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There is nothing wrong with change,

if it is in the right direction.

Winston Churchill

Mergers / Acquisitions 2

One liner updates 3

Platinum Clients 4

New arrival 6

FMCG Newsletter 1 (July’15)

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ConAgra Foods said that it is "looking forward" to engaging with Jana Partners after the activist investment vehicle disclosed a

7.2% stake in the food group.

Australian dairy processor United Dairy Power's plants at Murray Bridge and Jervois have reportedly been acquired by Adelaide-

based Beston Global Food Company.

Lactalis has taken full control of Walhorn AG, the Belgian dairy venture it had with European peer Arla Foods.

Canadian organic produce firm Courchesne Larose has struck a deal to acquire 50% of Dandrea Produce, a US produce grower

and importer based in New Jersey.

Nordic poultry group Scandi Standard has signed an agreement to acquire Lagerbergs, the third-largest chicken processor in

Sweden.

Marfrig has entered into a deal to sell its European meat business, Moy Park, to fellow Brazil-based meat group JBS for around

US$1.5bn.

Grupo Bimbo today (22 June) confirmed it has struck an agreement to buy parts of Spanish bakery company Panrico.

Troubled chocolatier Thorntons is to be acquired in a deal worth £112m by Ferrero and chicken processor Moy Park has been

sold by Brazilian parent Marfrig for $1.5bn

McCormick & Co signed an agreement to acquire One World Foods, a deal that will see it take control of premium US BBQ sauce

brand Stubb's, for around US$100m in cash.

Brazilian protein giants Marfrig and JBS have reached an agreement that will see the ownership of European poultry processor

Moy Park transferred to JBS. The deal, which values Moy Park at US$1.5bn, represents a win-win for both parties. Here is what

each stands to gain.

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Kellogg is rolling out a number of new cereal products in the UK.

UK syrup maker Clarks has entered the dessert category with the launch of a range of dessert pots.

US cereal group Kellogg aims to tap into what it said were the "hottest trends" in the US with the launch of more than 40 products.

The mega-merger of European supermarket giants Ahold and Delhaize will shake up the grocery sector in Europe and the US

KP Snacks has expanded Phileas Fogg with a snack ‘inspired by the cheeses of France’

US packaged food manufacturer Bar-S Foods has teamed up with McCormick & Co. for the launch of Grill Mates seasoned sausages in the

US.

Hershey is launching a Reese's-branded spread in Canada.

Campbell Soup Co. has launched soup bases in Australia.

Dairy-free group Daiya Foods and meat-free company Beyond Meat have joined forces to launch a Daiya-branded pizza in the US that is

free from dairy, meat, soy and gluten.

UK Company DrinkMaple has launched two pack extensions of its namesake maple water brand.

Australian food maker Simplot is expanding its line up of frozen fish products under the Birds Eye brand with the launch of Li'l Fishies

7-Eleven is adding two premium lines - 7-SelectGO!Yum and 7-SelectGO!Smart - to its private label 7-Select brand.

Bright-Food owned Weetabix has added a protein-based variant to its On The Go drinks range in the UK in response to growing consumer

demand for protein.

Alouette is launching two "wholesome" and "indulgent" snack lines: Le Bon Dip and Le Petite Fromage.

US protein snack group Jack Link's is launching chicken jerky to follow up on the "incredible success" of its turkey jerky.

US spice maker Watkins Inc. has added black peppercorn grinders to its lawsuit against McCormick & Co that alleges the flavours giant

"slack fills" its pepper tins.

American Lorain Group has launched a new product in China in a bid to boost its presence in the domestic breakfast market.

Jerky maker Jack Link's Protein Snacks is launching a premium line of sausages - Jack Link's Wild Side.

UK snack maker Tangerine Confectionery has added a range under its Butterkist brand to meet demand for "more adventurous flavour

fusions".

Hovis is relaunching its premium seeded and granary breads to flag up their health benefits and taste.

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Mars Petcare is hoping to revive sales of Whiskas

with a new look and ‘best ever’ recipe. Rolling out to

stores now, the new pack design would help

educate owners about their cat’s need at every age,

with life stage messaging from kitten through to

senior- which is seven years old, sooner than

commonly perceived, said Mars. Mars has also

revamped and expanded its functional treats range,

repackaging it in an ‘easy to navigate format with

clear on pack claims.’

Unilever UK is rolling out two limited edition Marmite spreads just for summer. Available to retailers in cases of six, rrp £3.49, from July to September while stock lasts, the limited edition variant is a delicately flavoured adaption of the traditional recipe.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Strawberries & Crème is returning to shelves this summer for the third year running. Available to order now, the limited edition 120g tablet combines Cadbury Dairy Milk with a creamy strawberry filling (rrp: £1.49).

Unilever has launched a mild version of its Colman’s Mustard. Rolling out next month in 170g jar format (rsp:

£1.59), Colman’s Mild provides the traditional flavour of English mustard but with less heat to make it

suitable for use on a wider variety of dishes, such as with salads.

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Mars Chocolate UK has unveiled its brand-new sub-brand Galaxy

Duet, a new permanent addition to the Galaxy family. Two Galaxy

Duet variants will bring the famous, much-loved combinations,

Cookies and Cream, and Caramel and Shortcake, to the chocolate

category in a brand new format. The innovative Duet bar has two

exciting flavour combinations, both wrapped in smooth Galaxy

chocolate, giving consumers the freedom to experiment and create

their own perfectly harmonious taste sensation. The two flavours

can be eaten separately or combined, allowing the consumer to

choose exactly how to indulge in this ultimate taste combination.

Galaxy Duet will be available to retailers from August 2015,

launching as a single pack format in both Cookies and Cream, and

Caramel and Shortcake, with an RRP of 60p.

PepsiCo-owned Sabra Dipping Company is

introducing Pizza Hummus Singles to its range of

dips and spreads.

In soft drinks, the Coca-Cola Co finally closed its

stake purchase in Monster Beverage Corp

Nestle has launched a line of thin crust pizzas

under its frozen Digiorno Pizzeria brand in the US.

Nestle has confirmed that it plans to invest "more

than" US$120m to open a production facility in

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Unilever announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire

Dermalogica, the world’s number one professional skin care

brand.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE) is launching a

new summer Monster Energy Ibiza Rocks

promotion and an extension to its multipack line

up, to encourage new consumers into the energy

sector. Monster Energy, which has grown by 25%

so far this year, is giving shoppers the chance to

celebrate 10 Years of Ibiza Rocks with a

promotion to win two VIP tickets to the Ibiza

Rocks Hotel in September. As official partner of

Ibiza Rocks, the Monster Energy prize includes a

four night stay, gig tickets, a pool party and

access to a private VIP area, flights and transfers.

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Natural drinks brand Firefly has been relaunched

with a new look, no added sugar recipes and new

format. The revamp, the first major activity for

Firefly since it was acquired by Purity Soft Drinks in

May last year, will this month bring he roll out of a

vibrant new look featuring botanical drawings on the

side of the bottle to flag up the brand’s health

credentials. Recipes have also been improved to

offer better taste, and made free of added sugar to

boost appeal among health conscious consumers.

British flavoured-water brand, Perfectly Clear, is celebrating its 20th year on the market with the launch of a new range of premium,

sparkling flavoured waters. The Clear Sensation range will be available in a 500ml bottle format and will consist of four delicious flavours:

Lemon & Mint, Strawberry & Raspberry, Pomegranate & Blueberry and Apple & Pear. The range aims to appeal to the ever-growing number

of health-conscious consumers by offering a healthier alternative to regular, carbonated drinks.

Chocolate and honeycomb producer Mighty Fine has launched what it

claims to be the UK’s first premium honeycomb bars. The four strong

Mighty Fine Honeycomb will be available from next month in milk

chocolate, peanut butter, dark chocolate and salted caramel variants (rsp:

£1.59/30g)). Positioned upmarket, each bar is handmade using “real”

honey and is encased in a layer of Belgian milk or Peruvian dark chocolate.

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Portland England, a new male grooming brand, has launched onto the market with its debut range of products (£16-£45). The range aims

to feed and hydrate the skin while cleansing, moisturising and protecting it before, during and after shaving.

British beauty brand AromaWorks has launched a

new Radiance Clay Mask (£22). Designed for all

skin types, but particularly those with oily skin,

the mask detoxifies and purifies while remaining

gentle enough for use on sensitive skin. Key

ingredients include Kaolin, Bentonite, Rhassoul

and French Green clays and Calamine Powder, to

detoxify and purify the skin while remaining

gentle enough for use on sensitive skin. The mask

has a dual action, drawing out impurities as well

as soothing and calming.

Superdrug has added a

No Powder Dry Shampoo

to its SAMY Sparkling

range. SAMY Fat Hair

(£5.99) has a powder-free

format that is designed to

refresh, deodorise and

add shine to the hair

without leaving any white

residue.

The Collective has

partnered with modern

pantry chef Anna Hansen to

launch a limited edition

yoghurt variant. The new

product is flavoured with

rhubarb, vanilla and

lemongrass. It is available

to retailers now with an rrp

of £2.39 per 500g pot.

Sunday Riley has released new night oil –

Luna Sleeping Night Oil (£85). Using

trans-retinol esters to reduce the depth

of lines and wrinkles while correcting sun

and pollution damage, the product is

recommended to be applied before bed

for a 'transformational effect', according

to the brand.

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Walkers, the number one brand in the crisps, snacks and nuts

category , is continuing to expand its portfolio into the savoury

snacks market with new Crispy Thins from the iconic

Sensations brand. Available from 21st June, the Sensations

Crispy Thins range showcases the irresistible flavour

combinations of Walkers Sensations. The crackers are baked in

the oven until golden brown to create a light and crispy

texture and then seasoned whilst warm to maximise the

ingredient infusions of: Thai Sweet Chilli, Mexican Fiery Sweet

Chipotle, and Caramelised Onion & Balsamic Vinegar flavours.

A British supplier of mocha has developed two retail brands based on the traditional chewy Japanese rice cakes. V&H, which supplies

Japanese restaurants in the UK, launched a six strong range of Little Moons mocha based ice creams alongside a Tsuki mocha truffles

line last week. Little Moons is available from Whole Foods Market in toasted sesame, vanilla, coconut, matcha green tea, mango and

raspberry flavors (rsp: £5.99/six pack), which the Tsuki truffles rolled into Selfridges in yuzu lemon cheesecake and dark chocolate

flavours (rsp: £4.50/ four pack).

Weetabix has launched a range of protein enhanced

breakfast drinks. Available from next week, the

three strong Weetabix On The Go Protein portfolio

comprises vanilla, strawberry & raspberry and

blueberry & blackberry variants. The trio, which will

be available on a £1 promotional offer until

September, is made with milk, fruit, protein and

soluble wheat fibre, with each bottle providing 20g

protein.

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British sweet manufacturer Swizzels has introduced a new Bubblegum Drumstick lolly more than 50 years after launching the original

famous lollies. New Bubblegum flavoured Drumsticks will be sold as a 10p pocket money line as well as a Mega Drumstick size which

retails for 30p. The bright packaging will be impactful on shelf but the pink and blue lolly contains no artificial colours so it appeals to

both parents and children.

JTI is extending its successful e-cigarette

brand, E-Lites, with the launch of the

new E-Lites Curv. Available nationwide

from 1st July, E-Lites is delighted to

launch Curv – its state-of-the-art next-

generation e-cigarette. A game changing

e-cigarette, Curv is designed to deliver a

superior and convenient vaping

experience with extra reassurance on e-

liquid quality.

Dairy Crest has announced the launch of Cathedral City

Selections Mini Bags, created specifically for the

convenience sector. The Cathedral City Selections Mini

Bag include five individually wrapped 12g pieces of the

Nation’s favourite branded cheddar¹ including Mature,

Extra Mature and Vintage variants. The new smaller

pack size has been designed as a bespoke solution for

top-up shop and on-the-go snacking occasions in

Convenience.

Heinz is set to add to its infant feeding portfolio with

the launch of a sixth new flavour to the Biscotti

range – Golden Multigrain. This new addition is

designed to be the perfect ‘on the go’ snack for

age’s 7months+, with each pack containing 12 finger

biscuits which are high in fiber. New Heinz Golden

Multigrain Biscotti 60g snack pack, responds to the

growing popularity of ‘on the go’ products using the

delicious biscotti recipe making it available to

consumers in an easy on the go snack pack format.

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Kelloggs’ is taking its All Bran

and Crunchy Nut cereal brands

into new categories. All Bran is

next month entering the muesli

market with two lines: banana,

coconut, sultanas & hazelnuts,

and cranberry sultanas with

pumpkin seeds (rsp:

£2.99/550g).

AG Barr will drive retailer sales this summer with its

biggest ever on-pack promotion for Irn-Bru, giving

consumers the opportunity to win an all-expenses-

paid trip of a lifetime – to anywhere on the planet!

Bru-Planet will run throughout July and August,

offering two lucky consumers the chance to each win

a £20,000 personalised holiday – Any Time, Any Place,

Anywhere! In addition, thousands of Irn-Bru branded

selfie sticks will be up for grabs, with AG Barr

estimating one selfie stick will be won every 10

minutes throughout the duration of the promotion.

Organic food brand Roots & Wings has taken its first venture into the meat category with the launch of a new sausage range. This

week launched a free range pork and herb chipolata (rsp: £3.29/10 pack), and a traditional pork sausage (rsp: £3.29/10 pack), which

have gone into Ocado.

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Gourmet popcorn brand Joe & Seph’s has made its first move outside snacking with a range of caramel sauces. The six strong range-

suitable for use as a dessert topping, for baking or as a dip is rolling into Selfridges next week in salted, sticky, chocolate, chocolate &

hazelnut, cappuccino and gin & tonic flavours (rsp: £4.99 to 5.99/230g jar.)

Maoam is adding new Rhuberry flavour to its top selling

Pinballs range, in bags for a limited time only. Rhuberry is a

new red Pinball that brings sour rhubarb and sweet

strawberry together to create an exciting flavour

combination; it also offers the unique texture and zing found

in these top selling treats. Maoam Pinballs with Rhuberry will

be available nationwide from July for a three month period

and is available in a variety of pack formats including a 180g

bag, price marked at £1.

CocoPro, the world’s first high protein coconut water has

launched. The drink combines 20 grams of whey protein

(per 330ml serving) with the natural nutritional

properties of coconut water to deliver muscle recovery

and hydration in a post-workout drink. CocoPro is made

with 100% natural ingredients and no added sugar and is

available in two variants, coconut and coconut with

pineapple.

A new savoury snack brand has

launched offering consumers an

alternative to fried crisps. The product,

Yushoi Snapea Rice Sticks, is made using

green peas and manufactured by

Calbee UK, the 1st European subsidiary

of Calbee Inc. The baked snack is made

from green peas and has less than 99

calories per bag or per serving.

Online giant Amazon is to step into the UK moneylending game by offering small businesses using its platform short term working

capital loans.