Sainsbury's is replacing plastic with cardboard on its own-brand mushroom punnets, which will result in a reduction of over 775 tonnes of plastic, equivalent to 52 million pieces annually. This move is said to represent the largest single plastics removal in the retailer's history. The switch will apply to all of Sainsbury's 13 own-brand mushroom lines, including popular varieties – such as whole baby button, closed cup, organic and chestnut mushrooms – and will be completed by the end of the month. Sainsbury’s will become the first UK retailer to roll out cardboard punnets for all mushrooms in all its stores. Currently, customers can purchase bySainsbury’s and SO Organic mushrooms in cardboard punnets both in-store and online. The change will affect Taste the Difference lines by the end of January. Claire Hughes, Sainsbury's director of product and innovation, said: “As part of our Plan for Better commitments, we are trying to reduce plastic packaging across our own brand ranges. We are delighted to introduce cardboard punnets for our own-brand mushrooms." "Making a collective effort with suppliers to increasing recycled content and recyclability for all customers has helped achieve our biggest-ever plastics removal so far. The initiative reflects our commitment towards a healthier and more sustainable future as we continue to look at ways to innovate our packaging and reduce and replace plastic where possible.” Customers can still recycle the film packaging at any of the flexible plastics recycling points located at the front of Sainsbury's stores.

Italian restaurant Zizzi has partnered with Morrisons to launch Zizzi-branded frozen products in the UK. The range – which comprises 17 frozen items such as pizzas, pastas, side dishes and desserts – is available in 208 Morrisons stores starting today. The products will be merchandised together in a branded freezer section, making it convenient for customers to choose their mains, sides and desserts. The items are inspired by popular Zizzi menu dishes, offering customers a chance to experience the restaurant's flavours at home. The collection includes eight products that make up the range that are exclusively available only at Morrisons, including new options such as the Calzone Carne Piccante, Garlic Soul Breads, Chicken & Mushroom Risotto and two new Rustica pizzas. The line-up caters to diverse tastes, including vegan selections. It features five Rustica pizzas, each topped with either chilli or basil oil drizzle, a hand-stretched Calzone, along with seven pasta and risotto dishes, including Bucatini Meatballs. In addition, it also includes two sides: the new Garlic Soul Breads filled with garlic butter, and two desserts, including Salted Caramel Brownies. Rachel Hendry, retail and grocery director at Zizzi, said: “Our ambition for Zizzi at home has always been to offer shoppers a full dine-in meal solution that gives them a choice of our premium restaurant-inspired dishes at an affordable price, so our launch into Morrisons brings this to life." “We have worked in partnership with Morrisons to deliver true innovation to its shoppers, so we’re excited to launch six completely new products within the 17-strong range. Our Garlic Soul Breads are so unequivocally Zizzi, and represent the little twists we bring to all our dishes.” Tessa Ward, category director frozen at Morrisons, added: “We’re excited to partner with Zizzi to launch its frozen shop, which offers so much quality and choice for our customers. The 17-strong Zizzi range has something for everyone, with lots of innovation and at a price everyone will love. This is our biggest Frozen range change since 2019, and we’re sure it will be a hit with our customers.”

Kabrita, a global manufacturer of goat milk formula, has officially unveiled the first and only long-term FDA authorised goat milk-based infant formula in the US. This milestone follows comprehensive clinical testing, affirming the safety and complete nutritional value of Kabrita’s infant formula for a baby's growth in the first year. The long-term FDA authorisation ensures consistent product availability, assuring parents in the permanence of the infant formula in the US market. Late in 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics formally endorsed goat milk infant formula as suitable nutrition for infants, whether breastfed or non-breastfed, requiring formula supplementation in their first year of life. The distinct advantages of goat milk proteins, closely resembling those in breast milk compared to cow milk proteins, contribute to easier digestion. Additionally, goat milk contains significantly higher natural oligosaccharides, the third-largest component of breast milk. Ari Brown, paediatrician and chief medical advisor for Kabrita USA, said: “As a paediatrician, I highly recommend Kabrita’s Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula as a safe and nourishing option for babies during the first year of life. Goat milk infant formula has been beloved by parents around the world, and finally, parents in the US can feed their babies with a trusted product, based on the highest quality Dutch goat milk that is legally imported to the US.” Elieke Kearns, director of medical and scientific affairs at Kabrita USA, added: “Bringing Kabrita’s Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula to the U.S. was not a rushed decision. While goat milk infant formula was made available during the 2022 U.S. formula shortage via the FDA’s enforcement discretion, Kabrita chose to wait to make our product available until it received long-term FDA authorisation. We believe our product is the safest goat milk-based infant formula on the market, backed by years of clinical trials, peer-reviewed research and extensive FDA clearances.” Kabrita’s infant formula offers a range of benefits, including natural oligosaccharides for healthy digestion and immunity, essential vitamins and minerals for growth, a premium fat blend resembling the fat profile of breast milk, and DHA and ARA for vision and brain development. Notably, the formula is free from corn syrup, GMOs, glyphosate and maltodextrin. The company sources its goat milk from over 100 family-owned farms in the Netherlands, subjecting it to a rigorous process with more than ninety quality checks. With over 75 years of formula experience, Kabrita stands as the #1 goat milk formula globally, nourishing 1.5 million babies daily.

Nestlé Waters-owned Sanpellegrino has unveiled a new range of beverages, Sanpellegrino Zero Grams Added Sugar Italian Sparkling Drinks. The new beverages are made with real Italian fruit juice and come in four flavours – blood orange, lemonade, peach and clementine and pomegranate and orange. Each 330ml can contains 1-4 grams of natural sugar (from fruit juice) and 20 calories or less, varying with each flavour. Sara Mayer, senior marketing manager at Sanpellegrino, said: "At Sanpellegrino, we take pride in crafting our Italian Sparkling Drinks with real fruit juice from fruits grown in the Mediterranean, offering fans authentic flavours”. The new zero-added-sugar beverages are available to purchase in Costco stores across the US, with further rollout in the coming months, for an RRP of $6.99 per six-pack.

Nissin Foods USA has appointed Brian Huff as the company's president and CEO, effective immediately. Huff succeeds Mike Price, who retired from the position after serving since 2018. He will take charge of Nissin Foods' US division, overseeing its ongoing growth and "solidifying the company's position as a leader" in the instant ramen market. Huff's appointment coincides with Nissin Foods' recent announcement of expanding its US operations with a third manufacturing facility in South Carolina. In addition, he will play a key role in the progress and commitment of Nissin Foods Group's global initiatives, including the Earth Food Challenge 2030, part of the company's long-term environmental strategy. Huff has worked in the food industry for over 20 years and holds several leadership positions for companies such as Kellogg Company, Whole Earth Brands and most recently, Diamond Foods. Yukio Yokoyama, chief strategy officer of Nissin Foods Group, said: "The US market continues to be a top priority for Nissin Foods, with our products seeing an unprecedented growth in demand. We are excited to welcome Brian Huff to the Nissin Foods team to lead our US operations. His leadership and experience in growing brands across the food and beverage industry brings significant value as we enter this new chapter for Nissin Foods USA." Huff added: "Nissin Foods is a brand that is steeped in rich heritage, and yet, it has maintained an entrepreneurial spirit that remains the cornerstone and accelerant behind its relentless innovation that continues to shape the category – then and now. The future holds great opportunity for Nissin Foods in the US and I look forward to working alongside this impressive team of professionals to continue on with the company's mission."

French supermarket chain Carrefour has pulled PepsiCo products in its stores in four EU countries in a row over price hikes. From yesterday (4 January), products such as Doritos, Pepsi and 7up will no longer be found on Carrefour shelves in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. Instead, the shelves will carry signs saying that the brands are unavailable "due to unacceptable price increases", a spokesperson for the French supermarket giant told Reuters. Carrefour's move impacts over 9,000 stores across the four countries, which amounts to two-thirds of the retailer's global footprint. Other grocery retailers in several EU countries similarly stopped orders from consumer giants due to increased prices. In May last year, Belgian supermarket chain Colruyt limited its supply of Mondelez products such as Milka chocolate and Oreo biscuits, after a dispute over product prices. In a statement, PepsiCo said: "We've been in discussion with Carrefour for many months and we will continue to engage in good faith in order to try to ensure that our products are available". The food giant said in October it planned "modest" price increases this year as demand held up despite rises, leading it to hike its 2023 profit forecast. This is not the first battle Carrefour has been involved in over prices, last year, the French multinational started a ‘shrinkflation’ campaign that saw warnings placed on products that had shrunk in size but cost more. In its efforts to lower inflation, the French government has asked retailers and suppliers to finish annual price negotiations in January, two months ahead of schedule. France strongly regulates its retail sector, forcing supermarkets to negotiate prices only once a year with food and drink producers, in an attempt to protect its farm industry. "The French supermarkets, we know, are very, very ready to de-list people if they don't like the deals that they get," James Walton, chief economist at the Institute of Grocery Distribution told Reuters. "Obviously that's a last resort, because nobody wins if the goods that people want are not available on the shelves." FoodBev has approached PepsiCo for comment.

Premium nutrition and supplement brand Smart Protein has unveiled a new range of premium active and wellness nutritional supplements. Smart Protein's range of 12 core products are nutritionist-formulated and crafted "to make nutrition both straightforward and accessible to everyone," said the company. This includes a line-up of 'Active' sports nutrition products – such as protein powders, creatine and an electrolyte – to elevate workout, enhance performance and nourish the body. Meanwhile, the ‘Wellness’ category features a range of vitamins and supplements – including nootropics, gummies and super greens – designed to nurture the body and uplift the mind, from gut health to immunity, skin health, sleep, focus, concentration, and bone and joint health. David Weir, founder and CEO of Smart Protein's parent company, The Original Fit Factory, explained: “It’s incredibly exciting to be launching the new Smart Protein range, especially so with the support of one of the UK’s biggest retailers in Tesco. Our products are for anyone looking to take small steps towards being their best and achieving a lifestyle edge - it’s about providing people with life hacks to live smarter.” He continued: “A lot of people want to do more for their health but don’t know where to start or what to do because nutrition has become complicated – we want to change that, revolutionising the nutritional supplements space". "By delivering on a first-of-its-kind shopping experience, both on and offline, that encourages consumers with clear guidance on supporting their desired lifestyle outcomes, with high quality, delicious tasting premium products, we are inviting the whole world to feel good.” Smart Protein’s range will be available to buy in Tesco stores across the UK.

Spanish berry business Surexport has acquired a majority stake in Dutch strawberry producer Jong Fruit. With the acquisition, Surexport will broaden and further diversify its geographical production capacity in Northwest Europe, enhancing the year-round supply of berries to major European retailers. The founders and key managers of Jong Fruit, Arian de Jong and Rob van der Wouw, will continue leading the business alongside Surexport. Van der Wouw said: “For a long time, I have believed in joining forces in an international soft fruit platform. During my first meeting with Surexport, I immediately saw the many opportunities and synergies that were possible for both parties. Our shared passion for the Inspire variety confirmed my conviction. It was, therefore, not a difficult decision for me to sell my shares to Surexport and remain active within the team." "Together with Surexport, I am determined to realise our plans in the expectation that this will take Jong Fruit and Surexport to a higher level than previously thought possible.” De Jong added: “I look forward to proudly leading the platform for Surexport in Northwest Europe in the role of managing director and diligently building on this strategic combination”. Surexport’s CEO, Andrés Morales, commented: “This acquisition fits perfectly within our growth strategy and allows us to strengthen our presence in Northwest Europe. We are delighted to welcome aboard the Jong Fruit team and work together towards becoming the undisputed leading European berry producer.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Cal-Maine Foods has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill previously operated by Tyson Foods in Dexter, Missouri, US. The company plans to convert the plant into an egg-grading facility. Cal-Maine said that it anticipates making additional investments in the facilities and community, generating new job opportunities and that the plant also has the potential for other capabilities, such as hard-cooked egg production. As part of the acquisition, Cal-Maine Foods expects to enter into agreements with select former contract farmers of Tyson to convert their operations to support Cal-Maine's cage-free, free-range or pasture-raised egg production. Sherman Miller president and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine, said: “We are pleased to announce the proposed acquisition of the assets of Tyson’s former broiler processing facility in Dexter, Missouri. This transaction is consistent with our growth strategy to expand our business through selective acquisitions in addition to our organic growth initiatives." "The Dexter location offers an important opportunity to expand our geographic footprint and enhance our ability to serve our valued customers with added production and distribution capabilities in Missouri and surrounding markets. We look forward to working with the Tyson team to close the transaction and to working with the contract growers who will support our shell egg production capabilities. As we extend our market reach, we remain focused on the efficient and sustainable management of our existing and acquired operations and meeting the demands of our customers.”

Functional beverage brand platform Systm Foods has announced the acquisition of Humm Kombucha for an undisclosed sum. Systm Foods, a joint venture between Systm Brands and GroundForce Capital, acquires and operates beverage brands that bring consumers BFY organic and functional products created for healthier living. Founded in the US in 2009, Humm says it is one of the largest and fastest-growing brands in the low- and zero-sugar kombucha and gut health beverage category. Humm will be part of the Systm Brands portfolio, alongside plant-powered functional beverage brands Rebbl and Chameleon Organic Coffee. Systm Foods says the addition of Humm to its portfolio is set to advance its strategic objective of creating a leading functional beverage platform, strengthening its position in the refrigerated RTD category. Additionally, it aligns with Systm Foods' commitment to offer BFY products with added health benefits, catering to diverse lifestyles. Andy Fathollahi, CEO of Systm Foods, said: "Today's consumers are seeking healthier, lower-sugar beverage options with functional advantages, ranging from digestive health to immune support, that don't sacrifice taste or quality. Humm provides Systm Foods with unique capabilities and adds another incredible brand to our portfolio." Humm’s product portfolio includes the “first and only” Whole30-approved kombucha. Its beverages are made through a proprietary fermentation process and are raw, vegan, keto-friendly and gluten-free. George Birman, principal at GroundForce Capital, added: "We are excited to support the Systm team in its latest acquisition, which adds significant scale and strategic capabilities to the platform. Humm is an outstanding brand with a knowledgeable team, well-positioned in a category experiencing increasing demand from consumers and retailers seeking innovative and healthy functional beverages."

Costa Coffee has unveiled its new food and beverage menu in the UK, which includes hot milkshakes and a variety of plant-based culinary options. The hot milkshake range will be available in three flavours: white chocolate and strawberry, salted caramel coffee and chocolate hazel. They feature light whip and toppings include: sprinkles, sweet caramel vermicelli or chocolate brownie crumbs. Costa's latest release also includes a range of plant-based selections – which was launched in partnership with meat-free advocates Bosh! – catering to the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian choices. The plant-based savoury menu features options such as saucy chicken fajita wrap, smokin’ BBQ chicken panini, crackin’ ham and cheeze toastie, and smashin’ sausage bap. Catering to the preferences of meat lovers, Costa has added the pork and apple sausage roll to its menu. Alternatively, the British coffeehouse chain has unveiled the new raisin and almond granola pot. The company is also bringing back the hog roast toastie, heinz beanz and cheese toastie, and roast chicken and bacon toastie. Meanwhile, the vegan dessert menu has also seen the launch of a range of new sweet products in collaboration with Bosh!, including the introduction of the caramelised biscuit rocky road, the double chocolate cookie and the return of the chocolate and pecan slice. The lemon drizzle loaf cake has been updated with a new recipe, which includes an addition of lemon glaze and oil. Costa's new banana loaf cake features a banana sponge, flavoured with banana puree and topped with a sugar glaze, while its new orange and raspberry Victoria sponge includes a vanilla sponge, filled with raspberry jam and orange frosting, topped with raspberries and orange peel.

Mars China has unveiled its latest innovation, a new Snickers bar that provides consumers with a low-sugar and low- glycaemic index (GI) option. The bar, which contains dark chocolate cereal, was developed through a collaboration between Mars and the China National Research Institute of Food & Fermentation Industries. The formula incorporates zero-sugar pure cocoa butter dark chocolate and includes “quality” ingredients like Turkish hazelnut spread, almonds, pumpkin seeds and black sesame, aiming to maintain nutritional balance. Each 30g bar boasts a low GI value (≈40) and low glycaemic load value (≈4), while being high in dietary fibre and prebiotics. The new Snickers bars also feature new packaging made from a mono PP material. Typically, flexible packaging consists of multiple layers of different materials, which can make it challenging to recycle. In contrast, mono-material flexible packaging refers to a single plastic component, such as single polypropylene (PP), which Mars says makes it easier to recycle. Additionally, the outer packaging box of the new bar uses paper material certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which supports sustainable forest management.