Refresco has opened a new €20 million high-bay warehouse at its production site in Calvörde, Germany. The new facility has a total capacity of over 41,000 pallet spaces, becoming Refresco’s largest fully automated warehouse. Refresco said the warehouse is of "strategic importance" for future production and logistics at the site. In addition, the fully automated logistics system is expected to enhance occupational safety. With the investment, the company expects to improve the efficiency of both the production environment and the transportation of finished products. The warehouse will enable Refresco to continue to grow and acquire new business. Till Alvermann, managing director at Refresco Germany, said: "The new high-bay warehouse is a milestone for us and makes this one of Refresco’s most advanced locations worldwide. Among other things, the complete automation of our logistical handling allows us to load quickly and safely and improves our competitive advantage. We also strengthen the service level for our customers."

Kodiak, a breakfast and snacking products company, has appointed Valerie Oswalt as its new chief executive officer. Oswalt will take on the responsibilities of co-founder and incumbent CEO, Joel Clark, and co-founder and president, Cameron Smith, both of whom will transition into roles on Kodiak's board of directors. "It is a privilege to lead a fast-growing, purpose-driven food company built on a mission to inspire healthier eating and active living," said Oswalt. She continued: "I am inspired by the culture that has been cultivated by Kodiak's founders and executive team since its inception and look forward to continuing to build upon it". Oswalt joins Kodiak from Campbell Soup Company, where she was president of the snacks division and a Campbell executive vice president since 2020. Prior to Campbell, she served as CEO of Century Snacks, a trail mix and nut products company. "Valerie's people-first leadership style and deep industry experience uniquely position her to lead Kodiak into its next phase of growth," said Clark. "I'm thrilled to pass the baton to someone our team unanimously felt was the right person for the job." Smith commented: "Building the Kodiak brand alongside Joel for over a decade has been such a rewarding experience...We chose Valerie for this role because her approach to leadership mirrors those values that are so important to the culture at Kodiak. We're confident her expertise will accelerate the growth of the company and team."

Acquion Food Tech, a new Brazilian venture led by entrepreneur André Albuquerque, is beginning operations this month. Over the next four years, up to BRL 250 million ($46.6 million approx.) will be invested in Acquion, which will produce collagen and gelatin. The company's plans for the coming years include increasing production capacity and establishing new facilities around the world. The Acquion plant – located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais – has started out with a production capacity of 3,000 tons per year. The company plans to launch the brands Cpure (collagen) and Gpure (gelatin) and deliver "the first collagen with 98% protein and 99% purity". Albuquerque commented: "We are taking the segment to another level, based on the premise of quality at an affordable price for the market and the final customer. It is the purest collagen on the market, produced in the leanest and most efficient industrial process with the best food technology in the sector."

Mettler Toledo has launched its next-generation Easy Vis, which analyses liquid samples for their optical spectrum, colour and water parameters. The notebook-sized device is able to carry out three measuring tasks with the potential to replace three instruments: a colourimeter, a spectrophotometer and measuring methods for water testing, such as titration. The machine provides workflow guidance, enabling untrained staff to operate it with ease and reducing training time. Within seconds, the results appear on a visual interface. Easy Vis streamlines the production process as it can be used multiple times; inspecting raw materials, quality control and products, or testing the water quality of wastewater. The instrument’s sample analysis removes the need to send samples to external laboratories for testing. Easy Vis operates within a wavelength range of 330 to 1,000 nanometres. Its light source is an easy-to-replace tungsten lamp. The instrument is preinstalled with 25 standard-compliant colour scales in the visible range, for example, ICUMSA for sugar colour, ESBC for beer quality analysis and OIV CIELab for wine colour determination. The water analysis tool shows the concentration of chemicals within the sample – for example, aluminium or polyphenol. This reveals whether the liquid is fit for human consumption or whether the wastewater is safe to release. In terms of spectrophotometry, the instrument analyses the sample at the wavelengths where it has its characteristic absorption of light, measuring the transmitted or absorbed light. The reading reveals the sample’s concentration or purity.

Freight Farms has raised $17.5 million in Series B3 funding to support the growth of its vertical hydroponic container farms. The company says the funding will support its "mission to empower anyone to grow food anywhere through its line of versatile, modular and easy-to-use container farms and farm automation software”. The company works with small business owners, as well as the hospitality, retail and education sectors to develop vertical hydroponic farms in shipping containers. The round was co-led by fluid management solutions company, Aliaxis SA, and Ospraie Ag Science – an investor in agtech companies and sustainable agriculture solutions. Rick Vanzura, CEO of Freight Farms, commented: "These investments from leading agtech investors further reinforce the importance of Freight Farms' mission to use container farming technology to address systemic challenges within our food and agriculture systems and their repercussions on our environment". He continued: "We are honoured to have the continued financial support of Ospraie and a new strategic partner in Aliaxis, both exceptional leaders in sustainable solutions". The funding round will also support personnel growth in key departments such as Freight Farms' customer experience, engineering and sales and marketing teams. Eric Olsen, CEO of Aliaxis, said: "By investing in Freight Farms, we are delivering on our Growth with Purpose strategy to help produce affordable, fresh, and locally produced food with much less water”. He added: "Freight Farms is at the forefront of innovation of vertical farming. This market is growing at more than 25% of compound annual growth rate and is expected to be superior to a $10bn market by 2026." Dwight Anderson, CIO of Ospraie Ag Science, said: "We're very excited to partner with Aliaxis on supporting the future growth of Freight Farms, already one of the leading turn-key production systems and software management platforms in controlled environment agriculture".

Heineken has announced plans to close or sell one of its three French breweries, which it says could affect 220 job positions. The potential closure or sale of the Schiltigheim site, located near Strasbourg, France, will enable Heinkeken to concentrate its production assets into two breweries instead of the current three, to ensure Heineken’s long-term competitiveness in the country. The company plans to invest around €100 million to modernise, expand and improve the environmental performance of its remaining breweries in France, in Mons-en-Barœul and Marseille, with the creation of new jobs at both sites. Pascal Gilet, chairman and CEO of Heineken France, said: “We understand the emotions aroused by the possible closure or sale of the Schiltigheim brewery, which we are all extremely attached to. But the site suffers from numerous limitations due to its location, which is no longer strategic, and its production costs, which are too high. For these reasons, we are considering closing it or selling it within three years.” He added: “Our priority over that period will be to fully support the employees affected. We will also give close attention to any takeover offer for the site that may be received. This project is especially based on a strong ambition to maintain our overall production volumes in France at high-performing sites.” The site at Schiltigheim – in the eastern region of Alsace – underwent a significant expansion in 2017, with the Dutch brewer investing €9.3 million to increase its existing production capacity of more than 450,000 hectolitres per year.

Bibigo has added ready-to-serve multigrain rice bowls to its portfolio. Ready to eat in 90 seconds, the four new varieties are non-GMO and steamed in a bowl as opposed to a pouch. The four varieties featuring in the launch includes, Brown Rice & Quinoa with Garlic, Brown Rice & Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice & Wild Rice with Garlic and Brown Rice, Wild Rice & Red Rice with Onion. Bibigo’s multigrain rice bowls will be available for purchase at selected US stores at a SRP of $2.99.

Organix has announced the release of its latest Kids Fruit Smash pouches, made with 100% recyclable packaging. The pouches are made from organic fruit and are under 100kcal, count as one of your five a day and are available in flavours Apple and Mango and Red Berries and Apple. Its Smash pouches are the latest addition to the Organix Kids snacking range. Organix Kids Smash Pouches are available to buy now at selected UK stores at an RRP of £1.20 for a 100g pouch.

Alkaline water company Flow Beverage has sold its Verona, Virginia, production facility to BioSteel Sports Nutrition for $19.5 million. The purchase price comprises: $13.2 million in cash and $6.3 million for the repayment of debt and retirement of lease obligations. The deal will support the expansion of BioSteel's US footprint, while “accelerating the path towards profitable growth of the Flow brand,” by enabling it to focus its investments on sales and marketing. The companies have also entered into a co-manufacturing agreement, whereby BioSteel will produce Flow’s portfolio of branded water at the facility, in addition to its own sports hydration drinks. Nicholas Reichenbach, founder and CEO of Flow, said: “The sale of the Verona production facility is a major milestone towards achieving profitable growth of the Flow brand. Through a significant reduction in our operating expenses associated with operating Verona and a material reduction in related future lease obligations, we have meaningfully improved our financial position and streamlined our organisation. “By maintaining ownership of our Virginia artesian spring and securing a co-manufacturing agreement with BioSteel, we expect continuity in our supply chain as we invest in continued revenue growth in the US.” Bruce Jacobson, president of BioSteel, commented: “BioSteel is growing at a record pace, with thousands of new points of distribution added since the beginning of the year, and this acquisition allows us to unlock greater efficiency in our business as we achieve full vertical integration of our US operations”. “As we move toward the top of the sports drink category, this agreement also supports our ability to consistently supply our premium ready-to-drink sports drinks, packaged in environmentally friendly Tetra Paks, which is a competitive advantage, and support our consumers with the 'Clean Healthy Hydration' that the next generation of athletes demands," he added.

Vow has raised $49.2 million in a Series A funding round that it says marks a record for the cultured meat industry. Vow – which claims to be Australia’s first cell-based meat company – plans to use the funding for product development, manufacturing expansion and hiring across new divisions. CEO and co-founder of the company, George Peppou, said: “By inventing new meats that are tastier, more nutritious and serve functions traditional meats can't, we can have an enormous impact. We’re thrilled to be toe to toe with the best companies in this space, moving at speed to reach huge milestones with a fraction of the capital of other companies.” Vow is introducing its first product brand, Morsel, to the Singapore market this year and expanding its manufacturing capabilities with the construction of its Factory 2. The Series A round was co-led by Blackbird and Prosperity7 Ventures, the diversified growth fund of Aramco Ventures, and was joined by a large pool of additional investors. Aysar Tayeb, executive managing director for Prosperity7 Ventures, commented: “Every choice Vow has made in its approach is thoughtfully aimed to accelerate acceptance and commercialisation of cell-cultured protein, including the deep application of technology and expanding the box to include thousands of cell lines to optimise taste, nutrition, and accelerate cell growth and cost down. We are thrilled to be a part of Vow’s pioneering journey to transform how food is made.”

Starco Brands has announced that Whipshots, an innovative vodka-infused whipped cream, is introducing a new Peppermint flavour to its portfolio. Joining other flavours of vanilla, mocha, and caramel, this limited-edition flavour adds a shot of sophistication, indulgence and luxury to any drink, dessert or party. David Dreyer, CMO of Starco Brands said: "With the holidays right around the corner, we are thrilled to release the new peppermint flavour just in time for consumers to enjoy with their family and friends. "As the demand for Whipshots has exceeded all expectations, we look forward to new flavour innovation throughout the year that will continue to disrupt the spirits industry one whip at a time." Whipshots has 10% alc./vol and does not require refrigeration. The product will be available for purchase in select US stores.

The European and International business of beer giant Asahi has announced the international launch of its alcohol-free beer, Asahi Super Dry 0.0%. Asahi Super Dry 0.0% offers a zero-alcohol version of the Asahi Super Dry beer, with “the exact same signature crisp, refreshing, super dry taste that has led Asahi Super Dry to be the number one selling beer in Japan”. Asahi’s master brewers take the base recipe of Asahi Super Dry through a process of de-alcoholisation to create the finished beer at 0.0% ABV. Asahi Super Dry 0.0% will be available across eight markets worldwide in 2023, beginning with its launch in the UK and Ireland in January.