Northern-Ireland based SHS Group has agreed a deal to purchase 3V Group, the owner of nut butter brand Meridian Foods and soft drink producer Rocks, for an undisclosed fee.
Meridian Foods is one of the UK’s leading nut butter producers and also creates several nut-based snack bars, while Rocks is one of the leading producers of organic squash drinks in the UK.
SHS already owns and operates several UK brands such as Shloer, Bottlegreen and WKD, and supplies a range of own label herbs and spices to retailers throughout the country.
The purchase of Rocks strengthens SHS’s presence in the UK’s soft drinks market, while the Meridian acquisition diversifies its business portfolio, as it represents the group’s first foray into the nut butter and healthy protein sector.
Rocks-Drinks
SHS Group CEO Elaine Birchall said: “The acquisition of Meridian & Rocks strengthens our owned-brand portfolio and manufacturing capability as we continue to invest in bringing high-quality brands to a wide range of channels and geographies.
“We are delighted to have acquired this dynamic business and look forward to working with the management team in driving growth in established and new markets.”
Russell Smart, Commercial Director, 3V Group added: “The team at 3V have worked incredibly hard to bring innovative and relevant product development to the market in response to changes in consumer demand over the last 12 years.
“The SHS Group, with its depth of expertise in FMCG brands, will help support our growth strategy and market reach in the UK and beyond.”
Source: FoodBev
The global snacking, international cereal and noodles, plant-based foods and North American frozen breakfast business will be known as Kellanova – home to brands such as Pringles, MorningStar Farms and Nutri-Grain. Kellanova’s portfolio will also encompass cereal brands, including Frosties, Special K, Krave and Coco Pops.
Nestlé is piloting refillable vending machines for its Milo and Koko Krunch brands as part of its effort to explore solutions that help to reduce the need for disposable packaging. In collaboration with digital start-up Qyos by Algramo, the machines will be available at two retailers in Indonesia during a 4-6 month trial period.
Carlsberg has announced that Jacob Aarup-Andersen will join the company as chief executive officer, replacing Cees ’t Hart, who will retire by the end of Q3 2023. Since 2020, Aarup-Andersen has served as CEO of ISS, a global facility services company that operates in 60 countries.
