Italian speciality food producer, Rosina Food Products, has completed a $73 million expansion at its West Seneca, Erie Country, facility. The plant will create 40 new jobs and retain current 500 jobs. This is the third public-private expansion project New York State has supported at Rosina. Since 2014, Rosina has invested $95 million into its facilities in New York State, creating 115 new jobs. The 105,000-square-foot facility includes a high-speed production line for manufacturing a range of frozen meatballs, sausage, filled pasta, eggplant, entrees and pizza toppings. It can produce more than 50 million pounds of product annually. Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, said: "Rosina Food Products started as a family-owned storefront operation in Buffalo, expanding into an internationally known business and one of the best-known food manufacturers in Western New York. New York State is proud to have partnered with Rosina on several expansion projects, and this latest multi-million dollar expansion will continue to fuel Western New York's growing economy." She added: "My administration is taking bold action to be the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation, and I congratulate the Corigliano family and Rosina employees for expanding production, creating new jobs, and excelling in the global economy." Rosina's president and CEO Russell Corigliano added: "On behalf of the Corigliano family, we are happy to be cutting the ribbon on this new...facility located here in Western New York. This project fulfils a long-time vision for Rosina which would not have been possible without our close partnership with New York State. Our family remains committed to serving the community by supplying high-quality, well-paying jobs as we continue delighting customers with the finest frozen Italian cuisine in the industry."

UK-based CBD brand, Trip, has launched a new CBD-infused, ready-to-drink, cold brew coffee that is brewed for 24 hours. The Guatemalan cold brew coffee is infused with 15mg of CBD per 250ml can. The new offering is dairy- and gluten-free and contains no added sugar. The beverage is made with a blend of premium CBD, MCT oil and natural adaptogens, infused with chamomile. It also features Trip's Wild Mint CBD 1000mg oil, which is vegan and gluten- and palm oil-free. Trip notes that the CBD-infused cold brew coffee is not suitable for children or pregnant women. The product is available at Holland & Barrett, Boots and Selfridges stores.

Unilever-owned Pukka Herbs has launched a seasonal tea that is said to be the first in Pukka's portfolio to contain two new ingredients – rooibos and lemon balm leaf. Winter Warmer features rooibos, a South African herbal tea that is free of caffeine; and lemon balm leaf, an "uplifting" herb that supports calmness, boosts the mood and encourages clear thinking. Additionally, the new herbal blend also features orange peel, ginger, cinnamon, black peppercorn, star anise and clove. Rosie Churchill, senior brand partner at Pukka Herbs UK, said: “We are really excited to bring our latest innovative tea, Winter Warmer to the UK market. The festive season is meant to be filled with joy, but this doesn’t come with the stress that surrounds everything leading up to it. We hope consumers can take some time to themselves and unwind whilst drinking a cup of Winter Warmer.” Winter Warmer is available at Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda stores for an RRP of £3.45.

US salami maker Olli Salumeria is expanding its snack pack line with the launch of a new pepperoni and mozzarella pairing. Olli Pepperoni Mozzarella snack pack joins the brand's existing line-up of high-protein mini meals, including genoa and fontina, sopressata and cheddar, calabrese and asiago and prosciutto and mozzarella pairings. Olli Snack Packs is made with natural ingredients that are hormone- and antibiotic-free, as well as gluten-free and keto-friendly. Olli Salumeria's president, Oliviero Colmignoli, said: "As part of our ongoing mission to bring the distinctive flavours of our slow-cured salami to consumers in the US, we're always looking for new pairings and other ways to reach foodies, busy families and those looking for an authentic Italian experience". He continued: "Olli Snack Packs combine our famous salami with high-quality pairings to create an easy, flavourful and satiating mini meal for anyone on the go." Olli Pepperoni Mozzarella is available at supermarkets nationwide for an SRP of $3.99.

Brazilian food company, Camil Alimentos, has agreed to purchase several biscuit brands from PepsiCo Brasil, including the Mabel, Doce Vida, Mirabel, Elbi's and Pavesino brands. The acquisition will also include two facilities in Aparecida de Goiânia and Itaporanga D’Ajuda, which bring with them approximately 800 employees. The agreement includes a ten-year licencing contract with PepsiCo to use its Toddy cookie brands and associated production line; however, it does not include ownership of the brand itself. According to the company, Toddy is the second largest cookie brand in Brazil. Founded in 1953, Mabel is a traditional cookie brand in Brazil, consisting of donuts, crackers, buttered, stuffed and laminated. Luciano Quartiero, CEO of Camil Alimentos, said: “In just over a year, since July 2021, we have made five acquisitions that have allowed us – in addition to entering new countries such as Ecuador – to expand our business in three different categories with high added value and brands that are recognised by consumers: coffee, pasta and healthy products in Uruguay, with Silcom”. He continued: “This will be our sixth transaction announced, which includes the company's entry into the cookies and crackers category in Brazil. The diversity of businesses increases the operating synergy of our business model, allowing for gains in scale and greater expertise in different models of distribution, supplies and trade marketing.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mikkeller has announced that it will close its US brewing facility in San Diego, after “two years of Covid and the difficult current rising cost environment have taken its toll on the international brewing business”. The brewery will, however, continue to sell its beer in the US through a contract brewing agreement with AleSmith Brewing Company. The company says that "contract brewing has been one of the keys to Mikkeller’s global success". The closure does not include its taproom in Little Italy, San Diego or in San Francisco. Mikkeller's founder, Mikkel Bjergsø, said: “This has been a very hard decision for us to make and comes with a lot of heartache for the Mikkeller employees affected by the closing. The hardships facing the craft beer industry and the economy at large are known to anyone; supply chain issues, rising costs, and unstable market conditions post-pandemic just to name a few. Unfortunately, this means that it is just not sustainable anymore to keep operating our San Diego brewery.” Mikkeller still operates three breweries in London, UK, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Latin American food brand, Capsicana, has announced the launch of two ready-to-serve salsas in the UK – Easy-Going Salsa and Full-On Feisty Salsa. Capsicana's Easy-Going Salsa is made with mild red pepper and smoked paprika, offering a sweet, smoky flavour. Meanwhile, Capsicana's Full-On Feisty Salsa is made with chipotle and habanero chillies. Ben Jackson, founder of Capsicana, said: “As well as being developed to respond to the consumer trend for convenience coupled with the freshness of flavour, the new salsas also cater for foodies looking to try new things and get creative in the kitchen. Research consistently highlights a consumer appetite for world food products and more adventurous flavours, initially driven by restrictions during the pandemic.” The new salsas, which are gluten-free and suitable for vegans, are available at Sainsbury's stores for an RRP of £2.50 per 285g jars.

The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Jennifer Mann as president of its North America operating unit. Mann succeeds Alfredo Rivera, who will step down from the role after 38 years with the food and beverage giant. Mann will take up the position on 1 January 2023, while Rivera will step down on 31 December 2022. Rivera will remain with the company as a senior advisor through March 2023. Mann, who joined Coca-Cola in 1997, currently serves as corporate senior vice president and president of Global Ventures – an operating segment that was set up by Coca-Cola to house the acquisition of Costa, as well as other brands, including Monster beverages, Innocent and Dogadan tea. A new leader for Global Ventures will be announced at a later date. Rivera has served as president of the North American operating unit since August 2020. James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said: “Alfredo has been a highly valued business partner for me and countless others across our system for nearly four decades. I thank Alfredo for his service and wish him all the best.” He added: “Jennifer has emerged as a strong business leader during her 25-year career with the company. Her background in operations across the US and globally makes her a great fit to lead the company’s largest operating unit.”

Food and drink distributor Aimia Foods has announced a new range of Shmoo milkshake powders that were specially designed for vending machines. Available in four flavours – vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and banana – Shmoo vending powders features a formula that transforms into a shake when processed through a cold (or chilled) vending machine. Karen Green, marketing manager at Aimia Foods, said: “When mixed through a cold/chilled vending machine, Shmoo vending powders share the same creamy texture that blended Shmoo shakes are renowned for, with just the addition of water therefore the vending machine virtually takes care of the entire Shmoo shake making process automatically – and the customer can enjoy their favourite Shmoo shake simply by pressing the button/screen of the machine”.

Crosta & Mollica has launched its first range of Italian pasta and pasta sauces, available exclusively from Waitrose stores in the UK this month. The brand has released four pasta variants, accompanied by four pasta sauces. The pasta range is created using golden durum wheat, specially sourced from a group f dedicated growers in Italy. The dough is made from freshly milled flour, blended with water from the Alps and cut with bronze dies for a rough texture. It is then dried for several hours and packaged in 100% recyclable paper. The pasta range includes four Italian classics: spaghetti, rigatoni, fiorelli and tagliatelle. Meanwhile, the brand's pasta sauces are made using naturally sun-sweetened Italian tomatoes, with no added sugar. The sauces are gently cooked over a low temperature to enhance the flavours. The sauces range includes Sugo al Pomodoro, with basil and extra virgin olive oil; Sugo All'Arrabbiata, featuring chillies from southern Italy; Sugo Alla Puttanesca, with green Nocellara olives, capers and sun-ripened tomatoes; and Sugo Alla Norma, with crumbled ricotta salata (pressed, salted and aged ricotta cheese) and fried aubergine. RRP £3.00

Molson Coors is returning the commercial operations of Superbird, a 100% blue agave tequila-based canned cocktail, back to its parent company, Casa Komos Brands Group (CKBG). The company will take over the brand’s US expansion, with Molson Coors taking a minority stake in CKBG. The drinks giant first announced its partnership with Superbird in January 2021 and in the past year, has expanded Superbird across 24 US states. Superbird is a canned, carbonated take on a Paloma cocktail (5.9% abv), which is made with Tequila Blanco 100% puro agave. Pete Marino, president of emerging growth for Molson Coors, said: “Over the past two years we have worked closely with the Superbird team to help expand the brand, and now we’re focused on what’s next. CKBG is having great success with Komos, their ultra-premium tequila brand, so it strategically makes sense for them to drive further growth within their portfolio of tequila offerings. We are excited to continue to be a partner with them and their portfolio of brands with a minority stake in the company.” Richard Betts, co-founder and CEO of CKBG, added: “We’re grateful for the opportunity to have incubated Superbird through Molson Coors and we look forward to having CKBG continue to grow the brand’s presence across the US and international markets”.

The Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) has appointed Tim McLachlan as its new chief executive, effective 12 September. Following an induction and handover, McLachlan will take over from current chief executive Jon Poole - who steps down on 12 October. McLachlan has held multiple roles in th charity sector, including as chief executive of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and national director of services for the Alzheimer’s Society. IFST president, Helen Munday, said: “We are delighted to have Tim starting as our new chief executive. IFST is in good health thanks to Jon Poole’s strong leadership, and I am very confident that Tim is the right person to lead the Institute through the next phase in its growth.” McLachlan added: “This is an exciting new opportunity for me. The breadth of activities that I can see the Institute is involved in, is impressive and I am really looking forward to working with the board, the executive team and IFST’s active members to deliver the Institute’s ambitious plans.”