QSR brand Sonic has launched its 2026 summer menu, combining nostalgic tie-ins for the US 250th anniversary comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Seasonal marketing in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector represents a critical window for brand owners to drive foot traffic, expand average basket sizes, and accelerate digital app adoption. Commencing with digital early access on 26 May 2026 and a national roll-out on 1 June 2026, Sonic Drive-In is deploying its seasonal campaign. The launch balances low-cost, nostalgic beverage LTOs with premiumised, high-margin food offerings. This dual-pronged product development strategy aims to capture both price-sensitive consumers looking for affordable treats and culinary-driven diners willing to pay a premium for fast-casual quality. A core element of Sonic’s summer strategy is the return of the Red, White & Blue Slush Float. Priced aggressively at 2.50 USD for the duration of the season, the layered beverage utilises blue raspberry slush, vanilla soft serve, and real strawberries to target nostalgic consumer purchasing drivers. For brand managers, the commercial execution of this product provides a valuable case study in leveraging national milestones: Socio-Political Event Alignment: The product is packaged in limited-edition cups designed around iconic United States landmarks to celebrate America’s 250th semiquincentennial birthday, tapping into heightened patriotic sentiment. Sports Broadcast Integration: Sonic is directly tying app promotions to USA match days in the upcoming global soccer tournament. On 12, 19, and 25 June, loyalty rewards members can secure 250 bonus points on qualifying purchases. Drive-To-Digital Conversion: Restricting these high-value loyalty incentives to transactions executed via the brand's mobile application helps Sonic capture valuable first-party consumer data and lower its long-term customer acquisition costs. By connecting a low-cost, festive menu item with real-time sporting events, Sonic is successfully generating natural purchase urgency without resorting to dilutive margin-eroding discounts. Fast Casual Premium Burger Formats While beverage LTOs drive high-frequency impulse visits, increasing average order values requires innovation in the core food menu. To achieve this, Sonic has expanded its premium "Smasher" platform with the introduction of the Tropical Heat Sonic Smasher. The product features two hand-smashed Angus beef patties, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and a sweet-and-spicy jalapeño pineapple glaze. This launch highlights a broader industry shift where QSR operators are reformulating their core menus to compete with fast-casual establishments: Ingredient Elevational Upgrades: Shifting from standard beef to Angus beef allows the brand to command stronger pricing power and appeal to quality-conscious demographics. Flavour Profile Complexity: The use of a jalapeño pineapple glaze taps into the highly popular "swicy" (sweet and heat) flavour trend, differentiating the product from standard QSR burger builds. Textural Contrast: Combining the crispness of bacon and the soft texture of a potato bun addresses the sensory-rich dining experiences demanded by Gen Z and Millennial cohorts. The food lineup is completed by the Tropical Cream Slush, which blends pineapple and coconut flavours with soft serve, further reinforcing the brand's capability to deliver complex, multi-textured dessert-beverage hybrids. According to Barbara Williams, Vice President of Culinary Innovation and Category Management at Sonic, the seasonal menu has been engineered to deliver flavorful moments that are easy for operators to execute. Sonic Summer Red, White & Blue Slush Float Launch May 26, 2026 Foodservice Coca-Cola and KFC Announce US Beverage Partnership Foodservice Taco Bell Expands Live Más Café with Horchata Lineup and New Sites New Products Wingstop Launches Sour Patch Kids Flavoured Wings Business & Finance Starbucks Explores Takeover of Chipotle Beverage New Products Foodservice Related news

Function, the health platform co-founded by Dr. Mark Hyman, has announced a strategic partnership with luxury grocer Erewhon to launch a new functional beverage concept: "The World's Healthiest Smoothie?". comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Function , the health platform co-founded by Dr. Mark Hyman , has announced a strategic partnership with luxury grocer Erewhon to launch a new functional beverage concept: "The World's Healthiest Smoothie?" . Available immediately across all Erewhon locations through February 2027 , the year-long collaboration marks a notable shift in the retailer's high-profile smoothie program. Unlike previous viral iterations driven by celebrity endorsements (e.g., Hailey Bieber), this launch leverages clinical data and biological rigour to target the "food as medicine" demographic. The Smoothie as a User Acquisition Channel For Function, the partnership serves as a tangible customer acquisition vehicle. Each glass bottle features a QR hang tag offering a $25 discount on a Function membership. This "product-as-portal" strategy aims to bridge the gap between retail consumption and digital health services. By placing the product in Erewhon—a retailer with high overlap in target demographics—Function gains physical shelf presence to drive subscriptions for its core service: access to 160+ advanced lab tests and longitudinal health insights. Jonathan Swerdlin , co-founder and CEO of Function, commented: "This isn't about one more product on a shelf... Erewhon was the perfect partner. Their uncompromising standards mirror how Function treats understanding your health." Data-Led Formulation The smoothie's ingredient deck was not determined by flavour trends alone but by aggregated health data from Function’s member base. Dr. Mark Hyman, Chief Medical Officer, utilised specific biomarkers to guide the formulation: Metabolic Health: Addressing the 65% of members who fall outside the optimal range for fasting insulin. Cardiovascular Health: Targeting the 54% of members showing elevated Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). 'Complete Meal' Functionality The product is engineered to function as a complete meal replacement, featuring 20 purpose-driven ingredients selected to support microbiome health, inflammation balance, and blood sugar stability. Key Components: Protein: Single-ingredient plant protein derived from chocho beans (sourced from the Andes) and creatine . Fats: MCT oil, blended omega oils, walnuts, flaxseed, and chia. Produce: Green banana, wild blueberries, pomegranate, cranberry, arugula, cold-pressed beet juice. Functional Additives: BCAAs, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon. The formulation notably excludes "aesthetic-only superfoods" and fillers, reinforcing the "science-first" positioning of the collaboration. Function Health Partners with Erewhon for Year-Long ‘Science-Backed’ Smoothie Collaboration February 17, 2026 Health & Nutrition Abbott Launches First Whole Milk Ready to Feed Infant Formula in US New Products Celtic Sea Salt Launches Hydrate Electrolyte Mix Health & Nutrition M&S Overhauls Beans and Pulses Range to Launch Summer Health Campaign Health & Nutrition Coalition for Metabolic Health Launches Series of Congressional Briefings on Nutrition New Products Health & Nutrition Beverage Related news

Food and Beverage Industry Event Close Close lunch! Trade Show About Detail Visitors Discussion My Agenda 🔒 Create a free FNBX account to: 📌 Save events and build your personal agenda 🤝 See who else is attending each event There are currently no FNBX members set as attending this event. First PREV 1 Page 1 NEXT Last 16 - 17 September 2026 London, UK Organised by: William Reed Visit organisers website . --- Set as attending comments debug Discussion Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

The brand has unveiled Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Pistachio Cake Mix alongside a complementary Whipped Pistachio Frosting. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Pillsbury™ Baking has announced a strategic expansion of its baking portfolio, introducing a new pair of products designed to capitalise on the enduring consumer demand for nostalgic flavours. The brand has unveiled Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Pistachio Cake Mix alongside a complementary Whipped Pistachio Frosting . The launch targets the home baking demographic seeking convenient, modern formats for classic recipes, positioning pistachio as a "timeless taste" that resonates with family traditions. Product Specifications and Versatility The new lineup offers a cohesive flavour system designed to simplify the creation of pistachio-based desserts, from standard sheet cakes to more complex formats like bundt cakes or cake pops. Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Pistachio Cake Mix Format: 15.25 oz box. Yield: Produces one 13" x 9" cake or 24 cupcakes. Profile: A rich, subtly sweet pistachio flavour engineered for a moist crumb structure. Application: The packaging promotes versatility, featuring a recipe for "Spumoni Ice Cream Cake" to drive cross-category ingredient usage. Pillsbury™ Whipped Pistachio Frosting Format: 12 oz tub. Texture: Light, airy, and ready-to-use. Functionality: Designed for easy spreading, layering, and crumb coating without weighing down the bake. Dan Anglemyer , Chief Operating Officer at Hometown Food Company (parent company of the Pillsbury Baking brand), explained the emotional hook behind the flavour choice: "Pistachio is one of those timeless flavours that instantly brings people back to the joy of homemade baking. With our new Pistachio Cake Mix and Whipped Pistachio Frosting, we're giving families an easy, delicious way to recreate that nostalgic taste in their own kitchens — with the quality and fun they expect from Pillsbury Baking." Commercial Availability and Rollout The new products have secured immediate shelf space at major retailers Walmart and H-E-B . Distribution is scheduled to expand significantly in the coming months, with Kroger and AWG confirmed to stock the line in February and March . Pillsbury Taps into Nostalgia Baking Trend with New Pistachio Cake Mix and Frosting Duo January 7, 2026 New Products Crooked Pop Launches Newstagic Flavoured Zero-Sugar Hard Soda New Products f'real and Good Humor partner for nostalgic Orange Creamsicle launch New Products GHOST and General Mills Expand Protein Partnership With New Cereal Milk Flavours New Products Culture Pop Soda Launches Functional Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade Bakery Flavours & Colours Food New Products Related news

Mars, Incorporated has announced a significant addition to its regional leadership team, appointing Lauren Larsen as Chief Customer Officer (CCO) for Mars Food & Nutrition, North America. 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 Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Mars, Incorporated has announced a significant addition to its regional leadership team, appointing Lauren Larsen as Chief Customer Officer (CCO) for Mars Food & Nutrition, North America. The appointment brings extensive commercial expertise to the division responsible for some of the company's most recognisable pantry staples. Larsen is tasked with spearheading sales strategies to drive market penetration across the US rice and ready meal categories. Strategic Mandate and Portfolio In her new role, Larsen will oversee the sales planning and execution for a portfolio of heritage and growth brands, including Ben's Original™ , Seeds of Change™ , and Tasty Bite® . Her remit focuses on maximising value creation and driving commercial excellence. Mars has indicated that her leadership will be pivotal in strengthening customer partnerships and executing shared goals with retail partners regarding quality and long-term category growth. Executive Profile and Track Record Larsen joins Mars with 18 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. Her career spans sales, category management, and commercial strategy at leading global organisations. Previous Experience: She has held significant roles at Procter & Gamble and Glanbia , where she was credited with building high-performing teams and driving category growth initiatives in competitive markets. Dave Dusangh , Regional President of Mars Food & Nutrition North America, commented on the strategic value of the hire: "Her ability to build high-performing sales organisations and drive commercial excellence will help accelerate growth across our portfolio, strengthen trusted customer partnerships, and deliver against the shared goals we hold with our retail partners around quality, value, and long-term growth." Lauren Larsen expressed her outlook on the role: "Mars Food & Nutrition stands out for the strength of its brands and the way it partners with customers to deliver quality and value at scale. The portfolio plays an important role in everyday meals for families across North America, and I'm excited by the opportunity to build on that foundation." Mars Appoints CPG Veteran Lauren Larsen as Chief Customer Officer for North American Food & Nutrition January 21, 2026 People Ball Appoints New Beverage Packaging Presidents for Americas and EMEA People Lofted Spirits Names Nick Smith Master Distiller People Co-op Appoints Alex Dower as Managing Director of Food Retail People Coca-Cola Appoints Rob Gehring President of North America Operating Unit Confectionery Business & Finance People Related news

Discover Glanbia company profile on FNBX with verified distributors, partnership requests and latest industry activity. All Companies Close Health & Nutrition Glanbia Employees founded Headquarters Kilkenny, Ireland Glanbia is a global nutrition company with operations in 32 countries. It has leading market positions in sports nutrition, cheese, dairy ingredients, speciality non-dairy ingredients and vitamin and mineral premixes. With deep roots in the dairy industry, it has become one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of quality performance nutrition products and has built a successful ingredients business on its expertise in nutritional solutions and dairy science. Headquartered in Kilkenny, Ireland, the company has its origins in the Irish cooperative and was formed in 1997 through the merger of Avonmore Foods and Waterford Foods. With total group turnover of €3.7 billion per year and over 6,000 employees, it aims to be one of the world’s top performing nutrition companies. About Glanbia --- Collaboration & Partnerships Glanbia is not currently looking for partnerships. Pitch a Partnership F&B Ecosystem Claim Profile Glanbia has no members on FNBX yet. Be discovered by B2B buyers Showcase your product catalog Signal partnership intent Claim Your Spot Are you a supplier, competitor, or distributor in the F&B space? Create your company profile to connect with giants like this. Create Free Page Takes 2 minutes. No credit card required. Authorised Distributors Americas Asia Europe Oceania There are no distributors currently. Submit New Distributors Company Name Contact Email Description Distribution Location Asia-Pacific Americas MENCA Europe Submit Are you a verified distributor? Claim your territory Recent Activity New Products Optimum Nutrition and Wisconsin Brewing Launch ChampionSips Protein Non Alcoholic Beer September 9, 2026 Listings Add Listing

Leche and Tiny Health have launched a clinical study to evaluate how supplementing formula-fed infants' diets. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Shelf-stable donor breast milk provider Leche and at-home microbiome testing firm Tiny Health have announced a joint clinical study to evaluate the impact of donor breast milk on the gut health of formula-fed infants. The initiative represents one of the first clinical trials applying modern shotgun metagenomics sequencing to shelf-stable donor milk. The trial will specifically measure whether supplementing a formula-fed infant's daily diet with a small quantity of donor breast milk induces measurable, beneficial shifts in gut microbiome composition and functional capacity. The clinical research aims to establish scientific data for combination feeding strategies, addressing a segment where an estimated two-thirds of American infants receive formula during their first year. While the role of human milk in establishing infant gut flora is well documented, formula formulations typically replicate only one or two human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). In contrast, donor breast milk contains a natural spectrum of roughly 150 to 200 distinct HMO sugars that survive pasteurisation intact, serving as targeted prebiotics for beneficial gut bacteria. Trish Clifford, Co-Founder of Leche, stated that the majority of parents rely on a combination of feeding methods rather than exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding alone. Clifford noted that the study was designed to generate clinical evidence regarding the health outcomes of adding a daily portion of donor milk to a formula-based diet. Trial Methodology and Microbiome Testing Framework The study utilises a before-and-after trial design involving 100 healthy, full-term, formula-fed infants. Baseline gut microbiome profiles will be established upon enrolment using Tiny Health's testing platform. Participating families will then integrate Leche's powdered donor breast milk into daily formula feeds for a 30-day trial period, followed by end-of-study microbiome sequencing. Cheryl Sew Hoy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Health, highlighted that the trial utilises shotgun metagenomics to assess whether modest daily quantities of donor milk enable beneficial bacteria to colonise the infant gut during a critical developmental window. Researchers will evaluate several primary endpoints: 🦠 Bifidobacterium Levels: Tracking quantitative increases in beneficial bacterial strains that typically dominate the gut flora of breastfed infants. 🍼 HMO Utilisation: Assessing whether the infant gut microbiome develops the functional gene pathways required to process complex human milk sugars. 📈 Microbiome Composition: Measuring whether overall microbial diversity and community structure shift toward a profile characteristic of breastfed infants. Research Timeline and Participant Enrolment Participant sign-ups for the study officially open on 1 August 2026, with enrolment capped at 100 participants or closing on 15 August 2026. Enrolled families are scheduled to begin the feeding protocol in September 2026, with preliminary results expected to be published later in the year. Leche and Tiny Health Launch Infant Gut Microbiome Study July 20, 2026 New Products Kashi Launches Gut Health Granola in US Business & Finance Bactolife Secures €30m Series B to Commercialise 'Binding Protein' Gut Health Tech Dairy Arla Foods Enters UK Gut Health Market with Science-Backed 'Arla Cultura' Range Health & Nutrition M&S and Zoe collaborate on gut health shot for UK market Safety & Quality Health & Nutrition Business & Finance Related news

Unilever-owned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has unveiled its latest limited-edition flavour, Marshmallow Sky, marking the newest addition to the brand’s indulgent ice cream line-up. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Unilever-owned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has unveiled its latest limited-edition flavour, Marshmallow Sky, marking the newest addition to the brand’s indulgent ice cream line-up. The new variety features a blue marshmallow-flavoured ice cream base swirled with marshmallow ribbons and mixed with chocolate chip cookie dough chunks. The flavour’s signature sky-blue hue is derived from blue spirulina, a natural ingredient containing phycocyanin, a pigment known for its vibrant colour and antioxidant properties. Ben & Jerry’s said that the use of spirulina was intended not only for its visual appeal but also for its potential nutritional benefits. Phycocyanin is recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, while spirulina is a source of protein, B vitamins, iron and copper. Though some studies suggest spirulina may support heart health and have anticarcinogenic potential, Ben & Jerry’s emphasised that its inclusion primarily enhances the product’s natural colouring and better-for-you positioning. Marshmallow Sky will be available for a limited time in pint format at US retailers, while Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops will feature the flavour as a permanent menu item. The launch reflects Ben & Jerry’s continued focus on novelty flavours and natural ingredients, as the brand balances indulgence with consumer demand for clean-label and functional food elements. Ben & Jerry’s releases limited-edition Marshmallow Sky ice cream March 4, 2024 New Products Ben & Jerry's Launches Limited Batch Razz Up Flavour Foodservice Haagen-Dazs Shops Launches New Sundae Series Facilities The Magnum Ice Cream Company Opens Research and Innovation Centre in India Facilities The Magnum Ice Cream Company Invests €10M in Hungarian Production Facility Dairy New Products Related news

My/Mochi’s Cotton Candy launch leverages nostalgic "kidult" trends and clean-label standards to capture ice-cream snacking comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > My/Mochi, the pioneer of the modern mochi ice cream category, has announced the nationwide debut of its Cotton Candy variant. The launch represents a strategic effort to capitalise on the "nostalgia-led" snacking movement, transitioning a traditional carnival profile into a portion-controlled, functional format designed for the summer trading season. The move is a direct response to high-velocity consumer requests, positioning the brand to capture incremental sales from "kidult" demographics seeking whimsical yet clean-label indulgence. Alignment with Sensory and Social Trends The introduction of Cotton Candy addresses a shift in the frozen dessert aisle toward "experiential" snacking. Brigette Wolf, Chief Marketing Officer at My/Mochi, stated that the brand is focused on enabling consumers to experience "playful, sensorial joy." By targeting the "sensorial" experience, My/Mochi is de-risking its entry into the high-intent Gen Z and Millennial markets. The vibrant visual profile and unique texture of the mochi—combining a pillowy rice dough with premium ice cream—are engineered to drive engagement on social platforms like TikTok, where "unboxing" and "texture-reveal" content continues to see record engagement. Technical Formulation and Ingredient Integrity A primary technical differentiator for this launch is the adherence to a strict "no-artificials" protocol. Replicating the high-intensity sweetness and neon aesthetics of cotton candy without synthetic additives requires significant R&D rigour. Technical Specifications Clean Label Profile: Formulated without artificial flavours, colours, or dyes, meeting the procurement standards of premium mass-market and natural retailers. Textural Contrast: The product utilises the brand’s signature double-layer architecture, premium ice cream encased in a soft, gluten-free rice dough, to provide a multi-textured mouthfeel that mimics the "melt-away" sensation of traditional cotton candy. Dietary Versatility: The SKU is certified nut-free and gluten-free, allowing it to compete in the "inclusive" snacking segment. Caloric Control: At 70 calories per unit, the product is positioned as a "permissible indulgence," appealing to health-conscious consumers managing daily caloric loads. By pricing the 6-count box at an accessible $5.99, My/Mochi is securing its role as a primary infrastructure provider for the "liquid-adjacent" snacking occasion. As the brand continues to refresh its portfolio with fan-favourite profiles, its ability to maintain technical quality while scaling into high-velocity seasonal trends will be essential for defending its market-leading position in the mochi category throughout 2026. My/Mochi Scales Portfolio with New Nostalgic Cotton Candy Flavour May 7, 2026 New Products Frankie's Organic Snacks Launches Snickerdoodle Avocado Oil Puffcorn New Products Lay's Debuts Holi-LAY'S Range with Chocolate Chips New Products JiMMYBAR! Launches Creatine and Protein Trail Mix Line Snacking Pringles Launches Halloween Campaign with Custom Can-Shaped Urn New Products Food Dairy Snacking Related news

Tesco has launched a dedicated Clubcard scheme for 16 and 17-year-olds, allowing younger shoppers to access exclusive pricing and loyalty rewards. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Retail Tesco The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Tesco has introduced a new tier for its Clubcard loyalty programme, specifically targeting 16 and 17-year-olds. This expansion allows younger consumers to access in-store discounts and accumulate points, strengthening brand engagement within a demographic that remains significant to the convenience retail sector. The initiative, which launched on 24 June 2026, provides younger shoppers with access to the retailer's Clubcard Prices, including promotional pricing on convenience items such as the meal deal range. The 'Clubcard for 16-17s' is a digital-only product, accessible exclusively via the Tesco app or website. The registration process requires an invitation from an existing Clubcard account holder, specifically a parent or guardian. To facilitate this, the retailer has updated its mobile application with an 'Invite to Clubcard' function within the account settings. This structure allows the supermarket to link new youth accounts to established household profiles, maintaining oversight while integrating younger members into the broader ecosystem. Tesco Clubcard is a central component of the retailer's operations, currently serving over 24 million UK households and influencing more than 80% of sales transactions. By extending the programme to 16 and 17-year-olds, Tesco aims to build brand loyalty earlier in the consumer lifecycle. Shama Wilson, Group Membership & Loyalty Director at Tesco, noted that the expansion is designed to provide younger customers with the same promotional advantages available to the broader adult membership, including the ability to convert collected points into vouchers for future purchases. The launch of this programme follows the retailer’s established strategy of using digital loyalty incentives to drive transaction frequency and data capture across its store estate. Tesco Expands Clubcard for 16 and 17 Year Olds June 25, 2026 Retail Co-op Merges Franchise and Wholesale Divisions Retail Sainsbury's and Morrisons Held Talks over UK Supermarket Merger New Products Tesco Launches 2026 Christmas Festive Food Range New Products Asda Launches Asquith 1965 Craft Beer Range in Partnership with Independent Breweries Retail Business & Finance People Related news

Pizza Hut Middle East has launched a provocative marketing campaign to support the rollout of its new pasta line, directly addressing the brand's complex relationship with Italian culinary tradition through a tongue-in-cheek social experiment. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Foodservice Pizza Hut The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Pizza Hut Middle East has launched a provocative marketing campaign to support the rollout of its new pasta line, directly addressing the brand's complex relationship with Italian culinary tradition through a tongue-in-cheek social experiment. Created by Publicis Middle East , the campaign titled "Approved by Italians. Kind of." leverages self-deprecating humour to validate a product that arguably defies authentic Italian culinary rules. The Social Experiment: Redefining 'Italian' Acknowledging that "traditional Italians" might reject the creamy, sauce-loaded pasta offering, the campaign pivots to a different demographic. Pizza Hut recruited "non-traditional" Italians—individuals holding Italian passports but born and raised in countries such as Kazakhstan, Lebanon, and Japan. The experiment contrasts the reactions of two distinct groups: Traditional Italians: Who guard their cuisine as sacred and reacted with expected scepticism. Global Italians: Who welcomed the contemporary, untraditional twists. The resulting content serves as a "social experiment disguised as a taste test," capturing the clash of opinions to drive engagement. The campaign includes a short documentary exploring the emotional tension between these groups, alongside bite-sized social clips that take reactions out of context for comedic effect. The campaign is designed to expose the irony of an American chain seeking validation from a culture it frequently reinterprets. Ahmad Hasan , Marketing Manager at Pizza Hut Middle East, commented on the strategy of leaning into the criticism: "We know our pasta isn't what most would call conventional. But that's what Pizza Hut is all about. Instead of hiding from it, we took it head-on. And it worked! Challenging something as sacred as Italian pasta felt like the natural next step for a brand that's never played it safe... We've always built our menu by doing what others wouldn't." Creative Execution Augusto Correia , Creative Director at Publicis Middle East, highlighted the power of brand vulnerability: "When a brand is brave enough to laugh at itself, that's when people truly connect. It makes the brand feel real and relatable. Honesty is human. Perfection isn't. And perfection never made anyone laugh." By focusing on identity and "cultural gatekeeping" rather than just ingredients, Pizza Hut aims to make the campaign instantly relatable to a diverse Middle Eastern audience familiar with blending cultures. Pizza Hut Middle East Trolls Tradition with 'Approved by Italians (Kind of)' Pasta Campaign January 22, 2026 New Products Lunchables Launches Limited-Edition Pizza Grill Business & Finance Crosta & Mollica Merges with European Pizza Group to Form €1B Pizza Business New Products New York Bakery Launches Stuffed Pizza Bagels in UK Foodservice Pizza Hut Australia Unveils $10M Brand Overhaul and Network Expansion Foodservice Marketing People Bakery Business & Finance Related news

Krispy Kreme introduces the limited-edition Original Glazed Coffee Flavoured Doughnut across US shops for a four-day National Coffee Day promotion. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Never Miss an Update! Receive personalised weekly email newsletters with industry news curated just for you. Email* Submit or create an account to access more > Krispy Kreme has unveiled the Original Glazed Coffee Flavoured Doughnut, a limited-time product release scheduled across participating US shops for a four-day promotional window. Running from Saturday, 26 September through Tuesday, 29 September to align with National Coffee Day, the launch combines the brand's core yeast-raised glaze profile with coffee flavouring notes. The temporary menu addition pairs two primary morning goods categories, aiming to drive short-term footfall and seasonal basket building across retail counters and digital ordering channels. "Coffee and doughnuts are already a perfect pair, so bringing coffee flavour to our iconic Original Glazed doughnut makes National Coffee Day even sweeter," said Alison Holder, Chief Brand and Product Officer at Krispy Kreme. "It’s smooth, craveable and unmistakably Krispy Kreme – and we can’t wait for fans to try it." Product Formulation and Flavour Profile The new variant adapts the company's proprietary Original Glazed recipe by integrating coffee flavour notes into the glaze and dough structure: ☕ Original Glazed Coffee Flavoured Doughnut : The standard light and airy yeast-raised ring doughnut formulated with a smooth, sweet coffee flavour infusion. The SKU provides an entry point for crossover morning snacking, bridging hot and cold beverage service with fresh baked goods. Promotional Pricing and Basket Building Mechanics To support the four-day promotional window, Krispy Kreme is deploying volume-incentive discounting structures designed to drive dozen-box volume and trial across participating locations: Promotional Bundle Pricing : Between 26 and 29 September, customers purchasing any dozen doughnuts at standard retail price can purchase an additional dozen Original Glazed Coffee Flavoured Doughnuts for $5. The promotion carries a limit of two redemption bundles per guest across in-shop counters and drive-thru lanes, and one redemption via the mobile app using promotional code COFFEE. National Coffee Day Beverage Incentive : On Tuesday, 29 September, guests visiting participating shops receive a complimentary small or medium hot or iced coffee with any food or beverage purchase, limited to one per customer. The tiered offer structure encourages multipack volume purchases for social and workplace sharing while simultaneously promoting the brand's beverage programme. Retail Distribution The Original Glazed Coffee Flavoured Doughnut will be available across participating company-owned and franchised locations nationwide from 26 to 29 September, while supplies last. Distribution is coordinated across front-counter retail, drive-thru windows, and digital ordering platforms, including the Krispy Kreme mobile application and website for click-and-collect and on-demand delivery fulfilment. Krispy Kreme Introduces Coffee-Flavoured Original Glazed Doughnut September 23, 2026 New Products Dunkin' Expands Halloween Lineup with Berry Battie Refresher New Products Myprotein Launches Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Whey Protein Powder New Products Krispy Kreme Launches Looney Tunes Doughnut Range for Halloween New Products Krispy Kreme Introduces Churro Doughnut Dots Bakery Snacking Foodservice New Products Coffee & Tea Related news