Global Food & Flavor Industry Weekly Roundup: Key Business News from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania (Week of April 14–21, 2026)
North America
Here is a summary of key business news from the past week for the North American food and flavor industry.
📈 Market Trends & Financial Performance
PepsiCo's Volume Growth Strategy Shows Results
PepsiCo reported a rare 2% volume growth in its North American food division (Frito-Lay and Quaker Foods) for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 . This turnaround was driven by a strategy of aggressive cost-cutting and price reductions on snack brands like Lay’s and Doritos, funded by layoffs and plant closures . The company is also focusing on "better-for-you" products and innovation, such as the new Doritos Protein and expanded distribution of Siete chips .
M&A Activity: McCormick Bets Big on Flavor
McCormick & Company announced a roughly $45 billion deal to acquire Unilever’s food business, which includes brands like Hellmann’s . The merger aims to create a $65 billion sauce-and-spice giant, betting that rising global demand for flavor-rich, healthier food can counter a maturing U.S. market . The strategy is partially linked to the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, as consumers shifting away from fatty or sweet foods seek more flavor from spices and sauces .
🏭 Facility Expansions, Closures & Supply Chain
JBS Resumes Production After Temporary Shutdown
JBS USA confirmed that its Moberly, Missouri, bacon plant resumed operations on April 13 following a temporary suspension . The suspension, issued by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), was due to an "isolated issue" involving one production line . JBS stated the issue was not related to a Listeria outbreak nor did it result in a product recall .
JBS Moberly Plant Resumes Operations
Industry-Wide Plant Closures and New Tech Investments
A wave of plant closures is sweeping the food industry, driven by a shift toward newer technology and more specialized facilities . Companies like Tyson, General Mills, and MGP Ingredients have recently announced closures of legacy plants to keep up with cost pressures and changing demand . In contrast, InnovAsian Cuisine and Signature Foods are building new, state-of-the-art frozen and refrigerated food plants in Arkansas and South Carolina, respectively .
Food Industry Plant Closures & Expansion
Sensient Plans Major Natural Color Plant Expansion
Sensient Food Colors, a division of Sensient Technologies, plans to invest up to $250 million to expand its largest natural color production plant in St. Louis . The project, called "Project Prism," will add specialized processing and production capacity to support the food and beverage industry's rapid transition away from artificial colors .
Sensient Natural Color Plant Expansion
Mane Inc. Completes Major Expansion in Cincinnati
Mane Inc., a global flavor giant, has completed a major expansion of its facility in Woodlawn, a suburb of Cincinnati, as part of a capital push exceeding $100 million . The expansion will anchor the company's liquid flavor manufacturing in the area and is expected to boost local high-tech production capacity and create jobs in technical manufacturing careers .
Mane Inc. Cincinnati Expansion
La Tiara Taco Shells Return to Shelves Nationwide
General Mills has relaunched La Tiara taco shells and seasonings, making them available nationwide exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com starting April 21 . General Mills acquired the brand in May 2025 after the original manufacturer shut down. The relaunch includes the original thin, crispy shells, three new seasoning flavors (chorizo, tinga, and reduced sodium), and will create more than 100 local jobs .
🍸 Flavor & Beverage Innovation
Lucas Bols Launches Bartender Competition in North America
Lucas Bols, the world's oldest distilled spirits company, has launched the "Bols Cocktail Battle" across North America . The competition invites bartenders to create bold, visually driven cocktails inspired by a "Neon Nights" theme. The program taps into the growing demand for shareable, high-energy drinking occasions and will award winners with a trip to Amsterdam. The entry period runs from April 1 to May 31, 2026 .
Bols Cocktail Battle North America
South America
Here is a summary of key business news from the past week for the South American food and flavor industry.
📈 Market Expansion & Investment
Chinese Beverage Chain Mixue Enters Brazil with Localized Flavors
Chinese drink and dessert chain Mixue opened its first store in Brazil earlier this month, following a February debut in Mexico. The company introduced a tailor-made acai berry ice cream featuring a Brazilian native fruit and offers multiple sugar-level options to cater to local preferences for sweeter flavors. Mixue plans to open a second Brazil location and continues strengthening localization through supply chain capabilities and franchise models.
Ferrero Expands Brazil Presence with Bold Snacks Acquisition
Ferrero has acquired Bold Snacks, a Brazilian protein bar company, marking the Nutella maker's "first foray into the better-for-you segment in South America". Bold Snacks, founded in 2018 with a factory in Divinópolis, also produces whey powders. Approximately 300 employees will join Ferrero, which already operates a plant and office in Brazil.
Ferrero Bold Snacks Acquisition
🏭 Company Growth & Strategic Moves
Peru's Delice Invests $7 Million in New Plant as Cream Cheese Leader
Delice, Peru's largest cream cheese producer and exporter, plans to invest $7 million in a new Chilca plant scheduled to open in April 2027. The company also invested $600,000 in a new logistics center. Delice closed 2025 with $22 million in sales across 110 products and targets $30 million annually. The company is expanding exports to Colombia and diversifying into yogurt and dulce de leche categories.
Amazonian Fermented Tucupi Rebranded as "Shoyu Amazônico" Sees 35% Sales Growth
Manioca, a Pará-based company, rebranded its traditional fermented tucupi preto as "Shoyu Amazônico" (Amazonian shoyu) in 2025, resulting in 35% sales growth. The product contains only three ingredients (cassava, water, salt) and has up to 80% less sodium than traditional soy sauce. The company partners with 23 family farmers in Pará through its Programa Raízes initiative.
📊 Market Trends & Trade Opportunities
Latin America Food Additives Market Projected to Reach $6.31 Billion by 2034
The Latin America food additives market was valued at $3.59 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a 6.48% CAGR to $6.31 billion by 2034. The flavors segment accounts for the largest market share, followed by sweeteners. Brazil and Mexico lead regional demand, driven by rising middle-class disposable incomes and shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and processed foods.
Latin America Food Additives Market
South American Instant Food Market at $14.19 Billion Amid Reformulation Push
The South American instant food market reached $14.19 billion in 2025, with Brazil as the largest market and Colombia the fastest-growing. Companies are launching plant-based and protein-enriched products featuring traditional flavors like feijoada-inspired noodles. Stricter nutritional labeling regulations in Brazil and Argentina are driving reformulation and packaging redesign across the industry.
South America Instant Food Market
Latin American Food Companies Target Milan TUTTOFOOD for European Expansion
Latin American food companies are targeting the TUTTOFOOD trade fair in Milan (November 14-17, 2026) as a strategic gateway to the European market. Exhibitors include Fruandes and Darmanex from Colombia, the Lima Chamber of Commerce from Peru, and PROCOMER from Costa Rica. The event particularly emphasizes organic, healthy, and sustainable products—areas where Latin American producers hold competitive advantages.
Latin America at TUTTOFOOD 2026
Asia
Here is a summary of key business news from the past week for the Asian food and flavor industry.
🏢 Trade Shows & Exhibitions
Taiwan's Chiayi County Promotes Brands at Singapore Food Expo
The "2026 Singapore International Food Expo" opened on April 21. Chiayi County Deputy Magistrate Liu Pei-tung led six "Chiayi Premium" brand exhibitors to expand into Southeast Asian markets. The region's agricultural products span mountains, sea, and plains, with 235 manufacturers and 800 certified products now under the unified brand. Exhibitors included Xinrong Industrial (creative dried fruit mullet roe), Donghe Oil (sesame oil shredded konjac noodles), and Shengsheng Grain (Japanese-certified Taiwan rice). A special collaboration with local Singaporean restaurants was launched, and the delegation will visit Malaysian supermarkets and e-commerce platforms.
Chiayi Premium Singapore Food Expo
Chiayi City Debuts with "Chiayi Good Shops" at Singapore Expo
Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui led 10 premium vendors to their first Southeast Asian market appearance at the Singapore International Food Expo. The "Chiayi Industry Team" showcased products including Golden Scallion Goose Oil Rice Bowl (recreating the city's signature chicken rice flavor), Lin Congming Sandpot Fish Head Soup base, Jinlong Soy Sauce (100-year-old brand), Lily Coffee (Red Dot Design Award winner), and Royal Crane Honey (eight flavors with building block bottle design). Singapore supermarket chain Sheng Siong's chairman personally visited the booth, praising the products' packaging as internationally competitive.
Chiayi City Debut at Singapore Expo
Beijing Hosts Concurrent Tea and Food Expos with Focus on Quality and Traceability
Two major expos ran concurrently in Beijing: the 20th Beijing International Tea Expo (30,000 sqm, 700+ tea enterprises) and the AIFE 2026 Asia (Beijing) International Food Expo (featuring heritage and geographical indication products). Key trends observed included region-based group exhibitions (Rizhao green tea, Ankang selenium-rich tea, Ningxia Wuzhong products), health-oriented products, brand upgrading, and integrated online-offline sales. Rizhao Green Tea Group introduced traceability codes allowing consumers to verify origin and harvest time. Ankang brought over 40 enterprises showcasing selenium-rich products. Live streaming has become a standard feature at booths.
🏭 Company & Market Developments
Asia Ingredients Group (AIG) Expands Presence at Hotelex Shanghai 2026
Asia Ingredients Group (AIG), a Vietnamese natural ingredient manufacturer, participated for the first time in Hotelex Shanghai 2026 (March 30 - April 2). The company showcased ingredient solutions derived from Vietnam's key agricultural products including coconut, cassava, grains, and tropical fruits. AIG's portfolio includes Vico Fresh coconut water, desiccated coconut, coconut milk powder, fruit purees and juices, natural essential oils (cinnamon, star anise, basil), cassava starch, and aloe vera products. The company positions China as a strategic gateway for expanding across Asia's food and beverage market.
World Fashion Drinks Concludes with Thailand Taking Top Prize
The 2026 World Fashion Drinks Competition (WFDC) was held in Shanghai from March 30 to April 2, bringing together 15 contestants from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Thailand's Thitari Thungthong won first place with creations inspired by traditional Thai snacks and Pad Thai, transformed into beverage formats. The competition highlighted three major trends: deep sustainability (using peels, pits, coffee grounds), localization (featuring pandan, tamarind, lemongrass, and other regional ingredients), and refined sensory experiences using techniques like low-temperature slow cooking and molecular distillation.
World Fashion Drinks Competition 2026
📊 Regulatory & Market Intelligence
China Proposes Amendments to Food Additive and Flavoring Standards
On April 17, 2026, China's National Health Commission (NHC) released draft amendments to GB 2760-2024 (Food Additive Use Standard) and GB 30616-2020 (Food Flavorings Standard) for public consultation. The amendments primarily reclassify several additives (including arabic gum and propylene glycol) as flavoring auxiliary materials, removing them from GB 2760. Certain flavoring substances deemed no longer technologically necessary would also be deleted. The changes aim to optimize flavoring management based on actual functional attributes and recent risk assessments. Comments can be submitted until June 6, 2026.
China Food Additive & Flavoring Amendments
Thailand's MSG Demand Expected to Decline 5.1% in 2026 Due to Export Disruptions
KResearch (Kasikorn Research Center) forecasts Thailand's domestic monosodium glutamate (MSG) demand will decline 5.1% in 2026. The primary cause is the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted exports of MSG-containing foods to the Middle East. In 2025, such exports accounted for 7.7% of Thailand's total export value. The domestic MSG market divides into household/food service (89%) and industrial (11%) segments, with industrial applications including food flavorings, instant noodles, and processed meat products. Plastic packaging shortages are also expected to slow processed food production.
Thailand MSG Demand Decline 2026
Africa
Here is a summary of key business news from the past week for the African food and flavor industry.
🏭 Facility Expansions & Launches
ADM Launches Flavor Creation Facility in Johannesburg
ADM has opened a new flavor creation facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, to embed innovation directly into African markets . The lab serves customers across Southern, Sub-Saharan, West, and East African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania . The facility enables real-time flavor development, dramatically shortening development cycles and improving regional product fit . ADM principal flavorist Amos Mphephu noted that indigenous ingredients like marula and baobab are moving from niche regional flavors toward globally scalable commercial systems . An ADM survey found that 83% of South African consumers enjoy combinations of traditional flavors with innovative ingredients .
Cameroon Launches Major Cocoa Processing Unit
Cameroon has launched the Neo Industry cocoa processing unit in Kekem, one of Africa's largest cocoa bean processing facilities . The CFA 53 billion project (approximately $87 million) will transform 32,000 tons of cocoa beans annually into butter and cocoa powder for local, national, and international markets . The factory, fully equipped by German company Buhler, is expected to create roughly 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country .
Cameroon Cocoa Processing Unit
Nactarome Creates North African Joint Venture
Nactarome, the European flavor and color solutions specialist, has announced the creation of Nactarome North Africa through a joint venture in Algeria . The new entity aims to support Algerian food industry players with locally produced flavors and ingredients, with local flavor production planned for September 2026 . The company is focusing on enhancing local resources such as dates, carob, and citrus fruits from Algerian terroir .
🍹 Beverage & Product Innovation
Nigerian Ojaja Soft Drinks Gains Market Traction
Ojaja Soft Drinks, launched by the Ooni of Ife, has become a Nigerian favorite in the beverage market . The brand offers Ojaja Cola and Ojaja Orange made with natural ingredients to promote healthier choices and bolster the Nigerian economy . The products are now available in canned variants, with every aspect of production—from aluminum cans to beverage formulations—anchored in indigenous expertise and resources .
African Originals Expands Cider to Uganda
African Originals, the award-winning Kenyan-based cider and spirits company, has expanded its craft cider business to Uganda through a partnership with Vicland Distributors Uganda . The company will offer six craft cider flavors including Pineapple & Mint, Passion & Lime, and Mango & Chilli through on-trade and off-trade retail channels . The ciders rely on natural, locally sourced ingredients from across the continent, supporting local farmers and sustainable agricultural practices . IWSR estimates compound cider volume growth of 9% through 2028 in Kenya, Africa's third-biggest cider market .
African Originals Uganda Expansion
ONIX Blood Oranges Debut in South Africa
AMFRESH, through its varietal innovation platform GENESIS FRESH, is bringing ONIX blood oranges to South Africa for the first time . The fruit will be available through the Shoprite Group's Checkers supermarkets in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces . ONIX, which won the 2025 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award and received the Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Institute, features a deep ruby interior with a bold, rich flavor balancing sweetness and acidity .
ONIX Blood Oranges South Africa
Insomnia Cookies Launches Limited Edition in Lagos
US-based bakery chain Insomnia Cookies has launched a limited-edition 4/20-themed cookie line in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of its global expansion strategy . The cookies, available in the city's Lekki and Victoria Island districts, have sparked both excitement and debate among local consumers . However, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned that any product containing cannabis derivatives is illegal in Nigeria, raising questions about the product's long-term viability .
📊 Market & Policy Developments
FAO Regional Conference Addresses Agrifood Systems
The 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC34) took place in Nouakchott, Mauritania, from April 13-17, 2026 . Ministers of agriculture from across the continent gathered to discuss sustaining agrifood systems transformation through innovation, stronger partnerships, and scaled-up investment . Key targets include mobilizing USD 100 billion for investment in agrifood systems, increasing agrifood output by around 45%, tripling intra-African trade, and halving post-harvest losses by 2035 .
FAO Report on Women in Agrifood Systems
The Food and Agriculture Organization has released a new report titled "The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa" . The report reveals that 76% of working women in sub-Saharan Africa are employed in agrifood systems—the largest share worldwide . The report highlights that closing productivity and wage gaps in Africa could increase regional GDP by 2.58% (USD 53 billion) and reduce food insecurity by 3.79% .
FAO Women in Agrifood Systems Report
Africa's Agrifood Systems Face Global Pressures
According to FAO analysis ahead of ARC34, approximately 307 million people in Africa were undernourished in 2024—more than one in five of the continent's population . The cost of a healthy diet has climbed to an average of USD 4.41 per person per day, putting adequate nutrition out of reach for a majority of African households . However, Africa holds roughly 60% of the world's uncultivated arable land, presenting significant opportunity for growth .
Africa Agrifood Systems Outlook
Europe
Here is a summary of key business news from the past week for the European food and flavor industry.
🛡️ Food Safety & Regulatory Developments
Rat Poison Contamination Triggers HiPP Baby Food Recall Across Central Europe
Countries across Central Europe pulled baby food off the shelves after rat poison was discovered in some jars of the HiPP brand over the weekend . Austria's health minister urged parents, kindergartens, and day care centers to exercise utmost caution when feeding young children HiPP products . The company recalled baby food jars after samples in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic tested positive for rat poison .
Authorities believe tampering occurred in 190-gram jars of baby food made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-old children sold at SPAR supermarkets in Austria . The first sample tested positive on Saturday. In the Czech Republic, two contaminated jars were found in a store in Brno, while Slovakia also reported suspicious jars from a store in Dunajska Streda . Slovenia began preemptively withdrawing all HiPP products from shelves of SPAR and other supermarkets .
The Germany-based HiPP stated that the recall "is not due to any product or quality defect on our part. The jars left our HiPP facility in perfect condition" . Austrian authorities are investigating the case as "intentional endangerment of the public" . The Burgenland public prosecutor's office is leading the investigation, and authorities have reached out to Hungarian officials as a poisoned jar may have been purchased by people living near the border .
New EU Traceability Rules Require Detailed Food Monitoring from Farm to Fork
The European Commission has announced new regulations requiring every business in the food and drink trade to keep detailed records of all food and food ingredients from farm to fork . The requirements, technically known as Article 18 of the General Food Law, will affect not only established companies but also individuals such as those running private catering firms from their kitchens or restaurants buying fresh game from hunters .
All records must be kept for five years, unless the products are perishable like fresh meat, in which case records must be kept for six months . The intention is to have standardized traceability systems across the EU, enabling authorities to track food almost instantly in the event of a crisis such as an outbreak of food poisoning or contamination .
UK Fish and Chips at Risk as Labour Considers 400 New EU Food Regulations
Traditional Fish and Chips could be under threat because of post-Brexit rules being considered by the Labour Government . As part of an agreement with Eurocrats in Brussels, British Ministers are reportedly considering ways to cut red tape and make trading easier for farmers and food producers . However, industry groups have warned that while the move could reduce costs for exporters, it may subject the entire sector to approximately 400 additional regulations .
Karen Betts, boss of the Food and Drink Federation, explained the potato supply chain concern: "If you look at potatoes going into oven chips or crisps, it's a three-year cycle from planting your potato to it appearing in an oven chip in a supermarket freezer" . She added that if potatoes were grown using a pesticide not approved by the EU, they might not be allowed to be sold when they reach supermarkets in three years' time .
The Food and Drink Federation warned that small to medium-sized businesses, which characteristically do very little business with the EU, will be hardest hit as they are less likely to have kept up with changes to complex Brussels laws . A government spokesman said: "Our food and drink deal will deliver billions for British industry; a smooth transition is critical to unlocking that growth" .
🎪 Trade Shows & Exhibitions
Tavola 2026 Premium Food & Drinks Expo Concludes in Belgium
The Tavola 2026 premium food & drinks展会 concluded recently at the Kortrijk Expo center in Belgium, showcasing global high-end food and beverage innovations . The exhibition, strictly limited to industry professionals, highlighted current market trends including eco-friendly products, local sourcing, vegan options, and flavor innovation as key growth drivers .
Standout exhibitor Rascal Tastebuddies featured new products including "Thick Cut Tomato Salsa," "Classic Chili Sauce," "Pickled Red Onions," and "Thick Cut Gherkin Sauce" . The展会 also featured the "Golden Tavola Award" and the "Golden Tavola Innovation Gallery" showcasing award-winning innovative products . The next Tavola exhibition is scheduled for March 2028 at the same venue .
Alimentaria + Hostelca 2026 Sets Records as Major European Food Event
The Alimentaria + Hostelca exhibition took place in Barcelona from March 23-26, 2026, transforming the Barcelona port into a global food and hospitality "super hub" . The event featured 100,000 square meters across 7 exhibition halls with over 3,300 exhibitors, including nearly 1,000 from 70 countries representing a 41% increase in international exhibitors compared to 2024 .
Poland served as the guest country, bringing over 200 enterprises showcasing products from dairy to meat to traditional Polish seasonings . Major retail buyers including Walmart, PriceSmart, BigBasket, Sonaeg Group, and Bidfood attended with procurement managers conducting one-on-one meetings with suppliers . The exhibition attracted approximately 110,000 professional visitors, with 25% coming from outside Spain representing 115 countries .
🏭 Company Developments & Investments
Kerry Establishes New Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig
Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has inaugurated the Kerry Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig, Germany, which will focus on the development of innovative biosolutions for the food industry . The new center strengthens Kerry's commitment to biotechnology innovation in the European market .
Damm Opens First International Brewery in Bedford with £70 Million Investment
Spain's largest brewing business, Damm, has officially opened its first brewery outside the Iberian Peninsula – The Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford, England, following a £70 million investment . The strategic expansion represents a significant commitment to the UK market and will strengthen Damm's international presence .
Lidl Ireland Expands Galmere Fresh Foods Contract to €7 Million
Lidl Ireland has announced a new supply deal with Galway-based Galmere Fresh Foods worth €7 million, more than doubling its contract value over the last period . The expanded partnership includes new own-brand products and strengthens Lidl's commitment to local Irish suppliers .
Panelto Foods Announces €7 Million Investment in Longford
Panelto Foods, one of Ireland's leading bread manufacturers, has announced a new €7 million investment to strengthen growth and innovation in the heart of Longford . The investment marks another significant milestone in the company's growth journey .
Supreme Acquires SlimFast UK & Europe Assets
Supreme, a leading manufacturer and brand owner of fast-moving consumer goods, has announced the acquisition of the trade and selected UK and European assets of SlimFast . The acquisition strengthens Supreme's position in the health and wellness category.
Novonesis Outlines Five Key Forces Shaping Europe's Baking Industry in 2026
Novonesis, a biosolutions company, expects 2026 to be shaped by five key forces: heightened sensory expectations, affordability pressure, simpler label reformulation acceleration across Europe, nutrition-forward innovation (fiber enrichment, protein, and sugar reduction), and sustainability with rising expectations around Scope 3 .
Kevin Linggi, Head of Sales for Baking Europe at Novonesis, noted: "Consumers seek more novelty, more indulgence, and differentiated sensory signatures" . The company is focusing on helping the baking industry manage cost pressure by improving yield, tolerance, and waste reduction while elevating eating quality, softness, and overall indulgence .
🍽️ Product Innovation & Collaborations
IKEA and Chupa Chups Launch Meatball-Flavored Lollipops
IKEA and Chupa Chups are releasing lollipops flavored like Swedish meatballs – an idea that originally started as an April Fools' Day prank, went viral on social media, and was eventually released as a limited-edition product . The new lollipop replicates the taste of IKEA's signature Swedish meatballs, combining savory meat notes with the sweet-and-sour flavor of lingonberry jam traditionally served with the dish .
Approximately one million lollipops were produced, but they will not be available for general sale. Instead, they will be distributed during tastings at IKEA stores worldwide in June 2026 . Some markets have been excluded from this campaign, including Sweden, Japan, India, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia .
IKEA's internal research found that nearly half of shoppers worldwide prefer sweet treats, and about 40% choose flavors that evoke nostalgia . Ingka Group Commercial Manager Javier Quiñones said: "On April 1, we asked people to imagine a lollipop that tasted like meatballs. And we couldn't stop there – especially after such an enthusiastic response" .
📊 Market Outlook & Trends
Emissions-Reduction Technologies Help Brands Meet Green Goals
Emissions-reduction technologies can help global manufacturers lower their environmental impact while increasing operational efficiency and making savings, according to industry analysis . The trend reflects growing pressure on European food manufacturers to demonstrate sustainability credentials.
Securing Sweetness in Bakery After EFSA Sucralose Ruling
Following EFSA's confirmation that sucralose cannot be used in most bakery applications, manufacturers are exploring alternative sweeteners for healthy indulgent baked goods . The ruling is driving reformulation innovation across the European baking industry.
Puratos to Acquire Dawn Foods
Belgian bakery, patisserie, and chocolate supplier Puratos is to acquire US-headquartered cookie and muffin-maker Dawn Foods in a significant consolidation move within the global baking industry .
Danone Bets €1 Billion on Complete Nutrition with Huel Acquisition
Danone has agreed to acquire UK-based Huel for approximately €1 billion, marking its entry into the complete nutrition category . The acquisition represents a major strategic bet on the growing meal replacement and complete nutrition market.
Here is a summary of key business news from the past week for the Oceanian food and flavor industry.
🥛 Dairy Industry Updates
Norco Raises Farmgate Milk Price by 5 Cents per Liter
Norco, Australia's oldest and last 100% farmer-owned dairy cooperative, announced a five cent per liter increase to its farmgate milk price effective May 2026, which will deliver an additional $1 million per month to farmers . CEO Michael Hampson stated that farmers are facing "unprecedented increases in fuel, fertiliser and freight," with diesel costs doubling, fertiliser tripling, and freight rising 40 percent . The expected cost to consumers is approximately 30 cents per week per household. Norco signaled that further increases may be needed as cost pressures continue to build, with geopolitical uncertainty and input cost inflation threatening winter planting of hay and cereal crops .
Fonterra Completes Mainland Group Sale to Lactalis
Fonterra Co-operative Group has completed the sale of Mainland Group to Lactalis, a transaction that will see the cooperative return $3.2 billion of divestment proceeds to farmer shareholders and unit holders via a $2.00 per share capital return . The sale represents a major strategic shift for New Zealand's dominant dairy cooperative as it continues to streamline its operations.
🛒 Retail & Consumer Trends
New Zealanders Demand Action on Supermarket Duopoly
More than 35,000 people have engaged with Waatea's Question of the Day, with over 90 percent of respondents supporting stronger government action to break up the supermarket duopoly dominated by Foodstuffs and Woolworths in New Zealand . Public sentiment reflects growing frustration with rising food prices and limited competition, issues expected to feature heavily in the lead-up to the 2026 election . New Zealand First has signaled it will target supermarket giants as part of its cost-of-living strategy, with many respondents calling for consumers to have greater ability to buy directly from producers .
Viral TikTok Recipe Drives Greek Yoghurt Shortages
A viral TikTok recipe for a "Japanese cheesecake" made by combining Greek yoghurt with Biscoff biscuits drove significant demand spikes at major Australian supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles and Aldi . UNSW consumer psychologist Professor Nitika Garg explained that multiple emotional factors contributed to the spike, including aspiration, novelty, and fear of missing out. The trend gained additional momentum from a broader "protein-maxxing" movement increasing demand for high-protein foods .
🐟 Fisheries & Sustainability
New ACCU Livestock Scheme for Methane Reduction
The federal government is developing a new Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme livestock method with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) to replace the expired Beef Cattle Herd Management method . The new scheme will expand beyond pasture-based cattle to include feedlot cattle, dairy cattle and sheep, incorporating the latest science on methane-reducing feed additives. Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson emphasized a greater emphasis on "direct methane abatement, with clearer and verifiable causal links between actions taken on the farm and emissions reduced" .
Sea Forest co-founder and CEO Sam Elsom called the inclusion of methane-abating livestock feed additives in the ACCU program a "game changer," noting the company has 118,000 head of cattle currently under agreement for its SeaFeed product .
Pacific Tuna Initiative Expands with $3.3 Million Grant
Conservation International is expanding its initiative to transform South Pacific albacore tuna fisheries management with a $3.3 million grant from the Walmart Foundation . The initiative is now entering its third phase, expanding into Palau and Samoa while scaling work already underway in Fiji and New Caledonia. Key goals include increasing Pacific Island participation in higher-value tuna markets, strengthening in-region processing, reducing bycatch through electronic monitoring, and improving labor standards across tuna supply chains .
Fiji Advances Tuna Processing Capacity
Fiji is accelerating efforts to upgrade its domestic tuna processing industry, supporting local canner Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) to build longline and purse seine fleets to enhance raw material self-sufficiency . The country is also negotiating fishery access arrangements with Kiribati and Tuvalu. Fiji gained EU approval in August 2025 for "global sourcing" rules of origin, allowing exporters to source raw materials from a wider range of fleets while maintaining duty-free access to the European market .
📋 Regulatory & Labelling Developments
New Zealand Launches Digital Food Labelling Trial
New Zealand Food Safety is planning a one-year trial of digital food labels on selected imported packaged foods, with expressions of interest closing April 8, 2026 . The trial, enabled under section 343 of the Food Act 2014, will allow approved stores to provide compliant labeling information digitally rather than on physical packaging. The trial is limited to a maximum of four food businesses with up to two sites each. Excluded products include dietary supplements, supplemented foods, special purpose foods, alcoholic beverages, kava, and royal jelly .
🍷 Industry Leadership & Trade
New Zealand Winegrowers Appoints New CEO
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has announced the appointment of Anishka Jelicich as Chief Executive Officer, bringing an opportunity for "a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry" . The appointment comes as New Zealand's wine sector continues to navigate international market opportunities.
Zespri Expands RubyRed Kiwifruit to 16 Markets
Zespri is significantly scaling up availability of its premium RubyRed kiwifruit this season, expanding distribution to 16 markets including Australia, Vietnam, and Canada, with volumes surging to 5 million trays .
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