British frozen treat brand Doughlicious has raised $5 million, aiming to accelerate its expansion across the US and other international markets. The funding round was led by Rich Products Ventures (RPV), the corporate venture capital fund of global food company Rich Products, and private investor collective The Angel Group. It also saw participation from existing investors. Doughlicious described the fundraise as a ‘pivotal moment,’ enabling it to benefit from RPV’s experience in helping food start-ups scale and gain a competitive edge. It brings deep category expertise and global distribution support, while The Angel Group brings strategic counsel, access to influential networks and a ‘shared commitment to long-term growth’. London-based Doughlicious already has distribution across major US retailers, including Target, Whole Foods, Wegmans and GoPuff. The brand is well-known for its line of frozen gelato bites wrapped in cookie dough and dusted in cookie crumb, which are gluten-free, made with natural ingredients and available in both full-size and mini formats. Dinsh Guzdar, managing partner of Rich Products Ventures, said: “Doughlicious is a great example of a brand that is delivering on what today's consumers want – smaller portions and cleanlabel offerings that don't sacrifice on taste. We're excited to help Doughlicious expand its footprint throughout the US and shake up the freezer section with a new concept in permissible indulgence.” Kathryn Bricken, founder and CEO of Doughlicious, described the partnership with Rich’s and The Angel Group as a “vote of confidence in the future of Doughlicious and our mission to redefine indulgence”. She added: “With their support, we're poised to grow faster, innovate smarter, and bring our crave-worthy creations to more consumers around the world”.

US-based cold-pressed juice and wellness beverage company, Arden’s Garden, has launched its latest functional beverage, Focus+, marking its entry into the functional mushrooms market. Made with a combination of mushrooms, herbs and fruits that are known to support mental wellness and clarity, each 8oz bottle of Focus+ has 140 calories, 80mg of caffeine and 5g of dietary fibre with the flavours of apple, pineapple and peach. The recipe includes a mixture of functional ingredients, including mushrooms lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, as well as ashwagandha, bacopa and green tea. As with other Arden’s Garden products, Focus+ is vegan, gluten-free and certified kosher. Leslie Zinn, CEO of Arden's Garden, said: "The science is catching up to what many have known for years: functional mushrooms, ashwagandha and other adaptogens offer real, measurable health benefits. Our goal was to take these nutrient-dense ingredients and deliver them in a way that's not only effective but also truly enjoyable to drink.” Arden’s Garden was established in 1995 in Atlanta, US, with a mission to provide health and wellness through flavourful cold-pressed juices. Zinn continued: “We started formulating this beverage by drawing on decades of experience in cold-pressed juices and real feedback from our juice bar customers. Focus+ was built from the ground up with purpose, layering functional plants and mushrooms with vibrant fruits to create something that supports the body and delights the palate." Focus+ will begin appearing in Publix stores across the US, with further retail listings to follow later in the year. Focus+ retails at $4.99 per 8oz bottle.

Kellogg’s is expanding its snacking portfolio with the introduction of six new products, now available at UK supermarkets. The new additions include expansions to the company’s Pop Tarts and Rice Krispies Squares ranges, as well as two brand-new product lines: Kellogg’s High Protein Bars and Oaties Bars. Pop Tarts, which has reported 1.3 million buyers and sales growth of over 25% in the UK over the past four years, is adding a new Frosted Choco Orange flavour to its line-up. The new variant features a chocolate flavoured pop tart with a ‘tangy burst of citrus flavour,’ complete with icing and orange sprinkles. It is available in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco stores now at £3.00 per box of eight. Meanwhile, the Rice Krispies Squares launch introduces a new Honeycomb & Chocolate flavour. It incorporates Rice Krispies infused with honeycomb and topped with a chocolate-flavoured drizzle, designed for on-the-go snacking. It is available in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons now before rolling out to other major retailers, at an RRP of £2.25 for a pack of four. New to shelves are the Kellogg’s High Protein Bars, with protein shown to be the cereal bar category’s biggest and fastest growing segment. Kellogg’s new bars contain 8g of protein, combining salty almonds, nuts and chocolate to create a multi-textured, crunchy and smooth snack. Available in Almond and Dark Chocolate, and Almond and Salted Caramel, the new bars are available in packs of four (RRP £2.50) in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons before rolling out to other retailers. Finally, following the successful launch of Kellogg’s first oat-based cereal Oaties in early 2025, the company has now launched Oaties cereal bars. They contain 55% wholegrain oats and offer a source of fibre, available in both Chocolate & Oat and Honey & Oat flavours. They are available in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons before a wider roll-out, priced at £2.25 per four-pack. Holly Wright, senior activation brand manager at Kellogg’s, said: “We are continuously reviewing our snacks portfolio, to ensure we’re meeting the evolving tastes of our customers and driving innovation in the category”. “We’re delighted to be expanding our range with six new products. Whether shoppers are looking for a mid-morning pick me up, a snack to tide them over till their next meal or an afternoon treat, there really is something for everyone to try.”

PepsiCo is facing a class action lawsuit over allegedly offering preferential pricing to some retailers, a violation of US anti-trust laws. Filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York last week by plaintiff Michael Giannasca, the complaint accuses PepsiCo of breaching the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA), a 1936 law designed to prevent large buyers from securing discriminatory discounts that could harm competition. Giannasca, who operates an Italian restaurant in Massachusetts, claims PepsiCo provided promotional allowances to the chain store Walmart that were not extended to other retailers. While Walmart is referenced extensively in the filing, it is not named as a defendant. The complaint alleges violations of sections 2A and 2D of the RPA, which prohibit price discrimination that may lessen competition or create a monopoly. Mr Giannasca is seeking compensatory damages, injunctive relief, interest and legal costs. The RPA was brought into law during the Great Depression. It prohibits sellers from charging different prices to different buyers of goods that are of ‘like grade and quality’ where the effect of said pricing ‘may substantially lessen competition.’ Section 2A addresses direct price discrimination, while Section 2E prohibits the provision of promotional allowances to one buyer without offering equal terms to others. This is the second time the beverage giant has been named in a suit regarding discriminatory pricing practices. The US Federal Trade Commission sued the company in a similar lawsuit in January 2025 , also citing favouring of Walmart over other retailers, but this was dropped in May.

MyProtein owner THG Group has agreed to sell its Claremont Ingredients business to international flavour specialist Nactarome for £103 million. Claremont is a UK-based independent flavour manufacturing and development laboratory for sports nutrition, alongside specialisms in bakery and beverages. It has been part of the THG Nutrition business since the group acquired it in 2020, with an aim of accelerating MyProtein’s ambitions in launching a global licensing range in addition to NPD. THG said the acquisition of Claremont delivered ‘significant return through cash generation plus disposal proceeds,’ as well as step-changing MyProtein’s flavour capabilities. It said that the relationship will be protected through a long-term supply contract and the broader, international capabilities of Nactarome. Matthew Moulding, CEO of THG, commented: “Claremont has been a huge success, building Myprotein's global licensing franchise from a standing start to partnering with category leading brands in just a few years”. “After receiving a highly competitive offer, the timing was right to realise that value. The level of interest we received is a testament to the quality of the business. This disposal highlights the significant value embedded across THG's portfolio. My sincere thanks go to the entire Claremont team for their fantastic contribution and hard work.” Nactarome, majority owned by TA Associates, creates natural flavour, taste and colour solutions for the food and beverage industry. It is a European business with over 600 employees in nine countries, including Italy, the UK, France and Belgium. Its acquisition of Claremont marks the company’s entry into the sports nutrition market. In a statement, Nactarome said Claremont’s production, analytical and innovation capabilities complement Nactarome’s flavour and ingredient heritage, with shared values of innovation, customer focus and collaboration. Luigi Del Monaco, CEO of Nactarome Group, said: “The acquisition of Claremont marks a significant add-on to our existing and important business footprint in the UK”. “At Nactarome, we are committed to continuing our close and strong collaboration with THG to drive innovation and agility, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of market trends.”

Sports nutrition brand VMI Sports has launched Pez Flavoured Creatine Monohydrate and Aminogex EAAs/BCAAs + Hydration products, marking a significant expansion of its product offerings. These new products, which aim to combine nostalgia with performance, are now available to consumers across the US. This product rollout is part of VMI Sports’ multi-year licensing agreement with the Pez Candy brand, a partnership that aims to blend the beloved flavours of Pez with high-performance sports nutrition. The collaboration began in March 2025 with the introduction of Kxr Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout, the first product to feature Pez flavours. The success of this initial launch has paved the way for the introduction of additional products, including the new Creatine Monohydrate and Aminogex lines, with more Pez-flavoured offerings expected this summer. VMI Sports’ Creatine Monohydrate is available in two flavours: Pez Sour Green Apple and Pez Cherry. Known for its efficacy in enhancing strength, power, and muscle growth by increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, creatine is a staple in the sports nutrition market. This product not only supports performance during high-intensity workouts but also aids in recovery and may enhance cognitive function under stress. The Aminogex EAAs/BCAAs + Hydration product, offered in Pez Orange and Pez Sour Green Apple, delivers a robust formulation of 10 grams of essential amino acids (EAAs) and 7g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with 1.25g of Betaine, which is clinically proven to boost strength and muscle growth. This product also incorporates pharmaceutical-grade electrolytes, providing additional hydration for post-workout recovery. Tom Reilly, president of VMI Sports, said: “Being a staple in sports nutrition, we knew we needed a partner that aligned with our brand and customers. After a year of reviewing options, Pez emerged as the perfect fit. This global iconic and nostalgic brand shares our Northeast roots, and the response from consumers and retailers has been extraordinary.” Christian Jegen, CEO/President of Pez Candy, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort in developing a line of great-tasting sports nutrition products. “We’re excited to build out this line with VMI,” he said. The products are set to launch at HEB Supermarkets in the Southwest US and will be available at other chain retailers nationwide starting this July. VMI Sports plans to expand distribution to grocery stores, health clubs, speciality retailers and online platforms such as Amazon.

Normec, a European provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) services, has announced its entry into the US market through the acquisition of three specialised companies. Among the newly acquired companies is MS Bio, a nutrition supplement-focused testing laboratory based in Champaign, Illinois. Established in 2018, MS Bio serves manufacturers in the dietary supplement, functional food and cosmetics industries, using microbiological testing and other methods to ensure product safety and compliance. This acquisition allows Normec to deepen its expertise in nutritional testing, a critical area as consumer demand for health-oriented food products continues to rise. Additionally, Normec’s entry into the US market includes the acquisition of MJ Reider, a full-service water testing laboratory that has been operational since 1952 near Philadelphia. MJ Reider offers comprehensive analyses relevant to the food industry, including microbiological testing and assessments for organic compounds, which are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food and beverage products. The US TICC market is recognised as the largest globally and remains highly fragmented, presenting Normec with substantial opportunities for further consolidation within the food sector. As consumer preferences increasingly shift towards transparency and safety in food production and beyond, Normec's enhanced capabilities position it well to meet these demands. Joep Bruins, CEO of Normec, said: “The addition of MS Bio and MJ Reider not only strengthens our foodcare portfolio but also provides us with a robust platform to support manufacturers in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of food safety. Our goal is to deliver best-in-class compliance services that ensure product integrity and consumer trust.” In addition to its focus on foodcare, Normec has also acquired NorthEast BioLab, a CLIA-certified bioanalytical laboratory located in Hamden, Connecticut. This lab supports the biopharmaceutical sector across all stages of drug development, further diversifying Normec’s offerings and reinforcing its commitment to quality and safety across multiple regulated industries.

The Jack Daniel Distillery has launched Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, the newest addition to its line-up of flavoured whiskeys. The product combines the bold, familiar flavour of Jack Daniel’s with ‘sweet and tangy’ blackberry notes. Offered at 35% ABV, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry is made with the distillery’s Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey, distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee, US from the classic mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye. The whiskey is mellowed through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal and matured in new, charred American oak barrels. It is then infused with a fresh blackberry flavour before bottling. Chris Fletcher, master distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery, said: “The smooth, well-rounded finish of our Tennessee Whiskey makes it one of the most versatile expressions to pair with unexpected flavour”. “By adding the ripe notes of blackberries, we’ve created an approachable spirit that’s full of character, easy to enjoy with friends and perfect for any season.” The new expression joins Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire and Tennessee Apple within the brand’s flavours line-up. It can be served neat, over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry hits US shelves this month in 750ml bottles, for a suggested retail price of $21.99.

UK meat alternatives brand Quorn has removed artificial ingredients from its best-selling frozen products, aiming to shift consumer perceptions of the category. The brand’s two top sellers among its vegetarian frozen ingredients range – Quorn Mince, and Quorn Pieces – will now be made to a simpler recipe, containing just four and three ingredients respectively. Quorn Pieces will now only contain mycoprotein, rehydrated free-range egg white and natural flavouring, while Quorn Mince contains mycoprotein, rehydrated free-range egg white, pea fibre and gluten-free barley malt extract. This move follows increasing consumer awareness of ultra-processed foods and artificial additives, with the meat alternatives category in particular coming under considerable scrutiny. Brands in the space are under pressure to reformulate and bring new products to market with enhanced nutritional profiles and made with recognisable ingredients perceived as more natural. A new look for the brand’s packaging spotlights two claims front-of-pack across the range: ‘high in protein,’ and ‘no artificial ingredients’. Other claims included on the back of the pack include ‘high in fibre,’ ‘low in saturated fat’ and ‘cooks in ten minutes’. According to Quorn, the new look packs have tested strongly, delivering uplift in shopper perceptions around taste and health credentials, and purchase intent with both current and non-buyers. This signals a significant growth opportunity. Lucy Grogut, head of brands at Quorn Foods UK, said: “Consumers love Quorn, we’re the top meat free brand in frozen with the highest penetration. But the category is evolving. 53% of UK consumers say healthy nutrition has become more important to them in the last five years, and some shoppers are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their favourite foods.” Grogut said the revamp aims to “cut through the confusing noise and lead a new, positive narrative for the category. She added: “We have always said that the nutritional benefit of a food remains the most important factor in whether a product is healthy or not, and we have extensive evidence on all our products to support their place in our range”. Quorn Swedish Style Balls will also join the ‘no artificial ingredients’ range this year, alongside Quorn Strips, which have always contained no artificial ingredients. Both products will showcase the claim as part of the switch to new packaging. Futher products will follow in 2026, the company confirmed. Grogut said 2025 is proving to be “transformative” for Quorn, which recently received a £18 million funding injection from parent company Monde Nissin Corporation. Quorn’s CEO, David Flochel, described the year as a ‘reset’ for the company, which is aiming to strengthen its operations and bounce back from a challenging period of declining sales.

Tapping into the growing trend of unconventional dairy products, Frida has officially launched its Breast Milk Ice Cream, a limited-edition flavour developed in collaboration with OddFellows Ice Cream Co. The product, which has already generated significant buzz on social media, is designed to evoke the taste and nutritional profile of breast milk, catering to a curious consumer base eager to explore innovative food experiences. The launch comes at a time when interest in unique dairy alternatives is surging. A recent survey indicates that 70% of women and 29% of men have expressed a willingness to try breast milk, reflecting a broader trend towards adventurous eating and an openness to novel flavours. Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Ashley Graham have publicly shared their experiences with breast milk, further fuelling curiosity and acceptance among consumers. Frida's Breast Milk Ice Cream features a flavour profile described as “freshly expressed and oddly familiar,” combining sweet and salty notes with hints of honey. The ice cream is also infused with nutrients typically found in breast milk, such as colostrum, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for functional food options. The limited-time offering will be available at a pop-up event at OddFellows’ Dumbo location in Brooklyn until August 10, coinciding with National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

UK rice brand Tilda is set to enhance its product line-up with the introduction of two new dry rice offerings: Tilda Sticky Rice and Tilda Pudding Rice, both in 500g packs. Slated for release at the end of August, the products aim to tap into two significant consumer trends: the increasing popularity of global cuisines and a resurgence of nostalgic comfort foods. As the key player in the dry rice category, Tilda aims to further solidify its market position with these new SKUs, which are designed to cater to currently underserved segments in the rice aisle. The addition of Tilda Sticky Rice and Tilda Pudding Rice presents a compelling incremental sales opportunity for retailers, leveraging the current consumer appetite for diverse culinary experiences. The launch of Tilda Sticky Rice comes at a time when home-cooked Asian cuisine is experiencing a surge in popularity, making sticky rice the fastest-growing variant in the retail sector. This product builds on the success of Tilda’s Ready-to-Heat Sticky Rice pouch, offering consumers an easy way to prepare soft, sticky rice at home, ideal for dishes like sushi and rice bowls. Tilda Pudding Rice taps into the revival of classic desserts, appealing to consumers' nostalgia for traditional comfort foods. Its creamy texture is perfect for making rice pudding, a dessert that has seen renewed interest among younger shoppers looking to recreate and innovate on retro recipes. “Consumers are seeking more variety and are eager to explore bold Asian flavours while rediscovering childhood favourites,” said Anna Beheshti, head of marketing at Tilda. “With these new offerings, we’re not only providing fresh mealtime inspiration but also helping retailers grow their categories through insight-led innovation.” Tilda Sticky Rice and Tilda Pudding Rice will be available for a recommended retail price of £3.00 at Sainsbury’s starting August 24, with plans for a broader rollout to follow. With over 50 years of experience in the rice category, Tilda maintains a strong reputation for quality, with more than one in four UK households purchasing its products annually. The brand has also achieved B Corp Certification, underscoring its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Tilda’s extensive product range includes various rice types and meal solutions, catering to diverse consumer preferences while actively addressing sustainability challenges. The company’s Impact Report 2023 outlines its commitments in sourcing, manufacturing and packaging, reflecting its dedication to responsible rice production.

Proposed restructuring plans across four UK manufacturing plants for PepsiCo’s Walkers crisps could be set to impact over 500 jobs. The changes reportedly being consulted on could take place at the crisp maker’s largest factories located in Leicester, Coventry, Lincoln and Skelmersdale, aiming to enhance technical capabilities and streamline operations. PepsiCo has made significant investments into the sites in the past few years, injecting £13 million into a new manufacturing line at the Coventry site last year, £58 million into the Leicester site in 2023, and £21 million into the Lincoln site in 2021. The company affirmed its “commitment to the Midlands region” last year, where it said it employed more than 2,100 people at the time. While PepsiCo has not yet confirmed the number of jobs set to be affected, local news outlet LeicestershireLive reported that around 560 jobs are at risk nationally, around 250 of which could be at the Leciester site. The Walkers company houses a number of popular UK crisp brands, including Walkers, Monster Munch and Quavers. According to BBC News , UK workers union Unite confirmed it had members across all four sites. Unite national officer Paul Travers told the BBC : “We will now be entering consultations and fighting for every job”. “Unite will ensure our members' best interests are the priority, including negotiating against compulsory redundancies and for the best possible severance packages for those wishing to take voluntary redundancy.” A spokesperson for PepsiCo said: “We recently told our teams that we will be consulting on proposed changes to our operational structure, affecting a proportion of employees at our snacks manufacturing sites in the UK.” “No decisions will be made without first consulting affected employees and their representatives. Our priority is providing support for our people throughout this process.” Top image: © PepsiCo