Perfat Technologies, a Finnish deep-tech startup, has secured €2.5 million in Series A financing to advance its innovative fat alternatives, addressing critical health and sustainability issues related to saturated and tropical fats. The funding round was co-led by Newtree Impact and Beyond Impact, with support from Nordic Science Investments, the University of Helsinki and Big Idea Ventures. Perfat’s proprietary technology transforms liquid vegetable oils into solid, functional fats, offering food manufacturers a healthier replacement for traditional fats like butter, palm oil and coconut oil. This breakthrough product has 80% less fat, up to 30% fewer calories and added fibre, making it an appealing option for companies seeking clean label formulations without sacrificing taste or texture. CEO Jyrki Lee-Korhonen highlighted the importance of this innovation: “Substituting traditional solid fats is not just about innovation; it’s about caring for people’s health and helping manufacturers adopt sustainable solutions”. With fats comprising 20-35% of the average diet, the demand for healthier alternatives is rising. Perfat’s fiber-reinforced gelled vegetable oil represents a significant advancement in the food industry, enabling manufacturers to create healthier products while maintaining functionality. Investors are optimistic about Perfat's potential. Benoît de Bruyn of Newtree Impact noted: “Palm oil remains one of the most pressing challenges for both human health and sustainability. Perfat stands out with a functional fat that is healthier and adaptable to customer needs.” As the market for sustainable food ingredients is projected to reach $129 billion by 2025, Perfat is well-positioned to help redefine the role of fats in our diets, aligning consumer health with environmental sustainability.

Sogyel Lhungay As tariffs, inflation aftershocks and volatile trade policies reshape the food and beverage industry, protecting consumer trust has never been more critical. In this piece, Sogyel Lhungay, vice president of insights at Yogi, unpacks how real-time feedback and smarter pricing strategies can help brands stay resilient in an unpredictable marketplace. As of mid-2025, persistent trade and pricing volatility are creating new complexities for food and beverage brands already navigating a highly sensitive consumer market. Tariffs on a wide range of imported goods and ingredients have left manufacturers facing a difficult choice: absorb rising costs or pass them along to consumers. Neither option is without risk. Increasing prices directly threaten consumers’ perceptions of value, while reducing product size or quality – commonly known as shrinkflation – can erode brand trust and loyalty. At the same time, consumers remain price-conscious in the wake of the 2022 inflationary peak, with purchasing power still recovering. In this environment, tracking topline sales and market share is no longer sufficient. The brands that will outperform in today’s volatile market are those that continuously monitor, analyse and act on real-time shifts in consumer price-to-value perception, treating these insights not as a retrospective measure but as a tool to guide pricing, product and messaging decisions before consumer sentiment deteriorates. F&B’s distinct vulnerability to tariff shocks While every consumer goods category feels the ripple effects of trade volatility, F&B brands are in a distinctly tough spot. It comes down to one unavoidable fact: the global nature of ingredient sourcing. From cocoa and coffee to palm oil, spices and speciality produce, a large percentage of everyday food products depend on internationally sourced inputs. Even brands manufacturing in the US aren’t exempt, as most still rely on imported commodities vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. This structural reliance leaves food products especially sensitive to shifts in how consumers perceive value. And we are already seeing those effects take shape. According to our internal analysis of over 263,000 consumer feedback records across 1,300 food snacking products – think chips, candy, pretzels and chocolate – mentions of price and value concerns jumped 11.3% in April 2025 compared to April 2024. That is the highest year-over-year increase among all the categories we track, outpacing sectors like personal care and household electronics. But you don’t need to comb through data to spot the trend. Just look at how shoppers are behaving. Consumers are increasingly trading down to private label and budget-friendly brands. They are shopping around more aggressively, toggling between discount retailers, online deals and in-store promotions to stretch their grocery dollars. The inflationary shock of 2022 also didn’t fade quietly – it reshaped spending habits in lasting ways. Tariffs and pricing volatility are now piling onto those hard-earned behaviours, slowing discretionary purchases and forcing shoppers to scrutinise even the essentials. For food and beverage brands, this isn’t a temporary inconvenience. It is the new baseline. Detecting earlier signs of price-to-value strain The encouraging news for brands is that consumers rarely stay silent about pricing frustrations – the warning signs often surface well before those frustrations show up in sales reports. The challenge is knowing where to look and how to separate meaningful signals from everyday noise. In customer feedback, early indicators of price-to-value strain tend to follow consistent patterns. Rising mentions of terms like 'not worth it,' 'too expensive' or 'used to be better' are reliable markers. These comments often precede measurable declines in purchase frequency or brand loyalty, giving brands a valuable window to course-correct before consumer dissatisfaction sets in. Another key signal is language suggesting purchase hesitancy or brand-switching intent. Phrases such as 'might look for something cheaper,' 'waiting for a sale' or 'thinking about switching' indicate that consumers are actively reconsidering their loyalty, especially in categories where comparable alternatives exist. It is also important to monitor sentiment volatility – the shift in tone or polarity of feedback following a price increase, package adjustment or product reformulation. Even if overall star ratings remain stable, increased polarisation in comments can signal growing tension around perceived value. The critical mistake many brands make is treating these signals as isolated grievances rather than early indicators of a broader shift in consumer sentiment. A single comment about a price hike may be anecdotal, but a sustained increase in price-related feedback within a product category or portfolio points to mounting consumer pressure. The most effective brands deploy real-time feedback analytics to identify these trends early, quantify their scale and isolate them by product line, region or retailer. With that visibility, determining the appropriate pricing, packaging or communication response becomes a far more manageable decision. How to respond: Data-driven pricing and messaging adjustments Once early signals of price-to-value strain are identified, the next step is translating those insights into practical strategies. The strongest brands don’t rely on instinct or blanket tactics. They use data to inform precisely where and how to adjust pricing, product and messaging decisions to preserve consumer trust while protecting margins. For pricing decisions, real-time consumer feedback can help pinpoint which products or segments are most vulnerable to pushback and which have enough brand equity or category insulation to tolerate modest increases. Not every product requires the same approach. For example, essential items or highly commoditised categories tend to have lower tolerance thresholds, while specialty or indulgent products may offer more pricing flexibility if positioned correctly. Feedback data also informs the messaging strategy. If consumers express frustration about pricing, clear, well-timed messaging can help ease consumer frustration. Highlighting domestic sourcing, product quality or functional benefits – especially in categories where supply chain costs are unavoidable – helps reinforce perceived value. Brands emphasising 'Made in the US' or spotlighting sustainable sourcing practices have seen this tactic pay dividends during past pricing cycles. In some cases, data may reveal that a price increase isn’t worth the risk in certain regions, channels or consumer segments. Here, alternative tactics like limited-time promotions, multipack pricing or value bundling can ease perception without resorting to discounting that could erode long-term brand value. The goal isn’t to avoid price changes – it’s to make smarter, more informed decisions about when and where to take them. By understanding where the real pressure points are and how consumers are reacting in the moment, brands can adjust with precision. Those that move decisively on these insights will be better positioned to protect both their pricing power and their relationships with consumers in a volatile market. To stay ahead, commercial and insights teams should build tighter feedback loops between consumer sentiment tracking, pricing strategy and retail execution. This means moving beyond quarterly reviews to real-time dashboards and rapid-response protocols when value perception risks emerge. The pricing environment for food and beverage brands remains anything but stable. With trade volatility, inflation aftershocks and increasingly value-conscious consumers, market conditions will stay unpredictable. In this landscape, waiting for sales declines to act is a losing strategy. The brands that lead will be those using real-time consumer feedback as an essential, forward-looking tool – spotting emerging pressure points early, adjusting pricing and messaging decisively and protecting trust in a market where consumer loyalty is harder than ever to secure.

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced a significant enhancement to its European tomato supply chain with the launch of a new processing facility in Portugal. This state-of-the-art plant, developed in collaboration with The Conesa Group, marks a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing efforts to optimise tomato production and sustainability across its operations. Located in Mora, Évora, the €15 million facility will process its first tomato harvest this summer, underscoring a 20-year partnership between Kraft Heinz and Conesa, Europe’s largest tomato processing company. The facility is equipped with advanced energy-efficient evaporators that are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%, aligning with Kraft Heinz’s commitment to sustainability. The new plant is designed to process up to 4,200 tonnes of tomatoes daily, significantly bolstering Kraft Heinz’s capacity to meet the growing demand for its iconic products, including Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Beanz. The integration of on-site farming facilities allows tomatoes to be harvested and processed within six hours, ensuring peak freshness and quality. Kraft Heinz is also implementing innovative water-recycling technology at the Mora facility, which will enable the recycling of 80% of the water used in production. This initiative is expected to save approximately 1 billion litres of water annually, further enhancing the environmental sustainability of its operations. Monica Souza, vice president of procurement and sustainability for Kraft Heinz’s European and Pacific developed markets, said: “Our collaboration with Conesa has positioned us as leaders in tomato innovation. Expanding our operations in Portugal reaffirms our commitment to the Iberian region and strengthens our supply chain for our most prized commodity – Heinz tomatoes.” Manuel Vázquez Calleja, CEO of The Conesa Group, commented: “This new tomato hub increases our yield and processing capabilities by 30%, ensuring a robust supply of Heinz tomatoes across Europe. Our long-standing partnership with Kraft Heinz is a testament to our shared dedication to superior tomato quality.” The facility will process around 100,000 tonnes of tomatoes harvested between August and September, utilising unique Heinz tomato seeds known for their disease resistance and high yields. These seeds contribute to the production of tomatoes that require less water and land while maximising the use of pesticides and fertilisers.

Toast Brewing has partnered with Jason's Sourdough to launch a limited-edition hazy IPA that incorporates over half a tonne of surplus sourdough. This innovative collaboration not only highlights the growing trend of sustainability in brewing but also reflects a commitment to social responsibility within the industry. The 5.5% hazy IPA, available in more than 200 Waitrose stores across the UK, is crafted with a unique blend of ingredients, replacing a portion of malted barley with surplus loaves from Jason's Sourdough. The result is a beer characterised by vibrant citrus and peach aromas, balanced bitterness and a smooth finish – aptly described as reminiscent of 'great marmalade on toast'. This partnership is a strategic response to the pressing issue of food waste, a challenge that has garnered increased attention in the food and beverage industry. By uses surplus bread that would otherwise be discarded, Toast Brewing and Jason's Sourdough are not only creating a distinctive product but also significantly lowering the environmental impact of their operations. This approach reduces the demand for land- and resource-intensive crops, thereby cutting carbon emissions associated with traditional brewing processes. Jason Geary, Master Baker at Jason's Sourdough, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We’re delighted to partner with Toast Brewing on this limited edition beer. This collaboration allows us to give any surplus sourdough a new lease of life, turning it into something delicious." he continued: "By combining our expertise in traditional sourdough with Toast’s innovative brewing, we’ve created a beer that celebrates craftsmanship while tackling food waste”. Founded just five years ago, Jason's Sourdough has quickly ascended to become the UK's leading sourdough brand, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Baked using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, their bread is free from added yeast, preservatives and unnecessary additives. The company also prioritises renewable energy in its bakeries, further enhancing its sustainability credentials. Louisa Ziane, co-founder of Toast Brewing, emphasised the importance of purposeful collaboration in their mission: “We’re incredibly proud to team up with Jason’s Sourdough for this beer, to put their delicious surplus to good use and tackle food waste in a creative way together”. The launch of the Toast Brewing x Jason’s Sourdough IPA has been met with enthusiasm from retailers and consumers alike. Jourdan Gabbini, Beer Buyer at Waitrose, added: “This clever collaboration is one we're truly excited about. Jason's Sourdough is a brand that is already loved by so many Waitrose customers, and with such a strong purpose behind the product, we're confident this beer is going to prove very popular.”

Flavour manufacturer Natara Global has reached an agreement to acquire Treatt, a provider of natural extracts and ingredients, in an all-cash deal. The transaction will bring together two manufacturers and their ‘highly complementary’ businesses, creating a new global ingredients platform in the flavour and fragrances sector. This new partnership will leverage Natara’s expertise in speciality base aromas and Treatt’s capabilities in high-value natural ingredients. Together, the two companies aim to accelerate innovative solutions and provide customers with a broader product portfolio across key markets. Significant strategic and operational benefits are expected to be realised through the deal, including a global salesforce and modern facilities to capitalise on opportunities not readily available to either company on a stand-alone basis. Natara was acquired by UK and European private equity firm Exponent in 2023. Since then, Exponent has supported the company’s growth through investment in strengthening customer partnerships, its manufacturing and service capabilities, and its leadership team. Yoram Knoop, CEO of Natara Global, said: “By combining with Treatt, we will be strongly positioned to continue our growth journey… Together, we can unlock the long-term growth within Treatt’s business by providing the required investment, additional operational expertise, and flexibility that comes with private ownership.”

Diageo has announced the sale of its well-known coffee-cream liqueur brand, Sheridan’s, to Casa Redondo, a prominent Portuguese beverage-alcohol company. The divestiture aligns with the global beverage alcohol giant's ongoing efforts to streamline its brand portfolio and enhance shareholder value. Dayalan Nayager, Diageo’s president for Europe and chief commercial officer, said: "The sale of Sheridan’s is another example of our sharp focus on effective portfolio management and maximising shareholder value". This decision follows a series of recent transactions in Europe, including the sale of its Cacique rum brand to Bardinet , Venezuelan rum brand Pampero, and fruit-flavoured liqueur brand Safari – which has also been sold to Casa Rendondo – as Diageo sharpens its focus on its core strengths in the premium spirits market Sheridan’s, a distinctive two-part liqueur known for its unique packaging and flavour profile, boasts a presence in over 50 countries, particularly across Europe. The brand's established global footprint makes it an attractive addition to Casa Redondo’s portfolio. Daniel Redondo, CEO of Casa Redondo, commented: “Sheridan’s is a unique brand with strong consumer recognition and an enduring identity. Bringing it into our portfolio represents a pivotal moment for Casa Redondo." The acquisition not only enhances Casa Redondo’s international presence but also reflects its ambition to build a more globally competitive business. Ricardo Redondo, CFO of Casa Redondo, added that the acquisition consolidates their position in the global market. "This step underlines our long-term commitment to sustainable growth and building stronger partnerships across international markets," he noted. As part of the acquisition, a transitional services agreement has been established to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of operations for Sheridan’s post-sale. This agreement aims to maintain brand integrity and consumer trust during the transition period, allowing Casa Redondo to leverage Diageo’s distribution networks and marketing strategies. The sale of Sheridan’s to Casa Redondo marks a significant milestone for both companies. For Diageo, it represents a continued focus on optimising its brand portfolio in a competitive market. For Casa Redondo, the acquisition signifies a strategic move to enhance its global presence and diversify its offerings in the beverage-alcohol sector.

The dairy industry is on the brink of transformative changes, according to Rabobank's latest Global Dairy Top 20 report. With anticipated mergers and acquisitions (M&A) set to reshape the competitive landscape, dairy manufacturers are urged to prepare for a new era of market dynamics. The report indicates a modest growth trajectory, with combined turnover among the top companies increasing by 0.6% in 2024 and projected to rise by 0.5% in 2025. However, the report also highlights that significant shifts are expected in 2026 due to impending mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that could reshape the rankings and competitive dynamics. Key findings from the report The report serves as a vital resource for understanding the financial performance of the world's leading dairy companies. This year, eight companies have swapped positions within the rankings, illustrating the intense competition and strategic repositioning that characterise the industry. Such movements reflect not only changes in market share but also shifts in consumer preferences and operational efficiencies. Despite the overall growth, the report underscores the challenges faced by dairy manufacturers. The projected 0.5% growth in 2025 is relatively modest, suggesting that while the market remains stable, manufacturers must innovate and adapt to maintain profitability. Factors influencing this growth include: Consumer demand: A growing consumer preference for health-conscious and premium dairy products is reshaping purchasing patterns. Manufacturers are urged to respond by diversifying their product offerings to include functional dairy items, organic options and plant-based alternatives. Economic pressures: Fluctuations in global economic conditions, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, continue to impact production costs and pricing strategies for dairy manufacturers. Top 10 dairy companies in 2025 Lactalis (France) – $31.9 billion Lactalis continues to solidify its position as the largest global dairy company, expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions. Noteworthy acquisitions include Nestlé’s coffee creamer brand Cremora in South Africa and General Mills’ US yogurt business , which is expected to add $1.5 billion to net sales. This also includes the recent purchase of Fonterra’s consumer and associated businesses for $2.3 billion . Nestlé (Switzerland) – $23.9 billion Nestlé faces challenges in its dairy segment, particularly after spinning off Froneri, which now operates independently. The company's dairy sales have plateaued around €22 billion for three consecutive years, with declines in turnover across multiple regions, except for slight growth in China and Taiwan. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) (United States) – $23.0 billion DFA retains its third-place position, with revenues slightly lower than its record high in 2022. The cooperative's performance is heavily influenced by US milk prices, which averaged $22.55 per hundredweight in 2024. Despite fluctuations, DFA's strong market presence ensures its continued ranking among the top dairy companies. Danone (France) – $20.7 billion Danone has made divestments to streamline its operations, including exiting the Russian market and selling its majority stake in Horizon Organic . However, its dairy segment performed well on a like-for-like basis, achieving 1.1% price growth and 2.9% volume growth, resulting in a 4.0% increase in turnover. Danone's focus on health-oriented products is expected to bolster its market position moving forward. Yili (China) – $15.8 billion Yili remains a key player despite facing challenges in the Chinese market, including weakened consumer demand and oversupply issues. The company has reported a 12% drop in revenue from its liquid milk division, although its powder and dairy products segment saw an 8% increase, driven by strong performances in adult milk powder and cheese. Arla Foods (Denmark) – $15.0 billion Arla experienced a modest revenue increase of 0.8% in 2024, primarily due to its acquisition of Volac’s whey nutrition division . The cooperative's stable growth reflects its effective management strategies, although it faces competition from other European dairy cooperatives. This year, Arla announced that it would merge with DMK Group , creating Europe’s largest dairy cooperative with a combined pro forma revenue of €19 billion. We can expect to see the new formed group rising up the ranks. Fonterra (New Zealand) – $14.7 billion Fonterra's drop in ranking reflects its decision to divest consumer and associated businesses to focus on core foodservice and ingredients. This pivot aims to maximise long-term shareholder value for its farmers. However, the divestment is expected to impact Fonterra's revenue significantly, potentially dropping it to tenth place next year. FrieslandCampina (Netherlands) – $14.0 billion FrieslandCampina's performance remained stable, although it experienced a slight decline of 0.5% in turnover. The cooperative is actively seeking ways to enhance its market position amid challenges related to member retention and milk supply. FrieslandCampina's ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to market changes will be crucial for its future success. Saputo (Canada) – $13.9 billion Saputo led all companies in revenue growth, achieving an 8.4% increase in 2024. The company's strong performance is attributed to improved operations across all divisions, except in Argentina, where currency struggles impacted results. Saputo's focus on efficiency and cost-saving measures has positioned it well for continued growth. Mengniu (China) – $12.3 billion Mengniu's revenue has declined due to a challenging operating environment in China, marked by oversupply and declining prices. The company has faced double-digit drops across its liquid milk, ice cream, and milk powder divisions. Despite these challenges, Mengniu continues to focus on maintaining its market share and adapting to consumer preferences. Global dairy top 20 Anticipated M&A activity Looking ahead, Rabobank warns that the dairy sector is on the brink of significant transformation due to anticipated M&A activity. Major mergers expected to take place include: FrieslandCampina and Milcobel : This merger is poised to crea+te one of the largest dairy cooperatives in Europe, potentially enhancing operational efficiencies and market reach. Manufacturers should consider how this consolidation might influence competitive dynamics and pricing strategies in their regions. Arla Foods and Deutsche Milchkontor (DMK) : This merger could lead to a stronger market position for both companies, enabling them to leverage synergies in production and distribution. Dairy manufacturers must assess how such consolidations could affect their market share and supply chain relationships. Yoplait's integration into Lactalis and Sodiaal : This integration is expected to streamline operations and expand product offerings, particularly in the yogurt segment. Manufacturers should take note of the potential for increased competition in this category. Additionally, Unilever's planned divestment of its ice cream business raises questions about market stability. The anticipated exit of both Unilever and DMK from the rankings opens two spots for new entrants, with Magnum (from Unilever's divestment) and Emmi Group emerging as strong contenders. Implications for dairy manufacturers Strategic positioning in a changing landscape The potential for significant M&A activity presents both challenges and opportunities for dairy manufacturers. To navigate this evolving landscape, companies should consider: Partnerships and alliances: Collaborating with other manufacturers or forming strategic alliances can enhance market positioning and foster innovation. By pooling resources and expertise, companies can better respond to consumer demands and competitive pressures. Market intelligence: Staying informed about competitors’ moves and market trends will be crucial for strategic planning. Manufacturers should invest in market research and analytics to anticipate shifts in consumer preferences and adjust their strategies accordingly. Innovation as a key driver As consumer preferences evolve, innovation will be paramount for dairy manufacturers. Companies should focus on: Product development: Expanding product lines to include health-oriented and premium options will be essential for attracting a diverse consumer base. Investing in R&D can help manufacturers create unique offerings that stand out in a crowded market. Quality improvement: Ensuring the highest quality standards will differentiate products and build consumer loyalty. Manufacturers must prioritise quality control and invest in technologies that enhance product consistency. Adapting to regional trends The report highlights regional milk price trends that may impact profitability. Dairy manufacturers should: Local sourcing strategies: Evaluating local sourcing options can mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating milk prices. Establishing relationships with local farmers can also enhance brand reputation and sustainability efforts. Cost management: Implementing efficient production practices and cost control measures will be essential to maintain margins during periods of price volatility. Manufacturers should explore automation and lean manufacturing techniques to optimise operations. Emphasising sustainability As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, dairy manufacturers must prioritise environmentally friendly practices. The report emphasises: Sustainable practices: Implementing sustainable sourcing, production, and packaging practices can enhance brand reputation and meet regulatory requirements. Manufacturers should consider certifications that highlight their commitment to sustainability. Transparency: Communicating sustainability efforts, particularly in resource-intensive industries such as dairy, to consumers can build trust and loyalty. Brands that effectively share their sustainability stories are likely to resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. As companies navigate these changes, strategic agility, innovation and a focus on sustainability will be vital for success. The next year promises to be pivotal for the dairy sector, with significant implications for both established players and emerging competitors. A huge thank you to Rabobank for sharing the report with FoodBev Media.

Following reports of soup you can suck on and pineapples retailing for just under $400 – there’s never a dull moment in new product development. As market saturation pushes brands back to the drawing board, one thing is clear: the quirkier, the better when it comes to catching consumers’ attention. From battery-flavoured crisps to tomato sauce smoothies, we explore the latest weird and wonderful innovations shaking up the F&B industry. Bacon-flavoured cereal Bacon has long been a breakfast staple, but bacon-flavoured cereal is a little more unusual . General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch brand has teamed up with Hormel Black Label Bacon to debut a limited-edition cereal that combines the classic Cinnamon Toast Crunch with a smoky bacon flavour. The launch follows another successful collaboration between the two: Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavoured bacon, where bacon rashers were seasoned with ‘Cinnadust’ to create a sugary, crispy crust. Mojito grapes Grapes that taste of other things aren’t new – many supermarkets offer Candy Floss grapes and Marks and Spencer has everything from Mango grapes, which claim to have the sweet, exotic taste of mango, to Tutti Frutti grapes, which offer a variety of sweet flavours. Recently, UK supermarket, the Co-operative Group, launched mojito-flavoured grapes , which offer a hint of lime, allowing consumers to experience the taste of a mojito without the guilt – after all, grapes are healthy and you can have as many as you like without a pesky hangover. Speaking of things that taste like alcohol… It is not just grapes capturing the flavours of our favourite cocktails – other snacks are joining in too. PepsiCo’s Pop Works brand recently teamed up with Malibu to launch a limited-edition popped corn snack inspired by piña coladas. Released in time for the summer, the crunchy, puffy triangles are seasoned with pineapple and coconut flavours reminiscent of the classic cocktail – though alcohol-free, so they’re perfectly acceptable at lunchtime. Fishy chocolate? Less a flavour twist and more a wellness innovation, DolCas Biotech – known for its nutraceutical ingredients – has launched a chocolate infused with fish collagen . With many consumers experiencing ‘pill fatigue’ but still keen to indulge in wellness, this offers a tastier alternative to traditional collagen supplements. Each 8g square contains 1g of Morikol, a highly concentrated fish collagen tripeptide designed for maximum absorption – all without compromising the familiar taste and texture of chocolate. The formulation works across dark, milk and white varieties, so there’s a version for every chocolate lover. Beer soup Campbell’s Chunky recently invited consumers to ‘crack open a warm one’ with its collaboration with Pabst Blue Ribbon, launching two beer-infused soups. Perfect for cooler weather, the line-up includes a cheese, potato, chorizo and beer soup, and a beef, bacon and beer chilli with beans. Both options combine the hearty, filling qualities you expect from Campbell’s Chunky with the smooth, malty flavour of Blue Ribbon beer. Glow in the dark ice lollies Ahead of its demerger from Unilever, the Magnum Company has launched Hydro: Ice – a glow-in-the-dark kiwi and lemon ice lolly in Ibiza. Aimed at ‘healthy hedonists,’ it’s dairy-free, sweetened with real sugar, contains vitamins and magnesium, clocks in at just 77 calories, and is designed for those who want to stay refreshed while keeping the party going – even if they’re sober curious. Battery flavoured crisps…   Ever have the urge to lick a battery? Me neither, but apparently, it’s a rite of passage for many because snack brand Rewind has unveiled a corn chip that tastes of just that: a nine-volt battery. Said to capitalise on nostalgic consumer experiences, the corn chips are made using a blend of citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and mineral salts, which are designed to replicate the metallic tang and buzz reminiscent of touching a 9-volt battery. Currently available in the Netherlands, Rewind plans to launch its battery crisps into other European markets alongside more traditional flavours, such as cheese and onion. Tomato ketchup smoothies Yes, you read that right. Heinz has joined forces with Smoothie King to settle once and for all whether tomatoes belong in a fruit smoothie. The result? The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie, blending sweet acai sorbet, crisp apple juice, strawberries, raspberries – and, of course, Heinz tomato ketchup – in what’s being billed as the world’s first ketchup-based smoothie. Bath bombs for the kitchen A new twist on scratch cooking, Flavour Bombs bring the indulgence and convenience of a bath bomb into the kitchen. Perfect for busy cooks, these spheres eliminate the need to chop, blitz or grind ingredients, all while looking like a bath bomb. Each portioned, shelf-stable bomb is packed with premium herbs, spices, onions, garlic, tomatoes, aromatics and roots sourced from around the world, letting you create authentic global dishes with a simple drop and stir. Breast milk ice cream Tapping into the unconventional, Oddfellows and Frida have collaborated to launch a limited-edition Breast Milk ice cream . Designed to mimic the taste and nutritional profile of breast milk, the ice cream is infused with nutrients typically found in breast milk, such as colostrum. While it recreates the flavour, the ice cream is made using traditional methods.

A new brand, Dozz, is bringing an innovative new soup format to the UK market: chilled RTD soup available in aluminium cans. The brand said it aims to fill a ‘clear gap’ in the market for chilled, healthy soup that is convenient and ready to eat, targeting busy and health-conscious consumers seeking a light on-the-go lunch or snack. Dozz’s drinkable soups are designed to be consumed cold and straight from the pack, with no bowl, microwave or cutlery required. The range is debuting in ten varieties: gazpacho, mixed vegetable, yogurt and mint, tomato, broccoli, chicken, chilli bean, lentil, mushroom, and spinach. Each 310ml can is low in calories, ranging from just 33 to 57kcal, and is free from preservatives and artificial colours. The soups will debut with an RRP of £2.50 per can. The brand is officially launching in the UK this month, debuting at the Lunch trade show from 24-25 September.

Tetra Pak and Danish biotech company Swan Neck Bio have joined forces to tackle one of the biggest challenges in producing fermentation-based foods at scale – preparing the seed culture. The partnership will bring Swan Neck Bio’s Dirinoc technology into Tetra Pak’s services for biomass and precision fermentation producers. Dirinoc is a concentrated, quality-approved starter culture that can be stored and added directly to production tanks. This removes the need for producers to grow their own seed cultures on site, a process that often causes contamination and uneven yields. By taking out this step, the companies say producers can cut waste, reduce equipment costs and speed up their path to market. The solution will be available alongside Tetra Pak’s other seed train and pilot-scale services at its New Food Technology Development Centre in Karlshamn, Sweden. Dirinoc also allows companies to run trials without the high upfront costs of a full production line, making it easier to test and refine processes before committing to large-scale investment. Rafael Barros, director of New Food at Tetra Pak, commented: "Speed, risk management and flexibility are critical for New Food producers. Our collaboration with Swan Neck Bio unlocks new efficiencies in fermentation by removing one of the key barriers to scale: seed preparation. This gives producers more time to focus on process optimisation, product quality and, ultimately, getting to market faster." Troels Prahl, co-founder and CEO at Swan Neck Bio, added: "This collaboration reinforces our commitment to supporting the growth of sustainable food innovation. By combining Swan Neck Bio’s pioneering inoculum capabilities with Tetra Pak’s industrial engineering and food manufacturing expertise, we are helping customers de-risk development, reduce time to market and manufacture at scale with confidence."

Chemical solutions company BASF has launched Ultramid H33 L, the world’s first thermoplastic polyamide with high water permeability. This product is set to redefine the production of smoked sausages by enabling the use of pure polyamide artificial casings that enhance both flavour infusion and drying processes. Traditionally, artificial casings for sausage production have utilised materials such as collagen or cellulose. However, Ultramid H introduces a significant advancement: its robust structure allows for the creation of thinner casings without compromising strength. This not only reduces material usage but also enhances the product's overall performance. The hydrophilic properties of Ultramid H facilitate the passage of smoke aromas into the sausages during smoking, while its high water permeability enables effective drying within the casing. Dr. Rolf Minkwitz, head of polyamide product development at BASF, commented: “This innovative material opens up new fields of application for thermoplastic polyamides that were previously beyond technical capabilities". He added: "It can be processed like any other polyamide, allowing our customers to seamlessly integrate Ultramid H into their production processes without requiring adjustments”. BASF plans to showcase Ultramid H at the upcoming K 2025 trade fair in Düsseldorf, running from October 8 to 15.

US functional beverage brand Unwell Hydration has unveiled its latest innovation, Unwell Hydration with Protein. The new drink combines the brand’s signature electrolyte blend with whey isolate protein, aiming to provide a light and refreshing alternative to traditional, heavy protein shakes. Unwell Hydration with Protein contains 10g of protein, 60kcal and 2g of sugar per serving. It also offers 740mg of electrolytes and three essential B vitamins, designed to support consumers in refuelling post-workout and hitting their protein goals on-the-go. According to the brand, the drink offers ‘bright, crisp and juicy’ flavours in place of the thick and chalky aftertastes often associated with high-protein drinks. It is launching in an RTD format, in three flavours: raspberry melon, watermelon strawberry, and peach tangerine. Ashley Lewis, chief growth officer at Unwell Hydration, said: “It’s for those who are tired of inauthenticity and need a beverage that does it all – providing hydration, energy and protein in one delicious drink that keeps up with their real life”. Unwell Hydration was launched in December 2024, created by podcaster founder Alex Cooper. It was born out of the idea that ‘wellness should be unfiltered and unapologetic,’ combining rapid hydration with functional benefits to keep up with fast-paced lifestyles. Unwell Hydration with Protein is available exclusively at Target stores and online now, priced at $2.99 per bottle.