SunOpta has announced the opening of a newly expanded production line for ‘better-for-you’ fruit snacks at its facility in Omak, Washington, US. The expansion represents an investment of over $25 million and is expected to increase fruit snack production capacity by 25%. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural snack options made with real fruit and no artificial colours, with significant regulatory developments in the US targeting synthetic food ingredients in recent years. SunOpta aims to meet that demand with its fruit snacks, which use an apple base and juice concentrates from other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, lemon and pomegranate to achieve the desired flavour and colour without artificial additives. Its snacks are produced in a range of formats including ‘bits, twists, sandwiches and strips,’ with the company focusing on continued innovation across flavours, textures and shapes. The company’s R&D team crafts products with as few as five real fruit ingredients, no high-fructose corn syrup and none of the ‘top nine’ common allergens. Options range from classic berry flavours to tropical and seasonal varieties. SunOpta operates seven manufacturing plants in six markets, with fruit snacks production on both North American coasts. The company employs more than 260 people at its facility in Omak, which produces the fruit snacks for sale across the retail club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Brian Kocher, CEO of SunOpta, said: “Demand for better for you fruit snacks continues to accelerate, and this expansion positions us to meet that momentum head on”. “By investing in our existing footprint and capabilities, we’re strengthening our ability to support customers with the scale, flexibility and reliability they need today and well into the future. Our fruit snacks platform reflects what SunOpta does best: combining innovation, quality and operational excellence at scale.” SunOpta, which also offers beverages and broths within its portfolio, was recently acquired by Refresco in a deal worth around $1 billion. Top image: © SunOpta

Munson Machinery has introduced a new sanitary paddle blender designed to blend, de-agglomerate and disperse a wide range of food ingredients, including dry bulk solids, pastes, slurries and emulsions. The new Model HD-24-SSI Sanitary Paddle Blender combines paddle agitation with dual high-speed intensifiers to provide enhanced shear and improved mixing performance for difficult-to-blend materials. The system is engineered for batch processing applications up to 0.34 cubic meters and is suited for food manufacturers seeking uniform blends while maintaining sanitary processing standards. At the heart of the unit is a paddle shaft configured with 16 radial arms and short-length paddles. Unlike traditional ribbon agitators, the paddles move product through smaller mixing zones over shorter distances, generating greater cutting action to break down material and promote homogeneity. To further improve blending efficiency, the system incorporates two independently driven tulip-shaped intensifiers, commonly referred to as high-speed choppers. The intensifiers provide additional shear to disperse agglomerates and incorporate ingredients that are typically difficult to blend, helping processors achieve consistent product quality across a variety of formulations. According to Munson, the combined action of the paddles and intensifiers enables the production of uniform dry blends as well as mixtures containing low or high percentages of liquid ingredients, resulting in smooth pastes and slurries. The blender is constructed from stainless steel and finished to sanitary standards for use in food processing environments. Its one-piece welded design, heavy-gauge walls, and reinforced end panels allow paddles to operate within 1.6 to 3.2 millimetres of the vessel wall, minimising product build up and reducing the amount of residual material that must be removed during cleaning. Maintenance and servicing have also been simplified through a flange-mounted agitator assembly that can be hoisted vertically from the vessel, providing easier access to internal components. Standard features include hinged and gasketed cover sections, removable safety-interlocked grating and a bottom discharge valve. The new blender expands Munson's portfolio of mixing and blending equipment, which includes rotary batch mixers, Vee-Cone blenders, fluidised bed mixers, rotary continuous mixers and variable-intensity mixers. The company also manufactures a range of size-reduction equipment for bulk solids processing applications.

During this year’s Vitafoods Europe event, FoodBev Media’s group editor, Melissa Bradshaw, caught up with Faravelli’s Tiziana Ferrari, director of nutraceuticals for the company’s Italian business. The discussion explored some of the biggest trends currently dominating the nutraceuticals market, including beauty-from-within, gut health and longevity. Faravelli offers a range of solutions within its portfolio that can address the specific needs of consumers across these markets, such as collagen peptides, prebiotic fibres and more. In the interview, you can discover how Faravelli is adapting to changing consumer priorities in the nutraceuticals market. Watch the full video to hear Tiziana’s thoughts on how the rise of areas such as GLP-1 medication use and personalised nutrition are reshaping not only Faravelli’s product development, but the broader functional food and beverage industry.

Premium ice cream manufacturer Graeter's Ice Cream is rolling out a line-up of five limited-edition summer flavours designed to capitalise on seasonal consumer demand for novel, nostalgic and experiential frozen treats. The 2026 Summer Bonus Flavour collection includes Marrakesh Coffee, Ghost Notes, Peanut Butter & Clouds, Cherry Sparkler and Strawberry Sorbet, with staggered releases planned throughout the summer season. According to the company, the new offerings were developed to evoke a range of summer experiences, from international travel inspiration and amusement park nostalgia to patriotic celebrations and childhood comfort foods. The collection features several trend-forward flavour profiles. Marrakesh Coffee combines coffee ice cream with cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, drawing inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern and Moroccan coffee preparations. Ghost Notes, created in partnership with Kings Island amusement park to coincide with the launch of the Phantom Theatre: Opening Nightmare attraction, blends marshmallow and grape ice cream with marshmallow cookie dough. Additional flavours include Peanut Butter & Clouds, which combines peanut butter ice cream with marshmallow pieces, and Cherry Sparkler, a wild cherry ice cream featuring red and blue popping candy developed to commemorate America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. The line-up is rounded out by Strawberry Sorbet, a dairy-free offering made with strawberry purée sourced from Pacific Northwest-grown fruit. Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter's, said: "Ice cream has always been a quintessential part of summer, bringing people together through joyful moments. Our five new limited-edition flavours are meant to capture those moments big and small and make summer sweeter and last just a little bit longer." Graeter's continues to manufacture its products using its proprietary French Pot process, producing ice cream in small batches of approximately 2.5 gallons at a time. The company says the process contributes to the dense texture and premium quality associated with the brand. Marrakesh Coffee and Ghost Notes are currently available, while Peanut Butter & Clouds, Cherry Sparkler and Strawberry Sorbet will be introduced sequentially throughout the summer. Founded in 1870, Graeter's remains one of the oldest family-owned ice cream manufacturers in the United States. The company operates 60 retail locations, distributes products through more than 3,000 grocery stores nationwide and ships over 300,000 pints annually through its direct-to-consumer business.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the presence of glyphosate residues in food products, issuing Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to several major pesticide and food manufacturers, including Bayer and PepsiCo. The investigation will examine whether companies are complying with Texas consumer protection laws and whether marketing claims associated with certain food products may be misleading to consumers, according to the Attorney General's office. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, is one of the most widely used weed-control products in global agriculture. The chemical is commonly applied to genetically engineered crops and has been the subject of ongoing scientific, regulatory and legal debate regarding its potential health impacts. In announcing the investigation, Paxton's office cited research linking glyphosate exposure to various health concerns, including cancer, endocrine disruption, infertility, kidney disease and autoimmune disorders. The office also referenced a 2015 determination by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." The investigation is expected to focus in part on glyphosate residues found in oat-based food products. According to the Attorney General's office, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prohibits the use of glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant on oats grown domestically, some food manufacturers source oats from countries where the practice remains permitted. Desiccation, which involves applying herbicides before harvest to promote uniform crop drying, has become a focal point in discussions surrounding glyphosate residues in cereals, snack bars, cookies, and other oat-containing products. Consumer advocacy groups and researchers have periodically raised concerns about residue levels in foods frequently consumed by children. The Attorney General's office noted that children may face higher dietary exposure to glyphosate due to consumption patterns and the prevalence of oats in breakfast and snack products marketed to younger consumers. "If any corporation is using regulatory loopholes to poison our kids with glyphosate, we will find out, and we will secure justice," Paxton said in a statement. "My office is also investigating whether major food companies are complying with Texas law and whether consumers, especially parents, have been misled about the health claims of common food products marketed to their families." The announcement adds to growing scrutiny of pesticide residues and food labelling practices across the food and beverage sector. Manufacturers have increasingly faced pressure from regulators, consumer groups, and retailers to enhance ingredient transparency and strengthen food safety assurances throughout global supply chains. Neither Bayer nor PepsiCo had publicly responded to the Attorney General's announcement at the time of publication. The investigation remains in its early stages, and no allegations of wrongdoing have been formally established. The Civil Investigative Demands are intended to gather information and documents that could inform any future enforcement actions.

Proximo Spritis-owned brand Jose Cuervo has expanded its ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio with the launch of a new range of canned tequila cocktails. The new Cuervo Canned Cocktails are made with tequila and contain 5.9% ABV. The range is available in an eight-can variety pack, as well as single-flavour four-packs and individual cans. The line-up includes four flavours: Classic Margarita, Paloma, Strawberry Margarita and Pink Lemonade. According to the company, the drinks are designed to deliver the taste of traditional tequila-based cocktails in a portable, ready-to-drink format. The launch comes as spirit-based RTDs continue to gain momentum. Cuervo cited market data showing the category has grown by 30% over the past year, while lower-ABV RTDs between 5% and 5.9% ABV now account for the second-largest share of the segment. Lander Otegui, executive vice president of marketing and innovation at Proximo Spirits, said: “Cuervo tequila is synonymous with the summer season, and with Cuervo Canned Cocktails we're making it even easier for people to bring the party wherever their summer takes them”. He added that the company has adapted the flavours of classic tequila cocktails into a more convenient format to meet increasing consumer interest in RTD beverages. The new products feature refreshed packaging with colour-coded branding intended to improve shelf visibility. The range is rolling out across US retailers including Walmart, Kroger, 7-Eleven, Total Wine and selected CVS stores, and is also available through delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Instacart and Uber Eats. The variety pack has an SRP of $18.99, while four-packs retail for $9.99 and individual cans for $2.99.

Frozen potato products manufacturer Lamb Weston has announced plans to close its production facility in Broekhuizenvorst, the Netherlands, citing the need to better align its global manufacturing footprint with evolving market conditions and customer demand. The proposed closure is part of the company's broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the resilience of its global supply chain network. The facility currently employs approximately 110 workers. According to Lamb Weston, the move supports its ongoing "Focus to Win" strategy, which emphasises executional excellence, stronger customer partnerships, market prioritisation, and innovation across the business. Sylvia Wilks, chief supply chain officer at Lamb Weston, said: “These actions are part of our commitment to ensure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our global supply chain network. While this is a very difficult step, particularly given the strong commitment of our Broekhuizenvorst team, it is necessary to position us to improve our operational efficiency and better align our manufacturing footprint with customer needs.” The company will begin a formal consultation process with the facility's Works Council, in accordance with Dutch labor regulations. Lamb Weston said it intends to conduct the process transparently and collaboratively before making any final decisions regarding the site's future. The planned closure reflects broader challenges facing food manufacturers across Europe, including shifting demand patterns, inflationary pressures, and the need to optimize production networks in a rapidly changing operating environment. Companies throughout the food and beverage sector have increasingly focused on streamlining operations and consolidating manufacturing assets to improve cost efficiency and supply chain performance. Lamb Weston stated that it is committed to supporting affected employees throughout the consultation and transition process and will ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations. The company, one of the world's largest suppliers of frozen potato products to restaurants and retailers, operates manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and other international markets. The proposed Netherlands closure represents another step in the company's efforts to align production capacity with market requirements while maintaining service levels for customers globally. Additional details regarding the consultation process and timeline are expected following discussions with employee representatives.

General Mills has announced the appointment of Erasmo Nuzzi as its new managing director for UK and Ireland. Nuzzi first joined the business in 2003, and will now lead the largest market in its Europe & Australia and North Asian unit. He brings over 20 years of international food industry experience to the role, with General Mills praising his track record of leading teams, growing global brands and creating significant value for customers and consumers. Most recently, he served as the platform and channel marketing director for General Mills’ North America Food Service division. In this role, he oversaw strategy, innovation and execution for a portfolio of the company’s brands across multiple channels. Prior to this, he led General Mills European Distributor Markets and General Mills Iberia as managing director between 2015 and 2022. General Mills Spain became the fastest-growing food company in the country during his tenure, based on Nielsen data. General Mills said Nuzzi has been ‘instrumental’ in the success of some of its largest global brands, including Old El Paso, Häagen-Dazs and Nature Valley, across markets in Europe, Latin America and North America. Commenting on his appointment, Nuzzi said: “The UK and Ireland is a hugely important business for General Mills, with strong brands, talented teams and significant opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with our colleagues and customers to build on that momentum and continue delivering great food experiences for consumers across the region.” General Mills was founded in 1866, headquartered in Minneapolis, US. The company entered the UK in the 1960s and currently sells six brands across the nation. The global business reported net sales of $19 billion for fiscal year 2025.

French savoury food company, Europe Snacks, has acquired Burts Snacks in a bid to accelerate its growth in the European market. The acquisition, supported by Apax Partners, is set to be finalised in March 2023 and represents a step in expanding Europe Snacks’ presence in the UK. Burts will continue to operate from its two manufacturing facilities in Plymouth and Leicester, UK. Jitu Patel, chairman of Burts, said: “Burts provides high-quality snacking and has a strong track record of delivering growth without ever compromising on quality…I am convinced this acquisition will open up new opportunities, as both businesses are complementary to each other and share deep common values.” Bruno Candelier, partner at Apax, added: “Since our initial investment in Europe Snacks, we have continuously supported the company and its management team to position itself at the forefront of innovation and scale its business, notably in the UK with the transformational acquisition of Kolak in 2016. The acquisition of Burts is fully in line with the roadmap set when we originally invested.” Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Top image: © Burts Snacks

Canny Snacks, a newly formed business backed by Welsh soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills, has secured the sales, marketing and distribution rights for British snack brand Burts Snacks as part of a move to expand into the snacking sector. The launch marks Radnor Hills’ first major venture beyond beverages, with the company aiming to leverage its existing infrastructure, commercial expertise and customer relationships to support growth in the adjacent snacking category. Under the agreement, Canny Snacks will manage the commercial development of the Burts brand, while ownership and manufacturing remain with Europe Snacks, which acquired Burts and its Plymouth production facility in 2023. Europe Snacks will continue as the exclusive manufacturing partner for the brand, producing Burts products at the Plymouth site using existing sourcing and production processes. Canny Snacks will operate as an independent business led by co-founder and director Tom Carne, with support from Radnor Hills’ commercial and operational teams. The business will also be guided by William Watkins, founder and CEO of Radnor Hills, and Adrian Carne, former CEO of Yeo Valley. The company said it plans to invest in the Burts brand and pursue innovation opportunities within the snacking market while maintaining continuity for customers during the transition process, which began on 1 June. Watkins said: “Canny Snacks allows us to explore growth beyond drinks and into the fast-growing snacking market, building on the experience, infrastructure and relationships we already have at Radnor Hills". He continued: “This is an exciting opportunity for Radnor Hills to expand into a category that naturally complements our core drinks business – after all, great drinks and great snacks are the perfect combination.” “Canny Snacks allows us to explore growth beyond drinks and into the fast-growing snacking market, building on the experience, infrastructure and relationships we already have at Radnor Hills." Carne added: “We’re delighted to be launching this new partnership with securing the sales and marketing rights for Burts Snacks, with the transition taking place in the coming weeks”. “We see a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of the Burts brand and build a scalable snacking business. By combining the strengths of Radnor Hills, Europe Snacks and our wider partners, we are well placed to drive future growth through a collaborative approach.” Rikin Lakhani, managing director of Burts UK, commented: “Canny Snacks’ entrepreneurial drive, combined with the expertise of Radnor Hills, creates a powerful platform to unlock new opportunities and take the Burts brand to the next level”.

Mr Kipling is expanding its sweet treats portfolio with five new product launches across its popular Whirls, Slices and Tarts ranges, as the brand looks to drive category growth and attract younger consumers through trend-led flavour innovation. The latest launches include three new additions to the fast-growing Whirls range, a new Birthday Cake Slices variant, and the introduction of Latte Tarts, offering retailers fresh opportunities to engage shoppers and drive incremental sales. Building on the success of its Whirls range, which is currently growing by 14.4%, Mr Kipling has introduced Cookies & Cream, Custard Cream and Lemon & Raspberry variants. The new flavours combine nostalgic favourites with contemporary taste profiles, designed to broaden the range's appeal among younger consumers while maintaining relevance with existing shoppers. Launching from 13 May, Mr Kipling Birthday Cake Slices brings one of the brand's most successful tart flavours into its established slices format. The new product features vanilla-flavoured sponge layered with jam and topped with fondant icing and colourful sprinkles. The launch follows the strong performance of Mr Kipling Birthday Cake Tart, now the second-largest tart product in the category and valued at £4.2m. By leveraging an already proven flavour profile in a different format, the brand aims to attract new shoppers into the packaged cakes category and encourage repeat purchases. Mr Kipling is also expanding its Tarts portfolio with the introduction of Latte Tarts, a coffee-inspired offering designed to bring a more contemporary flavour profile to the category. The new tarts feature coffee-flavoured icing, sponge and sauce, delivering a balanced sweetness while tapping into growing consumer interest in café-inspired flavours. The launch represents a strategic move to broaden the appeal of the Tarts range and recruit new shoppers seeking more sophisticated sweet treat options. Naomi Shooman, global marketing director for Sweet Treats at Premier Foods, said: “These launches reflect our ambition to grow the appeal of the Mr Kipling brand, particularly among younger shoppers, through modern flavours and new formats." She added: “By adding a variety of on-trend flavours to our popular Whirls range, giving shoppers new ways to enjoy the Birthday Cake flavour and introducing coffee-inspired Tarts, we’re bringing fresh energy to the packaged cakes aisle that we’re confident will increase penetration with a younger demographic and drive sales for retailers.” The new products are rolling out across selected UK retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose, with recommended retail prices ranging from £1.80 to £3.

Danish Crown has announced that Jens Peter Clausen, executive vice president of Danish Crown Industry, will step down from his role with immediate effect after reaching a mutual agreement with the company to pursue other career opportunities. Clausen, who returned to Denmark to join the meat processing cooperative after spending many years working abroad, said the decision reflects his desire to take his career in a new direction. “I am grateful to Danish Crown for giving me the opportunity to return to Denmark after many years abroad and to become part of a company with strong traditions and highly skilled employees,” Clausen said in a statement. “I have great confidence in the transformation of Danish Crown led by Niels Ulrich Duedahl, but I have come to the conclusion that the next phase of my career should take a different direction.” The leadership change comes as Danish Crown continues efforts to strengthen its business and execute its broader transformation strategy under Group CEO Niels Ulrich Duedahl. Duedahl thanked Clausen for his contributions to the organisation during his tenure. “I would like to thank Jens Peter for his contribution to Danish Crown and wish him all the best for the future,” Duedahl said. Danish Crown said it has begun the search for a successor to lead its Industry division. In the interim, Duedahl will assume direct responsibility for the business unit while the recruitment process is underway. The Danish Crown Industry division plays a central role within the cooperative’s operations, supplying food manufacturers and industrial customers with meat-based ingredients and products across domestic and international markets. The company did not provide a timeline for appointing a new executive vice president.