BelliWelli – a wellness brand catering to consumers with gut issues such as IBS – has raised $15.4 million in a Series A funding round led by The Invus Group. The raise exemplifies the growth of and sustained interest in gut-friendly products and strengthens BelliWelli's position in the healthy snacks category. BelliWelli was founded by Katie Wilson, who noticed a gap in the market for consumers with digestive disorders, who are “often dismissed and ignored”. The brand's bars are free from gluten, dairy, and other gut irritants, and incorporate beneficial properties including 500M CFU probiotics and fibre, which are said to be necessary for regulating digestion. BelliWelli is available in stores such as Sprouts, Hungry Root, Bristol Farms, Gelson's Markets, and more.

Whether it's emissions from food production, pollution and runoff from industrial agricultural practices or deforestation to make space for agricultural land, the F&B industry is waking up to the reality that unsustainable practices will no longer be tolerated. Alexis Norman, CEO and co-founder of Greenly – a tech company combatting global warming and emissions through its carbon management platform – takes a look at some industry sectors that could benefit from some improvements. The F&B industry is one of the largest industries in the world, worth around $11 trillion. It’s no surprise then that the industry is also responsible for a huge portion of global carbon emissions – in fact, food systems are responsible for around a third of greenhouse gases emitted globally. This startling number makes it pretty clear why decarbonisation of the sector is so critical. We take a look at some industry sectors with potential for improvement. 1. Food production Carbon emissions resulting from food production are only marginally less than that of power generation, so this is an area of focus for many governments and environmental organisations worldwide. Carbon emissions from food production can be split into: growing crops for human consumption, rearing livestock and land use for both livestock and crops. All three practices take their toll on the environment, whether it's from water use and wastage, methane emissions from cattle digestion, the use of manure to fertilise soil or the destruction of forests to make way for new agricultural land. In order to tackle emissions in the industry, more environmental practices will need to be adopted that address harmful farming and food production practices. An example of one such practice is regenerative farming, which aims to adopt practices that improve soil fertility, reduce waste and improve the capture of carbon. This can be achieved through simple switches like planting cover crops or growing crops between main crop harvest cycles to improve soil fertility, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 2. Manufacturing Manufacturing is the process of turning produce into sellable products. This may involve processing facilities, packaging and transportation of the finished products. So how can we reduce emissions at this stage of the cycle? A huge onus is placed on the companies responsible for manufacturing activities. By taking steps to optimise the energy efficiency of their processes, they can significantly cut down on their emissions. They may replace existing machinery with more energy-efficient options, switch off machines and equipment when not in use or source greener energy options such as wind or solar power. Another step that manufacturers can take to reduce the carbon footprint of their products is to reassess their product sizes and utilise user-friendly packaging so that food wastage can be reduced. For example, oftentimes, a 'use by' date is just a rough indication, and products can still be used past this date. If this is clearly communicated, it may prevent produce from being thrown out unnecessarily. 3. Packaging Packaging is everywhere – fruit and vegetables are wrapped in unnecessary cellophane or packaged in cartons or plastic. Coffee is served to us in single-use cups, and we’re even given plastic bags to carry home the plastic-wrapped food we just bought. What's even more worrying is that only 9% of plastic is recycled, meaning that the vast majority of it ends up in our landfills. There’s a clear and urgent need to address the issue of packaging, and manufacturers need to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives. Sustainable raw materials should be favoured and unnecessary packaging cut out altogether. The good news is that the industry is increasingly full of innovative, biodegradable packaging solutions. 4. Transportation Transportation of food and beverage goods will involve shipping, trucking, rail or air travel. In the US, the vast majority (75%) of goods are transported by truck. If the goods are travelling long distances, the resulting carbon emissions can be significant. It’s, therefore, critical for companies involved in the sale of food or beverages to optimise the logistics of their transportation network. This might mean that goods are transported in bulk, or that companies replace existing vehicles with electric alternatives. 5. Retail Retail is the last step in the supply chain when it comes to food and drink, and with almost 40,000 supermarkets across the US, this step can count for a significant portion of the carbon footprint of food and beverage products. So what steps can retailers take to reduce their carbon footprint? As with most businesses, general steps to reduce carbon emissions include things like switching off lights and machines where possible after closing hours, selecting an energy provider that uses renewable energy sources, replacing lights with LED sources, encouraging consumers to forgo the use of bags when selecting produce, etc. 6. Consumerism While the bulk of the responsibility is placed on producers and retailers, consumers should not be forgotten. They too must play a part in reducing the carbon footprint of food and drink products – especially since the average person in the US wastes a whopping 400 pounds of food a year. By buying local seasonal produce and cutting down on the consumption of meat and animal products, the average consumer can have a significant impact. Consumers shape supply and demand, so consumers boycotting unsustainable products can force retailers to shift their approach or change the products available. Final thoughts Given the huge impact that the food and beverage industry has on global carbon emissions, it’s absolutely imperative that producers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike make efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. If we want to see real improvement, it will require a collective effort. But changes need to be significant and meaningful; it’s not enough for players in the food and drinks industry just to do the bare minimum. It’s time to take meaningful action to meet the crisis at hand.

Danone has announced new health commitments for its dairy, plant-based and water products in the UK and Ireland. The dairy giant has committed to never launch a product for children that is high in sugar, salt or fat (HFSS). As part of this pledge, Danone also confirmed that 90% of its product portfolio will fall into 'healthy' categories, receiving a score of at least 3.5 stars out of 5 within the 'Health Star Rating' (HSR) index. Danone hopes that its commitments will encourage others to raise the health standards of food and beverages in the UK and Ireland. The business noted that these commitments are "the new minimum threshold Danone UK and Ireland’s consumer brands, including Alpro, Activia, Light & Free, Actimel, Oykos, Volvic and Evian, will be held to". James Mayer, president of Danone UK & Ireland, said: “Health is at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to announce that 90% of our products are now not high in sugar, salt or fat. We know families want the healthy choice to be the easy choice, and we are committed to supporting them." He continued: "Consumers are more health conscious today than they ever have been. As an industry, we must continue to help consumers to make healthy choices by offering products that are both tasty and nutritious. That is why, as a purpose-led company, we commit to maintain a strongly health-focused portfolio.” In addition, Danone UK & Ireland also plans to implement clear, consistent front-of-pack nutritional labelling that aligns with future UK and Ireland legislation. It added that it would publish nutritional data for its portfolio, using the HSR system and UK government HFSS guidelines as benchmarks – alongside product nutritional information – on its website. Danone is already working with several partners, including retailers and NGOs, to promote the importance of healthy and sustainable diets. You may also like to read: Danone to invest up to $65m in Florida facility Danone inaugurates research and innovation centre, launches new yogurt product Danone eyes exit from US organic dairy businesses

Waterloo Brewing-owned Seagram has unveiled a new addition to its Island Time coolers range, Botanical Lychee Spritz. The beverage features a botanical herbaceous aroma, flavours of juicy lychee and white tea. The new flavour joins Seagram's existing line-up, which includes: Island Time Anytime and Island Time Coconut Lime. "The Island Time line-up has become a favourite for Ontarians," said Jim Manz, VP of sales and key accounts at Waterloo Brewing. "We're excited to see this new addition and to hear what everyone thinks of this unique new flavour." Kim Mannerow, director of marketing at Waterloo Brewing, added: "Seagram's Island Time cocktails are the perfect choice for when you're craving a vacation. The new Island Time Botanical Lychee Spritz will do just that: it brings island-inspired cocktails to the comfort of your own home."

Hendrick‘s Gin has revealed a new limited release, Hendrick’s Flora Adora, a fresh, floral and herbal take on its popular gin. Crafted at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace on the Ayrshire coast of southwest Scotland, the new spirit is “perfect for garden get-togethers” as it is flavoured with floral bouquets and fresh herbal notes. Juniper and coriander undertones are lengthened by green and sweet floral characteristics. Hendrick’s Gin’s master distiller, Lesley Gracie, said: “I find it really relaxing to watch the butterflies and bees busy at work in the garden. It’s fascinating to me how they seem to settle on some plants more than others. Certain flowers are more enticing to the pollinators and it’s these blooms that I’ve used to create a botanical blend for Hendrick’s Flora Adora.” Sarah Berardi, Hendrick’s UK brand ambassador, added: “The Hendrick’s Gin Palace is Lesley’s playground and inspiration, and when it first opened, she scattered wildflower seeds on the ground to transform her surroundings into something beautiful. It’s those blooming flowers that captivated Lesley into creating Hendrick’s Flora Adora, which has a beguilingly distinct, floral taste, allowing the signature rose notes to really burst at the end of every sip.” The limited edition flavour is available in all major retailers nationwide, for an RRP of £30.

A UK-EU agreement intended to deliver smooth flowing trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland (NI) was announced on Monday this week. This news has received a cautious welcome from organisations representing the UK food and beverage industry, as FoodBev reports. In response to the recent deal, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) stated that “news that the UK and EU have reached an agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol is welcome,” and that they look forward to seeing how (and if) the deal will ensure that Northern Irish consumers can “continue to enjoy a full choice of quality UK products, without facing higher prices”. The latest post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland – detailed in the Windsor Framework – replace the old Northern Ireland Protocol that was implemented as part of the original Brexit deal, and address the shortcomings and issues associated with it. The old Protocol effectively meant that NI remained part of the European Union for trading purposes. Agreed on 27 February by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Windsor Framework delivers free-flowing trade in goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland “by removing any sense of the border in the Irish Sea for goods staying within the UK”. When goods arrive in NI, they will now travel through a ‘green lane’ if they are destined to stay in the region, or a ‘red lane’ if moving on to the EU. Traders in the green lane will be able to travel using ordinary commercial information, with the only checks designed to prevent smuggling or crime. This is the same type of standard commercial information used when moving goods from Birmingham to the Isle of Wight. All goods destined for the EU will use the ‘red lane’. The Framework replaces many EU laws with UK laws, which ensures that NI’s population can benefit from the same tax policies, food and drink, medicines and parcels as the rest of the UK. Michael Bell, executive director of Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), said: “NIFDA welcomes the considerable efforts of both the UK government and the EU to find joint solutions on the NI Protocol. Since the referendum and subsequent negotiations, the priority for the NI food and drink industry has been for a durable negotiated solution that maintains frictionless trade and allows our businesses to grow and thrive.” He continued: “On first reading, the Windsor Framework looks substantial and balanced, and represents the kind of pragmatic, practical solutions that we have been urging. We are working through the detail of the deal, but the agreement itself is an important step forward by both the UK government and European Union.” The Framework states that “the Agreement rewrites the Treaty text with a new Stormont Brake that means the UK can veto new EU goods laws if they are not supported by both communities in Northern Ireland, which goes far beyond previous agreements or discussions on the old Protocol”. In Sunak’s announcement, he said: “Today’s agreement is…about stability in Northern Ireland. It’s about real people and real businesses. It’s about showing that our Union, that has lasted for centuries, can and will endure. And it’s about breaking down the barriers between us. Setting aside the arguments that have for too long, divided us. And remembering the fellow feeling that defines us: this family of nations – this United Kingdom.” The agreement is intended to remove any sense of a border in the Irish Sea within the UK. As such, the green lane will include food retailers and hospitality businesses, significantly reducing sanitary and phytosanitary checks and paperwork, while enabling choice for consumers on supermarket shelves. The UK government said: “A single supermarket truck who previously had to provide 500 certificates can now instead make a straightforward commitment that goods will stay in Northern Ireland”. Furthermore, chilled meats like sausages and minced meat, which were banned under the old Protocol, will now, like other food products, be able to move freely into NI. The agreement concludes months of discussions between the UK and EU, which, to provide reassurance for the future, agreed to work together to anticipate and deal with any other issues that may emerge. To give businesses and individuals time to prepare, the implementation of the agreement will be phased in this year and into 2024. The UK government will no longer proceed with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and the EU will withdraw all of the legal actions it has launched against the UK.

E&J Gallo Winery-owned brand High Noon has announced the launch of a new line of hard seltzers made with tequila and juice. High Noon Tequila is available in four flavours: strawberry, lime, grapefruit and passion fruit. The gluten-free range is made with real fruit juice and layered with blanco tequila, with no added sugar. The drinks have an ABV of 4.5% and contain 100 calories per 355ml can. Britt West, SVP and general manager of E&J Gallo Winery, said: “Tequila continues to gain momentum and is one of the fastest-growing spirits in the market. We saw an opportunity to expand our offering and bring tequila fans a hard seltzer we know they’ll love. The debut of the High Noon Tequila Seltzer eight-pack comes at a time when tequila enthusiasts are craving the opportunity to enjoy their favourite spirit without having to compromise on convenience or taste." The range will be available nationally from May in variety eight-packs priced at $21.99.

Nestlé is set to close its factory and head office in Yangon, Myanmar, as it looks to transition to a more sustainable business model. The company began distributing its products in Myanmar in 1991, creating high-quality items at affordable prices for consumers in the country. Nestlé has since expanded its presence in Myanmar with the appearance of brands such as Nescafé, Milo, Lactogen, Cerelac and Maggi. A spokesperson for Nestlé told FoodBev that the company has appointed Myanmar Distribution Group (MDG) as its distributor for the country, responsible for the marketing and distribution of Nestlé products. Myanmar has been impacted by violence and instability since 2021 when a military coup drove out the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her government. Thousands have been killed nationwide since the coup began, according to CNN. Nestlé's spokesperson commented: “For some time now, we have been looking at how we can make the Nestlé Myanmar business sustainable. Recently, we conducted an evaluation on the best approach to do so. The evaluation concluded that transitioning to a distributor model makes the most sense in the current economic situation and will contribute towards our long-term viability in Myanmar.” The spokesperson added that consumers can expect to enjoy the same Nestlé brands imported from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. "We will continue to invest behind the brands we sell in the country, working with our local partners in distribution, retail and with the media," they said. Following the transition, Nestlé’s Dagon factory near Yangon and its head office in Yangon will cease operations.

DSM Engineering Materials has announced a partnership with sustainability start-up DiFold to develop foldable, reusable products. The start-up has chosen DSM Engineering Materials’ Arnitel Eco – a bio-based thermoplastic copolyester – to manufacture its flagship Origami foldable water bottle. Adopting Arnitel Eco for its product signifies a step in the right direction as DiFold works towards its goal of reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste. The patented design of DiFold’s Origami Bottle is inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding and can fold down to less than 10% of its original volume, improving user convenience and reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. Arnitel Eco is partially derived from renewable rapeseed oil that delivers a carbon footprint reduction of up to 50% compared with traditional copolyesters. Co-founders of DiFold, Radina Popova and Petar Zaharinov, commented: “We wanted a bio-based material that could be recycled, as well as having the specific mechanical properties required by the folding design. We are happy to say that Arnitel Eco offers the perfect balance of elasticity, plasticity, and circularity.” Pim Janssen, marketing manager for food contact, water contact and appliance markets at DSM Engineering Materials, said: “We are pleased that our services and materials could help DiFold in their mission to minimise the impact of packaging on the environment – a topic which is also close to our hearts. By helping to de-fossilise the value chain, Arnitel Eco contributes to creating a circular economy for materials.” Arnitel Eco is BPA-free and can withstand temperatures of between -30°c and +100°c. It can also be recycled without any loss of quality in the recovered material.

Proximo Spirits has added a new flavour to its black spiced rum brand, Kraken, with the introduction of a Black Cherry and Madagascan Vanilla variety. Kraken Black Cherry and Madagascan Vanilla offers a fruity and flavourful fusion of the signature black spiced Caribbean rum with rich cherries and an undercurrent of Madagascan vanilla. Consumers can find the 40% ABV Kraken Black Cherry and Madagascan Vanilla flavour at Tesco stores, priced at £26 for a 70cl bottle. Wider distribution of the new flavour is expected to commence in April.

Westrock Coffee Company has acquired US-based speciality-grade roaster Bixby Roasting. In order to capitalise on shifting consumer consumption trends, the deal – which includes Bixby’s roasting facility in Los Angeles, California – will enhance Westrock Coffee's omnichannel product marketing and development capabilities. Founded in 2017, Bixby roasts and ships fresh premium coffee direct to consumers' doors via its subscription service. Bixby is also known in the emerging influencer-led brand space. Bixby co-founders, Miles Fisher and Remington Hotchkis, will both join the Westrock Coffee senior management team – Fisher will serve as senior vice president of sales while Hotchkis will be named vice president of sales. Elizabeth McLaughlin, executive vice president of sales at Westrock Coffee, said: "The emergence of influencer-led brands has created a new sales channel in the beverage business, and Bixby is at the forefront of its development. Miles and Remington bring a depth of knowledge on these emerging channels that we are adding to the Westrock Coffee portfolio, including the co-creation of new influencer brands that are particularly appealing to young consumers." Fisher added: “Remington and I are thrilled to take our careers and company to the next level by joining forces with Westrock Coffee. Scott and his team continue to grow with their impressive customer base and look to serve their customers not only through traditional private brand offerings but also through the creation of products for specific customer segments and influencer-based brands. "With the resources and momentum that Westrock Coffee brings, we are ready to get to work and fuel the product development and ecommerce offerings of the company." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Leprino Foods has signed a non-binding agreement to acquire full ownership of European mozzarella maker Glanbia Cheese. Glanbia Cheese is one of Europe's leading producers of mozzarella and comprises Glanbia Cheese UK and Glanbia Cheese EU. If the sale goes ahead, Glanbia will receive an initial cash consideration in excess of €160 million for its stake in Glanbia Cheese, with a possible additional consideration of up to €25 million over the next three years, dependent on business performance. Post completion, the existing teams at Glanbia Cheese’s three manufacturing facilities across Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland will continue to manage the business, led by CEO Paul Vernon, without disruption to day-to-day operations. Mike Durkin, president and CEO of Leprino Foods, said: “Having successfully partnered with Glanbia since 2000, we are proud of the high-quality business that we have helped build. We look forward to working with Paul Vernon and the local team to ensure a seamless transition for our employees, customers and suppliers.” Glanbia stated that the sale will enable the company to focus on its position as a better nutrition company continuing to tap into consumer health and wellness trends. Siobhán Talbot, group managing director of Glanbia, added: “As we have evolved our portfolio at Glanbia in recent years, we have become very focused on our nutrition strategy, serving consumer health and wellness categories through our brands and ingredient solutions business. From perspective the logic of this transaction is clear as it allows us to focus on our core better nutrition strategy and to allocate further capital to our global growth businesses.” Paul Vernon, CEO of Glanbia Cheese, added: “We are excited by this proposed transaction which will see us align our business into Leprino Foods, the largest and most successful mozzarella business in the world. Glanbia Cheese will be a strong fit within Leprino Foods, with its strategic focus on our category.” Subject to the completion of due diligence and execution of definitive agreements, the potential transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023.