Please see below for a listing of what the North Point Food & Beverage Team has been tracking this week. We hope that you find the content insightful and a nice way to summarize the most noteworthy Food & Beverage events of the week.
Have a nice weekend!
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Glen Clarke
Head of Food & Beverage
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JM Smucker to divest some sweets brands for $40M as it focuses on Hostess.
- J.M. Smucker plans to sell its Cloverhill and Big Texas brands, as well as certain private-label products, to JTM Foods for $40 million as the Jif peanut butter owner looks to focus on growing the recently-acquired Hostess brand.
Source: Food Dive
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Mantiqueira to expand in the US after stake acquisition by JBS – executive.
- Mantiqueira Alimentos, a Itanhandu, Minas Gerais-based egg producer, will name Chief Commercial Officer Murilo Pinto as its US CEO to lead its expansion in the country after the company sold a 48.5% stake to JBS, Marketing and Innovation Officer Andre Carvalho said.
Source: Mergermarket
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Scandi Standard acquires Tyson Foods' manufacturing assets in Oosterwolde.
- Scandi Standard has acquired Tyson Foods’ manufacturing assets in Oosterwolde, the Netherlands. The assets, which comprise two of Europe’s largest and most efficient product lines for processing of breaded poultry products, suffered damage from a fire in December 2023.
Source: Mergermarket
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WH Group unit Smithfield Foods nets around USD 234.1m via Nasdaq listing.
- The net proceeds to be received by SFDS from the Smithfield Offering are approximately USD 249.1m, or approximately USD 323.9m if the Over-allotment Option is exercised in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by Smithfield.
Source: Mergermarket
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Legacy Bakehouse (Benford Capital Partners) acquires Mannon Specialty Foods.
- Legacy Bakehouse, a Wisconsin-based contract and private label manufacturer of baked snacks, announces acquisition of Mannon Specialty Foods, Inc. dba Classic Cookie, a Sevierville, TN-based baker of premium cookie products.
Source: Mergermarket
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Molson Coors buys minority stake in Fever-Tree mixers.
- Molson Coors is acquiring an 8.5% stake in Fever-Tree, a maker of nonalcoholic carbonated mixers. The beer giant is paying $89 million, according to a TD Cowen note to investors.
Source: Food Dive
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Unilever considering floating ice cream unit on New York exchange – report.
- Pork processing company Smithfield Foods Inc. announced on Jan. 27 it has priced an underwritten initial public offering of 26,086,958 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $20.00 per share.
Source: Mergermarket
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FOOD AND BEVERAGE MUSINGS | |
JBS USA invests $200 million in beef production.
- JBS USA is investing $200 million in its Cactus, Texas, and Greeley, Colorado, beef production plants to enhance fabrication, ground beef processing, and distribution.
- The investment aims to improve efficiencies and potentially increase production capacity, benefiting over 7,500 employees and local cattle producers.
- Since 2020, JBS has invested over $15 million in community programs, funding education, infrastructure, and nonprofit initiatives in Cactus and Greeley.
Source: Meat + Poultry
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Volpi rolls out Snack Trays, Charcuterie Board.
- Volpi Foods launched new Snack Trays and a Charcuterie Board, available nationwide as of Jan. 28, targeting convenience-focused and health-conscious consumers.
- The 2-oz Snack Trays come in Prosciutto & Provolone and Genoa Salame & Mozzarella varieties for $5.99, while the 11.5-oz Charcuterie Board includes meats, cheese, nuts, and crackers for $16.99.
- The launch aligns with upcoming Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day celebrations, expanding Volpi’s Raised Responsibly meats portfolio.
Source: Meat + Poultry
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Tyson Foods sees strong Q1 performance in chicken segment.
- Tyson Foods' Q1 sales reached $13.6 billion, a 2.3% increase year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising 60% to $659 million, driven by strong performance in the Chicken segment.
- The Chicken segment posted $4.065 billion in sales and $368 million in adjusted operating income, its best first-quarter performance ever, benefiting from lower feed costs and increased foodservice demand.
- Tyson raised its 2025 sales outlook and adjusted operating income projections, while also addressing tariff concerns, immigration policies, and leadership changes, with Wes Morris set to retire as Group President of Poultry.
Source: Meat + Poultry
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Updated: US, Canada, Mexico prepare for trade war.
- The Trump administration announced a 25% tariff on nearly all goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting Canada to retaliate with tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods, including meat, poultry, dairy, and grains.
- The US Meat Export Federation and the Meat Institute expressed concerns over the impact on red meat trade, urging government officials to seek a resolution to protect the $16 billion North American meat industry.
- While Mexico and the US agreed to delay tariffs for a month, the broader trade tensions, along with additional tariffs on China, have raised economic and supply chain concerns among industry leaders.
Source: Meat + Poultry
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Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Canada and Mexico but not on China.
- President Trump agreed to pause 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days after securing agreements from both countries to strengthen border security and address fentanyl trafficking, but a 10% tariff on Chinese imports remains in place.
- Canada committed to a $1.3 billion border plan, including new enforcement measures and a joint US-Canada task force on fentanyl, while Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border to avoid tariffs.
- China responded to US tariffs with its own, imposing 15% duties on coal and liquefied natural gas and 10% on crude oil and agricultural machinery, as Trump warned of further potential tariff increases if negotiations fail.
Source: BBC News
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JBS to pay $83.5 million in class action settlement.
- JBS has agreed to an $83.5 million class action settlement with R-CALF, the National Farmers Union, and four fed cattle producers, marking the first resolution in an antitrust lawsuit filed against major meatpacking companies.
- The lawsuit, filed in April 2019, accused JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef of manipulating cattle prices, with JBS agreeing to settle while denying any wrongdoing and committing to provide documents for prosecuting the remaining defendants.
- The settlement covers U.S. cattle producers who sold fed cattle to the four companies between 2015 and 2020, as well as those involved in live cattle futures trading before mid-2016.
Source: Meat + Poultry
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Verde Farms details product expansion in Publix.
- Verde Farms announced a major retail partnership with Publix, rolling out premium grass-fed beef cuts, including ribeye, strip, sirloin, and filet, to over 1,400 grocery stores starting in January 2025.
- The expansion builds on Verde’s existing presence in Publix with its 85/15 ground beef and aligns with the retailer’s focus on sustainable, high-quality protein options.
- This move follows Verde’s 2024 expansion into BJ’s Wholesale Club, The Fresh Market, and Harris Teeter, reinforcing its commitment to organic, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free beef products.
Source: Meat + Poultry
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Nestlé opens $675M beverage factory, distribution center in Arizona.
- Nestlé USA opened a $675 million beverage factory and distribution center in Glendale, Arizona, creating 300 jobs and expanding production of Coffee mate, Natural Bliss, and Starbucks creamers.
- The facility integrates sustainability measures, including water recycling, renewable electricity, and the use of recyclable, food-grade plastic bottles, supporting Nestlé’s goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050.
- Equipped with advanced technology and digital tools, the 630,000-square-foot plant enhances production flexibility, reduces transport timelines for western U.S. consumers, and strengthens Nestlé’s foothold in the growing coffee and creamer market.
Source: Food Dive
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Kraft Heinz reintroduces Capri Sun bottles, but won’t replace juice pouches.
- Kraft Heinz is reintroducing Capri Sun in a 12-ounce resealable bottle for the first time in 20 years, targeting on-the-go consumers, but has no plans to replace its traditional juice pouches.
- The new bottles, available in Fruit Punch, Pacific Cooler, and Strawberry Kiwi flavors, will be sold in convenience stores, grocery stores, and vending machines, catering to parents who prefer spill-resistant options for their children.
- This launch aligns with Kraft Heinz’s broader innovation strategy, following the release of 96-ounce multi-serve bottles in 2024 and a 40% reduction in sweetener levels to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Source: Grocery Dive
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Aji Amarillo pepper to enter more food and beverage items, McCormick says.
- McCormick & Co. has named Aji Amarillo, a South American pepper with fruity and tropical notes, as its 2025 flavor of the year, predicting a 59% increase in menu appearances over the next four years.
- The growing popularity of spicy foods, particularly among Gen Z consumers, has driven demand for Aji Amarillo, which offers moderate heat (30,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units) and is widely used in seafood, poultry, sauces, and salsas.
- To capitalize on the trend, McCormick is launching a limited-time Aji Amarillo Seasoning, aligning with its 2025 flavor predictions, including charred and smoked flavors, tropical influences, and innovative ingredient pairings.
Source: Food Dive
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PepsiCo to focus on value, healthier offerings amid slump in snacks.
- PepsiCo is shifting its focus toward value-driven and healthier snack options, introducing smaller multi-count packages at lower price points while expanding its Simply and Quaker brands.
- Despite a slight revenue dip in Q4 2024, PepsiCo remains confident in its long-term growth, leveraging targeted pricing strategies and expanding its presence in protein beverages and better-for-you snacks.
- While the company has not seen a direct impact from GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, it acknowledges shifting consumer preferences toward health-conscious eating and is investing in marketing, innovation, and supply chain improvements to maintain market leadership.
Source: Food Dive
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Ingredion invests $100M in Indianapolis plant to grow texture business.
- Ingredion is spending more than $100 million to improve the efficiency and production capabilities of its Indianapolis facility.
- The company said the investment will allow it to produce more texture-based ingredients while providing additional flexibility to add new offerings to its portfolio.
- Ingredion also noted that it plans to modernize equipment at the Indiana facility, which will improve operational efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: Food Dive
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Tropical escapism: How exotic flavors are heating up F&B innovation.
- With tropical flavors, scents and experiences flooding the market, consumers are finding ways to mentally escape to sun-soaked destinations, helping brands tap into the demand for a taste of paradise during the coldest months.
- The beverage sector has been quick to embrace this growing trend. Soft drinks are riding the wave – Sanpellegrino added a Clementina & Fico d’India (prickly pear) variant to its Italian sparkling drink range. In the energy drinks space, Rockstar introduced two new tropical flavors in the U.S. Alcoholic beverages are equally embracing tropical notes. Bacardi launched a Tropical Punch RTD. Captain Morgan also jumped on the trend with its Tiki Pineapple & Mango Rum, designed to evoke the flavors of Polynesia.
- While these innovations are boosting F&B sales, they also represent the intersection of health-consciousness and escapism. They provide consumers with an avenue to indulge in the flavors of summer without compromising on wellness.
Source: Food Bev Media
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Super Bowl Food Fight: Glut of Grocery Commercials Will Push Viewers to Eat, Eat, Eat – Variety
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