Weekly Roundup: Ajinomoto expands Canadian presence, UK consumers reduce meat intake during COVID-19

29 May 2020 --- This week in industry news, Caldic Canada revealed it will become the exclusive distributor of Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America and Fresh Del Monte Produce announced its subsidiary Fresh Del Monte Japan officially began operations in its newly completed plant in Japan. In the same week, Hormel Foods Corporation reported net sales of US$2.4 billion for its fiscal quarter ending April 26. With warmer days ahead, Mars unveiled its newest ice cream innovation, the TWIX Cookies & Creme Ice Cream Bar.

In brief: Business
Caldic Canada is expanding its North American business with the representation of Ajinomoto’s savory ingredients across the Canadian market. Starting on August 1, Caldic Canada will become an exclusive distributor of Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America with a focus on monosodium glutamate, flavor enhancers, transglutaminase and Asian sauces for the food and beverage industry. Caldic North America offers a wide range of both manufactured and distributed food and beverage ingredients. Systems and ingredients are designed to improve texture, simplify labels, naturally preserve, support advanced nutrition and enhance sensory appeal. 

Hormel Foods Corporation expects the demand for Spam on a global basis to remain “very strong.” Fruitive, a vegan fast-casual restaurant offering healthy, made-from-scratch meals, is now franchising across the US, offering prospective owners the opportunity to bring a 100 percent plant-based, whole-food menu to local markets. Fruitive was founded in Virginia Beach in 2011 and expanded from its original Hilltop location to include two company-owned diners in Washington DC and two in Virginia. 

Fresh Del Monte Produce has announced that its subsidiary Fresh Del Monte Japan officially began operations in its newly completed plant in Yokohama, Japan. The state-of-the-art fresh cut plant, which has an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons of fruits and vegetables, will serve as a manufacturing base that satisfies the increasing need for ready-to-eat fresh and convenient fruits, salads and vegetables across Japan. Fresh Del Monte Produce broke ground on the US$19 million facility last year and built in stringent hygiene protocols and a cutting-edge low-temperature air condition management system to maintain product quality and freshness.

In brief: COVID-19 impacts
Hormel Foods Corporation has reported net sales of US$2.4 billion for its fiscal quarter ending April 26, marking a 3 percent increase compared to the same time last year. Its grocery division, which includes Spam, Skippy peanut butter and Hormel chili, saw net sales rise 8 percent. The company expects the demand for Spam on a global basis to remain “very strong.” The brand is on pace to have its sixth consecutive year of sales growth, according to Brian Lillis, Senior Brand Manager at Spam. Part of the reason behind Spam’s recent ascent, Lillis explained, is that popular recipes among people in the Asia Pacific region, where the brand experiences heavy usage, have gradually made their way to the US. Filipino restaurants, especially, Lillis noted, have helped promote the idea of including Spam in various dishes.

A recent study conducted by The Vegan Society has found that one in five UK consumers have reduced their meat intake during COVID-19, and the pandemic is accelerating a global shift to plant-based eating. Despite vegan and plant-based foods feeling the impact of panic-buying, it is not the case for all products. THIS, a UK food company, has seen an increase in demand during the COVID-19 period to date, resulting in their supermarket revenue doubling from February to March, following households eating more meals.

Meanwhile, unprecedented and increased demand for eggs has led UK retailer Tesco to stock the far rarer white variety for the first time in over 40 years. With more consumers now eating at home, as well as using more baking ingredients since the COVID-19 lockdown started, Tesco has seen demand specifically for eggs increase by 30 percent. The move was put in place following an initial trial and will now see the supermarket continue to sell white free range eggs that are expected to not only satisfy the high demand from UK consumers but also help UK egg suppliers during this critical period.

In brief: NPD and launchesRichmond Meat-Free Frozen Sausages launched in UK retailer Tesco this week in a pack of eight.
Richmond Sausages is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Richmond Meat-Free Frozen Sausages and Richmond Meat-Free Sausages in Twin Pack format. Richmond Meat-Free Frozen Sausages launched in UK retailer Tesco this week in a pack of eight. It is marketed as ideal for family mealtimes, while helping retailers to tap into the already popular Frozen Meat-Free category – growing 18 percent in value and 4 percent in volume this year. Set to launch in both Tesco and ASDA in June, the Richmond Meat-Free Sausages in Twin Pack (16 sausages per pack) follow a successful launch into the meat-free category last year. 

Mars has unveiled its newest ice cream innovation, the TWIX Cookies & Creme Ice Cream Bar. Inspired by the TWIX Cookies & Creme Chocolate Candy Bar, this frozen treat is packed with creamy vanilla ice cream mixed with chocolate cookie pieces and topped with crunchy chocolate cookies. TWIX Cookies & Creme Ice Cream Bars are also packed with creamy vanilla ice cream mixed with chocolate cookie pieces, and similarly topped with crunchy chocolate cookies.

In brief: Other highlights
Teagasc has produced a new publication called Standard for the management of animal welfare at time of slaughter. This voluntary standard captures the requirements of the legislation and takes into account adoption of best practices for the control of animal welfare from loading and transport up to the time of killing. The species covered include cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and equine animals. The scope includes all relevant slaughter plant activities as specified in Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009. Food consumers, retailers, processors and other stakeholders have a high degree of interest in animal welfare. The drivers of this are from the widely held view that animals are sentient and possess an emotional and cognitive level of understanding. On this premise, animals feel physical pain and also stress. The consequence of this is that pain and stress must be managed so that it is eliminated or minimized in animal handling and processing. This view has been reflected through enhanced awareness of the issue and the desire to ensure a high standard of animal welfare is practiced in the food chain. This desire has been manifested within legislation via the introduction of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing.

Mars has unveiled its newest ice cream innovation, the TWIX Cookies & Creme Ice Cream Bar. HKScan Corporation and Leivon Leipomo Oy will set up a joint venture (JV) with the aim of promoting the development and growth of the plant-based Boltsi product family. The Boltsi product family developed by Leivon Leipomo won the innovation competition Suomalainen Menestysresepti 2019. Plant-based Boltsi oat-seed balls have established their retail position in Finland. Leivon Leipomo holds 51 percent and HKScan 49 percent of the JV Boltsi Oy. Leivon Leipomo’s Managing Director Harri Jaakkola will be the Managing Director of the company. The products are manufactured in Finland, mainly at HKScan’s production units on the existing production lines, which also increases their utilization rates.

Food Matters Live has revealed its virtual experience for the 2020 edition of the annual Food Matters Live event. Taking place on October 13 to 14, the virtual event will provide an engaging and inclusive opportunity to connect to the food industry. Food Matters Live 2020 will provide the following opportunities to the global community; access to the unrivalled education program, trend insights; and thought-provoking panel discussions delivered via live webcasts and Q&A sessions. Attendees will be able to connect with exhibitors, access product demonstrations and information via virtual meeting spaces and presentations, and explore the latest innovative ingredient and nutraceutical solutions. 

By Elizabeth Green