US food brand Bob’s Red Mill has launched a new Protein Oats product which it claims offers up to 60% more protein than regular oats. The product is made from just one ingredient – whole grain rolled oats – with no added protein powder. According to the company, the oats are grown from a special conventionally bred variety that is higher in protein than standard oats. Bob’s Red Mill Protein Oats are available in organic and conventional varieties, joining the brand’s existing portfolio of oats, which ranges from quick-cook varieties to thick-cut, steel-cut, rolled, Scottish style and beyond. The organic protein oats are available in a 32oz bag for an SRP of $10.29, while the conventional protein oats are offered in a 16oz bag for an SRP of $5.39. Both are gluten-free and non-GMO Project Verified. Blake Isaac, director of innovation marketing at Bob’s Red Mill, said: “Bob's Red Mill Protein Oats are a game changer for breakfast enthusiasts seeking a convenient and satisfying option to add more protein to their diets”. The products will roll out across the US later this summer in select retailers and on Amazon.

Milk Specialties Global (MSG), a protein and food ingredients manufacturer, has completed a new production facility in Jerome, Idaho, US, that will produce acid casein and rennet casein products for food and industrial applications. MSG says its new facility will process 2.5 million pounds of milk each day and offer North American consumers an “alternative supply of domestically produced casein products”. David Lenzmeier, CEO of Milk Specialties Global, said: “We have the knowledge and the network to create more value out of the high-quality milk produced in Idaho, so it just makes sense for us. We’re looking forward to getting to work with Magic Valley Quality Milk and our customers.” Magic Valley Quality Milk (MVQM), a raw-milk cooperative, will work with MSG to supply skim milk for casein production. The Jerome-based facility is built adjacent to MVQM’s milk processing facility, and the two are connected by a pipeline to skim milk between facilities. MSG says this will significantly reduce carbon emissions over time by eliminating the need for truck transportation. MVQM CEO, Alan Stutzman, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for our patron farmers. Our farmers produce some of the best milk in the world, and Milk Specialties is an ideal partner to convert that milk into value-added ingredients.” Financial details of the facility were not disclosed.

Cawston Press has launched a limited-edition flavour, sparkling Pineapple & Grapefruit, to its line of soft drinks. Cawston Press says the launch follows a recent announcement from The World Health Organization (WHO) warning people against the use of non-sugar sweeteners. WHO recommended consuming food with naturally occurring sugars such as fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages. The brand says it offers this through its new sparkling Pineapple & Grapefruit flavour, with 92 calories per drink and no added sugar or sweeteners. The fruits are pressed into sparkling water and packed into 100% recycled cans. Cawston Press’ new launch joins its sparkling juice drink range, including Rhubarb, Cloudy Apple, Elderflower Lemonade, Ginger Beer and Orange. The classic Caribbean flavour is available to purchase on Amazon and the Cawston Press website for an RRP of £20 for a case of 12 cans.

US halva and tahini company, Seed + Mill, has announced the launch of a new organic spicy tahini product available in a squeeze bottle format. Seed + Mill's organic spicy tahini features hulled and roasted sesame seeds, red hot chilli, sweet paprika and paprika extract. The offering is non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan and kosher-friendly. The spicy tahini offers a versatile option to replace consumers' preferred hot sauce. They can drizzle it over a variety of dishes such as eggs, tacos, burgers, dips and grain bowls. In addition, the company's classic organic tahini is also available in a squeeze bottle format. Rachel Simons, founder of Seed + Mill, said: “For years, our community has requested a more convenient format for our tahini, and we’re thrilled to finally make it (squ)easier for our customers to use the product they already know and love. We’re also excited to introduce a fun new flavour, spicy tahini. It’s basically a creamy hot sauce that can be drizzled over everything.” Seed + Mill tahini squeeze bottles are available exclusively at all Sprouts Farmers Market locations nationwide for an SRP: $9.99.

UK-based ingredients business Meadow has announced the acquisition of Naked Foods. Founded in 2003, Naked Foods produces a wide range of fruit and confectionery sauces for UK and Irish food companies from its facility located in Kent. Its products include fruit preparations for yogurts, dairy drinks, ice cream and plant-based products, as well as sweet and confectionery fillings for bakery and dessert products. Naked Foods provides over 300 recipes and several thousand tonnes of sauces annually. The acquisition gives Meadow the opportunity to expand its portfolio into new product areas "while enabling customers to benefit from many synergies between the businesses," said the company. In addition, Meadow is able to enhance its client offerings while making the most of its existing manufacturing, sales and new product development (NPD) capabilities. Raj Tugnait, CEO of Meadow, commented: “For some time, our customers have been urging us to enter the sweet sauce category. It is an adjacent category and a natural extension of what we already do. There is a gap in the market for an agile player who can develop, scale up and manufacture fruit preparations, and Naked Foods has an enviable reputation for its quality and nimbleness." He continued: "The team and culture felt right to be part of the Meadow family. Adding sweet sauces allows us to further diversify our portfolio and strengthen our position as a leading supplier of quality food ingredients. Meadow has a three-pronged growth plan – organic; growing with our existing customers and in existing categories, inorganic; building new capabilities in-house; and finally, acquiring quality businesses that will complement Meadow and make it a better proposition for its customers. Naked Foods fits perfectly with that plan.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

British popcorn brand Popcorn Kitchen has announced the launch of a new Blueberry Muffin-flavoured product. The new product joins the brand’s range of popcorn flavours inspired by sweet treats, including Lemon Drizzle, Cherry Bakewell and Chocolate Mint. Popcorn Kitchen said that while historically the brand has focused on flavours that appeal to an older “sweet-toothed” audience, Blueberry Muffin reinforces the growing appetite for “best-in-classic popcorn to mimic sweet treats that appeal to snacking enthusiasts of all ages”. Louise Webb, founder of Popcorn Kitchen, commented: “The timeless popularity of Lemon Drizzle coupled with the seismic interest in our recent Cherry Bakewell offering convinced us that another Summer Fruit special was a summer launch must”. “Flavour trials during exhibition season have quite simply been off the charts, convincing us that our latest indulgent treat taps effortlessly into Popcorn Kitchen’s stewardship of replicating timeless sweet treats in a popcorn style.” The new product is available to buy at Coop, Not on the High Street and Amazon in the UK (RRP £1.49 for 30g) with further listings expected over the coming months.

Coffee subscription brand Pact Coffee has introduced new packaging across its range of coffee blends. The packaging is fully recyclable and made from 70% recycled materials – said to be plastics commonly disposed of in recycling bins. Additionally, it funds the collection of ocean-bound plastic bottles from Asian rivers. According to Pact Coffee, for every 1,000,000 bags created the equivalent of 53,000 600ml plastic bottles will be collected from rivers in the Philippines and Indonesia by the ethical recycling program Plastic Bank. Paul Turton, Pact Coffee’s CEO, said: “If climate change continues at its current trajectory, it’s estimated that we’ll see a significant impact on 75% of Arabica supply, which has already fallen short of demand for the past two years. Plastic pollution significantly reduces ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, so reducing our usage, promoting a circular economy and funding schemes like this bag saves is exactly what we need to do to protect the future of coffee and the planet. Turton added that there had been the option for the brand to choose ‘compostable’ packaging instead. However, "around 90% of people don’t have the means to compost at home, and the growing data shows that lots of this packaging is ending up in landfill or blocking the food recycling process”, he added.

Lactalis Canada has agreed to purchase dessert manufacturer Marie Morin Canada for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2004, Marie Morin manufactures traditional French recipes made from natural ingredients and sold in glass jars. The acquisition will see the Canadian division of Lactalis Group expand its presence in the dessert category, entering both the Canadian and US markets. The move will complement Lactalis Canada's extensive dairy portfolio, which includes cheese, table spreads, yogurt and fluid brands. Through the deal, Lactalis will acquire Marie Morin's product line of desserts, featuring traditional recipes, such as its signature crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and cheesecakes. Lactalis will also take ownership of Marie Morin's production facility located in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec. Additionally, the deal will result in the integration of 52 employees from Marie Morin, who will join Lactalis's current workforce of over 4,000 employees in the country and 30 operating sites, including 19 manufacturing facilities spread across Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Lactalis Canada, said: “We are delighted to add Marie Morin Canada and its product line of signature desserts to the Lactalis Canada family". "As part of our broad-based dairy portfolio that continues to evolve and expand to meet consumer trends and demands, this acquisition will enable Lactalis Canada to pursue its strategy in developing desserts for the North American market and will further expand our product offering for our valued retail and foodservice customers.”

Mondelēz International has launched two new chocolate bar varieties under its Cadbury brand: Cadbury Darkmilk Praline and Cadbury Caramilk Crispy. Cadbury Darkmilk Praline joins the brand's Darkmilk range, containing rich high-cocoa chocolate with a creamy hazelnut filling. The Darkmilk range contains 40% cocoa. Meanwhile, Cadbury Caramilk Crispy features a golden blend of white chocolate with a light crisped rice inclusion. Christina Bland, junior brand manager for Cadbury Tablets at Mondelēz International, said: “We are extremely proud to be unveiling these two fantastic new innovations across two brilliant brands. We know that Cadbury Darkmilk has brought new shoppers to the category, adding incremental sales for retailers. Cadbury Darkmilk Praline will further build on this." She continued: "Additionally, Cadbury Caramilk has already built up a dedicated following. We know 82% of shoppers who have tried Caramilk would repeat their purchase – and the new Crispy launch will help build on this.” Both bars are available in an 85g format.

Capri Sun Group has announced that it will take back the sales and distribution of its pouch drinks for children in Western Europe next year. The move will end Capri Sun’s sales and distribution arrangement with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP). Beginning in March 2024, the company will sell and distribute its drinks in France, Monaco, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain and Portugal. Around five years ago, Capri Sun began its strategy to be closer to the market by taking the sales and distribution back in-house in Switzerland, Austria, the Middle East, China and Poland. This so-called “direct” strategy was implemented to allow Capri Sun to be more agile and responsive in a dynamic environment, allowing a full focus on developing its business. The children’s drinks brand has recruited 70 new employees, who will now focus on preparing for the transition. Roland Weening, CEO of Capri Sun Group, said: “CCEP has been a terrific partner for more than a decade, and we are grateful for the successful cooperation over the years. We have concluded on both sides that the future needs both companies to focus on their own brands.” Weening added that Capri Sun is planning the launch of recyclable pouches as well as more low-sugar products, with an additional €42 million to be invested in 2024 to support these initiatives. CCEP and Capri Sun will continue to work closely together to support customers, both to deliver on 2023 business and growth plans and throughout the transition next year. CCEP will continue to co-pack Capri Sun in Great Britain for the GB market until the end of 2024.

Many alcoholic drinks will now cost more in the UK after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, introduced a new alcohol duty yesterday (1 August). All alcoholic beverages will be taxed in line with alcohol by volume (ABV), rather than the type of alcohol as was the case in the previous duty system. However, the rises mean that duty will lower on supermarket shelves for many alcoholic beverages, including bottles of pale ale, pre-mixed gin and tonic and prosecco Lower taxes will be enforced on low-alcohol products – those below 3.5% ABV in strength, and all drinks above 8.5% ABV will pay the same rate regardless of product type. In a news release, the previous duty system was described as “complex and unfair”. The new system, however, is said to “support wider UK tax and public health objectives”. Sunak said: “I want to support the drinks and hospitality industries that are helping to grow the economy and the consumers who enjoy the end result. Not only will today’s changes mean that the price of your pint in the pub is protected, but it will also benefit thousands of businesses across the country.” He added: “We have taken advantage of Brexit to simplify the duty system, to reduce the price of a pint, and to back British pubs”. The government is also introducing ‘Small Producer Relief’, which replaces and extends the previous Small Brewers Relief scheme, which was introduced to reduce rates of beer duty for small brewers. The scheme allows small businesses that produce alcoholic products with an ABV of less than 8.5% to be eligible for reduced rates of alcohol duty on qualifying products. It is said to give small producers “the financial freedom to experiment with new types of drink and grow their business”. Barry Watts, head of policy and public affairs at Society of Independent Brewers, commented: “These are the most significant changes to the alcohol duty system for generations which will have far-reaching implications for what we order in the pub and what appears on the shop shelves. It is the culmination of five years of consultation on the future of Small Breweries’ Relief – a scheme that has made the huge growth of craft breweries possible over the past twenty years. “These changes will finally address the ‘cliff edge’ which was a barrier to small breweries growing and build on the scheme’s success by applying it to other alcoholic products below 8.5%.”

Kraft Heinz has announced that its Lunchables snack brand is partnering with Fresh Del Monte Produce to offer a new fresh fruit product line. The new line aims to offer a delicious, wholesome and convenient lunch and snack time option for children, getting them accustomed to eating fruits by delivering them in a product format they already know and enjoy. Lunchables with Fresh Fruit features the brand’s two best-selling Turkey and Ham Cracker Stackers varieties alongside Fresh Del Monte’s pineapple, clementines, grapes and apples. Naor Danieli, director of marketing at Lunchables, said: “Lunchables with Fresh Fruit is a ripe example of how we are quickly moving to introduce new offerings rooted in real consumer needs”. “Teaming up with Fresh Del Monte helps accelerate the innovation our brand strives for, lending its expertise in fresh produce to expand the delicious, buildable and real food experience we provide for kids.” Melissa Mackay, VP of marketing at Fresh Del Monte, said that the partnership could be a “true game changer for children’s nutrition”. She added: “By bringing together the freshness and quality that Fresh Del Monte fruits are known for with the convenience and fun of Lunchables, we have a real opportunity to change kids’ perspectives around fruits, ideally helping to make fruit consumption second nature to younger generations.” Beginning this month, the range can be found in the produce section at select grocery retailers in the south-central region of the US.