Kerrygold, an international brand of Ornua, has introduced new Kerrygold Butter Blends, a savoury range of flavoured butters. The brand's creamy line of butters are made with milk from Irish grass-fed cows and slow churned for a smooth finish. Free from artificial flavours or preservatives, the new butter blend offerings are made with milk rich in naturally occurring beta carotene. The varieties contain three flavours: Chive & Onion, Sundried Tomato & Basil and Bell Pepper & Garden Herbs. Chive & Onion features the distinct herby flavours of chive, onion, and parsley combined with Kerrygold's original pure Irish Grass-fed butter. Sundried Tomato & Basil contain dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, onions, and garlic, blended with the Irish Grass-fed butter. Meanwhile, Bell Pepper & Garden Herbs features Kerrygold's pure Irish Grass-fed butter blended with paprika, oregano, basil, onions, garlic and bell pepper. "The Butter Blends assortment is a delicious new addition to Kerrygold's existing butter portfolio," said Alexandra Vinci, brand manager at Kerrygold. "With the rising popularity of homemade compound butters all over social media, and as the number one imported butter brand, we're excited to bring consumers our Irish take and expertise on the growing culinary trend." The range is rolling onto store shelves across the US now with national distribution expected by September.

Upside Foods and Good Meat have received final approval from the US Department of Agriculture to sell their cell-based meat products in the country. Following the approvals, the US will become the second country after Singapore to allow the sale of cell-based meat. Both companies have now become the first in the US to complete the FDA’s pre-market multi-step safety evaluation, meaning their production facilities satisfy regulatory standards, and their products can now be sold in the country. "It is a dream come true," said Uma Valeti, CEO of Upside, in an interview. "It marks a new era." Upside Foods and Good Meat both make cultivated chicken products. The companies are aiming to serve their products to high-end restaurants before scaling production to retail and grocery channels. Upside Foods’ chicken will initially be available at Bar Cenn in San Francisco; while Good Meat will sell its first products to the José Andrés Group. An extract timeline for the products is yet to be confirmed, though some have reported that the cell-based chicken could be available in restaurants in a matter of weeks. According to Reuters, Upside will soon announce the location of a new US production facility that is 10-20 times larger than its existing plant in Emeryville, California. Earlier this month, the USDA issued label approval to both companies – and the FDA issued its approvals to Upside in November 2022 and Good Meat in March 2023. Is Europe falling behind? The sale approvals will enable consumers to eat real chicken made without harm to animals or the environment. This new way of producing meat could also reduce climate impact by up to 92%, compared with traditional farming methods. However, the Good Food Insititute (GFI) – an NGO working to accelerate sustainable protein production, including cell-based meat – has warned that this latest news proves that Europe is “falling behind”. GFI says that European governments must “invest and make regulatory process transparent to release the benefits”. GFI encourages policymakers to act to make sure the environmental, public health and economic benefits of this food are felt in the region. Bruce Friedrich, president of GFI, said: “ historic announcement — two American companies earning regulatory approval to bring cultivated meat to US consumers — marks a pivotal moment in food and agriculture. Consumers are now one giant step closer to enjoying the meat they love without compromise." “Global demand for meat is projected to double by 2050. Breakthroughs like cultivated meat enable the world to diversify protein production while slashing emissions, increasing food security, reducing risks to public health, and freeing up lands and waters for restoration and recovery.” He continued: “Given the stakes, a transition toward cultivated meat and other alternative proteins is as essential as the global transition to renewable energy. And just like renewable energy, massive public investment is key to ensuring these new sustainable foods can scale, create future-focused jobs, and benefit everyone.” Alice Ravenscroft, head of policy at the GFI Europe, commented: “This is the strongest evidence yet that Europe is falling behind as the rest of the world accelerates to deliver cultivated meat as part of a more sustainable food system. “American consumers will soon be able to taste real chicken made without farming animals – so European companies are beginning to look across the Atlantic to take their products to market.” She added: “Cultivated meat has the potential to slash emissions, boost our food security and expand consumer choice. The EU must step up its investment in the sector and ensure regulatory processes are robust and transparent, or risk missing out on this crucial climate solution and economic opportunity.”

Upside Foods and Good Meat have received final approval from the US Department of Agriculture to sell their cell-based meat products in the country. Following the approvals, the US will become the second country after Singapore to allow the sale of cell-based meat. Both companies have now become the first in the US to complete the FDA’s pre-market multi-step safety evaluation, meaning their production facilities satisfy regulatory standards, and their products can now be sold in the country. "It is a dream come true," said Uma Valeti, CEO of Upside, in an interview. "It marks a new era." Upside Foods and Good Meat both make cultivated chicken products. The companies are aiming to serve their products to high-end restaurants before scaling production to retail and grocery channels. Upside Foods’ chicken will initially be available at Bar Cenn in San Francisco; while Good Meat will sell its first products to the José Andrés Group. An extract timeline for the products is yet to be confirmed, though some have reported that the cell-based chicken could be available in restaurants in a matter of weeks. According to Reuters, Upside will soon announce the location of a new US production facility that is 10-20 times larger than its existing plant in Emeryville, California. Earlier this month, the USDA issued label approval to both companies – and the FDA issued its approvals to Upside in November 2022 and Good Meat in March 2023. Is Europe falling behind? The sale approvals will enable consumers to eat real chicken made without harm to animals or the environment. This new way of producing meat could also reduce climate impact by up to 92%, compared with traditional farming methods. However, the Good Food Insititute (GFI) – an NGO working to accelerate sustainable protein production, including cell-based meat – has warned that this latest news proves that Europe is “falling behind”. GFI says that European governments must “invest and make regulatory process transparent to release the benefits”. GFI encourages policymakers to act to make sure the environmental, public health and economic benefits of this food are felt in the region. Bruce Friedrich, president of GFI, said: “ historic announcement — two American companies earning regulatory approval to bring cultivated meat to US consumers — marks a pivotal moment in food and agriculture. Consumers are now one giant step closer to enjoying the meat they love without compromise." “Global demand for meat is projected to double by 2050. Breakthroughs like cultivated meat enable the world to diversify protein production while slashing emissions, increasing food security, reducing risks to public health, and freeing up lands and waters for restoration and recovery.” He continued: “Given the stakes, a transition toward cultivated meat and other alternative proteins is as essential as the global transition to renewable energy. And just like renewable energy, massive public investment is key to ensuring these new sustainable foods can scale, create future-focused jobs, and benefit everyone.” Alice Ravenscroft, head of policy at the GFI Europe, commented: “This is the strongest evidence yet that Europe is falling behind as the rest of the world accelerates to deliver cultivated meat as part of a more sustainable food system. “American consumers will soon be able to taste real chicken made without farming animals – so European companies are beginning to look across the Atlantic to take their products to market.” She added: “Cultivated meat has the potential to slash emissions, boost our food security and expand consumer choice. The EU must step up its investment in the sector and ensure regulatory processes are robust and transparent, or risk missing out on this crucial climate solution and economic opportunity.”

Shemesh Automation has launched BuckIT TKS25 – a complete turnkey buckets packaging line. The BuckIT TKS25 packaging line is completely automated and is described as the “ultimate feature-heavy, complete end to end packaging line” for liquid and solid products in buckets. Across its applications, the line produces up to 25 buckets per minute with a 3,500ml volume, and can handle many different bucket specifications, loads and final products. The line encompasses design, manufacturing, integration, installation, servicing, parts, delivery and training. This results in “streamlined processes” and the removal of traditional bottlenecks associated with complex packaging lines. Shai Shemesh, president of Shemesh Automation, said: “With BuckIT TKS25, we offer our customers significant competitive advantages, but one of the absolute clearest is the ability to purchase entire production lines under the ‘one umbrella’ banner. This means that all of our packaging production lines are created by experts who have come from one of the world’s most exciting and advanced technology sectors.” The line requires two operators and it features low changeover downtime, raw materials waste and space requirement on the factory floor – leading to ongoing cost savings. He added: “Any ongoing technical support and repairs can also be covered by our engineers and partners, making us a worthy supplier for packaging production lines that will make measurable long-term differences to our customers’ products and profit margins”.

Montchevre, a US goat cheese brand from Saputo has added new products and flavour innovations to its portfolio. Montchevre Duos is the latest addition to its portfolio, which feature two-in-one flavour mashups in a goat's cheese log form. The new Montchevre Duos will be available in Sweet Hot Peppers and Garlic & Herbs, a blend of spice and herbs wrapped around a flavoured core. Blueberry and Lemonade, a sweet blueberry-flavoured core enveloped by a citrusy lemon twist will also join the line-up. Montchevre Duos will hit US shelves around the middle of autumn. "Goat-cheese demand continues to rise, as does consumer demand for complementary and complex flavour combinations," said Jenny Englert, Saputo US marketing director. "With the Montchevre brand, we're purposely mischievous in our innovations and always looking for those unique flavour profiles and product combinations that break the norm and help us stay ahead of trends and consumer demand." In its line of existing goat cheese toppers, new flavour Thai Sweet Chili joins the family, featuring a fragrant blend of sweet red peppers, lime, garlic and spices. This new flavour is also expected to hit retail shelves in the autumn.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, an agricultural cooperative owned by roughly 700 family farmers, has launched Snack Medley, a fruit snack of dried cranberries paired with other premium fruits. Snack Medley is available in three varieties, Cran-Blueberry, Cran-Pineapple, and Cran-Mango. Each box contains five single-serve 1-ounce pouches, and is described as an ideal choice for having on-the-go. Kelvin Vuong, senior director of brand marketing, US foods and snacking, at Ocean Spray, said: "Our team at Ocean Spray is always looking for ways to bring delicious and nutritious options to families. With Snack Medley, we've created a perfect combination of flavours that will satisfy cravings needed for busy days. We are excited to introduce this delightful new snack experience to our customers." Ocean Spray Snack Medley is available now at Walmart stores in the US and will be in grocery retailers this summer, including Kroger, Meijer, HEB, and Stop & Shop.

Conestoga Cold Storage, a temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics solutions provider, has expanded its operations with the construction of a new greenfield facility in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. This state-of-the-art facility is said to become one of the largest cold storage facilities in the world, with cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and a capacity of over 96 million cubic feet. Conestoga Cold Storage is a wholly Canadian-owned and operated company, with 50 years of experience in the industry. Currently under construction, the first phase of the project is scheduled to open its doors in Q4, 2024. It will leverage “automation and advanced logistics systems” to provide efficiency and accuracy in cold storage management. Gavin Sargeant, vice president at Conestoga Cold Storage, said: "This expansion represents a significant milestone for Conestoga Cold Storage. We are proud to announce the construction of this world-class facility, which will not only solidify our position as an industry leader but also allow us to meet the growing demand for cold storage solutions. Our commitment to delivering exceptional services to our customers remains unwavering, and this expansion will further enhance our capabilities." Greg Laurin, president and CEO at Conestoga Cold Storage, added: "As the food sector has grown in size and complexity, Conestoga Cold Storage has grown along with it. We look forward to continuing the tradition of bringing cutting-edge, innovative solutions to the frozen food logistics industry now and into the future." The facility is said to have been designed to minimise environmental impact, with energy-efficient technologies, advanced waste management systems and renewable energy sources in place.

Arla Foods and Danish Crown have partnered with DFDS and DSV to develop a new transport corridor to achieve climate-neutral food shipping from Denmark to the UK. Danish Crown plans to test the use of electric trucks to collect pigs, while DFDS and DSV – Danish international shipping and logistics companies – will conduct a pilot test on the use of electric trucks and electric refrigerated trailers for transporting dairy and meat products to Esbjerg, Denmark and for distribution in the UK. The scope of the transport corridor will be expanded over time as the use of electric trucks, electric refrigerated trailers and the development of greener fuels are tested, phased in and scaled up. The companies plan to achieve climate-neutral food transports from Denmark to the UK by 2030. Bo Svane, head of logistics at Arla, said: “The entire agricultural sector is currently undergoing a historic transition, and both Arla and Danish Crown have committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. We can only achieve that by joining forces, and DFDS and DVS are of a similar mind. Together, we want to explore and develop the opportunities already available to us today, rather than wait for new technologies.” Lars Feldskou, Group CPO of Danish Crown, added: “The partnership for the corridor fits hand in glove with our ambition to lead the way in the green transition of the food industry. We’ll be opening a new factory in the UK this autumn, and with the corridor in place by 2030, we’ll be able to offer our British customers food products that have been transported all the way from farms in Denmark to supermarkets in the UK without impacting the environment.” Anders Michael Christensen, vice president, DFDS Logistics, said that the company is excited to be one of four large companies teaming up for the project to promote and deliver on the “green transition”. He added: “We need to collaborate across the value chain to solve the climate crisis”. The first charging points for electric trucks have already been installed at a few locations in Denmark, but “many more” will be required going forward, with “sufficient charging capacity” to handle heavy-duty traffic, including at the harbour in Esbjerg and at Danish Crown and Arla locations in Denmark. Morten Kjærgaard, vice president, DSV Road, commented: “A climate-neutral transport corridor needs not only commercial commitment but also the political will to expand the infrastructure. There’s no snap solution to solving the climate crisis, and that’s precisely why teaming up across sectors like we are doing now is so important.” Danish Crown and Arla Foods have been working on the development of the transport corridor during the past year. The companies will begin gathering data next year to measure the partnership’s effects on the climate.

Stora Enso says it is planning a restructure that – with previously initiated negotiations in its Packaging Materials division – could result in 1,150 job losses. In a company statement, the Finnish packaging giant says it expects to close several European units and make staff redundant in a bid to boost its profitability and competitiveness. Stora Enso expects to permanently close down its Sunila pulp production unit in Finland; De Hoop containerboard site in the Netherlands; one containerboard line at its Ostrołęka site in Poland; and its Näpi sawmill in Estonia. These closures are set to impact approximately 600 members of staff. In addition, the company will initiate change negotiations related to a planned reduction of office staff within its group operations. Stora Enso recently finalised change negotiations in its Packaging Materials division, with a reduction of around 250 positions in management and support roles. The planned restructure would reduce the company's annual sales by €380 million (approx. £325 million), based on the 2022 figures. Meanwhile, operational EBIT is expected to increase by €110 million annually. Stora Enso president and CEO Annica Bresky said: “These measures are of course very difficult and would not be proposed unless it was absolutely necessary for our long-term competitiveness. We are at a critical juncture in our strategy advancement, and to further our market position an increased focus on capital allocation and decentralised empowerment is needed." She continued: “This sadly means that assets suffering from challenged profitability would need to be closed, in combination with a more streamlined headquarter organisation. Through these actions, we would be able to continue to deliver strategic growth from a more resilient and cost-efficient business platform, better equipped to support the long-term growing demand for Stora Enso’s renewable products.” The Finnish wood market has been impacted by greater competition for pulp wood and the cessation of wood imports from Russia, which has led to "significantly higher wood costs," the company said. No decisions relating to the planned closures and staff reductions will be taken until the change negotiations have been completed according to local regulations.

Kraft Real Mayo has entered the spicy category with the launch of its new Buffalo Style Dressing. Kraft Mayo Buffalo Style Dressing is a tangy, creamy new offering that delivers a spicy burst of flavour. It is made with cayenne pepper puree, butter, vinegar and features a “velvety smooth” texture. The brand is also releasing “Buffalo Balm”, an on-the-go balm tube filled with the new Buffalo Style Dressing, as part of the launch. “As our fans know well, when you are obsessed with a flavor, you never leave your house without it,” said Frances Sabatier, brand manager, Kraft Real Mayo, at the Kraft Heinz Company. “As the Mayo brand for Mayo freaks, Kraft Real Mayo is proud to champion our fans' individuality through our products and how our fans enjoy them. Buffalo Balm lets mayo freaks boldly bring our new Buffalo Style Dressing everywhere – it packs easily, flavours food quickly, and like our fans, stands out unapologetically.” Buffalo Balm is available exclusively on Amazon for $14.99, while supplies last. It comes with a bottle of Kraft Mayo Buffalo Style Dressing, reusable balm tube, a custom bottle spout attachment and instructions.

Niagara Falls Craft Distillers (NFCD) and United Craft (UC) have entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture and distribute Ontario-made craft beverages with the formation of United Niagara Beverages (UNB). NFCD is a whisky and vodka distiller that offers co-packing capabilities for a range of packaged ready-to-drink beverages. Meanwhile, UC develops and markets its own craft beverage brands. Additionally, UC fosters industry collaboration by providing product innovation, packaging, sales, marketing and logistics services to other independent craft beverage companies in Ontario and across Canada. The partnership came to fruition after a close collaboration between the companies where they identified new opportunities for the beverage market. Capital investment from the partnership will be directed toward increased brewing and production capacity, non-alcoholic production and “unique fillers” that will help UNB explore “distinctive, first-to-market packaging formats”. UNB will also offer contract production and sales services to other independent Ontario producers in both alcohol and non-alcohol segments. The strategic partnership intends to accelerate the expansion of Ontario craft beverages beyond the province and attract more production to Ontario. Andy Murison, CEO of NFCD, said: "We really value United Craft's commitment to innovation and their ability to create, launch and then broadly distribute compelling branded products consumers are clamouring for. Their expertise, combined with our 50+ years of senior leadership production experience, will position UNB as an incubator and facilitate dynamic new products to market faster and quicker." Pat Macdonald, CEO of United Craft, added: "This new partnership will enable United Craft to transition to brick-and-mortar while teaming up with a renowned partner. We can realize new ideas in a range of market segments faster for ourselves and others." UNB will seek new strategic investments into additional brewing and production equipment, licensees, as well as capabilities to help it serve both the alcohol and non-alcohol beverage categories.

Bodyarmor Sports Nutrition has launched its first "rapid" rehydration beverage, Bodyarmor Flash IV, in four flavours. The rehydration beverage is scientifically formulated to ensure the right balance of carbohydrates and electrolytes for faster absorption and replenishment. Developed with the same coconut water base used in the Bodyarmor Sports Drink, it features added functionality with Zinc, Vitamins B and C to support a healthy immune system, and no artificial flavours, sweeteners or dyes. Bodyarmor Sports Nutrition CEO, Federico Muyshondt, said: “Bodyarmor transformed the sports drink category with its better-for-you hydration options and now we’re excited to do the same in rapid rehydration with Bodyarmor Flash IV. We’re always looking to innovate and provide consumers with hydration options they want and need and we can’t wait to showcase our latest game-changer yet.” Bodyarmor Flash IV comes in a 20oz, square bottle and contains over 2200mg of electrolytes. The beverage will launch in four flavours including Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Orange, and Tropical Punch and will be available in US stores and online via Amazon in 2024.