Nestlé has announced a significant investment of €472 million ($507 million) into a new pet food manufacturing facility in Northern Italy, as confirmed by the Italian government. Slated for construction in the Valdaro industrial zone within Mantua, the factory will specialise in the production of wet pet food, stated Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, today (10 April). Spanning approximately 180,000 square metres, the development of the site is expected to generate 300 employment opportunities. According to the Italian ministry, the project is scheduled for completion by 2027. “The great teamwork with the ministry has led…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
The Canadian Space Agency alongside Impact Canada has conferred the C$380,000 Deep Space Food Challenge’s grand accolade to Ecoation and Maia Farms. Their innovative CANGrow food system was distinguished amongst four contenders in the final, third phase of the contest. “What started out as a starry-eyed childhood dream to grow food on the moon has become reality today,” Gavin Schneider, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Maia Farms, shared. “More ambitious human space exploration will require the use of food production systems in space, and this project addresses a key need to fuel our journey beyond our planetary boundary.”…
The esteemed restaurant chain, Sugar Factory American Brasserie, has unveiled its latest establishment at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. The Aoki Group, a family-run entity overseeing more than seven concepts across 12 venues, will manage this new Sugar Factory branch. Positioned on Ho’okipa Terrace Upper Level 4, the new venue presents a diverse menu encompassing brunch, lunch, and dinner options, infused with unique Hawaiian-inspired culinary creations. The brunch offerings include such delights as Reese’s Pieces French Toast and S’mores Nutella Waffle, while the drinks menu features ornately decorated iced coffees crowned with waffles. The expanded starters and…
The renowned fast-food chain Jollibee has unveiled the comeback of its Ube Pie dessert and introduced two novel chicken sandwich variants in the US, available for a limited duration. Jollibee enthusiasts can now savour the Bacon and Cheese Chicken Sandwich and the Aloha Chicken Sandwich at all outlets across the country. The freshly introduced Bacon and Cheese Chicken Sandwich, retailing at $7.99, boasts the chain’s acclaimed hand-breaded chicken breast fillet, complemented by umami mayo and a brioche bun, and crowned with bacon and cheese. The Aloha Chicken Sandwich, similarly priced, is adorned with Aloha dressing, grilled pineapple, bacon, and lettuce,…
Zalmhuys Group, a leading purveyor of fresh and frozen fish in the Netherlands, has taken a minority stake in fellow Dutch seafood supplier Anova Seafood. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Zalmhuys has acquired a minority interest in Anova’s processing and sales division, which is responsible for its range of fresh and chilled seafood products. In a joint statement, the companies announced that this partnership marks “a new phase of collaboration and growth” and represents “a strategic step to consolidate their leadership in the seafood market”. Founded in 1994 by Constant Mulder and Willem Huisman, Anova is…
Conagra Brands, a leading American food producer, has announced plans to close its Birds Eye frozen vegetables factory in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The decision is set to affect the entire workforce of 252 at the facility, as revealed in a WARN notice submitted by the company on Monday (8 April). Conagra stated its intention to halt operations at the site as part of efforts to “improve efficiencies and effectiveness within its supply chain network”. The cessation of production is scheduled for 10 June, with warehouse activities projected to conclude around 3 January 2025. Out of the total number of employees,…
French law enforcement officers conducted searches at two Nestlé water bottling facilities yesterday (9 April), following accusations concerning the illicit disposal of plastic bottle remnants. The operations were carried out at the company’s establishments in Vosges, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Nestlé to Just Drinks. The inquiries pertain to an investigation “opened in the past on the environmental aspects of the former landfills”. “As we have done since the beginning of the investigation, we continue to cooperate fully with the authorities”, the spokesperson relayed. They further disclosed that “Two-thirds of the affected sites have already been cleaned up by…
French dairy giant Lactalis is set to cease operations at its yogurt and desserts manufacturing plant in Australia. The company has announced plans to close its facility in Echuca, located in the state of Victoria, later this year. The closure is expected to affect approximately 74 employees and contractors associated with the plant. Lactalis, the proprietor of the Pauls brand, intends to consolidate its local yogurt and desserts operations around a singular regional hub in Victoria, centred at a location in Bendigo within the same state. The dairy behemoth is earmarking an investment of A$85 million ($56.3 million) over the…
Bite, a leading provider of kiosk technology for the catering sector, has successfully raised $9 million in a Series A funding endeavour. The funding initiative was led by Staley Capital and received backing from Graham Partners, Food-X, One Way Ventures, and Tamarisc Ventures. This financial injection is earmarked for bolstering the company’s expansion and enhancing its digital ordering systems deployed in fast casual dining and quick-service eateries. Bite’s self-service kiosk software, known for its customisability and user-friendliness, ensures smooth integration with current technological setups. The company’s solutions are designed to elevate order precision, enhance service speed, and boost customer satisfaction.…
Thai restaurant Giggling Squid has revealed four all-new seasonal ‘Spring Sips’ cocktails available from April 1 2024, including a new alcohol-free option, set to make taste buds thai-ngle. Drawing inspiration from the delectable flavours of Thai cuisine, Giggling Squid’s mixologists have curated a collection of four distinct cocktails that are just as mouth-watering as the dishes on the menu. From the zesty notes of lemon alongside notes of passionfruit, mango, elderflower and gin in the Thai Breeze (£9.95), to the tantalising Tequila and sweet and sour pink grapefruit in the Paloma (£9.95). As well as the fruitiness of the Flirtini (£9.95) which has notes of raspberries and…