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🍫 The Hershey Company completes acquisition of LesserEvil Brand Snack Co. 🍿 A strong move from Hershey as it continues building its better-for-you snacking platform! Hershey has finalised its acquisition of LesserEvil, the fast-growing organic snack brand known for bringing bold flavours and clean ingredients to popcorn, puffs and beyond. The deal strengthens Hershey’s position in the better-for-you segment, an area where consumer interest keeps accelerating as shoppers look for snacks that deliver both great taste and simple, recognisable ingredients. LesserEvil’s focus on organic, non-GMO formulations and mindful snacking fits neatly with Hershey’s broader shift beyond traditional confectionery and into modern, health-leaning categories. The company’s salty snack portfolio including SkinnyPop and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels has been outperforming, and this acquisition adds even more momentum to that strategy. Kirk Tanner CEO of The Hershey Company, said: “The addition of LesserEvil expands our portfolio of loved brands to meet growing consumer needs and occasions." With demand rising for snacks that bridge indulgence and wellness, this feels like a well-timed move that expands capability, consumer reach and category relevance for Hershey. #foodandbeveragenews #acquisitions #snacking #betterforyou #qlmsearch

🍹𝗔𝗕 𝗜𝗻𝗕𝗲𝘃 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 $𝟳𝟬𝟬𝗺 𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗕𝗼𝘅 𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀🍹 Rumours are circulating that AB InBev is in advanced talks to acquire BeatBox, with sources suggesting a deal could be close! According to The Wall Street Journal, AB InBev is in advanced discussions to acquire Beatbox Beverages, with a potential valuation of around $700m. A deal could emerge soon, subject to final negotiations. BeatBox has been one of the standout growth stories in the US RTD space building a loyal following through bold flavours, festival-led marketing and a strong connection with younger consumers. For AB InBev, the acquisition would further reinforce its strategy of expanding beyond beer and deepening its presence in high-growth RTD and flavoured alcohol segments. Demand in these categories continues to outpace traditional formats as drinking preferences evolve. If completed, the deal would bring together a global drinks powerhouse with one of the most disruptive brands in the RTD market, a combination that could reshape AB InBev’s competitive position in the US alcohol landscape. Will this reshape the RTD landscape? #foodandbeveragenews #acquisitions #RTD #growth #strategy #qlmsearch

📦 CD&R acquires Sealed Air in major move for the global packaging sector 🤝 A major step in the packaging industry and a strong signal of investor confidence in sustainable, future-facing solutions. CD&R (Clayton, Dubilier & Rice) has agreed to acquire Sealed Air Corporation, a global leader in protective and sustainable packaging solutions! The deal marks one of the most notable moves in the packaging sector this year and positions CD&R to accelerate Sealed Air’s transformation as demand grows for circular materials, automation, and more efficient packaging technologies. For Sealed Air, private ownership brings long-term investment and strategic flexibility supporting its ambition to modernise operations, drive innovation, and advance sustainability across global markets. It’s a strong example of how private equity continues to lean into essential industries with long-term structural tailwinds, particularly those where sustainability and scale intersect. #foodandbeveragenews #acquisitions #privateequity #investment #packaging #qlmsearch

✨𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵✨ 💼 Commercial Excellence Senior Director 📍 Europe Backed by strong investment supporting an accelerated growth & value-creation agenda, this role will define the commercial playbook - driving pricing, margin discipline, value proposition, and enterprise-wide performance. With cross-functional influence and business-wide impact, this is a chance to create a lasting commercial foundation in a European contract manufacturing environment. 👇Interested? Get in Touch with James Powell!

✨𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀✨ JDE Peet's has appointed Stuart Heflin as President - Peet's Coffee. Stuart brings more than two decades of experience shaping and scaling global consumer brands. At The Simply Good Foods Company, he served as SVP & General Manager for Quest Nutrition, where he led the business to strong, sustained growth and successfully broadened the brand’s reach into new categories and channels. He previously held senior leadership roles with Glanbia Performance Nutrition and Procter & Gamble, building a reputation for sharp strategic thinking, brand-led growth, and a leadership style that empowers teams to perform at their best. Heflin will lead Peet’s Coffee’s U.S. and international operations, focusing on accelerating brand growth, deepening consumer connections, and expanding the company’s presence in the rapidly evolving global coffee market. Congratulations Stuart 👏 #foodandbeveragenews #leadership #executiveappointments #qlmsearch

💼𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠&𝗔 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲?🤝 Industrial M&A is stabilising after a disrupted start to the year. As buyers adjust to shifting tariffs and economic signals, confidence is returning. Private equity capital, strategic growth pressures, and the pull of U.S. manufacturing are all creating the conditions for a more active deal environment ahead. As conditions improve, both PE and strategic buyers are stepping up. Expect rising activity and fierce competition for top-tier assets through 2026 and beyond! #foodandbeveragenews #mergers #acquisitions #manufacturing #qlmsearch

✨📦 Shaping the Future of Packaging: Recent Executive Appointments to Know 📦✨ The past few months have brought a wave of leadership changes across the global packaging industry, with Ball Corporation, Amcor, Silgan Holdings Inc., Pretium Packaging, PulPac and Sonoco all announcing key executive appointments. From new CEOs and CFOs to senior strategy roles, these moves signal a sector focused on transformation and future growth. Across the board, operational and portfolio realignment have proven just as important as sustainability and innovation in shaping what comes next. As the packaging landscape continues to evolve, these new leaders will play a key role in helping companies balance innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the years ahead. Congratulations Ron Lewis, Stuart A. Taylor II, Daniel Rabbitt, Steve Scherger, Shawn Fabry, Hutter, Alexander, James Rooney, Seàn Cairns, Ernest D. Haynes, III and Viktor Siewertz #foodandbeveragenews #packaging #newexecutiveappointments #leadership #qlmsearch

✨𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀✨ Tropicana Brands Group has appointed Paul Chibe as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Chibe succeeds Glen Walter, who will remain with the company in an advisory role through the end of the year. Walter played a key role in guiding Tropicana Brands Group through its $3.3 billion spinoff from PepsiCo. The company is majority-owned by PAI Partners, with PepsiCo maintaining a 39% stake. A highly experienced leader in the global consumer goods industry, Chibe most recently served as CEO of Pabst Brewing Company, where he led a period of significant growth and brand revitalisation. His strategic and commercial expertise will be key as Tropicana Brands Group continues to strengthen its portfolio and expand its market presence. Chibe’s appointment reflects Tropicana Brands Group’s ambition to accelerate growth, enhance operational excellence, and drive innovation across its brands, positioning the business for long-term success in the evolving global beverage landscape. Congratulations Paul 👏 #foodandbeveragenews #leadership #executiveappointments #qlmsearch

🥨 Investindustrial bets big on private label with $2.9bn TreeHouse Foods deal 🍪 A strong signal for the private label market and for the growing investor confidence behind it! InvestIndustrial has agreed to acquire TreeHouse Foods in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.9 billion, taking the Illinois-based private-brand snacks and beverages producer private. For InvestIndustrial, the deal strengthens its global food and beverage platform, expanding exposure to North America’s fast-evolving private label sector where demand for affordable, high-quality alternatives continues to rise. TreeHouse Foods, which has been sharpening its focus on snacks and beverages, now enters its next phase of growth with the backing and flexibility of private ownership. The move reflects a wider shift across the industry: investors looking to build scale, agility, and long-term brand partnerships in categories driving steady consumer demand. Commenting on the news, Steve Oakland CEO at TreeHouse said: “I am incredibly grateful to the entire TreeHouse Foods team for helping us reach this milestone, and we look forward to partnering with InvestIndustrial to position TreeHouse Foods for continued success in its next chapter.” A smart play in a market where value, trust, and private brand strength are increasingly shaping the future of food. #foodandbeveragenews #acquisitions #privateequity #snacking #qlmsearch

✨𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀✨ Diageo the global drinks company behind Guinness and Johnnie Walker, has announced the appointment of Sir Dave Lewis as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1. Lewis, the former Tesco CEO, brings extensive leadership experience in global consumer goods, having successfully led Tesco’s turnaround between 2014 and 2020. Prior to that, he spent nearly three decades at Unilever, where he held several senior executive roles across marketing and global operations. Sir John A Manzoni, Chair of Diageo’s Board, commented on the appointment: “The Board unanimously felt that Dave has both the extensive CEO experience, and the proven leadership skills in building and marketing world-leading brands that is right for Diageo at this time.” His appointment comes as Diageo works to rebuild investor confidence and accelerate performance following a challenging period for the business. With a reputation for decisive leadership, strong brand vision, and operational excellence, Lewis is well positioned to guide Diageo into its next chapter, driving sustainable growth, strengthening market leadership, and unlocking long-term value for shareholders and consumers worldwide. Congratulations Dave! 👏 #foodandbeveragenews #leadership #executiveappointments #qlmsearch