Kenco has expanded into the matcha and liquid coffee concentrate segments, launching a range of café-style products comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Coffee & Tea Peet’s Coffee The Newsroom Kenco has announced a significant expansion of its at-home beverage estate with the debut of two new product lines: Kenco Matcha Latte and Kenco Espresso Concentrate. The rollout marks the brand’s official entry into the matcha category and represents a strategic move to capitalise on the structural shift in coffee consumption, where customisable iced beverages are increasingly outpacing traditional hot formats. The launch is engineered to bridge the gap between high-street coffee shop trends and the ambient grocery aisle, providing trade partners with SKUs that target the high-spending younger consumer segment. Entry into Matcha The introduction of Kenco Matcha Latte addresses a rapid acceleration in the UK functional tea market. According to company data, matcha menu items have seen a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in foodservice, while social media engagement surrounding the ingredient has surged by over 107 per cent. Matcha now ranks as the fourth most popular iced drink among consumers under the age of 35. Kenco is attempting to democratise this trend via a single-serve sachet format that includes a built-in creamer. This technical formulation allows for preparation with either hot or cold water, removing the traditional complexity of matcha whisking and appealing to the convenience-led "Generation Z" shopper. Matcha SKU Specifications Flavours: Vanilla and Strawberry Format: 8 x 20.3g sachets Availability: Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s Pricing: £2.99 RRP Espresso Concentrate The second pillar of the expansion is the Kenco Espresso Concentrate, a 485ml liquid format designed for high-margin customisation. The launch follows data indicating that iced lattes have officially overtaken cappuccinos in out-of-home popularity. By providing a pre-brewed, concentrated base, Kenco is positioning itself as a primary infrastructure provider for the "at-home barista" ritual. This format allows consumers to manage strength and sweetness levels independently, a level of control that is a primary driver for coffee sales in the digital-native demographic. Concentrate SKU Specifications Variants: Unsweetened, Mocha, and Caramel Format: 485ml bottle Availability: Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons Pricing: £5.00 RRP Coffee & Tea Kenco Launches Espresso Concentrate Innovation Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 New Products RYZE Expands Functional Instant Latte Portfolio at Target New Products Bones Coffee Company Launches Beer, Cake & Cookie-Inspired Coffees Business & Finance Royal Cup Coffee and Tea Completes Acquisition of Farmer Brothers Coffee Co. Coffee & Tea Bulletproof Launches Ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane Infused Coffee New Products Coffee & Tea Related news

Shaken Udder has launched its new Fibre milkshake range exclusively at Tesco, delivering up to 30% of adult daily fibre requirements in a clean-label RTD comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Shaken Udder, a prominent player in the premium milkshake category, has announced its official entry into the functional dairy sector with the launch of the Shaken Udder Fibre range. Debuting exclusively in Tesco stores today, 13 May 2026, the two-SKU lineup represents a strategic move to capitalise on the "functional convergence" trend, where traditional indulgence is upgraded with clinical-adjacent nutritional benefits. The rollout is engineered to address a significant public health gap in the United Kingdom, where internal company data suggests that 96% of adults fail to meet recommended daily fibre intake levels. A primary technical differentiator for this range is the high density of fibre maintained within a 330ml ready-to-drink (RTD) format. Achieving a "thick and creamy" texture while integrating high-volume fibre typically poses mouthfeel challenges, but Shaken Udder has utilised a formulation that protects its signature sensory profile. SKU Nutritional Breakdown Mint Choc: Formulated with real mint extract, this variant delivers 8.9g of fibre per serving, providing approximately 30% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Banana: Utilising real fruit, this SKU provides 7.6g of fibre per bottle, accounting for roughly 25% of adult daily requirements. In addition to fibre, the range is fortified to deliver nearly 50% of the recommended daily calcium intake. To meet the "ultra-clean" label demands of modern wellness shoppers, the products are free from artificial additives, relying instead on natural extracts for flavour and colour. The introduction of the Fibre range follows Shaken Udder's 2025 acquisition by the Spanish food conglomerate Idilia Foods . The launch is a core component of Idilia’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the UK beverage market by pivoting legacy brands toward higher-margin functional segments. By merging gut-health support with the established "premium treat" reputation of the Shaken Udder brand, the organisation is de-risking its entry into the medical-nutrition adjacent market. This allows the brand to compete simultaneously in the chilled refreshment aisle and the functional wellness set. New Products Shaken Udder Launches Functional High Fibre Milkshake Range Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Energy Drinks Tenzing Launches Limited-Edition Focus White Peach Natural Energy Drink New Products Electrolit Expands 7-Eleven Exclusive Pineapple Coconut Flavour New Products Slice Soda Launches Ready-to-Drink Functional Dirty Soda Foodservice Subway Expands Beverage Offerings with poppi Functional Soda New Products Health & Nutrition Beverage Dairy Related news

Vienna-based hydration pioneer waterdrop has closed a funding round exceeding 100 million euros, securing strategic backing comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom waterdrop, the Austrian scale-up redefining the functional beverage category, has announced the completion of a landmark funding round worth over 100 million euros. The capital injection arrives at a critical juncture for the organisation, following its first profitable financial year in 2025, and is earmarked for aggressive retail expansion and the technical scaling of its digital commerce operations. The round introduces high-profile strategic partners, most notably Aspeya, a wellness-focused entity, and the Zagreb-based food and beverage conglomerate Atlantic Grupa. The entry of Atlantic Grupa as a shareholder represents a significant evolution of an existing commercial relationship. Having previously served as waterdrop’s distribution partner in Central and Eastern European markets, Atlantic Grupa has committed a double-digit million euro investment and will occupy a seat on the Investment Committee. Lada Tedeschi Fiorio, Group VP of Corporate Strategy at Atlantic Grupa, stated that the investment reflects a conviction in the long-term potential of the brand's hybrid retail model. Simultaneously, the involvement of Aspeya highlights a broader trend of diversification among legacy corporations into the "better-for-you" and hydration sectors. Capital Deployment and European Market Saturation waterdrop plans to utilise the 100 million euro facility to fortify its position as a primary infrastructure provider for the "waterless" beverage movement. Key investment pillars include: Retail Scaling: Deepening physical presence beyond the current 20,000 points of sale to secure deeper penetration in major European supermarket chains. Direct to Consumer Infrastructure: Optimising the digital platform, which serves over five million customers worldwide and acts as the brand’s primary engine for first-party data. R&D and Product Innovation: Accelerating the development of new functional "microdrink" cubes derived from plant and fruit extracts. Logistics Optimisation: Capitalising on the efficiency of shipping lightweight cubes rather than bottled liquids, a model that reduces the carbon footprint of the supply chain. Evolution of the Microdrink Category Founded in 2016, waterdrop was built on the premise that conventional beverage logistics—characterised by the transport of high-volume water and plastic packaging—are inefficient. By providing sugar-free, preservative-free dissolvable cubes, the brand has transitioned from a niche tool into a mainstream lifestyle staple. Ten years after its founding, the company reports annual revenues of approximately 150 million euros. Martin Murray, CEO of waterdrop, emphasised that the new partners bring the distribution reach and strategic depth required for the brand’s next chapter. Murray noted that being profitable and growing simultaneously allows the firm to move with higher velocity than venture-backed competitors. The success of waterdrop’s latest raise signals a maturation of the functional hydration sector. As consumers increasingly reject single-use plastics and sugar-laden refreshments, brands that can offer a combination of convenience, clinical benefit, and environmental stewardship are attracting institutional-grade capital. The brand's recently announced partnership with Ricola to co-develop a herbal hydration range signals a move toward high-equity collaborations. With operations spanning Europe, the US, Japan, and Australia, waterdrop is positioned to lead the transition from bottled refreshments to water-enhancement rituals through the remainder of the decade. Business & Finance Waterdrop Secures €100 Million Investment to Accelerate European Expansion Eddie Sanders May 14, 2026 Business & Finance Oishii Scales Strawberry Vertical Farming with $150 Million Series C Funding Round Coffee & Tea 'For Five Coffee Roasters' Secures Investment for National Expansion Business & Finance Carlsberg Invests €12 Million in Ukraine Brewery Can Line Manufacturing FrieslandCampina Invests €90 Million to Expand Dutch Whey Protein Production Water Business & Finance Beverage Related news

Welch's has launched a limited-edition Sparkling Blueberry variant to capitalise on summer entertaining and America’s 250th anniversary comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Welch's, a prominent leader in the fruit-based beverage category, has announced the introduction of a limited-edition Sparkling Blueberry flavour for the summer 2026 trading window. The launch is a central component of the brand's seasonal strategy, which this year leverages the cultural momentum surrounding the 250th anniversary of the United States. The new SKU joins established seasonal favourites, Sparkling Strawberry and Sparkling White Grape, to form a premiumised celebratory range designed for high-frequency summer entertaining occasions. The introduction of the Sparkling Blueberry profile represents a calculated move to capture a larger share of the "permissible indulgence" market during peak outdoor socialising months. By offering a carbonated, fruit-forward beverage that contains zero artificial flavours or sweeteners, Welch's is targeting the "clean-label" demographic seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives. Andrew Hartshorn, Chief Brand and Innovation Officer at Welch's, stated that the objective was to create an elevated yet accessible option for families. The strategy focuses on transitioning the brand from a standard pantry staple to a primary "ready-to-serve" centrepiece for backyard gatherings and holiday weekends. Commemorative Packaging and Brand Heritage Storytelling A defining characteristic of this rollout is the implementation of premium commemorative packaging. This visual identity is engineered to drive immediate shelf standout in high-volume environments like Costco and Walmart. Beyond aesthetics, the packaging functions as a digital gateway to the brand's 150-year legacy. Key branding mechanics include: QR Code Integration: Labels feature a digital link to content spotlighting the real American family farmers behind the co-operative. Farmer Ownership Narrative: The campaign highlights the service of veteran grower-owners, a move that reinforces the brand's "sovereign" and authentic positioning. Experiential Content: The digital platform provides seasonal recipes and entertaining inspiration, intended to increase post-purchase engagement and household penetration. Welch's is utilising a high-velocity retail strategy by partnering with the two largest mass-market players in North America. The Sparkling Blueberry variant is rolling out to Costco and Walmart throughout May, with a suggested retail price of $3.98. This pricing strategy aligns the product with the premium-value tier, where unit velocity is often driven by a combination of brand trust and seasonal novelty. The launch is supported by the "Break Out the Fancy Juice" campaign, a multi-channel initiative spanning social, digital, and in-store touchpoints. New Products Welch's Launches Limited Edition Sparkling Blueberry Eddie Sanders May 14, 2026 New Products High Noon Launches Limited Edition Transfusion Seltzer New Products Graeter’s Ice Cream Launches Backstretch Bourbon Cherry New Products Krispy Kreme Launches Bracket Bash Collection for Basketball Season New Products Nestle Introduces Limited Edition Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo New Products Beverage Related news

Zbar has expanded its pediatric snacking portfolio with the launch of USDA Organic Oat Bites and a new protein bar variant. 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 Zbar, a prominent brand within the Mondelēz International portfolio, has announced a significant expansion of its kids' snacking estate. The rollout introduces a new format, Zbar Oat Bites, alongside a flavour extension for its existing Zbar Protein line. The move is engineered to capture a larger share of the "on-the-go" nutrition market, specifically targeting the seasonal surge in outdoor and summer activities. The expansion reflects a broader industry shift toward "miniaturisation" and portable, high-density nutritional snacks that meet both parental standards for ingredient integrity and consumer demand for convenience. The centrepiece of the launch is Zbar Oat Bites, a bite-sized iteration of the brand's core offering. By transitioning from a traditional bar to a "poppable" format, Zbar is addressing the rising demand for versatile snacking options that fit playground and travel occasions. The bites are launching in two established high-velocity flavour profiles: Chocolate Chip 🍫 Iced Oatmeal Cookie 🍪 Valerie Van Arkel, Director of Marketing for Zbar at Mondelēz International, stated that the format was specifically created to bring variety to snack routines, simplifying the process for households navigating a high-frequency activity season. Formulation and Ingredient Standards Zbar continues to differentiate its portfolio through a commitment to clean-label and organic certifications. The new offerings are positioned to compete within the functional snacking aisle by balancing caloric density with macronutrient performance. Key Nutritional Benchmarks Include Whole Grain Payload: The Oat Bites deliver 14 grams of whole grains per pack, supporting satiety and long-term energy release. Organic Certification: The entire range is USDA Certified Organic, utilising organic oats as the primary ingredient base. Protein Density: The new Zbar Protein variant in Strawberries 'n Creme delivers 5 grams of protein per bar, engineered to support muscle development in active children. Retail Pricing and Distribution Mondelēz is utilising a nationwide retail rollout to ensure maximum availability across conventional grocery and mass-market channels. Zbar Oat Bites: Retailing at a suggested MSRP of $6.49 per 6-pack. Zbar Protein Snack Bars: Retailing at a suggested MSRP of $6.49 per 5-pack. The pricing strategy aligns the new SKUs with the premium-tier snacking segment, where brand loyalty is driven by the intersection of nutritional transparency and kid-friendly taste profiles. As the pediatric nutrition sector matures, Zbar’s move into bite-sized and flavour-forward functional formats secures its role as a primary infrastructure provider for the modern family's daily routine. New Products Mondelēz International Scales Zbar Portfolio with Kids Oat Bites Launch Eddie Sanders May 14, 2026 New Products LÄRABAR Scales Portfolio with Plant-Based Protein Bar Launch New Products HIPPEAS Expands Functional Snacking Portfolio with Protein Crunch Launch New Products Ocean Spray Launches New Flavours & Craisins Grab and Go Formats New Products GrowHappy Launches Allergen ImmunoBars Snacking New Products Health & Nutrition Food Related news

Papa Johns is entering the consumer packaged goods sector by launching a bottled version of its Special Garlic Dipping Sauce at major retailers comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Papa Johns has announced its first major expansion into the retail condiment category with the nationwide debut of its Garlic Flavoured Sauce. Scheduled to hit shelves this summer, the bottled offering is a direct translation of the brand's "Special Garlic Dipping Sauce," marking a significant strategic move to transition a proprietary QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) asset into a scalable consumer packaged goods (CPG) revenue stream. The rollout targets major US grocery chains, indicating high institutional confidence in the brand's ability to drive unit velocity in the ambient sauce aisle. From Menu to Shelf The decision to commercialise the garlic sauce reflects a broader industry trend where restaurant chains leverage "cult-status" menu items to capture share in the 40 billion dollar global condiment market. By moving the product from the pizza box to the retail shelf, Papa Johns is attempting to secure a primary position in the daily cooking and snacking routines of its consumer base. Mark Gabrovic, Vice President of Culinary at Papa Johns, stated that the objective was to reimagine the buttery garlic profile for applications beyond pizza. The organisation is positioning the bottled variant as a versatile tool for dipping, drizzling, and home cooking, effectively extending the brand's reach into new meal occasions. Distribution and Retail Partnerships Papa Johns has secured an initial distribution network that covers the most significant high-volume retailers in the United States. The product will be available through: Mass Market Walmart National Grocery Kroger, Albertson’s, and Safeway Regional Speciality H-E-B This multi-channel approach ensures that the brand captures both bulk-buy shoppers and daily grocery traffic. To support the launch and encourage cross-category usage, the company is releasing a series of "elevated snack hacks" and meal recipes, a tactical move to ensure the product is perceived as a functional pantry staple rather than a novelty purchase. Brand Equity as a Competitive Differentiator The "Special Garlic Dipping Sauce" has long served as a core differentiator for Papa Johns in the competitive pizza sector. By formalising this flavour as a standalone retail SKU, the company is utilising decades of latent brand equity to compete with established condiment giants. Foodservice Papa Johns Launches Garlic Sauce Across Major US Retailers Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Foodservice Nando's Scales Saka Collaboration with Summer Menu Update New Products Tostitos Launches Refrigerated Chunky Guacamole Line New Products Nestlé USA Enters Condiment Category with Minor’s Kitchen Innovation New Products Marzetti Launches Protein Ranch Dressing and Dip Sauces New Products Retail Foodservice Related news

Origin Coffee has launched a plant-based Cold Foam Summer menu, utilising its new Cold Brew Espresso Concentrate comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Origin Coffee has officially launched its new "Cold Foam Summer Drinks" menu across its entire retail estate. The seasonal rollout represents a strategic shift in the brand's iced beverage architecture, moving away from traditional, heavy iced lattes in favour of lighter, plant-based foams and precision-brewed concentrates. The new menu is explicitly designed to showcase the operational versatility of Origin's recently launched Cold Brew Espresso Concentrate, offering both a consumer-facing refreshment option and a B2B proof-of-concept for its application in high-velocity hospitality settings. Concentrate Integration The cornerstone of the new summer menu is the Cold Brew Espresso Concentrate. By building the beverage programme around a pre-batched, espresso-strength liquid, Origin can significantly reduce ticket times and barista friction during peak summer trading hours. This operational streamlining is crucial for maintaining high throughput without compromising the speciality coffee experience. Furthermore, the decision to pair the concentrate exclusively with plant-based, aerated cold foams aligns with the growing consumer demand for dairy-free indulgence that feels lighter and more refreshing during warmer months. Sensory Profiles and Beverage Architecture The summer 2026 lineup features a trio of drinks that blend familiar speciality coffee aesthetics with playful, high-acid flavour combinations designed to drive impulse purchases. The Cold Foam Menu Includes Burnt Lemon Cold Brew Tonic: A bright, bittersweet build mixing cold brew coffee with burnt lemon soda and tonic, finished with a signature cold brew cold foam. Cold Brew & Lime Soda: A zesty, clean-finished beverage that layers lime soda with a dual-foam topping of coconut and cold brew cold foams. Coconut & Matcha Targeting the non-coffee demographic, this variant layers a smooth, gently sweet matcha cold foam over ice-cold coconut water for a highly visual, delicately balanced serve. Cold Foam Innovation The widespread adoption of cold foam has been one of the defining trends in the global coffee sector over the past three years. However, Origin's approach, combining it with proprietary cold brew concentrates, bespoke botanical sodas, and plant-based formulations, elevates the concept into the premium independent tier. Coffee & Tea Origin Coffee Launches Cold Foam Summer Menu Powered By New Espresso Concentrate Dan B May 1, 2026 Coffee & Tea 'For Five Coffee Roasters' Secures Investment for National Expansion Coffee & Tea Dutch Bros to Acquire Phoenix East Valley Franchise Expanding Arizona Presence Coffee & Tea Foodtastic Signs Franchise Agreement to Open Dunkin' Locations in Canada Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches 2026 Summer Menu with Ube Expansion and Jaffa Cake Partnership New Products Beverage Coffee & Tea Related news

Hormel Foods has unveiled the SPAM Dog, a specialised foodservice innovation designed for roller grills in stadiums and convenience stores comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Hormel Foods has announced a significant strategic pivot for its SPAM® brand with the debut of the SPAM® Dog . The launch marks the first time the 87-year-old brand has moved beyond its traditional canned format into a specialised, linked-protein structure engineered specifically for the foodservice and convenience retail sectors. The innovation is designed to provide operators with a high-margin, "familiar-yet-novel" protein option for roller grills and stadiums, leveraging the brand’s deep latent equity to drive impulse purchases during the peak summer trading season. The introduction of the SPAM® Dog represents a move toward "format-led" growth. Historically confined to the ambient grocery aisle, the SPAM® brand is now competing directly in the multi-billion-dollar hot dog and handheld snack category. By re-engineering the signature pork and ham formulation into a hot dog shape, Hormel is removing the preparation barriers associated with canned meat, such as slicing and frying, enabling foodservice staff to serve the product with the same operational speed as a standard frankfurter. Haley Eggum, brand manager for the SPAM® brand, noted that the product creates an opportunity for operators to offer an "unmistakable" flavour profile that has been adapted for modern service speeds. Convenience and Stadium Channels The SPAM® Dog is engineered for high-visibility "grab-and-go" fixtures, specifically the commercial roller grill. This format is a primary profit centre for convenience stores, where consumers increasingly prioritise portable, high-protein meal solutions. Technical and Culinary Attributes Operational Stability: The product is designed to maintain texture and moisture on heated rollers for extended periods. Customisation Potential: The bold, salty profile of the protein is engineered to pair with high-acid toppings (kimchi, relish) and creamy sauces (chipotle mayo), allowing operators to build premium, "limited-time offering" (LTO) menus around the SKU. Geographic Expansion: Initial retail wins include Rutters in the Northeast and select 7-Eleven and ABC stores in the high-consumption Hawaii market. National Debut and Scaling Following a phased regional rollout, the SPAM® Dog will make its official national debut at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) show in Chicago. This trade-facing launch is intended to secure large-scale contracts with national cinema chains, sports arenas, and diversified convenience networks. Current distribution has already been secured at several professional sporting venues, including CHS Field in St. Paul and LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. These placements serve as a proof-of-concept for how heritage CPG brands can successfully transition into "event-level" hospitality assets. Foodservice Hormel Foods Launches SPAM Dog for Foodservice Eddie Sanders May 14, 2026 New Products YUMBO Scales Meat Snack Portfolio with Ginger Teriyaki Launch Meat & Seafood CAVA Enters Seafood Category with Nationwide Launch of Glazed Salmon New Products Omaha Steaks Launches First-Ever USDA Certified Tender Top Sirloin Filet Facilities Pilgrim’s Europe Invests in Pork Category Growth with New Innovation Hub New Products Foodservice Meat & Seafood Related news

Ajinomoto Foods North America has appointed Dave Gardner as CEO, leveraging his 35 years of supply chain expertise to scale operations comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Ingredients Ajinomoto The Newsroom Ajinomoto Foods North America (AFNA), a specialist in culturally inspired frozen foods, has announced the appointment of Dave Gardner as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026. Gardner succeeds Hiroshi Kaho, who has been promoted to a global leadership role at the Tokyo-based parent company, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., following a multi-year period of capability building and cultural transformation in the North American division. The move marks a strategic decision to place supply chain and operational excellence at the centre of the brand’s expansion strategy as it navigates an increasingly competitive frozen food landscape. Gardner assumes the top executive role after serving as AFNA’s Chief Supply Chain Officer since 2022. During his tenure, he managed end-to-end operations across the company’s eight U.S. production facilities, notably leading a cost transformation initiative that delivered 35 million dollars in first-year savings. His professional background includes senior leadership roles at Amy’s Kitchen and Ingredion Incorporated, establishing a track record for translating complex industrial strategies into measurable operational results. By elevating a supply chain veteran to CEO, AFNA is signalling a focus on "asset optimisation" and supply chain resilience as foundational elements for its next growth phase. Capturing Growth in the $90 Billion Frozen Food Market Gardner inherits a portfolio positioned in some of the most dynamic subcategories of the 90 billion dollar U.S. frozen food market. According to Circana and Grand View Research, the "multicultural" and "frozen snack" segments are currently outperforming the broader category, with compound annual growth rates ranging from 7 per cent to over 10 per cent. AFNA’s brand stable, including Ling Ling and Tai Pei, is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the expanding consumer demand for authentic global flavours. Gardner’s mandate involves shifting the brand perception from a traditional frozen food manufacturer to a recognised "well-being" brand, aligning with the parent company's global focus on amino acid science and nutritional balance. Priorities for the Next Phase of AFNA Expansion Gardner has identified three primary strategic pillars for his early tenure: Operational Excellence: Establishing high-efficiency manufacturing as a company-wide discipline to support margin protection. Brand Building and Innovation: Accelerating the R&D pipeline to expand AFNA’s footprint on retail shelves and within the high-velocity foodservice channel. Talent Development: Developing a "deep bench" of cross-functional leaders aligned with the company’s purpose-driven framework. Hiroshi Kaho, Gardner’s predecessor, noted that the organisation has built a strong foundation with a clear sense of purpose. He emphasised that Gardner’s experience in integrating businesses at scale makes him uniquely suited to lead AFNA as it seeks to meet evolving consumer expectations for convenience and quality. People Ajinomoto Foods North America Appoints Dave Gardner as CEO Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Coffee & Tea Nestlé and ILO Launch Worker Protection Project in Coffee Supply Chains People RäFoods Appoints John Rota as Chief Marketing Officer to Scale Living Nutrition Business & Finance Heineken to Cut Up to 6,000 Jobs as Western Beer Volumes Slide; Outgoing CEO Calls for 'Bolder' Innovation Agriculture New Industry Report Warns Skills Shortage Threatens UK Food Security People Business & Finance Food Related news

Whole Foods Market is expanding its urban footprint by bringing its small-format Daily Shop concept to Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Whole Foods Market has announced a significant escalation of its urban retail strategy, confirming that its smaller-format "Daily Shop" concept will debut in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia over the next two years. The expansion follows the successful pilot of the format in New York City and represents an intentional effort to penetrate high-density urban neighbourhoods where traditional large-scale grocery footprints are difficult to establish. The move underscores Amazon’s broader commitment to physical retail, with the organisation targeting 100 new store openings across its grocery portfolio in the coming years. Urban Real Estate and Signed Leases The expansion is supported by three newly signed leases in high-traffic metropolitan districts. These locations are specifically chosen for their proximity to residential and commercial hubs, allowing the brand to serve the "quick-trip" shopping occasion. Confirmed expansion sites include Boston 111 Harbor Way in the Seaport district. Chicago 1200 N Ashland in the Wicker Park neighbourhood. Philadelphia 2221-2225 South Street. Opening dates for these locations will be determined as store development progresses. Christina Minardi, Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development at Whole Foods Market and Amazon, noted that the format is a critical component of the company's physical growth roadmap, designed to meet consumers’ everyday needs in a streamlined environment. Intentional Footprint and Curated Assortment The Daily Shop format relies on a "curated" rather than "comprehensive" inventory model. By reducing the physical footprint, Whole Foods can optimise operational efficiency while maintaining the high ingredient standards of its flagship stores. The assortment focuses on high-velocity categories: Fresh Produce and Proteins: A focused selection of meat and seafood tailored for immediate meal prep. Prepared Foods and Bakery: High-margin grab-and-go options for urban professionals. The 365 Portfolio: A heavy emphasis on the private-label "365 by Whole Foods Market" range to drive value perception. Local Integration: Identifying and highlighting regional suppliers to ensure the assortment reflects the specific community. Stephanie Curley, Senior Manager of Growth and Innovation, emphasised that these stores utilise "smart merchandising" fixtures and layouts designed to support quick decision-making and rapid navigation. Evolution of the Daily Shop Format The concept first launched in New York City in 2024 and has since demonstrated a high degree of international scalability. In April 2026, the first international Daily Shop opened in London, followed by additional announcements for further sites in the UK and NYC metros later this year. This format provides Amazon with a flexible tool to test new approaches to retail presentation and fixture design. Insights gathered from these high-density urban environments are expected to inform the design and operational workflows of future Whole Foods Market locations globally. The expansion of the Daily Shop occurs as the boundaries between traditional grocery, convenience, and quick-commerce continue to blur. By offering a premium "neighbourhood" experience that bridges the gap between a full-service supermarket and a convenience store, Whole Foods is positioning itself to lead the urban grocery segment. As Amazon integrates its physical store presence with its vast digital delivery network, which now serves over 5,000 cities, the Daily Shop acts as a physical anchor for the brand in the most valuable real estate markets in the United States. Analysts expect this smaller-format strategy to be a primary driver of unit count growth through the remainder of the decade. Retail Whole Foods Market Scales Small Format Daily Shop into New Cities Eddie Sanders May 14, 2026 Retail Southern Co-op Dismisses OurCoop Partnership Bid Ahead of Landmark Merger Retail 7-Eleven to Close 645 North American Stores in Strategic Shift to Foodservice New Products Tesco Launches First Chilled Own-Brand High-Protein Meal Range Retail Lidl and 1GLOBAL Partner to Launch Global Telecommunications Business & Finance Retail Related news

Nando’s has announced the retail expansion of its PERi-PERi Saka collaboration alongside a significant summer menu update featuring premium sides comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Nando’s has initiated a broad strategic update to its UK and Ireland operations, headlined by the transition of its limited-edition "PERi-PERi Saka" sauce into retail. The move, which sees the sauce debut in Tesco aisles, is accompanied by a robust summer menu launch that introduces premium side dishes, revamped plant-based options, and a seasonal beverage programme designed to capture increased footfall. PERi PERi Saka Collaboration Following a successful initial restaurant run, Nando’s is scaling its partnership with professional footballer Bukayo Saka. The collaboration is moving beyond the hospitality space and into the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market, with the PERi-PERi Saka sauce appearing in Tesco stores as of late April. The sauce, which features a flavour profile of tomato, garlic, and smoked paprika, is rated as "Medium" on the brand's proprietary PERi-ometer. While the retail product represents a new revenue stream, the sauce will remain a limited-time fixture at in-restaurant sauce stations until September 30, 2026. This dual-channel approach allows the brand to capitalise on the "home fan" demographic while maintaining urgency in the dining sector. Premium Menu Innovations and Core Returns The summer menu update introduces "Rostinas," a new premium side dish modelled after patatas bravas. Served with Garlic Aioli and a PERi-PERi Drizzle, the addition signals a move toward more sophisticated, shareable side options. Furthermore, Nando’s is leveraging brand nostalgia with the return of the Butterfly Burger. The product has been updated with a new "PERi-house" sauce, marking the brand's latest entry into the competitive speciality burger category. Plant-Based Reformulation and Seasonal Beverages In response to evolving dietary preferences and allergen standards, the company has updated its "PERi-Plant Fillet" recipe. The new formulation is featured in The Great Imitator Wrap, which remains a core pillar of the brand's meat-alternative strategy. Nando's has issued a notice that these changes have altered the product's allergen profile, reflecting an industry-wide trend toward transparent ingredient communication. To address the high-velocity summer lunch and evening markets, Nando's is also introducing: The Big Caesar Wrap: A new extension of "The Lunch Fix" range available until 3 pm on weekdays. Triple Chocolate Brownie: A high-indulgence addition to the dessert portfolio. Frozen Cocktails and Crushes: A new range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic "slushie" style beverages, including Tropical and Pink Berry flavours, available in selected locations. Foodservice Nando's Scales Saka Collaboration with Summer Menu Update Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 New Products Tostitos Launches Refrigerated Chunky Guacamole Line New Products Nestlé USA Enters Condiment Category with Minor’s Kitchen Innovation New Products Marzetti Launches Protein Ranch Dressing and Dip New Products McCormick and MISSION BBQ Partner for Nationwide Retail Sauce Launch Sauces New Products Foodservice Related news

Wells Enterprises and Ferrero have partnered to launch Nutella Ice Cream nationwide. The strategic brand extension transitions the iconic hazelnut spread comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Wells Enterprises, in collaboration with Ferrero North America, has announced the nationwide launch of Nutella Ice Cream. The highly anticipated release marks the official debut of the iconic hazelnut-cocoa spread within the frozen dessert aisle in the United States, representing a significant category expansion for the 60-year-old brand. The launch is engineered to capture consumer demand for "premium indulgence" by offering an authentic translation of a globally recognised flavour profile into a new, high-velocity format. The transition of Nutella from an ambient pantry staple to a frozen dessert represents a calculated "brand stretch" strategy. By utilising real Nutella® within the formulation, Wells Enterprises and Ferrero are mitigating the risks associated with entering a highly competitive category. Noah Szporn, Senior Vice President of Nutella at Ferrero North America, described the launch as a "milestone moment" for the brand. The strategy relies on leveraging deep-rooted consumer loyalty to drive immediate trial and secure premium shelf placement across major retail networks. Technical Formulation and Format Versatility A primary challenge in translating ambient spreads to frozen applications is maintaining the expected sensory profile, specifically texture and flavour intensity at sub-zero temperatures. Isabella Chia, Chief Marketing Officer at Wells Enterprises, highlighted the operational mandate for the product's development: "Our job was simple: don't mess it up." The formulation relies on integrating real Nutella® layers and swirls throughout a smooth ice cream base to ensure consistent flavour delivery in every bite. To maximise market penetration across different consumption occasions, the product is debuting in two distinct formats: 14-Fluid-Ounce Containers: Designed as a multi-textured, spoonable format. This SKU targets the "at-home indulgence" and sharing occasions, competing directly in the premium pint segment with an MSRP starting at $4.36. 3.04-Fluid-Ounce Single-Serve Cones: Available in 4-packs, this format pairs the hazelnut-cocoa flavour with a crispy wafer cone. Positioned for "on-the-go" and spontaneous snacking, this variant targets the high-frequency novelty sector with an MSRP starting at $5.47. New Products Wells Enterprises Launches Nutella Ice Cream Nationwide in Two Formats Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Business & Finance Mini Melts USA and Magnum Ice Cream Automated Retail Partnership New Products My/Mochi Scales Portfolio with New Nostalgic Cotton Candy Flavour New Products Nutribullet Enters Frozen Dessert Category With Chill Ice Cream Maker New Products Protein Pints Launches Fudge Brownie at Sprouts Farmers Market Nationwide New Products Dairy Food Related news