Ajinomoto Foods North America-owned brand Tai Pei has introduced two new single-serve noodle trays to its frozen entrée portfolio: Shrimp Chow Mein and Vegetable Chow Mein. The new products aim to deliver takeout-style flavour and convenience in a microwave-ready format. The chow mein dishes feature sauce-infused noodles designed to replicate wok-fried texture and taste. The Shrimp Chow Mein variety combines shrimp, vegetables and savoury sauce, while the Vegetable Chow Mein includes a mix of ten vegetables – more than double the typical variety found in comparable products, according to the company. Amy Shoemaker, VP of category marketing at Ajinomoto Foods North America, said: "We know our consumers want more from frozen entrées – more flavour, more convenience and more of that craveable, takeout-style satisfaction. Our new Chow Mein offerings are built for exactly that: bold, savory flavor in a fast, single-serve format that delivers value without compromising on taste or satisfaction." The new products, available nationwide in the US for an SRP of $4.18, are made without artificial colours or flavours.

Taylor Farms has announced the acquisition of Natures Way Foods, a UK fresh prepared food manufacturer based in Chichester, England. Natures Way Foods employs around 1,300 people and supplies fresh, convenient food products to retail and foodservice customers across the UK. Following the acquisition, the company will continue to operate under its existing management, executive and employee teams. According to Taylor Farms, the two companies will collaborate to share best practices across quality, innovation, food safety and sustainability, while expanding their range of fresh and healthy products in line with evolving consumer trends. Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, said: "At Taylor Farms, our mission has always been to deliver fresh, healthy and delicious foods that enhance the well-being and quality of our consumers' lives – and that mission extends beyond North America. We're excited to partner with Natures Way Foods and expand our global footprint, continuing to provide nutritious, high-quality products around the world." Colin Smith, CEO of Natures Way Foods, added: "This is an exciting time for us all at Natures Way Foods. To be joining forces with the globally respected producer Taylor Fresh Foods is testament to our team's exceptional work. Our commitment to delivering exceptional fresh food products for our valued customers remains at the centre of everything we do... Being part of the Taylor Fresh Foods family will enable us to further invest, innovate and share best practice to continue to deliver for our customers." Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Top image: © Natures Way Foods

European food manufacturer Cerealto, a producer of biscuits, cereals and snack bars, has announced a majority investment in US-based co-manufacturer Fresca Foods. The partnership marks a significant expansion into North America for Cerealto, establishing its first large-scale US manufacturing presence. Following the deal, North America is expected to contribute around 20% of Cerealto’s total revenue. Cerealto CEO Bosco Fonts said: "Partnering with Fresca Foods’ leadership team gives us a strong foothold in the world’s largest snacking market, shifting our business from predominantly European to truly international". Founded and headquartered in Colorado, Fresca Foods is a well-established co-manufacturer producing for US and international brands across snack bars, granola, breakfast cereals, crackers and cookies. Under the new partnership, Fresca’s leadership team remains in place and retains a significant shareholding, continuing to manage day-to-day operations. Fresca CEO Brandon Viar said: “Together with Cerealto, we have the platform, expertise and shared ambition to accelerate growth as the leading co-manufacturing and private label snacking partner. We are truly excited for this next chapter and the opportunities it will unlock for our team members, customers and community.” With continued demand for better-for-you and convenient snacking, the deal will allow both companies to expand their portfolios globally.

Pladis Americas is adding a festive twist to its Flipz portfolio through a partnership with the Elf on the Shelf and Lumistella Company. The collaboration introduces Flipz Elf on the Shelf Sugar Cookie Covered Pretzels, a limited edition flavour to capture the spirit of the festive season. Featuring Flipz signature crunchy pretzels, the new variety has a sugar cookie-flavoured white fudge coating and colourful sprinkles. Shivani Arora, marketing director at Pladis Americas, said: “Flipz Sugar Cookie is our latest holiday limited-edition treat, created to capture the magic and joy of the season. By teaming up with the Elf on the Shelf, we’re bringing consumers a snack that is a little sweet and a little salty – just like the elves.” Available for a limited time in 6.5oz bags, Flipz Elf on the Shelf Sugar Cookie Covered Pretzels are available across the US.

At Fi Europe 2025 (stand 71C34), Loryma presents 'Good 4 U' to support manufacturers in the creation of nutritious products without compromising on process efficiency or sensory quality. The company’s functional portfolio targets product categories such as baked goods, pasta, snacks, cereals and alternative or hybrid protein concepts. Good 4 U also refers to consumer desire for more wholesome nutrition, with reduced sugar, salt and fat, more plant-based protein and fibre, and shorter ingredient lists.   Here, protein is a vital component. Loryma’s highly concentrated wheat proteins, available in hydrolyzed, extruded or powdered forms, contain up to 82% protein in dry matter and are easily incorporated into dough systems, coatings, bars, cereals and meat analogues, thanks to their neutral taste and reliable textural support. The company is expanding its plant-based toolbox with the addition of EU-produced pumpkin seed extrudates with approximately 35% protein, and extruded fava bean crisps with a protein count of around 50%. Both provide crunch and character for inclusions and toppings. At the stand, visitors can sample crisp pumpkin balls in three flavours, including a sweet option coated with sunflower-based vegan chocolate from Choviva. For fibre enrichment, Lory Starch Elara – with around 90% fibre – can replace flour or semolina in baking and pasta products without process changes. The result is an efficient way to increase fibre content and optimise the nutritional profile while maintaining familiar taste and texture. A 'global trend, regional solutions' approach to hybrid product development is key. In Europe and North America, sustainability and improved nutritional profiles are central, while in parts of Asia and Africa, local flavour and dietary traditions carry more weight. Textured wheat protein enables precise control of bite, juiciness and cost to align with such regional preferences. An example of this, and available to sample, is crispy hybrid nuggets that combine 66% chicken with 30% extruded wheat protein. Lory Crumb Non-Fry provides colour, crunch and adhesion in oven or air fryer applications. This eliminates the need for deep frying, thus minimising oil use and cleaning. For eye-catching differentiation, naturally coloured crumb variants in pink, yellow, orange and green can be used for breadings, toppings and snacks.   Overall, Loryma’s Good 4 U matches consumer expectations with manufacturing realities by offering modular functionality, consistent performance and a clear pathway from concept to scale.

Beverage strategy consultancy firm Enliven has appointed Kelly Dolan as its new director of strategic partnerships, strengthening the firm’s client service and business development capabilities as it continues its international expansion. Kelly Dolan Dolan joins with more than 20 years of experience in the food and beverage sector, including senior roles at PepsiCo and Tropicana. In her new role, Dolan will focus on enhancing client partnerships and ensuring Enliven’s customers gain long-term strategic value from their beverage agreements. Tim Harms, CEO of Enliven, said: “Kelly’s deep knowledge of food and beverage go-to-market strategies and her track record of leading national accounts make her an exceptional addition to our team.” Dolan added: “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building strong client relationships and delivering solutions that last well beyond the initial handshake. I’m thrilled to join Enliven at such an exciting time of growth.” “She understands how to build enduring partnerships that deliver measurable value, exactly what Enliven is known for,” Harms said. Dolan’s appointment follows a period of expansion for Enliven, which recently extended operations into Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

For the first time in five years, the Coca-Cola Company is adding a new limited-edition flavour to its seasonal lineup: Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla. The festive innovation delivers a twist on the iconic beverage, blending the brand’s familiar flavour with rich, creamy vanilla notes that capture the spirit of the festive season. The new variety will also be offered in a Zero Sugar option, extending the flavour's appeal to consumers looking for indulgence and balance. “Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla celebrates the joy and nostalgia of the season while giving fans a refreshing new way to enjoy the brand they love,” said a company spokesperson. Described as a “delicious taste of Coca-Cola infused with smooth, creamy vanilla,” the new beverage is designed to evoke the comforting flavours of winter gatherings and festive treats. It marks the first limited-time holiday flavour from the brand since 2020. Coca-Cola Holiday Creamy Vanilla launches today (3 November) across the US and Canada in a range of formats including, 12 oz cans in a 12 pack, 20 oz bottles and 2 litre bottles. The new flavour will be available at most national retailers and online for a limited time through the holiday season.

Sidel has introduced Nitro Square, a new high-performance square bottle design for still water using liquid nitrogen dosing. According to Xavier Monnier, Sidel’s packaging innovation polymer expert, the nitrogen-dosed water market has so far been dominated by cylindrical bottles, as this shape naturally accommodates the internal pressure of the contents. “Nitro Square allows manufacturers to elevate their brands with a unique square design that stands out on the shelf, secures its shape and performance across the supply chain and is valid for rPET," he said. The new design balances rigid structural sections with flexible, pressure-absorbing surfaces to maintain the square shape while ensuring resistance and stability. It also incorporates Sidel’s StarLITE-R Nitro base, designed to enhance impact resistance and improve bottle stability. Sidel said the design is easy to customise for different brand positions – from premium to mainstream – and is available in both single- and multi-serve formats. The bottle is compatible with Sidel’s existing production systems, including Universal, Series 2 and EvoBLOW machines, allowing production speeds of up to 2,600 bottles per hour per mould.

Global packaging company Alpla Group has strengthened its presence in south-east Europe through the acquisition of the closure production operations of Serbian manufacturer Energoplast. The move expands Alpla’s capacity and product offering in compression and injection moulding, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive system provider to the beverage and consumer goods industries across the Balkan region. The transaction, completed on 1 November, includes the takeover of Energoplast’s personnel, production lines and existing customer relationships, ensuring continuity of operations and supply. Miroslav Micković, general manager of Alpla Serbia, “Energoplast’s high-quality portfolio is the perfect addition to our business in the Serbian market and will be further enhanced by our technological expertise in the future”. Located in northern Belgrade, Energoplast’s 2000-square-metre facility produces polyethylene (PE) closures for beverage applications using both compression moulding and injection moulding technologies. The site supplies major beverage producers in Serbia and neighbouring markets. “This will enable us to secure supplies for our customers and provide them with immediate added value and strategic advantages in the long term,” Micković added. With the acquisition, Alpla now operates four plants in Serbia, two in Croatia and one in Slovenia, including several in-house facilities located directly within customer filling plants. The expansion consolidates Alpla’s position as one of the largest plastic packaging manufacturers in south-east Europe, producing bottles, closures and containers for food, home care, cosmetics and industrial applications. “This strategic move strengthens our presence in south-east Europe, promotes regional value creation and enables us to meet growing demand in a targeted manner,” said Rainer Widmar, managing director, Central and Eastern Europe at Alpla. “Local and international customers alike will benefit from shorter delivery routes and high-quality closure solutions.” The acquisition aligns with Alpla’s strategy to offer integrated, end-to-end packaging systems, combining design, manufacturing, and recycling capabilities under one umbrella. By enhancing its compression and injection moulding operations, the company aims to improve supply security, innovation speed and sustainability performance across its beverage packaging portfolio. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

United Dairy Farmers (UDF) has announced the retirement of president and CEO Brad Lindner and the appointment of Michael Ahmed as his successor. Lindner, who has spent more than 47 years with UDF, including 27 as CEO, said: “This will be a significant shift for us as we transition from being a family-led organisation to one operated by non-owners.” Founded in 1940, UDF has evolved into a vertically integrated operation and has seen growth over the past decade, highlighted by a $25 million investment in its Norwood, Ohio, ice cream plant, the opening of a new family bakery and the construction of more than 50 stores. The move marks a major milestone for the 85-year-old company as it transitions to non-family leadership for the first time. Lindner will stay on to support the transition and serve as chairman of the board. New CEO Michael Ahmed joined UDF from the Gorilla Glue Company, having previously worked in senior leadership roles at Tyson Foods. “Michael has a strong background in food manufacturing, supply chain distribution and warehousing – key criteria when we began our search,” Lindner continued. Speaking about his new appointment, Ahmed said: “UDF has been a trusted name for over 85 years, built on family, quality and community. Together we will build on that legacy, growing the brand, expanding our reach and continuing to deliver the homemade quality and customer experience that make UDF special.”

In a bold new twist on holiday comfort food, Kraft Mac & Cheese has unveiled a limited-time apple pie flavour, merging two beloved American classics just in time for Thanksgiving. The new mashup combines the creamy, savoury taste of Kraft Mac & Cheese with cinnamon and green apple notes inspired by traditional apple pie. “This holiday season, we wanted to create a memorable experience for mac and cheese fans that felt as unexpected as this flavour pairing,” said Cheryl Barbee, communications director at Kraft Mac & Cheese, part of the Kraft Heinz Company. “The new Apple Pie flavour rounds out our 2025 flavour innovations with a nostalgic blend of classic Thanksgiving dishes and bold flavour.” The launch taps into an ongoing sweet and savoury flavour trend that continues to resonate with consumers. Apple and cheese have long been paired on tables across the US. Kraft’s new offering reimagines that tradition in a ready-to-prepare, affordable format. Launching on 3 November and retailing at $1.48 while supplies last, Kraft Mac & Cheese Apple Pie flavour is available across the US in Walmart stores now.

Welsh soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has completed a £5 million investment at its Knighton, Powys site, installing the UK’s first Tetra Pak speed portion pack line with the latest technology upgrade. The new line will increase Radnor Hills’ carton capacity by 150%, from 60 million to 150 million packs annually. It will also create over 20 new jobs and enable the company to expand into new markets, including the NHS, schools and the travel sector. Founded in 1990, Radnor Hills produces still and sparkling Radnor Spring Water, Heartsease Farm premium presses and Radnor Splash, which sells at a rate of three units per second. All products are made using natural Welsh spring water sourced from the company’s own boreholes near its production site. The investment coincides with Radnor Hills’ 35th anniversary and forms part of wider infrastructure upgrades, including extended warehousing, a new canning line box packer, a new ERP system and increased site automation. The new filling machine – a Tetra Pak A3 Speed 0500 – can produce 24,000 cartons per hour, offering an annual capacity of 90 million cartons. Radnor Hills founder and CEO William Watkins said the investment builds on the success of its first Tetra Pak line, opened in 2018. “It’s a very exciting time for the business, and I’m incredibly proud of our people, who are vital to our continued success and growth,” he said. Chris Sanders, sales and marketing director at Radnor Hills, added that the upgrade makes the site “one of the most versatile soft drinks manufacturing facilities in Europe,” supporting growth across schools, foodservice, exports and travel, while opening opportunities in healthcare and convenience channels. The company recently launched its Radnor Fruits Disney Stitch range in partnership with Morrisons, packaged in 200ml Tetra Pak cartons featuring pull-tab technology. It also plans to introduce Radnor Hydrate in early 2026. The new Radnor Fruits Disney Stitch range in Tetra Pak cartons. Tetra Pak North Europe managing director Katrin Andersson highlighted: “Radnor Hills are a key partner for Tetra Pak, and their strong brand presence and focus on innovation make them an ideal collaborator on pioneering projects such as this”.