturated fat and CO2 emissions compared to traditional dairy. Blended dairy products, which combine cow's milk with plant-based ingredients, have been introduced by other companies in the past but have faced challenges in terms of taste and consumer acceptance. Some experts argue that fully plant-based alternatives may be more appealing to consumers concerned about sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

Food manufacturers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency in their supply chains. AI can quickly analyze large amounts of data and identify trends and irregularities, allowing businesses to optimize manufacturing parameters and increase profitability. AI is also being used for machine maintenance, helping to suggest solutions to problems and reducing downtime. Food giants like Kraft Heinz, Kellanova, and Danone have already implemented AI and plan to expand its use in the future. The ability to test and learn quickly with AI is seen as a major benefit, and companies are encouraged to embrace the technology to stay competitive. [Extracted from the article]

SunOpta, a plant milks manufacturer, has invested $26 million in expanding its oat milk production site in Modesto, California. The company built a new oat extraction production line at the plant, which is expected to increase its annual oat milk production by 60% starting in 2025. The technology used at the plant turns oats into a liquid oatbase, which is used to manufacture oat-based products such as oat milk, ice creams, and yogurts. The expansion has created 17 new jobs, bringing the total number of employees at the factory to 208. SunOpta predicts that the shelf-stable plant-based milk category will grow in volume terms in 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A group of food companies and supermarkets in the Netherlands have formed the Date-Labelling Coalition to address food waste by providing clearer expiry date information on certain products. The coalition includes manufacturers such as Unilever, FrieslandCampina, and Enrico Foods, as well as retailers Albert Heijn, Lidl, Jumbo, and Dirk. Approximately 10% of food waste in the Netherlands is caused by uncertainty over expiration dates, and the coalition aims to educate consumers about the difference between best-before and use-by dates, encouraging them to use their senses to determine if a product is still safe to consume. The coalition will also introduce icons to help consumers identify the status of a product. [Extracted from the article]

The Australian government has accepted all the recommendations from a review of the country's grocery code, aiming to crack down on anti-competitive behavior in the sector. Supermarket groups that violate the code will face significant fines. The review found that the current voluntary code fails to address the power imbalance between supermarkets and suppliers, including farmers. The updated code will be mandatory for supermarkets with an annual revenue over A$5bn and will include stronger dispute resolution arrangements and penalties for breaches. The government plans to prioritize implementing these recommendations by making changes to regulations and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the benefits of SKU rationalization for consumer packaged food and drink companies in the US. With inflation moderating and changing consumer buying behavior, CPG companies are facing challenges in maintaining profitability. SKU rationalization, which involves eliminating low-margin product versions and sizes, can help improve operational efficiency, margins, and profitability. By reducing complexity and simplifying brand portfolios and the supply chain, companies can streamline manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and better align inventory levels with demand. SKU rationalization also offers benefits for customers, such as easier purchasing decisions and a clearer brand identity. Additionally, it can improve relationships with retailers and guide future product development and innovation. [Extracted from the article]

Danone, a French food company, is focusing on investment to increase its market share and improve its margins. The CEO, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, outlined the company's goals at its annual capital markets day, including a long-term ambition to achieve €3bn in free cash flow. The company plans to achieve this through a combination of sales growth and margin improvement. Danone is also prioritizing health and nutrition, particularly gut health and protein, and is open to mergers and acquisitions. Analysts believe that Danone's strategy aligns well with the changing food industry and expect the company to be successful. [Extracted from the article]

Sweets from the Earth, a Canadian plant-based bakery, has acquired the production and distribution rights for Tofutti, a US dairy-free brand, in Canada. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected to close on June 27. Sweets from the Earth will take over the rights for Tofutti in nine Canadian provinces and three territories, with distribution in Quebec still being managed by a local company. The acquisition will help Sweets from the Earth expand its product portfolio and presence in the Canadian plant-based market. [Extracted from the article]

Danone, a French food and beverage company, is focusing on investment to boost its market share. CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique outlined the company's plans for volume-led sales growth and improved margins at Danone's annual capital markets day. While investors were disappointed that the company's sales growth target remained at 3-5%, the goal of achieving €3bn in free cash flow was well-received. Danone aims to achieve this through a combination of sales growth and margin. The company is also prioritizing health and nutrition, particularly gut health and protein, and is open to mergers and acquisitions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the progress and challenges in the field of cell-based food, which aims to address food security and sustainability issues. It explores the potential of cultivated seafood and compares it to the challenges faced by cell-based meat. The article also features an interview with a UK plant-based meat company and examines the potential market for hybrid dairy products. Additionally, it delves into topics such as the use of AI in the food industry and the problems faced by the net-zero organization, The Science-based Targets Initiative. The article also includes a supplement dedicated to environmental, social responsibility, and corporate governance issues. [Extracted from the article]