Retailer Lidl GB has revealed it will remove all packaging designs deemed attractive to children from its least healthy own-label products by mid-2025, aiming to support families in making healthier choices. The decision, described as an ‘industry-first’ and underscoring Lidl’s commitment to more responsible marketing, builds on the retailer’s 2020 packaging changes, which saw the UK supermarket confirm the removal of cartoon characters from its breakfast cereals to help parents resist ‘pester power’. Its latest initiative will eliminate design elements – such as 3D or animated shapes, brightly coloured patterns or playful product names that do not reflect items themselves – that might entice children toward HFSS (high in fat, sugar and saturated fat) products. For example, Lidl’s popular gummy bears confectionery product will transition from bright, cartoon-adorned branding to a simpler, more product-focused packaging design that emphasises its fruit flavours. The initiative goes further than new UK legislation that is set to restrict the advertising of less healthy products to children from October 2025. In spring 2024, Lidl already expanded its ban on cartoon characters from cereal products to all ‘less healthy’ products aimed at children. These changes followed the retail giant removing sweets and chocolates from its checkouts nationwide in 2014. Lidl’s strengthened commitment aims to ensure that any product deemed as least healthy according to the World Health Organization’s Nutrient Profiling Model, or the Food Standards Agency 2004/05 Nutrient Profiling Model, cannot be marketed in a way that appeals to children, with only the healthiest of products targeting them. Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “As a father of young children myself, I know how influential packaging designs can be on their preferences, and therefore understand the importance of taking a proactive position to better support parents up and down the country”. “Introducing these changes ahead of the upcoming legislation on advertising, signals our readiness to meet and exceed these standards. Lidl has long been making changes for the better, so it’s great that we’re continuing our legacy of leading the way in supporting healthier lifestyles by removing unhelpful packaging and enhancing designs for products that contribute to better diets, like our Funsize fruit and veg range.” Rebecca Tobi, senior business and investor engagement manager at the Food Foundation, said the initiative is “a very welcome and market-leading move by Lidl GB to better support families to access healthier diets”. She commented: “Despite the critical importance of good nutrition for children, commercial foods high in sugar and salt are often heavily marketed towards children, making it impossibly hard for families to navigate their way through the supermarket aisles without falling victim to pester power”. Lidl said it will continue to ensure its packaging ‘remains engaging,’ but will focus on celebrating the quality and natural characteristics of its products. #Lidl #UK

GoodMills Innovation has unveiled a new plant-based protein blend designed to support formulation of protein-rich baked goods without compromising on taste or sensory quality. The protein blend, named GoWell Tasty, is made from fava beans, yellow peas, sunflower seeds and wheat. It boasts a protein content of 60% and a ‘well-rounded’ amino acid profile, the German ingredients specialist said, as well as offering a ‘pleasant and subtle’ nutty flavour free from unwanted off-notes. GoWell Tasty is designed specifically for light baked goods such as burger buns, sandwich rolls or soft breads. According to GoodMills Innovation, it delivers a ‘delicate bite’ and ensures the original character of the baked goods is preserved thanks to no overpowering flavours. It can be seamlessly incorporated into existing recipes without the need for major adjustments, and increases protein content even at low dosage for cost-effective production. The blend is also suitable for use in bagels, baguettes, pretzels and pancakes. Depending on dosage and recipe, manufacturers can also make claims such as ‘high protein content’ or ‘vegan’. #GoodMillsInnovation #plantbased #Germany

ADM has partnered with agritech company Klim to expand its re:generations programme across Germany. The programme aims to support farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system. Re:generations provides financial assistance and agronomic support to farmers implementing regenerative practices, including precise fertilizer application, conservation tillage, cover crops and biodiversity enhancement. These practices help improve soil health, biodiversity and water resources while also reducing the environmental impact of farming. The expansion into Germany will see farmers who adopt regenerative agriculture practices receive incentives based on land area. The programme has a target of enrolling 60,000 acres (approximately 24,281 hectares) by 2025, initially focusing on wheat, oil seed rape and soy crops. The German initiative follows successful launches in the UK and Poland as part of ADM's global commitment to supporting regenerative agriculture across 5 million acres in 2025. Candy Siekmann, director of Climate Smart Agriculture Origination at ADM, said: "We're excited to support farmers in strengthening their businesses and their futures across Europe, including with the expansion of our Re:generations programme into Germany". "The programme follows a comprehensive design which gathers data from across entire farms and provides farmers with tools to better position their farm for the future and help reduce and sequester emissions. Very few companies touch every part of the value chain, from farmer to consumer, the way ADM does, representing a unique opportunity to connect every step of that value chain." In partnership with Klim, an European provider of Scope 3 solutions for agriculture, ADM will provide monitoring, reporting and verification services to enrolled farmers. Klim's data-driven approach will enable farmers to measure the impact of their regenerative practices using over 30 key performance indicators, providing insights that can guide future farming decisions. This data will also contribute to Scope 3 emissions inventories for ADM and its customers. Robert Gerlach, CEO and founder of Klim, added: "We're excited to partner with ADM to help support these practices. By combining ADM’s resources and farming network with Klim's data and analytics driven approach and regenerative expertise, we are spearheading an industry-wide shift towards a more resilient, sustainable food system. This partnership is a powerful model for how collaboration across the entire value chain can deliver both environmental impact and economic resilience at scale." The programme’s success will be driven by robust data collection, continuous farmer feedback and a focus on regional considerations. Klim agronomists will offer expert training to enrolled farmers, ensuring they benefit from both new and established regenerative practices that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.

Mondelēz has teamed up with American rapper Post Malone to launch of a new limited-edition Oreo cookies. The limited-time product introduces a first-of-its-kind swirled creme featuring salted caramel and shortbread flavours, sandwiched between one chocolate Oreo cookie and one golden cookie. The cookies also showcase one of nine unique designs inspired by Post Malone’s world, including references to his discography and other personal elements handpicked by the artist. Each pack includes a handwritten note from Post Malone himself. Tanya Berman, Mondelēz's senior vice president for biscuit, said: "Flavour innovations and collaborations, inspired by fan behaviour, have become a mainstay in our playbook as a way to maintain relevancy across our portfolio of snack brands. With...Oreo, our challenge is to consistently raise the bar and discover fresh ways to engage our fans. This collaboration with Post Malone sets a new standard. We hope fans are as excited about the brand's newest hit as we are." The limited edition Post Malone Oreo cookie packs will be available for presale beginning 27 January, with nationwide retail availability starting 3 February, while supplies last.

Rebel Kitchen has launched what it claims to be the world’s first health shots featuring the camu camu berry, a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content. This product introduction marks a significant development in the health shot segment, which has seen increasing consumer interest in functional beverages. Available in two formats – 60ml health shots and 420ml dosing bottles – the camu shots will come in two variants: one focusing on immunity and another combining immunity support with natural energy derived from vitamin B. Each shot reportedly contains a minimum of 351mg of vitamin C, positioning it as a potent alternative to existing immunity shots in the UK market. Rebel Kitchen's founder, Ben Arbib, discovered the Camu berry during a visit to the Ucayali region of Peru. He noted the fruit's impressive nutrient profile and decided to bring it to the UK market in a convenient, drinkable form. The shots are made from freshly frozen berries to preserve their nutritional integrity, blended with other natural fruits to create a palatable health supplement. The camu camu berry is touted for having 30 times more vitamin C than an orange, a factor that could appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for effective ways to bolster their immune systems. Lawrence Mass, a functional medicine practitioner, said: “The camu camu berry is a rainforest fruit that is a powerhouse of Vitamin C and packs in more Vitamin C than any other fruit on the planet". He continued: "Vitamin C plays a vital role in our daily health as it boosts our immune system and is essential for methylation and mitochondrial function, fending off viruses and infection and supporting collagen production to keep our skin vibrant". Currently, camu camu is primarily available in powdered form through health food stores and online retailers, making Rebel Kitchen's introduction of a ready-to-drink format a notable innovation in the nutraceutical space. The Immunity variant comprises 37% camu, delivering 567% of the nutrient reference value for vitamin C per dose, while the Immunity + Natural Energy variant contains 32% camu combined with vitamin B for added energy support. The shots will be available at Waitrose starting February 5, with Sainsbury’s set to carry the Immunity variant from April. With a recommended retail price of £1.95 per shot and £5.95 for the dosing bottle, the products aim to cater to both retail and independent hospitality sectors. #RebelKitchen #healthshot #nutraceutical #ingredients #functionalbeverages #UK

Diageo has finalised the sale of its Venezuelan rum brand, Cacique, to Bardinet, a player in the Spanish spirits market. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the rum sector, particularly in Spain and Venezuela, where Cacique has established a loyal consumer base over its 65-year history. Diageo, known for its extensive range of premium alcoholic beverages, says that its commitment to effective portfolio management as a driving factor behind this transaction. John Kennedy, president of Diageo Europe, commented: “The sale of Cacique reflects Diageo’s strategy of maintaining a sharp focus on effective portfolio management. We are confident that Bardinet is the right owner for Cacique, maintaining the brand’s authenticity and prominent position in Spain and Venezuela, as well as building its position in Continental Europe.” For Bardinet, the acquisition of Cacique represents a strategic opportunity to bolster its rum portfolio and expand its market share in Spain. Jean-Paul Bouyat, CEO of Bardinet, added: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of Cacique, a uniquely positioned Venezuelan rum with a strong heritage. This is a strategic addition to our portfolio which will help us to increase our rum market share in Spain and beyond." As the rum market continues to grow, particularly in Europe, the implications of this acquisition will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders. The successful integration of Cacique into Bardinet's portfolio could serve as a case study for other manufacturers looking to adapt to changing market dynamics. #Diageo #Cacique #alcohol #spisits #rum #Bardinet #divesture

Packaging specalist Ranpak has added three new automated solutions to its portfolio, aiming to drive improved productivity. The three new products bring automation and protective paper technology together into integrated solutions, designed to empower packers to achieve greater quality, consistency and sustainability while improving labor efficiency and ergonomics within packaging operations. Now available to European customers, the PadPak Multi-Station automatically delivers cushioning pads with efficiency to the packer, eliminating multiple converters and improving ergonomics. An automated line allows a single central PadPak paper converter to supply 100% recyclable, biodegradable and renewable paper pads to up to ten packing stations continuously. The solution is modular and customisable, saving space and enabling layouts that adapt to specific packaging needs. DecisionTower with FillPak Trident uses the machine vision capabilities of Ranpak’s DecisionTower solution to measure voids and dispense the perfect amount of kerbside-recyclable paper void fill material through a connected FillPak Trident converter. By combining advanced vision technology with sustainable paper packaging materials, waste is reduced and the process is more consistent, providing a better customer experience during unboxing. According to Ranpak, up to 35% paper reduction can be achieved with the solution due to the combination of active void measurement and the use of the unique triangle-shaped paper pads dispensed by the FillPak Trident converter, which is engineered to fill space with the minimum required amount of paper materials. The solution automatically adjusts to different box types and void volumes for ease of use with limited-to-no operator training. Finally, the Pad’it solution automatically inserts a waved paper cushioning pad at the bottom, top, or both top and bottom of a package to provide an additional layer of protection in the box. The automated system creates, picks and places pads, reducing manual labour and requiring minimal operator training. It can add additional padding to up to 15 boxes per minute and ensures precise pad placement by using a robotic arm and the WrapPak Protector converter. By complementing the development of automation solutions with sustainable paper materials, Ranpak aims to help businesses to scale their operations while keeping mindful of sustainability performance and regulatory changes. The solutions automate some of the most repetitive tasks so that employees can focus on more complex and strategic operations. #Ranpak #packaging #automation

Cultivated beef manufacturer Mosa Meat  has submitted its first request for Novel Foods market authorisation in the European Union, focusing on cultivated fat as a key ingredient. This is a significant development as the Dutch company aims to introduce its innovative products, such as hamburgers and meatballs, to the European market. The submission of cultivated fat marks a critical step in Mosa Meat's strategy to comply with the EU's regulatory framework, which mandates that cultivated ingredients be evaluated individually. This contrasts with the regulatory approach in Singapore, where full products are assessed. Cultivated fat is essential for replicating the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel of traditional beef, making it a pivotal component in creating a satisfying culinary experience. Maarten Bosch, CEO of Mosa Meat, said: “Fat is the soul of flavour,” highlighting how this innovation not only enhances Mosa's offerings but also holds potential for improving plant-based alternatives, which often struggle to achieve a similar sensory profile. The request comes on the heels of Mosa Meat's recent pre-approval tastings of its burgers and a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Hans van Wolde, who praised the quality of the cultivated fat, noting its impressive taste and mouthfeel. Such endorsements reflect the growing interest and potential for cultivated meat products in the culinary landscape. Want to learn more about fats? Anastasia Krivoruchko, co-founder and CEO of Swedish designer fat firm Melt&Marble, unpacks in How precision-fermented smart fats will shape the foods of the future on The Cell Base This submission is only the second instance of a cultivated product entering the EU’s Novel Foods process, which is recognised globally for its rigorous safety standards. The evaluation process is expected to take approximately 18 months, as outlined by the European Commission. Mosa Meat's initiative aligns with broader trends in the food industry, where cultivated meat is seen as a solution to enhance food security and sustainability in Europe. The production of cultivated beef is projected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water consumption compared to traditional meat production methods. Additionally, the sterile manufacturing process of cultivated meat minimises the risks associated with pathogens and antibiotic use prevalent in conventional animal farming. As Mosa Meat navigates the regulatory landscape, the company underscores its commitment to innovation and collaboration within the European cellular agriculture ecosystem. By partnering with chefs, flavour developers, retailers and even conventional meat producers, Mosa Meat aims to create a more resilient and sustainable food system. #MosaMeat #EU #Europe #fat #cultivated beef #ingredients #approval

The Hershey Company has unveiled its latest Easter product line-up, introducing several new offerings aimed at enhancing seasonal sales for food and beverage manufacturers. This year's innovations include Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with Spring Sprinkles, Kit Kat Bunnies and Twizzlers Bunnies, alongside established favourites from Jolly Rancher and Cadbury. With Easter approaching, Hershey aims to capture consumer interest by refreshing its iconic products with seasonal themes. Keely Johnson, senior associate manager for Easter Season at Hershey, noted the importance of evolving product offerings to meet consumer expectations. "From egg hunts to filling baskets or just a sweet treat for yourself, Hershey has been a long-cherished part of Easter celebrations," she said. "This Easter, we've put a fresh spin on our iconic offerings, incorporating a seasonal twist that highlights the beloved traditions and flavours of the season." New product highlights include: Kit Kat Bunnies: These limited-time offerings feature the classic Kit Kat crunch, reimagined in a bunny shape, combining crispy wafers with smooth milk chocolate. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with Spring Sprinkles: This product adds a seasonal twist to the chocolate and peanut butter combination, featuring colourful sprinkles shaped like bunnies, chicks and eggs. Reese's Peanut Butter Carrots: Shaped like carrots, these treats offer the same popular chocolate and peanut butter ratio in a unique format. Twizzlers Bunnies: These cherry-flavoured, bunny-shaped treats are designed to appeal to both children and adults during the Easter season. In addition to new products, Hershey is also bringing back seasonal favourites, including Cadbury Royal Dark Eggs and assorted bags featuring Jolly Rancher Gummies. These returning items are expected to resonate with consumers familiar with the brand's traditional offerings. Hershey's strategy reflects a broader trend in the food and beverage industry, where seasonal products are increasingly important for driving sales during key holidays. By refreshing its product line-up, Hershey aims to attract both loyal customers and new consumers looking for festive treats. The full range of Easter products will be available starting January 2025 at retailers nationwide, with pricing determined at the discretion of individual retailers. #TheHersheyCompany #seasonallaunches #confectionery #sweets #chocolate #US #Easter #KitKat #Reeses #Twizzlers

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes has expanded its Fantasy Collection with three new sugar-free flavours: Tropigal Syrup, Fairy Dust Syrup and Unicorn Sauce. The new flavours are gluten-free, keto-friendly and contain zero sugar. Tropigal Syrup blends kiwi, strawberry and mango for a flavour perfect for mocktails and cocktails. Fairy Dust Syrup offers a tangy, sour candy taste with 'the right touch of sweetness'. Meanwhile, Unicorn Sauce delivers a sweet, fruity candy flavour, inspired by its Unicorn Syrup, in a new drizzle-ready formula that enhances both drinks and desserts.` These new additions join the existing Fantasy Collection, which includes Mermaid Syrup (citrus, coconut and pineapple), Unicorn Syrup (frosting, tart blue raspberry and candy floss) and Cotton Candy Syrup. Tim Snyder, CEO of Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, said: “We are always listening to our community and heard them when they said they were looking to make better habits for 2025, including creating healthier versions of their favorite drinks and desserts. The Fantasy Collection is a customer favourite, and the expanded collection proves that you can break up with sugar without parting ways with your favourite drinks or desserts. These innovative and bold new flavours offer a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing taste.” Tropigal and Fairy Dust syrups retail for $8.99 per 25.4oz bottle, while Unicorn Sauce is priced at $6.49 per 12oz bottle. All flavours are available for purchase at the brand's website.

Food retailers are on the cusp of seismic change. Having faced unprecedented, complex challenges in recent years, the pressure is on to innovate, adapt and meet growing customer demands, placing big bets on technology to future proof their business.  Among the biggest challenges is the need to establish more accurate and efficient supply chains. It’s perhaps no surprise that 63% of CEOs cite supply chain issues  as a major threat to growth with costly consequences: a staggering $163 billion is lost annually  due to discarded inventory across various sectors. Food waste in particular is a critical challenge, with 1.05 billion tons of food  wasted globally each year. And that waste is taking its toll on the environment. Each year, food waste contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions . Which directly connects to another challenge facing food retailers – to become more sustainable.   Julie Vargas So how to create more effective supply chains, reduce food waste and run more sustainable operations? As we move towards an increasingly digital future, you can see why many are turning to technology as the answer. But in an industry that relies heavily on the physical movement of goods from point A to point B, technology solutions must be designed around connecting the physical and digital.     Julie Vargas, vice president and general manager of identification solutions at Avery Dennison explains how RFID is helping retailers enhance product freshness, eliminate food waste and boost supply chain efficiency. Giving physical products a digital identity At Avery Dennison , we believe the answer lies at the intersection between the physical and the digital – and this is where RFID technology  comes in. RFID solutions are at the cutting edge of supply chain visibility, and are revolutionising inventory management, increasing speed and accuracy through automation. The magic lies in connecting  the physical and digital aspects of a retailer’s operations by giving each physical item its own digital identity. Enabling real-time item-level visibility, retailers are able to minimise waste, while enhancing efficiency, driving sustainability and, ultimately, boosting their financial performance.  How intelligent RFID labels are tackling multiple challenges In the food retail industry, inventory largely relies on people to take stock of what is coming in and out of the store. The problem is, this labour burden is costly, and will always be susceptible to human error.   These inaccuracies often result in the wrong business decisions being made, impacting on-shelf availability and expiry management, resulting in lost sales and wasted product. Yet, with intelligent RFID-enabled labels providing digital visibility to physical items, retailers are empowered to make smarter decisions with faster, more accurate data at their fingertips. As an example, before shipments even reach the store, using RFID scanning, employees can be notified in real-time if a package is loaded onto an incorrect vehicle, so a mistake can be rectified almost immediately. This greatly reduces sorting and delivery mistakes, as well as late or missing deliveries, helping to ensure their shelves stay fully stocked.  RFID labels in action UK-based food service distributor Reynolds  proves the wide-ranging challenges RFID can help solve. On average, Reynolds delivers 60,000 packages to restaurants every week. The boxes it uses are designed to be reused or recycled, but many ended up in landfills or were lost by the restaurants receiving them.    To improve visibility and motivate reuse, Reynolds worked with Avery Dennison to create a solution that gives unique, scannable identities to each container through RFID labels. Upon dispatch and again at receipt, all containers are scanned so Reynolds knows exactly where each one is – whether that’s with a restaurant or back in its warehouse. By integrating this technology, Reynolds’ supply chain runs more efficiently, and the lifespan of each container has been elongated, making them more sustainable. Also, as an added benefit, food spoilage has decreased. Restaurants can use the RFID system to get a clear view of the items they have in stock and avoid over-ordering.  Another way to preserve freshness and reduce waste is through resealable RFID labels. Nestlé  is a great example of this in action. When the organisation wanted to reduce waste within its Cocosette, Morenitas and Deditos brands, it partnered with Avery Dennison to create new, resealable adhesive labels that can be reused and peeled back, and then resealed multiple times to reduce spoilage and packaging. Product flavours stay fresh, and the consumer gets an overall better experience. The solution has already been a success in Colombia, and there are plans to replicate it with Nestlé’s packaging on a more global scale. Transparency builds consumer trust RFID labels can also be used to prove product authenticity and enhance packaging communication, connecting brands with consumers through compelling storytelling tracing back to the item’s origin.  Combining the unique digital identity from an RFID tag with a QR code allows brands to communicate the relevant information for the exact product a consumer is holding. This traceability tells them the full background story of the products they’re buying – from farm to fork – which helps better engage customers and build their trust. RFID to prepare for the future… now In a landscape filled with challenges, the future of the industry won’t rely on either the physical or the digital. Instead, it will require a combination of the two. Intelligent RFID labels offer a relatively simple solution to complex challenges that food retailers are facing; becoming more sustainable, reducing waste and creating more efficient supply chains.

International Beverage has announced the full ownership of Asiaeuro International Beverage (AIB) as it aims to boost growth in Asia. Founded in 2018 as a joint venture between International Beverage and Asia Group Corporate, AIB seeks to strengthen the company’s market reach and drive commercial success in the Greater China region. AIB comprises two entities: Asiaeuro International Beverage (Guangdong), which an extensive operates sales, marketing and distribution network for spirits and wines across mainland China. Asiaeuro International Beverage (Hong Kong), which manages multiple duty-free channels in the region, as well as domestic markets in Hong Kong and Macau. According to International Beverage, gaining full ownership of AIB will play a key role in the business' global commercial strategy in Greater China, supporting the growth of its expanding portfolio of premium spirits. This includes Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair, anCnoc and Prakaan single malt whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended whisky, Larsen Cognac, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs, Caorunn Gin and Phraya Rum. AIB employs a combined team of 70 people across its two offices, who will now join International Beverage’s 700-strong workforce operating from nine global offices. The strengthened team will focus on strategic market planning for each International Beverage brand, leveraging key partnerships and embracing digital transformation to stay ahead of industry and consumer trends. This latter includes the launch of AIB’s first e-commerce platform in China, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences across all its brands. Veronica Amago, International Beverage's global sales director, said: ‘It is a challenging time for many consumers around the world, and this continues to have an impact on developments within the spirits industry". "This context notwithstanding, International Beverage is well positioned to support our global customers and deliver accelerated growth for our extraordinary spirits portfolio. Our parent company, ThaiBev, is an established leader within the growing Asian spirits landscape, plus the acquisition of AIB builds on our strengths and demonstrates a commitment to success in Greater China. It gives us a more agile and dynamic business structure, furthered by the expansion of our international footprint with a larger, stronger sales and marketing team across global markets’. Freddy Oh, general manager of AIB, added: "Becoming an integrated part of International Beverage strengthens our overall capability to compete in the premium spirits market in China. This new structure will help us better serve our customers and partners, drive innovation, and enhance our competitive reach through a stronger digital presence. We are excited about the opportunities 2025 and beyond will bring." Later this year, International Beverage will follow its acquisition of AIB with a recruitment drive to fill nine new sales and marketing roles across the USA and Canada, Europe, the UK, Asia and Global Travel Retail markets. Terms of transaction were not disclosed. Top image: © Asiaeuro International Beverage (HK)