Blendhub has incorporated a new partner into its service platform for the food industry, Upfood, a Danish fruit and vegetable upcycling specialist. Blendhub has a global platform business model offering a service portfolio named ‘Food-as-a-Service’ (FaaS) to develop and produce powder-based food and nutrition products directly for the end consumer, unserved communities or through industrial processes converted into liquid, solid or gelled ready-to-consume food products. The company offers its FaaS customers the opportunity to co-create shared value opportunities and turnkey food solutions with a global partner network, ranging from farmer associations and specialty ingredients suppliers to food formulators and technology providers. Led by entrepreneur Sajjad Haider, Upfood upcycles surplus fruit and vegetables into nutritious plant-based ingredients for the food industry. It has developed a novel fruit and vegetable dryer that is solar powered with a low production cost. The standard model has the capacity to dry 1Mt per day of fresh fruits and vegetables, however the dryer capacity can be scaled and customised, from 50 kg per day for small-holder farmers to 10Mt per day for industrial production. The dryer can be deployed at post-harvest level and in any production plant as a drying unit prior to processing into powder. According to Upfood, it utilises a CO2 neutral drying process to produce high quality dried products and has been tested in Almeria, Spain, by the Danish Technological Institute. In a statement announcing the partnership, Blendhub said Upfood’s technological solutions have low CAPEX and OPEX, are easy to implement and more sustainable than existing solutions, making them fully aligned with Blendhub’s own business model to produce more efficiently and sustainably. The collaboration incorporates Upfood as a strategic partner to Blendhub’s FaaS platform, which supports professionals and companies from start-ups and small to medium enterprises to large ingredients and food companies from ideation to market launch. Upfood and Blendhub’s partnership will help optimise the sourcing of plant-based raw materials for the development of new ingredients and innovative, affordable food products while fighting food waste.

Anheuser-Busch has announced a $22.5 million investment into its Houston, Texas, brewery in the US. Anheuser-Busch operates over 120 establishments across the US, including 12 flagship breweries, 14 agricultural facilities and 19 craft partner breweries distributed across 24 different states. Within the state of Texas, Anheuser-Busch employs over 1,000 workers at its facilities. This investment includes upgrades to the Houston brewery's cooling system, workplace safety measures and reducing electricity consumption by 2,180,000kwh per year. In order to furnish the brewery with a modern system, the current cooling system "will be completely removed and repositioned to ensure improved functionality," said the company. Additionally, there are plans to add a free-standing structure to house the evaporative condensers. Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, said: “Investing in our people and in our communities to drive economic prosperity is part of who we are. We’re excited that this $22 million investment will improve the work environment for our frontline employees while also serving as engine of economic growth for Houston and surrounding areas. We’re proud to reinforce our decades-long dedication to our employees and communities through continued investments in our facilities across the country.” Ryan Hudgins, general manager of Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery, commented: “The upgrade to our cooling system will enable us to stay at the forefront of brewery safety and efficiency standards. By transitioning to this new system, we not only have a positive impact on employees but also conserve resources for the local Houston community.” The new cooling system for the Houston brewery is anticipated to be fully functional by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Protein bar brand One Brands is expanding into the savoury snack segment with the launch of One Puffs, a protein-packed cheese puff product. Described by One Brands as delivering an “iconic cheese puff taste”, the new innovation contains 14g of protein, 3-4 net carbs and 150 kcal per serving. It is available in two flavours, Shreddin’ Cheddar and Spicy Nacho. Michael Reese, director of marketing for One Brands, said: “One Brands is excited to announce that it is bringing the fantastic taste, awesome texture and high protein it is known for to an all-new puffed snack!” “This is for anyone who loves the cheesy, savoury crunch of a cheese puff and wants to bring that experience to the next level with an infusion of protein.” One Puffs are now available at Walmart stores across the US, sold in individual bags and cases of ten bags.

SIG has announced that it will develop a full-barrier aluminium-free aseptic packaging structure with at least 90% fibre content by 2030. The Swiss packaging company said the plans to raise the proportion of fibre in its aseptic cartons, improving recyclability, will include an interim target of at least 85% by 2025. Increasing the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified fibre content of the cartons and expanding its aluminium-free solutions are key steps toward the company’s ultimate ambition to enable its carton packs to be recycled anywhere in the world. Samuel Sigrist, CEO at SIG, said: “Our carton packs have a low energy intensity, are produced with 100% renewable electricity, and consist predominantly of renewable resources from the forest. Now we want to take this even further by increasing collection and recycling of cartons through existing beverage carton recycling systems, and via paper streams.” Sigrist added that increasing fibre content in aseptic cartons aligns with the wider trend towards paperisation in the packaging industry. “The FSC-certified renewable paperboard used in our packs ensures that we are promoting responsible forestry practices that prioritise biodiversity conservation.” SIG described its commitments as an important step as part of a wider transition within the packaging industry and wider society toward a circular economy, with growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging an “important pull factor” for food and beverage companies to implement changes.

E&J Gallo’s Luxury Wine Group has reached an agreement to acquire Rombauer Vineyards. Founded in 1980, Rombauer Vineyards produces wines from its vineyard sites in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, the Sierra Foothills and the Santa Lucia Highlands. The acquisition includes the Rombauer Vineyards brand, three winery and production facilities, two tasting rooms and over 700 acres of vineyards in Carneros, Atlas Peak, St. Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma Valley and the Sierra Foothills. K.R. Rombauer, owner and son of Rombauer founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer, said: “On behalf of the Rombauer family, we are thrilled that we were able to find a dedicated, multi-generational family who share in our vision and passion of providing exceptional wines with a long-term focus on quality and reinforcing community. Gallo places great importance in stewardship of the land, the Rombauer brand, and their employees.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Canadian flavoured coffee brand Zavida Coffee Roasters has launched two new flavoured single-serve 44-count variety packs. The pods are compatible with all Keurig machines and are available for purchase at Walmart locations across Canada. The Discovery Variety Pack includes six different coffees – three of Zavida's classic roasts; Breakfast Blend Light Roast, 100% Colombian Medium Roast, and French Roast; along with three of its “most popular” flavoured coffees; Hazelnut Vanilla, Canadian Maple, and French Vanilla. Meanwhile, the Flavour Explosion Variety Pack features nine of Zavida's flavoured coffees: Hazelnut Vanilla, Canadian Maple, French Vanilla, Cinnamon Bun, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Crème Brûlée, Apple Pie, Pumpkin Spice, and Pecan Pie. Darlyn Reyes, marketing director at Zavida Coffee Roasters, said: "We believe that coffee should be more than just a morning ritual; it should be an experience. With our new Variety Packs, we aim to shake up how Canadians enjoy coffee., Coffee should be fun, so join us and explore the endless possibilities that our coffees offer – hot or cold."

Candian frozen seafood company, High Liner Foods, has announced that its current president and CEO, Rod Hepponstall, will resign from the company next year. Hepponstall has been with the company since May 2018, and he will step down “effective on or before” 2 January 2024, said High Liner Foods. High Liner Foods' products are sold throughout the US and Canada under the High Liner, Fisher Boy, Mirabel, Sea Cuisine, and Catch of the Day labels, and are available in most grocery stores. "The board of directors would like to thank him for his years of service to the company. Mr. Hepponstall will collaborate with the Company on a transition plan, and the company will provide more information in due course," High Liner Foods said in a statement. The business is set to initiate an internal and external search for a new president and CEO.

Brazilian meat processing company, Minerva Foods, has acquired cattle slaughtering and deboning plants from Marfrig for BRL 7.5 billion (approx. $1.53 billion). The deal includes eleven plants and a distribution centre in Brazil, one “industrial unit” in Argentina and three plants in Uruguay. The company has also bought a lamb plant in Chile, which will contribute to "the protein diversification strategy" and operate "in niche markets with high added value," said Minerva. The deal will see Minerva advance its presence in the beef market, as the business is set to expand its cattle slaughtering and deboning capacity to 42,439 head per day from its current volume of 29,540 head, representing an increase of approximately 44%. The transaction also brings additional advantages, such as logistical synergies, opportunities to expand and improve distribution and increased reach to international customers. According to the company, the acquisition will result in Minerva becoming the second-largest beef processor in Brazil. Fernando Queiroz, CEO of Minerva Foods, said: "We are very excited about this move, which is in line with our geographical diversification strategy and which uniquely complements our operation in South America, which is one of the most competitive markets in the world". He continued: "This will take our company to another level, give us access to new international clients, maximize commercial opportunities and operational synergies, reduce risks, and expand our ability to compete in the international animal protein market". Following the acquisition, Minerva will possess a total of 40 cattle slaughter and deboning facilities. These will comprise 21 units located in Brazil, five in Paraguay, six in Argentina, six in Uruguay and two in Colombia. Meanwhile, its lamb business will have five plants: four in Australia and the new facility in Chile. The transaction is subject to analysis and approval by the relevant competition authorities.

Pure Protein has announced the addition of two new flavours to its portfolio of high protein bars, Galactic Brownie and Caramel Churro. The US-based lifestyle nutrition brand said its latest launch responds to two growing trends in the snacking category: childhood nostalgia and global flavours. Each bar delivers 20g of protein and under 200 calories per serving. They are also low sugar and gluten free. Amie Testerman, VP of marketing at Pure Protein, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Galactic Brownie and Caramel Churro High Protein Bars as part of Pure Protein's ever-expanding range of high-quality nutritional products and on-trend flavours”. “Our consumers actively seek out healthy snacks that support their active lifestyles and satisfy cravings for sweet, savoury, and familiar treats. Based on the enthusiastic reactions we're seeing on social platforms like TikTok, these new flavours are already a home run.” Galactic Brownie and Caramel Churro bars are available in boxes of four at Walmart stores across the US.

Ingredient solutions company Tate & Lyle has announced its first site powered entirely by renewable energy. The company’s manufacturing facility in Guarani, Brazil, has achieved the energy transition milestone by using 100% renewable energy to power its operations, using renewable electricity alongside locally sourced biomass. Tate & Lyle has committed to a goal of purchasing 100% renewable energy for its operations by 2030, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050. In line with these ambitions, the ingredients provider also announced that its manufacturing facilities in Ossona and Noto in Italy, and Mold, UK, joined its facilities in Guarani and Koog aan de Zaan, the Netherlands, in purchasing 100% renewable energy. Nick Waibel, global head of energy at Tate & Lyle, explained that sourcing more renewable electricity and developing partnerships to create renewable infrastructure are important steps in the company’s pathway to net zero. Waibel added: “These five sites are leading the charge within our network, and we look forward to sharing progress as partnerships and technologies come online across our wider network”. “Guarani, as our first site to be entirely powered by renewable energy, benefits from Brazil’s advanced infrastructure and biofuel sector. Across the world, we are progressing site-specific approaches to deliver on our science-based emission reduction targets, drive efficiencies, and meet our commitments to care for our planet.”

Danone has announced that it has retired its Russian brand Prostokvashino and launched a new Ukrainian brand, Prosto Nashe. The company broke the news on 24 August, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, as it said it represented “another symbolic step towards strengthening the identity and authenticity of Ukrainian production”. Work on the project is said to have begun more than a year ago. Evgeny Bardzik, marketing manager of Prosto Nashe, said: "Having left the name in the past, we are taking with us into the future our experience in production, our expertise in the quality of milk and dairy products, and our unwavering commitment to supporting local farmers supplying us with raw materials". Prosto Nashe’s portfolio will include milk, kefir, ryazhanka (traditional fermented milk), sour cream and cottage cheese. All products will be produced at one of the Danone plants in the Kremenchuk, Poltava region and will use farm milk supplied to the plant from nearby farms. Marketing director of Danone’s business in Ukraine, Andriy Poluektov, commented: “The Prosto Nashe brand in every manifestation, starting from the form and content and ending with each individual element of the identity on the packaging, demonstrates the values it professes”. Poluektov added that Prosto Nashe “is not a play on words, but the true essence of the brand, which reminds us of simple values that are important now more than ever”. It follows last month's news that Vladimir Putin had signed a decree stating that the Russian government would temporarily seize control of Danone’s unit in the country, as well as Carlsberg’s local brewer, Baltika. FoodBev contacted Danone for further comment.

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has entered into a new product category with the launch of frozen macaroni and cheese and frozen pizza to its product line. Tillamook Mac & Cheese combines al dente jumbo macaroni noodles, creamy sauces, distinctive toppings and cheese. The meal is available in single-serve and multi-serve sizes in the following flavours: Classic Cheddar features a creamy sauce of Tillamook aged medium and sharp cheddar cheeses topped with Tillamook Farmstyle Shredded Cheese and crushed pretzel and herbs. Sharp Cheddar & Uncured Bacon brings together a Tillamook aged sharp white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce, which is topped with Tillamook Farmstyle Shredded Cheese, uncured bacon bites and crispy onions. Cheddar & Hatch Chile includes a smooth sauce made of Tillamook aged sharp white cheddar and jack cheeses, topped with Tillamook Farmstyle Shredded Cheese, Hatch green chillies and crispy cornbread crumbles. Tillamook Crispy Stone-Fired Pizza features a trio of Tillamook cheeses, including medium yellow cheddar, whole-milk mozzarella and Monterey Jack. The pizzas are available in four flavour varieties, including: Cheesy Uncured Pepperoni, Three Cheese, Three Cheese Supreme with uncured pepperoni, Italian sausage, peppers and onions, and Cheesy BBQ Chicken. Tillamook Mac & Cheese is available at selected Target and Walmart locations, and Tillamook Crispy Stone-Fired Pizza will be available in October at selected retail locations in the US.