Princes has entered the low- and no-alcohol market with the launch of a new range of blended juice drinks aimed at consumers seeking alternatives to alcohol. Princes Skinny Mixers includes three flavours: Strawberry Mojito, a blend of strawberries with a splash of apple juice; Passionfruit Martini, infuses crisp apple with sweet passionfruit; and Blackberry Bramble, which balances juicy blackberries with zesty lemon. Made from concentrate juice and fruit purees, the range is said to be low in calories and has no added sugar. Simon Stokes, senior development chef at Princes, said: “This announcement marks an exciting chapter for Princes, which has been helping families to eat well without costing the earth for generations. The brand-new trio of Princes Skinny Mixers is the perfect answer to an increasing consumer demand for alcohol alternatives – especially when they still taste as good as the real thing – as they can be served with or without alcohol.” Princes Skinny Mixers is available at Asda stores for an RRP of £2.50 per carton, with the range also launching in Tesco and Morrisons soon.

Vendon has expanded its product range by developing an IoT solution to help reverse vending machine operators track and manage their fleets remotely. The solution allows individuals and institutions running deposit refund schemes to streamline their operations by gaining insights into machine usage patterns and unlocking remote configuration of the machines and permitted products. Today, reverse vending features are relevant and play a significant role in product package circulation and sustainability. In addition to providing standard telemetry products and solutions, Vendon collaborated with Sielaff – one of the world’s leading brands for sustainable, successful vending machine solutions – to integrate reverse vending features in its telemetry system that have been repeatedly requested by users. Now it is yet another advanced and resource-saving solution for vendors to use and integrate with their business to become more sustainable and benefit from avoiding unnecessary money and time waste. The remote reverse vending machine management solution allows easily making any updates to the whole machine fleet remotely and all at once. This comes at a time when numerous European countries look to introduce deposit refund schemes to reduce waste and improve recycling with the goal of meeting the requirements set out by the European Green Deal. Düll Thomas, developer at R&D Sielaff, said: “With deposit refund schemes spiking in popularity and governments looking into deploying sizable fleets, it is becoming increasingly important to have efficient and centralised oversight and management of reverse vending machines, which is now made possible by Vendon’s IoT solution. Together, we’re making this green initiative simpler and more cost-effective.” Kristians Vebers, Vendon CEO Vendon’s solution keeps operators updated about the status and performance of their machines by providing teams with container collection data and technical details, including error and power issue notifications. Additionally, machines can now be configured remotely. This includes most settings – credit system, product detection, drop direction, credit mode, language, currency – as well as product permissions. “With reverse vending, as with traditional vending, a significant portion of operational costs is made up by machine maintenance,” Kristians Vebers CEO at Vendon, commented. “Typically, that would mean travelling to a machine, manually updating settings or fixing errors, and repeating this for each machine in the fleet. Now, operators can solve most challenges remotely and only travel when necessary, significantly reducing costs and improving efficiency.” Currently, the solution supports Sielaff reverse vending machines. Vendon plans to introduce support for other machine manufacturers in the future. To find out more, visit the Vendon website. #Reversevending #vendingmachines #Vendon

Coffee Mate and Kahlúa have teamed up to create a non-alcoholic coffee and cream-flavoured creamer. Inspired by the coffee liqueur used in some of the most popular cocktails, the non-alcoholic creamer features sweet cream, dark rum and rich, roasted coffee notes. “Coffee Mate and Kahlúa are iconic brands with a similar fan base, so teaming up to create this creamer was a no-brainer”, said Leonardo Aizpuru, senior director of brand marketing and leader of the creamer business unit at Nestlé. “We knew without a doubt this would be a collaboration, and decadent flavour, people would love – we’re excited to bring it to the creamer aisle and take fans’ coffee routines to the next level!”

StarKist has announced its newest innovation, StarKist Smart Bowls featuring seasoned grains and vegetables with wild-caught tuna served in a single-serve pouch. Smart Bowls are available in four flavours including Latin Citrus, Spicy Pepper, Tomato Basil, and Zesty Lemon. "Smart Bowls' introduction was inspired by the popularity of grain bowls- today's health-conscious consumers are looking for more convenient options that include lean proteins, vegetables, and grains," said Tom Aslin, VP of marketing and innovation at StarKist. Aslin added: "StarKist is delivering by combining its wild-caught tuna with grains, such as quinoa and barley, as well as hearty vegetables, like beans and corn, which are fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the pouch." StarKist Smart Bowls are fully cooked and can be enjoyed directly from the pouch, or placed on a bed of greens or other vegetables for a more filling meal. They were created to be enjoyed as part of a light lunch, satisfying snack, or delicious addition to dinner. Each single-serve Smart Bowls pouch has 10g of protein and is 180 calories or less. StarKist Smart Bowls will retail for approximately $1.25 per pouch and can be found in many US retailers.

Hilmar Cheese Company has broken ground on a $600 million cheese and whey protein processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas. Founded in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company produces American-style cheese and whey products, with customers in over 50 countries. The facility will "incorporate the latest technology and advancements in conservation and sustainability". “The Hilmar project is a game-changer for southwest Kansas in terms of job growth, opportunity and lifestyle benefits for those living in Dodge City and surrounding communities,” said Kansas Governor, Laura Kelly. “Kansas is a growing dairy state and a prime location for Hilmar Cheese Company’s new processing plant,” added Kansas Senator, Jerry Moran. “Hilmar Cheese...will be a great partner in creating new jobs and bolstering Kansas’s generational dairy farms while remaining committed to sustainability.” The facility is expected to create 250 new jobs.

Utz Brands, a US manufacturer of salty snacks, has named Howard Friedman as its next CEO, succeeding Dylan Lissette who will become executive chairman of the board. Friedman, currently COO of Post Holdings, will assume the role when Lissette takes up the position of chairman on 15 December. This leadership transition was initially contemplated at the time of the merger between Collier Creek Holdings and Utz in 2020. The search for Utz Brands' next CEO included consideration of both internal and external candidates, leading to the identification of Friedman as an ideal successor to Lissette, with the right CPG experience to lead the business. Joining the company over 20 years ago and serving as CEO since 2013, Utz says that Lissette has helped it evolve from a regional snack food brand to the “third largest branded salty snack platform in the US”. Soon-to-be executive chairman, Lissette, said: “I have had the honour and privilege to work for and to help lead this great company for nearly three decades. Our track record of success has been incredible, and I am truly excited to transition into the role of executive chairman and welcome Howard to our team.” Friedman commented: “I am honoured to join Utz as CEO at this important time, and I see enormous potential to continue Utz’s exciting journey. I am eager to start this new chapter and work with Dylan, the Utz leadership team and the board to drive value, expand the company’s reach and deliver growth as we produce world-class product innovation and the flagship snacks consumers have connected with for more than a century.”

McCafé has announced the launch of its new McCafé high-grown organic dark roast coffee for home drinking. McCafé's high-grown organic dark roast coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans grown at high elevations in Central and South America's coffee regions featuring notes of cocoa and caramel. "The influence of elevation on coffee beans is impactful, providing the ideal growing conditions for beans to unlock brighter, livelier flavours," said Danielle Wedge, marketing director for the McCafé retail portfolio. Wedge added: "We're thrilled about offering this elevated coffee-drinking experience exclusively through our retail partners and know McCafé coffee drinkers will love the difference 'high grown' brings to the table." McCafé's high-grown organic dark roast coffee can be enjoyed at home in various formats including single-serve, K-Cup pods, 300g fine ground bags and 300g whole bean bags. The products are now available online and through grocery and speciality retailers in the US.

Fermentation sciences company, Pulp Culture, has closed a $7 million Series A funding round that received participation from athletes, entrepreneurs and institutional investors. Launched in 2020, Pulp Culture says that it aims to change the consumer relationship with fermented drinks containing alcohol. With an ABV of 4.9%, Pulp Culture’s functional fermented beverages contain 6 billion probiotics in each can and zero sugar. All of the company’s products are sustainably produced and designed for "high-performance" people. Pulp Culture co-founder, Brendan Brazier, said: “Pulp Culture is a brand that I've wished existed for years; functional ingredients in a fermented and therefore naturally alcoholic, certified probiotic drink with super mushrooms and other adaptogens”. Brazier added: “You're actually giving your body the building blocks it needs to recover and reduce stress so that you'll enjoy the moment and also come back better the next day, not hungover”. Participating in the round were a number of innovators, athletes and entrepreneurs. The funding will accelerate innovation and help drive the company’s growth in key markets across the US, as the brand prepares to launch what it terms "industry-first products" and evolve into an omni-channel business, pursuing growth in the e-commerce channel. The Series A investment has enabled the company to complete construction of its new 13,000-square-foot facility in Los Angeles, housing all of Pulp Culture’s R&D, production and packaging. The new venue offers a tasting room experience and a large event space with a 440-person capacity. Pulp Culture CEO and co-founder, Mark McTavish, said: “Education is the greatest challenge ahead of us…and also the greatest opportunity. Consumers are beginning to understand that fermentation is a health science, and that alcohol is simply one piece to the puzzle of outcomes.” McTavish continued: “When assembling our investor team, we prioritised strategic value over money alone. We believe it will take an army of innovators, evangelists and influential folks to effect real change and help consumers to realise the potential of fermentation.”

Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 will be the definitive destination leading the future of food production – from new ingredients and advanced technologies to integrated supply chain solutions and breakthrough developments driving the industry forward. The event will bring together the food and beverage manufacturing industry across sectors in processing, packaging, ingredients, supply chain solutions, and control and automation; in a single food ecosystem with an agenda that will shape the future of the manufacturing industry – amplifying the opportunity created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and building upon and supporting the transformation of the country’s industrial sector into a global manufacturing hub, in line with the UAE’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ vision. Trixie LohMirmand, EVP, Dubai World Trade Centre, commented: “Through Gulfood Manufacturing, we will unveil the next era in the evolution of the F&B manufacturing industry. From addressing global food challenges, to discussing the ESG wave that is transforming food systems, and together exploring the huge opportunities presented by innovation – particularly in the tech space – our aim is to create lasting positive impact on the industry and take it to new heights, further cementing the UAE’s reputation as a global destination for leading future industries”. Leading the future of food production The event aims to create a more sustainable, resilient, agile and efficient industry for the future, bringing global experts, decision-makers and thought leaders together for insightful and inspiring sessions, to share ideas on the advancement of the industry. A key feature this year includes the Food Tech Summit, where over 100 of the industry’s most dynamic and engaging speakers will convene to discuss an issue-driven agenda ranging from food engineering innovations, factories of the future, web 3.0 applications in food, emerging markets, food safety, circular ecosystems, sustainability linked finance models, and much more. Visitors will have the chance to hear first-hand from industry leaders, regulatory and policymakers, financial institutions, geo-political and risk advisors, investors and research and development specialists. Dr Aman Puri, consulate general of India, Dubai; Ahmad Sultan Al Haddad, COO, Parks and Zones, DP World, UAE Region; Amadou Diallo, CEO Middle East & Africa, DHL Global Forwarding and Kebour Ghenna, executive director of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry are among the names slated to speak at the Food Tech Summit. A platform to do business and network Gulfood Manufacturing continues to garner interest from top global food production players, with exhibition stand space having sold out for this year already. From the ingredients sector alone, 95% of the world’s top ingredients brands have confirmed participation for the 2022 edition, including Wilmar (Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 Platinum Sponsor), Givaudan, Cargill and International Flavors & Fragrances. Furthermore, from the processing and packaging sector, Riekermann, Tetrapak, Siemens, GEA, SIG and Krones will also be participating. This year’s edition will see the biggest representation in recent years from Europe, with countries like Switzerland and Portugal returning to the event in full force. Abdelghany Eladib, president and general manager at SIG Middle East and Africa, said: “Leading our industry in sustainability with our people, products and solutions, we are setting new industry standards in packaging. We are very excited to take part in Gulfood Manufacturing again this year with a stand showcasing our latest innovations and value-added solutions. Gulfood Manufacturing’s exhibition is the most important forum where industry leaders come together to discuss the latest trends and developments in the food and beverage industry and what they mean for the sector. We are thrilled to take part in the discussion on what the future of packaging is going to be and how we are shaping it today.” The event will create a platform for the largest companies in the food industry to present their products, services and solutions to influential buyers from across the globe, creating multiple opportunities to network and do business. This year will be no exception as participants have the opportunity to build new professional relationships, strengthen existing ones and execute high-value deals. Global portfolio expansion The overseas events company of DWTC, Kaoun International, recently announced in a JV partnership with dmg events, the development of an international portfolio in the food and hospitality sectors outside of the UAE. The collective vision and focus are to develop new markets and provide the global food and beverage community with access to emerging growth markets. In its first international market expansion, the inaugural Saudi Food & Beverage Show and The Saudi Food Manufacturing Show will be held in Riyadh, from 20-22 June 2023. The inaugural event will be affiliated with Gulfood Global, the world’s largest go-to event brand trusted by the global F&B industry. For more information and to register, visit Gulfood Manufacturing. #Dubai #GulfoodManufacturing

Crosta & Mollica has launched a variety of oven ready meals in its new Al Forno range, including Italian staples Lasagne al Ragù and Aubergine Parmigiana. Directly translated to ‘oven baked’, the Al Forno range boasts rich Italian flavours resembling dishes that have been baked for a long period of time. The brand claims that the four new products provide restaurant quality experiences within the home. The new dishes for meat and fish consumers are Lasagne al Ragù, a traditional layered lasagne with a beef and pork red wine ragu and Linguine alla Pescatora, a pasta dish that combines octopus, squid, prawns, and mussels in a tomato passata. Catering to vegetable lovers, the new range includes Aubergine Parmigiana, a Southern Italian staple made up of layers of aubergine with mozzarella and parmesan in a tomato sauce, and Lasagne alle Verdure, showcasing sun-ripened aubergines, courgettes, peppers and tomatoes layered between sheets of fresh pasta, besciamella and tomato sauce. The authentic recipes require minimal preparation and are available to buy from Ocado, across the UK.

As consumers seek to diversify their at-home meals and snack, which includes engaging with more protein types and formats, protein brands have room to grow into the categories where they currently have limited presence. Covid-19 has forced people to stay at home for extended periods. But even as foodservice reopens, it is likely to be years before out-of-home channels recover to 2019 footfall levels due to ongoing social distancing measures and consumer anxieties. This means consumers will be seeking to diversify their in-home protein routines beyond the centre of the plate in the years to come, offering room for protein players to expand their category offerings to keep people engaged. There’s an opportunity to not only expand into sandwiches/wraps, prepared meals and snacks, but also explore areas where protein is not usually top of mind such as sauces and hot beverages. Brands can strengthen their convenience positioning by providing great tasting and easy-to-prepare protein offerings, with targeted messaging for distinct consumer groups. Protein sweet spot In a world where high protein continues to reign as a health attribute of interest, many consumers are not looking for drinks that extend to the highest reaches of the protein spectrum. Increasingly consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about protein and its benefits, and seek out only what makes sense for their needs. It may also be that these consumers are consuming high protein products with greater frequency, and thus, don’t need any one product to give them all the protein they need for the day. Instead, they may be consuming moderate protein levels throughout the day to meet their desired intake. Education around protein and clear options based on intended consumption frequency will serve the less knowledgeable consumers and perhaps help them feel more engaged in the category, and make room for a range of low, medium, and high protein products to be turned to by different users for different needs. Figure 1: Mintel Amount of protein sought per serving, by gender, 2022 Base: 615 internet users aged 18+ who use sports drinks; 422 internet users aged 18+ who use performance drinks. What amount of protein per serving do you typically look for in the following drinks? An exception to the protein moderation discussed above is men who consume performance drinks. Close to one in five male performance drink users want 20g protein/serving, and high protein claims will directly resonate with this group and will be clear means of helping products stand apart from competitors. One way to bring older consumers into the category is to highlight the benefit of protein to ageing bodies. Here, efforts that go beyond simply promoting high protein will be important to stand out in a sea of high protein food and drink offerings. This group will want to know exactly how the protein benefits them. Consuming the recommended protein intake in an ageing population may improve muscle health, prevent sarcopenia, help maintain energy balance, weight management and cardiovascular function, which should appeal to the 52% of consumers that have adopted a more long-term approach to health in the last 2 years. To find out more on how Carbery is developing whey protein ingredients that meet a wide range of functional and nutritional requirements for today’s consumer, click here. #Carbery #research #wheyprotein

JBS USA has announced that it is closing down its plant-based meat operation, Planterra Foods, just two years after launching. Head of corporate communications at JBS USA, Nikki Richardson, told FoodBev: “JBS USA has made the decision to discontinue operations in its US-based Planterra business unit. We continue to believe in the potential of plant-based options for consumers and remain committed to the alternative protein market.” She added: “JBS will focus its efforts on its plant-based operations in Brazil and Europe, which continue to gain market share and expand their respective customer bases. We are actively working with the Planterra workforce to provide employment opportunities at other JBS locations.” Situated in Colorado, Planterra is a plant-based company owned by JBS Foods and sold at retail under the Ozo brand, known for its alternative meats such as nuggets, burgers and meatballs. The plant-based alternatives first hit the shelves in March 2020. In August 2021, Planterra announced it would open a new R&D innovation centre at its Colorado headquarters. The new centre allowed for new opportunities to test ingredients and product innovations, as well as growing office space and employment for the local area. Denver Business Journal reported that in closing down the 189,000 square foot factory Denver factory, there will be an expected job loss of more than 100. Planterra was not JBS’ only plant-based business, in 2021 it acquired plant-based meat producer, Vivera for €341 million. The acquisition included three manufacturing units and an R&D centre in The Netherlands.