Walmart Opens Beef Processing Facility in Kansas; Campari Group Sells Cinzano Vermouth Business
Key Takeaways
- Walmart opened its first beef processing facility in Kansas, creating 600+ jobs.
- Campari Group sold Cinzano vermouth to Gruppo Caffo 1915 for €100 million.
- Kellanova's shares rose after U.S. regulators approved its $35.9 billion merger with Mars Inc.
- J.M. Smucker will remove artificial colors from products by 2027, school foods by 2026.
- Spanish scientists developed a color-changing food label indicating freshness via bacterial activity.
Top Stories
Walmart opens beef processing facility in Kansas.
Walmart opened its first company-owned beef processing facility in Olathe, Kansas, on June 27, 2025, packaging Angus beef for Midwest stores and creating over 600 jobs. The facility is part of Walmart's investment in an end-to-end beef supply chain, supporting its commitment to U.S.-made products.
Campari Group sells Cinzano vermouth business.
Campari Group announced the sale of its Cinzano vermouth and sparkling wine business to Gruppo Caffo 1915 for 100 million euros on June 26/27, 2025. The deal allows Campari to focus on core brands, while Caffo aims for international expansion, with the transaction expected to finalize by year-end.
Kellanova's shares rise after merger approval.
Kellanova's shares rose after U.S. regulators approved its merger with Mars Inc., with the FTC determining the deal wouldn't threaten competition. The deal, valued at $35.9 billion, is expected to close by year-end, pending European approval.
J.M. Smucker to remove artificial colors.
J.M. Smucker plans to remove artificial colors from its products by 2027 and from school foods by 2026-2027, including products from Hostess, which the company acquired. This move aligns with evolving consumer preferences for cleaner ingredients.
Spanish scientists develop color-changing food label.
Spanish scientists developed a color-changing food label that indicates food freshness based on bacterial activity, using biosensors to detect spoilage. The label, developed in Elche, Alicante, has gained recognition and is undergoing trials in the agri-food sector.
Industry Insights
SMEY launches AI databank for cultivated oils.
SMEY, a French-German biotech company, launched NOY, a digital databank using AI to identify optimal yeast strains for cultivated oils used in food, cosmetics, and industrial applications. This initiative aims to help brands meet ESG compliance and address supply chain issues.
Barilla launches Good Food Makers program.
Barilla launched the Good Food Makers program, an open innovation initiative for startups, focusing on creating solutions for a more sustainable and connected food system. The program targets challenges like AgTech for climate resilience and best-on-shelf solutions.
Gourmey partners with DeepLife for cultivated meat R&D.
Gourmey is partnering with DeepLife to develop digital twins of poultry cells for cultivated meat R&D, announced on June 27, 2025. This technology aims to optimize production processes to improve yield, reduce waste, and lower production costs.
U.S. yogurt market reached $11.8 billion.
The U.S. yogurt market reached $11.8 billion in dollar sales for the 52 weeks ending April 20, representing an 11.6% year-over-year increase, with unit sales gaining 7% year-over-year to 4.38 million. The cultured dairy segment is growing at an 11% annual clip.
Circana's Pacesetters report highlights protein-rich products.
Circana's 2024 Pacesetters report highlights top-performing new food and beverage products, with protein-rich items leading the market. Just Bare lightly breaded chicken from JBS USA topped the list with $368.4 million in sales.
JBS lists on NYSE.
JBS, the world's largest meat producer, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on June 26, 2025, with CFO Guilherme Cavalcanti discussing the benefits, including access to a broader investor base. The company has invested $4.5 billion in growth capital expenditures since 2019.
Europe emerges as a promising market for plant-based meat.
Europe is emerging as a promising market for plant-based meat producers, who are experiencing declining interest in the US, according to a Bloomberg report. The article is part of the Business of Food newsletter, covering the global food industry.
India's rice reserves at highest in two decades.
India's rice reserves are at their highest in two decades, posing storage challenges as another record crop is expected. Forecasts of above-average rains suggest a bumper crop, increasing the risk of grain rotting in storage facilities.
Taiwan's Food Innovation Forum.
Taiwan's Food Innovation Forum, concurrent with Food Taipei Mega Shows, explored precision nutrition solutions to help elderly consumers. The forum featured discussions on AI-driven innovation and the nutritional needs of the elderly.
General Mills invests in North America Retail.
General Mills is making a major investment in its North America Retail (NAR) business for fiscal year 2026, focusing on 'remarkable experiences' to boost brand performance. The company aims to return NAR to volume growth by investing in its brands and launching new products.
Tyson Foods invests in Robards, Ky., facility.
Tyson Foods is investing $23.5 million in the expansion and modernization of its facility in Robards, Ky., as announced on June 27, 2025, due to increased market demand. The project, expected to be completed in spring 2026, will focus on increased capacity and product diversity.
DuPont launches FilmTec Hypershell XP RO-8038 element.
DuPont launched FilmTec Hypershell XP RO-8038 element, a reverse osmosis (RO) solution for the dairy processing industry, on June 26, 2025. The new RO element offers exceptional performance, energy savings, and operational longevity.
Meat processors shift to smart robots and AI.
Meat processors are shifting from electromechanical automation to smart robots and AI to improve meat cutting and deboning, driven by the versatility of robots and the need to address labor shortages. Key technologies include 3D vision/camera systems and AI-driven robotics.
Fruits and vegetables central to sustainable food systems.
Fruits and vegetables are central to sustainable food systems due to their lower environmental impact compared to meat and dairy, with the industry innovating to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable growing practices and global trade.
Wish Farms at Organic Produce Summit.
Wish Farms, a Florida-based organic berry company, is returning to the Organic Produce Summit in July 2025, offering a year-round supply of organic berries and focusing on transparent grower relationships. The company is exploring growth opportunities and sustainable practices.
Bread industry's focus on quality.
The State of the Industry 2025 report highlights the bread industry's focus on quality despite challenges, with consumers prioritizing fresh-baked flavor, innovation, and quality. The report also notes the rise of better-for-you products and the importance of perimeter bakeries.
Tortilla category sales growth.
The tortilla category has seen modest sales growth in U.S. retail outlets, with the Hard/Soft Tortillas/Taco Kits subcategory reaching $4.5 billion and Refrigerated Tortillas totaling $283.2 million for the 52 weeks ending March 23, 2025. The article also discusses market trends, including consumer preferences for healthier options and new flavors.
New on the Menu
Mars and Razer launch Respawn by Razer.
Mars partnered with Razer to launch Respawn by Razer, a line of mints and gums developed with gamer input, targeting Gen Z consumers. The products aim to improve focus and are available through online retailers and convenience stores, capitalizing on the growing gaming industry.
Impossible Foods to launch plant-based burgers in Europe.
Impossible Foods, led by CEO Peter McGuinness, is set to launch its plant-based burgers in Europe, including the UK, after six years of preparation, with regulatory approval pending. McGuinness discussed the European market expansion strategy at the Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit 2025, shifting the marketing focus to taste and nutrition.
Nissin Foods launches Kanzen Meal.
Nissin Foods is launching Kanzen Meal, a line of frozen meals, on June 27, 2025, offering high protein and fiber content with essential vitamins and minerals. The meals will be distributed in the west and southeast, priced between $6.99 and $7.99.
Oolie introduces egg-based yogurts and dips.
Oolie, using upcycled eggs, introduces egg-based yogurts and dips, addressing consumer demand for clean ingredients and sustainable products. The products are currently available at H-E-B stores in Texas and Mexico, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Sammontana launches Barattolino in the U.S.
Sammontana is launching its Barattolino product in the U.S. through 11 Eataly stores, marking its entry into the American market. Eataly is partnered with the ice cream company via Investindustrial.
Joyn Foods enters blended meat category.
Joyn Foods is entering the blended meat category with its 50Cut mushroom mycelium ingredient, aiming to offer a blended meat product. The company, formerly known as Mush Foods, will operate as a retail and DTC-facing brand.
Zucker’s Bagels launches retail product.
Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish launched its first retail product: frozen, par-baked bagels on June 27, 2025, available in plain, sesame, and everything flavors. The bagels ship nationwide and are available on zuckersbagels.com.
Safety First
Singapore to extend Nutri-Grade labelling.
Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) will extend its Nutri-Grade labelling and advertising rules to cover sodium and saturated fat in retail food products by 2027. This regulatory change is significant for firms across the Asia-Pacific region.
Australia's Food Safety Standards rollout.
Australia's states vary in their rollout of new national Food Safety Standards for berries, melons, and leafy vegetables, with different timelines for implementation and enforcement across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia.
Trending Flavors
Summerween gains traction.
Fueled by Gen Z demand, Summerween is gaining traction as a new seasonal sales driver for retailers, with the National Confectioners Association positioning it as a potential 'fifth major candy holiday.' Retailers are hoping the trend will boost sales during the summer season.
'Better-for-you' snacks trend.
The rise of 'better-for-you' snacks is a significant business trend, with the UK's healthy snack market valued at £3 billion and projected to reach $55 billion globally by 2033. The shift is driven by consumer demand for healthier, sustainable options.
Kellanova's survey on road trip snacking.
Kellanova's survey reveals generational differences in road trip snacking preferences, with Gen Z preferring sour and adventurous flavors, while Millennials like tangy and cheesy snacks. The survey also found regional variations in snacking habits.