Unilever-owned brand Magnum has launched two new innovations, pink lemonade and blueberry cookie ice cream sticks. The launch – Magnum’s first that combines sorbet and ice cream in one product – is said to provide a multi-sensory experience. According to the brand, the sticks mark a category-first in the UK as they are based on two moods that consumers could experience whilst eating the ice cream: 'chill' and 'euphoria.' The pink lemonade stick consists of a raspberry sorbet core wrapped in lemon ice cream with popping candy and is also being launched in mini format. The blueberry cookie stick is a vegan variant and features a blueberry sorbet core encased in vanilla biscuit-flavoured ice cream and cookie pieces. The release follows Magnum’s expansion of its product range last year – the brand introduced four new innovations including the Sunlover and Starchaser duo, as well as new plant-based and miniature options.

Edinburgh, UK-based gin, rum and whisky distiller, Holyrood Distillery, has secured a £2 million funding package from wine and spirits fintech Ferovinum. The new deal aims to release capital from Holyrood's maturing cask inventory. Its primary purpose is to finance the acquisition of new fill casks and facilitate the export of cased goods to international markets, as the business rolls out a programme of new releases and market expansion for its whisky, gin, and rum brands. Ferovinum was founded in 2018 and was initially launched to support the UK’s burgeoning wine industry, before it expanded into the whisky and spirits sectors in 2022. Ferovinum's funding platform is focused on supporting wine and spirits enterprises. Utilising its proprietary technology, the company caters to the distinct funding and growth requirements of businesses within these sectors, offering what it says is a more agile and cost-effective alternative to traditional funding options. The platform secures assets from production to retail, allowing companies to convert maturing stock into capital where necessary. Ferovinum's technology also integrates with various business functions, improving overall efficiency. Huw Wright, distillery managing director for Holyrood Distillery, said: “Holyrood Distillery has some ambitious plans in place so we require partners who can keep up, see the vision and enhance it. This is exactly why Ferovinum was chosen and asked to come on board, and we are thrilled that they have agreed to come along on this exciting journey with us." Gregor Mathieson, director of spirits for Ferovinum, added: “The Holyrood team has achieved a remarkable feat in the past few years, bringing a thriving new distillery to the heart of Edinburgh and leading a bold new era of modern whisky making in Scotland. Their need for partners who share their ambition and who can provide genuine, specialist and hands-on support means they are a perfect fit for Ferovinum and our technology." The announcement follows the release of the distillery’s first whisky last October, which the distiller said marked "one of the first single malt whiskies produced in Edinburgh in a century".

Edinburgh, UK-based gin, rum and whisky distiller, Holyrood Distillery, has secured a £2 million funding package from wine and spirits fintech Ferovinum. The new deal aims to release capital from Holyrood's maturing cask inventory. Its primary purpose is to finance the acquisition of new fill casks and facilitate the export of cased goods to international markets, as the business rolls out a programme of new releases and market expansion for its whisky, gin, and rum brands. Ferovinum was founded in 2018 and was initially launched to support the UK’s burgeoning wine industry, before it expanded into the whisky and spirits sectors in 2022. Ferovinum's funding platform is focused on supporting wine and spirits enterprises. Utilising its proprietary technology, the company caters to the distinct funding and growth requirements of businesses within these sectors, offering what it says is a more agile and cost-effective alternative to traditional funding options. The platform secures assets from production to retail, allowing companies to convert maturing stock into capital where necessary. Ferovinum's technology also integrates with various business functions, improving overall efficiency. Huw Wright, distillery managing director for Holyrood Distillery, said: “Holyrood Distillery has some ambitious plans in place so we require partners who can keep up, see the vision and enhance it. This is exactly why Ferovinum was chosen and asked to come on board, and we are thrilled that they have agreed to come along on this exciting journey with us." Gregor Mathieson, director of spirits for Ferovinum, added: “The Holyrood team has achieved a remarkable feat in the past few years, bringing a thriving new distillery to the heart of Edinburgh and leading a bold new era of modern whisky making in Scotland. Their need for partners who share their ambition and who can provide genuine, specialist and hands-on support means they are a perfect fit for Ferovinum and our technology." The announcement follows the release of the distillery’s first whisky last October, which the distiller said marked "one of the first single malt whiskies produced in Edinburgh in a century".

Cascades has unveiled a new range of eco-friendly basket designs for the produce sector, capable of supporting a wide range of fruit and veg. Made from up to 100% recycled fibres, these new produce baskets offer produce growers a sustainable alternative to replace more hard-to-recycle packaging. In line with eco-design principles, these products adhere to a circular economy approach. Utilising recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard in their design, Cascades supports minimising consumer’s environmental footprint. This approach meets the growing demand for packaging that is progressively more environmentally friendly. Creative packaging design not only discourages direct consumer handling but also ensures the preservation of fruits and vegetables throughout the entire logistics process. The packaging incorporates a secure closure system that prevents items from falling out, all while maintaining clear visibility of the contents. Charles Malo, president and chief operating officer of Cascades Containerboard Packaging, said: "These new corrugated basket formats for fresh fruit and vegetables enhance our innovative product offering for the produce sector while allowing us to continue to meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility." These baskets are offered in two distinct models and four varying sizes, ranging from the ½ dry quart snack size to the 1L size. They are suitable for marketing a broad range of fruits and vegetables, including berries, tomatoes, and tree-grown fruits. Cascades also released a recyclable cardboard tray which uses similar technologies in 2019.

Cascades has unveiled a new range of eco-friendly basket designs for the produce sector, capable of supporting a wide range of fruit and veg. Made from up to 100% recycled fibres, these new produce baskets offer produce growers a sustainable alternative to replace more hard-to-recycle packaging. In line with eco-design principles, these products adhere to a circular economy approach. Utilising recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard in their design, Cascades supports minimising consumer’s environmental footprint. This approach meets the growing demand for packaging that is progressively more environmentally friendly. Creative packaging design not only discourages direct consumer handling but also ensures the preservation of fruits and vegetables throughout the entire logistics process. The packaging incorporates a secure closure system that prevents items from falling out, all while maintaining clear visibility of the contents. Charles Malo, president and chief operating officer of Cascades Containerboard Packaging, said: "These new corrugated basket formats for fresh fruit and vegetables enhance our innovative product offering for the produce sector while allowing us to continue to meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility." These baskets are offered in two distinct models and four varying sizes, ranging from the ½ dry quart snack size to the 1L size. They are suitable for marketing a broad range of fruits and vegetables, including berries, tomatoes, and tree-grown fruits. Cascades also released a recyclable cardboard tray which uses similar technologies in 2019.

Utz Brands has entered into a definitive agreement with US snacks provider Our Home to offload "certain" subsidiaries and brands in a deal valued at $182.5 million. Our Home, the owner of Popchips, will acquire the RW Garcia and Good Health brands, as well as two manufacturing facilities. The transaction also includes the assumption of Utz’s Las Vegas facility’s lease and manufacturing operation, giving Our Home five manufacturing facilities across the country from coast to coast. The move will enable Our Home to "vertically integrate, driving streamlined and substantial growth," said the company. Aaron Greenwald, founder and CEO of Our Home, said: "These acquisitions will diversify Our Home brands across a variety of salty snack categories, reinforcing our position as a leading independent better-for-you snacking platform". Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz, commented: “We expect these transactions to deliver on our supply chain transformation and value creation initiatives, to fast-track our deleveraging timeline by a full year and to accelerate our brand portfolio strategy to better optimise for growth. With this important step in the optimisation of our supply chain and brand portfolio, together with immediate benefits to free cash flow from lower interest expense, we are well-positioned to execute against our expansion plans across the US and deliver on our margin target.” Aaron Greenwald, founder and CEO of Our Home, added: “We are thrilled to announce this acquisition from Utz as it significantly scales Our Home’s snacking platform and manufacturing footprint across the United States". "These transactions support our vision to deliver snacks that satisfy while creating a sense of connection and comfort at tremendous value. Through our owned-production facilities led by our invaluable team members, along with a carefully curated brand portfolio, we aim to be the preferred choice for those seeking high-quality, better-for-you snacks.” The transaction is expected to close on 5 February 2024.

Utz Brands has entered into a definitive agreement with US snacks provider Our Home to offload "certain" subsidiaries and brands in a deal valued at $182.5 million. Our Home, the owner of Popchips, will acquire the RW Garcia and Good Health brands, as well as two manufacturing facilities. The transaction also includes the assumption of Utz’s Las Vegas facility’s lease and manufacturing operation, giving Our Home five manufacturing facilities across the country from coast to coast. The move will enable Our Home to "vertically integrate, driving streamlined and substantial growth," said the company. Aaron Greenwald, founder and CEO of Our Home, said: "These acquisitions will diversify Our Home brands across a variety of salty snack categories, reinforcing our position as a leading independent better-for-you snacking platform". Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz, commented: “We expect these transactions to deliver on our supply chain transformation and value creation initiatives, to fast-track our deleveraging timeline by a full year and to accelerate our brand portfolio strategy to better optimise for growth. With this important step in the optimisation of our supply chain and brand portfolio, together with immediate benefits to free cash flow from lower interest expense, we are well-positioned to execute against our expansion plans across the US and deliver on our margin target.” Aaron Greenwald, founder and CEO of Our Home, added: “We are thrilled to announce this acquisition from Utz as it significantly scales Our Home’s snacking platform and manufacturing footprint across the United States". "These transactions support our vision to deliver snacks that satisfy while creating a sense of connection and comfort at tremendous value. Through our owned-production facilities led by our invaluable team members, along with a carefully curated brand portfolio, we aim to be the preferred choice for those seeking high-quality, better-for-you snacks.” The transaction is expected to close on 5 February 2024.

PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) has announced a new 150,000-square-foot warehouse in Lisbon, Wisconsin, US. The hub, staffed with over 260 employees, is expected to help meet the increasing demand in Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties. It aims to ensure the sustained supply to longstanding clients stocked with Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mtn Dew, Aquafina, Gatorade, Lipton, Starbucks, Rockstar, Celsius, Tropicana, Dole, Naked Juice and more. According to PBNA Lisbon, the new warehouse was built to meet demand with "maximum efficiency," including enhanced energy efficiency. The facility is equipped with 95% new machinery, including tractors, trailers, pallet jacks and forklifts. PBNA Lisbon also features the company's Geo Box delivery system, which replaces traditional bay delivery trucks with specially designed trailers that are pre-loaded at the warehouse to deliver the appropriate quantity and assortment of beverages to local retail customers more efficiently and promptly. This system will also reduce the number of vehicles, miles driven and overall fuel consumption. Neil Pryor, central division president of PBNA, said: "Milwaukee has been home to PepsiCo and hundreds of our talented employees for decades, and we're pleased to build on that history by investing in this state-of-the-art Lisbon facility to serve even more neighbours. We deeply appreciate our local partners and team members who make Milwaukee a vibrant community in which we are proud to grow."

PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) has announced a new 150,000-square-foot warehouse in Lisbon, Wisconsin, US. The hub, staffed with over 260 employees, is expected to help meet the increasing demand in Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties. It aims to ensure the sustained supply to longstanding clients stocked with Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mtn Dew, Aquafina, Gatorade, Lipton, Starbucks, Rockstar, Celsius, Tropicana, Dole, Naked Juice and more. According to PBNA Lisbon, the new warehouse was built to meet demand with "maximum efficiency," including enhanced energy efficiency. The facility is equipped with 95% new machinery, including tractors, trailers, pallet jacks and forklifts. PBNA Lisbon also features the company's Geo Box delivery system, which replaces traditional bay delivery trucks with specially designed trailers that are pre-loaded at the warehouse to deliver the appropriate quantity and assortment of beverages to local retail customers more efficiently and promptly. This system will also reduce the number of vehicles, miles driven and overall fuel consumption. Neil Pryor, central division president of PBNA, said: "Milwaukee has been home to PepsiCo and hundreds of our talented employees for decades, and we're pleased to build on that history by investing in this state-of-the-art Lisbon facility to serve even more neighbours. We deeply appreciate our local partners and team members who make Milwaukee a vibrant community in which we are proud to grow."

Pilgrim’s Food Masters-owned brand Fridge Raiders has unveiled its latest innovation, Fridge Raiders Poppers in Cheesy Nacho flavour. Crafted to cater to consumers with busy lifestyles, the high-protein chicken bites feature 100% chicken breast pieces in textured coatings, which the brand says results in “intense flavour delivery”. Chris Doe, UK marketing and innovation director at Pilgrim’s Food Masters, said: “We're thrilled to introduce Fridge Raiders Poppers, a delicious and convenient ready-to-eat option for consumers. Our newest innovation marks our commitment to bringing great-tasting choices to the forefront of the snacking market and is a great addition to our popular core range of Fridge Raiders products." Consumers can purchase the new Cheesy Nacho Poppers in Tesco stores across the UK, with further rollout planned for April, when the brand anticipates to launch its second flavour.

Pilgrim’s Food Masters-owned brand Fridge Raiders has unveiled its latest innovation, Fridge Raiders Poppers in Cheesy Nacho flavour. Crafted to cater to consumers with busy lifestyles, the high-protein chicken bites feature 100% chicken breast pieces in textured coatings, which the brand says results in “intense flavour delivery”. Chris Doe, UK marketing and innovation director at Pilgrim’s Food Masters, said: “We're thrilled to introduce Fridge Raiders Poppers, a delicious and convenient ready-to-eat option for consumers. Our newest innovation marks our commitment to bringing great-tasting choices to the forefront of the snacking market and is a great addition to our popular core range of Fridge Raiders products." Consumers can purchase the new Cheesy Nacho Poppers in Tesco stores across the UK, with further rollout planned for April, when the brand anticipates to launch its second flavour.

Patricia Provot, president of the Americas at Armstrong International, discusses the US Department of Energy’s $169 million grant initiative for industrial heat pumps and its aim to reduce emissions in the F&B sector. Industrial heat pumps, coupled with circular thermal methods, offer substantial energy savings and CO2 reductions. Provot underscores the transformative potential of this technology and its role in decarbonising production facilities. The US Department of Energy (DoE) is making moves to accelerate the development and deployment of electric heat pumps in America, recently awarding $169 million in grants to nine companies across 15 states to jump-start production. The effort is part of a solution to help build a clean energy economy, create good-paying manufacturing jobs, improve air quality, help families and businesses save money on their energy bills, and bolster national security by reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for energy resilience. Global thermal energy manager Armstrong International, where I serve as president of the Americas, was selected among the nine grant recipients to produce heat pumps for major energy-consuming industrial facilities like F&B processing plants. These plants, according to a recent report released by the Renewable Thermal Collaborative (RTC), are among the nation’s leading producers of emissions from industrial heat. As a result, F&B companies face growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and proceed toward net-zero emissions. It’s a big ask, but fortunately, the thermal energy usage within the sector is almost exclusively low-temperature processes, providing a unique opportunity to decarbonise with heat pumps. Pump up the heat Heat pumps find their efficiency through heat transfer rather than heat generation, as it requires much more power to produce heat than to displace it. They can provide three to four times as much energy in the form of heat as they’re using in electricity, making them a crucial part of reducing demand for fossil fuels and bolstering the clean energy economy. Research from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) shows that industrial heat pumps can cut the energy use associated with industrial process heat by up to one third and enable CO2 savings of between 30-43 million tons per year in the US –equivalent to the emissions generated by 6.5-9.2 million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles annually. But there’s more to the story. Used in conjunction with an internal process heat exchanger network, industrial heat pumps can play a primary role in what is known as Circular Thermal. The method includes taking a stream of waste heat and channelling it back to the process where the energy is needed. This three-step process includes de-steaming (conversion to pressurised hot water) all applications below 250°F, recovering direct heat when a positive differential temperature is available, and using industrial heat pumps for raising the temperature of low-grade heat to a temperature that is useful for the process. This is especially helpful in F&B processing—particularly with dairy products—where a significant amount of energy is required for sterilisation and cold storage, which leads to a lot of waste heat during the cooling process. In fact, about 50-80% of the primary energy input used in these plants is waste heat. Just a small fraction of that fossil fuel-generated energy input is used for manufacturing the product, while the rest is released in the form of hot exhaust gases and radiating heat from hot equipment surfaces and heated products. Because these factories simultaneously need heat at relatively low temperatures to operate effectively, the waste heat becomes a valuable energy source. But first, before capturing the heat and putting it back to work, plant operators first need to understand the flow of energy within the plant, where it is going, and how much of it ends up as waste heat. A trained thermal energy expert can identify this flow of energy by utilising process integration (PI), a methodology for mapping and overlapping heat sources and heat sinks to optimise heat recovery. A greener future Thanks to recent advancements in AI, IoT, SaaS solutions and cloud-based services, this process has become much more precise. Engineers are armed with enormous amounts of data, allowing them to make more exact measurements and accurately report system behaviour. Once the mapping is complete, operators can optimise the facility using the Circular Thermal methodology and build a roadmap to complete decarbonisation. Plants that achieve full optimisation are left with about 20% of their original greenhouse gas emissions, which can be removed with renewable sources at a minimal cost, leading to net-zero emissions. Indeed, industrial heat pumps are not a new technology. They were first developed and brought to commercialisation for industrial use in the 1980s but failed to make their mark in the US due to the availability of cheap natural gas. However, with today’s climate crisis raising the urgency to rethink how we’re treating the planet, combined with recent advancements in technology, heat pumps are becoming a vital, cost-effective part of the answer to our energy crisis. When used in concert with the circular thermal approach, they are now perhaps the best solution we have for drastically reducing the CO2 emissions from today’s food production facilities.