Cargill and Voyage Foods have launched NextCoa, a cocoa-free confectionery alternative utilising grape seeds to deliver a 67% lower carbon footprint comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Ingredients Cargill The Newsroom Cargill and food-tech innovator Voyage Foods have announced the North American launch of NextCoa™, an award-winning confectionery alternative to chocolate. The product debuts initially in the United States and is engineered to deliver the sensory experience of chocolate without utilising cocoa, addressing mounting pressure on the global cocoa supply chain. The partnership merges Voyage Foods’ patented ingredient technology with Cargill’s massive distribution and manufacturing scale, providing food manufacturers with a "drop-in" solution that improves price stability and ingredient availability. Cocoa Free Alternatives The global chocolate industry is currently navigating unprecedented volatility driven by climate change, disease, and geopolitical instability in primary growing regions. By commercialising a cocoa-free alternative, Cargill is providing its B2B partners with a tool to de-risk their supply chains and manage fluctuating commodity costs. Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, Vice President and Managing Director of Cocoa and Chocolate for Cargill Food North America, emphasised that NextCoa™ is designed to expand choice rather than replace traditional chocolate. Amoo-Gottfried stated that the line unlocks new pathways for manufacturers to create indulgent experiences while actively building resilience into the broader food system. Technical Formulation and Sustainability NextCoa™ differentiates itself from traditional chocolate analogues through its use of upcycled and widely available plant-based inputs, primarily grape seeds. Key Technical Attributes Include: Sensory Parity: Utilises familiar chocolate-making processes to replicate the melt profile, texture, and flavour of conventional chocolate. Environmental Impact: The manufacturing process and ingredient sourcing result in a 67 per cent lower carbon footprint compared to conventional chocolate, aligning directly with corporate Scope 3 reduction targets. Allergen Management: Formulated without major allergens, including dairy, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, making it a highly versatile ingredient for "free-from" manufacturing facilities. Application Versatility and Regional Distribution In the U.S. market, NextCoa™ is launching in two primary flavour profiles: Mild (a milk-chocolatey style) and Dark Mild (a blend of dark and milk chocolatey notes). The product is available in formats suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, including inclusions for baked goods and ice cream, as well as coatings for snacks and truffles. Cargill serves as the exclusive global B2B distributor for Voyage Foods. To facilitate rapid market penetration in the United States, Cargill is collaborating with established regional partners, including Batory Foods , Blendtek , and Gillco Ingredients (an Azelis Company) . A subsequent expansion into the Canadian market is planned for the near term. Adam Maxwell, CEO and Founder of Voyage Foods, noted that the partnership with Cargill allows the startup to scale its vision, making its approach to chocolate-like foods accessible to a broader network of manufacturers. As the "Cocoa 2.0" category matures, the success of the NextCoa™ rollout will serve as a critical benchmark for how effectively legacy agribusinesses can integrate biotech and food-tech innovations to solve complex global supply chain challenges. Ingredients Cargill and Voyage Foods Launch NextCoa Cocoa-Free Confectionery in North America Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 New Products Meiji Launches Limited Edition Strawberry Fruit Chocolate in Japan Cultivated Celleste Bio and Mondelēz International Unveil First Cell-Cultured Chocolate New Products Nestlé UK and Ireland Launches Limited-Edition Aero Pistachio Bar Business & Finance Hershey Launches ONE Hershey Unified U.S. Commercial Operating Model Flavours & Colours Plant-based Confectionery Business & Finance New Solutions Ingredients 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 New Products Ocean Spray Launches New Flavours & Craisins Grab and Go Formats New Products GrowHappy Launches Allergen ImmunoBars New Products Aloha Launches Limited Edition Key Lime Protein Bar Confectionery JOYRIDE Better-for-you Candy Launches Three New Products at Target Snacking New Products Food Related news

Ready has expanded its retail footprint with a nationwide Target launch of its 15g protein bars. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Ready®, one of the fastest-growing brands in the North American functional snacking sector, has announced a significant expansion of its retail infrastructure with a nationwide rollout at Target. Beginning 10 May 2026, the brand’s premium protein bars will be available in 5-count multi-packs across Target locations and via the retailer's digital platform. The launch represents a strategic milestone for the organisation, transitioning its high-performance nutrition products into the mainstream "everyday wellness" aisle to capture a broader demographic of active consumers. The partnership with Target provides Ready® with immediate mass-market scale in a retail environment explicitly focused on curation and "better-for-you" (BFY) discovery. As mass merchants continue to dedicate more premium shelf space to clean-label functional foods, securing a nationwide listing is a critical volume driver. Pat Cavanaugh, Founder and CEO of Ready®, stated that launching at Target puts the brand "right where we belong, in consumers' daily routines." He emphasised that Target’s reputation for making BFY products accessible without sacrificing the consumer experience aligns perfectly with Ready’s product development philosophy, which prioritises taste alongside functional benefits. Formulation and Nutritional Info In a highly saturated protein bar market, differentiation requires a balanced macronutrient profile that addresses multiple consumer needs simultaneously. The Ready® Protein Bar is engineered to serve diverse usage occasions, ranging from morning energy and lunchbox additions to post-workout recovery. Key Technical Attributes Include: Protein Load: Delivers 15 grams of high-quality protein per bar to support muscle maintenance and satiety. Fibre Integration: Contains 7 grams of dietary fibre, addressing widespread consumer deficits in daily fibre intake and supporting digestive health. Whole Grain Base: Utilises 6 grams of whole grains to provide sustained, slow-release energy without the steep glycemic spikes associated with heavily processed carbohydrate bases. The initial Target rollout features four of the brand's most proven, high-velocity flavour profiles: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt. Snacking Ready Launches Clean Protein Bars at Target Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 New Products Lunchables Scales Into Social Snacking with Snackables 'Designed to Split' Launch New Products Fan Foods and Poppowls Launch Licensed Disney and Marvel Snacks New Products My/Mochi Scales Portfolio with New Nostalgic Cotton Candy Flavour Snacking Barcel USA Launches Mi Tierra Tortilla Strips Brand Snacking Health & Nutrition Retail Food Related news

Chef Robotics has launched a secondary packaging application utilising physical AI to automate the kitting of deformable items like sachets and cutlery. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Chef Robotics, a leader in the application of physical AI for the food industry, has announced the launch of a new capability designed to automate secondary packaging and kitting for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) lines. The application is engineered to handle discrete, irregular items, such as sauce sachets, seasoning packets, and cutlery kits, transitioning a historically manual process into an automated, data-driven workflow. The move addresses a primary bottleneck in the CPG supply chain: the high labour dependency required to manage lightweight, deformable components that traditional "rigid" automation systems struggle to identify and manipulate. Solving the Variability Bottleneck in Kitting Unlike whole produce or rigid containers, items like foil-sealed pouches and plastic-wrapped cutlery are notoriously difficult to automate. These components are lightweight, flat, and frequently shift or crinkle in their source bins. This "pose variability" has traditionally left manufacturers reliant on manual labour to ensure accurate placement at production speeds. To resolve this, Chef Robotics has integrated its existing piece-picking technology with advanced physical AI models. These models are trained across diverse production environments, allowing the robots to assess the position, shape, and orientation of every item in real-time. This "agentic" vision system determines the optimal pick-and-place strategy to ensure items are nested precisely within cups, bowls, or trays without damaging the packaging or the contents. Technical Placement Capabilities The CPG assembly application introduces three distinct functional pillars that differentiate it from legacy pick-and-place hardware: Mid-Pick Reorientation: The vision system detects the specific angle of an item in the bin and reorients the robotic arm during the transit phase. This ensures that sachets or instruction cards arrive at the exact angle required for the SKU, regardless of how they were originally oriented in the unstructured source container. Multi-Component Pass: The robots are programmed to pick and place multiple components, such as several different seasoning sachets for an instant ramen bowl, in a single automated pass. This eliminates the need for human intervention between picks and significantly increases line throughput. Multi-Compartment Precision: For complex products like global meal kits or divided snack trays, the AI vision model detects the position of individual compartments in real-time. This ensures that specific items (e.g., a bread accompaniment or a desiccant packet) are placed in the correct section without migrating into adjacent areas. Integration and RaaS Economics A primary commercial advantage for food manufacturers is that the CPG assembly application runs on Chef’s existing robotic hardware and software. This allows organisations to deploy the technology without requiring a significant overhaul of their existing line infrastructure. Furthermore, the capability is offered through a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) pricing model. By transitioning automation from a capital expenditure (CapEx) to an operational expenditure (OpEx), Chef Robotics is lowering the barrier to entry for mid-sized manufacturers and allowing large-scale operators to scale their automation capacity in direct alignment with market demand. Technology Chef Robotics Automates Kitting for Instant Noodles and Meal Kits Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 Technology SnackSafe Launches AI-Powered Allergy Alert App Technology Chef Robotics Launches AI-Powered Baked Goods Packing Robotics Technology Delivery Hero Scales Technical Output with Autonomous Herogen AI Agent Technology Mill Industries Integrates Gemini AI for Real-Time Waste Intelligence Business & Finance New Solutions Manufacturing Packaging Technology Related news

AUSTRIA JUICE has launched a patent-pending fermentation technology, reducing sugar in 100% fruit juices by 30% comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Beverage Austria Juice The Newsroom AUSTRIA JUICE, a leading European producer of food and beverage ingredients, has unveiled a new proprietary fermentation technology designed to reduce the sugar content in 100% fruit juice by a minimum of 30%. The organisation is officially introducing an apple juice concentrate as its flagship reduced-sugar product at the PLMA trade show in Amsterdam this May. The launch is strategically timed to intersect with impending European regulatory shifts, providing consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands with a "plug-and-play" solution to overcome the primary barrier in the juice category: high natural sugar content. A central commercial driver for this technology is the updated EU Breakfast Directives. Originally enacted in June 2024, the revised guidelines will officially take effect on 14 June 2026. These directives introduce a brand-new legal category: "reduced-sugar fruit juice." To qualify for this categorisation, products must demonstrate a minimum sugar reduction of 30% compared to standard offerings. Cornelia Kerschbaumer, Director of Marketing & Communication at AUSTRIA JUICE, stated that the company is aiming to help CPG brands transform this "regulatory disruption" into a tangible product opportunity. By utilising this technology, manufacturers can legally label their beverages as "reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate" without resorting to artificial sweeteners. Technical Formulation and Fermentation Logic Reducing sugar in fruit juice without compromising its sensory profile has historically challenged the beverage sector. AUSTRIA JUICE addresses this by leveraging its deep institutional knowledge in wine fermentation. The Technical Process: Controlled Fermentation: The patent-pending process converts the natural sugars present in the juice. Refinement: Processing aids are subsequently and completely removed. Blending: The processed liquid is then precision-blended with standard fruit juice concentrate to hit the exact 30% reduction target for both sugar and calories. A critical differentiator is the prevention of "off-flavours." Kai Oliver Antonius, Vice President of AUSTRIA JUICE, noted that the streamlined process guarantees the final product contains no undesirable alcoholic or fermented aromas. Furthermore, the company utilises its distinct FTNF (From the Named Fruit) expertise to ensure the liquid remains naturally fruit-forward, maintaining the robust mouthfeel consumers expect from a 100% juice product. AUSTRIA JUICE is positioning the technology as an "at-scale" infrastructure solution for beverage manufacturers. Severin Guski, Business Development Manager, highlighted that the reduced-sugar concentrates—currently available in apple, orange, and multifruit, are market-ready. This "just add your brand and sell" approach allows major players to bypass lengthy internal R&D cycles, diluting the concentrates for immediate ready-to-drink (RTD) retail distribution. According to Innova Market Insights, the high natural sugar content of 100% juice is the primary barrier to consumption in the current wellness-driven market, with 66 per cent of consumers actively trying to limit their sugar intake. By delivering a clean-label, sweetener-free solution that aligns with strict incoming EU directives, AUSTRIA JUICE is securing its position as an essential supply-chain partner for the next generation of the European beverage market. Beverage AUSTRIA JUICE Launches Fermentation Tech to Reduce Fruit Juice Sugar by 30% Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 New Products Dose and Juice Press Launch Clinically Backed Dose of Vitality Smoothie New Products Vive Organic Expands Functional Shot Portfolio With Cognitive Focus Business & Finance Prodalim Acquires Food Tech Startup 'Better Juice' to Scale Sugar Reduction Tech Manufacturing GEA Launches GSE 150 CPR Separator to Stabilise Citrus Juice Clarification Health & Nutrition New Solutions Beverage Ingredients Technology Related news

Hero Group has launched the Goodies snack line for children aged four and up, targeting the US baby aisle to capture parents seeking clean-label products. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Hero Group, a global leader in branded nutritional foods, has announced the United States launch of Goodies , a new six-product snack line engineered specifically for children aged four and older. The rollout represents a highly strategic retail play, intentionally placing products for preschool-aged children within the traditional baby and toddler aisle to capture parents actively seeking "better-for-you" (BFY) snack alternatives. The launch arrives ahead of the peak summer snacking season, targeting a critical transition phase in pediatric nutrition where children outgrow infant purees but parents remain hesitant to adopt the heavily processed options found in the mainstream snack aisles. The decision to merchandise a 4+ product in the baby and toddler section is driven by specific retail data. According to National Grocery Retailer Shopper Loyalty Data cited by the company, nearly 30 per cent of parents continue to shop the baby and toddler aisle in search of clean-label alternatives for their older children. However, only 38 per cent of these shoppers report high satisfaction with the current options available. Goodies is stepping in to close this "maintenance gap," providing snacks that feature the bolder flavours and textures desired by older kids while maintaining the strict ingredient transparency demanded by parents. Meghan Earnest, Vice President of Marketing for Goodies, stated that the brand was built on the premise that snack time should be simple—appealing to children while earning parental trust. Earnest noted that the range is designed to power everyday adventures and deliver wholesome nutrition without compromise. Technical Formulation and Product Portfolio The Goodies portfolio avoids the synthetic additives common in mass-market children's snacks. The entire range is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and formulated without artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or high-fructose corn syrup. The initial US rollout features three primary snack formats: PB&J Poppers (Bars): A mess-free, fully enclosed bar reimagining the classic lunchbox flavour. Each unit delivers 6 grams of whole grains, 2 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fibre. Banana Bread Mini Oat Bites: A chewy, poppable snack crafted from a blend of dried fruit and grains, containing no added sweeteners and no artificial preservatives. Crunchy Snacks: A savoury and sweet-crunch lineup featuring Mac and Cheese Noodles (made with real cheese), Sea Salt Sweet Potato Sticks (a minimal four-ingredient profile), and Cinna-Toast Squares. To ensure immediate mass-market penetration, the Goodies portfolio is launching in multipack formats across select Walmart and Kroger locations nationwide, supplemented by a digital presence on Amazon . The pricing strategy, ranging from $4.99 for four-count bars to $7.99 for eight-count crunchy snacks, positions the brand as an accessible premium option for routine household purchasing. New Products Hero Group Launches Goodies Snack Line in US Baby and Toddler Aisles Eddie Sanders May 13, 2026 Ingredients Pharmactive Launches First Nutricosmetic for Hair Growth Support New Products Bobbie Launches 100% Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula Ingredients Meala FoodTech Launches Texturised Pea Protein Innovation for GLP-1 Friendly Foods Health & Nutrition RaFoods Launches Living Nutrition Fund to Support Health Across America New Products Food Related news

Jägermeister has launched Jägermeister Orange to target the "golden hour" and daytime socialising occasions. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Jägermeister, the global leader in herbal liqueurs, has announced the nationwide US debut of Jägermeister Orange . The launch represents a structural shift for the brand, moving beyond its traditional "high-energy nightlife" association to target the rapidly maturing "golden hour" and daytime socialising segments. The move is designed to capitalise on the "citrus-forward" trend in the spirits industry, providing a lighter, radiant alternative to the original herbal profile while maintaining the brand’s technical maceration integrity. The introduction of Jägermeister Orange is a calculated effort to increase the brand's versatility across different dayparts. Historically tied to late-night consumption, the "Orange" expression is engineered to fit "sun-drenched" outdoor occasions, music festivals, and spontaneous gatherings. Cindy Wang Simms, CMO of Jägermeister US, stated that the product captures a "spirit of connection and energy" embodied by the freedom of summer. By repositioning the brand for "whenever you want it," Jägermeister is de-risking its portfolio against the long-term trend of consumers moving toward more casual, earlier-evening social rituals. Formulation: Sicilian Citrus A primary technical differentiator for Jägermeister Orange is its refinement process. While the base liquid stays true to the brand’s 56-botanical heritage and German maceration standards, the final profile is defined by a high-intensity citrus infusion. Technical Specifications Lipid and Oil Extraction: The liquid utilises oils extracted directly from orange and mandarin peels. Sicilian Provenance: Each 750ml bottle contains the oils of three Sicilian oranges, a high-value geographic indicator that signals quality and freshness to the "intentional" spirit consumer. ABV Optimisation: At 33% ABV, the SKU is slightly lower than the 35% original, engineered for a smoother mouthfeel and higher mixability in long-drink formats like the "Orange & Soda." Marketing and Retail To support the national rollout, Jägermeister is utilising a "digital-first" experiential campaign. The strategy focuses on: Digital Storytelling: High-energy visual content designed for social discovery. Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with lifestyle and music creators to embed the product in "daytime vibe" environments. Experiential Activations: On-premise sampling events focused on the "ice-cold" freezer shot ritual. Priced at an accessible $22.99 MSRP, the product is positioned to drive high-frequency trial in both the off-trade (grocery and liquor retail) and on-trade (bars and beach clubs) sectors. New Products Jägermeister Scales Flavoured Portfolio with Citrus-Forward Orange Launch Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 New Products Plymouth Gin Launches Plymouth Honey in US New Products Casa Maestri Launches Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cream Tequila Liqueur Alcohol Bardstown Bourbon Company Launches First Consumer-Driven NFC Gifting Platform New Products Alcohol Related news

Nutrabolt has appointed Andrew Archambault as President and COO to scale its C4 Energy and Bloom platforms. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Nutrabolt, the global active nutrition and wellness powerhouse behind high-velocity brands like C4 Energy and Bloom, has announced the appointment of Andrew Archambault as President and Chief Operating Officer. The hire represents a structural shift for the organisation, transitioning from an agile category disruptor into a sophisticated, multi-national portfolio manager with a focus on deep-tier operational scaling. Archambault assumes immediate responsibility for Nutrabolt’s commercial and operational functions, including sales, supply chain management, and the expansion of the firm’s international footprint. Archambault joins Nutrabolt following a distinguished 30-year career in consumer-packaged goods (CPG). Most recently, he served in executive roles at The Hershey Company and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) , where he held the position of President of the U.S. Beverage Unit. His background in managing complex, multi-billion-dollar P&Ls is a critical asset for Nutrabolt as it navigates an increasingly consolidated energy drink market. Doss Cunningham, Chairman and CEO of Nutrabolt, noted that Archambault is a "transformational leader" uniquely suited to translate high-level strategy into the operational execution required for the brand’s next phase of growth. Technical Mandate: Operational Discipline and Speed As President and COO, Archambault’s primary mandate is to improve the "velocity and precision" of Nutrabolt’s infrastructure. In the performance energy and functional beverage categories, supply chain resilience and retail execution are the primary determinants of market share. Key Functional Pillars Include: Supply Chain Optimisation: Streamlining logistics to support the rapid national rollout of new SKUs and LTOs. Sales Execution: Deepening relationships with mass-market and convenience retailers to defend shelf space against legacy soda incumbents. International Expansion: Scaling the C4 and Cellucor brands across EMEA and APAC regions, utilising a unified global operational playbook. Modern Soda and Active Nutrition Trends The appointment arrives as Nutrabolt continues to diversify its estate beyond traditional pre-workout supplements. The company is currently focused on three high-growth avenues: Performance Energy: Maintaining C4’s leadership in the high-caffeine functional segment. Modern Soda: Growing market share via brands like Bloom, which target the "Soda 2.0" and gut-health demographics. Emerging Brands: Investing in early-stage active nutrition labels to secure a long-term innovation pipeline. By securing an executive with deep roots in the "legacy" beverage industry, Nutrabolt is effectively professionalising its leadership to compete directly with the world’s largest refreshment conglomerates. People Nutrabolt Appoints Andrew Archambault as President and Chief Operating Officer Eddie Sanders May 11, 2026 People Ardent Mills Appoints Erik Wibholm as EVP of Trading and Risk Management People Elopak Appoints Bent K Axelsen as Interim CEO Following Thomas Körmendi’s Resignation People Sodexo Appoints Ashton Sequeira as CEO of Campus and Schools People Restaurant365 Appoints New Chief Product and Marketing Officers People Energy Drinks Business & Finance Related news

Ardent Mills has appointed Cargill veteran Erik Wibholm as EVP of Trading & Risk Management. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient leader in North America, has announced the appointment of Erik Wibholm as Executive Vice President of Trading & Risk Management. Effective 26 May 2026, Wibholm will join the executive team to oversee the organisation’s commodity risk strategies and lead the Customer Risk Management division, a unit tasked with providing B2B clients with technical solutions to navigate complex market fluctuations. The move marks a significant leadership transition for the firm as it seeks to fortify its role as a primary infrastructure provider at the centre of the food value chain. In the high-volume milling and ingredients sector, risk management functions as a primary commercial differentiator. Sheryl Wallace, CEO of Ardent Mills, noted that these capabilities are "instrumental" in ensuring customer success while managing the organisation's extensive network. By integrating advanced trading logic with customer-facing risk tools, Ardent Mills aims to provide a "sovereign" buffer against global commodity volatility. Wibholm’s mandate includes managing the network’s exposure while aligning procurement and trading activities with evolving consumer food trends. Technical Expertise and Global Pedigree Wibholm joins Ardent Mills following a distinguished tenure at Cargill , where he most recently served as Senior Managing Director of Global Oilseeds. His career is characterised by deep technical expertise in the global wheat market, having led major business units across Australia and Europe. Key Career Milestones Include: Global Portfolio Management: Leading trading and commercial strategy for complex, multi-national agricultural portfolios. Wheat Market Specialisation: Extensive experience in the logistics and pricing mechanics of the international wheat trade. Cultural Leadership: A proven track record in building high-performing, data-driven teams in high-stakes trading environments. Wibholm stated that Ardent Mills’ unique position in the value chain is particularly compelling in today’s "increasingly dynamic operating environment," emphasising a commitment to delivering reliability and consistency for institutional customers. Legacy of Mike Miller and Organisational Evolution Wibholm succeeds Mike Miller , who is retiring after a 12-year career with Ardent Mills and 35 years in the broader agriculture sector. Miller is credited with the structural development of the company’s risk management organisation, establishing the disciplined execution model that now serves as the firm’s operational backbone. Miller’s influence extended to several critical industry bodies, including board service with the MIAX Futures Exchange , the National Grain and Feed Association , and the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities . This history of industry engagement has helped Ardent Mills maintain a dominant voice in the regulatory and financial aspects of the grain trade. People Ardent Mills Appoints Erik Wibholm as EVP of Trading and Risk Management Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 People Nutrabolt Appoints Andrew Archambault as President and Chief Operating Officer People Elopak Appoints Bent K Axelsen as Interim CEO Following Thomas Körmendi’s Resignation People Sodexo Appoints Ashton Sequeira as CEO of Campus and Schools People Restaurant365 Appoints New Chief Product and Marketing Officers People Plant-based Business & Finance Ingredients Related news

U.S. Sugar’s deployment of an autonomous John Deere fleet, utilising ASI’s robotic kits to enable 24/7 precision farming across 255,000 acres comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom U.S. Sugar has announced the official launch of the largest commercial autonomous tractor deployment in the history of the American sugar industry. By integrating unmanned John Deere 8R and 9R Series tractors into its South Florida operations, the organisation is transitioning from traditional manual labour to a scalable, "agentic" agricultural model capable of continuous 24/7 production across 255,000 acres of farmland. The move follows a rigorous 18-month R&D phase and represents a central pillar in the company’s strategy to increase domestic food reliability through high-precision technology. The rollout is powered by a strategic collaboration with Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) and Everglades Equipment Group . Rather than replacing the fleet with entirely new proprietary hardware, U.S. Sugar is utilising ASI’s Vehicle Automation Kit (VAK) to retrofit existing John Deere platforms. Key Technical Attributes Include: Drive-by-Wire Integration: The VAK system integrates directly with the tractors’ existing controls, allowing for precise, software-led steering and throttle management. Mobius® Fleet Management: This central command platform allows a single operator to oversee multiple vehicles simultaneously. Operators manage the fleet from a remote station, moving the human role from "driver" to "orchestrator." Continuous Duty Cycle: The autonomous fleet is engineered for 24/7 operation, a critical advantage during the high-velocity "fall prep" and cultivation seasons where timing is essential for crop yields. Productivity and Resource Optimisation Ken McDuffie, President and CEO of U.S. Sugar, stated that the initiative combines "innovation with hard work" to keep pace with global demand. The scale of the deployment is immense, covering an area 10 times the size of Miami, and is expected to deliver measurable gains in land preparation accuracy and resource efficiency. Mike Schlechter, President at Everglades Equipment Group, noted that pairing trusted John Deere equipment with ASI’s cutting-edge systems allows growers to reduce resource waste while boosting overall output. This "asset-light" approach to autonomy, leveraging proven machinery, de-risks the transition for one of the world's most significant agricultural producers. Labour Transition and High-Skilled Opportunities A defining characteristic of U.S. Sugar’s rollout is its approach to workforce management. The organisation has committed to retaining all current employees by providing additional training for "knowledge-based" roles within the autonomous ecosystem. By moving employees from the cab of the tractor to the command station, U.S. Sugar is professionalising its agricultural labour force. This move addresses the ongoing labour shortages in the sector while creating higher-skilled career paths that are more resilient to the physical tolls of traditional farming. Future Roadmap: Beyond Sugarcane While the current deployment is focused on sugarcane land preparation, the company has confirmed plans to scale the technology across its broader portfolio. Future phases of the 10-year technology roadmap include: Sweet Corn and Green Beans: Potential expansion into cultivation and prep for these primary winter and spring crops. Network Expansion: Continued deployment across the remaining 400 square miles of Florida farmland. Refinery Synergy: Improving the consistency of raw material flow to U.S. Sugar’s Savannah, Georgia refinery. The success of the U.S. Sugar and ASI partnership serves as a blueprint for how large-scale industrial farming can successfully bridge the gap between pilot trials and operational infrastructure. As global demand for sustainably produced sugar and vegetables rises, the ability to operate "continuous" farming fleets will become a primary competitive differentiator. By securing its role as an early adopter of scaled autonomy, U.S. Sugar is de-risking its supply chain against future labour volatility and climate-related prep-season windows, effectively defining the next decade of American agricultural technology. Agriculture U.S. Sugar Scales Agricultural Infrastructure with Autonomous Tractor Rollout Eddie Sanders May 12, 2026 Coffee & Tea JDE Peet's and Partners Launch Coffee Canopy Deforestation Map Agriculture Mars and ofi Partner to Scale Regenerative Cocoa Farming in Ecuador Agriculture Eternal.Ag secures €8m to scale autonomous greenhouse harvesting Sustainability Skipstone Unveils Sustainable Estate Winery in Alexander Valley Agriculture Business & Finance Logistics & Supply Chain Manufacturing Ingredients Technology Related news

Mondelez International’s OREO brand has announced a major strategic collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, unveiling the MARVEL OREO Stuf of Legends Cookies. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Featured in this news Confectionery Mondelēz International The Newsroom Mondelez International’s OREO brand has announced a major strategic collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, unveiling the MARVEL OREO Stuf of Legends Cookies . Launching nationwide on 2 February , the limited-edition release is designed to engage the massive Marvel fanbase through a combination of product innovation and gamified storytelling. The partnership pushes the boundaries of the brand's manufacturing capabilities, featuring the highest number of unique cookie designs ever released in a single drop. Colour-Changing Crème For the first time in the brand's history, OREO is introducing a colour-changing crème technology. The filling transitions from grey to blue upon consumption, adding an interactive, "unexpected twist" to every bite that aligns with the superhero theme. Design Architecture: A Record-Breaking Drop The collection features 32 unique cookie embossments —a record for the brand. The designs span the breadth of the Marvel Universe, showcasing iconic characters from: The Avengers Spider-Man X-Men The Fantastic Four To appeal to collectors, the product is housed in special-edition packaging featuring illustrations by renowned Marvel Comics artist Todd Nauck . Campaign Mechanics: The 'Missing' Fourth Pack The marketing activation is built around a narrative arc involving a "missing" product. While four collectable pack designs exist, only three are initially hitting shelves. The brand has constructed a storyline where an "evil force" (Marvel villains) is blocking the arrival of the fourth pack. Starting 2 February , fans are tasked with a digital activation to "help protect the fleet of delivery trucks" and guide the final pack to its destination. Matt Foley , Vice President of OREO, commented on the cultural strategy: "OREO cookies and Marvel's epic Super Heroes share something powerful: the ability to spark joy, inspire connection, and create moments that resonate with fans. This collaboration takes the iconicity of both brands and channels it into an experience where fans are not just spectators, but participants encouraged to immerse themselves in Super Hero-inspired play through the lens of OREO cookies." Campaign Video Marketing OREO Partners with Marvel for 'Stuf of Legends' Line Featuring Colour-Changing Crème and Record 32 Designs News January 21, 2026 Beverage Hoplark Unveils Brand Refresh to Unify Multi-Category Portfolio Business & Finance Bel Group Scales Functional Portfolio with Acquisition of Brainiac Brands Alcohol Brooklyn Brewery Unifies Non-Alcoholic Portfolio Under Core Brand Business & Finance ezCater Rebrands to Reflect Expansion from Marketplace to Enterprise Workplace Food Platform Bakery Flavours & Colours Snacking Confectionery Business & Finance New Products Related news

The J.M. Smucker Co. has unveiled a modern redesign of its fruit spread packaging, the first in three decades, focusing on vibrant shelf presence and the expanded use of its signature gingham pattern. comments debug Exchange Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. The Newsroom The J.M. Smucker Co. has announced a comprehensive redesign of its flagship fruit spread packaging, marking the first significant visual update for the brand in nearly 30 years. The new look is designed to bridge the gap between the brand's '90s-era heritage and the demands of the modern retail environment, emphasising bolder colours and a more expressive visual identity. The move comes as legacy CPG brands increasingly look to refresh their visual assets to maintain relevance with younger demographics while preserving the brand equity built over decades. For Smucker, the strategy involves leaning into nostalgia while optimising the product's shelf presence for faster consumer navigation. The redesign centres on the evolution of the brand's most recognisable asset: the gingham pattern. Previously confined primarily to the lid, the signature pattern now features prominently on both the lid and the front label. This expansion is intended to solidify the brand's "homemade" identity while creating a more cohesive look across the entire product line. A key functional update in the redesign is the introduction of distinct, vibrant colour coding for each flavour. Combined with larger and more detailed fruit imagery, the new jars are engineered to help consumers more easily identify specific variants in high-density retail aisles. This visual hierarchy addresses a common challenge in the fruit spread category, where flavour differentiation can often be obscured by uniform packaging styles. Targeting modern snacking and trends Beyond aesthetic updates, the new packaging reflects a strategic shift in how Smucker positions its products in the context of modern eating habits. While jams and jellies have traditionally been associated with breakfast, the brand is now targeting a wider array of "snacking moments." The company is positioning the refreshed, "fashion-forward" jars as suitable for more premium occasions, such as charcuterie boards or as toppings for yogurt bowls. This move allows the brand to transition from a pantry staple to a versatile ingredient that fits into the growing trend of small-plate dining and functional snacking. Despite the significant visual overhaul, The J.M. Smucker Co. confirmed that the product formulation remains unchanged. The decision to keep the original recipe highlights the brand's commitment to its core consumer base during a period of transition. Dayna Lewallen, Senior Design Manager of Creative and Design at The J.M. Smucker Co., emphasised the balance between legacy and modernisation. "This redesign was about honouring the Smucker's brand's most iconic assets and evolving them with modern intention," said Lewallen. Operational impact and category outlook By refreshing its assets after 30 years, Smucker aims to re-energise a mature category that has faced competition from artisanal brands and private labels. The use of brighter, bolder imagery and the emphasis on the "power of transformative flavour" are designed to create an emotional connection with consumers seeking both quality and aesthetic appeal in their food choices. The new jars are expected to roll out across nationwide retail channels as the brand seeks to maintain its position as a household staple for a new generation of shoppers. For retailers, the enhanced shelf visibility and occasion-based marketing provide new opportunities to drive incremental growth in the fruit spread aisle through cross-merchandising and seasonal promotions. Packaging J.M. Smucker Co. unveils first major packaging redesign in thirty years News March 23, 2026 Beverage Hoplark Unveils Brand Refresh to Unify Multi-Category Portfolio Business & Finance Bel Group Scales Functional Portfolio with Acquisition of Brainiac Brands Alcohol Brooklyn Brewery Unifies Non-Alcoholic Portfolio Under Core Brand Business & Finance ezCater Rebrands to Reflect Expansion from Marketplace to Enterprise Workplace Food Platform Sauces Business & Finance Packaging Related news