Weekly Digest: Unilever celebrates sustainable living brands, Carlsberg launches alcohol-free beer

In brief: Sustainability
Unilever has revealed its fourth consecutive year of growth for its ‘sustainable living’ brands, which grew 46 percent faster than the rest of the business and delivered 70 percent of its turnover growth. All of Unilever's brands are on a journey towards reducing their environmental footprint and increasing their positive social impact. Sustainable living brands are those that are furthest ahead on the journey to achieving the company’s ambitious sustainability goals. The figures show that Unilever is now delivering more social and environmental benefits in more parts of the world through the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). Today, Unilever is on track to meet around 80 percent of its commitments, which include improving health and wellbeing for 1 billion people, reducing environmental impact by half and enhancing livelihoods for its millions of employees, suppliers and retailers.

 

Nestlé Waters have announced a CHF 25 million (US$24.9 million) modernization of its bottling site at Henniez, Switzerland. The investment will allow the Henniez site to continue to meet the demand for its popular mineral water. Bottled water is a high-growth category for Nestlé. Production at Henniez will become more flexible and innovative to reach current and future consumer trends. The project will see two older mineral water glass bottling lines replaced by one new, modern edge. It will also set up a new production facility for flavored beverages and juices.

In brief: Acquisitions
European producer of savory ingredients for the food industry, Solina, has announced the completion of the acquisition of Essential Cuisine Limited from Nigel Crane, Neil Corlett and Jamie McGregor, the shareholders of the company. Headquartered in Winsford, UK, Essential Cuisine has a leading position in the UK Foodservice market through kitchen-made quality products such as stocks, jus and gravies. Essential Cuisine is a premium food-service brand trusted and endorsed by chefs across the UK.

In brief: Appointments & retirements
Univar Inc. has announced this week that its board of directors has appointed David Jukes as the Company's president and CEO as well as to its board of directors, effective May 9, 2018.  Jukes succeeds Stephen D. Newlin who was appointed Executive Chairman of Univar's board of directors.  These appointments mark the completion of the previously announced CEO succession plan.

Chr. Hansen has agreed with Klaus Bjerrum to take up the position as Executive Vice President of Natural Colors Division. Bjerrum is currently employed as Senior Vice President, Operations, at CP Kelco and will join Chr. Hansen in his new role as of 1 August 2018. Bjerrum, 49, has been with CP Kelco for the past 19 years where he has been in global and regional roles within several functions (Operations, R&D, Business Management and Sales). Since 2015 he has been part of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO.

 

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has elected three new members to its Board of Directors: Steven A. Cahillane of Kellogg Company; Bobby J. Chacko of Ocean Spray Cranberries and Paul D. Chibe of Ferrero North America.

In brief: Other highlights
Brewing giant Carlsberg has launched a new alcohol-free beer brand Birell, as a response to increasing consumer demand in the category, according to the company. The brand is available in two styles – Pilsner Lager and Belgian Wit – now being sold in Poland and Bulgaria. In 2019, the beer is expected to receive a more widespread launch. The beer is made from barley, wheat, hops and water, and doesn’t possess artificial preservatives or colors. There is also no added sugar. The company has also highlighted the brew’s lower caloric content and its isotonic qualities, saying that it is ideal for those with active lifestyles. Carlsberg credited changing consumer tastes as one of the main reasons for the launch of Birell, as the alcohol-free category has seen 90 percent growth in the last ten years. It already sells alcohol-free brands such as Carlsberg 0.0 percent.

Barry Callebaut has opened the first Chocolate Academy center in Johannesburg, South Africa, this week. For the group it is the 21st chocolate academy it opens in the world and the first on the African continent. “Not only are we celebrating a milestone for Barry Callebaut, but this marks a special moment for the South African chocolate industry. It reaffirms our commitment to the South African market. The Chocolate Academy center is an invaluable asset to South African chocolate professionals and artisans, offering endless possibilities in all the aspects related to chocolate and cocoa products. We are taking the local chocolate spirit to new heights,” says David Bowrin, Sales Director for South East Africa.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has celebrated the opening of its new, high-tech premix facility in Effingham, Illinois. “Today’s pet food and animal nutrition customers have higher standards for quality and process controls than ever before, and our new plant in Effingham has the industry-leading technology needed to meet and exceed their needs,” says Chuck Loefer, vice president of ADM Animal Nutrition. The new facility, located in the Effingham Industrial Park, features state-of-the-art technology, including automation within receiving, batching, packaging, and loadout, multiple batching systems with simultaneous weighing for high efficiency and high output and a bar coding system that uniquely identifies each item all the way from receiving to shipping.

Kemin Nutrisurance, the pet food and rendering technologies division of Kemin Industries, recently expanded its innovative product range, which addresses freshness, food safety, palatability and now, health and nutrition. The new segment serves consumers' growing demand for nutrition with health benefits for their pets. Today, 66 percent of pet owners believe that the right food can enhance their pets' quality of life. Kemin currently offers a variety of protein products that contribute to the nutritional content of pet food, pet treats and other consumable pet products. Establishing a health and nutrition program reinforces Kemin's commitment to the health of all pets and focuses its strength in nutrition beyond functional proteins to include unique and sustainable solutions.

By Elizabeth Green