The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared the proposed merger between Associated British Foods’ (ABF) bakery business and Hovis across the whole of the UK, following additional analysis conducted as part of its Phase 2 investigation.

IFF has opened a new Vanilla Innovation Center in Madagascar, expanding its research and development capabilities

Warburtons has unveiled a major investment programme exceeding £100 million as it marks its 150th anniversary.

Nexture's Generate programme has opened its 2026 startup call, targeting enzyme innovation, palm alternatives and next-generation gluten technology — with direct implications for industrial bakery formulation roadmaps.

London wholesale bakery Capital Croissant secures £1.525m asset finance with staged drawdown structure to fund European machinery purchases, completing the arrangement in two weeks through Leonard Curtis and Lombard Asset Finance.

ARYZTA has announced a €40m investment in a new bun bakery near Lisbon, scheduled for commissioning in 2028. The state-of-the-art facility will work alongside the company's existing Spanish bakery to optimise supply chains and customer service across the Iberian Peninsula.

Fondo Italiano d'Investimento has taken a majority stake in Alimenta Produzioni, the Riccione-based manufacturer of piadina and pinsa. The €50 million revenue company, which holds a leading position in IGP Romagna piadina, generates over one-third of sales from international markets including the UK, Germany and the United States.

Finsbury Food Group has committed substantial capital to its Kara facility in Whitefield, Manchester, targeting enhanced production capabilities at the foodservice-dedicated bakery. The factory manufactures 1.2 million bread rolls daily, serving national wholesalers and customers across hospitality, healthcare and quick-service sectors.