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ECRM launches European business unit
Seeking to expand its capabilities to European retailers and distributors in discovering new and emerging global brands in food, HBC and general merchandise, ECRM has launched a business unit that consists of a team of multilingual sales and account management staff.
Dairy company Lactalis announces acquisition of siggi’s
It has been announced that Lactalis, a dairy company whose brand of products includes Galbani, Parmalat and Stonyfield Farm among others has acquired Siggi’s for an undisclosed amount.

Icelandic style skyr yogurts company, siggi’s will continue to operate out of its New York City office and remain as a standalone company under its current leadership team, which includes its founder and CEO Siggi Hilmarsson and Bart Adlam as president.

Doritos packs on the heat with latest offering

PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division has introduced a new product to its Doritos snack line. The latest launch, Doritos Blaze is both hot and spicy, with a complex flavor and heat that builds with every bite, the company said.

The company is looking to join the rising trend of spicy foods, which is projected to be one of the most popular food trends in the years to come, as 1 out of 4 consumers are eating spicy foods more often than they have in the past, according to research from Mintel.
Pet owners show preference in purchasing from brick-and-mortar stores

Although there has been an uptick in e-commerce when it comes to pet owners, many prefer to purchase products such as food for their four-legged family members from brick-and-mortar locations like PetSmart and Petco.
Essence Ventures acquires Essence Communications from Time

Independent African-American owned Essence Ventures has announced the acquisition of the multi-platform media company Essence Communications from Time.

The New York City-based company’s current president, Michelle Ebanks will continue at the helm of the company and join its board of directors. In addition, the all Black female executive team of Essence including Ebanks will have an equity stake in the business.
NYX Professional Makeup, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream partner on palettes

NYX Professional Makeup has announced the launch of a new collection that emerged from a collaboration with My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream. The Love You So Mochi line is to feature a line of eyeshadow and highlighter palettes inspired by the Japanese snack of mochi.

"The Love You So Mochi collection is a fun treat for the senses and unlike anything we have ever released, featuring soft, pillow-like textures," Joyce Kim, VP of product development at NYX Professional Makeup, said.
Analyst: Retail focus key to keeping Walgreens competitive

Walgreens kicks off its new fiscal with a mixed set of results. Overall sales are strong, aided by the integration of 375 Rite Aid stores and a robust performance from the U.S. retail pharmacy division. This growth was sufficient to make up for the slightly disappointing numbers from the international group, where same-store sales fell by 0.7%. Meanwhile, impairments in investments and an equity loss from earnings in AmerisourceBergen helped pushed down net income by 23%.
Shoppers Drug Mart enters supplier agreements for medical cannabis

Shoppers Drug Mart is aiming towards securing its place as a dispensary for medical marijuana with news circulating that the retail pharmacy chain has now entered a supplier agreement with two companies — Aphira and MedReleaf.

Leamington, Ontario-based Aphira — a company that produces, supplies and sells medical cannabis — announced entering an agreement with the retail chain pharmacy to supply medical marijuana in early December.
Cargill announces acquisition of Pro-Pet

Cargill, a national supplier of animal feed in the agricultural retail space has announced an agreement to acquire pet food company, Pro-Pet.

Saint Mary’s, Ohio-based Pro-Pet is a private label and co-manufactured pet food brand whose portfolio of products includes the Black Gold label of dog food. This latest acquisition will make Minneapolis-based Cargill the only national supplier of animal feed and pet food offerings, the company said.
Amazon claims large portion of U.S. e-commerce sales in 2017

The online giant claimed an estimated 44% of all U.S. e-commerce sales in 2017, according to a study from One Click Retail. Amazon also accounted for 4% of the country’s total retail sales for the year — approximately $200 billion, revealed the study, “Amazon Year in Review: The 5 Biggest Trends of 2017.