Amazon has reported that its Same-Day Delivery service for perishable goods has expanded to cover over 2,300 cities and towns in just four months. Amazon has reported a massive acceleration in its grocery logistics operations, announcing that its Same-Day Delivery service for perishable goods has expanded to cover over 2,300 cities and towns in just four months. The rapid scaling of the network represents a strategic effort to transform food retail logistics, with further expansion confirmed for 2026. The move leverages Amazon's existing Same-Day infrastructure to deliver fresh selection at speeds intended to retain Prime member engagement for a third consecutive year. Consumer Behaviour and Sales Velocity Data released by the retailer indicates a fundamental shift in basket composition and shopping frequency. Since January, sales of perishable groceries through the Same-Day channel have grown 30-fold. Fresh foods have effectively taken over the platform's volume metrics, now accounting for nine of the top ten most-ordered items—the only exception being a 12-pack of bathroom tissue. Crucially for Amazon's retention strategy, customers who include fresh groceries in their Same-Day orders are reported to shop approximately twice as often as those who do not. Private Label and Assortment Strategy Since August, Amazon has expanded its fresh grocery selection available for Same-Day Delivery by more than 30%. A key driver of this growth is the "Amazon Grocery" private brand, which now encompasses over 1,000 items, the majority of which are priced under $5. Top-performing SKUs in this value-tier range include: 12-count pack of string cheese Gallon of whole milk 18-count carton of cage-free large white eggs 16-ounce package of Roma tomatoes Regional Consumption Trends The retailer also disclosed specific purchasing patterns emerging across different US territories: Northeast: Chocolate chip muffins, broccoli florets, raw shrimp. South: Atlantic salmon, lemonade, chicken pot pies. West: Cold brew coffee, chicken thighs, probiotic drinks. Midwest: Wheat bread, bacon, pepperoni pizza. Doug Herrington , CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, commented on the integration of grocery into the broader retail ecosystem: "The selection, value, and convenience of Same-Day Delivery from Amazon makes grocery shopping that much easier for families across the country. We're seeing customers combine their fresh grocery orders with their regular Amazon purchases, like electronics, gifts, clothes, and household essentials, in ways that make their lives easier and save them valuable time." The Newsroom Fresh Produce Amazon Same-Day Perishable Delivery Reaches 2,300 Cities as Grocery Sales Surge 30-Fold December 11, 2025 Business & Finance Linked Eats and Olo Partner to Optimise Third-Party Delivery Margins Technology Domino's Integrates AI into Iconic Pizza Tracker to Enhance Delivery Accuracy Foodservice Papa Johns Partners with Deliverect to Unify U.S. Delivery Operations Technology Grubhub and Dexa Launch New Jersey’s First Commercial Drone Food Delivery Fresh Produce Business & Finance Retail Logistics & Supply Chain Food Related news

The strategic consolidation involves the closure of two breweries and the sale of a third, a move designed to concentrate resources on its remaining operational hubs. Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has confirmed a significant restructuring of its United States manufacturing network, announcing plans to cease operations at three major facilities. The strategic consolidation involves the closure of two breweries and the sale of a third, a move designed to concentrate resources on its remaining operational hubs. Closures and Divestment Details Following a comprehensive operational review, the brewing giant will implement the following changes in early 2026: Closures: Operations will cease at the company's facilities in Fairfield, California , and Merrimack, New Hampshire . Divestment: The brewery in Newark, New Jersey , has been sold to the Goodman Group , a global industrial property specialist. Production volumes from these sites will be absorbed into AB InBev's remaining network of facilities to maintain supply continuity. Strategic Rationale and Investment The decision is positioned as a necessary step to optimize the efficiency of the US manufacturing footprint. A company spokesperson framed the move as a catalyst for future investment, building upon a significant capital expenditure program executed over the past half-decade. "Over the last five years we have taken steps to update and modernise our US manufacturing operations, investing nearly $2 billion in our 100 facilities across the country," the spokesperson stated. "These changes will enable us to invest even more in our remaining operations and in our portfolio of growing, industry-leading brands." The restructuring will impact over 400 employees across the three sites. AB InBev has committed to mitigating job losses by offering affected staff full-time roles at other locations within the business. The Newsroom Facilities AB InBev to Consolidate US Footprint: Closing Two Breweries and Divesting Newark Site December 26, 2025 People Savory Fund Appoints Velvet Taco Veteran Clay Dover as CEO; Co-Founder Shauna Smith Named Managing Director Foodservice Chipotle Debuts 'High Protein Menu' and Cup Format Snacking Late July Debuts 'Brown Sugar Vanilla' Tortilla Chips in Festive Sweet-Salty Pivot Safety & Quality H5N1 Outbreaks in US and UK Strain Holiday Turkey Supply Chains for Christmas 2025 Facilities Business & Finance Beverage Manufacturing Alcohol Related news

The launch signals the food giant's intent to capitalise on the demographic shift towards an ageing global population, projecting that nearly half of the world’s citizens will be over 40 by 2040. Nestlé has announced a major strategic entry into the burgeoning "healthy longevity" sector with the launch of Nestlé Vital , a new product line specifically engineered for the midlife and older consumer segment. The launch signals the food giant's intent to capitalise on the demographic shift towards an ageing global population, projecting that nearly half of the world’s citizens will be over 40 by 2040. The Nestlé Vital range introduces a portfolio of nutrient-rich shake powders designed to address specific age-related physiological needs, focusing on energy, strength, cognitive focus, and sleep quality. The 'Smart Ageing' Initiative The launch is the first innovation under Nestlé’s broader 'Smart Ageing' initiative, a corporate platform designed to translate clinical research into accessible consumer products. Unlike generic adult nutrition products often positioned around medical recovery, Nestlé Vital targets the active "preventive nutrition" market. The portfolio is segmented into two distinct consumption occasions to integrate seamlessly into daily habits: Morning Routine: Formulated for focus and energy. Evening Routine: Engineered to promote sleep quality and muscle recovery. Product Specifications and R&D The range features eight shake powders across four core flavours— Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Unflavoured . Dr. Isabelle Bureau-Franz , Head of R&D for Nutrition at Nestlé, highlighted that the formulation is grounded in specific research into metabolic health, mobility, and the menopausal transition. The products utilise: Protein Blend: A combination of high-quality dairy and plant-based proteins. Bioactives: Patented bioactive blends and essential micronutrients. Nutritional Profile: Low in fat with no added sugar , aligning with the metabolic concerns of the target demographic. Serena Aboutboul , Head of Nestlé’s Nutrition Business, framed the launch as a response to the evolving definition of ageing. “Consumers are increasingly seeking solutions that help them not only live longer but also enjoy healthier lives while maintaining their strength and vitality,” Aboutboul stated. “With Nestlé Vital, we are responding to this fast-growing trend by combining decades of nutrition expertise with clinical research.” Commercial Rollout Nestlé has confirmed a phased global rollout strategy. Nestlé Vital will debut in Latin America this year, serving as a lead market before expanding into Europe and Asia . For B2B stakeholders, this move underscores Nestlé’s strategy to premiumize its nutrition portfolio. By targeting specific health outcomes (sleep, mobility) rather than general supplementation, the company aims to secure higher margins in a category driven by deep consumer need and loyalty. Featured in this news Food Nestlé The Newsroom Health & Nutrition Nestlé Enters ‘Healthy Longevity’ Market with Vital™ Range Targeting 40+ Demographic News February 16, 2026 Ingredients Meala FoodTech Launches Texturised Pea Protein Innovation for GLP-1 Friendly Foods Health & Nutrition RaFoods Launches Living Nutrition Fund to Support Health Across America New Products Nestlé Launches Compleat Paediatric Oral Blends in European Markets New Products Little Spoon Expands into Newborn Nutrition with Transparency-Led Formula Launch Business & Finance New Products Health & Nutrition Related news

Red Bull is expanding its portfolio of flavoured energy drinks with the launch of Summer Edition White Peach, rolling out from 2 March across multiple UK retail channels. Red Bull is expanding its portfolio of flavoured energy drinks with the launch of Summer Edition White Peach, rolling out from 2 March across multiple UK retail channels. The launch forms part of Red Bull’s ongoing flavour innovation strategy, which continues to drive growth within its Editions range and attract new consumers into the energy drinks category. Arriving amid record demand for flavoured energy drinks, the new variant aims to build on the success of previous seasonal releases such as Curuba Elderflower (2024), Juneberry (2023), Strawberry Apricot (2022) and Dragon Fruit (2021). Market insight from the brand highlights the importance of flavour innovation as a key entry point for new shoppers, particularly among younger demographics. Early consumer testing of the White Peach Edition has indicated strong purchase intent, with respondents describing the drink as “refreshing,” “premium,” and “unique.” The new flavour profile combines notes of white peach and citrus peel, delivering a smooth, floral finish accented by hints of ambrette. Red Bull Summer Edition White Peach will be available in multiple formats to cater to a range of consumption occasions and price points: 250ml can – RRP £1.70 355ml Sugarfree can – RRP £2.10 250ml four-pack – RRP £5.40 Red Bull said the latest addition is expected to continue driving category penetration and incremental growth for retailers by broadening the appeal of its energy drink portfolio. The Newsroom Energy Drinks Red Bull expands Editions range with launch of Summer Edition White Peach News February 27, 2025 Energy Drinks Red Bull Permanently Reinstates Fan-Favorite 'Iced' and 'Peach' Editions Nationwide Energy Drinks Red Bull Targets 'Quitter's Day' with Strava Challenge and NSF-Certified Zero Sugar Push Energy Drinks Tesco to launch exclusive Red Bull advent calendar for limited one-week run Energy Drinks Red Bull Expands Sugar-Free Range with New Lilac Edition in the UK Energy Drinks New Products Beverage Soft drinks Related news

The launch responds to the growing consumer demand for "lower-sugar hydration" options and positions the brand to capture shoppers migrating away from high-sugar and caffeinated beverages. Cawston Press continues to diversify its soft drinks portfolio with a strategic entry into the flavoured sparkling water market. Launching on 2 February , the new two-strong range aims to bridge the gap between plain sparkling water and traditional carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) by offering a premium, fruit-forward alternative without the sugar or sweeteners associated with the wider category. The launch responds to the growing consumer demand for "lower-sugar hydration" options and positions the brand to capture shoppers migrating away from high-sugar and caffeinated beverages. Product Specifications and Flavours Consistent with the brand's core ethos, the new range is formulated using real pressed fruit juice and sparkling spring water. A key differentiator in the competitive water aisle is the exclusion of fruit juice concentrates, added sugar, and artificial sweeteners. The range debuts with two variants: Squeezed Lime: A blend of sparkling spring water and lime juice. Pressed Watermelon: A combination of watermelon juice with a hint of lemon. Targeting the Health-Conscious Shopper Steve Kearns , Managing Director at Cawston Press, highlighted the gap in the market for "clean" hydration options that don't compromise on flavour. "Sparkling water is a growing category, but we saw a clear opportunity to do things differently," Kearns explained. "Consumers want great tasting clean ingredients even when they’re choosing flavoured sparkling water. Using real pressed fruit, we’ve created a sparkling water that delivers genuine full-on fruit flavour without adding anything unnecessary." Kearns added that for retailers, the range offers a "premium option that stands out on shelf and speaks directly to today’s health-conscious shopper." Commercial Details for Buyers The range is available in 440ml single cans (likely targeting the on-the-go/impulse channel) and 4x330ml multipacks (for take-home occasions). Launch Stockists: Ocado Amazon Selected Wholesalers Direct-to-consumer (via Cawston Press website) Featured in this news Coffee & Tea Starbucks The Newsroom Soft drinks Cawston Press Enters Flavoured Sparkling Water Category with ‘Clean Label’ Range News January 30, 2026 Coffee & Tea Second Cup Canada Unveils Spring-Summer Cold Beverage Lineup Coffee & Tea Starbucks EMEA Launches Protein Cold Foam with 15g Whey Protein Boost Coffee & Tea Starbucks Launches Energy Refreshers and Year-Round Mango Flavour Coffee & Tea 7 Brew Coffee to Debut First On-Campus Walk-Thru at University of Arkansas Flavours & Colours New Products Beverage Soft drinks Foodservice Coffee & Tea Related news

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. General Mills has announced the appointment of Jonathan Ness as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective March 16, 2026. Ness, who has served in an interim capacity since late January, will officially join the company’s Senior Leadership Team and report directly to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening. In this executive role, Ness takes full accountability for the food and beverage manufacturer's global supply chain operations. His mandate includes steering the company's end-to-end supply chain performance, fortifying network resilience, and executing operational excellence initiatives across global manufacturing and distribution channels. Strategic Leadership for Global Operations The appointment underscores General Mills' focus on maintaining a robust and adaptable supply chain in a dynamic global market. By promoting an internal leader with deep institutional knowledge, the company aims to ensure continuity while advancing critical transformation initiatives. Chairman and CEO Jeff Harmening highlighted Ness's instrumental role in the company's recent strategic developments, noting his strong track record of leadership. Harmening emphasised that Ness has been a driving force in shaping the supply chain organisation and characterised him as a people-first leader equipped to navigate complex operational demands. Extensive Industry and Military Procurement Experience Ness brings nearly two decades of experience within General Mills to his new position. Throughout his 20-year tenure, he has navigated a diverse range of leadership roles across key operational sectors, including: Supply Chain Strategy Global Finance Manufacturing Procurement Enterprise Transformation Prior to his corporate career with General Mills, Ness served as an officer in the United States Air Force, where he developed specialised expertise in procurement and logistics. Ness holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from South Dakota State University and earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. Featured in this news Food General Mills The Newsroom People General Mills Appoints Jonathan Ness as Chief Supply Chain Officer News March 6, 2026 People Conagra Brands Appoints John Brase as CEO People Fonterra Appoints Richard Allen as Next CEO People Nestlé Appoints Ben Duncan as Managing Director for Food UK and Ireland People Jon Fernandez de Barrena Joins Nomad Foods to Lead Southern Europe People Business & Finance Food Related news

Mondelēz International has announced a major restructuring of its executive leadership team, appointing Luca Zaramella to the expanded role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective February 1. Mondelēz International has announced a major restructuring of its executive leadership team, appointing Luca Zaramella to the expanded role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) , effective February 1 . The move signals a strategic consolidation of the snacking giant's operational and financial oversight. In this new capacity, Zaramella will retain his current financial duties while assuming direct responsibility for the company’s commercial operations across its four geographical regions. His remit will also expand to include global leadership of corporate sales, marketing, and supply chain functions . Zaramella will continue to report directly to Dirk Van de Put , Chair and Chief Executive Officer. While Zaramella holds the dual mandate, Mondelēz has confirmed that it is actively conducting a search for a dedicated CFO. A successor for the financial leadership post is expected to be announced at a later date, allowing Zaramella to eventually focus on the operational and commercial aspects of his new COO title. The appointment is positioned as a response to an increasingly complex global trading environment. By unifying financial planning with operational execution, Mondelēz aims to streamline decision-making and enhance commercial agility. "It is vital that we stay agile and continue to raise the bar on our operational excellence in an environment that has never been more dynamic," said Dirk Van de Put . "Luca is a strong operational and financial leader with deep knowledge of our business and a consistent record of driving strong results. I am confident that Luca is the right leader to further elevate our execution." Executive Background Zaramella has served as the company’s CFO since 2018 , during which time he oversaw Global Finance, Procurement, and IT Solutions. He is credited with helping to architect the company’s current strategic growth framework and financial algorithm. Commenting on his expanded portfolio, Zaramella stated: "I’m honored to step into this role for Mondelēz, expanding my focus on executional excellence and commercial performance across our organization. I am inspired by our people, brands and capabilities, with vast potential to deliver attractive, long-lasting growth." Featured in this news Confectionery Mondelēz International The Newsroom People Mondelēz International Elevates Luca Zaramella to Merged COO and CFO Role News January 31, 2026 People Conagra Brands Appoints John Brase as CEO People Fonterra Appoints Richard Allen as Next CEO People Nestlé Appoints Ben Duncan as Managing Director for Food UK and Ireland People Jon Fernandez de Barrena Joins Nomad Foods to Lead Southern Europe People Confectionery Business & Finance Related news

To validate this shift towards premium functionality, the brand has secured a high-profile endorsement from world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, aiming to prove that the reformulated spread can meet the rigorous standards of professional kitchens. Flora Food Group’s heritage spread brand, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! , has announced a comprehensive product reformulation and strategic repositioning. The brand is entering a "new era" defined by its proprietary NutriRich™ platform, designed to offer chef-grade culinary performance alongside enhanced nutritional density. To validate this shift towards premium functionality, the brand has secured a high-profile endorsement from world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay , aiming to prove that the reformulated spread can meet the rigorous standards of professional kitchens. Product Innovation: The 'NutriRich' Standard The reformulation is engineered to deliver a dual-benefit proposition: creaminess for cooking applications (sautéing, baking, sauces) and fortification for health-conscious consumers. Nutritional Specifications (Per Tablespoon): Vitamin Fortification: An excellent source of Vitamins A, D, E, and B12 (delivering 20% of the recommended daily value). Essential Fatty Acids: Provides 10–20% of the recommended daily value of Omega-3 ALA. Fat Profile: Original: 70% less saturated fat than dairy butter. Light: 80% less saturated fat and 65% fewer calories than dairy butter. Strategic Partnership: 'Next Level Better' The collaboration with Gordon Ramsay serves as a critical credibility play. Ramsay, known for his exacting culinary standards, tested the product across various applications—from baking to his signature scrambled eggs—before lending his name to the campaign. Gordon Ramsay commented on the validation process: "I don't put my name on anything unless I've used it myself and know it can perform in a real kitchen. My team and I tested the new I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! products... and they delivered consistently in flavor and texture. Perfect for home cooks who want great taste." As part of the partnership, Ramsay has curated four "Next Level Better" recipes to demonstrate versatility, including Korean Style Grilled Corn Ribs and Stunning Protein Scrambled Eggs . Marketing Activation and Media Integration The campaign extends beyond traditional endorsements into deep media integration across Ramsay’s television and digital properties on FOX and YouTube. Idiot Sandwich: Contestants on the hit YouTube show will compete using the product. FOX Network: The brand will be featured on Next Level Chef and its digital companion series, Next Level Kitchen . Olga Osminkina-Jones , Group Chief Marketing Officer at Flora Food Group, stated: "With our NutriRich™ reformulation and Gordon Ramsay's endorsement, we're proving that everyday cooking can meet next-level culinary standards without asking people to compromise on taste or nutrition." Commercial Lineup The refreshed portfolio includes: Original & Light: Available now at retailers nationwide. Extra Creamy: A premium blend crafted with 8% fresh cream for ultra-smooth texture, coming soon in tub and stick formats. The Newsroom Dairy I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Reformulates with 'NutriRich' Platform; Secures Gordon Ramsay Endorsement News January 17, 2026 Dairy Feihe Secures Indonesian Approval for AceKid Activegro Formula Dairy Yeo Valley Organic Announces Multi Category Portfolio Expansion for Summer 2026 Facilities Cargill Opens Major Dairy Feed Plant in India to Boost Production Ingredients Vivici Unlocks 'Pink Gold' with US Launch of Precision Fermentation-Derived Lactoferrin People Ingredients Marketing Dairy Food Related news

Unilever-owned ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s has unveiled its latest product innovation for the UK market: the Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich. Unilever-owned ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s has unveiled its latest product innovation for the UK market: the Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich . The launch is strategically timed to capitalise on the burgeoning demand for convenient snacking options, a category the brand notes is anticipated to expand by 6.7% over the next three years. This release pivots the brand's best-selling pint flavour into a handheld format designed for versatility. Product Architecture and Ingredients The new SKU reimagines the brand's iconic Cookie Dough profile. The architecture of the sandwich features two soft cookies—infused with vanilla and cocoa swirls—encasing a core of vanilla ice cream studded with signature cookie dough chunks. Aligning with the brand's ethical sourcing commitments, the product is manufactured using Fairtrade Certified ingredients (sugar, vanilla, and cocoa) and eggs sourced from free-range hens. Lucy McManus , UK Brand Manager for Ben & Jerry’s, highlighted the dual-use case for the new format: “We’re excited to introduce our Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich, offering fans a new way to enjoy their favourite flavour. This product is designed for both at-home enjoyment and on-the-go indulgence, allowing consumers to experience cookie dough bliss in a convenient format.” Commercial Availability and Pricing Distribution is scheduled to commence in January 2026 across major UK retailers, with initial listings confirmed at Asda and Morrisons . The product will be available in two distinct formats to serve different shopping missions: Multipack: A four-pack (4 x 68ml) for at-home consumption, with a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of £5.00 . Impulse: A single sandwich (120ml) for immediate consumption, priced at £2.50 . The Newsroom New Products Ben & Jerry’s Expands Handheld Portfolio with Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich News January 6, 2026 New Products Graeter’s Ice Cream Launches Backstretch Bourbon Cherry New Products Dash Launches Pro-Grade Frozen Beverage and Soft Serve Appliances Food JonnyPops Expands Distribution Launching into Canada Dairy Magnum Launches Volcanix Multi-Layered Ice Cream Stick Snacking New Products Retail Dairy Food Related news

The retailer is expanding its Exceptional by Asda private label range with a new hero product: the Exceptional Pistachio and Himalayan Salt White Chocolate Egg. Asda has unveiled its Easter 2026 confectionery strategy, placing a significant bet on the pistachio flavour trend to drive sales in the premium tier. The retailer is expanding its Exceptional by Asda private label range with a new hero product: the Exceptional Pistachio and Himalayan Salt White Chocolate Egg . Priced at a competitive £10 , the launch is a direct response to consumer demand for pistachio-flavoured goods, which has evolved from a viral social media phenomenon into a mainstream retail staple across bakery, ice cream, and now confectionery. Capitalising on Search Trends Asda’s product development is underpinned by robust internal data. The retailer reports that searches for 'Easter Eggs' on Asda.com hit 51,000 in January alone, signalling early consumer intent. Nicola Gordon , Product Development Manager at Asda, highlighted the strategic alignment: “Pistachio has become one of the most exciting flavours in food right now, and our customers are telling us they want to see it across more indulgent treats. With our Exceptional Pistachio and Himalayan Salt White Chocolate Egg, we wanted to create something that felt truly special for Easter, balancing premium ingredients and bold flavour at a price point shoppers can enjoy.” Product Specifications The hero 200g egg is crafted from smooth Belgian white chocolate, infused with creamy pistachio paste, and finished with roasted pistachio pieces and Himalayan pink salt. This "sweet-and-salty" profile is designed to offer a sophisticated alternative to standard milk chocolate offerings. 'Exceptional' and 'Free From' Beyond the pistachio launch, Asda is strengthening its premium and "free-from" propositions to capture a wider share of the seasonal market. Returning Exceptional Favourites (£10 RRP): Exceptional Dark Chocolate & Ginger Egg: Featuring Valencia orange oil and crystallised ginger. Exceptional Milk Chocolate Caramel, Pretzel and Honeycomb Egg: A returning Good Housekeeping Institute award-winner. Free-From Expansion (£9.97 RRP): The retailer is also aggressively targeting the allergy-aware demographic with sophisticated flavour profiles rarely seen in the free-from aisle: Exceptional Dark Belgian Chocolate & Raspberry Egg: Gluten, milk, and egg-free. Exceptional Honeycomb Sea Salt Egg: Milk, egg, and gluten-free. Value Tier: OMV Brand Rounding out the range, Asda’s plant-based OMV brand continues to offer accessible price points at £4.90 , with variants like the Chocolate Orange & Caramel Crisp and Cherry Bakewell eggs ensuring the retailer competes effectively in the mid-market vegan segment. Featured in this news Retail ASDA The Newsroom Confectionery Asda Targets Premium Easter Market with Pistachio Trend and Expanded 'Exceptional' Range News February 16, 2026 Retail Tesco Expands Summer Portfolio with 300 New Products Technology Tesco Launches National AI In-App Assistant Trial Retail Flashfood and Kroger Mid-Atlantic Expand Surplus Grocery Partnership Retail Tesco Elevates In-Store Hospitality With 30 Spring Menu Additions Confectionery New Products Retail Related news

Netherlands-based company targets international expansion with innovative software-as-a-service platform for water utilities Netherlands-based company targets international expansion with innovative software-as-a-service platform for water utilities Hulo, a Netherlands-based water technology company specializing in AI-driven leak detection systems, has successfully raised €2.3 million in seed funding to accelerate its international growth strategy. The funding round positions the company to address one of the most pressing challenges facing global water infrastructure: the significant loss of treated water through aging network systems. Investment Details and Strategic Backing The seed round was led by VP Capital and Lumo Labs, with additional participation from Vanagon, Rabobank, the FOM, and the Netherlands Enabling Water Technology fund (NEW). This diverse investor base reflects the growing recognition of water technology as a critical sector for both environmental sustainability and commercial opportunity. "Water scarcity is emerging as one of the world's most pressing environmental constraints, with around 30% of treated water lost globally, often through aging water network infrastructure," explained Erica van Eeghen, senior manager ventures at VP Capital. "Hulo's ability to detect leaks early, using advanced AI rather than expensive sensors, is exactly the kind of lean, scalable innovation that fits our investment lens." Technology Innovation and Market Approach Hulo's software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform represents a significant advancement in water network management, utilizing pressure and flow data from existing utility systems to detect, localize, and prioritize leaks and other anomalies. The system combines artificial intelligence with physics-based models to analyze network behavior dynamically, offering utilities actionable insights without requiring additional hardware infrastructure or district metered areas (DMAs). This hardware-agnostic approach differentiates Hulo from traditional leak detection methods that often depend on physical inspections or hydraulic modeling. By drawing directly from real-time operational data and learning from network flow and pressure changes, the platform can integrate seamlessly into existing utility operations. Industry Context and Market Opportunity The global water management sector faces increasing pressure from aging infrastructure, climate change, and growing demand. Traditional approaches to leak detection have proven inadequate for addressing the scale of water loss, creating a significant market opportunity for innovative technology solutions. Hulo's emergence from Wetsus, the European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology in Leeuwarden, demonstrates the strength of the Netherlands' water management ecosystem and its capacity for technological innovation in this critical sector. Expansion Strategy and Future Development The funding will enable Hulo to accelerate deployments across Europe, the UK, and Latin America while expanding its capabilities in AI, network analytics, cybersecurity, and customer success. This international expansion strategy reflects the global nature of water infrastructure challenges and the scalability of the company's technology platform. "The future of water infrastructure requires that digital innovation integrates with the operational reality of today's networks," noted Robbert Lodewijks, co-founder of Hulo. "We're building solutions that are both powerful and practical – enabling water utilities to take action without overhauling their systems." Industry Impact and Sustainability The investment in Hulo represents broader industry recognition of the critical role that technology plays in addressing water sustainability challenges. With approximately 30% of treated water lost globally through infrastructure inefficiencies, AI-driven solutions like Hulo's platform offer the potential for significant environmental and economic impact. The company's focus on practical, implementable solutions that work within existing infrastructure constraints positions it well to capture market share in the growing water technology sector while contributing to global sustainability goals. The Newsroom Water Dutch Water Tech Startup Hulo Secures €2.3M to Scale AI-Powered Leak Detection News October 22, 2025 Technology Tesco Launches National AI In-App Assistant Trial Technology Nuvilab Secures Series A Bridge Funding to Scale AI Nutrition Analytics Technology Domino's Integrates AI into Iconic Pizza Tracker to Enhance Delivery Accuracy Technology Ingredion and Shiru partner on AI-driven protein discovery Safety & Quality Water Business & Finance Technology Related news

French dairy and plant-based giant Danone has announced a strategic expansion of its Alpro brand, entering the fast-growing meal replacement beverage sector with the launch of Alpro Meal to Go. French dairy and plant-based giant Danone has announced a strategic expansion of its Alpro brand, entering the fast-growing meal replacement beverage sector with the launch of Alpro Meal to Go . The new product line is currently rolling out across key European markets, including Belgium and Germany , with plans for a broader pan-European expansion imminent. Addressing Category Barriers: Texture and Taste Danone’s entry into the "drinkable meal" segment is designed to address specific consumer friction points. The company identifies that while the category is expanding, repeat purchase rates are often hampered by sensory issues. Guillaume Millet , Vice-President for Danone’s plant-based business in Europe, highlighted the R&D focus: “Here’s a hard truth: too often, people don’t finish the bottle. [The drinks are] either too heavy, too sweet, or simply not truly ‘meal-worthy’, meaning they don’t get all the nutrients they are being promised and end up being hungry again soon after.” To counter this, Alpro Meal to Go has been engineered with a specific focus on "smooth, easy-to-drink textures" to improve drinkability and compliance. Product Specifications and Formulation The range utilises a hybrid plant base of soy and oats to deliver a complete nutritional profile suitable for a standalone meal. Key Technical Specs: Format: 500ml bottle. Protein: 20g of plant-based protein per serving. Varieties: Launching with four distinct flavour profiles. Market Context and Growth The launch capitalises on robust category momentum. Citing Nielsen data, Danone’s German subsidiary noted that sales of "drinkable meals" in the country's grocery and discount channels have grown by 14% in the last three months alone. "Drinkable meals represent a relevant and rapidly growing category," the company stated. "We are responding to consumers’ increasing need for quick, nutritious and plant-based solutions." Commercial Availability Following the debut in Belgium and Germany, Danone has confirmed plans to launch in two additional European markets shortly, with Millet signalling a vision for the product to be "available everywhere in Europe." Pricing: The range carries a suggested retail price (SRP) of €3.99 in the German market. The Newsroom Food Danone Expands Alpro Portfolio with Entry into Meal Replacement Category News January 27, 2026 Dairy Feihe Secures Indonesian Approval for AceKid Activegro Formula Dairy Yeo Valley Organic Announces Multi Category Portfolio Expansion for Summer 2026 Facilities Cargill Opens Major Dairy Feed Plant in India to Boost Production Ingredients Vivici Unlocks 'Pink Gold' with US Launch of Precision Fermentation-Derived Lactoferrin New Products Beverage Dairy Food Related news