Unilever PLC has struck a deal with Coca Cola Co. and soft-drink bottler Coca-Cola Femsa to sell its soy beverage business in Latin America for $575 million as the Anglo-Dutch company continues to shuffle its arsenal of brands.
Unilever shares were up 0.8% in London trading to GBP31.73 ($46.35).
The beverage business, called Adesad, sells drinks that are a combination of soy milk and fruit juice. It has a presence in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia.
“This sale is a step in reshaping our portfolio in Latin America to deliver sustainable growth for Unilever and enables us to sharpen our focus, said Miguel Kozuszok, executive vice president of Latin America for Unilever.
Unilever has been shedding food brands in recent years and making acquisitions in the higher-margin personal care space under Chief Executive Paul Polman, a strategy analysts have said gives it stronger growth prospects.
The company in 2014 agreed to sell its North American pasta sauces business under the Ragu and Bertolli brands to Japan’s Mizkan Group for $2.15 billion, and prior to that sold its Wish-Bone salad dressing to Pinnacle Foods Inc. for $580 million and Skippy peanut butter to Hormel Foods Corp. for $700 million.
By Saabira Chauduri
Source: MarketWatch
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
