Latest news with #BelGroup
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bel Group to discontinue plant-based cheese brand Nurishh
Bel Group plans to stop selling its plant-based cheese brand Nurishh by the end of the year, citing difficulties in making the dairy alternative profitable. Connected to that decision, the France-based dairy group confirmed it will close its Saint-Nazaire production site, with around 30 employees set to lose their jobs. Bel, the owner of the cheese brands The Laughing Cow and Boursin, acquired the site when it bought a majority stake in Saint-Nazaire-based All In Foods in 2020. The group launched Nurishh a year later as its first brand focused on the plant-based market, offering alternatives such as cheddar and provolone. Nurishh is sold in France, the US, the UK and Belgium. Its range includes grated and sliced cheese alternatives, feta-style cubes and a cheese called Coeur Fleuri. The products are made primarily from coconut or sunflower seed oil, without soy, palm oil or gluten, and use natural flavourings and colourings, according to the group's website. "Despite the commitment and the hard work of all teams over the past five years, and despite the numerous investments made with All in Foods, Nurishh has not succeeded in establishing a profitable and sustainable business," the spokesperson explained. "Today, Nurishh represents 1% of the plant-based market in retail. Our main competitor has captured 22% of it. By arriving second in the market, we have not succeeded in differentiating ourselves enough to secure our clients listing and attract new consumers." The Bel spokesperson confirmed the competitor was Violife, the Greece-based business owned by Netherlands-based Upfield Group since 2019. Despite the decision to discontinue Nurishh, Bel reiterated its commitment to the category, reaffirming that 'plant-based remains a key pillar of our strategy'. The spokesperson said the group will now concentrate 'resources on our core brands, Babybel, The Laughing Cow and Boursin'. Bel's plans also involve the launch of a new plant-based Boursin in France and Europe, the introduction of new "flavours" of Babybel plant-based products, and 'supporting the development' of The Laughing Cow plant-based products in North America, the spokesperson added. Commenting on the fate of the Saint-Nazaire workers, the spokesperson said: 'We commit to implementing all solutions to support the involved people, to offer internal reassignment or support for external options, in line with our group values. "They would be offered a solution for internal reassignment to another site within the group in France and, if necessary, measures aimed at facilitating their external reassignment." In November, the cheese giant announced plans to work with fellow French food group Avril in developing plant-based products that 'match the taste, texture and natural appeal consumers demand'. In October, Britannia Bel Foods, a joint venture between Britannia Industries and Bel Group, opened a cheese factory in the Indian state of Maharashtra to produce The Laughing Cow brand. "Bel Group to discontinue plant-based cheese brand Nurishh" 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. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bel Group and Saudi Food Bank strengthen partnership to support Iftar program during Ramadan
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Bel Group, major player in healthy cheese, fruit, and plant-based snacking, aiming to provide healthier and more responsible food for everyone in its second year of partnership with The Saudi Food Bank (Et'aam), is expanding its Iftar Fast Breaking Program through Kiri®, one of Saudi Arabia's most cherished brands, in the presence of Antoine Fiévet, Chairman of Bel Group, Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group, Garo Matossian, General Manager of Bel Group for the Near Middle East, Rabih Tay Bou Dargham, Area Manager Levant of Bel Group, and Mohammed Jamal Al-Osaimi, Assistant CEO of the Saudi Food Bank. Bel Group and The Saudi Food Bank (Et'aam) will together distribute 20,000 fresh meals across Jeddah, reinforcing their commitment to community support, generosity, and the spirit of Ramadan. This initiative is about coming together and sharing during the holy month. Each meal box is carefully packed daily to ensure freshness and quality, featuring Kiri ® cheese, bread, fresh juice, and fruits—a thoughtful selection that embodies the essence of Ramadan. More than just food, this effort fosters kindness, togetherness, and a sense of community, celebrating the true spirit of giving. Antoine Fievet, Chairman of Bel Group reaffirmed the company's dedication to social responsibility: ' Giving back to the communities where we operate has always been at the heart of Bel Group. This partnership with the Saudi Food Bank reflects our values and allows us to make a meaningful impact on the people of Saudi during Ramadan.' Rabih Tay Bou Dargham, sales director of Bel Group in KSA and Levant, emphasized the importance of this partnership: " At Kiri ®, we believe in the power of kindness. Partnering with the Saudi Food Bank allows us to make a real difference in people's lives, reinforcing our commitment to giving back, especially during Ramadan.' Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative gives access to nutritious food while reflecting Bel Group's mission to provide healthier and more accessible food for all and Kiri ®'s dedication to spreading kindness and social responsibility. Mohammed Jamal Al-Osaimi, Assistant CEO of the Saudi Food Bank, highlighted the impact of the collaboration: " Our partnership with Bel Group goes beyond food distribution—it's a shared mission to strengthen food security and provide meaningful support to families. Together, we are fostering a culture of generosity and ensuring that no one goes without a nourishing meal.' With 70 years of heritage in the Middle East, Kiri ® remains deeply rooted in values of giving and sharing, particularly during Ramadan. About Saudi Food Bank (Et'aam) Et'aam is a pioneer in the Gulf region, rescuing over fifteen million meals from wastage and distributing surplus food to beneficiaries with strict quality standards. The organization also provides employment opportunities for national talents, furthering its mission to alleviate food waste and support communities. About Bel Group The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin®, Nurishh®, Pom'Potes®, and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of € 3,645 million in 2023. Some 10,902 employees in 51 subsidiaries around the world contribute to the deployment of the Group's mission to champion healthier and responsible food for all. Bel products are prepared at 30 production sites and distributed in more than 120 countries. About Kiri Kiri is the leading Bel Group brand in the Middle East and one the best-selling cheese manufacturers regionally and internationally. Inspired by its Kindness philosophy, Kiri has created wonderful moments for family everyday gatherings in the Middle East for almost 50 years. Since 1972, the brand has provided naturally indulgent products and delicious recipes that meet every taste and wellness requirement. Did you know that 1 billion Kiri square portions are consumed every year across the region? If 1 billion Kiri square portions were placed next to each other, they would cover almost 40,000km – the same size as planet Earth's perimeter! With its creaminess, superior taste and unctuous texture, Kiri makes every day even more indulgent. And by delighting the customers and families the brand kindly serves, Kiri continues consolidating its status as a regional love brand and leader in cream cheese.
