Mars plans to inject €40 million ($43.3 million) into a chocolate factory in Germany, with a portion earmarked to bolster the production of its Twix brand.
Over the span of four years, Mars will undertake a project at the Viersen site in western Germany, involving the installation of a new packaging line specifically for Twix chocolate. This decision comes in response to the company’s observation of a surge in demand for the product. Consequently, this initiative will enable the packaging of additional Twix bars directly at the site.
Evelina Wagner, Managing Director of the local Mars Confectionery Supply unit, noted that a portion of the investment will be allocated towards enhancing “the ergonomics of the workplace on the production lines” and facilitating “more sustainable production” practices.
At the Viersen site, which is privately owned, the group employs over 320 individuals. This location serves as the production hub for chocolate bar brands such as Twix and Balisto, as well as the boxed Celebrations brand.
Production Targets: Mars aims for increased output by 2026/2027
In Viersen, Mars processes 59,300 tons of chocolate goods daily, which is roughly equivalent to ten million pieces of chocolate. The company has set a target to increase its manufacturing output to 70,000 tons by 2026/2027.
Across its six sites in Germany, situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bavaria, and its M&M’s flagship shop in Berlin, Mars employs over 2,200 workers.
The cash infusion, Wagner added, was a “contribution” to the company’s aim of reaching net zero emissions in its “entire value chain by 2050.” “We are very proud that our volumes are growing while at the same time significantly lowering our factory’s energy requirements and emissions,” Wagner said.
In 2021, the Snickers producer pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 across its entire value chain, using a 2015 baseline as reference.
The group has revised its emissions targets multiple times in recent years. Two years ago, Mars declared its aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In September of last year, the company reported a reduction of 8% in emissions, amounting to 2.6 million metric tons.
Bacha Coffee, a Moroccan-inspired heritage brand, has expanded its international presence with the opening of its first store in Indonesia, as reported by World Coffee Portal.
The venue, spanning 4,300 square feet, situated within Jakarta’s Plaza Senayan shopping center, features a coffee bar and a takeaway counter.
Operated by franchisee Erajaya Food and Nourishment, the Jakarta store also includes a retail coffee boutique showcasing 200 packaged coffee varieties.
Erajaya Food and Nourishment manages licensed Paris Baguette outlets across Indonesia.
Established in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee boasts a rich history. Following its closure after the Second World War, it was rejuvenated in 2019 by Singapore-based V3 Gourmet.
It procures its coffee from over 35 countries known for coffee production.
International Presence: From Singapore to Qatar
In December 2022, V3 Gourmet inaugurated a Bacha Coffee establishment at Terminal 3 of Singapore’s Changi Airport.
The venue showcased illuminated glass arches along with a towering library of coffee canisters.
Bacha Coffee’s growth in Southeast Asia encompasses 16 outlets spanning Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and now Indonesia.
The brand also has a presence in Morocco, France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Qatar.
ZAWYA reported that in March 2024, a Bacha Coffee branch debuted at Doha’s Villaggio Mall in Qatar.
According to Korea Joongang Daily, Bacha Coffee is poised to sustain its growth momentum by venturing into the South Korean market, with a store scheduled to open in Seoul in July.
A franchising arrangement with the Lotte Department Store makes its expansion possible.
Gabrielle Halim, CEO of Erajaya Food & Nourishment, expressed, “Bacha Coffee is celebrated for its unique concept and enticing selection of pure Arabica coffee varieties, and we are excited to introduce the legendary Moroccan coffee brand to Jakarta.”
“Bacha Coffee’s outstanding gift hampers align seamlessly with the Indonesian tradition of gift-giving.”
Swedish snack producer Cloetta has reached an agreement to transfer its Nutisal roasted nuts brand to its Dutch counterpart, The Monchy Food Company.
The Plopp chocolate bar manufacturer stated that the business is set to be sold for approximately €5 to €6 million ($5.4 million – €6.5 million).
Cloetta’s choice to divest Nutisal aligns with the company’s strategy to concentrate on its “core confectionery” brands and pursue its “long-term objective” of achieving an adjusted EBIT margin exceeding 14%.
Nutisal constitutes approximately half of Cloetta’s nuts segment and contributes 2% to the company’s total net sales. Cloetta will maintain nut production as part of its pick-and-mix line.
The manufacturer of The Jelly Bean Factory brand anticipates recording a non-cash impairment of €7-8 million in its second-quarter financial results, subsequent to the transfer.
It also anticipates that the deal will result in around €6-7 million in “positive cash flow.”
Solna-based Cloetta acquired Nutisal in 2013. In 2020, the manufacturing of the product was outsourced to a third party as part of efforts to enhance competitiveness. Following this, the brand’s Helsingborg plant was shut down in 2021.
The decision comes as Cloetta continues to face challenges posed by exceptionally high cocoa prices. Cocoa represents around 8% of the company’s total raw material costs.
Earlier this year, the company disclosed plans for additional price hikes across its confectionery and chocolate products, citing unprecedented raw material costs for cocoa and sugar.
Financial Performance and Adjustments
In the first quarter of 2024, Cloetta recorded net sales of Skr2.1 billion ($199.3 million), marking a 6.1% year-on-year increase. However, adjusted operating profit decreased by 4% to Skr192 million.
The company manufactures various confectionery brands such as The Jelly Bean Factory, Läkerol pastilles, Plopp chocolate toffee bites, and King mints.
Its primary markets encompass Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark.
Cloetta also distributes its products to Switzerland, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific and Baltic regions through third-party distributors.
The company operates seven production sites located in Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Slovakia. In 2023, Cloetta produced approximately 101,300 tonnes of chocolates, confectionery, pastilles, nuts, and chewing gum at these facilities.
The Campbell Soup Company is capitalizing on America’s fondness for pickles and spicy tastes by introducing its latest offering: the limited-edition Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle crackers.
This comes as pickle-related content on social media platforms like TikTok has surged past 300 million posts, while 53 million US consumers are actively seeking out spicier food options, according to the company.
“In response to ongoing requests from Goldfish and pickle enthusiasts on social media, one single post about pickle-flavored Goldfish garnered over 30,000 likes,” Campbell’s stated in a release.
The recently launched Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle crackers aim to meet this escalating consumer demand by blending the tanginess of dill pickles with a spicy twist on the iconic fish-shaped snack.
“Given the overwhelming presence of pickle-related content on TikTok, exceeding 300 million posts, and the preferences of 53 million Americans seeking spicier options, Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle crackers are designed to meet both flavor expectations and fan demand with this latest limited-time offering,” the company stated.
Launch Details: Availability and Pricing
Starting this June, the limited-time offering will be available at national retailers with a suggested retail price of $3.69.
The decision reflects Campbell’s commitment to innovation and growth within its beloved Goldfish brand, ensuring alignment with evolving consumer preferences, especially regarding flavor profiles that spark considerable social media excitement and interaction.
Since its introduction in 1962, Goldfish has emerged as one of Campbell’s most iconic snack brands, establishing a strong presence in the fiercely competitive $24 billion US cracker market.
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, has announced his resignation from the Starbucks board of directors, a position he has held since 2017.
In a regulatory filing, the coffee giant confirmed the departure, indicating that the board’s size would subsequently diminish.
In his resignation letter, Nadella conveyed his admiration for Starbucks’ development and transformation throughout his tenure.
He refrained from providing a specific reason for his decision but assured that he would remain one of the company’s most ardent supporters, cheering it on from the sidelines.
“Throughout my time,” he remarked, “I’ve observed the remarkable evolution of Starbucks, and I carry the pride of our collective achievements with me.”
“As I resign,” he expressed, “I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the chance to contribute and learn from the myriad ways Starbucks has flourished, evolved, and persevered.”
Nadella additionally conveyed his confidence in Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan and the company’s senior leadership team.
“I have full confidence in Laxman and our senior leadership team. Their steadfast dedication and strategic prowess reassure me that Starbucks is in capable hands, positioned for a future brimming with innovation and triumph,” the letter stated.
Satya Nadella’s Tenure and Contribution to Starbucks Board
Nadella’s tenure on the Starbucks board commenced concurrently with the appointment of his former Microsoft colleague, Kevin Johnson, as Starbucks CEO.
His proficiency in technology and international operations was regarded as a valuable asset to the board at that time.
Shein, an online fashion retailer, is set to submit a prospectus to Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority for approval. This step is in preparation for a potential listing on the London Stock Exchange, which could value the company at around 50 billion pounds ($63.70 billion), according to a report by Sky News.
The report, citing sources, added that the confidential filing could occur as early as next week.
Queries directed towards Shein did not receive a response.
Regulatory Challenges and U.S. Opposition
Shein, which was valued at $66 billion during a funding round last year, started working with the teams of its financial and legal consultants headquartered in London earlier this year to explore the possibility of a listing on the London Stock Exchange, sources told Reuters in May.
After encountering regulatory obstacles and opposition from U.S. lawmakers in its attempt to go public in New York, the fast-fashion company intensified its preparations for a listing in London.
However, prominent British legislators are calling for closer examination of Shein and questioning the company’s eligibility for a London listing. Shein has responded by reiterating its commitment to strengthening governance and compliance protocols.
Bisleri, a well-known brand of packaged water, is exploring the concept of water credits, akin to carbon credits, aiming to enhance accountability among beverage producers regarding their water consumption.
The company has collaborated with the TERI School of Advanced Studies to undertake a study assessing the beverage industry’s dedication to water conservation.
According to the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, a New Delhi-based think tank, by 2025, 11 out of India’s 15 major river basins will face water stress, with per-capita annual water availability dropping below 1,700 cubic meters. Moreover, India regulates groundwater usage through national and state-level regulations, imposing limits on the volume of water companies can extract for industrial and commercial activities.
The study emphasizes that numerous major beverage manufacturers have faced criticism for extracting water from areas experiencing water stress. In reaction, several companies have started disclosing efforts to replenish the water utilized in their manufacturing operations.
Bisleri’s Water Replenishment Efforts
Bisleri intends to present its findings to the central government, aiming to stimulate discussions and formulate a framework for advancing the concept of water credits within the beverage industry.
Study on Water Trading and Credits
According to media reports, the study sought to examine both national and international practices and policies related to water trading, water credits, and fiscal instruments. Additionally, it aimed to devise a methodological framework for assessing the water footprint of a production unit. The study further conducted tests and estimated the water footprint of two Bisleri production units situated in contrasting terrains.
This initiative comes after the government introduced the Green Credit Program (GCP) in October 2023. The GCP is aimed at encouraging voluntary environmental actions across multiple sectors and involves a wide range of stakeholders, including people, communities, private sector industries, as well as businesses. In its initial phase, the GCP will prioritize water conservation and afforestation efforts.
Gokyo, an emerging player in India’s adventure apparel and gear market, has inaugurated its first in Bengaluru. Alongside its flagship store in Mumbai, Gokyo’s products are accessible in distinguished outdoor stores across Maharashtra, Noida, Srinagar, and Sikkim. The brand intends to further extend its presence in South India with a forthcoming store opening shortly in Hyderabad.
Situated at LV Plaza, 7th Main Rd, HRBR Layout 1st Block, Banaswadi, the new Bengaluru store is a collaboration with the burgeoning outdoor and adventure retail chain “Mountains Within.” This outlet aspires to be the premier destination for adventurers, providing premium-quality apparel and gear for both experienced mountaineers and casual hikers.
The grand opening took place on Saturday, June 1, presided over by former MLA Vinisha Nero. The event showcased an evening with distinguished Everest climbers Sunil Nataraj and Venkatesh Maheshwari, co-founder of Gokyo.
The brand now offers a comprehensive range of outdoor and trekking products, specifically designed for expeditions reaching up to 20,000 feet.
Venki Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Gokyo, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce Gokyo’s cutting-edge, high-quality adventure gear to the Silicon Valley of India. Our objective is to furnish adventurers with premium products and firsthand expertise, guaranteeing they are well-equipped for their forthcoming outdoor escapade. As we broaden our presence across the nation, we aspire to motivate more individuals to embark on exhilarating adventures.”
The brand name “Gokyo” is inspired by Gokyo Ri, a peak celebrated for its breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Everest region. Deriving from the heritage of the Sherpa tribe and the tranquil Gokyo Lake at its base, the brand’s vision and mission are profoundly grounded in this rich cultural milieu.
Gokyo’s Comprehensive Range of Outdoor and Trekking Products
To accommodate the varied requirements of adventurers and furnish a comprehensive experience of its extensive product range, the new store will showcase Gokyo’s Explorer, Alpine, and Sherpa series, each tailored for different climatic conditions and expedition levels.
Sherpa Series: Engineered for adventurers confronting exceedingly cold temperatures spanning from 10°C to -5°C, this series utilizes unique fabrics with bonded and brushed inner layers to optimize comfort, flexibility, and heat preservation.
Alpine Series: Aimed at intermediate adventurers managing mild winter conditions and lower altitudes, this series merges functional styling with protection against cold and harsh UV rays.
Explorer Series: Ideal for beginners, this series provides comfort and protection against mild winters and lower altitudes, safeguarding users from both cold and sun exposure.
By furnishing customized solutions for diverse levels of adventurers, Gokyo guarantees everyone is outfitted with the optimal gear for their expedition.
In an era where dietary preferences are shifting rapidly, Graviss Good Foods is making waves with its innovative brand, Plantaway. With the ambitious goal of achieving 250% growth in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Romil Ratra, CEO Graviss Good Foods, shares insights into the brand’s journey and the burgeoning plant-based food market.
Romil Ratra, with decades of experience in the hospitality industry, has been instrumental in steering Graviss Good Foods towards new horizons. “There’s a huge shift incoming and its driven by people realising how important what they consume is for them,” he states. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the connection between diet and health, propelling the company to venture into the ‘better-for-you’ food and beverage space.
In early 2020, Graviss Good Foods initially introduced the Brooklyn Creamery, a healthy ice cream brand that defied the conventional belief that taste, and health are mutually exclusive. The brand quickly adapted to the pandemic by pivoting to a delivery-first model. “When we started, we had just 12 flavors and 20 SKUs. Today, we have over 60 SKUs in multiple formats and four different ranges, including vegan, high protein, and keto options,” says Ratra. This adaptability and consumer-centric approach have seen the Brooklyn Creamery expand to over 1000 points of sale in India and the Middle East.
Building on this success, Graviss Good Foods launched Plantaway, a plant-based food solutions company, about a year ago. While the demand for plant-based options is growing, the brand recognizes that it remains relatively small. Therefore, the focus was on creating products that not only tasted great but were also functional and easy to integrate into existing culinary practices. “We created our first product line with taste, functionality, and application as our primary goals,” Ratra explains.
Understanding this, Plantaway developed the first product in the range: plant-based mylks that would allow chefs/ home consumers to easily incorporate these into their daily usage without sacrificing convenience or quality. The company’s rigorous testing, including trials with local tea vendors and dessert makers, ensured that their plant-based milk was robust and versatile.
The Plantaway range now includes a variety of plant-based alternatives for meats, dairy alternatives like cheese, butter, and mayos and an all new range of indulgent plant-based gelatos, catering to the growing demand for vegan and health-conscious food options. “Our products are designed to make it easy for culinary professionals or the home consumer to incorporate plant-based options into their menu / meals without compromising on quality or taste,” Ratra emphasises.
Consumer awareness and demand for quality have been pivotal in the brand’s growth. “The Indian consumer has evolved so much; they know exactly what they want,” Ratra says. This informed consumer base is driving the category forward, making it essential for brands like Plantaway to stay ahead with innovative and high-quality products.
Reflecting on the groups performance, Ratra reveals that the past year has been a great one. “We did double of what we did in the previous year across both India and the Middle East,” he shares. The company’s success can be attributed to its relentless focus on consumer feedback and continuous improvement. “We conduct consumer conversations every month in different geographies to understand their needs and preferences,” he adds.
The brand anticipates around 250% growth for 2024-25. “We’re being fairly aggressive in our approach and have a range of new products in the pipeline,” says Ratra.
Looking ahead, Ratra is confident about Plantaway’s growth trajectory. The brand’s strategic focus on sampling and consumer engagement, combined with its robust distribution network, positions it well for continued success. “We’re here for the long haul. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re committed to giving it our best every single day,” he concludes.
The Brooklyn Creamery too is evolving from being the premier better-for-you ice cream brand and expanded into low calorie RTD milkshakes last year. Recognizing the potential in other dairy-related products, they recently launched two specialised milk products: lactose-free milk and India’s first high-protein milk.
As Graviss Good Foods gears up for a promising future, Plantaway stands out as a testament to the power of innovation and consumer-centricity in the ever-evolving food industry. With Ratra at the helm, the brand is set to redefine plant-based eating in India and beyond.
Newme, a Gen Z-focused fashion-tech startup, has expanded its presence in India by opening its largest flagship store to date in Hyderabad, as announced by a company official on social media.
The store, situated on the ground floor of Sarath City Capital Mall in Kondapur, Telangana, occupies an expansive 5,000 square feet of carpet area.
“We’re thrilled to announce our arrival in Hyderabad! Our largest store yet, spanning an impressive 5,000 square feet, is designed to inspire creativity and self-expression through fashion,” said Sumit Jasoria, co-founder of Newme, in a LinkedIn post.
“I never envisioned that within a year of opening our first store in Bengaluru, we would expand to five stores across India in such a short time,” Jasoria continued.
Established in 2022 by Jasoria, Shivam Tripathi, Vinod Naik, and Himanshu Chaudhary, Newme aims to cater to over 500 million Gen Z consumers in India and Southeast Asia. The company introduces more than 500 designs weekly and leverages technology to streamline its supply chain.
Nationwide presence of Newme & future plans
The online-first brand currently operates a total of five stores nationwide, situated at Orion Mall in Bengaluru, Forum South in Bengaluru, Infiniti Mall in Mumbai, Elante Mall in Chandigarh, and the latest addition at Sarath City Capital Mall in Kondapur.
Newme is set to unveil its next store in Indore, with plans to expand to over 12-15 stores across India by the end of 2024.
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