The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

Java Holdings LLC has announced the acquisition of +Peptide, including its brand assets and proprietary high-quality protein supplement formulas.

The partnership marks the first time the two brands have collaborated on this scale, rolling out a space-themed campaign titled "Planet McDonald's."

The acquisition allows CookUnity to pivot from a static menu interface to a dynamic, content-driven marketplace, leveraging the dominance of short-form video in consumer decision-making.

Cash proceeds from the deal are estimated at approximately $65 million, contingent on fiscal year 2025 financial results for the Japanese unit. The transaction is projected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

KFC is positioning itself as the centrepiece of at-home New Year's Eve celebrations for 2026, launching a strategic marketing campaign that pairs its signature fried chicken with luxury staples.

Chef Robotics, a specialist in AI-enabled automation for the food sector, has announced the launch of Chef+, its most advanced meal assembly robot to date.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced the launch of its first-ever dedicated "High Protein Menu," scheduled to roll out across the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, 23 December.

This surge in activity is a critical component of the brand's broader global roadmap, which targets a portfolio of over 1,000 branches within the next five years.