European packaging manufacturer Coveris has joined forces with sustainable start-up Notpla to deliver a range of biodegradable and recyclable food cartons. Tackling growing sustainability concerns in the food-to-go and takeaway sector, the new specially coated board packs address both packaging and food waste challenges. Notpla’s coating technology, a mix of seaweed and plant extracts, provides a food-safe barrier function and biodegrades naturally in 4-6 weeks. Seaweed is a renewable resource which doesn’t compete with food crops, doesn’t need fresh water or fertiliser, and actively contributes to de-acidifying oceans. Development and print partner Coveris worked with Notpla to deliver the fully printed, branded solution that works in combination with the sustainable coating. Using water-based inks for added sustainable benefits, the printed packs are fully approved for food contact and offer an advanced oil barrier function that outperforms plastic in most applications. “Given the functional requirements of packaging combined with disposal challenges in this sector, the new coated packs really are the packaging of the future,” said Emma Moate, Coveris’ food-on-the-move category director. The packs are available as off-the-shelf own-brand takeaway boxes and as custom printed formats, seen in Notpla's existing partnership with Just Eat Takeaway.

Kellogg’s new Instabowls only require cold water and a quick stir to get real milk instantly, available in four classic varieties. Each portable bowl is pre-portioned and mess-free, providing a convenient way to consume breakfast, even on the go. "There has been a huge trend toward portability for food, especially as busy schedules and life's everyday curve balls prevent traditional sit-down meals," said Chris Stolsky, marketing director at Kellogg Company. "We created Kellogg's Instabowls as an easy solution for the 'anytime cereal break' so you can now bring your favourite Kellogg's cereals with you wherever life takes you and not have to worry about milk, dishes, or clean-up." The new line-up offers a practical way to enjoy Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Raisin Bran Crunch - no milk required.

Lavazza Professional has unveiled a 24/7 self-service micro café – Moments by Lavazza Professional – for workplaces in the UK. The company said the modular micro market is “designed to be a hassle-free alternative to canteens”. The micro café provides bean-to-cup coffee machines, which serve espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, alongside smart fridges that come with built-in payments, and offers traditional vending foods and cold drinks. Consumers can pay for the products in the micro café via unattended payment stations, a central kiosk or smartphone app. Ashley Weller, UK market director at Lavazza Professional, said: “We are delighted to be bringing this new offer to market. Whether it is time spent getting to know new colleagues, collaborating on new ideas and projects, or quiet time prepping for a productive afternoon, every moment counts.” “By bringing the best elements of coffee culture into the workplace, businesses of all sizes can engage, and delight employees returning to the office and reap the rewards.”

Everyone at FoodBev Media joins so many around the world in mourning the loss as well as celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who won the admiration of all generations by setting such an example of service. She reigned throughout my lifetime, and I had the immense privilege of meeting her in 1973 when she came to Bath to recognise 1,000 years since the coronation of England’s first king, King Edgar, in 973. We lose one of the most constant figures of our lives. Her values will live on. Richard Hall, chairman of FoodBev Media

De Kuyper Royal Distillers announced today that it has acquired Archers from Diageo, adding to its international liqueur portfolio. The British brand will join De Kuyper’s existing cocktail liqueurs, and strengthen its position in the peach category. Mark de Witte, CEO of De Kuyper: “We want to own the peach category. With Peachtree we do so in a number of important cocktail markets, but in the UK the peach category is historically owned by Archers. We will contribute our over 325 years of expertise in liqueurs and our specific knowledge in the peach category to bring out the best in Archers.” “We see an interesting growth platform for Archers in the category of cocktails and will utilise the insights, experience and best practices we gained with Peachtree. Our focus stays on the current audience where the brand is popular and which is fitting very well with the cocktail-drinker target group,” added Godelief van Erve, global marketing director at De Kuyper. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lamb Weston Holdings has announced an expansion of french fry processing capacity in Argentina, with the planned construction of a new manufacturing facility in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires. The new french fry processing facility is expected to produce more than 200 million pounds of frozen french fries and other potato products per year for the South American market. “Our investment in a new french fry processing facility demonstrates our continued confidence in the growing global market for frozen french fries, and our commitment to serving our customers in Argentina and the broader South American market,” said Tom Werner, president and CEO of Lamb Weston. The company recently increased its stake in its South American joint venture, Lamb Weston Alimentos Modernos from 50% to 90%. Construction of the new line is expected to be completed by mid-2024 and will add around 250 new jobs.

Heineken has purchased the remaining shares in Beavertown, assuming full ownership of London’s largest brewery. As part of the agreement, founder Logan Plant will step down as CEO and take on an advisory role, with Jochen Van Esch taking on the new managing director position. Heineken UK first purchased a minority share in Beavertown in 2018, and the company has invested significantly in the brand since. Beavertown will continue to be operated separately from Heineken UK. Logan Plant describes the deal as: “The natural next step for Beavertown, its brands, and most importantly, its people. With Heineken UK, we have a partner who provides support, advice and investment, and gives us the space to flourish.” “Beavertown’s journey will not see huge change because the strategy is right. We will support, invest and grow the company, and I am incredibly excited about the future,” added Jochen Van Esch, managing director of Beavertown.

Doves Farm Foods has acquired the Wessex Mill flour brand from Clarks (Wantage) in the UK. Based in Oxfordshire, Clarks had planned to close the flour mill in Wessex, following a decision made by its management team. Clarks said in a statement: "...Clarks (Wantage) Ltd to cease production at the end of 2022, Doves Farm Foods is delighted to have agreed the purchase of the Wessex Mill flour brand. This move will continue a tradition started more than 100 years ago of milling locally sourced high-quality wheat in the North Wessex Downs, the last two decades under the Wessex Mill brand." Clare Marriage, CEO of Doves Farm Foods, said “Wessex Mill has an excellent reputation for milling the finest quality award-winning flour from locally sourced grain and serving discerning customers across the UK. We are excited to take on the brand to continue this tradition and bring it to even more bakers up and down the country.” Paul Munsey, managing director at Clarks (Wantage), added: “It was a difficult decision to close the mill, but we are very pleased to have been able to transfer the brand to another family flour mill, that will continue the tradition of milling local grains in the North Wessex Downs”. Doves Farm Foods will add Wessex Mill to its portfolio, which includes gluten-free food and flour brand Freee and Dove Farm. The transaction is expected to be completed in late Autumn.

Yoplait UK-owned Petits Filous has unveiled a new range of nutrient-packed drinkable yogurts, designed to help children increase their vitamin intake. The new Petits Filous Vitamin Rich range is available in two flavours: Strawberry & Beetroot and Apricot, Peach & Carrot. The brand says that the new offering is “the first yogurt to blend fruit and vegetables together in a drinkable format”. Ewa Moxham, head of marketing at Yoplait UK, said: “As a leader in kids’ yoghurt, we’re continuously working behind the scenes to champion children’s development from the inside out and innovate around unmet consumer needs. So, when we spotted a gap in the market for yogurt with added vitamins, fruit and vegetables, we made it our mission to bring this product to life.” “Petits Filous Vitamin Rich is a truly unique offering – it’s a healthier alternative that tastes great and comes in a fun drinkable format that’s perfect for little hands. With many parents already struggling to get their children to eat enough vegetables, it provides a great solution for incorporating extra goodness into kids’ diets.”

Chinese beverage company, Vitasoy International Holdings, has launched a milk alternative for its namesake brand. Fresh Vitasoy Plant+ includes oat and almond milk varieties with zero cholesterol, low sugar and high calcium. Made in Hong Kong, the new offering also contains vitamin D and no added preservatives. The range is said to offer "a smooth and milky texture". Tinny Chan, dietitian and group nutrition manager at Vitasoy, said: "Adding fresh plant milk to our daily diet is a delicious way to enjoy plant-based goodness. For instance, Fresh Vitasoy Plant+ Milk is perfect for breakfast cereals or smoothies by adding a milky taste and creamy texture to the recipe, while providing a great amount of important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.”

Israeli foodtech start-up, BioBetter, has secured $10 million in a series A funding round led by Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP). The round included participation from Milk and Honey Ventures and the Israeli Innovation Authority (IIA). BioBetter aims to accelerate the development of cell-cultured meat and lower the costs of its production. The company harnesses Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) plants' inherent properties as bioreactors for the production of growth factors (GFs) – a substance, such as a vitamin or a hormone, required for the stimulation of growth in living cells – that are needed for the development of cultivated meat. Using tobacco plants could "significantly" lower the cost of cultured meat and accelerate its commercialisation. The company has created a protein manufacturing platform for producing GFs using tobacco plants as natural, self-sustaining, animal-free bioreactors. The field-grown plants offer a new, sustainable, efficient and flexible solution to the market's demand for more competitively priced GFs, such as insulin, transferrin and FGF2, which are needed to make cultivated meat commercially viable. Erel Margalit, founder and executive chairman of JVP, said: “BioBetter has the key to scale up production of cultivated meat, make it accessible to consumers globally and protect our planet. This is not only because of the sheer volumes of GFs it can produce but also by virtue of its ability to substantially reduce their cost.” BioBetter will be expanding to a larger pilot plant in Tel Hai Industrial Park, Israel, where it will see an increase in its tobacco plant-processing capacity. The funds will also help broaden BioBetter's product portfolio of GFs. Nisan Zeevi, director of JVP, added: “Biobetter has the potential to create global and regional impact. Closer to home, this venture will create a significant new source of income for local farmers. As cellular agriculture expands, we will dedicate some 500 acres here in the galilee of tobacco plantations to support the industry. This also helps growers find new purpose in the burgeoning alternative protein scene following a reduction in smoking over the last decade that has left many tobacco fields idle and tobacco farmers suffering financial loss.” Amit Yaari, CEO of BioBetter, commented: “World population growth, combined with dwindling natural resources, are going to put incredible strain on meat supply – and the already fragile environment – in the coming decades. Cultivated meat offers a promising solution to these problems and can ensure a more resilient supply chain with better economic and environmental returns. Dana Yarden, co-founder of BioBetter said that the company is scaling up production in 2023, and is expected to go commercial with the company's tobacco plant-derived, food-grade GF portfolio by 2024.

Sofina Europe-owned Young’s Seafood has expanded its Gastro range with the launch of a Dine Out At Home extra large battered fish fillets line. The new super-sized battered fillets are designed to replicate gastro pub fish and chips. The range is available in cod and haddock. The two extra large battered cod fillets and battered haddock fillets come in a 450g pack in two 225g servings. Paul Craft, chief commercial officer for Sofina Europe, said: “The launch of our new Gastro extra large battered fish fillets comes as an increased number of consumers look for products that are extra special and help to create a restaurant quality dining occasion in their own homes". “As the cost of living crisis continues, we are going to see the dine out at home shopper mission becoming even more prominent, as consumers seek out affordable, everyday treats at a time when many are having to cut back on dining out." Both of the cod and haddocks fillets will be available at Tesco and Sainsbury's stores this month for an RRP of £5.50 per 450g.