Mac and cheese brand Goodles has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Twirly Mac, a new noodle format designed to offer a different eating experience while retaining the brand’s nutritional positioning. The new range features a twisted noodle shape, which Goodles says has been developed to hold sauce differently from its traditional macaroni format. The range launches in three flavours: Cheddar Weather, Alfredo Heights and Hotshot Jackpot. Cheddar Weather combines cheddar with a warm, savoury flavour profile, while Alfredo Heights puts a twist on classic Alfredo with the addition of white miso. Hotshot Jackpot combines cheddar with chilli, garlic, soy and scallions for a spicy variant. All three products are Clean Label Certified and deliver 14g of protein, 7g of fibre and 21 nutrients from plants per serving. According to Goodles, the new format was developed as an R&D project aimed at creating a new eating experience within the boxed mac and cheese category. Molly Michet, chief product officer at Goodles, said: “[Twirly Mac] was a true R&D challenge, and that's what made it exciting. We set out to create a brand-new eating experience for our Mac & Cheese-loving community, and that included designing a noodle shape that holds sauce in a completely different way than our classic Mac.” The new range is available through Goodles’ website, with a wider retail rollout at select retailers later this month. It has an SRP of $3.79 per box. Goodles launched in 2021 with a focus on combining the indulgence of boxed mac and cheese with added nutritional benefits. Its products are made with a proprietary noodle recipe and contain protein, fibre, prebiotics and nutrients from plants.

Orkla Snacks has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares in The European Candy Group (CCI), a European producer of vegan sugar confectionery products. The deal values the confectionery group at €207 million on a cash- and debt-free basis. It aims to provide Orkla Snacks with the production capacity to support continued growth of its Bubs vegan confectionery brand in the Nordic markets, as well as enabling faster expansion into new European markets. CCI has been a supplier of selected Bubs confectionery products since 2025. The company has four manufacturing facilities – three in the Netherlands and one in Germany. It is headquartered in Drachten, the Netherlands, and has a workforce of just over 300 employees. In 2025, CCI reported revenues of €94 million, and is expected to generate revenues of €110 million in 2026. It is a key player in the manufacturing of private-label confectionery, sweets, liquorice and sugar-free products to retailers across Europe. Ingvill T Berg, CEO of Orkla Snacks, said: “CCI is a natural strategic fit for Orkla Snacks. The company brings unique expertise in the sugar confectionery market and a broad customer network spanning several European countries.” Orkla Snacks is a producer of confectionery, biscuits and savoury snacks across the Nordics and Baltics. Its portfolio includes a range of local heritage brands with a longstanding presence in these regions. In 2025, Orkla Snacks had a turnover of NOK 10.5 billion (approx. $1.1 billion). The Orkla Snacks business is part of Orkla ASA, an industrial investment company within brands and consumer-oriented businesses. Orkla Snacks is one of Orkla ASA’s largest portfolio companies. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and the advice of the works council, as required under Dutch law. Closing is expected toward the end of the third quarter or early fourth quarter in 2026. Top image: © CCI

Hormel Foods has completed the sale of its Brazilian operations, operated under the Ceratti brand, to Zanchetta Alimentos LTDA, a Brazilian food company. The transaction follows a definitive agreement announced on 29 June 2026 and forms part of Hormel Foods’ ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline its portfolio. The company said the divestment reflects its strategy of focusing its international operations on markets it considers to offer the strongest long-term growth opportunities. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Hormel Foods expects the transaction to have a minimal impact on its adjusted fiscal 2026 financial results. The company said further details will be provided during its third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call. Ceratti is a Brazilian food brand, with Hormel Foods’ Brazilian operations now transferring to Zanchetta Alimentos, which has an established presence in the country’s food market. The divestment is the latest move in Hormel Foods’ efforts to reshape its portfolio and focus resources on its priority businesses and markets. Hormel Foods, which reported more than $12bn in annual revenue, has a portfolio spanning brands including SPAM, SKIPPY, Planters, Applegate, Wholly and Jennie-O. The company’s international strategy is increasingly centred on markets where it sees stronger opportunities for long-term growth, with portfolio optimisation forming part of its wider approach to improving its business. The sale comes as Hormel continues to implement strategic initiatives designed to simplify its operations and improve performance. The company said the transaction is not expected to materially affect its adjusted fiscal 2026 results.

Plant-based nutrition brand Huel has expanded its portfolio in the US with the addition of a new Mixed Berry flavour to its Black Edition Ready-to-Drink (RTD) line-up. Launching exclusively in Walmart stores, the new flavour provides a ‘refreshing, berry-inspired taste with a smooth, lightly sweet finish’. It aims to bring a ‘vibrant and approachable’ option to the Black Edition range, designed for consumers seeking a convenient and nutritionally complete meal replacement option with a ‘fruit-forward’ flavour. The drink contains 35g of plant-based protein as well as a blend of 27 vitamins and minerals, 6g of fibre, and 400 kcal per bottle.

Heineken has reduced its workforce by around 3,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles during the first half of 2026, as the brewer accelerates a programme to simplify its organisation and improve productivity. The workforce reduction forms part of Heineken’s wider EverGreen 2030 strategy, which is focused on driving growth while creating a more streamlined operating model. The brewer said the reduction of approximately 3,000 FTEs had “materially advanced” its planned organisational changes. The move comes as Heineken reported a 6.7% organic increase in operating profit for the six months to the end of June, reaching €2.17 billion on a beer equivalent (BEIA) basis. Operating profit margin increased by 55 basis points to 14.6%. The company also reported organic net revenue growth of 2.7% to €14.83bn, while total volume increased 1.6% to 142.8 million hectolitres. Heineken said productivity improvements were helping to fund investment in its brands and growth capabilities, with gross savings expected to come towards the upper end of its €400m-€500m annual target. The brewer attributed these savings to a combination of measures, including expanding the use of new technology and optimising its supply chain network. It has also been simplifying its operating structure. During the first half, nine operating companies in Europe were brought together into four Multi-Market Organisations (MMOs), while the company is downsizing its Head Office by approximately one-third. Heineken is simultaneously expanding its HBS network, with around 3,000 roles expected to be moved into the service organisation, effectively doubling its scale. HBS currently has approximately 4,000 FTEs across centres in Poland, India, Mexico and Brazil and supports almost 40 operating companies globally. The company said the combination of organisational streamlining, automation and technology would help improve productivity and enable savings to be reinvested in growth priorities. “Productivity strengthens HEINEKEN’s foundation and funds our EverGreen growth ambitions,” the company said in its half-year results. Alongside the workforce changes, Heineken is increasing its use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across the business. AI is being deployed in areas including procurement, supply chain and support functions, while the company is also expanding its AI-powered commercial platform, MyFreddyai. Despite the workforce reduction, Heineken’s first-half results showed growth across several key areas of its portfolio. Its global brands collectively increased volume by 5.3%, with Heineken itself up 5.3%. Premium beer volumes grew 6%, while its beyond beer portfolio increased 8% and low- and no-alcohol volumes rose 12%. Performance was particularly strong in Asia Pacific and Africa & Middle East, where total volumes increased 11.6% and 2.9% respectively. Europe remained broadly stable, with total volume down 0.6%, while the Americas declined 3.4%. The UK was among the markets highlighted for positive performance, with total volume and net revenue both increasing by low-single-digit percentages during the first half. Heineken said the UK business benefited from its pub estate, customer relationships and broad brand portfolio. The company has maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, forecasting organic operating profit growth of between 2% and 6%. Heineken said it remains focused on accelerating EverGreen 2030 while adapting its operating model, with productivity savings expected to offset a significant proportion of ongoing cost pressures.

Crespel & Deiters has announced the launch of Lory Crumb Colored, a range of colourful crumbs for breading and toppings, made with natural colourants. The crumbs have been developed to remain colour-stable during cooking and are flavour-neutral, suitable for a wide range of applications. They are available in green, pink, yellow, orange and white colours, and can be used individually or in combination. They are suitable for use as coatings for meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, cheese or plant-based products, as well as for toppings in bakery and snack formulations. The ‘striking’ crumbs are sugar-free and can offer a distinctive look to rolls, pretzel products, snack buns and finger foods. When blended with conventional breadcrumbs, the colour does not bleed and remains clearly visible, Crespel & Deiters said, enabling targeted patterns and coverage. Crespel & Deiters highlighted the opportunity to create limited-edition or customised product themes, such as snacks in team or national colours, seasonal promotions and co-branded products. They can be easily incorporated into existing production processes and breading lines, designed to deliver reliable results at scale. The crumbs are suitable for industrial applications as well as the convenience and foodservice segments. Birgit Wessner, product manager at Crespel & Deiters, said: “Colored Crumbs give product developers and marketers a tool that helps attract attention and makes products stand out from the crowd”. “Colour becomes a communication tool for brands, occasions and target audiences. And because the natural colourants do not affect the flavour, such creative freedom does not require any recipe adjustments.”

Clean-ingredient breakfast brand Seven Sundays is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Oatcakes, a new breakfast option combining the characteristics of pancakes and oatmeal. Launching at Target and through the Seven Sundays website on 2 August, the new product is designed to provide a convenient breakfast option requiring only water and maple syrup. Oatcakes are made with 11 plant-based ingredients and contain 9-10g of upcycled plant protein per serving, alongside 20% of the recommended daily value of fibre. The range is free from refined sugar, gluten, glyphosate and artificial flavours, in line with Seven Sundays’ existing product positioning. Oatcakes will launch in three flavours: Original, Double Chocolate and Pumpkin Spice, with the latter available as a limited-edition variant. The products will have a suggested retail price of $7.49 per pack. Seven Sundays said the launch is intended to offer consumers a more convenient way to incorporate protein and fibre into the breakfast occasion, while maintaining the brand’s focus on simple, plant-based ingredients.

Leading Egyptian food group Gadwa Food Industry has commissioned a fully integrated margarine production line at its subsidiary Integrated Egyptian Food Industries (IEFI) in 10th of Ramadan City, delivering the project in partnership with total production solution provider Nabla Solution. Gadwa has a 50-year heritage in cheese production, earning it the title 'house of cheese'. Through its major subsidiary Arab Dairy, the group offers a wide range of cheese products led by its iconic Panda brand, alongside the Dairy brand and its all-natural Panda Gourmet line. Yasser Mohamed Zaki Ibrahim, chairman at Gadwa, said: “Gadwa has achieved remarkable success across a variety of industries, but we have always come back to one belief: food is the most fundamental foundation for any society. Especially here in Egypt and across Africa, no matter how other sectors grow, people need dependable, nutritious food every single day." Margarine is widely consumed in Egypt and represents a strong market for the group. Behind the new line is a deliberate backward-integration strategy. Amr Youssef, marketing director at Arab Dairy, commented: “Any product we import from abroad should eventually be manufactured locally. This really triggered our thoughts to create products that could feed into our current production process. The new line allows us to minimise our reliance on importing raw materials and provide world-class quality in Egypt.” Gadwa partnered with Nabla to launch its first margarine line at IEFI with full automation and high-quality standards. From design to installation, the total production solution and advanced technology provided by Nabla enbaled the group to use non-hydrogenated oils for healthier margarine products, and to deliver the final product packed in a carton in only three to four hours. The margarine production line has been adapted to produce natural butter, resulting in a high-quality product comparable to the best international brands. Ayman Abo ElSoud, chairman at IEFI, said: “This distinguishes us from other producers in the market. An official report from the Egyptian Ministry of Health Central Laboratory confirmed that our product is equivalent to New Zealand butter. We are now able to cover this demand locally, especially for Panda, in addition to products that will soon be launched in the local market." Post-start-up reliability has been equally decisive. Nabla continuously works with IEFI to provide fast-response on-site technical service and ensure spare parts availability. Said Hamdy, industrial technical consultant at Gadwa, stated: “When intelligence, experience and determination come together, they create a successful project. This success is the result of two teams coming together. Nabla’s team shares the same passion and dedication as we do; they are truly supportive, always thinking forward and focusing on long-term partnerships.” Looking ahead, Gadwa is moving on several fronts to support the local economy. With continued innovation in its cheese sector, Panda Gourmet will soon launch the first herb-flavoured cheese in Egypt. The group has also entered other food categories including olives, fava beans, frozen fruits and vegetables, and fat-based products. Khaled Medany, supply chain director at Arab Dairy, said: “Our group’s vision has always been to become the leading producer of healthy food products – committed to quality, innovation, sustainability and consumer satisfaction. We are establishing a more diverse, flexible and reliable supply system to achieve this vision and develop every new category from a much higher baseline.” Having witnessed the success of the margarine line and the total solution capability Nabla delivered, the group highlighted that Nabla aligns the needs for its development strategy and remains the natural partner for the next chapter of growth and mutual commitment. Find out more here.

Minute Maid Spiked has expanded its ready-to-drink alcohol portfolio with the launch of a new Vodka Lemonade iced tea in the US. The still beverage combines real vodka with lemonade and iced tea flavours. It contains 3% lemon juice and has an alcohol content of 5% ABV. The launch joins Minute Maid Spiked’s existing vodka-based RTD range, which includes classic and pink Vodka Lemonade, alongside classic, tropical, berry and citrus varieties of Vodka Punch. Lou Grill, president of Red Tree Beverages, said: "We're delighted to announce the latest addition to the Minute Maid Spiked family. As we continue to expand the brand, adding a Vodka Lemonade iced tea to the line-up made sense." "The Vodka Lemonade iced tea is the ideal summer beverage as a familiar favorite with the bold taste of Minute Maid Spiked. Its inclusion in the Minute Maid Spiked portfolio is representative of our commitment to classic flavours and broad appeal." Vodka Lemonade iced tea is available nationwide in eight-packs of 12oz cans, priced at $16.99, and individual 16oz cans, priced at $3.49.

Aleph Farms has received regulatory approval from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to sell its 'Cultivated Thin-Cut Steak' in the country. The clearance marks the Israeli cultivated meat company’s second regulatory approval, following authorisation in Israel. According to Aleph Farms, it is currently the only company worldwide cleared to sell cultivated beef. Singapore became the first country to approve a cultivated meat product in 2020 and has since developed a regulatory framework for assessing products produced using cell-cultivation technology. Didier Toubia, co-founder and CEO of Aleph Farms, said the latest approval followed several years of work to demonstrate the product’s safety, reduce production costs and validate its commercial model. “We are the only company cleared to sell cultivated beef, and one of a small number of companies holding two regulatory clearances, in Israel and Singapore,” Toubia said. “We have further submissions under review and expect additional clearances over the coming year.” Aleph Farms plans to scale production through regional hubs and partnerships with existing manufacturers and supply chains, rather than developing large, centralised production facilities. The company intends to use Singapore as a base for its activities across Asia, while Switzerland will serve as its European hub. Aleph Farms is currently preparing to establish its first production base in Switzerland. The company said its cultivated products are designed to complement conventional beef production rather than replace it. Toubia described beef as a particularly compelling but technically challenging application for cultivated meat, owing to its position as both a premium and mass-market product. Aleph Farms has not yet announced when its 'Cultivated Thin-Cut Steak' will become commercially available in Singapore or through which retail or foodservice channels it will be sold. Top image: © Aleph Farms

Urban Eat, the Food For Now brand from Samworth Brothers, has launched a new range of high-protein Chicken Satay Skewers aimed at consumers seeking convenient, protein-rich snacks on the go. The new range comprises three formats, designed to cater to different snacking and meal occasions across the food-to-go market. The Chicken Satay Skewers are marinated in aromatic seasoning for 12 hours before being grilled. The range includes: Satay Skewers Snack Bag – seven chicken skewers providing 8g of protein per bag. Satay Skewers with a Sweet Chilli Dip – five chicken skewers with a sweet chilli dip, providing 7g of protein per pack. Satay Skewers Super-Sized – 10 chicken skewers delivering 14g of protein per pack. Urban Eat said the launch responds to growing demand for convenient and nutritious snacks that support active lifestyles, with protein continuing to gain traction among younger consumers. According to data cited by the brand, 28.6% of food and drink servings are now chosen for health reasons, while the protein market is valued at £33 billion. Pre-family shoppers are also identified as a key driver of category growth. Chicken is currently the leading protein within front-of-store chilled snacking, according to Urban Eat, while the category over-indexes among Millennials and Gen Z consumers. Wayne Greensmith, head of customer marketing at Samworth Brothers Food For Now, said: “Chicken is ruling the roost in Front of Store Chilled Snacks, and our new Chicken Satay Skewers are set to make their mark in chillers up and down the country. Perfect for both lunchtime occasions, afternoon snacking or even as a main in a meal deal – we know our customers, and their shoppers, are going to love them.” The new Chicken Satay Skewers launched on 25 July and are supplied in shelf-ready packaging.

Jungbunzlauer has appointed Marcus von Twistern as executive vice president (EVP) operations and a member of its Executive Committee, effective 1 August 2026. Von Twistern joins the natural ingredients manufacturer with more than 25 years of international experience spanning operations, production and large-scale investment projects. His previous roles have taken him across Germany, China, Italy and the US. Most recently, he served as vice president operations at UPM, while earlier in his career he held a number of senior leadership positions at Evonik Industries. At Evonik, von Twistern was responsible for production governance, performance management and operational excellence across multiple sites internationally. In his new role at Jungbunzlauer, he will focus on strengthening the company’s global production network as it pursues its long-term growth strategy. Bruno Tremblay, CEO of Jungbunzlauer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marcus to Jungbunzlauer. His proven operational leadership and international experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our global production network and advance our long-term growth ambitions.” Von Twistern added: “I am excited to join Jungbunzlauer at a time when reliability and consistent quality matter more than ever to our customers. I look forward to working with teams across our sites to further strengthen our operations in North America and Europe.” Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Jungbunzlauer manufactures ingredients from natural sources for the food and beverage, nutrition, health, home and personal care sectors. Its portfolio includes texturants, acidulants, sweeteners, minerals and tailored ingredient solutions, with production facilities including large-scale fermentation operations across Europe and North America. The company serves customers in more than 130 countries and has around 1,400 employees. It was founded more than 150 years ago and reports annual revenue of CHF 1.3 billion.