The shortlist for the 2026 World Beverage Innovation Awards has been announced, marking the next stage of FoodBev Media’s annual programme celebrating innovation across the international beverage industry. Now in its 23rd year, the awards recognise achievements spanning drinks and new beverage concepts, packaging design, production technology and the business initiatives that help bring innovations to market. This year’s programme covers 25 categories, divided into eleven product categories, four packaging awards, six innovation categories and four business awards. The breadth of the programme allows recognition across the beverage value chain, from developments in new products to ingredients and formulations, and advances in processing, equipment, labelling, sustainability and supply-chain solutions. The World Beverage Innovation Awards have established a platform for celebrating the creativity, expertise and ambition driving the global beverage industry forward. The programme brings together an array of achievements, from pioneering drinks and emerging brands to advances in packaging, production technology and sustainability, recognising the people and businesses turning new ideas into tangible progress for the sector. Mark your calendars for Tuesday 10 November 5pm CEST, where winners will be revealed live at BrauBeviale in Nuremberg, Germany. With shortlisted submissions across countries, these awards represent the world's best, showcasing the most impressive innovations across the global beverage industry. World Beverage Innovation Awards 2025 shortlist Best products of 2026 Best alcohol beverage Epic Cleantec | Shower hour IPA & laundry club kölsch – Beers made with highly purified recycled water Freixenet | Freixenet solare aperitivo Mydflower | Sparkling elderflower wild wine Ölgerðin | STD – ready-to-drink cocktail Pals | Pals triple distilled vodka, valencia orange and soda PepsiCo | Gran Malo x Flamin’ Hot Best beverage concept BeePop | BeePop Strawberry GoodBrew | GoodBrew GoodGut Vanilla Latte Soulopop | Soulopop Yogutide | WonderFull Best beverage system Blupura | Ecochic V2 Blupura | WaveHome Smart DRS by Sensoneo | Smart return system for reusable cups Best dairy beverage Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu chewy fruit one good fruit prune yogurt drink Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu Jasmine snowbud milk beverage Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu JustPure Daily Pro+ series flavoured fermented milk TH Group | TH true formula TH Group | TH true milk gold TH Group | TH true milk UHT pure fresh milk Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu MNHi188 children formula milk powder Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu pure milk powder Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu Yourui antangdun sugarguard milk formula Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu Yourui high-calcium with multi-vitamins milk powder for seniors Best energy beverage Flck | Ultra Focus IDS Borjomi Georgia | Energia by Borjomi - A force of nature Mocean DrinkWerx | Mocean Ölgerðin | Orka pinky pop Onest | Onest energy apple berry Best functional beverage Flck | Ultra Focus Green Matcha | Green – Vegan dirty matcha Nespresso-compatible capsules Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu calcium electrolyte drink Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu JustPure Daily Pro+ series flavoured fermented milk Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu YOYIC galactooligosaccharide probiotic beverage (health functional food certification) Numin | Numin 20-pack Ölgerðin | UPP blood orange and pineapple Sēkwl | Sēkwl's cranberry lime functional mushroom-infused sparkling water Shanghai Maction Health Technology | Mengniu Maction beetroot liquid/drink Shanghai Maction Health Technology | Mengniu Maction turmeric drink Tasty One Products | Collagen Drip+ Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu white kidney bean extract and probiotics skimmed milk powder Best low/no alcohol beverage Cervezas Ambar | Ambar Triple Zero Probiótica Freixenet | Freixenet Diamond Sparkling 0.0% Jopin | Jopin hop water Lust & Feast | Magnolia • Sparkling Aperitif 0.0% Plash – mocktails with electrolytes | Spritz orange ginger Best natural/organic beverage Crooked | Crooked Pop Green Matcha | Green – 100% pure organic ceremonial matcha capsules IDS Borjomi Georgia | Energia by Borjomi – A force of nature Mydflower | Sparkling elderflower wild wine Ningji | Golden pineapple lemon tea Ningji | Signature preserved plum jasmine lemon tea Nixie | Strawberry cream organic zero sugar soda Best plant-based beverage Green Matcha | Green – Vegan matcha latte Nespresso-compatible capsules LNK | Ellenka barista series coconut m!lk Mihong Biomedical | Mihong efficient-instant vegan protein shake-jasmine green tea The Boba Co. | Oat-based ube coconut bubble tea Yogutide | Wonderfull Best premium beverage IDS Borjomi Georgia | Energia by Borjomi – A force of nature Lojeco | Lojeco coffee Lust & Feast | Berry Darjeeling • sparkling tea 0.0% ÓL Irish Cocktails | Low Tide Pals | Pals watermelon margarita Remarkable Cream | Keto Irish cream Best ready-to-drink beverage Crooked | Crooked Pop Get More Vits | apple and pear kids multivitamin juicy drink GoodBrew | GoodBrew GoodGut pistachio latte N.ovo | N.ovo high-protein beverage – strawberry yogurt flavour Spacegoods | Coffee+ focus and energy Best packaging of 2026 Best glass design Ardagh Glass Packaging | The Macallan Beatson Clark | Unrooted glass dosing bottle Freixenet | Freixenet Diamond Sparkling 0.0% Lojeco | Lojeco coffee Lust & Feast | Magnolia • sparkling aperitif 0.0% Best metal design Ardagh Metal Packaging | 9 Mile espresso martini Ardagh Metal Packaging | BarLoca Canpack | Bavaria Hunter Luxury | Jack Daniel's x McLaren Halo MK1 Olberding Brand Family | Coca-Cola North America & Olberding: Holiday 2025 Best packaging design Alzamora Group | Grand Reveal Pack Graphic Packaging International | Asahi Beverages ANZ Carlton Dry six-bottle wrap Graphic Packaging International | KeelClip G2 multipack for Vimto Graphic Packaging International | Shock Top no-top-flap multipack Hunter Luxury | Jack Daniel's x McLaren Halo MK1 IDS Borjomi Georgia | Energia by Borjomi – A force of nature Kiki Herb | Embrace the MorningStar | mint and lemon-flavoured tea McLaren Presentation | Glenkinchie 30 year old – A Richness of Swallows PepsiCo | Mirinda Global Restage 2026 PepsiCo | Pepsi Ancient Egyptian LTO 2025 Best sustainable packaging Alzamora Group | Grand Reveal Pack Plastic Ingenuity | 100% PCR PP hot beverage lids Sipa Spa| Piuma by Sipa Vetropack Austria | Rezon – Less glass. More performance. Smarter logistics. Best innovations of 2026 Best component/equipment innovation Dalum Beverage Equipment | 'The Nano' CO2 recovery plant InPhocal | F1-MV beverage laser Pentair | Südmo iQ Best health/wellness innovation Anagenesis | Anagenesis olive leaf iced tea Future Nutrition | Longevity shot GoodBrew | GoodBrew GoodGut coconut latte Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu YOYIC galactooligosaccharide probiotic beverage (health functional food certification) N.ovo | N.ovo high-protein beverage – strawberry yogurt flavour Numin | Numin 20-pack Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu MNHi188 children formula milk powder Best ingredient innovation ADM | ProFam 883 soy protein isolate Crooked | Crooked Pop Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu YOYIC functional probiotic beverage (100 billion live cultures) – two variants Preserve Botanica | Preserve Botanica and 100+ Accelerator: From hop biomass to high-value ingredients Best packaging/labelling innovation Canpack | Easy open tab – prototype Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (group) | Mengniu Zhenguoli yogurt drink, prune flavour – One Good Fruit series Living Ink Technologies | Living Ink and 100+ Accelerator: Bio-based black pigments and inks for sustainable packaging Magenta Vision Polska | Teckwin Koi Sacmi | The Sacmi Elm – Embedded laser marking system Vetropack Austria | Rezon – Less glass. More performance. Smarter logistics. Whistling Buoy Winery | Vino single serve (150ml) wine pouch – wine unbottled. Premium. Portable. Best processing/production innovation Collo | Collo | Liquid Process Intelligence Diversey F&B | PasteurWiser Figura | The Figura Micro Method – in conjunction with Greene King N.ovo | N.ovo high-protein beverage – strawberry yogurt flavour Yashili Dairy(Maanshan) | Mengniu Native A2β-casein pure milk powder Best technology innovation Collo | Collo | Liquid Process Intelligence Dalum Beverage Equipment | Dalum 'Hercules' CO2 recovery plant Figura | Figura Portable Analyser: Protecting 0% beer quality from brewery to glass FlavorActiV | Augmenting human sensory with electronic nose technology Pentair | Südmo iQ ProAmpac | Moisture Protect MP-1000 Sacmi Imola | Sacmi Purecap Smart DRS by Sensoneo | Smart return system for reusable cups Smart Skin Technologies | PET centerlining solution Best business of 2026 Best CSR/sustainability initiative Dalum Beverage Equipment | Dalum 'Hercules' CO2 recovery plant Duotank | The next gen tank Epic Cleantec | Shower Hour IPA & Laundry Club Kölsch – Beers made with highly purified recycled water Flor de Caña | Flor de Caña’s carbon neutral production model Smart DRS by Sensoneo | Smart return system for reusable cups Best marketing campaign IDS Borjomi Georgia | Energia by Borjomi – A force of nature Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | Milk: The taste of real Ölgerðin | Collab x Laufey PepsiCo | Pepsi Ancient Egyptian LTO 2025 Best logistics/supply chain solution Duotank | The next gen tank Sipa Spa | Piuma by SIpa Smart DRS by Sensoneo | Smart return system for reusable cups Vetropack Austria | Rezon – Turning reusable bottles into managed assets Best new/start-up business Beer of Satoshi | Beer of Satoshi / Satoshi Hell Lager Numin | Numin 20-pack Plash - Mocktails with electrolytes | Plash – Mocktails with electrolytes Soulopop | Soulopop Yogutide | Wonderfull by Yogutide Congratulations to all the shortlisted products, innovations and brands! Each shortlisted entry will be recognised as either a Winner, Finalist or Commended, on 10 November 2026. Chinova Bioworks Gold sponsor Chinova Bioworks is a Canadian food-tech company founded in 2016 to revolutionise the food and beverage industries by introducing natural and sustainable ingredients derived from white button mushrooms. Chinova's clean-label technology reduces reliance on artificial ingredients and aids in lowering food waste. Join us at BrauBeviale 2026 BrauBeviale is one of the leading trade fairs for the international beverage industry. Taking place at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 10-12 November 2026, the event brings together beverage manufacturers, brewers, bottlers and suppliers from across the production chain, covering everything from ingredients and processing technology to filling, packaging and marketing. Its programme combines the exhibition with expert discussions, presentations and practical demonstrations addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The World Beverage Innovation Awards ceremony will take place on the opening day, Tuesday 10 November, from 5-6pm on the Main Stage in Hall 9. The ceremony will celebrate this year’s shortlisted entries and reveal the final placements across the awards’ 25 categories. What happened last year? Last year’s World Beverage Innovation Awards attracted 160 shortlisted submissions from 25 countries. The final results recognised 26 winners, alongside more than 80 Finalists and over 40 Commended entries, spanning beverage products, packaging, technical developments and business initiatives. Among the recognised innovations was Ball Corporation’s Dynamark Advanced Pro, winner of Best Packaging/Labelling Innovation. The technology allows multiple graphics and messages to be combined on a single pallet, accommodating up to 12 different designs. Following the win, FoodBev spoke to Ball Corporation about the innovation and its potential applications to enable brands to explore more targeted packaging for promotional campaigns, seasonal products and limited editions. About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com or email awards@foodbev.com.

Canadian controlled-environment agriculture company Green Rise Foods is set to be acquired by Pereira Verde, an entity owned and controlled by two of the company’s senior executives. Under the definitive arrangement agreement, Pereira Verde will acquire all outstanding Green Rise Foods shares not already held by Vincent Narang, director and co-founder, George Hatzoglou, chief financial and chief operating officer, and certain associated shareholders. The all-cash transaction values Green Rise’s equity at approximately C$20.48 million on a fully diluted basis and gives the company a total transaction value of approximately C$61 million, including net debt. Shareholders will receive C$0.43 in cash for each share, subject to a potential adjustment of up to C$0.02 per share based on the company’s working capital at the time of completion. The offer represents a 16.2% premium to Green Rise’s closing share price on the TSX Venture Exchange on 16 October 2026 and a 23.4% premium to its 20-day volume weighted average price. It also represents a 79.2% premium to the company’s closing share price on 1 May 2026, before Green Rise announced the launch of a strategic review process. Green Rise operates 89 acres of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) greenhouses, producing fresh produce under the SUNSET brand for distribution partner Mastronardi Produce. The company said its greenhouse operations are focused on producing locally grown fresh produce while using bee pollination. The proposed acquisition follows a strategic review initiated by Green Rise’s independent special committee in May 2026 to assess potential strategic alternatives and maximise shareholder value and liquidity. Enrico (Rick) Paolone, chair and interim CEO of Green Rise Foods, said: “The Transaction is a result of a thorough strategic review process conducted by the Special Committee. We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Pereira Verde, Vincent Narang and George Hatzoglou for a sale transaction that provides a strong outcome for shareholders.” The company’s special committee unanimously recommended that the board approve the transaction, while the board, with Narang recusing himself, unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the deal. Financial advisor Blair Franklin Capital Partners has provided a fairness opinion stating that the consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to shareholders other than the excluded securityholders. The transaction remains subject to shareholder, court and other regulatory approvals. Green Rise expects to hold an annual and special shareholder meeting in early December 2026, with completion of the transaction anticipated later that month. The deal requires approval from at least 66.67% of votes cast by shareholders, as well as 66.67% of votes cast by shareholders and option holders voting together. A simple majority of votes cast by shareholders excluding certain interested parties will also be required. Pereira Verde has entered into voting support agreements with directors and officers holding approximately 23.11% of Green Rise’s outstanding shares and 22.65% of outstanding share options. If completed, the transaction will result in Green Rise’s shares being delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange. Separately, Green Rise has secured a C$1.2 million loan from Opus Financial, a company wholly owned and controlled by Paolone. The loan will be provided through two C$600,000 advances, with the first made on 19 October and the second expected on 30 October. The loan carries an annual interest rate of 6.57%, calculated and paid monthly, with the principal due at maturity on the earlier of 31 December 2026 or completion of the acquisition, subject to certain conditions. Green Rise said the proceeds will be used for ordinary-course operating purposes and to reduce indebtedness under its bank operating line. The loan is secured against the company’s personal property and is subordinated to existing security interests held by senior creditors, including Royal Bank of Canada. The transaction with Pereira Verde and the related capital injection remain subject to the conditions and approvals outlined in the company’s announcements.

According to reporting from The Times, UK nut butter and snacking brand Pip & Nut is exploring a sale that could value the business at up to £100 million. The Times’ report states that the brand, headquartered in London, has hired advisers from US-based multinational investment bank and financial services firm Piper Sandler to examine possibilities for the business. Sources reportedly identified large manufacturers such as KP Snacks owner Intersnack, and confectionery giants Mars and Mondelez International, as potential buyers. Pip & Nut declined to provide comment on the reports when approached by FoodBev Media. The company was founded in 2013 by Pippa Murray, initially focusing on nut butters. Its range has since expanded into adjacent product categories, offering a chocolate spread, protein bars and a ‘Nut Butter Cups’ confectionery-style snack product alongside its range of peanut and almond butters. The brand’s expansion into the snack bar category came in 2024 through the launch of its line of nut butter-stuffed oat bars. It then unveiled its first line of protein bars last year, positioned as a healthier and more natural alternative to highly processed protein bars made with artificial additives. The brand's entire range is free from palm oil and centred around an ethos of 'real,' high-quality ingredients. Snacks and bars now account for a third of Pip & Nut's sales, demonstrating the significant opportunity for growth through tapping into the growing demand for high-protein and high-fibre bar format products. Pip & Nut achieved a 50% sales increase last year, reporting over £26.4 million in revenue and recording its first-ever operating profit at £251,000. Top image: © Pip & Nut

Kallø, the natural food brand owned by Ecotone UK, has expanded its organic broth portfolio with the launch of a new Tomato & Beef flavour. The new Kallø Organic Bone Broth Tomato & Beef combines beef bone broth with tomato, providing a versatile base for a range of dishes including pasta, meat sauces, stews and soups. Launching as the first product in Kallø’s new World Flavour Broths range, the new broth is designed to bring global-inspired flavours to everyday cooking. The product contains 8g of collagen and 12g of protein per 500ml pack. Made with organic ingredients, it contains no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, or MSG. The new flavour joins Kallø’s existing Vegetable, Chicken and Beef Bone Broths, expanding the brand’s offering for consumers looking for convenient ways to add flavour and depth to home-cooked meals. Cynthia Allaglo, Kallø brand manager at Ecotone UK, said: “Tomato & Beef marks an exciting next step for Kallø as we expand beyond our core flavours and dive into global, flavour-led cooking. It’s incredibly versatile – from adding depth to pasta dishes and braising meats, to creating hearty Mediterranean-inspired stews and soups. It can even be enjoyed simply as a warming drink.” The new broth is available from mid-October in Waitrose, with an RRP of £3.50 for 500ml. Kallø said the launch builds on its position as the UK’s number one organic stock brand and reflects its focus on natural and organic ingredients. The brand forms part of Ecotone UK, which also owns Clipper Teas and Mrs Crimble’s. Ecotone UK has been B Corp certified since 2018.

Finnish insect protein company Volare has today (26 October 2026) announced the completion of its first industrial-scale factory, alongside raising €7.1 million in new capital. The 10,000-square-metre plant, located in Pori, Finland, aims to produce up to 5,000 tonnes of insect protein and 2,000 tonnes of insect oil annually from food industry side streams. The company aims to boost the resilience and sustainability of the global food system with a circular, waste-reduced approach, taking byproducts – such as inedible parts of grains – and turning them into fertiliser, pet food and animal feed ingredients. Named ‘Volare 01,’ the site represents a 1,000x scale-up from the company’s demonstration plant. It will support Volare as it prepares for its next growth phase, with eyes on a second factory and international expansion plans. The new factory was delivered within the company’s €15 million CAPEX budget. Meanwhile, the €7.1 million in new funding was raised through Springvest, with support from new and existing investors including Maki.VC. It will contribute toward the second industrial-scale facility, alongside plans to replicate its production model across Europe and beyond. Founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Volare has built a proprietary, automated production process built around what it calls ‘nature’s own bioreactor’ – the black soldier fly, which converts food industry side streams into valuable nutrients. The company’s protein meal delivers over 90% digestibility and is already used commercially in aquafeeds, pet food and poultry feeds. Volare’s tech platform covers the full production chain, from larvae rearing to finished protein and oil. According to Volare, compared with other insect-based producers, its factory requires four to ten times lower CAPEX and 30% less energy in end-product processing. Additionally, the fully electric and fossil fuel-free facility is designed to operate with just four people per shift and produces no process wastewater, Volare said. Jarna Hyvönen, CEO and co-founder of Volare, commented: “Volare 01 proves that our technology and production model work at industrial scale. We delivered the factory on schedule and on budget, demonstrating our ability to build production capacity cost-effectively and laying a strong foundation for further growth.”

Graham’s Family Dairy has expanded its cottage cheese range with the launch of a new Fat Free Cottage Cheese, following a more than 300% year-on-year increase in branded cottage cheese sales. The new 0% fat product is positioned as a high-protein option for breakfasts, snacks and everyday meals, containing 18g of protein per 150g serving and 62 calories per 100g. The Fat Free Cottage Cheese is available in 300g tubs at Sainsbury’s stores nationwide and 500g tubs at Morrisons stores nationwide. The launch comes as cottage cheese experiences renewed consumer interest, driven in part by demand for convenient, naturally high-protein foods and its use in social media recipes. Robert Graham, managing director at Graham’s Family Dairy, said: “People are increasingly looking for foods that are naturally high in protein, made with quality ingredients and versatile enough to enjoy in different ways.” The dairy company has also reported an 80% year-on-year increase in sales of its Protein 25 Yogurt pouches, pointing to wider demand for convenient, high-protein dairy products. Graham’s has expanded its cottage cheese production capacity following a £3.5 million investment in its Fife facility. The investment is intended to support increased demand for cottage cheese while maintaining the company’s production methods and focus on Scottish milk. Graham added: “We’ve significantly expanded our cottage cheese production to meet demand, while staying true to the quality and traditional methods that have been at the heart of our family’s farming business for generations.” The new product joins Graham’s existing cottage cheese portfolio, which includes high-protein, low-fat and natural varieties.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on the role of bio-based plastics in packaging policy across the EU. The consultation, which opened on 21 October, forms part of the European Commission’s review under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Strategic Framework on a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy. Stakeholders have until 13 January 2027 to submit evidence and feedback. The Commission said the consultation will support its assessment of the technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging, as well as the potential for measures to encourage greater use of bio-based feedstocks. The PPWR provides a harmonised framework for packaging and packaging waste across the EU, with a focus on reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability and promoting more circular use of resources. As part of its consultation, the Commission is seeking views on potential market demand measures and targets that could increase the use of bio-based feedstocks in plastic packaging. These measures could potentially be accompanied by sustainability requirements covering the sourcing and production of bio-based feedstocks. The Commission said increasing the use of sustainable alternatives to virgin fossil feedstocks could help reduce the EU’s reliance on imported fossil resources, strengthen strategic autonomy and lower the carbon footprint of the packaging sector. However, it is seeking evidence to better understand the opportunities and potential trade-offs associated with bio-based plastics. Stakeholders are being invited to provide practical experience and data covering the availability and performance of bio-based feedstocks, their environmental impacts and the sustainability of their sourcing and production. The consultation will also examine the potential implications of different regulatory approaches, including the availability of suitable recycling technologies. Input is being sought from across the packaging value chain, including packaging manufacturers and converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, food-contact packaging businesses, brand owners and retailers. Consumer organisations, environmental NGOs, public authorities, research organisations and other interested parties are also encouraged to participate. The feedback will help the Commission assess the opportunities, limitations and trade-offs associated with bio-based plastic packaging. Following the consultation, the Commission may develop a legislative proposal establishing a framework to drive greater use of bio-based feedstocks in plastic packaging. The consultation is initially available in English, with translations into the EU’s other official languages expected to follow. The Commission’s review reflects the EU’s broader efforts to develop bioeconomy lead markets, with packaging identified as an area where bio-based materials could have a role. Under Article 8 of the PPWR, the Commission is required to review technological developments and the environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging and assess whether further measures are needed. Stakeholders can submit evidence and feedback through the Commission’s public consultation until 13 January 2027.

Nurishment has expanded its range of nutritionally enriched milk drinks with the launch of a new Coffee Caramel flavour. The new drink combines coffee and caramel flavours with 20g of protein and 13 essential vitamins and minerals, targeting consumers seeking convenient nutrition alongside an energy boost. Available in a ready-to-drink format, Nurishment Coffee Caramel is positioned as an on-the-go option for busy professionals, students, gym-goers and other active consumers. The launch comes amid continued growth in the UK ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee category, which is valued at more than £410 million in 2026 and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% through to 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. Nurishment aims to tap into the overlap between demand for RTD coffee and the growing popularity of high-protein beverages, with the new flavour offering consumers coffee-inspired taste alongside protein and micronutrient content. Coffee Caramel joins Nurishment’s existing portfolio of Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate and Banana flavours, as well as the Blueberry Swirl and Hazelnut Swirl fusion variants. Kimberley Lue Lim, head of marketing at Grace Foods UK, which owns the Nurishment brand, said: “Coffee continues to be one of the most interesting flavour trends in the drinks sector, but consumers are increasingly looking for products that deliver more than just great taste." She added: “I am really pleased that we are partnering with Tesco and Home Bargains to get Nurishment Coffee Caramel into the hands of consumers who are looking for the perfect coffee, protein drink combination.” Nurishment Coffee Caramel launched in Tesco with a recommended retail price of £1.65. It is also available through Farm Foods, Dhamecha Cash & Carry, Lioncroft and convenience stores nationwide.

ADM has expanded its partnership with Concern Worldwide US to support 17,500 smallholder farmers in Kenya through the latest phase of its Lifesaving Education and Assistance to Farmers (LEAF) programme. Now in its seventh year, the ADM Cares-supported initiative is working with farmers in Tana River County to improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience and access to commercial markets. The programme is expected to indirectly benefit more than 100,000 people. The partnership between ADM and Concern began in 2019, with LEAF combining technical training, access to agricultural inputs and market connections to help smallholder farmers develop more sustainable and independent businesses. According to ADM, farmers participating in the programme have collectively produced more than 2,000 tonnes of crops to date. They have also demonstrated greater resilience than the county average to droughts, flooding and pest outbreaks. The programme has also contributed to improvements in community nutrition, with malnutrition rates in LEAF-supported communities falling to 7.3%, compared with a county average of 11.5%. The latest phase, LEAF IV, aims to improve both the quantity and quality of crop production while strengthening connections between farmers and commercial and export markets. Since January 2026, the programme has added 2,000 farmers and provided training covering climate-smart agriculture, soil and water conservation, pest management and value chain development. More than 1,000 farmers have received certified seeds to support crop diversification, while irrigation equipment has been supplied to more than 450 farmers across approximately 330 acres of farmland. LEAF IV is also supporting agricultural diversification and additional sources of income. The programme has established or strengthened 18 fruit tree nurseries, promoting agroforestry alongside crop production. It has also introduced beekeeping through 14 apiaries, providing farmers with an additional income stream through direct sales. More than 50 agricultural extension officers have received training as part of efforts to strengthen local farming support networks and provide farmers with ongoing technical assistance. Erdal Kurban, president, Africa & Middle East at ADM, said: “Farmers are at the heart of everything we do at ADM, and resilient farming communities are essential to resilient food systems." He added that the partnership was helping farmers who had previously relied on programme support to establish and operate agricultural businesses independently. Alongside its agricultural activities, LEAF IV is addressing food and nutrition security within participating communities. Since January, community health promoters supported by the programme have screened more than 5,100 children for malnutrition and provided families with nutrition education and health guidance across the three project areas in Tana River County. Katie Waller, director of strategic partnerships at Concern Worldwide US, said: “With ADM’s sustained support, we are helping farmers access the knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and create lasting change." ADM said LEAF IV is intended to demonstrate a sustainable, private-sector-led approach to agricultural development, with the long-term objective of enabling more farmers to operate self-sufficient businesses while strengthening local food systems.

Müller UK & Ireland and Myprotein have expanded their partnership with the launch of a new range of single-serve high-protein yogurts. Available in Vanilla, Strawberry and Blueberry, each 210g pot contains 20g of protein, combining Müller’s dairy expertise with Myprotein’s performance nutrition positioning. The smooth and creamy yogurts have been developed to meet growing consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich products that balance nutritional credentials with taste. The launch comes as protein continues to drive growth within the chilled yoghurt, puddings and desserts (CYPD) category. According to Circana data for the year ending 5 September 2026, the protein segment is growing at 2.5 times the rate of the total category year on year. The Müller x Myprotein Protein Yogurts are available at major retailers across the UK, with a recommended retail price of £1.50 per 210g pot. Richard Williams, chief executive of Müller Yogurt & Desserts, said: “Protein continues to play an increasingly important role in consumers' everyday food choices, with shoppers looking for convenient products which deliver on both nutrition and taste. “By bringing together Müller's dairy expertise and Myprotein's performance nutrition credentials, we've expanded our partnership and created a range which makes it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy a tasty, high-protein snack wherever and whenever they need it.”

UK-based Homewrecker Pimento Cheese has expanded its range with the launch of a new jalapeño variant. The new product combines freshly grated cheddar, cream cheese and piquanté peppers with jalapeño and the brand's signature spice blend, offering a spicier alternative to its original pimento cheese. The launch marks the latest development for the brand, founded by Savannah, Georgia, native Jane Davis, who began making pimento cheese after moving to the UK and struggling to find the Southern American staple. Davis first introduced her homemade recipe to a local pub in Leamington Spa, where it was added to the burger menu. The product has since developed into a retail brand, with listings at Ocado, Selfridges and independent food retailers. Jane Davis, founder of Homewrecker Pimento Cheese, said: "When I first moved to the UK from Savannah, I was shocked that pimento cheese wasn’t a thing, especially since this island loves cheese. I was so homesick for it that I started making my own, and nine years later we’ve gone from a tub in my kitchen to the shelves of Ocado." "Launching jalapeño [flavour] feels like the perfect next chapter. It’s got all the creamy, cheesy goodness of our Original, but with a little kick." Designed for use as a spread, topping or dip, the new jalapeño variant can be served with crackers, sandwiches and toasties or heated for use in pasta dishes and other meals. Homewrecker Pimento Cheese Jalapeño is available in a 200g tub, priced at £6, through Ocado and selected stockists, including Aubrey Allen and Panzer's Deli.

Lactalis Canada has officially opened a new Research & Development (R&D) Centre in Ingleside, Ontario, as the dairy company looks to strengthen its product and process innovation capabilities. Located alongside Lactalis Canada’s cheese processing plant in Ingleside, the new facility features pilot-scale equipment and dedicated testing and evaluation areas. The centre will support the development and refinement of cheese products and manufacturing technologies, with the aim of accelerating the path from concept to commercialisation. The R&D centre is expected to become a global Lactalis Group centre of expertise for cheddar cheese. According to Lactalis Canada, its capabilities will support innovation beyond the Ingleside site, with developments extending across the company’s wider manufacturing and R&D network. Sandra Senez, vice president of research & development, North America, said locating R&D capabilities closer to industrial manufacturing would allow teams to develop, test and refine products and technologies more efficiently. The facility was officially inaugurated on 20 October 2026 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour attended by Lactalis Canada executives, government representatives and industry stakeholders. The new centre forms part of Lactalis Canada’s broader investment in its Canadian operations. Since 2018, the company said it has completed four strategic acquisitions and invested more than C$900 million (approx USD $642.26 million) in manufacturing, distribution and transformation initiatives across the country. Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Lactalis Canada, said the R&D centre represents another investment in the country’s dairy and food manufacturing sectors. The facility also builds on Lactalis Canada’s existing presence in Eastern Ontario and its expertise in cheese production. Lactalis Canada is part of France-based Lactalis Group and operates more than 30 sites across Canada, including 19 manufacturing facilities. The company employs more than 4,500 people and produces products across its portfolio of dairy brands. The new Ingleside facility is intended to bring R&D and manufacturing teams closer together, enabling Lactalis Canada to trial products and processes at pilot scale before moving them towards commercial production.