Nutrabolt is set to launch a collaboration that merges pop culture with performance: C4 Ultimate Energy x Godzilla. This limited-edition energy drink, featuring a bold Sour Blue Razzilla flavour, will debut on November 3, coinciding with Godzilla Day, marking a strategic move to capture the attention of both energy drink aficionados and fans of the legendary film franchise. The C4 Ultimate Energy x Godzilla drink boasts an impressive 300mg of caffeine and is sugar-free, featuring Nutrabolt's proprietary Tri-Stim Experience, which combines Caffeine, TeaCrine and Dynamine to deliver sustained energy and heightened focus. Robert Zajac, chief marketing officer at Nutrabolt, said: “What a perfect partner for C4 Ultimate Energy – a legend among energy drinks! While C4 Ultimate Energy doesn't have heat rays, it does have 300mg of caffeine and a brand-new Sour Blue Razzilla flavour that packs a delicious punch.” Nutrabolt's marketing campaign for this launch is robust, featuring a multi-channel approach that includes social media, influencer partnerships, and retail activations. The collaboration will be prominently showcased at the upcoming 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, further solidifying its presence in the competitive beverage landscape. Kristin Parcell, general manager of Toho International, added: “This collaboration captures the larger-than-life spirit and unstoppable force that Godzilla represents, while connecting with a whole new generation of fans through a bold, high-energy brand”. The Godzilla-themed energy drink is part of a broader expansion of Nutrabolt's C4 brand offerings. In addition to the Godzilla launch, Nutrabolt will introduce C4 Performance Energy Cereal Killer, a nostalgic energy drink inspired by fruity cereal flavours, available from October 22. This product features 200mg of caffeine and CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, and is positioned to tap into the nostalgia of breakfast cereals, appealing especially to Gen Z consumers. Looking ahead, Nutrabolt is also preparing to launch C4 Performance Energy Mango Fuego in January 2026, a tropical-spicy fusion drink that promises to ignite the new year with an enticing flavour profile and 200mg of caffeine.

Metsä Board has finalised a €60 million modernisation project at its Simpele paperboard mill in Finland, enhancing the performance and quality of its MetsäBoard Classic FBB folding boxboard. With the upgraded board machine now fully operational, the renewed product is ready for customer deliveries, reinforcing Metsä Board’s position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. MetsäBoard Classic FBB is widely recognised for its reliability and consistency, particularly in the food and healthcare sectors. The recent upgrades have elevated its quality, incorporating modern curtain coating technology that enhances print quality and visual uniformity. This advancement delivers sharper and more vibrant print results, catering to the increasing demands of packaging applications. Esa Kaikkonen, CEO of Metsä Board, said: “Our customers face increasing pressure to meet stricter sustainability and safety standards, while also managing cost efficiency and waste reduction”. “We want to help our customers stay ahead and lead the pack by offering solutions that are safe, reliable and deliver excellent material efficiency, with a high-quality print surface for brand promotion.” The modernisation project involved a comprehensive rebuild of the coating section, an expansion of the coating colour kitchen, and the installation of a new pallet packaging line. Over 430 professionals contributed to this significant upgrade, showcasing Metsä Board’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and product quality. In addition to improving product performance, the modernisation aligns with Metsä Board’s sustainability goals. Previously, 89% of the energy used in production at the Simpele mill was sourced from fossil-free resources. With the new technologies in place, this figure is expected to rise to 98%, furthering the company’s commitment to achieving fossil-free mills by 2030.

Synergy Flavours has unveiled a new range of flavour-paired concepts designed specifically to enhance the taste profile of greens ready-to-mix (RTM) powders. This latest release is part of Synergy’s broader Paired to Perfection portfolio, which aims to address the growing consumer demand for nutritious yet palatable food options. The new flavour concepts leverage Synergy's expertise in taste modulation to effectively mask undesirable off-notes while amplifying appealing flavour compounds. By using sensory and analytical data, Synergy has identified key aroma compounds in unflavoured greens powders, allowing the development of complementary flavours that work at a molecular level. Market research indicates a significant consumer preference for products labelled as ‘unflavoured’ or ‘original.’ However, over 20% of these ‘unflavoured’ greens contain some form of flavouring, either from specialised taste modulation ingredients or vague 'original' flavours. This discrepancy presents an opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and cater to consumer preferences more effectively. Synergy’s latest offerings include a diverse range of flavours such as lime & mint, peach tea, ginger tea, watermelon and tropical, alongside an ‘original’ option. The ‘original’ flavour is crafted to enhance the inherent fruity notes of the greens without being overly pronounced, thus appealing to a broad consumer base. Chris Whiting, European category development manager at Synergy Flavours, highlighted the rapid growth of the greens market in the U.S., which surged from $112 million in 2023 to $209 million in 2024. He noted that the European market is projected to experience a CAGR of 7.7% between 2023 and 2030. “As consumers continue to seek new and convenient ways to maximise their nutrition intake, we’re seeing this rising demand take hold," he said. "The Synergy Paired to Perfection approach provides a range of options to help manufacturers stake their claim in this competitive and fast-growing market.”

Unilever says there will be a delay in the timeline for the demerger of its Magnum Ice Cream Company, citing the ongoing US federal government shutdown as a significant factor. The company, known for its diverse portfolio that includes Knorr and Hellmann's mayonnaise, had initially planned to list the ice cream business on the New York Stock Exchange on November 10 2025. The postponement is primarily due to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) being unable to declare effective the registration statement necessary for the shares of The Magnum Ice Cream Company to be traded. This regulatory hurdle highlights the challenges companies face in navigating compliance and approval processes, particularly in times of governmental disruption. Despite this setback, Unilever reassured stakeholders that preparatory work for the demerger is progressing well and remains on track. The company noted its commitment to completing the spin-off within the current year, although the specific timeline will be revised in light of the current circumstances. In a related development, Unilever confirmed that a general meeting of shareholders is still set to take place later today. This meeting will address the proposed consolidation of Unilever's share capital, which is intricately linked to the demerger process. However, the timeline for implementing this consolidation will also be subject to updates, reflecting the broader uncertainty stemming from the government shutdown. The planned demerger of Magnum is part of Unilever’s broader strategy to streamline its operations and focus on its core brands. By separating the ice cream business, Unilever aims to enhance operational efficiencies and unlock value for shareholders. The Magnum brand, known for its premium ice cream products, has been positioned for growth, with anticipated secondary listings in Amsterdam and London alongside the New York listing.

Kraft Heinz is set to warm up the winter season in the UK with the launch of its latest product, Spiced Chickpea Big Soup, a hearty addition to its popular soup line. This new offering taps into the rising consumer interest in plant-based foods and the nutritional benefits of legumes, particularly chickpeas, as more Brits seek healthier meal options. Heinz’s Spiced Chickpea Big Soup combines tender chickpeas with chunky carrots and potatoes, all enveloped in a rich tomato base enhanced with cumin and chilli. This innovative recipe is positioned as a 'hug in a bowl,' designed to provide both comfort and nourishment during the colder months. Alessandra de Dreuille, director of meals at Heinz, said: “Big Soup has always been about hearty, flavourful meals that offer comfort any day of the week". "Our new Spiced Chickpea soup takes that to the next level. It’s bursting with chickpeas, chunky veg and bold, warming spices, responding to what we know consumers are looking for: more vegetarian options and exciting flavours to explore.” The introduction of the Spiced Chickpea soup comes at a time when nearly half of British consumers express a desire to incorporate more beans and pulses into their diets. Recent surveys indicate that 62% of the population finds legumes tasty, while 73% recognise their health benefits. This trend reflects a broader shift towards plant-based eating, driven by health considerations and environmental awareness. Heinz's latest product is not only a source of protein and fibre but also contributes to the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers. Spiced Chickpea Big Soup is now avaialble at select retailers, including Morrisons. It is set to roll out to other major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, ASDA and Ocado in the coming months. To encourage trial, the new flavour will participate in multibuy promotions, with introductory pricing starting at three for £4, with a suggested retail price of £2.20 per can.

In a move aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing growth prospects, The Coca-Cola Company and Gutsche Family Investments have announced the sale of a 75% controlling interest in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa to Coca-Cola HBC. This transaction, valued at approximately $3.4 billion, marks a significant milestone in Coca-Cola's ongoing refranchising strategy and underscores the growing importance of the African market in the global beverage landscape. CCBA stands as the largest Coca-Cola bottler on the African continent, operating across 14 countries and accounting for about 40% of Coca-Cola's product volume sold in Africa. Coca-Cola HBC, a key bottling partner with operations in 29 countries, will acquire 41.52% of Coca-Cola's existing 66.52% stake in CCBA, along with GFI's 33.48% share. This divestiture aligns with Coca-Cola’s broader refranchising efforts, which have seen the company reduce its bottling investments from 52% of consolidated net revenue in 2015 to just 5% following this latest transaction. The move is indicative of Coca-Cola's strategy to focus on its core competencies in marketing and brand management while leveraging the operational expertise of strategic bottling partners like Coca-Cola HBC. Henrique Braun, Coca-Cola's executive vice president and chief operating officer, said: “Coca-Cola HBC is a strong and valued bottler that will help usher in the next chapter of growth for CCBA”. Braun also highlighted the bottler's impressive track record in expanding market share in key African territories such as Egypt and Nigeria. The Gutsche family, through GFI, will maintain its involvement in the Coca-Cola ecosystem, having played a role in developing the Coca-Cola brand across Southern and Eastern Africa for over 80 years. Philipp Hugo Gutsche, GFI chairman, added: “Coca-Cola HBC is the ideal partner to carry the CCBA business forward and realise their shared vision for the Coca-Cola system on the continent”. Upon completion of the acquisition, Coca-Cola HBC will control two-thirds of the total Coca-Cola system volume in Africa, reaching over 50% of the continent's population. Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, noted: “With almost 75 years of experience in Nigeria and our successful acquisition of Coca-Cola’s bottling business in Egypt in 2022, we see huge growth opportunities in Africa”. Coca-Cola HBC plans to use its extensive experience and bespoke capabilities to further enhance CCBA’s operations, drive sustainable growth, and increase per capita consumption of Coca-Cola products in the region. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. As part of its commitment to the African market, Coca-Cola HBC will pursue a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, reinforcing its dedication to local operations. The financial advisory roles in this transaction were filled by Rothschild & Co for Coca-Cola, while Goldman Sachs and UBS acted as financial advisers for Coca-Cola HBC.

UK plant-based meal brand Bol has introduced a new sub-range under its Power Pots line: Protein+. The nutrition-boosted meals aim to meet rising demand for natural, high-protein and high-fibre meals. They combine global-inspired flavours with whole food, each pot offering 30g of protein, at least 19g of fibre, and up to two of UK consumers’ recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. Three variants are launching as part of the sub-range: Thai Green Curry, Teriyaki Style Rie Bowl, and Chickpea Jalfrezi. Like the rest of Bol’s Power Pots, the products are designed for convenience and ready to eat within five minutes. Thai Green Curry features a fragrant coconut curry with tofu, edamame beans, lime and jasmine rice, containing 22g of fibre. Teriyaki Style Rice Bowl combines tofu, red pepper, edamame and black turtle beans in a sweet-savoury teriyaki glaze, containing 19g of fibre. Finally, Chickpea Jalfrezi offers a bold and spicy tomato curry with chickpeas, lentils and basmati rice, containing 32g of fibre. Data from Mintel shows that 73% of UK shoppers consider fibre essential to health, yet 96% of adults do not hit the government’s recommended 30g per day. Meanwhile, searches for ‘natural protein’ are up by 30% on Ocado this year, and interest in meat-free alternatives is surging among 18-34 year olds according to Vypr 2025 research. Paul Brown, founder and CEO of Bol, said: “This new PROTEIN+ range is responding to what today’s consumer is really asking for: great-tasting, nutrient-dense meals that are fast, filling and free from UPF ingredients”. The Protein+ pots are now available in Tesco stores nationwide, as well as online via Ocado and Amazon, with an RRP of £3.50.

Brenntag Specialties has announced the opening of its new Innovation & Application Center for Food & Nutrition in Leeds, UK. The facility will focus on research and development for the company’s Food & Nutrition applications, and will provide services for customer projects related to ingredient selection and formulation guidance. Brenntag experts will serve customers and suppliers with concepts and prototype development, technical solutions and stability studies for a wide range of applications across bakery, dairy, meat and plant-based alternatives, ready meals, sauces and dips, beverages and nutrition. Technology installed in the new centre includes ovens from MIWE and Rational; an autoclave from Tuttnauer; a meat grinder from Mainca and meat tumbler from Vakona; a homogeniser from GEA; mixers from Stephan and Hobar; and dispersion units from Silverson. It also houses ice cream and sorbetto machines, a water bath for sous vide, a vacuum sealer and a canning machine. Additionally, an array of analytical technologies available at the site includes a texture analyser; viscometer; colourimetry tech; microscopy tech; moisture analyser; and Brix, Ph and water activity measurement solutions. The new centre is located in the Lawnswood Business Park in North Leeds, alongside Brenntag’s UK headquarters and the existing Center for Personal Care. It is the latest member of Brenntag Specialties’ global network of 71 industry-focused facilities. Jerzy Jasinski, global president for nutrition and president of Brenntag Specialties EMEA, said: “Brenntag acts as an important link with our customers and suppliers to bring innovation closer to the marketplace”. “The new centre is a great addition to the strong network of now already 31 Food & Nutrition Innovation & Application Centers globally, and 13 in the EMEA region.” Brenntag, the broader parent company of Brenntag Specialties and player in ingredients and chemicals distribution, is headquartered in Essen, Germany. It has more than 18,100 employees worldwide and operates a network of around 600 sites in more than 70 countries.

UK RTD cocktails brand The Drinks Bureau has added a new limited-edition offering to its portfolio: Jam Doughnut Daiquiri. The playful cocktail is launching in the brand’s new 200ml shaker can packaging innovation, requiring no cocktail shaker or ice and offering mid-strength (8% ABV) cocktails in a fun, ready-to-serve format. Debuting exclusively at Morrisons stores from today (20 October), the cocktail celebrates the flavours of the retailer’s popular jam doughnut while putting a sweeter twist on the strawberry daiquiri. It combines white rum with strawberries and lime to provide ‘jammy’ sweetness reminiscent of the classic bakery aisle treat. The launch follows a surge in popularity of jam doughnuts at Morrisons, with shoppers consuming over 67 million doughnuts from Morrisons bakeries last year – amounting to over 336 tonnes. Consumers can simply chill, shake and enjoy straight from the can, or pour into a cocktail glass for a more sophisticated at-home option. The new cocktail is now available at Morrisons for a limited time. The brand's Spicy Margarita and Lychee Martini products have also launched at Morrisons in the Shaker Can format, with all Shaker Cans launching with an RSP of £2.50 per can.

FMCG manufacturer and supplier Supreme has acquired the trade and selected UK and European assets of SlimFast from Glanbia in a £20 million deal, announced today (20 October 2025). Supreme said the acquisition of the weight management brand – known for its range of meal replacement shakes, bars and snacks – aligns fully with its ongoing M&A strategy, adding highly recognised brands into its diverse portfolio of high frequency consumable products. It has acquired the brand for a total cash consideration of £20.1 million, including £9 million of deferred consideration due in 15 months’ time. The acquisition will be financed through a mixture of Supreme’s existing cash resources and utilisation of its asset-based lending facility. Founded in 1977 in the US, SlimFast’s product range includes a variety of formats such as ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix powder products, as well as its Advanced Nutrition range which includes high-protein, high-fibre and gluten-free meal replacement shakes and smoothies. For the year ended 31 December 2024, SlimFast’s UK and European assets reported unaudited revenue of £25.5 million and adjusted gross profit of £9.7 million. This latest deal follows Glanbia’s sale of SlimFast’s US brand to Heartland Food Products Group – the manufacturer of the Splenda sweetener brand – last month. Supreme noted that SlimFast is well placed to capitalise on the growing demand for GLP-1 products, which require nutrition and protein supplementation during treatment and as a ‘follow-on’ in most cases. The weight management market is projected to reach £1.5 billion by 2027. The company said it expects to unlock meaningful synergies by integrating the brand into its vertically integrated distribution platform, adding that SlimFast is ‘highly complementary’ to Supreme’s existing Drinks & Wellness category. Supreme already services a number of key SlimFast customers with additional upsell opportunities already targeted across the approx. 55,000 retail sites the group currently supplies. This includes major retail chains and the convenience channel/independents, which do not currently stock SlimFast products. The deal will enhance Supreme’s retail network through the addition of new UK retail customers, such as Boots and Superdrug, providing further cross-selling opportunities. It will also provide the opportunity to expand SlimFast globally. Supreme plans to move the manufacturing of all powder products in-house, benefitting its manufacturing operations and broader Drinks & Wellness division. Sandy Chadha, CEO of Supreme, commented: “Under our ownership and track record for product innovation, we believe the commercial opportunities to both enhance and broaden SlimFast’s market presence makes it an ideal addition to our business”. Top image: © SlimFast

Goodrays, one of the UK’s fastest-growing CBD brands, is making waves in the functional beverage sector with the launch of its first non-CBD drink, Re:Focus. The latest product combines nootropic and recovery ingredients, positioning itself as a unique offering in the burgeoning functional wellness market. The introduction of Re:Focus comes at a time when consumer interest in functional drinks is escalating. Notably, Google searches for 'Lion’s Mane' surged by 450% week-over-week last year in the UK, reflecting a growing awareness of the cognitive benefits associated with this powerful mushroom. Re:Focus is set to capitalise on this trend, becoming the first drink to blend Lion’s Mane, magnesium and electrolytes into a single can, addressing both cognitive enhancement and physical recovery. Re:Focus will be available in two flavours: Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix. Each flavour is designed for taste as well as delivering functional benefits that support mental clarity and hydration. The drink contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients and is low in calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Key ingredients include: Lion’s mane: Each serving contains 250mg of this nootropic mushroom, which is traditionally used to support cognitive function and long-term brain health. Magnesium: With 800mg of a premium magnesium blend per serving, Re:Focus delivers 65mg of elemental magnesium, essential for over 300 bodily functions, including cognitive performance and muscle recovery. Electrolytes: Each serving includes 530mg of a bespoke blend of potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium to ensure optimal hydration, a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive performance. Eoin Keenan, founder of Goodrays, said: “For too long, food and drink has been dominated by sugar, alcohol and energy overload, and we’re changing that”. The launch of Re:Focus represents a significant milestone for Goodrays, which has seen its CBD range grow by 45% year-on-year. Re:Focus will be available for purchase online through the Goodrays website, Amazon, Waitrose, Morrisons and other select retailers starting October 20 2025. Priced at £7.50 for a pack of four 330ml cans, the drink is positioned to capture the attention of both health-conscious consumers and retailers looking to expand their functional beverage offerings.

Premium sake brand Dassai is set to embark on an unprecedented venture: brewing sake in space. The initiative, known as the Dassai Moon Project, represents a significant milestone in both the food and beverage industry and the realm of space exploration. Scheduled for liftoff today (October 20 2025), from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, this mission aims to explore the feasibility of sake fermentation in a microgravity environment. The project will use advanced brewing equipment and premium sake ingredients – including rice, Koji, yeast and water – transported aboard H3 Rocket No. 7, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Upon arrival at the International Space Station (ISS), these materials will be used in an experiment led by Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui within the Kibou (Hope) module. In 2024, Dassai unveiled its ambitious vision of establishing the first sake brewery on the moon, with a long-term goal of full-scale production by 2050. The initial experiment aboard the ISS will serve as a critical step toward this goal, allowing researchers to study how fermentation processes are affected by the unique conditions of space. The experiment will take place in a simulated lunar gravity environment, using an artificial gravity generator within the Cell Culture and Bio-engineering Facility-Light (CBEF-L) installed in Kibou. Sake fermentation tank This research not only aims to enhance our understanding of fermentation in space but also seeks to integrate traditional sake craftsmanship with the advancements of space technology. Upon completion of the brewing experiment, approximately 520 grams of moromi – the fermented mash – will be returned to Earth. Half of this batch will be pressed into a limited-edition sake, aptly named 'Dassai Moon,' which has already garnered significant interest, pre-selling for JPY 1.1 million (approximately &650,000) in Japan. Proceeds from these sales will support domestic space initiatives. The remaining moromi will be preserved as the first-ever sample of space-brewed mash, providing valuable data for future research in space-based fermentation. Unlike heavier fruits such as grapes, rice is lightweight and practical for transport, making it an ideal choice for space agriculture. Dassai aims to use lunar resources, including water believed to exist on the Moon, to brew sake directly on the lunar surface.