Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) announced the exclusive launch in the French market of its new fresh fruit juice brand, Montebelo Brasil, in collaboration with Laiterie de Saint-Denis-de-l’Hôtel (LSDH) for commercialisation, bottling and distribution. This initiative aims to establish Montebelo Brasil as a market reference among fresh (or chilled) fruit juices in France, while ensuring traceability of oranges, from Brazilian groves to selected retail shelves.
Inspired by its eponymous Brazilian plantation, certified by the Rainforest Alliance, the development of the Montebelo Brasil brandis part of LDC’s strategic vision to extend its reach further downstream in the value chain, while offering distribution solutions to its customers and partners. It also reflects LDC’s focus to further diversify its Juice Platform portfolio with sustainable, traceable and high-quality products directly to end consumers.
“Our ambition for this project is twofold: to offer a 100 % natural product while ensuring traceability of the oranges, thereby establishing a connection between LDC as citrus producer in Brazil and the end consumer. Our commitment also addresses the demands of increasingly discerning consumers who are concerned about the origin and journey of the products they consume,” said Aurélien Grisval, Head of Downstream Market for Juice, LDC.
The Montebelo Brasil line includes eight fresh fruit juices:
- Two pure orange juices (with and without pulp);
- Two lemonades (yellow lemon, and a blend of yellow and green lemon); and
- The following product range developed in collaboration with renowned Brazilian chef Tabata Mey: Pure mango, pineapple and lime juice; Coconut water, mango, pineapple, lime pure juice; Orange, maracuja, lime nectar ; and a lime maté beverage.
“We are proud to launch this new brand, which embodies our expertise as a global agricultural merchant dedicated to serving our customers, and our commitments as a responsible citrus grower in Brazil for over 35 years,” said Georges-Edouard Duriez, Head of Development and Strategy for Juice, LDC.
France was a natural choice for the brand launch, with its dynamic retail juice market that, per capita consumption, ranks second globally, with approximately 1.1 billion liters consumed annually, and for the opportunities offered by the chilled juice category in terms of value.
“Beyond the clear commercial opportunities, this launch in France, birthplace of the Group and homeland of its founder, Léopold Louis-Dreyfus, has profound significance for LDC. Making this launch a success will be a wonderful way to honor this legacy,” concluded Georges-Edouard Duriez.
Montebelo Brasil fruit juices are already available throughout France at Monoprix stores and Carrefour hyper and supermarkets in 1-liter and 250-milliliter bottles, and will soon be available at over 2,000 other outlets.
The newest juices blend adaptogens with the highest-quality produce, furthering the brand’s mission to provide authentically crafted juices to consumers in the US
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, the world-class juice brand known for crafting clean-label, mindfully sourced artisanal blends, announced the introduction of two tomato-centric blends: Red Tomato Reishi and Green Tomato Lion’s Mane. The expansion of Natalie’s Holistic Juice Portfolio is a natural evolution for the brand that has been handcrafting unrivaled juices for more than 30 years. Both blends are available to order on the Natalie’s Juice website and at Kroger, King Soopers, Fry’s, Ralphs, Smith’s, Fred Meyer and QFC in the US.
Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamin C, potassium, fiber, folate and the antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene. Diets rich in tomatoes have been shown to provide a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart issues, lower risk of cancer and better skin health. Not only are tomatoes healthy—they are versatile and delicious, as proven by Natalie’s regeneration of the generational classic juice.
To recognise and celebrate both red and green varieties of the amazing tomato, Natalie’s created two first-of-their kind, fresh-pressed tomato juices that provide a clean source of hydration and support the entire wellness ecosystem. These blends each harness the power of thoughtfully sourced adaptogenic ingredients, alongside carefully selected non-GMO produce, including:
- Tomato Reishi: Fresh-Pressed American Red Tomatoes, Reishi Mushrooms, Black Pepper, Himalayan Salt and Lemon
- Tomato Lion’s Mane: Fresh-Pressed American Green Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Pineapples, Lime, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms and Himalayan Salt
Taking a major step to support a circular economy, Coca-Cola® launched in rPET in pack sizes of 250 ml and 750 ml across several markets in India.
After being the first company in India to launch a one-litre bottle made from 100 % recycled PET (rPET) for its packaged drinking water brand Kinley, Coca-Cola India is taking another meaningful step towards creating a circular economy and has announced the launch of Coca-Cola® in rPET in pack sizes of 250 ml and 750 ml. These rPET bottles are being manufactured by Coca-Cola bottling partners – Moon Beverages Ltd., and SLMG Beverages Ltd.
The rPET bottles expansion showcases Coca-Cola India’s transformative journey towards building a sustainable and greener future for all. The bottles made from 100 % food-grade rPET (excluding caps and labels) have an on-pack call to action “Recycle Me Again” message and will also drive consumer awareness with “100 % recycled PET bottle” displayed on the pack.
These rPET bottles are crafted from food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The plastic is recycled as per the technologies approved by the US FDA and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food-grade recycled material and repurposed into new PET bottles, reducing the need for virgin plastic for producing PET Bottles.
The Coca–Cola Company now offers 100 % rPET bottles in over 40 markets, bringing it closer to its World Without Waste goal of making bottles with 50 % recycled content by 2030. Announced in 2018, the sustainable packaging platform also includes a goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for every one the company sells globally by 2030, and to make 100 % of its packaging recyclable by 2025.
The Food Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the use of recycled PET in food packaging. Similarly, the Government of India’s, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Bureau of Indian Standards has enabled befitting regulations and standards to facilitate the use of recycled plastics in food and beverage packaging.
Coca-Cola is making it convenient for consumers to return their empty PET bottles by recycling them at conveniently placed drop-off points or Reverse Vending Machines (RVM’s). Earlier this year, Coca-Cola India launched a ‘Return and Recycle’ initiative with Zepto that focuses on gathering PET bottles directly from consumers. This also helps in establishing an organised process of collecting PET bottles with 100 % traceability. Specifically for India, Coca-Cola introduced ASSP (Affordable Small Sparkling Pack) for the 250 ml PET bottle. ASSP, a proprietary Coca-Cola innovative technology is used to reduce plastic usage in the production of PET bottles for sparkling products by up to 40 percent.
Tim Berger, CEO of the Eckes-Granini Group, will leave the company at his own request by the end of the year to pursue a new professional opportunity.
Reiner Strecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Eckes AG: “I would like to thank Tim Berger already today for the great contribution he has made in the last three years, especially with the future-oriented transformation of the company. The supervisory board and the shareholders wish Tim Berger all the best for his professional and personal future.”
Tim Berger: “I am thoroughly proud of what we have achieved together for Eckes-Granini in the past three years. I will continue to lead the company with the same commitment and passion in the coming months, until my departure. And already today, I would like to thank my colleages, all of the Eckes-Granini employees, and the entire Supervisory Board as well as the shareholders for their trust, support and strong engagement.”
About the Eckes-Granini Group
Eckes-Granini is the leading supplier of fruit juices and fruit beverages in Europe. For the independent family-owned company headquartered in Nieder-Olm, Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate), the focus is on committed and competent employees, strong brands in the areas of juices, fruit beverages and smoothies, and a long-term strategic orientation with sustainable value creation. Today, Eckes-Granini operates mainly in Europe with its own national companies and strategic partners and generates annual sales of 917 million euros with a total of 1703 employees. The company’s foundation is formed by the internationally renowned premium brands granini and Pago together with strong national and regional brands for juices such as hohes C, Joker and God Morgon. Consumers in 80 countries worldwide and especially in Europe know and appreciate our fruit juices and the variety of fruit drinks.
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company announced today they have introduced two new juice blends: Tomato Reishi, Himalayan Salt, and Black Pepper Juice and Tangerine, Pineapple, Aloe Juice. Both blends are available to order on the Natalie’s Juices website and on grocery shelves in the US.
With Natalie’s Tomato Reishi Juice, Natalie’s is regenerating a generational favourite. This tomato juice is a source of clean hydration that is radical in flavour and low in calories. Mindfully handcrafted with an infusion of coveted holistic ingredients including adaptogens and spices for a robust and delectable sip, this juice is made from only 5 ingredients. Rich in Reishi – known to support the immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep – this blend is vitality on the vine.
Natalie’s Tangerine, Pineapple, Aloe, Sweet Basil Juice is a vibrant oasis of unrivaled freshness. Handcrafted from only five ingredients, this blend was created to support the mind and body with a natural boost. Prepare to glow from the inside out with this unparalleled combination of vitamin-c-rich oranges and tangerines, paired with immune- supporting pineapples and aloe vera, and a touch of sweet basil.
“At Natalie’s, it is our passion and purpose to produce juices that exceed our customers’ expectations both in quality and value. Our Tomato Reishi blend is an authentic approach to a nostalgic favourite. Made from fresh pressed, wholesome tomatoes, this juice invigorates the consumer’s palette and redefines the standard perception of tomato juice flavour profile,” says Marygrace Sexton, founder and CEO of Natalie’s Juices. “This juice is a living elixir for the epicurious – drink as is or add your boozy accomplice.”
“Producing world-class quality products is what we do best,” says Natalie Sexton, Vice President of Marketing at Natalie’s Juice Company. “Our new blends are designed to support the entire wellness eco-system and provide our consumers with a drinking experience where nostalgia meets authentic freshness.”
Living Wage is embedded within wider set of responsible pay practices aimed at creating equal opportunities and building a more inclusive society
Firmenich, one of the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste companies, announces it has achieved living wage certification across all of its global operations. Firmenich is the second company in the world and the first in its industry to achieve this milestone, ensuring decent living standards for employees globally. Following a rigorous external assessment by Fair Wage Network, a widely recognised international NGO, the Group was awarded this pioneering certification three years ahead of its target completion date.
“I am very proud that Firmenich is one of only two companies worldwide to have succeeded in securing living wage certification,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “As a critical pillar of our inclusive capitalism model, our progressive approach aims at creating a positive impact for all our stakeholders, and our employees are key to making us thrive as a responsible business. Ensuring that people, wherever they are, earn a living wage is a critical step towards building a more equitable and inclusive workplace and society. Fair Wage Network recognizes our concrete achievements in embedding fair compensation across our Group and I am particularly pleased this is raising the standard in our industry. I hope this inspires other organisations to join our efforts.”
“Firmenich continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of work, and our holistic strategy aims at securing equity and inclusion across the entire organisation. Building on achievements such as our EDGE certification, our no gender pay gap policy, equal representation on the Executive Committee, and a culture of diversity and inclusion, this certification will further strengthen Firmenich’s profile as a leading global employer,” said Mieke Van de Capelle, Chief Human Resources Officer at Firmenich. “Having reached this milestone already today, we will now further accelerate our efforts, partnering with suppliers to ensure that fair wage practices become the standard to do business together.”
The notion of a living wage is embedded within a wider set of responsible pay practices and principles already in place at Firmenich, such as fairness, equality and performance rewards. Living wage certification reinforces the Group’s equitable culture and helps to stimulate economic growth with benefits for its employees, and the wider community.
In 2021, Firmenich committed to providing a certified living wage to 100 % of employees globally by 2025. Having achieved this goal already today, Firmenich is engaged in driving strong practices on living wage across the value chain in collaboration with its customers and suppliers. Training for 100 major suppliers on human rights will include 10 new initiatives at source, including focus on women’s empowerment, education, human rights practices and living wage.
Firmenich is an active member in living wage initiatives, including the UN Global Compact Decent Work in Supply Chain platform; IDH (The Sustainable Trade Initiative); Sustainable Vanilla Initiative (SVI); and the Juice Covenant on the juice value chain. The Group has also been recognized by the United Nations Global Compact and will assume from June 2022 a global leadership position at the Labor and Decent Work Global Compact platform.
Kerry, one of the world’s leading taste and nutrition companies, has announced it has completed the acquisition of U.S.-based Natreon, Inc., a leading supplier of branded Ayurvedic botanical ingredients.
Natreon supplies branded and scientifically studied and tested Ayurvedic extracts to the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage industries across the globe. The acquisition significantly expands Kerry’s leadership position and ProActive Health portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients, furthering the company’s technology growth. The branded ingredients in Natreon’s portfolio are protected by a wide range of U.S. and foreign patents and supported by a total of 52 clinical studies which support the efficacy of their health benefits. Natreon’s portfolio consists of the following:
- Sensoril® – Ashwagandha extract for cognitive health benefits including stress, anxiety, and sleep.
- PrimaVie® – Shilajit extract for sports nutrition and healthy aging.
- Capros® – Amla extract for cardiovascular support.
- Crominex® – Chromium complex for diabetes.
- Ayuflex® – Terminalia chebula extract for bone and joint health benefits.
- Ayuric® – Terminalia bellirica extract for uric acid health.
The ingredients will be integrated into Kerry’s ProActive Health portfolio and leveraged by Kerry’s broad customer base. The ingredients will be supported by Kerry’s global application and R&D network, including continued investment in the science and clinical evidence supporting the brands.
Kerry has been building a leading position in science-backed functional ingredients within its ProActive Health portfolio for the past several years, most recently with the acquisition of Spain-based company Biosearch Life in 2021.
In November 2021, Symrise began a three-year research and development collaboration with French company Antofénol based in Plestan, Brittany. The company’s focus are natural solutions for replacing conventional agroextracts obtained by innovative, sustainable eco-extraction using microwave, ultrasound and vacuum technologies. The partners want to work together to develop environmentally friendly products. They will focus primarily on cosmetic ingredients and scents as well as the extraction of valuable compounds from side streams of the Flavor & Nutrition division.
The partners will contribute their specific skill sets and experiences to the collaboration in order to develop jointly unique products. Antofénol’s particular strengths lie in the microwave, ultrasound and vacuum extraction techniques, feasible even in combined mode, of natural raw materials. The technologies provide a number of advantages: They can adapt well to various raw materials, they use fast and effective energy transfer, and they save time compared with conventional processes. Antofénol’s high competency in the selection, sourcing and valuation of natural raw materials is also adding to this. In return, Symrise contributes its expertise in research and product development to the partnership, as well as its knowledge of the market, customers, and consumer demands. Of the Holzminden group, the cosmetic ingredients and scent divisions – both anchored in the Scent & Care segment – and France based Diana Nova from the Flavor & Nutrition segment participate in the collaboration.
The collaboration started to target the continuous increase in customer and consumer demands for naturalness, environmentally friendly and resources preserving manufacturing conditions. Sustainable and natural products from up-cycling of renewable side streams with good traceability play a decisive role in Symrise’s commercial success. The partnership strengthens the Holzminden Group’s position with regard to natural products in the Scent & Care segment and opens up new application areas in the Flavor & Nutrition segment.
Following its announcement on 12 August 2021, Coca-Cola HBC AG (“Coca-Cola HBC”) announced the completion of the acquisition by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Coca-Cola HBC Holdings BV (“CCH Holdings”), of approximately 52.7 % of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Egypt S.A.E. (“CCBCE”) from MAC Beverages Limited (“MBL”) and certain of its affiliated parties for cash consideration of US$304 million, subject to certain balance sheet adjustments. An additional earnout amount may be payable based on CCBCE’s financial performance in 2021. Mr. Abdul Galil Besher, the current executive chairman of CCBCE, will remain as non-executive chairman of CCBCE. The transaction with MBL also involves the potential acquisition by CCH Holdings, at the same price per share to be paid to MBL, of another approximately 2.8 % stake from certain other minority shareholders pursuant to agreements to be entered into in due course.
In addition, a convertible loan issued to a wholly-owned affiliate of The Coca-Cola Company (the “TCCC Seller”) by CCBCE, convertible into new CCBCE shares, has been transferred to CCH Holdings for a cash consideration of approximately US$22 million (which is equal to its outstanding principal amount and unpaid interest).
Completion of the acquisition by CCH Holdings of approximately 42 % of CCBCE from the TCCC Seller, also announced on 12 August 2021, is expected to occur later this month, bringing CCH Holdings’ total ownership in CCBCE to 94.7 %.
The acquisition gives Coca-Cola HBC access to the second-largest non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (“NARTD”) market in Africa by volume, building on existing scale in Africa and increasing Coca-Cola HBC’s exposure to high growth geographies. There is a significant opportunity to leverage Coca-Cola HBC’s proven route-to-market capabilities and 70 years of experience operating in emerging markets to increase penetration of The Coca-Cola Company’s brand portfolio and drive category leadership.
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company will showcase it’s variety of award-winning citrus juices and meticulously-crafted, exotic lemonades and blends at the 2021 Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany from Saturday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Known for sourcing only the highest quality ingredients to produce their juices, Natalie’s delivers on authentic freshness that customers can trust.
Natalie’s Juice Company is a top selling brand in the United States and sells to over 34 countries globally including Japan, Germany, Panama, Qatar, France, South Korea, and more. Headquartered in Fort Pierce, Florida (U.S.), the family run business meticulously juices hand-selected, fresh fruits and vegetables in small batches during the peak season, and then flash-freezes them immediately at – 27 °F so they will retain freshness during transportation around the world. All products have a 3-Year Shelf-Life (Frozen) /40-Days (Defrosted).
Natalie’s Juices includes a fresh line of one ingredient products: Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Tangerine Juice, Blood Orange Juice, Lime Juice and Lemon Juice. Each is squeezed fresh and minimally processed with no preservative, artificial ingredients or GMOs. Exotic fruit blends include Orange Beet Juice, Orange Mango Juice, and Orange Pineapple Juice. All produced with the highest quality fruits available.
“Natalie’s has become the pinnacle of quality for some of the highest ranked resorts, hotels, restaurants and retailers around the world. Our world-class products have allowed our partners to provide a product that will not only satisfy their most demanding customers, but exceed expectations, consistently,” said Aron Levi, Manager of International Sales. “Our international partners revel in supplying a catalog of flavours that are never from concentrate, preservative free, and meticulously produced to a consistent high standard, with every drop. When combining the premium aspects of our lineup in a frozen form, we can ensure minimal shrinkage and maximum satisfaction with every defrosted-on-demand bottle. Sometimes frozen really is fresher.”
Anuga is the leading trade fair for the global food and beverages industry. It features ten trade shows under one roof, 11 food trends and focus themes, many presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. With the largest number of exhibitors, the trade fair provides a global market overview of the entire food and beverage industry.
About Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company is a woman-owned and family-operated business that has been committed to producing only the highest quality, authentically fresh juices for the past 30 years. All of Natalie’s juices are squeezed fresh in small batches using hand-picked fruits and vegetables from Florida Farmers or American growers. The juices are distributed in 32 states across the U.S. and over 41 different countries worldwide.
New company formed as KPS Capital Partners completes its acquisition of Crown Holdings Inc.’s EMEA food and consumer packaging business
Eviosys, a leader in the metal packaging industry with innovation and sustainability at its core, launches today as a newly formed, independent company. The business is Europe’s largest manufacturer of steel and aluminium food packaging with hundreds of global and regional food and consumer products customers.
Eviosys will focus on unique, smart packaging solutions by combining a rich heritage with an enhanced, market-leading focus on innovation, research and development. Sustainability is at the heart of Eviosys, which has a product portfolio centred on 100 % recyclable metal substrates. The Company will champion the evolution of truly sustainable packaging, developing solutions for its customers that help them meet their sustainability goals while also protecting the planet, people and communities around us.
Eviosys, with seven design studios and three laboratories across Europe, will continue its leadership role in smart packaging solutions by offering exciting, innovative ways to help customers differentiate from the competition and capture opportunities for growth.
Eviosys has the largest manufacturing footprint in the region, with 6,300 employees in 44 manufacturing facilities across 17 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). With its strategically located manufacturing facilities, Eviosys will continue its commitment to uncompromising product quality, preserving products and promoting the reputation of local and international brands in over 100 countries worldwide.
Tomás López, an industry executive with decades of experience leading packaging businesses, will lead Eviosys as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lopez previously served as CEO of Mivisa prior to its acquisition by Crown Holdings in 2014.
Symrise AG reliably continued its profitable growth course in 2020 despite the challenging environment. The Group increased its sales by 3.3 % to € 3,520 million taking into account portfolio and currency translation effects. In organic terms, sales went up by 2.7 %. The Group thus significantly outperformed market growth, which is estimated at 1.0 % for 2020. At the same time, Symrise stayed behind its defined sales target, as the business development in the month of December was impacted by a criminal cyber-attack. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 5.8 % to € 742 million in 2020. Profitability reached an outstanding level with an EBITDA margin of 21.1 % and was within the expected margin range. Against the backdrop of the good performance, the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board propose a dividend increase to € 0.97 for the fiscal year 2020 to the annual general meeting.
You can find the complete company report here.
In terms of sustainability, Symrise ranks among the top ten companies in the world according to the current ranking of renowned non-profit organization CDP (previously known as the Carbon Disclosure Project). CDP makes a yearly assessment of what participating companies do to fight climate change, protect water supplies and conserve forests. For forest conservation, the Holzminden Group is actually doing better than in the previous year and has achieved a spot on the A list in all three categories – the best possible result. This year, more than 9,600 companies took part voluntarily in the assessment.
Only ten companies out of the 9,600 that took part achieved the highest grade in all three categories. Symrise was one of them, making an improvement on last year’s rating. Last year, the Group made it onto the A list for climate and water, but got an A minus for forests. Many factors play a role in the CDP’s decision. The non-profit organization pays attention to whether the company in question is an environmental pioneer and how it deals with environmental risks. It also considers ambitious goals and the completeness of the data disclosed to be important. Based on the results, the CDP divides the participants into categories from A, the highest, to D.
Symrise aims at climate-positive operations by 2030
Symrise has been following ambitious sustainability objectives for years. Conservation of forests has played an important role in this. The company wants to counteract deforestation throughout the entire value chain as well as work for the conservation and reforestation of forests. This is why the Group uses resources from sustainable forestry. To guarantee this, Symrise ensures that its strategic raw materials are fully traceable.
Climate protection is also very important to Symrise. The Group wants climate-positive operations by 2030 and to actively help limit global warming to below 1.5 °C. During the last ten years, the company has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions in terms of value added by more than half. Symrise is also very conscious of saving water and makes its contribution to keeping the resource available. By 2025, all production sites in regions affected by drought will improve their water efficiency by 15 percent compared to 2018.
Weitere Infos unter: www.cdp.net/en
Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned Perfume and Taste company, is proud to announce the opening of its new biotechnology and naturals pilot plant and laboratory in Geneva. Benefiting from the latest digital technology, the facility opens a new era for the development of ingredients and clean label solutions by providing faster speed-to-market and greater flexibility for customer collaboration. Integrated into the Group’s flagship ingredients production site at La Plaine, Geneva, the facility operates to the highest safety and environmental standards, reducing waste and energy consumption.
“With our new biotechnology pilot plant closely connected with the ingredients production site, Firmenich provides integrated biotech development all the way down to the finished product, without any gaps,” said Genevieve Berger, Chief Research Officer, Firmenich. “Opening a new era in ingredients creation, our pilot plant and laboratory harnesses new technologies to improve clean label solutions, while the latest digital innovation maximizes efficiency.”
“Our new pilot plant provides greater flexibility to respond to customer needs in product development,” said Sarah Reisinger, Senior Vice President Research Operations, Firmenich. “Capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously, it also enables small scale production of trial batches for formulation or testing and regulatory validation.”
Operational this month, the pilot plant at La Plaine is a cornerstone for new ingredients for both perfumery and flavors, enabling the development of the most efficient and high-quality production processes through biotechnology or natural extraction. Harnessing digital technology for increased automation, the pilot plant is able to move from single to continuous batch process, increasing efficiency, speed and reducing the use of raw materials.
In keeping with Firmenich’s recognized track record in sustainability, the new pilot plant benefits from efficient bioreactors, which minimizes both the amount of waste produced and energy consumed.
Upcycling an existing building at the Firmenich site in La Plaine, the new facility benefit from full synergies with the ingredients production plant. State of the art safety and environmental features were also designed into the new pilot plant and laboratory.
As part of its 2020 strategy to strengthen its naturals capabilities and its presence in the high growth markets of Asia Pacific, Givaudan announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Golden Frog, a Vietnamese flavour company.
Golden Frog manufactures natural flavours, extracts and essential oils for the food and beverage industry. It offers a wide range of natural ingredients including herbs, spices, fruit and vegetable extracts and essential oils from the great biodiversity of Vietnam. With headquarters and manufacturing facilities in the Ho Chi Minh area, Golden Frog employs 156 people and caters to the needs of the ASEAN markets.
While terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Golden Frog’s business would have represented approximately CHF 10 million of incremental sales to Givaudan’s results in 2018 on a proforma basis. Givaudan plans to fund the transaction from existing resources and is expected to close in the second half of 2019.
Louis Dreyfus Company Holdings B.V. (LDCH) announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Ian McIntosh, who is promoted from his current position of Chief Strategy Officer, effective immediately.
The move follows the resignation of Gonzalo Ramírez Martiarena as Chief Executive Officer, after 13 years with the company, in order to pursue other opportunities.
A British national, Ian McIntosh joined the Group in 1986 in London. Having led the UK Grains desk from 1989 to 1991, he moved to Paris to trade global Feedgrains, and then to Melbourne to lead LDC’s Australasian Grain activities. Returning to London in 1993 as a Sugar Trader, he was appointed Global Head of Sugar in 1996 to lead the platform’s global integration and expansion. Between 1999 and 2006, Ian also managed LDC’s global Coffee, Cocoa, Rice, Ethanol and Grains activities, supervised the Group’s integration of its Metals business, and contributed to the creation of LDC’s current structure. He was appointed Head of Europe & Black Sea in 2007, and in 2008 left LDC to set up Edesia Asset Management as part of the Louis Dreyfus Group, serving as CEO and Chief Investment Officer until its closure in 2018. Ian holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Leeds University, UK.
At the same time, Mr. Federico Cerisoli, currently Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Group Controller, has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect. This follows the decision of Armand Lumens, Group Chief Financial Officer, to leave the company for personal reasons.
Federico brings extensive knowledge and experience to the position. He joined the group in 2008 as CFO of the Calyx Agro start-up. Soon after, he was appointed CFO for what was then the South Latin America Region, and in 2013 took up the role of Regional CFO for Europe & Black Sea. He later served as Metals Platform CFO, Regional CFO for Europe, Middle East & Africa, and then as Interim Group CFO, before his appointment to his present role. Prior to joining LDC, Federico worked for over 17 years in finance, commercial and business development at various energy companies in Argentina, Brazil and the US. He is a Certified Public Accountant from Universidad Católica Argentina, and completed his Executive Business education at Columbia Business School in New York City.
Mr. McIntosh is replaced as Chief Strategy Officer by Patrick Treuer. Patrick was previously Global Head of Strategy for LDC and serves as Non-Executive Chairman for Biosev. A Swiss national, Patrick joined Biosev in 2014 as Head of Strategy, a role he held until his appointment as Head of Strategy for LDC in 2015. Prior to joining the Group, he worked for 15 years in investment banking with Credit Suisse, based in Switzerland and the UK, most recently as Managing Director, Head of Equity Capital Markets for Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Patrick holds a Business degree from the University of St. Gallen.
