Asda has unveiled a new range of limited-edition cheese products designed to cater to evolving consumer flavour preferences. With the rise of social media-driven trends, particularly the popularity of #CheeseTok, Asda aims to enhance its offerings for summer gatherings, barbecues and charcuterie boards. As consumer interest in unique and premium cheese experiences grows, Asda's latest launches include the British Cheddar with Sweet Roast Garlic and Yorkshire Wensleydale with Mango & Ginger. The introduction of these products reflects a broader trend toward innovative flavour combinations that appeal to adventurous palates. Market insights indicate that garlic-flavoured cheese is experiencing a surge in popularity, evidenced by a 2,000% increase in searches for Asda’s Garlic & Herb Cheese Blend following a viral social media post. Matthew Forde, Asda’s product development manager for cheese, commented: “We decided to bring this limited-edition product into our cheese range because we know that Asda customers go absolutely wild for garlic”. The new cheddar variant, priced at £2.50 for a 200g wedge, combines the richness of cheddar with the sweetness of roast garlic jam, aiming to entice consumers seeking bold flavours. Additionally, Yorkshire Wensleydale with Mango & Ginger, priced at £1.99 for a 200g wedge, introduces a refreshing twist to traditional cheese offerings. Forde noted that the combination of sweet mango and warming ginger complements the mild, crumbly texture of Wensleydale, providing a 'swavoury' experience that is expected to resonate with customers looking for summer-friendly cheese options. “Think a sweet, fruity addition to your cheeseboard,” he added, highlighting the product's potential as a lighter alternative to festive cheese blends. Earlier this summer, the retailer also launched a line of Cheese Burger Melts featuring trending flavour profiles such as Hot Honey and Scotch Bonnet Chili. These products are designed to enhance the grilling experience, making them ideal for summer barbecues. The burger melts, priced at £2.00 for a 100g pack, cater to diverse consumer tastes and are positioned as a convenient way to add flavour to grilled meats.

OCOchem, a leader in CO2 electrolysis technology, has entered into a new partnership with ADM. The collaboration aims to establish an innovative CO2 conversion facility at ADM's corn processing complex in Decatur, Illinois, utilising OCOchem’s proprietary Carbon FluX Electrolyzer technology. The new facility will convert biogenic CO2 emissions from ADM’s ethanol production into formate molecules, which are versatile compounds applicable in various consumer and industrial products. The partnership is poised to meet the growing demand for carbon-negative, biogenic formate products, aligning with the increasing focus on sustainability. Todd Brix, co-founder and CEO of OCOchem, highlighted the importance of this partnership: "Working with ADM allows us to scale our CO2 electrolysis process commercially and fulfill early customer demand for sustainable formate products at competitive prices". This collaboration not only underscores OCOchem's innovative approach but also positions ADM as a leader in industrial carbon management. Kris Lutt, president of sustainable materials and strategic initiatives at ADM, added: "This collaboration represents a high-potential pathway for converting captured CO2 into valuable, carbon-negative molecules. OCOchem's impressive technology aligns seamlessly with our strategy to lead in sustainable molecule production, supporting lower-carbon supply chains and unlocking new value across the bio-based economy." Key details of the partnership Facility development: OCOchem will construct and operate modular Carbon FluX electrolyzer systems within ADM's existing facility, transforming water and CO2 captured from the bioethanol plant into carbon-negative formate molecules. Construction is expected to commence later this year, with completion targeted for the end of 2026. Product range and applications: The companies plan to develop a comprehensive value chain for formate molecules and their derivatives, including formic acid, potassium formate and ethyl formate. These products will cater to diverse applications such as crop protection, fertilisers, industrial solvents, active pharmaceutical ingredients, as well as flavours and fragrances. Innovative technology: OCOchem’s Carbon FluX Electrolyzer uses advanced gas diffusion electrode technology to efficiently convert CO2 and water into organic molecules. By employing biogenic CO2 as a feedstock, the facility aims to produce carbon-negative products, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Sustainability impact: This partnership is a testament to the growing trend of integrating sustainability into industrial processes. By converting CO2 emissions into valuable products, OCOchem and ADM are contributing to the development of a circular economy and addressing the urgent need for carbon reduction in manufacturing. Since its inception, OCOchem has rapidly scaled its technology, achieving a 1,500x increase in the performance of its CO2 electrolyzer cell. Its commitment to innovation has garnered support from key organisations, including the US Army Research Office and the US Department of Energy. The successful implementation of this facility could pave the way for broader adoption of CO2 conversion technologies across various sectors, further enhancing the sustainability of supply chains. About OCOchem OCOchem is a pioneering CO2 electrolysis company dedicated to converting CO2 into organic molecules through innovative technologies. Based in Richland, Washington, OCOchem focuses on decarbonising global supply chains and promoting a sustainable industrial future.

A2 Milk Company Limited has acquired a nutritional manufacturing facility in New Zealand for NZ 282 million ($168 million), a move aimed at expanding its footprint in the lucrative Chinese market. This facility, previously owned by a unit of China Mengniu Dairy, already holds two existing product registrations for the Chinese market, positioning A2 Milk to enhance its operational capabilities and product offerings. The acquisition is part of A2 Milk's broader strategy to increase its market share in China, which remains its top revenue-generating region. The company views this facility as a critical asset that will enable it to capitalise on the growing demand for infant milk formula products in Asia. By securing local manufacturing capabilities, A2 Milk aims to streamline its supply chain and improve its responsiveness to market trends. In conjunction with this acquisition, A2 Milk plans to divest its 75% stake in Mataura Valley Milk for approximately NZ 100 million. This divestiture is expected to help fund the facility purchase and aligns with A2 Milk’s focus on core business areas. The acquisition reflects a strategic investment in A2 Milk’s future growth, particularly as the company seeks to navigate the competitive landscape of the infant nutrition sector. With the New Zealand facility now part of its operations, A2 Milk is well-positioned to leverage its existing product registrations and enhance its offerings in the rapidly expanding China label infant formula market.

Mars has introduced its latest product, Skittles Gummies Fuego, which combines traditional gummy candy with a spicy twist. This new offering features a blend of five Skittles flavours – Mango, Watermelon, Strawberry, Raspberry and Lemon – coated with a chilli layer to create a 'swicy' (sweet and spicy) experience for consumers. The gummies are now available for purchase on TikTok Shop while supplies last, with a US nationwide rollout planned for January 2026. A limited release at select retailers is also expected this fall. The introduction of Skittles Fuego Gummies reflects a growing trend in the industry towards bold flavour combinations. As consumer preferences shift toward more adventurous snacks, brands are increasingly exploring hybrid flavours that blend sweetness with spiciness. Ro Cheng, vice president of marketing for Mars Wrigley North America, said: "With Skittles Gummies Fuego, we're adding some spice to a sweet, original fan favourite, bringing a bold flavour experience that we know 'swicy' fans will enjoy".

The Macallan has unveiled two new single malt whiskies in its Harmony Collection, developed in partnership with UK-based tea company Jing Tea. The limited-edition releases – Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea – pay tribute to the craftsmanship and natural origins of tea, drawing flavour inspiration from Jing's single garden selections. The Phoenix Honey Orchid expression is influenced by a rare oolong grown in Guangdong, China, known for its dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes. The Cherrywood Lapsang release, available exclusively through global travel retail, is inspired by Jing's reimagined lapsang souchong, smoked over cherrywood in the UK. Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of Jing, commented: “At Jing, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission to change the perception of what tea can be. The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.” Jaume Ferras, creative director at The Macallan, added: “Our collaboration with Jing is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea – two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time. Working with Jing has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavour and storytelling, creating two whiskies that are both innovative and deeply connected to the land.”

80 Acres Farms and Soli Organic have announced a strategic merger aimed at establishing one of the largest and most advanced indoor farming networks globally. This union combines the complementary strengths of both companies, enhancing their technological capabilities, operational efficiencies and retail distribution networks to serve over 17,000 storefronts across the US. The newly formed entity, operating under the 80 Acres Farms name and headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio, is projected to generate nearly $200 million in its first year. This merger marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of vertical farming, with industry leaders noting the importance of execution, efficiency and results. Mike Zelkind, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and CEO of the merged company, said: "Vertical farming is entering the next phase of business maturity. This merger unites two top operators that have the scale, economics, and teams necessary to deliver the results that the industry has been waiting for." Zelkind highlighted the companies' shared commitment to producing fresher, better-tasting produce that is pesticide-free, climate-resilient and designed for optimal shelf life. Walter Robb, former co-CEO of Whole Foods Market and co-chairman of Soli Organic, added: "Retailers today seek differentiated products, supply chain reliability, and compelling narratives. Given recent trade volatility, indoor agriculture is becoming increasingly vital. This merger enhances product quality, expands the product portfolio, and boosts supply chain resilience." Key highlights of the merger National scale and reach: Leveraging Soli Organic's established commercial presence, the combined company will enhance its capacity to serve more than 17,000 retail locations nationwide, supported by a robust farm and logistics network designed for regional redundancy and just-in-time delivery. Growth potential: With seven vertical farms strategically distributed across the country, the new entity has the capacity to produce 15-20 million pounds of fresh produce annually, aligning with current customer demand while allowing for future retail expansion. Diverse product portfolio: The merger will offer a comprehensive range of fresh, ready-to-eat products, including salad blends, salad kits, herbs, tomatoes and microgreens, catering to the needs of retail, convenience and foodservice sectors. Advanced technology integration: The integration of 80 Acres Farms' GroLoop platform – a sophisticated system for precision farming – with Soli Organic's extensive agronomic expertise positions the company at the forefront of agricultural innovation. This technology enhances yield, flavour and consistency while minimising costs, bolstered by AI-driven insights for improved crop optimisation and supply chain responsiveness. Operational expertise: The merger combines seasoned teams in engineering, plant science, operations and food safety, strengthening the company's technical foundation. This operational depth is expected to accelerate innovation and enhance customer engagement through proven branding and marketing strategies. Sustainability and efficiency: With vertically integrated operations and real-time visibility, the combined company aims to reduce food waste, improve freshness and ensure reliable service across the nation. The commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of 100% renewable electricity and 95% less water per pound of produce. Tisha Livingston, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms, highlighted the adaptability of the GroLoop platform, commented: "By merging it with Soli's extensive reach and agronomic knowledge, we can operate more efficiently and deliver greater value throughout the supply chain". About 80 Acres Farms Founded in 2015, 80 Acres Farms is a leader in vertical farming, using the Infinite Acres GroLoop technology platform to produce pesticide-free and longer-lasting harvests while minimising food waste. About Soli Organic Established in 1989, Soli Organic is the leading indoor organic agriculture company in the US, dedicated to providing sustainably grown, USDA Certified Organic produce, including a wide range of culinary herbs.

Soreen, the UK-based healthy cake brand, has unveiled two limited-edition Mini Loaves variants: Cookies & Cream for Halloween and Salted Caramel for Christmas. These new products are designed to attract health-conscious consumers while driving incremental sales during key seasonal shopping periods. As the Halloween and Christmas seasons approach, Soreen is poised to leverage the growing trend of limited-edition products that excite shoppers and drive category penetration. The launch of Cookies & Cream Mini Loaves is particularly timely, with cake category penetration typically increasing from 55% to 60% during Halloween. Notably, 45% of total spending in the cake category is attributed to new shoppers, highlighting the potential for these seasonal offerings to broaden Soreen's customer base. Liz Jacobs, marketing director at Soreen, noted the appeal of the Cookies & Cream variant: "Our new Cookies & Cream Mini Loaves are a truly unique offering for Halloween. They perfectly blend the fun and indulgence of the season with the healthier snack profile shoppers are increasingly seeking." Each Mini Loaf is individually wrapped, contains under 100 calories and is a source of fibre, catering to the growing demand for healthier snack options. The playful packaging, featuring a zombie design and the brand name reimagined as ‘Scream,’ aims to capture consumer attention on retail shelves. Following the Halloween launch, Soreen will introduce Salted Caramel Mini Loaves in September, targeting the lucrative Christmas market. This variant is crafted to satisfy festive indulgence while remaining HFSS-compliant, allowing retailers to confidently promote it in high-visibility areas. Salted Caramel Mini Loaves align with current consumer trends, offering a permissible treat that meets health-conscious demands without sacrificing flavour. Christmas represents a significant opportunity for retailers, with cake category penetration soaring from 55% to 77% during the holiday season. Jacobs noted: "Salted caramel remains a hugely popular flavour, and our new Mini Loaves deliver that indulgent taste in a healthier format. This launch is an exciting addition to retailers’ seasonal offerings and embodies Soreen's commitment to championing feel-good nutrition." Both Mini Loaves will be available across major grocery retailers including Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Ocado.

Agrana has announced its strategic acquisition of Mercator-Emba, a Slovenian food manufacturer specialising in syrups and dessert toppings for the foodservice sector. This acquisition aims to enhance Agrana's market presence in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, aligning with the company's Next Level corporate strategy focused on profitable growth within its food and beverage solutions segment. EMBA, headquartered approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Ljubljana, employs around 100 staff and reported revenues of approximately €30 million in its 2024 financial year. The company’s expertise in product development and production is expected to complement Agrana’s existing operations and expand its distribution capabilities. Stephan Büttner, CEO of Agrana, said: “Acquiring Mercator-Emba gives Agrana access to additional distribution markets and new customer segments in the growing food service sector”. This move not only enhances Agrana’s product offerings but also strengthens its position in a competitive marketplace increasingly driven by consumer demand for innovative food solutions. The acquisition is currently pending approval from relevant competition and regulatory authorities, a standard procedure in such transactions. Once finalised, this deal will add to Agrana's portfolio, which includes 37 production sites worldwide, with 20 located in Europe. These facilities are dedicated to manufacturing tailored formulations for various industries, including dairy, foodservice, ice cream, bakery products and beverages. With approximately 9,000 employees and annual revenues of around €3.5 billion, Agrana is a global leader in fruit preparations and a significant manufacturer of apple and berry juice concentrates. Additionally, the company is a major sugar producer in Central and Eastern Europe and a key player in customised starch products and bioethanol.

Daily Dose, a British cold pressed juice company, has launched two innovative apple juice flavours now available in Waitrose stores across the UK. The new offerings, Apple & Alphonso Mango and Apple & Root Ginger, are designed to cater to the growing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality beverages. Packaged in 900ml bottles and priced at £3.75 (RRP), both juices are crafted from 100% fresh, cold pressed fruit, free from concentrates, preservatives and added sugars. The Apple & Alphonso Mango flavour is poised to deliver a smooth, tropical twist on the classic apple taste, while the Apple & Root Ginger promises a zesty, invigorating kick, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking unique flavour profiles. George Hughes-Davies, founder of Daily Dose, expressed enthusiasm for the new products' debut in Waitrose: “It’s incredible to see our two new apple flavours on the shelves at Waitrose, and we can’t wait for shoppers to discover and try them”. He noted the company’s commitment to sustainability by utilising 'wonky' produce – fruits that are perfectly good but often discarded due to cosmetic imperfections. This aligns with the increasing consumer preference for brands that prioritise sustainability and waste reduction. Daily Dose has established itself as a BCorp, manufacturing all its juices in Corby, UK, and sourcing ingredients primarily from British farms. The company is on track to achieve £20 million in revenue this year, a significant milestone since its inception, which began in a kitchen with a blender purchased on eBay. The cold pressed juice market in the UK is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising health awareness and the demand for natural beverages. Daily Dose's collaboration with Waitrose not only enhances the supermarket's chilled juice aisle but also reinforces the brand's position as a leader in the sustainable juice segment.

Fresh Del Monte Produce has announced a strategic joint venture with Colombia-based Managro Group, a leading exporter of avocados and limes. This partnership aims to enhance Fresh Del Monte's supply chain capabilities through the expansion of a packing house dedicated to these high-demand fruits in Colombia, thereby strengthening its presence in the burgeoning avocado and lime markets. The new facility is set to bolster Fresh Del Monte's ability to supply high-quality avocados and limes year-round to North American and European markets. With Colombia's optimal growing conditions and reliable sourcing capabilities, this investment aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to diversify its sourcing and solidify its footprint in the region. “This joint venture is a bold step in advancing our long-term ambition: to lead in the most dynamic, high-growth categories in fresh produce,” said Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales, marketing and product management for North America at Fresh Del Monte. Dumas also highlighted that the collaboration with Managro will enhance the company's vertical integration while reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier of premium fresh produce. The global demand for avocados and limes is on the rise, driven by consumer preferences for nutrient-rich foods. According to a report by Fact.MR, the global lime market is projected to grow from $48 billion in 2024 to $62 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. Similarly, the avocado market is expected to expand from approximately $19 billion in 2024 to about $34 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust CAGR of 5.9%. This joint venture leverages Colombia’s agricultural advantages, Managro's extensive industry knowledge and Fresh Del Monte’s global distribution to meet increasing demand for these products.

ProAmpac, a manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions, has announced the commercial launch of its ProActive Recycle-Ready polyolefin-based platform, specifically designed for high-speed chunk cheese applications. This new packaging solution represents a significant leap forward in recyclable dairy packaging, offering enhanced performance while ensuring product freshness and shelf life. The newly developed Recycle-Ready films are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of chunk cheese production. They provide excellent clarity, allowing products to maintain an appealing presentation on retail shelves. Additionally, these films boast robust puncture resistance and can endure high temperatures encountered during the filling process. The advanced sealing technology employed in these films allows for a very low seal initiation temperature, significantly reducing the risk of leaks on high-speed filling lines. Ebrahim Jalali Dil, global senior innovation manager at ProAmpac, said: “These specialised films deliver outstanding abrasion resistance and have successfully passed rigorous transportation testing, ensuring dependable product protection from production through distribution”. The versatility of the platform is further enhanced by a range of barrier options tailored to various cheese formats and moisture levels, enabling dairy brands to maintain both freshness and shelf appeal. Designed for compatibility with polyethylene (PE) recycling streams, the ProActive Recycle-Ready platform can also incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, providing an environmentally responsible solution for cheese brands committed to sustainability.

Scottish craft beer brand BrewDog is experiencing a substantial decline in its market presence, with nearly 2,000 pubs across the UK severing ties with the brand. First reported by the The Sunday Telegraph , this shift, which has seen BrewDog's distribution drop by over a third, highlights the challenges the company has faced amid a changing consumer landscape and ongoing controversies regarding its workplace culture. A national petition launched by the union in January 2024, urging BrewDog to reverse its decision to withdraw the Real Living Wage for its bar employees. Sustainability may also be a contributing factor. Last year, BrewDog also announced that it would relinquish its carbon-negative status and withdraw from the carbon credits market . At the time, national media outlets criticised the company for relinquishing its carbon-negative status, arguing that the company is failing to uphold its ethical commitments, with industry insiders labelling the move as indicative of a lack of moral responsibility. According to industry sources, approximately 1,860 pubs have removed BrewDog products from their menus over the past two years, resulting in a staggering 52.3% decrease in the availability of its flagship beer, Punk IPA. The decline is particularly pronounced in urban areas such as Shepherd’s Bush, Camden and Shoreditch, as well as cities like Oxford, Brighton and Leeds, where consumers increasingly favour rival draught beers from brands like Beavertown and Camden Town. A source told The Sunday Telegraph that BrewDog was “losing taps like you wouldn’t believe”. The loss of distribution comes at a critical time for BrewDog, which has been grappling with significant financial challenges. The company reported losses of £59 million in 2023 and £30.5 million in 2022, with chief executive James Taylor indicating that the company is likely to remain in the red this year. The closure of ten BrewDog bars across the UK, including its flagship location in Aberdeen, underscores the brand's struggle to maintain commercial viability. BrewDog's reliance on major pub chains, particularly JD Wetherspoon, has become a focal point of concern. With 794 pubs operating under the Wetherspoon brand, any disruption in this partnership could severely impact BrewDog's revenue streams. According to industry analysts, the Wetherspoon deal would effectively eliminate Punk IPA from the pub trade. Founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, BrewDog rose to prominence during a craft beer boom, known for its bold marketing tactics and innovative brews. However, recent years have seen the brand embroiled in controversy, including allegations of a 'toxic' workplace culture and inappropriate behaviour by former executives. Watt resigned as CEO in 2024 , passing control to Taylor , who has since undertaken a rebranding effort to restore the company's reputation. The decline in distribution serves as a stark reminder of the competitive pressures within the alcoholic drinks industry and the importance of maintaining a positive brand image amid operational challenges.