Mondi has unveiled its plan to invest €16 million in technology to produce a new line of "ultra-high barrier" paper-based packaging solutions. The range, called FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, is said to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. The addition expands Mondi’s portfolio of high-barrier paper-based packaging for food products such as dried foods and powdered milk, as well as for applications in the home and personal care market. These products require packaging that shields against water vapour and oxygen, ensuring extended shelf life. In addition, Mondi said the new range is designed to be recyclable in paper waste streams across Europe while providing the necessary product protection. Initial trials are said to have shown positive results for both customers and end consumers. Dirk Gabriel, COO of consumer flexibles at Mondi, commented: “As a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, we have been focused on the aluminium barrier challenge for some time. We knew that with research, development and investment in new technologies, we would find an effective replacement that would provide the necessary protection for our customers’ food products." He continued: "FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate helps our existing and new food-producing customers to switch to a more sustainable packaging solution and thus contribute to their sustainability goals. It is a tangible example of our 'Mondi Action Plan 2030' commitment to making all our packaging solutions reusable, recyclable and compostable.” The commercial production of the FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

Mirror Margarita is launching what it claims to be the world’s first clear margarita into Sainsbury’s stores across the UK and online. Taken directly from the cocktail menu of Hacha, a London bar opened in 2019 by Mirror Margarita’s co-founders Deano Moncrieffe and Emma Murphy, the clear margarita joins the Sainsbury’s RTD range on 17 September 2023. It is made using 100% Premium Agave Blanco Cazcabel Tequila, blended with citrus oils and malic acid produced naturally by the agave plant itself. Mirror Margarita describes its flavour as “sweet yet sour” with grapefruit notes on the finish. The 15% ABV drink makes its Sainsbury’s debut in a 500ml format, containing five serves per bottle, for a RRP of £25. It joins the supermarket as part of Sainsbury’s’ Thrive Incubator Scheme, which aims to support brands founded by Black entrepreneurs. Co-founder Moncrieffe commented: “We have always believed there is a gap in the market for a premium RTD cocktail which is expert led, so people who are time poor but love good quality drinks can enjoy them without any fuss at home”. He added: “What’s more we believe the new product will resonate with people who are already fans of Mexican spirits, but also the innovation behind the recipe with its crystal-clear appearance will intrigue new audiences”.

Danone has launched a new immune-boosting range of shots under its Actimel brand, containing 100% of the recommended intake of vitamin D. The Actimel Plus range is made with fermented milk and each shot is packed with 10 billion L.casei cultures – probiotics that are said to help support the body’s immune system. As well as vitamin D, the shots provide a source of vitamins B6 and B12, and are free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. The new range comes in three flavours: Cherry and Elderberry, Strawberry and Pomegranate and Mango and Turmeric. Zoë-Marie Ellis, head of nutrition and science communication at Danone UK & Ireland, said: “UK guidelines recommend that we should be aiming to take 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. It has been reported that approximately 1 in 6 adults in the UK do not meet this government recommendation. So, the launch of our new Actimel Plus range, which is rich in vitamin D, can help you work towards this goal. Vitamin D is important as it supports the functioning of your immune system. All that, in the form of a tasty shot to satisfy taste buds." The new range will roll out into UK retailers over the coming weeks for an RRP of £3.85 per 8-pack. You may also like to read: Moscow seizes control of Danone Russia and Carlsberg’s Baltika Danone sells minority shares in Irish yogurt producer Glenisk Activia expands functional yogurt range

On Sunday, Vladimir Putin signed a decree stating that the Russian government will temporarily seize control of Danone's unit in the country, as well as Carlsberg's local brewer, Baltika. With the decree, foreign-owned shares of Danone Russia and Baltika Breweries were placed under the control of Russian property agency Rosimushchestvo. A spokesperson for Danone said the French dairy giant was currently exploring the situation and "is preparing to take all necessary measures to protect its rights as shareholder of Danone Russia, and the continuity of the operations of the business in the interest of all stakeholders, in particular, its employees". Danone, like many other F&B companies operating in the country, had been eying the sale of its Russian subsidiary following the country's invasion of and ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Danone suggested the sale could lead to a write-off of up to €1 billion, and said that the process is "progressing according to the expected schedule." Meanwhile, Carlsberg commented that it did not receive any official information from Russian authorities regarding the seizure of its Baltika business. In a statement, Carlsberg said: "The group will assess the legal and operational consequences of this development and take all necessary actions in response". Carlsberg had chosen to exit its business in Russia, and had already found an unnamed buyer and penned a deal for its sale on June 23. "Following the presidential decree, the prospects for this sales process are now highly uncertain," the company said. The Kremlin has threatened to seize more Western assets in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, in retaliation to, what it called, "aggressive actions of unfriendly countries". In April, Moscow seized control over the Russian units of two energy companies – Germany's Uniper and Finald's Fortum. You may also like to read: Mondelēz to separate Russia operations following Nordic boycott South Ukraine’s agricultural operations hit by Kakhovka Dam destruction Russia resumes participation in Ukraine Black Sea grain deal

Nestlé has introduced a new sugar reduction technology – which uses an enzymatic process – that can reduce intrinsic sugar in ingredients such as milk, malt and fruit juices by up to 30%. The new versatile and cost-effective technology has a minimal impact on taste and texture. It can be applied across different product categories, with benefits beyond sugar reduction, Nestlé claims. The patented technology can be used to produce low lactose and skimmed milk-based products, while reducing total sugars. The sugar-reduced ingredients can be used in recipes for various products and do not require the addition of sweeteners or bulking agents to replace the volume of the eliminated sugar. Additionally, when the sugar reduction method is applied to milk-based products, it increases prebiotic fibres. Initial clinical studies have shown that the fibres support the growth of multiple types of beneficial bacteria leading to a favourable microbiome composition in healthy adults. Stefan Palzer, Nestlé’s chief technology officer, said: "Sugar reduction across our portfolio remains a top priority. This new technology is a true breakthrough, as we can reduce sugar without adding sweeteners while preserving a great taste, all at a minimal cost increase. In addition, our scientists discovered that the sugar reduction generates prebiotic fibres that support the microbiome, which is an additional benefit. We are now accelerating the global roll-out across formats and categories." The sugar reduction was first piloted in cocoa and malt-based ready-to-drink beverages in Southeast Asia and over the last year, Nestlé has introduced it in factory lines for cocoa and malt-based powdered beverages – such as Milo – across several countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Since 2021, the sugar reduction technology has been applied to over 200,000 tons of cocoa and malt-based beverages, with Nestlé stating that other product categories such as dairy powders will follow. You may also like to read: Nestlé announces initiative to enhance regenerative agriculture practices Nestlé opens Institute of Agricultural Sciences to advance sustainable food systems Nestlé pilots refillable vending machines in Indonesia

Ingredients and distillery products firm, MGP Ingredients, has announced plans to close its grain-neutral spirits and industrial alcohol distillery in Atchison, Kansas. The decision to close the Kansas distillery is "consistent with the company's plan to address profitability headwinds associated with its grain-neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products within its distilling solutions segment". However, the company said that it will continue to operate and invest in its ingredient solutions business in Atchison, including the previously planned $16.5 million texturized protein facility, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, and its distillery operations in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. David Colo, president and CEO of MGP Ingredients, said: “After careful deliberation, we have concluded that the closure of our Atchison distillery is a necessary step to further align the product categories we participate in and their supporting operations, consistent with our long-term strategic objectives". He continued: "The additional supply of grain-neutral spirits and industrial alcohol that has entered the market during the past few years has had a meaningful and structural impact on the market. Combining these market factors with the increase in local corn basis costs during this same time frame has resulted in these product lines no longer being economically viable for the company." "The decision to close the Atchison distillery, unfortunately, represents the best path forward. We are grateful for the unwavering support and contributions of our distillery employees, customers, suppliers and the people of Atchison. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition as we wind down operations at the distillery between now and the end of the year, and we look forward to continuing to support the Atchison community.” The distillery is expected to close in January 2024.

Potatoes have been around for thousands of years and find themselves in a plethora of food recipes. Most of us go about our day not giving this vegetable too much thought, yet the mighty potato is quite a remarkable legume. Here’s why: Potatoes can basically grow anywhere Potatoes are a cool-weather type of crop that typically thrives in the more northern parts of the world. However, they can also be grown as winter crops in warmer environments. Potatoes can also be grown at higher altitudes and are resistant to harsh growing conditions. They can even tolerate light frost. According to the FAO (FAOSTAT, 2021), 376 million tons of potatoes were produced globally. Out of a total official of 195 countries, a staggering 160 countries produce potatoes, so quite a versatile crop that remains very local. Potatoes are packed with nutrients Potatoes are packed with minerals and vitamins. They also contain antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids. Antioxidants have a scavenger function in the body. It helps to protect our cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are made during normal cell metabolism. If not eliminated, they can build up in cells and cause damage to other molecules. This, in turn, could lead to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases, such as diabetes or even heart disease. Potatoes also contain resistant starch. This special type of starch is not broken down nor fully absorbed by the body. When resistant starch reaches the large intestine, it can become a food source for good bacteria. Resistant starch may have important health benefits, including the reduction of insulin resistance. Potatoes are one of the most sustainable foods in the world. Studies have shown that potatoes produce less greenhouse gases and require less water compared with many other crops (Liu et al., 2021). On top of that, potatoes produce more food energy per m3 of water used, compared to many other crops (Potato | Land & Water | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | Land & Water | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, n.d.). Potatoes also create less waste. Up to 85% of the potato plant can be consumed. Potato-Maize: The perfect ingredient for a sustainable future Whilst potato drinks are not new, they often taste very starchy. Thanks to the combination of potato and maize, two ancient crops, we created a much better-tasting alternative that combines the best of both worlds: legumes and grains. Potato-Maize allows for clean, clear and short labelling. The products can simply be declared as 'potato and corn syrup or potato and corn extract'. Potato-Maize has a dextrose equivalence of 45 and can be used in many applications such as biscuits, bakery, dairy products (drinks, yogurts, desserts, etc), plant-based products, plant-based drinks and many more. Potato-Maize can be used to provide a plethora of functionalities such as natural taste, sweetness, bulking agent, crispness and viscosity…just to name a few. Meurens Natural: Sustainable innovation at its core Meurens Natural has been a pioneer in the organic sector and has been focused on producing clean-label organic and natural cereal extracts for more than 30 years. With a unique and innovative production process, that is 100% in line with the organic philosophy, that includes five essential steps: Milling, hydrolysis, mechanical filtration (our filtration step is carried out completely mechanically, without the use of conventional methods, technical and chemical agents and without demineralisation), evaporation and packaging, we can offer our customers ingredients that are all-natural and organic. For more information, please contact: contact@meurensnatural.com or visit our website www.meurensnatural.com.

Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has introduced a new range of coffee creamers across the country. The coffee creamers, which are said to be made with 100% authentic Canadian dairy, are inspired by the chain's "iconic" flavours. The flavours include: Double Double, Vanilla Dip Donut and Chocolate Dip Donut. Markus Sturm, senior VP of consumer packaged goods, digital and loyalty at Tim Hortons, said: "Tim Hortons Coffee Creamers are perfect for those occasions when you're brewing your Tims coffee at home and want to add a deliciously sweet flavour infusion, whether it's the taste of a classic Double Double or an iconic Tims donut like Vanilla Dip or Chocolate Dip". Tim Hortons' coffee creamers are available in various Canadian grocery stores nationwide – excluding Quebec and Nova Scotia – such as Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Walmart Canada, Co-Op and more.

Gut health food brand, Bio&Me, has launched new single-serve prebiotic yogurts. The pots are filled with prebiotics and will roll out from 17 July to UK retailers, available in Original and creamy Vanilla flavours for an RSP of £1.20/150g pot. Asda will stock the Original flavour across 145 of its stores and both variants will be available via independent retailers nationwide. Each Bio&Me Gut-Loving Prebiotic Pot contains “billions” of live and active cultures, with the yogurt said to contain four times more than any other yogurt in the UK. They also contain 18 different culture strains, such as BB-12 and LGG.. The all-natural yogurts have no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, thickeners or emulsifiers, and are low in lactose, high in protein, as well as being a source of calcium, B12, B2 and phosphorus. Jon Walsh, Bio&Me co-founder and CEO, said: “We are thrilled to be launching our new single-serve pots into Asda. Our prebiotic live yogurts launched into the market in 2021 and are now listed in Asda, Co-op, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose”. Megan Rossi, Bio&Me co-founder, said: “At Bio&Me, we’re on a mission to make looking after your gut health as easy and as accessible as possible. As a dietitian and a scientist, I’m interested in delivering great tasting food that also truly delivers on its health claims. This is what Bio&Me is all about. I’m excited to be launching these new convenient pots of gut-loving goodness to shoppers nationwide.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its review of the health impacts of aspartame, declaring the non-sugar sweetener as “possibly carcinogenic” but safe to consume in moderation. The assessments were conducted by the WHO’s cancer research arm International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). JECFA has reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40mg/kg body weight. The IARC and JECFA conducted independent reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks associated with aspartame consumption. Both evaluations noted limitations in the available evidence for cancer and other health effects. IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans, specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. This was the first time that IARC has evaluated aspartame and the third time for JECFA. The announcement follows news of the reported declaration at the end of June. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in a variety of food and beverage products such as diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins. JECFA concluded that the findings indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake of 0–40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. Mary Schubauer-Berigan of the IARC Monographs programme, said: “The findings of limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and animals, and of limited mechanistic evidence on how carcinogenicity may occur, underscore the need for more research to refine our understanding on whether consumption of aspartame poses a carcinogenic hazard”. An adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans of a diet soft drink containing 200-300 mg of aspartame per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake. Francesco Branca, director of the department of nutrition and food safety, WHO, said: “Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Every year, one in six people die from cancer. Science is continuously expanding to assess the possible initiating or facilitating factors of cancer, in the hope of reducing these numbers and the human toll.” He added: “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies”. Moez Sanaa, WHO’s head of the standards and scientific advice on food and nutrition unit, said that JECFA also considered the evidence on cancer risk in human studies and concluded that the evidence of an association between aspartame consumption and cancer in humans was not convincing. Sanaa added: “We need better studies with longer follow-up and repeated dietary questionnaires in existing cohorts. We need randomised controlled trials, including studies of mechanistic pathways relevant to insulin regulation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, particularly as related to carcinogenicity.” The evaluations were based on scientific data collected from numerous sources, including peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports and studies conducted for regulatory purposes. Robert Rankin, president of Calorie Control Council, commented: "Consumers have a strong desire for reliable and science-based information, and JECFA’s review reaffirms the overwhelming body of evidence that confirms aspartame is safe. To assert otherwise is misleading, inaccurate, and fearmongering to the nearly 540 million people globally living with diabetes and millions of others managing their body weight who rely on and/or chose products that contain low- and no-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame.” IARC and WHO said they will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to develop further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.

Nestlé-owned brands Nescafé and Aero have partnered to create a limited-edition Nescafé Gold Aero golden honeycomb mocha. The new flavoured mocha, which was inspired by Aero golden honeycomb chocolate bar, is made using fresh British milk with chocolate and contains notes of golden honeycomb. Mia Beverley, Nescafé Gold's frothy coffee brand manager, said: “We are beyond excited to have partnered with Aero, one of the UK and Ireland’s most loved confectionery brands". She continued: "The Nescafé Gold Frothy Coffee and Aero collaboration combines the products we know our fans love, quality frothy coffee and a delicious golden honeycomb flavour chocolate, to create a bubbly and indulgent coffee treat”. The golden honeycomb mocha will be available at supermarkets, including Asda, Sainsbury's, Iceland and Aldi, and in variety store chains, such B&M, Poundland and Home Bargains from next month.

JBS’s Australian subsidiary Rivalea has invested over AUD 20 million (approx. $13.7 million) in its Corowa facility, as it aims to improve and strengthen its operations. The funds will be used to upgrade the company's Corowa pork processing site and processing facilities, as well as "support Rivalea’s growth across fresh and value-added pork products that are supplied to Australian consumers and key export partners," said the company. The improvement includes upgrading pig growing sheds and improving biosecurity systems to reduce the risk of disease. The Corowa site currently employs more than 600 people and consists of five farms, a processing facility, feed milling, research and administration. In addition, the site uses biogas technology, capturing methane to generate 85% of the farming and processing operations’ peak power requirements and further uses the nutrients to grow crops. Edison Alvares, COO of JBS Australia’s pork division, said: “Through this $20 million investment programme, we will seek to improve the productivity of our operations – which will enhance job security for people in the Corowa community. We look forward to continuing our constructive conversations with the Federation Council to progress the required regulatory processes to move forward with the investment plan." He added: “Rivalea is a leader in the Australian pork sector with a strong team and track record of sustainable pork production. We are committed to building on these foundations and creating new opportunities for Australian-grown pork, both here and overseas.” The investment is subject to local government regulatory approvals. JBS acquired Rivalea from Singapore-listed food company QAF in January 2022.