Fortifi Food Processing Solutions has completed its acquisition of Provisur Technologies, a major provider of further-processing equipment for the global protein sector. The finalised deal, announced on 8 December 2025, significantly enhances Fortifi’s position as a full-line automation partner to the world’s leading food manufacturers. The acquisition adds Provisur’s portfolio of grinding, forming, slicing and tumbling technologies to Fortifi’s existing footprint in primary processing, robotics and production software. Together, the combined company can now deliver fully integrated protein processing lines, from intake through further processing, at a time when processors are increasingly prioritising automation, throughput and labour efficiency. “This acquisition marks a transformative new chapter for Fortifi,” said Massimo Bizzi, CEO of Fortifi. “With Provisur’s complementary technologies, we now offer complete protein processing capabilities, from primary through further processing lines. Together, our shared strengths solidify our global leadership, create new opportunities for innovation and drive continued growth.” Provisur brings a portfolio of well-established brands, including AM2C, Beehive, Cashin, Formax, Hoegger, Lutetia and Weiler, that are widely used throughout the global meat and alternative protein industries. These technologies bolster Fortifi’s ability to offer integrated, data-driven solutions designed to improve yield, reduce downtime, and ensure consistent product quality. Josh Weisenbeck, Partner at KKR and Fortifi board member, said: “By bringing Fortifi closer to its customers through Provisur’s expertise in further processing and strong aftermarket capabilities, we’re strengthening the platform’s ability to deliver greater efficiency, reliability and sustainability across the global food production value chain.” A major advantage of the acquisition is the expansion of Fortifi’s aftermarket network. Provisur’s established service infrastructure and deep customer relationships provide broader access to parts, maintenance and technical support across a large installed equipment base. Fortifi expects the expanded service ecosystem to help customers optimise equipment lifespan and minimise production disruptions. “As we join Fortifi, we gain the strength and stability of a larger organisation, one that empowers us to grow our business and amplify customer impact,” said Brian Perkins, President of Provisur Technologies. “Together, we can accelerate growth, reach new customers in new markets and introduce Fortifi’s market-leading solutions to the customers who already place their trust in Provisur.” As part of the integration, Provisur employees will join Fortifi’s broad-based employee ownership program, which extends equity participation across the organisation. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Fortifi has rapidly expanded its global portfolio to include Bettcher, Frontmatec, MHM Automation, Nothum, REICH, Kais Software, LIMA, Wyma, Area 52, Cantrell Gainco, Greenline and BANSS. The addition of Provisur marks another milestone in Fortifi’s strategy to build a comprehensive automation platform serving protein, produce and other food categories.

Kellogg’s is set to introduce a bold new addition to its Crunchy Nut line-up with the launch of Crunchy Nut Hot Honey Crunchies, marking one of the UK’s first spicy breakfast cereals. This limited-edition product will hit supermarket shelves on 1 January 2026, as part of Kellogg’s strategy to capitalise on the growing consumer interest in the ‘swicy’ flavour trend, which combines sweet and spicy elements. The Crunchy Nut Hot Honey Crunchies feature honey-coated golden curls infused with a gentle warmth from chili, designed to provide a unique breakfast experience that appeals to adventurous eaters. With a recommended retail price of £3.50, the product aims to attract consumers looking for exciting new flavours in their morning routine or a satisfying snack option. Freya Knight, marketing manager for Crunchy Nut, said: “Sweet meets spicy is a flavour combo that’s on the rise, so why not go bold at breakfast too? Hot Honey Crunchies deliver a gentle kick of heat balanced with the golden honey flavour fans already adore.” With the new product, Kellogg's aims to enhance breakfast offerings and engage with a demographic eager for novel culinary experiences. The ‘swicy’ trend has gained significant traction, particularly on social media, as consumers increasingly seek to spice up their meals. Hot honey has emerged as a popular ingredient, appearing in a variety of dishes from brunch items to desserts. With this launch, Kellogg’s aims to meet the growing demand for innovative breakfast options that resonate with modern consumer preferences. Available nationwide at major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons, as well as selected independent retailers, Crunchy Nut Hot Honey Crunchies will only be available for a limited time, encouraging consumers to act quickly to secure their boxes. Kellogg’s move into the spicy cereal market not only diversifies its product range but also positions the brand to capture a share of the expanding RTD and snack markets, where convenience and flavour innovation are paramount.

Fray Bentos, the British pie brand, has unveiled its new Festive Turkey Pie, now available at major retailers including Asda and Morrisons. This launch is designed to meet the rising consumer demand for convenient, affordable meal options during the holiday season, particularly among younger generations. The pie features a hearty filling of turkey and Cumberland sausage, enriched with a rich sage and thyme gravy, all encased in the brand's signature 64-layer golden puff pastry. With a recommended retail price of £2.99, the pie offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional Christmas dinners, catering to the evolving preferences of modern consumers. Recent research commissioned by Fray Bentos highlights a significant shift in consumer behaviour, revealing that over half of Gen Z (56%) and Millennials (53%) are inclined to include pie in their festive dinner plans. This contrasts sharply with just 26% of Gen X respondents. Additionally, the survey of 2,000 individuals found that 34% of Brits are purchasing more tinned food now compared to five years ago, with convenience (52%) and value (47%) cited as the primary motivators for this trend. Jude Smart, brand manager at Fray Bentos, noted the increasing popularity of pie among younger consumers: “Our new Festive Turkey Pie will tickle their tastebuds, offering a quick, tasty and hassle-free meal that won’t break the bank. At its heart, Christmas is about comfort, tradition and hearty meals, and our new pie delivers all three.” In a bid to promote the launch, Fray Bentos has partnered with social media influencer Big John Fisher, known for his engaging food reviews and substantial following on Instagram. Fisher praised the convenience of the Festive Turkey Pie: “You can whack this in the oven, and it’s cooked in 30 minutes, and very nice. Bosh!” To further engage consumers, Fray Bentos is also introducing a limited-edition Christmas jumper, priced at £25, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

PepsiCo has reached a strategic agreement with activist investment firm Elliott Management, aimed at improving operational efficiencies and avoiding a potentially costly proxy fight. This deal comes in response to Elliott's significant $4 billion stake in the beverage and snack giant , which has raised concerns about the company’s performance, particularly in its North American division. Under the terms of the agreement, PepsiCo has committed to a series of initiatives designed to streamline operations and boost profitability. Key actions include reducing the number of products by 20%, simplifying ingredient lists and implementing price reductions on snacks. The company will also focus on reorienting some products to include more protein, fibre and whole grains, aligning with current consumer trends toward healthier options. Marc Steinberg, a partner at Elliott, said: “We appreciate our collaborative engagement with PepsiCo’s management team and the urgency they have demonstrated,” adding that the plan is expected to drive greater revenue and profit growth while creating substantial value for shareholders. PepsiCo's strategy to enhance operational efficiency will also involve the closure of underperforming food manufacturing plants, with the first plant already shut down in July. The company recently announced layoffs as part of its restructuring efforts, indicating a serious commitment to improving margins amid rising costs. In terms of financial projections, PepsiCo anticipates revenue growth of 2% to 4% for the upcoming year, driven by improved margins in its North American food division and sustained momentum in its beverage business. The company expects growth to trend towards the upper end of this range in the latter half of 2026. Despite the positive developments, the agreement does not grant Elliott a seat on PepsiCo's board, nor does it commit to some of the more radical proposals made by the activist firm, such as outsourcing soda distribution to independent bottlers or divesting certain business segments. Analysts suggest that while Elliott's engagement has instilled a sense of urgency in PepsiCo's operations, the fundamental strategy remains largely intact. PepsiCo's stock price remained stable following the announcement, reflecting a market capitalisation of approximately $199 billion. The company's proactive measures come at a critical time as it faces challenges from changing consumer spending habits amid persistent inflation.

Spanish bakery solutions company Lasenor has debuted a clean label, texturizing protein specifically designed for commercial bakery applications, in collaboration with Israeli start-up Meala FoodTech. Lasenor VP-100, a single-ingredient protein solution made from peas, was developed using Meala’s proprietary texturization technology and further optimised by Lasenor for aerated batter systems. Designed explicitly for bakery use, the solution is said to enhance aeration, produce a softer crumb, and extend shelf life and freshness by slowing the staling process. Lasenor has successfully used the solution to create muffins using 50-100% less egg, showcased at the Fi Europe 2025 trade show in Paris, France, last week. The solution can enable egg reduction ranging from 50% to complete replacement, depending on the formulation. According to Lasenor, in kitchen lab tests, Lasenor VP-100 produced muffins that imparted volume, softness, moisture and an ‘excellent consumer experience comparable to full-egg recipes’. Its performance can be demonstrated in a range of baked goods, including sponge cakes, pound cakes and brioches. The ingredient has a neutral flavour with no off-notes, and is 100% plant-based, allergen-free and non-GMO, supporting consumer demand for simple and transparent ingredient lists. For optimal functional performance, Lasenor VP-100 undergoes a controlled hydration and activation phase enabling it to develop gelling, binding and water-retention capacities critical for egg-reduced formulations, prior to its integration with the rest of the ingredients. All the ingredients are then whisked together for several minutes into an airy batter where the activated protein serves to enhance foam stability so that it maintains air retention during baking. Viktoriia Kubrakova, product manager of Lasenor VP-100 for Lasenor, said: “Food manufacturers are actively seeking solutions that allow partial or full egg reduction, especially in light of the volatile egg supplies and price fluctuations”. “Our trials demonstrate that VP-100 integrates smoothly into standard cake recipes without requiring changes to the processing methods…Trials with Lasenor VP-100 produced soft, voluminous muffins with a uniform fine crumb and a stable structure.” Lasenor recently opened a new technical centre housing a fully equipped bakery lab. The facility is designed to provide on-site guidance to industrial bakery manufacturers, including cake mix producers, in formulating plant-based bakery concepts that do not compromise on sensory appeal and functionality. Images: © Patricia Ortin Blaya

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), in collaboration with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has released the country’s first safety guidance for cell-cultivated products (CCPs), commonly known as lab-grown meat. CCPs are foods created by growing animal or plant cells into edible products, bypassing traditional farming methods. The FSA and FSS’s CCP Sandbox Programme currently focuses on products derived from animal cells. The guidance clarifies that these products are considered of animal origin, meaning businesses must comply with existing food safety regulations during production. It also outlines procedures for assessing allergenic risks and nutritional quality as part of the approval process. Thomas Vincent, deputy director of innovation at the FSA, said: “Our new guidance provides clarity for businesses, helping them to understand and correctly demonstrate to UK food regulators how their products are safe". "Specifically, this guidance ensures that companies have assessed potential allergenic risks and that they are nutritionally appropriate before they can be authorised for sale. Consumers can be reassured that these innovative new foods will meet the same rigorous safety standards as conventional foods. The Sandbox programme is allowing us to fast-track regulatory knowledge to reduce barriers for emerging food technologies without compromising on safety standards.” Developed under the Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund, the guidance aims to support innovation while maintaining safety standards. The FSA and FSS plan to release further guidance on cell-cultivated products throughout 2026.

Danone's International Delight brand is looking to welcome in the New Year with a high-profile collaboration to meet rising consumer demand for adventurous, indulgent coffee experiences at home. Partnering with media personality and entrepreneur Paris Hilton, the brand will debut a limited-edition line of coffee creamers and cold foam in January 2026. The collection features three SKUs: Raspberry Champagne Creamer, a fruity, profile inspired by Hilton’s aesthetic; Sweet & Spicy Creamer, a heat meets sweet blend; and Cotton Candy Cold Foam Creamer, a nostalgic, pink, colour-forward cold foam designed to add texture and flair to at-home beverages. The partnership reflects International Delight’s strategy to tap into cultural trends and leverage influencer collaborations to attract younger coffee dreamers. According to the brand, one-third of Zillennial consumers are seeking novel and unconventional flavour pairings, signalling a significant opportunity for category disruption through unique formulations and formats. Jennifer Michuda, senior director of creamers at Danone North America, said: “Just like Paris Hilton, we are experts at taking ordinary moments to a new level. These limited-edition flavours demonstrate how we’re pushing boundaries and introducing culturally relevant innovations that make at-home coffee more exciting.” Hilton, known for her social media reach and lifestyle branding, said: “Life is way too short to drink plain coffee, with these creamers and cold foam, we can turn every sip into a party.” International Delight has steadily expanded its portfolio through trend-forward innovations, including previous partnerships with entertainment franchises, such as Love is Blind, Bridgerton and Home Alone. This latest limited-edition line further reinforces Danone North America’s focus on category growth through flavour exploration, premium textures and in-home café experiences.

The European Commission has approved the $36bn merger of food giants Mars and Kellanova, clearing the way for the transaction to complete this week. Mars’ takeover of Kellanova – which includes snacking brands Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop Tarts among its portfolio, as well as Kellogg’s international cereal brands – was first announced in August 2024 , marking Mars’ largest acquisition to date. It will bring together Kellanova’s wide range of household brands with Mars’ portfolio, which includes M&M’s, Snickers and Twix. The merger has been subject to antitrust investigations in the US and Europe to assess its potential impact, with regulatory watchdogs aiming to ensure the combination of the two industry giants did not impact on fair competition in the market and result in increased prices for consumers. Yesterday (8 December 2025), Mars confirmed that the European Commission had given unconditional approval for the pending deal following its investigation launched this summer . The deal was also cleared by the US Federal Trade Commission in June. As a result, all required regulatory approvals and clearances for the transaction have been obtained. Mars and Kellanova now expect the transaction to close on 11 December 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. Andrew Clarke, global president of Mars Snacking, said: “We can’t wait to welcome Kellanova talent to Mars and create a shared, global snacking leader with a beloved range of brands”. “We’ve said all along that Mars Snacking and Kellanova will be better together, building on the strength of our respective legacies and capabilities to unlock new possibilities and drive growth.” Once completed, Mars projects the combined snacking business to generate around $36 billion in annual revenues. Mars Snacking will continue to be headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and will operate more than 80 global production facilities. Following the completion, Kellanova’s common stock will be delisted and will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Steve Cahillane, chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova, commented: “This combination will bring together two purpose-driven and principles-led companies. Serving as Kellanova’s chairman, president and CEO has been a true honour, and I’m looking forward to seeing Kellanova people and brands thrive as part of Mars Snacking.”

Plant-based meal shake brand Ka’Chava has added a new, limited-edition Chocolate Mint flavour to its line-up, available now through February in the US. The festive nutrition shake blends rich chocolate with refreshing mint in a convenient powder format, aiming to deliver a ‘better-for-you’ twist on peppermint hot chocolate – a nostalgic favourite enjoyed during the holiday season. Ka’Chava Chocolate Mint contains 26g of plant-based protein as well as 6g of fibre, 26 vitamins and minerals, and a blend of more than 85 ‘superfood’ and nutrient-rich ingredients including adaptogens, prebiotic fibres and probiotics. It is designed to support consumers’ energy and general wellbeing during the busy festive season, and is priced at $69.95 per pack of 15 servings. The limited-edition offering follows the introduction of Ka’Chava’s strawberry flavour  this summer, the brand’s first new flavour variety in three years. Ka’Chava’s range can be found at select US retailers including Whole Foods, Target and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Proof Drinks has strengthened its growing drinks portfolio with the addition of The Artisan Drinks Company. This strategic partnership between these two premium brands brings Artisan’s full mixer and functional soft drink offering into the Proof Drinks portfolio, further enhancing the distributor’s reach across premium mixers, better-for-you beverages, and perfect-serve solutions for both the on- and off-trade. With Artisan joining the portfolio, Proof Drinks strengthens its offer across spirits, RTDs, premium mixers and functional soft drinks, giving customers a complete suite of drinks for modern drinking occasions. Founded by artist Alan Walsh, owner of the Walsh Gallery Monaco, and award-winning mixologist Mikey Enright, The Artisan Drinks Company has built a strong reputation for producing premium mixers that combine bold flavour with striking visual identity. The range has become increasingly visible across the UK, bolstering its position as a sustainability-driven brand, pioneering environmentally friendly formats within the category, including its 200ml 'perfect serve' can range. Responding to shifting consumer preferences toward healthier, functional choices, Artisan has recently expanded its portfolio into soft drinks enriched with vitamins and electrolytes. Proof Drinks will now distribute the full Artisan range, including: Pink Citrus Tonic, Barrel Smoked Cola, Agave Lemon Tonic, Skinny London Tonic, Fiery Ginger Beer and Artisan Softs (functional soft drinks with vitamins and electrolytes). John Vider, managing director at Proof Drinks, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Artisan Drinks Company into the Proof Drinks portfolio. Their commitment to innovation, quality and bold creative expression aligns perfectly with our values. We’re excited to work closely with the team and support the brand’s continued growth across the UK.” Steve Cooper, co-founder at The Artisan Drinks Company, added: “Partnering with Proof Drinks opens up unlimited perfect-serve possibilities with our premium mixers and its alcoholic and non-alcoholic range, while also offering Proof customers our new functional soft drinks enhanced with vitamins and electrolytes. With the drinks landscape evolving, expanding our offer in this way – and doing so with the UK’s only 200ml perfect serve can range – ensures we can meet changing consumer needs.”

Andrew Lux Private-label ‘dupe’ products have long offered familiar flavours at lower prices, but recent legal action shows manufacturers are ready to challenge retailers when these closely mimic a brand. Andrew Lux, associate in Greenberg Glusker’s Litigation Group, explores how Smucker’s lawsuit against Trader Joe’s could reshape trademark and trade dress boundaries in the grocery sector. The latest in an on-going legal battle between food manufacturers and grocery chains presents a notable risk to a common practice for many retailers: offering private-label products that resemble popular brands to communicate 'same product, lower price' to consumers. In The J.M. Smucker Company vs Trader Joe’s Company (N.D. Ohio, Case No. 5:25-cv-02181), Smucker claims that Trader Joe’s new crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich that “mimics” the distinctive appearance and packaging of its popular Uncrustables brand violates federal trademark and Ohio state law. Specifically, Smucker argues that by intentionally copying its “pictorial representations of a round crustless sandwich in whole and with a bite taken out of it showing filling on the inside,” Trader Joe’s infringed upon its protected trademarks and trade dress. Trademarks and trade dress both protect a company’s brand identity by preventing others from using confusingly similar marks or designs that are likely to cause consumers to mistakenly believe that a product comes from the owner of the trademark. But they do so in different ways. A trademark is a recognisable identifier, such as a word, design, logo or colour, that is associated with a business. Trade dress, on the other hand, refers to the overall visual appearance of a product or its packaging. Often times the 'look' or 'feel' of a product’s trade dress allows a customer to recognise a brand from the packaging or the appearance alone. Perhaps the most famous examples are Coca Cola’s distinctive contour bottle shape that distinguishes it from other sodas or Toblerone’s triangular chocolate bar. In its lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, Smucker claims that the retailer’s 'Crustless' sandwiches infringe both its trademarks (which protect its image of a “pie-like shape with distinct peripheral undulated crimping” and its blue, stylized font) and trade dress, ultimately misleading consumers into believing that Trader Joe’s sandwiches are affiliated with Smucker’s Uncrustables. Smucker even cites two social media posts that it claims are evidence that consumers “have already been deceived into believing that [Trader Joe’s] product is in some way sponsored by, originates from or is affiliated with Smucker.” One such post, which includes an image of Trader Joe’s 'Crustless' sandwiches, incorrectly states that “Trader Joe’s now has Uncrustables”. Smucker is not the only major manufacturer to recently accuse a grocery retailer of copying its product to make and market a private-label alternative. Just a few months earlier, Mondelēz International sued the popular supermarket chain Aldi (N.D. Ill., Case No. 1:25-cv-05905), claiming that Aldi “blatantly cop[ied]” its packaging for popular cookie and cracker brands, including Oreo, Wheat Thins, Ritz, Chips Ahoy!, Nilla Wafers and Nutter Butter, to mislead customers in violation of federal law. According to Mondelēz, Aldi’s packaging designs replicate “distinctive and iconic elements” of their protected trade dress, including their colour schemes, font styles, product imagery and layout, causing consumers to believe Aldi’s products are (incorrectly) associated with Mondelēz’s various brands. The similarities between the two cases are apparent. In each case, manufacturers (Smucker and Mondelēz) assert that retailers (Trader Joe’s and Aldi) improperly copied their products to confuse consumers and gain an unfair competitive advantage by leveraging the manufacturers’ investments in their respective brands. Product shape as intellectual property Smucker’s lawsuit, however, represents a slight departure from the typical infringement case. Like Mondelēz, Smucker accuses Trader Joe’s of mimicking its packaging, including using the “the same colour blue that Smucker uses and has trademark rights in”. But Smucker also takes issue with Trader Joe’s copying the shape of the product itself – ie, the round, crimped sandwich. Under US trademark law, a company can register the shape of a product so long as it’s unique and identifiable, which is exactly what Smucker did here. Smucker argues that by copying the “round, crustless sandwich with a crimped edge” and marketing it “with a bite taken out of it on the packaging,” Trader Joe’s dupe product crosses the legal boundary into infringement. If Smucker succeeds in enforcing its claimed rights in the shape of its product, it could open the door for other national brands to be more aggressive in challenging private-label brands that mimic the distinctive appearance of their goods. Whether Trader Joe’s product is infringing will not just turn on the law – trademark claims like Smucker’s are highly fact dependent. To prove its claims, Smucker will need to introduce evidence of consumer confusion. This is often done through consumer surveys designed to measure whether consumers (mistakenly) believe that the allegedly infringing product is associated with the plaintiff. The strength and recognition of Smucker’s Uncrustable brand is also critical to determine whether consumers may confuse it with Trader Joe’s 'Crustless' sandwiches. Trader Joe’s also has various legal defences it can make to push back on Smucker’s claims. Copycat product lawsuits, especially in the grocery space, are not unique. For example, in 2013, the Seventh Circuit upheld an injunction preventing Cracker Barrel from selling its packaged food products in certain supermarkets because Kraft Foods previously sold Cracker Barrel-branded cheese under its federally registered trademark. Aldi has also been found liable for similar conduct in the past, infringing on both Hampden Holdings’s Baby Bellies brand and Thatchers Cloudy Lemon Cider But Smucker’s lawsuit seeks to push the envelope even further. If Smucker prevails, this could impact Trader Joe’s (and other’s) ability to sell dupe products.

As the holiday season ushers in a wave of celebrations, parties and gatherings, Day-Guard has introduced a new solution aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. This vitamin jelly stick bar is designed to support liver and gut health, providing a proactive approach to managing hangovers and promoting hydration during festive festivities. Day-Guard is formulated with a blend of antioxidants, electrolytes and prebiotics, targeting the digestive system's stress during alcohol consumption. The product aims to alleviate bloating and enhance overall hydration, positioning itself as 'insurance when you drink'. Th products aims to addresses common challenges associated with holiday drinking, including inflammation and discomfort that can lead to reduced productivity and mood swings. The concept for Day-Guard originated from two 23-year-old Brown University students, who drew inspiration from their Korean heritage. The product has garnered backing from consumer packaged goods leaders, including Magic Spoon, Rip Van Wafels and Earth Brands, all of whom began their entrepreneurial journeys in college dorms. Elaine Azlin, a global public relations consultant for Day-Guard, commented: “With parties and gatherings on the rise, many consumers are seeking ways to enjoy themselves while minimising the negative effects of alcohol. Day-Guard offers a convenient and effective solution for those looking to protect their liver and gut health.” The launch of Day-Guard comes at a time when health-conscious consumers are increasingly aware of the impacts of alcohol on their bodies.