Latest news with #Unox
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Antitrust probe of Zwanenberg's acquisition of Unox to continue
Following an initial investigation, the Dutch competition authority has decided to further probe Zwanenberg's proposed takeover of Unox from Unilever. In December 2024, Unilever received a 'binding offer' from the Dutch meat, snacks and soups producer Zwanenberg Food Group to acquire the Unox and Zwan food brands. In a statement, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said that it saw "a risk" that Zwanenberg would "gain too strong a negotiating position towards supermarkets with the acquisition of Unox". It added that this could lead to consumers having to pay higher prices for products like smoked sausages. Unox and Zwanenberg both sell smoked sausages and prepared soups to supermarkets, among other goods. Zwanenberg specialises in private-label manufacturing while Unox produces processed meats and shelf-stable soups under the Unox brand name. A large part of its portfolio is already produced by Zwanenberg. Commenting on its decision, the ACM said 'Unox has an important position' in the processed meat and long-shelf-life soup categories. 'It is important for supermarkets to be able to offer Unox products, because a lot of consumers are brand loyal. If supermarkets don't have these products, they may go to another supermarket. Unox's main competitors are probably supermarkets' own brands, a segment in which Zwanenberg is a major player." The ACM said it would investigate the risk of price increases in a follow-up probe. "If Zwanenberg and Unox want to continue with the acquisition plan, they can submit a permit application to the ACM," it added. Financial terms of Zwanenberg's acquistion of Unox and Zwan were undisclosed when the deal was announced in December. At the time, Zwanenberg said the move was part of its strategy to 'focus' on producing and distributing soups, meat products, plant-based alternatives, sauces, and ready meals. Unox and Zwan have been part of Unilever's line-up for nearly a century. Zwanenberg, which employs 1,800 people, reported sales of €600m ($624.8m) in 2023. The Dutch company exports private-label canned meat goods to more than 100 countries. "Antitrust probe of Zwanenberg's acquisition of Unox to continue" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Paisley student competes in prestigious cooking competition in Venice
James McKay of the West College Scotland Paisley campus travelled to Italy last month to take part in the Unox Cookery Competition. It was ready steady cook for one Paisley student after he made the final of a prestigious competition. James McKay of the West College Scotland Paisley campus travelled to Italy last month to take part in the Unox Cookery Competition at the company's headquarters in Venice. The event saw college students from across the UK compete in an online cookery quiz over several months via the Unox app. The top ten students earned a coveted place in the grand final in Venice, where they faced a three-hour challenge to create a two-course meal using the Unox oven. Each finalist was also tasked with incorporating two mystery ingredients into their meals – lemongrass for the main and cinnamon for the dessert. James, along with Greenock campus student Pawel Martynk, represented West College Scotland (WCS). It was a close and fierce contest but James was pipped by Pawel to the top spot. However, the Paisley student maintained that although he never won, getting to meet people within the industry as well as experiencing the city of Venice was wonderful. He said: 'I really enjoyed going and competing in the Combiguru competition. I managed to meet new people and it helped with my experience in cooking. 'The people that ran the day were so nice and helpful, and I also got a lovely tour around Venice. I would highly recommend anyone to do it.' As the overall winner, Pawel received a professional set of chef's knives, a place on an exclusive bread and pizza-making course, and a state-of-the-art Unox oven for the Greenock campus—prizes totalling nearly £10,000. Chris Watson, curriculum quality leader for hospitality at WCS praised both students. 'I was delighted for both students to be representing the college at an international level,' he said. 'It was a great achievement even just making the finals in Venice. 'The competition was fierce, and it was testament to Pawel that he managed to come out on top. This is an annual event and I hope this result will inspire next year's intake to take part and hopefully succeed once again.' Jim McAllister, head of languages, business and leisure industries at the college, added: 'This is the second year in a row we have won this open competition. 'Another huge effort from the regional hospitality teaching staff, bringing success to WCS in an international arena. Special thanks to Chris for working with and encouraging staff and students to give up their time and energy in these endeavours.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woonsocket School District awarded $25K grant for kitchen upgrades
Apr. 3—WOONSOCKET, S.D. — In school cafeterias, a good meal can be the difference between a sluggish afternoon and a productive day. Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, Woonsocket School District is upgrading its kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment that will improve the quality, nutrition and efficiency of meals served to students. The funding, awarded through the National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance grants, will allow the school to purchase two six-pan Unox combi ovens. These ovens will enhance meal preparation by ensuring food is cooked evenly, improving food safety and allowing for healthier cooking methods, such as steaming fresh vegetables. The National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance grants are designed to provide funds for schools to purchase food service equipment. The equipment they purchase must be used to serve healthier meals, improve food safety and/or help to support the establishment, maintenance or expansion of the School Breakfast Program. "A well-rounded school meal program can be a vital contributor to a school's success," said George Seamon, interim director of the Department of Education's Child and Adult Nutrition Services. "These grants will help the Aberdeen and Woonsocket school districts make kitchen upgrades that ultimately benefit students and staff." The grant is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which allocated $10 million nationwide to support schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Woonsocket is one of two South Dakota districts to receive funding, with Aberdeen School District awarded $8,832.44. Jessica Anderson, Woonsocket's Food Service Director, applied for the grant after seeing an increasing demand in the school's meal program. As student enrollment continues to grow, so has participation in school breakfasts and lunches. "With that increase, the need to prepare larger amounts of food has also grown," Anderson said. "Our current equipment just isn't able to handle that demand efficiently. If we fill our oven completely, the food doesn't cook evenly, which decreases the quality and safety of what we serve." The new combi ovens are designed to provide more precise cooking, ensuring that food is cooked thoroughly and at the right temperature. "A new combi oven will improve the quality of school meals through a more efficient cooking process," Anderson explained. "The sealed chamber, combined with better heat exchangers and airflow, will allow for faster and more even cooking." One of the biggest advantages of the new combi ovens is their ability to steam fresh vegetables while preserving their nutritional value. "This oven will give us the opportunity to prepare fresh vegetables using steam, which will help keep them tasty and appealing," Anderson said. "Children are said to 'eat with their eyes,' so by making vegetables look more attractive, we have the potential to increase participation in our lunch program." In addition to steaming, the combi oven will allow food service staff to poach, roast, bake, blanch, rethermalize and proof dough, greatly expanding menu options. "There are some recipes we'd love to try that require proofing pastry dough, but right now, we just don't have the equipment to do that," Anderson said. "This grant is giving us the tools to expand what we offer to students and provide high-quality meals that meet nutritional guidelines while tasting great." Woonsocket School District also participates in South Dakota's Farm to School program, which connects schools with local farmers and ranchers to provide fresh, locally sourced ingredients for student meals. Since 2023, donated beef has been processed for school lunches, while fresh fruits and vegetables add variety and nutrition. According to Anderson, the program supports local agriculture while ensuring high-quality meals for students. However, with the USDA cutting funding for Farm to School and Beef to School programs, the district's ability to continue next year remains uncertain. The new ovens will be installed in time for the 2025-2026 school year, bringing noticeable changes to the school's meal program. Anderson hopes the students and staff will appreciate the improved meal quality, particularly the fresher, more appealing steamed vegetables. Beyond improving meals, the grant also provides financial relief for the district. "Receiving these grant funds means we don't have to take money from an already tight budget to purchase this equipment," Anderson said. "With food costs continuing to rise, it becomes harder to find available funds for kitchen upgrades. This grant makes a huge difference for our program and, ultimately, for our students." The Woonsocket School District currently serves 275 students in grades PreK-12, and with these kitchen upgrades, the school hopes to continue enhancing the meal program to better serve its growing student population. "My main goal is to always put a high-quality product on the plate — something that meets guidelines, looks good, and tastes great," Anderson said. "I want all of our students to participate in our meal program, enjoy what we serve, and leave the cafeteria feeling full and ready to take on the rest of their day."
