The controversy surrounding AB InBev’s Bud Light brand continues as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis asks the State Board of Administration (SBA) to “initiate a review” into its holdings with the parent company. The Bud Light brand has been subject to backlash in the US since 1 April after it entered a minor partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney who promoted the beer brand in a video on social media outlet Instagram, commemorating a college basketball tournament held by the National Collegiate Athletics Association. The sponsorship led to calls for a boycott of Bud Light from conservatives. In the letter sent on 20 July, DeSantis suggested that AB InBev had “breached legal duties owed to its shareholders” when it decided to associate with “radical social ideologies”. DeSantis said: “We must prudently manage the funds of Florida’s hardworking law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters and first responders in a manner that focuses on growing returns, not subsidising an ideological agenda through woke virtue signalling”. Union’s latest ‘OnPrem Insights’ report found that from April of this year through to 30 June, Bud Light’s sales share in the Carolinas fell 6.9 points, from 19.4% to 12.5%. In May, AB InBev’s CEO Michel Doukeris said during an investor conference call that Bud Light’s volume had declined in the US during the first three weeks of April, representing around 1% of overall global volumes for that period. DeSantis requested that the SBA “immediately initiate a review” to examine “how AB InBev’s conduct has impacted and continues to impact the value of SBA’s AB InBev holdings”. Mulvaney posted a TikTok video on 29 June alleging Bud Light never reached out to them as she faced online hate following the company’s promotion. In the video, she said: “For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse in my opinion than not hiring a trans person at all because it gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want”. Numerous publications reported that the Anheuser-Busch (wholly owned by AB InBev) Budweiser factory in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, was the target of a bomb threat on 13 April. On 14 April, Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, expressed the company’s intentions, which said: “We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer. I care deeply about this country, this company, our brands and our partners...Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation.” Days after Mulvaney’s video was posted, musician Kid Rock is said to have been among the first of several celebrities to react, in a video that featured himself shooting a stack of Bud Light cases. At the end of the video, Kid Rock can be heard saying “F*** Bud Light” and “F*** Anheuser-Busch". Musician Travis Tritt wrote on a social media post: “I will be deleting all Anheuser-Busch products from my tour hospitality rider. I know many other artists who are doing the same.” AB InBev has been contacted by FoodBev for comment.

GrowUp Farms will launch a range of ready-to-eat salads, called Unbeleafable, in UK supermarket Tesco, which are grown at its Pepperness vertical farm in Kent. Unbeleafable is said to be grown without pesticides and does not need to be washed in chlorine to make them ready to eat. According to the company, Unbeleafable's leaves "stay fresher for longer than other ready-to-eat bagged salads sold in UK supermarkets". GrowUp Farms' Pepperness site uses 100% renewable energy sourced from the neighbouring bioenergy plant. Once completed, "the site will use 94% less water than ready-to-eat salads grown in a field or greenhouse," said GrowUp Farms. Kate Hofman, founder of GrowUp Farms, said: "At GrowUp Farms, we've been growing unbelievably good leaves for over a decade. At Pepperness, our latest farm, we're producing ready-to-eat salads for major UK supermarkets, demonstrating the commercial viability of vertical farming and its role in sustainable UK food production." "...Unsurprisingly, the majority of shoppers (61%) say the thing that bothers them most about bagged salad is that the leaves don't last long enough. This is why we're so excited to launch our Unbeleafable salads – they're crisp and delicious, and they stay fresher in y'fridge. Unbeleafable offers consumers a range of tasty salads – from mild to strong – that have the freshest, crispest, longer-lasting leaves in the UK." Unbeleafable salads will be available at Tesco stores from 26 July for £1.50 per 90g bag.

Flora Ventures has launched an $80 million fund and announced its first closing with commitments of $50 million into sustainable agrifood tech start-ups. Flora Ventures says this makes it the largest Israeli-based agrifood venture capital (VC) and, according to IVC data, the largest Israeli new VC fund to have completed a first closing during 2023 across all tech investment verticals. The company invests in early-stage agrifood start-ups in Israel and Europe, that are building a “healthier, more sustainable and resilient agrifood system”. Flora Ventures co-founders are Gil Horsky, former Mondelēz executive and corporate venture investor in the global agrifood ecosystem, and Esther Barak-Landes, VC investor and co-founder of Nielsen's incubator and investment arm. They completed the initial raise with partners including Sadot Kibbutzim, a coop bringing together more than 185 Kibbutzim with an agricultural output of more than $3 billion exported to over 100 countries. They offer the fund's portfolio access to agricultural land, production capabilities and expertise for initial proof of concept and ability to scale their technologies. Barak-Landes said: "I have been fortunate in my career to lead important VC deals in the retail-tech, fintech, and digital transformation sectors, which enables me to reapply proven technologies and business models to the agrifood industry where it is greatly needed. I am excited to bring my skills to finding and fuelling start-ups from Israel and Europe that are good for people and kind to the planet, while helping to build the next generation of agrifood unicorns.” Horsky added: "Working for leading food multinationals, as well as co-founding one of the industry's most successful corporate venture capital and incubation initiatives in Mondelēz, taught me the value of having design partners early on. That's why we are excited that Flora can provide our start-ups proprietary access to Haifa Group, Sadot Kibbutzim and Harel Group, which are among the most innovative and agile design partners in the industry.” Flora Ventures has also completed its first investment in Arrakis Bio, a stealth-mode Israeli start-up, developing a breakthrough technology poised to revolutionise the production and utilisation of human collagen and gelatine that is animal free.

Cumberland Packing Corporation-owned brand, In The Raw, is releasing a new organic hot agave syrup flavour in the country. In The Raw's Organic Hot Agave offers a combination of 100% raw blue agave nectar blended with jalapeño peppers and chilli, providing a sweet and spicy flavour. The squeezable syrup is said to be perfect for foods and beverages, such as pizza and cocktails. The syrup is vegan-friendly and contains lower glycemic and calories. Steven Eisenstadt, CEO of Cumberland Packing, said: "We recognised a need for a plant-based organic sweet and spicy alternative and knew the versatile Hot Agave would be the perfect addition to our growing family of In The Raw products. We can't wait to see the creative ways our consumers will experiment with Hot Agave, and are excited to continue expanding our product line to bring sweet solutions for people's evolving lifestyles as we've done for the last 50 years." Organic Hot Agave will be available to buy from 31 July at Amazon and US retailers.

Vintage Wine Estates (VWE) has appointed former Moët Hennessy president and CEO, Seth Kaufman, as its new president and chief executive. Kaufman is set to assume his new position at the company "no later than" 30 October. He will be taking over from interim CEO Jon Moramarco, who will continue to serve as VWE's director. Over the past four years, Kaufman has held the role of president and CEO at Moët Hennessy North America, the North American wine and spirits business of LVMH. Prior to that, he held several leadership roles at PepsiCo between 2001-2019, including roles such as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. VWE's Pat Roney, executive chairman, and Paul Walsh, lead independent director, stated: “We are excited that Seth will be joining us at this critical juncture as we transition the organisation to drive stronger earnings and cash flow, focus resources on key brands for growth, simplify the organisation to improve productivity and strengthen our operating processes. We believe Seth brings the talent and experience to lead us through this transition and beyond.” Kaufman commented: “These are certainly exciting times at VWE, and while I believe there is still much work to be done, I am impressed with the progress the company has made thus far in 2023. I believe that VWE has leading key brands that have ample runway for growth as well as a very strong asset base in its wineries, tasting rooms, customer relationships and digital marketing reach. I look forward to capitalising on this base and building a business that can continue to grow its presence and leadership in the US wine and cider market.”

Sahanala has secured a €20 million investment loan from The European Investment Bank (EIB) – the lending arm of the European Union. Sahanala is a social enterprise working in agriculture and fishing in Madagascar, aiming to support economic development and improve the daily lives of its main shareholders – the farmers and fishers, and the communities and families that depend on them – notably through the creation of more than 1,500 jobs. The loan will be used to increase sustainable food production for the domestic market and for export; the initiative is designed to reduce reliance on imports of maize and rice to meet local demand. The EIB deal, which is the first for Madagascar’s agricultural sector since 2005, will support an overall investment of €40 million by Sahanala. Supporting two projects, the loan will be used to promote agricultural mechanisation alongside traditional farming practices in Maintirano, western Madagascar. It will also cover the development of an industrial complex to process maize, rice, oils and animal feed for the domestic market, which will help raise revenues and improve the living conditions of producers. The second project will involve the construction of a modern collection centre with refrigeration equipment in Vohémar, northern Madagascar. It aims to promote responsible fishing and will enable small-scale fishers to sell goods in the domestic and international markets. Sahanala also plans to train producers to comply with environmental standards while protecting biodiversity and natural resources, ensuring sustainable long-term development. Sahanala expects to become the first Malagasy company exporting seafood products certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Sahanala says it is also committed to strengthening equal opportunities in the agriculture sector, encouraging women to take on management responsibilities and providing them with access to training, financial services and information. EIB vice-president Ambroise Fayolle said: “This project will make a significant contribution to Madagascar’s food security and improved livelihoods from sustainable agriculture and fishing. As the EU climate bank, the EIB is pleased to support Sahanala’s efforts to ensure sustainable practices, improve biodiversity and strengthen resilience to climate change, which are key objectives of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.” Serge Rajaobelina, CEO of Sahanala, said: “Sahanala and its partners are empowering Malagasy farmers to improve their living conditions in a sustainable manner by enabling them to sell their products at a fair price, by respecting their know-how and by encouraging them to do their bit for local development and for the environment.” He continued: “Sahanala is owned by farmers – they are the ones deciding the company’s strategy. Each project, like these two, stems from their work as a community and enables us to invest in emerging sectors. Our mission is clear: to promote economic development among local communities through a fair and responsible approach.”

Cargill has partnered with Trees Consulting to launch a 'Gold Standard-approved' methane emissions reduction methodology for beef producers. Trees provide sustainable land use change solutions covering strategies for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and sustainability, carbon credit programs including GHG accounting methodology development and scope 3 value chain activities. The methodology will support beef producers in understanding the impact of feed supplements and enable projects to measure and quantify reduced methane emissions – methane is a GHG derived from enteric fermentation (the digestion process) in cattle through burping and manure handling. It provides the industry with a framework for measuring methane emissions reduction using feed supplements that have been incorporated into beef cattle diets. The 'Gold Standard’s' certification process requires verifiable impact toward three or more of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The methodology is available for beef producers worldwide to quantify, audit and verify methane reductions. This will enable them to register their GHG mitigation project for Gold Standard certification. Gold Standard's Verified Emissions Reductions (VERs) can be traded in carbon markets, allowing credit purchasers to directly support the projects. Beef producers’ efforts in this respect can also be recognised in corporate value chains, whereby producers and food companies account for the reduction in supply chain GHG emissions, which contribute to their Scope 3 targets. Joanne Sharpe, Cargill’s global ruminant sustainability lead, said: “We know that the industry is looking for more accurate tools to measure methane reduction. As producers look at their current levels of production efficiency and work toward sustainability goals, we are committed to finding ways to ensure they can be recognised and rewarded for their efforts. As part of our methane reduction priorities, this methodology is a key step toward opening new possibilities to reduce GHG emissions in the beef supply chain.” Margaret Kim, CEO, Gold Standard, added: "Changing agricultural practice can help reduce methane emissions, and this new methodology provides beef producers with a way to reliably measure the impact of those changes. Cargill’s support is helping pave the way for the animal agriculture industry to reduce methane emissions and is complements Gold Standard's other efforts to reduce the impact of agriculture on our planet, such as our recently published methodology which reduces the methane emitted by rice production.” Projects using the new methodology will first establish a baseline for emissions during business activities for a minimum of three continuous years. The cattle given feed supplements must be clearly identified and tracked over the course of the project, with the project crediting period set at five years, which can be renewed for an additional five years, excluding the baseline years.

Fonterra is escalating its plans to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions in its manufacturing and supply chain operations by accelerating some of its work to exit coal. The dairy cooperative's CEO Miles Hurrell highlighted that Fonterra plans to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, surpassing its 2018 targets of a 30% reduction by 2030. He added: “Fonterra’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions largely come from our manufacturing operations and supply chain. Strengthening our emissions reduction target supports our ambition to be net zero by 2050.” According to the coop, by achieving its new emissions target, Fonterra will continue to undertake energy efficiency improvements and fuel switching to renewable energy source activities across its milk collection fleet and manufacturing sites, with a focus on the six where it uses coal. In order to achieve this, Fonterra is forecasting an investment of $790 million, including a New Zealand government contribution of up to $90 million through the country's Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry fund. Hurrel said: "As a coop, Fonterra understands how we can achieve more by working together. The addition of government funding enables us to lift our 2030 ambition to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and optimise our process to get out of coal by 2037." "Our decarbonisation plan will see us explore multiple technologies to ensure the most efficient phase out of coal and transition to renewable energy across our manufacturing sites while building resilience into our operations. We are already well underway with shifting our manufacturing operations to renewable energy sources. Over the past five years, we have carried out decarbonisation projects at five different sites, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum. We’re currently assessing biomass, electrification and heat pump technology at our Clandeboye and Edendale sites. We see these technologies as the best solutions possible at this stage." He said that accelerating the plans will help Fonterra continue to present its customers with the world’s lowest carbon dairy at scale, while contributing to New Zealand meeting its climate targets while delivering benefits across the region, such as job opportunities in local communities. Fonterra is currently in discussions with farmer suppliers regarding a Scope 3 emissions target, which is said to be announced shortly.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is considering industry "concerns" regarding retailer Coles’ proposed acquisition of two Saputo Dairy Australia milk processing plants in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. In a Statement of Issues published on 20 July, the ACCC said a “significant number of industry participants” have raised strong concerns about the acquisition, saying it could result in a “major structural change” as the retailer would become the first to own and operate its own milk processing facilities. Saputo entered into a definitive agreement to sell two fresh milk processing facilities to Coles in April, in a transaction valued at AUD 105 million (approx. $72.4 million). Coles currently acquires raw milk from farmers in Victoria and NSW and processes it at these plants under an arrangement with Saputo. The ACCC is examining whether the acquisition would give Coles the ability to influence the market in a way that is currently not possible in its current position as a retailer of dairy products and purchaser of raw milk. Deputy chair of the ACCC, Mick Keogh, said: “For NSW dairy farmers, concerns have been raised that this acquisition may change Saputo’s incentives to continue acquiring raw milk in NSW. If Saputo does exit NSW as a result of the acquisition, this would leave limited competition in regions of NSW, which could result in farmers receiving lower prices for their raw milk”. The ACCC is also considering whether Saputo would be likely to exit NSW after the acquisition, which could lead to reduced competition at the wholesale level. It said that this would potentially impact processors’ long-term viability and farmers in Queensland, Australia and regions of NSW. Keogh added: “We have heard strong concerns across the industry about how the acquisition will strengthen Coles’ position in the dairy supply chain. Many industry participants have expressed concerns that the acquisition will result in Coles consolidating its private label milk production, which would increase its bargaining power in negotiations with dairy processors and dairy wholesalers.” Coles proposes to acquire Saputo’s fresh milk processing facilities in Laverton North, Victoria and Erskine Park, NSW. Coles CEO, Leah Weckert, said: “We will continue to work constructively with the ACCC on these issues. From Coles’ perspective, we see no lessening of competition in any relevant market, noting that Coles already acquires approximately 80% of the volumes at the facilities and will provide milk processing services to Saputo Dairy Australia under a tolling arrangement. We remain confident that any outstanding concerns can be addressed so that the proposed transaction can proceed to completion.” The proposed acquisition is subject to ACCC approval and other customary closing conditions. The ACCC invites submissions from interested parties by 3 August 2023.

Mondelēz International has appointed Carlsberg's CEO, Cees ‘t Hart, to the company’s board of directors. It follows the news in March that Cees ‘t Hart had informed Carlsberg’s supervisory board of his intention to leave the group by the end of Q3 2023 after serving eight years as the company's CEO. “We are pleased to welcome Cees to our Board. His deep experience building local and international brands makes him an invaluable resource for our company,” said Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International. Before joining Carlsberg, Cees 't Hart spent seven years as CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina. Prior to that, he held various positions within Unilever across Eastern and Western Europe and Asia. During his tenure at Unilever, Cees ‘t Hart served as a member of the Europe executive board. Mondelēz says the appointment increases the size of the company’s board to 10 members.

US spirits company Hotaling & Co has added a serrano pepper-infused expression to its Fiero Tequila portfolio. Fiero Serrano Tequila is made using vine-ripened serrano peppers from Jalisco, Mexico. Hotaling said that the new spirit has "a crisp, fresh taste" and is perfect for spice lovers. Hotaling's CEO Dan Leese commented: "We already offer the spiciest infused tequila on the market, so introducing Fiero Serrano Tequila felt like a natural extension to us". He continued: "This expression truly captures the essence of Mexican tequila-making artistry and is a perfect complement to Fiero Habanero Tequila. This slightly less spicy expression will allow consumers to enjoy different levels of heat while providing a unique tequila experience in every sip." The expression, which has a 40% ABV, is available at major retailers nationwide for an SRP of $29.99 per 750ml bottle.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) and La Colombe have announced a strategic partnership, including a long-term sales and distribution agreement for La Colombe RTD coffee. As part of the deal, KDP will make a $300 million equity investment in La Colombe in exchange for a 33% stake in the company, enabling KDP to participate in the value creation upside expected from the partnership. The deal also includes a long-term licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement for La Colombe’s branded K-Cup coffee pods, in which KDP will manufacture and sell the pods, under a license agreement, in the US and Canada. La Colombe is an independent, premium coffee company serving consumers across multiple channels, including retail, cafes, foodservice and DTC. La Colombe says it is the “only vertically integrated RTD coffee company,” owning the entire coffee journey from “conscious bean sourcing and premium roasting” to the creation of product experiences. Under the agreement, KDP will sell and distribute shelf-stable La Colombe RTD coffee beverages within its direct store distribution network – expected to drive meaningful growth in the brand's availability across retail channels. KDP’s cash investment of $300 million makes it the second largest investor in the company, behind its majority owner and chairman, Hamdi Ulukaya. La Colombe says it will use the proceeds to accelerate growth and pay off debt. KDP chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort said: "We are excited to partner with Hamdi and the La Colombe team to drive value for both companies. This partnership will enable KDP to expand its reach into high growth RTD and super premium coffee segments and will meaningfully increase La Colombe's availability to consumers." La Colombe's majority owner Ulukaya added: "I'm extremely excited to join forces with Bob and his team at KDP to bring La Colombe to every corner of this amazing country . I joined the La Colombe journey eight years ago because I believe in its mission, quality, craftsmanship and social impact – and that everyone deserves quality, crafted, natural coffee. With this partnership we'll be closer to fulfilling the mission of providing exceptional coffee to all." KDP's investment in La Colombe represents approximately three times its estimated 2024 consolidated net sales. The transition of La Colombe RTD coffee distribution to KDP will begin in Q4 2023, while the launch of La Colombe branded K-Cup pods will occur during 2024. The equity investment, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of the third quarter.