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Sydney-based investments firm Allegro Funds has acquired privately owned ice cream maker Everest Foods in a transaction believed to be valued at close to $30 million.

Based in Melbourne, Everest Foods manufactures and distributes the premium NorgenVaaz and Gelateria brands, as well as Everest gelato.

Established in 1958, the company has a strong presence in the scoop-and-serve segment.

Strategic advisory business Comet Line Consulting helped the vendor successfully exit Everest Foods. Director David Baveystock said a number of foodservice markets "remain highly fragmented, and are ripe for further consolidation opportunities”.

Allegro Funds also took control of Pizza Hut in Australia earlier this year.

Packaging News

Australia's environment ministers have declared packaging reform urgent and named soft plastics as an initial priority, but offered no firm timetable or regulatory commitments. SPSA has welcomed the soft plastics focus, while Boomerang Alliance and WMRR have raised concerns about the lack of concrete action.

Economic analysis commissioned by SPSA estimates national recycling reforms could deliver up to $278m in net productivity gains and stimulate up to $2.6b in capital investment each year.

A cross-sector open letter is urging national leaders to agree on a pathway for regulated producer responsibility schemes at the September Environment Ministers Meeting.