Merchant Gourmet has expanded its range of ready-to-eat pulse and grain pouches with two Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired additions, created in collaboration with chef Sabrina Ghayour. The new Persian Style Rice & Lentils and Turkish Style Bulgur & Rice products launched in Waitrose stores on 9 November and will roll out in Sainsbury’s from 27 December. Persian Style Rice & Lentils is described as gently spiced and aromatic, with warming notes of cumin, cinnamon, sweet sultanas and a hint of lemon. Meanwhile, Turkish Style Bulgur & Rice features a rich, tomato-based mix containing brown rice, quinoa and chickpeas, inspired by the Turkish dish Bulgur Pilavi. It is described by the brand as ‘bright, herby and full of depth’. The ready-to-eat pouches can be heated in two minutes, aiming to deliver convenience and versatility. They are suitable for serving as a side, or as a base for sharing dishes. Richard Peake, managing director at Merchant Gourmet, said: “We’re seeing real appetite for bold, globally inspired flavours that make cooking and hosting exciting yet effortless. This range delivers authentic taste, quality and convenience – bringing chef expertise directly to consumers.” The new line is priced at an RRP of £2.20 per 250g pouch.

PepsiCo has closed another Frito-Lay manufacturing site in the US, continuing a series of production network consolidations across its North American operations. A statement from the company confirmed that manufacturing and warehouse operations at its Orlando, Florida, plant ceased on November 4, 2025. The closure affects 422 employees, who were notified via a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice. The closure also extends to an off-site warehouse located at 2000 Parks Oaks Avenue, which is slated to shut down on 9 May 2026, impacting an additional 46 employees. “This was a difficult decision, as we know how much this site and its people mean to the Orlando community,” PepsiCo Foods US said. “This action was driven by business needs, and we are committed to treating every impacted employee with care – providing transition assistance, career support, and pay and benefits during this time.” PepsiCo said it is offering a range of support for affected workers, including outplacement services, financial planning resources and career transition support, such as résumé building and a company-hosted career fair. The Orlando closure follows PepsiCo’s announcement earlier this year of a Frito-Lay facility closure in Southern California, ending 50 years of operations at the site. Both moves are part of a broader restructuring and optimisation initiative aimed at strengthening the efficiency and flexibility of PepsiCo’s North American Frito-Lay production network, amid what the company describes as 'challenging market conditions'.

Infant nutrition brand ByHeart has recalled two batches of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula following notification from the FDA about an ongoing investigation into the recent outbreak of infant botulism in the US. A statement released on Saturday (8 November 2025) by California's Department of Public Health (CDPH) said that preliminary testing of one sample of the formula, carried out at its laboratory, suggested the presence of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. Erica Pan, CDPH director and State Public Health Officer, said: "Infant botulism is a very rare disease that occurs when babies inhale or swallow spores of the toxin-producing bacteria that cause infant botulism, which leads to progressive muscle weakness including trouble breathing if not treated in time". Pan added: "We have tested a sample of the specific powdered infant formula linked with these cases and preliminary tests are positive. We are urging parents to stop using ByHeart formula immediately." According to the FDA, 83 cases of infant botulism have been reported nationwide since August, with 13 infants having received ByHeart formula at some point. There has been no historical precedent of infant formula causing infant botulism, which is extremely rare and originates from environmental sources such as soil, dust or certain vegetables. A statement shared on 9 November, by ByHeart co-founders Mia Funt and Ron Belldegrun, said ByHeart is treating the CDPH's preliminary result "with the utmost seriousness," and is now conducting testing, with a third party independent testing laboratory, of the two recalled batches of its formula. However, the co-founders said the positive sample tested by the CDPH came from a previously-opened can. Due to this, they stated that the testing "lacks scientific basis to establish causation between the product and illness". "We know that Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria that exists naturally in the environment – in places like soil, dust, and even vegetables – meaning that an opened can can be contaminated in multiple ways," the statement added. The voluntary recall applies only to the following batches: • Batch Code: 251261P2 - Use by: 01 Dec 2026 • Batch Code: 251131P2 - Use by: 01 Dec 2026 • UPC: 5004496800 The batch code and use-by date can be found on the bottom of the can. No other ByHeart products or batches are affected by this recall. Consumers who have purchased cans from the identified batches have been advised to discontinue use immediately and dispose of the product. ByHeart has committed to replacing affected cans and providing two additional cans at no cost to customers who have discarded recalled products. ByHeart entered the infant formula market in 2022, with a vertically integrated manufacturing model. The company stated that it continues to meet or exceed both US and global product safety standards. Parents are advised to contact their doctor immediately if their infant shows symptoms such as constipation, poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids or respiratory difficulty.

UK soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has unveiled a new carbonated beverage line, Radnor Spring, as it continues to expand its portfolio of low-calorie, functional drinks. The new Radnor Spring range features sparkling water with B vitamins in four fruity flavours – Black Cherry & Blackcurrant, Mango & Passionfruit, Pineapple & Grapefruit and Strawberry & Raspberry. Each 500ml bottle is 100% recyclable and made with 30% recycled plastic, with a recommended retail price of £1 for price-marked packs. Chris Sanders, sales and marketing director at Radnor Hills, said: “ We have carried out extensive consumer research among 3000 18-35 year olds who grew up with our brands and are now looking for exciting options. Radnor Spring is the perfect next step – a juicy, carbonated soft drink bottled at our zero-to-landfill site in Wales.” Now in its 35th year, Radnor Hills produces more than 400 million units from its Knighton, Powys site, and reported £55.3 million in revenue for the year to May 2024, up to 15% year on year. Designed for leisure, retail, vending, grab-and-go and convenience channels, Radnor Spring will roll out nationally from January 2026.

Remilk, an Israel-based precision fermentation company producing dairy proteins without animals, has partnered with Gad Dairies to launch The New Milk – a cow-free milk alternative identical in taste and functionality to conventional dairy. The initial lineup includes a Barista Milk for foodservice and two consumer products: a classic milk and a vanilla-flavoured variant. Remilk produces its milk proteins via microbial fermentation, creating β-lactoglobulin identical to that found in cow’s milk but without using animals. The protein is already approved by regulators including the US FDA, Israel’s Ministry of Health and authorities in Canada and Singapore. Unlike plant-based substitutes, The New Milk replicates the taste, texture and functionality of dairy, while remaining lactose-free, cholesterol-free and kosher-pareve. It is fortified with calcium and vitamins and contains 75% less sugar than conventional milk. The launch follows more than five years of R&D and over $150 million invested in Remilk’s patented fermentation platform. Aviv Wolff, founder and CEO of Remilk, said: “We founded Remilk with a clear vision – to create a better, healthier and tastier world through real milk made without cows. Today, in a remarkable global milestone, that vision is becoming a reality: The New Milk is launching in Israel." "Our partnership with Gad Dairies, a brand with an unmatched culinary legacy, is the natural next step to ensure the highest-quality, best-tasting products. We’re proud of this collaboration that bridges vision and innovation with uncompromising taste and quality.” Amir Aharon, CEO of Gad Dairies, added: “Our collaboration with Remilk represents a global breakthrough for Gad – milk born from advanced science and technology, yet rooted in decades of culinary tradition. The New Milk proves that it’s possible to combine premium quality, sustainability and industrial innovation without sacrificing taste." "This is a defining moment for the dairy category. For us, The New Milk is more than a product, it’s a historic milestone where generations of dairy tradition meet groundbreaking technology. It continues Gad’s commitment to placing taste and quality at the centre.” The product is rolling out this week across cafés, restaurants and hotels in Israel, with retail launches scheduled for January 2026.

Heineken has opened a new brewery in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil, supported by an investment of more than €400 million. The facility represents one of the brewing giant’s largest investments in the region as the company aims to further evolve its global footprint. Located in Southern Minas Gerais, the brewery aims to enhance the company’s supply chain by bringing production closer to key consumer hubs in Brazil’s Southeast region. With an initial capacity of up to five hectolitres per year, the plant will produce Heineken and Amstel products – both 100% pure malt brands. The site reflects Heineken’s continued investment in the premium beer category. It has been designed to integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainability, incorporating advanced water treatment systems, energy-efficient processes and inclusive workforce practices. Spanning an area equivalent to 150 football fields, the Passos brewery operates on renewable energy and sustainable biomass boilers for thermal energy. Additionally, reuse systems and effluent treatment enable the site to reduce its water use ratio by up to 30%, Heineken said. This reduction is enabled by a reverse osmosis subprocess within the effluent treatment system, which allows for water recirculation and lowers overall water demand. According to Heineken, the brewery’s construction generated 1,200 direct and 11,000 indirect jobs created during the building phase. The facility employs 350 people currently, 60% of whom are local residents. Dolf van den Brink, chairman of the executive board and CEO of Heineken, said: “The opening of our new brewery in Passos marks an exciting milestone for Heineken”. “Brazil is one of the most dynamic beer markets in the world, and this investment reflects our confidence in its growth potential and our dedication to delivering premium quality beers to consumers.”

Tropicana Brands Group (TBG) has appointed Paul Chibe as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Paul Chibe Chibe succeeds Glen Walter, who will remain with the company in an advisory role until the end of the year. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the consumer goods and beverage sectors. Before joining TBG, Chibe served as CEO of Pabst Brewing Company. His previous roles include president and CEO of Ferrero North America, US chief marketing officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev and senior leadership positions at Wrigley. Chibe is credited with driving brand expansion and innovation at major global companies, including launching new products at Anheuser-Busch InBev, expanding Ferrero’s North American footprint and leading growth initiatives at Pabst Brewing Company. Frédéric Stévenin, chairman of the board at TBG, said: “We are excited to welcome Paul as TBG’s new CEO and look forward to working with him to build the company’s next chapter of growth and value creation". "Paul’s experience driving growth through innovation, adapting to a dynamic consumer landscape and integrating complex operating environments will be impactful at TBG. We want to thank Glen for his leadership during TBG’s transition as a standalone company.” Chibe added: “Joining TBG is an incredible opportunity to lead a portfolio of some of the most beloved brands in the beverage industry.“ "It’s that brand equity coupled with a commitment to quality, and talented team that provide a strong foundation for growth. I look forward to working together to accelerate innovation and capture new opportunities across the evolving beverage landscape.” Top image: ©Tropicana Brands Group and its licensors

Pow.Bio has scaled its continuous biomanufacturing platform to 3,000 litres at ATV Technologies’ facility in Compiègne, France, marking a major milestone in the industrial validation of its technology. The project, conducted in partnership with Bühler Group and ATV Technologies, demonstrated that Pow.Bio’s continuous fermentation process can deliver three times higher protein productivity compared to conventional fed-batch methods, while significantly reducing production costs. According to the company, the trials also confirmed over 50% reductions in projected costs of goods sold and showcased how machine learning (ML) and model predictive control can optimise process performance in real time. Pow.Bio’s system uses advanced ML algorithms to replace manual process adjustments with data-driven control, allowing facilities to adapt rapidly to operational changes. ATV’s technical capabilities and Bühler’s process engineering expertise supported the adaptation of existing infrastructure to accommodate continuous operation. Bühler conducted a pre-qualification of the Compiègne site and facilitated technology transfer from Pow.Bio, helping accelerate the start of trials. Shannon Hall, CEO and co-founder of Pow.Bio, said: "ATV has been a reliable partner with a highly skilled team who have helped bring our technology to life at a larger scale. This collaboration proves that our continuous fermentation platform delivers reliably at scales that matter with unmatched economic viability. What excites me the most is that our customers can now." Karima Zitouni, general manager at ATV Technologies, commented: "Working with Pow.Bio challenged us to rethink what's possible in fermentation. By combining continuous processing with intelligent ML optimisation, we achieved results that far exceeded our expectations. We’re proud to help prove this technology’s potential to scale and reshape the industry." Thierry Duvanel, director of innovation at Bühler Group, added: "We've demonstrated that today's biomanufacturing lines can be made truly data-driven and self-optimising – delivering higher yields, greater stability and consistent performance at scale -by implementing predictive, continuous fermentation at ATV, using Pow.Bio’s technology". "Importantly, the method can be quickly implemented throughout the current infrastructure by being retrofitted into existing plants. This is a significant step toward dependable continuous operation at larger scales, particularly in the demanding markets of food, feed and ingredient biomanufacturing." Pow.Bio said further industrial-scale projects are planned as it continues to expand its partnerships to deploy its continuous biomanufacturing platform globally.

Smart farming company Oishii, best known for its high-end strawberries, has launched its first-ever limited-edition artisanal jam collection, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Yuu Shimano. The new line features two varieties – Daifuku-inspired Strawberry Spread and Strawberry Yuzu Preserves – both made with Oishii’s Koyo Berries, a varietal known for its sweetness and balanced acidity. The launch marks Oishii’s gourmet pantry debut, expanding its product range beyond fresh produce. According to the company, the jams were developed as a way to reduce food waste by upcycling imperfect or surplus strawberries from its vertical farms. Oishii co-founder and CEO Hiroki Koga said the collection reflects the Japanese concept of ichigo ichie, which means “treasuring fleeting moments". Koga stated: “These jams are a true celebration of the unique flavours I grew up with in Japan and a reflection of our mission to bring innovative, elevated culinary experiences to US consumers. Each jar represents exceptional taste and the Japanese philosophy of ichigo ichie – treasuring fleeting moments.” The Daifuku-Inspired Strawberry Spread blends Oishii strawberries with koshian red bean paste, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese mochi desserts. The Strawberry Yuzu Preserves, developed with Shimano, combine strawberries and Japanese yuzu citrus for a bright, tangy flavour. Chef Shimano added: “This collaboration honours our shared history, Japanese heritage and commitment to excellence. The combination of strawberries and yuzu reflects my approach to creating bold yet harmonious flavours.” The jams retail for $35 per jar, or $65 for a two-jar set, available via the brand's website and select retailers while supplies last.

Diageo has today (10 November 2025) announced the appointment of Dave Lewis to the role of CEO and executive director, effective 1 January 2026. Lewis steps into the role following the departure of former CEO Debra Crew, who stepped down in July . Nik Jhangiani, the company’s chief financial officer, has been serving as interim CEO since. In a statement announcing his appointment, Diageo praised Lewis’ strong track record of leading global consumer businesses, building brands and providing ‘operational and financial rigour’. His previous experience includes heading up UK retail giant Tesco as group CEO from 2014 to 2020. Prior to this, he spent nearly three decades at Unilever, latterly in executive committee roles, where he led on marketing and business performance. Lewis has also been chair of consumer healthcare company Haleon since its inception in 2022, and is a non-executive board member of PepsiCo. He will step down from the Haleon role on 31 December 2025 ahead of taking on the Diageo position. John Manzoni, Diageo’s chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dave as Diageo’s new CEO. Having conducted an extensive and thorough global search, the board unanimously felt that Dave has both the extensive CEO experience, and the proven leadership skills in building and marketing world-leading brands, that is right for Diageo at this time.” Manzoni thanked Jhangiani for his leadership as interim CEO, and expressed confidence in Lewis’ ability to “take Diageo into its next successful chapter in the evolving consumer environment”. Commenting on his appointment, Lewis said: “Diageo is a world leading business with a portfolio of very strong brands, and I am delighted to be joining the team. The market faces some headwinds but there are also significant opportunities.” “I look forward to working with the team to face these challenges and realise some of the opportunities in a way which creates shareholder value.” Jhangiani will continue as interim CEO until the end of December, then will resume his CFO role. Deirdre Mahlan, who previously held CFO and president of North America roles at Diageo, returned to the company as interim CFO. She will continue to support the business through the transition.

InvestIndustrial has signed an agreement to acquire TreeHouse Foods in an all-cash transaction for a total enterprise value of $2.9 billion. TreeHouse Foods is a major player in private brands snacking and beverage manufacturing, headquartered in Illinois, US. InvestIndustrial, an independently managed European investment subsidiary under the InvestIndustrial VIII group, will welcome TreeHouse Foods to its global food and beverage portfolio following the acquisition. Steve Oakland, chairman, CEO and president of TreeHouse Foods, said that the company has been executing a strategy to become a “focused snacking and beverage private brand leader with depth in categories, attractive long-term prospects and an agile operating model”. “Our agreement with InvestIndustrial, a leading European investor with a strong track record in food manufacturing and related sectors, will provide shareholders with immediate cash value, at a substantial premium,” he commented. “I am incredibly grateful to the entire TreeHouse Foods team for helping us reach this milestone, and we look forward to partnering with InvestIndustrial to position TreeHouse Foods for continued success in its next chapter.” Upon completion of the transaction, TreeHouse Foods will become a private company and its common stock will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Andrea C Bonomi, chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board of InvestIndustrial, confirmed that TreeHouse Foods will operate independently within InvestIndustrial’s portfolio. InvestIndustrial portfolio companies will have a total of 85 manufacturing plants and 16,000 employees following the deal. “We have long admired TreeHouse Foods and have tremendous respect for Steve and the entire team, who have built a dynamic snacking and beverage leader and supply chain partner to blue-chip retail, foodservice and food-away-from-home customers across North America,” Bonomi added. “We are confident in the long-term growth opportunities in private brands and the categories where TreeHouse Foods operates, as well as the company’s ability to build on its strong foundation of leadership. We look forward to working closely with the TreeHouse Foods leadership team and employees to drive its long-term success.” The transaction has been unanimously approved by the TreeHouse Foods board of directors, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Jana Partners, a 10% shareholder of TreeHouse Foods common stock, has entered into a customary voting agreement to vote in favour of the transaction at the meeting of TreeHouse Foods shareholders to be held in connection with the transaction. The transaction is not subject to financing conditions. Under the terms of the deal, TreeHouse Foods shareholders will receive $22.50 per share in cash for each share of common stock owned at closing, and one non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) per common share. The CVR will provide a holder with an opportunity to receive net proceeds, if any are recovered, from ongoing litigation relating to part of TreeHouse Foods’ coffee business. The upfront cash portion of the consideration of $22.50 per common share represents an equity value of $1.2 billion, a 38% premium to TreeHouse Foods’ closing share price on 26 September – the last full trading day prior to market speculation around a transaction. In February 2014, TreeHouse Foods – along with its subsidiaries Bay Valley Foods and Sturm Foods – filed a lawsuit against Keurig Dr Pepper’s subsidiary, Keurig Green Montain, asserting claims under antitrust and unfair competition laws. It accused KGM of monopolising alleged markets for single-serve coffee brewers and single-serve coffee pods, and is seeking monetary damages, declaratory relief, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. In August 2020, the company’s economic experts estimated monetary damages to be in the range of $719.4 million to $1.5 billion for the antitrust claims, before trebling, and $358 million for a subset of the company's false advertising claims, without accounting for discretionary trebling by the court. The matter remains pending, with summary judgment motions fully briefed.

US President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate major meatpacking companies over alleged price manipulation in the beef market, citing concerns about collusion and the impact on American ranchers. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had “asked the DOJ to immediately begin an investigation into the Meat Packing Companies who are driving up the price of beef through illicit collusion, price fixing and price manipulation”. He added that the move was intended to defend US cattle producers: “We will always protect our American ranchers, and they are being blamed for what is being done by Majority Foreign Owned Meat Packers, who artificially inflate prices and jeopardise the security of our Nation’s food supply.” Attorney general Pam Bondi confirmed on X that the probe was under way, stating: “Our investigation is underway! My Antitrust Division led by @AAGSlater has taken the lead in partnership with our friend @SecRollins at @USDA”. Assistant attorney general Abigail Slater, who heads the DOJ’s antitrust division, will lead the probe alongside Brooke Rollins, the US agriculture secretary. Rollins also posted on X calling for “transparency, accountability and a fair market that rewards those who actually raise and produce our beef – not the corporate middlemen gaming the system”. The announcement follows a period of sustained high beef prices in the US, with costs rising amid reduced cattle herds and strong consumer demand. The Justice Department has not disclosed which companies are under investigation. That said, according to Reuters , Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS USA and National Beef Packing Company – which together handle the majority of US grain-fed cattle – slaughter about 85% of those that become steaks, beef roasts and other cuts of meat sold in supermarkets.