The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has updated its digital loyalty programme with personalised challenges while introducing a seasonal autumn beverage range. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Speciality coffeehouse chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has announced an overhaul of its digital loyalty programme alongside the rollout of its autumn seasonal menu. Rolling out commercially across North American locations in August 2026, the strategy combines an expanded rewards structure with new seasonal menu additions, introducing Japanese hojicha green tea beverages alongside returning pumpkin SKUs and Halloween LTOs. The dual rollout leverages personalised digital loyalty mechanics to drive repeat transaction frequency while expanding tea menu platforms to capture afternoon refreshment dayparts. Personalised Rewards Loyalty Commencing 19 August 2026, the updated Coffee Bean Rewards programme transitions to a "Rewards Your Way" architecture engineered to increase digital engagement and app-based customer retention. Dana Castaneda, Vice President and Head of Marketing Americas at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, stated that the update focuses on offering consumers tailored rewards experiences alongside expanded beverage choices across coffee and tea categories. Hojicha Beverages from Left to Right: Iced Pumpkin Hojicha Latte, Hojicha Ice Blended Drink, and Hojic Seasonal Beverage Portfolio The autumn menu platform introduces Japanese hojicha tea, a low-roasted green tea known for its nutty profile and lower caffeine content, alongside returning pumpkin-flavoured espresso drinks and limited-time Halloween offerings. The seasonal SKU lineup features: 🎃 Pumpkin Iced Latte with Cream Cap: Espresso combined with pumpkin syrup and French Deluxe vanilla powder, poured over pebble ice and topped with a cold cream cap. 🎃 Pumpkin Dry Iced Americano: Three espresso shots whisked with pumpkin syrup and vanilla powder, finished with a caramel swirl and half-and-half dairy. 🎃 Pumpkin Extreme Ice Blended Drink: A blended frozen beverage combining espresso, pumpkin syrup, and vanilla powder. 🍵 Iced Pumpkin Hojicha Latte: Roasted hojicha green tea whisked with white chocolate powder, pumpkin syrup, and milk over ice. 🍵 Iced Hojicha Latte: Roasted hojicha green tea blended with white chocolate powder and iced milk. 🍵 Hojicha Ice Blended Drink: A frozen blended beverage featuring hojicha green tea, white chocolate powder, and milk. 👻 Ghost Iced Latte: A Halloween-themed iced beverage combining espresso, white chocolate powder, and cookie pieces, topped with a cookie cream cap and crumble. 👺 Goblin Iced Latte: A Halloween-themed matcha beverage combining green tea, white chocolate powder, and cookie pieces with a cookie cream cap finish. Availability and Phased Deployment The seasonal product lineup follows a structured promotional window across participating locations: Early Access Loyalty Phase: Pumpkin beverage early access commenced 5 August 2026 for registered rewards members. Core Seasonal Window: Hojicha and pumpkin menu platforms enter full commercial availability from 19 August through 3 November 2026. Halloween LTO Window: Ghost and Goblin Iced LTOs will deploy from 16 September through 31 October 2026. The integration of gamified loyalty incentives alongside low-caffeine tea platforms reflects ongoing QSR beverage strategies to boost digital ordering frequency and capture broader consumer demographics. Coffee & Tea The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Launches Hojicha and Fall Range Eddie Sanders August 5, 2026 New Products Rancho La Gloria Launches Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini New Products RYZE Launches Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Mushroom Coffee at Target New Products Krispy Kreme Debuts Apple Cider Glazed Doughnut New Products Culture Pop Soda Launches Limited Edition Sparkling Apple for Autumn Coffee & Tea New Products Related news

Yeo Valley Organic scales its presence in the UK organic market with a comprehensive portfolio expansion across the yoghurt, meat, and frozen dessert categories ahead of the 2026 summer season. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Yeo Valley Organic has unveiled a significant expansion of its product portfolio, introducing new SKUs across the yoghurt, butchery, and ice cream categories. The move represents a strategic effort to capture increased consumer spend during the spring and summer seasons, particularly targeting breakfast, snacking, and seasonal outdoor dining occasions. Yoghurt Innovation and Portfolio Refresh In the chilled dairy aisle, the company is targeting the premium segment with the launch of a new Fruited Greek Style yoghurt range. This line is designed to meet demand for high-protein, indulgent textures and features three specific flavour profiles: Mediterranean Lemon, Alphonso Mango & Coconut, and Passion Fruit & Mandarin. Further diversifying its core offerings, the brand has added a Vanilla variant to its Whole Milk yoghurt range. This launch coincides with a visual refresh of the existing Whole Milk line—including Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blackcurrant variants—which now feature updated packaging designed to improve shelf standout. The company stated that these innovations are intended to align with the growing consumer preference for simple, organic ingredients with no artificial additives. Strategic Entry into the Lamb Category Ahead of National BBQ Week 2026, Yeo Valley Organic is diversifying its meat portfolio. Most notably, the brand is launching British Lamb Burgers seasoned with herbs, marking its first entry into the lamb segment. The butchery expansion also includes the return of Beef Steak Burgers to Tesco, following strong historical performance. The brand's strategy in the meat category continues to emphasise ethical sourcing and traceability, with all products manufactured using 100% British, free-range organic meat. This positioning caters to the "less but better" meat consumption trend currently shaping the UK market. Premiumization in Organic Ice Cream To complement its BBQ offerings, the company is expanding its frozen dessert range with three new ice cream flavours: Madagascan Vanilla Summer Berry Ripple Blueberry & Lemon Curd The range utilises West Country cream and organic dairy, targeting the premium tier of the ice cream market. By launching these products alongside its new burger range, Yeo Valley Organic is effectively positioning itself as a "total meal solution" provider for the summer seasonal window. Market Outlook The comprehensive launch reflects a broader industry trend where established organic brands are looking to leverage their trust and "clean label" credentials across multiple store aisles. By expanding into the lamb category and diversifying its yoghurt textures, Yeo Valley Organic is mitigating risks associated with single-category fluctuations while capitalising on the high-margin seasonal BBQ and snacking markets. These new additions are expected to roll out across major UK retailers through the second quarter of 2026. Dairy Yeo Valley Organic Announces Multi Category Portfolio Expansion for Summer 2026 News March 19, 2026 Dairy Saputo Agrees £988M Sale of UK Dairy Division to Lactalis New Products Danimals Expands Kids Yoghurt Range with Peach Smoothie Launch Packaging Aldi and Arla Launch Trial for UV Tagged Milk Bottle Recycling Dairy Danone and Arcor Complete Argentina Dairy Joint Venture New Products Dairy Related news

McCain Foods is expanding its appetiser and side dish portfolio with Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves, a distinctive "wave-cut" potato designed to help restaurateurs diversify menus with premium, low-labour textures. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food McCain Foods The Newsroom McCain Foods, the global leader in prepared potato products, holding an estimated 27.9% of the global frozen potato market share, has announced the launch of Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves. The new product is engineered to meet the growing consumer demand for "sensorial exploration", specifically layered textures and non-traditional shapes, while addressing the ongoing labour and margin pressures facing North American foodservice operators. The launch arrives as the global frozen potato market is projected to reach $119.1 billion by 2035, with the "potato fried" segment currently commanding 42% of market revenue. According to McCain’s culinary research, younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly signalling a preference for potato dishes that offer unique textures and global flavour potential. Data from 2024 shows that while classic fries remain a staple, nearly 20% of "taste seekers" specifically prioritise improved crunch and impactful seasoning in their side dish choices. "Today's consumers are signalling it's time to go beyond the basics with new flavours, textures, and shapes," said McCain Director of Culinary Chef Mark Slutzky. "As the maker of one in four fries worldwide, McCain prides itself on taking the category to new heights by offering delicious and innovative options." Operational Efficiency for Restaurateurs A core value proposition of the Brew City® Potato Waves is its "back-of-house" simplicity. The product is designed to provide a hand-crafted, premium aesthetic without the associated prep time or skill requirements of manual wave-cutting or in-house battering. Key technical and operational specifications include: Texture Profile : A light beer batter providing a crispy exterior paired with a soft, fluffy interior. Prep Convenience : Ready for deep-frying at 350°F for 3.5 to 4 minutes or convection baking for 14 to 16 minutes, requiring zero additional kitchen prep. Versatility : Positioned as both a stand-alone side dish and a "foundation" for loaded applications, such as poutines or potato nachos. Margin Impact : Designed as a "premium side" that justifies a higher menu upcharge compared to standard straight-cut fries. The product has already seen integration into high-volume casual dining environments. Mark McMillin, Chief Culinary Officer at Cooper's Hawk, noted that the Potato Waves allow operators to deliver a "wow-factor experience" while keeping margins in mind. This feedback aligns with broader 2025 industry trends, where 52% of the frozen potato market is driven by the foodservice sector . Operators are increasingly looking for "menu-ready" innovations that can transition across dayparts, from lunch appetisers to late-night shareable platters. Supply Chain and Sustainability The launch of the Brew City® Potato Waves also aligns with McCain’s broader commitment to "Smart and Sustainable Farming." As of early 2026, McCain has reported that 69% of its global acreage is onboarded to its Regenerative Agriculture Framework. By utilising potatoes sourced from farms transitioning to regenerative practices, McCain is positioning its new product innovations as part of a resilient, future-focused supply chain—a factor increasingly valued by corporate procurement teams and sustainability-conscious diners. Availability McCain Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves are now available through major foodservice distributors in the United States and Canada. The product is typically packaged in 6/4 lb. cases, catering to the volume needs of casual dining, pubs, and fast-casual establishments. Foodservice McCain Foods Launches Brew City Beer Battered Potato Waves for Foodservice Eddie Sanders April 10, 2026 Foodservice Wagamama Unveils 26 Dishes and 15 Drinks in US Menu Overhaul Foodservice TGI Fridays Expands into Balkans with Devolli Group Franchise Agreement Foodservice Hoogland Restaurant Group Acquires Five Marco's Pizza Locations Foodservice Biscuit Belly Acquires 34 Maple Street Biscuit Company Outlets Food Foodservice New Products Related news

Planet Doughnut is entering the automated retail sector with a 24/7 vending machine at its Shrewsbury bakery, signalling a strategic shift toward unattended retail to drive round-the-clock sales and geographic expansion. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Shrewsbury-based Planet Doughnut has announced the installation of a 24/7 vending machine at its Battlefield Industrial Estate headquarters. The move marks the company’s first entry into the unattended retail space, providing customers with round-the-clock access to its product range outside of traditional operating hours. The automated unit, located on Knights Way, is stocked daily with the company’s core and limited-edition doughnut ranges alongside branded merchandise. The launch serves as a pilot for a potential wider rollout across towns, cities, and corporate workplaces. Automated Convenience The implementation of vending technology allows Planet Doughnut to capture "after-hours" demand without the overhead costs associated with staffed retail units. This strategy aligns with a broader trend in the bakery sector toward "micro-retail" and unattended points of sale, which have gained traction as high-street footfall fluctuates. Alice Turnbull, Head of Marketing at Planet Doughnut, indicated that the concept introduces a new distribution channel to the local market. By utilising the company’s SALSA-accredited bakery site for the initial installation, the business can monitor inventory turnover and consumer preferences in a controlled environment before scaling to high-traffic third-party locations. A critical factor in the success of the vending model is the maintenance of product quality and freshness. Planet Doughnut utilises a vegan dough formulation for its handcrafted products, which offers a shelf life of up to 72 hours. Key operational features of the new model include: Daily Restocking : Ensuring product rotation and freshness. Climate Control : The machine is designed to maintain the integrity of the glazes and fillings. Product Mix : A combination of standard inventory, limited-run seasonal flavours, and non-perishable merchandise to maximise transaction value. Founded in 2017 as a home-based operation by Duncan and Samantha McGregor, Planet Doughnut has undergone significant institutional growth. Following its acquisition by the Delves family in 2025, the business has focused on scaling its production capabilities and expanding its B2B footprint. Currently, the brand supplies a diverse range of sectors, including: Holiday and theme parks Farm shops and garden centers Football stadiums and music venues The exploration of vending solutions for artisanal products reflects a maturing "grab-and-go" market in the UK. For bakery operators, the model offers a low-friction entry into high-density environments such as transportation hubs and office complexes. As Planet Doughnut evaluates the performance of the Shrewsbury unit, the industry will be watching to see if the model can be effectively replicated in more competitive urban centres. The success of this pilot could provide a blueprint for other artisanal bakery brands looking to scale their physical presence with minimal capital expenditure compared to traditional brick-and-mortar expansion. Bakery Planet Doughnut Expands with Vending Solution in UK News April 9, 2026 Packaging CCEP and Exchange for Change Test Reverse Vending Machines Ahead of 2027 DRS Launch New Products Pepsi Launches Night Edition with Extra Caffeine for Saudi Football Fans Coffee & Tea VendinGO Acquires Portuguese Roaster Caffier Business & Finance Mini Melts USA and Magnum Ice Cream Automated Retail Partnership Snacking Bakery Business & Finance New Solutions Related news

Unilever has announced the sale of its healthier snacking brand, Graze, to Katjes International, the parent company behind the popular confectionery label Candy Kittens. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food Unilever The Newsroom Unilever has announced the sale of its healthier snacking brand, Graze, to Katjes International, the parent company behind the popular confectionery label Candy Kittens. The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2026, aligns with Unilever’s ongoing strategy to streamline its portfolio and shift focus toward its higher-growth beauty and wellness categories. Unilever acquired Graze in 2019 to strengthen its presence in the health-conscious snack market. Since then, Graze has transitioned from a primarily direct-to-consumer business to a strong UK retail player, achieving significant growth and improved profitability. The brand also underwent a visual refresh under Unilever, broadening its appeal to mainstream shoppers. Georgina Bradford, general manager of UKI Foods at Unilever, said: “Graze has redefined healthy snacking with innovations that prioritise nutrition without compromising on taste. We believe it is now well-positioned for its next phase of growth under Katjes International.” Katjes International views Graze as a complementary addition to its expanding brand portfolio. Bastian Fassin, managing shareholder at Katjes, commented: “Graze is a leading healthy snacking brand in the UK. Its strong awareness aligns perfectly with our strategy to grow consumer-centric brands that resonate with health-conscious consumers.” Candy Kittens founder Jamie Laing added: “Graze changed the way the UK thinks about healthier snacking. I am excited about the potential to further develop this innovative brand.” Unilever has indicated plans to divest additional legacy food brands as it leans into categories such as condiments and meal solutions—reflecting broader shifts in consumer demand toward health, convenience and wellness. Although financial terms were not disclosed, the sale is expected to strengthen Katjes International’s presence in the competitive healthy snacking segment. Snacking Unilever sells Graze to Candy Kittens' parent company Katjes International News December 1, 2025 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 Snacking Confectionery Business & Finance Related news

Starbucks has expanded its seasonal beverage portfolio with the nationwide launch of Blended Energy Refreshers. Arriving in stores on 14 July 2026. 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 Starbucks has expanded its seasonal beverage portfolio with the nationwide launch of Blended Energy Refreshers. Arriving in stores on 14 July 2026, the new product line transitions the brand’s highly popular iced Refresher platform into a smooth, frozen format, blending real fruit pieces, ice, and customisable functional ingredients to capture peak summer demand. The launch represents a strategic effort by the multinational chain to capitalise on the rapidly expanding cold beverage category, which continues to drive a significant portion of afternoon retail traffic in the food and beverage sector. Cold beverages have become the primary growth driver for Starbucks, particularly during the high-temperature summer months. By combining the slush-like texture of blended beverages with the tropical flavor profiles of the existing Refresher line, Starbucks is addressing a key consumer preference for lighter, thirst-quenching alternatives to heavy dairy-based blended drinks. The new Blended Energy Refreshers combine fruit flavours with either a tangy lemonade or a creamy coconut milk base, incorporating real fruit inclusions and ice before being blended. The resulting texture offers a smooth, uniform consistency designed to keep beverages chilled for longer during transit. Customisation and Nutritional Value A core pillar of the new menu architecture is customisation, allowing consumers to tailor their beverage to their specific dietary preferences and energy requirements. The Blended Energy Refreshers platform provides three distinct caffeine tiers: Standard Light Caffeine: The traditional green coffee extract base. Energy Refresher Boost: Enhanced functional benefit delivering up to 105mg of caffeine in a grande size, fortified as an excellent source of B vitamins. Caffeine Free: An entirely caffeine-free formulation allowing access to late-day consumer occasions. This multi-tiered approach allows the chain to compete directly with pre-packaged functional energy drinks whilst maintaining the premium, handcrafted theatre of the in-store barista experience. Product Lineup The summer rollout comprises four core Blended Energy Refresher products alongside a limited-edition blended tea option. Each product is formulated to balance sweetness, acidity, and visual appeal: 🥭 Blended Mango Dragon fruit Lemonade Energy Refresher: Blends mango and dragon fruit flavours with real dragon fruit pieces, lemonade, and ice for a vibrant, tropical profile. 🍓 Blended Mango Strawberry Lemonade Energy Refresher: Combines sweet mango with juicy strawberry flavours, real strawberry pieces, lemonade, and ice. 🥥 Blended Pink Energy Drink: A frozen, smoothie-style execution of the brand’s iconic Pink Drink, blending sweet strawberry and açaí flavours with real strawberry pieces, coconut milk, and ice. 🍈 Blended Passion fruit Guava Lemonade Energy Refresher: A limited-time seasonal addition featuring tropical passion fruit and guava flavours blended with lemonade and topped with popping mango-pineapple flavoured pearls. 🍵 Blended Matcha Lemonade: Joining the menu alongside the energy range for a limited time, this beverage blends earthy green tea matcha, tart lemonade, and classic sweet syrup with ice. The phased summer menu, which included the return of the S'mores Frappuccino on 1 July and previews an upcoming Orange Cream range later in the month, ensures a steady stream of promotional excitement to maintain high brand visibility throughout the competitive summer trading window. Beverage Starbucks Launches Blended Energy Refreshers Dan Bunt July 14, 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 New Products Beverage Energy Drinks Related news

Global ingredients leader IFF has signed an agreement to sell its botanical extracts, vitamins, minerals, and natural colours business to SuanNutra. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Flavours & Colours IFF The Newsroom IFF has agreed to sell its portfolio of botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals, and food enhancement activities to SuanNutra, a functional ingredients provider backed by Carbyne Equity Partners. The transaction, which is scheduled to close by the end of 2026, represents a significant portfolio rationalisation step for IFF as the company narrows its focus to core business segments. The divestment covers IFF's range of natural colours and antioxidants, along with specific localised flavour activities in Peru. The divested assets serve a diverse range of food, beverage, and nutritional end markets with customised ingredient solutions. Realignment and Core Focus The transaction aligns with IFF's broader corporate turnaround strategy to streamline its operating model and reduce debt. By divesting these non-core business activities, the company aims to concentrate its capital and research resources on its highest-growth divisions. Erik Fyrwald, Chief Executive Officer of IFF, stated that the transaction represents an important milestone in optimising the company's operating structure. Fyrwald noted that the divestment reinforces IFF's strategic focus on its core innovation-led business units, specifically Taste, Scent, and Health and Biosciences, where the company identifies the strongest opportunities to generate long-term profitable growth and shareholder value. Assets and Footprint The business activities included in the sale represent a substantial manufacturing and commercial footprint across multiple regions: Financial Performance: The business units under the transaction generated total revenues of approximately USD 170 million during the 2025 financial year. Workforce: The divested operations employ approximately 600 people globally, who are expected to transition to the new ownership upon completion of the deal. Manufacturing Infrastructure: The deal includes five dedicated manufacturing facilities located across Europe, the United States, and Latin America. Following the acquisition, the assets will integrate into SuanNutra's existing international portfolio of science-backed functional ingredients, expanding the company's scale in the natural antioxidant and plant extract sectors. Transaction Details The completion of the sale is projected for the end of 2026. The final transition remains subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining relevant regulatory clearances and completing required local works council and employee consultation processes. The financial terms and purchase price of the transaction have not been disclosed by either party. For the execution of the agreement, investment bank Alantra acted as the sole financial advisor to IFF, whilst DLA Piper LLP provided legal counsel to the selling company. Business & Finance SuanNutra to Acquire IFF Botanical Extracts and Food Enhancement Division Eddie Sanders July 20, 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 Ingredients Flavours & Colours Business & Finance Related news

Oterra and Debut partner to use AI-powered precision fermentation to create a natural Red 40 dye alternative, tackling synthetic dye regulations. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Flavours & Colours Oterra The Newsroom Oterra, a global leader in natural colour solutions with a 150-year heritage, and biotech innovator Debut have announced a landmark multi-million-dollar agreement to develop the next generation of natural pigments. The partnership focuses on scaling Debut’s precision fermentation process to create a bio-identical, high-stability alternative to Red 40, one of the most prevalent and scrutinised artificial additives in the North American food and beverage sector. The move comes as the industry faces structural pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to transition away from specific FD&C certified food colourings by the end of 2026. Precision Fermentation as a Solution Red 40 has historically been difficult to replace due to its intense vibrance and stability across various pH levels and temperatures. While current natural alternatives, such as those derived from beetroot or carmine, offer clean-label benefits, they often suffer from sensory degradation or supply chain inconsistency. Joshua Britton, PhD, Founder and CEO of Debut, stated that biotech offers a "clear advantage" that aligns with modern market demands. By utilising precision fermentation, the partnership aims to deliver the technical performance of synthetic dyes without the associated regulatory risks or health concerns. The resulting pigments will provide manufacturers with a stable, high-intensity red that is not subject to the seasonal fluctuations or land-use requirements of traditional botanical sourcing. Technical Synergy and Formulation Scale The collaboration merges Debut’s AI-driven ingredient discovery platform with Oterra’s extensive application and formulation expertise. This vertical integration is designed to solve the "stability gap" in natural colours: Spectrum Breadth: The platform will produce a range of stable shades spanning the orange, red, and violet spectrums. Application Versatility: Formulations are being engineered for high-heat and high-acid environments, such as carbonated soft drinks, confectionery, and meat alternatives. Bio-Manufacturing Efficiency: The precision fermentation model requires significantly less land and water than traditionally cultivated alternatives, contributing to corporate Scope 3 emission targets. Luc Ganivet, Head of Innovation at Oterra, emphasised that the partnership provides "secure supply, independent of weather and harvest," a critical factor for B2B procurement heads looking to de-risk their raw material portfolios. Commercial Roadmap Debut and Oterra are moving into a collaborative phase with leading food and beverage organisations to pilot the new pigments ahead of full commercialisation. The organisations are currently working toward an FDA approval filing, with a projected three-year window for full-scale commercial availability. This timeline aligns with the broader industry shift toward "agentic" food science, where AI and biotechnology are used to proactively solve regulatory bottlenecks before they impact retail availability. As the global community moves toward more transparent ingredient labels, the success of the Oterra and Debut partnership will serve as a benchmark for the "biotech-to-shelf" model. By providing a vegan, kosher, and halal-compatible replacement for Red 40, the organisations are positioning themselves as primary infrastructure providers for the next decade of "Clean Colour" innovation. For food manufacturers, this collaboration represents a transition from "minimising synthetic usage" to "adopting biotech-led performance," ensuring that the visual appeal of consumer products remains intact as the regulatory landscape for FD&C colours continues to tighten through 2026 and beyond. Flavours & Colours Oterra and Debut Partner to Scale Precision Fermentation Red 40 Alternative Eddie Sanders May 7, 2026 Cultivated Onego Bio and Zen Waffles Partner to Deploy Fermented Egg Protein in US Cultivated LBB Specialties and Ruby Bio Partner to Launch Fermentation-Derived Emulsifiers Cultivated Phytolon Secures Series B Funding to Commercialise Fermentation-Based Natural Food Colours Cultivated EVERY Launches Precision Fermented Animal-Free Egg White Protein Cultivated Safety & Quality New Solutions Ingredients Business & Finance Flavours & Colours Related news

General Mills has successfully removed all certified colours from its K-12 school food portfolio ahead of its 2026 deadline, marking a significant milestone in school foodservice innovation. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Food General Mills The Newsroom General Mills has announced that its entire K-12 school food portfolio is now produced without certified colors. This achievement comes well ahead of the company's initial commitment to reach this milestone by summer 2026. The move signals a major shift in the company's strategy to meet evolving nutritional demands within the educational sector. The final phase of this transition involved the reformulation of Lucky Charms 25% Less Sugar Cereal, which moved the K-12 portfolio from 98 percent to 100 percent free of certified colors. Industry Leadership and Compliance As a long-term partner to educational institutions, General Mills has focused on aligning its product development with state and federal regulations. This portfolio update is part of a broader effort to provide regulation-ready products that emphasize whole grains, lower sodium, and reduced sugar content. Pankaj Sharma, segment president of North America Foodservice at General Mills, noted that the milestone reflects the company's response to the specific needs of school districts. The removal of certified colors is positioned as a response to the growing demand for simplified ingredient lists in institutional feeding programs. Future Milestones for U.S. Retail The completion of the K-12 transition serves as a precursor to larger portfolio shifts within the company. General Mills confirmed it remains on schedule for the following targets: U.S. Cereal Portfolio: Complete removal of certified colors by summer 2026. Full U.S. Retail Portfolio: Complete transition by the end of 2027. Impact on School Foodservice Cereals remain the primary source of whole grains in school breakfast programs. By removing certified colors from these high-volume items, General Mills is setting a new standard for competitors in the K-12 space. The company's ability to achieve these results ahead of schedule suggests a robust supply chain and R&D infrastructure capable of rapid reformulation without compromising taste or shelf stability. This development underscores a larger trend in the food and beverage industry where major manufacturers are proactively cleaning up labels to maintain dominance in highly regulated sectors like school foodservice. Flavours & Colours General Mills Removes Certified Colours from All K-12 School Foods News March 5, 2026 New Products WK Kellogg Co Launches Super Stars Cereal for School Breakfast Programmes Health & Nutrition PLAYR1 Partners with K-12 Food Solutions to Launch Functional Beverages in US Schools Plant-based Peruvian Court Orders Vegan Meal Provision at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos Foodservice Liberty University Renews 10 Year Partnership with Sodexo Food Ingredients Business & Finance Health & Nutrition Flavours & Colours Related news

Riboli Family Wines is extending its Spritz Del Conte range with a new Hugo Spritz and a zero-proof Negroni to cater to increasing consumer demand. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Riboli Family Wines has announced the expansion of its ready-to-serve Spritz Del Conte brand. The latest additions include a Hugo Spritz and a Non-Alcoholic Negroni Spritz. The portfolio update reflects current shifts in consumer behaviour, with an increasing industry focus on daytime socialising and inclusive, low-or-no alcohol alternatives. Expanding the Hugo Spritz Offering The Hugo Spritz is a 13% ABV, wine-based cocktail produced from Glera grapes sourced from the Veneto region of Italy. The development of this product responds to industry trends indicating a rise in demand for aperitif-style beverages suitable for early-day social occasions. The flavour profile features: 🌸 Aromatic elderflower and floral sweetness 🌿 Crisp mint 🍋 Bright citrus with herbal undertones Entry into the Non Alcoholic Market To address the growing sober-curious consumer segment, Riboli Family Wines has introduced a Non-Alcoholic Negroni Spritz. With an ABV of less than 0.5%, the product is designed to provide an alternative for consumers seeking alcohol-free options that maintain the profile of a traditional aperitif. The non-alcoholic beverage includes: 🍊 Zesty orange notes 🌲 Natural juniper 🪵 Complex botanical aromatics Recent industry data from IWSR suggests a trend toward earlier social settings, with younger demographics prioritising convenience and premium ingredients in their choice of beverages. The expansion of the Spritz Del Conte line is positioned to capture this market activity, offering a pre-mixed solution intended to reduce the preparation requirements for on-premise and at-home consumption. The Spritz Del Conte line is currently available in select markets at a retail price point of $14.95 for a 750ml format. New Products Riboli Family Wines Expands Spritz Del Conte Range with Hugo and Non Alcoholic Options Eddie Sanders June 24, 2026 New Products Optimum Nutrition and Wisconsin Brewing Launch ChampionSips Protein Non Alcoholic Beer New Products Dr Zero Zero Launches AperZero Non Alcoholic Aperitivo in US Market New Products Tom Holland’s BERO Launches Non-Alcoholic Shandy Line Facilities Prodalim Scales Solos Platform with New California Beverage Facility Alcohol New Products Beverage Related news

Red Bull has announced the strategic reintroduction of two highly requested flavour profiles to its permanent portfolio. Starting today, the energy drink giant is rolling out Red Bull Iced Edition and Red Bull Peach Edition to retailers nationwide. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Energy Drinks Red Bull The Newsroom Red Bull has announced the strategic reintroduction of two highly requested flavour profiles to its permanent portfolio. Starting today, the energy drink giant is rolling out Red Bull Iced Edition and Red Bull Peach Edition to retailers nationwide. The launch transitions two successful Limited Time Offers (LTOs) into the core lineup, capitalising on the strong consumer demand generated during their initial seasonal runs. From Seasonal to Staple Both products previously existed under different monikers within the brand's seasonal rotation strategy. Their return as permanent "Editions" signals Red Bull's confidence in fruit-forward profiles as drivers of category growth. Red Bull Iced Edition: Formerly marketed as the Red Bull Winter Edition Iced Vanilla Berry . Red Bull Peach Edition: Previously known as the Red Bull Summer Edition White Peach . Flavour Architecture and Formats The re-released flavours retain the formulation that drove their initial popularity, blending the functional benefits of the core Red Bull energy matrix with distinct taste profiles. The Lineup: 🫐🍦 Red Bull Iced Edition: A complex blend featuring the taste of sweet blueberries and smooth vanilla. 🍑🍋 Red Bull Peach Edition: A crisp profile delivering notes of white peach, accented with a touch of citrus peel and floral undertones. Commercial Specs: The launch covers both full-sugar and sugar-free preferences, according to the announcement. The products are available in 8.4 fl oz and 12 fl oz cans. Retail Strategy Red Bull has secured immediate nationwide distribution for the relaunch. To drive trial and volume, the SKUs are being merchandised in multiple configurations, including individual cans, 4-packs , and variety packs . Energy Drinks Red Bull Permanently Reinstates Fan-Favorite 'Iced' and 'Peach' Editions Nationwide News January 20, 2026 Energy Drinks Red Bull Expands Seasonal Portfolio With Sudachi Lime Summer Edition Energy Drinks Red Bull Targets 'Quitter's Day' with Strava Challenge and NSF-Certified Zero Sugar Push Energy Drinks Tesco to launch exclusive Red Bull advent calendar for limited one-week run Energy Drinks Red Bull Expands Sugar-Free Range with New Lilac Edition in the UK Energy Drinks Beverage Soft drinks Flavours & Colours Related news

Hispanic food brand Cacique Foods has launched a new line of authentic shredded and grated cheeses to meet rising US demand for traditional Mexican flavours. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Hispanic food brand Cacique Foods has announced the nationwide launch of its new Shredded and Grated Cheese line. The product rollout aims to address the culinary gap in the mainstream retail sector by replacing generic "Mexican-style" cheese blends with authentic regional varieties. The nationwide distribution expansion is supported by a comprehensive brand-building investment and a multi-channel creative marketing campaign, which commences today, 20 July 2026. The product launch represents the first major portfolio innovation under the leadership of Cacique Foods’ new Chief Executive Officer, Pedro Silveira, and Chief Marketing Officer, Sibel Candemir. The executive team is directing significant capital toward brand-building initiatives, research and development, and nationwide distribution expansion to drive category growth. Sibel Candemir, Chief Marketing Officer at Cacique Foods, stated that home preparation of Mexican cuisine is experiencing sustained growth, with contemporary consumers increasingly refusing to compromise on authentic ingredients. Candemir noted that the expansion into the shredded cheese aisle is designed to provide the convenience that modern consumers expect without sacrificing traditional taste standards. Authentic Cheese Portfolio The new product line comprises three distinct varieties designed to deliver traditional melting properties, textures, and flavour profiles. The formulations use high-quality ingredients, contain no artificial flavours, and are certified gluten-free. The new product line features: 🧀 Mexican Style Four Cheese: A shredded blend combining traditional quesadilla, oaxaca, asadero, and menonita cheeses, developed for melting in standard dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. 🧀 Queso Quesadilla: A shredded cheese formulated specifically for its rich, creamy melt and high stretch capacity, positioned as the benchmark ingredient for traditional quesadillas. 🧀 Queso Cotija: A grated cheese offering a bold, sharp flavour profile in a convenient, ready-to-use format developed for sprinkling over elotes, salads, and beans. The range is packaged in convenient, resealable bags and is available in three distinct retail sizes to meet varied consumer purchasing requirements: Small Format: 7-ounce packaging (approximately 200g) Medium Format: 16-ounce packaging (approximately 450g) Large Format: 32-ounce packaging (approximately 900g) Packaging Redesign To support the launch, Cacique Foods has completed a vibrant packaging redesign across the new line. The updated packaging is engineered to improve shelf visibility and assist consumer purchasing decisions in the competitive dairy aisle. The design highlights key nutritional and dietary benefits, including protein content, gluten-free certification, and the absence of artificial flavours, while incorporating food photography and clear usage recommendations for cooking, melting, and topping. The Kitchen to Cocina Campaign The product rollout is backed by Cacique’s largest digital media campaign in recent years, titled "Kitchen to Cocina." Developed in partnership with creative agency Recreation Dallas, the campaign focuses on instructing consumers how authentic cheese varieties can elevate standard home-cooked meals to restaurant-quality dishes. The integrated marketing initiative incorporates several key components: Dual Language Outreach: Media assets have been produced in both English and Spanish to reach Hispanic and mainstream consumer demographics simultaneously. Broad Digital Distribution: Starting today, the campaign will utilise video advertising across Connected TV (CTV), Meta platforms, YouTube, TikTok, and programmatic in-stream channels. Display Advertising: Programmatic static display advertising will run concurrently to drive retail traffic and support the brand's store-locator platform. About Cacique Foods Cacique Foods LLC is an established US manufacturer of Hispanic cheeses, cremas, chorizos, and salsas. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company focuses on combining traditional production methods with high-volume manufacturing standards to supply authentic Hispanic food products to retail and foodservice networks nationwide. New Products Cacique Foods Launches Authentic Mexican Shredded and Grated Cheese Line Eddie Sanders July 20, 2026 Dairy FrieslandCampina Completes Major Investments at Gerkesklooster Cheese Site New Products Land O'Lakes Launches Snack Cheese Cubes Dairy Saputo Agrees £988M Sale of UK Dairy Division to Lactalis New Products Kraft Heinz Launches Philadelphia Lactose Free Cream Cheese across US Dairy Food New Products Related news