Italian coffee heritage brand Lavazza has expanded its operational footprint in the United States with the inauguration of a new 'Training Centre' in Dallas, Texas. 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 Lavazza Group The Newsroom Italian coffee heritage brand Lavazza has expanded its operational footprint in the United States with the inauguration of a new 'Training Centre' in Dallas, Texas. The opening marks the latest addition to the company's North American coffee education network, strategically positioning the brand to capture market share in the high-growth Southwest region. The Dallas facility joins an established roster of North American centres located in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, West Chester, and Toronto. Operational Capabilities and Curriculum The new hub is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for industry professionals, distributors, and baristas. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art espresso, brewing, and coffee innovation equipment to facilitate technical skill development. Key programming at the centre includes: Hands-on Workshops: Practical training on equipment and brewing techniques. Certification Courses: Professional accreditation opportunities. Menu Development: Consultative sessions for hospitality operators to refine their coffee offerings. Strategic Market Penetration Lavazza has identified Dallas as a critical growth market within its broader US strategy. The investment aims to deepen relationships with local hospitality partners and support existing high-profile accounts in the area, including Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Coury Hospitality Group, Al Biernat's Steakhouse, and Vandelay Hospitality. The company also maintains a significant commercial relationship with American Airlines. Executive Commentary Daniele Foti , VP of Marketing at Lavazza North America, emphasised the regional potential: "As one of the fastest growing hospitality and culinary markets in the country, Dallas represents a tremendous opportunity for Lavazza. Our investment in this new Training Centre demonstrates our commitment to the region and to the partners who bring the Lavazza experience to life every day. Dallas is a city of innovation and high standards, and we are excited to deepen our roots here." Hossam Ashraf , President of Lavazza North America, added: "Dallas has an incredible energy and an ever-evolving coffee scene. We are proud to support our partners with the resources, expertise and tools needed to deliver exceptional coffee experiences. This centre is not only an investment in our business. It is an investment in the people, the talent and the creativity that make this market so dynamic." Global Context The Dallas facility is integrated into Lavazza’s extensive global network of training centres, which currently includes seven locations in Italy and numerous additional outposts worldwide, underscoring the brand's commitment to standardised quality and education on a global scale. Coffee & Tea Lavazza Strengthens North American Education Network with New Dallas Training Hub December 13, 2025 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 Business & Finance Coffee & Tea People Related news

Dawn Foods UK and Ireland has expanded its cream stabiliser range with a new Matcha Fond alongside reformulated, fruit-rich Strawberry and Raspberry variants. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Dawn Foods UK and Ireland has expanded its portfolio of fonds (cream stabilisers) with the launch of a new matcha flavour, accompanied by upgraded formulations for its core strawberry and raspberry lines. Traditionally utilised in the preparation of chilled desserts such as mousses and bavarois, the expanded range is engineered to support a broader spectrum of commercial bakery and confectionery applications. The updated technical formulation allows manufacturers and bakeries to deploy stabilisers across pannacottas, cheesecakes, glazes, icings, meringues, layered patisserie, and filled sweet bakery formats. The line extension reflects rising commercial adoption of Japanese botanical ingredients in European bakery manufacturing, while addressing manufacturer demand for flexible, multi-application ingredient systems. Broadening Cream Stabiliser Applications across Bakery Formats The technical repositioning of the fonds collection aims to assist craft, artisanal, and industrial bakeries in transitioning cream stabilisers beyond traditional dessert formats into modern ambient and chilled bakery items. By re-engineering the binding and setting properties of the range, the stabilisers provide structure and moisture control for finished baked goods, layered cakes, and delicate cream-filled pastries. The functional profile enables commercial kitchens and production facilities to create clean cuts, consistent piping, and shelf-stable fillings across varied operating temperatures. Jacqui Passmore, Marketing Lead West EU & AMEAP at Dawn Foods, stated that changing consumer preferences have generated greater demand for operational versatility and creative formulation flexibility in bakery production. Passmore noted that expanding applications beyond classic dessert formats equips bakers with functional tools to differentiate finished goods on the counter. Flavour Profiles and Technical Specifications The updated fonds platform introduces one botanical variant alongside two refreshed berry fruit formulations: 🍵 Matcha Fond: Formulated with authentic green tea powder to impart a distinctive earthy-sweet profile and vibrant green colour across creams, mousses, and bakery icings. 🍓 Strawberry Fond: An improved recipe featuring elevated flavour intensity, richer natural colour, and an increased inclusion of real dried fruit pieces. 🫐 Raspberry Fond: A reformulated berry variant engineered with enhanced tartness, deeper colour stability, and a higher density of real fruit pieces for textured fillings. Commercial Availability The expanded fonds collection, encompassing the new Matcha Fond and the reformulated Strawberry and Raspberry SKUs, has commenced commercial availability for bakery manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and foodservice operators across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Ingredients Dawn Foods Introduces Matcha Fond and Upgrades Berry Stabilisers Eddie Sanders September 3, 2026 New Products Little Moons Launches Strawberry Matcha Latte Mochi Ice Cream in UK Alcohol YOSHI Matcha Liqueur Secures National US Distribution Deal with Southern Glazer's Coffee & Tea Tim Hortons Expands Speciality Tea Menu with Pure Matcha Range across Canada Coffee & Tea Philz Coffee Enters Speciality Tea Category with Four Matcha Beverages New Solutions Bakery Confectionery Ingredients Flavours & Colours Related news

Convenience store operator 7-Eleven Japan has introduced a new sweet sandwich featuring cocoa-flavoured bread and a mixed fruit filling comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom 7-Eleven Japan has updated its sweet sandwich category with the introduction of a new variation of the traditional fruit sandwich. The product, officially designated as "Fruits Mix" in domestic markets and "Strawberry, Peach & Pineapple" in English-language descriptions, represents a departure from standard white-bread formulations by utilising a cocoa-flavoured bread. The launch aligns with the retailer's ongoing efforts to diversify its chilled bakery offerings, targeting consumers looking for premium, visually distinct convenience confectionery options. Formulation and Technical Specifications The product reinterprets the classic Japanese fruit sandwich (fruit sando), which historically relies on crustless, sweet white sandwich bread (shokupan) paired with whipped dairy cream and fresh fruit. The structural and ingredient specifications of the new release include several distinct properties: Cocoa Infused Dough: The dark brown bread is formulated with cocoa, introducing a subtle chocolatey accent and a slight bitterness designed to cut through the richness of the sweet filling. Presentation: The dark crumb of the chocolate bread is engineered to create a striking visual contrast with the white whipped cream centre, enhancing on-shelf visibility in chilled convenience cases. Savoury-Sweet: Developers formulated the bread to balance the natural tartness of the fruit and the gentle sweetness of the dairy-based whipped cream. Regional Rollout and Availability Unlike standard nationwide menu additions, 7-Eleven Japan is utilising a regional distribution strategy for the new sandwich. The product went on sale in mid-July 2026 with a retail price of 518 yen (tax included). The commercial availability of the product is restricted to specific networks: Kanto Region: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Tochigi, and Gunma. Chubu Region: Niigata. Kansai Region: Covering Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama. Sweet Bakery Portfolio Innovation The introduction of the cocoa-bread sandwich is part of a broader, sustained product-development cycle by 7-Eleven Japan aimed at testing the boundaries of the sweet sandwich segment. Over recent quarters, the retailer has introduced several experimental limited-time and regional sweet sandwiches to capture consumer interest: 🍓 Fruits Mix Sandwich: Features the new cocoa-infused bread base paired with fresh strawberries, yellow peaches, pineapple pieces, and a rich whipped cream filling. 🍑 Salty Sakura Peach Sandwich: Utilises a pink-coloured, cherry blossom-flavoured bread that carries a distinct saltiness reminiscent of pickled sakura leaves, filled with a blend of white and yellow peaches. 🍫 Chocolate Chip and Whipped Cream Sandwich: A highly indulgent chilled single-serving sandwich from the retailer's "Yokubari" (greedy) series, featuring chocolate chips, fine chocolate flakes, and whipped cream inside pink sakura-themed bread. By introducing unique flavour profiles, salt-sweet pairings, and non-traditional bread bases, the convenience retailer continues to leverage its agile supply chain to drive traffic to the chilled deli and bakery aisles. Retail 7-Eleven Japan Launches Fruit Sandwich with Cocoa Bread Eddie Sanders July 19, 2026 Foodservice Taco Bell Partners with Salt & Straw to Launch Churro Ice Cream Taco Soft drinks Pepsi Announces Pop-up Ice Cream Parlour Experience in Soho Featuring Ice Cream-Inspired Range New Products Mars Expands Galaxy Portfolio with Dessert-Inspired Chocolate Bars New Products M&S New Chocolate Strawberry & Pistachio Creme Sandwich New Products Retail Food Bakery Related news

The collection features three distinct designs strategically aligned with the chain’s seasonal beverage focus, specifically the growing consumer demand for matcha and iced coffee formats. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee The Newsroom Costa Coffee has announced the expansion of its retail merchandise portfolio with a new limited-edition collection of reusable cups, set to launch nationwide on Thursday, 5th March . The collection features three distinct designs strategically aligned with the chain’s seasonal beverage focus, specifically the growing consumer demand for matcha and iced coffee formats. The launch leverages the "hydration accessory" trend, introducing large-format vessels that mirror the visual identity of the new Spring menu. By coordinating hardware design with beverage innovation, Costa aims to increase attachment rates and brand visibility beyond the store environment. Product Innovation: Aligning Hardware with Menu Trends The collection includes two 34oz tumblers and a compact travel cup, designed to cater to different consumption occasions from high-volume hydration to on-the-go commuting. The Range Includes: Matcha-inspired 34oz Tumbler: A high-capacity cold cup featuring a built-in straw and handle. The design utilises a striking green-to-red ombré finish, explicitly engineered to mirror the visual layering of Costa’s new Strawberry Coconut Iced Matcha Latte . Matcha-inspired 12oz Travel Cup: A compact, sleek option targeting the hot beverage and traditional matcha consumer. Latte Ombré 34oz Tumbler: Completing the trio, this unit features a warm, latte-inspired gradient, offering a timeless aesthetic for core coffee drinkers. Loyalty Integration: Driving Sustainable Frequency To support the launch and encourage circularity, Costa is leveraging its Costa Club loyalty platform. Members who purchase a handcrafted drink in-store using any reusable cup will earn an extra ‘bean’ in the app. This incentive structure is a key tactical lever for the brand: it drives app engagement, accelerates the path to free product redemption (increasing visit frequency), and supports corporate sustainability goals by reducing single-use paper cup waste. Commercial Availability The new reusable cup collection is available in stores nationwide starting Thursday, 5 March 2026 . As a limited-edition release, the range is positioned to drive urgency and footfall during the early Spring trading period. Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches Matcha-Inspired Reusable Cup Collection to Drive Spring Merchandise Sales News February 16, 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 Packaging Coffee & Tea New Products Related news

Jimmy's has launched a Vietnamese-inspired iced coffee, utilising a whole-milk and demerara sugar formulation to capture the premium RTD. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Jimmy's Iced Coffee, a prominent leader in the United Kingdom ready-to-drink (RTD) chilled coffee sector, has announced a significant expansion of its premium portfolio with the debut of Jimmy’s Vietnamese Inspired Iced Coffee . The new SKU represents a strategic effort by the organisation to capitalise on the rapidly growing consumer demand for dessert-adjacent, highly indulgent cold beverages, transitioning the brand’s signature single-origin coffee credentials into a richer, more luxurious format. The rollout is timed to capture peak summer trading, providing retail partners with a premiumised, "treat-style" beverage designed to capture incremental afternoon and evening snack occasions. In a mature and highly competitive chilled beverage market, brands face constant pressure to differentiate. While the standard RTD iced coffee segment has historically focused on functional morning energy and basic hydration, consumers are increasingly seeking out "plus-benefit" treating options later in the day. This shift, often categorised as the "little treat" culture, has seen consumers turn to premium, indulgent food and drink as an accessible form of daily reward and relaxation. By translating this intense, sweet, and highly textured café ritual into a convenient, ready-to-drink format, Jimmy's is lowering the barrier to trial. This allows grocery, convenience, and forecourt shoppers to experience a premium, travel-inspired treat without the complexity of manual preparation. Replicating the thick, velvety mouthfeel of traditional condensed-milk coffee within a shelf-stable, chilled RTD beverage represents a significant research and development milestone. Many mass-market sweet beverages rely heavily on artificial thickeners, synthetic stabilisers, or high quantities of white sugar, which can lead to a syrupy finish or a chalky texture. Jimmy’s has resolved these sensory and technical challenges through a balanced, clean-label ingredient matrix: Whole Milk Base: The formulation utilises 75 per cent whole milk, providing the necessary fat content and natural dairy sugars to achieve a thick, creamy, and custard-like viscosity. Single-Origin Arabica: The liquid is built on a 20 per cent base of Rainforest Alliance Certified Arabica coffee, ensuring that the robust, earthy characteristics of the bean can hold up against the rich dairy notes. Unrefined Demerara Sugar: Rather than using highly processed white sugar, the brand incorporates unrefined Demerara sugar, which introduces a deep, molasses-like undertone that mimics the caramelised sweetness of traditional condensed milk. Acidity and Stability Management: The product is stabilised using sodium carbonate as an acidity regulator and enhanced with milk proteins and a touch of salt, ensuring consistent emulsion and flavour delivery throughout its shelf life. Crucially, despite its indulgent and dessert-adjacent positioning, the drink remains suitable for vegetarians, ensuring the broadest possible market reach. New Products Jimmy's Iced Coffee Launches Vietnamese-Inspired Launch Eddie Sanders May 18, 2026 New Products RYZE Launches Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Mushroom Coffee at Target Coffee & Tea Jimmy's Launches Limited Edition Cookie Butter Iced Coffee Coffee & Tea L'OR Launches Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Coffee Capsules in UK Coffee & Tea 7-Eleven Launches 2026 Autumn Coffee Range Coffee & Tea New Products Related news

Premier Protein® has announced a strategic expansion into the home baking aisle, partnering with Hometown Food Company to launch a new range of Muffin Mixes and Microwavable Muffin Cups. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Premier Protein® has announced a strategic expansion into the home baking aisle, partnering with Hometown Food Company to launch a new range of Muffin Mixes and Microwavable Muffin Cups . The collaboration marks a significant category extension for the protein specialist, traditionally known for its ready-to-drink shakes and powders. The launch aims to capture the "New Year" resolution market by offering convenient, high-protein functional food options that fit into meal-prep routines. Product Formats and Nutritional Specs The new lineup introduces two distinct formats designed to cater to different consumption occasions: planned meal preparation and immediate on-the-go snacking. Both lines are available in Blueberry and Chocolate Chip flavours. Premier Protein® Muffin Mixes Protein Content: 13 grams per serving. Yield: Each box produces 12 muffins. Use Case: Positioned as a "meal-prep solution," allowing consumers to bake ahead for the week. Premier Protein® Microwavable Muffin Cups Protein Content: 15 grams per serving. Preparation: Ready in 90 seconds via microwave. Use Case: Targeted at the convenience/breakfast-on-the-go demographic seeking portability without sacrificing macronutrient intake. Strategic Partnership and Growth This product development leverages the manufacturing and category expertise of Hometown Food Company. The move follows Premier Protein's recognition as one of the "fastest-growing brands to watch in 2025" by Numerator, signalling a push to diversify the brand's footprint across the grocery store. Dan Anglemyer , Chief Operating Officer of Hometown Food Company, commented on the category entry: "We're thrilled to bring protein-powered convenience to a new category. Our Muffin Mixes and Muffin Cups make it easier than ever for people to enjoy high-protein options that fit seamlessly into their daily routines — whether at home or on the go." Nick Stiritz , General Manager and Vice President of Premier Protein US, emphasised the balance of taste and function: "We pride ourselves on creating crave-worthy products that consumers enjoy incorporating into their health and wellness routines." The new range is scheduled to begin rolling out to retailers nationwide throughout 2026, with initial availability confirmed at Walmart . Bakery Premier Protein Enters Baking Category with High-Protein Muffin Lineup in Partnership with Hometown Food Company News January 7, 2026 New Products Iceland Foods and Myprotein Expand Range with 25 High-Protein Products New Products SURREAL Launches High Protein Low Sugar Overnight Oats Range New Products Puori Launches Single-Ingredient Unflavoured Whey Protein Powder New Products Seven Sundays Launches Clean Label Protein Oatcakes New Products Food Snacking Bakery Health & Nutrition Related news

The launch addresses a critical challenge in the school foodservice market: balancing strict sugar reduction mandates with student acceptance. The grō™ line is the utilisation of NewTree’s patented De-Sugaring technology. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom CeBev LLC , a major provider to the U.S. school nutrition industry and maker of the Juice Bowl® brand, has announced an exclusive partnership with NewTree Fruit Company . The collaboration aims to disrupt the school beverage sector with the launch of grō™ , a new brand of de-sugared 100% juices designed specifically for K-12 meal programs. The launch addresses a critical challenge in the school foodservice market: balancing strict sugar reduction mandates with student acceptance. By leveraging NewTree's patented technology, CeBev claims to offer the first reduced-sugar, 100% fruit juice box positioned for nationwide school distribution. Technological Innovation: De-Sugaring vs. Dilution The core differentiator of the grō™ line is the utilisation of NewTree’s patented De-Sugaring technology . Unlike traditional low-sugar formulations that rely on dilution or added sweeteners, this process physically removes naturally occurring sugars—including fructose, sucrose, and glucose—from the fruit juice. Crucially, the technology preserves the fruit's essential nutrients, natural colour, flavour, and acidity. This allows schools to serve a product that meets tightening wellness standards without compromising the sensory profile that drives student participation. Strategic Fit for School Compliance Sarah Lindberg-Knight , General Manager of CeBev LLC, highlighted the operational logic behind the partnership. "Schools are being asked to do more than ever when it comes to nutrition—reduce sugar, meet compliance standards, and still provide products students will actually consume," Lindberg-Knight stated. "By combining CeBev's deep experience in school foodservice with NewTree's De-Sugaring technology, we are offering a solution that is practical, nutritionally meaningful, and designed specifically for real-world school environments." Product Specifications and Launch The initial grō™ rollout features three flavours, all packaged in a 4-ounce format optimised for school meal trays: Lemon Berry Orange Guava Peach Apple Chad Anderson , CEO of NewTree Fruit Company, added: "For many children, school meals provide the most consistent access to fruits and vegetables. This partnership allows us to apply our technology where it can have a real and lasting impact: supporting child health and meeting regulatory requirements." Availability The new grō™ products are expected to be available to participating school meal programs nationwide beginning in Spring 2026 . Health & Nutrition CeBev Partners with NewTree to Launch ‘De-Sugared’ Juice Brand for K-12 School Nutrition News February 10, 2026 Business & Finance Prodalim Unveils New Brand Identity to Signal Global Ingredients Evolution New Products SUNNYD Debuts Limited Edition SpookyD Mystery Flavour at Walmart Logistics & Supply Chain Evolution Fresh Secures Fresh Orange Juice Supply Chain Beverage AUSTRIA JUICE Launches Fermentation Tech to Reduce Fruit Juice Sugar by 30% Safety & Quality Ingredients Beverage Health & Nutrition Technology Related news

The Simply Good Foods Company has announced a major leadership reversal, appointing former executive Joe Scalzo as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The Simply Good Foods Company has announced a major leadership reversal, appointing former executive Joe Scalzo as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Scalzo, who previously led the nutritional snacking giant for a decade, succeeds Geoff Tanner . The move signals a strategic pivot back to the leadership that oversaw the company’s formative years and its transition into a public entity. The Return of the Architect Scalzo is widely regarded as the "key architect" of the modern Simply Good Foods business. His previous tenure as CEO (until July 2023) and Executive Vice Chairman (until August 2024) was defined by substantial value creation, including the company's public market debut in 2017 and the transformative acquisition and integration of Quest Nutrition . He will be appointed to the Board of Directors on 28 January 2026 , following the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Strategic Mandate The board has explicitly tasked Scalzo with "reigniting growth and improving profitability" across the portfolio. His immediate familiarity with the brand infrastructure—spanning Atkins and Quest—is viewed as a critical asset for stabilising operations and driving execution in a competitive snacking landscape. James Kilts , Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented on the decision: "Joe is a visionary in our industry widely admired by our team and partners alike for his role as the key architect of the business over the course of the last decade. We are pleased to welcome him back as we embark on a new chapter of driving growth and creating value for our stockholders." Joe Scalzo expressed his readiness to return to the helm: "I am energised to be returning home to Simply Good Foods at this critical moment. Together with our exceptional team, we have a clear view of the mission in front of us to secure Simply Good Foods’ leadership in innovation and product quality while ensuring best-in-class execution." Financial Outlook In conjunction with the leadership announcement, the company confirmed that its Fiscal Year 2026 outlook —previously reaffirmed during its Q1 financial results on 8 January 2026—remains unchanged. People Simply Good Foods Reappoints Joe Scalzo as CEO to Reignite Growth and Profitability News January 26, 2026 People Kraft Heinz Appoints Lucy Hovey as CFO for UK and Ireland Operations People The Hershey Company Appoints Dave Hulays as Chief Financial Officer People Nestlé Waters UK Appoints Thomas Conquet as UK Managing Director People Ben & Jerry's Appoints Three Independent Directors to Board Food Business & Finance People Related news

Cadbury Dairy Milk has partnered with beauty brand MCoBeauty to launch a skincare-inspired Watermelon Chocolate Block. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Mondelēz International The Newsroom Mondelēz International has partnered with Australian beauty brand MCoBeauty to launch a cross-category collaboration combining FMCG confectionery and personal care. The joint release introduces the Cadbury Dairy Milk Watermelon Chocolate Block, inspired by MCoBeauty's Watermelon Glow skincare range. Concurrently, MCoBeauty is debuting a limited-edition line of Cadbury-inspired cosmetics, including a lip peptide treatment and eyeshadow palette. Deploying exclusively across Woolworths store networks in Australia, the cross-category partnership leverages social media trend culture to drive impulse basket additions across food and beauty retail channels. Innovation and Product Lineup The collaboration bridges the FMCG food and personal care aisles, using brand equity crossover to generate retail excitement among Gen Z and millennial consumer demographics. The promotional range entering retail distribution includes: 🍫 Cadbury Dairy Milk Watermelon Chocolate Block: Features classic Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate paired with a watermelon-flavoured fondant filling inspired by MCoBeauty's skincare range. 💄 MCoBeauty Lip Peptide Treatment: A Cadbury-inspired lip care formulation designed for daily beauty routines. 🎨 MCoBeauty Eyeshadow Palette: A cosmetics palette featuring shade profiles inspired by Cadbury's brand aesthetic and confectionery range. The formulation pairs traditional milk chocolate with fruit-forward fondant, catering to expanding consumer interest in novel sensory profiles and sweet-and-fruity taste combinations. Retail Distribution The multi-product line is entering physical and e-commerce retail distribution through an exclusive national partnership in Australia. Key commercial parameters of the deployment include: Retail Partner Exclusivity: Distributed exclusively through Woolworths supermarket store networks and online channels across Australia. Digital-First Marketing Push: Supported by viral social media campaigns across TikTok and Instagram to drive initial consumer trial. Cross-Aisle Merchandising Potential: Positions food and beauty brand extensions to capture dual-category impulse purchasing during primary grocery shop routines. The collaboration illustrates how global food manufacturers deploy short-run cross-category licensing agreements with high-growth digital beauty brands to stimulate store footfall and expand brand reach beyond standard grocery aisles. New Products Cadbury and MCoBeauty Launch Watermelon Chocolate Jacob Deraille August 6, 2026 New Products Reese's Expands UK Portfolio with Caramel Block and White Cups 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 Snacking New Products Confectionery Related news

Ferrero UK has announced the expansion of its confectionery portfolio with the launch of Kinder Bueno Dark. Rolling out to major retailers this February. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Ferrero Group The Newsroom Ferrero UK has announced the expansion of its confectionery portfolio with the launch of Kinder Bueno Dark . Rolling out to major retailers this month ( February 2026 ), the new variant is a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for dark chocolate while driving incremental value for the snacking category. The launch sees the brand debuting in Tesco and Morrisons , offering a sophisticated twist on its established format. By replacing the traditional milk chocolate coating with dark chocolate and a dark drizzle, Ferrero aims to recruit younger adult shoppers who increasingly skew towards premium, less-sweet flavour profiles. Premiumisation without Complexity For retailers, the launch offers a low-risk route to innovation. By retaining the core wafer-and-hazelnut architecture, Ferrero minimises operational complexity while introducing "flavour-led news" to the fixture. This approach leverages the operational familiarity of the core SKU while offering a distinct trade-up option. The move comes as suppliers seek value growth in a market constrained by elevated cocoa costs and cautious consumer spending. Dark chocolate, with its strong premium cues, offers significant scope for improving the margin mix compared to standard milk chocolate lines. Leveraging Brand Equity Kinder Bueno is currently the fourth-largest brand in the chocolate snack category by value, boasting 77% brand recognition in the UK. Rather than fragmenting the fixture with a new sub-brand, Ferrero is utilising this high equity to broaden the masterbrand's appeal. The range now spans white, milk, and dark variants, a "block strategy" designed to deepen shelf presence and encourage cross-purchasing without cannibalising core sales. The commercial test for this launch will be incrementality . Ferrero's strategy relies on Kinder Bueno Dark attracting new shoppers to the brand or driving higher average spend per trip. If successful, it validates the model of using flavour-led premium extensions as a capital-efficient growth lever in the space-constrained chocolate aisle. New Products Ferrero Targets Premium Snacking with Kinder Bueno Dark Launch News February 12, 2026 New Products Reese's Expands UK Portfolio with Caramel Block and White Cups 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 Food Confectionery New Products Snacking Related news

Square has expanded its partnership with Google to integrate US food and beverage sellers into Ask Maps, enabling conversational AI restaurant chats. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Financial technology major Square has expanded its strategic relationship with Google, bringing US food and beverage (F&B) merchants directly into Ask Maps, Google Maps' conversational AI search and discovery platform. The integration enables local restaurants, cafés, and food outlets to surface in natural-language search queries and process direct consumer orders within the Google Maps interface. By automatically syncing store details, operational hours, and real-time menus from the Square Dashboard, the system removes technical setup requirements, contractual hurdles, and additional service fees for participating merchants. The partnership also advances the adoption of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard for agentic commerce designed to standardise AI-driven transaction workflows across the hospitality sector. Conversational AI Restaurant Discovery The introduction of Ask Maps allows consumers to discover local dining options through conversational text prompts rather than traditional keyword searches. Through real-time data synchronisation between Square Dashboard and Google Business Profiles, restaurant information remains continuously updated across Google's digital channels without manual intervention from store operators. Key capabilities delivered through the Ask Maps integration include: 🤖 Conversational Discovery: Merchants surface directly within natural-language AI responses when consumers request specific dishes, dietary preferences, or meal options nearby. 🔄 Automated Real-Time Syncing: Operational hours, location details, and active menu items pull directly from Square to maintain information accuracy. ⚡ Zero Technical Overhead: Deployed across eligible Square F&B accounts without requiring API development, custom configurations, or added transaction costs. Andrew Costaris, Digital Vice-President at Partners Coffee, stated that maintaining accurate digital touchpoints is critical for consumer recruitment, noting that integration with Ask Maps ensures initial brand interactions align with physical counter experiences. Direct Checkout and POS Integration Beyond venue discovery, the collaboration embeds end-to-end transaction capabilities into the search experience, enabling US consumers to complete orders directly within Ask Maps. Users can browse full digital menus, apply item customisations, and complete transactions using Order by Cash App. Completed orders route directly into the merchant's existing Square operating infrastructure, including point-of-sale (POS) systems and Kitchen Display System (KDS) hardware, requiring no separate operational workflows for kitchen staff. Morgan Kuntze, Global Partnerships Lead at Block, noted that consumer discovery habits are transitioning toward conversational AI platforms, adding that expanding integration with Google ensures Square sellers maintain visibility across evolving digital ordering channels. As part of the broader commercial collaboration, Square, Google, and industry partners are extending the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) to the food and beverage industry. UCP operates as an open technical standard for agentic commerce, designed to facilitate multi-platform interactions between autonomous AI agents, digital wallets, and merchant inventory systems. By applying UCP parameters to quick-service and full-service restaurant ordering, the initiative seeks to establish a standardised framework for AI-led transaction processing across retail ecosystems. Foodservice Square and Google Roll Out Conversational AI Ordering in Google Maps Eddie Sanders August 6, 2026 Foodservice Domino's Debuts Chinese-Inspired Pizza and Biscoff Collaboration across the UK Foodservice Coco Robotics and Little Caesars Launch Autonomous Robot Pizza Delivery New Products Gopuff Expands Private Label Range with Debut Seasonal Autumn Lineup Retail Uber Eats Expands US Grocery Network with Four Regional Retail Partnerships New Solutions Business & Finance Foodservice Technology Related news

The brand has secured an exclusive retail partnership with discount variety retailer Home Bargains, rolling out the product across all 625 UK stores this week. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Functional soft drinks challenger Skip has announced a significant extension to its wellness portfolio, launching its first range infused with Lion’s Mane mushroom extract. The brand has secured an exclusive retail partnership with discount variety retailer Home Bargains , rolling out the product across all 625 UK stores this week. The launch is positioned aggressively on price, debuting at a promoted price point of 99p , aiming to democratise access to adaptogenic beverages which often command a premium price tag. High-Potency Formulation The key differentiator for the new range is its dosage. Each 250ml can delivers 2,000mg of organic Lion’s Mane extract , a functional ingredient widely recognised for its potential cognitive and neurological benefits. Adam Pritchard , Skip co-founder, emphasised the potency of the formulation relative to the market: “In our two new drinks, we have made Lion’s Mane our key functional ingredient and at a high level – 8 to 20 times higher than competitor brands – to give a dedicated benefit to our customers, and at a very affordable price.” Nutritional Profile: Vitamins: Fortified with Vitamin B6 (50% RI) to support the nervous system and Vitamin B12 (83% RI) to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Clean Label: The drinks contain no added sugar and are suitable for vegans. Flavour Architecture The range launches with two sparkling fruit-based variants designed to mask the earthy notes often associated with mushroom extracts: 🍊 Blood Orange 🍏 Cloudy Apple This release follows the brand's successful foray into the CBD category last July, which saw the rollout of cold-pressed flavours like Peach & Ginger and Elderflower & Mint. The Lion's Mane addition signals Skip's evolution from a single-ingredient focus into a broader functional lifestyle brand. "Skip is evolving and we’re delighted to be launching our new Lion’s Mane range in Home Bargains this month," Pritchard added. "Taste, refreshment and quality are the most important attributes for any drinks brand, and I believe our drinks are on a different level to any other functional soft drinks brand in the UK." Commercial Availability The full Skip Lion's Mane range is available in Home Bargains stores nationwide from 7 January . New Products Skip Expands Functional Portfolio with High-Dose Lion’s Mane Range Exclusive to Home Bargains News January 12, 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 Health & Nutrition Beverage New Products Soft drinks Related news