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Angolan milling company AP Foods partners with Webcor Group to increase pasta production, distribution

Mar 23, 2021Mar 24, 2021 Editor

ANGOLA – The Webcor Group, one of Angola’s leading players in the agricultural commodities and business line, has signed a partnership agreement with AP Foods to increase the production of pasta and widen distribution of the product in the country. AP Foods is an Angolan milling company founded in 2016. It commenced operations with an installation of 20,000 tons/year pasta production plant. It later boosted its capacity by 56,800 tons/year, which the partnership will leverage on, in addition to its technical skills. Webcor Group will avail its logistical capacity to…

Nestlé to sell its North American Buitoni business to US private equity firm

Jun 10, 2020Jun 10, 2020 Editor

USA – Nestlé USA has agreed to sell its North American Buitoni business, one of the leading national brands in the refrigerated pasta, sauces and cheese categories to private equity firm Brynwood Partners VIII L.P., for an undisclosed sum. Brynwood Partners said that it will acquire the business through its newly-formed portfolio company, Buitoni Food Company. The transaction includes the rights to the Buitoni brand in the US, Canada and the Caribbean territories as well as a 240,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Danville, Virginia. The companies expect the deal…

Barilla invests US$1.2b in an expansion plan as demand for pasta rises

Jun 9, 2018 Editor

ITALY – Barilla, an Italian food company, has invested US$1.2 billion over five years to expand production and launch new products as the world’s biggest pasta maker responds to shifting demand. According to Reuters, Barilla’s pasta and sauces have grown faster than its bakery business in recent years, and now account for almost 60% of total sales. To respond to growing demand, the family-owned group will earmark part of its 2018-2022 investments to expand its two main factories producing pasta and sauces in Italy, according to Barilla’s Chief Strategy Officer…

Global pasta consumption continues to rise on increased interest in wellness

May 30, 2018 Editor

ITALY – Global pasta consumption is on the rise from the positive trends in global pasta sales which rose 0.6% in 2017 attributable to increased awareness on healthy diets and wellness, according to data from the Nielsen Co. Based on a report by the International Pasta Organization (IPO), this trend is expected to continue influenced by changing consumer attitudes coupled with a sustainable approach to eating. According to data from IPO, the most dynamic growth markets are in Asia (up 8.6%) and Africa (up 2.6%) but pasta trends also are…

France processed food sector increases by 5.6% to US$191b

Apr 13, 2018Apr 13, 2018 Editor

FRANCE – The French food processing sector value has been increased by 5.6% in 2017 and is valued at US$191 billion with over 17,600 food processors from small-scale to some of the largest food companies in the world. According to Global Agricultural Information Network, the progress in food technology, marketing innovations and exports of finished food products contribute to France’s increasing demand for food ingredients. Exports in the food industry sector are ahead of other leading industrial sectors, which places France’s food industry among the top three in the European…

GEA acquires Italian pasta equipment maker, Pavan Group

Oct 3, 2017Oct 5, 2017 Editor

GERMANY – GEA, one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry has acquired the Italian Pavan Group, a leading supplier of extrusion and milling technology for processing of all kinds of pasta, snacks and breakfast cereals. Pavan Group had in 2016 generated revenue of around US$182.5 million, with EBITDA of almost US$34.14 million. It generates some 40% of its revenue in Europe, followed by America with 27% and Asia with 17%. The company, which has its head offices in Galliera Veneta near Padua, employs staff of…

Pasta & Noodles: Grabbing a share of the consumer’s plate in Africa

Dec 15, 2016Oct 25, 2017 Editor

This article appeared in the November/December 2016 issue of Food Business Africa Africa provides the next growth market for pasta and instant noodles, driven by a growing population, cost and convenience. We review the hotspots of growth in Africa and seek ways to drive faster adoption in this product category. Catherine, a young college going lady in Nairobi, Kenya has found the ultimate food for herself and her colleagues. With the least of efforts and at only KSh. 30 (US 30 cents), she can make a meal of Indomie…