Independent flavour house ITS has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its UK operations with the development of one of the largest natural flavour manufacturing sites in the country. The Newbury-based business has acquired an 8.2-acre industrial estate west of Newbury, close to Hungerford, benefitting from strong transport links to the M4 motorway. The company will invest more than £10 million in the site and its development, with completion expected within the next 12 to 18 months. The new Hungerford facility will undergo a full redevelopment of the existing factory, alongside the extension and modernisation of office space. Once operational, the site will provide up to 20 times more production capacity for liquid and powdered flavours compared with ITS’s current Newbury operation, as well as scalable manufacturing for natural extracts and compounds. The scale of the site also allows for future expansion as the business continues its rapid growth trajectory, with ITS currently reporting year-on-year growth of approximately 35%. Existing production and product development facilities in Newbury will remain fully operational and unaffected by the move, with both sites currently undergoing their own expansion programmes. The development is also expected to create new employment opportunities across Swindon, Marlborough, Hungerford and Newbury, as ITS expands its workforce to support increased production capacity. Founded in 2009 by Mike Bagshaw, ITS was established with a mission to bring innovation and creativity to the flavour sector. The company now employs 40 people and supplies natural flavours across the food and beverage industries. Bagshaw said: “This investment is a major step forward for I.T.S, which began at a kitchen table 16 years ago. My mantra has always been to be ‘brave’, scale big, have fun and stay independent. Our goal is to become the world’s most-loved flavour house, delivering exceptional flavours and service to our customers.” The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, positioning I.T.S as a major UK manufacturing hub for natural flavours while maintaining its independent, innovation-led ethos.

Lucas Majewski As European food and beverage production becomes increasingly automated, the risk of cyberattacks on operational technology is growing. Lucas Majewski of Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation explains why protecting legacy and modern production lines is now a critical priority for manufacturers seeking to safeguard output, compliance and reputation. The average life of an automated production line can range from ten to 20 years, depending on the nature of the produce. This is often facilitated by the fact that, in general, automation equipment is inherently reliable and can last for many years. For many production managers in the food industry, the biggest worry has often focused on obsolescence – ie. ‘will I have access to the necessary spare and replacement parts to maximise uptime throughout the operational lifespan of this production line?’ However, concerns over the cybersecurity credentials of the operational technology (OT) equipment are quickly catching up. After all, recent data paints a worrying picture. The European Union’s cybersecurity agency ENSIA reported that 18% of cybersecurity incidents between July 2024 and 2025 were aimed at OT systems, while the European Commission perceived cybersecurity threats to be the most relevant threat to the EU’s food supply in 2025. Let’s put this into context for manufacturers. It’s only relatively recently that automation equipment has had to comply with cybersecurity requirements, such as IEC 62443-4-2, which came into force in February 2019. As a result, there is likely to be a high volume of legacy automation equipment installed throughout European food production sites, which will not have the same level of built-in cyber resilience as recent generations of products. Cybersecurity as a producer's priority So, while IT departments may have taken action to implement a robust defence at the enterprise level, the OT layer may still pose a significant risk. After all, if a potential hacker wanted to cause maximum disruption to a manufacturing plant, the attack would most likely target the production area. Get control of the OT layer, and you have effective control over the whole plant. Legislation is thankfully catching up with the threat level. Food production, processing and distribution were added to the list of ‘important entities’ when the NIS2 Directive text was adopted in 2022. Planned changes to the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act will also come into force in December 2027. This will help to further protect businesses across Europe when purchasing software or hardware products with a digital component. While this will undoubtedly help end-users in the food industry, it is primarily aimed at strengthening the cyber resilience of new installations. For legacy lines, there are several measures that food manufacturing teams can implement to protect against an ever-increasing OT cyber threat. Steps to enhance security The first step is to undertake an OT cyber risk assessment. This should help provide a clear overview of the specific vulnerabilities within your plant’s existing automation equipment and network infrastructure. It will act as a critical step to ascertaining which devices are on the industrial control network and how they connect. This plan should also include recommendations on suitable remedial actions. Once the OT cyber risk assessment is complete, the next step is to deploy a strategic plan that covers not only the remedial actions from the risk assessment, which are likely to largely address legacy issues, but also outlines future best practices given the constantly evolving nature of OT cyber threats. While each plant will require its own tailored strategy, there are some common themes: Applying a ‘defence in depth’ strategy helps to harden the organisation’s cyber security posture, detect threats and deter potential hackers as quickly as possible. This involves approaching OT cybersecurity in a layered approach, with a zero-trust framework and strict control over who can access the devices, knowing exactly what is on the OT network and how the devices interconnect, and being able to detect and report suspicious anomalies and respond quickly. Within this layered model, modern OT security technologies play a critical role by providing continuous visibility into industrial assets, deep analysis of industrial protocols and real-time identification of abnormal behaviours before it impacts production. Organisations must implement a comprehensive framework that combines strategic detection and prevention capabilities with network segmentation and asset-centric protection to reduce exposure and limit lateral movement. By incorporating Moving Target Defence techniques, organisations can dynamically harden critical systems and disrupt adversary activities. Secure remote access, built on zero-trust and Moving Target Defence principles, enables essential maintenance while preserving operational integrity, availability and safety. The overall strategic plan should also include specific incident response plans to ensure key stakeholders are as well-prepared as possible in the event of an attack. Finally, the overall response must be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Ultimately, while there is never a 100% guarantee against all threats, a defence in depth approach enables an organisation to quickly detect a breach and recover from potential cyber damage, ensuring the organisation remains resilient and keeps the commercial and reputational damage to a minimum.

New Zealand dairy group Fonterra has begun construction on a NZ 75 million ($45 million) expansion of its butter plant at the Clandeboye site in South Canterbury, as the co-operative looks to lift returns by increasing output of higher-value milkfat products. The project forms part of Fonterra’s plan to invest up to NZ 1 billion over the next three to four years in manufacturing upgrades aimed at improving product mix, operational efficiency and resilience across its processing network. The Clandeboye expansion, first announced in October 2025 , will add a new butter production line, increasing capacity and enabling the site to produce a broader range of butter formats, including Halal and Kosher-certified products. Fonterra says the additional flexibility is intended to support demand from international ingredients customers and foodservice operators. Construction entered a new phase in January, with demolition and groundwork underway ahead of the build of a new butter processing hall. Installation of new piping linking milk treatment to the butter line is expected to begin shortly, while key equipment is being assembled off-site. The exterior of the expanded facility is due to take shape by April. The company says commissioning of the new line is scheduled for early 2027, with first commercial production expected in April that year. Fonterra has increasingly prioritised value-added dairy categories such as specialised milkfats and ingredients as it seeks to improve earnings volatility and reduce reliance on bulk commodity products. Butter and anhydrous milk fat are among the co-operative’s higher-margin offerings, particularly in export markets. The investment is also aimed at strengthening Fonterra’s South Island manufacturing footprint by increasing processing flexibility and reducing operational risk. The project is expected to create 16 new roles at the site.

US seasoning brand Dan-O’s Seasoning has launched Dan-O’s Dips, marking its first expansion into dry mix products designed for dips and broader culinary use. The Louisville, Kentucky-based brand is introducing four flavours: Ranch, French Onion, Dill and Mexi-Ranch. The dry mixes are designed to be used beyond traditional dipping applications, including mixing into sour cream, mashed potatoes or as a seasoning for proteins. According to the company, the products follow Dan-O’s existing clean-label standards, including being all-natural, non-GMO, kosher and free from seed oils. Founder Dan Oliver said the new dry mixes were developed to deliver "bold flavour" across a range of kitchen applications. He said the products are intended to be stirred, folded or sprinkled into dishes, rather than used solely as dips. Dan-O’s Dips are available to order now via the brand’s website, Amazon and TikTok Shop. The products will roll out to retail in phases, with launches planned at Publix in February, Kroger in April and Meijer in July.

UK organic tofu brand The Tofoo Co has agreed to acquire Topas – a German-based manufacturer behind the Wheaty brand – in a move that significantly strengthens its European growth strategy and natural protein portfolio. Founded more than 30 years ago by Sanni Ikola-Gaiser and Klaus Gaiser, Topas is best known for Wheaty, a premium range of organic seitan products including sausages, deli slices and meat alternatives. Based near Stuttgart, the business has built a loyal consumer base across Germany through specialist organic retail and, more recently, major grocery listings. Wheaty also has established distribution in France, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Topas currently employs over 100 people and reported €14 million turnover in its most recent financial year. The acquisition is backed by private equity firm Comitis Capital, which described the deal as a strategic fit with Tofoo’s long-term ambition to expand beyond the UK while remaining focused on high-quality organic plant-based foods. Under the deal, Tofoo plans to accelerate growth of the Wheaty brand in Germany, expand international distribution and unlock new opportunities for Wheaty products in the UK. The acquisition also strengthens Tofoo’s capabilities in seitan manufacturing, complementing its existing focus on tofu and tempeh, while providing a strategic platform ahead of the company’s planned German market entry in 2026. Posting about the news on Linkedin, David Knibbs, CEO of The Tofoo Co, said: “Wheaty shares so much with The Tofoo Co, a passion for organic production, great taste and making meat-free food that people genuinely enjoy”. “Bringing the Wheaty brand into the Tofoo family gives us exciting opportunities to grow the business in its home market, expand internationally and introduce seitan more meaningfully to the UK alongside our natural protein range," he added. Topas will continue to operate from its Stuttgart base, maintaining its commitment to organic production and quality. As part of the transaction, Sebastian von Eltz will become managing director of Topas. The current managing directors, Klaus Gaiser and Miikka Gaiser, will remain closely involved, with Klaus focusing on product development and Miikka continuing to lead production and organisational operations. Knibbs continued, “Topas has been producing high-quality organic seitan for over 30 years and has built a loyal following in Germany, France and beyond. Founder Klaus Gaiser has created something special, and we’re proud to become the next stewards of the business.” The transaction is expected to close later in February.

Several multinational F&B companies, including PepsiCo, Danone-owned Alpro and Costa, have withdrawn products from Germany’s voluntary Nutri-Score front-of-pack labelling system following the introduction of stricter scoring rules this year, according to an analysis by consumer group Foodwatch. The updated Nutri-Score algorithm, which came into force on 1 January 2026, applies tougher criteria to sugar, salt and fat content and reclassifies certain milk-based and plant-based drinks as beverages rather than foods. front The changes have resulted in lower ratings for a wide range of products, prompting some manufacturers to remove the traffic-light-style label from packaging. Foodwatch said it identified 33 manufacturers in Germany that had previously registered for Nutri-Score but have since withdrawn the label from all or part of their portfolios. Companies cited include PepsiCo, Danone, Alpro, Costa, Coppenrath & Wiese, Harry Brot, YFood, Hengstenberg and Werder Ketchup. Under the revised system, products that previously achieved favourable ratings have been downgraded. Pepsi Zero, for example, would fall from a B to a C due to new penalties for sweeteners, while Danone’s Actimel drink would drop from B to E as all drinkable products are now assessed under stricter beverage criteria. Bread, dairy alternatives and prepared meals have also been affected by changes to fibre thresholds and salt weighting. PepsiCo has removed Nutri-Score labelling from several beverage brands, including Pepsi, Mirinda and Rockstar, while continuing to display the label on some snack products such as Lay’s and Doritos. Similarly, Danone has dropped Nutri-Score from brands including Alpro, Actimel and Fruchtzwerge, while retaining it on others such as Activia. The withdrawals highlight growing tension between voluntary nutrition labelling schemes and manufacturers’ portfolio strategies, particularly as scoring revisions expose products to less favourable ratings without reformulation. Germany’s agriculture ministry said around 960 companies, covering approximately 1,420 brands, were registered to use Nutri-Score as of April 2025. Foodwatch has called on the government to make the label mandatory, arguing that voluntary participation allows companies to selectively apply transparency. For food and beverage manufacturers, the changes increase pressure to reassess product formulation, portfolio segmentation and labelling strategies, particularly as Nutri-Score continues to gain traction across multiple European markets. The Nutri-Score system is overseen by an independent international scientific panel, which reviews the methodology periodically to reflect evolving nutritional science.

Hilltop Food Group has announced the promotion of Tom Delaney to chief executive officer, as founder Scott Davies transitions into the role of executive chairman. Hilltop Honey is a UK-based honey brand and independent ambient food manufacturer with a BRCGS-accredited production facility. The company produces branded and own-label honey, organic honey, maple syrup, agave nectar and peanut butter, and has grown to become the "UK’s fastest-growing honey brand by value". Delaney joined the company in 2024 as sales director, bringing experience from the FMCG sector. In his new role, he will work closely with Davies during the company’s next phase. As executive chairman, Davies will provide strategic oversight and remain actively involved in the business as founder and owner.

UK mead producer Lyme Bay has expanded its portfolio with the launch of two low-alcohol sparkling meads, as it looks to position the traditional honey-based drink alongside ready-to-drink (RTD) formats amid rising demand for lighter alcoholic options. The company said it has introduced Raspberry Lemonade Sparkling Mead and Strawberry & Elderflower Sparkling Mead in 330ml cans at 3.5% ABV, broadening its range beyond bottled formats traditionally associated with the category. Lyme Bay, which describes itself as the UK’s largest mead producer, says the move is aimed at bringing mead to more casual and everyday drinking occasions, reflecting wider shifts in consumer behaviour towards lower-alcohol, flavour-forward beverages. “Interest in mead has grown significantly in recent years,” managing director Wolfgang Sieg-Hogg said, adding that the new products are designed to appeal to younger consumers and drinkers familiar with flavoured RTDs and sessionable beers. The sparkling meads are built on Lyme Bay’s traditional mead base, fermented from honey and water, with fruit and botanical flavours added to create lighter profiles. Raspberry Lemonade combines raspberry and citrus notes, while Strawberry & Elderflower blends fruit juice with floral elements. Produced at the company’s winery and meadery in Axminster, Devon, the launches expand one of the UK’s most extensive mead portfolios, which already includes traditional, flavoured and liqueur-style meads. Lyme Bay produces more than 250,000 bottles of mead annually. The products are available direct-to-consumer via the company’s website at an RRP of £2.75 per can. Heritage categories such as mead are increasingly being repositioned through modern formats and flavour innovation, as producers seek growth in a drinks market shaped by moderation, convenience and premiumisation rather than volume consumption.

Coca-Cola will expand its cherry-flavoured soft drinks portfolio in North America, launching a new Cherry Float variant and reintroducing Diet Coke Cherry nationwide as it looks to drive growth through flavour innovation and zero-sugar formats in a mature carbonates market. The company says the new products will roll out to retailers across the US and Canada from this month, joining its existing Coca-Cola Cherry and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry lines. The move reflects Coca-Cola’s continued focus on extending core brands through flavour variations rather than launching entirely new trademarks, a strategy widely adopted by major beverage groups to defend shelf space and stimulate incremental sales amid slowing soda volumes in developed markets. Coca-Cola Cherry Float is positioned as a modern take on a traditional soda fountain drink, combining cherry and vanilla notes without dairy. It will be sold in both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions, signalling the company’s ongoing effort to balance indulgence with demand for reduced-sugar options. Diet Coke Cherry, previously available only in limited markets, will return nationwide with updated packaging. The zero-calorie drink targets loyal Diet Coke consumers while tapping into renewed interest in retro flavours, a trend increasingly visible across food and beverage categories. The company said cherry-flavoured drinks have been part of its portfolio since the launch of Cherry Coke in 1985, its first major flavoured extension of the flagship brand. The latest expansion marks the largest refresh of the cherry range in decades. Established flavours with strong brand recognition offer lower-risk innovation opportunities than unfamiliar profiles, particularly as retailers and manufacturers remain cautious about complexity and SKU proliferation. Coca-Cola’s emphasis on cherry also aligns with broader flavour trends favouring familiarity and nostalgia, while refreshed packaging and zero-sugar variants are designed to appeal to younger consumers and health-conscious shoppers. The new products will be available in cans and bottles at major retailers, online and through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, reinforcing the company’s omnichannel distribution strategy.

Food safety and certification group FoodChain ID has acquired Brazilian certification body Sbcert, strengthening its position in livestock traceability and compliance services amid rising scrutiny of agri-food supply chains and export standards. The acquisition brings FoodChain ID direct access to Brazil’s official cattle and buffalo traceability system, SISBOV, a critical requirement for meat exports to markets including the European Union. Brazil is one of the world’s largest beef exporters, and traceability has become a growing focus for regulators, retailers and food manufacturers amid concerns over deforestation, animal welfare and supply chain transparency. Sbcert is a leading certification body in Brazil, specialising in audits and conformity assessments across agriculture and food production. It is best known for its role in SISBOV certification, which tracks individual animals throughout their lives to verify origin and production practices. FoodChain ID said the deal would enhance its global offering in food safety, product certification and traceability, expanding its ability to serve customers operating in complex, highly regulated markets. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The move comes as food and beverage companies face tightening regulations and buyer requirements linked to sustainability, origin verification and market access. In Europe, new rules such as the EU Deforestation Regulation are increasing pressure on suppliers to demonstrate traceable, compliant sourcing, particularly for animal-derived products. “Brazil is a strategically important market for global food and feed supply chains,” said Heather Secrist, senior vice president of technical services for the Americas at FoodChain ID. She continued: “Adding Sbcert strengthens our ability to support customers navigating food safety, traceability and sustainability requirements, combining local expertise with global reach”. Sbcert director Matheus Witzler added: "This partnership allows us to grow further by combining our deep expertise in agri-food traceability and certification with FoodChain ID’s globally trusted knowledge, reach and services, delivering even greater value to our customers and partners, not only in Brazil, but also in other markets where our customers require access to our combined know-how”. FoodChain ID said the acquisition expands its ability to serve customers in more than 100 countries, offering services including certification, regulatory compliance, testing, traceability and sustainability programmes.

US direct-to-consumer metabolic wellness brand, Maeva, has launched a nutrition system designed to support individuals using GLP-1 weight loss medications, as adoption of the drugs continues to rise. The brand has developed a portfolio of low-calorie nutrition products formulated to address nutritional challenges commonly associated with appetite suppression and reduced food intake during GLP-1 use. While designed with GLP-1 users in mind, Maeva says its products are also suitable for consumers pursuing weight loss through lifestyle or dietary approaches. According to the company, around 12% of US adults – approximately 30 million people – are currently using GLP-1 medications. Maeva positions its offering as a targeted alternative to conventional meal replacements and supplements, which it says are not specifically formulated for reduced intake. Maeva's co-founder Steven Neiger, said: "Maeva was born out of personal experience. After taking GLP-1s, I saw firsthand how easy it was to lose weight while also losing muscle, energy, and overall balance. The medication worked, but the nutrition support didn't exist so we set out to build what was missing." Dean Neiger, CEO of Maeva, added: "GLP-1 medications have helped many people make meaningful progress in their weight-loss and health journeys, but maintaining proper nutrition is often overlooked. Maeva exists to support people through this journey with science-backed nutrition designed for reduced intake, without compromising strength, confidence, or long-term wellbeing." The brand has partnered with registered dietitian and weight health specialist Ashley Koff RD to support product development and educational resources. Maeva’s initial product range includes gender-specific nutrition shakes, functional boosters and electrolyte products. The men’s shake contains 25g of plant protein per serving, alongside creatine and ashwagandha, while the women’s formulation provides 20g of plant protein with added collagen peptides, iron and B-complex vitamins. The range also includes targeted boosters for beauty, energy and gut health, as well as a low-calorie probiotic electrolyte mix. The company is backed by investors and industry operators with experience in wellness retail and brand building, including representatives from Raindrop, Ignite XL and The Detox Market. Maeva launches with a subscription-first, direct-to-consumer model, offering a curated starter kit designed to encourage long-term habit formation. Products are available via the brand’s website, with nutrition shakes priced at $69, boosters at $19.99 and electrolytes at $24.99.

Milliways, the UK-based plastic-free chewing gum brand, has secured $3 million in funding to expand its retail footprint in the US, underscoring growing investor confidence in sustainable and health-focused confectionery. The latest round attracted backing from industry veterans including Mehmet Yüksek, former CEO of Perfetti Van Melle North America, and Leon Amram, former owner of Intergum, alongside other executives with decades of experience building global chewing gum brands. The funds will be used to increase marketing, expand distribution, and scale inventories, building on a successful first year in the US market. Founded in 2021 by Tom Raviv, Milliways has grown into one of the UK’s largest gum companies and, since entering the US market just over a year ago, is now stocked in more than 2,000 stores including Sprouts, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Raley’s and Fred Meyer. According to SPINS data, it is the top-selling plastic-free gum brand in the US. Milliways positions itself as a clean label, better-for-you alternative to conventional gum, which has come under scrutiny for its microplastic content. The gum is plant-based, biodegradable, sugar- and aspartame-free, non-GMO, and contains xylitol, catering to consumers seeking incremental lifestyle improvements and sustainable options. Flavours include Spearmint, Peppermint, Mighty Mint, Bubblemint, Strawberry and Watermelon, sold in ten- and 30-piece packs. “Conventional chewing gum is one of the most concentrated sources of microplastic ingestion,” Raviv said. “Retailers and consumers are increasingly embracing high-quality, plastic-free alternatives, and this investment allows us to make Milliways available to more consumers every day.” The US launch reflects a broader trend in the confectionery sector toward sustainable and functional products, as changing consumer behaviours and regulatory pressures shift demand away from conventional, plastic-containing items. Brands like Milliways, which combine environmental credentials with taste and convenience, are well-positioned to capture market share in the expanding 'better-for-you' gum category. Since its launch, Milliways has raised $10 million in total funding and distributes in over 10,000 stores worldwide, signalling the growing commercial viability of eco-conscious alternatives in traditionally mass-market confectionery.