Bunge Finalizes $8 Billion Merger with Viterra, Creating Grain Giant
Key Takeaways
- Bunge finalized its $8 billion merger with Viterra, creating a grain giant.
- Hybrid proteins gain traction as plant-based meat alternative sales decline.
- Private label sales hit a record $271 billion in 2024, challenging national brands.
- Ingredient firms develop alternatives to GLP-1 anti-obesity medications.
- Instacart and Wegmans launch AI-powered Caper Carts in Syracuse, New York.
Top Stories
Bunge completes $8 billion merger with Viterra, creating grain giant.
On July 2, 2025, Bunge finalized its $8 billion merger with Viterra, creating a major grain trading and processing company rivaling ADM and Cargill. The combined entity boasts $100 billion in annual revenue, enhancing Bunge's operations with Viterra's facilities.
Hybrid proteins gain traction as meat alternative sales decline.
The trend of hybrid proteins, combining meat and plant-based ingredients, is growing as plant-based meat alternative sales decline. Companies like Perdue Farms are introducing blended products to meet flexitarian demands.
Private label sales hit record $271 billion, challenging national brands.
Private label brands are gaining popularity, with sales reaching a record $271 billion in 2024. Retailers can influence sales through retail media networks.
Ingredient firms develop alternatives to GLP-1 anti-obesity medications.
On July 2, 2025, ingredient manufacturers are developing alternatives to GLP-1 anti-obesity medications by offering ingredients that trigger a similar satiety response. Companies like Roquette and ADM are exploring ingredients that support satiety and metabolic health.
Instacart, Wegmans launch AI-powered Caper Carts in New York.
Instacart and Wegmans introduced Caper Carts, AI-powered smart carts, at a Wegmans store in Syracuse, New York. The carts feature scanless technology, increased capacity, and seamless checkout.
Ethical Sourcing
Equifruit promotes Fairtrade bananas at Organic Produce Summit 2025.
Equifruit is promoting Fairtrade bananas at the Organic Produce Summit 2025, highlighting the affordability of upgrading to Fairtrade bananas. Switching to Equifruit bananas adds about $5 per year to your grocery bill.
Industry Insights
Alt Protein Watch: Oatside's matcha latte, high-protein chocolates highlighted.
On July 1, 2025, Alt Protein Watch covered Oatside's matcha oat latte and COA's high-protein chocolates. The high-protein food and drink market is projected to grow by $50.2 billion between 2023 and 2028.
Valeo Foods acquires Italian baked goods brand Melegatti 1894 S.p.A.
On July 1, 2025, Valeo Foods acquired Melegatti 1894 S.p.A., an Italian brand known for pandoro and panettone. The acquisition expands Valeo Foods' product portfolio internationally.
Mondelez's SnackFutures Ventures shifts focus to acquiring stakes.
Mondelez International's SnackFutures Ventures is now focusing on purchasing stakes in businesses with valuable products or technologies. They are interested in CPG brands and companies with disruptive snacking approaches.
Post Holdings acquires 8th Avenue Food & Provisions for $880 million.
On July 1, 2025, Post Holdings acquired 8th Avenue Food & Provisions for $880 million. This acquisition brings Peter Pan peanut butter manufacturing in-house and adds approximately $1 billion in annual revenue.
Sofina Foods acquires UK meat processor Finnebrogue.
Sofina Foods acquired Finnebrogue, a UK-based meat processor, expanding its European operations. Finnebrogue employs around 1,200 people and produces various meat products and plant-based alternatives.
Innovations in bone-in meat packaging extend shelf life, appeal.
On July 2, 2025, advancements in bone-in meat packaging are driven by consumer demand for durable, visually appealing, and longer-lasting products. Innovations include high-barrier films and vacuum skin packaging.
Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer indicates weakening farmer sentiment.
In June 2025, the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped 12 points to 146, indicating weakening farmer sentiment. Concerns about future agricultural exports and free trade were cited as contributing factors.
MAP technology extends litchi shelf life, boosting India exports.
Advances in Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) technology are extending the shelf life of litchis to 15-30 days, potentially boosting exports from Bihar, India. India successfully shipped litchis to Qatar using MAP.
Lamb Weston restructures board, adds six new members after Jana pressure.
Lamb Weston is restructuring its board, increasing the number of members to 13, in response to pressure from Jana Partners. Bradley Alford, former Nestlé USA CEO, will become chairman.
Shore Capital Partners closes $450 million fund for food investments.
On July 1, 2025, Shore Capital Partners closed a $450 million fund focused on food and beverage investments. The fund will invest in companies with annual revenue between $5 million and $100 million.
New Mexico offers $3 million in grants for meat processors.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) will offer up to $3 million in grant funding to support meat processors in the state. Applications are being accepted until July 31.
Mr. Avocado launches new ripening center in Shanghai, China.
Mr. Avocado has launched a new ripening center in Shanghai, East China, to improve the ripening efficiency and consistency of avocados. The company aims to address the issue of consumers receiving unripe or overripe fruit.
Achillea reports 25% turnover increase, launches new product line.
Achillea, a fruit juice and spread producer, reported a 25% increase in turnover in 2024, reaching 3.8 million euros. The company is also launching a new product line, FRUTTASì.
International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) to be held in Las Vegas.
The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) will take place from September 13-17, 2025, in Las Vegas. The event aims to help bakers navigate industry changes and will offer over 250 educational sessions.
FreshPlaza features automation in the fresh produce industry.
FreshPlaza published a special feature on automation in the fresh produce industry on July 1, 2025. The publication invites manufacturers of machinery and robotics to share information.
Safety First
Compleat Food Group recalls Wall’s Scotch Eggs over Salmonella risk.
Compleat Food Group recalled Wall’s Classic Scotch Eggs from UK supermarkets on July 2, 2025, due to potential Salmonella contamination. Affected products, sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Iceland, should be returned for a refund.
duBreton urges labeling of gene-edited pork after FDA approval.
Canadian pork producer duBreton is urging US and Canadian agencies to enforce mandatory labeling of gene-edited pork products. This follows the US FDA's approval of PRRS-resistant pigs for commercial distribution in 2026.
USDA to maintain lists of states with meat, poultry inspection programs.
On July 1, 2025, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed it would maintain lists of states with and without meat or poultry inspection programs (MPI) on its website to improve transparency.
Pakistan's mango exports scrutinized for violating phytosanitary protocols.
Pakistan's mango exports are under scrutiny for violating international phytosanitary protocols, affecting trade with Iran, the European Union, and Australia. Complaints allege that Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants are not adhering to standards.