The Russian Federation has announced that it will continue its participation in the Black Sea grain deal for a further two months. United Nations (UN) secretary-general Antonio Guterres confirmed the development, describing it as “good news for the world” in a statement. The UN-brokered deal allows the exportation of Ukraine’s grains through the Black Sea. Guterres noted that “outstanding issues remain,” but representatives of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations will continue discussing them. He added: “I hope we will reach a comprehensive agreement to improve, expand and extend the initiative – as I proposed in a recent letter to the presidents of the three countries…The importance of the Black Sea Initiative – and the parallel Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and the Russian Federation – is clear. These agreements matter for global food security. Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world.” The European Union urged Russia to reverse its decision to withdraw from the deal at the end of October last year. Russia agreed to rejoin the initiative a couple of days later. Under the Black Sea Initiative, more than 30 million tons of food have been exported, including 30,000 tons of wheat, to feed citizens in Sudan. Deputy prime minister of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, said in a Facebook post: “We welcome the continuation of the Initiative's work, but we emphasise that it has to work effectively. To do this, it is necessary to eliminate the problems that Russia has been creating for several months in a row by sabotaging inspections and registration of a new fleet.”

US hydration beverage brand Electrolit has added a limited-edition mango flavour to its portfolio. According to the company, each Electrolit bottle contains 326mg of electrolytes alongside real glucose, which is a natural source of energy that aids in the body's recovery from dehydration. Electrolit is scientifically formulated with magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium and glucose, and provides "complete hydration when electrolytes and ions are low, to replenish the body". Jake Sloan, marketing director of Electrolit USA, commented: "With warmer spring months upon us, we are excited to bring the new mango flavour that provides pharmaceutical-grade hydration to Electrolit fans across the country". He continued: "At the same time, we are deepening our relationships with major convenience stores, including strengthening our longstanding retail partnership with 7-Eleven, by bringing Electrolit's limited-edition mango flavour exclusively to 7-Eleven this summer". Electrolit's mango flavour is exclusively available at 7-Eleven, Stripes and RaceTrac stores nationwide.

KitKat has introduced the brand’s latest flavour innovation in KitKat Churro, available in the US from June. The new flavour pairs the signature churro taste with the familiar crunch and texture of a KitKat bar. It features churro-flavoured creme with sugar, mixed between the well-known KitKat wafer. KitKat Churro will be available in standard, king, and snack sizes in US retailers. "We love seeing fans' responses to our limited-edition KitKat flavours – especially one as universally loved as churros," said Alex Herzog, associate KitKat brand manager. She added: "We hope that every bite of the buttery, churro flavour and familiar crispy crunch of our wafers unlocks memories of the delightful experience of enjoying freshly baked churros from the boardwalk stand, amusement park, or the local fair". The latest KitKat Churro bar joins the previous list of limited-edition, seasonal and permanent flavours, such as KitKat Fruity Cereal, KitKat Blueberry Muffin and KitKat Birthday Cake.

AI-enabled tech company Soft Robotics has unveiled its mGripAI machine for high-speed picking solutions. The mGripAI enables system integrators and original equipment manufacturer machine builders to automate “otherwise off-limits production processes” using industrial robots now powered with the sensory, cognitive and dexterous abilities of human workers. The machine’s key benefits are its ability to reduce dependency on labour, saving floor space, increasing throughput and reducing food waste. The new robot combines proprietary 3D vision, artificial intelligence (AI) and soft grasping technologies into an “easy-to-integrate” IP69K-rated solution. IP69K is the highest level of protection from IP rating (international protection rating), which is published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. The certification is a standard for the degree of sealing effectiveness against the intrusion of water, solid objects and accidental dirt contact. As an example, the machine is able to pick, orient and package raw chicken drumsticks from bulk at rates of up to 60 units per minute. Austin Harvey, VP of product and marketing at soft robotics, said: "Ease-of-deployment is at the core of every mGripAI system. It is now easier than ever for machine builders to deploy AI-enabled solutions and leverage complex object understanding for high-speed picking applications." Soft Robotics’ new mGripAI is being demonstrated in the US this week at Automate Show, Detroit, Michigan, at booth 818.

After a six-year break, Interpack – Europe's largest packaging trade fair – made a highly anticipated return in 2023, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the latest packaging trends and advancements. This year’s event took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 4 to 10 May. The long-awaited comeback was met with excitement from industry professionals worldwide, eager to discover the latest advancements and connect with experts in the packaging sector. The Messe Düsseldorf trade fair site saw more than 2,800 exhibitors fill its 18 halls, attracting around 143,000 visitors from over 150 countries. Bernd Jablonowski, executive director at Messe Düsseldorf, commented: “With Interpack, we were able to finally hold one of the Messe Düsseldorf’s most important events again. It has reported back impressively and reinforced its position as the global platform for the exchange among all players in the packaging sector, related process industries and all user industries. Our targets were exceeded by far.” Interpack 2023 showcased the packaging industry's ability to adapt and innovate despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. From start-ups to industry giants, the event provided a platform for all participants to showcase their latest developments, exchange ideas and establish valuable connections. So what were some of this year's innovations showcased for the food and beverage industry? Processing and machinery The fair displayed a wide range of food processing and machinery solutions, taking over most of the halls at Messe Düsseldorf. Sidel took sustainability production to the next level by demonstrating its expertise in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. The company exhibited a diverse range of solutions in the primary packaging segment, spanning from lightweight bottle designs to 100% rPET, which were enhanced by advanced technology such as preferential heating blowing for complex-shaped containers. In addition, Sidel demonstrated its secondary and tertiary packaging solutions, providing alternatives that combine material reductions with energy-efficient technology and equipment. IMA, whose presence took over two entire halls, provides technologies for the processing and packaging of many segments within the food and beverage industry – such as tea and herbs, coffee, confectionery and snacks, dairy, bakery and more. One of the solutions IMA showcased at Interpack was the P500 technology, which is a form, fill and seal machine that processes portion cups for dairy and food applications, like fresh cheese, butter, spreads, jam, dressings and sauces, and more. At Interpack, exhibitors also showcased various robotics solutions and advancements aimed at improving packaging processes. Stäubli presented its TX2-160 HE and TX200 HE robotic arms, which can be used in the meat industry for cutting processes. Meanwhile, at Cama Group’s stand, the company demonstrated its turnkey robotised naked chocolate packaging line, developed for a leading North American confectionery brand. Furthermore, Mettler Toledo presented a range of product inspection systems at Interpack 2023, aimed at assisting food manufacturers in boosting productivity, increasing product safety and minimising recalls. The company unveiled the X2 x-ray inspection series – which includes the X12 and the X32 – offering high-detection sensitivity performance and improved product quality control to help reduce product recalls. Innovative materials From cardboard and paper packaging to labels and printing, a wide variety of packaging materials were on display at Interpack 2023. Stora Enso presented its CKB carton packaging solution. Made from 100% pure renewable virgin fibre, CKB is suitable for dry, frozen and chilled food, wines and spirits, beer multipacks and carrier packs for food and drinks, as well as confectionery. The material can withstand moist and tepid conditions, ensuring the product is protected. American-Canadian label maker CCL presented its WashOff label. It used Dutch beer giant Heineken as an example, with CCL demonstrating how the label from Heineken’s bottle was easily detached, without leaving any residue behind, and shrunk, minimising waste volume. The solution helps to reduce water, chemical and energy consumption. Meanwhile, Graphic Packaging International showcased its IntegraFlex, a packaging solution available in multiple applications that features folding cartons and flexible packages in a cost-effective way. IntegraFlex's collapsible cup offers easy access for serving and dispensing a food product, and it provides consumers with an optional resealable closure.

Barry Callebaut has announced the ground breaking of a new cocoa bean warehouse in Malaysia, as it enters into a long-term partnership with Maersk. The partnership will see Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk and the chocolate giant build and operate the new cocoa bean warehousing and dispatching facility. The warehouse is designed to support Barry Callebaut’s strategic growth to continue providing its cocoa and chocolate products and services to its customers in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. The ‘Built-To-Suit’ facility is also part of Maersk's ambition to expand its current ocean and landside logistics service into an integrated end-to-end logistics solution for its customer base. Once complete, the new multi-storey facility – located in the Johor Bahru district in southern Malaysia – will be “one of the largest” cocoa bean warehouses in Southeast Asia. The facility will span over 500,000 square feet and incorporate a “fit-for-purpose” design that prioritises operational efficiency. It is also located 1 kilometre away from Barry Callebaut’s cocoa processing factory in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. It will be equipped with new technologies and sustainable solutions such as solar panel roofs, LED lights and natural ventilation, all which help to improve the environmental footprint. Since January 2022, Maersk has connected Barry Callebaut's supply chain from cocoa growing origins in Africa to the factories in the Asia Pacific region, through ocean and landside logistics service. Elie Fouché, VP of cocoa for region Asia Pacific at Barry Callebaut, said: "Barry Callebaut has operated in Asia Pacific since 1997 and we continue to invest in this region. We are excited to evolve our long-term partnership with Maersk to enhance the resilience of our supply chain. The new warehouse allows us to have better control over our cocoa bean qualities and this ultimately supports our ambitious growth plans in the region." Elaine Low, area managing director at Maersk Southeast Asia, said: "We are pleased that Barry Callebaut has chosen us as the long-term logistics partner, and the enhanced warehousing and dispatching facility is essential to help them rapidly respond to the changing market conditions…Our strength of integrated service offerings will continue to help Barry Callebaut achieve greater efficiency within their supply chain.” The warehousing and dispatching facility is expected to be completed by the end of Q2 2024.

Tim Van de Gehuchte, international sales and marketing manager at Meurens Natural, explains what the company showcased at Vitafoods Europe 2023 – the multiple advantages of oat protein. Meurens' oat protein can be used for a range of different applications as it doesn't impact the taste of the product. Vitafoods Europe 2023 took place from 9-11 May in Geneva, Switzerland, this year, offering three days of in-person exhibitions from international nutraceutical suppliers and experts from across the globe. The event itself was a vibrant hub of discussion, with buzzing aisles, live demonstrations and fruitful collaborations, which FoodBev had the opportunity to engage with, albeit wishing for more time to explore further. https://youtu.be/FFLUexxq3MI

Lactalis Nestlé Chilled Desserts UK has expanded its desserts range, with Milkybar Gold White Chocolate Caramel Crème dessert. Building on its existing range of ‘gold chocolate’, the dessert is said to be the first HFSS compliant crème dessert to market in the UK chilled desserts category. The dessert offers consumers the taste of Milkybar Gold confectionery, in a creamy white chocolate and caramel flavour, at 91 calories per pot. Milkybar Gold White Chocolate Caramel Crème dessert is available in 2x65g at Tesco stores in the UK for an RRP of £1.50. Christopher Pihoué, marketing manager at Lactalis Nestlé Chilled Desserts UK, says: “Milkybar Gold White Chocolate Caramel Crème dessert has a unique flavour offering that we know will appeal to consumers”. He added: “The dessert is positioned as the perfect treat for any time of the day and evening and with the calorie count, and HFSS compliance, brings a real USP in the chilled desserts aisle. We are confident that this new launch will capitalise on the trend towards gold chocolate product launches while attracting Milkybar confectionery fans to the chilled aisle.” Milkybar Gold White Chocolate Caramel Crème Dessert 4x65g will also be available from July.

Cana Technology, the start-up that was building a molecular beverage printer, has shut down. According to a LinkedIn post from a former employee, the company could not secure funding and had to shut down as a result. Cana’s molecular beverage printer prototype, announced at the beginning of 2022, could produce high-vitamin post-workout recovery drinks, low-alcohol mimosas, or low-sugar iced teas – providing consumers with the option to customise their beverages. The news comes only two months after the company announced that actor Patrick Stewart had joined as a brand ambassador in a bid to raise awareness of Cana’s mission of decarbonising the beverage industry. Cana’s first product, Cana One, was expected to begin shipments to customers later this year. Marian Farah, previously head of data science at Cana Technology, said in the LinkedIn post: "Despite developing a fully functional product and securing brand partners, Cana, unfortunately, faced a lack of critical funding necessary to build a production line for manufacturing and shipping devices". FoodBev Media reached out to Cana Technology for comment.

ADM and Air Protein have entered into a strategic development agreement to collaborate on R&D to advance new and novel proteins for nutrition. Air Protein has developed air-based nutritional proteins that require no agriculture or farmland, enabling the decoupling of protein production from traditional supply chain risks. The strategic agreement will combine ADM’s expertise in nutrition, formulation and research, with Air Protein’s unique landless agriculture platform. It aims to develop methods to scale cost-effective ingredients that enable meat substitutes to deliver on cost, nutrition, flavour and texture expectations. The agreement also provides mutually exclusive rights for ADM and Air Protein to collaborate on and operate the world’s first Air Protein commercial-scale plant. Before entering into the agreement, ADM supported Air Protein by investing in its Series A round and contributing to ‘simple agreement for future equity’ funding. To date, Air Protein has raised $107 million in cumulative capital and has used the funding to accelerate its expansion of scientists and manufacturing and food experts, as well as the construction of its Air Farm in California, US. In a statement, Air Protein said the Air Farm in San Leandro, California “serves as a prototype for the protein farm of the future,” and “demonstrates the making of protein and other ingredients using air, water and energy as inputs”. Ian Pinner, ADM’s senior VP of strategy and innovation, said: “With today’s agreement, we’re expanding our partnership to bring ADM’s industry-leading expertise in flavours and complete nutrition solutions to help expand the universe of applications in which Air Protein’s technology can be used. To sustainably feed a growing global population, we need a broad protein ecosystem, from animal to plant to other novel sources.” Air Protein’s founder and CEO, Dr Lisa Dyson, commented: “Air Protein is excited to extend our relationship with ADM, which has been a strong supporter and collaborator in our mutual mission to provide innovative protein solutions that can sustainably feed the growing global population. Their continued commitment to building a more sustainable food system has helped us significantly accelerate and scale our Bay Area Air Farm and other growth initiatives.” Dyson also announced that Air Protein had successfully concluded a regulatory review confirming its protein is GRAS – Generally Recognized as Safe – by the US Food and Drug Administration. You may also like to read: ADM and Believer Meats collaborate to advance cultivated meat market ADM partners with Marel on new innovation centre ADM opens microbiology lab in North America

Fox’s Burton’s Companies is launching a new line of its Jammie Dodgers brand in apple and blackcurrant flavour. Jammie Dodgers Apple & Blackcurrant delivers moments of nostalgia while complementing the original Raspberry Jam filled biscuit. Each serving – one biscuit – contains 78 calories and has no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, GM ingredients or hydrogenated fats. The biscuits are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. “Biscuits remain one of the few categories where shoppers are willing to spend money on treats. Shoppers often turn to the brands they know and love, purchasing trusted, well-known brands in the Fox’s Burton’s Companies portfolio for premium ‘me-time’ treating moments,” said Colin Taylor, trade marketing director at FBC UK. Jammie Dodgers Apple & Blackcurrant will be available in Tesco stores in the UK first with a wider distribution to follow and will carry an MRSP of £0.75p for a 140g pack.

Nestlé Waters has announced that it is cutting 171 jobs at its Vosges facility in eastern France, as it looks to scale back production at the site. The announcement follows the decision in 2022 to halt the marketing of its Vittel brand in Germany. Nestlé Waters says this has negatively impacted its production volumes at the site. Additionally, deteriorating weather conditions have affected the operating conditions of two of its wells dedicated to the production of Hépar. As a result, the company has suspended the use of the two wells, as it continues to use four other wells in connection with the Hépar brand. Nestlé Waters' management met with the company's social partners on Tuesday to make the announcement. Nestlé Waters said it will propose incentives to facilitate retirement, early retirement and internal and external redeployment. A spokesperson for Nestlé Waters told FoodBev: "Nestlé Waters will do its utmost to avoid forced departures. Throughout the information consultation procedure with employee representatives, our priority will be to promote social dialogue in order to identify and propose the best possible support solutions for the employees concerned." They continued: “ will continue to be involved in the economic and social life of the region and will work closely with the public authorities and local communities to minimise the consequences of the reorganisation on the employment area, as part of a revitalisation project. In the meantime, the company will pursue its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving water resources."