Sauce brand Ragú is launching its new line of Ragú Kettle Cooked sauces into US retailers this month. Ingredients such as crushed tomato, basil, oregano and fresh garlic are combined to create the sauces, which are then slow-simmered in large kettles. The result is an “elevated sauce quality and flavour” that makes it convenient for home-cooking. The range is available in three flavours including Marinara, Roasted Garlic and Tomato Basil, which can be used to create a versatile range of dishes, including pasta, soups, dips and much more. Ragú's Kettle Cooked sauces are Non-GMO Project Verified with no added sugar. Megan Frank, senior VP, Marketing, Mizkan America, the maker of Ragú, said: "We believe 'homemade' doesn't have to mean spending all day in the kitchen, new Ragú Kettle Cooked sauces offer a smart shortcut with a rich and savoury homemade taste that makes mealtime even easier." Ragú Kettle Cooked sauce will be available in a 24-ounce jar at select retailers across the US, including Meijer and Kroger stores. In August, the new sauce will be available at additional national retail stores.

Conagra Brands-owned brand Orville Redenbacher's is debuting a range of popcorn seasonings. Orville Redenbacher's new popcorn seasonings include: Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo, Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll, Movie Theater Butter, Nacho Cheese and White Cheddar Cheese and Ranch. The Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo seasoning was created in collaboration with restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings. Meanwhile, the Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll flavour was developed in partnership with bakery brand Cinnabon. Spencer Fivelson, VP & GM of snacks at Conagra Brands, said: "Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn Seasonings combine delicious, craveable flavours with a customisable experience. Ready-to-eat popcorn and other salty snacks have long offered a broad collection of flavours, but freshly popped popcorn has trailed behind. We're excited to shake up the microwave and kernels category with our diverse assortment of sweet and savoury seasonings." According to Conagra, Orville Redenbacher's popcorn seasonings are designed to stick to consumers' popped popcorn, "reducing that underused pile of seasonings at the bottom of the bowl". Available to buy from late August, consumers will be able to find the new seasonings on the same shelves as the brand's microwave popcorn, kernels and oil.

Tony’s Chocolonely has expanded its chocolate offering with a new bagged snack range, Littl’ Bits, rolling out in the UK from 31 July. The Littl’ Bits will launch in flavours of the brand’s most popular bars as well as new flavour combinations, presented in colourful plastic-free pouches. Chewy and crunchy cores are covered in Fairtrade chocolate made from 100% traceable cocoa. Flavours in the range include Triple Chocolate Mix, with milk, white and dark layered balls of chocolate; Milk Caramel Sea Salt & Biscuit Mix, with crunchy butterscotch caramel and biscuits wrapped in milk chocolate; Milk Marshmallow & Biscuit Mix, with marshmallows and biscuits wrapped in milk chocolate; and a vegan-friendly Dark Chocolate Choco Cookie, with orange-flavoured chocolate cookies wrapped in dark chocolate. Littl’ Bits will launch on 31 July in Sainsbury’s, 7 August in Tesco and Tesco Express, 14 August in Asda and Coop and 4 September in Waitrose, on Ocado and from Tony’s Chocolonely’s website.

Premier Foods is introducing a new range to its Bisto brand with the launch of Roast Potato and Roast Chicken seasonings. The new seasonings can be added to the traditional roast dinner to deliver extra easily and cost effectively. The Roast Potato and Roast Chicken seasonings allows consumers to add an “enhanced” texture to homemade chicken and roast potatoes. Mark Alldred, marketing director for flavours and seasonings at Premier Foods, said: “There are more than 1.2 billion roast occasions a year, however, many consumers feel that creating a traditional roast with all of the trimmings is hard work. Our new and flavourful addition to the Bisto range is designed to further improve the popularity of this meal occasion by adding interesting flavours in an easy-to-use format. With Bisto introducing seasonings to their portfolio, the brand will also attract new shoppers to the category, especially with more people experimenting when cooking at home.” The range is now available in Morrisons stores in the UK and will be rolling out across the grocery channel at an MRSP of £1.25 per sachet.

Latin American beverage technology company, Beliv, has acquired a 78% stake in High Brew, a ready-to-drink cold brew coffee brand based in the US. With a portfolio boasting over 40 brands, and a presence in 30 countries, the latest acquisition builds on Beliv's global expansion strategy and its consumer-centric vision. It enables the company to strengthen its position in the US, where it is already present with its OCA, Güitig, Petit and Big Easy brands. Beliv operates in China, Europe and Latin America, offering a wide range of beverage options that include natural energy drinks, functional and carbonated waters, s well as juices and nectars. The company noted that citrus juices "holds a prominent position in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the Asian market". High Brew is well-positioned in the cold brew coffee ready-to-drink market. The cold extraction process ensures the product naturally contains more antioxidants, enhancing its original flavour and reducing the acidic characteristic – a common result of traditional heat-induced brewing methods. Avaialble in 8oz cans, High Brew is 100% natural, low in sugar and currently available in 11 flavours: Double Espresso, Mexican Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Mocha, Black Triple Shot, Black & Bold, Creamy Cappuccino + Protein, Nitro Caramel Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Nitro Sweet Cold Brew, Peppermint Mocha and Espresso Triple Shot. The remaining 22% share of High Brew will continue to be held by David Smith, who founded the comapny in 2013, as well as current investors in the brand. Smith joins Beliv as a consultant, bringing his knowledge and experience of the F&B industry to the portfolio as it expands in the coming years. Carlos Sluman, founder, CEO and partner of Beliv, said: “The entrepreneurial spirit is our point of connection, and we have a strong desire to build together our growth in the US, which is one of the strategic markets for the expansion of Beliv's business. This acquisition is essential to continue developing a well-positioned and solid portfolio, backed by a consumer-centric vision.” He continued: “With High Brew, we are adding a disruptive product in a booming category, through its distribution to 15,000 sale points in the US and the collaboration with 54 strategic partners”. High Brew founder Smith commented “Undoubtedly, we share the same identity, commitment and vocation,” adding that “sustainability will continue to be a differential value in the operation since High Brew needs the best beans to make the best coffee, and this means supporting all those who participate in the value chain”.

The seminar programme for Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023 is now live, with inspiring industry leaders taking to the stage to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the world of food and drink. Each year the fair, taking place on 11-12 September at Olympia London, offers farm shop managers, deli owners, independent retailers, hospitality professionals and more valuable insights and strategies to stay ahead in the dynamic world of fine food and speciality products. Highlights of this year’s speaker programme, taking place in the Trends Theatre, include a session by Waitrose & Partners innovations manager Lizzie Haywood, who will be offering five top tips for retail success, and a deep dive into the 2023 Future Food Trends Tracker with Charles Banks of thefoodpeople and Kelly Dowson of F!S Group. Belle Lawrence, associate director at Immediate Future, Matthew Bond, creative director at Project D and Olivia Vachon, marketing manager at Eataly London, will be taking to the stage to unveil their closely held social media secrets and providing insights into how retailers and hospitality professionals can elevate their brand. Later, Vhari Russell, managing director of The Food Marketing Experts, Louis Bedwell, managing director of Mission Ventures and Alexander Mair, founder & managing director of All In A Box will be joining forces to discuss the current state of NPD, and whether recent product launches are prioritising novelty over the genuine needs of the consumer. Bedwell comments: “Speciality & Fine Food Fair is the leading event in the industry for the discovery of the top brands of tomorrow. The best new brands meet an important consumer need". “As issues of sustainability and health become more important, it's great to see the benefits of great new product development and how it can solve challenges for both industry and consumer. I'm looking forward to taking part in the discussion.” Also in the Trends Theatre, culinary consultant and chef Steve Walpole will be welcoming a host of industry experts to explore the latest trends, flavours and opportunities in global cuisine and using a range of products from the fair to cook up some delicious dishes. Walpole will be covering topics including how to celebrate sustainability in the kitchen, going back to basics with natural products, showcasing the best of British, and demystifying Japanese ingredients. “I can’t wait to be back at Speciality & Fine Food Fair, cooking up a storm with some amazing guest speakers,” said Walpole. “Join us to discover some of the most exciting trends in food & drink and to sample some of the best products on offer at this year’s Fair.” At the centre of the Drinks Cabinet, the Inspiration Bar will see in-depth sessions across the two days from Mixology School, providing advice and guidance for visitors looking to make the most of the drinks products they stock. The team will be taking deep dives into topics such as low & no, the Bloody Mary, the Daquiri and the Spritz. Zoe Cunliffe, director at Mixology School, commented: “We can’t wait to head back to Speciality & Fine Food Fair this September to provide key insights into the latest drinks trends, highlight some fantastic new products and pairings, and advise speciality retailers on how to upsell and elevate their drinks offerings.” To find out more about everything happening at this year’s Fair, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.

Single malt Welsh whisky has been successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication (UK GI) scheme, which protects its name, authenticity and characteristics. Announced on the 24 July by food and farming secretary, Therese Coffey, the registration informs consumers that the product they are buying is genuine and the efforts of producers are protected from imitation products. It is the first new UK spirit drink application to be registered and protected under the new scheme – created after Brexit - and joins other British products such as Scotch Whisky, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Cornish Clotted Cream. Single malt Welsh whisky can be traced as far back as 1887. It is made using malted barley and water of 100% Welsh origin. With the new protection, only whiskies made in this way can be named single malt Welsh whisky. The product is registered to four distillers in Wales that export to over 45 countries worldwide including the US, France, Germany and China. Coffey said: “Single malt Welsh whisky is widely acclaimed for its lightness of character and I am pleased to announce it will be the first protected spirit under our UK GI scheme at the Royal Welsh Show. It shows how the UK government is ready to get behind the best of British food and drink from across the nation - to boost sales at home and abroad, create jobs and grow our economy.” Each step of the production process must take place in Wales, from brewing to bottling. Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Whisky, said: “The achievement of UK GI status for single malt Welsh whisky is a significant milestone for Penderyn as a producer but also for the wider Welsh whisky industry. It assists in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin. It’s an exciting step forward and one that puts focus on an industry that has been growing steadily over the last 20 years.” Welsh secretary David TC Davies said that Wales has a “growing reputation for producing high-quality food and drink”. He added: “UK GI status is really important for distillers and helps them market this fantastic product around the world, and consumers know they are buying a unique product entirely made and bottled in Wales. All of this helps the industry to grow, supporting jobs and driving prosperity.” Single malt Welsh whisky now holds full protection and recognition throughout the UK as a GI.

Second Nature Snacks has unveiled Global Fusions trail mixes with the introduction of two new flavours: Mediterranean Herb and Citrus Habanero. The nutrient-packed offerings have 5g of protein per serving and less sugar "than traditional trail mixes," said the company. In addition, they are gluten-free certified and contain no artificial colours or preservatives. The Mediterranean Herb variant features Italian-herb seasoned nuts, tomato flakes and white cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, the Citrus Habanero flavour features citrus habanero seasoned cashews, dried mango, roasted and salted pepitas and roasted corn. Jennifer Bauer, CMO at Second Nature Brands, said: "The Second Nature Global Fusions trail mix line is a reflection of our commitment to innovation – matching flavours and ingredients to consumer tastes and trends". She added: "With travel costs exorbitant, we wanted to transport consumers with fabulous flavour profiles like Mediterranean Herb and Citrus Habanero, that are flavourful, fun and nutrient-dense. These unique trail mixes feature a culinary-seasoned collection of nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables, bringing worldwide flavours right to your home.” Second Nature Snacks said that it plans to add more mixes to the Global Fusions product line in the future. The new flavours are available at select retailers nationwide, such as Kroger and Meijer, for $7.49 per 10oz package.

US frozen treat brand GoodPop has entered the beverage category with the launch of its new Mini Cans, made with fruit juice and sparkling water. The Mini Cans contain no added sugars, sweeteners or flavours. Available in three flavours – Fruit Punch, Orange and Lemon Lime – the Mini Cans come in 7.5 oz cans suited to childrens’ lunchboxes. GoodPop said it aims to provide families with a healthier alternative to other sugar-laden juice boxes, sodas and flavoured waters. Each can has only 6g total sugar or less. The Mini Cans’ packaging is plastic-free, BPA-free and recyclable. They will be available at Sprouts nationwide in the US, Costco across the Northeast and Midwest, Whole Foods across the South and online at GoodPop and Thrive Market. They come in single-flavour six packs and a variety-flavour 18 pack, retailing for $7.49 and $14.99 respectively. Daniel Goetz, CEO and founder of GoodPop, said: “Here at GoodPop, we’re enabling families to make better and healthier choices by cleaning up and innovating in categories that typically have lots of sugar – from ice cream and freezer pops to now beverages.”

Kellogg Company has announced the filing of a Form 10 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to its plan to separate into two businesses. In June 2022, the company announced that its board of directors had approved a plan to pursue a separation of its North American cereal business (WK Kellogg Co) via a tax-free spin-off. Earlier this year, the company revealed the names of the two resulting public companies that it will create. Kellanova, with around $12.6 billion in 2022 net sales, will be a global snacking, international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods business. WK Kellogg Co, with around $2.7 billion in 2022 net sales, will be a cereal company operating in the US, Canada and Caribbean. The separation transaction is targeted to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to certain customary conditions including final approval by the board and effectiveness of the Form 10 registration statement. Steve Cahillane, Kellogg Company’s chairman and CEO, said: “Today's Form 10 filing marks another important step toward our planned separation into two established and special businesses. As stand-alone companies, Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co will benefit from an enhanced focus that will enable them to better direct their resources toward their distinct strategic priorities, unlocking value for shareowners.” The Form 10 provides information about WK Kellogg Co’s portfolio, business dynamics, strategy, risk factors and management. It provides certain WK Kellogg Co financial statements and a discussion of the key drivers of the business’ past financial performance. Filed on July 24, the Form 10 is subject to change and will be made final prior to the effective date of the spin.

Plastic-free chewing gum brand, Milliways, has announced plans to further scale the brand with a £3 million fundraising round. The fundraising will go towards increasing its distribution in the UK, marketing campaigns and international expansion. Based in London, UK, Milliways was founded and launched in 2021 by Tom Raviv as a plastic-free, plant-powered alternative after Raviv discovered that conventional gum contained single-use plastics. Investors include private equity firm KLT, owner of Intergum Leon Amram, and partner at Blandford Capital and ex-board member of Sodastream, David Morris. The business says it has seen significant growth, from an initial online-only launch to being stocked in approximately 6,000 UK stores in just over two years. KLT’s CEO, Brad Kark, said: “We are truly excited about our partnership with Milliways and Tom as they make significant progress in developing a world-class product, strong team and unique brand. We are looking forward to supporting Milliways with their global ambitions of providing consumers with a sustainable and enjoyable chewing gum experience while positively impacting the environment.” Raviv commented: “We’re now at a monumental moment in the industry where brands like ours have a voice and a real opportunity to scale effectively. Securing this funding round with such a high calibre of investors is testament to the incredible opportunity that lies ahead as we aim to make Milliways a household name to everyone, everywhere, every day, for all the right reasons. “It’s a bit of a David and Goliath story in the chewing gum industry. Since day one, we’ve faced and overcome a series of seemingly insurmountable challenges – we launched a product that is highly social and impulsive in nature during the height of the pandemic lockdowns, and when we initially won listings with wholesalers, we were fighting for shelf space at the tills. “We worked hard to win listings with retailers which have had limited optionality given the concentration of a few mega brands that have dominated the category for decades. Ultimately, we’ve overcome that too, and I truly believe we’re just getting started.” This new fundraising round follows Milliways’ initial £1 million round, which was completed in September 2021.

JDM Food Group and Henry Broch Foods (HBF) have entered into a merger agreement to create a new parent company, Jardins and Broch. JDM is a UK-based supplier of vegetables, sauces, dips and purees to the retail, manufacturing, recipe box and foodservice markets. Meanwhile, HBF is a US-based spice, dry-blending and co-packing company that is focused on tailored formulations and seasonings. Jardins and Broch brings together both ingredient companies to create a team of international flavour experts across both wet and dry products. The merger is said to be an "industry-leading player" with significant production capacity, complementary R&D skills and worldwide supply chain networks. The two companies will keep running independently in their local markets but will now have support from each other to expand globally. In addition, JDM and HBF's CEOs, Aisling Kemp and Greg Antonetti, will both continue in their leadership roles, with both playing an active role in integrating, growing and ensuring the future success of the combined group. Kemp said: “The combined expertise and knowledge within the two companies creates a flavour powerhouse with global ambitions. Working with the team at HBF, who share our strong ethics, values and focus on sustainability, is incredibly exciting. Trends in this market are ever-changing, and we are now better able to develop solutions with our culinary teams that deliver on flavour, health and functionality to ensure we evolve alongside consumer demand." She continued: "Working with Sunridge the last two years has been transformational. Their investment has allowed us to accelerate our product capabilities and channel growth. We believe the partnership with HBF will cement that work and create long-term sustainable growth as a true ingredients innovator.” Antonetti added: “This partnership will be a win for our customers, suppliers, team members and other partners. Our aim has always been to build a leading value-added ingredients business, and alongside our long-serving and dedicated team members, we have worked tirelessly towards this goal." He continued: "We are thrilled to bring JDM’s capabilities, especially in wet ingredients, to our customers in North America. The JDM team brings unparalleled expertise, strong production and innovation capabilities, and the ability to serve a wide range of customers across the UK and beyond.”