Mars, Incorporated completes a $180 million investment across four Ontario facilities to boost production capacity, sustainability, and manufacturing innovation. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Mars Inc The Newsroom Mars, Incorporated has announced the completion of a $180 million capital investment aimed at modernizing its manufacturing footprint in Ontario, Canada. Spanning 2022 through 2026, the initiative targets infrastructure innovation and workplace modernization across four key sites. This latest expenditure brings the company’s total investment in Canadian operations to nearly $400 million since 2015, signaling a long-term strategic focus on the North American supply chain. Strategic infrastructure and capacity growth A primary driver of the $180 million outlay is the transformation of packing lines and the expansion of production capabilities. More than $100 million was allocated specifically to three major packing line overhauls intended to meet shifting consumer demands and improve long-term reliability. Across the company’s diverse portfolio, which includes snacking, pet nutrition, and food segments, the upgrades are expected to provide the flexibility needed for new product formats and increased volume. The investment also integrates advanced safety systems to align with modern industrial standards. "This investment in our manufacturing capabilities marks a significant milestone for our Canadian operations. By modernizing our facilities, we're fueling future growth and helping ensure our beloved products, like Ben's Original ™, continue to be enjoyed by generations to come." stated Derin Bello, General Manager, Mars Food & Nutrition, Canada. Facility specific upgrades and production gains The capital was distributed across four distinct Ontario locations, each receiving targeted improvements to satisfy specific category requirements. Mars Pet Nutrition in Bolton An $86 million allocation enhanced manufacturing for the care and treats category. This resulted in a 50% increase in production capacity for the Temptations brand. Mars Snacking in Newmarket With a $40 million investment in packaging line upgrades, this facility saw a 25% increase in production capacity. The site produces several major confectionery brands for the North American market. Mars Food and Nutrition in Bolton A $17 million investment focused on production lines for Ben’s Original and other portfolio brands, yielding an 8% increase in capacity. Royal Canin in Guelph A $39 million modernization project improved safety and quality standards while increasing production capacity by 12%. Sustainability and operational efficiency targets Beyond sheer volume, the investment emphasizes resource efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint. The technological upgrades have led to measurable decreases in utility consumption across the Ontario network. In Newmarket, the snacking facility achieved a 40% reduction in electricity usage on its filled bar line and a 75% reduction in compressed air consumption, totaling an annual saving of over 440,000 kilowatt hours. In Bolton, the pet nutrition site reported a 15% reduction in water use and double-digit decreases in gas and hydro consumption. The Royal Canin facility in Guelph also saw thermal and electrical energy usage drop by 12% and 11%, respectively. Long term economic impact Mars leadership indicates that these upgrades are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the Canadian market. General Manager of Mars Snacking Canada, Ellen Thompson, noted that the investment represents the future of the industry and a commitment to the local economy. With 1,800 associates currently employed across the Bolton, Newmarket, and Guelph facilities, the modernization is positioned as a safeguard for the company’s continued operational vitality in the region. Manufacturing Mars Completes $180 Million Investment in Canadian Manufacturing News March 18, 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 Manufacturing Food Snacking Facilities Confectionery Business & Finance Related news

Riviana Foods has expanded its microwaveable Minute Rice Cups portfolio with the launch of Garlic Parmesan and Veggie Stir-Fry variants. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Riviana Foods has expanded its ready-to-heat portfolio with the launch of two new Minute Rice Cups varieties, Garlic Parmesan and Veggie Stir-Fry. The product introduction is designed to address the sustained consumer demand for high-convenience, single-serve hot food options that can be prepared in office environments or at home with minimal preparation. Both new options are engineered to heat in 60 seconds, representing the brand's ongoing focus on quick-preparation formats in the ambient food sector. Product Specifications and Formulations The new ready-to-heat offerings are formulated without artificial preservatives, hold official gluten-free certification, and are packaged in BPA-free microwaveable cups. The product design focuses on shelf-stable versatility, serving as standalone quick meals, light snacks, or side dishes. The expansion includes two distinct flavour profiles: 🧄 Garlic Parmesan : A classic savoury combination featuring fluffy white rice mixed with garlic and Parmesan flavouring. 🥕 Veggie Stir-Fry : A takeout-inspired seasoned rice formulation containing carrots, bell peppers, corn, peas, and soy sauce. The launch aligns with broader consumer shifts toward portion-controlled, shelf-stable convenience items that do not compromise on complex flavour profiles. Single-serve rice cups allow manufacturers to target multiple consumption occasions, including desk-side office lunches, late-night snacks, and rapid weeknight meal preparation. Erica Larson, Director of Marketing at Riviana Foods, stated that modern consumers increasingly seek out meal and snack options that balance speed with appealing taste profiles. Larson noted that the Garlic Parmesan and Veggie Stir-Fry varieties were developed to provide accessible, familiar flavours in a format that requires zero culinary preparation or clean-up. The new Minute Rice Cups are scheduled to roll out immediately to major grocery retailers and supermarkets across the United States. New Products Riviana Foods Expands Minute Rice Portfolio with Two New Cup Varieties Eddie Sanders July 8, 2026 New Solutions Kraft Heinz Launches Extra Rich Beans New Products Maggi Expands Instant Noodle Portfolio with Three Asian-Inspired Ramen Flavours New Products Bonne Maman Expands Premium Pie Filling Portfolio with New Peach Flavour Business & Finance Jif Unveils First Major Brand Refresh in Over 30 Years New Products Food Related news

The heritage brand is launching its first-ever shelf-stable Snacking Pickles in pouches, utilising a proprietary "low brine" packaging method to eliminate the mess traditionally associated with pickle consumption outside the home. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Bubbies , the category-leading pickle brand within the Natural retail channel, has announced a significant format innovation aimed at capturing the on-the-go snacking market. The heritage brand is launching its first-ever shelf-stable Snacking Pickles in pouches, utilising a proprietary "low brine" packaging method to eliminate the mess traditionally associated with pickle consumption outside the home. The launch marks a strategic evolution for Bubbies. Historically known for its refrigerated, glass-jarred fermented products, the brand is now extending its footprint into the ambient snack fixture, targeting consumption occasions such as lunchboxes, road trips, and outdoor activities. Solving the 'Mess' Barrier A persistent barrier to the "snackification" of pickles has been the liquid-heavy nature of the product, requiring either bulky, rigid packaging or resulting in messy, brine-filled pouches. Bubbies claims to have solved this with a proprietary packaging method that delivers a "clean label, minimal brine, no mess, and an unmistakably satisfying crunch." The new Snacking Pickles debut in two vinegar-pickled varieties: Dill: Formulated simply with cucumber, water, distilled vinegar, sea salt, dill, and garlic. Spicy Dill: Incorporates jalapeño to tap into the consumer demand for "complex heat." Mila North , Chief Marketing Officer for Bubbies, emphasised the brand's refusal to compromise on its formulation standards to achieve shelf stability. "Many snacking pickle options often ask consumers to prioritise one benefit over another, whether that's clean label, texture, or convenience," North stated. "Bubbies has spent 40+ years earning a reputation for real ingredients... When it came to an on-the-go pouch, developing a product that Bubbie would feel proud serving was the only option. You will never feel that chemical aftertaste in a Bubbies pickle." Aligning with Macro Nutritional Trends The launch is strategically timed to intersect with several dominant consumer dietary shifts. Bubbies cited data indicating that 58% of Americans are seeking less sugar , 47% are seeking fewer carbohydrates , and 53% are looking to increase fibre intake . By offering a savoury, low-calorie, and zero-sugar snack in a highly portable format, Bubbies is positioning its pouches as a functional alternative to traditional carbohydrate-heavy convenience snacks. Broader Q1 Portfolio Expansion The Snacking Pickles are part of a broader, aggressive Q1 innovation pipeline for the brand, which also includes extensions to its core jarred portfolio: Dill Sauerkraut: A new, brightened formulation made with garlic and fresh dill, currently rolling out to retailers nationwide. Shelf-Stable Pickled Beets: A clean-label SKU crafted simply from beets, water, salt, and sugar. Retail Availability Bubbies has secured a key natural channel partnership for the rollout. The Dill Snacking Pickle pouches and the new Shelf-Stable Pickled Beets will launch at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide beginning in April . New Products Bubbies Enters Ambient Snacking Category with 'Low Brine' Pouched Pickles News February 25, 2026 New Products Co-op Launches Halloween 2026 Confectionery and Snack Range New Products Milk Bar Partners with Beyond Meat to Launch Savoury Plant-Based Range Foodservice Chomps Expands Distribution Footprint at Starbucks and Costco Snacking Little Bites Launches Mystery Muffin and Naming Contest New Products Snacking Food Related news

El Mayor Tequila introduces 375mL sizes of its Blanco and Reposado expressions to meet rising consumer demand for smaller, trial-friendly spirit formats and versatile at-home mixing. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom El Mayor Tequila, the premium brand produced by the Gonzalez family, has announced the introduction of 375mL sizes for its Blanco and Reposado expressions. Available starting this month, the smaller format is designed to align with evolving consumer usage needs, specifically targeting the demand for trial-friendly price points and portable options for social occasions. The launch follows the brand’s introduction of a 1.75L format last year, signalling a comprehensive strategy to capture a wider range of consumption occasions across the retail landscape. Discovery and Accessibility The 375mL format is increasingly viewed by industry analysts as a vital tool for consumer discovery. By offering a premium product at a minimum suggested retail price of $14.99, El Mayor is lowering the barrier to entry for shoppers who may be hesitant to commit to a standard 750mL bottle when trying a new brand. "We know people want great tequila that fits their lifestyle and their budget," said Kayleigh Longo, Brand Manager for El Mayor. Longo noted that the 375mL size makes it easier for consumers to engage with the brand in diverse settings, from home cocktail preparation to gift-giving and social gatherings. To coincide with the launch and the beginning of the spring cocktail season, El Mayor has partnered with Cocktail Courier to debut a curated cocktail kit. Priced at $89.99, the kit includes: One 375mL bottle of El Mayor Reposado Ingredients for two signature drinks : The Tequila Sunrise Spritz and the Paloma Fresca. This cross-channel promotion highlights the brand's focus on the "home bartender" demographic, providing all necessary components for high-quality serves in a convenient, all-in-one package. Despite the change in format, the production standards for El Mayor remain consistent. All liquid is distilled and produced at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux in Arandas, Mexico, using 100% estate-grown Blue Weber Agave. El Mayor Blanco : An unaged expression characterised by a crisp, light body with floral and pepper notes. El Mayor Reposado : A bright, golden tequila rested in American white oak barrels for a minimum of nine months, delivering a profile of fruit, vanilla, and spice. The addition of the 375mL size reinforces the brand's commitment to the premium tequila category while ensuring flexibility in a market that is increasingly prioritizing convenience and format variety. Alcohol El Mayor Tequila Expands Portfolio with New Smaller Format Sizes News March 18, 2026 New Products Sazerac Enters Soju Category with US Launch of DALHO New Products Echo Falls Debuts Glow-in-the-Dark Sour Apple Fruit Fusion New Products Good Peels Enters RTD Category with Spiked Apple Refresher New Products JINRO Unveils K-POP Star Toad Limited Edition Green Grape Soju Packaging New Products Alcohol Beverage Related news

Green River Distilling Co. has announced a major addition to its core portfolio with the launch of Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon. The launch leverages the recipe that was recently honoured as "Best Overall Bourbon" at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Green River Distilling Co. has announced a major addition to its core portfolio with the launch of Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon . Hitting shelves in 25 markets beginning February 13 , the release is strategically positioned to capitalise on two dominant trends in the American whiskey sector: the enduring popularity of wheated mashbills and the rising enthusiast demand for barrel-strength offerings. Notably, the brand is aggressively positioning the product at a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of $49.99 , undercutting many competitors in the premium full-proof category where pricing often exceeds triple digits. The launch leverages the recipe that was recently honoured as "Best Overall Bourbon" at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition. By bottling this award-winning profile at full proof, Green River is targeting the "enthusiast" demographic which has increasingly tilted toward higher ABV (Alcohol By Volume) expressions. Citing data from Allied Market Research , the company notes that wheated bourbon represents roughly one-third of the North American bourbon market, with growth projected through 2031. Concurrently, bourbons clocked at 100+ proof continue to dominate sales rankings. Green River’s strategy creates a "high-quality, low-barrier" entry point into this lucrative segment. Product Specifications and Ageing Green River Wheated Full Proof maintains the brand's signature wheated mashbill: Corn: 70% Wheat: 21% Malted Barley: 9% The expression is presented at a variable batch-proof ranging from 109 to 116 . The initial batch is bottled at 109.3 proof (54.65% ABV) . Maturation: The bourbon is aged for five to seven years in Green River’s signature clay tile warehouses. The company states that this specific environment provides natural insulation that accelerates flavour development, resulting in "enhanced vanilla, caramelised wood sugars, and a richer expression of the wheated profile." Dan Callaway , Master Blender at Green River, emphasised that the launch is about consistency and value rather than novelty. “At Green River, it’s not about breaking new ground or dialing up the hype. Wheated Full Proof doubles down on our commitment to make the best of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey with uncompromising value,” said Callaway. "The result is a more robust expression that still drinks like Green River." Packaging and Architecture To ensure immediate brand recognition on the shelf, the new SKU utilises Green River’s signature horseshoe bottle. However, to distinguish the higher-proof expression from the core lineup, the packaging features a custom copper-accented tax strip , offering a visual cue to premium buyers. Commercial Details: Launch Date: February 13, 2026. Markets: 25 U.S. markets initially. Format: 750mL exclusively. SRP: $49.99. Alcohol Green River Distilling Co. Targets 'High Proof' Trend with Value-Driven Wheated Bourbon Launch News February 10, 2026 New Products Sazerac Enters Soju Category with US Launch of DALHO New Products Echo Falls Debuts Glow-in-the-Dark Sour Apple Fruit Fusion New Products Good Peels Enters RTD Category with Spiked Apple Refresher New Products JINRO Unveils K-POP Star Toad Limited Edition Green Grape Soju Alcohol New Products Related news

WK Kellogg Co. has announced the launch of Cocoa Loops, a chocolate-flavored extension of its iconic Froot Loops brand, marking the latest innovation in the company's breakfast cereal portfolio. 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 WK Kellogg Co. has announced the launch of Cocoa Loops, a chocolate-flavored extension of its iconic Froot Loops brand, marking the latest innovation in the company's breakfast cereal portfolio. The new cereal combines cocoa flavoring with the familiar loop shape that has made Froot Loops a household name since 1963. Cocoa Loops are formulated to provide nutritional benefits, containing six essential vitamins and minerals while serving as a good source of fiber and an excellent source of iron. Notably, the product contains no artificial colors, aligning with current consumer preferences for cleaner ingredient labels. Strategic Brand Extension "We're thrilled to introduce Cocoa Loops — an exciting new cocoa twist on a fan favorite," said Doug VanDeVelde, chief growth officer at WK Kellogg. "Toucan Sam has always been a chocolate fanatic, and we're proud to bring this innovation to the world on his behalf." VanDeVelde emphasized that the launch demonstrates how the company's beloved mascot and trusted brand continue to evolve alongside today's consumers, "bringing joy and nourishment to their everyday moments and ensuring cereal remains a relevant, reliable part of balanced eating." Market Positioning and Availability Cocoa Loops represents a permanent addition to the Froot Loops family, joining the original variety and Froot Loops with Marshmallows. This distinguishes it from the seasonal varieties that have been offered over the years, indicating WK Kellogg's confidence in the product's long-term market potential. The cereal is currently being distributed to retailers nationwide, with availability expected at all major retail outlets by January 2026. The suggested retail pricing is set at $5.29 for a 9.2-ounce box and $6.49 for a 16.6-ounce family size box, positioning it competitively within the premium cereal segment. Portfolio Strategy and Market Context The introduction of Cocoa Loops aligns with WK Kellogg's broader strategy of leveraging chocolate and cocoa flavors across its cereal portfolio. The company already offers cocoa or chocolate variations of several leading brands, including Cocoa Krispies, chocolate milkshake Frosted Flakes, cocoa Frosted Mini Wheats, Chocolatey Delight Special K, and chocolate Krave. This approach reflects the enduring consumer appeal of chocolate flavors in breakfast cereals and demonstrates WK Kellogg's commitment to innovation within established brand franchises. Brand Heritage and Evolution Froot Loops has maintained its position as a breakfast staple for over six decades since its 1963 introduction. The original cereal featured red, orange, and yellow loops, with green, blue, and purple colors added during the 1990s expansion. The brand's evolution with Cocoa Loops showcases how classic breakfast cereals can adapt to contemporary taste preferences while maintaining their core brand identity. The launch comes as breakfast cereal manufacturers continue to innovate within traditional categories, balancing nostalgia with modern nutritional expectations and flavor preferences. WK Kellogg's focus on removing artificial colors while adding nutritional benefits reflects broader industry trends toward cleaner labels and enhanced nutritional profiles. Industry Implications The Cocoa Loops launch represents a strategic approach to brand extension that leverages existing brand equity while addressing evolving consumer preferences. By maintaining the iconic loop shape and Toucan Sam mascot while introducing new flavors and improved nutritional profiles, WK Kellogg demonstrates how established food companies can drive growth through thoughtful innovation. For the competitive breakfast cereal market, this launch signals continued investment in premium, branded products that can command higher margins while meeting consumer demands for both indulgence and nutrition. New Products WK Kellogg Expands Froot Loops Portfolio with New Cocoa Loops Cereal News October 29, 2025 Business & Finance Kellogg's Closes 88-Year-Old Manchester Cereal Plant with 360 Job Losses New Products General Mills and Chamoy Mega Launch Co-Branded Cereal and Sauce Flavours & Colours General Mills Completes Removal of Certified Colours from US Cereal Range New Products SURREAL Launches High Protein Low Sugar Overnight Oats Range New Products Food Related news

Global foodservice technology provider PAR Technology Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bridg, an identity resolution and shopper intelligence platform, from Cardlytics, Inc. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Global foodservice technology provider PAR Technology Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bridg , an identity resolution and shopper intelligence platform, from Cardlytics, Inc. The transaction, structured as an asset acquisition, is valued at $27.5 million (subject to adjustments up to a maximum of $30 million) and will be paid in PAR Technology common stock. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 , subject to customary closing conditions. Unifying Loyalty and Non-Loyalty Data The acquisition is designed to integrate Bridg’s proprietary Identity Resolution (IDR) technology into the PAR ecosystem. Bridg’s platform specialises in converting anonymous in-store transactions into enriched customer profiles, allowing brands to identify and engage shoppers who are not enrolled in loyalty programs. By combining Bridg’s capabilities with PAR’s existing infrastructure, the company aims to create one of the industry’s first unified data sets. This integration will enable retailers, restaurants, and CPG companies to activate offers for previously unknown customers and accurately attribute marketing spend across the entire funnel. Key Synergies: Full Funnel Visibility: Retailers can fill data gaps on anonymous transactions, gaining end-to-end visibility into the majority of customer activity. Identity-Driven Personalisation: The platform turns unknown shoppers into addressable audiences, allowing for 1:1 personalisation at scale. Closed-Loop Attribution: Leveraging deterministic purchase data to measure media impact across nearly all transactions. Savneet Singh , CEO of PAR Technology, emphasised the shift towards a more intelligent data model: “Adding Bridg will propel us toward delivering the industry’s most complete and intelligent platform, built to unlock 1:1 customer connections at scale. As we connect data seamlessly across every touchpoint, we will redefine what insight-driven execution looks like and empower brands to move faster, operate smarter, and achieve stronger profitable growth in a marketplace that will only become more competitive.” Background and Deal Structure Bridg has operated as a trusted identity resolution platform in the retail space since 2012, servicing major grocers, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). It was previously acquired by Cardlytics in 2021. Under the terms of this new agreement, PAR Technology will assume certain liabilities associated with the acquired assets. The deal positions PAR to offer a "measurable ecosystem" where customer interactions are tied directly to tangible business outcomes. Foodservice PAR Technology to Acquire Identity Platform Bridg from Cardlytics in $30m Stock Deal News January 26, 2026 Retail Asda Completes £7.5M Digital Shelf Label Rollout across Express Stores Agriculture Beanstalk AgTech Launches Monsoon Ventures to Scale Southeast Asian Agtech New Products New Ninja Crispi Microwave Combines Rapid Heating and Air Frying Technology Circus SE Completes Acquisition of Belgian Food Robotics Firm Alberts Foodservice Technology Business & Finance Related news

McCain Foods has launched a grower pilot programme in partnership with Ceres AI, aiming to improve field-level visibility and decision-making. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food McCain Foods The Newsroom The global frozen food sector is turning to advanced agricultural intelligence to strengthen supply chain resilience. McCain Foods has announced the launch of a new grower pilot programme designed to improve field-level visibility, decision-making, and coordination across its North American potato supply network. Supported by agricultural intelligence company Ceres AI, the initiative provides McCain agronomy teams and contract growers with a unified, data-driven view of crop performance throughout the growing season. In large-scale agricultural operations, gathering timely field insights can be challenging. Because grower operations are often geographically dispersed, crop performance data can become fragmented or delayed. This lag makes it difficult for processing companies and growers to align on decisions, target field agronomy visits, and respond quickly to emerging crop issues. The new pilot programme aims to resolve these operational bottlenecks by establishing a single, scalable source of data. By sharing identical crop performance signals, both McCain teams and participating growers can coordinate management decisions and prioritise interventions more effectively. Jeremy Buchman, Director of Agronomy at McCain Foods, explained that the programme focuses on providing growers with enhanced in-field visibility and more targeted support. He noted that aligning teams and growers around a shared performance view allows them to act earlier, focus resources on high-priority areas, and improve overall crop outcomes. Precision Analytics Ceres AI is supporting the pilot by translating complex agronomic data into actionable insights that integrate directly into McCain’s existing operational workflows. Rather than introducing separate, isolated platforms, the technology is designed to support daily decision-making for both field teams and growers. The analytical backing for the programme relies on extensive agricultural datasets. Ceres AI delivers crop signals compiled from billions of plant-level measurements across millions of acres, allowing the platform to highlight specific areas within fields that require immediate attention or scouting. Anubhav Sharma, Head of Marketing at Ceres AI, stated that the collaboration aims to help growers and McCain teams make faster decisions at scale. By converting complex data into clear signals, the programme supports focused scouting and more effective decision-making across all participating acres. Data-Driven Agriculture The initiative represents a broader industry shift towards connected, data-driven agriculture. Rather than relying on isolated field observations, food manufacturers and agricultural producers are increasingly operating from a shared, real-time understanding of crop health. As the pilot programme develops in North America, McCain Foods aims to strengthen its relationships with independent growers, improve overall supply chain efficiency, and build greater predictability into its regional crop yields. Technology McCain Foods Partners with Ceres AI to Launch Ag-Tech Grower Programme Eddie Sanders July 15, 2026 Agriculture Beanstalk AgTech Launches Monsoon Ventures to Scale Southeast Asian Agtech Agriculture General Mills, ADM and Walmart Partner to Accelerate Wheat Regenerative Agriculture Agriculture Puratos Scales Regenerative Agriculture Across US Wheat Supply Chain Agriculture Hippo Harvest Secures $30M to Scale Robotic Greenhouse Farming Technology Food Sustainability Agriculture Related news

Terra Kaffe has expanded its home beverage portfolio with the launch of Aero, a multi-functional milk frother and matcha maker, comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Coffee technology brand Terra Kaffe has expanded its premium beverage preparation portfolio with the launch of Aero, a Bauhaus-inspired milk frother and ceremonial-grade matcha latte maker. The launch represents the brand's first product designed specifically to cater to the growing matcha tea segment, offering a standalone accessory that also integrates with its existing automatic espresso machine ecosystem. Before the official commencement of shipping, the product generated significant market traction, securing more than $150,000 in customer pre-orders. Technical Specifications and Product Design The hardware is built around an insulated stainless steel carafe equipped with a stay-cool handle and a magnetic rotation drive system. To ensure consistent aeration across both dairy and alternative plant-based milks—such as oat, almond, soy, and coconut—the device utilises interchangeable mechanical whisks. The technical specifications of the unit include: Operating Temperature: A controlled heated range spanning 140°F to 160°F (approximately 60°C to 71°C). Capacity Limits: A maximum capacity of 6.7 oz (approximately 198 ml) for hot froth preparation and 13.5 oz (approximately 400 ml) for hot milk. Ecosystem Compatibility: Designed with a compact physical footprint, the unit is sized to fit directly under the dispensing spouts of Terra Kaffe's core espresso machines, the Demi and the TK-02. Specialised Operating Modes The device features four pre-programmed settings, including a dedicated function designed to dissolve matcha green tea powder without clumping: 🥛 Hot Froth – Creates a tight, voluminous foam suited for cappuccinos and foam-forward beverages. ☕ Hot Milk – Delivers a silky, velvety texture optimised for lattes, café au lait, and hot chocolates. ❄️ Cold Foam – Produces a light, buoyant foam formulated to hold its structure when layered over iced drinks. 🍵 Matcha Mode – Utilises a purpose-built whisk and specific temperature settings to dissolve ceremonial-grade matcha powder instantly. Historically focused on super-automatic espresso machines, Terra Kaffe’s entry into the dedicated frother and matcha preparation category allows the brand to capture additional market share within the premium home brewing and speciality tea sectors. By targeting the dual demographics of speciality coffee drinkers and matcha enthusiasts, the company has diversified its consumer touchpoints. The Aero has launched at a retail price of $99.95, with distribution managed directly through the brand's e-commerce platform. Shipping of the first retail units officially commenced on 2 June 2026. New Products Terra Kaffe Launches Aero Milk Frother and Matcha Latte Maker Dan Bunt June 2, 2026 Coffee & Tea Braun Household Launches OptiBrew Line of Drip Coffee Makers Coffee & Tea Tesco Trials Own Brand Finest Coffee Machines in Meal Deal Expansion Coffee & Tea De'Longhi Launches Dual-Temperature Magnifica Duo Automatic Espresso Machine Coffee & Tea Mago Maga to Launch Roma-X AI Home Coffee Roaster on Kickstarter New Products Coffee & Tea Technology Related news

Vitamin Well Group, the parent company of the popular functional snack brand Barebells, has announced an agreement to acquire EMPWR Nutrition Group comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Vitamin Well Group, the parent company of the popular functional snack brand Barebells, has announced an agreement to acquire EMPWR Nutrition Group from Waterland Private Equity Investments. The transaction, expected to close in Q4 2026, marks a significant vertical integration move for the brand-led consumer goods company. The acquisition brings Vitamin Well's long-standing manufacturing partner in-house, securing production capacity for its Barebells protein bar portfolio. Key strategic drivers include: Vertical Integration: By internalising its primary supply chain, Vitamin Well aims to increase investment in production capacity and capitalise on significant volume growth opportunities for its flagship brands. Enhanced Innovation: The merger combines the R&D capabilities of both organisations, intending to accelerate new product development and better align with evolving global consumer trends in the functional snack category. Growth Trajectory: The deal builds upon a long-standing commercial relationship between the two entities, ensuring continuity in Barebells' product supply while leveraging EMPWR’s established global manufacturing network. EMPWR’s Growth Profile Supported by Waterland Private Equity since 2017, EMPWR has undergone a transformative growth period: Scale: Expanded from one manufacturing facility to four, located in Croatia, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada. Production Capacity: Scaled from a single production line to 15 active lines. Workforce: Increased headcount from fewer than 100 employees to more than 1,500. Capital Investment: Waterland invested over €200 million into manufacturing capacity and operational excellence during its tenure as owner. Operations and Corporate Structure Business Continuity: EMPWR will continue to operate as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), prioritising existing contractual commitments and service levels for its broad portfolio of more than 100 global customers. Corporate Philosophy: Vitamin Well Group stated it will maintain its status as a brand-led consumer goods company and will continue to work with a broad network of manufacturing partners across different categories and geographies. Ownership: Cinven remains the lead investor in Vitamin Well Group, with founders and existing shareholders retaining significant long-term ownership. Waterland Private Equity will reinvest a portion of the proceeds to become a minority shareholder in the expanded group. This acquisition signifies a major shift for the Vitamin Well Group, transitioning from a model reliant on contract manufacturing for its core protein bar business to one with integrated production capabilities. For the broader industry, the move reinforces the trend of brand owners securing supply chain resilience in the highly competitive functional nutrition sector. Business & Finance Vitamin Well Group Acquires EMPWR Nutrition Group Dan Bunt July 2, 2026 Snacking PepsiCo Debuts Healthier Snacking Brand Wow with Wotsits and Snack a Jacks New Products CLIF Expands Portfolio with 20g High Protein Bar Range Snacking Grenade Enters US Market with Four High-Protein Bar Flavours New Products Crisp Power Launches Honey Mustard Pretzels and Opens Texas Factory Snacking Health & Nutrition Business & Finance Related news

Krispy Kreme has launched the Apple Cider Original Glazed Doughnut and a Fall & Football Dozen, backed by a four-day promotional bundle. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Krispy Kreme has expanded its seasonal menu platform with the commercial launch of the new Apple Cider Original Glazed Doughnut and a dedicated Fall & Football Dozen. Commencing availability on Thursday 10 September across participating locations, the dual product release introduces an orchard-inspired flavour to the brand's proprietary glaze alongside an event-focused sharing multipack tailored for game day gatherings, watch parties, and seasonal celebrations. To stimulate footfall and trial across the opening weekend, Krispy Kreme is running a four-day promotional window from 10 September through 13 September, allowing customers to purchase a dozen Apple Cider Original Glazed Doughnuts for US$5 with the purchase of any dozen at standard menu price. Apple Cider Glaze Formulation The introduction of the Apple Cider Original Glazed Doughnut expands the brand's seasonal glazing portfolio, following the commercial performance of its Original Glazed Blueberry Flavoured Doughnut offered in July. Engineered around traditional autumn beverage profiles, the SKU is formulated with an apple cider dough spiced with cinnamon, then finished through the company's signature glazing waterfall to provide an apple cider taste profile within the brand's core product format. Fall & Football Dozen Lineup The Fall & Football Dozen combines four distinct doughnut varieties into a single sharing box, providing a multi-flavour assortment for sports and social viewing occasions: 🏈 Football Doughnuts (4): An unglazed football-shaped shell filled with smooth white Kreme™, dipped in chocolate icing, and finished with white icing laces. 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnuts (3): An Original Glazed Old Fashioned cake doughnut formulated with pumpkin spice flavour. 🍁 Maple Cheesecake Doughnuts (2): An unglazed shell doughnut filled with cheesecake Kreme™, dipped in maple icing, and topped with graham-flavoured crunch and a maple drizzle. 🍩 Original Glazed Doughnuts (3): Krispy Kreme's signature Original Glazed fresh doughnuts. Seasonal Alignment and Autumn Collection The Apple Cider Original Glazed Doughnut and the Fall & Football Dozen integrate directly into Krispy Kreme’s broader Autumn Seasonal Collection, which debuted in August with a series of seasonal doughnuts and drinks inspired by autumn comfort flavours. Alison Holder, Chief Product and Brand Officer at Krispy Kreme, stated that autumn is defined by shared rituals, including apple cider and game day gatherings, noting that the new offerings provide a format designed for tailgates and kickoff viewings. The short-run promotional pricing mechanic deployed over the 10–13 September window provides an initial volume-driving incentive, pairing seasonal flavour innovation with high-volume box purchasing across physical and drive-thru retail lanes. New Products Krispy Kreme Debuts Apple Cider Glazed Doughnut Jacob Deraille September 9, 2026 Retail Krispy Kreme Expands UK Retail Footprint with Ocado Listing Foodservice Krispy Kreme Relaunches Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed for Four Day Window New Products Krispy Kreme Launches Limited-Time Pokémon Collection New Products Krispy Kreme 2026 Autumn Collection with Pumpkin Spice and Biscoff Bakery New Products Foodservice Related news

High-energy franchise BIGGBY® COFFEE has announced its seasonal strategy for the start of 2026, executing a multi-category menu update running from 2 January through 25 February. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom High-energy franchise BIGGBY® COFFEE has announced its seasonal strategy for the start of 2026, executing a multi-category menu update running from 2 January through 25 February . The 460-plus-unit chain is anchoring its winter offering on three strategic pillars: a limited-time confectionary collaboration with TWIX® , a revitalised hot chocolate portfolio, and a festive Valentine’s Day beverage suite. Strategic Collaboration: The TWIX® Takeover Central to the winter campaign is a partnership with Mars’ TWIX® brand. BIGGBY® is reimagining its fan-favourite Salted Caramel platform by integrating TWIX®-inspired flavour profiles and toppings. The TWIX® Lineup: 🍫 Latte Variants: Salted Caramel Latte and Salted Mocha Caramel Latte, both finished with a TWIX® candy crumble (Available Hot, Iced, or Frozen). 🧊 Cold Brew: Sweet Foam Salted Mocha Caramel Cold Brew topped with TWIX®. 🥤 Creme Freeze: The "TWIX® Fix" Creme Freeze. ☕ Hot Chocolate: Salted Cocoa Carmella with TWIX® topping. Seasonal Segmentation: Valentine’s and Comfort Beyond the candy collaboration, the chain is segmenting its menu to target distinct consumption occasions: the "comfort" of hot chocolate for winter weather and the "festive" appeal of Valentine's Day. The Valentine’s Collection: Red Velvet: Available as a Latte (Hot, Iced, Frozen) and a Sweet Foam Red Velvet Cold Brew. Sweetheart BIGGBY Blast®: An energy drink innovation blending strawberry and dragon fruit, capped with sweet foam. Berry Chocolatey Creme Freeze: A decadent mix of white chocolate, mocha, strawberries, and mini chocolate chips. The Hot Chocolate Spotlight: Expanding the non-coffee category, the chain is promoting a dedicated hot chocolate tier featuring Cocoa Carmella , Mint Hot Chocolate , and White Hot Chocolate . Food Attachment To drive average ticket value, seasonal food items are returning to the menu, including the Sausage Cheddar Biscuit with honey and Chocolate Cake Pops . The launch is also supported by "value-driven bundles," addressing consumer price sensitivity in the Q1 window. Coffee & Tea BIGGBY® COFFEE Partners with TWIX® for Winter Menu; Unveils Red Velvet Valentine's Lineup News January 28, 2026 Bakery Krispy Kreme Unveils Seasonal Valentine’s Day Doughnut Collection Coffee & Tea Dunkin’ Revives 'Brownie Batter' Donut and Debuts 'Toxic Ex-Presso' in Expansive Valentine's LTO Coffee & Tea Paris Baguette Unveils 'Pink Velvet' Menu Featuring Ruby Chocolate and Heart-Shaped Cakes for Valentine's Day Food HelloFresh Partners with Betches Media for 'The Galentine’s Dinner Edit' to Capture At-Home Social Occasions New Products Beverage Foodservice Coffee & Tea Related news