UNILEVER: said yesterday that it plans to buy Baltimor Holding ZAO’s sauces business, the leading ketchup business in Russia. The deal would further strengthen Unilever’s existing dressings portfolio and competitive position in Russia, one of its priority countries.
THE WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING ASSOCIATION: has named John Moore as WOM Enthusiast. In the role, he will be the organization’s chief evangelist to help generate excitement and acceptance for the practice of word-of mouth marketing and for WOMMA’s educational and advocacy services.
COCA-COLA CO.: has named its new proprietary fountain dispenser, Coca-Cola Freestyle, set to market test this summer. The self-serve dispenser uses proprietary PurePour Technology to make dozens of branded beverages fresh to order, in the same amount of space as the current eight-valve machine. It will be tested in select quick-serve restaurants in Orange County, CA, and Atlanta before a wider introduction planned for early next year.