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Guild of Fine Food launches new Great Taste
bursary To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food is off ering 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free. Applications must be in by 7 February 2023. Great Taste is recognised as the world’s most trusted food
and drink accreditation scheme. It’s an opportunity for any food and drink producer to have its products assessed by chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers. Currently, the awards scheme is open for entries from members of the Guild of Fine Food, with general entries opening on 23 January 2023. This new bursary is aimed at micro producers who have
never entered Great Taste before or have a new product, which has never been entered before. The bursary panel, consisting of Adrian Boswell, buyer at Selfridges, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, will select the 50 most eligible entries.
Kerry to sell sweet ingredients portfolio to IRCA
Kerry Group plc has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell the trade and assets of its Sweet Ingredients Portfolio to IRCA (“the Potential Sale”), a leader in chocolate, creams, and other high-quality semi-fi nished food ingredients, for a consideration of €500m. The Potential Sale is subject to relevant regulatory approvals and routine closing adjustments. Employee consultation and information processes have commenced in relevant jurisdictions. The combination of IRCA and Kerry’s Sweet Ingredients
Portfolio is expected to create a global leader in semi- fi nished food ingredients with around €1 billion in revenues, a truly international footprint and a signifi cant presence in the US. It would further strengthen IRCA’s leadership positioning and expand its broad assortment of high value-added ingredients.
Mars acquires whole-fruit snacking brand Trü Frü
Mars, Incorporated has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Trü Frü, a high-growth, better-for-you, whole-fruit snacking brand from its founders and management team. Trü Frü’s innovative, high-quality and unique snacks are made from real fruit and immersed in premium chocolate. The snacks are available in both a frozen and shelf-stable format across the U.S. The brand has demonstrated strong consumer appeal, and its total sales have increased by more than fi vefold since 2017. Trü Frü was founded in 2017 by its management team, Chief
Executive Offi cer Brian Neville, President Taz Murray, and Chief Operating Offi cer Brandon O’Brien. Trü Frü is headquartered in West Valley City, UT and has approximately 50 employees. Trü Frü is complementary to Mars’ platform of fast-growing health & wellness brands, which includes KIND, a nut-based snacking leader, and Nature’s Bakery, a baker of fruit-based wholesome snacks. With the addition of Trü Frü, Mars will be able to meet a growing range of dietary and taste preferences.
6 Kennedy’s Confection February 2023
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And, like KIND and Nature’s Bakery, Trü Frü will operate as a separate business within Mars to maintain its entrepreneurial spirit and the authenticity of its brand and culture. To preserve its legacy, the business will be led by current CEO, Brian Neville.
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