Danone has announced plans to transfer control of its dairy food business in Russia in a transaction that could result in a write-off of up to €1 billion. Announced on Friday, Danone said the decision to offload its Russian Essential Dairy and Plant-based (EDP) operations was “the best option to ensure long-term local business continuity, for employees, consumers and partners”. According to Danone, the business represented around 5% of the company's net sales during the first nine months of 2022. Earlier this year, the dairy giant announced that it would restrict all investments in Russia. However, the company said it would continue to produce and distribute its dairy and infant nutrition products to meet the essential food needs of the local population. According to Reuters, Danone is retaining its infant nutrition unit in the country following last week's announcement. The transaction to offload Danone’s EDP Russia business is subject to regulatory approvals.

Halewood Artisanal Spirits' Whitley Neill has announced that it is expanding into the low and no category for the first time with a quartet of 0.0 variants. The new products provide consumers with alcohol-free versions of the brand’s core range – Rhubarb and Ginger, Raspberry, Blood Orange and Spiced Dry. All four variants are made with Whitley Neill gin and de-alcoholised using a spinning cone vacuum column which boils liquid at a much lower temperature, helping to retain the distinctive flavours and characteristic top notes of Whitley Neill. Rachel Adams, marketing director at Halewood Artisanal Spirits, said: “Over the last couple of years we’ve seen more and more consumers seeking to moderate their overall alcohol consumption. We know these consumers are looking for well-known, well-trusted brands. “Therefore, as the UK’s most loved gin brand, Whitley Neill is in a prime place to fulfil this demand by offering a great tasting alcohol-free alternative to some of our most popular variants.” Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger 0.0 and Whitley Neill Raspberry 0.0 are available in Sainsbury’s stores and online for an RRP of £22. All four variants are available for all channels to order now.

Independent coffee brand, CafePod, has announced the launch of Decaf Supercharger Espresso, a new flavour of decaf coffee. The decaf coffee gives notes of spiced roasted chestnuts and provides a darker and bolder alternative to the brand’s current decaf option, allowing consumers more variety in their non-caffeinated selections. Victoria Russell, head of marketing at CafePod, said: “Supercharger Espresso is our bestseller and we’re delighted to have perfected a decaf version. Decaf should never be a compromise. This blend is full-bodied and packed full of flavour. We’re excited for everyone to try it.” The Nespresso-compatible pods are made from 80% recycled aluminium which take 90% less energy to produce compared to primary aluminium pods. The pods are 100% recyclable and available to buy on the brand’s website, or online retailers Amazon and Ocado.

ImpacX, a smart packaging platform company, has partnered with Gatorade to launch a new smart water bottle. ImpacX’s patented smart cap technology turns reusable bottles into a smart, digital device that tracks and collects hydration data for the user while calculating beverage intake based on the user’s profile and sport activity when paired with the accompanying Gx app. This innovation encourages hydration with reminders that are triggered by sensors located within the bottle’s cap that detect the level of liquid inside the bottle. “We’re excited to partner with an international brand such as Gatorade,” said Yoav Hoshen, co-founder and senior vice president of impacX. Hoshen continued: “We strive to be leaders of the smart hydration space and are dedicated to technology that brings a robust and well-rounded product for our customers and partners.” “We have been searching for an innovative technology company to partner with that can deliver personalised daily hydration recommendations and change the way athletes hydrate and fuel,” said Drew Palin, senior director of innovation at Gatorade. Palin added: “impacX has created a smart packaging technology that precisely meets our needs. This new partnership represents the future of packaging and has the potential to improve athlete engagement.” The Gatorade Smart Gx bottle powered by impacX is currently available in black and has the option for personalization. It comes in a kit including the bottle, a four-pack of Gx pods, two Gx Sweat Patches, and is available now for $69.99 online.

Sustainable carton producer SIG has entered into a five-year partnership with WWF Switzerland to drive progress in sustainable forest management. SIG will directly invest in projects designed to protect and restore thousands of hectares of forests, in addition to enhancing the wider industry’s commitment to sustainable forestry through engaging with suppliers and customers. In 2021, SIG became the first carton producer to purchase only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paperboard, setting high standards for sustainable forest management practices to support biodiversity and communities. “For more than a decade, SIG has led the industry in driving progress on sustainable forest management through FSC certification,” said Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG. He continued: “This exciting new partnership will help us create further positive impact by protecting and restoring more forests and showing the way for others to contribute to thriving forest ecosystems”. The partnership will see SIG join WWF’s Forests Forward programme, bringing together local businesses, communities and other forest stakeholders to transform the way forests are valued, managed, protected and restored. Thomas Vellacott, CEO of WWF Switzerland, said: “Our new partnership will enable us to work together to deliver targeted support for at-risk forests in biodiversity hotspots and deforestation fronts. These projects will help forests thrive, together with the wildlife and people who depend on them.” The collaboration’s first joint venture will help to secure a landscape in the western coastal region of Mexico by improving forest management of 100,000 hectares and restoration of a further 750 hectares of forest. The area covers the Central Pacific Jaguar Landscape. Conserving the jaguars will help to secure vast territories of the land that are at risk of being lost. These territories are vital for the provision of ecosystem services to local communities, including maintaining productive food supplies and habitable weather conditions.

Pernod Ricard has announced plans to significantly increase its stake in Sovereign Brands. This additional investment will strengthen the two company's long-term partnership and will enhance Pernod Ricard’s exposure to the US market. The move comes after Pernod's September 2021 announcement that it had acquired a minority stake in Sovereign Brands. At the closing of this transaction, expected to close in November, Pernod said it will consolidate Sovereign Brands in its financial statements due to various call options through which Pernod Ricard may look to further increase its stake in the partnership in the future. Closing remains subject to fulfilment of customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances. During the last 12 months, the partnership has supported the growth of Sovereign’s exciting brand portfolio including French super-premium sparkling wine Luc Belaire (approximately 1 million 9L cases in 2021) and a range of Caribbean rums sold under the Bumbu brand (approximately 300,000 9l cases in 2021). Both companies have also initiated a number of joint incubation projects, with an initial brand planned for a full-scale launch in the coming months. This additional investment is in line with the Pernod Ricard strategic plan Transform and Accelerate and reflects its ambition to further enhance its consumer-centric portfolio development and invest in anticipated growth categories. “Our partnership with Sovereign Brands has already proven to be very successful, with brands such as Bumbu and Luc Belaire now reaching an ever-growing number of consumers in the US and abroad. I believe we are perfectly matched as two consumer-centric companies with a shared commitment to creativity, innovation and brand building,” said Alexandre Ricard, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard. Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands, stated: “In the year since we first announced our partnership with Pernod Ricard, everything that we could have hoped for from the relationship has come to pass. With the upcoming launch of our innovative first joint brands together, it’s the perfect time to deepen our partnership."

Kroger and Albertsons Companies announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which the two companies will merge. Under the terms of the merger, Kroger will acquire the outstanding shares of Albertsons' common and preferred stock for an estimated consideration of $34.10 per share, implying a total enterprise value of approximately $24.6 billion. The $24.6 billion total includes the assumption of approximately $4.7 billion of Albertsons’ net debt. As part of the transaction, Albertsons will pay a cash dividend of up to $4 billion to its shareholders. This cash dividend will be payable on 7 November 2022, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on 24 October 2022. Together, Albertsons and Kroger employ more than 710,000 associates and operate a total of 4,996 stores, 66 distribution centres, 52 manufacturing plants, 3,972 pharmacies and 2,015 fuel centres. Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO, said: "Albertsons brings a complementary footprint and operates in several parts of the country with very few or no Kroger stores. This merger advances our commitment to build a more equitable and sustainable food system by expanding our footprint into new geographies to serve more of America with fresh and affordable food.” The agreement to merge the two complementary organisations will enable the combined companies to establish a national footprint, expanding customer reach and improving proximity to deliver fresh and affordable food to approximately 85 million households across both stores and digital channels. “As a combined entity, we will be able to further enhance technology and innovation, promote healthier lifestyles, extend our health care and pharmacy network and grow our alternative profit businesses,” added McMullen. Kroger plans to lower prices for customers and expects to do so by reinvesting around $0.5 billion of cost savings from synergies. It will also invest $1.3 billion into Albertsons Cos stores to enhance customer experience. Kroger has invested $1.2 billion in associate compensation and benefits since 2018 and the combined company expects to invest a further $1 billion to continue raising associated wages after the close. Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons, said: “Given the similarities in the culture and values at Kroger and Albertsons Cos., I am confident that the combination will also have a positive impact on our associates and the communities we are proud to serve. We look forward to working together with Kroger to capture the compelling opportunities ahead.”

International Delight has announced the launch of its new Cinnamon Churro Iced Coffee flavour. “International Delight is known for transforming everyday coffee moments into celebrations of self-expression and joy,” said Kallie Goodwin, vice president of marketing for International Delight. Goodwin continued: “We are thrilled to give our fans the ability to indulge in the delectable treat any season for any reason, right from the comfort of their home with International Delight Cinnamon Churro Iced Coffee.” International Delight Cinnamon Churro Iced Coffee is available now in 64 oz. cartons with an RRP of $4.59 at US retailers. Other International Delight Iced Coffee flavours include Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla and Reese’s and more. All of the International Delight Iced Coffee offerings are made with real milk, cream and cane sugar.

Premium mixer brand Fever-Tree has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of a new blood orange ginger beer flavour variety. Fever-Tree has partnered with bourbon brand Maker’s Mark to develop the custom flavour. The new release is designed to pair with the characteristics unique to bourbon, combining the sweet notes of Italian blood oranges with the fiery, full-bodied taste of its signature ginger beer. The new drink contains a blend of three real gingers sourced for their distinctive, flavour profiles as Fever-Tree expands its popular ginger beer range for the first time. Charles Gibb, CEO of Fever-Tree USA said: “We are delighted to innovate our ginger beer range to capitalise on the fastest growing and largest spirits categories – which is why we've created a liquid that pairs perfectly with bourbon, vodka, and tequila. “Fever-Tree is always on the forefront of innovation and works with the best in class/leaders in the industry partners, like Maker's Mark, to ensure the best quality, flavour, and mixer to make the world's best drinks." In line with Fever-Tree’s existing mixer portfolio, the new beverage is non-GMO certified and contains no artificial sweeteners or colours. The blood orange ginger beer mixers are available to buy in select retailers across the US, at an RRP of $4.99 per 4-pack.

PepsiCo-owned Walkers has announced a £14 million investment in sustainable food packaging innovations that will save 250 tonnes of virgin plastic annually. As part of the move, the outer plastic packaging on millions of the snack giant’s multipacks will be replaced with a new cardboard design. After a successful trial with Tesco, Walkers will transition to the new cardboard outer packaging in the coming weeks. Additionally, Walkers has invested in a new stretch film to wrap around pallets before distribution to retailers. Produced using nanotechnology, the film contains tiny air bubbles that reduce the amount of plastic used, while retaining the same stretch and strength needed to protect the product. This new technology is predicted to reduce Walkers’ annual virgin plastic use by 40% compared to the previous packaging. By decreasing its use of fossil-fuel-based virgin plastic, Walkers will reduce its annual carbon emissions by 465 tonnes. Sustainable packaging director at PepsiCo UK & Ireland, Simon Devaney, said: “This investment marks an important step forward, delivering a huge reduction in virgin plastic across some of our best-selling ranges, while also helping to tackle our carbon footprint. Reducing virgin plastic across our supply chain is a key part of our commitment to creating a world where packaging never becomes waste.” The investment comes as part of PepsiCo Positive, the company’s health and sustainability transformation plan, which includes the goal of eliminating virgin fossil-based plastic from its European crisp and snack bags by 2030 and the ambition of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.

Mars has announced the appointment of Abigail Stevenson as its new chief science officer (CSO). In the new role, Stevenson will champion Mars' involvement in scientific discovery. She will drive external partnerships with academia, non-governmental organisations and peers and provide leadership of the Mars science team, reporting to Nici Bush, vice president of science and technology for Mars. Stevenson will assume the role of CSO this month and will continue her responsibilities as vice president of the Mars advanced research institute (MARI), which connects Mars with emerging science and technology. She will also oversee the Mars global food safety centre (GFSC), a research and training facility that supports a global network of partners and collaborators tackling significant food safety challenges facing the planet today. "Mars' commitment to science and technology is helping us solve consumer problems and address increasingly demanding global challenges. With more than 20 years of research experience, Abi brings the deep scientific experience needed to advance our business and make a positive impact on society," said Bush. She continued: "I look forward to continuing to work with her as Mars pursues an ambitious science agenda throughout the business". Stevenson commented: "As the world around us continues to evolve, I am excited to be driving discoveries that have the potential to impact not only the future of our business, but also to improve the lives of people and pets around the world. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best and brightest scientists, researchers and professionals across the globe, and I'm looking forward to continuing our important work together."

Smurfit Kappa is investing around $100 million in a sustainable biomass boiler at its paper mill facility in Yumbo, Colombia. The boiler aims to reduce Smurfit Kappa’s global Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by approximately 6%. The company has already implemented biomass boilers at other paper mill sites across Europe, including Piteå in Sweden, and Sangüesa and Nervion in Spain. Smurfit Kappa says the boiler will replace fossil fuels currently in use with different types of organic waste to generate cleaner energy. The organic waste will be comprised of pine and eucalyptus bark from the business' personal forestry plantations, waste from its wood treatment plan and ashes and sludge generated through the paper-manufacturing process. Once the boiler is operational, the Colombian mill will reduce the facility's fossil fuel usage and deliver significant cost savings. Laurent Sellier, CEO of Smurfit Kappa in the US said: “This investment reinforces our commitment to Colombia, a strategic growth market, and to our sustainability targets. The commissioning of this state-of-the-art biomass boiler is a further material step towards our 2030 and net zero emissions targets and to protecting the environment and creating a greener world.” Alvaro J Henao, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Colombia, added: "The construction of this boiler reflects the circularity that is the foundation of our sustainability strategy and runs through all of our operations, as we are finding another use for our own waste. It is also a very important project for the region, as it will contribute to expanding the use of renewable energies and is a timely response to the increased global demand for paper.” The company expects the boiler to be operational by the end of 2024.