Sapporo USA, producer of Asian beer Sapporo, has signed an agreement to acquire craft beer brand Stone Brewing. The acquisition will enhance Sapporo's brewing capacity in the US, increasing production of its branded beers for the domestic market. Meanwhile, Stone Brewing will gain the resources of Sapporo. Sapporo intends to use Stone Brewing’s two breweries located in Escondido, California, and Richmond, Virginia, to produce its branded beers in the US. The company says it will brew 360,000 barrels in the US by the end of 2024. Under the agreement, Stone Brewing will continue to produce its own craft beers – such as Stone IPA, Stone Delicious IPA and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager – at the two breweries, as well as operate its seven tap rooms. Kenny Sadai, chairman of Sapporo USA, commented: "We approached Stone Brewing seeking a partner for our growth plans in the US and we quickly recognised they were an ideal partner with bi-coastal brewing capacity, loyal fans, superb management, shared cultural values and commitment to the highest quality standards". Sadai added: "This acquisition puts the resources and legacy of the largest Asian beer brand in America together with one of the most innovative and recognised craft beer brands in the world. It’s a perfect fusion of east meets west that is an ideal marriage for Sapporo’s long-term growth strategy in the US." The transaction is expected to close in August 2022.

The Kroger Company is investing $70 million in the expansion of its Newark, Ohio, dairy facility with the introduction of an aseptic milk line. The 35,000-square-foot expansion of Kroger's Tamarack Farms Dairy site will support the production of products such as half and half milk, heavy whipping cream, coffee creamers and its Carbmaster beverage. The company says its 20-acre facility is the "largest fluid dairy product manufacturer in Ohio". It serves around 160 stores across Ohio and West Virginia and manufactures products for Kroger's ecommerce channel. The new aseptic milk line is part of the company's efforts to offer more high-quality dairy products to consumers, including delivering longer shelf-life high protein drinks, as well as other dairy and non-dairy products. Doug Blacksten, senior director of supply chain and manufacturing for Kroger, said: We are so pleased to see this continued investment in Newark. Kroger is fresh for everyone and that means we are committed to sourcing and manufacturing only the best and freshest products. This cutting-edge innovation at Tamarack Farms Dairy underscores that commitment, improving our ability to offer high-quality dairy products to Kroger customers." The new line at the facility will provide over 150 jobs.

Azelis has announced the opening of a food laboratory in Cairo, Egypt, as part of its efforts to expand its food and nutrition presence in the Middle East and Africa. The new facility is equipped to service various food sectors, although will primarily focus on dairy and beverages. Mattar Mattar, country manager at Azelis Egypt, said: "We are very happy to have this new application laboratory in Egypt, focusing on dairy and beverages. The lab is equipped with modern technology to best support our customers. We will utilise our lateral value chain and our skilled technical staff to bring new, innovative formulations to the market." "Azelis continues to grow its presence and investments in the MEA region and we’re proud to have this new state-of-the-art facility to improve and optimise our formulations. This lab is a great complement to our other Food and Nutrition laboratories in the region and allows us to serve our customers even better," added Patrick Finan, Azelis Food and Nutrition director, MEA. The new facility supports Azelis’ strategy to be an innovation service provider to all sectors and regions and joins the company's portfolio of over 60 application laboratories globally.

Bax Botanics has unveiled two premium alcohol-free, ready-to-drink canned beverages with botanical ingredients for the summer season. The two variants include Smooth Sea Buckthorn & Tonic, a mellow and fruity beverage, and Zingy Lemon Verbena & Tonic, which includes subtle mint, fennel and florals. The combination of herbs, berries, roots and botanicals have been used to "create complex flavours that make them the perfect substitute for boozy, sugary ready-to-drinks this summer". Rose Bax, founder of Bax Botanics, commented: "We created our canned serves to make exploring alcohol-free, distilled drinks even easier for everyone. More and more people are seeking out the highest quality and the most unique flavours in their RTDs. We hope we’re serving up a little bit of luxury for the summer for those who want to enjoy a special treat at picnics, barbeques or road trips." The drinks are available online on the brand's website or at thealcoholfreeco.co.uk for an RRP of £2.40 per 250ml can.

Naturally caffeinated energy drink brand Joyburst, sister company of No Sugar Company, is launching a new flavour in collaboration with Vanilla Ice. The new Vanilla Ice flavour will join the brand's portfolio of Elderberry, Frosé, Grape, Lime and Peach variants. Joyburst will also release an alcoholic version, Vanilla Ice Party Seltzer, in select states across America. The better-for-you beverages contain no sugar, zero calories and are also keto verified and gluten-free. The drinks are made with plant-based ingredients, including green tea extract, an all-natural caffeine source that is packed with antioxidants, and erythritol, a natural sugar substitute. Brad Woodgate, No Sugar Co and Joyburst CEO, said: "For over a decade, we have been working on creating the perfect recipe – naturally derived green tea caffeine, infused with amazing flavours and refreshing carbonation, without using sugar. After finalising our recipe, we launched our starting five flavours that are both delicious and energising and we are enthusiastic to bring our newest Vanilla Ice flavour and this new wave of energy to America." The energy drink is available in 355ml 12-pack cans for an MSRP of $24.99 on the brand's website, as well as in Walmart and Costco.

Plant-based nutrition company PlantBaby has announced a $4 million seed funding round, led by Big Idea Ventures and The Fund LA. The round also received participation from new institutional investors, including Two Culture Cap, Springbank Collective, Western Technology Investment and Niche Capital. Headquartered in Kauai, Hawaii, PlantBaby launched its first product, an organic plant-based milk designed specifically for children, just six months ago. Kiki Milk is made with organic whole foods, such as oats, hemp seeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds and coconuts. The drinks also feature a blend of “superfood powders”. Co-founder Alex Abelin said: “This fundraising round will support continued research and development of new plant-based culinary innovations and continued growth of the brand to make PlantBaby itself a vehicle to create positive change for children's health and the wellbeing of children everywhere”. Tom Mastrobuoni, chief investment officer for Big Idea Ventures, added: “The non-dairy space is highly competitive, but the PlantBaby team has created a unique product that features cleaner label ingredients and appeals to the most precious consumers of all, our children”.

Plant-based protein company Roquette has announced its launch of two new rice proteins, as it looks to meet consumer demand for meat alternative applications. The new Nutralys rice protein range consists of a rice protein isolate and a rice protein concentrate, offering consumers a "familiar, safe and nutritious alternative protein" with "premium quality and high standards of production". Nutralys rice protein offers a non-GM and gluten-free plant-protein source, to associate with Roquette's Nutralys pea protein for complete vegetarian protein supplementation for specialised nutrition. The proteins have a fine particle size that contributes to their smooth and soft texture and a light cream colour. Jeremy Burks, senior vice president of plant proteins at Roquette, said: "There is an unstoppable food revolution underway that is changing how people eat. In the US or in Europe, consumers are asking for better plant-based protein that tastes great while being nutritious and safe." "Building on our more than 40 years of expertise in plant proteins, today we offer a new rice protein to stay at the forefront of this shift and to keep building the plant-based cuisine of the future. At Roquette, we aim to be the best partner for all our customers and all food lovers," Burks continued. The new rice protein range will initially be available in North America and Europe.

Low-sugar snack bar brand, Munk Pack, has raised $5 million in a financing round to support its expansion. Connecticut-based Munk Pack’s portfolio includes keto-friendly granola and nut and seed bars. Each plant-based snack contains 1g or less of sugar, 2-4g of net carbohydrates, and no sugar alcohols or artificial flavours. Munk Pack plans to use the new funds to support distribution growth, expansion of its team and innovation. “We are pleased to see our products resonating with such a broad consumer base, and we believe that our simultaneous distribution and velocity increases attest to that,” said Tobias Glienke, co-founder of Munk Pack. Munk Pack’s products are sold in the US in the natural and conventional grocery channels, as well as through ecommerce, and the brand says it will be expanding the points of distribution for its bars from nearly 11,000 to over 19,000.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink cocktail brand, Atypique, from Station Agro-Biotech. Atypique provides a range of ready-to-drink cocktails, including margaritas, gin and tonics, and mojitos. The acquisition will complement KDP's existing ready-to-drink alcohol portfolio and non-alcoholic business in Canada. The agreement includes a multi-year collaboration between KDP and Quebec-based Station Agro-Biotech to expand Atypique's reach. The partnership will combine Station Agro-Biotech's research and development expertise in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage sector with KDP's sales and distribution network. Olivier Lemire, president of Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, said: "We are excited to add this new platform to our powerful portfolio in Canada and the global rights to Atypique provides optionality to further expand the brand's growth potential. Atypique is a great complement to our successful ready-to-drink alcohol portfolio and we look forward to continue innovating around this brand to drive accelerated growth." "We were looking for the best way to bring Atypique to the next level. This agreement represents an exceptional opportunity to work with a beverage industry leader and Keurig Dr Pepper will bring market knowledge and strength to the Atypique brand," added Jonathan Robin, president of Station Agro-Biotech. The deal is expected to close in early Q4.

Kellogg's has expanded its Special K portfolio with the launch of a new flavoured protein snack bars in the US. The mini snack bars are available in Berry Vanilla and Brownie Sundae flavours, containing 6g of protein and 90 calories per bar. Heidi Ray, senior director of brand marketing for Kellogg's snacks, commented: "Sometimes you just need a second to pause and do something for yourself that's going to energise you. At Special K, we love to offer that special combination of indulgent-tasting flavours plus functional ingredients like protein in a portable snack that's perfect for stashing in your bag, car or desk drawer." Ray added: "Our new Special K Protein Snack Bars are a delicious mini option you can feel good about enjoying, so you're able to take a moment and get a little boost of energy to help fuel you for whatever your day has in store". Special K Protein Snack Bars are available now at US grocery retailers nationwide for an SRP of $4.29 per five-pack.

Baby and toddler snack brand Organix is adding to its portfolio with new baby meals and kids snacks ranges, in its "biggest shake-up" in history. The new Organix Baby Meals line is designed for every development stage, with over 55% vegetables and pulses per meal. The meals contain ingredients such as grains, plant-based proteins – for example, chickpeas and lentils – and some meat options aimed at older children. The line includes First Tastes; Explorer Foods, consisting of Early Explorers Meals and Food Explorer Meals; and Sunshine Bowls. Options include purees such as Perfect Pumpkin and Easy Peas and organic meals including Creamy Root Veggies & Chicken and Very Veggie Pasta with Herbs, among others. Sunshine Bowls consist of variants Berry Sunshine Bowl with Yoghurt, Banana & Oats and Tropical Sunshine Bowl with Yoghurt, Mango and Oats. Alongside the range extension, the brand has expanded its baby finger food and toddler snacks with the release of Rice Cake Clouds, Weaning Wands and a new limited-edition Oaty Bar. Mark Golder, managing director at Organix, said: "Supporting parents better with healthier snacks for kids aged three and over is new territory for Organix and an area we’re excited to be entering into. Our aim is to provide healthier snacks that children will enjoy eating and parents are happy to give because of their superior nutritional content." The launches are available in Asda and on the Organix website now.

Urban farming company Infarm has unveiled plans to construct its largest growing centre to date near Baltimore, Maryland, marking its third facility in the US. The 18,600-square-metre facility will be located in Columbia, Howard County, and will produce up to 45 million crops per year. The growing centre will create more than 50 jobs in Howard County and supply crops, such as herbs, leafy greens, ready-to-eat salads, microgreens and mushrooms, to the Northeastern US. Erez Galonska, CEO and co-founder of Infarm, said: "With the opening of this new growing centre, we are now entering a region where vertical farming is already widely adopted and green innovations are thriving". He continued: "Once fully operational, our growing centre will provide the Northeastern US with a new food production capability that minimises climate and supply chain risk by growing more than 75 types of plants locally, sustainably and reliably 24/7, 365 days a year". The vertical farming facility will join Infarm's site in Seattle, Washington, and recently announced growing centre in Kyle, Texas, as part of the company's US network. According to Infarm, more than 50% of the new facility is already pre-ordered, with the first harvest planned for spring 2023. The remaining capacity will be added by early 2024.