Fonterra has announced that its chief executive officer, Miles Hurrell, will step down after eight years in the role and a 25-year career with the dairy co-operative. Miles Hurrell Chair Peter McBride said Hurrell decided the time was right to leave the company, having overseen a turnaround in the co-operative’s financial performance and a strategic refocus on its core dairy operations. Hurrell was appointed CEO in 2018 with a mandate to improve financial discipline and rebuild trust with the co-operative’s farmer shareholders. According to McBride, the leadership team has since strengthened performance and positioned the business for its next phase of strategy. Hurrell said the role had been “an incredible privilege,” noting that the co-operative’s financial results directly affect thousands of New Zealand farming families. He said stepping down now would allow a new leader to guide the company through the next stage of its strategy. Hurrell will remain in the position during a six-month notice period to support the transition. The board has begun a succession process to appoint a new CEO in the coming months.

Sirio Europe has announced the launch of LifeChews – a patented, plant-based, chewable ‘jelly tablet’ format suitable for delivering a wide range of active ingredients. According to Sirio, the new nutraceutical format is clinically proven to improve bioavailability, as well as delivering ‘excellent’ dispersibility across a variety of oil-soluble actives while enabling high nutrient payloads. Research from ITC shows that 43% of consumers want greater efficacy from their supplement purchases, while up to 45% cited pleasant taste as a key format driver. While traditional formulation challenges like poor dispersibility, oxidation and unwanted aftertastes have limited development of lipid-based nutrient formulations in chewable formats, Sirio aims to address this and meet growing demand for convenient and tasty options. LifeChews’ jelly tablet format is suited to ingredients such as omega-3 oils, fat-soluble vitamins, coenzyme Q10, and carotenoids such as lutein and astaxanthin. The company has developed four concepts using the format, with the range addressing key consumer health priorities including brain health, heart health, immunity and longevity. Sirio said its patented technology ensures uniform dispersion of 5 μm oil droplets, comparable to lipid particle sizes found in human milk, for optimised absorption. In studies, LifeChews was shown to achieve a 161% higher blood plasma DHA concentration versus a control, the company stated, representing a 198% improvement bioavailability. Additionally, digestion studies confirmed even distribution of DHA during simulated gastric and intestinal conditions, highlighting stability and efficiency. Sara Lesina, general manager at Sirio Europe, said: “LifeChews are a gamechanger in how consumers experience supplements”. “By bringing together clinical validation and a high payload capacity, LifeChews give our partner brands a powerful new way to stand out in key trending categories and deliver real added value to consumers.”

A proposed class action lawsuit accuses Linus Technologies, owner of the David Protein brand, of significantly understating the calorie and fat content of its protein bars. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that the nutritional information given across several flavours of the company’s bars, marketed as containing 150 calories and about 2-2.5g of fat per serving, is materially inaccurate. According to the lawsuit, independent laboratory testing found that the bars contained approximately 263 to 275 calories per serving – roughly 78% to 83% higher than the labelled value. The same testing allegedly found 11 to 13.5 grams of total fat, compared with the 2-2.5g listed on packaging, a difference of roughly 368% to 400%, the complaint states. The plaintiffs say the testing was conducted by an accredited laboratory using commonly accepted industry methods, including Atwater factors to calculate caloric value and the AOAC 945.44 method for fat analysis. Under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, calorie values on nutrition labels must fall within a 20% tolerance threshold of the actual value when determined through approved methods. Peter Rahal, founder of David, has disputed the claims, citing inappropriate testing methods for the types of ingredients used in the products. In a statement on social media platform X, he said: " The confusion comes from how calories are being measured. When food is burned in a device called a bomb calorimeter, it measures the heat released. But nutrition labels aren’t based on how much heat something produces when burned. They’re based on what the human body can actually absorb and use for energy." He continued: " That distinction matters for ingredients found in David, such as fibre, sweeteners and fat substitutes like EPG. Burning them in a bomb calorimeter treats them as fully digestible calories, even though they are not. That’s why the FDA requires different calculation methods for these ingredients when determining calories. David is 150 calories." Three consumers, from California, Illinois and New York, filed the suit, claiming they purchased the bars based on their low-calorie and low-fat positioning. They argued that the nutritional claims were material to purchasing decisions and allowed the company to charge a price premium. The plaintiffs allege the products are “misbranded” under federal food-labelling rules and violate several state consumer protection statutes, including New York’s General Business Law and California’s Unfair Competition and False Advertising laws. The complaint also includes claims for breach of express warranty. The case highlights the importance of robust nutritional validation and labelling compliance for brands competing in the health-positioned snack market. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, damages, restitution and injunctive relief that could require changes to labelling and marketing practices if the accusations are proven.

Lipton Ice Tea is expanding its flavoured iced tea line-up with the launch of a new Tropical variant, blending mango and passionfruit to tap into growing consumer demand for bold and exotic soft drink flavours. Rolling out now across grocery and convenience channels, the new product is designed to bring additional flavour variety to the iced tea category while targeting younger consumers seeking vibrant taste profiles. The launch also aims to broaden consumption occasions for iced tea, from meal deals to at-home refreshment. According to the brand, tropical flavours continue to perform strongly in the UK soft drinks market, providing an opportunity to extend the Lipton range beyond established variants such as peach. Clare Brosnan, brand director – hydration at Carlsberg Britvic, said: "Lipton has always championed great-tasting flavours that give shoppers a truly refreshing experience, and Tropical is no exception. With the existing popularity of tropical flavours across the category already, we’re confident shoppers will love our latest addition.” The new Lipton Ice Tea Tropical flavour will be available in several pack formats designed to capture different consumption occasions, including: 500ml bottle, 500ml price-marked pack and 1.25-litre bottle. The company said the range is intended to support both on-the-go purchases, such as lunchtime meal deals, and at-home consumption with meals. Lipton Ice Tea is produced and distributed in the UK by Carlsberg Britvic under licence from PepsiCo.

The Hershey Company has expanded its Dot’s Pretzels portfolio with a new snack product, Dot’s Original Snack Mix. The mix marks the first time Dot’s signature Original seasoned pretzel twists have been incorporated into a snack mix format. According to Hershey, the product combines four components designed to deliver varied textures and flavours. Dot’s Original Snack Mix includes Original seasoned mini pretzels, Original seasoned corn cereal, cheese-seasoned pita chips and garlic rye chips. Eric Bowers, VP of salty marketing at Hershey, said: "Dot's has never been about blending in. We believe snacks should feel crafted, surprising, and worth reaching for. Dot's Original Snack Mix brings that same bold mindset to every handful: no filler, no letdowns, it's a bold combination of snacks that create the ultimate Snack Mix." The product is rolling out at retailers across the US and will be available in 31oz, 14oz and 4.4oz packs.

Flora Food Group has agreed to sell its Latin American operations to Alicorp, a major player in food and beverages across South America. The proposed transaction is expected to close later in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. It includes Flora’s brand portfolio and commercial operations across seven Latin American markets, excluding Mexico and Brazil. It also includes Flora’s manufacturing facility located in Cali, Colombia. The deal will see Flora Food Group – headquartered in the Netherlands, and a major player in plant-based spreads, alongside other food and nutrition products – sell 100% of its shares of its businesses in Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile to Alicorp. Flora’s Latin America portfolio includes margarine brands such as La Danesa, a renowned brand in several regional markets, as well as Dorina and Bonella, which are well-known in the Ecuadorian market. Alicorp, headquartered in Peru and part of Grupo Romero, has an established presence in Latin America, offering a range of brands across food and other categories. Its portfolio includes major brands such as AlaCena, Don Vittorio and Nicolini. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hellmann's is expanding its fast-growing ranch range in the UK with the launch of two new flavours, Blue Cheese Ranch and Buffalo Ranch, as demand for American-style sauces continues to rise among British consumers. The new products build on the momentum of the brand’s ranch line, first introduced in 2025 with Creamy Ranch and Spicy Ranch. According to the company, Creamy Ranch became the biggest new launch in the UK flavour sauces category in the past two years. Owned by global consumer goods group Unilever, Hellmann’s says the new additions respond to growing interest in bold, US-inspired flavours driven partly by the popularity of American restaurant chains in the UK. The Blue Cheese Ranch variant combines the sharp flavour of blue cheese with a creamy buttermilk ranch base, targeting consumers seeking richer, cheese-forward sauces. The company says the launch addresses a market gap, noting that 91% of UK stores currently do not list a blue cheese sauce despite strong consumer interest. Meanwhile, Buffalo Ranch blends buffalo-style hot sauce, made with smoky fermented chillies, with a creamy buttermilk ranch base. The flavour aims to deliver a spicy, versatile condiment suited to a range of dishes from wings to sandwiches and wraps. Buffalo-style sauce is currently the leading hot sauce flavour in the UK, and Hellmann’s says the product marks the first time a major brand has launched a Buffalo Ranch in the country’s ambient table sauce category. Both sauces will be available in 430 ml bottles with an RRP of £3.50, although final pricing remains at the discretion of retailers. The products are scheduled to launch across major UK supermarkets and online retailers from 16 March. Richard Vaughan, marketing manager for foods at Unilever, said: “The launch of our Creamy Ranch and Spicy Ranch sauces last year was a huge success, and we are excited to build on this momentum by expanding our ranch range with two bold new flavours." With the expansion, Hellmann’s continues to leverage the broader premiumisation and flavour experimentation trends shaping the UK condiment market, particularly as consumers seek restaurant-inspired flavours for at-home cooking.

Pukka Herbs has expanded its range with two new fruit and herbal tea blends: Night Time Apple Chai and Citrus Yerba Mate & Green Tea. Night Time Apple Chai is positioned around sleep support, which remains a key consumer wellness priority. According to research cited by the company, 57% of consumers say good sleep is more important to them now than five years ago. The blend combines the sleep-focused positioning with a flavour profile designed to appeal to younger consumers, as 62% of Gen Z and Millennial tea drinkers report seeking new or exotic flavours. Citrus Yerba Mate & Green Tea targets demand for natural energy drinks. Green tea is growing at 17.3%, while consumers are increasingly turning to natural caffeine sources such as yerba mate and matcha. The blend combines green tea, yerba mate and guarana to deliver a natural energy boost. Jonny Briscoe, general manager UK & Ireland at Lipton Teas and Infusions, said: “Pukka continues to lead the way in functional, organically certified beverages that help consumers support their wellbeing naturally. From better sleep to digestion and calm, our blends are crafted to fit seamlessly into busy lives while delivering exciting, trend-led flavours". "These latest launches offer retailers a strong opportunity to tap into growing shopper interest in natural, beneficial and nourishing health and wellness products.” Each pack contains 20 individually wrapped tea bags that are home-compostable, with recyclable outer packaging made from FSC-certified materials and printed with vegetable inks. The teas are rolling out via Amazon, Ocado and Holland & Barrett, with Night Time Apple Chai also available in Tesco. Waitrose is expected to launch both products shortly.

French spirits group Rémy Cointreau has created a new Prestige Division aimed at accelerating the global development of its high-end wine and spirits portfolio. The new unit will be led by industry veteran Ludovic du Plessis, who will also join the group’s executive committee.  Ludovic du Plessis The division will oversee the international growth, brand strategy and awareness of the company’s most exclusive maisons: Louis XIII Cognac, Champagne Telmont and Maison Psyché. According to the company, the move reflects a strategic push to strengthen its position in the ultra-premium and luxury segment of the wine and spirits market. Group CEO Franck Marilly said: “This division has to be at the forefront of luxury trends and aims to drive new business opportunities with boldness and the highest standards of luxury knowledge." Du Plessis has been with the group since 2014, when he joined as executive director of Louis XIII Cognac, one of the company’s flagship luxury brands. In 2020 he was appointed president of Champagne Telmont, where he spearheaded the house’s sustainability-focused strategy known as “In the Name of Mother Nature”. The initiative positioned Telmont as a major player in environmentally conscious champagne production and drew attention from sustainability-focused consumers and industry stakeholders. Marilly said: “I am convinced the experience and vision of Ludovic, nourished by more than 25 years of expertise in the luxury wines and spirits industry, will be key assets to achieve this ambition.” By grouping Louis XIII Cognac, Champagne Telmont and Maison Psyché under a dedicated leadership structure, the company aims to capture emerging opportunities within the premiumisation trend that continues to shape the beverage alcohol sector.

As reported by Reuters , a judicial investigation in France has found no evidence linking the death of an infant to a recalled batch of Nestlé infant formula, according to the Bordeaux prosecutor’s office. The inquiry was launched following the death of a baby who had consumed infant formula produced under Nestlé’s Guigoz brand. Authorities were examining whether the case was connected to a broader food safety concern involving cereulide, a toxin associated with nausea and vomiting that had been detected in ingredients supplied from China to several infant formula manufacturers. The discovery of the toxin prompted precautionary recalls of infant formula products across dozens of countries, raising concerns among parents and regulators worldwide. However, investigators said laboratory tests conducted on both powdered and reconstituted samples of the Guigoz formula consumed by the infant detected no traces of cereulide. “Based on the current state of the investigation, the infant’s death does not appear to be linked to the formula used for feeding,” the Bordeaux prosecutor said in a statement. Nestlé said it remains fully available to authorities and is cooperating transparently with the investigation to support any necessary clarification. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of global infant formula supply chains and ingredient sourcing, particularly where suppliers serve multiple manufacturers across international markets. While the precautionary recalls underscored the sensitivity of the infant nutrition sector to potential contamination risks, the latest findings may ease immediate concerns regarding the specific case under investigation.

Biotechnology company Novella Innovative Technology has appointed nutraceutical industry veteran Antonio Martinez Descalzo as chief executive officer, as the company moves from research and development toward commercial production of plant-cell-derived ingredients. Antonio Martinez Descalzo Martinez brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the life sciences, nutrition and health-and-wellness sectors. He previously held senior roles at agribusiness and ingredients company ADM, including vice president of innovation and business development director for its health and wellness division, where he helped expand branded ingredients across global markets. He has also contributed to industry policy and development through the board of the International Probiotics Association. The appointment comes as Novella prepares for a key operational phase. Chairman and co-founder Kobi Avidan said: “2026 marks a pivotal operational year for Novella. Having successfully completed pilot production, we are moving into full industrial manufacturing, responding to the global demand for precise, consistent and high-potency botanical ingredients”. At the centre of Novella’s strategy is AuraCell, the company’s proprietary precision-cultivation platform that grows bioactive compounds directly from plant cells in controlled environments. The process eliminates the need to cultivate whole plants while producing standardised phytonutrients with consistent potency and minimal resource use. Martinez said the technology introduces what the company calls a new nutraceutical category: 'Precision Botanicals'. “We’re introducing the new category of precision botanicals into the nutraceutical space,” Martinez said. “This approach enables fully standardised botanical ingredients produced at consistent volumes while supporting sustainability and supply chain resilience.” The technology also aims to reduce volatility in botanical ingredient supply chains, which are increasingly affected by climate variability and agricultural constraints. Novella’s first ingredient, Novella Strawberry, is a whole-cell strawberry-derived ingredient containing naturally occurring compounds such as antioxidant phenolic acids. The product is currently available for industrial validation and sampling. Commercial rollout is expected in 2027, with the company initially targeting the North American nutraceutical market, which it estimates at around $60 billion. To support scale-up, Novella has partnered with Chemo Biosynthesis, the industrial division of Insud Pharma Group, which will manufacture the ingredient at its pharmaceutical-grade facilities in Italy. Chemo operates as a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) specialising in pharmaceutical production. Under the agreement, Chemo will integrate Novella’s proprietary plant-cell cultivation technology into its manufacturing processes to enable large-scale production measured in tons. “Beyond the advantages of having a lean production model that does not require capital-intensive facility build-outs, this approach enables the production of natural ingredients at volume with pharmaceutical-grade precision,” Martinez said. Novella is also strengthening its production pipeline through partnerships with CDMOs including the UK’s Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Extracellular, both focused on process development and scale-up for biotechnology products. In January 2026, the company received grant support from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to advance downstream processing for plant-cell culture. The project is being conducted in collaboration with Extracellular and aims to improve both the economic viability and environmental sustainability of production. “These combined efforts will create a robust ecosystem that supports Novella’s goal of transforming the nutraceutical supply chain as we transition from start-up to full-production company,” Adivan said.

PepsiCo UK is investing £3.6 million to install a rooftop solar power system at its Southern Region Distribution Centre (SRDC) in Leicester, UK. The project, delivered with energy infrastructure specialist Ineco Energy, will see solar panels installed across 30,000 square metres of roof space, roughly the size of four football pitches. Once completed, the system is expected to generate the equivalent of 100% of the electricity required to run the logistics centre annually. The 3.56MWp solar installation is forecast to produce around 2.84GWh of renewable electricity each year, enough to power about 1,000 UK homes. Any surplus energy generated during the day will be used to support operations at the nearby Walkers crisps manufacturing plant. The project forms part of a broader series of sustainability investments across PepsiCo’s UK operations. Recent initiatives include switching to electric ovens at its Leicester site, installing more efficient manufacturing machinery in Coventry and upgrading fryers at its Brigg facility, home to Pipers crisps. Together, these upgrades have reduced the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 2,400 tonnes annually. The solar installation follows a £14 million upgrade of the Leicester distribution centre in 2021. The facility employs around 240 people and distributes products produced at PepsiCo’s six UK factories. Andy Smethurst, UK warehousing and logistics director at PepsiCo, said: “Leicester is already home to one of the world’s largest crisp factories, and now we’re delivering one of the most complex solar power systems, right here in the East Midlands. It’s a major milestone for PepsiCo UK and shows how we’re continuing to find new ways to power our sites and operate more sustainably.” Angus Rose, director at Ineco Energy, added: “Ineco is incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship solar project for PepsiCo. Once operational, it will be one of the largest rooftop systems of its kind in the UK food manufacturing sector, generating the same amount of electricity that the SRDC uses in a full year". "This project has required a collaborative and highly technical approach, and we’re delighted to now be moving into the construction phase. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the PepsiCo team.” Construction of the solar system is underway and is expected to be completed by September 2026.