Nestlé UK and Ireland is expanding its Aero brand with a new Pistachio variant, timed to coincide with a high-profile partnership with the film The Devil Wears Prada 2. The launch leverages the global pistachio flavour trend and utilises a major on-pack promotion to drive cross-portfolio sales, targeting fashion-conscious consumers through high-value lifestyle prizes. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food Nestlé The Newsroom Nestlé UK and Ireland has announced the launch of the Aero Pistachio chocolate sharing bar, a strategic move to integrate one of the confectionery industry’s fastest-growing flavour trends into its iconic aerated portfolio. Arriving in stores this April, the product rollout is paired with an integrated marketing collaboration with the highly anticipated film, The Devil Wears Prada 2. The campaign represents a sophisticated "lifestyle" approach to confectionery marketing, moving beyond standard product features to associate the Aero brand with fashion, travel, and cinematic culture. Pistachio Flavour Trend Pistachio has emerged as a dominant trend across the global food and beverage landscape, particularly in the premium and "affordable luxury" sectors. By integrating this flavour into the Aero sharing bar format, Nestlé is: Modernising the Core Range : Providing a contemporary alternative to the classic Peppermint and Milk Chocolate variants. Capitalising on Sensory Performance : Utilising Aero’s signature "bubbles" to complement the rich, nutty profile of pistachio, creating a unique textural experience. Targeting "Trend-Seeking" Demographics : Appealing to Gen Z and Millennial consumers who have driven the viral success of pistachio-flavoured products on social media. Beth Lucas, Head of Marketing for Nestlé Confectionery, noted that the brand is "giving chocolate lovers even more reason to pick up an Aero" by aligning the bubbles with the excitement of a major cultural release. The Devil Wears Prada 2 The partnership with The Devil Wears Prada 2 serves as a powerful lever for brand visibility. The film’s association with high fashion and the city of New York provides a "premium" backdrop for the Aero brand, allowing it to move from a standard snack to a "fashion-forward" lifestyle choice. Key components of the cinematic activation include: On-Pack Promotion : A QR-code-led entry system featured across the entire Aero range, including chocolate bars, sharing bars, multipacks, and bubble bags. Grand Prize Incentive : A five-night luxury trip to New York for two, including 5-star accommodation and 2,000 pounds/euros in spending money. Instant Win Mechanics : A digital-first sweepstakes offering 1,000 cinema prizes worth 50 pounds each, designed to drive immediate volume and repeat purchase. Portfolio Synergies and Innovation Pipeline The Pistachio launch follows the successful introduction of Aero Caramel bubbles earlier this year, signalling an aggressive 2026 innovation roadmap for the brand. By diversifying flavour profiles (Caramel and Pistachio) and formats (Bags and Sharing Bars), Nestlé is ensuring that the Aero brand remains relevant across multiple consumption occasions, from "movie nights at home" to "on-the-go" indulgence. For retailers, the cross-portfolio nature of the promotion, running from April 20 until July 12, 2026, provides a high-energy tool to drive traffic to the confectionery fixture. The cinematic tie-in is expected to generate significant shelf standout, particularly in grocery and high-street convenience channels where "exclusive" promotions drive high-velocity impulse buys. New Products Nestlé UK and Ireland Launches Limited-Edition Aero Pistachio Bar News April 14, 2026 Confectionery Guittard Launches Reformulated Chocolate Batons for Laminated Pastry Applications New Products The Pioneer Woman Launches Chocolate Collection with Sweet Shop USA Manufacturing Nestlé Integrates Wildfarmed Regenerative Wheat into UK KitKat Supply Chain Confectionery AWAKE Chocolate Partners with Hotels to Launch Caffeinated Crispy Bites Marketing New Products Confectionery Food Related news

UK snack manufacturer Proper has announced a strategic flavour extension to its fast-growing lentil chip portfolio, introducing House Hot Sauce Lentil Chips. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom UK snack manufacturer Proper has announced a strategic flavour extension to its fast-growing lentil chip portfolio, introducing House Hot Sauce Lentil Chips . The launch is designed to tap into the surging consumer demand for spicy profiles within the "Better-For-You" (BFY) snacking segment. The new SKU features an in-house developed flavour profile aimed at delivering "controlled heat and a tangy finish," catering to a palate shift that is currently reshaping the UK crisp, snack, and nut (CSN) market. The Heat Wave Proper’s innovation strategy is underpinned by robust category data. According to the company, spicy flavours now generate £528 million in UK sales. Crucially, this sub-segment is growing at 3% year-on-year , outpacing the overall snacking category by more than four times. By introducing a hot variant to its lentil base, Proper aims to capture consumers seeking intense flavour experiences without the nutritional baggage of traditional fried potato crisps. Product Specifications and Performance The new variant maintains the brand's core health credentials: gluten-free, vegan, and under 100 kcal per serving . This launch builds on a strong track record of flavour-led growth. Proper Chips has recorded a +21% year-on-year growth trajectory, delivering over £30 million in retail sales value (RSV) over the past five years. Previous limited editions, such as All the Cheese and Prawn Cocktail , generated over £3.2 million in RSV, with the Prawn Cocktail variant notably driving 54% incremental sales for the CSN category. Sandie Dilger , Chief Marketing Officer at Proper, commented on the NPD strategy: “Our Chips range keeps going from strength to strength as more people look for non-potato alternatives to traditional crisps. We jumped at the chance to create our very own House Hot Sauce, and then translate that unique flavour kick onto a chip.” Commercial Availability and Pricing The House Hot Sauce Lentil Chips have secured an initial listing at Tesco stores nationwide. A wider rollout into the convenience and wholesale channels—including Nisa, Costcutter, Spar, and Dhamecha—is scheduled for February . Formats & Pricing: Sharing Bag (85g): £2.25 Price Marked Pack (50g): £1.25 Corporate Context Proper Snacks (which also owns the Eat Real brand) is now ranked among the UK’s top five snack manufacturers. The B Corp certified business reports that more than one in five UK households now purchase a Proper product annually, with six packs sold every second. New Products Proper Launch 'House Hot Sauce' Lentil Chip, Marketing Towards Spice Boom News January 22, 2026 Snacking New Simply NKD Doritos Dinamita Launches without Artificial Dyes and Flavours New Products Subway Canada and Lays Partner to Launch Italian Herbs and Cheese Potato Chips New Products PepsiCo Partners with Gordon Ramsay to Scale Doritos Loaded Concept New Products Salumificio SantOrso Launches High-Protein Salami Chips Food Flavours & Colours Snacking New Products Related news

The Turkish Competition Authority has imposed a ₺1.3 billion ($36 million) fine on Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, after ruling that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices designed to restrict market access for rival snack producers. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The Turkish Competition Authority has imposed a ₺1.3 billion ($36 million) fine on Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, after ruling that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices designed to restrict market access for rival snack producers. The investigation concluded that Frito-Lay – which manufactures popular brands including Lay’s, Doritos, Ruffles and Cheetos – breached fair competition laws by limiting the sales and visibility of competitors’ packaged chips across retail outlets in Turkey. Under the authority’s ruling, Frito-Lay must implement a series of corrective measures to restore competition, particularly among small-format retailers of under 200 square metres. Among the new requirements, retailers must dedicate at least 30% of visible vertical shelf space on Frito-Lay-branded stands to competitor products. This area must be clearly separated and marked as reserved for rival brands. Frito-Lay has also been prohibited from offering financial incentives or preferential terms to retailers in exchange for exclusivity or product placement advantages. Additionally, each sales point will be limited to one Frito-Lay-branded stand, and if no competitor products are available, the designated competitor space must remain empty. The Turkish regulator said the ruling aims to enhance consumer choice and ensure a more level playing field within the country’s packaged snack sector. Both PepsiCo and Frito-Lay have been contacted for comment. Legal PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay fined $36m by Turkish competition authority for antitrust violations News February 19, 2025 Business & Finance Legal Related news

Kellogg’s has launched Oaties, a new high-fibre breakfast cereal designed to cater to health-conscious consumers and family breakfast occasions. The product will roll out across major UK supermarkets from January 2025. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food WK Kellogg Co (Kellogg’s) The Newsroom Kellogg’s has launched Oaties, a new high-fibre breakfast cereal designed to cater to health-conscious consumers and family breakfast occasions. The product will roll out across major UK supermarkets from January 2025. The range includes Original Crunch and Choco Crunch, both featuring a wholegrain oat base enriched with B vitamins and iron, offering sustained energy for both adults and children. The cereals are non-HFSS, supporting Kellogg’s broader strategy to grow its portfolio of healthier, nutrient-rich breakfast options alongside established brands such as Special K and Corn Flakes. Developed with a focus on texture and taste, Oaties delivers a multilayered crunch that maintains its integrity in milk. The formulation combines oats and cereal flours to create a distinctive sensory experience, aiming to stand out in the competitive cereal market. Caroline Deeley, R&D Cereal Technical Manager at Kellogg’s, said: “Our R&D team has worked tirelessly to perfect the new Oaties recipe, bringing together delicious flavour, nutrition and a unique texture that keeps its crunch.” The launch coincides with Kellogg’s £75 million investment in its Wrexham facility, intended to double production capacity and reinforce the company’s leadership in the UK cereal sector. This marks Kellogg’s largest single investment in British cereal production in over 30 years. Oaties will be available in 500g packs, retailing at £3.49, through major UK retailers including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, offering trade partners a new, health-focused SKU with strong category potential. Food Kellogg’s expands health-focused portfolio with Oaties high-fibre cereal January 13, 2025 New Products Health & Nutrition Food Related news

Mini Melts USA and The Magnum Ice Cream Company have partnered to deploy Magnum-branded vending machines comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Mini Melts USA has announced a strategic partnership with The Magnum Ice Cream Company to deploy a nationwide network of automated retail kiosks across the United States. Set to launch in Summer 2026, the collaboration merges Magnum’s high-equity frozen dessert portfolio with Mini Melts’ established cryogenic vending infrastructure. The agreement marks a significant acceleration of Magnum’s out-of-home (OOH) growth strategy, transitioning the brand's premium offerings from the traditional supermarket freezer aisle directly into high-velocity, "on-the-go" consumer environments. Unattended Retail and Out-of-Home Under the terms of the agreement, Mini Melts USA will operate a fleet of Magnum-branded vending machines. By leveraging Mini Melts' operational expertise in unattended commerce, Magnum is securing direct-to-consumer distribution in high-footfall locations such as transit hubs, entertainment venues, and non-traditional retail spaces. Bryce Carroll, Senior Commercial Development Manager at The Magnum Ice Cream Company, stated that the partnership is a critical step in reaching consumers beyond the traditional aisle. Carroll emphasised that Mini Melts provides the "scale and footprint" necessary to extend the brand into everyday moments and unlock new consumption occasions across the country. The automated kiosks will function as a multi-brand premium dessert destination. The machines will feature a curated assortment of The Magnum Ice Cream Company's wider portfolio, including high-impulse items like Good Humour novelty bars and premium Ben & Jerry's ice cream pints. Simultaneously, the partnership facilitates the expansion of Mini Melts' own signature beaded ice cream. Founded in 2004, Mini Melts differentiates itself through a premium formulation featuring 14 per cent butterfat. The product relies on specialised -40°F cryogenic freezers to preserve its unique "melt-in-your-mouth" texture, an infrastructure requirement that forms the technical backbone of this new vending collaboration. Dan Kilcoyne, Founder of Mini Melts USA, noted that combining the operational capabilities of his organisation with Magnum’s exceptional product portfolio creates a "powerful platform" for redefining convenient indulgence. Business & Finance Mini Melts USA and Magnum Ice Cream Automated Retail Partnership Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Soft drinks Marriott International and The Coca-Cola Company Sign Global Beverage Agreement Business & Finance GHOST Energy Secures Official Partnership with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Business & Finance Actus Nutrition and Darigold Partner to Expand Speciality Protein Production Business & Finance Ingredion and Sanstar Announce Joint Venture to Serve Indian Food and Pharma Markets Food Dairy Snacking Business & Finance Related news

Iceland Foods has introduced two age-restricted ready meals featuring Pepper X, the Guinness World Records-recognised hottest chilli in the world. The launch positions Iceland as the first UK supermarket to impose an 18+ restriction on ready meals. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Iceland Foods has introduced two age-restricted ready meals featuring Pepper X, the Guinness World Records-recognised hottest chilli in the world. The launch positions Iceland as the first UK supermarket to impose an 18+ restriction on ready meals. The Pepper X chilli, developed by American breeder Ed Currie, registers 2.69 million Scoville heat units — making it more than 50,000% hotter than a jalapeño. Until now, Pepper X had only been available in sauce format. The new range includes: Chicken Tikka Masala Chilli Mac & Cheese Matthew Worsley, Head Development Chef at Iceland Foods, commented: “Our customers love spice, and they are always pushing us to turn up the heat. The Pepper X range is intense, fiery, and certainly not for the faint-hearted. With such heat comes responsibility, so we’ve limited sales to those aged 18 and over.” The launch responds to a growing market for extreme flavour experiences and novelty products, catering to adventurous consumers seeking unique and intense taste profiles. The Pepper X ready meals are now available at Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores across the UK, highlighting the retailer’s continued focus on innovative NPD that captures consumer attention and drives in-store traffic. New Products Iceland launches age-restricted ready meals featuring world’s hottest chilli News October 9, 2024 New Products Katies Pizza And Pasta Expands with New Pasta Bakes and Sauces New Products Maggi Scales Portfolio with Global Kitchen Ready Meal Range New Products Chef Boyardee Launches Convenience Skillet Meals New Products Fit Foods Launches Hybrid Lasagne Mac and Cheese Ready Meal Food Retail New Products Related news

Functional beverage brand Spacegoods has expanded into the ready-to-drink sector with the launch of its first-ever canned Iced Oat Mushroom Latte range. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Functional beverage brand Spacegoods has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of its first-ever ready-to-drink canned range, the Iced Oat Mushroom Latte. The launch represents a significant brand extension for the company, transitioning its established powder-based functional blends into a convenient, shelf-ready canned format. The rollout is designed to capture market share within the rapidly expanding RTD coffee and active nutrition sectors, where consumer purchasing patterns are increasingly focused on dairy-free bases and cognitive-supporting ingredients. Formulation and Adaptogenic Profile To meet consumer demand for functional, clean-label energy alternatives, the Iced Oat Mushroom Latte integrates high-dosage adaptogens with a sugar-free oat milk base. Each can is formulated with a 1,500mg blend of active adaptogens and functional mushrooms alongside natural caffeine and essential micronutrients. The technical specifications of the formulation include: Lion's Mane Mushroom: Sourced from traditional botanical networks, included to support cognitive focus. KSM-66 Ashwagandha: A premium, clinically evaluated adaptogen used to support a sense of calm and mitigate daily stress. Maca Root: A plant-derived ingredient incorporated to support physical energy and stamina. Natural Caffeine: Each can delivers 120mg of natural caffeine sourced directly from coffee to provide a balanced stimulant lift. Vitamin B5: Infused to support normal energy-yielding metabolism and contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The beverage utilises a smooth oat milk base that contains no added sugar. The formulation is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and suitable for ketogenic dietary requirements, allowing retailers to appeal to health-conscious consumers managing specific dietary exclusions. Product and Flavours The new canned range is launching with two distinct, coffee-forward flavour configurations designed to replicate a premium cold-brew experience: ☕ Coffee – A rich, classic coffee flavour profile combined with the brand's core functional blend. 🍬 Coffee Caramel – A smooth, caramel-infused coffee variant designed to offer a sweeter sensory experience. By packaging the lates in a standard aluminium can format, the brand is targeting the high-volume grab-and-go convenience channel. The ready-to-drink format eliminates the typical preparation requirements associated with functional powders, such as mixing or blending, making the range highly suited to busy, on-the-go lifestyle routines. Logistics and Supply Chain Infrastructure To support the commercial rollout and ensure rapid delivery times across key retail and digital channels, Spacegoods is utilising its established international logistics network. The company's shipping and order fulfilment operations are managed through two strategically located hubs: United Kingdom: A dedicated UK-based warehouse servicing the domestic retail and direct-to-consumer markets. The Netherlands: An EU-based warehouse facility established to coordinate European distribution and streamline cross-border logistics. Matthew Kelly, founder of Spacegoods, shared on LinkedIn: the introduction of the canned range represents a milestone for the brand. He noted that the Iced Oat Mushroom Latte delivers the functional benefits of adaptogens and mushrooms in a cold, convenient format that matches the sensory profile of conventional canned coffees while offering superior macronutrient values. With the manufacturing and distribution pipelines fully operational, the brand plans to leverage its dual-warehouse infrastructure to scale its physical retail footprint and digital subscription services throughout the summer trading window. New Products Spacegoods Expands into Ready-to-Drink Category with Functional Latte Range Eddie Sanders June 16, 2026 New Products Barebells Expands Milk Drink Range with New Cookie Flavour Coffee & Tea Ehrmann Partners with Glow25 to Launch RTD Collagen Coffee New Products Huel Expands Ready-to-drink Portfolio with Four New Flavours New Products AMASS Brands Group Launches Functional Electrolyte Powder Mixers Coffee & Tea Beverage New Products Related news

Gaviña Coffee Company has expanded its premium Don Francisco's Coffee portfolio with the launch of Daybreak Blend and Moonlight Roast. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Gaviña Coffee Company has expanded its flagship premium brand, Don Francisco’s Coffee, with the introduction of two new roasts and a comprehensive brand-wide packaging redesign. The product launch introduces Daybreak Blend and Moonlight Roast, designed to accommodate changing consumer daily routines and tastes. Alongside the new flavour profiles, the company is rolling out its first major packaging evolution in several years to modernise its retail presence and improve in-store shelf navigation. The new blends and updated packaging are currently entering retail distribution, with availability expanding across US grocery channels through spring 2026. Flavour Profiles The two new additions to the Don Francisco’s Coffee line-up represent distinct roast levels and flavour profiles, utilising 100% Arabica beans sourced from key global coffee-growing regions: 🌅 Daybreak Blend : A medium-dark roast crafted from Arabica beans sourced from Central and South America and East Africa, featuring a vibrant aroma and bright, fruit-forward notes. 🌙 Moonlight Roast : Positioned as the deepest and boldest roast in the brand’s Family Reserve line, this extra-dark roast is made with Arabica beans from Central and South America, delivering an intense, smoky aroma and a full-bodied profile. Both blends are being made available across multiple retail formats, including ground coffee bags, whole bean formats, and single-serve pods compatible with Keurig brewing systems. Packaging Redesign To support the launch and refresh the entire product line, Don Francisco’s Coffee has introduced an updated packaging design across its entire portfolio. The updated design incorporates a bold diagonal layout and a refined tile pattern, which serves to reference the brand's roasting heritage while establishing a more contemporary aesthetic on supermarket shelves. From a retail perspective, the redesign introduces a streamlined colour-coding system. This functional update is designed to help shoppers easily identify and navigate different roast levels and taste profiles, reducing purchase friction at the point of sale. Regional Distribution According to Lisette Gaviña Lopez, fourth-generation coffee roaster at Gaviña Coffee Company, the new blends and visual identity reflect how modern consumers interact with coffee throughout the day, while maintaining the roasting quality the family-owned business has established over nearly 60 years of operations in Los Angeles. The new products are available directly through the brand's e-commerce platform and Amazon, alongside nationwide distribution through select physical grocery partners. Gaviña Coffee Company remains one of the leading green-coffee roasters and retail brands in California, supporting retail partners with a diverse portfolio of roast styles and brewing formats. New Products Don Francisco's Coffee Launches New Day & Night Blends Eddie Sanders June 1, 2026 Coffee & Tea Ehrmann Partners with Glow25 to Launch RTD Collagen Coffee Coffee & Tea Lavazza and Müller Launch Italian-Inspired Ready-to-Drink Coffee Range New Products Nescafé Launches KitKat and Lion Flavoured Coffee Coffee & Tea Paramount Coffee Debuts Joe Knows Coffee Coffee & Tea New Products Beverage Related news

Plant-based nutrition specialist Ripple Foods has announced a significant expansion of its dairy-free portfolio, launching Ripple Organic Plant-Based Milk. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Plant-based nutrition specialist Ripple Foods has announced a significant expansion of its dairy-free portfolio, launching Ripple Organic Plant-Based Milk . The new line hits the market in January 2026 , targeting the premium segment of the alternative dairy category. It addresses a specific consumer demand for organic options that do not sacrifice macronutrient density for a clean label. Formulation and Nutritional Profile Ripple Organic is engineered to outperform key competitors in the plant-based sector, specifically almond milk, regarding nutritional content. The formulation leverages Ripple's proprietary pea protein to deliver 5 grams of plant-based protein per serving , which the company claims is up to 2.5 times more than standard almond milk. Clean Label Specifications: Ingredient Deck: Made with five ingredients or fewer. Exclusions: Formulated without gums or added oils, addressing common consumer concerns regarding texture modifiers in the category. Allergen Profile: Free from the top nine allergens, including nuts, soy, dairy, and gluten. Flavour Variants: The line launches with two staple profiles designed for versatile usage in cereal, smoothies, or direct consumption: Original Vanilla The launch comes as the organic plant-based milk sector continues to grow, yet often forces a trade-off between organic certification and protein content. Becky O'Grady , CEO of Ripple Foods, highlighted the gap this product intends to fill: "For many shoppers, choosing organic in the milk aisle has meant compromising – on protein, on taste, or on ingredients they actually recognise. We heard that frustration loud and clear. Ripple Organic was created to give families an organic option that finally delivers on everything they care about: clean ingredients, great taste, and real, satisfying protein." Commercial Availability Ripple Organic Plant-Based Milk is rolling out to select retailers beginning January 2026 . Initial distribution partners include Target , Hy-Vee , Wakefern , ShopRite , and Harris Teeter , with further retail expansion planned for later in the year. New Products Ripple Foods Debuts Organic Plant-Based Milk Line with High-Protein, Gum-Free Formulation News January 14, 2026 New Products Nurri Launches Ultra-Filtered Protein Shakes New Products Shaken Udder Launches Functional High Fibre Milkshake Range New Products Alpro Launches Soya Coconut Matcha Variant New Products Organic Valley Launches Ultra-Filtered Organic Protein Milk Line Dairy Plant-based Beverage Health & Nutrition New Products Related news

The Compleat Food Group has announced a further fortification of its senior leadership team, appointing industry veteran Sue Bell to the newly created role of Chief Technical Officer (CTO). comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The Compleat Food Group has announced a further fortification of its senior leadership team, appointing industry veteran Sue Bell to the newly created role of Chief Technical Officer (CTO). The move represents a strategic consolidation of the group’s operational oversight, bringing together the Technical, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) functions under a single board-level mandate for the first time. Strategic Mandate and Board Consolidation Reporting directly to CEO Nick Field, Bell’s appointment underlines the critical importance the group places on food safety, sustainability, and operational excellence as pillars of its growth strategy. By unifying these functions at the C-suite level, The Compleat Food Group aims to drive continuous improvement across its rapidly expanding manufacturing footprint. Executive Profile: 32 Years at Marks & Spencer Bell brings over three decades of high-level food industry experience to the role. Her career is defined by a significant 32-year tenure at retailer Marks & Spencer , where her most recent position was Head of Technology. In this capacity, she oversaw both chilled and ambient categories alongside packaging delivery. Post-retail, Bell spent the last five years operating as an independent consultant, delivering business transformation programmes for major entities including FareShare UK , Bernard Matthews , and Whitbread . Sue Bell commented on the timing of her arrival: “The Compleat Food Group has been growing rapidly and there are ambitions to continue this trajectory, so it is a really exciting time to be joining the team. With my extensive background in retail, and more recent experience in both the manufacturing and hospitality sectors, I am keen to enable the many talented colleagues in the Technical, ESG and SHE functions to support this growth agenda.” Nick Field , CEO of The Compleat Food Group, highlighted the strategic fit: “Sue brings a breadth of experience across retail, manufacturing and foodservice, alongside deep knowledge spanning technical, sustainability and continuous improvement. Her appointment is a great fit for The Compleat Food Group as we continue our journey to create Food to Feel Good.” Leadership Context Bell’s arrival follows closely on the heels of Nick Reade’s appointment as the group's first UK Managing Director, signalling a concerted effort to build a leadership bench capable of managing the group's scale following a series of high-profile acquisitions. People The Compleat Food Group Unifies Technical and ESG Functions with Appointment of Sue Bell as CTO News January 23, 2026 New Products Brothers Cider Launches Wild Cloudy Apple Cider Flavour People NAMA Appoints Michael Schwartz as Chair of the Board of Directors People Novus Foods Appoints Admir Basic as CEO People The Hershey Company Appoints Heather Hoytink as President of US People Business & Finance Food Related news

Nestlé, Lindt & Sprüngli, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International, and The Hershey Company have announced a landmark, pre-competitive partnership with the incorporation of the TogetherCocoa Foundation. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Lindt & Sprüngli Featured in this news Confectionery Mondelēz International Featured in this news Confectionery Hershey Company Featured in this news Confectionery Mars Inc The Newsroom Nestlé, Lindt & Sprüngli, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International, and The Hershey Company have announced a landmark, pre-competitive partnership with the incorporation of the TogetherCocoa Foundation . Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the newly formed independent entity aims to drive unprecedented industry-wide collaboration to strengthen the long-term resilience of the global cocoa supply chain. The alignment of five of the world's largest chocolate manufacturers signals a strategic acknowledgement that the systemic challenges facing the cocoa industry—from climate volatility to extreme poverty—cannot be solved by individual corporate initiatives alone. Closing the Living Income Gap The immediate operational priority for the TogetherCocoa Foundation is the West African cocoa belt, specifically targeting farming communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana , which together produce the vast majority of the world's cocoa. A central mandate of the foundation is to scale collaborative solutions designed to close the "living income gap" for these cocoa farming households. To achieve this, the initiative plans to engage closely not only with supply chain partners and the wider sector but also with the governments of both West African nations to ensure infrastructural and policy alignment. Complementing Existing ESG Frameworks Crucially for stakeholders and investors, the companies confirmed that the new foundation will not replace their respective internal sustainability portfolios. Instead, it is designed to build upon and scale the "test-and-learn" approaches already established by individual members. Nestlé reaffirmed its ongoing capital commitment to the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and its specific income accelerator program in the region. Mars stated it remains fully committed to its Cocoa for Generations strategy, continuing to run targeted initiatives such as the Women for Change , Livelihoods Ecosystem Advancement (LEAP) Program , and the ACTIVE agroforestry program. By pooling resources and data generated from these individual programs into the TogetherCocoa Foundation, the coalition aims to implement "joint and scalable solutions" that deliver a more unified impact on the ground. Industry Context The formation of TogetherCocoa comes at a critical juncture for the chocolate industry, which has recently faced historic commodity price spikes, tightening environmental regulations (such as the EU Deforestation Regulation), and continued scrutiny over farmer welfare. While the foundation is currently in its "early stages," the sheer market capitalisation and purchasing power of its five founding members make it one of the most significant collaborative sustainability efforts in the history of the confectionery sector. Further operational details and specific funding mechanisms are expected to be communicated as the initiative develops. Confectionery Global Confectionery Giants Unite to Launch 'TogetherCocoa Foundation' in Geneva News February 25, 2026 Confectionery Guittard Launches Reformulated Chocolate Batons for Laminated Pastry Applications New Products The Pioneer Woman Launches Chocolate Collection with Sweet Shop USA Manufacturing Nestlé Integrates Wildfarmed Regenerative Wheat into UK KitKat Supply Chain Confectionery AWAKE Chocolate Partners with Hotels to Launch Caffeinated Crispy Bites Confectionery Agriculture Business & Finance Sustainability Manufacturing Related news

ANIMAL has partnered with Smarties to launch a series of candy-flavoured performance supplements, marking a strategic shift toward nostalgia-driven branding within the professional strength and sports nutrition category. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Universal Nutrition has announced a strategic partnership between its legacy performance brand, ANIMAL, and the Smarties Candy Company. This collaboration introduces three new flavour-forward products—Creatine HMB+, Creatine Chews, and Pump Non-Stim—designed to integrate iconic candy culture into the professional strength supplement market. The move signals an evolution for ANIMAL, a brand historically rooted in a disciplined, results-oriented identity, as it seeks to engage consumers through emotional branding and nostalgic appeal. Strategic Brand Evolution in the Strength Category The partnership represents more than a simple flavour extension. According to Jad Khairallah, Co-CEO at Universal Nutrition, the initiative reflects a broader maturation of the sports nutrition industry. By incorporating the Smarties brand, ANIMAL aims to tap into the emotional history of its consumer base, many of whom began their fitness journeys in an era where the candy was a cultural staple. Khairallah noted that nostalgia is increasingly viewed as "emotional fuel" rather than a distraction from performance. This approach allows legacy brands to demonstrate creativity and modern relevance without altering the core efficacy of their formulations. The collaboration aims to maintain ANIMAL’s reputation for high-standard performance while broadening its market reach through a "collision of legacy strength and iconic candy culture." Product Line and Formulation Standards Despite the branding shift, Universal Nutrition maintains that the product formulations remain consistent with the brand’s existing quality standards. The new Smarties-inspired lineup includes: Creatine HMB+ : A performance-focused supplement combining creatine with HMB for muscle preservation. Creatine Chews : A convenient delivery format for creatine intake. Pump Non-Stim : A stimulant-free pre-workout designed for blood flow and performance. The integration of Smarties’ specific flavour profiles into these high-performance formulas is intended to create a unique value proposition in the retail aisle, where the sports nutrition category is becoming increasingly crowded with lifestyle-oriented competitors. Synergy Between Legacy Brands From a B2B perspective, the partnership offers Smarties Candy Company an entry point into a specialised health and fitness demographic. Jessica Sawyer, Co-President of Smarties Candy Company, emphasised that the collaboration allows the brand to appear in fresh, relevant contexts while remaining rooted in its established identity. This balance between heritage and innovation is a key driver for brand growth in both the confectionery and supplement sectors. Public Launch and Market Entry The official public debut of the ANIMAL x Smarties collaboration will take place at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. This event serves as a critical touchpoint for the strength community, providing the first opportunity for professional athletes and industry stakeholders to sample the new products. By debuting the line at one of the industry's largest gatherings, Universal Nutrition is positioning the partnership as a primary focus for its 2024 growth strategy, emphasising the brand's willingness to lead the category through unexpected yet authentic collaborations. Health & Nutrition ANIMAL and Smarties Partner for New Performance Nutrition Range News March 3, 2026 New Products Cizzle Brands Launches Limited Edition CWENCH Flavour After Top Draft Selection New Products Bodyarmor Enters Carbonated Segment with First Sparkling Sports Drink New Products CCEP Launches Limited Edition Powerade FIFA Playstyles in the UK New Products Red Tree Beverages Launches Fresca Hard to Target Post-Game RTD Market New Products Beverage Business & Finance Health & Nutrition Ingredients Related news