British confectionery company Langtins has expanded its product portfolio with a new freezer-free snack, Coneys, designed to capture consumer interest in ice cream flavours outside the summer season. The product, which mimics the chocolate-filled tip of a traditional ice cream cone, is packaged as bite-sized, mini-coned treats with crisp wafer shells and creamy centres. The launch range includes vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coconut and dual chocolate variants. Each pack contains six units, with multi-pack options aimed at retail channels. Langtins said Coneys addresses a gap in the UK market for ice cream-inspired confectionery in that it does not require frozen storage, providing retailers with a year-round, indulgent snacking option. The company positions the product between biscuits and traditional confectionery, targeting consumers seeking premium treats for everyday or special-occasion consumption. Founder Ibrahim Sidat said the product enables retailers to “retain ice-cream-style appeal outside peak summer months while maintaining simplicity in storage and supply”. Langtins currently distributes Coneys through UK retail outlets, with additional B2B and direct-to-consumer channels. The launch complements Langtins’ existing portfolio, which includes Noomz, a line of freeze-dried sweets, highlighting the company’s focus on innovation and flavour-led snacking solutions for the UK market.

Scottish brewer BrewDog has said it will stop producing spirits at its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, marking a strategic retreat from the crowded gin and vodka market as the company seeks to simplify its operations and focus on beer and ready-to-drink cocktails. The privately held drinks group said it would wind down production of its spirits brands, including LoneWolf Gin and Abstrakt Vodka, over the coming months, while continuing to sell its pre-mixed Wonderland cocktail range. The future of the distillery site will be reviewed at a later date. The move follows a difficult period for BrewDog, which announced job cuts last year after posting a £37 million loss in 2024, its fifth consecutive annual pre-tax loss. The company has also closed ten UK bars and faced delistings of its flagship Punk IPA from hundreds of pubs as operators trimmed ranges amid weaker consumer demand. BrewDog said the decision would allow it to “sharpen focus” on areas where it sees stronger growth potential, signalling a renewed emphasis on its core beer business and higher-margin cocktail formats, which have gained traction as consumers trade down from on-trade spending. For the wider drinks industry, the decision highlights the pressures facing independent and challenger brands in the UK spirits market, where oversupply, rising input costs and slowing premiumisation have squeezed margins, particularly for smaller producers without global scale. The Ellon distillery, built in 2015 alongside BrewDog’s main brewery, was a key part of the company’s diversification strategy during the height of the UK gin boom. Its closure reflects a broader pullback by drinks groups reassessing non-core categories as capital costs rise and investor scrutiny increases. BrewDog did not disclose how many roles could be affected and said it would manage a “responsible wind-down” of the spirits business, including fulfilling existing commitments linked to cask investments and customer perks. Founded in 2007, BrewDog operates breweries and bars across Europe, the US and Asia, with around 60 venues in the UK. The company has undergone leadership changes in recent years, with co-founder James Watt stepping down as chief executive in 2024 and fellow co-founder Martin Dickie leaving the business last year. The retreat from spirits underscores a shift among drinks producers towards fewer, more scalable categories, as inflation, tighter consumer spending and retailer range rationalisation force brands to prioritise operational focus over diversification.

Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a ready-to-stir beta-lactoglobulin whey protein designed to address one of the medical nutrition sector’s most persistent challenges: poor patient compliance driven by taste, texture and lack of product variety. The new ingredient, Lacprodan BLG-100 Acidic, is aimed at manufacturers of foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) supplying hospitals, care homes and healthcare systems, where up to half of patients are estimated to suffer from disease-related malnutrition. Unlike conventional medical nutrition powders and ready-to-drink products, which are typically milky, neutral-pH and consumed as complete beverages, the new whey protein has been developed for flexible, acidic and neutral applications that can be stirred into drinks or foods without specialist equipment. Arla said the ingredient delivers 10g of protein per 100ml serving and dissolves in around 30 seconds in hot or cold liquids, without gelling or clumping. Its low viscosity and reduced astringency allow it to be used in juice-style drinks as well as milky formats – a segment that remains largely restricted to ready-to-drink products. Medical nutrition manufacturers have increasingly been under pressure from healthcare providers to improve patient adherence, as low intake is linked to longer hospital stays, poorer recovery outcomes and higher treatment costs. Industry research has shown that around half of patients do not fully comply with prescribed oral nutrition plans, with taste and mouthfeel cited as major barriers. The launch reflects a broader shift within the medical nutrition industry towards modular, customisable formats that allow healthcare professionals and carers to adjust protein intake and volume according to patient needs, rather than relying solely on standardised, single-serve products. Arla said the ingredient can be used in both nutritionally complete and incomplete products, including powders that can be mixed into water, milk, porridge or soup, allowing protein intake to be spread throughout the day for patients with reduced appetites. From a formulation perspective, the company highlighted the ingredient’s high purity and amino acid profile, including leucine content, which is associated with muscle protein synthesis – a key consideration for elderly and clinical nutrition markets where muscle loss is a concern. To demonstrate commercial applications, Arla has developed two ready-to-stir concept products: a juice-style medical drink, which it said has few direct comparators on the market, and a complete milky beverage positioned as a lighter alternative to traditional oral nutrition supplements. Mads Dyrvig, head of sales development for specialised nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients, said demand was growing for products that move beyond “conventional milky taste and heavy texture” and offer patients greater choice and convenience.

Archer Daniels Midland has agreed to pay $40 million to settle a US Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into how it reported sales between business units. According to ADM, the settlement draws a line under a probe that centred on the performance of its fast-growing nutrition business, a key pillar of the agribusiness group’s food and beverage strategy. In addition, the US Department of Justice has separately closed its criminal investigation into ADM without taking action. The SEC settlement, which ADM entered into without admitting or denying wrongdoing, relates to how the company reported intersegment transactions that affected the financial performance of individual business units, including its nutrition segment. The regulator had alleged that the practices materially inflated the results of the nutrition division, which ADM has promoted to investors and customers as a major growth engine supplying flavours, proteins, sweeteners and functional ingredients to food and beverage manufacturers. ADM said the accounting issues did not affect its consolidated earnings, cash flows or balance sheet, but required restatements of segment-level reporting. The company corrected prior-period errors in March 2024 and restated its 2023 annual results as well as first- and second-quarter 2024 filings later that year. The SEC has also brought civil charges against three former ADM executives, alleging they oversaw or approved adjustments to transactions between business units when the nutrition segment fell short of internal financial targets in 2021 and 2022. Two of the former executives have agreed to pay civil penalties, while a third case is being litigated. The outcome removes a lingering source of uncertainty around one of the world’s largest suppliers of ingredients spanning plant proteins, flavours, sweetening systems and speciality nutrition. ADM has invested heavily in higher-margin nutrition and value-added ingredients in recent years as it seeks to reduce exposure to more volatile commodity trading. Following the internal investigation, ADM said it overhauled its financial leadership team and strengthened internal accounting controls and reporting processes. The company voluntarily disclosed its findings to regulators after the issue was identified by its audit committee. Chief executive Juan Luciano said the settlement allows ADM to move forward, adding that the company had taken “extensive actions” to improve the accuracy of its financial reporting and reinforce governance. ADM is due to report fourth-quarter and full-year results next week, with investors and industry customers likely to scrutinise performance in its nutrition and ingredients businesses, which supply multinational food, beverage and health brands. Shares in ADM were little changed in late trading.

FoodNerd, a Buffalo-based food start-up focused on nutrient-dense snacks for toddlers, has closed a $7.5 million Series Seed round led by Selva Ventures. The new capital will support FoodNerd’s upcoming commercial launch on 17 February and accelerate its mission to raise the bar for children’s nutrition in a category long dominated by highly processed options. Founded by parents and built with a science-forward approach, FoodNerd is best known for its flagship product, Mega Puffs, toddler-friendly snacks formulated with whole food ingredients such as sprouted seeds and real fruits and vegetables. Depending on the SKU, each serving delivers 6-9g of plant-based protein and 7-8g of dietary fibre, a nutritional profile that significantly exceeds most conventional toddler snacks. At the core of FoodNerd’s product development is its proprietary Nutrient Lock Cold Processing technology. The process is designed to preserve key phytonutrients and macronutrients that are often lost during traditional high-heat manufacturing, allowing the company to deliver clean-label snacks without sacrificing nutritional integrity. The fresh capital will be used to scale manufacturing, expand distribution and invest in research and development as FoodNerd builds out its portfolio. The financing also included participation from Spacestation Investments, S2 Venture Partners, Cistern Capital, and several strategic angel investors. With its official launch set for mid-February, FoodNerd enters the market backed by experienced investors and a growing coalition of partners aligned around a shared vision: better food for kids, built for real life and long-term health. As the company looks ahead, FoodNerd aims to challenge legacy assumptions in the kids’ snack aisle and help define a new standard for what early childhood nutrition can look like. Top image: © FoodNerd

Lindt & Sprüngli, the Swiss premium chocolate maker, is rolling out a series of new Easter products across the UK and selected European markets, expanding its seasonal portfolio with indulgent twists on classic offerings. The 2026 Easter collection introduces nine new lines, including the Lindt Gold Bunny Dark, Gold Bunny Glamour 200g, and Gold Bunny Crispy Biscuit Easter Egg. Other launches include Lindt Nocciolatte and Popcorn Easter Eggs, Dubai-Style Filled Eggs, and a range of Lindor mini and multipack eggs in Pistachio, Assorted and Milk-filled formats. Lindt’s Easter Little Chicks Milk also joins the seasonal line-up. These products combine Lindt’s signature Swiss chocolate with innovative flavour and texture profiles, such as caramelised popcorn, roasted hazelnuts, pistachio truffle centres and crispy biscuit inclusions, designed to elevate seasonal gifting and indulgence. Retail-ready packaging emphasises gold foil wrapping, decorative ribbons, and premium Easter-themed designs, aiming to capture attention in both physical and online retail channels. The launches target both mainstream and premium consumers, with RRP for individual items ranging from £3.25 for Lindor Mini Eggs to £85 for a 1kg Gold Bunny. All items will be available via Lindt stores, Lindt.co.uk, and selected retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado. For retailers and foodservice buyers, the collection reflects Lindt’s strategy of combining seasonal relevance with product innovation, leveraging its brand equity to drive incremental sales during the peak Easter period. The Dubai-Style Filled Eggs, for instance, adapt a successful bar format into a chocolate egg, aligning with trends for exotic and premium textures in confectionery. Lindt & Sprüngli, which operates 12 factories across Europe and the US, reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion (approx. $7.58 billion) in 2025. The company emphasises sustainable sourcing through its Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, supporting responsible cocoa supply for its premium products.

JPL Flavours, one of the UK’s fastest-growing flavour companies, has announced an £11 million investment in a new state-of-the-art facility in Bromborough, UK, alongside senior leadership appointments aimed at scaling its operations and digital innovation. The privately owned flavour house, founded by flavourist Jake Lavelle, opened its 75,000 sq ft premises in September 2025. The site features automated manufacturing, 16 dedicated flavour labs, and a forthcoming digital innovation suite, which includes augmented and virtual reality tools to help customers simulate how flavours perform in different consumption environments, such as cafés, fast food outlets, or outdoor settings. The investments support JPL’s ambitions to become the most technologically advanced flavour house in the UK, combining bespoke flavour creation with automation, AI and analytical technologies. The company, which posted turnover exceeding £10 million in 2024, counts established brands including Krispy Kreme and Fox’s Burtons among its customers. Tony Havvas, newly appointed managing director, said the focus is on operationalising Lavelle’s vision for growth while retaining JPL’s reputation for tailored, high-quality service. A new director of digital innovation, Dr Jim Mooney, will lead technology initiatives designed to enhance product development and customer experience. “Automated manufacturing at this scale is almost unheard of in the UK flavour industry,” Lavelle commented. “We reinvest around three times the industry average in capital equipment, R&D and technology, enabling us to deliver bespoke, application-ready flavours with industry-leading speed and consistency.” JPL Flavours’ bespoke model differentiates it from traditional flavour houses that focus on volume production. Typical sample lead times are around 72 hours, supported by a dedicated customer lab where brand teams can collaborate directly with flavourists and application technologists. The investment in technology and digital innovation positions JPL to capture demand from both established and emerging food and beverage producers seeking customised, high-quality flavour solutions, while strengthening its competitiveness in a market increasingly focused on speed, responsiveness, and innovation.

Sabert Corporation Europe has launched PULPUltra, a next-generation, no-intentionally-added-PFAS food packaging solution, across Europe and the UK & Ireland. The new solution aims to meet tightening EU regulatory standards while addressing commercial demand for high-performance, sustainable foodservice packaging. The bagasse-fibre-based platform, already trialled in Ireland and France, combines over 95% renewable fibres with a minimal barrier coating to deliver enhanced oil and grease resistance for hot and ready-to-eat foods. The packaging is freezer- and oven-safe, compatible with microwaves and commercial MerryChef ovens, and recyclable or industrially compostable under EU standards. Home compostable certification is expected later this year. “The launch of PULPUltra positions our customers ahead of upcoming regulatory changes on PFAS and sustainability, while offering superior strength and heat resistance,” said Alex Noake, senior vice president and managing director at Sabert Europe. PULPUltra comes as the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) tightens limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' with new measures taking effect from August 2026. Sabert has already evolved its broader pulp portfolio into a home-compostable range and has integrated the technology into bespoke children’s meal packaging in Ireland and the Gastronorme range in France. The launch underlines the company’s strategy to combine compliance with functional performance in a market where foodservice operators increasingly demand sustainable, PFAS-free solutions without compromising strength or heat resistance. It follows Sabert’s 2025 acquisition of UK-based Colpac Limited, a manufacturer of sustainable paperboard packaging, and complements its 40-year track record in pulp and fibre-based packaging. “Every product we make is rigorously tested for food safety and performance,” added Isabelle Ernotte, Sabert quality, environment, health and safety manager. “PULPUltra demonstrates how innovation in material science can deliver both regulatory compliance and operational reliability for our customers.”

Euricom, a European rice specialist, has signed binding agreements to acquire 100% of Ebly, the joint venture between Mars, Incorporated and Axéréal Participations, including the Ebly brand and its Châteaudun production site in France. The deal strengthens Euricom’s position as a pan-European supplier of rice-based products, particularly in the private label and B2B sectors, by adding Ebly’s ready-to-heat (RTH) rice pouches to its portfolio. The Châteaudun facility is the largest RTH rice plant in the EU, with an installed capacity exceeding 100 million units per year, and also produces pre-cooked wheat products under the Ebly brand. Bruno Sempio, Euricom’s chairman, said the deal would allow the company to leverage Ebly’s “state-of-the-art facility to further develop the RTH sector and provide a comprehensive product offering to our customers across Europe.” Sempio added that the company also plans to expand the Ebly brand’s direct retail presence while maintaining existing partnerships with Mars and Axéréal. The transaction builds on Euricom’s recent acquisition of Polish rice and snack brand Sonko in 2024, consolidating its leadership across both retail-packed rice and rice-based snacks. In addition to rice, the deal strengthens Euricom’s wheat portfolio, complementing its existing offerings in dry pasta, flour and semolina. Ebly pioneered the EU’s RTH rice category and maintains a direct presence in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Châteaudun plant also manufactures Ben’s Original RTH rice products under a co-manufacturing agreement. Completion of the deal is contingent on consultation with Ebly’s works council, with finalisation expected by the end of April 2026. Galaet Limited acted as financial advisor to Euricom, with BDGS Associés providing legal counsel and EY-Parthenon advising on due diligence. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Hotel Chocolat has launched a new limited-edition drinking chocolate, Fire & Ice, to mark National Hot Chocolate Day on 31 January 2026. The product blends the brand’s 70% dark chocolate with Tasmanian peppermint and habanero chilli, combining cooling and warming flavour notes in a single formulation. Made with real chocolate flakes and natural ingredients, Fire & Ice is designed exclusively for use with Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser. According to the company, the flavour is inspired by its existing Fire & Ice chocolate selector, which has now been adapted into a hot chocolate format following the launch of the updated Velvetiser last year. Yiotis Panagiotou, specialtiy cocoa chocolatier (product development) at Hotel Chocolat, said: “Fire & Ice is originally a chocolate selector, but we’d never tried it as a drinking chocolate until now. After launching the all-new Velvetiser last year, I was inspired to invent a new and unexpected drinking chocolate flavour that ‘shouldn’t’ work, but it does." "Fire & Ice does just that – it’s the epitome of ‘opposites attract’ in drinking chocolate form. The two flavours get their own time to shine so you get to experience both. The chilli brings the heat and drama, whereas the peppermint balances it out bringing cool and calm. I can talk about it all day, but the fun really begins when you try it for yourself – which is why I’m excited for people to sip our complimentary samples in stores on National Hot Chocolate Day.” The launch forms part of Hotel Chocolat’s wider hot chocolate portfolio, which includes flavours such as 100% dark, ginger, chilli, coconut white, black forest gateau, peanut butter and mint. Fire & Ice will be available for a limited time in-store and online, priced at £14.95 for a box of ten sachets.

Berrington Pure Spring Water-owned aluminium bottled water brand Re:Water is investing £2 million in a new production facility in Herefordshire as it looks to scale output and support growing grocery, retail and hospitality demand for plastic alternatives. The new site, due to become operational in February, is located a few miles from the company’s existing base and is five times larger than the current facility. The expansion will allow Re:Water to add additional production lines, increase on-site stockholding and bring more of its operations in-house. The move is intended to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve capacity at a time when retailers are placing greater emphasis on scale, reliability and security of supply. Re:Water bottles its spring water in 100% recycled and fully recyclable aluminium, including the cap. The brand sources its water locally in Herefordshire and said it chose to remain in the area to protect water quality, retain its workforce and minimise disruption. The new facility will also support product development, with a 750ml bottle scheduled to launch in 2026 following the introduction of a 330ml format. The investment is expected to support future export growth, following the brand’s King’s Award for Innovation in 2025. According to the company, demand for aluminium bottled water continues to rise as consumers seek alternatives to single-use plastic without sacrificing convenience, while retailers and foodservice operators face increasing pressure to offer more sustainable packaging formats. Benjamin Rendell, director at Berrington Pure Spring Water, said: “We’re growing at pace and were forecast to reach capacity at our existing site. This investment is about staying ahead of that growth. The new site gives us the space to scale properly – adding production lines, increasing stock holding and making sure everything remains in-house and under our control.” Rhodri Lewis, director at Berrington Pure Spring Water, said the larger site would also help reduce the company’s carbon footprint by increasing on-site warehousing and cutting transport movements. With expanded capacity, on-site warehousing and BRC-compliant operations under one roof, Re:Water said the investment positions the business to continue growing across grocery, retail and hospitality channels while maintaining product quality and consistency. Re:Water’s spring and sparkling water is currently stocked in over 5,000 locations across the UK, including Marks & Spencer, Pret A Manger, Itsu, the National Trust and London Zoo. Recent contracts include Transport for Wales, which has moved to stock Re:Water exclusively, and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour through the brand’s custom-print offering.

Danone is entering the fast-growing meal-replacement category with the launch of a new range of on-the-go drinks under its Alpro brand, marking a further expansion of its plant-based portfolio in Europe. The French food and beverage giant has begun rolling out the products, branded Alpro Meal To Go, in select European markets, including Belgium and Germany, with plans to extend distribution across the region. In a LinkedIn post, Guillaume Millet, vice-president of Danone’s plant-based business in Europe, described on-the-go meal-replacement drinks as “one of the most exciting and fastest-growing segments in Europe,” while acknowledging shortcomings in many existing products. “Too often, people don’t finish the bottle,” Millet said. “They’re either too heavy, too sweet or simply not truly ‘meal-worthy’, meaning they don’t get all the nutrients they are being promised and end up being hungry again soon after.” The beverages are made from a blend of soy and oats and are launching in four flavours. Each 500ml bottle delivers 20g of plant-based protein, positioning the product as a nutritionally balanced option for busy consumers seeking a convenient meal alternative. In Germany, the drinks carry a suggested retail price of €3.99 ($4.72).