Have announced a global agreement to supply carbonated soft drinks, hydration, and functional beverages across Marriott hotels worldwide. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Beverage Coca-Cola Company 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 > Marriott International and The Coca-Cola Company have entered into a global beverage agreement, aiming to standardise and expand drink options across the hospitality group's international property portfolio. Under the new arrangement, The Coca-Cola Company will supply a range of beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, hydration, and dairy products, to Marriott locations worldwide. The partnership covers multiple service touchpoints within Marriott properties, including guestrooms, restaurants, lounges, and facilities for meetings and events. The implementation of the new beverage programme is structured as a phased global rollout, which began today and is expected to continue throughout the coming months. The agreement was facilitated by Hot Shoppe Services International, Marriott's global procurement organisation, to align product offerings with guest preferences while aiming to generate economic efficiencies for franchise operators and property owners. Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, noted that the partnership is designed to improve consistency in the guest experience across the company’s extensive portfolio. According to Capuano, the inclusion of The Coca-Cola Company’s product range is intended to meet guest demand while supporting the business goals of the company's owners and franchisees. Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, stated that the agreement provides the company with the opportunity to broaden the availability of its beverage categories across the global hospitality sector. The partnership represents a significant scale in distribution for The Coca-Cola Company, integrating its product supply into Marriott’s guest-facing operations. Marriott International and The Coca-Cola Company Sign Global Beverage Agreement July 1, 2026 New Products Caliwater Debuts Dragon Fruit Flavour with Benson Boone Collaboration New Products Pepsi Debuts Limited-Edition Vanilla & Cream Flavour Soft drinks Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Join PRODA Protein Soda as Co-Founders New Products PepsiCo Unveils 2026 Halloween Lineup across Snacks and Beverages Soft drinks Foodservice Business & Finance Beverage Related news

Cirkla, Belmark, and Ossid partner to launch the packaging industry's first commercial resealable lidding film application for high-performance fibre trays. 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 > Sustainable packaging provider Cirkla, flexible packaging manufacturer Belmark, and packaging machinery specialist Ossid have formed a strategic partnership to launch an integrated packaging solution that pairs resealable lidding film with high-performance fibre trays at commercial scale. The innovation addresses a long-standing technical limitation within sustainable packaging development. While peel-and-reseal functionality has historically been restricted to rigid plastic containers, the collaborative engineering effort successfully bonds resealable lidding film to fibre substrates without compromising the tray's internal liner or barrier integrity. The joint packaging solution is engineered for cross-sector food applications spanning fresh protein, produce, and prepared ready meals. The system will make its public trade exhibition debut at The Global Produce and Floral Show (14–16 October 2026) and Pack Expo (18–21 October 2026). "Resealable fibre packaging has been one of the industry's most sought-after innovations and it took the right partners to make it real," said Glenn Divers, Vice President of Sales at Cirkla. "When you convert a single-use tray into a resealable, multi-use package without compromising performance, cost or asking brands to change their lines, you remove every reason not to switch." Cirkla Fibre Tray Architecture Cirkla enters the collaboration following commercial expansion across North American retail and protein processing channels. The company's proprietary fibre trays match or exceed conventional plastic packaging across shelf life, barrier performance, and structural durability, while reducing plastic waste by up to 90%. Designed as drop-in replacements, the trays operate on existing packaging machinery without requiring capital expenditure or production line retooling. To support accelerating domestic demand, Cirkla's first dedicated United States manufacturing facility is scheduled to commence commercial operations in Gainesville, Georgia, in the first quarter of 2027. Belmark Lidding Film Technology Belmark contributed advanced flexible film engineering to solve the technical bonding challenges associated with applying resealable adhesives to fibre substrates. The resulting lidding film maintains airtight barrier properties, moisture resistance, and repeatable peel-and-reseal performance across multiple consumer openings, eliminating the traditional compromise between sustainable materials and functional user convenience. "Projects like this are a reminder that innovation doesn't happen in isolation," noted Jason Vandeloo, Director of Business Development at Belmark. "Bringing resealable functionality to a fibre tray required expertise across materials, film, and equipment, and each partner played an important role." Ossid ReeMaster NextGen Sealing Integration Ossid operates as the North American distributor of Reepack and a ProMach product brand, and provides automated sealing execution via its ReeMaster NextGen Automatic Tray Sealer. Engineered for medium- to large-scale production environments, the sealing platform incorporates: ⚙️ Servo-Driven Mechanics : Features servo-driven indexing conveyors and side grippers designed to ensure precise, repeatable tray positioning during high-speed packaging runs. 🧼 Hygienic Washdown Design : Built with a stainless steel, open-frame architecture that facilitates rapid, tool-free cleaning and sanitation maintenance. 🖥️ Intelligent Control Interface : Equips operators with a 12-inch colour touchscreen featuring intuitive recipe management to streamline changeovers across top-seal, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) formats. "Sustainable packaging advances when partners challenge what the industry has accepted as impossible," said Andrew Birdwell, Vice President of Sales at Ossid. "The result is a package that performs on the line, stands out on the shelf, and helps our customers reach their sustainability goals." Following their exhibition debuts at The Global Produce and Floral Show and Pack Expo, the integrated solution is available immediately for commercial deployment across food processing and packaging lines. Cirkla Belmark and Ossid Launch First Resealable Fibre Tray October 13, 2026 Water ZenWTR Expands Premium Water Footprint with Plastic-Negative Certification Packaging Aldi and Arla Launch Trial for UV Tagged Milk Bottle Recycling Logistics & Supply Chain Amcor Secures RecyClass Certification for Pallet Protection Stretch Films Packaging Duni Group Transitions Duniform Range to Recyclable Mono-Material Solutions New Solutions Packaging Business & Finance Related news

Pilgrim's Europe has agreed to acquire Leicester-based Walkers Deli & Sausage Company from Samworth Brothers. 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 > Pilgrim's Europe has announced plans to acquire Walkers Deli & Sausage Company from chilled food manufacturer Samworth Brothers, strengthening its position across the UK premium pork and value-added meat sectors. The proposed transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as well as a formal employee consultation process. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Based in Leicester, Walkers Deli & Sausage Company dates back to 1824 and employs approximately 1,150 people. The manufacturer produces a range of value-added pork products, including premium sausages, sliced cooked meats, cooked bacon, snacking items, and pâté, supplying private-label ranges to major UK food retailers. The acquisition is structured to build upon an established commercial supply relationship between Pilgrim's Europe and Walkers Deli & Sausage, reinforcing Pilgrim's integrated pork supply chain across the United Kingdom. Ivan Siqueira, President of Pilgrim's Europe, stated that bringing Walkers Deli & Sausage into the group will strengthen the business's integrated supply chain, expand its footprint in high-growth premium pork categories, and enhance service capabilities for retail customers across the UK. Siqueira highlighted the target company's skilled workforce, operational heritage, and product innovation standards as key strategic fits for the enterprise. Realignment for Samworth Brothers For Samworth Brothers, the divestment forms part of a broader corporate reorganisation to concentrate capital and operational resources on its primary food divisions. The sale allows Samworth Brothers to focus investment across its core food-to-go, savoury pastry, prepared meals, and branded business units. Simon Wookey, Chief Executive Officer of Samworth Brothers, noted that the increasing specialisation and vertical integration across the protein processing sector makes Pilgrim's Europe a suitable long-term owner for Walkers Deli & Sausage, providing the operational scale and dedicated supply chain infrastructure required to support the business's next growth phase. Following transaction completion, both companies confirmed they will prioritise supporting affected personnel throughout the organisational transition while maintaining store-level customer service and product quality standards across existing supply contracts. Pilgrim's Europe to Acquire Walkers Deli and Sausage from Samworth Brothers August 18, 2026 Business & Finance B&G Foods Sells B&M and Joan of Arc Brands to McCall Farms Alcohol Fintech Acquires Ground Signal to Expand Alcohol Analytics Logistics & Supply Chain Constellation Cold Logistics Acquires Impruv Logistics in Norway Business & Finance Starbucks Explores Takeover of Chipotle Business & Finance Meat & Seafood Food Related news

While home baking saw a massive resurgence in recent years, traditional yeast baking often presents a high barrier to entry due to complex steps, temperature sensitivities, and lengthy proofing times comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Bakery Fleischmann's Yeast 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 > Fleischmann’s® , a heritage brand operating under ACH Food Companies, Canada , has announced the launch of Fleischmann’s® Quick-Rise Plus , a new yeast innovation engineered specifically to reduce the friction and intimidation associated with home bread baking. The launch represents a strategic effort to capture and retain the "novice baker" demographic. While home baking saw a massive resurgence in recent years, traditional yeast baking often presents a high barrier to entry due to complex steps, temperature sensitivities, and lengthy proofing times. Fleischmann’s new product addresses these pain points directly through formulation and process simplification. Product Innovation: Built-In Dough Enhancers The core differentiator of the Quick-Rise Plus SKU is the inclusion of a proprietary dough enhancer blended directly into the yeast. According to the company, this addition guarantees a higher and faster rise compared to its Traditional Yeast offering, delivering "bakery-quality results" with a significantly lower failure rate for the end consumer. Furthermore, the product fundamentally streamlines the traditional baking workflow: No 'Blooming' Required: Bakers do not need to dissolve or activate the yeast in water prior to mixing. The sachets can be added directly to the dry ingredients. Temperature Tolerance: Wet ingredients are simply warmed to 120°-130°F and added to the mix. Time Efficiency: The enhanced formulation requires only a single rest and a single rise, significantly reducing the overall prep-to-oven time. Removing the Guesswork Fiona Haig-Zimmerman , Director of Marketing at ACH Food Companies, Canada, highlighted the consumer insight driving the innovation: the fear of failure. “We know for those just getting started, baking with yeast can feel intimidating,” Haig-Zimmerman stated. “Fleischmann’s® Quick-Rise Plus was developed to remove the guesswork, delivering reliable, bakery-quality results faster and with fewer steps, so more people can feel confident baking with yeast at home.” Commercial Specifications The new product is positioned for versatile application across popular consumer baking projects, including standard breads, cinnamon rolls, and challah. Retail Details: Format: Packaged in strips of three 7-gram sachets, aligning with standard recipe measurements. Storage: Shelf-stable (dry cupboard), matching the merchandising footprint of the brand's existing core range. Portfolio Fit: The SKU joins Fleischmann's broader baking portfolio, which includes Traditional Yeast, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Cornstarch, and Bread Booster. For retailers, the introduction of a "foolproof" yeast product offers an opportunity to drive cross-category sales in the baking aisle, encouraging consumers to purchase complementary high-margin ingredients like speciality flours, nuts, and fillings by lowering the perceived risk of the baking project itself. Fleischmann’s Targets Novice Bakers with 'Quick-Rise Plus' to Lower Category Barriers February 23, 2026 New Products Nestlé Toll House Launches First Advent Calendar for Holiday Baking Bakery Puratos Launches ProteinPro Clean-Label Bakery Mixes New Products Nestlé Launches Dessert Culinary Solutions in Brazil and China Bakery Betty Crocker Unveils Packaging Refresh and Limited Edition Handbag Collection New Products Ingredients Bakery 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 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 > 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 Conagra Brands Expands Portfolio with Extensive 2026 Product Launches June 24, 2026 Business & Finance Panzani and Cerealis Enter Exclusive Talks to Form €1bn Food Group Business & Finance B&G Foods Sells B&M and Joan of Arc Brands to McCall Farms New Products Heinz Launches Six Ready-to-Eat Soup Collection in Canada New Products California Pizza Kitchen Partners with FiveStar for 2027 Salad Line Food New Products Related news

Nichols plc has acquired Dublin-based functional beverage brand VITHIT for €75 million (£64 million) to expand its presence comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Soft drinks Nichols plc 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 > Soft drinks manufacturer Nichols plc has acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of Dublin-based functional beverage producer VITHIT Limited in a cash transaction valued at €75 million (approximately £64 million). The debt-free and cash-free acquisition strengthens the AIM-listed Vimto producer's portfolio, expanding its presence in the functional soft drinks category across UK, Irish, and international retail markets. The acquisition aligns with Nichols' strategy to invest in differentiated soft drink brands operating in expanding health categories. VITHIT operates an asset-light business model complementary to Nichols' existing structure, with the integration expected to deliver annual cost synergies exceeding €1 million. Funded entirely through existing cash reserves on Nichols' balance sheet, the transaction is expected to be immediately earnings-enhancing. Proforma accounting confirms Nichols remains net cash positive following the completion of the deal. Andrew Milne, Chief Executive Officer of Nichols plc, stated that VITHIT represents a strong strategic fit for the group, combining brand equity, established profitability, and alignment with the group's long-term growth strategy. Performance and Distribution Founded in Dublin in 2001 by former rugby player Gary Lavin, VITHIT formulates low-calorie, low-sugar beverages fortified with vitamins and functional ingredients. The brand's product lines supply 100 per cent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of eight essential vitamins, spanning ready-to-drink bottled beverages, canned sparkling ranges, and effervescent formats. For the financial year ended 31 December 2025, VITHIT generated revenue of €26.5 million, representing growth of over 90 per cent since 2021. The business recorded an adjusted operating profit of €4.2 million and an adjusted profit before tax of €4.1 million over the same 12-month trading period. VITHIT holds established retail positions across grocery, convenience, foodservice, and specialist channels in the UK and Ireland, along with an international footprint spanning 13 additional export markets. Leadership Transition Nichols will retain VITHIT's operational headquarters and office footprint in Dublin to maintain business continuity. As part of the ownership transition, founder and Chairman Gary Lavin steps down from the business immediately. Select members of VITHIT's senior management team will support operations during an interim transition phase before stepping away, while core operating staff will integrate into the broader Nichols business structure. Nichols Acquires Functional Drink Brand ViTHIT for £64M August 10, 2026 Business & Finance B&G Foods Sells B&M and Joan of Arc Brands to McCall Farms Alcohol Fintech Acquires Ground Signal to Expand Alcohol Analytics Logistics & Supply Chain Constellation Cold Logistics Acquires Impruv Logistics in Norway Business & Finance Starbucks Explores Takeover of Chipotle Beverage Soft drinks Business & Finance Health & Nutrition Related news

The Vegetarian Butcher Collective’s new range addresses the "nutritional gap" in plant-based meat by delivering high-fibre, high-protein 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 > The Vegetarian Butcher Collective, comprising industry leaders De Vegetarische Slager and Vivera, has announced a significant expansion of its plant-based estate with four new product innovations. The rollout is engineered to move the category beyond "sensory replication" toward "nutritional parity," addressing a growing consumer demand for recognisable meat alternatives that provide significant fibre and protein payloads. The initiative arrives as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre updates its dietary guidelines, placing an increased emphasis on plant-based protein sources with high nutritional integrity. Bridging the Nutritional and Sensory Gap A primary challenge for the first generation of plant-based meats was a lack of dietary fibre—a nutrient naturally scarce in animal proteins but abundant in legumes. The new collective range utilises legume-based foundations to offer a "best-of-both-worlds" proposition: the texture and taste of traditional meat combined with a superior health profile. Rutger Rozendaal, CEO of De Vegetarische Slager, stated that consumers expect more than just taste; the nutritional values must be "right." By basing the portfolio on legumes, the organisation is providing a product that is naturally rich in fibre, fitting the criteria for a balanced, modern diet. Technical SKU Breakdown and Occasion Targeting The four new products are designed to cover a variety of consumption occasions, from the high-velocity "quick weekday meal" to the seasonal "barbecue" window. De Vegetarische Slager Innovations Griljante Burger: A technical "raw" plant-based burger designed specifically for the grill. It features a juicy, tender texture and is engineered to maintain structural integrity under high-heat barbecue conditions while remaining rich in protein and fibre. Kipleckere Tenders: Breaded, chicken-style tenders targeting the convenience sector. These are positioned as "plus-fibre" components for wraps, bowls, and salads, fortified with Vitamin B12 and iron. Vivera Innovations Gouda Cheese Schnitzel: A multi-layered SKU featuring a plant-based meat layer stuffed with a creamy Gouda filling. This product targets the "traditional comfort" segment while delivering a high-protein profile. Döner Kebab: A spiced, textured vegetable protein designed for the "ethnic-inspired" convenience market. It provides a source of fibre and protein for high-frequency dishes like pita and kapsalon. Alignment with Dutch Health Policy The launch represents a proactive response to the evolving regulatory landscape in the Netherlands. As the Netherlands Nutrition Centre shifts its focus toward sustainable and healthy plant-based diets, retailers are increasingly looking for SKUs that meet strict nutritional benchmarks for salt, fat, and fibre content. By fortifying all four innovations with Vitamin B12 and iron, The Vegetarian Butcher Collective is ensuring its products are viewed as direct, high-integrity replacements for animal meat rather than mere "liquid-adjacent" snacks. Vivera and The Vegetarian Butcher Launch Nutritious Plant-Based Range April 30, 2026 New Products Oatly Launches High-Fibre Oat Drink Range in UK Plant-based Impossible Foods Launches Four Frozen Lines in Tesco UK Stores New Products Ripple Foods Launches Plant-Based Toddler Milk New Products La Vie Launches Meat Alternative Flavoured Tofu Range Plant-based Food New Products Related news

Mondelēz International has expanded its limited-edition Oreo portfolio with the Firecracker Pop, a golden sandwich cookie featuring a complex triple-layer fruit creme designed to capitalise on summer nostalgia and patriotic marketing trends. 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 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 > Oreo, the flagship biscuit brand of Mondelēz International, has announced the nationwide US launch of its latest limited-edition flavour: the Firecracker Pop. Set to hit retail shelves on 4 May 2026, the new product is inspired by the classic red, white, and blue rocket ice pops that have been a staple of North American summers for decades. The launch underscores Oreo's aggressive strategy of utilising limited-time offerings (LTOs) to maintain high brand visibility, drive social media engagement, and justify premium price points within the competitive ambient snacking aisle. Technical Formulation and Sensory Profile The Firecracker Pop variant departs from the brand's traditional chocolate and vanilla profile, instead focusing on a highly fruit-forward, multi-sensory experience. The product's architecture involves several distinct technical elements: Base Structure 🍪 Utilises the brand's standard Golden Oreo wafer to provide a neutral, sweet canvas that does not overpower the fruit notes. Triple Layer Creme 🍒🍋🫐 A complex extrusion process layers three distinct flavoured cremes within a single cookie: cherry (red), lemon (white), and blue raspberry (blue). Flavour Delivery Unlike previous patriotic releases (such as the "Firework" Oreo, which relied on popping candy for a crackling texture), the Firecracker Pop focuses entirely on delivering three distinct, simultaneous fruit flavours in a single bite. Premium Pricing and Artificial Scarcity The commercial strategy behind the Firecracker Pop relies heavily on the economics of artificial scarcity. The product will be available only while supplies last, carrying a suggested retail price of approximately $5.79 per pack. This represents a 20 to 30 percent premium over standard Oreo SKUs. Industry analysts note that this premiumisation strategy is highly effective for heritage brands. By releasing frequent, highly visual, and nostalgic flavour drops, Oreo is able to convert routine grocery shoppers into impulse buyers, successfully navigating the broader inflationary pressures currently affecting the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. Trend Alignment and the Innovation Pipeline The timing of the launch is highly strategic. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in July 2026, the retail market is experiencing a significant influx of patriotic, red, white, and blue-themed food and beverage products. The Firecracker Pop positions Oreo at the forefront of this seasonal merchandising wave. Furthermore, the release highlights Oreo's ongoing pivot toward the "kidult" demographic, adult consumers seeking nostalgic, playful food experiences. The Firecracker Pop follows a string of bold, high-profile innovations from the brand in 2026, including a recent online-exclusive, small-batch Dill Pickle flavour and a comprehensive summer beverage collaboration with Dunkin'. By continuously refreshing its portfolio with unexpected flavour profiles, Mondelēz ensures that Oreo remains a dynamic, trend-led brand capable of dominating both retail endcaps and digital conversations. Oreo Debuts Triple Layer Firecracker Pop Flavour for Summer 2026 May 1, 2026 Food BARK and Girl Scouts of the USA Partner to Launch Dog Cookies New Products pladis Launches McVitie's Flipz in China with Three Locally Developed Flavours New Products Keebler Relaunches Spookie Fudge Stripes for Halloween 2026 with Experiential Zoo Campaign Marketing Oreo Launches Twist Lick Vote Campaign with Three Limited Edition Flavours Confectionery New Products Snacking Related news

Aurora and McLane move to full driverless trucking in Texas, using Level 4 autonomy for 100% on-time "middle mile" delivery of perishable food supplies. 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 > Aurora Innovation and McLane Company have announced a landmark agreement to commence driverless commercial hauls in Texas. The move marks the official deployment of the "Aurora Driver", a sophisticated SAE Level 4 self-driving system, into McLane’s massive logistics network, which serves one of the largest portfolios of restaurant brands and mass merchants in the United States. The transition to driverless operations follows a successful multi-year supervised pilot, signalling a structural shift in how perishable goods are moved through the North American supply chain. Proven Reliability and Technical Validation The decision to remove the human safety driver is supported by a robust data set collected since the partnership began in 2023. Over the course of the pilot, the Aurora Driver logged more than 280,000 autonomous miles and successfully delivered 1,400 loads for McLane. Crucially for the food and beverage sector, where shelf-life is a primary KPI, Aurora maintained 100 per cent on-time performance. Ossa Fisher, President at Aurora, stated that the partnership is set to "transform the American food supply chain," citing the "palpable" momentum in autonomous logistics as the industry seeks more resilient distribution models. The Hybrid Workflow and Middle Mile Optimisation The collaboration utilises a strategic hybrid model designed to maximise the technical strengths of both autonomous systems and human workers: The Autonomous Middle Mile: The Aurora Driver manages the high-volume, long-haul highway segments, operating two round-trips daily between Dallas and Houston, seven days a week. The Human Last Mile: McLane’s professional drivers remain responsible for the "critical last mile," navigating complex local environments to serve customer locations directly. Susan Adzick, President of McLane Restaurant, emphasised that this model allows human drivers to remain the "face of the company" to customers while the autonomous technology handles the repetitive, high-toil highway transit. Strengthening Cold Chain Resilience Autonomous trucks moving refrigerated hauls 24/7 offer a scalable solution to the ongoing labour constraints and driver shortages that have historically plagued the logistics sector. By providing a "fixed" and predictable middle-mile capacity, McLane can better manage the flow of temperature-sensitive supplies. Key operational advantages of the driverless model include: 24/7 Utilisation: The ability to move freight through the night without violating Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Fuel Efficiency: AI-driven throttle and braking optimisations that reduce the carbon footprint of heavy-duty transit. Scalable Capacity: The ability to flex fleet operations based on real-time demand without the immediate need for recruitment. As Aurora prepares to expand these operations to new routes between McLane distribution centres across the US Sun Belt by the end of 2026, the success of this rollout serves as a blueprint for the wider F&B industry. By integrating SAE Level 4 autonomy into a 134-year-old distribution legacy, McLane is positioning itself as a primary infrastructure provider for the modern digital economy. Industry analysts expect the "autonomous middle mile" to become the standard for large-scale foodservice distributors looking to stabilise margins and ensure supply chain sovereignty in an increasingly volatile global market. Aurora and McLane Launch Driverless Food Distribution in Texas May 6, 2026 Logistics & Supply Chain Constellation Cold Logistics Acquires Impruv Logistics in Norway Soft drinks Carlsberg Expands PepsiCo Bottling Partnership into Georgia and Armenia Logistics & Supply Chain ID Logistics Launches Dedicated Wine and Spirits Facility in New Jersey Logistics & Supply Chain LBB Specialties Appointed Authorised Distributor for Borregaard BioVanillin Business & Finance Technology Foodservice Logistics & Supply Chain Related news

SHS Drinks, the brand owner and distributor behind WKD, Bottlegreen, and Shandy Shack, has introduced Shottails, a first-to-market ready-to-drink brand. 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 > SHS Drinks, the brand owner and distributor behind WKD, Bottlegreen, and Shandy Shack, has introduced Shottails, a first-to-market ready-to-drink (RTD) canned shot brand designed to bring the energy, ritual, and social dynamics of on-trade shot consumption into the retail take-home channel. The brand's debut SKU, Baby G, is a 14% ABV vegan, creamy coffee liqueur-style drink presented with a contemporary flavour twist. It is scheduled to roll out across Morrisons supermarkets and independent convenience channels from September 2026 at a recommended retail price (RSP) of £3.40 per 125ml can. Each pocket-sized 125ml aluminium can contains two 62.5ml servings, targeting pre-drinks, social gatherings, and spontaneous at-home consumption occasions. The launch capitalises on substantial momentum within the UK RTD and pre-mixed drinks market, where canned formats have expanded 9.3% in value to £772.9m on unit volumes up 13.5% (NIQ data). According to CGA on-trade research, the shot category over-indexes heavily with younger adult consumers aged 18 to 30. SHS Drinks identified a significant whitespace in translating this high-margin on-premise ritual into accessible, single-serve retail packaging. Key launch and product attributes include: ☕ Baby G Formulation: 14% ABV vegan, creamy coffee liqueur-style serve crafted for smooth consumption 🥫 Dual-Serve Can Format: 125ml single-can containing two standard shot portions for sharing 💷 Commercial Pricing: Positioned at an RSP of £3.40 per unit across grocery and convenience chillers 📈 Pipeline Expansion: Additional on-trend flavour varieties scheduled for release in subsequent phases The nationwide rollout of Shottails will be backed by an integrated, social-first consumer campaign titled "Shake It. Crack It. Love It", supported by experiential sampling activations and dedicated point-of-sale (PoS) merchandising units for retail partners. Shottails Launches Ready-to-Drink Canned Shot Range for UK Retailers August 28, 2026 New Products Carbliss Launches 12% ABV Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Range Coffee & Tea Happy and Marvel Studios Launch Avengers Doomsday RTD Coffee Line Alcohol Constellation Brands Acquires Spirit-Based RTD Brand SpikedAde New Products Absolut and Ocean Spray Launch 9% ABV Double Vodka Cranberry RTD New Products Alcohol Beverage Related news

Dose & Co has expanded beyond powdered supplements with the launch of its first ready-to-drink sparkling collagen drinks range. 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 > Supplement brand Dose & Co has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of its first ready-to-drink (RTD) collagen beverages. The lightly sparkling range enters retail channels as an on-the-go alternative to traditional powdered collagen supplements, combining functional beauty ingredients into a convenient canned beverage format. Formulation and Functional Ingredients Each 250ml can is formulated to supply 2,500mg of Verisol Bioactive Collagen Peptides, containing type I and type III collagen matrix components. Key functional ingredients and nutritional parameters of the range include: Bioactive Collagen Peptides: Delivers 2,500mg of Verisol type I and type III collagen peptides per serving. Micronutrient Blend: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and zinc to support skin, hair, and nail health. Caloric Value: Delivers 23 calories per 250ml serving. Format: Packaged in a 250ml single-serve can designed for chilled consumption. Flavour Lineup The sparkling collagen platform debuts with two fruit and botanical flavour options: 🫐 Raspberry & Pomegranate: A berry and stone-fruit flavoured lightly sparkling collagen variant. 🍋 Lime & Mint: A citrus and botanical flavoured sparkling collagen beverage. Retail Distribution and Pricing Dose & Co's Sparkling Collagen Drinks have commenced commercial distribution across the United Kingdom. The range is available chilled across Holland & Barrett retail stores nationwide and via the retailer's online platform at a suggested retail price (SRP) of £2.95 per 250ml can. Dose and Co Expands Portfolio with Ready-to-Drink Collagen Range July 31, 2026 New Products Evolution Fresh Launches Thrive Functional Juice Line New Products Coca-Cola Launches Prebiotic Line across Coke, Sprite and Fresca New Products McDonald's Debuts Bottled Pickle Brine Pickle Boost for Chicago Marathon New Products Goodrays with Brewgooder to Launch Functional Alcohol-Free Beers Soft drinks New Products Beverage Health & Nutrition Related news

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has launched its Premium Milk Chocolate Bar line, utilising its bean-to-bar sourcing model 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 > The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has announced the introduction of its Premium Milk Chocolate Bar line, representing a portfolio expansion in the mainstream chocolate sector. The launch targets consumer demand for premium everyday indulgence options. The new product range builds on the company's 170-year history in confectionery manufacturing, focusing on refined textures and a redesigned shelf presence. Sourcing and Formulation The product line is manufactured utilising Ghirardelli's established bean-to-bar cocoa processing method and selected ingredients. The formulation is engineered to melt quickly and evenly on the palate, allowing the cocoa profile and sweetness to unfold during consumption. The product line introduces three distinct flavour profiles: 🍫 Premium Milk Chocolate : A smooth, classic milk chocolate formulation designed to showcase the brand's traditional chocolate craftsmanship. 🧂 Premium Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Almond : A textured combination featuring roasted almonds and a touch of sea salt. 🍬 Premium Milk Chocolate Caramel Crisp : A multi-textured variant containing crunchy caramel pieces and crisped rice. Packaging Alongside the recipe formulation, the launch debuts an updated visual identity for Ghirardelli's milk chocolate packaging. The updated wrapping features vibrant colour blocking and fluid, swirling graphic elements intended to represent the texture of the chocolate. This design update aims to improve shelf visibility and modernise the brand's retail presentation while maintaining its established corporate branding. Distribution and Availability To support immediate national volume, the Premium Milk Chocolate Bar range is launching simultaneously across major physical retail networks and digital channels. The product range has secured immediate distribution at mass merchants, grocery chains, and pharmacy retailers across the United States, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, CVS, and Walgreens, alongside online availability via the brand's direct-to-consumer platform. Bobby Oliver, Vice President and Head of Marketing at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, stated that the milk chocolate category remains one of the most popular segments in the market. Oliver noted that the new range was developed to bring a higher level of attention and care to the milk chocolate sector, combining the brand's quality standards with modern format innovations. Ghirardelli Launches Premium Milk Chocolate Bar Range in North America July 10, 2026 People Lindt & Sprüngli CEO Adalbert Lechner Steps Down New Products Ghirardelli Launches Dubai Style Chocolate Squares New Products On The Rocks Debuts Limited-Edition Chocolate Martini New Products Ferrero Expands Halloween Range into Adultoween Confectionery Lineup Snacking Confectionery New Products Related news