Last week in industry news, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc. (Popeyes) entered a new agreement with TFI TAB Food Investments (TFI) to open more than 1,500 restaurants in China. Lay’s debuted limited edition packaging featuring 31 faces of “Everyday Smilers.” Plant-based protein shake brand OWYN is donating 100 percent of its August revenue from its Meal Replacement Shakes to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation UK. US lunch and deli meat producer Hormel Natural Choice has added two all-natural deli-meat-and-cheese snacks inspired by global flavors to its growing on-the-go snack line. Supermarket Morrisons will be adding to its beef supply chain bull calves from its dairy suppliers participating in the Arla UK 360 programme, which debuted earlier this month.

In brief: Business news
Popeyes has entered a new agreement with TFI to develop and open more than 1,500 restaurants in China over the next 10 years. The US fast-food chain is the last of Restaurant Brands International’s (RBI) three major brands to enter the Chinese market. Burger King has operated there since 2005 and has partnered with TFI since 2012. RBI reports there are now more than 1,000 Burger King restaurants in China. To date, Popeyes operates in over 3,100 locations in more than 25 countries worldwide, with leading markets being the US and Canada. The commencement of Popeyes’ operations in China is subject to a regulatory filing in the country. 

In an “industry first,” UK retailer Morrisons will be adding to its beef supply chain bull calves from its dairy suppliers participating in the Arla UK 360 program – a scheme using innovative 3D imagery systems to identify changes in physical wellbeing, mobility and weight of cows – which debuted earlier this month. Dairy farmers supported by Morrisons participating in Arla UK 360, will also be able to sell bull and beef calves into the calf rearing units of Ireland-based Buitelaar Production – Morrisons’ beef rearing partners. Belgian and British Blue crossed breeds may go on to form part of Morrisons beef supply chain. “With 30 percent of UK beef being imported into the UK, working across the supply chain and across both beef and dairy in this way could prove a big step in making Britain further self-sufficient in beef,” says Adam Buitelaar, Managing Director of Buitelaar Group.

In brief: Launches and releases
US lunch and deli meat producer Hormel Natural Choice has added two all-natural deli-meat-and-cheese snacks inspired by global flavors to its growing on-the-go snack line. The bold varieties – Mediterranean-style chicken paired with bruschetta jack cheese alongside garlic and herb pita chips, and chipotle chicken matched with queso quesadilla cheese and flaxseed corn chips – expand the company’s Natural Choice branded product portfolio. This includes a range of snack items, as well as “100 percent natural, minimally-processed” deli meats and bacon made without artificial preservatives or ingredients. 

Lays is releasing limited-edition packaging, showcasing  31 faces of “Everyday Smilers” who are making an impact in their local communities and beyond. The brand’s “Smiles” campaign drew inspiration from last year’s similar “Smiles” packaging, which retailed in conjunction with a US$1 million commitment to Operation Smile. Last year’s packaging surpassed expectations with customer feedback and social engagement, prompting the campaign’s return in 2019 – this year with the addition of real people on the “selfie-inspiring” bags. “Last year, our fans shared an average of 700 selfies per day with the ‘Smiles’ bags, revealing a tremendous opportunity for our bags to transform into storytellers, inspiring more smiles with the great work of Operation Smile and ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities,” says Sadira Furlow, Vice President of Marketing, Frito-Lay North America. Fans of the Smile campaign can learn more about its 31 Everyday Smilers through a mobile video campaign with NowThis, produced in partnership with Group Nine’s Brandshop and Facebook. Consumers can also learn more about the Everyday Smilers through an augmented reality experience powered by the Facebook Camera and triggered by scanning a unique QR code on the back of each Smiles bag.

In brief: Miscellaneous
Plant-based protein shake brand OWYN has entered a partnership with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, with a commitment to donate 100 percent of sales from its new Meal Replacement Shakes during August. The shakes are marketed as being ideal for individuals suffering from digestive disorders and those looking for a proper meal replacement. OWYNs Meal Replacement Shakes are made without artificial ingredients, harmful chemicals or fillers. The beverage variety is screened for the “Top 8” allergens and is Monash University Low FODMAP Certified.

For the third year in a row, Norwegian consumer goods conglomerate Orkla has been featured in the FTSE4Good Index. Created in 2001 by FTSE Russell, a wholly-owned subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group, the FTSE4Good Index helps promote a greater focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices among businesses and investors. “Being included in FTSE4Good’s highly regarded sustainability index is a major acknowledgment of the job we’re doing,” says Orkla’s Vice President Sustainability, Ellen Behrens. Orkla’s sustainability goals for the period through 2025 entail a gradual transition to renewable energy, increased resource recovery and products that encourage a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Swiss coffee equipment manufacturer Eversys has announced the opening of its newest UK division, Eversys UK Ltd. The deal consolidates the existing partnership between Eversys SA and Evertec Ltd., a UK and Ireland based coffee equipment servicing company. The new operation will be based near Gatwick, London, airport, with offices, workshops and showrooms dedicated to showcasing the complete range of Eversys products. Eversys UK will feature dedicated sales and technical teams. Eversys has stated the move will guarantee uninterrupted support to existing and potential customers in the UK and Ireland – regardless of the outcome of Brexit.