BrewDog announces plans to reduce workforce
Beer giant BrewDog has revealed plans to reduce its workforce across the company.
According to the BBC, employees were informed of the decision via an internal email from BrewDog’s chief executive, James Taylor.
The company has not specified how many roles will be affected, stating that the move is intended to “right-size” the business.
In a statement reported by the BBC, Taylor said: “We’ve taken time to review our structure and ensure we’re focusing our energy and investment in the right areas.
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According to the BBC, employees were informed of the decision via an internal email from BrewDog’s chief executive, James Taylor.
The company has not specified how many roles will be affected, stating that the move is intended to “right-size” the business.
In a statement reported by the BBC, Taylor said: “We’ve taken time to review our structure and ensure we’re focusing our energy and investment in the right areas.
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07/Oct/2025 08:10
Sysco acquires Fairfax Meadow from Hilton Foods in £54m deal
Hilton Food Group has completed the £54m sale of its UK meat supplier, Fairfax Meadow Europe Limited, to Sysco GB as it refines its strategic focus on core operations.
The agreement also includes a three-year supply partnership with Hilton Food Solutions. This will ensure continued access to premium, internationally sourced meat products.
Hilton said the divestment followed a portfolio review and would allow the group to concentrate on areas where it can best apply its global expertise and strengthen customer partnerships.
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The agreement also includes a three-year supply partnership with Hilton Food Solutions. This will ensure continued access to premium, internationally sourced meat products.
Hilton said the divestment followed a portfolio review and would allow the group to concentrate on areas where it can best apply its global expertise and strengthen customer partnerships.
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30/Sep/2025 08:01
Premier Foods pours £19m into Lifton facility as porridge sales soar
Premier Foods is investing £19m in its Ambrosia factory in Lifton, Devon, to increase production capacity in response to strong consumer demand for its porridge pots.
The three-year investment plan, being rolled out in two phases, is expected to protect over 320 local jobs.
The food manufacturer stated that the first phase, valued at £9m, has already introduced a new custard filling line and high-speed packing equipment, streamlining production and transitioning Ambrosia pots to fully recyclable packaging.
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The three-year investment plan, being rolled out in two phases, is expected to protect over 320 local jobs.
The food manufacturer stated that the first phase, valued at £9m, has already introduced a new custard filling line and high-speed packing equipment, streamlining production and transitioning Ambrosia pots to fully recyclable packaging.
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23/Sep/2025 09:38
Unilever appoints Srinivas Phatak as its new Chief Financial Officer
Unilever has appointed Srinivas Phatak as its new chief financial officer after conducting a comprehensive internal and external search.
The consumer goods giant announced that Phatak, who has served as acting CFO since February 2025, will assume the role permanently with immediate effect, joining both the Unilever board and executive leadership team.
Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez said: “Srinivas has been a great partner over the last six months as acting CFO and over many years as part of the Unilever leadership team.
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The consumer goods giant announced that Phatak, who has served as acting CFO since February 2025, will assume the role permanently with immediate effect, joining both the Unilever board and executive leadership team.
Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez said: “Srinivas has been a great partner over the last six months as acting CFO and over many years as part of the Unilever leadership team.
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16/Sep/2025 11:06
Hotel Chocolat names former Mars executive as UK general manager
Carrie Martin, a former Mars executive, will join Hotel Chocolat as UK general manager from 6 October.
Currently, Martin oversees Europe, the Middle East, and Australia as general manager for Kind, a brand within Mars’ portfolio.
She is set to report directly to Angus Thirlwell, Hotel Chocolat’s President and Chief Innovation Officer.
In a LinkedIn post, she said: “As a long-time admirer of Hotel Chocolat.
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Currently, Martin oversees Europe, the Middle East, and Australia as general manager for Kind, a brand within Mars’ portfolio.
She is set to report directly to Angus Thirlwell, Hotel Chocolat’s President and Chief Innovation Officer.
In a LinkedIn post, she said: “As a long-time admirer of Hotel Chocolat.
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03/Sep/2025 12:26
Nespresso to cut 200 UK jobs as it closes stores
Nespresso has eliminated over 200 jobs in the UK as part of a broader restructuring, which included the closure of 11 stores nationwide in 2024.
Accounts filed with Companies House show that the coffee giant reduced its UK headcount from 716 to 499 over the latest financial year.
'Nespresso said the changes are intended to streamline operations and 'adapt to changing shopping preferences for immersive brand experiences.
Although several stores closed.
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Accounts filed with Companies House show that the coffee giant reduced its UK headcount from 716 to 499 over the latest financial year.
'Nespresso said the changes are intended to streamline operations and 'adapt to changing shopping preferences for immersive brand experiences.
Although several stores closed.
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03/Sep/2025 12:13
Premier Foods purchases Merchant Gourmet in a £48m deal
Premier Foods has revealed its £48m acquisition of healthy meal brand Merchant Gourmet.
The acquisition forms part of Premier Foods’ strategy to broaden its portfolio with high-growth potential brands.
In recent years, the company has strengthened its growth model with the acquisitions of Fuel10K and The Spice Tailor.
Chief executive of Premier Foods, Alex Whitehouse, said: “We’re very pleased to have agreed to the acquisition of Merchant Gourmet.
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The acquisition forms part of Premier Foods’ strategy to broaden its portfolio with high-growth potential brands.
In recent years, the company has strengthened its growth model with the acquisitions of Fuel10K and The Spice Tailor.
Chief executive of Premier Foods, Alex Whitehouse, said: “We’re very pleased to have agreed to the acquisition of Merchant Gourmet.
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28/Aug/2025 11:44
Hotel Chocolat unveils new two-storey concept store in Manchester
Hotel Chocolat has launched a two-floor concept store on Cross Street, Manchester, offering an immersive chocolate experience.
Blending café culture, storytelling, and ethical cacao, the store offers a multi-sensory journey into the origins and enjoyment of chocolate.
Spread over two beautifully designed floors, the concept store combines cacao innovation with discovery. Guests can experience everything from a molten chocolate tap to a curated flight of drinking chocolates, making it a space to explore.
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Blending café culture, storytelling, and ethical cacao, the store offers a multi-sensory journey into the origins and enjoyment of chocolate.
Spread over two beautifully designed floors, the concept store combines cacao innovation with discovery. Guests can experience everything from a molten chocolate tap to a curated flight of drinking chocolates, making it a space to explore.
more »
22/Aug/2025 15:30
Tiffin buys Love Bites with major revamp planned
Tiffin Sandwiches has completed the acquisition of sandwich maker Love Bites, with financial details not disclosed.
Tiffin Sandwiches plans to “significantly” invest in the Love Bites facility, which features a 10,000 sq ft production site.
The focus will be on upgrading machinery and infrastructure at the Love Bites facility to improve production efficiency, while also emphasising environmentally friendly practices.
“The investment is designed to foster a culture of sustainability.
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Tiffin Sandwiches plans to “significantly” invest in the Love Bites facility, which features a 10,000 sq ft production site.
The focus will be on upgrading machinery and infrastructure at the Love Bites facility to improve production efficiency, while also emphasising environmentally friendly practices.
“The investment is designed to foster a culture of sustainability.
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21/Aug/2025 10:43
Finsbury Food Group acquires 70% stake in Lola’s
Speciality bakery manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has announced the acquisition of a 70% stake in the cupcake brand Lola’s.
The acquisition signals Finsbury Food Group’s entry into the direct-to-consumer market. Lola’s runs an online platform alongside kiosks and collection lockers throughout London, generating annual revenues of £25 million, according to the company.
The CEO of Finsbury Food Group, John Duffy, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone in the trajectory of Finsbury Food Group as we welcome Lola’s into the family.
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The acquisition signals Finsbury Food Group’s entry into the direct-to-consumer market. Lola’s runs an online platform alongside kiosks and collection lockers throughout London, generating annual revenues of £25 million, according to the company.
The CEO of Finsbury Food Group, John Duffy, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone in the trajectory of Finsbury Food Group as we welcome Lola’s into the family.
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19/Aug/2025 09:03
Hovis and Kingsmill nearing £70 million merger agreement
The owner of Kingsmill is reportedly nearing a £70 million deal to acquire rival bread brand Hovis.
Sky News reports that Associated British Foods, owner of Kingsmill’s parent company Allied Bakeries, could finalise the purchase of Hovis from private equity firm Endless LLP “within the next week.”
Sources told the news outlet that although a formal merger of the brands is imminent, the deal’s “complexity” means the timeline remains uncertain.
In May.
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Sky News reports that Associated British Foods, owner of Kingsmill’s parent company Allied Bakeries, could finalise the purchase of Hovis from private equity firm Endless LLP “within the next week.”
Sources told the news outlet that although a formal merger of the brands is imminent, the deal’s “complexity” means the timeline remains uncertain.
In May.
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30/Jul/2025 09:48
The Compleat Food Group announces acquisition of egg product specialist Freshpak
The Compleat Food Group, one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers, has acquired Freshpak for an undisclosed amount.
Freshpak is a top private-label producer of value-added egg products, chilled food-to-go snacks, and deli fillers.
Nick Field, chief executive of Compleat said the move ‘marks another strategic step in The Compleat Food Group’s journey to become the UK’s number one chilled prepared food company’.
He added: “We’re delighted to welcome Freshpak to The Compleat Food Group.
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Freshpak is a top private-label producer of value-added egg products, chilled food-to-go snacks, and deli fillers.
Nick Field, chief executive of Compleat said the move ‘marks another strategic step in The Compleat Food Group’s journey to become the UK’s number one chilled prepared food company’.
He added: “We’re delighted to welcome Freshpak to The Compleat Food Group.
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22/Jul/2025 08:22
Ant and Dec invest in The Northern Dough Co
TV presenters Ant and Dec have taken a stake in frozen dough company The Northern Dough Co., becoming shareholders in the business.
The famous duo has also formed a creative brand partnership with the company, which is stocked in several major UK supermarkets, and will feature in content across social and digital platforms.
Through their creative company, Mitre Studios, Ant and Dec will collaborate closely with the brand to produce humour-led content.
The partnership launched with a playful Instagram video.
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The famous duo has also formed a creative brand partnership with the company, which is stocked in several major UK supermarkets, and will feature in content across social and digital platforms.
Through their creative company, Mitre Studios, Ant and Dec will collaborate closely with the brand to produce humour-led content.
The partnership launched with a playful Instagram video.
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21/Jul/2025 11:04
Müller to invest £45 million in West Lancashire facility
The dairy company has announced a major investment in its Skelmersdale site, following last year’s acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy.
Müller UK & Ireland is investing £45 million in its West Lancashire milk production site to boost capacity, improve quality and capabilities in liquid milk production, and establish a flagship facility for milk drying.
According to Müller, the Skelmersdale site is set to become the UK's largest and most flexible milk balancing facility.
The investment will enable the site to increase powdered milk production by 30%.
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Müller UK & Ireland is investing £45 million in its West Lancashire milk production site to boost capacity, improve quality and capabilities in liquid milk production, and establish a flagship facility for milk drying.
According to Müller, the Skelmersdale site is set to become the UK's largest and most flexible milk balancing facility.
The investment will enable the site to increase powdered milk production by 30%.
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18/Jul/2025 17:35
McVitie’s parent company Pladis to invest £68 million in carbon-reducing production
McVitie’s parent company, Pladis, has announced a £68 million investment programme to upgrade its UK manufacturing operations.
The London-based company, whose portfolio includes brands such as Carr’s, Godiva, Jacob’s, and McVitie’s, described the investment as a “vote of confidence in UK plc” as it aims to expand capacity, boost productivity, and enhance sustainability across key sites.
The bulk of the investment will be directed to the North West of England, including £21 million for the Stockport factory — home of the McVitie’s Jaffa Cake.
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The London-based company, whose portfolio includes brands such as Carr’s, Godiva, Jacob’s, and McVitie’s, described the investment as a “vote of confidence in UK plc” as it aims to expand capacity, boost productivity, and enhance sustainability across key sites.
The bulk of the investment will be directed to the North West of England, including £21 million for the Stockport factory — home of the McVitie’s Jaffa Cake.
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14/Jul/2025 14:11
Ferrero in talks over potential £2.2bn acquisition of WK Kellogg
Italian confectionery giant Ferrero is considering a potential £2.2 billion acquisition of WK Kellogg, the parent company of iconic cereal brands including Froot Loops and Rice Krispies.
According to the Financial Times, the deal could be finalised by the end of this week, with WK Kellogg’s shares surging in response to media reports. The BBC reports that the cereal brand's stock jumped by 56% following news of the potential acquisition.
Ferrero has expanded its brand portfolio through a series of acquisitions and currently owns well-known names including Ferrero Rocher.
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According to the Financial Times, the deal could be finalised by the end of this week, with WK Kellogg’s shares surging in response to media reports. The BBC reports that the cereal brand's stock jumped by 56% following news of the potential acquisition.
Ferrero has expanded its brand portfolio through a series of acquisitions and currently owns well-known names including Ferrero Rocher.
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10/Jul/2025 15:44
Ping Pong shuts all restaurants and ends trading after 20 years
Ping Pong has shut down operations and closed its last four restaurants, marking the end of the dim sum brand 20 years after it was first launched.
The restaurant group posted on Instagram: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed. We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches.
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The restaurant group posted on Instagram: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed. We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches.
more »
03/Jul/2025 08:24
Danone acquires Belgian biotech firm The Akkermansia Company
Danone has purchased The Akkermansia Company, a Belgian biotech firm focused on biotics, for an undisclosed amount.
In a statement, Danone, the owner of the Activia yogurt brand, said that “expanding deeper into gut health is a key facet' of its corporate growth plans.
The Akkermansia Company was founded as a spin-off from UCLouvain in Belgium and Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and is known for discovering and developing the biotic strain Akkermansia muciniphila MucT in 2004.
Danone stated that the strain has been clinically proven to strengthen the gut barrier.
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In a statement, Danone, the owner of the Activia yogurt brand, said that “expanding deeper into gut health is a key facet' of its corporate growth plans.
The Akkermansia Company was founded as a spin-off from UCLouvain in Belgium and Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and is known for discovering and developing the biotic strain Akkermansia muciniphila MucT in 2004.
Danone stated that the strain has been clinically proven to strengthen the gut barrier.
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30/Jun/2025 10:00
Butcombe Group aims to acquire 20 pubs with rooms as sales surge
The Butcombe Group plans to expand its pubs with rooms by converting 20 of its locations into Butcombe Boutique Inns.
The pub operator and brewery, previously known as Liberation Group, stated that its accommodation division “continues to mature and increase its value” now representing 14.5% of its UK managed sales.
Butcombe manages more than 120 pubs and inns, offering over 400 rooms across locations from London’s Mayfair to St Aubin, Jersey.
Last year.
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The pub operator and brewery, previously known as Liberation Group, stated that its accommodation division “continues to mature and increase its value” now representing 14.5% of its UK managed sales.
Butcombe manages more than 120 pubs and inns, offering over 400 rooms across locations from London’s Mayfair to St Aubin, Jersey.
Last year.
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22/May/2025 08:34
The Compleat Food Group names its first COO
Chilled prepared food supplier The Compleat Food Group has appointed Brian Byrne as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help drive its growth strategy.
Byrne, who joined the company in 2023 as Chief Procurement Officer, has played a key role in transforming its procurement function. Starting on 1 May, in his new role as COO, he will have overall responsibility for the entire supply chain, including planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery.
Before joining The Compleat Food Group.
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Byrne, who joined the company in 2023 as Chief Procurement Officer, has played a key role in transforming its procurement function. Starting on 1 May, in his new role as COO, he will have overall responsibility for the entire supply chain, including planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery.
Before joining The Compleat Food Group.
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30/Apr/2025 11:58