New established holiding company, Nexture, has officially launched today, marking a significant development in the food ingredients sector. The company is the result of a partnership between CSM Ingredients Group and Italcanditi Group, both of which are indirectly owned by Investindustrial. Alongside its debut, Nexture announced the pricing of €425 million in Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2032. Nexture aims to position itself as a leader in the innovation and production of high-quality, value-added food ingredients. With combined sales exceeding €800 million, the new entity consolidates the industrial and technological expertise of its founding companies, creating an integrated platform designed to enhance operational efficiency and market responsiveness. The formation of Nexture reflects a strategic vision initiated in 2022 to build a cohesive ecosystem of complementary companies within the food ingredients industry. The holding company will operate from its headquarters in Milan, which is seen as both a strategic and symbolic move to align with Italy’s entrepreneurial ambitions. Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Nexture, said: “Thanks to a single centralised engine for innovation, investment and development, we aim to harness both the complementarity and the diversity of the companies that comprise Nexture”. He noted the importance of a global growth strategy, highlighting plans to expand operations in key markets including the US, China and the MENA region. Nexture's platform includes notable brands such as CSM Ingredients, specialising in bakery and fine pastry ingredients; HiFood, focused on clean label ingredients; and Vitalfood by Italcanditi, known for fruit-based preparations . Additionally, Comprital and Prodotti Rubicone are recognised for their artisanal gelato products, which feature innovative formulations catering to evolving consumer trends. The successful pricing of the €425 million bond offering, which was conducted in conjunction with the company’s formation, will fund various strategic initiatives. The notes will be issued at a price of 99.000%, bearing interest at a rate equal to three-month EURIBOR plus 4.00% per annum, with settlement expected on July 24 2025. The proceeds from the bond offering will be utilised primarily to repay existing debts of the CSM Ingredients Group and Italcanditi Group, as well as for general corporate purposes and transaction-related expenses. This financial maneuver is designed to streamline operations and position Nexture for future growth. Investindustrial, the investment firm behind Nexture, aims to leverage its international experience to facilitate the global expansion of the company while maintaining a strong Italian identity. Andrea C Bonomi, Chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board of Investindustrial, noted the significance of relocating the headquarters to Italy: “Nexture is a prime example of our commitment to revitalising Italy’s entrepreneurial landscape while supporting companies in their globalisation efforts”. Nexture’s establishment and bond issuance underscore the growing demand for innovative food ingredient solutions in a competitive market. By combining technological advancements with industrial heritage, Nexture seeks to become a benchmark for quality and sustainability in the food industry, catering to diverse customer needs across more than 120 countries.

The UK government has launched a new food strategy aimed at transforming the nation's food system, addressing critical issues such as rising obesity rates, food insecurity and environmental sustainability. The strategy, dubbed the 'Good Food Cycle,' outlines ten priority outcomes designed to foster a healthier, more resilient and economically viable food sector. Minister of State for Food Security, Daniel Zeichner, highlighted the importance of food security as a matter of national security, stating: "We need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food". He continued: "The Good Food Cycle represents a major milestone. We are actively defining the outcomes we want from our food system to deliver a whole system change that will help the amazing businesses that feed our nation to grow and thrive, which means more jobs and stronger local economies, while making it easier for families to eat and feel better." Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency, also welcomed the strategy. "We support the outcomes it describes and continue to work closely with other departments in the delivery of the strategy, playing our part to make it easier for consumers to access food that is healthier and more sustainable," she enthused. The strategy aims to make nutritious options more accessible and affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, an increasingly pressing issue as food prices have surged in recent years. The plan identifies obesity-related health issues as a significant burden on the NHS, costing the system over £11 billion annually. With nearly two-thirds of adults in England classified as overweight or living with obesity, the government recognises the necessity of creating an environment that prioritises healthier food choices. The Good Food Cycle framework highlights several key outcomes, including: Improved food environment: Enhancing the availability of healthier and environmentally sustainable food options. Access to healthy food: Ensuring all citizens have access to safe, affordable, and appealing food choices. Sustainable growth: Creating conditions for the food sector to thrive through innovation and fair supply chains. The food and drink sector is the UK's largest manufacturing industry, generating £153 billion in gross value added and employing 4.2 million people. The strategy aims to plug a £14 billion productivity gap in food and drink manufacturing through increased digitalisation and innovation, particularly in agri-tech and alternative proteins. Sarah Bradbury, CEO at IGD, noted the collaborative approach taken in developing the strategy, stating: "Their insights have directly shaped the Good Food Cycle’s ambition to build a food system that works for everyone. A powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration." The strategy has garnered support from various industry leaders. Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, remarked: "Retailers welcome the ambition and direction of the framework. They know customers want more British food, sustainably produced and with clear healthy choices." Dalton Philips, CEO of Greencore, described the strategy as "a bold and timely step toward a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system," highlighting the importance of collaboration among industry, government and communities. Organisations such as the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe have welcomed the strategy, advocating for targeted investments in alternative proteins to drive economic growth and enhance food security. The strategy acknowledges the potential of plant-based foods and precision fermentation technologies in creating a more sustainable food system. Linus Pardoe, senior UK policy manager at GFI Europe, commented: “Increasing the take-up of options like plant-based meat, which can provide people with a simple switch to reduce our current overconsumption of processed meat, is an excellent way of making the sustainable and healthy choice the default option for consumers". “The food strategy represents a unique opportunity to capitalise on the expertise that has been developed in the UK over the last decade, and develop ambitious plans to unlock alternative proteins' potential to deliver food security, drive green growth and create new opportunities for food producers.” The development of the food strategy involved extensive consultation with over 400 stakeholders from various sectors, including farmers, businesses, and civil society. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the voices of those directly impacted by food policy are heard, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to the strategy's goals. The strategy also aims to address public concerns regarding food accessibility and clarity. "The Food Strategy is an opportunity to reset the rules governing the food system... Most importantly, it holds the promise of getting our children back on track for long, healthy and fruitful lives," said Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation. Sue Pritchard, chief executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, noted the public's desire for tangible results: "Citizens don’t want to see a strategy gathering dust on a shelf. They want to see healthy food, sustainably produced, easily available to everyone everywhere." Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation, highlighted the importance of viewing food policy as central to the UK's long-term economic goals: “The food strategy is vitally important as it interlinks with a number of other crucial challenges being faced by the country, including national security and education policy". He added: "From ensuring resilience in times of supply chain disruption, to delivering nutritious, cost-effective meals in schools, food policy must be viewed as central to the UK’s long-term economic and social wellbeing". The government acknowledges that transforming the food system is a long-term project requiring coordinated efforts across various sectors. The strategy will be supported by a robust framework of metrics and indicators to measure progress and inform future policy decisions.

Müller Yogurt & Desserts has partnered with Mondelēz ’s Cadbury brand, bringing the chocolate into milkshake format for the first time in the UK and Ireland. The new milkshakes come in two flavour variants, chocolate and chocolate caramel. They are made in the UK using milk from UK farms and Cadbury milk chocolate and are available in 250ml bottles. The milkshakes are made with a long-lasting ambient recipe that gives them a three-month shelf life. Justin Cook, CEO at Müller Yogurt & Desserts and Nikhilesh Brahma, VP of global licensing at Mondelēz, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting collaboration that brings together the classic, creamy taste of Cadbury with our commitment to crafting irresistible treats. We've taken the iconic taste of Cadbury and transformed it into a luscious, smooth milkshake that sets a new standard for indulgence within milkshakes. A new chapter in this enhanced collaboration – that started with desserts – and now expands into milkshakes with Cadbury, the nation's favourite chocolate.” The new drinks are available to purchase in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, with further rollout from March.

Cadbury Brunch has unveiled a new non-HFSS range of its brunch bars, crafted to tap into healthier snacking sales. Each Cadbury Brunch Light bar contains less than 100 calories and is available in two flavour varieties: Honey & Oat and Orange. Bethany Wenn, brand manager for Cadbury Brunch at Mondelēz International, said: “This innovation comes to market backed by shopper insight to help it cater to a real category demand from consumers. Packed full of wholegrain oats and containing 12% Cadbury milk chocolate in each bar, the Cadbury Brunch Light range is irresistibly delicious – while also being below 100 calories a portion!” She continued: “We know that shoppers are on the hunt for lower calorie cereal bars that still taste great, so the delicious new Cadbury Brunch Light bars are certainly set to be a hit in-store. Cadbury Brunch has always carried healthier snacking cues so this latest launch will help retailers unlock more of these health-conscious sales.”

Birds Eye has expanded its Chunky Fish Finger range with the launch of a ‘Chip Shop Curry’ variant – inspired by chip shop curry sauce. The new product has been created by adding curry-flavoured panko breadcrumbs to its Chunky Fish Fingers. The latest addition aligns with the rest of the brand’s portfolio, in that it contains no artificial colours or flavourings. Mike Sowerby, marketing manager for fish at Birds Eye, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing shoppers add variety to their meals with the launch of our first ever ‘flavoured’ fish finger in the UK. With curry sauce being England’s second most popular (and Wales’ first) chip shop topping on fish and chips, it made sense to combine our iconic fish fingers with one of the nation’s most loved condiments.” NHS guidelines state that ‘a healthy balanced diet should include two portions of fish a week’, – Birds Eye expects the Chunky Chip Shop Curry Fish Fingers to help shoppers increase their fish intake. The new fish fingers provide a source of Vitamin D, which helps to support the normal function of the immune system. The Chip Shop Curry Sauce Chunky Fish Fingers are available now in Farmfoods stores for an RRP of £3.75, with wider rollout into more retailers expected later in the year.

It is often said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And chocolate fans can confirm that a fascination for cocoa products usually leads to them being savoured on the spot. This very passion inspired the founder of the ‘Louit’ chocolate factory, who was, at the time, in love. Today, the company – now known as Atlantic Štark – produces an impressive range of chocolates, biscuits and cookies in Belgrade, Serbia, supported by cutting-edge automation technology from Schubert. The 2000 film Chocolat tells the tale of a young woman who charms a small French village with her chocolaterie. Yet, 78 years earlier, a real-life, reversed tale unfolded in Zemun, now part of Serbia. After World War I, a French soldier settled in Serbia for love – and not just in the romantic sense. He falls for a woman called Theresa, as well as for the local chocolate recipe, which he begins to make himself and successfully sells in a small café. In doing so, he laid the foundation for the ‘Louit’ chocolate factory, later renamed ‘La Cigogna,' which grew steadily through mergers and changed its name several times – from Soko Štark in the 1960s to Atlantic Štark since 2020, after the Croatian Atlantic Grupa food group had acquired the company in 2010.   With such a colourful history, it is hardly surprising that Štark’s portfolio – the shortened company name – also became more and more diverse over time. In addition to chocolate, such as the nationally renowned Najlepše želje  – Serbian for ‘best wishes’ – the company produces biscuits and savoury snacks such as peanut flips. For decades, consumers have also been delighted by a chocolate-covered marshmallow-type dessert treat shaped like a banana. The individually flow-wrapped ‘Bananica’ comes in boxes of different quantities. Equally popular is ‘Citro,’ a chocolate-coated jelly confection with a lemon or orange flavour, which is also sold in flowpacks and boxes.   The packaging processes, which the manufacturer partly automated 20 years ago, are as complex as you would expect. Many of them, including cartoning, were still carried out manually. However, as so often in the company’s history, a change was on the horizon after two decades, as the existing packaging line was leading to costly bottlenecks in final packaging. As the portfolio grew, a more efficient and flexible solution was needed that would continue to ensure high performance and efficient packaging. However, the catch was that the solution had to be up and running in as little as three weeks in order to resume production as quickly as possible. So how to proceed – and with whom?   A chicken pâté called Argeta inspired the decisive idea. The product, packaged in metal tins, had been part of the portfolio years ago and Atlantic Droga Kolinska in Slovenia and Bosnia had successfully packaged it with two TLM packaging machines from Schubert. “We had vivid memories of Schubert’s commitment and experience,” said Marko Abramović, managing director at Atlantic Štark. “We were keen to work with Schubert again to automate our Bananica and Citro lines. So we immediately contacted the experts in 2023.” All in a row: The chocolate-coated products enter the line A visit to Belgrade Fast forward to November 2024. In the Atlantic Štark production hall, a group of people are assembled at a brand-new, fully automated packaging line. The comprehensive system, which draws everyone’s attention, was installed by Schubert in just three weeks. It was, to say the least, an ambitious undertaking that initially brought together representatives from Atlantic Štark and Gerhard Schubert first at the same table and later in the production halls themselves in order to meet the very tight deadline. The result is an impressive one and the mood at the line is enthusiastic.   Four seamlessly connected machines, from primary to tertiary packaging, fit into the space-constrained premises – with the option of integrating tray packaging technology and an additional case packer in the long term. Together with Ralf and Gerald Schubert, Marko Abramović, project manager Nenad Ivanović, head of corporate investments Nemanja Mašić, and other managers from production and maintenance are inspecting the line, exchanging ideas and observing the various processes with excitement. Flow-wrapping, cartoning, end-of-line packaging – everything runs smoothly.   Not surprisingly, Schubert’s packaging line, which includes a TLM Flowpacker with two Flowmoduls, two TLM cartoners and a TLM lightline case packer, also features state-of-the-art pick and place robots. High-speed flow-wrapping: The Flowpacker processes 850 Bananica products per minute Nenad Ivanović commented: "We didn’t have the robots before. Instead, we had a mechanical feeding system with inherent technical limitations. Now we can work faster and more accurately. Bottlenecks in the packaging process are a thing of the past." The robotic arms, which tirelessly place the marshmallow-like bananas and jelly lemons from the line’s large feed conveyor into the Flowmodul’s infeed, prove this beyond a doubt.   Twelve F4 robots gently pick up the chocolate products arranged in 19 tracks – precisely as the pressure-sensitive Bananica and Citro require – and place them just as carefully into the feed chains of the two Flowmoduls, Schubert’s flow-wrapping machines. Here, Schubert shows its strength in image processing: scanners optically capture the chocolate products and check whether they meet the predefined values. Products that do not meet specifications or that show quality defects are not accepted. Eye-catching products The flowpack pouches, which the Flowmodul then quickly and precisely forms around the products, are brightly coloured in red and orange. The high-performance line reliably packs two times 425 Bananica products per minute – this is certainly one of the reasons for the appreciative nods that can be seen throughout the group. All participants turn with interest to the two cartoners that are making the processes in Belgrade more flexible.   Štark markets its Bananica in boxes of five, ten, 16, 24 and 40 products – up to five layers are possible. What makes this so remarkable is that the boxes of five, ten and 16 products are also placed in differently configured transport packaging. As a result, the company has to proceed multilaterally. The cartoners can handle a total of seven formats with filling quantities ranging from five to 40 units. Schubert developed new flat blanks for all boxes, enabling Štark to save on materials. Multiple sizes: Bananica is sold by Štark in boxes of 16, among other sizes “The two cartoners and the case packer from Schubert give us the flexibility that was lacking on the previous packaging line – and enable us to experiment with other formats in the long term,” explained Nemanja Mašić, who views the investment in a positive light. “Thanks to the clear, accessible layout, operation, cleaning and maintenance can be done in no time at all. The resources we made available for the line and for in-depth training in Crailsheim are definitely paying off.”   And it doesn’t stop there. During the three weeks in Belgrade, as well as before, the two partners worked together as flexibly as the components within the packaging line. “The Schubert team was always proactively reaching out to us with suggestions for improving the hall layout and giving tips for implementation. Their enthusiasm and commitment convinced us that we were working with the right partner,” highlighted Mašić. “The space-saving hall layout with four machines alone has significantly improved the functionality and capacity of our production line. Efficiencies of 97% per machine speak for themselves.”   Last stop: the case packer The group has now gathered around the TLM lightline case packer and is waiting with bated breath for the first filled and closed boxes. It will soon be rolling off the line, ready for the next stage of its journey to bulk buyers and food retailers. The case packer is located directly behind the first cartoner, which packs the smaller boxes of five, ten and 16. These are fed into the machine on the infeed conveyor, before a grouping chain arranges them in an upright position.   Schubert wouldn’t be Schubert if another process wasn’t running in parallel. The case packer simultaneously denests flat blanks and erects them into carton trays using an A3 erector. A vacuum transport system takes them to the filling position, where Schubert robotics once again catch the eye of the guests. The technology removes the desired quantity of grouped products and places them accurately into the provided carton trays. In a further step, the case packer takes lid blanks from the stack, applies glue, folds and glues them around the filled trays – and the shelf-ready packaging is ready to go. The case packer in action: the boxes are placed into erected transport cases and lidded With so much activity in and around the machine, appetites are roused. At the end of the exciting tour, the guests had an opportunity to sample Bananica and Citro for themselves. What did they think? This remains a secret. Managing director Abramović’s conclusion, however, is perfectly clear: “Products like Bananica and Citro set us apart. They represent heritage and history. Thanks to high-performance, flexible automation, we can carry on this tradition – thanks in no small part to the additional format and capacity options that are now available to us as a result.” Learn more at: Homepage:  www.schubert.group Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GerhardSchubertGmbh LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gerhardschubertgmbhverpackungsmaschinen

Flexicon has introduced a new Block-Buster Hydraulic Bulk Bag Conditioner, featuring arched doorway masts for increased overhead clearance. The conditioner is designed to allow for easier insertion and removal of palletised bulk bags using a forklift. It loosens hygroscopic chemicals, spice blends, heat-sensitive products and other bulk materials that have solidified during storage and shipment, returning the material to a free-flowing state and enabling bulk bag unloaders to discharge the material through bag spouts. A hydraulically-actuated, variable-height turntable operates in concert with two hydraulic rams to press opposing sides of the bulk bag at varying heights, rotate the bag 90 degrees, and then repeat the conditioning cycle. The number and pressure of hydraulic ram actuations, the height of the turntable, and the number of 90-degree rotations are user-programmable at the control panel's HMI. Enclosed on four sides, the conditioner is equipped with full-height, safety-interlocked doors that disable all equipment functions when the doors are open. Its hydraulic pump can be mounted on the exterior of the safety cage or remotely, and requires only an electrical power connection for operation. Available through the company’s Quick-Ship Programme as a stand-alone unit, the conditioner accommodates bulk bags of all popular sizes, Flexicon said.

US-based hummus brand Little Sesame has successfully closed an $8.5m Series A funding round, led by InvestEco Capital. Founded in New York in 2016 by Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne, Little Sesame’s range of organic fresh hummus products are available in nearly 3,000 stores across the US including Sprouts, Whole Foods Market and Erewhon. The brand said it will use the Series A financing to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities, product development and talent acquisition. In addition to InvestEco, the round saw participation from Watchfire Ventures, Santatera Capital, Beliade Consumer Partners and other CPG investors. With the funds, Little Sesame plans to open a new 23,000-square-foot manufacturing site by the end of 2025. This will include a test kitchen for product innovation and in-house high-pressure processing capabilities. The new facility will increase production capabilities by 400%, enabling Little Sesame to produce up to 400,000lbs of hummus each week. The added capacity will also help scale partnerships with regenerative chickpea farmers, supporting the company’s goal of transitioning 10,000 acres to regenerative management by 2027. Additionally, Little Sesame’s investment in product innovation will support the development of new healthy snacking options, including an expansion of its Hummus for Kids line. Nick Wiseman, CEO and co-founder of Little Sesame, said: “always believed in the power of hummus to connect people and bring joy to everyday eating. With this investment, we’ll be able to amplify that mission through expanded innovation, team growth, and a new world-class facility that brings our culinary vision to life at scale.” Little Sesame has seen year-over-year growth surpassing 100%, contributing 46% of category growth at Whole Foods Market and expanding into over 1,000 new retail stores in 2024.

2nd Nature, which specialises in clean ingredient solutions, has introduced AgWaste Portal, an AI platform designed to optimise the upcycling of food processing leftovers into functional ingredients. This technology aims to address the growing demand for sustainable and healthy food options by transforming often-overlooked byproducts – such as husks, pomace and fermentation slurry – into valuable resources for various industries. The AgWaste Portal uses advanced machine learning algorithms to identify and extract functional compounds from food waste, significantly reducing the need for extensive R&D processes. By streamlining ingredient discovery, 2nd Nature is positioned to facilitate faster and more sustainable innovation in ingredient manufacturing, catering to sectors including food and beverage, personal care, and health and wellness. Effendi Leonard, co-founder and CEO of 2nd Nature, noted the platform's potential impact on the industry. "Our AI platform is a game-changer because it allows us to unlock the full potential of food processing leftovers and turn them into high-quality ingredients," he stated. The technology not only aims to minimise waste but also provides cost-effective solutions for manufacturers seeking to incorporate cleaner, safer and healthier ingredients into their products. As consumer preferences increasingly lean towards sustainable practices, 2nd Nature's initiative aligns with the industry's shift towards a circular economy. The AgWaste Portal is touted as the first of its kind in the market, offering a scalable solution for ingredient innovation while addressing the environmental challenges posed by food waste. The platform's capabilities extend beyond traditional applications, enabling the identification of novel molecules from inedible parts of fruits, cereals and vegetables. This advancement could lead to significant improvements in product formulations across multiple sectors, enhancing the nutritional profile and sustainability of final products.

Functional snack brand Awake Chocolate has successfully closed an CAD $8 million (approx. $6 million) funding round aimed at supporting its rapid growth and product innovation. The investment was led by Btomorrow Ventures, the corporate venture arm of British American Tobacco (BAT), alongside contributions from BDC Capital. This latest round brings Awake's total funding to CAD $15.5 million (approx. $11.5 million USD), reflecting strong investor confidence in the brand's trajectory. Since its inception, Awake has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its sales by over tenfold and approaching $30 million CAD (around $22 million USD) in revenue this year. The brand's products, which include caffeinated chocolate bites and bars made with Fairtrade chocolate, are now available in more than 3,000 retail locations across Canada and over 15,000 locations in the US, including major retailers such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Costco. The new capital will be strategically allocated to enhance supply chain efficiency, bolster research and development, and expand marketing efforts. Awake aims to improve its co-manufacturing partnerships and supplier relationships to meet increasing consumer demand. The company will also focus on product innovation and expanding its internal team to support its growth objectives. Adam Deremo, CEO and founder of Awake Chocolate, said: “This investment is a testament to the incredible growth we’ve achieved and the strong demand for our functional and delicious chocolates. With this infusion, we’re focused on further scaling our operations, innovating our product line and reaching even more consumers across North America.” Lukasz Garbowski, chief investment officer at Btomorrow Ventures, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, highlighting the growing consumer interest in functional foods and beverages. "As consumers increasingly look for more from their food, the 'wellness and stimulation' sector is a key focus for us," he added. Awake Chocolate's product line includes a variety of flavours such as Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel and Salted Almond, catering to diverse consumer preferences. The brand's commitment to quality ingredients and innovative formulations positions it well within the expanding functional snack market.

Neuro Gum, a player in the functional gum and mints market, has unveiled a limited-edition Strawberry Cake-flavoured mint in collaboration with brand ambassador and investor Steve Aoki. This launch promotes cognitive health while integrating Aoki's lifestyle and wellness philosophy into the product. The new Strawberry Cake Mint will be packaged in bulk bags containing 90 pieces, each accompanied by a reusable tin featuring Aoki's branding. Each mint is formulated with 20 mg of natural caffeine, L-theanine to mitigate jitters, and essential B vitamins (B6 and B12) to support cognitive function and energy production. This marks Neuro’s first foray into fruit-flavoured products. “Collaborating on the Strawberry Cake-flavoured mint seemed like a natural way to honour how much the brand has benefited my energy levels and focus,” Aoki said. He noted the importance of Neuro's product line in supporting his demanding lifestyle as a performer and health advocate. Neuro Gum’s existing portfolio includes products aimed at enhancing energy, memory, calmness and sleep, catering to a diverse range of consumer needs. The introduction of the Strawberry Cake flavour aligns with the growing trend of functional foods that both provide taste and deliver health benefits.

Hunt And Brew has launched Extra Protein Milk, a new product that claims to offer the highest protein content of any dairy milk available in Australia. The product is now available in Coles stores nationwide, targeting a growing segment of health-conscious consumers. Extra Protein Milk is marketed as a low-fat option that delivers 16g of dairy protein per 250ml serving, which is 80% more protein than standard dairy milk. This innovation comes at a time when the dairy sector faces increasing competition from plant-based alternatives, prompting Hunt And Brew to seek opportunities within the traditional dairy category. Jake Calabrese, senior brand manager at Hunt And Brew, said: “Recognising a distinct opportunity to innovate within the traditional dairy milk category, we developed our new premium high-protein milk to meet the growing consumer demand for convenient, clean and natural ways to boost protein intake”. Sourced from farms in the renowned Margaret River and Southwest Western Australia, the milk is positioned as a clean label solution for consumers seeking to enhance their protein consumption without compromising on taste or quality. Calabrese added: “This launch is about reinvigorating the dairy milk sector. While plant-based alternatives have surged ahead, innovation in fresh, white milk has remained largely stagnant”. The formulation of Extra Protein Milk is designed not only for standalone consumption but also for versatility in various applications, including coffee, tea, breakfast cereals and smoothies. This adaptability aims to appeal to younger consumers and busy professionals who prioritise both health and convenience. The decision to partner with Coles for this national rollout is expected to significantly enhance brand visibility and attract a new demographic back to the dairy category.