The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Hershey Company have announced the joint commitment of $2 million to support dairy farmers in Pennsylvania, US. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, in collaboration with US agricultural cooperative Land O’Lakes, will use funds to promote the adoption of practices that support local and regional environmental goals with dairy farmers in Land O’Lakes’ eastern region milk shed. Since 2021, the Alliance, Hershey and Land O’Lakes have worked together on the ‘Sustainable Dairy PA’ initiative, which takes a "collaborative, industry-led and public sector-supported approach” to accelerate on-farm conservation efforts for dairy farmers within the local region. The EPA has committed $1 million, with Hershey pledging a matching $1 million. The funds will be used to support the Alliance and Land O’Lakes in implementing agricultural conservation practices on its member dairy farms. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will administer the portion of the funds provided from EPA to the Alliance. The funding will support clean water, climate and sustainable farming initiatives. Leigh Horner, CSO at The Hershey Company, said: “Dairy farmers are critical to our supply chain and our local communities. We are proud to support the work of ‘Sustainable Dairy PA’ and the farmers participating as they drive meaningful impact on clean water and conservation efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay.” EPA regional administrator Adam Ortiz added: "EPA's funding commitment to Hershey, Land O'Lakes, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay brings $2 million of much-needed support to Pennsylvania dairy farmers to scale up conservation practices that are good for our farms, climate, local streams and the Bay. With this funding, we are not only investing in the current environment, but into the long-term viability of Pennsylvania farmers – our frontline environmentalists." Land O’Lakes SVP of Global Dairy Ingredients & International, Tim Leviny, explained that collaborative initiatives like ‘Sustainable Dairy PA’ provide the necessary incentives to drive voluntary practice changes that help contribute to the health of the planet, while also helping position farmers for success in the challenging operating environment. Jenna Mitchell Beckett, agriculture program director at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, commented: “Hershey’s, EPA’s and Land O’Lakes’ leadership to support our Pennsylvania dairy farmers and local ecosystems is revolutionary. This effort is helping to create a paradigm shift in which an entire supply chain works together to support work on the ground rather than farmers being expected to carry the load alone. We believe this model is the future of how we will overcome the environmental hurdles we face.”

Westfalia Fruit India has announced the launch of its first avocado ripening facility in Mumbai, India. The facility will enable the company to provide ready-to-eat avocados to consumers in Mumbai and nearby regions. According to the company, Westfalia has solidified its position as "the largest importer" of avocados in the Indian market. Westfalia said that in the coming years, more than 500 acres of its existing Hass avocado plantations in Southern India will be cultivated, resulting in a continuous year-round presence of avocados for consumers. Zac Bard, director of Westfalia, said: “Avocado ripeness has been a challenge for both retailers and consumers in India. Many consumers in India are not sure when is the perfect time to eat an avocado. Retailers also, at times, are unaware how to differently handle Hass avocados at different stages of their ripeness. Our perfectly ripened avocados will look to address this gap in the market.” He continued: “Westfalia ripe and ready-to-eat avocados will be available in a special punnet, and consumers can be assured of consistent quality and ripeness. This ripening facility will be a milestone in India and will change the way avocados are marketed and consumed.” GVK Naidu, director of Westfalia and MD of Sam Agri group – Indian joint venture partners of Westfalia – added: “Westfalia Fruit India is excellently placed to offer avocados consistently from multiple origins all year round mentioned. This ripening facility in Mumbai is just the start, and in the coming months, we will have similar facilities in other major metros of the country."

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company has launched new products for toddlers, Brownies With Hidden Veggies. Made with 30% fruits and vegetables, 'Brownies with Hidden Veggies' is perfect for toddlers aged 24 months and older. The brownie bar is available in two flavours: Paw-sitively Cocoa and Hootin’ Peanut Butter. Both flavour options are oven-baked and made with raisins, butternut squash and carrot. Paw-sitively Cocoa and Hootin’ Peanut Butter are non-GMO and contain no artificial colours or flavours. The latest addition joins the Beech-Nut's existing snack portfolio, which includes: Dino Biscuits with Prebiotics, Dino Biscuits with Hidden Veggies, Mini-Waffles with Hidden Veggies, Crispeas, Melties and Oaty Bars. Beech-Nut's senior brand director, Jon Harrington, said: “We know that parents are increasingly looking to offer everyday treats that aren’t overly indulgent but still feel special and fun. As a brand committed to launching innovative toddler snacks, we set out to make a brownie that parents can feel better about serving to their kids, but that still feels like a treat." He continued: "We believe we’ve accomplished that by launching Brownies with Hidden Veggies, which contain the fruits and veggies parents like to see in snacks but still has the classic brownie look and taste. As the first brand to launch a brownie in the toddler food space, we’re excited to see the response from consumers.” Packaged in sets of five individually wrapped treats, Brownies with Hidden Veggies are priced at $3.99 per carton.

American Beverage has announced that Kevin Keane, a longstanding member of its leadership team, has been appointed as president and chief executive officer. Keane has served as president and CEO on an interim basis since his predecessor, Katherine Lugar, departed in March for Hilton as executive vice president of corporate affairs. Now officially appointed into the role, Keane will provide day-to-day leadership and management of the industry trade group to advance its strategic priorities, working closely with American Beverage’s full team and the board leadership. He has served on the company’s leadership team since 2005 and has overseen a range of industry initiatives while managing a team in Washington, DC, and in states across the country. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO, Keane served as executive vice president of the association’s Government and public affairs department. He has also previously worked as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Tommy G Thompson. Commenting on his appointment, Keane said: “It is an honour to lead the trade association for iconic American companies deeply dedicated to the people and communities they serve across the country and globe”. “Having worked in the beverage industry for nearly 20 years, I know how hard our companies strive to be a unifying force in helping address public policy issues that people care about in ways that matter to them. Their unwavering commitment to better way solutions to tough challenges delivers meaningful results that lift communities and bring people together.” Matthew Dent, chair of American Beverage’s board of directors, said that Keane has an “exceptional depth of knowledge and experience” to bring to the role. He added: “Throughout his time at American Beverage we have made great strides in areas Americans care about including improving our environmental sustainability practices, promoting balanced lifestyles and advancing our broader leadership efforts”.

It’s easy to get swept up in the news of the industry’s global titans, but what about the smaller firms that are out there flexing their creative muscles? In this instalment of ‘Start-up of the month’ – which celebrates the lesser-known companies and their innovations – we speak to Chinova Bioworks, which has embarked on a mission to revolutionise food preservation and combat waste. CEO and co-founder Natasha Dhayagude discusses its proprietary natural fibre extracted from white button mushrooms, as well as its benefits and role in reducing food waste. Since its establishment in 2016, what has been Chinova Biowork's main mission? Chinova Bioworks started in 2016 with a simple goal: to deliver clean-label ingredients and reduce food waste. While it seems simple, consumers and brands were faced with only one choice – artificial, hard-to-pronounce preservatives. Chinova was founded to help fill this gap. Looking to nature, we found a natural and sustainable alternative in a fibre extracted from white button mushrooms. Our mission: Using nature to protect and reduce food waste.Our vision: Create value throughout the food supply chain from farm to fork.Could you tell us more about the reasons behind Chinova's inception? I met my co-founder, Dave Brown, at an entrepreneurship accelerator and incubator centre in New Brunswick, Canada. We both wanted to make an environmental and social impact on the world by leveraging our scientific backgrounds – mine in biochemistry and Dave's in microbiology and biotechnology. We also found a shared interest in the study of white button mushrooms and their inherent health benefits on the food system. At the time, there wasn’t much innovation happening to combat the challenges within the food industry, such as food waste and the use of artificial ingredients. If global food waste were a country, it would be the third largest GHG-emitting country in the world. One-third of food produced globally is lost or wasted – this amounts to 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted every year. We found that 50 billion is wasted in Canada alone. This loss shows that there is no lack or shortage of food, but that the culprit is spoilage. Looking to nature, we came across a natural and sustainable alternative to artificial ingredients with a fibre extracted from white button mushrooms, which we branded as Chiber. As a natural shelf-life extender, Chiber improves the quality and freshness of foods by protecting them from spoilage-causing microorganisms in a sustainable way, resulting in increased consumer satisfaction with a clean-label ingredient and reduced food waste. How is Chiber revolutionising the food and beverage industry? Chiber is an all-natural fibre upcycled from white button mushroom stems. With its natural preservation properties, Chiber enhances various products' quality, freshness and shelf-life. It also provides broad-spectrum protection against commonly caused spoilage microorganisms such as yeast, mould and harmful bacteria, providing a natural and healthy alternative to synthetic additives. Being allergen-free and with no sensory impact, Chiber extends the shelf-life of products without affecting their taste, texture or appearance. Chiber is on the Whole Foods Market acceptable ingredient list, vegan, kosher, halal certified, and organic and Non-GMO compliant. It is allergen and gluten-free and has no sensory impact on food and beverage products. Chiber is ideal for six different product categories: beverage, dairy, plant-based dairy, sauces/spreads/dips, plant-based meat and baked goods. Currently, Chiber is approved for use in the US, Canada, Mexico and about 70 other countries around the world through FDA, Health Canada and FEMA GRAS regulatory approvals. The process used to create Chiber is similar to other natural plant extracts. The process involves drying the mushrooms, grinding them and utilising heat and water to extract the fibre from the stems. The minimal and eco-friendly processing of Chiber delivers a natural mushroom fibre that enhances the quality, freshness, and shelf-life of various food and beverage products. Why mushrooms? Chinova wants to make an environmental and social impact in the world. Both Dave and I are passionate about mushrooms and the inherent health benefits they have on the food system. For instance, we upcycle the stems of white button mushrooms, which are normally thrown out when harvesting but are now used to create Chiber, our mushroom extract for food preservation. The more we studied mushrooms, the more tests and research we were able to perform to bring out the traits to make Chiber a viable natural preservation ingredient. It’s the mushroom that led us down the path we are on today, and it is where we still see the potential for growth. With new product development, we want to continue the upcycling of supply to produce natural and sustainable products that impact various markets. For Chiber, marketers can use the sustainability qualities associated with white button mushrooms to attract consumers, along with the natural and clean-label attributes. As a natural food source, mushrooms require little water to cultivate, have a short life cycle, and are grown throughout the year, which leads to a sustainable supply source. What are the main uses/benefits of Chiber, and what makes it unique compared to other fibre ingredients? Chiber represents a breakthrough in natural shelf-life extension and provides a sustainable solution to preserve the natural goodness of food and beverage products. With Chiber, we are at the forefront of mushroom ingredient innovation by realising the potential of a fibre extracted from the most widely known and accepted white button mushroom and the impact it can have to improve the freshness, quality and shelf-life of food and beverage products. White button mushrooms are commonly consumed, healthy and are widely abundant as a feedstock for our fibre extraction. We are going back to the basics and using nature to protect food. How is Chinova reducing food waste with Chiber? Chinova Bioworks aims to minimise wastefulness across all stages of the food supply chain. The company achieves this by collaborating with mushroom farmers to utilise the typically discarded stems of white button mushrooms and upcycles them into valuable ingredients such as its flagship ingredient Chiber, a clean-label mushroom extract and shelf-life extender for foods and beverages. Manufacturers using Chiber improve their finished products' quality, freshness and shelf-life. Distributors with longer-lasting finished products can now reach more remote areas and increase food security. Retailers decrease spoilage costs with products containing Chiber, enabling brands to provide consumers with natural, healthy, clean-label products that reduce food waste. The company developed a proprietary green-chemistry process for the extraction of their mushroom solutions which is a significant improvement over other chemical manufacturing processes. Each kilogram of Chiber sold will reduce emissions equivalent to charging 5,474 cell phones or driving 182 kilometres in your car. What is next for Chinova? Any exciting plans in the pipeline? The company is currently growing its team to help us expand into more markets and countries as we continue to invest in research. We are also working on developing exciting new natural ingredients that we hope to launch in the next couple of years. In June, we launched MycoKleer, a new vegan fining agent for beverage manufacturers looking to clarify their drinks. We will continue to develop new products, such as MycoKleer, that will help us expand into a variety of markets. Anything else you would like our readers to know? Recently, Chinova became a finalist in the Food Waste Reduction Challenge, which has solidified the company as a disruptor in the food industry with its clean-label and sustainable solution for reducing food waste, an issue at the forefront of the minds of consumers.

Cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation has agreed to sell its Hershey Drive facility in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, back to confectionery giant Hershey, for CAD 53 million (approx. $39.2 million). The move aligns with the company's strategy to transition towards a streamlined and "asset-light operating model". The company said that Canopy Growth will “retain its Smiths Falls-based post-harvest manufacturing facility.” The sale of the facility follows comes after the company centralised post-harvest manufacturing at its previous beverage facility in Smith Falls. Additionally, all flower cultivation has been consolidated at the company's purpose-built sites in Kincardine, Ontario, and Kelowna, British Columbia. David Klein, CEO of Canopy Growth, said: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Hershey on this important sale. This is the latest milestone in our focused effort to reduce costs and further enhance our balance sheet. Each of the steps we have taken as part of our transformation to a simplified, asset-light operating model supports our ability to deliver in-demand products from brands our customers love, with greater agility and less execution risk." He continued: "Once again, we have demonstrated Canopy Growth's ability to achieve significant organisational and operational change to position the company for future growth in the Canadian market." Jason Reiman, chief supply chain officer at The Hershey Company, added: "Our intent to purchase the Hershey Drive property in Smiths Falls is another example of the strategic investments we're making in our supply chain network and our Canadian operations to support growth".

Beverage giant Britvic is investing £22.5 million into its sixth bottling line at its East London factory in Beckton, UK, creating 18 new jobs. The new line will support Britvic’s “long-term growth” ambitions in the UK and is expected to increase production capacity at the site by nearly 30%. It will also produce some of the UK’s "favourite brands" such as Tango and Pepsi Max. The first products are anticipated to hit shelves in early September this year. Nigel Paine, supply chain director at Britvic, said: “Opening the sixth bottling line at Beckton marks the latest milestone in a series of investments into our supply chain. As we continue to grow and meet increasing demand, boosting our capacity at the Beckton site allows us to keep delivering on our goals and create a resilient business.” Britvic says its sixth line will unlock new technological capabilities, allowing for faster and more efficient production. It follows Britvic’s recent announcement of an £8 million investment to improve energy efficiency at the site, as the manufacturer looks to cut carbon emissions and save energy. Over the past few years, Britvic has also invested nearly £40 million in its Rugby, UK, factory installing new canning lines, and £19 million to upgrade its national distribution centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, UK.

Global Brands-owned alcoholic lemonade brand Hooch has unveiled a new ‘enhanced’ RTD range, Soopa Hooch. Designed to give the same taste as the brand’s classic products, the new range is said to "take Hooch to the next level". The drinks are caffeinated with taurine and guarana and stand at 8% ABV, twice that of Hooch’s original products which have a 4% ABV. The range is available in three flavours, Electric Lemonade, giving notes of orange, lemon and lime; Darkest Berry, which combines berries with lemon; and Twisted Tropical, which provides an orange and pineapple flavour. The new range features a smooth vodka spirit base, with 32mg of caffeine per 100ml, as well as natural caffeine through taurine and guarana. According to the brand, the enhanced RTD category is currently experiencing “huge” growth, increasing 25.5% YoY. Charlie Leaver, head of brand at Global Brands, said: “As a leading traditional RTD brand, Hooch has great brand recognition and an audience ranging from new consumers through to shoppers that know and love the brand from the 90s. We can’t wait to add value to the enhanced RTD category with an easily recognisable and innovative brand. The appeal and recognition of Hooch is set to shake-up an already high-growth area of RTDs. She continued: “As the biggest supplier of packaged cocktails to the off trade, Global Brands look forward to elevating the enhanced RTD category with our innovation and expertise”. The new beverages are available to purchase in select UK retailers now, for an RRP of £2.89 per 440ml can. In January, Molson Coors sold Hooch – along with the Hooper's and Reef trademarks – to Global Brands for an undisclosed sum.

Biotiful Gut Health has announced the introduction of a new Kids Kefir product line, showcasing its ongoing commitment to meeting gut health requirements. The range will feature two flavours: strawberry & banana and peach & pineapple. Kids Kefir is said to be packed with good bacteria, no added sugar, calcium and all-natural ingredients. Biotiful Gut Health's CEO and founder, Natasha Bowes, said: “My inspiration for starting Biotiful has always been driven by the desire to create something truly nutritious (and delicious) for my own family...Kefir is such a balanced and comprehensive product that can be consumed at any time of the day...Biotiful Gut Health will make children’s breakfasts, snack times and lunchboxes healthier and tastier.” Kids Kefir will launch into Asda stores and Ocado.

Kendamil has introduced its Goat Milk Infant and Toddler formula range to the US, launching in Target stores and online at Target.com. Goat milk's A2 beta-casein proteins are said to help form softer, looser casein curds in the baby's stomach, enabling easier digestion and more efficient absorption of nutrients. The formula may offer a gentler alternative for common infant feeding issues including gas, reflux and constipation. Goat milk also contains higher natural levels of selenium – an essential mineral found in breast milk – and up to 10x more oligosaccharides than cow's milk. Kendamil CEO and co-founder, Ross McMahon, said: "Today, over half of all formula sold in the US is lactose-reduced, a shocking statistic. At Kendamil we wish to chart a new path forward – one that uses the best of nature and wholesome ingredients, to help our babies thrive. Families in the US deserve better." According to Kendamil, studies suggest that one in every 60,000 newborns may be lactose intolerant from birth, while cow's milk allergy may affect 2-3% of infants. McMahon added: "Too many traditional 'sensitive' and 'gentle' formulas replace the natural benefits of milk fats and lactose with processed corn syrups, palm oil and maltodextrin, while often charging a higher price to families. Kendamil Goat will offer a new alternative for families, a naturally gentle formula that doesn't compromise on the high-quality, natural ingredients your child deserves." Kendamil Goat includes whole goat milk, sourced from European family farms (with natural MFGM, as found in breast milk and linked to cognitive development), a blend of HMOs (supporting infant immunity) and goat whey to match the protein ratios found in breast milk. The formula has no palm oil, soy oil, fish oil, corn syrup, sucrose or maltodextrin.

Gourmet popcorn brand Joe & Seph's has launched a range of limited-edition air-popped popcorn flavours, inspired by popular baked treats. The cake-inspired flavours features four flavours: Chocolate fudge cake, which features chocolate caramel with cream cheese and vanilla; Millionaire’s shortbread, coated in smooth caramel with shortbread and dark chocolate; Birthday cake, which is covered in smooth caramel with raspberry and cream cheese frosting; and peanut butter blondie, wrapped in white caramel sauce with crunchy peanut butter. "We're excited to introduce our limited-edition cake lovers collection," said Joseph Sopher, Joe & Seph's co- founder. "Rooted in our genuine love for baking, we've taken a unique approach by reimagining our cherished classics into four delicious flavours. This collection is a true embodiment of our passion, and we can't wait for consumers to savour the delightful results." The popcorn-flavoured products are available to purchase from Joe & Seph's website for £4 per bag.

Mexico’s Modelo, a division of AB InBev, announced it is partnering with Millfoods to construct “the largest, most advanced corn processing plant for brewing grits” in Mexico. The result of a $300 million investment, the new plant in Salamanca, Guanajuato, will create 1,000 jobs and benefit 20,000 corn producers in Mexico’s Bajío region when fully operational. Construction is expected to be completed in 2024. According to Modelo, the plant will be Mexico’s most technologically advanced corn processor for brewing grits. Its dry production cycle minimises the use of water, promoting a transition towards a more sustainable and innovative agribusiness. Corn grits are used in the brewing process to balance the liquid profile, giving the beer a smoother flavour and making it “more palatable to Mexican consumers”. Mexican Secretary of Economy, Raquel Buenrostro, highlighted that the investment reflects the confidence of Mexican and foreign investors in the country. “This announcement contributes to the good business environment. Investment in Mexico is at its all-time highs and is generating decent jobs that are the key to eliminating poverty and inequality," she said. Raúl Escalante, VP of legal and corporate affairs at Grupo Modelo, commented: “At Grupo Modelo, we have an unwavering commitment to Mexico. With this investment, we renew our purpose of supporting Mexican producers who grow the grains with which we make our iconic beers to continue promoting the growth of the country's agribusiness." Modelo stressed it will support local corn production over imports, which is also a top government priority. President of Millfoods, Pilar Gutierrez, added: “We are excited to invest in this project which will improve food security and the economic and social development of Mexico. We are committed to positioning our processes as benchmarks in the industry, working towards carbon neutral production, and minimising the use of water resources in our operations."