Stora Enso has released the findings of a comprehensive consumer research study that sheds light on European consumers' perceptions of reusable packaging. The study, conducted by Stora Enso's Packaging Materials division, revealed a nuanced perspective among European consumers, with the majority holding a positive view of reusable packaging. However, significant concerns regarding packaging cleanliness and a lack of full understanding of the concept have emerged as potential roadblocks to widespread adoption. The research, which involved over 7,000 consumers aged between 18 and 64 across the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and Sweden, showed that 77% of European consumers express a favourable view of reusable packaging. While this indicates an overall positive sentiment, only 30% of respondents fully grasp the concept, highlighting the need for education and clarity around these sustainable packaging solutions. A learning curve One of the key challenges facing brand owners and retailers is consumer confusion regarding how reusable packaging functions. Respondents exhibited uncertainty regarding whether reusing occurs at home or at retailer refill stations. This lack of clarity presents a significant hurdle to the broader acceptance of reusable packaging. Moreover, a significant concern that emerged from the study is packaging cleanliness. A whopping 78% of respondents stated they would worry about hygiene if a product was packaged in a reusable container. This apprehension may stem from uncertainties about how efficiently such containers are cleaned and maintained. Simplifying the process Another barrier to adoption is the perception that returning packaging to the point of purchase is too much effort. Approximately 22% of participants agreed with this sentiment, indicating a need for more convenient and user-friendly systems for returning and refilling reusable packaging. In contrast, the research also highlights that recyclable carton packaging solutions are a preferred option for many consumers. Over half of the respondents (51%) favoured this material due to its recyclability, while 52% found it easy to recycle. Interestingly, 75% of consumers viewed recycling packaging as a form of reuse, particularly when it comes to everyday items that are recycled at scale, such as paper. This study suggests that European consumers are open to the concept of reusable packaging, but significant challenges remain. Brand owners and retailers must address concerns related to packaging cleanliness, convenience and consumer education to further promote sustainable and circular packaging solutions.

US artisan cheese company Sartori Cheese has expanded its offerings with the launch of two new flavoured spread and dip products. The brand said the new products aim to allow consumers to enjoy its signature BellaVitano cheese in a variety of applications, such as a flavourful sandwich spread or a dip for chips, crackers and vegetables. Two flavours are available: Merlot BellaVitano is described as a rich, creamy cheese dip highlighted with the berry and plum votes of a merlot red wine. The Garlic & Herb BellaVitano product contains flavours of garlic, lemon zest and parsley. "At Sartori, we're always exploring new ways to push the boundaries of flavour and product innovation," said Sartori Cheese CEO, Bert Sartori. "We're excited to introduce these two new Spread & Dip flavours in a way that does justice to the signature BellaVitano taste our customers know and love." The products are launching exclusively at Publix retail stores across the US.

The Restaurant Group (TRG), owner of the Wagamama and Frankie & Benny’s restaurant chains, is set to go private in a £506 million acquisition by Apollo Global Management. The boards of directors of the foodservice company and US private equity firm Apollo announced yesterday that they have reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended all-cash acquisition by Apollo subsidiary Rock BidCo. The acquisition values TRG’s ordinary share capital at approximately £506 billion on a fully diluted basis, and implies an enterprise value of £701 million. The all-cash deal values TRG’s shares at 65p per share, representing a 34% premium of TRG’s closing price of 49p per share on Wednesday 11 October. TRG’s board said it had considered all scenarios carefully and had reached the conclusion that the certainty provided by the cash acquisition makes it a “superior outcome” for TRG shareholders. Last month, the company announced plans to sell its leisure business, which comprises the Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito restaurants across 75 UK trading sites, to The Big Table Group. TRG currently operates approximately 380 restaurants and pubs throughout the UK. Apollo said it will work with TRG’s existing management and employees to support the business with a view to providing sustained growth and development opportunities for the company’s stakeholders. The transaction is subject to approval by TRG shareholders and is expected to complete in early 2024.

Diageo has announced two regenerative agriculture programmes across its tequila and scotch brands in Mexico and Scotland respectively. Focused on reducing carbon emissions from farming barley and wheat for scotch whisky and agave for tequila, the programme also aims to drive additional benefits for its farmers. Under the initiative, Diageo expects to drive positive outcomes of enhanced biodiversity, improved water stewardship, carbon reduction and better soil health management. The programmes will look at locally adapted practices such as cover crops, crop rotations and reduced cultivations. The tequila regenerative agriculture pilot will build the “local knowledge pool of agave regenerative practices,” investigating how the plants hold carbon over their 6 to 7-year growth cycles. Diageo says the programme will span across its farms and network of producers of the agave required for its tequila brands, which include Don Julio, Casamigos, DeLeon and Astral. Ewan Andrew, Diageo’s president of global supply chain and procurement and CSO, said: “The scotch whisky and tequila brands have such a strong connection to their local communities, and as we build increased resilience and productivity across our end-to-end supply chains, we are building broader partnerships to enhance the impact of regenerative farming practices at scale”. Phase one of the scotch programme will focus on approximately 20 farms in three key barley and wheat sourcing regions in Scotland for brands including Johnnie Walker, Talisker and The Singleton. The initiatives will aim to reduce carbon emissions while building supply resilience, particularly in Jalisco, Mexico, a region that is exposed to climate risks, by building soil health. The spirit giant says that both programmes will provide greater resilience and knowledge to the farmers on how to farm and how to adapt farming practices in response to climate change. The programmes are being delivered in partnership with agriculture and soil carbon specialists, including Agricarbon and James Hutton. Agricarbon will aid Diageo understand how much carbon the soil currently holds and will help to track soil carbon changes over time across both geographic contexts, while James Hutton will investigate how regenerative farming practices can improve soil structure, biological activity and water retention rate in the scotch programme. Annie Leeson, CEO and co-founder of Agricarbon, commented: “Building our knowledge and understanding of the different raw materials across Diageo’s supply chain is key to reducing emissions and monitoring carbon changes in soils in different farming systems. Working with Diageo, we are pioneering large-scale assessments of soil carbon stocks.” Diageo expects the outcomes of the programmes to contribute to a reduction in its scope 3 carbon emissions reduction target. The programmes form part of Diageo’s investment of £1 billion into developing a low-carbon world.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reduced the recommended daily dose of cannabidiol (CBD) due to concerns about liver damage and thyroid problems. The FSA now recommends healthy adults limit their consumption of CBD in food to 10mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to four or five drops of 5% CBD oil. The UK food regulators said that the new advice – which reduces the recommended maximum dosage from 70mg to 10mg – was based on evidence provided by both the industry and its independent scientific committee. The updated advice has been based on the average lifetime exposure to CBD-containing food products, such as drinks, oils, sweets, bakery items or drops. The FSA said there is "no acute risk" with consuming more than 10mg of CBD a day based on the data it had assessed. However, above this level, and over a period of time, "there is evidence of some adverse impacts on the liver and thyroid". The risk of experiencing adverse health effects rises with higher and more frequent doses. Robin May, chief scientific advisor at the FSA, said: “Our independent advisory committees have reviewed the safety assessments submitted by the industry as part of their novel food applications, and we are advising that healthy adults should take no more than 10mg of CBD a day". He continued: “The more CBD you consume over your lifetime, the more likely you are to develop long-term adverse effects, like liver damage or thyroid issues. The level of risk is related to how much you take, in the same way, it is with some other potentially harmful products such as alcoholic drinks." “We encourage consumers to check the CBD content on the product label to monitor their overall daily consumption of CBD and consider if they wish to make changes to how much they take based on this updated advice.” Emily Miles, CEO of the FSA, added: “We have always advised the public to think carefully about taking edible CBD products and as with all foods, we continue to review our advice based on the evidence we gather from industry". “We understand that this change to our advice will have implications for products currently on the market that contain more than 10mg of CBD per serving. We will be working closely with industry to minimise the risk, to ensure consumers are not exposed to potentially harmful levels of CBD.”

Alaska-based food manufacturer Barnacle has unveiled its latest innovation, Habanero Hot Sauce made with Alaska-grown kelp. Barnacle says the new sauce provides spicy habanero heat balanced with a hint of sweetness and a “deep savoury boost” from the kelp, which is the first ingredient. Rosa Spaeth, R&D manager at Barnacle Foods, said: "Since launching our original hot sauce three years ago, customers have been asking for more. After a year of recipe perfecting, we're excited to share Habanero Hot Sauce – made with fresh Alaska grown kelp, made by our team in Juneau, Alaska." Barncale, which operates with a mission to benefit oceans, communities and the future, says its products help to expand the emerging kelp farming industry in Alaska by providing a high-value market for kelp farmers and harvesters. Lia Heifetz, co-founder of Barnacle Foods, added: "With each bite, we are sharing the flavours and story of Alaska's coast. Our mission is built into the fabric of what we do at Barnacle – from how our team is structured to the ingredients that we use. This model of business isn't conventional, but we are excited to give people an opportunity to do good for the oceans and the collective future through foods they eat.” Kelp helps enhance saltiness and the umami flavour of food products, while providing nutritional density of “hard-to-come-by" vitamins and minerals. According to Barnacle, kelp is one of the most earth-friendly ingredients – it requires no inputs to cultivate and boasts benefits to ocean chemistry while growing. The new hot sauce is available to purchase now at select retailers across the North America.

SIG has announced the launch of a small-size, on-the-go carton bottle, SIG DomeMini. According to SIG, the carton pack is designed to "captivate attention" and encourage consumers to "rethink their packaging choices". Beverage manufacturers will be able to opt for an alternative that significantly reduces the presence of plastic in the market while aligning with the growing 'paperization' trend. Christoph Wegener, CMO at SIG, said: “The market for on-the-go beverages continues to grow and offers immense potential. By combining convenience with sustainability, SIG DomeMini sets the stage and offers a new drinking experience for consumers, who can now enjoy their favourite drink on the move while helping to reduce plastic waste.” SIG DomeMini is made primarily from FSC-certified paperboard and produced using 100% renewable electricity. It offers environmental advantages compared to alternative packaging solutions, like plastic bottles, due to its significant use of forest-based renewable materials and efficient space-saving design. SIG DomeMini will initially debut in the Chinese market, with plans for future expansion into other countries. Wegener added: “Our new SIG DomeMini on-the-go premium pack perfectly complements our already successful family-size SIG Dome aseptic carton bottle". "We can now offer food and beverage companies a bottle-shaped carton product family for the on-the-go and at-home occasion that does not compromise on convenience and delivers superior sustainability performance. The eye-catching design of the SIG Dome family really stands out on shelf too, clearly differentiating it from other packaging types.”

Nabla Solution, a company that provides total packing solutions for carton, PET, glass and aluminium can filling systems, has showcased its product portfolio, covering various formats of packaging materials, advanced processing equipment, filling machines, downstream equipment, spare parts and auxiliaries for different filling systems, as well as technical and marketing services, at Agroprodmash 2023, from 9-13 October. By exhibiting a filling machine, a cap applicator, spare parts, carton packaging materials, caps, membranes and other products at the stand, Nabla demonstrated its quality confidence to international food and beverage producers. During the exhibition, Nabla has signed a sales contract with one of its international customers for an aseptic carton filling line for 1000ml and 500ml aseptic Brick and Prisma formats, along with essential downstream equipment. The capability of providing machines, equipment, and parts with a state-of-the-art level was well received and highly appreciated by the visitors. Ever since its establishment, Nabla has been acting as a frontrunner in bringing a new approach to the industry, and it has already spread its business in South East Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe at a fast pace, providing product and service-based solution to diverse customers in the food and beverage industry. Quality is at the heart of the products and services that Nabla provides. In order to bring high-quality products to customers, Nabla prioritises quality assurance on behalf of its international customers. Strict quality standards are implemented when Nabla selects potential manufacturing partners. And to further guarantee the quality of the deliverables, Nabla conducts its additional independent quality control and logistic pre-checks by its own QA team and logistic team for every order. Nabla understands that efficiency is prominent to food and beverage producers. Nabla’s localised spare parts supply and global technical network are all about minimising production downtime and optimising operational efficiency for customers. Nabla allocates local technical experts in customers’ regions to provide engineering solutions and technical support, from installations to maintenance and breakdown recovery, in rapid response and timely arrival. If necessary, engineers from Nabla's global distinguished technical board will be assigned for troubleshooting on customers’ sites. Nabla also provides marketing services to land business ideas and accelerate sales performance for food and beverage producers. With proven marketing know-how, Nabla supports in all stages for providing an attractive packaging design, marketing campaign proposal and execution, as well as product traceability solution. Nabla’s marketing team has designed and implemented creative marketing campaigns that have won prestigious international beverage awards. About Nabla Solution Nabla is dedicated to providing total packing solutions for carton, PET, can, glass filling systems, covering packaging materials, machines, spare parts, auxiliaries, along with technical and marketing services, to global dairy, beverage and liquor producers, with proven industrial expertise and insights. More information about Nabla Solution is available at www.nablasolution.com. Related article: Shugao and Nabla partner to provide processing solution

According to Knit’s 2022 Restaurant and Dining Report, in the US alone, Gen Z has an estimated buying power of between $150 billion and $360 billion globally, smashing all estimates and projections from years before. There's no denying that Gen Z is an extremely important and powerful segment to capture in any industry. However, many Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brands and independently owned restaurants are not yet prepared to accommodate Gen Z’s buying or dining habits, let alone Generation Alpha after them. Allie Metz, global project manager for digital signage at Acrelec, explores. As consumer demographics shift towards the Gen Z population, it is increasingly imperative for Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brands to adapt their operational strategies to attune to this young generation's evolving preferences and demands. Gen Z is characterised by its affinity for authenticity, individuality and digital technology, and we will explore how QSR brands are embracing significant changes to deliver a robust, seamless, personalised and engaging customer experience. But will it be enough or successfully executed for certain brands to retain a competitive advantage in a Gen Z-influenced market? Emphasising authenticity and individuality Gen Z appreciates the flexibility of customisation and the ability to assert their identity through their food choices. This trend is prominently evident in restaurants like Chipotle, a highly popular brand whose customer base is nearly 50% Gen Z, and other local eateries that have adopted an assembly line model, which enables customers to tailor their meals according to their specific preferences. This approach to individual customisation does more than just satisfy the diverse palate of each customer. It also builds a connection between the consumer and the brand. The brand earns loyalty and repeat business by consistently meeting their specific tastes and needs through self-tailored meals. However, at Acrelec, we’ve identified that customisation and personalisation are not the only keys to capturing the Gen Z market. The integration of data and analytics into business operations serves as a vital tool for understanding and meeting the needs of Gen Z customers. This tech-savvy generation, more so than their predecessors, shows a remarkable openness towards sharing their data. Utilising this data allows QSRs to understand their customers in more dynamic ways and offer a personalised, seamless experience. For instance, if a customer is near a store, a notification can pop up on their phone to alert them of available offers. By utilising their order history, the QSR brand can suggest similar meals or quickly create an order of your most bought items. This level of personalised marketing is not only appealing to young consumers but also highly efficient for QSR brands competing in a crowded marketplace. Empowering native tech users Gen Z's extensive use of mobile applications offers an excellent opportunity for QSR brands to gather valuable consumer insights. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods of feedback like physical comments on receipts, restaurants can leverage their digital platforms to collect more comprehensive and relevant responses. Mobile order apps can encourage customers to leave reviews, thus enabling brands to understand their customers' preferences and experiences better. Many QSR brands have already adopted app-based customer loyalty programmes and are actively working to improve the user experience. The more Gen Z patrons utilise these QSR apps, the more data they will generate and the greater the authenticity and personalisation of their experience in a restaurant, which is what a large swath of them are after. Even for fast-casual restaurants or dine-in operations, understanding the preferences and experiences of your customers at such a degree will help guide major business decisions. It’s just like the longstanding suggestion box. Except now, we are placing a suggestion box in every customer's pocket and rewarding them for their contribution. The integration of data and analytics also allows QSR brands to refine their menu offerings and marketing strategies, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience. As AI and machine learning become more accessible, these tools for data analytics will also become more accessible. Understanding customers' needs, preferences and behaviours can lead to strategically tailored offerings that resonate with Gen Z consumers and shape them into loyal patrons. Encouraging feedback and communication Collecting feedback and fostering two-way communication within loyalty programmes are essential for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it's a critical tool for enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. When customers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to develop a stronger emotional connection with a brand. Gen Z, in particular, values authentic interactions and expects brands to listen and respond to their opinions. By actively seeking and acting on their feedback, businesses can cultivate a loyal customer base, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of QSRs. Secondly, feedback and communication help businesses identify pain points and areas for improvement. Gen Z consumers are known for their high standards and willingness to vocalise their opinions, whether positive or negative. By providing an avenue for them to express their thoughts, QSR brands can uncover operational issues, menu shortcomings or service deficiencies that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. This valuable feedback can be used to refine processes, enhance product offerings and optimise the overall customer experience, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, feedback and communication contribute to brand transparency and trust. When a business acknowledges and addresses customer concerns openly and honestly, it demonstrates its commitment to accountability and improvement. Gen Z, in particular, places a premium on ethical and transparent practices, and brands that actively engage with their customers in this manner are more likely to earn their trust and loyalty. Overall, incorporating feedback and communication into loyalty programmes is not just a customer-centric approach but also a strategic move to build brand loyalty, improve operations and stay competitive in today's market. Adapting to the new generation of consumers Today's QSR brands are increasingly adapting their operations to cater to the unique needs and behaviours of Gen Z consumers. From allowing customisation in their food orders to leveraging digital platforms for data collection and personalised marketing to fostering transparent communication within loyalty programmes, these adjustments are not just a response to changing consumer trends but a strategic effort to create a more engaging and personalised customer experience. With Gen Z consumers more open to sharing their data, QSR brands have an unprecedented opportunity to understand their customer base better and tailor their offerings strategically for maximum impact.

Blupura has announced the launch of its first line of filter cartridges, named Blutron. The product line is said to be the result of Blupura's commitment to providing high-quality drinking water through uncompromising choices in materials and components. According to Blupura, the name Blutron "is not just onomatopoeic but also evokes the power and effectiveness" of this new product range. The range includes five different types of filters: Shield, which removes chlorine, taste and odour using a 0.5-micron carbon block cartridge with silver ions; Ultra, suitable for places like schools and hospitals, with ultrafiltration at 0.1 microns with silver ions to block bacteria; Ionic, good for reducing water hardness and preventing limescale build-up, especially in hot water systems. Micro, a 0.5-micron carbon block cartridge system with bacteriostatic filtration system; and Block, a pre-filter used in installations where the network water has many residues or upstream of a reverse osmosis filtration, with clarifying action. All Blutron filters are exclusively manufactured in Italy. The production process includes thorough assessments of organoleptic, microscopic and performance controls. In addition, every single component is traceable and subjected to specific structured tests. Blutron is produced using vegetable-activated carbons sourced solely from Europe. Blutron cartridges can be housed directly within the water dispenser or externally, making assembly and replacement procedures "simple and quick".

Itsu has introduced a new range of ramen noodles aiming to bring restaurant-quality dishes to consumers’ homes, launched exclusively in Tesco stores across the UK. Itsu’s new ‘Restaurant’Ramen’ range will join Tesco’s stir-fry fixture this month, alongside the Asian-inspired food brand’s existing range of ramen broths. The brand said the launch was driven by surging popularity of ramen in the UK, with its broth range growing by 238% in 2022. The range is available in original ramen, soba and flat noodle varieties. It is designed to be paired with Itsu’s classic, chicken or miso ramen broths to create the basis of a variety of ramen dishes. Itsu’s senior brand manager, Ellie Leek, said: “We didn't feel there was an authentic ramen noodle offering for grocery shoppers which matched the restaurant quality of our brilliant'broths. We therefore set out to develop bespoke restaurant'ramen noodles which offered freshness, choice & affordability to shoppers.” The new noodles will be exclusive to Tesco until the end of 2023 (RRP £1.50).

Private equity firm Citation Capital has acquired a majority interest in food manufacturer Cibo Vita. Founded in 2009, Cibo Vita is a producer of natural and functional snacks, and is known for its flagship brand, Nature’s Garden. The company is headquartered in Totowa, New Jersey, and operates three manufacturing facilities, boasting a workforce of more than 900 employees. Cibo Vita and Citation will work together to drive the company's growth while delivering on the mission of offering smart snack options for households. According to Cibo Vita, Citation will become the first external shareholder of the company, while co-founders Emre Imamoglu (CEO) and Ahmet Celik (president) will continue to hold a significant ownership stake. Imamoglu said: "Our vision in founding Cibo Vita was to bring healthier snacking options to all families, inspired by our Mediterranean roots. Throughout our history, we have experienced phenomenal growth, attributed to our innovation capabilities, commitment to quality and a drive to meet the needs of consumers increasingly seeking healthier functional snacking. We sought out a strategic partner that could help ensure that we stay on the forefront of innovation and who is aligned with our personal core values." Tiffany K Hagge, Citation's founder and managing partner, added: "Emre and Ahmet started from an idea, believing that they could bring better snacking habits to North American consumers, and put everything they had into building Cibo Vita into a highly innovative, profitable business that provides value-added services and products to some of the most coveted customers in North America. "Cibo Vita exemplifies Citation's investment philosophy in backing fundamentally strong, defensible businesses with exceptional cultures and shared values, helping them to become 'best in class' in their segment through strategic partnership, operational excellence and a relentless focus on execution." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.