Multus Biotechnology‍ has raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round to build a production facility in the UK for food-safe growth formulations and ingredients for the cultivated meat industry. The investment will also accelerate product development in advanced growth media formulations and food-grade raw materials. The funding includes an equity-free grant of $2.5 million from Innovate UK through the EIC Accelerator. The round was led by Mandi Ventures, including participation from SOSV, Big Idea Ventures, SynBioVen and Asahi Kasei Corp. Multus is a UK-based startup pioneering the design and production of novel growth media formulations and ingredients for the affordable scale-up of cellular agriculture.‍ Multus growth media formulations and ingredients are the foundation of cellular agriculture and allow cells to replace animals in the production of meat, dairy, leather and more. ‍‍Multus' CEO, Cai Linton, said: "We are excited to use this funding to drive innovation in novel ingredient discovery, intelligent formulation design and food-safe growth media production for the affordable scale-up of the cellular agriculture industry. We are confident that our unique approach to growth media will play a key role in making cultivated meat a sustainable and affordable choice for all." Julio Benetti, co-founder and managing partner at Mandi Ventures, added: "Multus’ technology has the potential to revolutionise the cultivated meat industry by significantly reducing production costs and accelerating the commercial scale-up of the sector, benefiting cultivated meat producers, consumers and the environment".

Diageo has reached an agreement to acquire Don Papa Rum, a dark rum brand based in the Philippines. The initial consideration is for €260 million with further potential consideration of up to €177.5 million through to 2028, subject to performance. Founded in 2012 by Stephen Carroll, Don Papa Rum is available in 30 countries, with France, Germany and Italy being its largest markets. John Kennedy, president of Diageo Europe and India, commented: “We are excited by the opportunity to bring Don Papa into the Diageo portfolio to complement our existing rums. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to acquire high-growth brands with attractive margins that support premiumisation, and enables us to participate in the fast-growing super-premium plus segment.” The rum is distilled and aged on the Negros Occidental island, a province in the Philippines. The combination of the local sugar cane and the oak barrel ageing in a hot climate provides the foundation for a rich-textured finish that carries flavours of vanilla, honey and candied fruits. Don Papa Rum’s founder commented: “Diageo has a strong track record in nurturing founder-led brands. They believe in our unique story and have genuinely embraced our brand idea. We believe this acquisition is a great opportunity to take Don Papa into the next exciting chapter of its development.” Carroll will remain involved with the brand, working alongside Diageo to build on Don Papa Rum’s growth potential. The acquisition will be funded through existing cash reserves and is expected to close in the first half of 2023.

English Provender Company, part of The Billington Group, has unveiled a new addition to its Very Lazy range, Chilli Boost. Chilli Boost will be available in two flavours: Zesty, Smokey and Zingy. The Boost range can be used as a cooking oil, drizzle, dip or as a stir-through to add flavour to dishes. Freddie Billington, brand manager for Very Lazy, said: “This is an exciting addition to our already popular Very Lazy range, as well as to the category. The versatile Boost range provides the consumer with an easy way to customise the heat levels of their meals and add great flavour.” Chilli Boost will launch at Tesco stores this month.

Perfetti Van Melle's Fruit-tella brand has expanded its confectionery portfolio with the launch of HFSS-compliant jellies, Fruit-tella Curiosities. The sweets are made with 30% reduced sugar, real fruit juice and natural colourings and flavours and come in two varieties: By the Sea and In the Snow. By the Sea features soft fish, starfish and crab shapes in flavours lemon, orange and strawberry. In the Snow contains penguins, polar bears and walruses in flavours blackberry, raspberry and strawberry. Lauren Potter, senior brand manager at Fruit-tella, said: “This expansion of the beloved Fruit-tella portfolio caters to parents with 4-12-year-olds who are searching for an all-natural treat for the family…with the quality assurance that comes from a trustworthy household name.” The new jellies are available in select UK retailers for an RRP of £1.50 per bag.

Mochi ice cream brand Little Moons is launching a new range of what it claims is a first-to-market mochi sorbet. Refreshos mochi sorbet is 100% HFSS-compliant and comes in two flavours: very berry and pineapple & mandarin. Each flavour incorporates a fresh and fruity sorbet, which is wrapped in Little Moons' signature soft mochi dough. The bites, which are less than 60 calories per ball, are vegan, gluten-free and free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. Howard Wong, co-founder of Little Moons, said: “Little Moons are pioneers of handheld snacking within the ice cream category and this new range continues to deliver on those snacking moments – with a light and refreshing proposition in a bite-sized format". Wong continued: "As Europe’s leading mochi ice cream brand, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to stay relevant for our core fans but also drive new customer acquisition. The new range will provide fans with even more snackable moments that can be enjoyed throughout the day and which give them a little lift.” Little Moons Refreshos mochi sorbet will be available from the end of this month at Asda stores for an RRP of £4.80.

Spain-based seafood group, Angulas Aguinaga, has appointed Óscar Vicente as CEO, with an aim to boost the company’s growth. Most recently, Vicente was general manager at tuna giant Bolton Food Group, prior to which he spent 17 years as marketing director at Unilever. In a statement, Vicente said he is “proud to lead the company” through this phase of growth and expansion. The appointment follows PAI Partners' acquisition of a majority stake in Angulas Aguinaga in 2020.

Under its KitKat brand, Nestlé has launched three new products including KitKat Bites with Lotus Biscoff and KitKat Caramel. The launch includes a new caramel flavour KitKat, in 2-finger and 4-finger varieties. The brand’s new KitKat Bites will be available in a Lotus Biscoff flavour, bite-size pieces filled with Lotus Biscoff spread and classic KitKat wafer pieces, launching into major retailers this February. The brand has also launched the limited edition KitKat Chunky White with Lotus Biscoff, a crispy wafer topped with Lotus Biscoff caramelised biscuit crumb and filling, covered in white chocolate. The bar will be exclusively in Tesco stores from March 2023. Alongside the three new products, KitKat is also beginning a nationwide rollout of its previously limited edition KitKat Vegan, a 4-finger plant-based bar made with rice-based milk.

Iced tea franchise HTeaO has announced that Dallas-based private equity firms Crux Capital and Trive Capital have acquired a minority stake in its business. The partnership will enable HTeaO to expand into new markets by leveraging Crux and Trive’s collective resources, as well as enabling the company to employ technology to improve the quality of service and enhance customer experience. HTeaO’s CEO, Justin Howe, said: "As we enter our next phase, we are thrilled to partner with Crux and Trive and leverage their significant financial resources and operational expertise. The support and resources of these two firms should enhance our focus on unit-level economics and developing a franchise system at scale.” Financial terms were not disclosed.

Nestlé is planning to cut 94 jobs at its Dolce Gusto factory in the Midlands. The Swiss food giant told FoodBev that it is proposing some changes to its Tutbury plant, which would result in a reduction of staff. The company says the decision was made due to a "significant drop in demand" for the company's Nescafé Dolce Gusto products. A spokesperson for Nestlé said: "We are proposing some changes at our Tutbury factory which would, unfortunately, mean a reduction in people. These changes are due to a significant drop in demand for our Nescafé Dolce Gusto products, which means some of our lines are under capacity or not in use." They added: "Regrettably, it is necessary to propose a change in the factory structure to respond to this change in demand and ensure our manufacturing is as efficient as possible. As always, we are speaking to our employees about this proposal first, and nothing will be confirmed until those discussions have been completed."

Bartek Ingredients has broken ground on the construction of its new malic and food-grade fumaric acid production facility. According to Bartek, the CAD 175 million (approx. $130.6 million) facility will double the company's capacity and provide advanced production capabilities. The production plant is also expected to reduce GHG emissions by more than 80% per unit. John Burrows, president and CEO at Bartek, said: "We are thrilled to be breaking ground on our new state-of-the-art facility, which will set a new global benchmark for safety, efficiency and environmental performance". He continued: "We are pleased to be investing in the community of Stoney Creek and proud to play an integral part in supporting local industries and the local economy. We are thankful for our partnerships with the provincial and federal government and Environment Hamilton and their support and guidance throughout the process." Construction of the facility expects to inject $100 million into the local economy, supporting employment in Stoney Creek and providing training in the job skills of the future for employees. Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, commented: "Congratulations to everyone at Bartek Ingredients on this exciting milestone. Bartek's $175 million investment will ensure that the company can continue to expand and create more good-paying jobs in Hamilton and the surrounding region." WSP Global, a global engineering consulting firm, is leading the construction and design of the project. The facility is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2024.

Salford brewery Seven Bro7hers has announced plans to merge with Four Sis4ers Distillery, allowing consumers access to a ‘one-stop’ shop for craft beer, gin and rum. The takeover will see a rebrand of the Sis4ers gin distillery, aimed at bringing the portfolio in line with the Bro7her’s core beers, targeting grocery buyers in convenience stores. Seven Bro7hers CEO, Keith McAvoy, said: “Our sisters have built a brilliant portfolio of delicious, unique gins and rums, unlike others in the marketplace. We believe with the right branding strategy and access to our fantastic network; we will be able to grow the business and get the products in front of new buyers.” The brewery was founded in 2014 by the McAvoy brothers and following their success, the ‘McAvoy sisters’ launched Sis4ers Distillery in 2018. According to the company, the merger will forge the largest alcohol family in the industry. Lucy White of Sis4ers Distillery, said: “The merger feels like a natural progression for our business. The brothers have had great success taking the brewery from in-house webshop to store and we can’t wait to see where that wealth of experience takes the Four Sis4ers brand.”

UK-based specialist baker, Finsbury Food Group is launching a trio of cakes, extending its partnership with Mary Berry and chocolatier Thorntons. During the month, Mary Berry will launch two sharing cakes, inspired by the baker’s own recipes, Raspberry Ripple and Indulgent Chocolate. The Raspberry Ripple cake features a layer of raspberry jam sandwiched between a sponge cake and topped with a cream cheese frosting. Mary Berry’s Raspberry Ripple Cake will be available at Sainsbury’s for an RRP of £3.75. Meanwhile, Mary Berry’s Indulgent Chocolate Cake is made with chocolate ganache buttercream and finished with milk and white chocolate curls, and will also be available at Sainsbury’s for an RRP of £3.75. Thorntons will also launch new Strawberry Dream Bites to add to its existing range of Thorntons Bites. The brownie bites have a layer of strawberry filling and are covered in Thorntons’ milk chocolate. The bites will be available from early February at Co-Op, Nisa Retail, Spar and Tesco for an RRP of £1.80