Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats is expanding its range of protein products with the launch of Snickers Hi Protein Low Sugar and Snickers Hi Protein Low Sugar White. The company said the launch aims to drive “significant category penetration” for Mars' Snickers brand within the protein bar market, which is now worth £151.7 million in the UK according to Total Market and Convenience data. Designed to offer Snickers’ familiar flavours of peanut, nougat and caramel in a new low-sugar format, Snickers Hi Protein Low Sugar and Snickers Hi Protein Low Sugar White contain 217 and 218 calories respectively. Both bars contain a 20g serving of protein and only 2g sugar. Michelle Forest, general manager at Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats, said: “Although the protein bar market is growing, take home penetration figures over the past 12 months show a relatively flat scenario at an average of 5.1%. Even with notable launches to the market, they have not attracted significant numbers of new consumers.” “We believe that with our world-renowned trusted Snickers brand … we have the potential to significantly drive category penetration across both major multiples and impulse channels.” Both bars will be available in Asda from November this year, and throughout wholesale and convenience channels from August, for a RSP of £2.79.

Iceland and The Food Warehouse are launching a new range of Blue Dragon Asian flavours and products. The range features 12 new products starting at a price point of £3.50 and includes: Sweet Chilli Pizza (£3.50, 455g) Hoisin Duck Pizza (£3.50, 389g) Sweet Chilli Sauce Pork Belly Slices (£4.00, 336g) Hoisin Sauce Half Duck with Pancakes (£7.00, 540g) Pork Skewers Teriyaki (£4.00, 295g) Chow Mein Special (£4.00, 400g) Chicken Noodles Sweet & Sour (£4.00, 400g) Noodles Hoisin Duck (£4.00, 400g) Prawn Noodles Sweet Chilli (£4.00, 400g) Thigh Bites in Sweet & Sour, Teriyaki and Sweet Chilli flavours (£3.50, 350g) Andrew Staniland, group buying director at Iceland Foods & The Food Warehouse, said: "Nothing beats a Friday night family takeaway. But the price of one today means they’re out of reach for many families – especially those with lots of mouths to feed. Our exclusive new Blue Dragon range means families don’t have to miss out. With a range of delicious, affordable modern Asian foods to try that can be enjoyed on any day of the week, the range includes family favourites plus exciting new ones shoppers won’t find anywhere else."

The United Nations has labelled 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets,' an ancient cereal grain that is considered low maintenance and drought-resistant. Himanshu Gupta Co-Founder & CEO of  ClimateAi, explains why this ancient commodity is having a moveable impact on today's global food supply chain. What do sugar, spices and Spam all have in common? Each one changed the course of history, creating a sizeable impact on the way we live, trade and even wage wars. Since the UN dubbed 2023 the 'International Year of Millets,' this grain is now positioned to do the same. These hardy dryland grains, traditionally grown in Asian and African countries, are gaining in global popularity for their nutritional qualities, climate resilience and market opportunity. As accelerating climate change impacts the availability and quality of staple crops, millet offers a reprieve. It also promises to help fight some of climate change’s cascading effects, like world hunger and malnutrition. Today, roughly 1 billion children around the world lack adequate nutrition. Moving millet to the global stage can add a shock absorber for businesses, especially when traditional grains struggle. From its enhanced nutritional value to its high tolerance for dry landscapes to its expected market size growth, companies should usher millets into the supermarkets and onto the menus of the world. Why millet, why now? Today, the modern food chain is vulnerable to climatological and geopolitical forces. In 2022, grain stocks dropped due to ongoing drought and Russia's war on Ukraine – creating shortages around the world. Maize, wheat and rice make up 42% of the world’s calorie intake and 37% of the protein intake. This number is even higher in emerging economies, so shortages have been deeply felt. Meanwhile, research from NASA suggests that increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns and higher surface CO2 concentrations from greenhouse gas emissions could reduce maize yields by 24% by 2030. With corn being a $94.2 billion industry, a 24% decrease leaves a $22.6 billion hole for millet to fill. Plus, with around 1.3 billion tonnes of food lost globally during postharvest operations, millets offer a reliable return on investment and food source. They have a long shelf life, making them ideal ‘famine reserve’ crops – which would create more availability and stable pricing. Scientists also found that exposing rice to the CO2 levels expected before the end of the century produces rice with lower levels of protein, iron and zinc. Corn, wheat and rice are food system staples and account for 90% of the world’s cereal production. In a world of shifting climates, we have to re-think what we grow and eat. Understanding millet's fast-growing advantages Millet represents a resilient, nutritious alternative to grains susceptible to climate change. For companies and governments facing difficulty growing crops and feeding populations, that’s welcome news. Consider: on the production level, millet grows twice as fast as wheat. Compared to rice, pearl millet uses 70% less water (120-140cm versus 20cm). Next to corn and soybeans, it is less expensive to grow. And when it comes to climate change, millet tolerates shallow, low-fertility and acidic soil. It can also withstand extreme weather, including droughts, given its deep root system. Millets' short growing season makes them ideal for organisations looking to generate revenue via multiple cropping systems. Beyond a cash crop, millet can be grown with legumes for cover cropping to support sustainable agriculture. The deep roots improve soil structure and water retention. It's also a nutritious food source for livestock. Millet isn’t just a filler food, either. It has a high nutritional value and is a good source of energy. It contains complex carbohydrates, fibre, antioxidants and vitamins, such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. For those with micronutrient deficiencies, millet can provide 30-40% of the inorganic nutrients needed with its high concentration of iron and zinc. Millet is linked to lower inflammation, reduced heart disease risk, and improved blood sugar control. Long-term millet consumption has also been found to lower post-meal blood glucose levels by 12% to 15%. Additionally, as a gluten-free grain used in everything from porridge to pasta, from bread flour to baked goods, it's safe for those with celiac disease. This market is already expanding for agribusinesses. Globally, the gluten-free products market size has risen from $6.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8% up to 2030. The grain is already grown in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in South India, Mali, Nigeria and Niger), so these regions stand to economically prosper from growing millet as crops or seeds to export. Millet could also be a useful crop on other continents when drought conditions impact areas and can no longer sustain usual cash crops. The future of millet The next steps for millet are to increase awareness, research, innovation, and financial backing. Seed producers have already started innovating to create an even more resilient and nutritious strand of millet. 200g of biofortified pearl millet, or two pieces of millet flatbread, can provide children and women with over 80% of their daily recommended iron. India produces 41% of the world’s millet yield. Multiple organisations across India are working to streamline and capitalise on millet’s banner year. Yet, India mainly exports whole grains. There are few value-added products on the market – a major opportunity for farmers and multinational companies. Currently, millet only accounts for 3% of the global grains trade. By 2050, wheat and rice are expected to decline by 17% due to climate change. The millet market is on track to grow from $9 billion to $12 billion by 2025. It’s likely consumers will quickly adopt millet because of its long list of health benefits and versatility. Ten years ago was the International Year of Quinoa. Today, we see how successful that has been for the superfood. Now is the time for investors, farmers, policymakers, and professionals across the food industry to sow sustainable seeds that will grow into a more prosperous future for all.

UK-based pulse and grain brand Merchant Gourmet has launched a new frozen range of grab and cook 'Veg & Grains' pouches. The range includes Korean-style vegetables and mixed grains, Mediterranean-style vegetables and giant couscous and Mexican-style vegetables and quinoa. Each pouch is packed with five different vegetables, is one of your five-a-day, a source of fibre and is fully plant-based. The bags are ready in just four minutes from frozen and can be eaten on their own or alongside a protein for a complete meal. The launch seeks to provide consumers with an easy way to make fresh, healthy meals, tapping into the frozen market, as research reveals 35% of consumers find the frozen vegetable aisle uninspiring, while 58% of consumers pick up frozen products because they are easy to prepare. Richard Peake, managing director at Merchant Gourmet, said: “We wanted to create a frozen range that makes it easy to inject more plants into your everyday. The grab and cook pouches are for people who love fresh food that is full of flavour, but sometimes lack the time to create healthy, nourishing meals at home. He continued: “We developed this range so that after just 4 minutes in the microwave you have a super healthy lunch or dinner, without having to compromise on taste or health. Just add a protein and you have a stress-free, nourishing meal, packed with flavour.” The new pouches are available now in Waitrose stores for an RRP of £3 per 400g pack, with further rollout in September.

UK supermarket Iceland Foods has announced plans to illegally accept food bank vouchers, loyalty points and gift cards for purchases of infant formula. Currently, UK laws prohibit retailers from promoting discounts and savings on infant formula. This includes reducing prices to clear stock that is nearing the end of shelf life and accepting purchases made using loyalty points, store gift cards and food bank vouchers. Iceland's executive chairman Richard Walker announced the decision on the television show Good Morning Britain yesterday (23 August), speaking out in support of 'Formula for Change', a petition led by Feed and Metro UK that calls for immediate changes to the law. The latest news follows a public announcement from Iceland last week, informing consumers that it would be cutting the price of formula milk at Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores by over 20%, in response to rising prices of formula milk placing “unbearable pressure” on parents during the cost of living crisis. The decisions to defy regulations could see the supermarket facing an unlimited fine, Walker told Good Morning Britain, adding that the supermarket had already received complaints from local authorities including the Department of Health in response to its price reduction announcement. Walker also spoke out encouraging the government to review the Healthy Start voucher scheme, which provides support for pregnant people and eligible families to buy healthy food and milk products. The vouchers, currently offering £8.50 per week for babies up to one year old, have not been increased in value since April 2021 – something Walker described as “a joke," adding that they currently do not cover the cost of even the cheapest available formula after recent price increases. While the government legislation was introduced to encourage mothers to choose to breastfeed, Walker argued that the regulations affect many groups for whom breastfeeding is not an option such as gay couples and adoptive parents among others, emphasising the importance of allowing people the right to choose and enabling fair access to affordable formula solutions. “The benefits of breast feeding versus using infant formula aren’t up for debate: this is about supporting the choices of UK parents as they navigate the cost-of-living crisis,” Walker said in a statement. “The government needs to show it is doing all it can to help people in the UK and support retailers like us so that we can do our part without reprisals.” The news from Iceland comes during the same week that UK retailer Boots had removed automated adverts promoting four brands of infant formula for babies up to six months old, after the Advertising Standards Authority said the company had broken UK advertising rules. In the UK, it is against the law to advertise infant formula for babies up to six months old because it might discourage breastfeeding.

Get ready for an exciting return – the World Food Innovation Awards are back and they're better than ever before! This prestigious event stands as FoodBev’s longest-running scheme, having celebrated over 300 winning businesses and innovations in the food and beverage industry. Last year’s awards scheme saw an extraordinary shortlist of innovations, leaving a lasting impact on all those who participated. During the winner’s ceremony for the World Food Innovation Awards 2023 at IFE, Dan Bunt, FoodBev's marketing manager, had insightful conversations with the attendees. Among them was Annette Kauppinen, CMO of MeEat Food Tech Oy, who shared her sentiments upon the company's victory: "Being a company with just two years under our belt, this acknowledgement truly resonates. It's a testament to our hard work and a fantastic validation for us." Watch the full interview via the FoodBev YouTube playlist. This year, join us as we once again embark on a journey of discovery and recognition. We gather to honour the most groundbreaking food and beverage products/services from around the globe. What’s more, we're excited to announce that we are partnering with IFE, the UK's largest and most respected food and drink trade event. This partnership will allow us to bring together the brightest minds in the industry to showcase their products, share their knowledge and help shape the future of the food industry. In the spirit of innovation, this year's festivities encompass a range of categories, with the introduction of two exciting newcomers. Confectionery lovers, listen up! From truffles to gummies, fudges to toffees, we eagerly await entries in our brand new ‘Best Confectionery’ category. Our second category addition – 'Best Bakery Product' – pays homage to the world of fresh baked goods, specifically those that exude comfort and indulgence. The rich aroma of a buttery croissant, the warmth of a pillowy bread loaf, the deliciousness of a delicate macaron…there's an undeniable allure to freshly baked goods that makes them utterly irresistible. We're looking for the most exciting products and concepts in all 23 categories, including: Artisan product Bakery product Confectionery product Dairy product Natural/organic product Snack productAnd much more! We extend a warm invitation to explore FoodBev's Awards website, where you can join our newsletter community. By signing up, you'll be at the forefront of updates, ensuring you're among the first to know when the entry gates swing open in just a few weeks' time. As a special treat, we have some new enhancements for this year's programme, and these exclusive updates will be unveiled to our dedicated newsletter subscribers. Whether you're a fledgling start-up or a well-established corporation, we are eager to hear more about your innovations! Enter your products and be part of the 2024 World Food Innovation Awards. Entry opens Monday 11 September. About the World Food Innovation Awards The World Food Innovation Awards, in association with IFE, are a celebration of innovation and excellence across every category of the global food industry. These awards are a fantastic way to enhance your brand and ensure it gains global recognition. Being successfully shortlisted provides a hallmark of success that will prevail long after the awards ceremony and can highlight the contribution your company is making to the food industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com or email awards@foodbev.com.

Heinz is launching a new tomato ketchup filled hash brown product in the UK, available exclusively in Iceland Foods supermarkets this month. The new recipe follows the brand’s launch of its Heinz Beanz Filled Hash Browns in late 2022. Low in saturated fat and suitable for vegetarians, the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Filled Hash Browns are being introduced as part of Kraft Heinz’s wider ambitions to bring “insight-driven innovation to consumers faster than ever before”. Sophie Higgins, head of growth platform, new ventures at Heinz, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing our Heinz Tomato Ketchup Filled Hash Browns to our filled hash brown family”. “Here at Heinz, we’re continuing in our mission to find exciting ways to combine our beloved varieties with other iconic foods, flavours, and tastes, or even thinking about the food of the future. Keep an eye out for what comes next!” Heinz Tomato Ketchup Filled Hash Browns and Heinz Baked Beanz Filled Hash Browns are available exclusively in-store and online at Iceland Foods for RRP £3.00 from 28 August.

Ylem Energy has partnered with Brown-Forman to develop a 630kW solar array that delivers 516,000 KWp of clean, renewable energy yearly, at the producer's Benriach Bond facility in Edinburgh, Scotland. The partnership will progress the producer of brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Benriach Scotch Whisky towards its mission of sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The UK-based distillery is said to be committed to the Scotch Whisky Association’s 'Race to Zero' pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Ylem Energy’s installation is expected to offset around 120 tonnes of CO2 each year. Ylem Energy’s ‘Xchange’ product will allow Brown-Forman to export excess renewable energy generated at its Benriach Bond facility to the National Grid and reduce its onsite energy costs. Andy Battjes, director, global environmental sustainability at Brown-Forman, stated: “As a member of RE100, Brown-Forman is committed to supporting the development of new sources of renewable electricity in order to reach our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Our partnership with Ylem to install a new rooftop solar system at our Newbridge bottling facility is the latest example of turning our commitment into action.” Ian Gadsby, managing director of Ylem Energy, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Brown-Forman to help them achieve their sustainability goals and play a role in tackling climate change”. He added: “The recent energy crisis has seen many businesses diversify their energy supply while ensuring it comes from renewable sources. As part of Ylem’s Xchange product, Brown-Forman can be confident they will be using renewable energy while reducing their energy bills by exporting any excess generation to the National Grid.” The solar array at Benriach Bond is the first project to take place between Ylem Energy and Brown-Forman.

Lotus Beverage Alliance has launched a portfolio of turnkey, end-to-end suite of hardware, software and financing solutions to help distillers expand into the ready-to-drink cocktail sector. The portfolio includes distilling equipment “spanning every step from grain to cocktail”. Lotus Beverage Alliance’s line-up includes turnkey distilling systems, mash equipment, fermenters and cellar tanks, controls, pumps and distillate storage. The portfolio offers the following as part of its solution for spirits distillers: State-of-the-art distilling systems ranging from 150 L (40 Gallons) to 3,000 L (793 Gallons) Universal and compact stills to support a range of spirits A wide array of cellar tanks, including fermenters and brite tanks for any size commercial distillery Multiple mash systems to fit any commercial production needs Controls and automation systems to program a production line, enabling process automation and integrating all aspects of the distilling process Modular canning systems for packaging carbonated spirits, with multiple product options based on output and price points John Ansbro, CEO of Beverage Alliance, said: “Lotus Beverage Alliance is committed to helping spirits distillers quickly and cost-effectively expand into the lucrative canned cocktail market. Our complete line of solutions eliminates the need for sourcing each piece of manufacturing equipment from dozens of different equipment vendors, a time-consuming and expensive process. He added: "Further, our financing program removes the burden of upfront investment costs that prohibit many beverage companies from scaling and diversifying into the RTD market.”

Meadow Foods has announced that Canadian financial holding firm, Fairfax Financial, has agreed to acquire a "significant" equity interest in the company. Meadow is an ingredients company focusing on the dairy, confectionery and plant-based industries. The company employs over 500 people across its five UK sites located in Chester, Peterborough, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Dolgellau and Headcorn. In 2018, private equity firm Exponent partnered with Meadow's founders, the Chantler family, to acquire the business. Fairfax Financial has purchased the unknown stake in Meadow Foods from Exponent. Mark Taylor, partner at Exponent, commented: “When we invested in Meadow, we recognised the opportunity to support the business in its transformation from a commodity dairy player to a diversified speciality food ingredients supplier, building on our experience in the sector with the likes of Quorn Foods and Loch Lomond". He continued: "Over the course of our partnership, the business has generated significant organic and inorganic growth, including four bolt-on acquisitions, and accelerated its shift into more value-added ingredients. It is a trusted partner to the world’s largest food and beverage companies. We are delighted to have played a key role in Meadow’s successful journey to date, and we wish the team well as the business prepares for its next phase of growth.” Raj Tugnait, CEO at Meadow, said: “To have caught the eye of an investor like Fairfax Financial is an excellent outcome for Meadow as they are the perfect partner for our future growth. We look forward to a long-term, sustainable partnership and continuing to deliver growth and opportunities for our customers, suppliers and colleagues.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CafePod, a London, UK-based independent coffee company, is launching Black Velvet – a dark and velvety smooth new addition to its Nespresso-compatible pod range. The new pod flavour has been created using a mix of attributes from CafePod’s other blends, such as Supercharger Espresso and Brunch Blend. The blend features notes of dark chocolate torte and a deep, rich flavour. It has a base of dark chocolate and provides hints of roasted hazelnut due to the refined, high-grown Ethiopian and Colombian arabica coffee beans. Brazilian arabica adds a caramel-rich finish to the strong blend. Peter Grainger, co-founder at CafePod, commented: “The name Black Velvet says it all. This dark, strong, rich blend is set to delight coffee lovers and perfectly complements an indulgent chocolatey dessert. Our customers continuously request more strong coffee options, so we think we’ve found the ultimate pleasure blend that will satisfy their coffee needs.” The pods are made from 80% recycled aluminium and will be available to buy from cafepod.com, Amazon and Ocado for an RRP of £3.80 for 10 Nespresso-compatible pods.

Ferrara Candy Company, a US sweets manufacturer owned by Ferrero Group, has unveiled its newest innovation, limited-edition Wonka Magic Hat Gummies. The new confectionery includes an assortment of top hat-shaped gummies in four fruity flavour combinations, including Strawberry Watermelon, Raspberry Grape, Orange Strawberry and Magic Berries. For “added fun,” each gummi includes a sweet gel centre. The Magic Hat Gummies strategic launch will coincide with the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures' new movie Wonka, a prequel to the 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which will debut in cinemas in December. Greg Guidotti, CMO at Ferrara Candy Co, said: "For decades, the name 'Wonka' has been synonymous with sweet treats that bring joy, wonder, and the magic of childhood to people of all ages. And with the anticipation of the new Wonka movie, we are excited to help bring the film to life through the return of the Wonka brand to sugar confections with the new Magic Hat Gummies. With this innovation, our goal is to create fun and imaginative experiences through candy that offers fans a little bit of magic with every bite." Wonka Magic Hat Gummies will roll out into US retailers from 28 September, for a limited time only. They come in 4oz and 6oz bags with RRP between $1.99 and $3.69.