Beyond The Headlines: Unilever advances AI use, Robertet Group agrees to acquire Sonarome

08 Dec 2023 --- In this week’s industry news, Accenture is collaborating with Unilever to utilize its AI research and implement technologies to boost productivity, while the Robertet Group has finalized a deal to acquire Sonarome. Meanwhile, a Ferrero-related company is acquiring Michel et Augustin from Danone.

Business highlights
Accenture is joining forces with Unilever as part of a strategic initiative to leverage Unilever’s AI research and implementation of technologies that enhance productivity, drive efficiencies, and accelerate disruptive and AI-powered innovations at scale. The work will be launched at Unilever’s global AI Lab, “Horizon3 Labs” in Toronto. The two companies will explore new applications to scale generative AI.

CTH Invest, a Ferrero-related company, has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire Michel et Augustin from Danone. Its products include sweet biscuits, savory biscuits and snacks. These brands are sold mainly in France and six other markets. This acquisition would strengthen the Ferrero ecosystem in France.

The planned acquisition from Ferrero follows the company's acquisitions of Burton’s Biscuit Company and Fox’s in the UK, Kelsen Group in Denmark and Delacre in Belgium (Image credit: Ferrero). The Robertet Group has concluded an agreement to acquire Sonarome, a company in flavors in India. With this operation, Robertet is pursuing the development of flavors for food and beverages by strengthening its offer in India, where it is already established in the fragrance industry. Robertet is also expanding its presence in South-East Asia and East Africa.

Sustainable food and farming
Nestlé will work with shipping companies to move the equivalent of half of its global shipping needs to alternative, lower-emission fuels with immediate effect. By switching to cargo ships that use fuels made from waste, such as used cooking oil, the company aims to reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions. The agreements signed with Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk and CMA CGM cover half of Nestlé’s shipping volumes moved in 2023.

Lindt & Sprüngli has approved science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi has verified Lindt & Sprüngli’s net-zero science-based target by 2050, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the announcement of an additional US$10 million from the US Department of State for projects mapping soil fertility in Ghana and Kenya to promote climate-smart agriculture and adaptation measures, resilient crops, fertilizer use efficiency and soil health. The funding will boost progress with FAO’s ambitious Soil mapping for resilient agri-food systems in the Central America and sub-Saharan Africa. Central to the effort is the mapping of soil nutrients and functional soil properties at a detailed level.

Unilever is combating environmental challenges and working on net-zero emissions across its value chain through its Climate Transition Action Plan. The company is making efforts to create a deforestation-free supply chain and regenerate nature, focusing on sustainable palm oil sourcing. Traceability is emphasized to address risks related to nature loss and climate change in supply chains. Although shipping makes up a small proportion of Nestlé's overall carbon footprint, the company is committed to reducing the impact of its logistics services as part of its path to net zero (Image credit: Nestlé).

Launches and innovation
Big Bold Health has announced the launch of a plant-powered superfood: the first-ever 100% organic Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat (HTB) Sprout Powder. HTB is a naturally gluten-free plant and is loaded with immune-supporting phytonutrients that are rare in the standard Western diet.

Forty start-up businesses from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US have been selected for the 2024 Startup Program at AgriFutures evokeAG, Australia. These start-ups focus on addressing global challenges such as waste management, sustainable production, and decarbonization in the Australian food systems. The selected businesses will showcase innovative solutions, ranging from sustainable wine packaging to technology converting rice straw waste into bio-asphalt. 

The Veganuary 2024 campaign is aiming to assist people in losing weight and improving their health. This marks the 10th annual Veganuary, a challenge for individuals to adopt a plant-based diet for the month of January. To make the vegan diet more accessible, Veganuary encourages “plant-based” and “flexitarian” eating, providing a measured transition for those new to the dietary pattern. The campaign collaborates with businesses to raise awareness, enhance access to, and foster a taste for plant-based cuisine.

By Sichong Wang