A critical balancing act: delivering on the nostalgia and indulgence of the holiday while meeting the demand for "better-for-you" options. Analysis How Halloween Confectionery is Embracing the Sugar Reduction Trend The sugar-free segment is a rapidly expanding niche, with formats projected to scale at a 7.34% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) by 2030, significantly outpacing the overall market growth rate, according to industry reports. October 2, 2025 Go Subscribe to weekly updates Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Related News Halloween, a cornerstone of the confectionery industry's annual sales cycle, is undergoing a quiet, yet significant, transformation. While classic, high-sugar treats still dominate the trick-or-treat bag, a growing consumer focus on health and wellness is driving a clear trend toward sugar reduction across the seasonal food and beverage landscape. For manufacturers, this presents a critical balancing act: delivering on the nostalgia and indulgence of the holiday while meeting the demand for "better-for-you" options. Consumer Demand and Market Data The push for lower-sugar alternatives is not confined to everyday snacking; it is now materially impacting seasonal purchases. Public health campaigns and general wellness awareness are making parents and increasingly, younger consumers (especially Gen Z and Millennials), more mindful of sugar intake. Key Data Points: Market Growth in Sugar-Free: The broader candy market showcases the strength of this movement. The sugar-free segment is a rapidly expanding niche, with formats projected to scale at a 7.34% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) by 2030, significantly outpacing the overall market growth rate, according to industry reports. Health as a Restraint: Health concerns related to high sugar consumption, including its link to obesity and diabetes, are noted as a significant restraint on the traditional, high-sugar Halloween candy market. This growing awareness is forcing a noticeable portion of consumers to seek out healthier, low-sugar, or sugar-free alternatives for their treat budgets. The "Better-for-You" Buyer: While traditional candy remains king, a segment of consumers actively seeks healthier brands for Halloween. Surveys indicate a notable interest in brands known for their better-for-you propositions, such as low-sugar gummies and dark chocolates with reduced sugar. This suggests a niche that is ready to trade volume for perceived nutritional benefit. Navigating the Indulgence Gap The challenge for manufacturers lies in reformulating without sacrificing the quintessential Halloween experience. Taste and texture are non-negotiable, particularly in a high-indulgence holiday. Companies are tackling this through sophisticated ingredient innovation: 1. Sweetener Combinations: Instead of relying on a single sugar replacement, manufacturers are increasingly using combinations of high-potency and bulking sweeteners (like erythritol or stevia) alongside fibers. This multi-pronged approach helps to replicate the mouthfeel, sweetness, and browning properties that sugar provides, ensuring the reformulated treat retains its mass-market appeal. 2. Focus on Non-Chocolate: While chocolate remains the top choice for Halloween purchasers (accounting for around 80% of sales), the pastilles, gummies, jellies, and chews category is experiencing a surge in growth, in part due to their ability to innovate with natural colourings, plant-based ingredients, and successful sugar-reduction formulas. In some key markets like the UK, this category is outpacing the growth of seasonal chocolate. New Product Innovations: Low-Sugar for the Win Recent and upcoming Halloween product launches reveal a subtle shift. While major players like Hershey’s and Mars continue to release themed versions of their classics (e.g., Reese's Werewolf Tracks or M&M's Halloween Blend), an increasing number of brands are focusing on low-sugar claims for their seasonal offerings: Sugar-Reduced Gummies: Brands specializing in low-sugar gummies are seeing significant traction by releasing Halloween-themed, individually wrapped 'treatsize' packs. These leverage natural sweeteners and often include fiber to appeal to both health-conscious parents and younger consumers. Premium and Artisanal Focus: The demand for premiumization is also linked to the sugar-reduction trend. Consumers are willing to pay more for higher-quality, often dark, chocolates with a higher cocoa content and reduced sugar, aligning with a desire for a more sophisticated, mindful indulgence. Looking Ahead For the food and beverage industry, Halloween is a powerful, high-volume stress test for broader trends. The successful integration of low-sugar options into this traditionally high-sugar holiday confirms that health and indulgence are no longer mutually exclusive. Brands that can deliver the festive fun and familiar flavour profiles with a compelling sugar-reduction story will be best positioned to capture the growing segment of the market seeking to make their spooky season a little bit sweeter—and a lot less sugary. Overview

Global ingredient provider Solina has acquired Twang Foodservice to expand its North American presence and establish a dedicated beverage comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Global savoury ingredient manufacturer Solina has finalised the acquisition of Twang Foodservice, a Texas-based developer and manufacturer of beverage flavour systems and dry beverage formulations. The transaction marks Solina's expansion into the fast-growing beverage category in North America, integrating custom beverage flavour development, dry formulations, and operational support systems into its established culinary portfolio. Twang Foodservice specialises in custom formulations for quick-service restaurants (QSR), coffee houses, convenience store networks, and foodservice operators across the region. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Category Expansion and Beverage Customisation The acquisition provides Solina USA with an immediate entry point into the beverage formulation sector, which remains one of the most active innovation drivers in the global foodservice market. Twang Foodservice is recognised for its rapid product development and close collaboration with national restaurant chains to design custom beverage profiles. The company’s portfolio spans a variety of dry and liquid ingredient formats designed to add flavour, texture, and visual impact to commercial drink menus, including: ☕ Cold Foams – Specialised milk-based toppings, such as Mexican chocolate cold foam, designed to elevate premium iced coffee and espresso menus. 🥭 Layered Fruit Profiles – Concentrated syrup and fruit systems, including mango-infused layers, developed for custom lemonades and iced teas. 🍂 Textured Rims – Aromatic spice and sugar blends, including cinnamon-sugar and citrus-salt rimming formulations, developed to finish craft sodas, mocktails, and cocktails. The integration of these formats allows Solina to offer a more comprehensive, multi-category portfolio to its foodservice clients, combining its established savoury seasoning capabilities with custom sweet and functional beverage technologies. Operational Continuity and San Antonio Centre To ensure business continuity and preserve regional technical relationships, Solina will maintain Twang Foodservice's existing manufacturing and development operations in San Antonio, Texas. The facility will function as Solina’s central hub for North American beverage research and development, supported by planned future capital investments to expand processing capacity. Under the terms of the agreement, Twang Foodservice’s leadership team and employees will transition into Solina's regional business unit. Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, Chief Executive Officer of Twang Foodservice, will continue to lead the division, working alongside Michael Marks, Regional CEO of Solina USA. Anthony Francheterre, Chief Executive Officer of Solina, stated that the acquisition aligns with the group's focus on combining culinary creativity with industrial processing expertise. He noted that integrating Twang’s development team will assist Solina's customers in translating complex flavour concepts into stable, scalable foodservice products. Separation of Twang Brands Retail Division A key structural component of the transaction is the separation of Twang's retail business. The branded retail packaged foods division is excluded from the Solina acquisition and will operate independently under the name Twang Brands. Headquartered in San Antonio, Twang Brands will manage its own commercial sales and marketing, utilising its primary manufacturing assets located in Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. According to Treviño-Gonzales, separating the industrial foodservice division from the branded consumer division will allow the independent Twang Brands management team to focus resources entirely on driving the retail business forward in conventional grocery channels. Solina, which operates across Europe, North America, and Asia, serves food manufacturers and foodservice clients by developing bespoke ingredient solutions. The addition of the San Antonio site expands the multinational's global footprint of research, development, and production assets. Business & Finance Solina Acquires Twang Foodservice to Enter Beverage Category Eddie Sanders June 9, 2026 Technology Circus SE Completes Acquisition of Belgian Food Robotics Firm Alberts Business & Finance Dole Nordic Acquires Greenfood Fresh Produce Division to Expand Regional Footprint Business & Finance Vitamin Well Group Acquires EMPWR Nutrition Group Business & Finance Solina Acquires Epicurean Butter to Enhance Dairy Flavour Solutions Foodservice Business & Finance Beverage Related news

Pizza franchise operator Marco's Pizza is investing more than one million dollars to develop a 14,030-square-foot Operations Centre of Excellence in Orlando comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Pizza franchise operator Marco's Pizza has announced plans to establish a new Operations Centre of Excellence in Orlando, Florida, representing a capital investment of more than $1 million. The upcoming facility, located at 222 South Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, will serve as an extension of the brand's primary corporate headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Spanning approximately 14,030 square feet, the site has been designed to consolidate franchisee onboarding, advanced management training, and corporate operations under a single regional hub. Construction is currently underway, with the facility scheduled to begin full operations in autumn 2026. Scale and Training Infrastructure in Florida The investment in the Florida facility is designed to provide the physical infrastructure required to support the company's expanding franchise network. The centre will feature a fully operational training kitchen engineered to mirror the exact layout, equipment configuration, and physical workflow of a standard Marco's Pizza retail store. By replicating the retail environment, the brand aims to deliver hands-on, simulated training to minimise operational errors and standardise food preparation techniques before franchisees and general managers assume control of their respective locations. The facility will accommodate approximately 50 corporate staff members, bringing together regional stakeholders across operations, supply chain management, and corporate education. Educational Programmes and Operations The Orlando facility will serve as the primary educational destination for the brand’s global network, structured around several core corporate training functions: 🏫 Marcos University – Providing advanced business management, financial planning, and operational strategy courses for franchisees and store managers. 🍕 Practical Kitchen Simulation – Offering hands-on training in ingredient preparation, oven management, and high-velocity order fulfilment. 🤝 Franchise Discovery Days – Hosting prospective investors and corporate partners evaluating the brand's business model and regional development opportunities. 🚛 Supply Chain Collaboration – Convening regional distributors, ingredient suppliers, and brand leadership to streamline logistics and ingredient consistency. According to John Meyers, Chief Operating Officer of Marco's Pizza, the infrastructure investment is intended to establish the systems, environments, and capabilities necessary to allow franchise partners to operate with high consistency and precision as the brand scales. To facilitate the development, the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) assisted the pizza chain in navigating regional permitting processes, exploring local incentive opportunities, and establishing connections with regional workforce development and municipal utility partners. Store Openings The establishment of the Orlando operations hub comes during a period of active retail footprint growth for the pizza chain. Marco's Pizza is currently targeting more than 80 new store openings across its national and international networks by the end of 2026. According to the company's latest franchise disclosure documents, the brand’s operational model has maintained steady volume performance, with the top 25 per cent of its franchised stores reporting an average unit volume (AUV) of $1.28 million in fiscal year 2025. Tim Giuliani, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Orlando Economic Partnership, stated that the decision to build the training facility in downtown Orlando reflects the region's expanding business climate and logistics connectivity, positioning the city as a strategic hub for high-growth consumer brands looking to scale national talent and operations. Facilities Marcos Pizza to Launch $1M Operations Centre in Orlando Eddie Sanders June 16, 2026 Facilities The Magnum Ice Cream Company Invests €10M in Hungarian Production Facility Ingredients Döhler Expands Flavour Production and Innovation Capabilities in Georgia Facilities Haribo Opens New £35M Warehouse West Yorkshire Facility Facilities Harry Davis and Company Finalises Sale of Harrisburg Dairies to Patanjali Dairy USA Facilities Business & Finance Related news

Conagra Brands has unveiled a comprehensive update to its frozen and pantry portfolio for 2026, focusing on high-protein, convenient. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Conagra Brands has introduced a significant expansion of its product portfolio, with a wide range of new offerings across its frozen, grocery, and snack categories for 2026. The new items are designed to address consumer requirements for convenience, protein-rich meal solutions, and restaurant-inspired flavours. The company is leveraging its existing brand presence to provide scalable solutions across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while also introducing new pantry and snack items to the market. Breakfast Portfolio As consumers seek protein-rich options for morning routines, Conagra has updated its breakfast portfolio with several new additions. The Banquet brand is introducing Brown 'N Serve Sausage Sandwich Size Patties, designed to fit English muffins. This launch is supported by the Banquet MEGA breakfast bowl line, which offers 30 grams of protein per bowl. New additions from Odom's Tennessee Pride and Sandwich Bros include: Odom's Tennessee Pride: 🍗 Chicken Sandwich and 🥞 Maple Pancake Sausage Sandwich Sandwich Bros: 🌭 Sausage, Egg and Cheese and 🥚 Egg White, Turkey Sausage and Cheese breakfast pitas Frozen Meals and Entree Ranges The company is extending its frozen meal offerings with a focus on both single-serve and multi-serve formats. Banquet MEGA is introducing new chicken tenders and a Vlasic Dill Pickle chicken filet. Additionally, the brand is launching three multi-serve Banquet MEGA XL meals and two single-serve options. Other major brand updates include: Bertolli: Beef Bolognese Skillet Meal Dolly Parton: 🥩 Homestyle Meatloaf and 🍗 Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese evol: Four new protein bowls and Blackened Chicken Alfredo Healthy Choice: Six new meals across the Café, Café Steamers, and Simply Steamers lines, featuring GLP-1 "On Track" labelling Hungry-Man: Chicken Alfredo with a king-size brownie Marie Callender's: New family-size meals including Meat Lasagna, Baked Ziti, and Garlic Chicken Pasta, plus single-serve options like Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Chicken Bacon Ranch bowl, and Chicken Lo Mein bowl P.F. Chang's Home Menu: Japanese Style BBQ Crispy Chicken, Mini Pork Egg Rolls, and a Korean BBQ Style Bowl Frozen Vegetable Birds Eye is expanding its vegetable portfolio to include steakhouse-inspired sides and items designed for microwave preparation. New additions include Green Beans with Bacon, Creamed Spinach, and additions to the ULTIMATE Vegetables collection: Birds Eye ULTIMATE: 🥦 Cheesy Broccoli Mac and Cheese and 🥔 Creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Birds Eye Steamfresh: 🌽 Fire-Roasted Super Sweet Corn, Quinoa, Shelled Edamame, 🍚 Vegetable Fried Rice, and 🌶️ Mexican Street Corn Plant Based The plant-based sector continues to see activity from Gardein and Purple Carrot. Gardein is introducing ULTIMATE Plant-Based Extra Crispy Chick'n Nuggets and a Chick'n Alfredo bowl. Purple Carrot is launching a Spring Vegetable Alfredo-Style Bowl and a Vegetable Basil Pesto Bowl. Pantry and Snacks The pantry and snack segments include new licensed partnerships and product variations: Wendy's: Baconator Chili Stubb's: 🍖 Original and 🍯 Sticky Sweet Baked Beans Snack Pack: Dr Pepper Juicy Gels and 🍓 🍊 Snack Pack Splash Juicy Gels Glutino: 🍫 Dark Chocolate Strawberry Wafer Bites, Frosted Animal Crackers, and 🧀 Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Twists New Products Conagra Brands Expands Portfolio with Extensive 2026 Product Launches Eddie Sanders June 24, 2026 New Products Very Lazy Launches Chopped Onion for UK Retail New Products Egglife Foods Launches Chocolate Egg White Wraps Exclusively at Target New Products Campbells and Banza Partner to Launch Gluten Free Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup New Products Nissin Foods Launches Regional BBQ Cup Noodles Range at Walmart Food New Products Related news

Evolution Fresh has secured a multi-season orange supply chain through mid-2027, pulling 60 million oranges from California and Mexico. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Cold-pressed beverage brand Evolution Fresh has completed a major supply chain restructuring, securing its orange juice sourcing for the next 18 months to guarantee inventory continuity for its retail, restaurant, and foodservice partners. By establishing long-term, multi-season commitments with a dedicated network of agricultural producers, the company intends to insulate its commercial buyers from severe price and volume volatility currently impacting the broader US citrus sector. The sourcing arrangement guarantees a continuous, 100 per cent uninterrupted supply of premium, unpasteurised orange juice through mid-2027. The initiative highlights a growing trend among commercial beverage brands to diversify raw material sourcing and establish direct, multi-region agricultural networks to bypass environmentally vulnerable agricultural regions. Sourcing Matrix and Supply Chain Continuity To support the 18-month commercial guarantee, the manufacturer has structured a supply matrix designed to leverage regional harvesting calendars and climate-resilient microclimates. The core operational metrics of the supply chain program include: 🍊 Volume Commitment – Securing more than 60 million premium Valencia oranges over the next year to support high-volume beverage programs. 🗺️ Geographic Sourcing Matrix – Establishing dual-region coverage across the citrus belts of California and Northern Mexico to mitigate regional crop failures. ⏱️ Extended Sourcing Horizon – Locking in a continuous, 100 per cent uninterrupted citrus supply through the middle of 2027. 🍹 Quality and Flavour Profile – Utilising California-grown Valencia oranges during peak periods to ensure a high-brix, unpasteurised juice with consistent acidity and sweetness. The dual-region strategy allows the company to transition its fruit harvesting dynamically as local seasons shift, maintaining consistent raw material intake without relying on a single geographic region. Mitigating the Florida Citrus Deficit and Market Volatility The proactive restructuring of the company's supply chain arrives amid big structural changes and high levels of raw material volatility in the traditional US citrus market. The Florida orange juice industry, historically the primary sourcing hub for US processors, has faced unprecedented declines in crop yields. The decline has been driven by the persistent spread of citrus greening disease—a bacterial infection that weakens trees and reduces fruit size—and consecutive high-impact hurricanes that have caused widespread fruit drop and tree damage across the state. These challenges led to a significant market disruption when Alico, Inc., historically one of the largest citrus producers in the United States, completed a total exit from its citrus operations to transition into a land management and real estate development company. Alico previously supplied approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the Florida orange juice market, and its retirement from active farming has placed immense pressure on the remaining citrus supplies in California and Mexico. By bypassing Florida entirely and sourcing raw materials exclusively from the climate-resistant microclimates of California and Northern Mexico, Evolution Fresh aims to avoid the supply disruptions and inflationary pressures affecting traditional juice brands. Partnerships and Sourcing Agility According to Peter Barone, Director of Fruit & Veggie Procurement at Evolution Fresh, securing supply agreements for 60 million Valencia oranges provides the business with the geographic agility required to support its commercial partners. He noted that transitioning raw material procurement between California and Northern Mexico allows the company to press fresh juice year-round, protecting distributors from the supply shocks impacting other major agricultural regions. The long-term contracts also provide regional agricultural operations with commercial stability, allowing growers to project volumes and invest in sustainable, high-yield cultivation techniques. Craig Holworthy, President of agricultural partner Wescal, stated that the multi-season relationship with Evolution Fresh provides critical financial predictability for independent growers. He noted that the joint planning model ensures that the crop is tailored to the specific brix and acidity specifications required for premium, cold-pressed extraction, demonstrating how long-term supply alliances can mitigate broader commodity risks. Processing Capabilities in California The sourced citrus is processed at Evolution Fresh's custom-built Juicery in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where the brand manufactures a portfolio of 21 distinct cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices. To align with modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards, the Rancho Cucamonga processing plant operates under a platinum TRUE Zero Waste certification, which requires the facility to divert at least 90 per cent of its industrial waste from landfills, incinerators, and the environment. With the 18-month supply chain fully secured, the manufacturer plans to leverage its stable logistics model to expand its retail footprint and secure high-volume pouring rights within the quick-service restaurant (QSR), hospitality, and institutional foodservice channels during the upcoming peak summer trading periods. Logistics & Supply Chain Evolution Fresh Secures Fresh Orange Juice Supply Chain Eddie Sanders June 19, 2026 Logistics & Supply Chain LBB Specialties Appointed Authorised Distributor for Borregaard BioVanillin Logistics & Supply Chain PeriShip Mitigates Logistics Risks for Perishable Shipments During Summer Heat Logistics & Supply Chain PepsiCo and Gatik Partner to Deploy Largest Autonomous Freight Network in North America Business & Finance J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works Scales Internationally via Coupang Partnership Logistics & Supply Chain Beverage Business & Finance Soft drinks Related news

DoorDash has partnered with Empire Company Limited to bring more than 1,000 stores to its marketplace, securing partnerships with four of Canada’s five largest grocery retailers to meet rising on-demand delivery needs. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom DoorDash has announced a significant expansion of its Canadian grocery operations through a new partnership with Empire Company Limited. The agreement brings more than 1,000 stores across 10 provinces onto the DoorDash marketplace, reflecting the rapid growth of the grocery category within the platform’s regional ecosystem. The expansion includes 12 distinct grocery banners from the Empire family of brands, such as Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Farm Boy, and Longo’s. Additionally, the deal encompasses convenience-focused banners including Needs, Boni-Soir, and Voisin, providing consumers with a wide range of fulfilment options. National Expansion Across Ten Provinces With the inclusion of Empire Company Limited, DoorDash now maintains partnerships with four of the five largest grocery companies in Canada based on reported sales figures. This scale allows the platform to serve a vast geographic area, providing coast-to-coast coverage and strengthening its competitive position in the local commerce sector. Mike Goldblatt, Vice President of Enterprise Business Development and Partnerships at DoorDash, stated that the partnership is designed to address increasing time pressures faced by Canadian consumers. By offering on-demand delivery for both full weekly shops and immediate meal needs, the collaboration aims to make everyday shopping more accessible. Accelerated Demand for On-Demand Essentials The move comes amid a measurable shift in consumer behaviour toward digital grocery adoption. In December 2025, DoorDash reported that 25% of its monthly active users in Canada engaged with non-restaurant categories, including grocery, convenience, and retail. Mohit Grover, Senior Vice President of eCommerce at Empire Company Limited, noted that partnering with local commerce platforms allows the company to extend the reach of its banners. The strategy is intended to complement the traditional in-store experience while meeting the evolving expectations of a digitally native consumer base. Operational Capabilities and Delivery Speed To support the logistical demands of high-volume grocery delivery, the partnership focuses on a high-density inventory model. Key operational metrics include: Item Selection: Consumers can access an average of nearly 10,000 items per store, spanning fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials. Delivery Efficiency: In Canada’s five largest cities, grocery orders via DoorDash are delivered in under 60 minutes on average from the time of order to drop-off. Geographic Reach: The rollout covers 10 provinces, ensuring a consistent service level for Empire’s diverse family of brands. Brand Integration and Consumer Tools As part of the launch, DoorDash is integrating lifestyle-oriented content to drive engagement within the grocery category. The platform has collaborated with culinary creator Sylvia Nguyen to provide practical weeknight recipes that utilise overlapping ingredients. This initiative is designed to help households manage grocery budgets and simplify meal planning, further embedding the delivery service into the consumer’s routine food management. By combining functional delivery speed with value-added content, the partnership seeks to drive long-term retention in the increasingly competitive on-demand grocery space. Retail DoorDash and Empire Company Limited Launch National Canadian Grocery Partnership Eddie Sanders April 28, 2026 Foodservice Uber Eats Launches Supervised Teen Accounts in UK Technology Wonder and Zipline Partner for Drone Delivered Meals in Texas Technology Papa Johns Launches Lou AI-Powered Pizza Assistant via Google Cloud Technology Delivery Hero Scales Technical Output with Autonomous Herogen AI Agent Business & Finance Retail Related news

UK-based coffee brand Grind has made its debut in the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails market with the launch of its first canned espresso martini, now available at Waitrose and WHSmith stores nationwide. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom UK-based coffee brand Grind has made its debut in the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails market with the launch of its first canned espresso martini, now available at Waitrose and WHSmith stores nationwide. Founded in 2011 with its first café in Shoreditch, East London, Grind has since built a reputation for high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee and has served nearly one million espresso martinis across its café network. The new RTD format aims to replicate the brand’s signature serve, delivering what Grind describes as a “smooth, sweet and rich” finish for a bar-quality experience on the go. Launching ahead of the festive season, the espresso martini will also be available through Grind cafés, restaurants, and its online store, further strengthening its omnichannel strategy. Grind’s entry into the RTD space aligns with growing consumer demand for premium, convenience-driven cocktails and extends the brand’s mission to “change the way we drink coffee for the better.” The company continues to emphasise its sustainability credentials, sourcing coffee ethically from sustainable farms and operating The Better Coffee Foundation, its charitable arm dedicated to reversing environmental damage caused by the coffee industry. In recent years, Grind has also introduced home-compostable coffee pods, plastic-free packaging, and recovered over 120,000kg of ocean plastic between 2023 and 2024. By moving into the RTD segment, Grind joins a wave of coffee brands diversifying into the premium at-home and on-the-go drinks market, blurring the lines between the coffeehouse and cocktail bar experience. Coffee & Tea Grind Expands into Canned Cocktails with RTD Espresso Martini Launch News November 10, 2025 Coffee & Tea Ehrmann Partners with Glow25 to Launch RTD Collagen Coffee Coffee & Tea Lavazza and Müller Launch Italian-Inspired Ready-to-Drink Coffee Range New Products Nescafé Launches KitKat and Lion Flavoured Coffee Coffee & Tea Paramount Coffee Debuts Joe Knows Coffee Beverage Coffee & Tea New Products Alcohol Related news

Amy's Kitchen, a pioneer in the organic prepared food sector, has promoted Paul Schiefer to Chief Executive Officer as part of a planned multi-year leadership transition. Schiefer, a 20-year veteran of the company who previously served as President, is tasked with scaling the brand toward 1 billion dollars in retail sales while maintaining its status as a leading Certified B Corporation. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Amy’s Kitchen has announced the promotion of Paul Schiefer to Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s nearly 40-year history. Co-founder Andy Berliner will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, focusing on long-term vision and governance, while Schiefer assumes day-to-day operational leadership. The transition arrives as Amy's Kitchen approaches 1 billion dollars in annual retail sales, with products available in more than 57,000 stores nationwide. The appointment reflects a strategic commitment to internal leadership development and the preservation of the company’s independent, family-owned identity in an increasingly consolidated food industry. The Schiefer Track Record: Operational Excellence and Profitability Schiefer’s ascent to CEO follows a successful two-year tenure as President, during which he oversaw a significant turnaround in the company’s financial performance. Under his leadership, Amy's Kitchen achieved several key benchmarks: Profitability Growth : Improved the company's profitability by 60%. Margin Performance : Delivered the strongest gross margin performance for the brand in over a decade. Enterprise Transformation : Led the implementation of critical ERP systems and sustainability initiatives that streamlined global operations. Schiefer’s 20-year history with the firm—starting as a manufacturing intern—provides him with a granular understanding of the supply chain, from production-line mechanics to international business development. Innovation, Sustainability, and Trust As CEO, Schiefer has outlined three core pillars to drive the next chapter of the Amy's Kitchen legacy: 1. Advancing Innovation The brand aims to stay at the "forefront of food culture" by accelerating product development that resonates with younger demographics. This includes a focus on transparency and the role of responsible business in rebuilding consumer trust, a critical factor as shoppers increasingly scrutinise ingredient lists and manufacturing origins. 2. Sustainability Leadership As a Certified B Corporation, Amy's Kitchen is doubling down on its "People, Planet, and Purpose" model. Schiefer will oversee the expansion of sustainability initiatives that aim to decouple the company’s growth from its environmental footprint, a move designed to appeal to the "conscious consumer" segment. 3. Operational Excellence To fuel long-term growth and reach the 1 billion dollar milestone, Schiefer is prioritising operational rigour. This includes optimising the company’s manufacturing scale, which produces organic meals with the "care of home cooking", to meet rising national demand without compromising ingredient integrity. The Value of Independence and Trust The organic and natural food sector is currently undergoing a crisis of trust, with many consumers questioning the labels and corporate motives of large-scale food producers. Schiefer noted that Amy's Kitchen’s status as an independent, family-owned company "matters more than ever" in this environment. By maintaining its independence, Amy's Kitchen avoids the short-term pressures of public markets, allowing Schiefer to focus on multi-year strategic outcomes. This positioning is a key B2B differentiator for retail buyers at chains like Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger, who seek brands with authentic "heritage" stories to anchor their organic aisles. People Amy's Kitchen Names Paul Schiefer as CEO to Succeed Co-Founder Andy Berliner Eddie Sanders April 22, 2026 New Products Brothers Cider Launches Wild Cloudy Apple Cider Flavour People NAMA Appoints Michael Schwartz as Chair of the Board of Directors People Novus Foods Appoints Admir Basic as CEO People The Hershey Company Appoints Heather Hoytink as President of US Business & Finance People Food Related news

Ferrero North America, the confectionery giant behind Tic Tac®, has announced a strategic collaboration with Dr Pepper® to launch a new limited-edition SKU: Tic Tac® Dr Pepper® Mints. 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 Featured in this news Beverage Keurig Dr Pepper The Newsroom Ferrero North America , the confectionery giant behind Tic Tac® , has announced a strategic collaboration with Dr Pepper® to launch a new limited-edition SKU: Tic Tac® Dr Pepper® Mints . The partnership leverages the massive brand equity of the "oldest major soft drink in America" to disrupt the mint category, a segment typically dominated by traditional peppermint and spearmint profiles. The launch is designed to drive incremental growth by attracting flavour-seeking consumers to the impulse fixture through novelty and brand recognition. Powerhouse Brand Licensing This collaboration represents a significant cross-category licensing play. By translating Dr Pepper’s proprietary "23-flavour blend" into a dry mint format, Tic Tac is capitalising on the high consumer affinity for the soda brand to create a differentiated offering in the convenience channel. Endri Shtylla , Marketing Director at Ferrero, highlighted the scale of the partnership: "Tic Tac® Dr Pepper® Mints bring together two powerhouse brands in an unexpected way. We've brought Dr Pepper's original 23-flavour blend into the convenient mint format Tic Tac does best—giving fans a whole new way to enjoy the flavours they love." Product Specifications and Positioning The product retains the iconic Tic Tac pill shape and 100-layer manufacturing process but replaces the standard mint oil coating with the complex spice and cherry notes associated with Dr Pepper. Format: Standard pocket-sized Tic Tac dispenser. Flavour Profile: Dr Pepper Original (23 flavours). Status: Limited-Time Offering (LTO). For retailers, this launch serves as a key impulse driver. LTOs featuring recognisable external IP (Intellectual Property) are proven mechanisms for increasing basket size at the checkout. The "pocket-sized" format reinforces the product's positioning for "life in motion," targeting the high-frequency commuter and road-trip demographics. The product is available immediately nationwide, with the limited-time nature of the release expected to create urgency and drive initial sell-through velocity. New Products Tic Tac Launches Limited-Edition Dr Pepper Flavour News February 12, 2026 New Products AdvoCare Launches Limited Edition Spark Meyer Lemon Energy Supplement New Products Welch's Launches Limited Edition Sparkling Blueberry New Products High Noon Launches Limited Edition Transfusion Seltzer New Products Graeter’s Ice Cream Launches Backstretch Bourbon Cherry Snacking Confectionery Business & Finance New Products Related news

Sustainable seafood brand Sea Tales has partnered with food activist Jamie Oliver on a multi-year campaign to promote traceable comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Sustainable seafood company Sea Tales has announced a multi-year partnership with food activist and chef Jamie Oliver to promote responsibly sourced, fully traceable fish. The collaboration, which launched on 8 June 2026 to coincide with World Oceans Day, commences with a digital content series titled "Seafood Revolution". The educational campaign is designed to increase consumer awareness regarding sustainable fishing methods and encourage ethical purchasing habits at the supermarket shelf. The initiative arrives during a critical transition period for the global seafood sector. As regulatory scrutiny over supply chain transparency increases, consumer brand operators are increasingly leveraging high-profile culinary figures to simplify complex sustainability metrics and drive volume sales within the premium canned and chilled seafood aisles. Market Demographics and Supply Chain Pressures The strategic rationale behind the campaign is heavily supported by regional demographic shifts and ecological data. According to metrics published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), more than 90 per cent of global fish stocks are currently classified as fully exploited or overexploited. This pressure on wild marine ecosystems has intensified the demand for third-party verified, sustainable sourcing models that preserve long-term biomass yields. At the same time, purchasing patterns indicate that sourcing transparency has transitioned from a niche consumer preference into a key driver of retail volume growth. Research from Deloitte indicates that two-thirds of Generation Z and Millennial consumers are willing to pay a premium for environmentally sustainable products. By addressing this demographic with clear, traceable sourcing narratives, Sea Tales aims to secure a competitive advantage over conventional, non-certified seafood brands. Sourcing Transparency and Traceable Formats Co-founded by chef and sustainability advocate Bart van Olphen alongside entrepreneur Harm Jan van Dijk, Sea Tales operates a business model structured around direct relationships with artisanal fishing communities and certified processing facilities. The brand's core product portfolio comprises tinned and smoked fish carrying recognised ecological credentials, including Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. To demonstrate its commitment to complete traceability, the brand highlights specific artisanal supply chains within its tinned portfolio: 🐟 Fair Trade Skipjack Tuna – Sourced from Bitung, Indonesia, where 110 local fishers across six small boats harvest each fish individually using traditional pole-and-line methods to eliminate bycatch of non-target species. 🪙 Community Reinvestment – For every tinned product sold, the Indonesian fishers receive a Fair Trade premium funded directly by consumer sales to invest in local scholarship funds, healthcare, and environmental cleanup programmes. 🌿 Traceable Tinned Fish – A wider selection of certified, responsibly caught tinned mackerel, sardines, and wild salmon designed to offer retailers a clean-label alternative in the convenience aisle. By utilising highly selective, low-impact fishing techniques, the brand ensures its supply chain remains free from the environmental damage and incidental bycatch associated with industrial purse-seine or longline vessel operations. Retail Distribution and Marketing According to Bart van Olphen, founder of Sea Tales, the partnership with Oliver is designed to resolve consumer confusion at the point of sale. He noted that while modern shoppers express a strong preference for sustainable options, the seafood aisle remains one of the most complex categories to navigate. To support the campaign and drive immediate product trials, the "Seafood Revolution" content is rolling out globally across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, utilising practical cooking demonstrations to connect consumers directly with the origins of their food. The digital campaign is structured to support Sea Tales' established international retail footprint. The brand's certified tinned range currently maintains active physical and digital distribution across major North American grocery channels, including Whole Foods Market, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Market, and Walmart. Sustainability Sea Tales Partners with Jamie Oliver to Drive Sustainable Seafood Demand Eddie Sanders June 8, 2026 People The Fresh Market Partners with Carla Hall to Launch Charitable Meal Kits New Products Alani Nu Partners with Becky G to Launch Purple Cotton Candy Energy Drink New Products Garden of Life Launches Clear Whey Protein Range with Dylan Efron New Products PepsiCo Partners with Gordon Ramsay to Scale Doritos Loaded Concept Sustainability Meat & Seafood Business & Finance People Agriculture Related news

Metabolic wellness startup Maeva has officially launched operations today, introducing a direct-to-consumer (D2C) nutrition system specifically engineered for individuals utilising GLP-1 weight loss medications. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Metabolic wellness startup Maeva has officially launched operations today, introducing a direct-to-consumer (D2C) nutrition system specifically engineered for individuals utilising GLP-1 weight loss medications. Founded by industry veterans from the digital commerce space (including leaders behind Sky Organics), the brand enters the rapidly evolving "GLP-1 support" category with a differentiated proposition: gender-specific formulations designed to counteract the specific nutritional deficits and side effects associated with rapid weight loss and appetite suppression. Addressing the '30 Million' Maeva’s launch targets the estimated 12% of American adults (approximately 30 million people) currently prescribed GLP-1 medications. The brand identifies a critical gap in the market where patients struggle to maintain muscle mass, energy levels, and micronutrient balance due to the drastic reduction in caloric intake caused by the drugs. Steven Neiger , Co-founder of Maeva, cited personal experience as the catalyst for the brand: "After taking GLP-1s, I saw firsthand how easy it was to lose weight while also losing muscle, energy, and overall balance. The medication worked, but the nutrition support didn't exist so we set out to build what was missing." Product Architecture: Gender-Specific Formulation Unlike generic meal replacements, Maeva has segmented its core offering based on biological needs, creating distinct nutritional profiles for men and women. 1. Nutrition Shakes for Men: Specs: 230 calories, 25g plant protein. Functional Additives: Includes creatine to support lean muscle retention and KSM-66® ashwagandha to support healthy testosterone levels. 2. Nutrition Shakes for Women: Specs: 200 calories, 20g plant protein. Functional Additives: Features collagen peptides , hyaluronic acid , iron, and B-complex vitamins to address common side effects such as hair thinning and skin elasticity issues during weight loss. Modular Support: The system is supported by customizable "Targeted Boosters" (Beauty, Energy, Gut Health) and a zero-sugar Probiotic Electrolyte Mix designed to maintain cellular hydration without caloric load. Maeva launches with the endorsement of Ashley Koff RD , a nationally recognised weight health expert, who guided the product development. Commercially, the brand is backed by a coalition of operators and founders, including Raindrop , Ignite XL , and The Detox Market . Claire Chang , Founding Partner at Ignite XL, commented on the investment rationale: "Combined with a growing need for smarter nutrition as GLP-1 adoption rises, Maeva is well positioned to lead this emerging category with credibility and long-term vision." Commercial Availability Maeva has adopted a subscription-first business model to encourage long-term compliance. The product line, including curated "Starter Kits," is available immediately via the brand's direct-to-consumer platform. New Products Maeva Debuts Gender-Specific Nutrition System Tailored for the GLP-1 Weight Loss Market News January 29, 2026 Health & Nutrition Coalition for Metabolic Health Launches Series of Congressional Briefings on Nutrition New Products Mia Launches High Fibre Protein Shake Business & Finance SUANNUTRA USA Secures North American Rights for TetraSOD Marine Bioactive New Products Oroweat Targets GLP-1 and Wellness Trends With New Protein Bread Line New Products Beverage Ingredients Health & Nutrition Related news

Duni Group has transitioned key product families within its Duniform food packaging range to pure polypropylene mono-materials to improve recyclability. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Duni Group has announced a material transition across key product lines of its Duniform takeaway, ready meal, and catering brand. The brand is shifting to mono-material solutions to enhance recyclability and support circular economy infrastructure. The update has been implemented across all new production and is being gradually rolled out to customers. Duniform is a food packaging brand owned by Duni Group, operating within its Food Packaging Solutions business area. Designed for the food industry, professional kitchens, restaurants, catering, hotels, and food retail, Duniform provides a complete system of sealing machines, trays, films, and technical support. Duni Group is represented in more than 50 markets globally. Transition to Pure Polypropylene The material transition focuses on reducing the use of additives and fillers, resulting in packaging constructed entirely from pure polypropylene (PP). This shift simplifies the physical makeup of the packaging, making it highly compatible with existing municipal and industrial sorting systems. The transition has been applied across three primary product categories: 🥡 Take Away – Packaging designed for quick-service and grab-and-go dining. 🍲 HMR (Ready Meals) – Solutions optimised for home meal replacement and ready-to-heat foods. 🍽️ Cater Line – Heavy-duty and multi-portion trays designed for professional catering and events. Alignment with EU Regulations The transition is part of Duni Group’s long-term product development strategy to design packaging for end-of-life recycling. The move aligns with tightening environmental standards, including the European Union's upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). By adopting mono-materials ahead of these legal frameworks, the brand seeks to help food service operators navigate evolving compliance demands. Marie Davies, Category Manager for Trays and Films at Duniform, stated that the transition significantly improves recyclability at scale while maintaining the same functionality and quality. Davies noted that the shift allows businesses to adopt more sustainable options without requiring changes to their day-to-day operations. Operational Continuity for Customers To prevent disruption for professional kitchens, distributors, and retailers, Duni Group has ensured that the material update does not alter the physical design or technical performance of the Duniform range. Product dimensions, temperature resistance, and existing article numbers remain unchanged. This enables food service operators to maintain their current sealing equipment, packaging workflows, and ordering processes. Packaging Duni Group Transitions Duniform Range to Recyclable Mono-Material Solutions Eddie Sanders July 7, 2026 Packaging Amcor Partners With Kelpi to Develop Seaweed Based Barrier Materials Facilities Circular Services Opens First Permitted Food and Beverage Depackaging Facility in Florida Packaging Elopak Introduces Low-Carbon Aluminium for European Packaging Cartons Sustainability Niagara Bottling Scales Infrastructure with California Recycling Facility Business & Finance Sustainability New Solutions Packaging Related news