The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Mars is committing $27 million over the next five years through its newly launched Farmer Forward Program, in collaboration with Fonterra.

Suntory Spirits is investing ¥6.5B (£34M) in its Osaka plant, a key hub for spirits like its flagship, The Japanese Craft Gin Roku.

80 Acres Farms has announced the successful raise of $115m in capital, alongside the acquisition of Israeli biotech firm Plantae Biosciences

Cargill has announced plans to permanently close its cocoa and chocolate facility in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, this summer.

Sweet protein start-up Oobli has partnered with global ingredients company Ingredion, as well as raising $18m in Series B1 funding.

Functional soda brand Olipop has successfully closed a $50m Series C funding round led by JP Morgan Private Capital’s Growth Equity Partners

Ingredion has announced investments exceeding $100 million to enhance its Indianapolis, Indiana, US, facility.

JBS USA has announced a $200 million investment in its beef production facilities in Cactus, Texas, and Greeley, Colorado.

Liberation Labs has successfully closed a $50.5 million funding round, supporting its mission to commercialise precision fermentation.

Molson Coors Beverage Company plans to invest £10 million in its Aspall Cyder House in Suffolk, UK, over the next five years.

Diageo North America has announced plans to open a new manufacturing and warehousing facility in Montgomery, Alabama, US.

Impossibrew has completed a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, raising over £1.2m – more than double its initial target of £500,000.