JPL Flavours, the UK's only flavourist-owned flavour house, has officially opened the doors to its new headquarters in Bromborough, Wirral, marking a milestone in the company's growth trajectory. The £11 million investment reflects JPL's commitment to expanding its operations and enhancing its innovative capabilities in the competitive flavour industry. The new facility spans 75,000 square feet, significantly increasing JPL Flavours’ production capacity and enabling the company to deliver an exceptional range of flavour solutions to its clients. This expansion comes on the heels of a successful nine years of trading, during which JPL has established itself as a leader in flavour innovation while remaining true to its family-led roots. 2025 has proven to be a transformative year for JPL Flavours, highlighted by the recruitment of key industry talents, including Nick Dyson, who joins as chief flavourist. The new headquarters is equipped with cutting-edge technology, positioning JPL Flavours among the most technologically advanced flavour houses in the UK. Notably, the facility integrates AI support systems that will streamline production processes and enhance customer service. This technology enables JPL to optimise flavour creation and ensure rapid lead times for clients. The headquarters also features 16 dedicated team labs, allowing customers to collaborate closely with JPL staff in developing bespoke sweet, savoury and beverage flavours. Managing director and founder Jake Lavelle said: “We’re on a mission to raise the bar for digital innovation in the flavour industry. We’ve built the new headquarters with efficiency, sustainability and innovation in mind – we can’t wait to show our customers. He continued: "The new premises will provide a great home for the team and be a place where our ideas can come to life”.

Sidel will launch its EvoBlow Laser technology during Drinktec 2025, taking place from September 15-19 at the Munich Trade Fair Centre. This technology promises to enhance efficiency, sustainability and design flexibility in the production of PET and recycled PET (rPET) packaging. Sidel’s president and CEO, Pietro Cassani, commented: “Sidel has led the way in blowing technology for over 45 years. The EvoBlow Laser is a game-changer that will reshape the industry again, setting a new standard for line efficiency and opening new lightweighting possibilities.” Historically, halogen technology has dominated the PET packaging market, but its limitations have become increasingly apparent. EvoBlow Laser addresses these challenges by employing precision heating through up to 36 heating lines, compared to the eight zones used in traditional methods. This increased control allows for the production of lighter yet stronger containers, a feat achieved through the creation of invisible ‘power rings’ that enhance structural integrity without adding material. The EvoBlow Laser's ability to deliver consistent quality is particularly noteworthy. Unlike halogen solutions, which are sensitive to environmental conditions, the laser technology operates independently, ensuring uniform results across all production runs. This stability not only streamlines operations but also reduces the need for frequent adjustments, thereby enhancing overall productivity. The EvoBlow Laser technology is designed to meet the growing demands for cost reduction and sustainability in production. Its cold start capability eliminates downtime, allowing for immediate readiness and reducing the need for standby modes. Additionally, live speed modulation enables real-time adjustments to production speeds, further optimising line efficiency. From a sustainability perspective, the EvoBlow Laser supports increased use of rPET, as it is less sensitive to material variations. The technology also significantly reduces preform waste by up to 50% compared to traditional solutions, highlighting its potential to make packaging processes more environmentally friendly. The technology has already gained traction through rigorous field testing in collaboration with Refresco. Coert Michielsen, chief supply chain officer at Refresco, said: “After 45 years of halogen technology, we are now entering a new era. I firmly believe that laser oven technology will become the new standard.”

Bol Foods, a player in the fresh soup market, has unveiled its latest product innovation: Protein Thai Green Noodle Power Soup. The new offering is designed to meet the increasing consumer demand for nutritious, convenient meal options as the food industry shifts towards health-focused eating. Now available in Tesco, with plans to expand to Sainsbury’s and Amazon by 17 September, Thai Green Noodle Power Soup features a creamy coconut base infused with lemongrass, chilli and ginger. Packed with rice noodles, green beans and edamame, the soup delivers a satisfying and flavourful experience. Each pot contains 24g of protein, 12g of fibre and contributes two of the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, making it an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers. Bol Foods aims to address a key barrier to fresh soup purchases: satiety. According to the Bol Consumer Insights Panel from August 2025, consumers often find that traditional soups do not provide enough fullness. In response, Bol has prioritised high-protein and high-fibre ingredients to enhance the nutritional profile of their products, reinforcing their position as a leader in the fresh soup category. The launch of the soup aligns with the growing popularity of Thai cuisine in the UK, which has seen a 23% year-over-year increase in retail sales, according to Kantar. Thai Green curry is among the top three Thai dishes favoured by UK consumers, further positioning Bol’s new offering to capture market interest. The suggested retail price for the new soup is £3.30, making it an accessible option for consumers seeking healthy and convenient meal solutions.

Little Moons, a brand known for its unique frozen snacks, has unveiled its latest offering: Chocolate Fudge mochi ice cream. This new flavour, which hits Tesco shelves today, is poised to redefine indulgent snacking with a lighter, vegan-friendly option that caters to the growing demand for mindful treats. The Chocolate Fudge mochi ice cream is designed to provide a rich, creamy experience while maintaining a focus on health-conscious consumption. Each portion, containing only 70 calories, is crafted from velvety milk chocolate ice cream enhanced with non-dairy chocolate fudge pieces, all enveloped in Little Moons' signature mochi dough. The new product aims to attract both chocolate lovers and those seeking guilt-free snacks Ross Farquhar, director of marketing, innovation and sustainability at Little Moons, emphasised the brand's commitment to mindful indulgence. "We all love chocolate, but as we become more conscious about how much we indulge, we’re looking for ways to enjoy it more mindfully," he said. The Chocolate Fudge mochi ice cream offers a satisfying chocolate hit in a portion-controlled format, making it an ideal choice for cozy nights in. This launch follows the introduction of the Brown Butter Caramel flavour earlier this year, marking a strategic expansion of Little Moons' product portfolio. The company is not only diversifying its offerings but also enhancing its brand identity with a bold new logo and packaging design that reinforces its position in the global snacking market. Little Moons is positioning itself as a leader in the frozen and chilled snack category, redefining these aisles as destinations for indulgence. The brand’s focus on quality ingredients is evident, as the Chocolate Fudge flavour is gluten-free, vegan, and free from artificial additives, appealing to a wide range of health-conscious consumers. Available for an RRP of £5.00, Chocolate Fudge mochi ice cream will initially be sold at Tesco, with plans for broader distribution across major retailers starting in October. This strategic rollout aims to capitalise on the increasing consumer interest in innovative and healthier snack options as the autumn season approaches.

Heineken’s Strongbow cider has become the first major alcohol brand to incorporate NaviLens technology, designed to support visually impaired people, into its packaging. Strongbow’s cider products now feature a NaviLens QR code – a high-contrast, smartphone-readable marker designed to help blind and partially sighted consumers find, understand and engage with the product. The code links to the NaviLens app, which shares key details such as ingredients and ABV, alongside brand content and store navigation. The initiative forms part of Strongbow’s partnership with inclusive marketing agency Purple Goat, part of WPP Media, to assess the accessibility of its drinks in line with its ambition to become ‘the world’s most inclusive cider brand’. Purple Goat led research into how Strongbow’s packaging is experienced by blind and visually impaired consumers, drawing on feedback to identify real-world barriers and help shape a more accessible approach to packaging for these communities. Research shows that 90% of disabled consumers face accessibility issues when shopping, and according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, nine in ten people with sight loss find information packaging difficult or impossible to read. Dom Hyams, global client director at Purple Goat, said: “Inclusive branding goes beyond aesthetics – it’s about ensuring everyone feels represented, valued and engaged as customers”. He added: “There is a huge opportunity for brands to connect with what is often an untapped customer base by simply thinking through an accessible and inclusive lens from the outset. True brand strength comes from understanding all customers' needs and naturally a product and brand experience that creates loyalty, connection and, with it, commercial growth.” NaviLens is currently used in UK public transport and by some brands across the F&B industry, though its use still is not widespread in FMCG. Other food and beverage brands to incorporate NaviLens technology into their packaging include Müller and Kellogg Company.

Red Bull has introduced its latest Winter Edition energy drink flavour ahead of the season, Fuji Apple and Ginger, available with and without sugar. The drink combines the sweet taste of Fuji apples with spicy and earthy ginger notes, described by the brand as a ‘perfect pairing for winter enjoyment’. According to Red Bull, the NPD has already received positive feedback from consumers, who have described it as ‘zingy,’ ‘refreshing’ and ‘giving a boost’. Vypr research found that nearly three quarters of consumers find the flavour appealing, more so for consumers under the age of 35. The new flavour is launching in a gradient effect can transitioning from warm red to yellow, designed to stand out on-shelf and encourage trial. It follows the success of Red Bull’s second Winter Edition, Iced Vanilla Berry, in 2024, which drove engagement of flavours over the winter period. Editions continue to drive innovation for the brand, with its recently launched Sugarfree Lilac Edition responding to successful flavour testing and introduced to market in the summer. Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple and Ginger is available at Sainsbury's now, with additional UK retailers to follow in October. It is launching in both full-sugar and sugar-free varieties, in single 335ml and 473ml cans and a multi-pack of four 250ml cans, as well as a full-sugar single 250ml can.

Jacobs Douwe Egberts Peet’s’ Kenco brand has announced the launch of a new seasonal instant latte product, Pumpkin Spice Latte, now available at Tesco stores across the UK. The new addition to the coffee brand’s portfolio capitalises on the ongoing popularity of pumpkin spice – a trendy seasonal flavour that evokes strong emotional associations with autumn. Market data demonstrates the flavour trend’s role as a proven category driver, with the pumpkin spiced product market expected to rise to a value of £1.7 billion by the year 2031. Additionally, Kenco noted a shift toward at-home coffee consumption, with sales up 10% in the in-home frothy coffee category according to Nielsen. Drawing on this, Kenco launched its latest innovation aiming to drive impulse purchases around seasonal momenta and recruit younger shoppers who are drawn to the flavour – according to Allegra’s 2025 Project Café report, it is most popular with those aged 35 years and under. The sachet format is designed for convenience, enabling consumers to enjoy coffee shop-quality lattes from the comfort of their homes. It can also be enjoyed either iced or hot. Maria Kabalyk, head of category and shopper at Jacobs Douwe Egberts Peet’s, UK and Ireland, said: “Our new Kenco Pumpkin Spiced Latte directly addresses consumer demands driven by seasonal trends, appealing directly to the younger generation's desire for innovative on-the-go coffee flavours”. She added: “By offering this delicious new flavour in a convenient format, we are supporting retailers in their choice to capitalise on the growing consumer desire for a wider range of high-quality, convenient coffee choices”. Kenco Iced/Hot Pumpkin Spiced Latte is available in packs of eight 15.2g sachets at a price of £1.99 per pack.

Sproud, a Swedish brand known for its pea protein-based milk alternatives, has unveiled its latest product: a low-sugar matcha drink designed to cater to consumer interest in plant-based beverages. The launch comes on the heels of Oatly's recent introduction of a matcha product, highlighting the competitive landscape in the alternative milk market. The new Sproud Matcha drink is crafted from high-quality ingredients, including matcha and spirulina, and is notable for its unique foamable quality, setting it apart from other matcha alternatives. With a formulation that includes 2.5% pea protein and minimal sugar, Sproud aims to attract health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious and versatile drink options. The product can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it suitable for various occasions throughout the day. Sara Berger, CEO of Sproud, said: “Matcha is having a moment: consumers are increasingly looking for more variety in drinks. Providing healthy plant-based alternatives is our identity, so we are thrilled to be able to add Sproud Matcha to our range and keep our customers happy from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night.” FoodBev feature: Game, set, matcha – The green powder taking the world by storm. Read more The UK matcha market has seen significant growth, generating £38.7 million in retail revenue in 2024, with projections indicating that the market could double by 2030. This surge in popularity presents a lucrative opportunity for brands like Sproud to capture a share of this expanding segment. This launch follows the company's recent achievement of B Corp Certification in August. Additionally, Sproud’s products have gained traction in major retailers, including listings in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, further solidifying its presence in the competitive plant-based market. Sproud Matcha is now available for purchase in 1l cartons through the Sproud website, marking a strategic entry into the matcha beverage category that aligns with current consumer trends favouring plant-based and low-sugar options.

Lindt & Sprüngli has launched a new line of decadent chocolate bars, aimed at enhancing the post-meal indulgence experience for UK consumers. The latest offerings in the Les Grandes and Creation ranges feature luxurious, dessert-inspired fillings that cater to the evolving chocolate preferences of the nation, as revealed in recent consumer research. The new Les Grandes Fruit & Nut bar boasts high-quality ingredients, including perfectly roasted hazelnuts and succulent raisins, all enveloped in smooth Swiss milk chocolate. This product represents an elevated take on traditional nut bars, designed to appeal to consumers seeking a satisfying treat after their meals. Additionally, the Creation range has expanded with new flavours such as Hazelnut Wafer and Caramel, alongside existing favourites like Crème Brûlée and Pistachio Delight. Each square in these bars is crafted to deliver a unique taste experience, reminiscent of gourmet desserts, thus positioning Lindt as a leader in premium chocolate indulgence. Research commissioned by Lindt indicates that over half of UK consumers (55%) consider chocolate their preferred choice for post-meal indulgence, with the evening hours of 5pm to 9pm being the peak time for consumption. Notably, 42% of respondents reported a preference for chocolate over other dessert options, underscoring the brand's strategic focus on this segment of the market. Stefan Bruderer, master chocolatier at Lindt, commented on the findings: “Our research revealed that 40% of the UK prefers unique tastes and textures in their chocolate. We pride ourselves on delivering the best quality and taste with our iconic Swiss chocolate, and we’re excited to expand our Les Grandes and Creation lines to elevate that experience.” The chocolate bars are now available in supermarkets nationwide in the UK, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda and Ocado, with a recommended retail price of £4.75. This pricing strategy positions Lindt as an accessible luxury, appealing to a broad consumer base while maintaining its premium brand identity. Lindt’s commitment to quality is further reflected in its sourcing practices, as the company continues to emphasise sustainable cocoa sourcing through its Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, which has been in place since 2008.

Novonesis and Novo Nordisk have established a research collaboration aimed at developing innovative solutions to enhance wellbeing through microbiome science. The partnership seeks to explore the intricate relationships between gut health and metabolic conditions, including obesity and its associated complications. The collaboration will focus on creating synbiotic food supplements that combine probiotics and prebiotics, targeting critical health parameters such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits, while prebiotics serve as the essential fuel for these beneficial microbes. This dual approach aims to leverage the gut microbiome's potential to improve metabolic health outcomes. Henrik Joerck Nielsen, executive vice president of human health biosolutions and strategy at Novonesis, said: “At Novonesis, we are committed to advancing our understanding of the human microbiome and its crucial role in digestion, immunity, mood and overall wellbeing. This collaboration with Novo Nordisk will deepen our insights into the gut microbiome’s role in metabolic health and help us identify innovative products that support it.” Obesity, increasingly recognised as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization, is linked to over 200 health complications, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The partnership aims to not only develop effective synbiotic products but also to investigate how the gut microbiome can be used to monitor and predict individual health trajectories. This includes exploring novel biomarkers to assess the efficacy of microbiome-based interventions. Professor Nadeem Sarwar, corporate vice president and head of the Transformational Prevention Unit in Obesity at Novo Nordisk, added: “Obesity is a complex disease influenced by multiple factors, including hormones and genetics. Our understanding of the gut's role in maintaining metabolic health is evolving, and this collaboration is crucial for developing scalable, science-based solutions to prevent obesity and its consequences.” As part of its holistic approach to combating obesity, Novo Nordisk is committed to building multi-sector partnerships that foster innovation in preventive health solutions. The collaboration with Novonesis aligns with this mission, aiming to deliver impactful biosolutions that promote long-term health across various life stages.

Natra, a European producer of private label and co-manufactured chocolate products, has announced the acquisition of Bredabest, a Dutch supplier of peanut butter and peanut-based ingredients. This partnership is poised to create a key player in the sweet spreads and confectionery sector, leveraging both companies' strengths to better serve customers across Europe and beyond. Founded in 1996, Bredabest is well-regarded for its pure and natural spreads, particularly in the burgeoning organic peanut butter segment. The company has established a robust reputation for quality and reliability, supplying 100% pure peanut butter to retailers, fast-moving consumer goods brands, and other food producers in over 30 countries. With the acquisition, Bredabest will continue to operate under its existing brand, ensuring continuity for its customers and suppliers while gaining access to Natra’s extensive distribution network and resources. Natra, known for its position in the hazelnut chocolate spread market, views this acquisition as a complementary addition to its portfolio. The integration of Bredabest’s expertise in peanut processing with Natra’s established global platform is expected to enhance product offerings and create cross-selling opportunities. This strategic alignment supports Natra’s ambitious growth strategy, which has recently included the acquisition of Belgian chocolate producer Gudrun. Armando Santacesaria, CEO of Natra, said: “Pieter and Rainier have built a fantastic business that is complementary to our operations”. He highlighted that the combined strengths of Natra and Bredabest will enhance their customer offerings and accelerate their journey to becoming the preferred partner in snacking and indulgence. Pieter Stienen, founder and CEO of Bredabest, echoed this sentiment, added: “We are pleased to join forces with Natra, a strong long-term partner to take Bredabest into its next phase of growth”. Stienen and his business partner, Rainier van Rey, will remain shareholders and continue in their current roles, ensuring that Bredabest’s entrepreneurial spirit and customer-focused values are preserved. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is expected to bolster both companies’ positions in the competitive F&B market, particularly in the growing segment of sweet spreads. Bredabest operates two state-of-the-art processing facilities in the Netherlands, which will enhance Natra's production capacity and capabilities. Featured image: © Bredabest

Ben & Jerry’s is capturing the snackable ice cream segment with its latest product, Brookies & Cream ‘Peaces’, now available in the UK. The new offering combines the brand’s signature brownie batter ice cream with a sweet cookie core, all enveloped in a white coating and finished with chocolatey crumbs, creating a convenient spoon-free treat. Joao Piva, the Flavour Guru at Ben & Jerry’s, said: "We know our fans love all things delicious and convenient, and we’ve been hearing them cry out for more snackable options". The new product is designed to provide a satisfying sweet fix without the need for utensils, appealing to consumers looking for on-the-go indulgence. Brookies & Cream ‘Peaces’ are crafted with Fairtrade Certified sugar, cocoa and vanilla, reinforcing Ben & Jerry’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Set to retail at £4.50, Brookies & Cream ‘Peaces’ aims to tap into the booming snackable dessert market, which has seen increasing consumer interest in bite-sized, shareable treats that cater to a variety of occasions.