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Tag: snacking

  • Sustainable Snacking: Aussie Trial Launches KitKat Bars in Recycled Packaging

    Sustainable Snacking: Aussie Trial Launches KitKat Bars in Recycled Packaging

    A unique production run of the popular KitKat 4 Finger chocolate bars is now available in Australia, with the chocolate bars enclosed in wrappers made from locally recycled polypropylene (PP). This initiative is part of an experimental collaboration between Viva Energy and Nestlé, where soft plastic pyrolysis oil is transformed into food-grade recycled polypropylene.

    Recycling Plastic into Edible Packaging

    The experimental journey commenced in Victoria and extended across the entire production chain. Viva Energy processed over 9.5 tonnes of pyrolysis oil from plastics at its Geelong Refinery last year. This led to the creation of approximately 5 tonnes of recycled PP. The recycled PP was then used to fabricate seven million ISCC-certified KitKat wrappers in March, a joint venture involving Taghleef Industries and Amcor. The KitKat 4 Finger bars now on the market are encased in these environmentally friendly wrappers.

    The pyrolysis oil derived from plastic was imported from Alterra in the United States for the trial, as Australia lacked the necessary materials at a commercial scale. To ensure the origin and journey of the recycled material were traceable, ISCC certification was implemented across the production chain.

    The Geelong Refinery and the connected polymers plant, both owned by Viva Energy, are the only facilities in Australia with the capability to convert waste soft plastics into food-grade plastic feedstock chemically.

    Creating a Circular Plastics Economy

    Viva Energy’s executive GM energy and infrastructure, Bill Patterson, emphasized that the trial had proven that soft plastics pyrolysis oil could be used as a feedstock. This demonstrated the potential of adapting existing industrial infrastructure to support a circular plastics economy.

    This trial project stemmed from a partnership formed in 2022 between Viva Energy and Nestlé, when the companies first used recycled soft plastic packaging for KitKat 4 Finger bars. Andrew Lawrey, Nestlé Oceania confectionery GM, expressed that the trial could provide valuable insights into the design of future packaging and commercial-scale recycling processes.

    This ambitious plan’s successful implementation will rely on the domestic supply of feedstock, efficient collection and sorting systems, robust recycling infrastructure, and a comprehensive producer responsibility scheme.

    Viva Energy and Cleanaway are currently conducting a feasibility study on a large-scale plastics recycling project. The Front-End Engineering and Design phase is anticipated to commence after the Australian Government finalizes the details regarding its packaging reforms.

    Questions & Answers

    What material are the new KitKat 4 Finger wrappers made from?
    The wrappers are made from locally recycled polypropylene.

    Why was the pyrolysis oil for the trial imported from the US?
    The necessary materials for producing pyrolysis oil were not available at a commercial scale in Australia.

    What could be the impact of this trial on future packaging design and recycling processes?
    The trial could lead to more sustainable packaging design and improved commercial-scale recycling processes.

  • Mars and Kellanova Unite: $36B Mega Merger to Reshape Global Snacking Industry

    Mars and Kellanova Unite: $36B Mega Merger to Reshape Global Snacking Industry

    Mars, the multinational confectionery manufacturer, has received the final approval needed to complete a $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova. The European Commission’s unconditional approval sets the stage for the finalization of the deal, which is set to close on December 11th, subject to the customary closing conditions.

    Expanding Portfolio

    Upon completion, the acquisition will see Kellanova’s variety of snack products integrated into Mars’ existing offerings. Kellanova’s portfolio, known for popular products such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, RXBar, and a variety of international Kellogg’s cereal brands, will join Mars’ globally recognized brands including Snickers, M&M’S, Twix, Skittles, Extra, and Kind.

    The new, combined Snacking division of Mars is estimated to generate approximately $36 billion in annual revenue. The portfolio will include nine individual billion-dollar brands under this division, which will operate across more than 145 markets worldwide.

    A Welcomed Merger

    Mars is eager to welcome the new addition to their family. “We are looking forward to the Kellanova team joining us at Mars and together establishing a global snacking leader with a wide range of much-loved brands,” commented Andrew Clarke, the global president of Mars Snacking.

    Clarke expressed confidence in the merger, stating that “Mars Snacking and Kellanova will be better together, leveraging the strengths of our respective legacies and capabilities to unlock new opportunities and promote growth.”

    The acquisition agreement, with its immense potential for growth and expansion, was first announced on August 14th of the previous year.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the benefits of Mars acquiring Kellanova?
    By acquiring Kellanova, Mars will be able to expand their product portfolio to include popular snack brands, giving them a wider range of products and potentially increasing their market share.

    How much is this acquisition expected to increase Mars’ annual revenue?
    The acquisition is set to increase Mars’ annual revenue to approximately $36 billion.

    When was the definitive agreement for this acquisition announced?
    The definitive agreement for the acquisition of Kellanova by Mars was announced on August 14th of the previous year.

  • Black Swan Rides Ranch Trend With New Dip Launch In Australian Market

    Black Swan Rides Ranch Trend With New Dip Launch In Australian Market

    Black Swan, an Australian brand, has recently launched two new ranch-style dips. This move is in response to the increasing popularity of ranch flavours in both domestic and international markets.

    New Range of Dips

    The latest additions to Black Swan’s product lineup are a Creamy Ranch Dip and a Buffalo Ranch Dip. The Creamy Ranch Dip is a delightful blend of yoghurt, garlic, and various herbs. The Buffalo Ranch Dip, on the other hand, is a hot and spicy concoction, which combines hot sauce with a traditional ranch base. This product is a result of a collaboration with Frank’s RedHot.

    Australian Made and Widely Available

    The entire range of Black Swan’s products, including these new dips, are proudly Australian made. They can be purchased across the country at Coles supermarkets and select independent retailers. The dips are priced reasonably at $4.50, making them an accessible option for consumers nationwide.

    Riding the Ranch Wave

    The decision to launch these new products aligns with the increasing consumer interest in ranch-style condiments. This growing trend is driven in large part by social media. The hashtag #ranch, for instance, has been used over 590,000 times on the popular platform, TikTok, indicating the flavour’s surging popularity among younger demographics.

    These dips are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They serve as excellent accompaniments for sandwiches, wings, fries, and wraps, providing a burst of flavour to these popular dishes.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the new products introduced by Black Swan?
    Black Swan has introduced two new ranch-style dips: a Creamy Ranch Dip and a Buffalo Ranch Dip.

    Where can these new dips be purchased?
    These new dips are available nationwide at Coles supermarkets and selected independent retailers.

    Why have these new ranch-style dips been launched?
    The launch is in response to the increasing consumer interest in ranch-style condiments, a trend largely driven by social media.

  • Heytea opens store in Hong Kong

    Heytea opens store in Hong Kong

    On December, 24 Sha Tin New Town Plaza, in Hong Kong, welcomed Heytea. A huge crowd queuing up for more than 3 hours just to get a cup of Cheese Tea from the Chinese tea-drink brand Heytea was the protagonit that day. Due to the buy-one-get-one free promotion during the Christmas holidays, people started lining up as early as 6:00 am.

    Heytea officially announced that it had opened its first Hong Kong store only on january, 3. They chose to expand into Hong Kong’s market due to the city’s international status as well as its vibrant food and beverage scene. It helps to promote Heytea as a popular and innovative tea-drink brand among global consumers, especially younger generations.

    The store not only offers its signature cheese tea, but also a great variety of fruit tea and ice cream. The tea is imported from all over the world which aims to renew the traditional tea culture.

    Also, it introduces an exclusive product combined with Hong Kong local food culture, namely, the Eggette Roll Sundae, adding new vitality into the brand, according to its founder Nie Yunchen.

    He said “geographically, Hong Kong is adjacent to Guangdong Province and Shenzhen. Hong Kong people already know our brand and often buy our tea when they visit Shenzhen or other cities in Guangdong. In order to thank our supporters and cope with an increasing demand of our tea, we think it is the right time to extend our reach to the city.”

    Zhenglei, Development Director of Heytea, confirmed that Heytea opened its second Hong Kong store in Causeway Bay on 12 January 2019. “We are quite confident that our tea products will be very welcomed by our customers in Hong Kong.”

    In order to avoid a huge crowd like the last opening, Heytea planned to replace the traditional order and payment method by ordering through their mobile app.

    The second shop of Heytea located in Causeway is named as “Heyteago”, their customer can order online in anytime, anywhere for a cup of tea-to-go. Therefore, cheese-tea lovers can save their time and no need to queue up for 3 hours outside Heytea again.

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