Running from 7 January through 17 March, the lineup introduces the chain's first-ever Protein Latte collection alongside a heritage-inspired Mexican Chocolate range. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has unveiled its Winter 2026 menu, executing a dual strategy focused on functional nutrition and seasonal indulgence. Running from 7 January through 17 March , the lineup introduces the chain's first-ever Protein Latte collection alongside a heritage-inspired Mexican Chocolate range. The launch underscores a broader industry trend of integrating functional benefits—specifically protein—into mainstream coffee beverages to capture health-conscious consumers during the "New Year" resolution window. Functional Innovation: Protein Lattes Marking a category debut for the brand, the new Protein Latte collection is engineered to serve as a functional meal accompaniment or post-workout boost. Technical Specifications: Protein Content: A minimum of 20 grams of protein per regular-sized serving. Composition: A fusion of espresso, steamed milk, and a proprietary protein boost. Customisation: Available hot or iced. A "lightened" lower-sugar version is also available. Flavour Variants: Vanilla Protein Latte: Smooth vanilla layered with espresso. Caramel Protein Latte: Buttery caramel balanced with coffee notes. Hazelnut Protein Latte: Toasted hazelnut flavour profile. Members of The Coffee Bean® Rewards app have been granted immediate early access to these beverages before the nationwide rollout on 7 January. Seasonal Indulgence: Mexican Chocolate To balance the functional offering with comfort, the chain is introducing a collection inspired by traditional winter flavours. The Mexican Chocolate line blends rich dark chocolate with cinnamon notes to create a "velvety" profile. The Lineup: Mexican Chocolate Hot Latte: Espresso and steamed milk with cocoa and cinnamon. Mexican Chocolate Iced Latte: A refreshing cold format. Mexican Chocolate Ice Blended® drink: A frosty blend of chocolate, spice, and espresso. Promotional Calendar To drive frequency throughout the quarter, the brand has announced a structured calendar of price promotions: Wellness Wednesday (Jan 7, 14, 21 & 28): $5 Large beverages from 12–6 p.m. Super Bowl "Fill the Tray" (Feb 2–8): 4 beverages for $20 (any size). Valentine's Day (Feb 13–15): 2 beverages for $10 (any size). Coffee & Tea The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Debuts High-Protein Lattes and Mexican Chocolate Range for Winter 2026 News January 2, 2026 Coffee & Tea Starbucks Introduces Aerocano Iced Espresso Coffee & Tea BIGGBY Coffee Launches Autumn 2026 Menu Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches Autumn 2026 Menu with Maple Hazel Matcha and New Toasties Foodservice Chomps Expands Distribution Footprint at Starbucks and Costco Beverage Coffee & Tea New Products Flavours & Colours Foodservice Related news

The 28th edition of Bakery China concluded in Shanghai, drawing nearly 400,000 professional visitors to explore AI automation comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The 28th edition of Bakery China has concluded at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, establishing a record participation with nearly 400,000 professional visitors and highlighting a major industry transition toward automated manufacturing and international market integration. Co-organised by the China Association of Bakery & Confectionery Industry and Bakery China Exhibitions Co., Ltd., the four-day event spanned more than 330,000 square metres. The exhibition brought together 2,267 brands and companies from 79 countries and regions to showcase over 10,000 products, attracting trade visitors from 144 countries and regions. According to the organisers, the event remains focused on driving high-quality development across the global bakery and confectionery sectors by facilitating international trade, operational insights, and technical skills development. Scale and Global Participation Bakery China 2026 demonstrated a significantly expanded international profile, with overseas companies and brands accounting for more than 20% of total participants. Exhibitors included major brands from Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, the US, and South Korea. A notable feature of the 2026 event was the "Belt and Road Bakery Theme Zone," which showcased ingredients and regional processing techniques. This area highlighted cross-cultural product development, specifically Western-style pastries utilising traditional Chinese flavours and Western technical applications in classic Chinese baked goods. Reflecting the growing global integration of the Chinese bakery sector, the number of registered overseas buyers at the event increased by more than 60% year-on-year. Support for International Export and Compliance For the first time, the exhibition hosted a dedicated "Going Global" forum to assist Chinese enterprises in navigating international markets. The forum provided practical resources and reference frameworks for companies looking to establish overseas operations. Discussions focused on key operational hurdles, including: Regulatory Compliance: Navigating international certification standards and food safety laws. Halal Certification: Understanding the requirements and supply chain audits required to enter Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Supply Chain Adaptation: Establishing localised ingredient sourcing and processing partnerships. Brand Communication: Managing cross-cultural marketing campaigns and developing international retail distribution channels. Smart Manufacturing and Sector Innovation The exhibition served as a launchpad for thousands of new products, with the Bakery China Innovation Award recognising 136 products from 122 companies across the fields of raw ingredients, processing equipment, and sustainable packaging. Industrial automation and ingredient transparency emerged as the primary drivers of technical innovation at this year's event. Key themes included: 🤖 Smart Manufacturing : Fully automated artificial intelligence baking production lines and AI-driven vision quality control systems, designed to improve processing speed, reduce human error, and ensure complete product traceability. 🍫 Chocolate China 2026 : The debut of a dedicated chocolate industry segment spanning 30,000 square metres, bringing together more than 150 global cocoa and chocolate enterprises to cover the entire chocolate value chain. 🌱 Clean Labelling : An industry-wide focus on natural formulations, sugar reduction, and sustainable ingredient sourcing to align with global consumer wellness trends. Future Regional Events Following the conclusion of the Shanghai event, the organisers have announced plans to expand their exhibition footprint into Southeast Asia. The inaugural Bakery ASEAN exhibition is scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 27 to 29 August 2026. Additionally, the domestic trade calendar will continue with the 11th Bakery China Autumn and the 9th China Home Baking Show, scheduled for 22 to 24 October 2026 at the Wuhan International Expo Centre. Events Bakery China 2026 Showcases Industrial Automation and Chocolate Sector Growth Eddie Sanders June 1, 2026 New Products pladis Launches McVitie's Flipz in China with Three Locally Developed Flavours Foodservice Yum China Completes $1.2M Acquisition of Pizza Hut Brand in China New Products Oreo and KFC Partner for Savoury Fried Chicken Oreos in China New Products PepsiCo Launches Pepsi Prebiotic Cola in China Events Bakery Related news

The launch leverages robust market data indicating a shift towards "heat" in beverage consumption. The company cites forecasts suggesting that sales of spicy vodka are projected to increase by 27% by 2029. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Pernod Ricard’s Absolut Vodka has announced a major strategic collaboration with McIlhenny Company’s TABASCO® Brand, unveiling ABSOLUT® TABASCO™ . The partnership brings together two heritage category leaders to capitalise on the surging global demand for spicy flavour profiles in the spirits sector. Now available in the U.S., the product is scheduled for an aggressive international rollout across more than 50 markets worldwide . Co-Creation and Fermentation The new liquid is not a simple flavour infusion but a co-created spirit designed to capture the authentic complexity of the famous hot sauce. Technical Specifications: Process: Crafted by fusing Absolut Vodka with a natural essence derived from the fermented, aged red pepper mash used to produce TABASCO® Sauce. Liquid Profile: Delivers the distinctive heat and aroma of the pepper sauce without the vinegar acidity dominating the palate. Clean Label: Like the original Absolut, the spicy variant contains no added sugar and is gluten-free. The 'Swicy' Boom The launch leverages robust market data indicating a shift towards "heat" in beverage consumption. The company cites forecasts suggesting that sales of spicy vodka are projected to increase by 27% by 2029 . Caroline Begley , U.S. VP of Marketing for Absolut, commented on the timing: "Global audiences have an adventurous thirst for bold drinks now more than ever... We're proud to partner with another icon and one of the world's leading hot sauce brands to add a spicy kick to both classic and trending vodka cocktails." The brand positions the product as a versatile base for high-velocity serves, ranging from the traditional Bloody Mary to trending Spicy Lemonades and chilled shots. Marketing Campaign and Design To support the global rollout, Absolut has engaged Wieden + Kennedy London to develop a visual campaign inspired by the brand’s legendary print advertising history. Shot on location near Reykjavík, Iceland, the creative features dramatic, real volcanic visuals where volcanoes erupt with "fiery Bloody Marys" instead of lava. Packaging: The bottle design represents a hybrid of the two brand identities, merging Absolut's apothecary-inspired silhouette with the distinct diamond label and colour palette of the TABASCO® bottle. Christian Brown , Head of Agriculture and 6th generation family member at McIlhenny Company, highlighted the shared values of the partnership: "With more than 150 years of pepper expertise, it only made sense for us at TABASCO® Brand to partner with ABSOLUT Vodka... TABASCO® Brand exists to light up everything we touch, and the powerful blending of these two iconic liquids is long overdue." Alcohol Absolut Partners with TABASCO® Brand to Launch Spicy Vodka News January 28, 2026 New Products General Mills Launches Gushers Super Sour and Sweet & Fiery Flavours New Products Little Latke Launches Garlic Parm and Spicy Honey Dijon Crisps New Products Schweppes Launches Cherry Pepper Soda to Drive Mixer Premiumisation New Products Health-Ade Taps 'Swicy' Trend with Strawberry Mango Chilli Kombucha Beverage Alcohol Ingredients Flavours & Colours Marketing New Products Related news

Danish ingredient producer FERM FOOD is set to acquire a former Orkla manufacturing site in Skovlund to meet rising global demand for functional and fermented plant-based ingredients. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Danish ingredient manufacturer FERM FOOD has announced the acquisition of a former Orkla manufacturing site in Skovlund, Denmark. Effective 1 April 2026, the facility will be used to expand production of fermented plant-based ingredients significantly. The move is a direct response to international export demand that has exceeded the company’s initial growth projections. According to Jens Legarth, CEO of FERM FOOD, the company has outgrown its current capacity in Vejen. The Skovlund site will enable the producer to supply a broader range of food manufacturers, both domestically and internationally. Significant Increase in Annual Production Capacity Once the Skovlund facility is fully operational, it is expected to reach an annual production capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes, depending on the specific product mix. This output will be in addition to the company’s existing operations in Vejen. The scaling of operations reflects a broader industry trend where food manufacturers are increasingly seeking natural, functional ingredients that do not require lengthy or complex additive lists on packaging. Functional Benefits for Clean Label Formulations The fermentation technology used by FERM FOOD aims to deliver functionality without synthetic additives. These fermented ingredients are designed to assist food manufacturers in several key areas: Shelf Life and Safety: Natural extension of product longevity and enhanced food safety profiles. Structural Properties: Improved binding capacity and higher viscosity in various food matrices. Nutritional Density: Increased availability of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibres. By utilising lactic acid bacteria in a solid-state fermentation process, the company can break down unwanted compounds while forming natural bioactive compounds. This enables manufacturers to integrate fermentation benefits into mainstream products such as bread, salads, and ready-to-eat legumes. Biotechnology Foundations and Global Reach FERM FOOD’s operations are built upon patented technology from its parent company, Fermentationexperts A/S. The group already operates industrial-scale fermentation factories in the United States, Malaysia, and Ukraine. This international experience in large-scale plant protein production serves as the foundation for FERM FOOD’s current expansion in Denmark. The Skovlund site will process a diverse range of raw materials, including legumes, rapeseed press cake, kernels, oats, buckwheat, and wheat. These materials are transformed into binders and ingredients for applications spanning bakery, hybrid meat products, and plant-based alternatives. Strategic Growth in Foodservice and Retail The company's ingredients are already integrated into various product categories within the foodservice and retail sectors. The expansion into Skovlund is intended to broaden this reach, providing fermentation-based solutions to more manufacturers across diverse food categories. As the industry moves toward hybrid and plant-based models, the ability to provide natural binding and nutritional enhancement at scale remains a central component of FERM FOOD’s market strategy. Facilities FERM FOOD Acquires Former Orkla Site to Scale Fermentation Capacity News March 11, 2026 Facilities Novonesis Invests €600M in Indian Enzyme Facility Facilities JBM Packaging Opens Ohio Facility to Expand Contract Packaging and Filling Business & Finance Chobani Acquires KDP Allentown Facility in $1.2B Dairy Expansion Facilities Wells Enterprises Completes $425M Expansion of Dunkirk Ice Cream Facility Plant-based Facilities Business & Finance Cultivated Ingredients Related news

Nekter Juice Bar and Pressed Juicery have formed a strategic partnership to distribute Pressed's packaged functional juices and wellness shots comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom US-headquartered juice bar chain Nekter Juice Bar and cold-pressed beverage brand Pressed Juicery have announced a nationwide retail partnership to distribute Pressed's packaged functional products within Nekter locations. The agreement introduces a cross-brand distribution model, placing dedicated, branded coolers inside participating Nekter outlets. The rollout merges Nekter's experiential, made-to-order juice bar environment with Pressed's pre-packaged consumer packaged goods portfolio, providing off-premise convenience options under a single retail roof. The phased integration is scheduled to scale immediately across participating locations, supported by a coordinated multi-channel marketing campaign. In Store Distribution and Co Branding The strategic alignment addresses changing consumer purchasing patterns in the functional beverage space, where convenience and grab-and-go options continue to drive high transaction volumes. Under the terms of the agreement, Nekter will stock several core lines from Pressed's functional range: 🌱 Wellness Shots – Concentrated, portion-controlled functional shots designed to support immune health and daily energy. 🥤 Daily Juices – Cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices formulated to deliver broad-spectrum nutrients in a convenient format. 🍋 Probiotic Lemonades – Refreshing, lower-sugar citrus beverages fortified with active probiotic cultures to support digestive health. The partnership also introduces pre-packaged "wellness bundles" designed to complement Nekter's existing made-to-order menu, which includes customisable juices, superfood smoothies, acai bowls, and protein waffles. Strategic Alignment and Market Dynamics By incorporating a third-party CPG brand into its physical locations, Nekter aims to capture incremental grab-and-go sales, reducing back-of-house labour pressures and wait times during peak morning trading hours. Concurrently, the partnership provides Pressed Juicery with an immediate, capital-light mechanism to expand its physical footprint into new regional markets. According to Justin Nedelman, Chief Executive Officer of Pressed Juicery, the partnership is designed to meet consumers within their existing daily routines, expanding the accessibility of cold-pressed nutrition as functional beverages become integrated into mainstream lifestyles. Steve Schulze, Chief Executive Officer of Nekter Juice Bar, added that incorporating Pressed's established packaged portfolio provides Nekter's customer base with a wider variety of immediate, pre-portioned options, supporting both daily nutrition and multi-day cleansing programmes. Marketing and Launch Activation To support the commercial rollout and drive customer trial, the companies are executing an integrated marketing campaign. The joint activation will feature customised in-store signage, branded refrigeration units, digital menu board integrations, and coordinated social media campaigns across both brand networks. Founded in 2010, Nekter Juice Bar operates as a major player in the US healthy fast-casual sector, maintaining a focus on menu transparency and clean-label plant-based ingredients. Pressed Juicery, which specialises in cold-pressed juices and functional shots, operates a vast retail network alongside its expanding wholesale and e-commerce divisions. Beverage Nekter and Pressed Partner on In Store Packaged Functional Wellness Rollout Eddie Sanders June 17, 2026 New Products RYZE Launches Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Mushroom Coffee at Target New Products Beyond Meat Launches Phytosphere Platform with Powders, Bars and Beverages New Products Optimum Nutrition and Wisconsin Brewing Launch ChampionSips Protein Non Alcoholic Beer New Products Wave Kids Launches Four Organic Flavoured Waters for Back to School Beverage Health & Nutrition Related news

Reese's has expanded its UK take-home confectionery portfolio with the launch of the Reese's Caramel Block and Reese's White Peanut Butter Cup Trio comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The Hershey Company has expanded its UK take-home confectionery offering under its Reese's brand with the nationwide launch of two new products: the Reese's Caramel Block and the Reese's White Peanut Butter Cup Trio. Entering major grocery multiples from September 2026, the dual rollout extends the brand's core peanut butter and chocolate flavour pairing into tablet blocks and white chocolate formats. The launch targets rising consumer appetite for sweet-and-salty taste profiles alongside multi-pack take-home formats. Jackson Hitchon, General Manager of Asia, EMEA and World Travel Retail at The Hershey Company, stated that the brand continues to seek new opportunities to bring excitement to the confectionery category while remaining anchored in the flavour combination consumers associate with Reese's. Hitchon noted that the introduction of the Caramel Block and White Peanut Butter Cup Trio delivers alternative ways to experience peanut butter cups, extending the brand's reach across the chocolate block and white chocolate segments. Product Formulations and Portfolio Additions The line extensions adapt the brand's signature confectionery architecture into two distinct retail formats: 🍫 Reese's Caramel Block (90g): Combines the brand's classic peanut butter and milk chocolate flavour profile with gooey caramel, introducing a textured twist to the tablet block category (RRP: £1.75). ⚪ Reese's White Peanut Butter Cup Trio (59g): A white chocolate-flavoured variation of the brand's classic three-cup pack, encasing traditional peanut butter filling inside a creamy white chocolate-style shell (RRP: £1.25). Retail Availability and Commercial Distribution Both products will commence nationwide physical distribution across the United Kingdom in September 2026. The lineup has secured listings across major supermarket chains, rolling out into Tesco and Sainsbury's stores nationwide. The 90g Caramel Block carries a recommended retail price of £1.75, while the 59g White Peanut Butter Cup Trio is positioned at an RRP of £1.25. New Products Reese's Expands UK Portfolio with Caramel Block and White Cups Eddie Sanders September 6, 2026 New Products McVitie's Launches Chocolate Christmas Treat Range with Penguin and Jaffa Elf Confectionery M&M'S Partners with Practical Magic 2 for Halloween Spell and Snack Packs Confectionery Ghirardelli Relaunches Seasonal Jack O'Lantern Chocolates across US Retail New Products Hershey Launches Creme Bars in Salted Caramel and Affogato Flavours Confectionery Snacking New Products Related news

Ingredion has finalised the sale of a 51% interest in Rafhan Maize to a group led by Nishat Hotels and Properties Ltd for approximately $165 million comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Ingredients Ingredion The Newsroom Ingredion Incorporated has finalised the sale of a 51% interest in Rafhan Maize, a manufacturer of food and industrial ingredients based in Pakistan. The transaction, valued at approximately $165 million, was completed with a group of affiliated purchasers led by Nishat Hotels and Properties Ltd, a local operator with diversified interests in agriculture, textiles, banking, and hospitality. The divestment aligns with Ingredion’s broader strategy to transform its business portfolio. According to the company, the sale is intended to reduce earnings volatility and unlock capital that can be redirected toward higher-growth areas of its business. Jim Zallie, chairman, president, and CEO of Ingredion, noted that the decision reflects the company’s focus on long-term capital allocation. For the 2025 fiscal year, the Pakistan-based operation reported net sales of approximately $250 million. While the sale reduces its majority control, Ingredion will retain an approximate 20% ownership interest in Rafhan Maize. The company stated that maintaining this minority stake ensures continuity of access to markets in the Middle East and South Asia, which remain identified as long-term growth platforms. The transaction was initially announced on 29 September 2025, and its completion marks the latest step in Ingredion’s efforts to streamline its global operations and focus on its core ingredient solutions. Business & Finance Ingredion Completes Sale of Majority Stake in Pakistan Business Rafhan Maize Eddie Sanders June 30, 2026 Coffee & Tea Starbucks Sells Two Million Unicorn Frappuccinos in Record Weekend Business & Finance Millow Secures €2M to Scale Clean Label Oat and Mycelium Protein Alcohol Heineken Cuts 3,000 Roles As First-Half Operating Profit Rises 6.7% Ingredients Awani Capital Management Partners with Kalustyan to Accelerate Speciality Ingredients Growth Business & Finance Ingredients Related news

Dutch Bros has launched its Planet Dutch beverage trio across its 1,177-plus locations, leveraging customisable energy and coffee platforms 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 Dutch Bros Coffee The Newsroom The US drive-thru beverage chain Dutch Bros has introduced its latest seasonal menu expansion, launching a space-themed "Planet Dutch" drink trio across its entire estate of over 1,177 locations. Available from 6 July 2026 for a limited time, the rollout represents the brand's ongoing strategy to use its customisable beverage platforms to drive consumer engagement. The launch highlights the operator's focus on menu innovation, utilising versatile drink bases like its Rebel energy drink and the newly introduced Myst Energy Refresher™ platform to capture market share during the peak summer beverage season. According to Tana Davila, Chief Marketing Officer of Dutch Bros, the brand's business model is built around playful toppings and creative flavour combinations that offer consumers distinct treat-focused options. By making these new profiles available across multiple beverage categories—including energy, cold brew, and lemonade—the brand aims to increase transaction frequency across different dayparts. The nationwide rollout will continue at all participating locations while supplies last. Product Formulations and Customisation The limited-edition lineup features three distinct flavour profiles designed to be served across several drink formats, allowing for consumer customisation: 🍪 Cosmic Cookie Dough: A dessert-inspired profile featuring chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate flavours, finished with a signature Soft Top® and cookie dough pieces. The formulation is available as a Blended Freeze, an Iced Latte, or a Cold Brew with Cream. 🍬 Stardust: A fruit-forward blend of strawberry and watermelon, finished with stardust crunch candy. Consumers can order this option as an iced or blended Rebel energy drink, an iced lemonade, or as part of the brand's Myst Energy Refresher™ line. 🍑 Supernova: A tropical profile combining peach, passion fruit, orange, and strawberry flavours. It is offered as a Myst Energy Refresher™, a sparkling Fizz, or an iced or blended Rebel energy drink. New Products Dutch Bros Launches Planet Dutch Seasonal Drink Trio across US Footprint Eddie Sanders July 6, 2026 New Products Gerber Launches Paediatric Organic Oral Rehydration Solution New Products PepsiCo Brand bubly Launches Mocktail-Inspired Sparkling Waters Soft drinks Fanta Partners with Ghost Face for Halloween 2026 Haunted Universe Launch New Products Suntory Launches -196 Limited Edition Kiwi Flavour Coffee & Tea Beverage New Products Foodservice Related news

Dancing Goat Distillery has introduced Stillman's Sonder, featuring 10-year-aged bourbon and American single malt whiskies sourced from curated heritage stocks. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Spirits producer Dancing Goat Distillery has announced the commercial launch of Stillman's Sonder, a new ultra-premium whiskey brand debuting with two 10-year-aged expressions: a Straight Bourbon Whiskey and an American Single Malt. Distilled initially during exploratory production runs at MGP in Indiana between 2010 and 2016, the underlying stocks were acquired, curated, and refined over an 18-month blending phase led by second- and third-generation distillers Tom and Nick Maas. The launch establishes a new high-tier product platform for the enterprise, targeting rising consumer demand for aged craft spirits, complex wood-finishing techniques, and authentic distilling heritage. Heritage Stock Curation and Distillation The development of the Stillman's Sonder line represents a multi-year barrel curation initiative stemming from test distillations conducted in Indiana over a decade ago. Rather than liquidating unused experimental inventory, the Maas family consolidated selected lots—incorporating rare Andean oak-matured bourbon and American single malt stocks—to undergo secondary maturation, vatting, and multi-cask finishing in Wisconsin. The lineage behind the brand traces back to Duane Maas, an industry stillman who contributed to production methods across major brands beginning in the 1950s, before consulting on the founding of Dancing Goat Distillery prior to his passing in 2016. His son, Tom Maas, and grandson, Nick Brady Maas, managed the selection and finishing process to bring the ten-year project to commercial readiness. Nick Brady Maas, Contemporary Stillman and Blender for Stillman's Sonder, noted that the product platform honours the technical contributions of Midwest spirit makers while establishing a refined blending methodology across diverse wood finishes. Product Lineup The debut Stillman's Sonder collection enters distribution with two distinct 10-year-aged SKU variations: 🥃 Stillman's Sonder Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Aged in a combination of Andean and American oak barrels, featuring several double-oaked components and controlled oxidation prior to bottling at 94 proof (47 per cent ABV). The expression was awarded a Double Gold Medal with 98 points at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 🌾 Stillman's Sonder American Single Malt Whiskey: Distilled in Indiana and aged in Wisconsin, the spirit underwent three distinct rounds of blending and re-barreling across virgin oak, ex-bourbon, Wisconsin brandy, Cognac, and Calvados casks before bottling at 96.4 proof (48.2 per cent ABV). Packaging and Distribution The brand identity incorporates mid-century modern label artwork depicting "Wiscy City" in Cambridge, Wisconsin, using contrasting colourways to distinguish the daytime aesthetic of the American Single Malt from the nighttime design of the Bourbon. The Stillman's Sonder range has commenced commercial availability across direct-to-consumer e-commerce channels via the brand's website and select spirits retailers in the United States. Both 10-year expressions are offered in 750ml bottles at a suggested retail price (SRP) of US$70 per unit, supported by a secondary allocation of limited single barrel selections for trade partners. New Products Dancing Goat Distillery Launches Stillman's Sonder Aged Whiskey Range Jacob Deraille July 28, 2026 New Products Rancho La Gloria Launches Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini Alcohol Chris Hemsworth Joins Archie Rose as Co-Owner Ahead of US Market Debut Alcohol Sazerac Expands Kentucky Bourbon Network with Acquisition of Garrard County Distilling New Products Bardstown Bourbon Launches 2026 Discovery and Lochs of Jura Whiskeys Alcohol New Products Beverage Related news

Chef Robotics has launched a secondary packaging application utilising physical AI to automate the kitting of deformable items like sachets and cutlery. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Chef Robotics, a leader in the application of physical AI for the food industry, has announced the launch of a new capability designed to automate secondary packaging and kitting for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) lines. The application is engineered to handle discrete, irregular items, such as sauce sachets, seasoning packets, and cutlery kits, transitioning a historically manual process into an automated, data-driven workflow. The move addresses a primary bottleneck in the CPG supply chain: the high labour dependency required to manage lightweight, deformable components that traditional "rigid" automation systems struggle to identify and manipulate. Solving the Variability Bottleneck in Kitting Unlike whole produce or rigid containers, items like foil-sealed pouches and plastic-wrapped cutlery are notoriously difficult to automate. These components are lightweight, flat, and frequently shift or crinkle in their source bins. This "pose variability" has traditionally left manufacturers reliant on manual labour to ensure accurate placement at production speeds. To resolve this, Chef Robotics has integrated its existing piece-picking technology with advanced physical AI models. These models are trained across diverse production environments, allowing the robots to assess the position, shape, and orientation of every item in real-time. This "agentic" vision system determines the optimal pick-and-place strategy to ensure items are nested precisely within cups, bowls, or trays without damaging the packaging or the contents. Technical Placement Capabilities The CPG assembly application introduces three distinct functional pillars that differentiate it from legacy pick-and-place hardware: Mid-Pick Reorientation: The vision system detects the specific angle of an item in the bin and reorients the robotic arm during the transit phase. This ensures that sachets or instruction cards arrive at the exact angle required for the SKU, regardless of how they were originally oriented in the unstructured source container. Multi-Component Pass: The robots are programmed to pick and place multiple components, such as several different seasoning sachets for an instant ramen bowl, in a single automated pass. This eliminates the need for human intervention between picks and significantly increases line throughput. Multi-Compartment Precision: For complex products like global meal kits or divided snack trays, the AI vision model detects the position of individual compartments in real-time. This ensures that specific items (e.g., a bread accompaniment or a desiccant packet) are placed in the correct section without migrating into adjacent areas. Integration and RaaS Economics A primary commercial advantage for food manufacturers is that the CPG assembly application runs on Chef’s existing robotic hardware and software. This allows organisations to deploy the technology without requiring a significant overhaul of their existing line infrastructure. Furthermore, the capability is offered through a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) pricing model. By transitioning automation from a capital expenditure (CapEx) to an operational expenditure (OpEx), Chef Robotics is lowering the barrier to entry for mid-sized manufacturers and allowing large-scale operators to scale their automation capacity in direct alignment with market demand. Technology Chef Robotics Automates Kitting for Instant Noodles and Meal Kits Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 Foodservice Tso Chinese Partners with Autolane and Nash for Autonomous Food Delivery in Austin Marketing Yili Unveils AI-Generated Dairy Supply Chain Comic Series Technology China Agricultural University and Haidian Canteen Launch AI Foodservice Model Technology New AI Partnership Between FPT and CP Vietnam to Digitalise Agricultural Value Chain Packaging Technology Manufacturing Business & Finance New Solutions Related news

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has introduced a limited-edition gold can for Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar in Great Britain to celebrate. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Energy Drinks Monster Beverage Corp The Newsroom Soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has expanded its functional energy portfolio in Great Britain with the launch of a limited-edition Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar gold can. The product rollout, scheduled to enter retail channels at the end of June 2026, features a metallic gold packaging design celebrating the driver's first Formula One World Championship title. The short-term release is timed to align with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, providing retailers with a seasonal opportunity to capture high-velocity impulse purchases ahead of peak summer sporting events. The launch builds on the commercial performance of the collaborative brand, which has generated £17.4 million in sales since entering the market last year. The introduction of the commemorative gold packaging comes during a period of sustained volume and value growth for the energy drinks category in Great Britain, which is currently valued at more than £2.5 billion. Within the broader category, the low-calorie energy segment has emerged as a primary growth driver, now valued at more than £631 million. The Monster brand currently maintains a 55 per cent share of this low-calorie market, utilising targeted packaging and flavour innovation to capture consumer interest. According to internal CCEP performance data, the Monster brand is currently valued at over £880 million and delivers more absolute value and volume growth than any other energy drink brand in Great Britain. Furthermore, product innovation from the brand was responsible for more than half of all energy drink innovation sales over the past year. Pack Specifications and Retail Execution The limited-edition packaging will be available on retail shelves for a restricted three-month window. The product details and packaging formats include: 🏁 Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar – A zero-sugar, low-calorie energy formulation featuring a bold, metallic gold can design inspired by the 2025 championship-winning season. The product is packaged in standard single-serve cans, developed to fit seamlessly into front-of-store beverage chillers. To support the launch and maximise shelf standout, CCEP is distributing themed point-of-sale materials and digital assets to retail partners through its trade platform. According to Rob Yeomans, Vice-President of Commercial Development at CCEP GB, the limited-edition gold format allows retailers to tap into the active momentum surrounding Formula One racing during the summer months. He noted that because 67 per cent of energy drink consumers prefer to purchase their beverages chilled, securing early distribution and prominent chiller visibility will be critical to maximising the rate of sales during the three-month campaign window. The short-term collectable format targets younger adult demographics, who historically drive transactional frequency within the functional and carbonated soft drink categories through experiential and IP-led purchases. Energy Drinks New Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar Gold Can Eddie Sanders June 12, 2026 New Products Fazer Alku Launches Market-First Sugar-Free Oat Cereal and Expanded Porridge Range New Products Jones Soda Co. Launches Zero Sugar Lineup at Western Canada Club Stores New Products Eggo Introduces High-Protein Zero-Sugar Waffles to National Market Ingredients Nambawan Spain Launches Thaûma Natural Sweetener to Transform Sugar Reduction Energy Drinks Beverage People Packaging Related news

Sirio Europe introduces LifeChews, a patented jelly tablet format clinically proven to enhance bioavailability and dispersibility for oil-soluble nutraceutical actives. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Sirio Europe has announced the launch of LifeChews, a patented, plant-based, chewable "jelly tablet" designed to deliver high payloads of active ingredients. The new format addresses long-standing industry challenges regarding the stability and bioavailability of oil-soluble actives, providing nutraceutical brands with a versatile vehicle for trending health categories. The launch comes as market data from ITC indicates a significant shift in consumer priorities, with 43% of purchasers seeking greater efficacy and 45% prioritizing pleasant taste when selecting supplement formats. Advanced Bioavailability and Dispersion Technology LifeChews utilise a patented technology that ensures the uniform dispersion of 5 μm oil droplets. This particle size is comparable to lipid structures found in human milk, which Sirio credits for the format's optimised absorption. Clinical studies cited by the company demonstrate significant performance metrics: Enhanced Absorption : LifeChews achieved a 161% higher blood plasma DHA concentration compared to control groups. Improved Bioavailability : The format represents a 198% improvement in overall bioavailability for targeted actives. Stability : Digestion studies confirmed an even distribution of DHA during simulated gastric and intestinal conditions, indicating high stability during the digestive process. Versatile Application Across Health Categories The jelly tablet format is specifically engineered for lipid-based nutrients that have traditionally been difficult to formulate in chewable formats due to oxidation, poor dispersibility, and unpleasant aftertastes. LifeChews are suitable for a wide range of ingredients, including: Omega-3 oils Fat-soluble vitamins Coenzyme Q10 Carotenoids (such as lutein and astaxanthin) Sirio has already developed four initial concepts utilising the format, targeting brain health, heart health, immunity, and longevity—sectors that currently dominate consumer interest. Strategic Market Positioning By combining high-nutrient payloads with a plant-based, chewable delivery system, Sirio aims to help its partner brands differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. "LifeChews are a gamechanger in how consumers experience supplements," said Sara Lesina, General Manager at Sirio Europe. She noted that the combination of clinical validation and high payload capacity allows brands to deliver real added value in high-growth categories. The introduction of LifeChews provides a functional solution for manufacturers looking to move away from traditional softgels or standard gummies toward more effective, scientifically backed delivery systems. Ingredients Sirio Europe Debuts LifeChews to Solve Lipid Formulation Challenges News March 16, 2026 New Products Nestlé Launches Dessert Culinary Solutions in Brazil and China Ingredients Lallemand Launches Solyve as Dedicated Food and Beverage Enzyme Unit Ingredients Superbrewed Food Launches Thryvia Postbiotic for Functional Food and Drink Technology KPM Analytics Launches MCT700 Series In Line NIR Sensors for Food Processing Ingredients New Solutions Flavours & Colours Related news