Packaging

As the Covid-19 pandemic spreads, French spirits producers are converting production to deal with hydroalcoholic gel supply problems.

Vietnam’s largest dairy producer Vinamilk has donated 10 billion VND (around $430,000) to the country’s authorities for the purchase of medical equipment, including the reagents needed for quick coronavirus testing.

According to a study published by market research firm Nielsen, Hungarian consumers made purchases worth a total of HUF 57 billion (about EUR 170 million) from supermarkets, hypermarkets and grocery stores between 9 and 14 March.

Singapore-headquartered Aice Group Holdings has opened its second ice cream production facility in Indonesia, the largest such factory in Southeast Asia according to the company.

Lavazza reported consolidated sales of €2.2 billion in 2019 (+18% compared with the previous year), a result that is largely due to the integration of Lavazza Professional

A large number of technology start-ups around the world have launched healthcare projects to help fight the coronavirus.

To keep the production lines active and functional, from March 27 to the end of 2020, ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation makes the main software services available free of charge to its customers.

ABB, the world’s leading supplier of industrial robots, and Covariant, a Silicon Valley AI startup, have announced a partnership to bring AI-enabled robotics solutions to market, starting with a fully autonomous system for e-commerce distribution centres.

Antares Vision is ready to place its technological expertise at the disposal of the scientific community and institutions during the Covid-19 emergency.

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) plans to use up to 7.3 million litres of alcohol in the stores of their members to produce affordable sanitisers in efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Puerto Rican rum producer Distilleria Serrallés has announced that it has refocused its manufacturing operations to produce ethyl alcohol (70%) for donation to hospitals and the public health sector.

TINE Group, one of Norway's leading dairy producers, has introduced additional shifts to meet peak market demand.

Mondelēz International has announced that it will donate $15 million in financial and in-kind support to community partners advancing critical food stability and emergency relief efforts across the world

The French authorities believe that coordinated measures are needed to support the industry, ensure continuity of supply and prevent already critical issues from becoming even more acute.

South American agriculture ministers have held a virtual meeting to discuss harmonising regulations and facilitating cross-border food supplies during the emergency. 

Thousands of new workers are being hired by major US online retailers as they look to take on new staff to cope with busy workloads.

Swiss food giant Nestlé is working “tirelessly” to ensure that the food supply is maintained in the battle against the coronavirus.

 

On 25 March, the US Senate approved a $2 trillion package for the coronavirus emergency, including $9.5 billion for an agricultural fund.

Microsoft Italia has reaffirmed its commitment to the country and announced a series of measures to help Italy tackle the current health emergency. 

Keen to boost their immune systems with extra vitamins during the coronavirus emergency, Italians are filling their shopping carts with fruit and vegetables.