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Unigrains, an agri-food investor based in France, has acquired a minority stake in the family-owned poultry specialist Savel Group, alongside another local investor, Unexo Credit Agricole. The financial details and size of the stakes have not been disclosed, but Savel mentioned that the investment was made "on an equal basis." Savel specializes in niche poultry products and plans to use the backing from Unigrains and Unexo to support its organic and external growth, as well as diversification into prepared foods. The company, founded in 1968, has 470 employees and annual sales exceeding €150m, mainly distributing its products through the out-of-home catering channel. [Extracted from the article]

Kerry Group has agreed to sell its consumer dairy and ingredients businesses to Kerry Co-Operative Creameries for €500m. The transaction will be completed in two parts, with the Co-op acquiring 70% initially and the remaining 30% through a call-option process. This move marks Kerry Group's shift towards becoming a global taste and nutrition solutions company, focusing on B2B operations. The deal includes popular brands like Cheestrings, Dairygold, and Kerrymaid, and is expected to be finalized by January next year. [Extracted from the article]

Fonterra, a New Zealand-based cooperative, is considering selling its consumer-facing dairy business through an IPO or trade sale. The company, known for brands like Anchor butter and Mammoth milk drinks, aims to focus on dairy ingredients and foodservice. Advisors have been selected to assist with the divestment process, which also includes Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka units. Other brands in the consumer portfolio include De Winkel and Fresh 'n' Fruity yogurts and Primo milk beverages. [Extracted from the article]

Hershey has acquired the US candy brand Sour Strips to expand its sour sweets offerings. Founded by Maxx Chewning in 2019, Sour Strips will continue to be led by Chewning post-acquisition. The move aims to increase Hershey's presence in the sour candy segment and reach new consumers for more snacking occasions. The acquisition comes as Hershey adjusts its forecasts for net sales and earnings per share in 2024 due to a challenging consumer environment. [Extracted from the article]

Cooke, a Canadian seafood company, is acquiring Copeinca, a Peru-based fishmeal and fish oil producer, in a deal that will expand its marine ingredients business and diversify its portfolio. Copeinca, established in 1994, is Peru's largest fishing company, processing a significant portion of the country's catch annually. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Cooke's global food security efforts and enhance its presence in South and Central America. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is set to be finalized in November 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Trinità Spa Industria Salumi has acquired Galli Industria Salumi, a fellow Italian cured meats producer, in a deal aimed at strengthening Trinità's position in the foodservice channel. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but Galli brings in sales of around €14m. Trinità, which saw a revenue increase of over 30% in 2023, is focused on expanding into new European markets, building on its existing presence in Italy through acquisitions and private label offerings. [Extracted from the article]

Intersnack has acquired the Whole Earth peanut butter brand from Ecotone, a European food group. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Whole Earth has experienced significant growth under Ecotone's ownership, becoming the number one peanut butter brand in the UK and seeing impressive growth in organic peanut butter sales across European markets. [Extracted from the article]

The Kepak Group, an Irish meat company, has acquired UK-based Summit Foods, known for chilled and frozen convenience products, in a strategic move to expand its food business. Summit Foods, with an annual revenue of £24m and 200 employees, will continue operations in Preston, England, under existing leadership. The acquisition aims to strengthen Kepak's presence in the UK's food-to-go and micro-snacking market, with plans for growth and product development synergies. Additionally, Kepak recently invested €8m in its Kilbeggan facility to enhance market access and efficiency, positioning it as a central hub for exporting Irish meat. [Extracted from the article]

Nurture Brands, a UK food and drinks maker, has sold its vegan confectionery line Doisy & Dam to Food Thoughts, an ethical organic ingredients business. Doisy & Dam produces plant-based chocolate brands and was acquired by Nurture Brands in 2022. Following this sale, Nurture Brands will focus on its other brands, including Emily crisps, Rebel Kitchen, and Jax Coco coconut water lines. Food Thoughts, owned by Fairtrade Ltd., plans to integrate Doisy & Dam into its plant-based chocolate offerings. [Extracted from the article]

Lifeway Foods has rejected a takeover bid from Danone, deeming the offer undervalued. Danone sought to increase its minority interest in Lifeway Foods to full ownership by offering $25 per share, but Lifeway Foods' board rejected the proposal. A rights issue has been launched to prevent Danone from gaining control without paying a premium to shareholders. The rejection comes amidst a family dispute over control and leadership of Lifeway Foods. [Extracted from the article]

Grupo Bimbo has acquired the Slovenia-based bakery business Don Don, expanding its global presence to 39 countries. Don Don, a leading player in the baking industry in south-east Europe, operates in multiple countries and offers a variety of baked goods. Grupo Bimbo has been active in acquisitions, including purchasing Wickbold in Brazil and Mile Hi Bakery in the US, while also closing some factories in North America and Europe. The company reported a drop in net income but an increase in revenue and adjusted EBITDA in its third-quarter results. [Extracted from the article]

Schuman Cheese, a US-based family-owned business, has acquired Trugman-Nash from Allied Dairy, expanding its portfolio with high-quality Cheddar products, including the Old Croc brand. The deal also grants Schuman exclusive US distribution rights for Organic Herd British cheddar brands. Schuman plans to maintain Trugman-Nash's retail presence for a seamless transition. This acquisition strengthens Schuman's position in the specialty cheese market, following a recent partnership with Dutch dairy business Westland to enhance the North American presence of the Old Amsterdam Gouda cheese brand. [Extracted from the article]

Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Del Real Foods, a US-based Hispanic food company, from Palladium Equity Partners. The financial terms of the transaction and the size of the stake acquired were not disclosed. Del Real Foods, known for its refrigerated Hispanic foods, will continue to be partially owned by the Cardenas family and Palladium Equity Partners. [Extracted from the article]

Singapore-based Olam Group has received a takeover offer from Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) for its Olam Agri business unit. The non-binding indicative offer is currently under review, with no definitive terms established. Olam Group operates globally in the food and agri-business sector, serving customers across over 60 countries. The potential sale of Olam Agri was initially planned as part of a spin-off through an IPO and demerger, but other strategic alternatives are now being explored. [Extracted from the article]

1440 Foods, a US-based company specializing in sports and active nutrition brands, has acquired the protein bar brand Fitcrunch, known for its high-protein snacks tailored to active lifestyles. Fitcrunch offers products with up to 30g of protein per serving, including snacks, bars, wafers, powders, and supplements for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to expand 1440 Foods' brand portfolio, which includes Pure Protein, MET-Rx, and Body Fortress, and tap into the growing market for active nutrition products. [Extracted from the article]

BRF, a meat major based in Brazil, has agreed to acquire a 26% stake in Addoha Poultry Co., a Saudi Arabia-based company, through the BRF Arabia joint venture with HPDC. The deal, valued at SR316.2m ($84.3m), aims to strengthen BRF's presence in the Middle East. BRF Arabia is majority-owned by BRF and aims to enhance synergies between the entities. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Pure Treats, a Canadian pet food producer, has agreed to acquire Bar W Foods and 18 Below, a meat processing and freeze-drying facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Pure Treats aims to expand its product line and capacity with this acquisition. 18 Below, with a 65-year history in Fort Worth, operates a USDA-inspected kitchen and will continue under the leadership of owner and CEO Paul Wehba. This move is expected to benefit both companies and meet the rising demand for high-quality pet treats and food. [Extracted from the article]

Oddlygood, a plant-based dairy company majority-owned by Finnish dairy giant Valio, has acquired Rude Health, a top-five UK plant-based drinks brand, from its founders. The deal comes at a time when the UK's plant-based milk market has plateaued, with brands facing stiff competition and the need to win over new consumers. Rude Health's co-founder, Camilla Barnard, believes that the category can continue to grow by emphasizing environmental and sustainability arguments, and the company has invested in advertising to communicate these messages. [Extracted from the article]

Paulig Group has acquired the UK-based Panesar Foods, known for its sauces and condiments, in a move to expand its international growth and World Foods offerings. Panesar Foods, with a turnover of £59m ($76.5m) and 308 employees, will continue to operate under Paulig's ownership. Both companies share a commitment to innovation and high-quality products, with Paulig experiencing significant growth in revenue and profits in recent years. [Extracted from the article]

Fresh Del Monte Produce has sold its Fresh Leaf Farms brand and operations to First Leaf Farms in an effort to increase efficiency and focus on core assets. The undisclosed deal is part of Fresh Del Monte's strategic direction for its vegetable division, Mann Packing. First Leaf Farms, a partnership between the Costa and Nunes families, will continue to grow leafy greens for Mann Packing and utilize its logistics network during the Yuma season. The acquisition is seen as a natural fit due to the long history and collaborative partnership between the Costa and Nunes families. [Extracted from the article]

Kilcoy Global Foods, a Queensland-based company, has acquired a burger factory in Australia from Tyson Foods. The Coominya plant, which supplies beef burgers to McDonald's and exports to Asia, was purchased by Kilcoy to capitalize on business synergies. Tyson Foods has been selling off businesses and cutting staff, while Kilcoy plans to invest in the newly acquired site. The article provides insight into the changing landscape of the global meat industry and the strategic moves made by these companies. [Extracted from the article]

The Anderson Group, a US private-equity firm, has acquired Texas-based Double B Foods, a maker of frozen and refrigerated entrées and desserts. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but members of Double B Foods' senior management team, including CEO Patrick O'Ray and CFO Don Wall, participated in the buyout. This acquisition marks The Anderson Group's third deal this year and its 17th investment in the food and beverage sector since 2010. Double B Foods will continue to be led by O'Ray, who expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Anderson to expand their product offerings and customer base. [Extracted from the article]