New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra has said it will discontinue the production of its Anchor A2 milk and organic milk offerings for local consumers. This pivot aims to concentrate efforts on the rapidly expanding lactose-free dairy segment, which has emerged as the fastest-growing category in the country, following protein. A company spokesperson confirmed that the decision to phase out the A2 milk range aligns with the co-operative's broader focus on enhancing its Anchor Zero Lacto product line. This shift follows impressive double-digit growth in sales of the Anchor Zero Lacto 1L Fresh, prompting Fonterra to expand the portfolio to include 2l fresh and 1l UHT formats. “This strategic move by the co-op’s Oceania consumer business reflects our commitment to meeting consumer demand for lactose-free options,” the spokesperson stated. “While Anchor A2 Milk will no longer be available, consumers can still find A1 protein-free fresh milk from other suppliers.” On the Anchor A2 Milk website, a statement was given: "We are sad to say that a2 Milk by Anchor is no longer available under the Anchor brand in the New Zealand market". "We are working through options to make a2 Milk available to our New Zealand consumers again. We do not have anything to share right now but we will provide an update as soon as we can." The discontinuation of the organic milk range, which occurred in September 2024, was attributed to underwhelming sales performance. This decision underscores Fonterra's intent to streamline its offerings and focus resources on more lucrative segments. In a related development, Fonterra has entered into a new agreement with The a2 Milk Company. Under this arrangement, The a2 Milk Company will secure a supply of Fonterra’s A1 protein-free milk in the North Island upon completion of its acquisition of Yashili’s Pōkeno factory, expected on September 1 2025. The agreement also includes provisions for Fonterra to repurchase any unused bulk liquid cream, further solidifying the partnership between the two companies. The move is expected to strengthen Fonterra's competitive edge in the dairy sector, where consumer health trends increasingly influence purchasing decisions.

The results of the British Charcuterie Awards 2025, recognising outstanding craftsmanship, flavour and innovation in British charcuterie, have been announced today. A panel of respected UK-based experts—including master charcutiers, gourmet food critics, and renowned restaurateurs—conducted blind tastings across a wide range of submitted products. Entries were evaluated on taste, texture, technique, and overall quality. The full results: Company Product Winner Albert Rees ltd T/a Carmarthen Ham CARMARTHEN HAM PGI Winner PROPERONI PROPERONI® Hot Paprika Large Sliced Pepperoni Winner Rare & Pasture Tempus Black Foot Iberian Ham Winner Rare & Pasture Tempus Beef Frankfurter Mighty Winner Rare & Pasture Tempus Pastrami Winner Rare & Pasture Tempus Country Pate Winner Uptons Of Bassett Lightly smoked collar bacon Winner Uptons Of Bassett Lightly smoked dry cured streaky bacon Winner Uptons Of Bassett Dexter Biltong Winner Charles Macleod Ltd Charles Macleod Stornoway Black Pudding Winner Moorcroft Foods Limited Fenner's Chilli Air-Dried Steak / UpNorth Chilli Biltong Finalist Rare & Pasture Tempus Spiced Coppa Finalist Rare & Pasture Tempus Country Pate Mixed Mushroom Finalist PROPERONI PROPERONI® Classic Sliced Pepperoni Finalist Uptons Of Bassett Ham hock with burnt leeks and mustard terrine Finalist Uptons Of Bassett Black pudding Finalist Speyside Specialities Black Pudding Commended Rare & Pasture Tempus King Peter Commended Rare & Pasture Tempus Black Foot Salami Commended Rare & Pasture Tempus Pork Frankfurter Mighty Commended Rare & Pasture Tempus Fowlescombe Bresaola Commended Moorcroft Foods Limited Fenner's Original Air-Dried Steak / UpNorth Original Biltong / Made For Drink Original Biltong About the Charcuterie Awards Founded by award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and food & hospitality consultant Henrietta Green, the British Charcuterie Live Awards and World Charcuterie Awards have long set the benchmark for excellence in the industry. Celebrating the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship of producers, these awards have recognised the very best in charcuterie. As we introduce the British Charcuterie Awards under new partnership with FoodBev, we continue this legacy, showcasing the finest products in the UK market. From independent artisans to established brands, past winners have set the standard for quality, earning their place through rigorous judging of flavour, texture, and overall excellence.

UK retailer Co-op has brought the viral Dubai chocolate trend into its in-store bakeries with the launch of the limited-edition Irresistible Dubai Style Pistachio Brownie. Claimed to be ‘the first of its kind from any major UK high street retailer,’ the chocolate brownie features a rich Fairtrade chocolate base, topped with a layer of crunchy pistachio and kadaif filling and finished with a layer of milk chocolate and pistachio nibs. Co-op said its offering stands out from other ‘Dubai chocolate’ products on the market due to its lower price, launching for £1.50 per 80g brownie. It is also launching as part of Co-op’s lunchtime meal deal offerings, where it can be chosen as a side. Emily Haworth, senior product development manager for trends at Co-op, said: “We love to take inspiration from trends and incorporate them into our own product development and this delicious brownie is just that – innovation combined with a great tasting treat, delivering quality, convenience and value for shoppers”. The brownie launched across the convenience retailer’s bakeries on 18 August and will be available for a limited time across its 2,400 stores.

Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, has unveiled a pioneering sustainability initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity on its farms. The new project, titled ‘Birdsong for Biodiversity,’ leverages artificial intelligence to monitor and improve wildlife health across agricultural landscapes, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. In collaboration with Chirrup.ai, a UK-based nature-tech firm, Wyke Farms will implement bioacoustic monitoring devices on its own farms and ten pilot farms that supply milk for cheese production. This initiative will leverage technology to promote sustainable farming practices while supporting broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals within the F&B sector. The pilot project, which is set to run for three years, will utilise Chirrup.ai’s advanced monitoring systems to analyse birdsong and generate actionable data on bird populations. Bird species are recognised as vital indicators of ecosystem health, and this initiative aims to provide farmers with insights into wildlife, soil quality, water health and overall biodiversity. By establishing a baseline for biodiversity, Wyke Farms and its partners can track progress and make informed decisions to enhance their environmental impact. Rich Clothier, managing director of Wyke Farms, highlighted the importance of this initiative, said: “This project gives us the ability to baseline the health of nature on our farms in a scientific and consistent way using the perfect blend of technology in nature.” Clothier added that the insights gained will help demonstrate the effectiveness of their land stewardship practices over time. The deployment of bioacoustic devices is set to begin next week, with annual reporting on metrics such as the Chirrup Rating, species richness and bio-indicator trends. These metrics will directly support Wyke Farms’ existing sustainability strategy, which includes their award-winning Green by Nature programme, aimed at leaving the environment in better condition for future generations. Andrew Gaskell, milk procurement director at Wyke Farms, noted that the initiative complements the company’s efforts to produce some of the lowest carbon footprint milk globally. He added: “By adding year-round biodiversity monitoring to our toolkit, we can showcase the real environmental value our farms provide – not only in climate terms but in supporting wildlife and thriving ecosystems.” Wyke Farms has long been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, having achieved 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy. The company generates all its electricity and gas from renewable sources, including solar power and biogas derived from farm and dairy waste.

UK frozen food brand Birds Eye has launched Crispy Wedges, as part of its ongoing strategy to diversify its potato offerings. Building on the success of its Crispy Chips introduced last year, the new wedges are positioned to cater to the growing demand for family-friendly meal solutions. Crispy Wedges are uniquely designed to be skin-off and un-spiced, allowing consumers the flexibility to season them according to individual tastes. This feature is particularly appealing to younger families seeking versatile meal options that can adapt to various palates. The wedges are gluten-free, enhancing their appeal to health-conscious consumers. They are also air-fryer friendly, and can be ready in just ten minutes. The launch comes at a time when the potato category is witnessing significant growth, with wedges experiencing a 2% increase in value, translating to an additional £826,000 in sales over the past year. According to market data, wedges are now featured in 7 million more meals than they were a year ago, indicating a robust consumer interest in this format. Birds Eye's Crispy Chips range has already established itself as a contender in the market, currently valued at £11.8 million and ranking as the second largest frozen chip brand since its debut in July 2024. The introduction of Crispy Wedges is expected to capitalise on this momentum, further solidifying Birds Eye's position in the competitive frozen food sector. Starting from August 25, Crispy Wedges will be available at Iceland stores, followed by a rollout at Tesco on September 8, with a recommended retail price of £2.50. Wider distribution is planned for later in September, aiming to reach a broader audience across various retail channels. Birds Eye, owned by Nomad Foods, continues to emphasise its commitment to providing accessible, healthy and delicious frozen food options.

Keychain, a start-up in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, has secured $30 million in Series B funding, in a round led by Wellington Management, with participation from existing investor BoxGroup. This funding brings Keychain's total capital raised to $68 million, aimed at enhancing its AI-powered platform that connects brands, retailers and manufacturers. The funding will primarily support the development of KeychainOS, a software suite designed to optimise supply chain operations and improve product development processes. With its engineering hub based in Gurugram, India, Keychain is focusing on expanding its presence in North America. Keychain's Series B funding follows a Series A round completed in November 2024, where the company raised $15 million at a post-money valuation of $260 million. Prior to that, in November 2023, Keychain secured $18 million in its seed round, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. The total funding raised to date now stands at $68 million, indicating a robust interest from investors in Keychain’s potential to innovate within the CPG industry. The new capital will be directed toward several strategic priorities: Enhancement of KeychainOS: Further developing the platform to include modules for food safety compliance, purchasing, inventory management and production planning. Team expansion: Increasing the engineering and product teams in Gurugram to accelerate development efforts. Market growth: Strengthening Keychain's foothold in North America and exploring potential partnerships in Europe. AI integration: Using AI technologies to streamline data integration and improve supply chain efficiency. Since its establishment in 2023, Keychain has made significant strides, collaborating with eight of the top ten US retailers and several major CPG brands, including General Mills. In addition, customers like Rich Products and Aura Bora have praised the platform for streamlining supply chains. To date, the platform has facilitated over $1 billion in project submissions, reflecting its growing influence in the market. Keychain's AI-driven marketplace seeks to digitise a traditionally offline process, significantly reducing the time it takes for brands to connect with manufacturers. This approach has the potential to disrupt existing market dynamics, particularly for traditional intermediaries. As the CPG industry increasingly embraces digital transformation, Keychain is well-positioned to capitalise on trends favouring AI-driven solutions and the demand for private-label products. The company also plans to expand into European markets in the near future. Some of the product supply chains that Keychain currently works with include nuts, seeds, dried fruit, deli meats, gelato, spring and distilled water, protein bars and chocolate, to name just a few. CEO Oisin Hanrahan said: “It’s the talent, depth, availability and the speed with which you can access talent [in India] that makes it a compelling destination for product development. If we can take [the manufacturing partner search] from months down to days, we think we can unlock innovation in product development for this whole industry.” Kevin Spratt, regional president at Rich Products, added: “This partnership is a strategic move that will empower us to drive greater growth, foster enhanced innovation and deliver even more unique value for our customers”. With strong financial backing and a commitment to enhancing its platform, Keychain aims to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of CPG manufacturing.

Que Pasa, an organic snack brand under Nature's Path Foods, has launched its latest product line: Que Pasa Rolled Tortilla Chips. Available in two bold flavours – Chile & Lime and Spicy Queso – these chips are crafted to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier, flavourful snacking options. Manufactured in Canada, the new rolled chips are designed to offer a crunchy texture and vibrant taste without compromising on quality. The product features an all-organic ingredient list, free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. This commitment to real ingredients aligns with the increasing trend among consumers seeking transparency and authenticity in their food choices. Arjan Stephens, president of Nature's Path, said: “With Que Pasa Rolled Chips, we're bringing bold flavours to the table – flavours that live up to the talk. No artificial dyes, no flavour disappointments – all organic, real taste and serious crunch.” This positioning not only highlights the product's quality but also aims to resonate with health-conscious consumers looking for snacks that do not compromise on taste. The Chile & Lime flavour offers a zesty, tangy profile, while the Spicy Queso variant provides a rich, creamy taste with a kick. Both variants are crafted using volcanic stone-ground corn and seasoned with high-quality ingredients, reflecting culinary standards that elevate the snacking experience. Que Pasa Rolled Chips are produced in small batches, ensuring freshness and quality control. The use of heirloom corn and authentic spice blends distinguishes these chips in a crowded market, appealing to both retailers and consumers who prioritise premium, organic products. Currently, the chips are available at major retailers across Canada and select locations in the US, positioning Que Pasa to capture a share of the expanding organic snack market.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the global brewing giant behind brands such as Budweiser and Bud Light, has announced a $15 million investment in its US brewery operations in St Louis, Missouri. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance domestic production capabilities amid ongoing efforts by the US government to bolster local manufacturing. This latest investment is part of a larger $300 million commitment made by Anheuser-Busch earlier this year, aimed at creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs across the US. According to Reuters , the decision comes at a time when many companies are ramping up investments in the US to avoid tariffs and adhere to the 'Made in America' campaign that is being promoted by the current administration. Anheuser-Busch's investment will focus on improving supply chain infrastructure, specifically designed to facilitate the transportation of domestically sourced ingredients to its St Louis brewery. This enhancement aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in getting beer products to market. In recent months, Anheuser-Busch has faced challenges, including a decline in sales volumes attributed to sluggish demand in key markets such as Brazil and China. This downturn has raised concerns among investors regarding the overall growth prospects of the beverage industry. However, the company’s proactive investment strategy signals a commitment to revitalising its US operations and addressing market fluctuations. Industry analysts view this move as a response to changing consumer preferences and a competitive landscape that increasingly favours local production. By investing in its US facilities, Anheuser-Busch not only aims to enhance its operational capabilities but also to reinforce its brand loyalty among consumers who prioritise domestic products.

Good Foods, a brand known for its dips and spreads, has announced the upcoming launch of its Cheddar Jalapeño Bacon dip, set to hit select Costco locations this autumn. This new offering is timed to coincide with the football season in the US, catering to the growing demand for shareable, flavourful appetisers during game day gatherings. The packaging claims that the new product is “US inspected” and approved by the Department of Agriculture. Cheddar Jalapeño Bacon dip is crafted using real Wisconsin cheddar, ensuring a rich and creamy texture that is ideal for pairing with a variety of snacks, as well as uncured bacon. With an MSRP of $9.99 for a 24oz container, this product aims to attract consumers looking for premium, convenient options to enhance their tailgate experiences. The dip can be served hot or cold. The dip will be available in Costco locations across the US Midwest starting September 1, followed by launches in Canada West on September 17 and Canada East on October 17. This phased rollout reflects Good Foods' strategy to penetrate key markets during a peak consumption period, leveraging the popularity of football season to drive sales.

A new report, published by UK food system charity The Food Foundation, is calling on the food industry to address biodiversity loss – warning of higher economic costs in the long term if this crisis is ignored. The report brings together evidence showing that our food system and supply chain are highly vulnerable to the impacts of biodiversity loss, despite directly contributing to it. For example, one study shows that a 30% decline in UK pollinator populations over ten years would cost nearly £200 million a year in lost crop yields. Issues such as deforestation and industrial farming of livestock are driving water and air pollution and biodiversity loss, The Food Foundation emphasises. The report highlights that the agricultural sector is almost entirely dependent on natural capital for its continued viability, so will suffer if farming methods and consumption patterns are not adapted to preserve and restore the natural environment. It states that transitioning to more plant-rich diets in the UK could make a significant difference, reducing by 58% the number of species projected to become extinct over the next 100 years as a result of what we are eating. PwC research shows that over half of the world’s GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature – yet biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, with extinction rates 100 to 1,000 times above natural levels and rising. In the UK alone, nature loss is projected to reduce GDP growth by between 6-12% in the 2030s. This would be a decline greater than that caused by the 2008 financial crisis or the Covid-19 pandemic. The Food Foundation and the Investor Coalition for Food Policy – which comprise 35 member organisations – make several recommendations in the report, calling on businesses and investors to help safeguard nature through their corporate stewardship and financing activities. The organisations call for: Businesses and investors to support ‘nature-friendly’ actions such as shifting to portfolios centred around plant-rich diets, and investing in sustainable, regenerative farming practices. Companies to ensure board-level expertise in, and oversight of, sustainability and climate matters including nature and biodiversity loss. Currently, only 2% of businesses have board-level expertise on these issues, according to the World Benchmarking Alliance. Businesses to develop a clear idea of the steps they need to take to improve traceability and manage their nature-related risks and impacts, and how long those steps will take. Investors to reframe their understanding of nature ‘not as an externality but as an asset to be valued, accounted for and invested in’. Short-term investor returns should be considered against the importance of nature and biodiversity, the organisations stress. Sarah Buszard, responsible investor engagement lead, said: “Since all of us are dependent on food production and consumption for our very survival, by extension the viability and prosperity of the whole economy – and not just investors in food businesses – is dependent on efficient and sustainable management of natural capital”. “How we move our food system to one that is healthier and more sustainable is something business leaders, investors and policymakers alike should be thinking about and taking urgent action on.” Antony Yousefian, general partner at The First Thirty Ventures, warned of how biodiversity loss impacts ecosystems and contributes to declining health, commenting: “A teaspoon of healthy soil hosts more microorganisms than entire human population, yet intensive farming has depleted ecosystems and the quality of our food”. “Investors should actively engage with companies to support sustainable agriculture and diets, delivering nutrient-rich, pesticide-free foods for resilient, nature- and health-positive financial returns.”

Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, a player in food processing automation, has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Provisur Technologies, a leading provider of further processing solutions for the protein sector. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in Fortifi's mission to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions that encompass automation, robotics and advanced software capabilities. Massimo Bizzi, CEO of Fortifi, highlighted the transformative nature of this acquisition: “This is a pivotal moment for our organisation and our valued customers. We look forward to joining forces with Provisur as we strengthen our product breadth across the protein value chain.” The move is expected to enhance Fortifi's operational footprint and application expertise, ultimately improving customer experiences and outcomes in food processing. The integration of Provisur’s technologies aims to bolsters Fortifi's offerings in downstream protein processing. Provisur's expertise in grinding, forming, slicing and tumbling technologies complements Fortifi’s existing product line-up, which includes brands such as Bettcher, Frontmatec and MHM Automation. This synergy positions Fortifi as a more formidable player in the food processing sector, enabling the company to deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to the needs of food processors globally. Josh Weisenbeck, a partner at KKR and a board member at Fortifi, highlighted the broader implications of the acquisition: “This acquisition reflects Fortifi’s continued focus on building a diversified, global leader in food processing automation”. He noted that Provisur’s well-respected brands and deep application expertise would enhance Fortifi’s capabilities in further processing, thereby solidifying its market position. Furthermore, the acquisition will strengthen Fortifi's aftermarket services, expanding customer access to parts, service, and technical support across a diverse installed base. The established support network of Provisur, along with its strong customer relationships, is expected to enhance Fortifi's ability to deliver continuous performance improvements, minimise factory downtime, and extend the lifespan of equipment – key factors that underline the company’s commitment to long-term value and partnership. Brian Perkins, President of Provisur Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating: “Becoming part of Fortifi marks a meaningful new chapter for us, expanding the reach of our business and accelerating our shared vision for the future of food processing”. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Upon completion, Provisur employees will be integrated into Fortifi’s broad-based ownership program, allowing them to partake in the benefits of equity ownership.

San-Ei Gen F.F.I., a manufacturer of food additives, has announced the upcoming launch of two new food-colouring products in the US, following the recent approval of its Gardenia (genipin) blue by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This approval, effective August 29 2025, allows Gardenia blue to be used as a colour additive exempt from certification in a variety of processed food products. The new formulations, branded as San-Ei Blue (R) G-BF30 WSP and San-Ei Blue (R) G-BFA20 WSP, are designed for a wide range of applications including sports drinks, flavoured waters, fruit juice beverages, tea drinks, and both hard and soft candies. The introduction of these products is poised to enhance the colour offerings available to food and beverage manufacturers in the US market. According to San-Ei Gen F.F.I., the Gardenia blue formulations boast superior heat and light stability compared to other natural blue colourants, making them particularly suitable for processed foods that require long shelf lives. The vivid hue of Gardenia blue can also be blended with yellow to create green tones or with red for purple shades, offering manufacturers versatile options for product differentiation. This capability addresses a growing demand for stable, naturally derived colorants that can withstand the rigors of food processing and storage. Yasuhiro Shimizu, president of San-Ei Gen F.F.I., said: “Our mission is to provide all people with healthy life and enjoyment of food through safe and secure food additives”. He highlighted the company’s integration of advanced research and development across five key areas: flavour, colour, texture, taste and health/function. The approval of Gardenia blue represents a significant milestone for San-Ei Gen F.F.I. as it seeks to expand its footprint in the competitive US food market. The company plans to actively promote these new products and continue investing in product development to meet evolving consumer preferences for natural and visually appealing food options.