Diageo introduces Johnnie Walker Blue Label Indian Festive Blend, pairing rare Scotch whiskies with bespoke packaging by couturier Rahul Mishra. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Alcohol Diageo The Newsroom Diageo-owned Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker has unveiled the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Indian Festive Blend, a limited-edition expression and bespoke packaging design developed to commemorate India's festive season. The release marks the second consecutive year of the brand's seasonal luxury initiative, combining rare Scotch whisky blending with contemporary Indian haute couture. Crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, the expression draws from the distiller's reserves of over 10 million maturing casks, selecting stocks meeting the brand's benchmark of one in every 10,000 casks exhibiting sufficient depth of character. Formulated specifically to complement the aromatic profiles and complex flavours of traditional Indian cuisine, the release aims to capture high-value gifting and entertaining occasions during autumn festive trading windows, including Diwali. "I was captivated by the artistry of Indian cuisine, the way chefs balance bold spice with harmony, elegance and depth. That sense of balance became my inspiration for this special Blue Label blend," said Dr Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker. "By layering aromatic notes of cardamom, clove and cinnamon with smooth sweetness and our signature depth of flavour, we've created a whisky that complements the richness of India's festive table while remaining unmistakably Johnnie Walker Blue Label." Blended Scotch Craftsmanship and Flavour Profile The liquid architecture balances traditional peated and malt elements with warming, aromatic botanical notes developed to reflect regional confectionery and savoury celebration banquets. The sensory profile brings together contrasting sweet, floral, and savoury spice layers: 🌿 Aromatic Spices : Pungent cardamom, fragrant clove, and warm cinnamon layered over mature oak. 🌸 Botanical Notes : Delicate infusion of Kashmiri saffron and rosewater delivering aromatic lift. 🍊 Citrus Accents : Bright citrus zest cutting through malt sweetness and dark fruit compote. 🍫 Rich Confectionery : Honeyed malt richness paired with notes of dried fruit and dark chocolate. 💨 Signature Peat Finish : A gentle wisp of aromatic maritime smoke characteristic of core Blue Label stock. Luxury Packaging Collaboration with Rahul Mishra To reinforce the product's gifting credentials in the ultra-premium spirits segment, Johnnie Walker extended its design partnership with Indian couturier Rahul Mishra for a second year. Mishra created an intricate bottle wrap and secondary packaging presentation inspired by Indian flora, fauna, and traditional architectural motifs. The aesthetic links contemporary South Asian runway design with heritage distilling iconography, targeting high-net-worth consumers seeking collectable limited releases. "For this year's Indian Festive Blend, we wanted to create something that felt truly special for the moments that bring people together during the festive season," said Jamie Young, Vice President of Scotch at Diageo. "By pairing a vibrant new design with a new blend of our exceptional whisky, this release celebrates the warmth of gathering, the generosity of gifting and joy the season brings, while honouring the communities and traditions that continue to shape it." Rahul Mishra added: "The festive season in India is deeply rooted in emotion, generosity and togetherness. For me, true luxury carries meaning, preserving craftsmanship while creating lasting memories. Collaborating once again with Johnnie Walker Blue Label has been an opportunity to celebrate those shared values through design." New Products Diageo Launches Johnnie Walker Blue Label Indian Festive Blend Jacob Deraille September 29, 2026 New Products Mondelez Launches 2026 Festive Range with Toblerone Biscoff Truffles New Products Ocean Spray Unveils Festive Innovation with Spiced Beverage and Chilli Sauce Launch Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches 2025 Christmas Menu with Innovative Butter Pecan Cookie Latte Soft drinks PepsiCo Launches Limited-Edition Gingerbread Zero Sugar Cola for UK Holiday Season Beverage New Products Alcohol Related news

Mars Snacking introduces Skittles Gummy Crystals, pairing soft gummies with crunchy crystals ahead of a TikTok Shop launch and 2027 retail rollout. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Mars Inc The Newsroom Mars Snacking has expanded its non-chocolate confectionery portfolio with the introduction of Skittles Gummy Crystals, marking the brand's commercial entry into the emerging multi-textured crunchy gummy segment. The product combines a soft, chewy gummy centre with an outer coating of tangy, crunchy candy crystals to deliver dual-texture sensory delivery in each piece. The release arrives in two distinct varieties, Original and Tropical Splash, and will undergo a phased commercial rollout initiating on TikTok Shop on 2 November 2026 before entering national retail distribution in 2027. The launch responds to accelerating consumer demand across the ambient sugar confectionery fixture for dynamic texture contrasts, where viral social media confectionery trends have driven mainstream adoption of coated, freeze-dried, and crystal-encrusted gummies. "Consumer-led innovation is at the heart of Mars Snacking, and the true magic of Skittles lies in delivering the unexpected," said Ro Cheng, Marketing Vice President at Mars Snacking North America. "Skittles Gummy Crystals answers the growing demand for dynamic, multi-textured treats by pairing a soft gummy centre with a crystal crunch, giving fans an entirely new way to experience the rainbow." Multi-Textured Confectionery The development of Skittles Gummy Crystals reflects broader product development trends in fruit snacks and gummy sweets, where manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond simple gelatine or pectin chews. By enrobing fruit-flavoured gummies in an exterior layer of crystallised sugar, the format introduces textural complexity that contrasts crisp acoustic crunch against soft chewiness. The sensory pairing is engineered to stimulate consumer interest and trial among younger shoppers, who over-index in multi-sensory snacking consumption. The innovation expands the established Skittles umbrella, which encompasses the flagship chewy lentil countlines alongside line extensions including Skittles Gummies, Skittles Gummies Fuego, Skittles POP'd, and Skittles Littles. Flavour Assortment and Varieties Skittles Gummy Crystals is rolling out across two multi-flavour variety packs, translating the brand's core fruit profiles and tropical combinations into the crystal-coated format: Original Variety 🍓 Strawberry : Classic sweet red berry chew finished with a crystal crunch. 🍋 Lemon : Zesty citrus profile balanced by a tangy exterior coating. 🍇 Grape : Traditional deep grape flavour notes. 🍊 Orange : Sweet and tangy orange citrus profile. 🍏 Green Apple : Tart orchard fruit profile delivering high-acidity notes. Tropical Splash Variety 🍹 Fruit Punch : Mixed tropical red fruit blend with confectionery sweetness. 🍋 Pink Lemonade : Sweet-tart citrus profile with subtle berry undertones. 🍈 Mango Melon : Ripe stone fruit combined with sweet honeydew notes. 🍍 Pineapple : Bright, tropical pineapple flavouring. 🍉 Watermelon : Refreshing melon profile paired with tangy crystal crunch. Phased Distribution and Digital-First Retail Mars Snacking is utilising a staged commercialisation framework that pairs social commerce exclusivity with physical grocery expansion: Direct Social Commerce Launch : Initial consumer availability begins on 2 November 2026 exclusively via TikTok Shop, offered within a dedicated promotional bundle while limited production batches last. Preliminary Retail Trial : Selected US brick-and-mortar retailers will receive introductory inventory allocations in late 2026 to gauge purchase velocity. National Retail Rollout : Nationwide distribution across mass-merchandise chains, supermarket multiples, convenience forecourts, and digital e-commerce channels will commence in 2027. The phased approach enables Mars Snacking to harness digital excitement and consumer-generated content across social platforms before scaling production lines to satisfy high-volume supermarket shelf replenishment across North American retail channels. New Products Mars Snacking Launches Skittles Gummy Crystals in US Dan Bunt September 29, 2026 Foodservice Zaxbys Launches NERDS Strawberry Milkshake New Products Co-op Launches Halloween 2026 Confectionery and Snack Range Confectionery HI-CHEW Brings Back Halloween Mystery Mix with New Hidden Flavour New Products Cloetta Launches Multisensory Sprinkled Foamies Confectionery Snacking New Products Related news

Müller UK & Ireland launches limited-edition Frijj Chilli Chocolate, introducing sweet-heat flavour profiles to the chilled flavoured milk fixture for Halloween comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Dairy Müller The Newsroom Müller UK & Ireland has expanded its flavoured milk portfolio with the launch of a limited-edition Frijj Chilli Chocolate milkshake, introducing sweet-and-spicy flavour formulations to the UK chilled ready-to-drink (RTD) dairy category. Rolling out to major UK supermarket retailers and convenience stores, the 330ml SKU pairs standard chocolate milk with chilli heat notes to tap into growing consumer interest in "swicy" (sweet-and-spicy) flavour profiles. The launch marks the first spicy milkshake variant to enter the domestic chilled RTD category, positioned to stimulate consumer engagement and seasonal impulse sales during the autumn trading period. The limited-run variant serves as the headline release for Müller's seasonal 'Frijj Freaks' Halloween promotional platform, which will trade across retail channels through 31 October 2026, or while production volumes last. Swicy Flavour Integration and Market Demand The product formulation pairs Frijj's signature thick-shake chocolate milk base with warming chilli flavouring, engineered to balance rich dairy indulgence with a spicy finish. The release responds directly to shifts in consumer flavour preferences across impulse snacks and confectionery, where sweet-heat combinations have gained mainstream traction across grocery aisles: 🌶️ Frijj Chilli Chocolate : A limited-edition 330ml flavoured milk pairing traditional sweet cocoa notes with warming chilli heat in a chilled ready-to-drink format. Müller cited consumer market research indicating that two in five global consumers (40%) actively seek more adventurous and unexpected flavour combinations in indulgent food and beverage categories. By contrasting sweet cocoa profiles against chilli spice, the manufacturer aims to generate trial among shoppers looking for novel eating and drinking experiences. "Consumers are increasingly looking for exciting and unexpected flavour experiences, and Chilli Chocolate delivers a unique combination of sweetness and spice that's perfect for the season," said Rebecca Spellman, Drinks Lead at Müller Yoghurt & Desserts. "Halloween provides a fantastic opportunity to bring excitement to the chilled drinks category, and we're confident the Frijj Freaks range will help retailers drive engagement and impulse purchases throughout the autumn period." Frijj Freaks Campaign and Seasonal Packaging Reskins The launch of Chilli Chocolate is integrated into a broader seasonal marketing initiative designed to capture holiday retail footfall. Under the 'Frijj Freaks' banner, Müller is introducing limited-edition Halloween-themed packaging graphics across its established core Frijj 330ml milkshake lineup: 🍫 Chocolate Freak : The brand's core milk chocolate shake repackaged in seasonal Halloween monster trade dress. 🍫 Fudge Brownie Freak : Indulgent chocolate fudge brownie flavour wrapped in limited-edition festive livery. 🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Freak : Chilled strawberry and biscuit profile featuring themed seasonal character artwork. 🍌 Banana Freak : Signature sweet banana shake reskinned for autumn fixture display. 🍪 Cookie Dough Freak : Dessert-inspired cookie dough formulation presented in temporary festive graphics. 🧁 Brookie & Cream Freak : Brownie and cookie combination shake branded under the Halloween umbrella. The temporary pack makeovers incorporate monster character motifs to increase front-of-fixture visibility in supermarket chillers, supporting category navigation without disrupting established brand equity. The Halloween campaign aims to provide grocery retailers with seasonal merchandising hooks across convenience chillers and dairy aisles, encouraging impulse adoption during a period traditionally led by ambient confectionery and bakery promotions. Retail Distribution Commercial distribution for Frijj Chilli Chocolate and the wider Frijj Freaks collection has commenced across major UK grocery multiples and independent convenience accounts. The launch is supported by an integrated multi-channel marketing campaign spanning digital video, influencer partnerships, and social media activations across Meta and TikTok throughout September and October. Central to the promotional push is the 'Chilli Chill Challenge', an interactive social media activation encouraging consumers and digital creators to test and share their reactions to the spicy milkshake. In-store point-of-sale displays and trade marketing collateral will headline with the call-to-action "Can you handle the heat?", driving trial in high-footfall chiller locations. The limited-edition SKU will remain available through the October trading window, running through Halloween on 31 October 2026. New Products Müller Launches Halloween Frijj Chilli Chocolate Milkshake Eddie Sanders September 30, 2026 New Products New Barn Organics and BAM Partner on Regenerative Buckwheat Milk New Products Jimmy's Introduces Iced Cereal Milk and Black Forest Gateau Milkshakes New Products MALK Expands into Shelf-Stable and Protein Milks New Products Nurri Launches Ultra-Filtered Protein Milk at Walmart Nationwide New Products Dairy Beverage Related news

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I launches Lucozade Energy Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar across UK retail and convenience channels in 500ml and 900ml formats. 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 Suntory The Newsroom Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has expanded its Lucozade Energy portfolio with the introduction of Lucozade Energy Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar. Rolling out across UK grocery and convenience channels from 28 September, the launch combines a confectionery-inspired sherbet flavour profile with a zero-sugar formulation. The product rollout enters retail in 500ml standard and price-marked pack (PMP) formats, alongside a larger 900ml sharing bottle launching initially as a Tesco retail exclusive. The release aims to provide retail stockists with incremental options to drive trial and recruit shoppers into the energy drinks fixture, specifically targeting consumer demand for zero-sugar formulations. "Sherbet Twist is all about bringing something fun and unexpected to shoppers while staying true to the great taste and refreshment people expect from the Lucozade brand," said Adrian O'Brien, Brand Director for Lucozade. "We know consumers are actively looking for new and exciting flavour experiences, particularly within zero sugar." Packaging Formats and Pricing Architecture The launch incorporates varied single-serve and sharing configurations tailored to distinct retail shopping missions: 🍋 Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar 500ml Standard : Recommended retail price (RRP) of £1.75 for standard grocery and impulse chillers. 🍋 Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar 500ml PMP : Price-marked at £1.50 to provide price clarity across independent convenience channels. 🍋 Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar 900ml Bottle : RRP of £2.00, scheduled for an initial exclusive retail window at Tesco before broader distribution. Product Availablity The product introduction follows sustained commercial expansion across the Lucozade brand. According to Nielsen data cited by Suntory, Lucozade Energy generated £395.3 million in value sales over the 52 weeks to 25 July 2026, representing a 2.6% increase in value sales year-on-year across 211.4 million units sold. The brand's zero-sugar and flavour innovation pipeline has contributed measurable volume to the portfolio. Lucozade Energy Grafruitti, which was reintroduced as a permanent offering earlier this year, has generated £8.8 million in value sales since its commercial debut, according to figures from NIQ. Commercial distribution for Lucozade Energy Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar and the accompanying format line extensions is active across UK grocery multiples, wholesale operators, and convenience forecourts. New Products Lucozade Expands Energy Range with Sherbet Twist Zero Sugar Jacob Deraille September 30, 2026 Energy Drinks C4 Energy Launches All Hopped Up Beer-Flavoured Functional Energy Drink Energy Drinks Red Bull Launches Pistachio and Berries Winter Edition in UK New Products Bucked Up Launches Limi-Dead Halloween Pre-Workout and Energy Range New Products 2O3 Launches Performance Hydration Drink with Electrolytes and Honey Soft drinks New Products Beverage Energy Drinks Related news

LALA U.S. expands its Hispanic cheese portfolio from three to 14 SKUs, tapping into a $1.1bn retail category growing at an 11% compound annual rate. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Dairy producer LALA U.S. has expanded its American cheese portfolio from three to 14 stock-keeping units (SKUs), completing a multi-phase rollout aimed at capturing expanding household demand for Mexican cheese varieties across the United States. The portfolio expansion significantly broadens the brand's footprint in the US dairy case, moving from three foundational products at the start of 2026 to 14 distinct formats spanning Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Cotija, Panela, and blended shreds. The rollout aligns with shifting retail dynamics within the dairy case. Market data from Circana indicates that the US Hispanic cheese segment has expanded into a $1.1 billion market, posting an 11% four-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) compared to a 2% CAGR for the broader $22.8 billion mainstream cheese sector. Within the category, Queso Fresco remains the single largest sales driver, while pre-shredded Hispanic varieties represent both the second-largest and fastest-growing segment. "We see an enormous opportunity to build the Hispanic cheese category in the U.S.," said Flavia Panza, Chief Marketing Officer of LALA U.S., Inc. "LALA started the year with three core cheese products and will have 14 by the end of September. This isn't simply a line extension. We are building a complete portfolio that brings together the authentic varieties Hispanic consumers know and love with formats, convenience and meal inspiration that can introduce these cheeses to an even broader group of shoppers." Multi-Format SKU Expansion LALA entered 2026 marketing three core items: 10-ounce portions of Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, and Panela. Following four line additions in the second quarter and seven final additions in September, the brand has introduced packaging formats tailored to diverse household sizes and usage occasions: 🧀 LALA Queso Fresco : A whole-milk fresh cheese with a milky profile and crumbly texture. The range expands beyond the core 10-ounce pack to include an entry-level 5-ounce format structured to lower price barriers for first-time buyers, alongside family-oriented 17.6-ounce (Medio Kilo) and 35.3-ounce (Kilo) configurations for high-frequency households. 🧂 LALA Cotija Cheese : A firm, aged, and crumbly cheese developed for finishing savoury dishes. It is merchandised in traditional 8-ounce wedges, 8-ounce and 14-ounce grated bags, and an 8-ounce tabletop shaker bottle designed to simplify weeknight meal preparation. 🧀 LALA Oaxaca Cheese and Oaxaca Bites : A buttery, semi-soft melting cheese with traditional curd stretch. Available in a 10-ounce whole-milk ball with peelable packaging for cooking applications, alongside an 8-ounce resealable pouch of pre-cut Oaxaca Bites delivering seven grammes of protein per serving for daytime snacking. 🧈 LALA Panela Cheese : A mild, fresh cheese engineered with a high melting point that retains structural integrity when grilled or pan-seared, sold in a 10-ounce round format. 🌮 LALA Natural Cheese Shreds : Packaged in 7-ounce bags calibrated for rapid melting across home-cooking applications, the range includes Quesadilla, Spicy Quesadilla, and Mexican Blend varieties. Packaging Redesign Alongside the SKU expansion, LALA has updated its packaging architecture to bridge conventional Hispanic culinary use with broader mainstream recipe adaptation. The updated packaging introduces prominent on-pack food photography illustrating recipe applications, such as pairing Cotija with salads, grain bowls, and avocado toast, or grilling Panela for breakfast dishes. The merchandising update aims to assist brand recognition among core Hispanic consumers while reducing trial friction for crossover shoppers seeking culinary inspiration. "Consumers increasingly want the authentic flavours they know and love, but they also want convenience, versatility and options that fit the way they live today," Panza noted. "That can mean a smaller Queso Fresco that makes it easier for a new consumer to try, a Cotija shaker bottle that simplifies a weeknight meal or protein-packed snackable Oaxaca Bites. We are building the portfolio around those different consumer needs while staying true to the taste, quality and heritage consumers expect from LALA." Marketing and Retail Footprint The portfolio expansion is backed by LALA's new "¡Ya Quedó!" creative marketing platform, an integrated campaign linking the cheese range with the brand's retail crema line. The promotional rollout encompasses digital video, social media activations, influencer marketing, in-store product sampling, coupons, and seasonal cross-merchandising displays around major autumn and winter holiday periods. The expanded line enters commercial distribution across independent Hispanic grocers, regional supermarket banners, and mainstream retail grocery multiples nationwide. Suggested retail prices begin at $1.99 for Queso Fresco, $3.49 for Cheese Shreds, $3.99 for Cotija, and $4.99 for Oaxaca Bites. 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New Barn Organics partners with BAM to launch Regenerative Organic Certified Buckwheat Milk, rolling out across regional Whole Foods Market stores. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Plant-based food brand New Barn Organics has partnered with food-tech venture BAM the Brand, Inc. to launch a Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) Buckwheat Milk across the United States. Rolling out to select regional Whole Foods Market locations, the launch marks New Barn Organics' first product developed from inception under the ROC framework. The commercial arrangement combines BAM’s proprietary buckwheat processing technology with New Barn’s established manufacturing and retail distribution platform. The product rollout has commenced across Whole Foods Market divisions in Northern California, Southern Pacific, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountain region, and Florida. Partnership Structure and Supply Chain Integration Under the commercial agreement, New Barn Organics has acquired the proprietary formulations for BAM's Buckwheat Milk, returning the finished liquid beverage to retail shelves under the New Barn Organics masterbrand. In turn, BAM will transition into an upstream commercial supplier, providing its shelf-stable Buckwheat Milk Powder to New Barn as its anchor customer. The ingredient platform is engineered to facilitate scaled adoption of buckwheat across broader food and beverage applications. "The CPG industry is competitive, and we saw a unique opportunity to be stronger together," said Paige Hansen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BAM the Brand, Inc. "Plant-based milk remains a core category, and Buckwheat Milk is a natural next step as consumers seek regenerative, delicious ways to diversify their diets. This partnership accelerates category growth and enables BAM to expand buckwheat into new formats." Jasen Ureña, Vice President of New Barn Organics, added: "We chose buckwheat because of BAM's early leadership and the consumer traction Paige created. BAM's innovation gives us a powerful ingredient to build from, and we're thrilled to bring it to consumers through the New Barn portfolio." Formulation and Certification Standards The product formulation is positioned around emerging clean-label and agricultural sustainability benchmarks within the plant-based dairy category: Regenerative Organic Certified : Certified through the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), validating farm-level soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness criteria throughout the agricultural supply chain. Certified Seed Oil Free : Formulated without added vegetable oils, addressing consumer scrutiny regarding emulsifiers and refined seed oils in alternative milks. Allergen Profile : Naturally gluten-free and processed without dairy, nuts, or soy inputs. To secure sufficient certified raw material volumes, New Barn and BAM worked directly with the ROA to formalise supply routes for regenerative organic buckwheat cultivation. Whole Foods Market Accelerator Origins and Distribution The commercial collaboration originated through Whole Foods Market's Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP), which accepted BAM into its 2023 cohort and paired the business with New Barn Organics for industry mentorship. "At Whole Foods Market, one of our core values is to practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers, so it's an extra win for us when two of our suppliers join forces like this," said Lisa Tosun, Emerging Brands Forager for Whole Foods Market. "I've had the pleasure of working with New Barn Organics for about nine years now and knew when BAM joined our LEAP cohort back in 2023 that these two brands would instantly connect through their commitment to regenerative agriculture." Commercial distribution is currently expanding across Whole Foods Market shelves throughout five core US operating territories, with wider availability across natural grocery channels planned as raw buckwheat production scales. New Products New Barn Organics and BAM Partner on Regenerative Buckwheat Milk Eddie Sanders September 29, 2026 New Products Jimmy's Introduces Iced Cereal Milk and Black Forest Gateau Milkshakes New Products MALK Expands into Shelf-Stable and Protein Milks New Products Nurri Launches Ultra-Filtered Protein Milk at Walmart Nationwide New Products Nurri Launches Ultra-Filtered Protein Shakes Agriculture Plant-based New Products Sustainability Related news

Mars brand Snickers collaborates with Adidas to launch the Adizero Electric + II football cleat and limited-edition co-branded confectionery bars. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Mars Inc The Newsroom Snickers, a subsidiary of Mars Snacking, has partnered with sportswear manufacturer Adidas to release a limited-edition American football cleat alongside co-branded confectionery products. The collaboration introduces a customised edition of the Adidas Adizero Electric + II cleat, featuring Snickers' signature chocolate-brown colour palette paired with seasonal design accents. The footwear release is accompanied by exclusive Snickers x Adidas chocolate bars and promotional activations tying into the autumn sports calendar and the Halloween trading window. The footwear will launch in limited quantities on 10 October via Adidas digital channels at a suggested retail price of $180, while the co-branded confectionery bars debuted via direct-to-consumer sweepstakes on 29 September. "Snickers has always found unexpected ways to satisfy fans on and off the field, and this partnership with Adidas brings that spirit to the football field like never before," said Maria Urista, Vice President of Chocolate Marketing at Mars Snacking. "Creating our first-ever Snickers x Adidas football cleat and matching bars, we continue to give fans new ways to celebrate both the Halloween and football seasons." Footwear Engineering and Product Specifications The collaboration pairs consumer confectionery branding with technical athletic footwear specifications developed for competitive gridiron athletes: 🏈 Adizero Electric + II Cleats : Engineered with a synthetic and textile upper designed to contour to the foot for ergonomic support. The lightweight cleat construction is calibrated for linear sprinting speed and lateral agility, featuring a secure lace closure, custom Snickers lace charms, and chocolate-brown exterior panelling. 🟢 Seasonal Design Elements : Built with a vibrant green interior sockliner that links the athletic footwear with the seasonal Halloween confectionery aesthetic. The release marks the first time the Snickers brand has licensed its trade dress and visual assets for high-performance team sports footwear. Co-Branded Confectionery and Digital Sweepstakes To bridge the physical apparel launch with consumer snacking, Mars Snacking has produced limited-edition chocolate bars available exclusively through promotional digital channels: 🍫 Snickers x Adidas Chocolate Bars : Custom-packaged countlines featuring co-branded wrapper graphics, distributed through an online consumer sweepstakes running from 29 September through 13 October via the brand's promotional microsite. 🧟 Snickers Ghoulish Green Bars : The seasonal chocolate bar variant featuring green nougat, integrated into the promotional campaign to align with the cleat's hidden interior colour scheme. The digital sweepstakes framework is engineered to drive first-party consumer engagement and brand touchpoints across online channels during the convergence of the college and professional football seasons with peak seasonal confectionery purchasing. Cross-Category Licensing and Athlete Marketing The project reflects broader FMCG marketing strategies that combine food brand equity with functional sportswear to engage lifestyle and sports enthusiast demographics. To amplify visibility across digital and broadcast channels, the brands have partnered with athlete Carnell Tate. Tate will front promotional game-day activations scheduled for 11 October, integrating the co-branded footwear into digital culture and sports lifestyle media. The collaboration illustrates how heritage ambient confectionery manufacturers are leveraging limited-run apparel partnerships and athlete endorsements to elevate brand relevance beyond traditional grocery and convenience checkout displays. Confectionery Snickers and Adidas Partner on Limited-Edition Football Cleat Eddie Sanders September 29, 2026 New Products Lunchables Launches Limited-Edition Pizza Grill Snacking SkinnyDipped Launches Low-Sugar Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Wafers Snacking PepsiCo Unveils Christmas 2026 Snacking Line-Up New Products Ritter Sport Launches Large Format DUOs Marketing New Products Confectionery Snacking Related news

Tim Hortons US launches its Halloween menu, partnering with Twix and Oreo on limited-edition bakery and beverage items alongside novelty merchandise. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Tim Hortons U.S. has introduced its seasonal Halloween menu, incorporating co-branded food and beverage lines developed in collaboration with Mars Wrigley's Twix and Mondelēz International's Oreo. Rolling out to participating restaurants nationwide from today, the limited-time offering (LTO) spans hot and cold speciality beverages, filled bakery items, and themed novelty doughnuts. The seasonal campaign also brings back the brand's collectable Timbits merchandise bucket, structured around volume purchasing and discounted refills to drive repeat visits throughout the October trading window. "Halloween at Tims is all about the little moments that make the season fun – a doughnut that makes your kids smile, a treat you didn't plan on but absolutely deserve," said Maria Posada, Vice President of Marketing for Tim Hortons U.S. "Our guests look forward to our Halloween lineup every year and we're excited about what we're serving, from fun, hand-decorated doughnuts to the flavours of TWIX and OREO cookie and another new Timbits bucket that kids can use when Trick-or-Treating." Co-Branded Confectionery and Beverage Formulations The beverage programme leverages established FMCG brand equity, translating chocolate confectionery lines and filled sandwich biscuits into hot and blended iced formats: 🍫 TWIX and Treat Hot Chocolate : Formulated with the chain’s core hot cocoa base, topped with whipped topping, a chocolate sauce drizzle, and chopped Twix pieces for textural crunch. ☕ TWIX and Treat Iced Capp : A frozen blended coffee beverage combining the proprietary Iced Capp base with cream, caramel, and chocolate flavouring, incorporating crushed Twix pieces blended directly into the liquid and layered over the whipped topping. 🥐 Spookies n' Screams Croissant with OREO : A fresh-baked, sliced croissant filled with whole Oreo cookie pieces, chocolate dip, and sweet whipped topping, finished with powdered sugar, dark chocolate drizzle, and crushed Oreo crumbs. Integrating licensed confectionery brands into seasonal menus allows quick-service operators to drive afternoon snacking and dessert daypart traffic, pairing familiar impulse flavour profiles with core beverage and bakery platforms. Novelty Doughnuts and Themed Bakery Additions Alongside the branded ingredient partnerships, Tim Hortons has developed two hand-finished novelty yeast and cake doughnuts: 🍩 Mummy Doughnut : A traditional chocolate cake doughnut ring hand-decorated with layered ribbons of vanilla-flavoured white icing. 🧟 Frankenstein Doughnut : A yeast-raised shell doughnut filled with vanilla-flavoured cream fluff, decorated with chocolate and vanilla icing details to form a character face. The visual decorating formats are engineered to capture social media engagement and cater to domestic party and office catering occasions without requiring bespoke ingredient supply chains or specialised kitchen production equipment. Promotional Merchandising and Repeat-Visit Mechanics To capture family and community purchasing during the Halloween season, Tim Hortons is reintroducing its proprietary packaging merchandise: 🎃 Timbits Trick-or-Treat Buckets : Food-safe, novelty confectionery buckets sold either standalone or filled with 31 Timbits bite-sized doughnut portions for $11.99. To generate repeat customer visits through Halloween night, the purchase of a bucket includes promotional qualification for $6 Timbits refills throughout the campaign window while inventory lasts. This pricing architecture encourages repeat basket building, driving counter and drive-thru traffic across midday and early-evening dayparts. Autumn Seasonal Portfolio The Halloween lineup complements Tim Hortons' wider autumn seasonal assortment, which continues to trade across participating US locations: 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Latte : Espresso-based hot or iced latte flavoured with spiced pumpkin syrup. 🍩 Frosted Pumpkin Cake Doughnut : Traditional glazed pumpkin-spiced cake doughnut. 🧁 Pumpkin Muffin : Spiced pumpkin muffin topped with sweet cream cheese filling. 🍎 Cinnamon Caramel Apple Latte : Available served hot or iced, blending caramel apple flavour notes with espresso and steamed milk. 🍏 Apple Cider Timbit : Glazed bite-sized doughnut hole formulated with concentrated apple cider notes. The Halloween assortment and associated merchandise will be available across participating US locations while supplies last, supported by drive-thru, counter ordering, and the brand's mobile application. New Products Tim Hortons US Unveils Halloween Menu with Twix and Oreo Collaborations Eddie Sanders September 30, 2026 New Products Dunkin' Unveils Halloween Menu with Green Apple Energy Drink and Purple Cold Foam New Products Heinz Launches Limited Edition Chilli Bite Ketchup for Halloween Coffee & Tea Paris Baguette Introduces Sweet Heat Halloween Range New Products Ferrero Expands Halloween Range into Adultoween Confectionery Lineup Coffee & Tea Beverage New Products Related news

City Brewing appoints former Canopy Growth CEO and Constellation Brands CFO David Klein to its board of directors as George Parke transitions to senior advisor. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom US contract beverage manufacturer City Brewing & Beverage has appointed seasoned consumer packaged goods executive David Klein to its board of directors. The appointment brings decades of corporate management, finance, and operational experience to the company, which ranks among the largest independent co-packers of beer, flavoured malt beverages (FMBs), ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks in the United States. Klein joins the board as City Brewing continues to broaden its national manufacturing operations and diversify its commercial brand partnerships across alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories. Executive Background and Commercial Track Record Klein brings extensive executive leadership experience across Fortune 500 consumer goods businesses and high-growth beverage enterprises. Most recently, Klein served as Chief Executive Officer of cannabis and consumer goods company Canopy Growth Corporation. Prior to that, he spent 14 years in senior leadership roles at alcoholic beverage conglomerate Constellation Brands, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure at Constellation Brands, Klein oversaw global corporate finance, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and operational scaling across major beer, wine, and spirits portfolios. "David's extensive industry knowledge and financial and operational expertise will be incredibly valuable to City Brewing," said Ross Sannes, Chief Executive Officer of City Brewing. "With our national scale, strategically located plants, and production across beverage segments and formats in one network, City Brewing is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the evolution of the beverage industry that is currently underway. David understands the dynamics shaping our industry and what it takes to build and operate a business at scale, and his perspective will help us as we continue raising the bar for our customers." Commenting on his appointment, Klein stated: "The beverage landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and with City Brewing's impressive platform and strong customer relationships, the company is well-positioned to build upon its scale and capabilities to help brands respond to change. I am looking forward to working with the team to build on the company's strong foundation and continue delivering for its customers." Board Governance and Advisory Transition In conjunction with Klein's appointment, long-standing board member George Parke has stepped down from his directorship to become a senior advisor to the board. Parke played a central role in directing the business over more than a decade, having served as Chief Executive Officer of City Brewing from 2007 through 2021. In his new capacity, Parke will provide strategic counsel to executive leadership and the board on long-term industry partnerships and operational planning. Co-Manufacturing Footprint and Network Scope City Brewing operates as a core production partner for major multinational brand owners, emerging regional craft producers, and private-label beverage retailers across North America. The company's contract manufacturing network provides specialised processing and high-speed packaging capabilities across diverse formats, including can lines, glass bottling, and kegging. Its multi-plant industrial platform spans high-volume processing for traditional beer, hard seltzers, ready-to-drink spirits, functional teas, energy beverages, and premium non-alcoholic refreshments. People City Brewing Appoints Former Constellation Brands CFO David Klein to Board Eddie Sanders September 25, 2026 People Coca-Cola Appoints Rob Gehring President of North America Operating Unit People Kraft Heinz Appoints Lucy Hovey as CFO for UK and Ireland Operations People The Hershey Company Appoints Dave Hulays as Chief Financial Officer People Nestlé Waters UK Appoints Thomas Conquet as UK Managing Director People Business & Finance Beverage Related news

Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages completes a $42m expansion in San Antonio, adding a second line and 170,000 sq ft of warehouse capacity. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (AC-CCSWB) has completed a $42 million expansion project at its production and distribution facility in San Antonio, Texas. The capital investment adds 170,000 square feet of dedicated warehouse space and installs a second high-speed production line, substantially scaling beverage manufacturing and storage capabilities across the Central Texas corridor. The Dallas-based business, one of the largest independent Coca-Cola bottling companies in the United States, marked the facility's completion with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the site. The operational expansion addresses sustained commercial growth and beverage volume requirements throughout Central Texas, providing the regional hub with upgraded infrastructure to support customer delivery networks and seasonal retail demand. "Geographically, our San Antonio facility plays such an important role in our territory. It is the right time to invest in this expansion project as our business continues to grow year after year," said Susanne Brady-Lusk, President of Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. "This decision reflects our confidence in the future of San Antonio and Central Texas. We have the people, capabilities and infrastructure needed to serve our customers and communities in this region for many years to come." Production Line Addition and Warehouse Capacity The installation of a second production line provides the San Antonio operation with increased packaging throughput across core carbonated soft drink lines and non-carbonated beverage portfolios. In parallel with manufacturing upgrades, the 170,000-square-foot warehouse expansion lifts total on-site storage capacity by 20%. The expanded storage footprint provides logistics teams with improved inventory buffering, enabling the company to mitigate distribution bottlenecks during high-volume retail trading windows, severe weather disruptions, and summer volume peaks. The additional space allows for improved pallet movement workflows and automated logistics routing, streamlining transport turnaround times for direct-store-delivery (DSD) fleets operating out of the facility. Regional Footprint and Central Texas Operations Coca-Cola has maintained commercial distribution and bottling operations in San Antonio for nearly 60 years. The company currently employs approximately 900 staff across its local manufacturing, warehousing, and commercial sales divisions. The San Antonio project forms part of a multi-market capital expenditure programme deployed by AC-CCSWB to modernise bottling operations and logistics throughout its franchise territory. In recent years, the company has completed large-scale facility enhancements across Texas, including major industrial projects in Fort Worth, Houston, and Waco, expanding manufacturing capacity ahead of projected population growth in the American Southwest. Southwest Bottling Network and Commercial Scale As the licensed Coca-Cola bottler for Texas and portions of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas, AC-CCSWB manufactures and distributes packaged beverages to more than 31 million consumers across retail grocery, convenience networks, on-premise dining, and institutional channels. The completion of the San Antonio expansion reinforces the bottler’s supply chain resilience, allowing the business to manage rising logistics overheads by consolidating production and warehousing within high-density regional distribution centres. Facilities Arca Continental Completes $42m San Antonio Bottling Plant Expansion Eddie Sanders September 26, 2026 Facilities Schreiber Foods Invests $267M in Missouri Process Cheese Plant Facilities Barentz Opens Shanghai Application Laboratory to Expand Nutrition Support Facilities Bestzyme Opens First Automated Smart Production Line for Sweet Proteins Business & Finance Anheuser-Busch Invests $23m in Fort Collins Brewery and Technical Training Centre Manufacturing Soft drinks Facilities Beverage Business & Finance Related news

The Coca-Cola Company names Rob Gehring President of its North America operating unit, succeeding interim leader John Murphy effective 1 December 2026. 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 The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Rob Gehring as President of the group’s North America operating unit, effective 1 December 2026. Gehring succeeds John Murphy, who has led the North American operations on an interim basis since 1 August 2026. Murphy will continue in his roles as President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. The leadership transition brings an experienced beverage and retail executive back into the Coca-Cola system, following his tenure at Monster Energy Company, where he most recently served as Chief Executive Officer, Americas. "Rob is a transformational leader whose exceptional ability to develop and lead people, combined with his deep operations experience, has made him a trusted partner across our system," said Henrique Braun, Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. "I am pleased to welcome him back to Coca-Cola and look forward to partnering with him to grow our business in North America." Executive Transition and Operational Scope In his incoming role, Gehring will oversee commercial operations, brand portfolio execution, and customer relationships across the United States and Canada, representing the group’s flagship geographic market. Gehring rejoins the business from Monster Energy Company, an affiliated partner within the wider Coca-Cola distribution system. He was appointed CEO, Americas at Monster Energy in February 2026, directing commercial strategy across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Gehring initially joined Monster Energy in 2024 as Chief Growth Officer. The appointment returns operational leadership of North America to a dedicated, full-time president, allowing John Murphy to concentrate fully on global corporate financial strategy and enterprise executive leadership. Decades of Commercial and Bottling System Experience Gehring brings more than 30 years of commercial, fast-moving consumer goods, and beverage bottling expertise to the position: Coca-Cola System Sourcing and Sales (1992–2016) : Gehring entered the Coca-Cola system in 1992, progressing through commercial sales and marketing roles across the US and Canadian divisions. From 2011 to 2016, he served as President of Coca-Cola’s dedicated global Walmart team, managing retail strategy with the world's largest grocer. The Hershey Company (2016–2018) : Gehring spent two years in ambient confectionery as Global Chief Sales Officer for The Hershey Company, overseeing international customer relationships and retail channel distribution. Swire Coca-Cola USA (2018–2024) : In 2018, Gehring was appointed Chief Operating Officer and subsequently promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of Swire Coca-Cola USA. Under his leadership, the independent bottler managed franchise operations spanning 17 US states and more than 8,000 employees. Industry Governance : His prior industry governance roles include appointments to the Executive Bottler Advisory Board of Keurig Dr Pepper and the board of the American Beverage Association. North American Market Gehring's return to the group aligns with ongoing commercial standardisation across North American beverage channels. As multinational beverage brand owners navigate shifting retail pricing dynamics, channel fragmentation across convenience and digital commerce, and the operational coordination of independent bottling partners, Gehring’s background across bottling manufacturing, retail distribution, and brand management positions him to steer the unit through its next fiscal phase. Gehring holds a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and will officially assume executive duties in Atlanta on 1 December 2026. People Coca-Cola Appoints Rob Gehring President of North America Operating Unit Eddie Sanders September 27, 2026 New Products Dunkin' Unveils Halloween Menu with Green Apple Energy Drink and Purple Cold Foam New Products Kraft Dinner and Sollys Launch Cheesy Cream Soda in Canada Packaging Capri Sun Tests Big Pouch Format Soft drinks Coca-Cola to Invest $10B in US Infrastructure by 2030 Business & Finance Beverage Soft drinks People Related news

Elmhurst 1925 introduces its Clean Protein RTD line to Canada, offering 27g of plant protein per carton across major grocers via UNFI Canada. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Plant-based beverage manufacturer Elmhurst 1925 has introduced its ready-to-drink (RTD) Clean Protein range to the Canadian market, marking the brand's commercial entry into the functional RTD protein category in the country. Packaged in single-serve 11-ounce (approx. 325ml) cartons and sold in four-packs, each serving delivers 27 grams of complete plant protein and 190 calories. The formulation is built on a base of whole culinary nuts combined with a blend of mung bean and pea protein, containing between 3 and 4 grams of sugar sweetened with cane sugar and stevia leaf extract. The Canadian rollout follows consumer demand for functional, high-protein beverages formulated without stabilising gums, carrageenan, cellulose gels, seed oils, or artificial sweeteners. "We're thrilled to bring Clean Protein to the Canadian market. This launch marks a major milestone in our mission to provide shoppers with cleaner, more nutritious plant-based options," said Dan Bukowski, President of Elmhurst 1925. "As demand for more functional wellness continues to grow, we see a significant opportunity to expand the category with a product that delivers exceptional nutrition and taste without compromising ingredient integrity. This launch allows us to continue building alongside our tremendous retail and distribution partners who have put their trust in Elmhurst and our vision for the plant-based beverage space." Formulation and HydroRelease Processing Method Clean Protein avoids conventional thickeners and synthetic emulsifiers often used to stabilise dairy-alternative beverages. The range utilises Elmhurst’s proprietary HydroRelease method, an extraction process that uses water to separate and recombine the macro- and micronutrients of nuts, grains, and seeds. Operating on 100% renewable hydropower and upcycling production side streams into energy, the mechanical method preserves native fats and proteins, enabling smooth emulsion stability without requiring additive gums or vegetable oils. Nutritionally, each carton supplies up to 44% of the daily recommended intake of dietary protein, alongside naturally occurring iron, potassium, calcium, and dietary fibre. The portfolio holds Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Kosher certifications. Four Flavour Varieties and Nut Bases The Clean Protein portfolio launches across four flavour profiles built on whole cashew or pistachio bases: 🌰 Pistachio : Formulated with whole pistachios and vanilla extract, delivering a nutty profile recognised with 2026 NEXTY and Good Housekeeping Snack awards. 🍫 Chocolate Sea Salt : Combines a buttery cashew base with cocoa and a touch of salt to balance chocolate indulgence. 🍦 Vanilla : Formulated with real vanilla extract and whole cashews for a classic, lightly sweetened dairy-alternative profile. 🍓 Strawberry : Incorporates real strawberry puree blended with cashews to deliver a fruit-forward profile without artificial flavours. Distribution and Retail Footprint Commercial distribution across Canada is being managed through food distributor UNFI Canada. Over the coming weeks, the four-pack cartons will roll out to retail shelves across major Canadian grocery multiples and regional banners, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Farm Boy, Save-On-Foods, Longo’s, and Fortinos. The line complements Elmhurst’s wider North American retail presence across traditional supermarkets, natural food channels, and digital direct-to-consumer platforms. New Products Elmhurst 1925 Launches Clean Protein RTD Range in Canada Jacob Deraille September 27, 2026 New Products Dan-O's Seasoning Launches Clean-Label Chilli and Tac-O Seasoning Packets New Solutions Patco Products Launches Starplex Nova Clean Label Emulsifier Platform New Products Walovi Launches Natural Energy Drink and Berry Juice New Products Mason Dixie Foods Launches Clean-Label Chicken Biscuit Sandwich at Costco Beverage New Products Dairy Health & Nutrition Related news