Storck USA has launched Mamba Tropical Sticks, utilising a tropical-flavoured LTO and a national sweepstakes comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Storck USA, a prominent player in the global sweet snack and confectionery sectors, has announced the nationwide launch of its latest seasonal innovation: Mamba Tropical Sticks . Rolling out to retail channels ahead of the summer trading window, the limited-time offering (LTO) delivers an assortment of bold, holiday-inspired flavours designed to transform routine snack times into a quick, sensory escape. The launch represents a strategic effort by the organisation to align its confectionery portfolio with emerging consumer wellness trends, specifically targeting the demand for affordable "micro-escapes" and stress-mitigation tools during a busy workweek. In a highly competitive impulse-buy environment, capturing consumer attention requires marketing narratives that connect with current lifestyle realities. To validate the positioning of the new Tropical Sticks, Mamba conducted a comprehensive national survey exploring the mental state of modern American adults. The survey results revealed significant market opportunities for "refreshment-led" escapism: The Mental Vacation: 68 per cent of US adults aged 18 and older reported that the concept of a "mental vacation" is more appealing than the stress of planning and financing a physical trip. The Accessibility Gap: Whilst 80 per cent of respondents identified these micro-breaks as essential to their mental well-being, more than half reported they are unable to take them as frequently as they would like. Flavour Transport: 79 per cent of consumers stated that tropical flavour profiles instantly transport their mindset to a relaxed vacation state of mind. Kelly Cook, President at Storck USA, noted that the brand always aims to bring fun and flavour to everyday moments. Cook characterised the new Tropical Sticks as a simple, delicious oasis designed to provide a quick escape and support an unforgettable summer experience during an otherwise demanding day. Formulation of the Tropical Assortment Replicating the complex, refreshing profiles of tropical cocktails and fresh fruits within a shelf-stable chewy confectionery format requires careful flavour chemistry. The Mamba R&D team engineered the fruit chew base to deliver a high-intensity, multi-stage release of aroma and sweetness. The summer LTO range features four distinct flavour combinations: Peach-Passionfruit: Balancing the soft sweetness of peach with the sharp, exotic acidity of passionfruit. Apple-Kiwi: A tart, crisp profile engineered to provide a refreshing green-fruit finish. Pina Colada: A creamy, coconut-and-pineapple blend that replicates the indulgent mouthfeel of the classic beachside beverage. Mango-Orange: Combining sweet, tropical mango with a bright, citrus-forward orange punch. The products are packaged in the brand’s signature pocket-sized stick format, which is highly optimised for on-the-go consumption, portion-controlled treating, and high-density checkout lane display configurations. New Products Mamba Scales Confectionery Portfolio with Limited Edition Tropical Sticks Eddie Sanders May 19, 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 New Products Food Related news

Circus Group signs a binding agreement to acquire Belgian food robotics pioneer Alberts, integrating compact autonomous production systems into its technology portfolio to reach new retail and corporate markets. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Circus Group has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Alberts, a Belgium-based food robotics company specialising in autonomous production systems. This strategic acquisition is set to integrate Alberts’ patented technology into the Circus Group portfolio, immediately expanding the group's reach into high-traffic, space-constrained commercial environments. The acquisition introduces a new category of autonomous systems to the Circus Group robotics lineup. While existing Circus systems are primarily engineered for large-scale operations and mobile defence applications, Alberts provides a compact solution with a footprint of approximately one square meter. This technological integration allows for dense deployments in environments where square footage is at a premium, such as corporate offices, retail centres, and transit hubs. The modular nature of these compact robots complements the group's current heavy-duty systems, creating a more versatile service offering for diverse facility requirements. Market Reach and Financial Performance Founded in 2015, Alberts has established a significant international presence with installations across six countries. The company serves a diverse roster of high-profile global clients, including: Danone Decathlon Sodexo The transaction is expected to have an immediate impact on the Circus Group's financials, with Albert's existing operations contributing directly to revenue within the current financial year. Transaction Structure and Management Integration The acquisition will be settled through the issuance of a final number of Circus Group shares, the exact amount of which will be determined by share price performance and the results of the due diligence process. The agreement includes a 30-month lock-up period for the issued shares to ensure long-term alignment. To maintain operational continuity and leverage deep technical expertise, the Alberts management team will remain with the company. They will be integrated into the Circus Group structure to support long-term growth and the technical synchronisation of the two companies' robotics platforms. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to reach final completion by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Upon closing, the unified entity will be positioned as a comprehensive provider in the food robotics market, capable of serving both large-scale defence contracts and high-density retail or corporate applications. Business & Finance Circus Group Expands Autonomous Food Portfolio with Alberts Acquisition Eddie Sanders April 16, 2026 Business & Finance General Mills Completes Sale of Brazil Business to 3corações Alcohol Sazerac Expands Kentucky Bourbon Network with Acquisition of Garrard County Distilling Business & Finance GrubMarket Enters UK Market with Acquisition of JR Holland Business & Finance Pilgrim's Europe to Acquire Walkers Deli and Sausage from Samworth Brothers Business & Finance Food Technology Related news

HIPPEAS has launched Protein Crunch, a new pea-based puffed snack delivering 8g of plant protein per serving. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom HIPPEAS®, the brand known for disrupting the ambient snack aisle with its organic chickpea puffs, has announced a significant technical evolution of its portfolio with the launch of Protein Crunch. The new line of puffed snacks is engineered to deliver 8 grams of plant-based protein per one-ounce serving, directly targeting the high-growth functional salty snack category. The launch builds upon a breakout year for the organisation, which recently underwent a comprehensive brand identity refresh and expanded its offerings across the Tortilla Chips and Pops categories. The introduction of Protein Crunch addresses a primary consumer friction point in the plant-based protein market: the historical trade-off between macronutrient density and sensory appeal. As demand for protein-packed salty snacks continues to rise, many functional formats struggle to deliver the textural "crunch" expected from a traditional extruded puff. To resolve this, HIPPEAS has transitioned the base ingredient for this specific SKU from its signature chickpea to a "pea-powered" formulation. Nick Marmet, VP of Marketing at HIPPEAS, stated that the brand challenged itself to create a "next-generation puff" that doubles the protein of its original product while delivering on bold flavour and serious crunch. Key Technical Attributes Include: Premium Lipid Source: The product utilises avocado oil, moving away from the mass-market seed oils typically found in extruded snacks. This caters directly to the "ultra-clean" label requirements of modern health-conscious shoppers. Caloric and Fat Mitigation: By baking rather than frying the puffs, the formulation contains 55 per cent less fat than the leading crunchy puff competitors. Protein Density: Delivering 8g of protein per ounce bridges the gap between a casual snack and a functional recovery or satiety tool. New Products HIPPEAS Expands Functional Snacking Portfolio with Protein Crunch Launch Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 Snacking PepsiCo Debuts Healthier Snacking Brand Wow with Wotsits and Snack a Jacks New Products CLIF Expands Portfolio with 20g High Protein Bar Range Snacking Grenade Enters US Market with Four High-Protein Bar Flavours New Products Crisp Power Launches Honey Mustard Pretzels and Opens Texas Factory Food New Products Snacking Related news

Unilever has proposed Peter ter Kulve as its preferred candidate to head the Magnum Ice Cream Company, the group’s ice cream division, with full board approval expected. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Unilever has proposed Peter ter Kulve as the incoming CEO of its newly formed Magnum Ice Cream Company, the group’s ice cream division, with full board approval expected shortly. The announcement comes as Unilever prepares to spin off its ice cream business, including global brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, ahead of a planned Amsterdam listing by the end of 2025. Ter Kulve currently serves as Unilever’s president of ice cream and previously led the company’s home care division. A spokesperson confirmed: “It is proposed that Peter ter Kulve will become CEO of The Magnum Ice Cream Company. Approval of the full board of The Magnum Ice Cream Company by the Unilever PLC Board is anticipated in July 2025.” The newly formed Magnum Ice Cream Company will act as the parent entity for Unilever’s global ice cream brands. The appointment arrives amid ongoing tensions between Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s, including a March 2025 lawsuit over the removal of the brand’s CEO and disputes regarding the company’s advocacy on geopolitical issues, such as calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. In November 2024, Ben & Jerry’s also filed a lawsuit alleging that Unilever attempted to block the brand from expressing support for Palestinian refugees. Reports earlier this year indicated that Ben & Jerry’s was exploring buyback options. Ben & Jerry’s, acquired by Unilever in 2000 for $326 million, is estimated to be the third-largest ice cream brand globally, according to Warren Ackerman, an analyst at Barclays. Ackerman noted that the outcome of ter Kulve’s appointment could influence investor sentiment, particularly given ongoing disputes and the upcoming spin-off. Unilever’s ice cream division reported a combined turnover of €8.3 billion in 2024, highlighting its significance within the group’s portfolio. A formal confirmation of ter Kulve’s appointment is expected following a July board meeting. Dairy Unilever Names Peter ter Kulve as Preferred CEO for Magnum Ice Cream Company Ahead of Spin-Off June 18, 2025 Facilities The Magnum Ice Cream Company Opens Global Capability Centre in Pune New Products Little Moons Launches Strawberry Matcha Latte Mochi Ice Cream in UK Facilities Wells Enterprises Completes $425M Expansion of Dunkirk Ice Cream Facility People Ben & Jerry's Appoints Three Independent Directors to Board Dairy Business & Finance Related news

Walovi has launched Legend-King natural energy electrolyte drink and Lemuli berry juice alongside new packaging architecture. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Walovi has announced the launch of two functional drink platforms alongside a brand-wide packaging redesign at a launch event in Guangzhou on 10 August 2026. The rollout introduces Legend-King, a clean-label natural energy electrolyte drink, and Lemuli, a natural berry composite juice formulated for children's eye health. The releases mark an expansion of the enterprise's functional plant-based portfolio as the company accelerates distribution across international markets. Clean Label Formulations and Functional Product Lineup The new product lines target distinct daily consumption occasions and consumer demographics, applying clean-label ingredient standards to functional beverage formats. The two new SKUs featured in the expansion include: ⚡ Legend-King: A clean-label energy electrolyte drink delivering natural energy sourced from ginseng and coffee bean extracts, formulated without taurine or synthetic caffeine, featuring a low-sugar profile for daily hydration, study, and athletic occasions. 🫐 Lemuli: A children's functional juice formulated with blueberry and raspberry juices rich in anthocyanins, engineered without artificial colours, flavourings, or synthetic preservatives to support eye health. Alongside the beverage launches, Walovi unveiled a redesigned bottle structure across its core product portfolio, incorporating visual design elements inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and bamboo curves. Consumer Demographics The product additions address shifting consumer expectations regarding ingredient transparency and functional performance within the plant-based drinks category. Data from research firm Ipsos cited by the company indicates that market penetration for plant-based beverages rose from 45 per cent to 70 per cent in 2025, with 96 per cent of surveyed consumers prioritising natural formulations and functional benefits during product selection. Ye Jizeng, Vice President of Guangzhou WALOVI Great Health Industry Co., Ltd., stated that consumer purchasing behaviour is increasingly defined by direct label scrutiny, precise functional requirements, and expectations for added nutritional value beyond standard additive-free claims. International Expansion The portfolio expansion forms part of Walovi's broader commercial strategy to scale its footprint across international trade channels, with an operational focus on developing local distribution networks in Southeast Asia. To support brand visibility and engagement among younger demographics, the enterprise has secured high-profile global brand ambassador partnerships, including Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland alongside actors Zhang Linghe and Li Yunrui. The enterprise aims to leverage its new functional SKUs, redesigned packaging, and global promotional partnerships to drive store-level trial and capture expanding market demand for natural plant-based beverages. New Products Walovi Launches Natural Energy Drink and Berry Juice Eddie Sanders August 12, 2026 Energy Drinks Red Bull Adds Fuji Apple & Ginger Edition to Permanent Lineup across US Retail New Products FLRT Launches Apple Bottoms Up Zero Sugar Energy Drink for Fall People Celsius Holdings Announces Leadership Changes Energy Drinks Indian Food Regulator Enforces 90-Day Energy Drink Label Removal Deadline Energy Drinks New Products Plant-based Beverage Related news

Australian speciality coffee roastery ONA Coffee has opened its first international flagship café in Jumeirah, Dubai comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The global expansion of premium food and beverage brands requires highly targeted regional placement. Canberra-founded ONA Coffee has officially launched its first international flagship location in Jumeirah, Dubai. Founded in 2008 by former Olympian Saša Šestić, the award-winning Australian roastery is utilising the new Middle Eastern site to capitalise on the region's rapidly growing demand for high-end, origin-specific beverage offerings. Rather than executing a standard international franchise model, ONA Coffee's entry into the United Arab Emirates represents a calculated, long-term capital investment. Dubai's speciality coffee sector has experienced a significant transition, with discerning consumers increasingly demanding competition-grade extraction techniques, highly traceable micro-lots, and refined café environments. By establishing a physical footprint in Jumeirah, a prominent residential and commercial lifestyle hub, the brand is positioning itself to secure market share in a highly lucrative, quality-driven market. The Educational Hub To differentiate itself within Dubai's saturated premium café landscape, ONA Coffee is moving beyond traditional retail transaction models. The Jumeirah flagship has been engineered to function as a regional training, education, and career development centre for hospitality professionals. For speciality coffee brands, investing in local educational infrastructure serves several key business-to-business (B2B) functions: Securing a Skilled Labour Pipeline: By providing advanced training programmes for baristas and roasters, the brand directly addresses the industry-wide challenge of recruiting and retaining highly skilled technical staff. Building Regional Industry Authority: Hosting educational workshops, cupping sessions, and professional development seminars establishes the flagship as a central knowledge hub, strengthening relations with local B2B wholesale clients. Enhancing Customer Lifetime Value: Educating the end consumer on complex flavour profiles, extraction variables, and ethical sourcing practices drives the premiumisation of the category, justifying higher retail price points. By integrating this people-first philosophy into its commercial operations, the brand aims to foster organic community growth and establish a resilient, self-sustaining regional ecosystem. Replicating Australian Speciality Benchmarks From an operational and R&D perspective, the Dubai flagship replicates the strict quality standards and sustainability-first ethos that defined the brand's success in Australia. The Australian café model, characterised by minimalist, design-led aesthetics, micro-lot sourcing, and highly technical extraction parameters, has become a global benchmark for the hospitality sector. To preserve its brand integrity during this international transition, ONA Coffee is implementing its core corporate values: Technical Excellence: The flagship will feature competition-grade brewing systems and rigorous quality control protocols to ensure every cup matches the standards of their domestic Australian operations. Sourcing Transparency: Utilising direct-trade relationships developed over nearly two decades, the roastery secures exclusive green coffee contracts, providing a distinct product differentiator on the bar. Operational Agility: Adapting the physical space to serve as both an elegant consumer environment and a functional training laboratory allows the brand to maximise the financial yield of its real estate. As the Middle Eastern beverage landscape continues to mature, ONA Coffee's structured approach in Dubai will serve as a critical case study for how domestic speciality brands can successfully scale their operations globally without compromising on technical quality or core values. Coffee & Tea ONA Coffee Launches First International Flagship in Dubai Speciality Sector Eddie Sanders May 22, 2026 Coffee & Tea Starbucks Introduces Aerocano Iced Espresso Coffee & Tea BIGGBY Coffee Launches Autumn 2026 Menu Coffee & Tea Costa Coffee Launches Autumn 2026 Menu with Maple Hazel Matcha and New Toasties Foodservice Chomps Expands Distribution Footprint at Starbucks and Costco Coffee & Tea Business & Finance Related news

Discover Smithfield Foods company profile on FNBX with verified distributors, partnership requests and latest industry activity. All Companies Close Meat & Seafood Smithfield Foods Employees founded Headquarters Jefferson City, Missouri, U.S. Smithfield Foods is a global meat processing business – the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer with $15 billion in annual revenues. In the US, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meat categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, Farmland, Armour, Farmer John, Kretschmar, John Morrell, Cook’s, Gwaltney, Carando, Margherita, Curly’s, Healthy Ones, Morliny, Krakus and Berlinki. The company is based in Jefferson City, Missouri. About Smithfield Foods --- Collaboration & Partnerships Smithfield Foods is not currently looking for partnerships. Pitch a Partnership F&B Ecosystem Settings Loading... Name Title Be discovered by B2B buyers Showcase your product catalog Signal partnership intent Claim Your Spot Are you a supplier, competitor, or distributor in the F&B space? Create your company profile to connect with giants like this. Create Free Page Takes 2 minutes. No credit card required. Authorised Distributors Americas Asia Europe Oceania There are no distributors currently. Sekai Brasil Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (Brazil) Contact Sales Opal Packaging Plus Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (Australia) Contact Sales BM Target Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (Japan) Contact Sales Alternative Way Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (France) Contact Sales PackEco Solutions Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (Canada) Contact Sales Groupe DGL Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (US) Contact Sales No More Lids Licensed Distributor of The Good Cup (UK) Contact Sales Submit New Distributors Company Name Contact Email Description Distribution Location Asia-Pacific Americas MENCA Europe Submit Are you a verified distributor? Claim your territory Recent Activity Listings Add Listing

Protein brand David has expanded its portfolio into the frozen category with the launch of David Frozen Dessert. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Protein-focused brand David has entered the frozen category with the launch of David Frozen Dessert, a new line of high-protein, low-calorie pints. The company, founded by RXBAR co-founder Peter Rahal, reported that the initial direct-to-consumer online release of the product range sold out in 28 minutes. This launch marks David's first major category expansion outside its core protein bar portfolio, targeting growing demand within the active nutrition and better-for-you frozen dessert sectors. Portfolio Expansion and Nutritional Profile The introduction of the frozen dessert line follows the brand's established strategy of developing food products with a high protein-to-calorie ratio. Each pint in the new range is formulated to deliver 30g of protein, while maintaining a low-calorie and low-sugar profile. The calorie content across the range spans from 210 to 260 calories per pint, with sugar levels kept between less than 1g and 2g. According to Peter Rahal, founder of David, the development of the frozen range was driven by the goal of matching the taste and texture of traditional ice cream while significantly improving the nutritional metrics. By utilising advanced formulation techniques, the brand aims to establish a premium position in the functional dairy and dairy-alternative dessert space, appealing to health-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on sensory experience. Product Formulation and Flavour Profiles The initial product rollout comprises four distinct flavour profiles, packaged in standard retail pint formats: 🍪 Cookie Dough – A vanilla-flavoured base incorporating butter-style cookie dough chunks, chocolate flakes, and dark chocolate swirls. Each pint contains 30g of protein, 260 calories, and 2g of sugar. 🥜 Triple Peanut Butter – A peanut butter base layered with peanut butter flakes and thick peanut butter ribbons. Each pint contains 30g of protein, 260 calories, and 2g of sugar. 🍫 Triple Chocolate – A rich chocolate base combined with chocolate flakes and glossy chocolate swirls. Each pint contains 30g of protein, 260 calories, and 2g of sugar. 🍦 Vanilla Bean – A classic vanilla base studded with natural vanilla bean specks. Each pint contains 30g of protein, 210 calories, and less than 1g of sugar. Retail Activation To support the commercial launch and drive brand awareness, David is executing a targeted physical retail activation in New York City. Beginning 5 June 2026, the company will open a temporary summer ice cream shop at the S10 Gym in the West Village Manhattan. The experiential retail space will serve the full line of high-protein pints directly to consumers, bridging the gap between digital-first sales and physical brand touchpoints. This hybrid marketing approach allows the brand to secure direct product trials among target fitness demographics, laying the groundwork for future physical retail and wholesale distribution channels. New Products David Launches High-Protein Frozen Pint Dessert Eddie Sanders June 3, 2026 Foodservice Domino's Debuts Chinese-Inspired Pizza and Biscoff Collaboration across the UK New Products Crumbl Partners with Minecraft to Launch Square Dessert Collection Foodservice McDonald's Launches Three New Summer Dips & Cornetto McFlurry New Products Domino's Launches S'mores Lava Cakes in US Health & Nutrition Dairy New Products Food Related news

Diversified soft drinks group Nichols plc has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with THG plc to launch Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Nichols plc has announced a multi-year brand licensing agreement with THG plc to launch Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water in the United Kingdom. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the ready-to-drink range represents Nichols' first venture into the protein-fortified beverage sector. Nichols will manufacture and distribute the co-branded product range through its established UK retail network, targeting convenience, wholesale, and grocery channels. The launch builds on an existing relationship between the two companies that began in 2021. The introduction of the ready-to-drink line aims to address the growing consumer demand for functional and health-focused beverages. With protein identified as a highly sought-after functional ingredient, the partnership is designed to offer a lighter alternative to the predominantly milk-based protein beverages that currently lead the category. Product Specifications and Formulations The new beverage range will be packaged in 500ml bottles and is positioned at a recommended retail price of £2.99. Each serving is sugar-free, low in calories, and contains 15g of clear whey protein isolate. The formulation is engineered to remove fats and lactose while delivering all essential amino acids. The product range features two flavours: 🍇 Vimto: A flavour profile incorporating the distinctive taste of the classic soft drink brand. 🍋 Raspberry Lemon: A refreshing, fruit-forward blend. The collaboration between Nichols and THG began in 2021 when Myprotein first licensed the Vimto brand for its clear whey powder range. This collaboration has since expanded into other formats, including creatine, collagen, pre-workout, and gummies. New Products Nichols and THG Partner to Launch Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water Eddie Sanders July 13, 2026 New Products RYZE Launches Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Mushroom Coffee at Target New Products Beyond Meat Launches Phytosphere Platform with Powders, Bars and Beverages New Products Optimum Nutrition and Wisconsin Brewing Launch ChampionSips Protein Non Alcoholic Beer New Products Wave Kids Launches Four Organic Flavoured Waters for Back to School Beverage Health & Nutrition New Products Related news

Consumer-focused private equity firm L Catterton has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Austin-based dairy brand Good Culture. According to reports, the transaction values the business at over $500 million. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Consumer-focused private equity firm L Catterton has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Austin-based dairy brand Good Culture. According to reports, the transaction values the business at over $500 million . The deal comes amidst a significant renaissance for the cottage cheese category, which has seen renewed consumer interest driven by high-protein dietary trends and social media virality. Growth Trajectory and Market Context Good Culture has established itself as a category leader, capitalising on the shift towards cultured dairy. The brand reports that its sales have nearly quadrupled over the past three years. This surge outpaces the broader category, which itself has recorded impressive growth of approximately 60% over the same period. While best known for its thick, organic cottage cheese, the company’s portfolio also includes sour cream and cream cheese. Strategic Investment Plan L Catterton—which is backed by luxury conglomerate LVMH and manages around $37 billion in assets—intends to deploy capital to scale Good Culture’s operations. The strategic roadmap includes: Production Capacity: Investing in manufacturing infrastructure to meet rising demand. Distribution: Expanding the brand's retail footprint. Innovation: Accelerating product development. Deal Structure and Timeline Existing investor Manna Tree will reinvest as part of the transaction, maintaining a stake in the company’s future growth. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 . Dairy L Catterton Acquires Majority Stake in Good Culture at $500m+ Valuation News January 11, 2026 Coffee & Tea Starbucks Sells Two Million Unicorn Frappuccinos in Record Weekend Business & Finance Millow Secures €2M to Scale Clean Label Oat and Mycelium Protein Alcohol Heineken Cuts 3,000 Roles As First-Half Operating Profit Rises 6.7% Business & Finance Ingredion Completes Sale of Majority Stake in Pakistan Business Rafhan Maize Dairy Food Business & Finance Cultivated Related news

The Coca-Cola Company's Fanta brand has partnered with Fun World and Paramount+ to introduce Ghost Face Punch and limited-edition packaging. 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 unveiled a cross-category Halloween campaign for its Fanta brand, partnering with licensing firm Fun World and Paramount+ to integrate horror icon Ghost Face into its Haunted Universe platform. The collaboration marks the first guest character entry into Fanta's original entertainment world, launching alongside a new limited-edition beverage, Ghost Face Punch. The promotional push targets Q3 and Q4 seasonal trading, combining original intellectual property (IP) development, short-run packaging variations, and streaming media tie-ins to drive store footfall and brand engagement across global retail channels. Entertainment & Branding The introduction of Ghost Face into Fanta's Haunted Universe represents a shift in the brand's seasonal marketing strategy, transitioning from traditional licensing collaborations toward building proprietary entertainment assets. First launched through a cinematic trailer, the Haunted Universe platform introduces four original Halloween characters alongside guest IP to establish a recurring, multi-year brand environment. Ibrahim Khan, Global Vice President of Marketing at Fanta, stated that the creation of the Haunted Universe reflects a transition from brand collaborators to content creators, establishing original characters and storylines designed to extend across multiple seasonal campaigns. Khan added that incorporating an established horror icon provides a central anchor for the 2026 Halloween campaign. Limited Edition Flavour and Packaging To support store-level velocity and drive collectability among Halloween enthusiasts and horror fans, Fanta is deploying custom packaging graphics and a new seasonal flavour across its retail distribution network. The limited-edition seasonal lineup includes: 👻 Ghost Face Punch: A new limited-edition Halloween flavour formulation packaged in custom collectable cans featuring Ghost Face graphics. 🎃 Haunted Universe Character Cans: Limited-edition packaging variations showcasing Fanta's four original Halloween characters alongside Ghost Face across individual SKUs. Licensing Partnerships The campaign is supported by an integrated media partnership with Paramount+ and Fun World, the licensor of the Ghost Face character mask. As part of the promotional execution, voice actor Roger Jackson, who voices the character in the film franchise, provided original audio assets for campaign broadcasts and digital content. R.J. Torbert, Director of Licensing and Brand Enforcement at Fun World, noted that bringing Ghost Face into Fanta's Haunted Universe establishes a cross-category experience that connects established film fandom with fast-moving consumer goods. To support the campaign, Paramount+ is cross-promoting the Scream film franchise across its digital streaming platform throughout the autumn trading period, providing an additional consumer touchpoint between entertainment media and retail beverage purchasing. Soft drinks Fanta Partners with Ghost Face for Halloween 2026 Haunted Universe Launch Dan Bunt August 27, 2026 New Products Co-op Launches Halloween 2026 Confectionery and Snack Range Confectionery HI-CHEW Brings Back Halloween Mystery Mix with New Hidden Flavour Snacking Cheetos Launches Multi-Sensory Sweet Phantom Heat Puffs in US New Products Hershey Unveils 2026 Halloween Range with Fruity Sweets and Salty Snacks Packaging Soft drinks Beverage New Products Business & Finance Marketing Related news

Aspire Biopharma subsidiary Buzz Bomb Caffeine Company has signed a strategic brokerage agreement with Interwest Brokerage comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The expansion of alternative functional energy products into traditional retail channels requires highly specialised local execution. In a strategic move to scale its brick-and-mortar presence, Buzz Bomb Caffeine Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc., has announced a sales and marketing brokerage agreement with Interwest Brokerage. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Interwest is an independent Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) solutions provider with established relationships across major grocery, convenience, and alternative retail channels. Under the terms of the agreement, the broker will spearhead the sales, marketing, and distribution strategy for the brand across key territories in the Intermountain West, specifically covering Utah, Idaho, and Montana. By aligning with a premier regional broker, the company aims to bypass the friction often associated with national retail rollouts. Instead, it is focusing on building concentrated regional velocity, optimising shelf placement, and leveraging localised retail insights to capture a larger share of the fast-growing functional energy sector. Functional Energy Market The strategic significance of this retail expansion lies in the product's unique delivery mechanism. The functional energy sector has historically been dominated by heavy, liquid-based ready-to-drink (RTD) energy drinks, coffees, and sodas. However, these formats present notable supply chain challenges, including high shipping weights, strict cold-chain or climate-controlled warehousing requirements, and premium retail shelf real estate constraints. In contrast, the brand's core offering utilises a dry, sublingual powder format packaged in single-serving stick packs. Consumers sprinkle the powder directly under the tongue, allowing the active ingredients to dissolve and absorb rapidly without the need for water or liquid mixing. For retail category managers, this format offers several distinct operational benefits: High Margin Density: The small, lightweight packaging footprint of stick packs yields exceptional sales-per-square-foot ratios compared to bulky cans or bottles. Flexible Merchandising Opportunities: Because the dry powder does not require refrigeration, retailers can position the products at high-traffic checkout counters, endcaps, or side-wings to drive spontaneous impulse purchases. Reduced Logistics Overheads: Shipping and warehousing dry powder stick packs significantly reduces freight costs and minimises carbon footprint metrics, aligning with broader corporate ESG targets. Formulation and Technical Specifications From a product development standpoint, the brand has engineered a precise stimulant delivery system tailored for active lifestyles, busy professionals, and athletes who require clean-label on-the-go energy. The product line is designed around the following specifications: Standardised Potency: Each single-serve stick pack delivers a controlled 50mg dose of caffeine, offering a moderate and predictable boost. Flavour Customisation: The range features four distinct profiles designed to mask the natural bitterness of caffeine, including Tropical Fruit, Mixed Berry, Peach Mango, and Coffee Mocha. Waterless Convenience: The dry powder format removes the preparation and consumption barriers associated with traditional caffeinated beverages, catering to a fast-moving, convenience-first demographic. This collaboration represents a key step in Aspire Biopharma's broader corporate objective to transition its proprietary caffeine delivery systems from clinical development into high-volume, mainstream commercial channels. By utilising Interwest's extensive retail network, the brand is well-positioned to establish a highly resilient regional footprint before embarking on further national expansion. Beverage Aspire Biopharma Partners with Interwest Brokerage to Scale Buzz Bomb Retail Footprint Eddie Sanders May 20, 2026 New Products RYZE Launches Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Mushroom Coffee at Target New Products Beyond Meat Launches Phytosphere Platform with Powders, Bars and Beverages New Products Optimum Nutrition and Wisconsin Brewing Launch ChampionSips Protein Non Alcoholic Beer New Products Wave Kids Launches Four Organic Flavoured Waters for Back to School Retail Coffee & Tea Beverage Related news