Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a protein bar concept that allows brands to raise the protein content of its protein bars without compromising on size, taste or texture. The company said that the plug-and-play solution helps manufacturers "to create indulgent bars with high-protein content in every layer". The new recipe is based on high-quality whey and milk protein ingredients from Arla's Lacprodan range. It ensures the rich chocolate mass maintains its flavour and softness throughout shelf-life and offers 30% of protein per bar. Laima Liepinyte, sales development manager, health and performance nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “In the crowded bar market, manufacturers need to capture the attention of consumers seeking high-protein options that are just as appealing as their confectionery counterparts". "With Lacprodan ingredients, they can create multi-layer protein bars with a palette of textures and a soft, light and creamy mouthfeel. As well as delivering pathways to success for wellness-focused manufacturers, this new concept opens new doors for high-protein confectionery products.”

Pladis has expanded its snacking portfolio with this year’s seasonal line-up featuring new flavours and returning favourites from McVitie's, Jacob's and Carr's. Tapping into the trend for festive indulgence, the sweet selection will comprise new-for-2022 McVitie’s Blissfuls Belgian Milk Chocolate & Cream – a limited-edition variant for the brand’s Blissfuls range which, at a premium price point, is expected to drive higher value sales for retailers in the run-up to this key sales period. “With two years of muted celebrations behind us, we’re anticipating this year’s festivities will be bigger than ever,” said Cassie French, marketing director – seasonal & cake, Pladis UK&I. Pladis has also revamped its McVitie’s sweet biscuit assortments this Christmas and unveiled its seasonal ranges from savoury biscuit brands, Jacob’s and Carr’s. Offering savoury snackers even more choice, the line-up features a combination of returning Christmas favourites and new non-HFSS products. The seasonal savoury range brings back Christmas Caddies, with 50% of the range now non-HFSS. Meanwhile, Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Original and Treeselets will be joined by two new lighter options to extend appeal by offering shoppers more choice. Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Nibblies Cheddar & Smoked Paprika will join the collection for 2022. The NPD contains 30% less fat, offering a healthier alternative. “We’ve no doubt our portfolio of cracker selection boxes will be particularly popular this year. As Brits tuck into cheese boards and gather together with friends and family in larger groups, products which are perfectly placed for sharing will perform well,” added French.

Diageo has invested £450k in three innovations, each intended to lessen and monitor the impact of water and climate crises in Africa. The three challenges are focused on water, carbon and biodiversity impacts, and are part of Diageo’s Sustainable Solutions to help the company reach its sustainability goals by 2030. Smallholder farmers are highly vulnerable to weather changes and water scarcity arising from climate change. Diageo is building resilience in its communities and monitoring its farming programmes to preserve natural resources as part of its global agenda. Kirstie McIntyre, global sustainability director at Diageo, said: “Our next Sustainable Solutions round will create action for innovators around the world to help save lives and livelihoods in the countries and communities most at risk”. The action plan aims to discover and develop innovators and technology that can help to achieve these sustainable goals. Current pilots include the development of a coating to make glass thinner without losing its strength to reduce emissions and the resources needed. The pilots will be taking place in East Africa and if successful will be rolled out across Diageo’s smallholder farmer network in Cameroon, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Tanzania, Turkey, Seychelles, South Africa and Uganda. “Globally, we have unpredictable weather with increasing droughts and floods and a gap in our agriculture monitoring capabilities. Soil moisture monitoring must be improved so we can look at where we can improve soil water holding capacity, supporting our farmers to maintain a steady farming cycle and income,” added John Cant, head of Diageo Sustainable Solutions.

Suntory Group to use first of its kind 100% recycled aluminium can that emits 60% less CO2 compared to when creating a regular aluminium can. The can, jointly developed by UACJ Corporation and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. will be used in the Suntory Group’s limited editions of The Premium Malt’s and will be available in stores nationwide in Japan. For packaging and containers, the Suntory Group considers its environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle, from product design to transportation and recycling after consumption, and works to promote a circular economy. The global beverage company aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the entire value chain by 2050 and will continue its efforts to reduce GHG emissions throughout the entire value chain by actively introducing environmentally friendly packaging materials and containers as well as installing more energy efficient technologies and renewable energy. “We will continue to work together with all members of the value chain and promote various initiatives to realize a circular society”, added Masaaki Fujiwara, deputy division COO, sustainability management division leader at Suntory Holdings.

Business-centric multimedia company, FoodBev Media, has announced the official launch of a website dedicated to the plant-based food and beverage industry. With plant-based diets becoming increasingly mainstream in societies across the world, the new platform will help industry professionals to keep pace with developments in this fast-moving sector. The launch of theplantbasemag.com comes as analysts project that the global plant-based food market could surpass a value of $100 billion within the next decade. The website will feature news and analysis on topics including manufacturing, ingredients, packaging and labelling, and complement FoodBev Media’s dedicated industry title, The Plant Base. Commenting on the company’s latest venture, FoodBev Media chairman, Richard Hall, said: “Plant-based may well prove to be the biggest global dietary change of this decade. It is also constantly evolving in taste, nutrition, science, cost and sustainability. Theplantbasemag.com will be the simplest link to keep up with all the latest international innovations and developments.” FoodBev Media also operates several social channels focused on news and views from the plant-based sector. For the latest industry updates or to get involved in the conversation, visit:

GoodMills Innovation has launched Vitatex Vegan-Snack-Mix, a premix for plant-based burgers and meatballs, as well as savoury bakery and snack fillings. The premix is based on wheat proteins and is characterised by "a juicy bite and authentic meat flavour". It can be combined with water and oil, and then shaped for easy use. It is freezer-stable in both raw and baked formats, and is best prepared in the pan or deep fryer, oven-baked or grilled. GoodMills says that, as consumers demand more plant-based, vegan and vegetarian products, the premix enables bakers and butchers with snack counters, bistros, canteens and other food service providers to adapt their offerings.

ChocoVine is a bold and creamy chocolate liqueur. The pairing of wine and chocolate results in the finest blend of a full-bodied French Cabernet Sauvignon, subtly combined with rich chocolate. The limited edition ChocoVine Espresso is a balanced composition of creamy Dutch chocolate, fruity red wine, and aromas of roasted coffee beans; best enjoyed poured over ice. ChocoVine belongs to De Kuyper Royal Distillers. The Dutch family-owned company marks its 327th anniversary this year and operates in over 100 markets with more than 50 million bottles sold every year. ChocoVine is being imported in the US market by Royal Dutch Distillers, a 100% subsidiary of De Kuyper Royal Distillers. "Coffee Cocktails continue to be among the most sought-out cocktails in the United States. ChocoVine Espresso delivers the perfect distinctive flavour that supports our global brand initiatives and company vision”, said Mark de Witte, global CEO of De Kuyper Royal Distillers.

US craft brewery Goose Island Beer Co has partnered with Aldi to launch a new "crisp, fruity lager", named Goose On The Loose Indian Pale Lager (IPL). Brewed in the UK, the beer is dry-hopped with Mosaic, Cascade and Amarillo. Goose On The Loose IPL has a "peachy-pine" and "malty biscuit" aroma. Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: “Partnering with Goose Island Beer supports our mission to work with the best suppliers. Not only is the Goose Island team passionate about craft beer, but they are also committed to delivering the kind of flavoursome lager our customers want and expect.” Matthew Koep, brand manager of Goose Island Beer, added: “The Aldi's Goose On The Loose IPL is a chance for us to showcase the flavourful craft beers that have made us famous whilst doing it in a new way that will invite more beer drinkers into the world of Goose Island”. Goose On The Loose IPL is available at Aldi stores nationwide whilst stocks last for £1.29 per 330ml can.

PepsiCo-owned brand Gatorade is entering the energy drink category with its first caffeinated beverage, called Fast Twitch. The caffeinated energy drink, which was developed along with the NFL and sports performance experts, is designed for athletes and comes in the same flavours as Gatorade. Each 355ml bottle has 200mg of caffeine and B vitamins. Anuj Bhasin, VP of marketing and general manager for Gatorade, said: “At Gatorade, we’ve spent decades studying the best athletes in the world, and what we’ve learned is there hasn’t been an athletic energy solution they can trust that is designed for them to start fast and ignite their performance". "We’re thrilled to change that with the launch of Fast Twitch, the first-ever caffeinated energy drink from Gatorade, designed for athletes in every way, from formula to design and packaging.” Fast Twitch is expected to launch early next year.

Starbucks has appointed Laxman Narasimhan as the company's next CEO – effective 1 October – succeeding interim CEO Howard Schultz, who took on the role five months ago. Narasimhan will relocate from London, UK, to Seattle, Washington, and will work closely with Schultz. Narasimhan's most recent role was as CEO at Reckitt Benckiser Group – which announced his exit yesterday and promoted current senior independent director, Nicandro Durante, as CEO. Narasimhan has also held various leadership roles at PepsiCo from 2014-2019, including CEO of Latin America, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and global chief commercial officer. Mellody Hobson, independent Starbucks' board of directors chair, said: “Laxman is an inspiring leader. His deep, hands-on experience driving strategic transformations at global consumer-facing businesses makes him the ideal choice to accelerate Starbucks' growth and capture the opportunities ahead of us." She added: "His understanding of our culture and values, coupled with his expertise as a brand builder, innovation champion and operational leader will be true differentiators as we position Starbucks for the next 50 years, generating value for all our stakeholders.” During the transition period, Schultz will continue in the role of interim CEO, following which he will continue to serve as a member of Starbucks' board of directors.

Campbell Soup Company has reported a 1% rise in full-year net sales to $8.56 billion and said the business will "continue to make progress" in fiscal 2023. For the financial year ending 31 July 2022, the company reported organic net sales growth – which excludes the impact of divestitures like the sale of the Plum Organics baby food and snacks business – of 2%, as inflation-driven pricing and sales allowances were offset by volume declines and increased promotional activity. Adjusted EBIT decreased 4% to $1.3 billion. In the fourth quarter, Campbell Soup's net sales – both reported and organic – increased 6% to $2 billion. The business's meals & beverages segment also saw net sales growth of 6% and organic sales growth of 7%, led by increases in US soup and gains in foodservice and Prego pasta sauces. In Q4, the company's snacks unit grew its net sales by 6%, driven by sales of power brands, which were up 9%. Mark Clouse, Campbell Soup Company president and CEO, said: “During fiscal 2022, we demonstrated a significant step up in execution across the company with improved supply chain performance and effective revenue management to counter inflation. Our solid foundation and momentum will serve us well in fiscal 2023 as we continue to make progress on unlocking Campbell's full growth potential.”

Sainsbury's has announced that it is investing £65 million into its pricing this month to ease pressure on consumers amid the rising cost of living. This autumn, the supermarket chain says that it will invest £60 million to provide greater value to food and grocery customers via its Sainsbury’s Quality, Aldi Price Match, Special Offers and Price Lock initiatives. An additional £5 million will be spent to lower the prices of up to 900 Argos and Habitat furniture items. Sainsbury's is also increasing the number of own-brand products in Sainsbury’s Price Lock by 20% as the business sees more customers opt for cheaper own-label items. The investment is part of the retailer’s commitment to spend £500 million by March 2023 to keep prices low. The company says that its Sainsbury’s Quality, Aldi Price Match will continue to focus on the highest volume, fresh items that customers buy most often – such as chicken breast fillets, fat beef mince, milk and bread – "with 42% of the top 50 supermarket volume lines now included in the campaign". Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, said: “We know how tough this ‘back to school’ season is going to be for our customers. With families across the country facing big increases in their energy bills, the situation is serious, and our most important job at Sainsbury’s is to help our customers in every way we can. We have made huge strides to lower prices since we launched our new plan, but we are committed to going further." “Own brand is a great way for customers to reduce their shopping bill with no compromise on quality and that’s why we’re increasing the number of own-brand products in our latest Price Lock. These are difficult times and all of us at Sainsbury’s are standing with our customers to ease the financial pressure they face.”