Weekly Roundup: Kraft Heinz on track to buy Assan Foods, Developing resilient shea

18 Jun 2021 --- This week in industry news, Kraft Heinz revealed an agreement to purchase Assan Foods, an Istanbul-based company. The Global Shea Alliance implemented a pilot project for developing resilient shea, and Nestlé’s Garden Gourmet brand was awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label. Meanwhile, new plantain research was deemed a potential “turning point” for the dairy sector.

In brief: Acquisitions
The Kraft Heinz Company has reached an agreement to purchase Assan Foods from privately held Turkish conglomerate Kibar Holding in a deal that values the enterprise at approximately US$100 million. Assan Foods is a sauce-focused business with local manufacturing facilities in Balikesir and Izmir that has been a certified production partner for Kraft Heinz since 2019 and offers Kraft Heinz the opportunity to build its retail and foodservice business across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In brief: Sustainability 
The Global Shea Alliance plans to implement a Resilient Shea Agroforestry Farm Model (RSAFM) in Nigeria. The project seeks to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of resilient shea agroforestry farm models among shea-producing communities and improve stakeholder capacity for easy replication in the region. The 20-month project is part of the Global Alliance Climate Change plus (GCCA+) initiative led by the European Union.

Click to EnlargeBrakes adds more Oumph! to their offering with plant-based Balls and Kebab Spiced PiecesIn brief: Plant-based highlights
Oumph! has added two of its most popular products to its wholesale offering as foodservice continues to open up in the UK: Oumph! Balls and Oumph! Kebab Spiced. The following Oumph! products are now available at Brakes; Pulled Oumph!, Oumph! Balls, Oumph! Kebab Spiced, Oumph! The ChunkAll Oumph! products available from Brakes are made from soy. They are suitable for vegans and free from dairy and gluten.

Nestlé’s Garden Gourmet brand has been awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label, marking it a good solution for people, the environment, and business. With a substantial range of plant-based meat alternatives like burgers, sausages, tuna and filet pieces, as well as veggie-centric bakes, falafel, Garden Gourmet helps consumers reduce the amount of animal protein in their meals. The range is lower in saturated fat compared to many meat products and has more fiber. It also has a lower environmental footprint, including lower CO2 emissions. Garden Gourmet has pledged to become a carbon-neutral certified brand by 2022, with a greater focus on regenerative agriculture. 

Dutch business Schouten Europe has launched its Tempeh Mince. The vegetable minced meat is made partly from by-products from one of Schouten’s production facilities. Schouten is responding to the increasing demand for sustainable fermented products. The Tempeh Mince will be available for retail, the out-of-home sector, and the food processing industry.

In brief: Other highlights
Titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as an additive in animal feed, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded. The assessment by EFSA’s Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) follows the conclusion reached by EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) that the same compound can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive. The FEEDAP Panel could not rule out concerns related to genotoxicity, which is the ability of a substance to damage DNA, the genetic material of cells.Click to EnlargeThis year, Oreo fans will be extra excited that the new limited-edition letters and emojis embossed cookies now feature more designs, 23 unique varieties.  

Oreo is bringing back its limited-edition embossed cookies. The campaign was heavily featured on social media last year when fans shared their creative fun moments with Oreo-embossed cookies. This year, the new limited-edition letters and emojis embossed cookies now feature more designs, 23 unique varieties. This sets the stage for Oreo to “spark playful snacking experiences,” encouraging consumers to express themselves and “Say It With Oreo” beyond the usual words and written text.

A DairyNZ-led research initiative is underway to help dairy farmers improve freshwater quality – through using plantain pastures. The Plantain Potency and Practice program is designed to help dairy farmers meet environmental goals, government regulations and market expectations. Modeling by DairyNZ forecasts a potential reduction of 15,000 metric tons per year of nitrate-nitrogen leached on 4,200 New Zealand dairy farms in nitrogen-sensitive catchments per year by 2035. This is a 37 percent reduction from current levels. 

By Elizabeth Green

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