Patco Brands-owned Rancho La Gloria has expanded its alcoholic beverage portfolio with the launch of premium flavoured infused tequilas. The new spirit offerings are available in two variants – Jalapeño Lime and Pink Lemonade – and are crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave, which is then infused and bottled at 35% ABV. The Pink Lemonade infused tequila features notes of "lemon zest and sweet meyer lemon". According to the brand, the lemon notes are heightened by "hints of ripe berry and lemon blossom" and finished with "layers of clean agave and bright citrus". Meanwhile, Jalapeño Lime infused tequila contains freshly sliced jalapeño balanced by "juicy key lime and zesty lime peel" alongside notes of "roasted agave and the perfect amount of heat". Joey Parris, CMO of Patco Brands, said: "At Patco Brands, we have a bold vision for the future of agave and with tequila continuing to dominate as a top three spirit in the category for US drinkers, we saw an opportunity to innovate and expand our portfolio. Whether in a cocktail or sipped on its own, our infused tequilas offer consumers a fun approachable spirit that is authentically unique and we're thrilled to share this creation with the world." Rancho La Gloria infused tequilas can now be found at retailers throughout the US, for an RRP of $29.99 per 750ml bottle. Both flavours will initially be available in 12 states, with further rollout expected this year.

US meat company Hormel Foods plans to introduce a new strategic operating model, in a move to align its businesses to be more consumer-focused and market-driven. The company plans to transition to three operating segments – retail, foodservice and international. Hormel Foods' 'One Supply Chain' team will continue to oversee its global supply chain. The largest operating segment – retail – will include brands such as Planters, Corn Nuts, Spam and Applegate. It will be supported by a new "food-forward hub" called Brand Fuel, which will oversee brand management, marketing and insights-led innovation. The second operating segment will serve foodservice establishments, while the international unit will focus on the continued expansion of Hormel's presence outside the US. This includes growing global brands such as Spam and Skippy, and accelerating growth and investments in China, Brazil and Indonesia. Jim Snee, chairman, president and CEO at Hormel Foods, said: "Our new operating model is a culmination of our recent strategic actions, which included numerous portfolio-building acquisitions, including the Planters snacking business, the creation of 'One Supply Chain,' the modernisation of our technology and ecommerce capabilities, and most recently, our transformational efforts at Jennie-O Turkey Store". Snee continued: "This new alignment will empower our 20,000 global team members, with a more refined organisational structure that is accountable, nimble and focused on creating the Hormel Foods of the future". Hormel Foods will begin operating under the new model on 31 October this year.

Greek businesses Green Cola and Chitos have announced a partnership to expand internationally in the better-for-you beverages sector. The companies have announced the creation of a new UK-headquartered drinks group, Green Beverages Group, extending their existing commercial cooperation in Greece. Based in London, Green Beverages Group, which aims to become a global leader in better-for-you beverages, will focus on strengthening the position of its brands in markets – including the UK, Middle East and US – where Green Cola already has listings with grocery retailers. The group will also seek opportunities to launch into new territories, including Asia, Australia and South America. Periklis Venieris, CEO of Green Beverages Group, said: "The creation of the Green Beverages Group is a transformational and hugely significant milestone for us as we execute our ambitious international expansion plans. By combining Green Cola’s innovative, disruptive approach with the strong heritage of the Chitos group, we believe we can develop into one of the world’s leading non-alcoholic beverage companies." Venieris continued: "Under the group, we have the scale and expertise to further accelerate our growth around the world. I’m excited to be working with such a talented group of people and look forward to the opportunities ahead."

Premium Brands Holdings has announced the acquisitions of two protein companies in its second-quarter results. King’s Command is a cooked protein manufacturer based in Ohio, US. Premium Brands has also increased its interest in deli meats producer Golden Valley Farms from 50% to 100%. The Canada-based business said in its Q2 earnings call that the investment in both acquisitions amounted to CAD 86.5 million (approx. $67.2 million). Premium Brands president and CEO, George Paleologou, said: “Both of these businesses will play a significant role in supporting our organic growth initiatives as they provide us with much-needed capacity solutions in two very exciting growth categories, namely cooked protein and dry cured meats". Paleologou added that the acquisitions helped position the company to exceed its 2023 objective of CAD 6 billion in sales and CAD 600 million in adjusted EBITDA to achieve its "longer-term goal of being one of North America's leading speciality foods companies". He continued: "In addition, we continue to enjoy a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities that spans all our platforms and provides us with the ability to further accelerate our growth”.

UK dairy company Yeo Valley is launching its first category outside of dairy with two new ranges of soups and dips. The new organic soup range is made from only organic and fresh ingredients and is packaged in on-the-go, recyclable 400g pots. The range will feature two texture varieties – ‘smooth’ and ‘hearty’. The new smooth line will include Cream of Tomato and Carrot and Parsnip & Thyme, while the hearty range will include chunky vegetables and consists of Leek, Potato & Mature Cheddar and Cream of Vegetable. Meanwhile, the brand's new range of creamy organic dips include three flavour varieties – Garlic & Herb, Sour Cream & Chive and Sweet Chilli. The three variants have 30% reduced fat compared to standard soured cream-style dips. Tim Mead, owner of Yeo Valley, said: "With over 25 years of organic farming behind us, it’s an exciting time for us to grow our organic offering outside of dairy for the first time. As a responsible food business and champion of organic agriculture, we want to provide a wider natural healthy food offering that nurtures our planet and nourishes people." The soups will be available from 12 September with an RRP of £2 per pot, while the dip range is available for an RRP of £1.65 per 150g pot in Sainsbury’s chilled aisle from 14 September,

Angry Angel, a non-GMO high-performance energy drink brand, has added three new flavours to portfolio – strawberry kiwi, peach ginger and popsicle blast. The new offerings contain zero calories and sugar, and no artificial ingredients. The company says that the brand's goal is "to enhance the body's natural functions and systems without using artificial ingredients". The ingredients considered in the formulation of the beverages were: yerba mate, monk fruit, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin B12 and C. "My guide when looking for 'functional' beverages is to look for the ingredient quantity, not just the quality," said John Woodward, MD, MS. "Some brands sprinkle in enough to include an ingredient on their label, but not enough to provide functional benefits. Other brands pack in too much, creating unhealthy side effects." "Angry Angel hits the sweet spot using ubiquinol form of CoQ10, 120mg of caffeine from yerba mate, and 100% of the daily suggested value for B3, B5, B6, B8 and B12 vitamins provide the perfect boost for cognitive function, immunity and energy." The new flavours are available at select Whole Foods and Publix stores.

Hostess Brands-owned crème wafer brand Voortman has launched two limited-edition, autumn-inspired wafers in the US. The new flavours include: pumpkin spice and s'mores. The offerings are made without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colours and flavours, as well as having a light, crispy texture and creamy fillings. "Consumers are ready to indulge in their favourite fall flavours as summer nears its end," said Adam Lisook, general manager of Voortman Cookies. "With classic favourites like pumpkin spice and s'mores being hallmarks of the season, snacking enthusiasts can embrace the fall season and feel good about eating their favourite flavours in delicious crème wafers." Voortman's pumpkin spice and s'mores wafers are available in US stores for an SRP of $3.79 per 10.6oz package.

Tyson Foods has reported an increase in Q3 net revenue from $12.48 billion in fiscal 2021 to $13.5 billion in fiscal 2022, but warned of supply constraints. The meat giant has posted GAAP operating income of $1.03 billion, a 3% decrease from the year-ago period, while its adjusted operating income declined 27% to $998 million. In the first nine months of fiscal 2022, sales volume decreased across all of Tyson Foods’ meat segments with the exception of chicken, due variously to the impacts of supply chain constraints, reduced global demand, increased pricing and reduction in volumes of chicken related to a fire at a production facility in 2021. However, sales volume for Tyson Foods' beef segment increased by 1.3% in the third quarter, driven by a strong global demand environment, partially offset by a challenging labour environment and continued supply chain constraints. For fiscal 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture has indicated domestic protein production (beef, pork, chicken and turkey) should be relatively flat compared with fiscal 2021 levels. Donnie King, president and CEO of Tyson Foods, said: "We delivered solid results during the third quarter, focusing on operational excellence and aggressive cost management. The turnaround of our chicken business continues, and we continue to be the market share leader in many of our retail business lines, which include our Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm and Ball Park iconic brands." King continued: "We maintained double-digit sales and earnings growth year to date as well as progressing toward our goal of delivering more than $1 billion in recurring productivity savings by the end of fiscal 2024. I'm optimistic about our ability to win with our team members, win with our customers and consumers and win with excellence in execution."

Northern England cheese producer, Joseph Heler, has acquired cheese supplier Futura Foods Wales for an undisclosed sum. Based in Minffordd, Futura Foods Wales currently employs 60 people and specialises in the cutting, blending and packing of multiple cheese formats. Its site is currently working with cheddars, mozzarella, territorials and continental cheeses. George Heler, managing director of Joseph Heler, said: "Futura Foods Wales is a fantastic site with huge potential. It offers the Joseph Heler customer base increased capability and capacity across all cheese formats. In addition, we have further capability investments planned for this year, securing a really positive future for current employees and future employees in the area." Under the deal, Joseph Heler will continue to supply Futura Wales’ existing customers and conduct business as usual. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC) has agreed to acquire ESM Effervescent Sodas Management (ESM) from SICC Holding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ideal Holdings, a publicly-listed company in Greece. The acquisition has been agreed for an enterprise value of €45 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. ESM is the owner of premium sparkling beverage and mixer brand, Three Cents, which offers artisanal products crafted without preservatives or artificial colourings designed for use in long drinks and cocktails. As part of the acquisition, Three Cents' founding team will remain with Coca-Cola HBC and will continue to promote the brand, providing leadership and vision. ESM's Three Cents complements Coca-Cola HBC's existing adult sparkling beverage portfolio, which includes Schweppes and Kinley. Coca-Cola HBC said: "The adult super-premium sparkling beverage and mixer category represents an exciting growth opportunity and is an important pillar of Coca-Cola HBC's 24/7 beverage partner strategy. Coca-Cola HBC caters to a growing range of consumer tastes and consumption occasions with one of the broadest and most flexible portfolios in the beverage industry." The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022 and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Kirin Holdings subsidiary Lion has announced the sale of its UK operations to Odyssey Inns. The deal includes the Magic Rock and Fourpure brands, the breweries and taprooms in Huddersfield, Holmfirth and London, and the Little Creatures craft beer hospitality venue in Kings Cross. The divestiture will see Lion focus future investment towards its businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the US. Lion’s UK managing director, Gordon Treanor, said: “Odyssey brings together a great team with a clear passion for brewing and hospitality and is ideally placed to take Magic Rock and Fourpure forward...With some great sales and brand momentum, the business is well placed for the future ahead, under new ownership.” In 2018, Fourpure was acquired by Lion, while Magic Rock was purchased the following year. Both brands will now return to being under independent UK ownership. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Parkside has partnered with UK supermarket chain Iceland to replace the LDPE bag for its Northcoast frozen seafood range with a recyclable paper pouch. The new packaging solution was designed to resist the frost and moisture in a freezer for prolonged periods. Parkside says that this was achieved by creating heat saleability and by using water-based coatings with high barrier performance that can break down when re-pulped in the paper recycling process. The recyclable paper pouch is grease and oil-resistant. Mark Armstrong, packaging specialist at Iceland, said: “Bag sealing was a challenge, as was ensuring the material had the necessary barrier properties. We also wanted the print to match the existing LDPE bag, and therefore, a lot of time was spent in artwork and repro to give us the best possible result.” Mark Shaw, sales account manager at Parkside, added: “It has been a huge privilege for us to work on this project with Mark and his team. Until recently, achieving a high level of grease and oil resistance and heat seal ability for frozen food has been extremely challenging." "Typically, a plastic layer such as Polyethylene would need to be extruded or laminated to the paper, which would then need to be removed when recycling post-consumer use. Our leading technology removes the need for plastic and gives a truly recyclable paper solution with the added benefit of high barrier functionality.”