Quorn announces the launch of its new high-protein, low-saturated-fat vegetarian snack bites designed to capture the growing on-the-go consumer market. Meat alternative manufacturer Quorn has expanded its presence in the chilled convenience sector with the introduction of a new line of on-the-go Protein Bites. The launch targets the growing consumer demand for accessible, health-conscious snacking options in the retail space. Expanding the Chilled Convenience Portfolio The new product line features three distinct variations designed to appeal to different flavor preferences. The range includes two new vegetarian chicken style options: Roasted and Sweet Chilli , alongside a repackaged version of the brand's established Cocktail Sausage Bites . All three products are packaged in grab-and-go formats, positioning them directly for the impulse-buy and convenience markets. The items are rolling out to supermarket chilled aisles, aiming to capture foot traffic from shoppers seeking immediate consumption or lunchbox additions. Meeting Nutritional Consumer Demands The formulation of the new Protein Bites aligns with broader FMCG trends emphasizing functional health benefits in the snack category. Quorn has developed the range to be high in protein while maintaining a low saturated fat content. This nutritional profile addresses a significant gap in the market for consumers who want to fuel busy schedules between meals without compromising on dietary goals. By offering portion-controlled packs, the brand is providing a tangible solution for on-the-go nutrition. Retail Strategy and Market Impact By situating these new snack packs in the chilled aisles, Quorn is strategically positioning its products alongside traditional ready-to-eat meats and dairy snacks. This merchandising strategy encourages direct category competition and normalizes meat-free alternatives as standard convenience food. The launch provides retailers with an opportunity to diversify their chilled snack offerings and meet the increasing consumer expectation for plant-based and vegetarian variety in everyday formats. The Newsroom New Products Quorn Expands Chilled Snacking Range with High-Protein Bites News March 9, 2026 New Products General Mills Targets Experiential Dining with Old El Paso 'Mexican Pizza Kit' Energy Drinks C4 Energy Enters Shot Category with 'Performance Energy' Range in Iconic Flavours Legal Greencore-Bakkavor £1.2 Billion Merger Faces UK Antitrust Scrutiny Over Market Concentration Concerns New Products Branston Beans has introduced its new 200g three-pack to its iconic baked beans range Plant-based New Products Retail Food Related news

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has introduced a Spiced variant to its BACARDÍ and Coca-Cola RTD range to capitalize on the rapidly growing rum-based alcohol market. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has expanded its alcohol ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio with the launch of a new Spiced variant to the BACARDÍ and Coca-Cola range. The new 250ml slim can, available at a recommended retail price of £2.30, combines BACARDÍ Spiced rum with Coca-Cola to capture growing consumer demand for flavor-led innovation and premium convenient formats within the beverage sector. Market Growth in the Alcohol RTD Category The alcohol RTD category is currently outperforming the wider alcohol market. The segment is now valued at over £735 million in Great Britain, with value sales forecast to grow by an average of 4 percent annually between 2026 and 2028. Rum-based RTDs represent a specific area of expansion. Across Europe, the sub-category has grown by 10 percent since 2024. Consumers are increasingly seeking premium serves and convenient formats that replicate the on-trade experience in off-trade environments. This new launch builds upon the performance of the original BACARDÍ and Coca-Cola can, which debuted last year and has already generated £1.65 million in value sales. Strategic Expansion of the CCEP Portfolio CCEP’s approach to the alcohol RTD category focuses on strong brand partnerships, recognizable names, and premiumization. The portfolio currently includes several high-profile collaborations Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola (including Zero Sugar and Cherry variants) Absolut Vodka and SPRITE (including a Watermelon variant) BACARDÍ and Coca-Cola (including the new Spiced variant) Schweppes canned cocktails (including Gin Twist and Paloma Bliss) Retail Strategy and Consumer Promotion To support the launch and drive trial ahead of the summer trading period, CCEP is initiating a Bring the Party Home on-pack promotion. Running for 12 weeks starting Tuesday, April 7th, the promotion utilizes a QR code on the packaging that allows shoppers to win weekly audio prizes and a monthly branded DIY House Party Kit. Elaine Maher, Associate Director of Alcohol Ready-to-Drink at CCEP GB, noted that rum-based RTDs represent a significant growth opportunity within the alcohol sector. Maher highlighted that flavor remains the primary factor influencing shopper choices in this category. According to Maher, experience-led promotions provide consumers with an incentive to add rum-based RTDs to their purchases, helping drive value and margin for retailers. CCEP advises retailers to position the new variant in high-footfall areas and alongside complementary alcohol categories to encourage impulse purchases and drive incremental sales during the summer season. The Newsroom New Products Coca Cola Expands Alcohol RTD Portfolio With Bacardi Spiced Variant News March 9, 2026 Beverage Holla Spirits Refreshes RTD Cocktail Portfolio with New Packaging and Flavours New Products Surfside Launches Blueberry Lemonade and Half & Half Variety Pack to Expand Top-Selling RTD Portfolio Coffee & Tea happy® Coffee Secures Major Convenience Listing with Expansion into 800+ Sheetz Locations Coffee & Tea Royal Cup Expands RTD Cold Brew Portfolio with Four New Flavours New Products Beverage Alcohol Related news

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners introduces reduced price-marked packs for large bottles to help independent convenience retailers drive sales and offer clear consumer value. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has implemented a temporary price reduction across its large PET price-mark-pack (PMP) range within independent convenience outlets. The strategic rollback is designed to assist retailers in delivering clear value to shoppers and driving the overall rate of sale across core beverage lines. Investment in Convenience Retail Growth The initiative introduces reduced price-marked packs for a limited time across selected 1.75L and 2L bottles from the Coca-Cola portfolio. This move is directly supported by financial investment from CCEP into the shelf price, reducing the cost burden on independent operators. Large format PMPs are a significant revenue driver within the independent convenience sector. Current market data indicates that 86% of 1.75L and 2L cola sales in this channel are generated through price-marked packs. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of all soft drinks sold in independent convenience stores are PMPs. This data highlights the necessity of clear on-pack pricing to communicate value to consumers and maintain competitive footfall. Adjusted Pricing and Product Lines The updated PMP bottles are currently available across core consumer favorites, including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. The rollout also features Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float, a recent addition to the portfolio supported by a concurrent marketing campaign targeting consumer demand for flavored cola. Available stock keeping units (SKUs) and their adjusted price points include the following items. Coca-Cola Original Taste 1.75L PMP at £2.49 (previously £2.79) Coca-Cola Original Taste Cherry 1.75L PMP at £2.49 (previously £2.79) Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 2L PMP at £1.99 (previously £2.29) Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry 2L PMP at £1.99 (previously £2.29) Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float 2L PMP at £1.99 Diet Coke 2L PMP at £1.99 (previously £2.29) Store Visibility and Strategic Market Support To ensure the products stand out in physical stores, the adjusted bottles feature prominent yellow front-of-pack price roundels. CCEP is also providing convenience retailers with access to point-of-sale materials and digital assets via the MyCCEP platform to enhance visibility across social media, delivery applications, and physical store aisles. This PMP launch aligns with CCEP’s broader commercial strategy to equip independent and symbol convenience retailers with optimized pack sizes and value-driven communication. The approach mirrors previous successful trade initiatives, such as the recent 6+2 Extra Cans Free multipack promotion, which generated a 23.3% rate of sale uplift and drove additional revenue for participating retailers. Ruth Fawcett, Wholesale Associate Director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in GB, noted that PMPs remain a proven sales driver in the independent convenience channel. She emphasized that launching these adjusted price points ahead of peak sharing occasions, such as upcoming holidays and major sporting events, will equip independent retailers with the tools necessary to maximize transaction volume and meet shifting consumer demand. The Newsroom Beverage CCEP Lowers Coca-Cola PMP Prices for Independent Retailers News March 9, 2026 Flavours & Colours Target to Purge Synthetic Colours from Cereal Aisle, Forcing CPG Reformulations Retail Uber Eats Partners with T&T Supermarket to Scale Speciality Grocery Delivery Across Canada Retail Kroger Integrates Pharmacy and Grocery to Capture the GLP-1 Consumer Base Plant-based UK Plant-Based Market Returns to Growth as Shoppers Pivot to 'Whole Food' Proteins Business & Finance Retail Beverage Packaging Related news

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Eddie Sanders CEO - FNBX Daily users 300+ Your F&B Tools & Insights — All in One Place FNBX is a 360 platform designed to bring the entire food and beverage industry together — from startups and suppliers to established brands, investors, innovators, and operators. Every part of the platform is built around one goal: helping the industry move forward, together. Explore the full list of tools here >> The Newsroom News A customisable, focused news feed that gives every user a tailored view of the developments that matter most to them. Perfect for busy professionals who need to keep up with fast-paced trends, The Newsroom is your trusted source for all things food and beverage. Read more The Agenda Networking Stay ahead of industry trends by attending the key events that matter most to your business. Whether you're looking to network, learn about new technologies, or find opportunities for growth, The Agenda helps you plan your next move with ease. 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Launching 2026 Latest from The Newsroom The Newsroom Foodservice PepsiCo Enters Foodservice with Lays Restaurant Concept PepsiCo accelerates its away-from-home growth strategy with the launch of Pilla Tortilla, a new Madrid-based restaurant concept featuring Lay's potato chips. Confectionery The Hershey Company Launches Limited Edition Twizzlers Straws The Hershey Company introduces a limited-edition Twizzlers Straw flavour inspired by the dirty soda trend. Read about this latest functional snacking innovation. New Products Gatorade Launches Clean Label Lower Sugar Sports Drink Nationwide Gatorade has launched Gatorade Lower Sugar, a new sports drink featuring 75 percent less sugar and no artificial additives, designed to meet growing consumer demand for clean-label hydration. Hello! 👋 Your F&B tools and insights — all in one place. 👉 Continue setting up profile & customise your experience ✨ Customise Your Experience Select the topics you would like to customise your feed with. 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FNBX is an all-in-one platform for the food and beverage industry — connecting professionals, insights, news, launches, and events in one dynamic ecosystem. Exclusive Insight Back is The Future: Why Espresso is Losing to Electric Blue Energy The traditional "coffee break" was fueled by dark, roasted, and increasingly milk-heavy beverages designed to drive linear productivity. However, the global food and beverage sector is currently experiencing a massive paradigm shift. Gen Z and younger Millennials are defecting from traditional "adult" coffee formats, trading the muted beige palettes of standard lattes for the neon pinks, electric blues, and vibrant greens of highly customised, functional energy drinks. Read more Coffee shop sales in the 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM window have surged by a massive 31%. Latest from The Newsroom The Newsroom New Products Quorn Expands Chilled Snacking Range with High-Protein Bites Quorn announces the launch of its new high-protein, low-saturated-fat vegetarian snack bites designed to capture the growing on-the-go consumer market. Foodservice PepsiCo Enters Foodservice with Lays Restaurant Concept PepsiCo accelerates its away-from-home growth strategy with the launch of Pilla Tortilla, a new Madrid-based restaurant concept featuring Lay's potato chips. New Products Nestle Introduces Limited Edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo Nestlé Confectionery announces the limited-edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo, leveraging salty-sweet flavour trends and sustainable supply chain sourcing. Confectionery The Hershey Company Launches Limited Edition Twizzlers Straws The Hershey Company introduces a limited-edition Twizzlers Straw flavour inspired by the dirty soda trend. Read about this latest functional snacking innovation. Business & Finance Morinaga Acquires My/Mochi to Expand US Frozen Snack Portfolio Morinaga & Co., Ltd. announces the strategic acquisition of My/Mochi Ice Cream, significantly expanding its footprint in the $8.6 billion U.S. novelty ice cream market. New Products General Mills Partners with Nintendo For Super Mario Galaxy Movie Product Launch General Mills expands its licensed portfolio through a multi-category partnership with Nintendo and Illumination to capitalise on the global release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Exclusive Interview The Shelf Presence Problem Facing a "recessive" shelf presence amid national expansion, Pete Marino, President of Lofted Spirits, uncovers the reasoning behind a disruptive new packaging system designed to balance modern innovation with authentic whiskey cues. Pete Marino President of Lofted Spirits What sparked the decision to redesign the packaging right now? As Bardstown Bourbon has continued to expand across the U.S., we recognised we had a chance to build upon our visual identity and develop a packaging system that is iconic, disruptive, and modern. Our current packaging came with a number of challenges as we’ve grown. It was recessive on the shelf; it was difficult at any distance to separate the core, everyday expressions from the limited releases. We wanted our new packaging to mirror our ambitions to push the bourbon category forward. What was the main brief you gave the design team? What was the #1 goal? The new system was built to ‘work harder’ on shelf: bold typography and secondary labels improve visibility, clearer bar calls simplify navigation, and an updated color system strengthens SKU separation. Consumers will see clearer labels and bolder design that make it easier to choose the right bottle for your taste or to spot your favorite on the shelf or behind the bar. How do you expect this new look to help you against competitors on the shelf? Everything we do at Bardstown Bourbon Company is about pushing the boundaries of bourbon. The new packaging reflects that. It’s more than just bold fonts and colours. It is inherently different on the shelf from what anyone else in the category is doing. And like all we do at Bardstown Bourbon Co., it was done with intention. Every thoughtful detail—from the modern colour palette and type face, premium materials to the debossed topographical map of Bardstown—bridges innovation with authenticity. Premium materials bring an elevated visual and tactile experience aligned with the whiskey’s award-winning quality that bourbon enthusiasts have embraced. What future plans do you have for the product range? We’re continuing to expand what it means to be a modern American Whiskey. We’re aligning our visual identity to be more reflective of who we are: innovative, premium, and built for what’s next. Later this year, we will roll out a new package for our annual limited releases – Discovery and Collaborative series. And our liquid innovations will continue to prove again and again that there’s Nowhere We Won’t Go. Trending Insights The Insight Lab Back is The Future: Why Espresso is Losing to Electric Blue Energy For over a century, the traditional "coffee break" was fueled by dark, roasted, and increasingly milk-heavy beverages designed to drive linear productivity. However, the global food and beverage sector is currently experiencing a massive paradigm shift. Generation Z and younger Millennials are systematically defecting from traditional "adult" coffee formats, trading the muted beige palettes of standard lattes for the neon pinks, electric blues, and vibrant greens of highly customised, functional energy drinks. Beverage Analysis March 4, 2026 World's Top 15 Snack Brands 2026 Analysing the top 15 heavyweights dominating the snack aisle. Exploring sales volume, market share dominance, recent innovations, and the projected landscape for 2026. As of 2025, the global snacking market size reached a valuation of USD 1.2 trillion, with definitive projections forecasting an expansion to USD 1.3 trillion by 2026. Snacking Analysis March 3, 2026 What is 'Zebra Striping'? The New Drinking Trend Shaking Up the Beverage Industry The era of all-or-nothing drinking is fading. As the "sober curious" movement matures into a permanent lifestyle shift, led largely by Gen Z and Millennials, a new, highly pragmatic drinking strategy has emerged. It’s called "zebra striping," and it is rapidly reshaping not just how consumers socialise, but how the global beverage industry builds its menus, markets its products, and measures its bottom line. Beverage Trend March 2, 2026 Keurig Dr Pepper Unveils 35 New Product Varieties: Including Nostalgic Favourites & Zero Sugar Options February 18, 2026 Dutch Bros Targets Nostalgia Trend with New Beverage Trio February 27, 2026 Pizza Hut Leverages Nostalgia Marketing with Backstreet Boys Partnership for Valentine's Day LTO February 10, 2026 Pillsbury Taps into Nostalgia Baking Trend with New Pistachio Cake Mix and Frosting Duo January 7, 2026 Chick-fil-A Kicks Off 2026 with 'Newstalgia' Campaign: Permanent Menu Additions and Sweepstakes January 5, 2026 TREND WATCH: SPRING 2026 Reinventing the past: Newstalgia This month's data shows a trend blending nostalgic, childhood comfort food and drink flavours with modern, elevated twists. In 2026, the food and beverage industry isn't just looking forward; it's looking back with a modern lens. Sensory Tech Integration Stripping Away The Guilt Premiumization of the "Basic" February 2026 Issue FNBX INSIDER: Beverage Market Deep Dive Driven by the rise of the 'Ozempic economy,' protein is migrating from the gym bag to the grocery aisle, forcing brands to engineer hyperdense 'companion foods' for a new era of metabolic health. The New Buzz: THC Valentine's Day Coffee Functional Beverages Access Digital Edition

Dr Pepper introduces Cream Swirl, a new limited-edition and HFSS-compliant flavor designed to help retailers capitalise on the demand for bold soft drinks. Dr Pepper has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Dr Pepper Cream Swirl, a new limited-edition variant. The release is strategically designed to help retailers capture shifting consumer preferences and tap into the growing market demand for bold, limited-edition beverage flavours. Building on Flavoured Carbonate Growth The introduction of Cream Swirl follows the strong market performance of Dr Pepper Cherry Crush Zero Sugar. Market data indicates the previous limited-edition release achieved sales of 11.8 million litres, generating £21.3 million in value and accounting for 38% of total brand growth across grocery and impulse channels. Currently, Dr Pepper is the fastest-growing brand within the flavoured carbonates category, consistently outpacing broader category growth in both value and volume metrics. Product Specifications and Availability Dr Pepper Cream Swirl combines the brand's traditional 23-flavour profile with a smooth cream element. The product is dairy-free and fully HFSS-compliant, positioning it to appeal to a broad demographic of consumers seeking robust flavours without high sugar content. The limited-edition variant began rolling out to stores nationwide on February 23 and will remain available until February 2027. To accommodate various retail formats, the product is available in 330ml cans (both single and multipack formats), 500ml bottles, and 2L bottles. To maximise shelf visibility, the packaging utilises a distinct cream and brown-burgundy swirl design. Marketing Investment and Retail Activation To support the launch and drive footfall, the brand is rolling out its Dare to Cream marketing campaign. This multi-channel initiative includes an on-pack promotion utilising a scannable QR code that offers shoppers the opportunity to win digital prizes. The campaign will also leverage social media platforms with engagement challenges across TikTok and Snapchat, alongside physical sampling events. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is providing comprehensive support for convenience retailers. Point-of-sale materials and digital assets are currently available for download via the MyCCEP platform to assist operators with in-store and online activation. Industry Perspective Rob Yeomans, Vice-President of Commercial Development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, highlighted the brand's loyal consumer base and its ongoing momentum within the flavoured carbonates sector. He noted that limited-edition releases serve as an effective mechanism to generate excitement, stimulate consumer conversation, and attract new shoppers to the brand, ultimately helping retail partners increase soft drink sales volume. Rob Yeomans, Vice-President, Commercial Development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said: “Dr Pepper has a loyal fanbase thanks to its unique flavour and brand personality and continues to deliver growth ahead of the wider flavoured carbonates category" Featured in this news Beverage Keurig Dr Pepper The Newsroom New Products Dr Pepper Launches Cream Swirl Limited Edition to Boost Retail Sales News March 5, 2026 Confectionery The Hershey Company Launches Limited Edition Twizzlers Straws New Products Swig Partners With Sour Patch Kids for Limited Edition Beverage Line New Products Suntory Expands Ribena Portfolio with 'Summer Fruits' Launch Across Squash and RTD Formats Soft drinks PepsiCo Brings US Functional Soda 'Poppi' to the UK Market Flavours & Colours New Products Beverage Soft drinks Related news

In the ever-evolving food and beverage sector, staying updated is crucial. The Newsroom delivers fast-moving industry developments and breaking news directly to your fingertips. From regulatory changes to product innovations and market shifts, our real-time updates ensure you're always in the know. Perfect for busy professionals who need to keep up with fast-paced trends, The Newsroom is your trusted source for all things food and beverage. PepsiCo Enters Foodservice with Lays Restaurant Concept PepsiCo accelerates its away-from-home growth strategy with the launch of Pilla Tortilla, a new Madrid-based restaurant concept featuring Lay's potato chips. Foodservice Quorn Expands Chilled Snacking Range with High-Protein Bites Quorn announces the launch of its new high-protein, low-saturated-fat vegetarian snack bites designed to capture the growing on-the-go consumer market. New Products New Products Nestle Introduces Limited Edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo Nestlé Confectionery announces the limited-edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo, leveraging salty-sweet flavour trends and sustainable supply chain sourcing. Read more > People General Mills Appoints Jonathan Ness as Chief Supply Chain Officer General Mills has officially named Jonathan Ness as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer to lead global operations, drive operational excellence, and enhance supply network resilience. The Hershey Company Launches Limited Edition Twizzlers Straws The Hershey Company introduces a limited-edition Twizzlers Straw flavour inspired by the dirty soda trend. Read about this latest functional snacking innovation. Confectionery Customise Feed Categories Agriculture Alcohol Bakery Beverage Business & Finance Coffee & Tea Confectionery Cultivated Dairy Energy Drinks Facilities Flavours & Colours Food Foodservice Fresh Produce Health & Nutrition Ingredients Legal Logistics & Supply Chain Manufacturing Marketing Meat & Seafood New Products New Solutions Packaging People Plant-based Retail Safety & Quality Sauces Snacking Soft drinks Sustainability Technology Water Menu Close Customise Your Experience Select the topics you would like to customise your feed with. This can be resubmitted later if you would like to update your topics. Agriculture Alcohol Bakery Beverage Business & Finance Coffee & Tea Confectionery Cultivated Dairy Energy Drinks Facilities Flavours & Colours Food Foodservice Fresh Produce Health & Nutrition Ingredients Legal Logistics & Supply Chain Manufacturing Marketing Meat & Seafood New Products New Solutions Packaging People Plant-based Retail Safety & Quality Sauces Snacking Soft drinks Sustainability Technology Water There seems to be an issue, please try again or contact our team. Successfully submitted, reloading FNBX, if this doesn't automatically refresh then please refresh your page. Submit Close Close Latest news Business & Finance March 9, 2026 Morinaga Acquires My/Mochi to Expand US Frozen Snack Portfolio Morinaga & Co., Ltd. announces the strategic acquisition of My/Mochi Ice Cream, significantly expanding its footprint in the $8.6 billion U.S. novelty ice cream market. New Products March 9, 2026 General Mills Partners with Nintendo For Super Mario Galaxy Movie Product Launch General Mills expands its licensed portfolio through a multi-category partnership with Nintendo and Illumination to capitalise on the global release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. New Products March 9, 2026 Coca Cola Expands Alcohol RTD Portfolio With Bacardi Spiced Variant Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has introduced a Spiced variant to its BACARDÍ and Coca-Cola RTD range to capitalize on the rapidly growing rum-based alcohol market. Beverage March 9, 2026 CCEP Lowers Coca-Cola PMP Prices for Independent Retailers Coca-Cola Europacific Partners introduces reduced price-marked packs for large bottles to help independent convenience retailers drive sales and offer clear consumer value. New Products March 6, 2026 Nissin and Bachans Partner on Co-Branded Top Ramen Line Nissin Foods and Bachan's have partnered to launch a limited-edition Top Ramen line, formalising consumer customisation trends into a retail-ready product. Cultivated March 5, 2026 Onego Bio and Sigma Foods Partner on Precision Fermentation Egg Protein Sigma Foods and Onego Bio have partnered to evaluate Bioalbumen, a precision fermentation-derived egg protein designed to stabilise food manufacturing supply chains. prev Next Explore trending topics Beverage Ingredients US Beer New products Packaging Enegry drinks Soft drinks Seasonal launches AI Subscribe to weekly updates Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit New Products Health-Ade Taps 'Swicy' Trend with Strawberry Mango Chilli Kombucha New Products Firehook Crackers and Ithaca Hummus Partner for Co-Branded 'French Onion' Launch Snacking Walkers Sensations Unveils Easter Flavours with 'Swicy' Cocoa Innovation Flavours & Colours Monin Targets 'Swicy' and Nostalgia Trends with Hot Honey and Maple Pecan Pie Launch Confectionery Jolly Rancher Taps into ‘Swicy’ Trend with Heat Wave Gummies and VeeFriends Partnership Trend Highlight Swicy

Nestlé Confectionery announces the limited-edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo, leveraging salty-sweet flavour trends and sustainable supply chain sourcing. Nestlé Confectionery has announced the rollout of a new limited-edition product, the Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo, across retail locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The launch introduces a new textural and flavour profile to the established brand while maintaining its signature chunky format. Capitalising on Salty and Sweet Flavour Trends The new Yorkie iteration combines solid chunks of salted caramel-flavour milk chocolate with crunchy pretzel pieces. This product development strategy directly targets the ongoing consumer demand for confectionery items that merge sweet and salty flavour profiles with enhanced multi-textural experiences. Rachel Beaufoy, Marketing Manager for Nestlé Confectionery, noted that the product was engineered to deliver substantial texture while adhering to the brand's traditional structural format. Beaufoy emphasised that the integration of smooth caramel flavour and crunchy pretzel pieces provides an updated consumption experience for the brand's core demographic. Brand Heritage and Domestic Production The release of the Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo coincides with a significant milestone for the brand. Originally introduced to the market in 1976 by Rowntree Mackintosh, the Yorkie brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Despite changes in the broader confectionery market over the past five decades, Nestlé has maintained domestic manufacturing for the product line. The new limited-edition bars, alongside the core Yorkie portfolio, continue to be produced at Nestlé’s York manufacturing facility. Focus on Sustainable Sourcing In alignment with broader industry movements toward clean labels and supply chain transparency, Nestlé has highlighted the sourcing credentials of the new Yorkie bar. The Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo is manufactured without the use of artificial colours or flavours. Furthermore, the product relies on specific regional and certified supply chains. The milk chocolate uses dairy sourced from First Milk farmers in southwest Scotland, and the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance Certified, reflecting Nestlé's ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural practices across its supply network. Featured in this news Food Nestlé The Newsroom New Products Nestle Introduces Limited Edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo News March 9, 2026 Confectionery Tesco Unveils Premium Own-Brand Easter Egg Range with Dubai Pistachio and Sticky Toffee Flavours Confectionery Spring and Mulberry Expands Grocery Portfolio With Sea Salt Chocolate Marketing KitKat Activates Formula 1 Partnership With Novelty Chocolate Car New Products Chocolove Targets Seasonal Growth with Easter Chocolate Rollout Snacking Confectionery New Products Food Related news

The Hershey Company introduces a limited-edition Twizzlers Straw flavour inspired by the dirty soda trend. Read about this latest functional snacking innovation. The Hershey Company is leveraging the growing "dirty soda" beverage trend with the introduction of a new, purpose-built product under its Twizzlers brand. The newly announced Twizzlers Straws feature a flavor profile of vanilla, lime, and coconut, designed specifically to function as both a beverage delivery mechanism and a consumable confection. Capitalizing on Beverage Customization The dirty soda phenomenon—a nonalcoholic beverage trend involving the customization of standard sodas with flavored syrups, creams, and fruit additions—has gained significant traction among younger demographics. Rather than simply marketing alongside this trend, Hershey has engineered a product intended to be an active component of the beverage ritual. Rachel Starr, Sweets Innovation Manager at The Hershey Company, highlighted the strategic crossover between the confection and beverage categories. According to Starr, the dirty soda trend has become a highly customizable ritual for consumers, and the new Twizzlers Straws allow users to sip, snack, and customize their drinks simultaneously. Product Functionality and Consumer Ritual The new Twizzlers Straws build upon an existing consumer behavior. For years, consumers have unofficially repurposed standard Twizzlers by biting off the ends to use them as straws. This limited-edition release formalizes that behavior, offering a pre-made, hollowed confection with flavors formulated to complement popular dirty soda recipes. The intended user experience merges drinking and snacking into a four-step process Pouring a preferred soda base Adding desired mix-ins and creams Sipping the beverage through the Twizzlers Straw Consuming the candy straw For consumers unable to acquire the limited-edition flavor, Hershey continues to promote the traditional method of modifying regular or Rainbow Twizzlers to achieve a similar functional result. Strategic Limited Release and Distribution Hershey is employing a targeted, multi-channel distribution strategy for the Twizzlers Straws, focusing on early adopters and experiential retail. The product will be available in limited quantities starting March 12 with a suggested retail price of $4.49. The rollout includes several strategic distribution points Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce Available nationwide via the Hershey online storefront beginning at noon EST on March 12. Quick-Commerce Delivery Partnering with Gopuff for localized drops on March 12 and March 22 in select major urban markets, including Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Experiential Retail In-store availability at select Hershey's Chocolate World locations. The flagship Hershey, Pennsylvania location will feature the straws alongside specialty dirty soda drinks across three weekends in March. The Times Square location will release its inventory on March 31. Broader Innovation Pipeline at Hershey The Twizzlers Straws launch represents a broader operational strategy at The Hershey Company focused on rapid, culture-driven product development. This release closely follows other culturally inspired market introductions, such as the company's recent Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar. By monitoring viral consumer behaviors and translating them into tangible, limited-run commercial products, Hershey continues to test new snacking occasions and cross-category applications. Featured in this news Confectionery Hershey Company The Newsroom Confectionery The Hershey Company Launches Limited Edition Twizzlers Straws News March 9, 2026 New Products Dr Pepper Launches Cream Swirl Limited Edition to Boost Retail Sales New Products Swig Partners With Sour Patch Kids for Limited Edition Beverage Line New Products Suntory Expands Ribena Portfolio with 'Summer Fruits' Launch Across Squash and RTD Formats Soft drinks PepsiCo Brings US Functional Soda 'Poppi' to the UK Market Snacking Confectionery New Products Beverage Soft drinks Food Related news

General Mills expands its licensed portfolio through a multi-category partnership with Nintendo and Illumination to capitalise on the global release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. General Mills has announced a comprehensive lineup of limited-edition products in collaboration with Nintendo and Illumination. This strategic move aligns with the global theatrical release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on April 1. The partnership spans several of the company’s core brands, including Lucky Charms, Pillsbury, and Fruit Roll-Ups, demonstrating a large-scale integration of entertainment intellectual property (IP) across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. Core Product Lineup and Brand Extensions The collaboration introduces three primary limited-time offerings designed to leverage the film's iconic characters. These products represent a mix of flavour innovation and novelty packaging: Lucky Charms Strawberry Cereal: This edition features strawberry-coated pieces paired with themed marshmallows, targeting the breakfast category. Pillsbury Ready to Bake Sugar Cookies: This product utilises the popular Yoshi character, offering a shape-based dough designed for the refrigerated baking segment. Fruit Roll-Ups Variety Pack: The snacks include "tongue tattoos" inspired by the film, adding an interactive element to the portable snack category. Retail Strategy and Walmart Exclusives A significant component of this launch involves a retail-exclusive agreement with Walmart. By offering unique SKUs, General Mills and Walmart aim to drive foot traffic and online engagement through scarcity and exclusivity. The Walmart-specific items include: Trix Blue Raspberry Cereal: A specialised flavour profile and colour palette unique to this retail channel. Super Mario Mystery Box: A premium collectable offering that includes a 6 oz pouch of Trix cereal and a keepsake Yoshi Egg. Cross Portfolio Scale and Market Reach Beyond the flagship movie-branded items, General Mills is implementing a broad cross-promotional campaign. Over 100 participating products across various brands—including Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Nature Valley, and Totino’s—will feature promotional elements related to the film. This scale indicates a high-level commitment to the partnership, aimed at capturing a diverse range of consumer demographics across multiple grocery aisles. Industry Impact and Executive Perspective The initiative reflects a growing trend of "entertainment-at-home" marketing, where CPG brands seek to extend the consumer experience of a theatrical release into the kitchen and pantry. Blake Holman, Senior Director of Brand Building at General Mills, noted that the objective was to develop products that transform routine consumption into more engaging experiences. According to Holman, the offerings are intended to leverage the teamwork and camaraderie associated with the Nintendo franchise to maintain brand relevance after consumers leave the cinema. Featured in this news Food General Mills The Newsroom New Products General Mills Partners with Nintendo For Super Mario Galaxy Movie Product Launch News March 9, 2026 New Products SPAM and Bachans Launch Co-Branded Japanese Barbecue Sauce Flavour Marketing Nutrabolt Expands C4 Energy Basketball Footprint with Josh Hart Partnership Snacking Quest Nutrition Expands Portfolio with Stacks Bars and Crispy Chips Marketing Sports Nutrition Brand MET-Rx Partners with John Cena for Nostalgic Marketing Campaign New Products Marketing Food Related news

PepsiCo accelerates its away-from-home growth strategy with the launch of Pilla Tortilla, a new Madrid-based restaurant concept featuring Lay's potato chips. PepsiCo is making a significant push into the away-from-home culinary sector with the launch of "Pilla Tortilla," the company's first global restaurant concept. Located in Madrid, the venture centres on integrating its Lay's snack brand into traditional Spanish tortillas, reflecting a broader strategy to establish direct-to-consumer food experiences. Strategic Expansion into Foodservice The Pilla Tortilla concept operates under PepsiCo’s newly established Food Ventures global business unit. Based in Barcelona, this division is tasked with elevating the company’s packaged food brands through ready-to-eat solutions. The primary objective is to capture market share within the away-from-home channel and create new consumption occasions beyond traditional retail snacking. Pol Codina, General Manager and Senior Vice President of PepsiCo Food Ventures, stated that the Madrid opening is a direct execution of the company's diversification and growth strategy. By entering the restaurant space, PepsiCo aims to build tangible, experiential touchpoints that connect its legacy brands with evolving consumer dining habits. Operational Models and Menu Innovation To maximise reach and operational flexibility, Pilla Tortilla is launching with a dual-format business model. The Madrid footprint includes a traditional bar-restaurant offering a full dine-in menu, alongside a dedicated takeaway-only kitchen to service the growing off-premise and delivery markets. The core menu focuses on the Spanish tortilla, allowing customers to order by the slice, as a sandwich, or as a whole omelette. The concept heavily emphasises customisation, offering premium toppings that integrate other regional flavours and PepsiCo portfolio products, such as Alvalle gazpacho. Menu customisation options include Mallorquina Spicy sausage, brie, and honey Marinera Anchovies and Lay’s Brava Crispy fried pork belly, alioli, and salsa brava Serrana Alvalle tomato gazpacho and diced Iberian cured ham Ranchera Pulled pork Erica Lascorz, Senior Director of Innovation Marketing for Europe, noted that the project transforms a standard snacking moment into a shared culinary experience, effectively strengthening brand recognition through a novel foodservice application. Culinary Partnerships and Brand Integration To ensure the culinary viability of the concept, PepsiCo partnered with Chef Miguel Carretero of the Michelin-starred Santerra restaurant. Carretero oversaw the technical validation of the recipes, focusing on integrating Lay's potato chips into the traditional tortilla preparation without compromising the structural integrity or quality of the dish. Beyond the core tortilla offerings, the culinary development extends the Lay's brand across the entire menu. The snack chips are utilised as functional ingredients in starters, such as fish and chips with Lay’s Salt and Vinegar, and as textural components in side dishes and desserts, including a goat cheese, honey, and dulce de leche ice cream pairing. This comprehensive menu integration demonstrates PepsiCo's strategy to utilise its snack portfolio as versatile culinary ingredients within the hospitality sector. Featured in this news Soft drinks PepsiCo The Newsroom Foodservice PepsiCo Enters Foodservice with Lays Restaurant Concept News March 9, 2026 Foodservice Ziosk Deploys 'Drop & Pay' Tech at Gringo’s Tex-Mex, Driving 23% Boost in Loyalty Sign-Ups Foodservice KBP Brands Acquires 78 Corporate-Owned SONIC Drive-Ins to Become Network's Fourth-Largest Franchisee Foodservice IKEA Partners with ‘Tiny Chef’ to Drive Plant-Based Strategy and Launch New Falafel Foodservice Five Guys Joins ezCater Platform Adding 800 Locations to Corporate Catering Market Business & Finance Foodservice Food Related news

Morinaga & Co., Ltd. announces the strategic acquisition of My/Mochi Ice Cream, significantly expanding its footprint in the $8.6 billion U.S. novelty ice cream market. Morinaga & Co., Ltd., the global confectionery manufacturer and holding company of Morinaga America, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream. This transaction marks a significant expansion of Morinaga's U.S. portfolio, positioning the company to capture market share in the rapidly growing frozen snack category. Strategic Entry into the US Novelty Ice Cream Market The acquisition aligns directly with Morinaga’s 2030 business goals, which prioritize the United States as a key region for global growth. By integrating the largest mochi ice cream brand in the U.S., Morinaga gains an immediate, full-scale presence in the domestic frozen dessert sector. According to Circana data, the U.S. novelty ice cream market generated an estimated $8.6 billion in sales in 2025, demonstrating steady historical expansion. My/Mochi itself reported $80 million in sales for the 52 weeks ending January 25, 2026, solidifying its leadership position within the specific mochi subcategory. Cross-Category Synergies and Innovation The merger is designed to leverage Morinaga's extensive research and development capabilities in frozen confectionery—spanning popsicles, ice cream bars, and single-serve cups—alongside My/Mochi’s established market presence and unique production methods. Teruhiro (Terry) Kawabe, Chief Representative for the USA and President and CEO of Morinaga America, Inc., stated that the acquisition presents a major opportunity to build a sustainable and scalable snacking business. By combining the strengths of both entities, the companies aim to accelerate product innovation, unlock new growth opportunities, and create synergies in marketing and distribution. Leadership and Portfolio Integration Following the completion of the acquisition, My/Mochi will become a part of Morinaga & Co., Ltd. but will retain its headquarters in Los Angeles. The brand will continue operating under the leadership of its current President and CEO, Craig Berger. Berger emphasized that Morinaga’s global scale and R&D infrastructure will be critical in driving the brand's next phase of market penetration and product development. The My/Mochi brand will join Morinaga America’s existing U.S. product lineup, which currently includes HI-CHEW®, HI-SOFT®, and Chargel®. This acquisition builds upon Morinaga's broader operational investments in the North American region, including the recently announced plan to increase domestic production capacity by opening a second U.S. HI-CHEW® manufacturing facility in 2027. The Newsroom Business & Finance Morinaga Acquires My/Mochi to Expand US Frozen Snack Portfolio News March 9, 2026 New Products Mars Expands Frozen Portfolio with Permanent 'SNICKERS Ice Cream Minis' Line and M&M's Collaboration New Products Magnum Expands Premium 'Signature' Range with Pistachio and Peach Flavour Innovation New Products Popsicle Partners with BBC Studios to Launch 'Bluey' Ice Pops Nationwide Sustainability WM Partners with Novel Ice Cream for 'Green Dream' Launch at 2026 Phoenix Open Snacking Business & Finance Food Related news