Jordan's Skinny Mixes , a zero-calorie and zero-sugar syrups and mixes brand, has launched a new naturally sweetened Pumpkin Spice syrup. The new flavour features a curated mix of natural ingredients to elevate any beverage to new heights. Jordan Engelhardt, founder of Skinny Mixes, stated: "Being an avid pumpkin-lover, creating a naturally sweetened syrup was something I always dreamed about. I am proud to say we have finally created this product and know it will be a huge hit within the pumpkin-obsessed community." With a blend of natural flavours, the syrup brings a "rich and authentic" taste of pumpkin to drinks and desserts. To use the syrup, simply mix 2 tbsp of the Natural Pumpkin Spice Syrup with 2 oz of espresso, 8 oz of milk and light whipped cream. Skinny Mixes' Naturally Sweetened Pumpkin Spice Syrup is now available for purchase at Target.com and www.SkinnyMixes.com.

Fazer Group has announced a substantial investment of approximately €400 million for the construction of a new chocolate factory in Lahti, Finland, underscoring the company's efforts to modernise its production capabilities. The factory is expected to become operational by 2028 and will integrate advanced technology aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing product innovation. The decision to build the new facility reflects Fazer's commitment to maintaining its position as a leading confectionery manufacturer in the Nordic region. The factory will incorporate automated production lines and new technologies designed to produce innovative chocolate products, leveraging Fazer's extensive expertise in the sector. Fazer's new factory will be located in the Pippo industrial area and is designed to operate with CO2 emissions-free energy consumption, thanks to electrification and comprehensive energy recycling systems. This initiative aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the food and beverage industry, as companies increasingly seek to minimise their carbon footprints. Christoph Vitzthum, president and CEO of Fazer Group, highlighted the significance of this investment not only for the company but also for the Finnish food industry as a whole. "This investment is the largest in Fazer's history and reinforces our belief in the competitiveness of Finnish food production in international markets," he commented. The construction phase is projected to create over 500,000 working hours, employing hundreds of professionals across various fields. This investment is expected to bolster both domestic and international growth for Fazer, which currently accounts for 15% of Finnish food exports. The financing for the factory will be structured through long-term debt, complemented by a newly established green finance framework. This framework will enable Fazer to issue green financial instruments, including loans, leasing agreements and bonds, further highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, the project has received support from Business Finland's clean transition industrial investment programme. Fazer began planning the new factory in early 2022, with various stages of development leading to the current investment decision. The company has a long history in Finland, employing over 4,000 people across multiple production facilities, including sites in Vantaa and Lappeenranta.

Sweet Freedom has unveiled its new limited-edition Pistachio Syrup, responding to a notable surge in consumer interest in pistachio-flavoured products. The introduction of this syrup aligns with the growing trend, which has seen a 15% increase in demand for pistachio flavours across the UK over the past two years. The launch follows a consumer engagement initiative earlier this year, where Sweet Freedom invited customers to submit and vote on their ideal syrup flavours. The pistachio flavour emerged as the top choice, reflecting its rising popularity in various culinary applications, from coffee beverages to desserts. Deborah Pyner, co-founder of Sweet Freedom, noted the significance of customer involvement in the product's development. “Pistachio is such a huge trend right now, and it was amazing to see how passionate our community was during the vote,” she said. The new syrup is crafted with 100% natural ingredients and is free from artificial sweeteners, refined sugars and preservatives, catering to health-conscious consumers. The pistachio syrup is designed to be versatile, suitable for a range of uses including drizzling over desserts, mixing into lattes or incorporating into baked goods. It is low in calories and high in fibre, appealing to consumers looking for indulgent yet guilt-free options. Sweet Freedom’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its product offerings, which are made from plant-based ingredients and produced in the UK. The limited-edition Pistachio Syrup is available for a recommended retail price of £3.40 and can be purchased as part of a bundle alongside other Sweet Freedom products. Wholesale options are also available.

Beneo has unveiled plans to install new equipment at its rice ingredients plant in Wijgmaal, Belgium, to reduce CO2 emissions. The functional ingredient manufacturer will install a large-scale industrial heat pump, supplied by Heaten, to recover energy from wastewater, in turn reducing Beneo’s CO2 emissions. The rice ingredients produced at the Wijgmaal site are used by global manufacturers in a variety of applications, from making desserts creamier to refining the viscosity of soups. Making speciality rice ingredients requires very high temperatures as the process uses both wet extraction and a drying process. Currently, the drying process uses energy derived from natural gas. Investing in a new heat pump that recovers energy from wastewater that would have been usually lost is set to improve Beneo’s sustainable energy management. The new heat pump can transform the energy from the wastewater, increasing it to a level that is high enough to contribute to the drying process of rice starch or rice protein. Roland Vanhoegaerden, operations managing director of specialty rice ingredients at Beneo, said: “Installing the heat pump represents an important sustainability milestone for us at Beneo as it will help us to reduce CO2 emissions which is key to mitigating our overall impact on the planet.” He continued: “We’ve spent several months installing heat exchangers and additional piping at our Wijgmaal factory...the heat pump is our next but not our final step. It is the continuation of an integrated approach across our value chain that BENEO will undertake for the years to come.” The heat pump is expected to be operational in June this year. You might also like to read: Beneo appoints Mike Eberle as board member Beneo launches barley beta-glucans ingredient Orafti β-Fit Beneo launches new ingredient to reduce sugar

Starco Brands , in partnership with American rapper Cardi B, has added a new limited-edition flavour under its alcoholic whipped cream brand, Whipshots . Pumpkin Spice Whipshots joins the brand's existing flavours: vanilla, mocha and caramel. The vodka-infused whipped cream has 10% ABV and does not require refrigeration. The new flavour was launched just as pumpkin products make a comeback across the market this autumn. Ross Sklar, CEO of Starco Brands, said: “We are striving for fans to experience new ways of consuming Whipshots each season, growing our footprint as an in-demand spirit and certifying the versatility of the product”. Pumpkin Spice Whipshots will be available online and at retailers across the nation, including Albertsons, Safeway, Total Wine, BevMo, Meijer, Spec’s, Vons and select Kroger and Walmart locations.

Diageo -owned vodka brand Cîroc has expanded its product range with Cîroc Limonata. Infused with tangy citrus and Italian lemon flavours, its taste profile is influenced by Capri's citrus groves and the Mediterranean climate. Cîroc Limonata features strong, lemon-tasting accents that balance sweetness with zest. James Valdes, brand director for Cîroc, said: “The world of Cîroc Limonata evokes the perfect Italian summer, encouraging new experiences and adventures – no matter what time of year or where you happen to be enjoying yourself". Cîroc Limonata is available to purchase from early February in major US retailers.

Cracker brand Goldfish and baked goods producer Dunkin' are collaborating to release limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Grahams-flavoured crackers. Goldfish Dunkin' Pumpkin Spice Grahams consist of notes of pumpkin, donut glaze and warm spices – including cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Janda Lukin, chief marketing officer, Campbell Snacks, said: "We continue to take Goldfish to the next level with new, delicious and unexpected partnerships. The new limited-edition Goldfish Dunkin' Pumpkin Spice Graham crackers bring together two fun and iconic brands to give pumpkin spice lovers a new way to experience the sweet side of their favourite snack." The limited-edition flavour will be available starting 1 September wherever Goldfish are sold across the US for an SRP of $3.39 per 6.6oz bag.

Dunkin’ has announced the launch of a new range of alcoholic iced coffees and iced teas, marking further expansion into the RTD alcoholic beverage market. Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffee has an ABV of 6% and draws inspiration from the brand’s established coffee flavours, while its Spiked Iced Tea range – Dunkin’s first venture into the hard tea category – has an ABV of 5%. The spiked iced coffees are available in original, caramel, mocha and vanilla varieties and can be purchased in mixed 12-can packs. Alternatively, the original flavour can be purchased in single or four-can packs. Dunkin’s spiked iced teas are available in four signature flavours, Slightly Sweet Iced Tea with black tea and citrus; Half & Half Iced Tea made with half black tea and half lemonade; Strawberry Dragonfruit Iced Tea Refresher comprising of green tea and an exotic fruit flavour; and Mango Pineapple Iced Tea Refresher consisting of green tea with a tropical flavour. The spiked iced teas can also be purchased in mixed 12-can packs. Alternatively, the Slightly Sweet flavour can be purchased in single or six-can packs. Brian Gilbert, VP of Retail Business Development at Dunkin’, said: “We knew we had the opportunity to create something special when we saw the positive response to our previous seasonal collaborations for Dunkin’-inspired beers. The growing appetite for adult beverages inspired us to put a twist on our customers’ favourite Dunkin’ Iced Coffee, Iced Tea and Refresher flavours. Dunkin’ Spiked is perfect for day or night enjoyment and comes in eight distinct flavours, available in grocery and package stores later this month.” Dunkin’ Spiced Iced Teas will roll out into certain US grocery stores towards the end of August, with the Spiked Iced Coffees launching in September.

Dunkin’ has teamed up with Danone to give consumers in the US a chance to try its salted caramel coffee at home with the new Salted Caramel Creamer. The new product was developed due to the immense popularity of salted caramel coffees, with over six million salted caramel cold brews being sold at restaurants this summer alone. “Dunkin’ knows the importance that flavour plays in a morning cup of coffee, and so does Danone,” said Kallie Goodwin vice president of marketing, coffee creamers for Danone North America. “We are thrilled to introduce Salted Caramel Creamer to the Dunkin’ portfolio, giving fans another restaurant-inspired creamer to enjoy. Salted caramel has been such a success in stores, so we wanted to bring that same excitement to the at-home coffee experience, as well.” Alongside fan-favourite extra creamy and extra sweet Dunkin’ Extra Extra Creamer, the Salted Caramel Creamer is the latest permanent addition to Dunkin’s at-home coffee creamers lineup. Offered in 32 oz bottles, the new creamer is available to purchase now at major stores across the US.

Conagra Brands -owned brand Duncan Hines has partnered with American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton to launch a new line of food items. The products, which are set to be on store shelves this month, will include an expanded line-up of Duncan Hines mixes, including chocolate cake mix, yellow cake mix, cinnamon crumb cake mix, blueberry muffin mix and banana nut muffin mix. Additionally, Dolly Parton's entry into the breakfast category, the buttermilk pancake mix, will be available on shelves this winter as the first single-branded product. Parton said: "We're looking to continue to inspire special moments in the kitchen with some of my family's favourite recipes, and I think people are really going to love them". Tom McGough, chief operating officer at Conagra Brands, added: "This unprecedented partnership with Dolly Parton gives us an incredible opportunity to further cement Conagra Brands in our established categories, while authentically positioning us for tremendous growth in new ones, including Southern cooking and comfort food". Lucy Brady, president of grocery & snacks at Conagra Brands, commented: "With our expertise in food, we'll help bring Dolly's vision and favourite recipes to so many tables across America, with delicious new offerings across a wide range of eating occasions".

Conagra Brands-owned brand Mrs. Butterworth's, has teamed up with Dunkin' to launch a new glazed doughnut-flavoured pancake syrup. The new syrup, developed with Dunkin's culinary experts, features the vanilla flavour notes typical of a glazed fried doughnut. The syrup is designed to be used on a variety of breakfast foods beyond waffles, such as yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal and biscuits. Lucy Brady, president of grocery and snacks for Conagra Brands, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Dunkin' and bring its iconic doughnut flavour to the syrup aisle. Our new syrup is the perfect breakfast essential to serve anytime you're at home and craving that delicious, glazed doughnut flavour." Brian Gilbert, vice president of Dunkin' retail business development, added: "We know that people love the taste and flavour of Dunkin' glazed doughnuts. We wanted to find a way for people to enjoy the flavour of our famous doughnuts at home on top of any breakfast food they like." This launch is the newest product that capitalises on Dunkin’s signature glazed doughnut flavour. In December the brand collaborated with Dymatize to launch a Dunkin’ Glazed Donut-flavoured whey protein powder . The syrup is available in various US retailers and through e-commerce channels.

Divert, a company focused on circular economy solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with United States Cold Storage (USCS) aimed at transforming unsold and non-donatable food and beverage products into renewable energy and soil amendments. This collaboration addresses the growing challenges of food waste in the supply chain while enhancing sustainability efforts within the cold storage sector. The initiative will commence at USCS facilities in California, where unsold food products will be transported to Divert’s Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Turlock. Using proprietary depackaging and anaerobic digestion technologies, Divert will convert this waste into carbon-negative renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil amendments, effectively preventing these materials from contributing to landfill emissions. Process overview Collection of unsold products USCS will identify and collect food and beverage items that cannot be sold or donated, including items past their sell-by dates or surplus inventory. Transportation to Divert’s facility The collected products will be transported to Divert’s facility in Turlock, equipped with specialised technology for efficient processing. Depackaging At the facility, depackaging separates edible food from packaging materials like plastics and metals using proprietary technology. Anaerobic digestion The edible components undergo anaerobic digestion, a biological process that produces biogas rich in methane, which can be converted into renewable energy. Production of soil amendments Remaining organic material is processed into nutrient-rich soil amendments for agricultural use, enhancing soil fertility. Energy generation The biogas generated can be used to produce electricity or heat, contributing to renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Compliance and reporting The programme supports compliance with California’s Senate Bill 1383, which mandates organic waste diversion from landfills. Divert provides data to help USCS track waste management efforts and sustainability impact. Andrew Johnston, vice president and general manager of industrials at Divert, highlighted the potential impact of this partnership. “Our collaboration with USCS demonstrates how the cold storage industry can turn a challenge into a value-generating solution – meeting compliance requirements, reducing emissions, and unlocking positive ESG and business outcomes,” he said. Sara Cook, sustainable development manager at USCS, added: “This collaboration represents a meaningful step in advancing our sustainability objectives by reducing environmental impact, strengthening compliance and driving greater efficiencies across our operations”. The partnership is particularly timely as California's Senate Bill 1383 mandates the diversion of organic waste from landfills and encourages the use of anaerobic digestion technologies. By aligning their operations with these regulations, USCS can enhance its resource management strategies while contributing to state-wide sustainability efforts. Divert’s model not only addresses food waste but also provides a pathway for food and beverage manufacturers and logistics providers to improve their sustainability profiles. The company’s approach integrates data-driven solutions to minimise waste and maximise resource recovery, benefiting both the environment and business operations.