Dean Foods has announced that its Mayfield Creamery ice cream brand is expanding to new markets in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico.

Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries has voluntarily recalled select ice cream products manufactured at its Sylacauga, AL plant after discovering pieces of chocolate chip cookie dough provided by a third-party supplier could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Tiramisu, Coconut and Milk Fruit Bar, and Pineapple Banana Praline Fosters were named the most innovative ice cream products.

UK’s R&R Ice Cream, owned by funds controlled by PAI Partners, France, and Nestlé S.A., Switzerland, are in advanced discussions to set up a new joint venture covering ice cream based in Europe and Africa. The proposed joint venture will capitalize on the strengths and innovation expertise of the two companies.

Unilever USA, Englewood Cliffs, N.Y., acquired the premium Italian gelato business, GROM. The GROM acquisition will strengthen Unilever’s ice cream portfolio and help to further capitalize on the growth of the premium gelato market.