US President Donald Trump has rolled back a series of wide-reaching import tariffs, removing levies on a range of food and beverage products including coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices, nuts, grains and beef. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom US President Donald Trump has rolled back a series of wide-reaching import tariffs, removing levies on a range of food and beverage products including coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices, nuts, grains and beef . Earlier this year, the administration imposed a baseline 10% tariff on most imported goods, citing efforts to address US trade deficits and what Trump called a lack of “reciprocity” from trading partners. Some categories faced additional surcharges. However, on 14 November , the White House announced significant modifications to the tariff policy, with Trump signing an Executive Order exempting a number of agricultural and food items not grown domestically. The administration said limited US production capacity made it “necessary and appropriate” to reverse the measures. The changes apply retroactively from 13 November 2025 . Industry welcomes the move Hershey issued a statement applauding the exemption of cocoa, noting that the crop is essential to its US operations and supports more than 10,000 domestic jobs. “This exemption strengthens our domestic supply chain and enables us to continue investing in American manufacturing,” the company said. The National Coffee Association (NCA) also supported the decision. CEO Bill Murray said removing reciprocal tariffs on most coffee imports would ease cost-of-living pressures and support an industry where every $1 in imports generates $43 in US economic value . Murray also praised recent trade deals with Switzerland, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala . Tariff scrutiny and beef market tensions The rollback comes amid political pressure over rising food and beverage prices in the US, though Trump denies his tariff policies have contributed to inflation. Last week, the President instructed the Department of Justice to investigate major meatpacking companies for alleged price manipulation in the beef sector. The action follows concerns that US cattle production cannot meet domestic demand. Bill Bullard , CEO of rancher association R-Calf USA , said the President’s concerns about capacity constraints are valid, blaming decades of weak trade policy and lack of antitrust enforcement for industry consolidation. He argued consumers have faced inflated beef prices since 2017 , even while cattle prices had previously fallen. Bullard added that drought conditions worsened supply issues, pushing cattle prices sharply upward as strong consumer demand collided with scarcity. With beef now at the highest nominal prices in US history , Bullard said the industry must rebuild production and competition.R-Calf USA “ strongly supports ” the DOJ investigation, pledging to work with the administration to restore fair market conditions. Legal Trump Removes Tariffs on Key Food & Beverage Imports Including Coffee, Cocoa and Beef News November 17, 2025 Plant-based Steakholder Foods Partners with KeHE to Launch Perfecta Plant-Based Range in US New Products General Mills Unveils America’s 250th Themed Products New Products Republican Red Winery Launches The 1776 Collection People Savory Fund Appoints Velvet Taco Veteran Clay Dover as CEO; Co-Founder Shauna Smith Named Managing Director Business & Finance Food Legal Fresh Produce Logistics & Supply Chain Related news

The rollout is available immediately nationwide, aiming to offer consumers permissible indulgence and functional breath refreshment within the competitive impulse category. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food Nestlé The Newsroom Nestlé UK & Ireland has announced a significant expansion of its iconic POLO mint brand with the launch of two new sugar-free SKUs: POLO Sugar-Free Extra Strong Mint and POLO Sugar-Free Berry Mint Flavour . The rollout is available immediately nationwide, aiming to offer consumers permissible indulgence and functional breath refreshment within the competitive impulse category. The launch represents a strategic move to modernise the heritage brand by aligning it with contemporary health trends. Both new variants are sugar-free and vegan-friendly , addressing two critical purchase drivers for younger demographics in the confectionery aisle. Flavour vs. Function The expansion segments the portfolio to cater to different consumer needs: POLO Sugar-Free Extra Strong Mint: Translates the brand's signature "strong" potency into a sugar-free format, targeting consumers seeking intense functional refreshment without the caloric load. POLO Sugar-Free Berry Mint Flavour: Bridges the gap between mints and fruit confectionery, offering a "bold, refreshing" alternative for shoppers looking for flavour variety beyond standard peppermint. Sophie Browning , Brand Manager for POLO & Rowntree’s at Nestlé UK and Ireland, commented: “At POLO, we love that fresh breath feeling and these new sugar-free flavours offer even more ways to enjoy that signature POLO freshness. We’re proud to make them right here in York, continuing our heritage while moving our sugar-free offerings forward.” Manufacturing and Health Credentials The new products continue to be manufactured at Nestlé’s factory in York , which has served as the home of POLO production for over 70 years. This domestic production ensures supply chain consistency for UK retailers. Crucially for the "better-for-you" positioning, the range retains its accreditation from the Oral Health Foundation , which recognises POLO Sugar-Free Mints as a useful aid in oral health. This endorsement serves as a key differentiator at the point of sale, validating the product's functional benefits. Commercial Strategy To maximise the rate of sale and trial, Nestlé has positioned the new SKUs with a pricing strategy in line with the core POLO singles range . By maintaining price parity, the brand offers consumers a value-driven entry point into the sugar-free segment without a premium markup. New Products Nestlé Expands POLO Portfolio with Two New Sugar-Free Variants to Drive Impulse Sales News February 18, 2026 New Products Pringles Enters Bakery Segment with Flavour-Infused Hot Dog Buns New Products King's Hawaiian Enters Convenience Retail with New Soft Pretzel Bites Flavours & Colours Takis Commits to Removing Artificial Colours New Products Drake's Cakes Launches Sunny Doodle Dogs Ingredients Snacking New Products Confectionery Related news

This year, the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) giant is pivoting away from standard holiday tropes, choosing instead to anchor its campaign in the authenticity of intangible cultural heritage: traditional Chinese lantern art. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Foodservice McDonald's Corporation The Newsroom McDonald’s China has unveiled its marketing strategy for the upcoming Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), rolling out the third iteration of its highly successful "Wishing you a Golden Arches Year" (祝你今年金拱门) platform. This year, the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) giant is pivoting away from standard holiday tropes, choosing instead to anchor its campaign in the authenticity of intangible cultural heritage: traditional Chinese lantern art. The strategic shift reflects a growing sophistication in how Western brands approach localised marketing in China. Rather than relying on generic "prosperity" messaging, McDonald’s is attempting to embed its brand directly into the authentic cultural experiences and "muscle memory" of the Spring Festival. Cultural Partnerships and Content Strategy To execute this vision, McDonald’s partnered with four designated heritage inheritors to reinterpret regional lantern classics, including: Wangmantian fish lanterns Beijing palace lanterns Qinhuai lotus lanterns Foshan decorative lights The storytelling component is driven by a short-film series titled One Lantern, One Wish , produced in collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar China . The content deliberately avoids high-energy spectacle, focusing instead on the quiet rhythm of craftsmanship and materials. This understated approach culminates in a simple, resonant brand message: come home early . Menu Merchandising and Packaging The cultural integration extends directly to the product level. Running until 3 March , McDonald’s has introduced eight limited-time Lunar New Year items. In a clever linguistic merchandising play, all eight items incorporate the Chinese character for gold ( 金 ) in their names. To support the visual identity of the campaign, everyday items such as burgers, fries, and desserts are being served in bespoke, lantern-patterned packaging, transforming routine transactions into seasonal touchpoints. Omnichannel Experiential Retail To capture physical footfall and drive User-Generated Content (UGC), McDonald's is aggressively activating offline across major public spaces. Experiential Activations Include: Cultural Pop-Ups: Brand installations at major Spring Festival landmarks, including Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden and Nanjing’s Confucius Temple. Themed Stores: 25 restaurants across 14 cities have been completely converted into New Year-themed flagship locations. These spaces are specifically optimised for "lingering, snapping, and sharing," turning the dining room into an interactive marketing asset. Strategic Outlook This campaign marks the third year of the "Golden Arches New Year" strategy. Following last year's focus on shadow puppetry, the integration of lantern heritage signals a clear, long-term operational philosophy for McDonald's in the region: shifting from "shouting for attention" with one-off gimmicks to achieving seamless cultural embedding during China's most critical retail season. Foodservice McDonald’s China Leverages Heritage Lantern Art for ‘Year of the Horse’ Campaign News February 9, 2026 Business & Finance General Mills to Sell Häagen-Dazs China Shops to Ningji Investor Group Events Bakery China 2026 Showcases Industrial Automation and Chocolate Sector Growth Facilities GNT Opens First Dedicated China Office for Exberry Colouring Foods Foodservice RBI Partners with Asset Manager CPE in $350M Joint Venture for Burger King China Foodservice Marketing Business & Finance Related news

Shinsegae Group has dismissed Starbucks Korea Chief Executive Sohn Jeong-hyun following swift public backlash and boycott 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 Starbucks The Newsroom In a stark reminder of the financial and reputational risks associated with localised marketing campaigns, Shinsegae Group has dismissed Starbucks Korea Chief Executive Sohn Jeong-hyun. The termination follows a swift and severe public backlash over a newly launched promotional campaign that was widely perceived as trivialising tragic events in South Korea's modern political history. The controversial "Tank Day" campaign, which went live on Monday, 18 May 2026, was pulled by the company within hours of its launch. However, the rapid withdrawal failed to halt mounting calls for a national boycott of the coffee giant. The scale of the controversy ultimately prompted a direct public rebuke from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, forcing the brand's majority shareholder, the retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group, to issue a formal apology and execute an immediate leadership change. Political Insensitivity Triggers National Backlash The crisis was sparked by the launch of a marketing campaign for the brand's "Tank Series" tumblers, which were promoted as having a spacious volume designed for large amounts of coffee. However, the timing and specific phrasing of the campaign touched upon deeply sensitive historical traumas: The Anniversary Alignment: The "Tank Day" promotion was launched on 18 May, the national anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising crackdown. Consumers immediately associated the word "tank" with the military vehicles deployed by the dictatorship to violently suppress pro-democracy protesters. The Torture Reference Tagline: The promotional materials utilised the tagline "put it on the table with a sound of 'Tak!'". This phrase closely mirrors a notorious and highly offensive 1987 military dictatorship statement. The historical regime had attempted to cover up the torture and death of student activist Park Jong-chol by claiming he died suddenly when investigators "hit the desk with a thwack" or "Tak". In South Korea's highly politically conscious consumer market, these references were viewed as a gross trivialisation of a traumatic historical period, uniting consumers and political leadership in condemnation. Corporate Governance and Crisis Management Failure For international brand managers and corporate observers, the joint-venture structure of Starbucks Korea highlights the complexities of maintaining global brand standards whilst managing local operations. Starbucks Korea is operated by local retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group, which owns the majority stake. While joint ventures and licensing agreements allow global brands to scale rapidly by leveraging local expertise, they also expose parent organisations to severe reputational damage if local governance fails: Oversight Gaps: The approval of both the "Tank Day" concept and the highly specific "Tak!" slogan indicates a profound failure in internal vetting processes and historical sensitivity reviews. Flawed Localisation: The use of English-language terms like "Tank Day" to describe product attributes failed to account for the immediate, highly charged cultural translations in the domestic market. Slower Pre-Crisis Due Diligence: While the brand initially clarified that the "Tank Series" was simply one of several volume-focused product rollouts running from 15 to 26 May, the lack of proactive risk assessment regarding the 18 May anniversary represents a significant operational oversight. Parent Company Intervention In response to the escalating crisis, Shinsegae Group moved decisively to limit the damage to the multi-billion-dollar coffee franchise. The dismissal of Sohn Jeong-hyun, who had served as chief executive since 2022, is a clear signal that the conglomerate prioritises immediate brand rehabilitation over executive continuity. In an official statement, the company apologised sincerely for causing deep concern and inconvenience to its customer base. The organisation confirmed that the promotional event has been permanently suspended, and pledged to review and restructure its internal marketing approval processes to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Coffee & Tea Starbucks Korea Dismisses CEO Following Controversial Marketing Eddie Sanders May 26, 2026 Coffee & Tea Starbucks to Introduce Orange Cream Beverage Range Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches High Protein Latte Coffee & Tea Gregorys Coffee Partners with Pop's Pizza Franchisees for Long Island Growth New Products Paris Baguette Launches Patriotic Menu and Red Bull Giveaway Coffee & Tea Business & Finance People Related news

Dr. Brown's has launched an organic-based paediatric electrolyte solution to target the high-growth medical hydration market. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Dr. Brown's, globally recognised as the manufacturer of the number one paediatrician-recommended baby bottle in the United States, has announced its official entry into the functional beverage market with the launch of Dr. Brown's Electrolyte Solution . The nationwide rollout represents a significant brand-modernisation and portfolio-extension strategy, transitioning the company’s trusted infant-care authority into a ready-to-drink health and wellness beverage designed for children and families. The initiative is engineered to address the rising consumer demand for clean-label, functional hydration products, leveraging Dr. Brown’s deep parent-level brand equity to capture a significant share of the specialised oral rehydration market. Functional Paediatric Hydration In the modern consumer health sector, the paediatric hydration category is undergoing rapid professionalisation. Parents are increasingly moving away from legacy hydration brands that rely on synthetic additives, artificial sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup in favour of transparent, clean-label alternatives. When addressing dehydration caused by illness, travel, or heat exposure, medical professionals increasingly recommend specialised oral rehydration solutions over standard household beverages. Traditional options like fruit juices, sodas, and standard sports drinks often contain high concentrations of sugar, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal stress and delay optimal fluid absorption. Christy Pogorelac, Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Dr. Brown’s, characterised the launch as a natural extension of the company’s long-standing commitment to promoting optimal paediatric health and nutrition. Pogorelac emphasised that the new electrolyte solution provides families with a highly convenient, reliable hydration option crafted with simple, balanced ingredients that taste good. Technical Formulation and Natural Electrolyte Matrix Replicating the precise electrolyte balance required for rapid hydration without utilising synthetic flavours or artificial sweeteners represents a major product-formulation milestone. Dr. Brown's has resolved this challenge through an innovative, plant-derived ingredient matrix: Natural Base Material: Formulated with real coconut water and sea salt, providing an organic, nutrient-dense foundation that delivers a clean and refreshing sensory profile. Essential Ion Delivery: The ready-to-drink formula supplies a balanced payload of four key electrolytes, including sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium, to facilitate rapid fluid transport across cellular membranes. Immune Support Fortification: Enriched with a functional dose of zinc, a critical trace mineral clinically recognised for supporting paediatric immune health and cellular recovery. Zero Synthetic Additives: Free from artificial colours, artificial flavours, and synthetic sweeteners, ensuring the product meets the strict clean-label standards of modern, health-conscious households. The beverage is debuting in two fruit-forward flavours, Watermelon and Orange, designed to appeal to paediatric palates while maintaining a low overall sugar profile. Sourcing and Walmart Exclusivity To support the physical launch, Dr. Brown's is utilising a targeted, high-volume retail strategy. The electrolyte solution is launching in portable sixteen-point-nine-ounce single-serve bottles, a format highly optimised for the on-the-go lifestyle of busy families. The brand has secured an exclusive national launch partnership with Walmart , distributing the new line through select physical store locations and via Walmart.com . This retail-specific rollout provides several commercial advantages: Immediate Category Scale: Capitalising on Walmart’s massive regional and national logistics network to secure immediate shelf visibility. Consumer Sentiment Tracking: Collecting high-resolution e-commerce data to monitor early trial rates and geographic demand before considering wider channel expansion. Cross-Category Placement: Positioning the single-serve bottles within the high-traffic baby care and pharmacy aisles to capture targeted, wellness-driven shopping trips. New Products Dr. Brown's Launches Paediatric and Family Electrolyte Hydration Range Eddie Sanders May 21, 2026 New Products Barebells Expands Milk Drink Range with New Cookie Flavour Coffee & Tea Ehrmann Partners with Glow25 to Launch RTD Collagen Coffee New Products Huel Expands Ready-to-drink Portfolio with Four New Flavours New Products AMASS Brands Group Launches Functional Electrolyte Powder Mixers New Products Health & Nutrition Beverage Related news

SharkNinja has launched the Ninja SLUSHi Twist, utilising dual-vessel technology to capture the premium home entertaining market comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom SharkNinja, Inc. has announced the nationwide launch of the Ninja SLUSHi Twist , a dual-vessel frozen beverage appliance engineered to meet the growing consumer demand for customisable, at-home entertaining solutions. The rollout represents a significant portfolio expansion, building upon the massive viral success of the brand's original single-vessel frozen drink maker launched in 2024. By introducing a dual-compartment system that operates independently, the organisation is targeting a primary pain point in home hosting: the logistical complexity of preparing diverse, multi-profile beverages, such as alcoholic cocktails alongside non-alcoholic mocktails, simultaneously without requiring consecutive batches. The launch is timed to capture peak consumer interest ahead of the critical summer trading window, establishing a high-margin, lifestyle-focused anchor in the competitive countertop electrics segment. Dual SlushAssist Integration Replicating the performance of commercial-grade frozen drink dispensers within a compact, residential countertop footprint represents a significant mechanical engineering milestone. The SLUSHi Twist resolves this technical challenge through its proprietary Dual SlushAssist technology : Independent Environmental Control: Each of the two 48-ounce vessels is powered by a dedicated cooling and mixing circuit, allowing users to run completely different recipes, temperatures, and consistencies simultaneously. Ingredient Sensing Algorithms: The appliance features intelligent sensors that detect the specific sugar, alcohol, and liquid density of the ingredients in real-time, automatically adjusting the blade speed and temperature to prevent ice blockages or under-freezing. Multi-Format Versatility: The system is pre-programmed to execute more than 10 distinct beverage styles per vessel, including dairy-based frappes, frozen margaritas, frose, milkshakes, and traditional fruit slushes. Dual Flow Dispensing: The machine includes a "twist" mechanism that allows users to dispense drinks from either side independently, or merge both chambers into a single, multi-flavoured swirled beverage. In tandem with the Twist, SharkNinja is also scaling its capacity offerings with the launch of the Ninja SLUSHi XL . This secondary model delivers twice the volume and twice the freezing speed of the original 2024 single-vessel model, providing high-volume options for larger social gatherings. Sunday Funday Marketing Campaign To drive consumer discovery and bypass traditional ad fatigue, SharkNinja is implementing an experiential, culture-led marketing campaign. The strategy addresses a widespread consumer sentiment: the "Sunday Scaries," a phenomenon where eighty per cent of working Americans report experiencing pre-workweek stress and anxiety as the weekend concludes. By framing Sunday afternoon as a prime window for relaxation and socialising, Ninja is positioning its new appliance as a facilitator of "mindful wellness" and connection. To validate this positioning, the brand has partnered with prominent reality television personalities Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Jenni "JWoww" Farley, iconic figures associated with the "Sunday Funday" beachside social culture. The ambassadors have co-created a series of signature recipes designed to demonstrate the dual-vessel capability of the SLUSHi Twist: Snooki’s Pickleback SLUSHi: A savoury, whiskey-forward blend combining pickles, pickle juice, and Irish whiskey, running in one chamber. JWoww’s Passionfruit Margarita SLUSHi: A tropical, fruit-forward tequila cocktail utilising triple sec, passionfruit juice, lime, and agave, running in the adjacent chamber. By showcasing these contrasting sweet and savoury profiles running side-by-side, the brand is visually demonstrating the technical flexibility of the appliance. New Products SharkNinja Launches SLUSHi Twist Frozen Drink Maker Eddie Sanders May 19, 2026 New Products Dutch Bros Launches Planet Dutch Seasonal Drink Trio across US Footprint Soft drinks CCEP Invests in Limited Edition Fanta Price Marked Packs for Summer Soft drinks Beverage Industry Leaders Oppose Proposed German Sugar Tax Soft drinks Marriott International and The Coca-Cola Company Sign Global Beverage Agreement New Products Beverage Technology Related news

The launch targets the growing demographic of "active lifestyle" consumers, a broad cohort that includes both dedicated athletes and busy professionals seeking convenient, nutrient-dense meal alternatives. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Snacking ABC360 Bar The Newsroom Tim Laros , an entrepreneur and nutrition innovator, has officially announced his entry into the competitive functional snacking category with the launch of the ABC 360 nutrition bar. Engineered as a "science-informed" product, the bar is designed to bridge the gap between sports performance and everyday wellness by delivering sustained energy without the glycemic crash associated with traditional snack bars. The launch targets the growing demographic of "active lifestyle" consumers, a broad cohort that includes both dedicated athletes and busy professionals seeking convenient, nutrient-dense meal alternatives. Low-Glycemic and Functional Focus The development of ABC 360 is rooted in metabolic health and sports nutrition research. The formulation strategy deliberately moves away from excessive added sugars and artificial additives, leaning heavily into a "clean label" architecture. Key Nutritional Pillars: Energy Management: Utilises slow-release, low-glycemic carbohydrates to provide steady mental focus and physical fuel. Muscle Recovery: Features a high-quality blend of plant-based proteins fortified with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Digestive & Immune Health: Incorporates prebiotic fibres and natural enzymes to support gut comfort, alongside targeted vitamins and minerals for immune system reinforcement. Clean Label: Free from artificial flavours, preservatives, and excessive sugars. Clinical Validation To ensure the product met performance standards across varied conditions, Laros emphasised that the R&D process relied on clinical research, third-party testing, and extensive consumer feedback loops prior to commercialisation. "Creating ABC 360 has been my passion project," stated Tim Laros , creator and founder. "I wanted a bar that delivers performance, great taste, and clean ingredients you can trust." Supply Chain and ESG Commitments In alignment with modern B2B buyer expectations and consumer demand for corporate responsibility, ABC 360 is positioned with a strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. The brand has committed to utilising recyclable packaging across its SKUs and mandates that its supply chain partners adhere to strict ethical sourcing practices . This integrated philosophy ensures that the brand's nutritional goals do not compromise its environmental stewardship, providing an attractive proposition for natural grocers and health-focused retailers looking to stock sustainable brands. New Products Tim Laros Enters Functional Snacking Market with 'ABC 360' Performance Bar News February 25, 2026 New Products Pip and Nut Expands Stuffed Oat Bar Range with Two New Flavours New Products Perfect Snacks Introduces Oaties Protein Bar Range New Products Honestly I Am Expands Protein Bar Range with Two New Flavours Business & Finance Vitamin Well Group Acquires EMPWR Nutrition Group Health & Nutrition Snacking Food New Products Related news

Hyphen and Motoniq have announced a partnership to integrate physical AI into commercial foodservice automation. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Hyphen, a developer of intelligent food automation for commercial food service, has announced a strategic partnership with Motoniq, a physical AI company. The collaboration aims to integrate Motoniq’s artificial intelligence platform into Hyphen’s Makeline system, which automates the assembly of bowls, salads, and other high-volume meal formats. The partnership seeks to address a long-standing challenge in the food automation sector regarding the scalability of hardware. While the industry has debated the merits of general-purpose robotic arms versus purpose-built dispensing systems, this collaboration focuses on refining the latter. By optimising purpose-built systems, the companies aim to improve cost-per-portion metrics and enable operators to process a wider range of ingredients across diverse environments. Enhancing Foodservice Automation Efficiency The integration of Motoniq’s technology is designed to reduce the engineering overhead typically associated with customising dispensing configurations. Motoniq’s platform utilises sample-efficient learning on real hardware, which allows the system to understand task conditions and physical constraints without requiring months of manual tuning. Key operational benefits include: Reduced engineering iteration for onboarding new ingredients. Faster time-to-deployment for new dispenser configurations. Improved adaptability across different culinary operating environments. For foodservice operators, the ability to adapt automation systems to new menu requirements is often a significant barrier to implementation. By accelerating the design cycle, Hyphen and Motoniq intend to provide a more scalable path for culinary brands to deploy robotic work systems. Daniel Fukuba, Co-founder and CTO of Hyphen, noted that the objective is to make food automation more versatile. “The next chapter for intelligent food automation is not about automating what is easy. It is about making anything automatable at the speed business demands,” said Fukuba. “Partnering with Motoniq removes that constraint. Our customers can now bring new ingredients and new environments online faster than was previously possible, and that opens up a significantly larger opportunity for everything we are building.” By leveraging this AI-driven approach, Hyphen aims to support progressive culinary brands in aligning their menu ambitions with reliable, scalable automation technology. Technology Hyphen and Motoniq Partner to Advance Intelligent Food Automation Eddie Sanders June 24, 2026 Manufacturing GEA Launches KOB Homogeniser Series for Small and Medium Scale Production New Solutions Kemin Industries Debuts EDIE Generation 2 for Precision Livestock Disinfection Manufacturing Aircapture and Almanac Launch World First Beer Using Onsite Direct Air Capture Manufacturing Sidel Introduces Swing Evo Tunnel Pasteuriser to Optimise Beverage Production Manufacturing Technology Business & Finance Related news

Sports nutrition brand MET-Rx extends its partnership with John Cena to launch a nostalgic marketing campaign targeting omnichannel growth and social commerce. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Developed in collaboration with creative studio U.N.N.A.M.E.D., the campaign leans heavily into 1990s video game nostalgia. The creative assets depict Cena inside a retro gaming environment where consuming a MET-Rx protein bar functions as an in-game "power-up," boosting strength and stamina. This strategic creative direction aims to bridge the brand's long-standing performance-driven heritage with contemporary digital culture, delivering a high-energy message tailored for online video and social media platforms. Core Product Focus and Market Expansion The marketing push centres on the brand's flagship product, the Big 100 bar, which is formulated to deliver over 30 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. The campaign highlights established flavour profiles—such as Super Cookie Crunch, Crispy Apple Pie, and Peanut Butter Pretzel—alongside a newly reformulated Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough option. Joey Bergstein, CEO of parent company 1440 Foods, noted that the campaign is a strategic step to re-engage the brand's core performance-driven demographic while capturing new market share. He emphasised that the brand is capitalising on a period of peak consumer interest in high-protein solutions. Omnichannel Execution and Social Commerce The "Level-Up" campaign will be executed across a comprehensive multi-channel framework throughout 2026, encompassing digital video, social media, and in-store retail activations. Notably, MET-Rx is expanding its direct-to-consumer footprint by integrating social commerce into the campaign rollout. The brand plans to unveil exclusive product offerings directly through TikTok Shop. This move indicates a deliberate strategic shift toward digital-first sales channels to reach younger, mobile-centric consumers while maintaining its traditional retail presence. Marketing Sports Nutrition Brand MET-Rx Partners with John Cena for Nostalgic Marketing Campaign News March 4, 2026 People The Fresh Market Partners with Carla Hall to Launch Charitable Meal Kits New Products Alani Nu Partners with Becky G to Launch Purple Cotton Candy Energy Drink New Products Garden of Life Launches Clear Whey Protein Range with Dylan Efron Sustainability Sea Tales Partners with Jamie Oliver to Drive Sustainable Seafood Demand Marketing People Health & Nutrition Business & Finance Related news

Pharmactive Biotech Products has launched Kyoh, a standardised rocket leaf extract designed to support hair follicle function and address the growing demand for targeted nutricosmetic solutions in the hair health sector. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Spanish nutraceutical specialist Pharmactive Biotech Products has officially entered the "beauty-from-within" category with the launch of Kyoh®, its first dedicated nutricosmetic. Formulated specifically to support hair follicle health, the single-ingredient extract represents a strategic shift toward targeted biological pathways in a segment previously dominated by broad wellness claims. The launch addresses a significant global market, as approximately 50% of women and 70% of men experience hair thinning during midlife. Additionally, younger demographics are increasingly seeking natural, preventative solutions to maintain hair thickness and overall scalp health. Targeted Approach to Hair Follicle Health Hair follicle health is emerging as a high-growth sub-sector within the broader nutricosmetics industry. As the category evolves, brands are moving beyond generic beauty concepts and toward ingredients with a clear biological focus. Kyoh is developed from Eruca sativa (rocket) leaves, a botanical from the Brassicaceae family of cruciferous vegetables. While rocket seed oil has traditionally been used as a hair-care tonic in South Asia, Pharmactive’s innovation is based on scientific studies of the leaf extract. By focusing on the follicular environment rather than a general beauty-from-within approach, Kyoh provides a more defined application for developers of hair health supplements. Botanical Composition and Standardisation A primary challenge in botanical nutricosmetics is ensuring consistency across different production batches. Kyoh addresses this through a proprietary extraction process and a defined phytochemical composition. This analytical control is essential for ensuring reproducibility in commercial formulation development. The standardised composition of Kyoh includes: Erucosides®: More than 1.5%. Flavonol Glycosides: A range of 1.5% to 3.0%, quantified by HPLC. Key Derivatives: Includes specific derivatives of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. This high density of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provides a robust nutritional foundation for the follicular microenvironment. Preclinical Insights and Biological Pathways The interest in Kyoh is supported by preclinical research exploring the interaction between the extract and biological pathways associated with hair follicle function. A study published in the journal Molecules in 2025 evaluated the flavonol-rich extract using human dermal follicle papilla cells under laboratory conditions. According to the publication, the ingredient demonstrated the following effects: Cell Growth Stimulation: Enhanced activity and growth of dermal papilla cells. Genetic Modulation: Influencing the expression of growth factors such as VEGF and FGF7, which are critical to the follicular lifecycle. Oxidative Balance: Supporting the cellular stress response within the follicular environment. While these findings contribute mechanistic insight, they serve as a foundation for ongoing investigation into how the ingredient supports hair fibre formation and follicular signalling. Supply Chain Transparency and Formulation Stability Kyoh is positioned as a clean-label botanical with a transparent supply model. The raw materials are sourced exclusively from European farmers, and the production process aligns with non-GMO standards and non-irradiation practices. This focus on transparency is designed to appeal to manufacturers developing "next-generation" nutricosmetics where ingredient provenance is a key marketing pillar. The extract is engineered for stability, making it a versatile option for various product formats, from traditional capsules to functional gummies and powders. Targeted Hair Health The entry of Pharmactive into the nutricosmetic space reflects a broader maturation of the beauty-from-within market. As the sector becomes more competitive, successful brands are increasingly differentiating through specialised nutritional claims and research-backed ingredients. By combining a traditional botanical origin with modern analytical and targeted biological concepts, Pharmactive is positioning Kyoh to lead the shift toward performance-led hair health solutions. As consumer demand for natural alternatives to synthetic hair treatments continues to rise, standardised extracts like Kyoh are expected to become central to premium supplement portfolios globally. Ingredients Pharmactive Launches First Nutricosmetic for Hair Growth Support Eddie Sanders April 23, 2026 Health & Nutrition M&S Overhauls Beans and Pulses Range to Launch Summer Health Campaign Health & Nutrition Coalition for Metabolic Health Launches Series of Congressional Briefings on Nutrition Food NestFresh Completes Transition of Egg Portfolio to Humane Hatched Sourcing Health & Nutrition Vida Health and Instacart Partner to Expand Nutritious Food Access Health & Nutrition New Solutions Ingredients Fresh Produce Related news

Dutch Bros Inc. has agreed to acquire the 29-shop Phoenix East Valley franchise, transitioning the locations to a company-operated mode 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 Dutch Bros Coffee The Newsroom Dutch Bros Inc., one of the fastest-growing entities in the United States quick-service beverage sector, has announced an agreement to acquire the Phoenix East Valley franchise. The transaction encompasses 29 existing shops and represents a strategic expansion of the brand's company-operated footprint within the critical Arizona growth market. The acquisition follows the decision of franchise owner Jim Thompson to retire after nearly two decades of operation within the Dutch Bros system. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Shift Toward Company-Operated Infrastructure While Dutch Bros maintains a robust franchise network, the acquisition of a mature, 29-unit regional portfolio provides the corporate parent with direct control over a high-velocity cluster in the Southwest. The move aligns with broader QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) trends where brands opportunistically repatriate high-performing franchise territories to streamline regional supply chains and enforce operational consistency. Christine Barone, Chief Executive Officer and President of Dutch Bros, acknowledged the foundational role Thompson played in establishing the brand's presence in the region. Barone stated that the company intends to build upon this strong foundation, ensuring continuity for the teams, customers, and communities within the Phoenix East Valley. Financial Context and Growth Trajectory The company noted that its previously issued 2026 financial guidance (announced on 6 May 2026) does not reflect the financial impact of this pending acquisition. As the transaction moves toward closure in Q3, industry analysts will be monitoring subsequent earnings reports for adjustments to revenue and EBITDA projections resulting from the consolidation of these 29 units into the corporate balance sheet. The acquisition arrives during a period of aggressive expansion for the Oregon-based drive-thru chain. Dutch Bros currently operates more than 1,100 locations across the United States. The organisation is actively pursuing an interim target of 2,029 shops by 2029, supported by a long-term strategic vision to operate more than 7,000 locations nationwide. By successfully absorbing a significant regional franchise without disrupting local operations, Dutch Bros is demonstrating the maturity of its corporate infrastructure, a critical capability as the brand continues its rapid scaling trajectory in the competitive functional beverage and speciality coffee sectors. Coffee & Tea Dutch Bros to Acquire Phoenix East Valley Franchise Expanding Arizona Presence Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Coffee & Tea Starbucks to Introduce Orange Cream Beverage Range Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches High Protein Latte Coffee & Tea Gregorys Coffee Partners with Pop's Pizza Franchisees for Long Island Growth New Products Paris Baguette Launches Patriotic Menu and Red Bull Giveaway Business & Finance Coffee & Tea Facilities Logistics & Supply Chain Related news

Meal kit leader HelloFresh has announced a strategic collaboration with women’s media platform Betches Media, launching "The Galentine’s Dinner Edit" for the 2026 season. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Meal kit leader HelloFresh has announced a strategic collaboration with women’s media platform Betches Media, launching "The Galentine’s Dinner Edit" for the 2026 season. The partnership targets the experiential dining market, positioning at-home cooking as a viable alternative to the traditional "night out" on Friday, 13 February. The initiative combines HelloFresh’s logistical food capability with Betches’ cultural authority among millennial and Gen Z women, offering a curated "hosting kit" alongside a thematic menu rollout. The Commercial Offer: A 'Sip, Sparkle, and Slay' Kit To widen the funnel beyond its existing subscriber base, the collaboration features a standalone, limited-edition hosting kit available for purchase without a subscription. Retailing at $24.99 , the kit is designed to turn the kitchen into a social hub. Kit Contents: 🔮 Entertainment: 'Pasta Tarot' cards and custom nostalgic fortune tellers. ✨ Décor: A rose gold sparkly table runner, white taper candles, and pink glass holders. 👩🍳 Apparel: A co-branded apron featuring the slogan "Left No Crumbs." 🥂 Beverage Elevators: Edible pink cocktail shimmer glitter. Menu Strategy and Add-Ons For subscribers, the campaign integrates directly into the HelloFresh menu rotation across the first two weeks of February. The strategy focuses on "elevated" comfort food and high-margin add-ons from the HelloFresh Market to boost average order value (AOV). Themed Recipe Highlights (Jan 31 - Feb 13): Seared Salmon with Couscous Chicken Sausage Rigatoni with Bell Peppers in Blush Sauce Caramelised Onion & Mushroom Flatbread Market Add-Ons: To complete the "dinner party" vibe, the brand is pushing ready-to-heat appetisers and desserts, including Brie & Raspberry Pastry Bites , Chocolate Lava Cakes , and Macarons . The Shift to Home Entertaining The launch is underpinned by consumer data suggesting a structural shift in dining habits. HelloFresh cites that 93% of Americans plan to cook as much or more in 2026, creating an opportunity to premiumise the at-home occasion. Jorge Samayoa , CMO of Meal Kits at HelloFresh US, commented on the lifestyle integration: “This collaboration combines HelloFresh's culinary expertise with Betches’ 'it-girl' approach to entertaining to show that great food and great company are always worth staying in for. By turning meal prep into a social event, we’re ensuring the kitchen remains a vibrant space for creativity, play, and genuine connection.” Randi Windt , SVP Revenue Partnerships at Betches Media, added: “Our Galentine’s Day collaboration with HelloFresh isn’t just a campaign, it’s a celebration of girlhood and the shared experiences with friends that turn into core memories.” Food HelloFresh Partners with Betches Media for 'The Galentine’s Dinner Edit' to Capture At-Home Social Occasions News January 26, 2026 Technology Locus Robotics Enables HelloFresh to Scale Cold Storage Fulfilment Food HelloFresh Partners with No Kid Hungry to Address Summer Food Insecurity Retail Factor Breaks into Retail with Strategic Target Partnership in Midwest Health & Nutrition Factor Launches 'Protein Power-Up Shop' Pop-Up Series to Combat 'Quitter's Day' Resolution Drop-Off Marketing Business & Finance Food New Products Related news