Mars hits a 98% responsibly sourced, deforestation-free cocoa milestone in its 2025 progress report, advancing its $1bn Cocoa for Generations strategy. The achievement marks the midpoint conclusion of specific targets established in 2018 under the company's 10-year, $1 billion Cocoa for Generations initiative running through 2028. Report Mars Achieves 98% Responsibly Sourced Cocoa Milestone Mars hits a 98% responsibly sourced, deforestation-free cocoa milestone in its 2025 progress report, advancing its $1bn Cocoa for Generations strategy. The achievement marks the midpoint conclusion of specific targets established in 2018 under the company's 10-year, $1 billion Cocoa for Generations initiative running through 2028. September 28, 2026 Go Related News Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Mars, Incorporated has released its Cocoa for Generations 2025 Progress Report, confirming that 98% of its annual global cocoa volume was sourced through its Responsibly Sourced Cocoa (RSC) programme. The achievement marks the midpoint conclusion of specific targets established in 2018 under the company's 10-year, $1 billion Cocoa for Generations initiative running through 2028. According to the report, the volume procured under the RSC framework was verified as deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) relative to established cut-off dates, while 100% of cocoa sourced from participating farms in West Africa operated with Child Labour Monitoring & Remediation Systems (CLMRS) in place. The progress report outlines developments across the strategy's three operational pillars, modern, inclusive, and sustainable, while detailing how the business plans to integrate lessons from concluded initiatives into subsequent programmes. "2025 was a landmark year for Cocoa for Generations, signifying a turning point in our efforts to help address the industry's most deep-rooted, interconnected challenges," said Benjamin Guilbert, Global Senior Vice President, Cocoa Enterprise at Mars. "These challenges require collaboration and collective efforts among the stakeholders in the cocoa sector; the development and implementation of integrated, scalable and sustainable solutions; and transparency from companies on progress made." Deforestation-Free Sourcing and Child Labour Monitoring The report highlights quantitative milestones achieved across environmental traceability and human rights protections in key sourcing origins. Suppliers across the Mars value chain delivered deforestation- and conversion-free verification across 98% of the company's 2025 global supply. In parallel, human rights compliance was anchored by the comprehensive rollout of CLMRS protocols across all active RSC farmer networks throughout West Africa, targeting the structural risks associated with child labour in smallholder farming communities. As early ten-year pilot programmes reached conclusion at the end of 2025, Mars transitioned core methodologies into subsequent frameworks, including its Journey to Thrive programme, launched in late 2024. Operating in Côte d'Ivoire alongside supply partners and non-governmental organisations, the programme combines conditional cash incentives, subsidised professional farm labour, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). By the end of 2025, the initiative had reached more than 9,334 cocoa-farming households. Agronomic Science and AI Deployment To increase agricultural yields and manage persistent crop pathology, Mars deployed new botanical planting stock and artificial intelligence tools across Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region: 🔬 High-Yield Disease-Resistant Clones : Mars registered 37 high-productivity cocoa clones with the Ministry of Agriculture in Brazil, and released two cultivars, ISC1 and SCC11, in partnership with Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency. 📱 Cocoascan Diagnostic Tool : An AI-powered diagnostic application deployed to help Latin American farmers identify early visual symptoms of three prevalent fungal diseases: Witches’ Broom, Frosty Pod, and Black Pod. 🌾 Cocoa Fresh AI : A mobile workflow application designed to digitise and accelerate quality assessment across wet and dry bean supply chains, transitioning collection points away from manual record-keeping. 🌱 Climate-Smart Agriculture Interventions : A regional programme engaging 430 farmers across 3,541 hectares in Latin America, implementing targeted interventions to improve soil health, elevate crop yields, and reduce agricultural emissions. Socioeconomic Interventions and Community Programmes The report documented the conclusion of the ten-year Women for Change initiative (2016–2025), conducted in partnership with humanitarian organisation CARE. Focusing on financial inclusion and gender equity in cocoa communities, the programme surpassed its initial operational targets, establishing VSLAs that reached 106,239 members, of whom 77% are women. Over the decade-long operating window, the financial networks generated $26.56 million in collective member savings and issued $17.68 million in local community loans to finance agricultural inputs and small enterprise ventures. Priorities for Supply Chain Resilience Looking beyond 2025, Mars has outlined two strategic priorities to steer the next phase of its cocoa sourcing operations through 2028: On-Farm Professionalisation : Supporting smallholders and larger estates to enhance farm management capabilities, improve agronomic practices, raise yields per hectare, and establish stable household incomes. Supply Diversification and Climate Adaptation : Broadening geographical sourcing origins while investing in regenerative agriculture to restore soil biology, safeguard regional biodiversity, and mitigate climate exposure across key equatorial growing belts. Through these measures, the conglomerate aims to adapt its commercial procurement models to evolving regulatory standards, persistent climate volatility, and shifting socioeconomic conditions across global cocoa supply chains. Overview

Little Spoon enters the infant formula category with a New Zealand grass-fed organic product and an industry-first batch-level safety testing transparency initiative. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Little Spoon, the largest online baby and kids food company in the United States, has announced its entry into the infant formula category with the launch of Organic Grass-Fed Whole Milk Infant Formula. The move marks a significant expansion of the company’s feeding ecosystem, which currently serves children up to age six. The launch comes at a time of heightened scrutiny within the $4 billion U.S. infant formula market, where company research indicates only 9% of parents currently trust baby and kids food brands. Little Spoon aims to address this trust gap through an unprecedented level of public data disclosure regarding product safety and testing. Industry First Safety and Testing Standards Little Spoon is positioned as the first infant formula brand to publicly define its safety standards and disclose batch-level testing results. Each production lot undergoes independent testing for more than 500 potential toxins and contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticide residues, and pathogens. Key elements of the company’s safety framework include: Batch Level Transparency : The company will publish specific numeric heavy metal results for every batch. Stringent Microbial Testing : Little Spoon voluntarily tests for Sulfite-Reducing Clostridia (SRC) at a threshold ten times more stringent than current international guidance. Scientific Partnerships : The brand is funding independent research with the Food Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to advance industry-wide microbiological baselines. New Zealand Sourcing and Ingredient Integrity The formula is the first American-made product to utilise grass-fed whole milk sourced from New Zealand. This sourcing strategy is a central component of the product’s value proposition, as New Zealand dairy standards require cows to graze outdoors for at least 340 days per year. The product adheres to a "no-no" list that excludes several common industry ingredients. The formula contains: No corn syrup, soy, or palm oil. No maltodextrin or synthetic pesticides. Plant-based DHA in alignment with European Union nutritional standards. Dual certification from both USDA Organic and EU Organic bodies. Strategic Growth and Market Position The expansion into the newborn category follows a period of rapid financial growth for the brand. In 2025, Little Spoon surpassed $150 million in direct-to-consumer (DTC) net revenue. While the company built its foundation as a DTC digital native, it recently executed a landmark nationwide rollout at Target, which the company describes as the largest food and beverage launch in the retailer's history. By integrating formula into its broader ecosystem of meals and snacks, Little Spoon is attempting to capture the consumer lifecycle from birth. Ben Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of Little Spoon, stated that the brand’s move to disclose testing thresholds is intended to ensure parents do not have to take safety claims at face value. The formula is manufactured in a U.S. facility with over 25 years of experience in the category, incorporating more than 2,000 safety protocols per production cycle. Little Spoon Expands into Newborn Nutrition with Transparency-Led Formula Launch March 17, 2026 Health & Nutrition Abbott Launches First Whole Milk Ready to Feed Infant Formula in US New Products Celtic Sea Salt Launches Hydrate Electrolyte Mix Health & Nutrition M&S Overhauls Beans and Pulses Range to Launch Summer Health Campaign Health & Nutrition Coalition for Metabolic Health Launches Series of Congressional Briefings on Nutrition Health & Nutrition New Products Food Related news

The Hershey Company expands its Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels brand with the launch of Dot’s Original Snack Mix, a premium "no-filler" offering aimed at the high-growth salty snack category. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Hershey Company The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Dot’s, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, has officially entered the snack mix category with the national rollout of Dot’s Original Snack Mix. The new product platform integrates the brand's signature "boldly seasoned" pretzel twists into a curated four-component mix, marking a strategic effort by Hershey to capture a larger share of the premium salty snack market. Strategic Shift Toward "No-Filler" Snacking The launch addresses a common consumer pain point in the snack mix segment: the presence of low-value "filler" ingredients. Dot’s Original Snack Mix is positioned as an "intentionally crafted" product where every component is seasoned to the same standard as the flagship pretzel line. "Dot's has never been about blending in," said Eric Bowers, VP of Salty Marketing at The Hershey Company. "We believe snacks should feel crafted, surprising, and worth reaching for." This strategy reflects Hershey’s broader goal of moving Dot’s beyond a single-product success story into a versatile, multi-format snacking brand. Product Composition and Texture Profiles The mix is designed to provide a dynamic sensory experience by combining various crunch profiles with consistent seasoning. The four components included in the initial launch are: Dot’s Original Seasoned Mini Pretzels The foundation of the mix, utilizing the brand's core flavor profile. Dot’s Original Seasoned Corn Cereal A light, airy texture seasoned with the signature Dot’s blend. Dot’s Bold Cheese Seasoned Pita Chips A savory, high-crunch element that introduces a cheese-based flavor note. Savory Garlic Rye Chips A traditional snack mix staple re-engineered for the Dot’s palette. Market Positioning and Retail Rollout The salty snack category has seen a trend toward premiumization, with consumers opting for bolder flavor profiles and high-quality textures over traditional generic mixes. Hershey is positioning the Dot’s Snack Mix as the "Bold Pick" for social hosting and home entertainment, a segment that remains a high-frequency occasion for the salty snack aisle. The product is currently rolling out at retailers nationwide. Its entry follows the successful scaling of Dot's Homestyle Pretzels since its acquisition by Hershey, demonstrating the parent company's ability to leverage regional brand loyalty into national category expansions. By diversifying the Dot’s portfolio, Hershey is capitalizing on the brand’s existing "buttery-rich" flavor equity to drive incremental growth in the competitive snack mix sub-sector. Dot's Original Snack Mix Targets Premium Salty Snack Segment March 10, 2026 New Products Frankie's Organic Snacks Launches Snickerdoodle Avocado Oil Puffcorn New Products Lay's Debuts Holi-LAY'S Range with Chocolate Chips New Products JiMMYBAR! Launches Creatine and Protein Trail Mix Line Snacking Pringles Launches Halloween Campaign with Custom Can-Shaped Urn Food New Products Snacking Related news

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has announced a comprehensive artificial intelligence programming track for its upcoming IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, focusing on how AI can accelerate product development, strengthen food safety, and support global food security. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a leading non-profit scientific association, is placing artificial intelligence at the centre of its 2026 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo. Returning to Chicago’s McCormick Place from 12 July to 15 July, the event will serve as a global hub for the next generation of AI-supported food innovation, addressing critical challenges in health, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The initiative reflects a broader movement within the food-tech sector to move beyond AI as a novelty and toward practical, science-backed applications that shorten the path from laboratory research to retail shelves. Designing with Intelligence AI Keynote A central feature of the event is the AI Keynote titled "Designing with Intelligence: Practical AI for Faster, Smarter, Safer Food Innovation." Scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July, the session will feature Alon Chen, CEO and Co-Founder of Tastewise. Chen will present real-world use cases demonstrating how AI transforms raw consumer signals into actionable, science-based decisions for R&D leaders. The keynote is hosted by Jay Gilbert, PhD, the Director of CoDeveloper at IFT, and is expected to provide deep insights into how data-driven research is reshaping environmental health, research policy, and course design within the global food system. The CoDeveloper Science Backed R&D Platform A major highlight for the 2026 expo is the expanded presence of CoDeveloper, IFT’s proprietary AI-powered R&D platform. CoDeveloper represents a first-of-its-kind solution that pairs the computing speed of modern AI with IFT’s repository of more than 85 years of peer-reviewed research and published content. Key functional attributes of the CoDeveloper platform include: Formulation Acceleration 🧪 Helping food scientists overcome technical roadblocks by providing proven formulation considerations in seconds. Data Integrity 📚 Unlike general-purpose AI, the platform is grounded in IFT’s extensive library of verified, peer-reviewed scientific literature. Problem Solving 🛠️ Assisting R&D teams in navigating complex regulatory requirements and ingredient substitutions without compromising safety or consistency. Jay Gilbert emphasised that the advantage in the modern market will go to teams that use AI to amplify their existing expertise, rather than attempting to replace human oversight with unvalidated algorithms. Specialised AI Programming and Technical Sessions To provide a comprehensive overview of the technology's impact, IFT FIRST will feature a robust track of AI-specific sessions covering everything from emotional intelligence in taste to supply chain energy optimisation. Featured technical sessions include: Affective Intelligence 🧠 Exploring how technology can be taught to "taste emotion" and predict consumer sensory reactions. Energy Edge ⚡ Utilising IoT-driven AI to power energy efficiency and operational sustainability in large-scale food production. Workforce Literacy 📖 A practical blueprint for designing AI training programs that are accessible and smart for food system employees. Regulatory Decision Making ⚖️ Assessing the role of AI tools in high-risk food safety and regulatory compliance environments. Guided AI Tours and Experiential Learning In addition to the lecture-based programming, the expo will offer a special guided AI-themed tour on Tuesday, 14 July. The tour is designed to connect attendees with exhibitors currently using AI-enabled tools for tasks such as: Predictive Modelling 📉 Forecasting shelf-life and ingredient stability under various environmental conditions. Process Optimisation ⚙️ Streamlining manufacturing workflows to reduce waste and improve consistency. Formulation Design 🍦 Demonstrating concrete use cases where AI supports real-time decision-making in a kitchen or laboratory setting. By providing this hands-on access to emerging technologies, IFT is ensuring that food science professionals are equipped with the literacy and tools required to maintain a competitive lead in an increasingly digitised global food system. IFT First Expo to Showcase Future of AI in Food Science May 4, 2026 Dairy Yili Group Presents One Health Dairy Value Chain Model at FAO Conference Events Americas Food & Beverage Show Marks 30th Anniversary Events Caffè Culture Returns for 2026 with Its Most Ambitious Programme Yet Dairy Yili Group Unveils Data and Tech Innovations at World Dairy Conference Ingredients Events Health & Nutrition Technology Flavours & Colours Related news

Gorgie has expanded its functional beverage portfolio with the launch of Rocket Pop Protein, a sugar-free energy drink delivering 8g of whey protein. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Active nutrition and wellness brand Gorgie has announced the launch of its newest product formulation, Rocket Pop Protein, expanding its hybrid protein-energy drink portfolio ahead of the summer trading window. The product rollout represents a significant brand extension that introduces a nostalgic, summer-themed flavour profile to the company's established functional line-up. The beverage is entering retail distribution immediately, with physical shelf placement systematically scaling across national supermarkets and digital storefronts. The launch highlights an ongoing transition in the functional beverage and active nutrition sectors, where manufacturers are increasingly developing multi-benefit products that combine sports nutrition metrics with everyday energy ingredients. Hybrid Formulations The development of the Gorgie protein-energy range was directly informed by changing consumer purchasing patterns, as wellness-focused demographics look for consolidated, multi-occasion drinks to support active routines and midday recovery. While standard energy drinks rely heavily on high-dose synthetic stimulants and carbonated sugar bases, the Gorgie range is formulated with clean-label, functional ingredients. Each 12-ounce (approximately 354ml) can delivers 8 grams of complete protein derived from premium whey protein isolate. The technical development of the range required balancing the clean taste profile of the natural fruit flavours with the delicate texture of the whey protein. The formulation details include: Natural Stimulant Base – Each can contains 150 milligrams of caffeine sourced from green tea to provide a smooth, sustained energy boost. Cognitive and Metabolic Fortification – Infused with L-theanine to support focus, alongside biotin and vitamins B6 and B12 for everyday wellness. Sugar and Sweetener Control – Formulated with zero sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose, or erythritol. The addition of the new variant expands Gorgie's protein-energy drink lineup, which focuses on delivering bold, dessert-inspired profiles: 🍒 Rocket Pop Protein – A summer-themed blend featuring a mix of cherry, citrus, and berry notes to mimic the profile of a classic red, white, and blue ice lolly. 🍓 Strawberry Pop – A bright, sweet, and classic strawberry-flavoured formulation. 🍍 Power Punch – A tropical, fruit-forward option blending pineapple and raspberry flavours. Retail According to Michelle Cordeiro Grant, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gorgie, the brand’s product pipeline remains heavily focused on combining clean-label functionality with consumer demand for nostalgic flavours. She noted that the new summer launch was developed to engage the brand’s highly active community, translating historical summer memories into a modern, health-conscious format. To support the commercial launch, the company is utilising a dual-track distribution model that merges direct-to-consumer (DTC) digital app engagement with physical mass-market retail. Prior to entering national retail channels, Gorgie executed an exclusive, early access "First Sips" campaign via its proprietary digital app, Club G. The app-based rollout allowed the brand to capture immediate consumer sentiment, generate organic digital interest, and secure first-party purchasing data before scaling the product. Following the digital campaign, Rocket Pop Protein is entering physical retail distribution nationwide: Target Corporation – Securing immediate shelf-space density across the retailer's national estate, where Gorgie currently ranks as a top-selling brand in its category. Digital E-Commerce – Immediate availability for multi-pack orders and digital subscription delivery via the brand's primary website. Founded in 2022, the female-led beverage startup has recorded rapid volume and value growth since launching its first sparkling energy lines in 2023. By leveraging its established national supply chain and direct retail partnerships, the brand continues to scale its presence, helping grocery partners drive average basket values in the competitive functional beverage department. Gorgie Launches Rocket Pop Protein Energy Drink June 18, 2026 New Products Evolution Fresh Launches Thrive Functional Juice Line New Products Coca-Cola Launches Prebiotic Line across Coke, Sprite and Fresca New Products McDonald's Debuts Bottled Pickle Brine Pickle Boost for Chicago Marathon New Products Goodrays with Brewgooder to Launch Functional Alcohol-Free Beers Energy Drinks Beverage New Products Related news

New 400,000 sq ft site to produce 2m lbs of premium bacon weekly, creating 450 jobs in southcentral Kentucky comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Meat & Seafood Tyson Foods The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > New 400,000 sq ft site to produce 2m lbs of premium bacon weekly, creating 450 jobs in southcentral Kentucky Tyson Foods has officially opened its new $355 million bacon production facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, marking a major expansion of the company’s prepared foods division and its capacity to meet rising demand for premium bacon products. The 400,000-square-foot facility will produce an estimated 2 million pounds of Jimmy Dean and retail bacon products per week, alongside foodservice bacon formats. The site is expected to create nearly 450 new jobs in the region. Designed with a focus on automation and efficiency, the new facility integrates robotics, driverless forklifts and autonomous guided vehicles to enhance productivity and workplace safety. Tyson said the plant was developed to support innovation across its bacon portfolio, including new flavour varieties, product formats and fully cooked options. “Our innovative new plant in Bowling Green reflects a major investment that we are proud to make in southcentral Kentucky,” said Donnie King, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “This enables us to focus on the health and safety of our team members while also delivering best-in-class service for our customers.” Melanie Boulden, group president of prepared foods and chief growth officer at Tyson, added: “Bacon is a growing category driven by strong consumer demand at home and in restaurants. Our expanded production will allow us to lead this growth and continue driving innovation in the category.” The site was strategically located to leverage Tyson’s existing pork supply chain, benefiting from proximity to raw materials and key inbound and outbound transportation routes. The company noted that the new facility “supports end-to-end profitability by utilising pork bellies provided primarily by Tyson Foods’ pork segment.” Tyson has also partnered with Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College to provide technical training, including a dedicated robotics lab, to upskill employees and support the company’s adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. The Bowling Green plant represents one of Tyson’s largest investments in its prepared foods segment to date, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its value-added protein portfolio. Tyson Foods opens $355m bacon production facility in Kentucky January 26, 2024 Packaging ProAmpac Launches ProActive Intelligence Shelf Protect Packaging New Products Jack Link's Launches Grass-Fed Beef and LiL' Links Multipacks New Products Sun-Maid Introduces Charcuterie Pairings Line New Products Rosina Food Products Launches Five Frozen Meatball Innovations Meat & Seafood Facilities Related news

Coca-Cola is exploring a potential sale of Costa Coffee, seeking to unwind its $5.1bn acquisition following previous bids from private equity falling short. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > The Coca-Cola Company is once again exploring a potential sale of British coffeehouse chain Costa Coffee, according to reports from Semafor and Reuters. The exploratory move comes less than a year after an earlier auction process was shelved when private equity bids fell below corporate valuation expectations. The beverage multinational acquired Costa in 2018 from hospitality group Whitbread in a $5.1 billion (£3.9 billion) transaction, positioning the asset as a foundational pillar to broaden its exposure to hot beverages and out-of-home retail coffee. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Coca-Cola is testing market appetite after at least one strategic suitor recently evaluated a transaction before stepping away over valuation and strategic integration concerns. Preliminary Talks and Valuation Realities The revival of divestment plans follows a stalled sales process in late 2025 and early 2026. During previous negotiations, buyout groups including TDR Capital and Bain Capital’s special situations fund participated in late-stage bidding. However, initial private equity offers valued the chain at approximately £2 billion—roughly half of the purchase price Coca-Cola paid in 2018. The valuation gap prompted Coca-Cola leadership to pause formal proceedings in January. Coca-Cola has not officially commented on the process, renewed interest from corporate advisers highlights ongoing strategic reassessments regarding capital allocation and asset returns across its global retail divisions. Operating Performance and UK Footprint Costa Coffee represents the largest branded coffeehouse chain in the United Kingdom, operating roughly 2,700 locations across the UK and Ireland alongside an international estate and thousands of automated Costa Express vending units. The business has faced escalating operating cost pressures in recent years, including rising commercial business rates, statutory wage increases, and elevated coffee bean commodity costs: Revenue Performance : Costa reported revenue of nearly £1.3 billion in 2025, marking an annual turnover increase of approximately 5%. Profit Recovery : The business generated an operating profit of £20 million in 2025, rebounding after consecutive years of operating losses. Workforce Scale : The chain employs approximately 20,000 personnel across its managed and franchised retail networks. Despite recovering to modest operating profitability, the brand has contended with intense competitive pressure on the British high street, where value food-to-go operators such as Greggs and expanding drive-thru formats have captured morning coffee and breakfast traffic. The Coca-Cola System When Coca-Cola completed the acquisition of Costa in 2018, corporate leadership intended to transform the chain into a global multi-platform coffee brand, spanning retail cafes, ready-to-drink (RTD) canned coffees, automated kiosks, and wholesale bean supply. While Coca-Cola successfully integrated Costa-branded canned ready-to-drink coffees into its commercial bottling distribution networks, managing a direct brick-and-mortar hospitality estate presented structural challenges distinct from the group’s core beverage concentrate and licensing operations. In recent fiscal presentations, Coca-Cola executive leadership has prioritised asset-light distribution models, concentrating resources on core beverage categories, system refranchising, and high-margin functional beverages. Next Steps in Potential Divestiture It remains unconfirmed whether Coca-Cola will launch a formal auction process or what baseline valuation the conglomerate will seek for the business. Market observers anticipate that prospective buyers could encompass international private equity funds specialising in retail turnarounds, as well as multinational franchise operators seeking immediate scale across European and Middle Eastern commercial coffee networks. Coca-Cola Reviews Sale of Costa Coffee October 10, 2026 Business & Finance B&G Foods Sells B&M and Joan of Arc Brands to McCall Farms Alcohol Fintech Acquires Ground Signal to Expand Alcohol Analytics Logistics & Supply Chain Constellation Cold Logistics Acquires Impruv Logistics in Norway Business & Finance Starbucks Explores Takeover of Chipotle Beverage Coffee & Tea Business & Finance Related news

Evolution Fresh has secured a multi-season orange supply chain through mid-2027, pulling 60 million oranges from California and Mexico. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Cold-pressed beverage brand Evolution Fresh has completed a major supply chain restructuring, securing its orange juice sourcing for the next 18 months to guarantee inventory continuity for its retail, restaurant, and foodservice partners. By establishing long-term, multi-season commitments with a dedicated network of agricultural producers, the company intends to insulate its commercial buyers from severe price and volume volatility currently impacting the broader US citrus sector. The sourcing arrangement guarantees a continuous, 100 per cent uninterrupted supply of premium, unpasteurised orange juice through mid-2027. The initiative highlights a growing trend among commercial beverage brands to diversify raw material sourcing and establish direct, multi-region agricultural networks to bypass environmentally vulnerable agricultural regions. Sourcing Matrix and Supply Chain Continuity To support the 18-month commercial guarantee, the manufacturer has structured a supply matrix designed to leverage regional harvesting calendars and climate-resilient microclimates. The core operational metrics of the supply chain program include: 🍊 Volume Commitment – Securing more than 60 million premium Valencia oranges over the next year to support high-volume beverage programs. 🗺️ Geographic Sourcing Matrix – Establishing dual-region coverage across the citrus belts of California and Northern Mexico to mitigate regional crop failures. ⏱️ Extended Sourcing Horizon – Locking in a continuous, 100 per cent uninterrupted citrus supply through the middle of 2027. 🍹 Quality and Flavour Profile – Utilising California-grown Valencia oranges during peak periods to ensure a high-brix, unpasteurised juice with consistent acidity and sweetness. The dual-region strategy allows the company to transition its fruit harvesting dynamically as local seasons shift, maintaining consistent raw material intake without relying on a single geographic region. Mitigating the Florida Citrus Deficit and Market Volatility The proactive restructuring of the company's supply chain arrives amid big structural changes and high levels of raw material volatility in the traditional US citrus market. The Florida orange juice industry, historically the primary sourcing hub for US processors, has faced unprecedented declines in crop yields. The decline has been driven by the persistent spread of citrus greening disease—a bacterial infection that weakens trees and reduces fruit size—and consecutive high-impact hurricanes that have caused widespread fruit drop and tree damage across the state. These challenges led to a significant market disruption when Alico, Inc., historically one of the largest citrus producers in the United States, completed a total exit from its citrus operations to transition into a land management and real estate development company. Alico previously supplied approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the Florida orange juice market, and its retirement from active farming has placed immense pressure on the remaining citrus supplies in California and Mexico. By bypassing Florida entirely and sourcing raw materials exclusively from the climate-resistant microclimates of California and Northern Mexico, Evolution Fresh aims to avoid the supply disruptions and inflationary pressures affecting traditional juice brands. Partnerships and Sourcing Agility According to Peter Barone, Director of Fruit & Veggie Procurement at Evolution Fresh, securing supply agreements for 60 million Valencia oranges provides the business with the geographic agility required to support its commercial partners. He noted that transitioning raw material procurement between California and Northern Mexico allows the company to press fresh juice year-round, protecting distributors from the supply shocks impacting other major agricultural regions. The long-term contracts also provide regional agricultural operations with commercial stability, allowing growers to project volumes and invest in sustainable, high-yield cultivation techniques. Craig Holworthy, President of agricultural partner Wescal, stated that the multi-season relationship with Evolution Fresh provides critical financial predictability for independent growers. He noted that the joint planning model ensures that the crop is tailored to the specific brix and acidity specifications required for premium, cold-pressed extraction, demonstrating how long-term supply alliances can mitigate broader commodity risks. Processing Capabilities in California The sourced citrus is processed at Evolution Fresh's custom-built Juicery in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where the brand manufactures a portfolio of 21 distinct cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices. To align with modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards, the Rancho Cucamonga processing plant operates under a platinum TRUE Zero Waste certification, which requires the facility to divert at least 90 per cent of its industrial waste from landfills, incinerators, and the environment. With the 18-month supply chain fully secured, the manufacturer plans to leverage its stable logistics model to expand its retail footprint and secure high-volume pouring rights within the quick-service restaurant (QSR), hospitality, and institutional foodservice channels during the upcoming peak summer trading periods. Evolution Fresh Secures Fresh Orange Juice Supply Chain June 19, 2026 New Products Evolution Fresh Launches Thrive Functional Juice Line New Products Moju Expands Immunity Range with Elderberry Blend Business & Finance Prodalim Unveils New Brand Identity to Signal Global Ingredients Evolution New Products SUNNYD Debuts Limited Edition SpookyD Mystery Flavour at Walmart Soft drinks Business & Finance Logistics & Supply Chain Beverage Related news

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida has opened a new 180,000-square-foot, $84 million distribution centre in Orlando to automate operations. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Independent bottler Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) has completed a major logistics expansion in Central Florida, celebrating the grand opening of its new $84 million distribution centre in Orlando. The facility represents a significant capital investment in one of the state's fastest-growing regions. By integrating advanced automated warehouse technology, the company intends to enhance order accuracy, streamline storage efficiency, and improve delivery reliability for its regional retail, hospitality, and foodservice partners. The expansion aligns with the company's long-term infrastructure strategy to build scalable logistics capacity that supports the high-volume distribution demands of the Florida beverage market. Logistics Capacity and Regional Infrastructure The new Orlando facility establishes a highly automated logistics hub designed to support rapid product throughput and deep regional market coverage. The core operational metrics of the distribution centre include: 🏢 Facility Footprint – Spanning 180,000 square feet on a five-acre site. 🚢 Dock Capacity – Equipped with 29 inbound and outbound docks to accelerate fleet turnaround. 📦 Volume Throughput – Engineered to process and distribute approximately 34 million cases of beverages annually. 🗺️ Regional Coverage – Supplying customers across 15 Florida counties, including Orlando, Ocala, Daytona, Brevard, and Fort Pierce. To support this expanded regional footprint, Coke Florida employs nearly 1,000 associates in Central Florida across sales, manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. The scale of the new site provides the workforce with the physical infrastructure required to manage high seasonal volume fluctuations while maintaining delivery timelines. Automation and Warehouse Efficiency A central component of the $84 million facility is the integration of automated warehouse systems. By transitioning away from completely manual stock-handling and picking methods, the company intends to reduce operational bottlenecks and lower transaction errors. The automated system coordinates inventory placement, picking pathways, and pallet assembly, helping to standardise back-of-house warehouse workflows. According to Troy Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Coke Florida, the capital investment is focused on establishing the right infrastructure and capabilities to support sustainable regional growth. Derek Frederickson, Region General Manager for Central Florida, added that the facility provides the technical scale and modern environment necessary to sustain commercial momentum and deliver reliable service to regional accounts. Corporate Scale and Florida Operations The launch of the Orlando distribution centre reinforces Coke Florida's position as a major player in the US beverage distribution and bottling sector. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tampa, the family-owned firm operates as a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. The business has grown to become one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, managing an exclusive distribution territory that covers 47 counties across the state. The company's commercial operations include: Production Facilities – Four GreenCircle Certified manufacturing plants focused on sustainable beverage production. Distribution Network – 18 regional distribution centres managing local retail and hospitality accounts. Workforce Scale – Employing over 5,000 associates across its manufacturing and distribution networks. As one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States, the distributor continues to leverage its supply chain infrastructure to drive economic development and local employment across its territories, supporting both regional retail partners and community education programs. Coke Florida Opens $84M Distribution Centre in Orlando June 16, 2026 Water Primo Brands Opens Greenfield Mountain Valley Water Facility Facilities Müller Plans German Site Closures across Sauces and Sliced Cheese Soft drinks Firefighters Extinguish Blaze at Coca-Cola Auckland Bottling Plant Facilities Arca Continental Completes $42m San Antonio Bottling Plant Expansion Soft drinks Beverage Logistics & Supply Chain Facilities Business & Finance Related news

The company has secured a major nationwide listing with Tesco, the UK's largest retailer, coinciding with the rollout of "Spacegoods 2.0," a comprehensive rebranding initiative designed to mature the business for mass-market adoption. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Retail Tesco The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Spacegoods , the UK’s fastest-growing functional mushroom and adaptogen brand, has announced a pivotal double milestone in its growth trajectory. The company has secured a major nationwide listing with Tesco , the UK's largest retailer, coinciding with the rollout of "Spacegoods 2.0," a comprehensive rebranding initiative designed to mature the business for mass-market adoption. The launch into Tesco marks a significant inflexion point for the London-based startup, founded by entrepreneur Matthew Kelly in 2022. Having built a multi-million-pound business primarily through Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels and specialist high-street presence (Holland & Barrett), the move into the grocery sector signals that functional mushrooms have officially crossed the chasm into the mainstream weekly shop. From 'Cheeky Chappy' to Category Leader: The '2.0' Rebrand Alongside the retail expansion, Spacegoods has overhauled its visual identity. Dubbed "Spacegoods 2.0," the rebrand represents a strategic shift away from the "cheeky chappy" startup aesthetic that defined its early viral growth on social media. The new look is described as a "glow up" for the brand, introducing a more premium, futuristic, and bold visual language. This evolution is intended to communicate trust and efficacy to a broader demographic while retaining the "cosmic" energy that built its loyal community. Matthew Kelly , Founder of Spacegoods, commented on the evolution: "This is a better showcase for our product than any of the previous skits. It's time for the brand to grow up. Spacegoods 2.0 is about solidifying our position not just as a trend-leader, but as a serious functional nutrition staple in the UK diet." Tesco Listing Details The Tesco rollout sees Spacegoods' flagship product, Rainbow Dust , entering stores nationwide. The product, an all-in-one mushroom blend containing Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Ashwagandha, is positioned as a coffee alternative or booster designed to enhance focus and energy without the jitters associated with high caffeine intake. Key Listing Highlights: Retailer: Tesco (Nationwide). Core SKU: Rainbow Dust (Coffee & Chocolate variants). Category: Merchandised within the Wellbeing and Functional Nutrition fixtures. Scaling the 'Valley of Death' The dual announcement comes as Spacegoods navigates the critical scaling phase often referred to as the "Valley of Death" for D2C brands moving from £10m to £100m in revenue. By securing shelf space in Tesco, Spacegoods is aggressively diversifying its revenue mix, reducing reliance on paid social customer acquisition costs (CAC) and leveraging the footfall of the UK's biggest grocer. This follows a successful period of expansion, which saw the brand launch into Holland & Barrett (over 700 stores), Boots , and Whole Foods Market . Expanding the Portfolio While the Tesco launch focuses on the core range, Spacegoods continues to innovate its wider portfolio available online and in specialist retail. Recent additions include Astro Dust (a sleep-focused nighttime blend), Hydro Dust (electrolytes), and the newly launched Glow Dust , a collagen-infused mushroom blend targeting the beauty-from-within market. With the backing of Five Seasons Ventures and Redrice Ventures , Spacegoods is well-capitalised to support this retail push with significant marketing investment, aiming to replicate its online community engagement in the physical retail environment. Images from Spacegoods Spacegoods Hits Tesco Shelves Nationwide as Brand Unveils Major '2.0' Rebrand February 18, 2026 New Products Evolution Fresh Launches Thrive Functional Juice Line New Products Coca-Cola Launches Prebiotic Line across Coke, Sprite and Fresca New Products McDonald's Debuts Bottled Pickle Brine Pickle Boost for Chicago Marathon New Products Goodrays with Brewgooder to Launch Functional Alcohol-Free Beers Beverage Business & Finance Coffee & Tea Retail Related news

Virtual cardiometabolic provider Vida Health has partnered with Instacart to offer grocery stipends through Instacart Health Fresh Funds comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Virtual cardiometabolic care provider Vida Health has announced a nationwide partnership with grocery technology firm Instacart to integrate category-specific grocery stipends into its clinical health programmes. The collaboration utilises Instacart Health Fresh Funds, which are targeted grocery stipends, to allow Vida members to immediately act on clinical nutrition advice. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between medical dietary recommendations and physical access to healthy food, particularly for patients managing chronic cardiometabolic conditions. By connecting virtual healthcare directly with digital grocery delivery, the partnership addresses a key social determinant of health: food security. Food Insecurity and Cardiometabolic Management Vida Health delivers personalised, whole-person care across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C., employing a multidisciplinary team of obesity medicine-certified physicians, registered dietitians, licensed therapists, and health coaches. The company's dietitians develop culturally sensitive dietary guidelines that account for practical constraints such as local store availability and household budgets. Through the Instacart partnership, members can purchase these recommended items directly from local retailers in their own communities with the added option of same-day delivery. This integration is highly relevant for underserved communities. Instacart currently reaches more than 98% of US households, including 95% of low-income and low-access areas, commonly designated as food deserts. For individuals living in rural or underserved areas who face significant social barriers to traditional in-person clinical care, the combination of virtual medicine and home grocery delivery provides a critical pathway to consistent cardiometabolic management. Integration of Fresh Funds Stipends According to Amy Mushlin, Chief Clinical and Member Service Officer at Vida Health, translating dietary education into daily habits requires practical support. She noted that the partnership makes clinical guidance immediately actionable, simplifying the grocery shopping process for members trying to implement sustainable lifestyle changes. Sarah Mastrorocco, Vice President and General Manager of Health at Instacart, stated that the partnership demonstrates how digital tools can connect food and health programmes at scale. She highlighted that the Fresh Funds stipends are specifically designed to help patients act on the expert advice provided by their care teams. Future Integration and Enterprise Benefits The initial launch phase focuses on member engagement and establishing the connection between Vida's health programmes and Instacart's online grocery network. The organisations have outlined several key development areas for future phases of the collaboration: Shoppable Meal Plans: Enabling Vida's registered dietitian-developed meal plans to be directly shoppable and translatable into Instacart grocery carts. Employer Subsidisation: Exploring employer-subsidised food access as part of enterprise benefit offerings, allowing businesses to integrate grocery access into employee health packages. Deeper Technology Integration: Building a seamless system where personalised nutrition support and grocery logistics operate as unified components of clinical cardiometabolic care. The long-term goal of the partnership is to establish a healthcare delivery model where geographic location and local grocery store proximity no longer dictate patient outcomes in chronic disease management. Vida Health and Instacart Partner to Expand Nutritious Food Access June 4, 2026 Health & Nutrition Abbott Launches First Whole Milk Ready to Feed Infant Formula in US New Products Celtic Sea Salt Launches Hydrate Electrolyte Mix Health & Nutrition M&S Overhauls Beans and Pulses Range to Launch Summer Health Campaign Health & Nutrition Coalition for Metabolic Health Launches Series of Congressional Briefings on Nutrition Business & Finance Food Health & Nutrition Related news

UK coffee brand Grind has expanded its ready-to-drink beverage portfolio with the launch of a new canned Iced Pistachio Latte. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > London-based coffee brand Grind has expanded its ready-to-drink (RTD) canned portfolio with the launch of an Iced Pistachio Latte. The new variant is formulated using the brand’s signature speciality-grade coffee, aiming to provide a premium, barista-quality experience for consumers at home or on the go. Formulation and Pricing The Iced Pistachio Latte features a smooth, lightly sweetened flavour profile with distinct nutty notes. The product is packaged in a standard RTD can format and is designed to be kept chilled. The ingredient profile comprises: Milk base: 76% semi-skimmed milk. Coffee content: 21% coffee (derived from water and coffee extract). Additional ingredients: Sugar, natural flavourings, acidity regulator (potassium carbonate), and salt. The product is available for bulk purchase in two distinct pack sizes: Eight-pack: £16.00 16-pack: £28.00 Distribution Since opening its first location in 2011, Grind has scaled its operations to include a network of London cafés, coffee shops, and a state-of-the-art coffee roastery. The brand has successfully established a multi-channel distribution model. In addition to its physical retail locations, Grind's speciality coffee products are stocked in supermarkets across the UK. The company also maintains high-profile international partnerships, supplying its coffee to every Soho House location globally and serving its products on British Airways flights. The addition of the Iced Pistachio Latte to its RTD line-up reflects the brand's ongoing focus on premium convenience formats, tapping into the sustained consumer demand for cold coffee options and alternative flavour profiles. Grind Expands Canned Coffee Range with Iced Pistachio Latte Launch May 29, 2026 Coffee & Tea Lavazza Expands Hong Kong Footprint and Introduces Buffalo Milk Latte Coffee & Tea Happy and Marvel Studios Launch Avengers Doomsday RTD Coffee Line New Products Dunkin' Launches Avengers Doomsday Menu and Collectables Coffee & Tea Purity Coffee Launches Dedicated Whole Bean Espresso Blend New Products Coffee & Tea Related news