Mingle Mocktails, a non-alcoholic cocktail brand based in the US, has launched its inaugural adaptogenic beverage, called Mingle Mood. This new ready-to-drink sparkling drink aims to blend wellness with enjoyment, reflecting the increasing demand for functional beverages. Mingle Mood is infused with a blend of adaptogens, including lion’s mane, ashwagandha and L-theanine, which are known for their calming and focus-enhancing properties. The drink is designed to promote mental balance and wellbeing, aligning with the broader trend of health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. The initial launch will feature two flavours: Berry Lemon Bliss and Serene Citrus Spritz, each containing just 30 calories per can. With the introduction of Mingle Mood, Mingle Mocktails expands its portfolio to include a complete range of mocktails, mixers and functional beverages, positioning itself as a unique player in the growing non-alcoholic beverage market. The brand's commitment to innovation is underscored by its focus on wellness, catering to consumers who prioritize health and moderation in their beverage choices. Laura Taylor, founder of Mingle Mocktails and recently named one of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Entrepreneurs, said: “Mingle Mood reflects the evolving landscape of non-alcoholic drinks, where functionality and enjoyment go hand in hand”. The launch comes at a time when the demand for functional beverages is surging, driven by consumers' desire for healthier options that do not compromise on taste or experience. Mingle Mocktails is supported by notable backers, including entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel. Mingle Mood is available for purchase on the brand's website, with wider distribution expected at Total Wine locations beginning October 1. Priced at $14.99 for a four-pack, the product aims to attract both existing fans of the brand and new consumers exploring the functional beverage category.

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced his resignation from the ice cream company after 47 years, amid an ongoing dispute between its founders and the brand’s parent group, Unilever. Greenfield established the now iconic ice cream brand in 1978 alongside co-founder Ben Cohen, who shared an emotional open letter from Greenfield on social media platform X this morning (17 September 2025), announcing the news. Greenfield and Cohen sold the brand to Unilever in 2000 in a $326 million deal. Greenfield stated that the co-founders’ independence to pursue their values was at the core of the agreed merger – however, in his resignation announcement, he claimed this independence “is gone,” describing the situation as “profoundly disappointing” and “one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made”. In his letter, Greenfield wrote: “For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts but in relation to real events happening in our world”. “This independence existed in no small part because of the unique merger agreement Ben and I negotiated with Unilever, one that enshrined our social mission and values in the company’s governance structure in perpetuity.” The co-founders’ relationship with Unilever has become increasingly strained in recent years, as the two have accused Unilever of silencing their stance on political issues. In March, they accused the F&B giant of removing Ben & Jerry's' CEO, David Stever, due to his commitment to the brand's social mission. Earlier this month, Greenfield and Cohen publicly urged the board of the newly formed  Magnum Ice Cream Company – created as part of Unilever’s strategy to spin-off its ice cream business – to allow Ben & Jerry’s to operate independently. “We no longer believe that Ben & Jerry’s can thrive as part of a conglomerate that fails to support its founding mission,” they wrote. “The strength of Ben & Jerry’s lies in the authenticity of its values and its voice, whether in opposing crimes against humanity, supporting marriage equality or demanding climate justice.”

In a move aimed at enhancing supply chain transparency in the agricultural sector, Bunge has partnered with Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited (BKP), a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group). The collaboration will seek to implement a blockchain-based traceability system for soy and soy meal sourced from Brazil, marking a pivotal advancement for sustainability in the F&B supply chain. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows successful pilot testing of a blockchain platform designed to trace soy products. This initiative will enable BKP and its parent company, CP Group, to source soy and soy meal with verified sustainability credentials for food and animal feed production across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the transparency of grain value chains, connecting sustainably sourced products with an increasingly conscious consumer market. Julio Garros, co-chief operating officer at Bunge, said: “With the blockchain platform, we are creating a direct and verifiable connection between our food production and end customers. This ensures that every link in the chain contributes to a more transparent and trustworthy future.” The pilot project, which successfully traced approximately 375,000 metric tons of soy meal, has laid the groundwork for this large-scale implementation. Beyond traceability, Bunge and BKP are committed to collaborating on regenerative agriculture projects aimed at reducing supply chain emissions. This aligns with CP Group’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The partnership will explore innovative solutions for system integration, enhancing visibility across agricultural commodity supply chains and fostering low-carbon initiatives. Thiti Lujintanon, CEO of BKP, highlighted the benefits of this partnership: “Collaborating with global agriculture leaders like Bunge enhances CP’s supply chain and ensures our competitiveness in the global market. We seek long-term growth that delivers consistent value to our customers.” The partnership’s expansion in 2025 will also encompass comprehensive trade agreements focused on upstream operations, including the procurement of key agricultural raw materials and improvements in transportation logistics. The blockchain technology underpinning this initiative was developed in partnership with Justoken, a Bunge Ventures portfolio company specialising in blockchain infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to further advance the capabilities of the supply chain, providing enhanced logistical support and sustainable sourcing models.

GEA Group has launched its latest digital service product, the GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry. This condition monitoring tool is aimed at enhancing production reliability and operational efficiency in dairy and beverage plants, where maintaining uninterrupted operations is critical for producing high-quality products such as infant formula, cream and cheese. The GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry employs a sophisticated condition-based monitoring approach, utilising real-time data collection and analysis to identify early signs of equipment degradation. Key operational parameters – including temperature, pressure, vibration and flow – are continuously monitored, providing operators with immediate insights into machine health. This proactive monitoring is particularly vital in the dairy sector, where unplanned downtime often stems from issues like reduced suction pressure in vacuum pumps, which can lead to large production losses. By leveraging predictive analytics, the system can detect patterns indicative of potential failures, allowing for timely interventions that prevent costly shutdowns. Operators receive pre-alarm notifications, enabling them to address issues before they escalate into critical failures. The dairy and beverage industries face numerous operational challenges, particularly related to maintenance. Traditional monitoring systems often generate overwhelming volumes of alarms, complicating the task for operators who must prioritise and address numerous issues. Additionally, a shortage of skilled technicians exacerbates these challenges, leaving teams ill-equipped to interpret alarms or perform diagnostics effectively. The GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry addresses these pain points by integrating expert maintenance guidance with data-driven decision-making. This combination allows operators to focus on the most pressing issues, optimise maintenance schedules and maintain production continuity. The technical foundation of the GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry is built on advanced sensors for monitoring vibration, flow, and pressure, coupled with a local edge gateway that processes data before sending it to the cloud. The set-up not only ensures rapid response times but also minimises cybersecurity risks by operating independently of the customer’s IT infrastructure. Data is securely transferred to the GEA Cloud and analysed using proprietary algorithms, with certified vibration specialists validating the diagnostics to enhance the accuracy of automated analyses. Angela Yeung, digital portfolio and strategy lead for liquid and powder technologies at GEA, said: “Unplanned downtime remains the biggest challenge for dairy processors. By harnessing predictive insights, our customers can take proactive measures to reduce costs and improve efficiency." She continued: "With GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry, operators gain a clear understanding of machine health, enabling them to plan maintenance effectively and keep production stable.”

Baja Aqua-Farms (BAF) has acquired Baja Marine Foods (BMF), a player in the fishing and processing sector based in Baja California, Mexico. This acquisition positions BAF as a leading vertically integrated bluefin tuna rancher in the Americas and marks its entry into the burgeoning marine ingredients market. Founded in 2010, Baja Marine Foods specialises in producing high-quality fishmeal, fish oil and frozen seafood products sourced from sustainable pelagic species. With a modern processing facility capable of handling up to 450 tons of protein per day, BMF adheres to rigorous quality standards, ensuring that its products meet the demands of both human consumption and the aquaculture and pet food industries. Manuel Vazquez, CEO of Baja Aqua-Farms, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We look forward to welcoming the Baja Marine Foods team as they join the Baja Aqua-Farms family in this exciting new chapter". He continued: "This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver the highest quality bluefin tuna to our customers around the world in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner”. The integration of BMF’s operations will enhance BAF’s supply chain traceability, allowing the company to offer a comprehensive range of seafood products from ocean to plate. This alignment not only bolsters BAF’s position in the premium tuna market but also taps into the growing demand for nutritional marine ingredients, which are essential for both animal and human diets. Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, but the move is expected to drive growth and innovation within BAF’s portfolio, catering to the increasing consumer interest in sustainably sourced seafood products.

Oat milk brand Oatly is rolling out a limited-edition hot cocoa oat milk product in the US ahead of the festive season. The drink will be found in the chilled aisle, designed to be heated up and served warm at home. It will launch in 32 fl oz cartons at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide on 1 November 2025. According to the brand, the drink is ‘chocolatey and creamy,’ made from glyphosate-residue-free oats. It is certified gluten-free and non-GMO as well as plant-based, and contains vitamins A, D, B12 and beta-glucans (the soluble fibre in oats). This latest US launch follows the Swedish brand’s recent introduction of its Matcha Latte Oat Drink into UK retail , responding to increasing interest in the trendy Japanese tea powder among British consumers. Oatly’s hot cocoa drink is one of many recent F&B innovations announced for the festive season as brands begin to prepare their seasonal line-ups. UK chocolate brands Nomo and Gnaw both announced their Christmas 2025 line-ups this month, while F&B giant Mars Wrigley revealed its own upcoming festive additions in August.

NoPalm Ingredients has entered into a partnership with Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel to secure feedstock and explore co-location opportunities for the scale-up of its palm oil alternatives. Under the agreement, Milcobel will supply whey permeate – a by-product from its cheese production – to NoPalm Ingredients’ demonstration facility in the Netherlands, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. In addition, the two companies will conduct a joint feasibility study on establishing NoPalm Ingredients’ first commercial production facility at Milcobel’s Langemark site, targeted to start operations in 2028. NoPalm has developed a fermentation process that converts agro-industrial side streams such as whey permeate into oils and fats with the same functional properties as palm and other tropical oils. Industrial trials carried out over the past two years have confirmed the feasibility of using whey permeate as a feedstock, with consistent production of specification-grade oils at industrial scale. Francis Relaes, managing director of Milcobel Premium Ingredients, said: “This new collaboration with NoPalm Ingredients...brings the valorisation of whey permeate higher up the value chain, turning it into sustainable, high-value oil ingredients for food and non-food". He continued: "It not only strengthens our economic model but also reinforces our commitment to circularity principles and better impact for the planet”. Lars Langhout, CEO of NoPalm Ingredients, added: “This partnership proves the strength of our co-location model: turning side streams into high-value ingredients where they are generated, reducing transport and sharing infrastructure". "Working with Milcobel shows how a biotech start-up and a dairy leader can create true circularity with economic and environmental value on both sides.”

Paul Bulcke Nestlé has announced that chairman Paul Bulcke will step down earlier than planned, with Pablo Isla set to take over the role effective October 1. This leadership transition comes in the wake of significant investor backlash following a series of executive departures that have raised huge concerns about Nestlé's governance and strategic direction. Bulcke’s resignation is seen as a necessary step to address the turmoil that has engulfed Nestlé in recent months. The company has faced heightened scrutiny after the abrupt dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe , which marked the second executive exit in just over a year. Freixe was ousted due to allegations of an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate, prompting shareholders to question Bulcke’s decision-making and oversight capabilities. One major investor remarked that Bulcke had “lost the respect and trust of investors,” calling for his immediate resignation instead of waiting until his scheduled departure in April 2026. The leadership crisis at Nestlé began with the ousting of former CEO Mark Schneider in August 2024, followed by Freixe’s swift removal. This rapid succession of CEOs has left the company grappling with a leadership vacuum, leading to questions about its governance structures and strategic priorities. Investor sentiment has soured significantly, with Nestlé’s shares plummeting approximately 40% since 2022, exacerbated by the recent scandals and sluggish sales. In an effort to stabilise the company, Nestlé has appointed Philipp Navratil, head of the Nespresso division, as the new CEO. Philipp Navratil However, the ongoing leadership upheaval has raised alarms among investors about the effectiveness of the board’s oversight, particularly regarding how Bulcke could have been unaware of what many described as an “open secret” surrounding Freixe’s conduct. Pablo Isla, who has served as vice chairman and chairman elect, will now lead the board as it seeks to restore investor confidence and guide Nestlé through this challenging period. However, this appointment may not fully satisfy the board’s wish for a new, fresh candidate with no previous involvement with the company. Isla expressed gratitude for Bulcke's contributions while emphasising the need for a fresh perspective to advance Nestlé’s strategic initiatives. “Paul’s wisdom and commitment have shaped the company and laid the groundwork for our next chapter,” Isla commented. Bulcke will be become an honourary chairman, a title reflecting his long-standing service and influence within the organisation. In conjunction with Isla’s appointment, Dick Boer will take on the role of lead independent director and vice chairman, while Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch will serve as vice chair of the board. These changes are part of a broader effort to enhance governance at Nestlé, ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to market dynamics.

PepsiCo-owned Doritos is set to introduce its limited-edition Black Garlic Dip in the UK, designed to enhance the snacking experience as fans eagerly await the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things . This new dip, featuring a creamy texture, bold flavour profile and charcoal-black colour, aims to complement the signature crunch of Doritos, making it an ideal addition for sharing occasions. Black Garlic Dip is strategically timed for release during the Halloween season, a peak period for savoury snacking. With its unique black hue, the dip is not only visually striking but also positions itself as a must-have for festive gatherings, enhancing the spooky atmosphere of Halloween celebrations. Research indicates that 79% of shoppers are drawn to themed products, and 69% actively seek out limited-edition formats. This insight underscores the potential for the Black Garlic Dip to create excitement and drive sales in retail environments. Rob Pothier, marketing director at Doritos, said: “The Black Garlic Dip is designed to elevate the snacking experience, perfectly pairing with our chips for memorable moments”. Black Garlic Dip will be available in a 270g format, with an RRP of £2.50, ensuring it remains accessible for consumers looking to indulge in a unique flavor experience.

This year’s Sustainable Packaging Summit will be held at the Jaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre in Utrecht from 10-12 November, featuring an extra day of content, expanded networking opportunities and an exclusive block party in the exhibition hall. The event will host more than 700 delegates, 100+ speakers and over 55 exhibitors. Confirmed speakers include Jeremy Blake, director of circular economy at Berry Global; Tom Pollock, director of strategic partnerships at GreenBlue; Olga Kachook, director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition; and Rob Buurman, general director of the Fair Resource Foundation. Exhibitors will include Henkel; recycling alliance Interzero; biomaterial start-up Kelpi; Paptic; Life Cycle Assessment software company Piqet; and Japanese printing company Toppan. The conference will run across four stages. Main stage discussions will cover topics such as regulation and scaling reuse, while the Knowledge Exchange will host breakout Q&As on European regulation and round tables for sharing environmental data reporting practices. The Future Forum will explore packaging material pathways – from scaling flexible collection to advancing “infinite materials” – and the Emerging Tech Zone will spotlight global start-ups. Agenda highlights include: The 2045 Roadmap – exploring the end point of the sustainability journey and how to make informed decisions which face the future with strategic certainty. Single Market(s) for Recycling – investigating the dynamics of international trade in recycled content. Global Regulatory Briefing and Map – covering packaging sustainability legislation, regulation, EPR and industry pacts with insights from global experts. Diversifying Fibre Sources – examining the impact of the 'paperisation' trend on feedstock availability and the challenges and implications of embracing a broader range of sources. On the evening of 11 November, the winners of the global Sustainability Awards will be announced and finalists celebrated, , highlighting significant sustainable packaging innovations and initiatives. This will be accompanied by a networking dinner involving innovators and delegates. Last year’s winners included: GemCorp Recycling – Best Practice Award for empowering and formalising waste collectors in India. Upfield (now Flora Food Group) – Overall Winner for its MFL decorated moulded tub for plant-based spreads. PulpaTronics – Pre-Commercialised Climate Award for chipless, paper RFID tags. Husky Technologies – Outstanding Contribution Award for its circular PET closure. The Summit mobilises leaders of the FMCG value chain, policymakers, NGOs, recyclers and investors to collaborate, remove barriers and identify opportunities on the road to sustainable transformation. To learn more or register, visit our website here. Use code 10FOODBEV for 10% off.

UK chilled pickles and kimchi brand Vadasz has launched a new, spicy Smacked Cucumbers product, now available via Ocado. Vadasz Smacked Cucumbers are inspired by spicy Japanese and Chinese ‘smacked cucumber’ dishes, balancing chilli and garlic with sweet and crunchy cucumber to create an exciting combination of flavours and textures. The cucumbers are cold-brined to lock in freshness and preserve their crunchy texture. The launch taps into the growing pickled ingredients trend across global menus, with consumer demand for tangy and bold flavours rising. Vadasz is also targeting health-conscious consumers who are seeking a fresh alternative to traditional ambient pickles, which are often higher in sugar. Additionally, the cucumbers are naturally vegan and rich in gut-friendly live cultures. They can be enjoyed from the tub as a snack, served as a vegetable-based side or used to enhance a range of dishes such as salads, noodles and wraps. Yvonne Adam, chief marketing officer at Vadasz brand owner The Compleat Food Group, said: “This first-to-market in grocery retail brings together global inspiration, vibrant ingredients and modern health cues in a way that really resonates with today’s consumers”. The Smacked Cucumbers product is the latest addition to Vadasz’ NPD pipeline following the launch of its Hot & Chunky Kimchi and functional Kimchi Shot products earlier this year.

The Hain Celestial Group has reported a net loss of $531 million in its fiscal year 2025 financial results, and plans to “aggressively” streamline its portfolio as part of an ongoing turnaround plan. The food and beverage giant – which owns brands such as Garden Veggie Snacks, Ella’s Kitchen, Hartley’s and Natumi – saw a 10% sales decrease year-over-year for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2025. Its $531 million net loss marked a significant jump from the previous year, in which it reported a net loss of $75 million. Alison Lewis, interim president and CEO, said the company’s performance for the year and fourth quarter did not meet expectations. The group is now taking “decisive action” to optimise cash, deleverage its balance sheet, stabilise sales and improve profitability, she confirmed. “By rapidly resetting our cost structure to better align with the current business, we are creating greater financial flexibility,” Lewis said. “With this reset, we are implementing a leaner, more nimble regional operating model that prioritises speed, simplicity and impact over global infrastructure.” Commenting on the group’s ongoing turnaround strategy, Lewis said Hain Celestial will accelerate innovation, implement pricing along with revenue growth management, drive productivity and working capital efficiency, and enhance digital capabilities in addition to streamlining its portfolio. “We are swiftly taking action to stabilise our business while delivering cash and repaying debt, strengthening our financial health,” she concluded. In the fiscal fourth quarter, net sales for the business were down $363 million, a 13% decrease year-over-year. Gross profit margin and adjusted gross profit margin were 20.5%, each a 290-basis point decrease from the prior year period. The latest disappointing results follow a sustained period of financial challenges for the business, which had already initiated a strategic review of its portfolio earlier in the year with the assistance of Goldman Sachs & Co, aiming to maximise the company’s assets and maximise shareholder value. Interim president Lewis stepped into the role in May 2025 following the departure of former CEO Wendy Davidson. Her departure marked a pivotal moment for the business amid its international turnaround plan, with board chair Dawn Zier describing it as “the right time to transition to new leadership”.