This year, the WQA Convention & Exposition celebrated its 50th anniversary as a trade association. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive educational agenda covering topics ranging from emerging contaminants, like PFAS, to effective business management strategies. “Our convention theme, ‘Catalyst,’ describes how the convention will spark attendees to grow personally and professionally, as well as to acquire skills and contacts they need to grow their businesses,” said WQA events director Angie Silberhorn. The conference kicked off with engaging sessions about the water industry, such as 'The Secret to Ice Machine Water Treatment' by Kinetico, ‘Drinking Water Treatment – A Zero Liquid Discharge Design’ by Cartwright and ‘Market Trends in the Water Treatment Industry’ by Kinetico, setting a tone of insightful discussion. Keynote speakers shared innovative organisational strategies, while WQA leadership awards honoured industry leaders. Meanwhile, the exposition floor buzzed with activity as exhibitors showcased their advancements in water treatment technology. UV and filtration systems took centre stage. From UV disinfection systems to innovative filtration solutions, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of products designed to enhance water treatment efficiency and effectiveness. AquiSense, for instance, exhibited its PearlAqua Micro, which stands as the world's smallest UV disinfection system, boasting disinfection performance powered by UV-C LEDs and a flow cell design. Waterdrop featured its range of reverse osmosis water filters and purifier systems at the exposition. Among its offerings was the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Water Filter, showcasing the Canadian company's commitment to providing home water purification solutions. The system boasts a five-stage filtration process enclosed within a compact countertop design. With its 0.0001μm reverse osmosis membrane, it ensures water is free from lead, fluoride and other contaminants. Crystal IS featured its Klaran UVC LEDs to disinfect water, air and surfaces in various applications. The LEDs emit ultraviolet light in the key germicidal wavelength range from 260nm to 270nm to inactivate a variety of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. In the realm of water dispensers, Blupura introduced its latest model, the Rebel water dispenser, capable of dispensing 30 litres per hour with options for both hot and cold water. Additionally, Waco presented a premium line of water dispensers, such as the Infinite Series and the I Fev series. Cosmetal – part of the Celli Group – showcased its Hi-Class Top 20 water dispenser, which has a multiple dispensing system that provides both cold and hot water. The event also offered a networking opportunity, where everyone gathered to strengthen connections within the industry. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, sharing insights and experiences, and exploring potential collaborations that could drive innovation and growth in their respective businesses. Overall, the WQA Convention & Exposition 2024 delivered valuable insights, networking, and business opportunities for attendees, reinforcing its importance in an ever-evolving industry landscape. Stay up-to-date by following our social media channels for an upcoming interview with Judd Larned, the incoming president of WQA, discussing the latest industry trends.

Waterloo Sparkling Water has added a raspberry nectarine flavour to its portfolio. The new flavour is said to offer a blend of tartness and sweetness. Waterloo's raspberry nectarine variant is free of calories, sugar and sweeteners. It is made with non-GMO Project Verified natural flavours and purified carbonated water. In addition, the brand teamed up with American cookbook author and country pop singer, Jessie James Decker, to create three sparkling water-infused recipes. Decker said: "As a longtime fan, I am so excited to partner with Waterloo Sparkling Water. Waterloo Sparkling Water has always been my go-to for a flavourful everyday drink. The brand's approach to custom-crafting authentic flavours inspired me to experiment with these flavours in the kitchen. I can't wait for the world to recreate these dishes at home." Kathy Maurella, CMO at Waterloo Sparkling Water, added: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Jessie to celebrate the launch of our newest flavour, raspberry nectarine...With two bestselling cookbooks to her name, Jessie also knows how to bring full flavour to life, and we're thrilled with the recipes she created with our flavours. Our success with innovations continues to drive sales and bring more consumers into our brand, as we retain our hold on the highest household penetration growth of any core competitor." Waterloo is also bringing back its Tropical Fruit flavour due to popular demand. Additionally, distribution of its Summer Berry flavour has been expanded to reach more consumers. Waterloo's raspberry nectarine is available at various US retailers, including Target, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Amazon, Meijer, HEB, Central Market, select Costco regions, Walgreens and more.

US-based shelf-stable baby and toddler food brand Serenity Kids has closed a $52 million minority funding round led by investment firm Stride Consumer Partners. The brand offers nutrient-dense products that contain high-quality proteins and healthy fats across pouches, puffs and toddler formula. The growth capital is set to propel key areas of Serenity Kids' business, including marketing, talent and innovation. Since its launch in 2018, Serenity Kids said it has become the fastest selling shelf-stable baby food pouch brand in US grocery channels, with national distribution in over 18,000 stores. Joe Carr, president and co-founder of Serenity Kids, said: "We launched Serenity Kids to create superior products that give little ones the best start possible". Carr continued: “The current investment landscape is pretty dire, so our ability to attract this financing and partnership validates our differentiation, mission and growth potential. We're excited to pour more resources into our revolution that elevates children's nutrition so that all future generations can thrive.” Juan Marcos Hill, partner at Stride Consumer Partners, added: "In my 20 years of experience in growth equity investments, I have rarely seen a brand with such a consistent track record of winning at the shelf as Serenity Kids. We were impressed with the brand's unique positioning and the team's vision and passion to provide the highest quality, most nutrient-dense products for babies and toddlers." The announcement comes just weeks after Serenity Kids introduced a new line of meat-based baby food with international flavours, inspired by global cuisines.

US-based coffee manufacturer Trilliant has launched two new innovations, Victor Allen's Breyers Cookies & Cream and Magnum Double Caramel RTD iced coffees. Magnum Double Caramel iced coffee provides notes of chocolate, caramel and ice cream, while Breyers Iced Coffee is a cookies and cream flavoured RTD. The iced coffees are made with real cream and sugar, which Trilliant says provides a balance of coffee, flavour and energy. Zac McAuley, director of brand marketing, Victor Allen's Coffee, said: "At Victor Allen's, we are excited to continue to provide our fans with new and exciting flavour innovations to help deliver indulgent experiences never before possible within RTD iced coffee. Many consumers are increasingly wanting more flavour variety outside of the basic mocha, vanilla and caramel...and we're excited to continue to tap into these trends with such indulgent and historic Unilever brands like Magnum and Breyers. Lisa Vortsman, chief marketing officer, US ice cream at Unilever, added: "Unilever is delighted to team up with Victor Allen's to provide ice cream lovers with a whole new way to enjoy the beloved brands of Breyers and Magnum. We are excited to deliver delicious moments of enjoyment to fans throughout the day...Whether it's an ice cream treat after dinner or a bottle of iced coffee on the way to work." Last year, Victor Allen's teamed up with Mars Wrigley to launch two RTD iced coffee beverages, in Twix and Snickers varieties. Victor Allen's Magnum and Breyers Iced Coffees are available to purchase now at retailers across the US.

Nestlé-owned brand Essentia Water has launched its "first-ever" range of flavoured and functional water, called Essentia Hydroboost. Essentia Hydroboost is available in three flavours: lemon lime, peach mango and raspberry pomegranate. Each bottle is packed with hydrolates, a blend of B-complex vitamins, along with 400mg of electrolytes, which is said to have 30 times more electrolytes than the leading premium still water. Zola Kane, head of marketing at Essentia Water, said: "Essentia Hydroboost expands the Essentia Water portfolio to deliver more supercharged hydration than ever before. As our lives get busier and busier, hydration becomes even more important. Essentia Hydroboost, created without excessive ingredients and complicated claims, makes it easier for people to choose a water that is not only delicious, but provides a boost of hydration when they need it most." Essentia Hydroboost is available at retailers nationwide for $1.99 for a 15.2fl oz bottle and $21.48 for a 12-pack of 15.2 fl oz bottles.

Global Brands has entered the tequila category with the launch of its latest range, Take, introducing four new tequila innovations. The portfolio will include a 100% Blue Weber agave blanco tequila and a range of tequila liqueurs, created with the growing UK tequila market in mind. According to Global, which includes VK, Frankin & Sons and Hooch among its range of alcohol brands, Take offers a ‘refined smoothness’ and high-quality ingredients, as well as a vibrant brand identity inspired by Mexican culture, developed to target those who typically lean toward other spirit shots. Research from market insights firm CGA has indicated flavour as the key driver in spirits over the past five years. With this in mind, Global has developed its range of flavoured liqueurs aiming to convert the ‘tequila-curious’ into genuine fans. Three fresh flavoured liqueurs are available – pineapple, jalapeño and pink grapefruit, with a 34% ABV. They are available in a 70cl format at £29.99 RRP. Matt Bulcroft, marketing director at Global Brands, said: “We’ve developed a brand that challenges perceptions of tequila, with a fresh take on the category. Our new liqueurs offer a fantastic base for margaritas, as well as great tasting shots, without the need for salt and lime.”

Juice brand Tropicana is launching two new products in the ambient category. These additions come on the heels of the brand's foray into the ambient juice sector last year, which saw significant growth in the market. The latest offerings, Tropicana Rise & Shine and Tropicana Fruit Sensation, are now available in the UK in Tesco stores. Tropicana Rise & Shine addresses a key concern among consumers: sugar content. Recognising that sugar consumption is a top barrier to purchase, particularly among families seeking healthier options, this range offers 30% less sugar compared to other juices. It is available in Smooth Orange and Pressed Apple variants. Meanwhile, Tropicana's Fruit Sensation range is designed to tap into new consumption occasions beyond breakfast. Flavours include Apple Cucumber & Lemon with a hint of elderflower, Orange & Mango with notes of yuzu, and Peach & Raspberry with a hint of vanilla. Elizabeth Ashdown at Tropicana Brands Group, added: "Until now, the ambient juice category has been highly private label driven with a lack of quality juice options for consumers. These new launches will positively expand the ambient juice category by better meeting consumer needs for more natural and healthier refreshment throughout the day and will set a new quality benchmark in juice drinks." Tropicana Rise & Shine is available in a 0.85cl carton for £2 RRSP. Tropicana Fruit Sensation is available in a 1-litre bottle for 1.75 RRP. More from Tropicana: Tropicana enters smoothie category with two new products Tropicana debuts long-life versions of fruit juice range Tropicana expands fruit juice offering

The Bezos Earth Fund has announced an initial $60m investment to establish the Bezos Centers for Sustainable Protein. Announced by Bezos Earth Fund vice chair Lauren Sánchez, the investment forms part of the fund’s $1 billion commitment to food transformation. Biomanufacturing – the production of sustainable protein products at scale, whether plant-based, fermented or cell-based – currently faces challenges resulting in high costs and limited quality. Through establishing the new Centers for Sustainable Protein, the fund aims to target technological barriers to reducing cost, increasing quality and boosting nutritional benefits of alternative proteins by advancing science and technology. Innovation in cell biology and engineering is expected to bring numerous opportunities for enhancing the taste and texture of such products. Commenting on the new investment, Sánchez said that the global food industry must pursue advancements in technologies to find solutions for our future, enabling us to “invent our way out of climate change”. She commented: “We need to feed ten billion people with healthy, sustainable food throughout this century while protecting our planet. We can do it, and it will require a ton of innovation. Our world is poised for transformation, for a future not constrained by compromise. Solutions to our greatest challenges often come from the quiet persistence of those willing to question, reimagine, and innovate.” Food production is the second largest cause of climate change, and agriculture is the primary driver of deforestation and biodiversity loss. The fund calls for a shift in the way we produce and consume food, given that by 2050, food consumption is expected to rise by 50% in line with population and income growth. This latest announcement builds on the Bezos Earth Fund’s $1 billion commitment to supporting farmers and expanding food production sustainably. Work includes reducing methane from livestock and innovating in pasture management to help take pressure off forested land. The Earth Fund is also working with inventors, researchers and entrepreneurs to improve the resilience and carbon absorption of major food crops.

Treasure8, an ingredient and food transformation company, and functional wellness platform Suja Life have joined forces in a new partnership that aims to transform organic sidestreams into premium ingredients. The move will leverage Treasure8's patented upcycling technology to maximise nutrition and flavour, while significantly reducing production time, costs, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Through the collaboration, both parties hope to make nutrition more accessible and sustainable. By harnessing Treasure8's USDA SAUNA (Scalable, Affordable, Uniform, Nutrition-dense and Appealing) technology, Suja Life intends to repurpose its organic sidestreams into premium upcycled powders. Treasure8, known for its advanced food processing technologies, has a range of proprietary technologies that can facilitate the rapid dehydration of whole foods, thereby minimising processing time, energy usage and carbon emissions, while retaining flavour and nutrition. The initiative is poised to have a ripple effect across the food system, addressing inefficiencies prevalent in the global food supply chain. Over the next five years, the partnership plans to explore opportunities for further value generation and efficiency improvements. These efforts include integrating vertical technologies, promoting regenerative practices among Suja Life's grower partners and enhancing product portfolios. Suja Life sees the partnership as an opportunity to drive sustainability and waste reduction initiatives. Suja's portfolio includes Suja Organic, an organic, non-GMO, cold-pressed juice and beverage brand, and Vive Organic, a range of cold-pressed, plant-powered RTD wellness shots. Timothy Childs, founder and co-CEO of Treasure8, said: "Working with Suja Life is a key step for us to accelerate our partnership platform to further scale our upcycling ingredient pipeline as effectively as we can. By partnering with industry leaders like Suja Life, we are creating a circular value loop by producing more nutritious ingredients through upcycled material that reduces CO2 emissions, cuts costs and, eventually, creates valuable outputs to improve soil health for farmers.” Maria Stipp, newly appointed CEO of Suja Life, underscored the importance of innovation in waste reduction and sustainability solutions. She commented: "Throughout my tenure in the beverage industry, I have seen a dramatic shift in consumer preference and demands for better-for-you alternatives. We greatly believe the next wave of this lasting trend must include innovative waste reduction and sustainability solutions. Our partnership with Treasure8 will allow us to drive real value to our many stakeholders.”

Vilvi Group has invested approximately €50 million to expand cheese production capacity in Bauska, Latvia. Vilvi Group is a dairy processing group in the Baltic States, with an export share of around 90%. Its main export markets are European Union countries, with additional exports to Asia and other continents. The project is funded through a combination of internal resources and loans from Citadele Bank. Additionally, the Latvian government, via the Latvian State Development Finance Institution, will contribute €8.5 million to support the project. The project aims for completion by 2027, with plans to create new job opportunities. Last year, Vilkyškių Pieninė, the parent company of Vilvi Group, acquired the remaining 30% of the shares of Baltic Dairy Board.

FoodBev is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2024 World Food Innovation Awards! From innovative new flavours to industry-defining initiatives, these awards celebrate the very best from the global food industry. We extend a heartfelt thanks to our expert panel of judges, whose knowledge and industry insight have helped to identify the most exemplary companies, individuals and products/solutions from across the globe. The winners of the World Food Innovation Awards will be announced at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE), the UK's premier celebration of industry innovation. Join us on Monday 25 March at 2:45pm, at IFE's Trends & Innovation Platform, where we will unveil this year's award recipients. Featuring over 80 companies, and spanning 23 categories, each entry represents the remarkable ingenuity and forward-thinking vision that characterises the global food industry. Find the full shortlist below: Best Artisan Product AraBello® Ltd - Raspberry Marble Isle of Skye Sea Salt Co - Sea Salt Crystals & Seaweed Flakes Isle of Skye Sea Salt Co - Smoked Sea Salt Crystals Lone Star Bee Company - Fiery Sweet Mesquite Infused Honey Alvarez Camacho - Chilled Ice Cream Yutaka - Yutaka Hon Wasabi Paste Best Bakery Product Szafi Products - Sliced Toast Bread Szafi Products - Sliced Multigrain Bread dsm-firmenich - Panamore® Xtense Lika Bakery - Vegetable Breads Nanyang Polytechnic - EcoSesame Muffins Moi by Mademoiselle Desserts - Mini Beignets Best Children's/Baby Product Growth Spurt Nutrition - Growth Spurt Hyproca Nutrition Co. - KABRITA YUEHU GOAT MILK GROWING-UP FORMULA ByHeart - ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Little Dish - Little Dish Fresh Kids' Meals Best Chilled/Frozen Product Aviko - Aviko Hash Brown Bites Nanyang Polytechnic - Tropicosea - Frozen Dessert Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Green mood Osmanthus Mung bean cake ice cream Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Ice+ X Brave the world Beer Ice cream Moi by Mademoiselle Desserts - Mini Beignets Yasso - Strawberries & Cream Bars Yasso - Creamy Mango Bars Yasso - Cookies ‘n Cream Sandwiches Jahan Foods - Jahan Chicken Shawarma Kebab Meat Best Confectionery Product AraBello® - Raspberry Marble The Watkins Co. - Watkins Rainbow Sprinkles The Stardust Food Company, Issei - Mochi Gummies: Sour Watermelon The Stardust Food Company, Issei - Mochi Gummies: Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry NeatSweets – Guilt-free candy Best Dairy Product Le Bonta Wellness Co. - Le Bonta Milk Mineral Salt Glucosamine Chondroitin Powder Zarzeccy - Korycin Cheese with truffle Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Just Pure Greedy Hazelnut Chocolate Cocoa Balls Yogurt Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu YO！FINE DIARY Green Yuzu Yogurt Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu YO！FINE DIARY Avocado Yogurt The Mac Factory - The Mac Factory Mac n Cheese 4th & Heart - 4th & Heart Ghee Sticks Best Functional Product Naturize Hungary - Naturize Sport Junior Plus Le Bonta Wellness Co. - Le Bonta Milk Mineral Salt Glucosamine Chondroitin Powder PG-Naturpharma - NaturElan Natural Red Lip Iron Drink PG-Naturpharma - NATURELAN ACTIVE PEPTIDELUTEINEYE CARE SOFTGELS AOTU TECHNOLOGY LIMITED - Aehig Nature's Garden by Cibo Vita - Nature's Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies Phytaphix - EndoHormone Phix TurtleTree - LF+ for A New Era in Functional Nutrition Best Low or No Product Snacksy Ltd - Snacksy Raw Chocolate Matcha 55g Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. /Inikin brew-on-demand tea - Inikin brew-on-demand tea The Watkins Co. - Watkins 1868 Organic Grilling Salt-Free Steak Seasoning Wuxi Mingzhou Yikang Biotechnology Co., Ltd - NATURAL DEEP 30C Vinaigrette Okell's Brewery - Okell's ZERO Nature's Garden by Cibo Vita - Nature's Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Original and Pineapple Coconut flavor Yogurt Beverage SUPERKEEN - The Original Best Meat/Poultry Product MHP - CHICK&GO Ambry - Free range turkey bacon Qualitops UK - CHICKEN SOURS Meadow Vale Foods - Sizzling Piri Piri Chargrilled Chicken Fillets Best Natural/Organic Product Hyllers Limited - HYLLERS organic wild bilberry powder 100g Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu "MilkChoc" chocolate milk Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu JUSTPURE 0 ADDITIVE YOGURT Nature's Garden by Cibo Vita - Nature's Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies Fly By Jing - Chengdu Crunch SUPERKEEN - The Original Best Plant-Based Product RISE Brewing Co. - Barista Oat Milk Dr. Praeger's - Crunchy Southwestern Sweet Potato Burgers Dr. Praeger's - Birthday Littles Perfectseason - Nordic Gourmet falafel NATURLI' FOODS - NATURLI' Spreadable 450g. SOWN® - SOWN® Brown Sugar Organic Oat Creamer Jan Zandbergen - PLNT Lamb strips Yutaka - Yutaka Vegan Tofu Gyoza jack & annie's - Jack Shaved Steak THIS™ - THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Wings MyForest Foods - MyBacon Newtrition company / Feel FIT brand - Feel FIT Coconut Veganela balls with almonds The Plant-It Food Co. - Chick'n Kiev Best Seafood Product Yutaka - Yutaka Sashimi Salmon (Frozen) TRATA - High Protein tuna meals Best Snack Product MHP - CHICK&GO J&J Snack Foods - SUPERPRETZEL Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks Soul Fruit - Crunchy Dragon Fruit Chips The Stardust Food Company, Issei - Mochi Gummies: Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Green Mood Green salsa ice cream cone Moi by Mademoiselle Desserts - Mini Beignets Mary & Bella Cheese Bread - Cheese Bread Best Drink Innovation Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. - Inikin brew-on-demand tea Franke Coffee Systems - Mytico Bespoke Beverages UK - Fitch & Leedes Budweiser Brewing Company - Franziskaner Royal wheat beer brew Linlithgow Distillery - LinGin Cask Aged gin MamasChai - MamasChai Masala Chai REFIX - Alkaline Seawater/Coconut & Pineapple flavor SPI West Port Inc. / JENJI - JENJI Pure Boba Drink Jamnica plus d.o.o. / ProGame - ProGame TCI Co. - TCI Room Temperature Live Probiotic Drink Win Win Water - 100% Biodegradable Best Food Innovation Gina’s Table - Gina’s Table Happles 4th & Heart - 4th & Heart Ghee Sticks The Watkins Co. - Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla Mizkan America - Mizkan Ramen Broth Concentrate Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Green Mood Osmanthus Mung Bean Cake Ice cream THIS™ - THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Wings Moi by Mademoiselle Desserts - Mini Beignets Best Ingredient Innovation Float Foods - OnlyEg™ Eg Yolk EXBERRY® by GNT - EXBERRY® Shade Brown ADM - Creamy Vegan Culinary Base ADM - ES1 (Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347) postbiotic The Stardust Food Company, Issei - Mochi Gummies: Sour Watermelon Onego Bio - Bioalbumen® SPX Flow Anhydro - BlueLight™ Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Rollflex Suibian Gold Dark Chocolate Ice Cream TurtleTree - LF+ by TurtleTree: Ingredient Innovation at its Finest Best Health Innovation Le Bonta Wellness Co. - Le Bonta Milk Mineral Salt Glucosamine Chondroitin Powder PG-Naturpharma - NaturElan LIVER DETOX SOFT CAPSULE IN CAPSULE PG-Naturpharma - NATURELAN ACTIVE PEPTIDELUTEINEYE CARE SOFTGELS Alvarez Camacho - Dulcilight: new line of sweetener ADM - ES1 (Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347) postbiotic Nature's Garden by Cibo Vita - Nature's Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies Phytaphix - EndoHormone Phix PT Lautan Natural Krimerindo - FiberCreme Best Technology Innovation Franke Coffee Systems - MYTICO Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Pasteurized milk protein cheese lollipop Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu processed mozzarella cheese Hailia - Hailia's Novel Seafood Processing Technology: Upcycling Sidestreams Mainstream TCI Co. - double 2 Nutri® TCI Co. - TCI Room Temperature Live Probiotic Preserve Technology Best Marketing Campaign Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu YO！FINE DIARY Yogurt Series Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Green Mood Ice Cream Series Children's Day marketing activities Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Group Co. - Mengniu Rollflex Suibian Gold Series Ice Cream Les Producteurs de lait du Québec - Pastilles de goût Fromages d'ici (Fromages d'ici taste labels) Fry Family Foods - Fry's Plant Based Nuggets Best New/Start-up Business Hailia Chef Cares SUPERKEEN Ambry Best Packaging Design AraBello® - Raspberry Marble Chocolate MM Packaging - GreenPeel Patagonia Provisions - Patagonia Provisions Organic Crackers Graphic Packaging International - Kraft Heinz Cheesies Graphic Packaging International - Oedipus Mannenliefde beer multipack Graphic Packaging International - Ranobo Quality Nuts – PaperSeal Graphic Packaging International - Salzburg Schokolade – Holiday Kugel Packaging Graphic Packaging International - Pressed board tray VSP – ABP Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Co. – TELUNSU - TELUNSU Desert · Organic Earth Friend Limited Edition Alzamora Group - TriCartonTray Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative Koa Switzerland - New value chain: upcycling the cocoa pulp to reduce waste, promote sustainability and improve farmers livelihood Gina’s Table - Gina’s Table Happles Klöckner Pentaplast - kp FlexiFlow® EH 145 R Klöckner Pentaplast - kp FlexiVac® R Nexira - inavea caring by nature Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Co. – TELUNSU - TELUNSU Organic Pure Milk - Eco-wood Packaging Chef Cares - Gastronomy and Giving: Chef Cares' Recipe for Responsible Growth About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com or email awards@foodbev.com.

Mellody, the consumer brand owned by food-tech company MeliBio, has launched a spicy habanero variant of its plant-based honey. This latest launch brings what Mellody claims to be the “first-ever” vegan hot honey to market, crafted as a 100% match to the taste, texture and performance of its bee-made counterpart. It follows the debut of Mellody’s flagship product, Golden Clover Plant-based Honey. Founded in 2020, MeliBio combines advanced culinary techniques, plant science and fermentation to produce taste-competitive, high-functioning substitutes for traditional bee-derived honey products. Mellody’s Spicy Habanero Plant-based Hot Honey is well-suited to a range of sweet and savoury applications, including pizza, sandwiches, desserts, cocktails and more. MeliBio’s CEO and co-founder, Darko Mandich, said: “Our first Golden Clover release has been game changing for the honey industry, and there are even more possibilities for further innovation that our technology can unlock, starting with taste and functionality”. The brand’s products are certified vegan and free from glyphosate, a common herbicide that bees can be exposed to.