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

Beverage dispenser manufacturer Lavit has secured an undisclosed investment from investment firm Branded Strategic Hospitality (Branded).

US-based aqua-tech company NaturalShrimp has signed a letter of intent to acquire the aquaculture assets of Hydrenesis Aquaculture.

Mondelēz International has announced the launch of Sustainable Futures, an impact investing platform to support ventures addressing key global issues.

Duravant – a provider of engineered equipment and automation solutions – has acquired Votech, a manufacturer of bag filling machines and palletising.  

Bühler has announced the launch of PolyCool 1000, a new high-capacity cooling die for high-moisture plant-based meat substitutes.

Vivino – an online wine marketplace and app – has raised $155m in funding to support its expansion and investment into smarter artificial intelligence (AI).

Agtech start-up Pairwise has secured $90m in a Series B funding round, as it looks to develop and bring genetically enhanced produce to North America.

Uber Technologies has reached an agreement to acquire Drizly, a US alcohol ecommerce platform, for approximately $1.1bn.

Coca-Cola European Partners has joined the EV100 initiative, which brings together companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.

Swedish coffee group Löfbergs has teamed up with 3D print company Sculptur to transform coffee production waste into new coffee stations. 

Walmart has announced that it will be testing out grocery deliveries using a HomeValet’s smart box to keep food fresh outside of customer’s homes.

Alfa Laval has acquired Sandymount – a US-based beverage technology company with a unique and patented membrane technology to concentrate beer.