Lindt & Sprüngli has launched a new limited-edition product: Lindor Shortbread Truffles. The new offering combines the brand's iconic milk chocolate with the rich, buttery flavour of traditional shortbread, appealing to the demand for unique and culturally resonant confectionery products. Lindor Shortbread Truffles feature a luxurious milk chocolate shell embedded with shortbread pieces and a smooth, melting chocolate filling infused with shortbread aroma. This product is positioned as a perfect indulgence for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons, making it an ideal companion for cosy moments, especially when paired with a warm cup of tea. The introduction of Lindor Shortbread Truffles reflects Lindt’s strategic focus on blending traditional flavours with its premium chocolate offerings. Shortbread biscuits, a staple of British culture, resonate deeply with local consumers, making this product particularly relevant. The launch is expected to not only attract existing Lindt customers but also entice new consumers seeking a taste of nostalgia combined with luxury. Stefan Bruderer, master chocolatier at Lindt, highlighted the importance of understanding local tastes: “We recognise the unique love UK consumers have for biscuits and shortbread, in particular, has deep roots in British culture. This inspired us to create a treat that blends the beloved flavour of shortbread with our cherished truffles.” The product is available exclusively at Tesco stores across the UK, retailing at £7.50, and will also be sold through Lindt’s retail locations and eshop. With a limited availability until the end of the year, the truffles are positioned as a seasonal treat, perfect for holiday gifting or personal indulgence. The chocolate market has seen a surge in demand for premium offerings, with consumers willing to pay a premium for products that provide a distinctive experience. This is not Lindt’s first foray into innovative flavours this year; the company also introduced Lindor Pistachio Truffles , showcasing its commitment to flavour exploration and consumer engagement.

The Coca-Cola Company is reportedly exploring the sale of Costa Coffee, the British coffee chain it acquired in 2018 for over $5 billion. According to Reuters , this potential divestiture comes as the beverage giant reassesses its portfolio in response to evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures. Sources indicate that Coca-Cola is collaborating with Lazard, an investment bank, to evaluate options for Costa Coffee, which operates in 50 countries and has become a significant player in the global coffee market. Initial discussions have reportedly taken place with several private equity firms, and indicative offers are anticipated in the coming months. However, it remains uncertain whether a sale will materialise. CEO James Quincey has acknowledged that the company’s investment in Costa has not yielded the expected returns, prompting a reevaluation of its operations and growth strategies. “We are reflecting on what we’ve learned and exploring new avenues to expand within the coffee category while maintaining the Costa brand's integrity,” Quincey stated during a recent earnings call. As part of its broader strategy, Coca-Cola is pivoting towards healthier product offerings. The company has recently committed to using real cane sugar in its US beverages , aligning with the growing demand for transparency and healthier ingredients among consumers. This initiative coincides with the 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which advocates for improved nutrition in the American diet. The shift towards health-conscious products is not just a response to regulatory pressures but also a reflection of changing consumer behaviour. Consumers are increasingly prioritising health and wellness in their purchasing decisions, leading companies in the F&B sector to innovate and adapt. Coca-Cola’s potential sale of Costa Coffee is set against a backdrop of increased deal-making activity within the packaged food industry. As companies seek to consolidate and achieve greater scale, this move could further intensify competition in the coffee market, particularly against established players like Starbucks and Nestlé. Moreover, with the rise of speciality coffee shops and the growing popularity of premium coffee products, Coca-Cola may be looking to reposition itself in a segment that demands both quality and innovation. Analysts suggest that the company’s focus on healthier options could resonate well with consumers seeking alternatives to traditional sugary beverages.

Pringles is set to roll out a range of new flavours in the US next month, expanding its crisp and puffed snack lines with smoky, sweet and spicy options. The launch includes three new 'Smoky' crisps – Smoky Bacon, Smoky Mesquite BBQ and Smoky Cheddar – alongside Sharp White Cheddar. The Smoky Bacon variety features hickory smoke and pork flavors, while Smoky Mesquite BBQ combines barbecue sweetness with tangy notes. Smoky Cheddar blends applewood smokiness with cheddar cheese and Sharp White Cheddar delivers a nutty, aged cheese profile with a hint of acidity. Pringles is also extending its Mingles range of puffed snacks with two new flavours. Cinnamon & Sugar marks the brand’s first sweet flavour since 2016 and will feature limited-edition holiday packaging. Jalapeño & Queso pairs creamy cheese with mild chili heat. Mauricio Jenkins, US head of marketing for Pringles, said: "At Pringles, we're constantly thinking of new ways to satisfy our fans' cravings, and bringing this suite of sweet, smoky, savory flavour to shelves is an exciting expansion of the unique snacking experiences Pringles offers". "With the addition of the Smoky collection to our offerings, launching Sharp White Cheddar and creating even more poppable Pringles Mingles flavours to share, we hope our fans find an exciting new snack to enjoy for any occasion." The new flavours will be available at retailers nationwide starting in September.

Nestlé Waters is under intensifying scrutiny in France as investigations link its bottled water brands to alleged decades-long use of banned filtration methods and record microplastic contamination. Record microplastic contamination linked to waste dumps A report by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) and the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Offences (Oclaesp) has found that Nestlé’s Contrex and Hépar waters contained microplastic concentrations far exceeding environmental baselines. Nestlé’s Hépar water samples contained around 2,096 microplastic particles per litre, and Contrex 515 particles per litre – with contamination levels up to 1.3 million times higher than in rivers and lakes. Investigators linked the pollution to four unauthorised plastic waste dumps in the Vosges, containing an estimated 473,700 cubic metres of discarded bottles. The findings, revealed by Mediapart , form part of criminal proceedings due to be heard in Épinal, a commune in northeastern France, from 24-28 November 2025, in which Nestlé faces charges related to illegal waste disposal. Nestlé disputes the allegations, saying independent lab tests show no contamination and that most of the dumps have been cleaned up. Decades of alleged illegal filtration methods Media investigations in France show that Nestlé has been using unauthorised filtration methods –  including ultraviolet light and carbon filters – since the 1990s, while continuing to sell the product as 'natural mineral water'. Consumer organisation  Foodwatch  alleges that the practice amounts to €3 billion in fraud over the past 15 years and has filed legal action against Nestlé and fellow producer Sources Alma in France. Ingrid Kragl, director of public information at Foodwatch  France, said: “Nestlé has apparently sold billions of bottles of water that had nothing to do with ‘natural mineral water’ for decades, in France, Europe and even worldwide – and consumers were completely clueless". He continued: "If the new media reports are confirmed, there is only one conclusion: the mineral water scandal is the result of decades of systematic fraud by the food giant. The authorities must now act quickly. A judicial investigation is now needed. Nestlé is not above the law." According to last year's joint investigation, carried out by Le Monde and Radio France ,  at least a third of France-based spring and mineral water brands – including several owned by Nestlé – have used purification techniques prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water'. These methods were reportedly introduced to address sporadic bacterial or chemical contamination but are banned because they alter water that is meant to be bottled in its natural state. As reported by the BBC , the non-compliant treatments identified in the investigation included ultraviolet light, carbon filtration and ultra-fine micro-meshes, which are commonly used to remove bacteria from drinking water. These methods, while permitted for tap water, are prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water,' which must be bottled directly from the source without altering its natural composition. The BBC noted that the investigation found such treatments were used across at least a third of mineral water brands in France, introduced in part to address concerns about water quality. The Le Monde and Radio France investigation also noted that the French government had been aware of these practices since 2021 and subsequently eased certain regulations to allow some microfiltration to continue, enabling affected bottling sites to remain in operation.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has entered an agreement to acquire JDE Peet’s in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately €15.7 billion. Keurig Dr Pepper will pay €31.85 for each JDE Peet’s share, which is about 33% higher than the average price the shares have sold for over the past three months. Shareholders will also receive a previously declared €0.36 per share dividend before closing. An affiliate of JAB Holdings, Acorn Holdings, and certain directors and officers holding 69% of JDE Peet’s voting power have agreed to sell their shares. Following completion of the acquisition, expected in the first half of 2026, KDP intends to separate into two US-listed public companies: Global Coffee Co, a pure-play coffee business with about $16 billion in annual sales, and Beverage Co, focused on North American refreshment beverages with over $11 billion in annual sales. The combined coffee business will operate in more than 100 countries, holding leading market positions in 40, and will encompass brands including Keurig, Jacobs, L’OR and Peet’s. KDP expects to save about $400 million a year within three years by combining operations, and to increase its earnings per share in the first year after the deal closes. Beverage Co will retain brands such as Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, 7UP and A&W, as well as operations in Mexico and Canada. It will leverage a direct-store-delivery network and target expansion in high-growth categories such as energy drinks and functional beverages. KDP CEO Tim Cofer will lead Beverage Co after the split, while current CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will head Global Coffee Co. JDE Peet’s CEO Rafa Oliveira will remain in place until the transaction closes. Global Coffee Co will be headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with international headquarters in Amsterdam. Beverage Co will be based in Frisco, Texas. Tim Cofer said: "Today's announcement marks a transformational moment in the beverage industry, as we build on KDP's disruptive legacy by creating two winning companies, including a new global coffee champion. Through the complementary combination of Keurig and JDE Peet's, we are seizing an exceptional opportunity to create a global coffee giant." "This is the right time for this transaction, with KDP in a position of operational and financial strength, momentum across our evolved portfolio, and increasing coffee category resilience. By creating two sharply focused beverage companies with attractive and tailored growth propositions and capital allocation strategies, we are poised to generate significant shareholder value in both the near and long term." Rafa Oliveira added: "We are excited to join forces with Keurig to chart the future of global coffee by leveraging our combined portfolio of the world's most beloved coffee brands. This highly complementary transaction will deliver an attractive premium for our shareholders and will create compelling future growth opportunities for our employees, customers and other stakeholders." "We are incredibly proud of the formidable global platform that we have built at JDE Peet's and, together with Keurig, we are looking forward to powering a new era of coffee innovation and leadership, building on JDE Peet's recently announced 'Reignite the Amazing' strategy."

The FoodBev Awards team is delighted to introduce the first of this year’s esteemed judges: Scott Rosenbaum, co-host of Business of Drinks. Returning to the panel for a second year, Rosenbaum brings a wealth of industry insight and a sharp eye for innovation. In this preview, he shares what he’ll be looking out for in the entries this time around… It’s an honour to be a judge for the 2025 World Beverage Innovation Awards. For years, I’ve had the privilege of helping drinks brands grow, and I’m enthusiastic to see what this new cohort of innovators brings to the table. This is more than just a competition; it's a look into the future of our industry. My career has been dedicated to understanding what makes a great beverage brands tick and a core tenet is that the best brands never stop innovating. At Distill Ventures, I helped deploy millions of dollars to promising alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands after evaluating 1000s of emerging brands. Today, as co-host of the Business of Drinks podcast, I regularly interview the founders and leaders of the fastest growing drinks companies about their cutting-edge innovations. So whether it's technological or sustainability advancement, branding evolution or increased consumer connection and engagement, I'm excited to see how this year's entrants are driving the industry forward. The World Beverage Innovation Awards gives me a chance to celebrate the bold ideas and dedicated people that make the drinks world so dynamic. It's a platform for recognising excellence and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here's to the groundbreaking products and concepts that will be showcased this year. Learn more about FoodBev's awards and our World Beverage Innovation Awards by visiting the FoodBev Awards website. # WorldBeverageInnovationAwards

Lidl GB has introduced a new labelling initiative, ‘Live Well,’ across its own-label products, helping consumers to identify products that are healthy ‘for both people and the planet’. Several other retailers have introduced health markers informing shoppers about nutrition, however Lidl said it has taken this ‘a step further’ to ensure Live Well products also align with the Planetary Health Diet – a global, plant-rich diet framework designed to promote a healthy and sustainable way of eating. The Lidl Live Well logo has been developed in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and builds on Lidl’s partnership with WWF to align with the Planetary Health Diet, said to be an industry-first. Set to roll out in stores within the next six months, the logo will initially signpost over 100 Lidl own-label products including fruit and vegetables, wholegrain products and plant-based protein products. The initiative builds on Lidl’s commitments made earlier this year to increase the proportion of plant-based foods sold by 20% by 2030. Alongside the launch of Live Well, the retailer is also committing to 10% of own-label products meeting the Live Well criteria by 2030. To be associated with the Live Well logo, products will meet evidence-based nutrition criteria approved by the BNF. All Live Well products will have at least one specific, authorised health claim as well as aligning with the Planetary Health Diet. Products must also meet criteria tailored to each category’s nutritional profile. This includes non-HFSS, high in/source of fibre, and low amounts of fats, saturated fats, sugar and salt (green traffic light labels). The Live Well logo will also feature criteria to ensure products meet sustainability standards such as LEAF certification, critical raw materials verified as from sustainable sources, and 100% recyclable packaging where possible. It responds to new research, commissioned by Lidl and the Planetary Alliance, which found that over four in five respondents view eating healthily as important but over three quarters said they need guidance to find healthy products. Richard Bourns, Lidl GB’s chief commercial officer, said: “As UK supermarkets we must go further if we’re serious about supporting healthier lives whilst also meeting our net-zero commitments”. “We must broaden our view on health and consider planetary health alongside human health, moving beyond narrow definitions and supporting the wider food system.”

Meiji has announced the launch of Spreadable Matured Cheese Blend, a new product within its line of spreadable butters. The spread is made with butter as the main ingredient, with added cheese, canola oil and salt. It is described as a soft whipped type designed for easy spreading on bread, with the butter’s richness and the aged cheese combining to create a ‘luxurious’ and deep savoury taste. Meiji said the product is designed to enhance everyday toast and add more fun to consumers’ daily meals, while still being made with a short and simple ingredients list. Meiji’s Spreadable line will be relaunched on 1 September with a new packaging design, evoking the concept of ‘a spread that enhances the delicious taste of bread itself’ complete with breakfast imagery. The new Meiji Spreadable Matured Cheese Blend will be available in a 120g tub for a suggested retail price of JPY 437 (approx. $2.95).

Bumble Bee Seafoods has introduced a new product line, Bumble Bee Snackers, offering single-serve cans of flavoured and unflavoured wild-caught tuna aimed at on-the-go consumers. The range includes Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoke, Sweet Heat, Thai Chili, Tuna Salad and plain Chunk Light Tuna. The tuna is pre-mixed and ready to eat without draining, designed to be eaten directly from the can or added to salads, sandwiches or wraps. While flavored tuna has typically been sold in pouches in the US, Bumble Bee said 84% of shoppers still prefer cans, citing ease of use and better portion control. The single-serve cans also hold 20% more than standard pouches. Andrew Choe CEO of Bumble Bee Seafoods, said: "People love flavoured tuna, but not everyone wants a pouch. The simple solution – a flavoured single serve can – we're excited to bring this to shelves." Jeremy Zavoral, senior director of innovation and insights at Bumble Bee Seafoods, added: "The way people snack has changed over the years. They want flavour, they want protein, they want it to be mindlessly easy and it can't cost a fortune. Bumble Bee Snackers check every one of those boxes." Bumble Bee Snackers are rolling out to retailers nationwide, including Kroger, Albertsons, Ahold, Shoprite and Amazon, with Walmart, Publix, Harris Teeter, Dollar Tree and Target to follow.

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy has unveiled plans for a £20 million investment in a new state-of-the-art chilled dessert production facility at the Trewithen Dairy site in Glynn Valley, Cornwall. Scheduled to open in 2026, the facility will manufacture Ehrmann’s flagship ranges, including High Protein, Grand Desserts, and Robby, directly in the UK, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening supply chain resilience. The company said the investment will support its UK growth strategy, enabling expansion into nationwide retail listings and greater flexibility to tailor products to local consumer preferences. The project will also create new opportunities in both innovation and manufacturing. “This bold new chapter of Ehrmann Cornish Dairy reflects our ambition to grow a future-focused dairy business in the UK, based on innovation, sustainability and local sourcing,” said Ed Watts, chief commercial officer at Ehrmann Cornish Dairy. “By bringing together Ehrmann’s global experience with Trewithen’s strong regional roots, we’re in a great position to serve both retail partners and consumers with high-quality, home-produced dairy products.” The news follows the merger of Ehrmann and the Cornish-based Trewithen Dairy, which created Ehrmann Cornish Dairy and combined one of Germany’s largest privately owned dairy companies with the UK’s Cornish dairy heritage. The business serves as the UK home to both brands. Paul Berne, CEO of Trewithen Dairy, said: “This partnership strengthens our position as a leader in Cornish dairy while accelerating out reach nationwide. With new investment, innovation and manufacturing capability, we’re well placed to continue growing our national presence without losing sight of our Cornish heritage.” Ehrmann Cornish Dairy is positioning itself as a key player in the UK dairy and chilled desserts market with investment in domestic production and a strengthened brand identity. This growth is already being reflected through increased distribution of Trewithen Dairy products in UK supermarkets.

McCormick & Company has agreed to acquire an additional 25% stake in McCormick de Mexico from long-time joint venture partner Grupo Herdez for $750 million, giving the US flavour manufacturer a controlling 75% interest in the business. McCormick said the deal will strengthen its position in the Mexican condiments and sauces market and provide a platform for further expansion in Latin America. McCormick de Mexico, founded in 1947, generates annual net sales of around $810 million, led by its flagship McCormick Mayonesa con Jugo de Limones. Its portfolio also includes spices, marmalades, mustard, hot sauce and tea. The business is expected to deliver mid-single-digit sales growth. McCormick & Company's CEO, Brendan M Foley, said: "This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for McCormick in Mexico. With this expanded ownership, we will advance our global flavour leadership and increase our presence in condiments and sauces. The McCormick brand has been a household staple in Mexico for 78 years, with market leadership in high-growth categories, most notably in mayonnaise." He continued: "In addition, the brand commands strong loyalty among Mexican consumers and foodservice operators. The strength of the brand and its remarkable track record combined with our differentiated global flavor expertise and capabilities will enable us to drive further growth in Mexico, an attractive and high growth market." "We have had a long and successful partnership with Grupo Herdez, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration. With the expanded ownership of McCormick de Mexico, we plan to build upon their strong results by leveraging our combined expertise in category management, insight-driven innovation as well as best-in-class marketing to expand in adjacent categories and increase channel penetration. Additionally, this transaction creates a strategic platform for scaling our operations and distribution across Latin America, consistent with the strategic plans we laid out at Investor Day." Grupo Herdez's CEO, Héctor Hernández-Pons Torres , added: "This milestone will enable the McCormick brand, with its rich heritage and diverse flavor portfolio, to reach even more consumers across Latin America. With McCormick's extensive expertise in herbs and spices, condiments and sauces and global flavour leadership, we are excited to capitalise on new opportunities and achieve even greater success together." The transaction, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, is expected to complete in early fiscal 2026. Top image: @ McCormick

New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has announced a divestment of its global consumer and associated businesses to Lactalis for $ 2.3 billion, a move that underscores its aim to sharpen the focus on its core strengths in the dairy ingredients and foodservice sectors. The transaction, which remains subject to farmer shareholder approval and regulatory clearances, is expected to reshape Fonterra's operational landscape and enhance its financial positioning. The sale encompasses Fonterra's global consumer business, excluding operations in Greater China, along with its integrated foodservice and ingredients businesses in Oceania, Sri Lanka and the Middle East and Africa. Notably, the deal includes a long-term agreement for Fonterra to continue supplying milk and dairy ingredients to Lactalis, ensuring that known brands such as Anchor and Mainland will maintain their New Zealand milk sourcing. In addition to the base enterprise value, there is potential for an increase of up to $232 million contingent on the inclusion of Bega licenses held by Fonterra's Australian operations, which could raise the total transaction value to $2.5 billion. Fonterra chairman Peter McBride highlighted that the decision to pursue a sale was reached after extensive evaluations of both trade sale and initial public offering (IPO) options. "Following a highly competitive sale process, the board is confident that a sale to Lactalis represents the highest value option for the Co-op," he commented, highlighting the benefits of a quicker capital return to shareholders compared to an IPO. Fonterra's CEO, Miles Hurrell, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership with Lactalis, the world's largest dairy company, positions Fonterra's brands for further growth and innovation. "This divestment allows Fonterra to focus on our world-leading Ingredients and Foodservice businesses, which are key to our long-term strategy," Hurrell added. For Fonterra's farmer shareholders, the sale is projected to yield a tax-free capital return of $1.24 per share, amounting to approximately $1.9 billion. A special meeting for shareholders is scheduled for late October or early November to vote on the divestment, with a Notice of Meeting to be issued in early October. The transaction is also expected to have implications for the broader dairy market, particularly in Oceania and Southeast Asia, where Lactalis aims to strengthen its position. Lactalis CEO Emmanuel Besnier remarked: "Combining Fonterra's consumer business with our existing operations will enhance our market presence in key regions". The completion of the sale hinges on various regulatory approvals, including assessments from New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office and Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board, as well as competition regulators in multiple jurisdictions. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has indicated it will not oppose the acquisition. As Fonterra prepares for this significant transition, it remains focused on its core operations, with FY25 earnings guidance unchanged at $0.40 to $0.45 per share. The company anticipates announcing its FY26 earnings guidance alongside its FY25 Annual Results in September 2025.