Purely Elizabeth has introduced its first-ever beauty-inspired, limited-edition granola, expanding the brand’s functional wellness portfolio with the launch of Purely Glow Salted Vanilla Pistachio Granola. The product positions the natural foods brand at the convergence of food, beauty and modern wellness, reflecting growing consumer demand for functional ingredients that support “glow-from-within” routines. The formulation incorporates collagen peptides and biotin, aligning with the rising popularity of beauty-linked nutrition trends across social media and wellness platforms. Developed in response to consumer demand and social engagement trends, the launch taps into the growing cultural relevance of functional beauty nutrition. According to the brand, TikTok content featuring collagen has increased by 70% year-over-year compared to the previous two-year period, while pistachio has emerged as one of 2025’s fastest-growing flavour trends, driven by rising social media engagement and consumer interest. Purely Glow Salted Vanilla Pistachio Granola is crafted with organic oats, roasted pistachios, real vanilla bean and sea salt, delivering a premium flavour profile alongside functional benefits. The gluten-free formulation is sweetened with coconut sugar, baked with coconut oil and is a good source of fibre. In addition to collagen peptides and biotin, the product includes coconut water powder, positioning it as a daily wellness-forward offering that blends nutrition with indulgence. “This limited-edition flavour was inspired by my own wellness routine and the belief that food can be an important part of how we care for ourselves,” said Elizabeth Stein, founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth. “Purely Glow Granola brings together nourishing food and daily beauty rituals.” Purely Glow Granola will launch in February at a retail price of $7.99.

Heineken will cut 5,000 to 6,000 jobs, or roughly 7% of its global workforce, as Europe’s second-largest brewer moves to protect margins amid continued weakness in beer demand across developed markets. The Dutch brewer said on Wednesday that beer volumes fell 2.4% in 2025, reflecting softer consumption in Europe and North America as consumers push back against higher prices and moderate alcohol intake. The decline was slightly less severe than analysts had expected. Most of the job reductions will occur in Europe over the next two years as part of a broader cost-efficiency programme. Heineken employs about 87,000 people globally. The company did not specify which functions would be affected, though the cuts extend beyond previously announced head office streamlining. The move underscores the structural challenges facing major brewers in mature markets, where post-pandemic consumption has failed to rebound, and health-driven moderation trends are accelerating. For suppliers and contract manufacturers, the reductions signal continued pressure on volumes in Western beer markets. Chief executive Dolf van den Brink, who is set to step down in May , said innovation would be critical to reigniting growth in developed regions. “Bigger and bolder innovation is needed” in North America and Europe, he said, pointing to low- and no-alcohol beer as a key growth segment. The brewer forecast operating profit growth of 2% to 6% in 2026, compared with 4.4% growth in 2025, at the lower end of its guidance range. Analysts described the outlook as cautious but achievable in what is expected to be a transition year for leadership. While Western markets remain subdued, Heineken said it is more optimistic about demand in emerging markets, including Vietnam and South Africa, where favourable demographics and rising incomes continue to support category expansion. The divergence highlights an increasingly bifurcated global beer landscape: mature markets are characterised by premiumisation and alcohol moderation, while growth is shifting toward emerging economies. Heineken’s announcement follows similar pressure across the sector. Rival Carlsberg has warned of subdued demand in Western Europe and is accelerating diversification into soft drinks following its acquisition of Britvic, signalling broader portfolio shifts within the brewing industry. For the wider food and beverage sector, Heineken’s restructuring reinforces three themes shaping the alcohol category in 2026: Persistent volume pressure in developed beer markets Margin protection through workforce and cost restructuring Strategic pivot toward low/no-alcohol and emerging market growth Despite near-term caution, van den Brink said the company remains confident in the long-term outlook for beer. “We remain prudent in the short term, and confident in the mid- to long term that the category will return to growth,” he said. Heineken shares rose in early Amsterdam trading following the announcement, suggesting investors welcomed the cost discipline amid ongoing category headwinds.

Yerba Madre, a US-based yerba mate brand, is rolling out a range of new flavours and formats in 2026, including sparkling, ready-to-drink and convenience-exclusive options. Early-year launches include a 'Sparkling, Reimagined' line, which is a refreshed sparkling yerba mate line formulated with 115mg of naturally occurring caffeine, available at Sprouts and select Albertsons stores, and 'Lower Sugar Enlighten Mint', an updated version of one of the brand’s top-selling SKUs. Additional flavours set for release through spring 2026 are: Strawberry Kiwi, a c-store exclusive at Extra Mile and Jacksons; Cherry Sublime, a c-store exclusive at 7-Eleven; and Mango Fuego, a limited-run seasonal flavour, available March through May. Yerba Madre is introducing what the company describes as 'the world's first' Shade-Grown Yerba Mate seal, to be rolled out this year on its air-dried loose leaf. The seal is designed to recognise Indigenous and family farmers growing yerba mate under forest canopies and within restored agroforestry systems, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and ingredient integrity. The brand’s products are stocked nationwide in over 45,000 natural, conventional, mass, club and convenience retailers across the US and Canada.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa have formalised their strategic joint venture by establishing inD Events FZE, a new entity to manage all contracting for their combined portfolio of B2B events across the UAE. The joint venture, branded inD (pronounced 'in-dee'), brings together marquee shows including Gulfood, WHX, GITEX, Dubai Air Show, GISEC and Middle East Energy, creating what the partners describe as the region’s largest B2B event organiser. The move aims to scale flagship exhibitions, increase operational efficiency and provide a unified contracting and service platform for international clients. Under the new structure, all agreements for events taking place after September 2026 will be issued under inD Events FZE. Existing contracts issued under previous entities such as Kaoun International FZE or DWTC will be novated seamlessly, with no changes to commercial terms, points of contact, or delivery processes. The joint venture combines DWTC’s regional presence and longstanding infrastructure with Informa’s global event management experience, reflecting the broader trend of consolidation in the B2B exhibition sector. The restructuring is intended to simplify supplier and exhibitor engagement while enabling growth in international participation and sponsorship opportunities. Clients and suppliers are advised to update onboarding details to include inD Events FZE in their procurement systems ahead of future contracts.

GEA has expanded its CookStar portfolio with a new compact spiral oven aimed at small to mid-sized food manufacturers seeking more efficient and consistent cooking processes. The CookStar First features a twin-zone spiral design with integrated booster impingement, enabling more uniform heat distribution across the conveyor belt. The German engineering group says the oven limits core temperature variation to around 1°C, compared with deviations of up to 6°C in conventional systems. The technology can reduce cooking times by 10-30% and improve yields by up to 3%, according to the company. Throughput is rated at up to 1,700 kg per hour. Designed for versatility, the oven can handle a range of products, from steam-cooked and baked items to coated poultry, plant-based foods and ready meals. Its compact footprint, with a total height of less than 3.9 metres, allows installation in existing facilities, including sites with limited ceiling clearance. Energy efficiency is a key focus for the CookStar First. GEA has incorporated an intelligent active exhaust system, adjustable product gates and improved water flow to reduce air leakage and allow water reuse. The company reports that these innovations can cut energy and water consumption by up to 12%, earning the oven its 'Add Better' label for resource efficiency. Operators benefit from digital connectivity through GEA SmartControl HMI, which provides real-time process monitoring, alarm management, and a 24-hour event timeline. The system also integrates with GEA Insight Partner technology for remote diagnostics, service interventions, and maintenance planning. The new oven complements the wider CookStar range, which includes the original CookStar with smoking functionality and the high-capacity CookStar Turbo, capable of processing up to 12,000 kg per hour. All models share a common footprint and can be integrated into existing production lines. GEA provides global support through food technologist expertise, operator training, and service networks to assist with commissioning, process optimisation, and long-term reliability. CookStar First targets food producers seeking to modernise operations with improved efficiency, product consistency and sustainable resource use – trends increasingly important for manufacturers under pressure to reduce waste, energy use and costs.

Coca-Cola has confirmed it will retain full ownership of Costa Coffee, following months of speculation over a potential divestment of the UK-based café chain. The company had previously explored a possible sale of Costa, which it acquired in 2018 for around $5 billion. Reports last year suggested Coca-Cola was weighing strategic options for the business amid a broader shift towards healthier innovation, with talks later facing uncertainty as discussions with TDR Capital stalled. However, the company's chief financial officer, John Murphy, told Bloomberg on Tuesday that it will keep Costa within its portfolio. “We have decided to continue to have Costa 100% owned inside our portfolio,” Murphy said in the interview. “There are no immediate plans to do anything with Costa other than to get it performing even better.” Murphy said Costa continues to perform well in core markets including the UK, Ireland and parts of Western Europe, but acknowledged that the business in China has underperformed expectations. Describing China as "more challenging than we expected," Murphy said the market remains under review. When asked whether Costa could exit China, he said no decision had been taken. “It’s one aspect of the portfolio that we continue to review,” he said. “We will be looking closely at the China business throughout 2026.” Murphy also addressed Costa’s "express concept" – its self-serve touchscreen coffee kiosks. While the format has seen success in the UK and Ireland, scaling the model internationally has proven more complex. Although the concept is "consumer-friendly," Murphy said supply chain and logistics expansion had been "more difficult than we thought". The confirmation comes amid wider developments at Coca-Cola, including the recent appointment of current EVP and COO Henrique Braun as the company’s next CEO.

US dairy exporters are poised to gain greater access to Argentina following the recent signing of a reciprocal trade and investment agreement. The deal, concluded between the US and Argentina, eliminates tariffs of up to 28% on select US dairy products, including milk powders, dairy proteins and lactose. It also establishes a 1,000 metric ton quota for certain US cheeses. Argentina has pledged to curb non-tariff barriers, including facility registration requirements, and to provide protections for 39 commonly used cheese names, such as 'parmesan,' a move seen as crucial for maintaining global product consistency. “The commitments secured in the US-Argentina reciprocal trade deal bring new, real opportunities for our dairy exports to South America,” said Krysta Harden, CEO of the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Gregg Doud, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, highlighted the agreement’s potential to translate into tangible growth for US dairy farmers. “Trade deals like this one bring dairy farmers promise for the future. Dairy farms operate 365 days a year, and the U.S. negotiating team is keeping pace to secure new market access,” he added. Jaime Castaneda, executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names, called the protection of common cheese names 'timely,' noting that European Union agreements with the Mercosur bloc risk limiting US exporters’ use of globally recognised product names. The Argentina deal follows similar reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala aimed at reducing barriers to US dairy exports. Industry groups said they would continue to collaborate with the US government to convert trade commitments into measurable export growth. Business implications: Market access: The removal of tariffs and barriers could increase US dairy competitiveness in Argentina, particularly in high-value segments such as speciality cheeses and dairy ingredients. Brand protection: Safeguarding common cheese names supports global consistency for US products, critical for brand recognition and compliance in international markets. Strategic precedent: The deal reinforces the US government’s broader approach of reciprocal trade agreements to expand dairy export opportunities across Latin America.

Ben & Jerry’s is expanding its packaged Sundaes range with three new flavours, as the company seeks to capitalise on growing at-home indulgence trends and premium ice cream demand. The new offerings – Straw-Bae Shortcake, PB Blondie Bestie and Mocha Mood Pie – bring the total Sundaes portfolio to seven. Each product includes layered ice cream with mix-ins and whipped toppings, designed to deliver a full-service sundae experience without the need for preparation at home. Retail pricing is set between $4.99 and $6.49 per serving. Flavour highlights: Straw-Bae Shortcake combines sweet cream ice cream with shortcake cookies and strawberry swirls, topped with strawberry-swirled whipped topping and shortcake crumble. The flavour leverages nostalgia and seasonal appeal, particularly around Valentine’s Day, while aligning with consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat desserts. PB Blondie Bestie features peanut butter ice cream with blonde brownies and graham cracker swirls, topped with caramel-swirled whipped topping and mini peanut butter cups. It targets adults seeking rich, indulgent flavour experiences and 'Instagrammable' textures that perform well in social media-driven snacking trends. Mocha Mood Pie blends chocolate cold brew ice cream with chocolate cookies and swirls, topped with fudge-swirled whipped topping and fudge chips. Coffee sourced from BLK & Bold adds lifestyle and ethical sourcing credentials, appealing to conscious consumers while tapping into the coffee-flavoured dessert trend. The 2025 Sundaes launch was the top-selling new ice cream innovation in the US, and Ben & Jerry’s executives said the portfolio expansion reflects a strategy to drive incremental growth in the super-premium segment. The ready-to-eat, layered Sundaes format addresses consumer preferences for convenience, indulgence and novelty, particularly during seasonal peaks. As a Certified B Corp, Ben & Jerry’s continues to integrate responsible sourcing and ESG principles across its ingredient supply chain, aligning innovation with broader sustainability objectives.

Smithfield Foods, the US pork and packaged meats giant, will close its dry sausage facility in Springfield, Massachusetts, in August 2026, laying off 190 employees, the company confirmed. Production will shift to other Smithfield plants with sufficient capacity to maintain quality standards. The closure is part of Smithfield’s broader strategy to consolidate manufacturing operations and manage costs amid inflationary pressures in the meat sector. In a statement to FoodBev, the company said it is supporting affected employees through the transition, including opportunities to apply for roles at other facilities. Smithfield expanded its dry sausage production capacity with the 2024 acquisition of a Cargill plant in Nashville, Tennessee , which can produce 50 million pounds of pepperoni and charcuterie-style meats annually. The company says the move allows it to maintain supply without building new facilities or acquiring additional brands. Despite consolidating operations, Smithfield has projected continued growth in the dry sausage segment, which the company estimates will expand by roughly 6% through 2030. Social media-driven trends around charcuterie boards have contributed to sustained demand for salami, pepperoni, and other snackable meats, even as the initial surge in popularity has tapered. The Springfield closure follows other cost-optimisation measures, including the sale of over one-third of Smithfield’s hogs to reduce exposure to volatile agricultural markets. Simultaneously, Smithfield has invested in its packaged meats portfolio, most recently through the $450 million acquisition of popular hot dog brand Nathan’s Famous . This strategy has helped Smithfield deliver record operating profits in its packaged meats segment, where sales rose 9% to $2.1 billion in the third quarter.

Nestlé-owned Maison Perrier is expanding its US sparkling water portfolio with French Kiss, its first sweetened sparkling water featuring prebiotics and real fruit juice. The launch marks Maison Perrier’s move into the fast-growing functional and indulgent sparkling water segment, with beverages designed to offer both flavour and health benefits. Each 330ml can contains at least 10% fruit juice, 6g of fibre and less than 1g of added sugar. The product is initially available in four flavour combinations – Blackberry & Lemon, Peach & Cherry, Mango & Coconut, and Raspberry & Lime – at an MSRP of $8.49 for a six-pack. Distribution began online and at Harris Teeter, with rollout in Target and Publix in mid-to-late February, and nationwide by early April. “French Kiss introduces a prebiotic element to the sparkling water category while remaining indulgent and flavorful,” said Molly Lyons, senior marketing manager at Maison Perrier. “This innovation complements our existing portfolio and allows us to address evolving consumer demand for functional beverages that balance taste and wellbeing.” Maison Perrier, a premium sub-brand of Perrier, has traditionally focused on plain or lightly flavoured sparkling water. French Kiss represents a shift into sweetened and functional beverages, a segment that has seen rising consumer interest amid broader trends in gut health and nutritional snacking. The product is bottled in the south of France and reflects Maison Perrier’s positioning as a premium, lifestyle-oriented brand. Expanding into functional sparkling waters could allow Nestlé to capture incremental market share in a category increasingly defined by innovation and health claims. Maison Perrier joins competitors such as LaCroix, Spindrift and PepsiCo’s Bubly in offering fruit-forward sparkling waters

Peter McGuinness Bel North America, the US and Canadian arm of French dairy and snacking group Bel, has appointed Peter McGuinness as its new chief executive, as it seeks to accelerate growth and expand its purpose-driven snacking strategy. The appointment follows news last week that McGuinness would step down from Impossible Foods after four years as CEO, where he helped scale the plant-based company through product innovation and broader market distribution. He also previously held senior roles at Chobani, including president and chief operating officer, helping the yoghurt brand evolve into a diversified lifestyle business. In his new role, McGuinness will oversee Bel North America’s operations across offices in New York, Chicago and Montreal, as well as five manufacturing plants in the US and Canada. He will be responsible for driving growth, advancing mergers and acquisitions, expanding innovation, and strengthening the company’s regional footprint. “North America, and particularly the United States, is a cornerstone of Bel’s future,” said Cécile Béliot, CEO of Groupe Bel. “Peter is a transformational, values-driven leader whose track record aligns with Bel’s model, where profitability and sustainability are equally important.” The move comes as Bel continues to roll out its 'Purpose*Full Snacking' strategy, aimed at addressing nutritional gaps in the US market. According to Bel, most Americans snack daily, but around 80% fail to meet recommended intakes of fruit, vegetables, and dairy. Bel’s portfolio includes more than 200 products across seven brands, such as Babybel, GoGo squeeZ, The Laughing Cow and Boursin. Bel is also investing in expanding production capacity at its Little Chute, Wisconsin, and Brookings, South Dakota, facilities to meet growing demand. “Bel’s mission-led model, rooted in 160 years of innovation, is inspiring,” McGuinness said. “I’m excited to accelerate Purpose*Full Snacking in North America, making it easier for people to snack intentionally with fruit, veggie, and cheese options that bring both nourishment and enjoyment.” Bel North America is part of the family-owned Groupe Bel, which operates globally in dairy, fruit, and vegetable snacks. The group has a 160-year history and is focused on combining growth with social and environmental responsibility.

Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SunOpta in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.50 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, SunOpta will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Refresco following the close of the transaction, which is expected in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory, court and shareholder approvals. SunOpta’s shares will be delisted from Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange upon completion. Refresco CEO Steve Presley said: “SunOpta represents an exceptional strategic addition to our portfolio. The acquisition is highly complementary and significantly broadens our position in the fast-growing plant-based beverages category." "It enhances our North American capabilities and supports a more balanced global footprint, while expanding our offerings to both retail and branded customers.” The deal also brings SunOpta’s out-of-home customer base and capabilities into Refresco’s platform, strengthening its reach across retail, foodservice and branded channels. For SunOpta, the transaction marks the next phase in a multi-year transformation into a focused supply-chain and innovation partner in the better-for-you food and beverage space. SunOpta CEO Brian Kocher added: “This strategic combination validates our vision of transforming SunOpta into a premier solutions partner in the high-growth better-for-you food and beverage space". "This partnership with Refresco provides the resources and scale to unlock SunOpta’s full potential and accelerate the next chapter of our growth journey.” SunOpta has built strong platforms in plant-based beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks, serving major brands, retailers and foodservice operators across North America, with a focus on sustainability, food safety and quality. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both boards of directors and will be implemented through a court-approved plan of arrangement under Canadian law. SunOpta has announced it will suspend quarterly earnings calls and discontinue quarterly and annual financial guidance in light of the pending transaction. Financial and legal advisors on the deal include Morgan Stanley as exclusive financial advisor to Refresco, Lazard as financial advisor to SunOpta, and Scotiabank as advisor to SunOpta’s special committee, along with multiple legal firms representing both parties. The acquisition further consolidates the beverage co-manufacturing and solutions space, particularly in plant-based beverages, one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. By combining Refresco’s global scale and manufacturing footprint with SunOpta’s specialised capabilities in plant-based and better-for-you products, the deal positions the combined business to serve growing demand from retailers, branded manufacturers and foodservice operators seeking scalable, sustainable beverage solutions. If approved, the transaction will create one of the most comprehensive independent beverage solutions platforms in North America, Europe and Australia, with a strengthened portfolio spanning carbonated drinks, juices, RTD teas, waters, energy drinks, sports drinks and plant-based beverages.