Arla Foods will invest more than $60 million to expand its dairy manufacturing site in Bahrain, increasing production capacity by 30% as the cooperative doubles down on the Middle East as a growth and export base. The expansion will add 8,000 square metres to Arla’s facility in the Bahrain International Investment Park, its largest production site outside Europe. It will make the Danish-owned group one of the region's biggest dairy manufacturers by output. The investment is aimed primarily at scaling production of Arla’s Puck branded spreadable cheese, a core product across the Gulf and wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets. The additional capacity will also enable the company to export to new markets beyond its current footprint of more than 20 countries. Arla has steadily increased its manufacturing presence in the region as dairy demand in the Middle East continues to outpace that of more mature European markets, driven by population growth, urbanisation and rising consumption of value-added dairy products. “By expanding our Bahrain facility, Arla is strengthening its regional leadership, increasing production capacity, and advancing sustainable growth,” said Kim Villadsen, senior vice president for Arla Foods MENA, adding that the company sees Bahrain as a long-term manufacturing hub for the region. The Bahrain site, which Arla acquired in 2019, plays a central role in supplying Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets and parts of Asia and Africa. Bahrain’s strategic location and trade links have made it an increasingly attractive base for food manufacturers looking to serve multiple export markets from a single production site. Government officials said the expansion aligns with Bahrain’s industrial strategy, which aims to attract higher-value manufacturing investment and position the kingdom as a regional food production hub. The project will incorporate automation and energy-efficient technologies, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. More than half of the workforce at the Bahrain facility is now made up of Bahraini nationals, Arla said, reflecting efforts to localise skilled roles as production scales up. The investment follows Arla’s receipt of Bahrain’s 'Golden License,' a scheme designed to fast-track services and incentives for companies making large-scale, job-creating investments in the kingdom.

A landmark analysis by sustainability consultancy Systemiq, supported by the Good Food Institute Europe, reveals that scaling the alternative protein sector across the European Union could generate €111 billion in annual gross value added by 2040, a contribution on par with Europe’s wine industry. The analysis, Seizing the economic opportunity of alternative proteins in Europe,  positions plant-based foods, cultivated meat and fermentation-derived ingredients as potential engines of economic growth, competitiveness and job creation for the continent’s food system. The report underscores that alternative proteins, spanning plant-based products to novel fermentation-made ingredients and cell-cultivated meats, are not merely niche consumer trends but could form the backbone of a new industrial ecosystem. With modest public investment and supportive policies over the next 15 years, the sector could unlock substantial market opportunities, entire value chain growth and significant export momentum. Key economic highlights for the EU €111 billion in annual gross value added (GVA) by 2040, assuming strategic prioritisation of the sector, comparable to longstanding European staples like the wine market. A €79 billion domestic market across the full alternative protein value chain, from ingredient production to processing and distribution, roughly equivalent to Lithuania’s GDP in 2024. €60 billion in export value potential, positioning the EU as a global hub in advanced food biomanufacturing, with levels comparable to current EU exports to South Korea. Up to 414,000 quality jobs across science, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics, supporting both traditional and technology-driven food production roles. The report also highlights that alternative proteins can strengthen food security and agricultural resilience by diversifying demand for crops such as peas, beans and lentils, expanding opportunities for farmers and reducing dependency on imported feedstocks. To realise this potential, the analysis argues that EU and national policymakers must treat alternative proteins as a strategic priority. Key recommendations include scaling public R&D investment and improving regulatory pathways to help emerging companies navigate novel food approvals efficiently, particularly benefiting small and medium enterprises. Analysts suggest that annual public spending of around €1.4 billion, split between research, scale-up infrastructure and supportive regulation, could generate far greater private sector investment, accelerate commercialisation and make European products globally competitive. While the EU-wide report paints a broad picture, country-specific studies indicate additional potential. For example, a complementary Systemiq analysis focused on Germany estimates that, under ambitious scenarios, alternative proteins could contribute €65 billion to the German economy and create up to 250,000 jobs by 2045. For food manufacturers, ingredient producers, restaurant chains and retailers, the report signals both market growth and supply chain evolution. The expansion of plant-based, fermented and cultured products could shift commercial dynamics in categories ranging from meat substitutes and dairy alternatives to functional ingredients and flavour platforms.

Air Up, a hydration brand known for its scent-based water flavouring system, has expanded its flavour range with the launch of Dragonfruit-Lychee pods. The new flavour combines dragonfruit and lychee aromas and is designed to make plain water taste flavoured using scent alone, without sugar, sweeteners or additives. The pods are available in packs of three for £6.99, with each pod designed to flavour up to 25 litres of water. The launch follows research commissioned by Air Up, which found that 11% of UK adults say they feel constantly dehydrated, while 21% report that water is their least favourite drink. The company also cited NHS guidance recommending that most adults aim to drink six to eight glasses of water per day. According to the research, hydration challenges are more pronounced among younger adults, with more than one in five under the age of 35 saying they struggle to stay hydrated. Air Up said it now offers more than 25 flavours across its range, spanning wellness-inspired, soft-drink-style and limited-edition options, as it continues to expand its product portfolio. The Dragonfruit-Lychee pods launch alongside the Air Up Click bottle, a new reusable bottle design with a recommended retail price of £34.99. The bottle is available in Cosmic Purple, Midnight Black and Ocean Teal. Both the Dragonfruit-Lychee pods and the Click bottle are available via the Air Up website. Top image: © Air Up

The supporting programme of Biofach 2026 brings trends, knowledge and opportunities for exchange directly to the exhibition halls. From planetary health to start-up pitches and new workshop formats, it offers a diverse experience for the organic community and sets important impulses for the future of the sector. When the organic sector meets in Nuremberg, Germany, from 10 to 13 February 2026, the focus will not only be on products, but also on prospects. Accompanying the Biofach Congress, a wide-ranging programme in the exhibition halls provides impetus for transformation, cooperation and innovation. Trade visitors can look forward to innovations and highlights in the form of lectures, workshops and show cooking demonstrations, covering topics ranging from modern management culture and planetary health to organic food in out-of-home catering. Dominik Dietz, director of Biofach, said: “The stages and special shows at Biofach are places for exchange, inspiration and practical application – right at the heart of the trade fair. Through these formats, we focus on key future and trend topics in the sector, from planetary health and new nutritional concepts to organic food outside the home as the key to the nutritional transition." Where the future of the organic sector becomes visible: The Innovation Stage (Hall 4A) The Innovation Stage in Hall 4A is the stage for trends, start-ups and new product ideas in the industry. Located right next to the innovation stand and in close proximity to the special show International Newcomers & Start-ups, it offers space for pitch formats, panels on current market developments and innovation presentations. One of the highlights is the Biofach Start-up Pitches. The final round of the Biofach Start-up Award 2026 will take place on Thursday, 12 February, from 15:30 to 16:30. On the final day of the trade fair, the Best New Product Awards will be presented on Friday, 13 February, from 13:00 to 14:00. Hub for shopping and exchange: The meeting point BIOimSEH (Hall 7) The meeting point BIOimSEH in Hall 7 serves as a central platform for encounters, exchange and discovery within the independent retail sector. Businesspeople meet exhibitors, establish new contacts and discover exciting – and previously unknown – organic products. For exhibitors, the meeting point offers a high-quality secondary presentation in close proximity to their target group. For buyers, it provides a carefully curated selection of specialist programmes, best-practice examples and networking opportunities. Even companies that are not exhibiting can gain direct access to trade fair visitors here. © NürnbergMesse Further development of the special show 'Experience the World of Planetary Health': From plant-based to zero waste The Planetary Health world of experience in Hall 9 will take on a significantly broader scope in 2026. In addition to its existing focus on vegan products, alternative protein sources and whole foods, it will expand to include further trends such as plant-based, animal foods and zero waste. This brings the question of how sustainable food systems can be conceived holistically and implemented in the market into sharper focus. Manufacturers present products across the relevant categories and demonstrate how health and climate goals can be effectively combined. Philipp Thiel (ÖMA), Anne Baumann (AöL) and Alexander Bauer (Purvegan GmbH), among others, will discuss how the Planetary Health concept is gaining visibility in the retail sector and the role organic stakeholders play in its implementation. The panel discussion, titled 'Stale is a thing of the past: helping to shape and communicate the Planetary Health Diet as a company,' will take place on 12 February, from 12:00 to 12:45. The focus will be on how companies assume responsibility, build trust and strategically position their contribution to planetary health. New workshop area: Where leadership, collaboration and NextGen become reality Also located in Hall 9, Biofach 2026 is taking a further step towards participation and co-creation. The new workshop area creates a multifunctional space for interactive workshops and hands-on sessions. One example is the series of workshops offered by Iniciato, which re-examine leadership, personal responsibility and collaboration. In the workshop 'Clear framework, more freedom: How structure strengthens self-reliant teams' (10, 11 and 13 February), Christoph Spahn, Barbara Sennholz-Weinhardt and Johanna Buß demonstrate how clear roles, transparent expectations and comprehensible decision-making processes can relieve teams and promote self-reliance. Additional sessions will address topics such as constructive error culture and the question of how self-management can be successfully implemented in everyday working life. The programme will be complemented by the “Focus on NextGen” networking event on 12 February, from 11:30 to 12:30, bringing together HR developers and decision-makers to discuss the next generation of leaders. New format for kitchen practice and current market data strengthen organic products in out-of-home catering (Hall 6) The special show Organic Out of Home in Hall 6 demonstrates how organic food can become a tangible lever for change in community catering. It is aimed at kitchens, canteens and businesses seeking to increase their use of organic food despite cost pressures and skills shortages. The focus is on practical concepts for the hotel and tourism industry, new products and smart logistics solutions, as well as digital tools for sustainability management. In the show kitchen, manufacturers present live demonstrations of dishes that deliver both flavour and practicality in everyday operations. Highlights include daily live cooking sessions with chefs such as Max Korschinsky and Estella Schweizer, alongside specialist talks on the organic AHV market. Initial findings from a market study conducted by AMI and Ecozept will be presented on 12 February from 15:00 to 16:00, providing insights into organic market share, structures and price developments in the out-of-home catering sector. These findings are expected to provide important impetus for the wider debate on the food transition. A new format for kitchen managers and catering decision-makers will also debut in 2026, featuring practical presentations and panel discussions on organic product qualities, implementation in commercial kitchens and the new Bio-AHVV (Organic Agricultural and Foodstuffs Ordinance). © NürnbergMesse Quality under the microscope: Experience the World of Olive Oil (Hall 4) At the special show Experience the World of Olive Oil in Hall 4, producers, retailers, buyers and restaurateurs come together to explore the quality, origin and sensory characteristics of olive oil. During blind tastings, trade visitors themselves select the best olive oils at Biofach, which are recognised with the Olive Oil Award. The exhibition will be accompanied by expert lectures and tastings, including 'Olive Oil in Sophisticated Gastronomy' with Sebastian Kunkel (Wednesday, 11 February, 12:00 to 12:45) and 'Extra Virgin: A Journey into Today’s Quality Production' with Duccio Morozzo della Rocca (11 February, 14:00 to 14:45). Professor Stephan Schwarzinger (University of Bayreuth) will take a scientific look at authenticity in his presentation 'Trading olive oil without counterfeiting?!' on 11 February, from 16:15 to 17:00. The Olive Oil Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday afternoon. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit the Biofach website here.

Bob’s Red Mill has launched a new Brown Sugar Blondie Baking Mix in the US, expanding its Signature Blends range as demand grows for premium, convenience-driven baking products with clean label credentials. The new mix, priced at $4.59, requires only three additional ingredients and is positioned as a shortcut for home bakers seeking indulgent results with minimal preparation. The product is certified Non-GMO Project Verified and features brown sugar and butterscotch flavour notes, aligning with continued consumer interest in nostalgic and dessert-inspired flavours. The launch reflects Bob’s Red Mill’s broader strategy to capture value in the ambient baking aisle by extending beyond core flours and grains into higher-margin prepared mixes, a category that has seen renewed interest as shoppers balance scratch cooking with time-saving formats. Distribution has begun at Amazon, Kroger, Wakefern and Ahold-Stop & Shop, with Walmart and Wegmans scheduled to add the product in March, giving the brand broad national coverage across grocery, mass and e-commerce channels. Baking mix innovation has increasingly focused on reducing preparation steps while maintaining ingredient transparency, as brands seek to differentiate from private-label offerings and compete for shelf space in a crowded category. Bob’s Red Mill, an employee-owned company best known for whole-grain flours, cereals and baking ingredients, has been gradually broadening its mix portfolio to appeal to younger and time-constrained consumers without diluting its natural and minimally processed positioning.

Carlsberg has agreed to sell its 50% non-controlling stake in Lhasa Brewery to its local joint venture partner, Tibet Development, marking the brewer’s exit from one of its smallest and most peripheral Asian investments. The Danish brewer says that it has signed final agreements for the transaction, which remains subject to regulatory and corporate approvals to be obtained by Tibet Development. Financial terms were not disclosed. Lhasa Brewery, founded in 1988 in Tibet’s regional capital, has operated as a joint venture since Carlsberg entered the business in 2004. The stake represents a minority, non-controlling interest and has limited strategic relevance within Carlsberg’s current Asia portfolio, industry sources said. The divestment reflects Carlsberg’s broader focus on simplifying its footprint and concentrating capital on markets and brands where it holds scale, control and clearer long-term growth prospects. In China, the group has increasingly prioritised premium beer segments and urban markets, while reducing exposure to lower-margin or structurally complex assets. Carlsberg has previously said it is reviewing non-core operations across its global portfolio as part of a wider effort to improve returns, streamline governance and sharpen its geographic focus. The sale also underscores the challenges international brewers face in operating minority joint ventures in China, where regulatory complexity, local market dynamics and shifting consumption patterns have made smaller regional assets less attractive. Carlsberg did not say when it expects the transaction to close, noting that completion will follow once all required approvals have been secured. The company remains one of the world’s largest brewers, with a strong presence across Europe and Asia, and has been investing in premiumisation, alcohol-free beer and operational efficiencies to support margins amid rising costs and uneven global beer consumption.

Starbucks is launching two limited-edition ready-to-drink (RTD) chilled coffee products in the UK in early 2026 under its ready-to-drink partnership with Arla Foods, as the brand looks to sustain growth in a competitive RTD market driven by flavour innovation and premium positioning. The two products – a Caramel Brownie-flavoured Frappuccino and a pistachio-inspired Chilled Classic – will roll out across major UK grocers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Iceland, with a recommended selling price of £2.20. The launch underscores Starbucks’ strategy, executed through Arla Foods, of using limited-edition SKUs to generate incremental sales and maintain shelf visibility in the chilled coffee aisle, where volume growth has moderated but value growth has remained more resilient. The pistachio-flavoured Chilled Classic marks the first time the flavour has appeared in the Starbucks RTD portfolio produced by Arla Foods, following strong seasonal demand for pistachio beverages in Starbucks’ coffeehouses. The move reflects a broader trend of translating successful foodservice flavours into retail formats to reduce innovation risk. The Caramel Brownie Frappuccino, released under the 'Sip of Joy' branding, refreshes an established flavour with new packaging rather than a reformulation, a tactic increasingly used by manufacturers to extend product lifecycles while managing development and production costs. Arla Foods, which produces and distributes Starbucks RTD beverages across Europe, has positioned chilled coffee as a core growth pillar within its branded dairy portfolio, as it looks to capture value from premium, convenience-led consumption occasions. The launches come as RTD coffee manufacturers compete for space in grocery chillers amid rising input costs, cautious consumer spending and tighter retailer scrutiny of rate of sale. Limited editions have become a key lever for driving trial and supporting promotional calendars without permanently expanding core ranges.

The Marzetti Company has agreed to acquire Japanese barbecue sauce brand Bachan’s in a deal valued at $400 million, as it looks to strengthen its position in the global sauces and condiments market. The agreement covers the purchase of the Bachan's, which generated approximately $87 million in net sales in the 12 months to 31 December 2025. Marzetti said the deal will expand its sauces portfolio and create additional growth opportunities through its existing retail and foodservice distribution network, supply chain capabilities, and marketing and culinary expertise. Founded on a multi-generational family recipe, Bachan’s is known for its clean-label Japanese barbecue sauces. Marzetti's CEO, David A Ciesinski, said the acquisition would strengthen Marzetti’s presence in the “dynamic condiment and sauce category,” highlighting Bachan’s origins as a family recipe developed by founder Justin Gill. He added that Marzetti plans to broaden distribution, support continued product innovation and explore extensions into new channels and adjacent categories. Gill added: “Over the last several years, building Bachan’s has allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of bringing my family’s sauce to market. My team and I have been working incredibly hard to deliver on this vision of building the first iconic Japanese-American flavor brand, and I am honoured to partner with The Marzetti Company for the next stage of making my vision for Bachan’s a reality.” The transaction will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and additional financing and is subject to customary closing adjustments and regulatory approvals. The acquisition is expected to close before Marzetti’s fiscal year end on 30 June 2026.

China has sharply reduced provisional import tariffs on European Union dairy products, easing pressure on exporters of high-value cheese and cream after weeks of industry lobbying and amid signs of a broader de-escalation in EU-China trade tensions. The revised measures cut the maximum duty on EU dairy imports to 11.7%, down from rates of up to 42.7% imposed in December following an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce, according to notifications sent by the European Commission to industry groups. Several major European dairy producers, including Denmark’s Arla Foods and France’s Lactalis, will face a lower tariff rate of 9.5%, industry bodies said. The duties were introduced after China alleged that subsidised EU dairy exports were depressing domestic prices, particularly in cheese and high-fat cream. European dairy groups have strongly disputed the claim, arguing that EU support measures comply with World Trade Organization rules and have no material impact on Chinese markets. China is the world’s largest importer of dairy products and ingredients, making market access critical for European exporters as they seek outlets for value-added products amid slower demand growth at home. The European Dairy Association said it would meet with the Commission this week to discuss next steps, urging Brussels to prioritise market access while avoiding retaliatory measures that could further disrupt global dairy trade. The tariff cuts come against the backdrop of a broader easing of trade friction between Beijing and Brussels, following earlier Chinese investigations into EU pork and brandy exports, widely seen as retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. China’s dairy investigation, launched in August 2025, is due to conclude later this month, with a final ruling yet to be formally published. Industry groups say uncertainty over the outcome continues to weigh on export planning and pricing. A European Commission spokesperson said the original tariffs were based on “questionable allegations and insufficient evidence”, adding that Brussels would continue to defend the bloc’s dairy sector against what it views as unjustified trade measures. For EU dairy producers, the revised tariffs reduce immediate cost pressure but stop short of restoring full competitiveness in a market that remains strategically important for premium cheese, cream and ingredient exports.

Capri-Sun is expanding its UK product portfolio with the launch of a new Mango & Passion Fruit variant, as the drinks maker looks to drive volume growth through flavour innovation while doubling down on zero added sugar formulations and low-carbon packaging. The launch reflects continued demand for tropical flavour profiles in the juice and soft drinks category, particularly among families seeking variety alongside cleaner labels. Capri-Sun said the product contains no artificial flavours or preservatives and has zero added sugar, aligning with tightening regulatory scrutiny and sustained consumer pressure on sugar content in children’s and family-oriented beverages. The company is also positioning packaging as a key differentiator. Capri-Sun said its pouch format has the lowest carbon footprint of all beverage packaging formats currently available and is fully kerbside recyclable in the UK, supporting retailers’ sustainability targets and Scope 3 emissions reporting. While best known as a children’s brand, Capri-Sun has increasingly focused on reformulation and packaging innovation to protect market share in a competitive ambient juice and soft drinks market facing declining per-capita consumption and rising costs. The Swiss-owned company sells more than 6 billion pouches annually across more than 100 countries, making it the world’s largest pouch-based juice brand. In the UK, the brand has maintained strong distribution in grocery and impulse channels, where manufacturers are competing for limited shelf space through incremental innovation rather than line extensions with higher sugar content. Capri-Sun said consumer testing showed the Mango & Passion Fruit variant outperformed competing products on taste, and the company expects the launch to support early-year sales momentum. The new flavour will roll out nationally across major UK supermarkets and wholesale channels from 5 February, sold in Capri-Sun’s 330-ml resealable pouch.

British soft drinks maker AG Barr has agreed to acquire premium mixer brand Fentimans and juice producer Frobishers in deals worth more than £50 million, strengthening its exposure to the fast-growing adult soft drinks market as alcohol consumption continues to decline. Barr, best known for its flagship Irn-Bru brand, said it would buy Hexham-based botanical drinks company Fentimans for around £38 million, funded through a mix of cash and debt. The company has also completed the £13 million acquisition of Devon-based juice brand Frobishers, which closed at the end of its financial year in January. The acquisitions mark a further shift in Barr’s strategy away from reliance on mainstream carbonates and towards higher-margin, premium and functional beverage categories, a segment attracting growing consumer and retailer demand. Both brands operate in the adult soft drinks market, which is benefiting from the consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption. Barr says the deals will support growth through portfolio diversification and create opportunities for cost synergies across production, distribution and procurement. The move comes as Barr reported a strong financial performance, with annual revenues rising 4% year-on-year to approximately £437 million. The company said it expects a double-digit increase in annual profits, underpinned by solid performances from brands including Rubicon and energy drink Boost. Irn-Bru, which remains Barr’s largest brand by volume, delivered modest growth in the second half of the year after a flat first half, while a decline in its Funkin ready-to-drink cocktail range reflected broader softness in the alcoholic and alcohol-adjacent categories. Founded in 1875 and headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland, AG Barr has been expanding beyond traditional soft drinks into plant-based milks, health shots and low-calorie products as manufacturers respond to tightening health regulations and shifting consumer preferences. Fentimans, known for its botanical brewing process and premium mixers, is positioned in the fast-growing non-alcoholic and low-alcohol occasions market, while Frobishers brings a long-established presence in juices, sparkling drinks and cordials. This combination gives Barr greater access to on-trade and premium retail channels, where margins are typically higher. Chief executive Euan Sutherland said Barr had laid “strong foundations for future growth” and entered the new financial year with momentum across its core brands and new product pipeline.

Kraft Natural Cheese has introduced a new line of high-protein cheese sticks in the US, as consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks continues to drive category growth. The Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks, available in Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack varieties, contain 17 grams of protein per serving and 50% less fat than the company’s traditional cheese stick products. The snacks are designed for versatility, including lunchboxes, office snacking, as well as pre- or post-workout consumption. Amanda Vaal, director of brand marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, says the launch responds to consumers seeking snacks that combine familiar taste with functional benefits, including high protein content. The move positions Kraft to compete in the fast-growing segment of protein-enriched and on-the-go dairy snacks, which has seen increasing uptake among health-conscious and active consumers. Convenience formats such as individually packaged sticks are also appealing to retail and foodservice buyers seeking portable, single-serve offerings. The protein sticks build on Kraft’s long-standing presence in the natural cheese market and reflect broader trends in the dairy sector, where manufacturers are reformulating products to deliver added nutritional benefits while meeting consumer preferences for taste, convenience and portion control. Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks are now available at select retailers, including Target, Publix, Food Lion, Hy-Vee, ShopRite, Meijer and Amazon Fresh, with additional retailers to follow.