Yoshihiko Hani, publisher of Beverage Japan, and Steve Galloway, of Galloway & Associates, highlight some of the stand-out beverage innovations recently launched in the Japanese market. From fermented milk tailored to support weight management, to a line of jelly drinks suitable for both humans and their pets, read on to discover some of the most innovative new offerings. Fruit and vegetable-based drinks Ito En has released Acai Bowl Smoothie pouch drink, a 30% mixed fruit juice beverage replicating the thick acai smoothie bowl taste, with acai pulp, banana, grape, strawberry and almonds. The 150g spouted pouch is designed for home freezing, allowing consumption as a frozen slushie. Also new from Ito En is Ichinichibun no Yasai Hyaluronic Acid Plus, a mixed vegetable drink for women. The drink, launched in a 200ml slim LL paper carton from Nippon Paper Industries, contains 350g of juice from 30 vegetable varieties including four whole tomatoes, carrot, celery, parsley, red bell pepper, cucumber, kidney bean, radish, kale, asparagus and pumpkin. It offers 16mg of lycopene and 120mg of sodium hyaluronate. Fermented milk for weight management BifiX Yogurt Alpha is a new functional fermented milk drink from Ezaki Glico, targeting men and women in their 30s to 50s, to directly address fat metabolism and weight management. There are three beverages in the range aimed at individuals who have a high BMI, and have approved claims for improving resting energy expenditure and reducing overall body fat. Each contains the proprietary BifiX Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis GCL2505, with 5g of prebiotic inulin soluble fibre. The three drink types translate as: ‘Mildly Sweet, Low Fat,’ ‘Unsweetened, Sugar-Free, Low Fat,’ and ‘Mildly Sweet, Zero Fat’. The lactic acid bacteria strains have been chosen along with optimised fermentation to prevent the taste from becoming heavy, and low-processed milk ingredients are used for a clean taste. They come in 100g round PET bottles and in packs of 12, with a chilled shelf life of 22 days. Jelly drinks for humans and pets Morinaga Seika has launched its new Human and Pet Project, introducing a specialised line of soft drinks and food items suitable for safe consumption by both dog owners and their pets. A new business venture for the company, it aims to improve mutual quality of life by eliminating the barrier between human snacks and pet treats. Seven products have been released, including jelly drinks, biscuits, frozen treats and frozen pancakes. The jelly drinks come in two varieties and four types, with formulations supervised by vets and developed jointly with Morinaga Seika’s pet food subsidiary, Morinyu Sunworld. They contain lactulose and dietary fibre. The name ‘One’ is a wordplay on the Japanese word ‘wan’ which means ‘woof’. One Jelly Stick with Dog Ringo Aji and Yogurt Aji (apple and yogurt flavours) are 15g jelly drinks in a convenient pillow packaging, promoting easy hydration. The former contains 30% fruit juice, and each pack contains five sticks. One Jelly Pouch with Dog (apple 24% fruit juice and yogurt flavours) are jelly drinks in pouches with resealable caps. Humans can drink them from the pouch, while dogs should be served using a bowl. They can also be used as a topping for pet food. Custard pudding-inspired beverage Kyodo Dairies has relaunched its limited seasonal ‘shake-and-drink’ dairy beverage, Nomu Meito no Nameraka Pudding. The drink replicates the fluid mouthfeel and caramelised custard notes of the company’s popular Nameraka Pudding dessert, with the container intended to be shaken before consuming. It comes in a 180g plastic cup. Japan’s Beverage Innovations have been brought to you for over 15 years by Yoshihiko Hani, publisher of Beverage Japan, and Steve Galloway of Galloway & Associates. Galloway & Associates is a UK and Asia-based strategic management consultancy covering international food and drink markets and specialising in the fast-evolving Japanese and Asian beverages sectors. Reporting on emerging consumer trends, pioneering ingredients and the breakthrough technologies shaping Japan’s drinks landscape, these insights help brands identify growth opportunities, adapt to cultural nuances and bring Japanese-inspired innovations to international markets. For companies seeking to decode the Japanese market or adapt its best ideas for new audiences, Galloway & Associates can support senior management teams to develop market entry strategies, and to apply innovative concepts to their products and brands in other markets. To get in touch and discuss how Galloway & Associates might support you, please contact Steve. Email: steve@gallowayconsult.com | Telephone: +44 (0)7815 563473

The Coca-Cola Company has announced that its dairy subsidiary Fairlife has resumed most production across its four US facilities following a ransomware attack. Fairlife temporarily suspended US production earlier this month after a ransomware attack affected part of its systems. Coca-Cola has now confirmed that an unauthorised third party also obtained certain data during the incident. Work is continuing to restore the remaining affected systems and operations. Coca-Cola said retail availability of Fairlife products has been largely unaffected due to existing inventory levels. It added that the incident has not affected product quality or safety. Based on the information currently available, the beverage group does not expect the attack to have a material impact on its financial position or operating results. Top image: © Fairlife

Tetra Pak and network technology company Axis Communications have developed a new digital solution, enabling ice cream manufacturers to gain real-time visibility across every stage of the production line. The innovation, called ‘Ice Cream Video Care,’ is the result of a six-year process monitoring collaboration between Tetra Pak and Axis. It uses network cameras as smart sensors to provide deeper operational insight and improved control across the process line. Tetra Pak said the solution responds to rising consumer expectations around food quality, consistency and production transparency. It is built on Axis’ advanced IP camera technology, such as Q-line dome and modular F-series cameras. The solution is designed to perform reliably in low-temperature and harsh production environments, offering constant, high-resolution visibility into areas operators cannot traditionally see or safely reach. Up to 16 cameras can be installed across each ice cream line via Axis’ video management software, Axis Camera Station, to enable safe, remote inspection without disrupting operations. The partnership between the two companies began with camera-supported observation in juice filling, and has since expanded into broader application areas across food production. Tetra Pak Ice Cream Video Care marks the first major expansion of camera-based process monitoring into ice cream production lines, the company said. Katrin Andersson, managing director for Tetra Pak North Europe, commented: “Tetra Pak and Axis Communications are combining deep knowledge of food production with advanced monitoring technology, enabling manufacturers to gain greater insight into their operations. The result is improved efficiency, reduced waste and better quality control, supporting a more productive and sustainable food industry.”

Loyd Grossman is expanding beyond its core jarred sauce range with the launch of new premium pasta sauce and rice kits, marking what the brand describes as its most significant move since launching in 1995. The new range, launching in Tesco from the week commencing 6 July before rolling out to other retailers later this year, is designed for consumers who want greater involvement in the cooking process while still relying on convenient shortcuts. The premium pasta sauce kits are available in Signature Bolognese, Creamy Mushroom and Creamy Tomato & Chilli variants, with a recommended retail price of £3.75. Each kit contains three individually prepared pouches, cooked in small batches using fresh ingredients. The pouches are added in stages during preparation, with the brand aiming to recreate the layered depth of flavour associated with restaurant-style cooking. The new format is designed to appeal to shoppers seeking a more interactive cooking experience without sacrificing convenience or consistency. The range also includes two premium rice kits: Smoky Spanish Style Paella and Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Both products cook in 12 minutes and are positioned as convenient alternatives for consumers looking to prepare dishes that can traditionally be perceived as time-consuming or difficult to get right. The launch will be supported by Loyd Grossman’s biggest marketing investment in 15 years. A new creative platform will roll out across YouTube, social media, radio and out-of-home advertising during October and November, followed by a second campaign burst in January and February focused on the brand’s core range. Rob Watson, global cuisines brand director at Premier Foods, said: “This launch is about genuine innovation – giving shoppers a reason to trade up and retailers a genuinely incremental range, backed by the biggest investment we've put behind the Loyd Grossman brand in 15 years.” Loyd Grossman added: “My premium pasta sauce and rice kits are made with ingredients that capture my love for Italian and Mediterranean flavours. We cook these sauces in stages, the traditional way, for real depth of flavour, to help you create quality dishes at home in minutes.” The Loyd Grossman premium pasta sauce and rice kits will launch in Tesco with distribution to other retailers expected by October.

Pernod Ricard has appointed Mauve Croizat as executive vice president of finance and technology, effective 1 October 2026. Mauve Croizat Croizat will join the alcoholic beverage group’s executive committee and report to chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard. She will succeed Hélène de Tissot, who is leaving Pernod Ricard after 23 years to become global chief financial officer at Chanel. Ahead of assuming the position, Croizat will become Pernod Ricard’s deputy chief financial officer on 24 August and work alongside de Tissot during the transition. Croizat has spent almost two decades at Pernod Ricard, holding senior roles across finance, business development and general management in France, the US and Sweden. Her previous positions include vice president of finance and administration at The Absolut Company and CEO of Pernod Ricard Sweden and Northern Europe. Most recently, she has overseen the implementation of the group’s global transformation programme. De Tissot will leave Pernod Ricard on 30 September. She has served as executive vice president of finance and technology and as a member of the company’s executive committee for the past eight years. Alexandre Ricard said: “Mauve is a proven strategic and operational leader with a track record of building highly successful teams. I would also like to warmly thank Hélène for her outstanding contribution to Pernod Ricard over the past 23 years and wish her every success in her new role.”

An energy drink brand backed by Kim Kardashian has entered the functional energy category with a formulation centred on paraxanthine rather than traditional caffeine, marketed in a satirical debut campaign that went viral last week. The drink has relaunched with a major 'The Future is Energy' campaign led by Kardashian this month, with the media personality and entrepreneur having joined the brand as co-founder earlier this year. Available in the US, the drink's positioning focused on delivering 'smooth, focused energy' without the jitters or crash commonly associated with caffeine consumption. The range contains zero sugar and zero calories, and is made without artificial flavours or colours. The brand is built around paraxanthine, a naturally occurring compound produced when the body metabolises caffeine. According to Update, the liver converts caffeine into three primary metabolites – paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline – with paraxanthine accounting for the majority of caffeine metabolism in most people. The company says the ingredient is associated with several of the effects consumers typically seek from caffeine, including alertness, focus, mental stamina and energy utilisation. In addition to paraxanthine, Update contains Alpha GPC, L-theanine and vitamin B12. The formulation uses Enfinity paraxanthine, with Alpha GPC supplied in the form of GeniusPure Alpha-GPC. Alpha GPC is included to support cognitive function, while L-theanine is positioned as an ingredient to support calm concentration and help balance stimulation. The product also contains an active form of vitamin B12, which supports energy metabolism and nervous system function. The range comes in five flavours: peach, berry, grape, pineapple and mandarin. Top image: © Update

Higgidy CEO Rachel Kelley is set to leave the business at the end of July to become managing director of KTC Edible Oils, with Ginsters' managing director Emma Stowers taking on interim leadership of the brand. Stowers will continue in her role at Ginsters while also overseeing Higgidy, bringing experience across the food category to both businesses. Kelley has led Higgidy for more than five years, overseeing the brand’s transition into Samworth Brothers and driving growth through innovation and expanded distribution. The business said the brand has grown significantly under Kelley’s leadership, building penetration as the UK’s number one premium savoury pastry brand. Kelley will join oils supplier and manufacturer KTC Edible Oils as managing director. The appointment follows the company’s recent acquisition by Whitworths, and will see her lead its next phase of growth. Stowers became managing director of Ginsters in December 2025, following four years as the brand’s marketing director. She has played a leading role in reshaping the Ginsters brand strategy, including the launch of the ‘Taste the Effort’ campaign, a portfolio redesign and new product development such as the Ginsters Pastry Toastie. According to Samworth Brothers, these initiatives have contributed to volume sales growth and helped Ginsters maintain its market share leadership. Matt Austin, group chief brand and strategy officer at Samworth Brothers, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Rachel. She has played a key role in leading growth for the Higgidy brand and her vision and passion will be missed.” He added: “We are really excited about Emma’s new dual role. Emma has really driven Ginsters’ recent success and transformed consumer perceptions of the brand. Emma has really made her mark since being promoted to Ginsters MD and we can’t wait to see the results as she brings her expertise to Higgidy too. Emma Stowers (left) and Rachel Kelley (right) .

Clean Simple Eats has expanded its US retail presence with the launch of a new Protein Powder + Collagen blend at Sam’s Club stores nationwide. Now available across 591 locations, the product combines grass-fed whey protein isolate with Types I and III grass-fed collagen peptides. Each serving contains 10g of protein isolate and 11g of collagen peptides. The formula has been developed to offer consumers two commonly used functional ingredients in a single product, removing the need to purchase and prepare separate protein and collagen supplements. According to the company, the whey protein isolate is designed to support daily protein intake and muscle recovery, while the collagen peptides are intended to support the health of the skin, hair and nails. Erika Peterson, founder and CEO of Clean Simple Eats, said: “Everything we create at Clean Simple Eats begins with listening to our community and finding ways to make healthy living feel simpler, more enjoyable and more sustainable. “Consumers increasingly want products that work harder for them while fitting seamlessly into their everyday routines. Our Protein Powder + Collagen Blend delivers exactly that, premium nutrition with clean ingredients and incredible taste in one convenient formula.” Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder + Collagen is available from Sam’s Club for $49.99.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced action to remove two petroleum-based colour additives from its list of authorised uses in food, as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to phase out petroleum-based food dyes. The agency has issued a final order revoking the authorised use of Orange B as a colour additive in food, while also proposing to revoke the authorisation for Citrus Red No. 2. The FDA said its proposed action on Citrus Red No. 2 follows a preliminary conclusion that the colour’s use has been abandoned by industry. The additive has been authorised since 1959 for colouring the skins of mature oranges. The agency’s decision on Orange B follows a review of public comments on its proposed revocation. The FDA said it did not receive information that altered its conclusion that the authorised use of the colour had been abandoned by industry. In a statement published on the FDA website, Robert F Kennedy Jr, the secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, said: “By working to eliminate outdated authorisations for petroleum-based colour additives that are no longer used, we are modernising our food safety regulations and helping to Make America Healthy Again.” The FDA is now accepting public comments on the proposed revocation of Citrus Red No. 2 for 30 days, with submissions due by 24 August 2026. Following its review of the comments, the agency will decide whether to finalise the revocation. The latest actions form part of the FDA’s wider review of colour additive regulations that it says are no longer aligned with current industry practices. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the agency was working to maintain a “science-based, modern regulatory framework” that reflects current manufacturing practices and marketplace realities. The FDA is also tracking voluntary commitments from food manufacturers, retailers and trade associations to remove petroleum-based food dyes from the US food supply. The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to encourage a transition towards alternative colour sources. The agency said the latest decisions represent significant milestones in the wider phase-out of petroleum-based food dyes in the US food supply.

Brown-Forman has announced that it has completed the sale of the Finlandia vodka brand to Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC) on 1 November 2023. As reported by FoodBev in June this year, Brown-Forman disclosed that it had reached an agreement to sell the brand to Coca-Cola HBC for $220 million, subject to adjustments related to inventory and other working capital items. Brown-Forman’s portfolio of alcoholic beverage brands includes Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and Fords Gin. Its brands are supported by approximately 5,600 employees globally and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. The Finlandia vodka brand was founded in 1970 and has a global distribution of 2.7 million nine-litre cases annually. Its sale was described by Brown-Forman as another step in the company’s long-term strategic ambition to premiumise its portfolio through brand innovation, acquisition and divestiture. Coca-Cola HBC had been distributing Finlandia for more than 17 years prior to the acquisition, which it said will further enrich and strengthen its portfolio across more markets.

Brown-Forman Corporation and Pabst Brewing Company have announced a mutual agreement to conclude their US partnership related to flavoured malt beverages (FMB), with Brown-Forman assuming full operational control of the portfolio effective 7 July 2026. The move marks a strategic shift for Brown-Forman as it looks to further capitalise on growth in the ready-to-drink (RTD) and flavoured malt beverage segments. Under the new structure, Brown-Forman will manage supply, sales, marketing and distribution for its FMB brands across the United States. The companies’ collaboration began in 2021, granting Pabst exclusive rights to produce, market, sell and distribute Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails, along with the ability to develop line extensions and new FMB products. During the partnership, the portfolio expanded to include Jack Daniel’s Bolder, Jack Daniel’s Hard Tea and el Jimador Spiked Bebidas. “We have enjoyed working with the talented team at Pabst over the last few years to drive growth and innovation across our FMB portfolio,” said Robinson Brown, senior vice president and managing director, United States and Canada, Brown-Forman. “Moving forward, bringing these brands in-house allows us to take greater control of our ready-to-drink strategy during a period of increased consumer demand. By centralising our efforts, we are better positioned to accelerate the portfolio’s momentum and maximise its future impact.” The transition reflects broader competitive dynamics in the beverage alcohol sector, where spirits suppliers have increasingly sought greater control over RTD production and commercialisation to protect brand equity and capture margin. For Brown-Forman, which is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and operates in more than 170 countries, the move aligns its flavoured malt beverage business with its broader RTD ambitions. The company’s premium spirits portfolio includes brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, El Jimador, Herradura and Diplomático Rum, among others. Following the July 2026 transition date, Brown-Forman will oversee the entire supply chain and commercial operations for the affected FMB brands, integrating them more closely into its US strategy. “We appreciate Brown-Forman’s collaboration over the past five years as we expanded their FMB footprint,” said Greig DeBow, CEO at Pabst. “This transition will allow us to reallocate resources toward execution and innovation within our core portfolio of iconic brands. We’re excited to continue delivering on the beverages we’re best known for while creating new drinks that delight consumers.” Founded in 1844, Pabst is one of North America’s largest privately held beer and beverage companies. Its portfolio includes heritage brands such as Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pabst Light, Lone Star, Rainier, Old Style, Stag, Stroh’s and Old Milwaukee. Both companies confirmed they are working on a comprehensive transition plan to ensure uninterrupted product availability for retailers, distributors and consumers through the end of the agreement.

Brown-Forman Corporation has appointed Jim Peters as its new executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective 31 March. Jim Peters Peters will join the company’s senior executive team and report to president and CEO Lawson Whiting. He succeeds Leanne Cunningham, who will retire on 1 May 2026. Peters joins from Whirlpool Corporation, where he most recently served as executive vice president leading enterprise transformation initiatives. He previously held the roles of executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer, and chief financial officer, with responsibility spanning finance, legal, IT and corporate strategy. Earlier in his career at Whirlpool, Peters served as vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer, as well as CFO for both the North American and EMEA regions. Before joining the company in 2004, he held management positions at Limited Brands and Ernst & Young. Lawson Whiting, president and CEO of Brown-Forman, said: “Jim is a seasoned financial leader who brings a proven track record of driving operational discipline and resilience through complex global cycles". "His expertise in navigating margin pressures and volatile consumer demand across North America, Europe and Asia will be invaluable as we navigate today’s macroeconomic headwinds. Beyond his technical depth, Jim is a values-based leader with a strong commitment to developing the next generation of talent." Peters added: “I am honoured to join Brown-Forman, a company with such a rich heritage and iconic portfolio of brands. I look forward to working with Lawson and the entire team to build upon the company's strong foundation and to continue delivering sustainable value for our shareholders and stakeholders worldwide.”