Constellation Brands has entered the ready-to-drink boxed (RTD) wine cocktail category with the launch of Next Round Cocktails. Next Round Cocktails is made with a blend of natural fruit juices and crisp wine. The brand includes two flavours: Salted Lime Margarita, containing a sprinkle of salt and white wine with a 13.5% abv; and Strawberry Lime Sangria, a crisp rose wine that contains a 10% abv. Ann Stockman, VP of emerging brands at Constellation Brands, said: "Next Round Cocktails represents Constellation Brands' commitment to innovate for consumer-leading trends, such as creatively intersecting the growing consumer interest we see in the $696.5 million pre-mixed cocktails category and the $903.2 million premium boxed wine category". She continued: "Recent YPulse research of our target consumer reports that post-covid, 66% would prefer to drink at home than go out, so we've created Next Round Cocktails to fit right in as the ultimate co-host, all tastefully dressed and ready-to-serve up the fun." Next Round Cocktails' flavours are available at major US retailers nationwide in two packagings, including a 1.5-litre bag-in-box for an SRP of $16.99 and a 500ml single-serve Tetra box for an SRP of $5.99.

UK beverage brand Rude Health has launched its new Barista Coconut alternative milk to add to its range of gluten-free, plant-based milks. The barista range consists of the new launch, Barista Coconut, as well as Barista Oat, Barista Almond and Barista Soya. The improved line now has "improved taste, creaminess, functionality and a lower RRP". Bertel Haugen, head of innovation at Rude Health, commented: "A quarter of Brits now have a high-quality at-home coffee machine and our new barista range allows shoppers to replicate their out-of-home coffee experience at home. Not only have we improved functionality, creaminess and taste, we’ve also adopted our usual no-compromise approach to ingredient quality and sourcing. All four new drinks are made with only natural ingredients, nothing artificial and we’ve used sustainably sourced ingredients including non-GMO European soya beans and Mediterranean almonds." The range, including newly released Barista Coconut, will be available in one-litre cartons for an RRP of £2 from May in Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon.

MycoTechnology has raised $85 million in a Series E funding round, bringing its total fundraising to date to more than $200 million. Colorado-based MycoTechnology creates functional food ingredients from the root-like fungus structure, mycelium. The company uses a proprietary fermentation process to create novel ingredients addressing areas such as sugar reduction, sustainable protein and nutrient density. Its ingredient portfolio includes FermentIQ protein, a line of plant-based protein products, and ClearIQ, a range of flavour modulation tools that facilitate sugar and salt reduction. The Series E round was led by a group affiliated with Oman Investment Authority (OIA). In addition, the round included Rage Capital, Siddhi Capital, S2G Ventures, Tyson Ventures, Continental Grain Company, Bunge Ventures and Maple Leaf Foods, among others. Aiming to achieve ‘global scale,’ MycoTechnology says it is now positioned to bring its product portfolio to more consumers. The company plans to focus on expanding in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Alan Hahn, CEO and co-founder of MycoTechnology, said: “This fundraise is a validation of the potential of our breakthrough proposition and next-generation ingredients. It will be a catalyst to accelerate our growth further and faster. “The investment will power the imagination of our incredible team, driving our plans to add more new-to-the-world ingredients from the fungal kingdom.”

Mondelēz International has promoted its senior VP of growth for North America, Jay Cooper, to president, Northern Europe. Cooper succeeds Clive Jones, who will take on the new role of business president for central Europe, EU central sales and global licensing. Cooper will be responsible for the company's businesses in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, where Mondelēz manufactures and sells brands such as Cadbury, Oreo, Maynards Bassetts, Ritz, belVita, Freia and Maribou. Since joining Mondelēz in 2008, Cooper "has successfully led biscuit, chocolate and confectionery businesses both in the US and internationally". Prior to Mondelēz, he worked at The Hershey Company between 2003-2008 and at Nabisco between 1997-2002. Cooper said: “The business continues to deliver strong growth year-on-year, investing in our operations, colleagues and best-loved brands. I’m looking forward to building on this success, responding to changing customer expectations in a dynamic policy environment.”

Mark Anthony Brands-owned brand, Cayman Jack, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a 12-can variety pack, featuring three new flavours. The new flavours of strawberry, mango and watermelon join the original margarita release. Cayman Jack's chief marketing officer, John Shea, said: "We're excited to expand our success as the number one margarita flavour leader by introducing our new Cayman Jack Margarita Variety Pack". He continued: "Providing the highest quality premium and delicious margarita flavours to consumers is our top priority and is the driving force behind Cayman Jack's unprecedented growth". Cayman Jack Margarita Variety Pack is available at retailers across the US.

The Flavourists, a new plant-based meal kit brand backed by Samworth Brothers, is launching in the UK. The brand is debuting with two ranges: Sizzle Kits, which come in Creamy Makhani Style Curry and Yellow Thai Style Curry variants; and Sizzle & Stir, which includes Sticky Teriyaki and Herby Green Pesto offerings. Ready in under 15 minutes, each meal serves two. The Flavourists meal kits will be available through Waitrose from 6 April, Booths from 19 May and Ocado from 30 May. The brand’s creators are Kyrsten Halley, Mia Hartwell and Zoe Stroud, who are supported by chef Joe Lee. Samworth Brothers has provided financial backing to the meal kit venture. “Our plan was always to create a plant-based brand, but when we started to dive into the figures and consumer conversations within this sector, it was so clear that it wasn’t just vegans asking for great-tasting plant-based dishes, it was everyone,” said Halley. “Consumers are looking for inspiration and experimentation. The growing need for new, aromatic flavours is what has inspired many of our dishes, specifically our Yellow Thai Curry, Makhani Curry and Herby Green Pesto. Stir-frying, crunchy textures and sun-dried ingredients are also in demand, so we’ve brought these to life in our dishes and garnishes where possible too.”

Oui by Yoplait, a French-style yogurt brand, has introduced two new seasonal flavours: Strawberry Rosé and Mango Champagne. The yogurts are made with whole milk and real fruit to create a "creamy texture and a subtly sweet taste". Mango Champagne also comes in a dairy-free option, made with coconut and real fruit. The two new flavours will be available in US stores nationwide with an SRP of $1.49 and $1.99 for the dairy-free option. Products are sold individually in 5oz glass pots.

Tate & Lyle has signed an agreement to acquire Quantum Hi-Tech (Guangdong) Biological, a prebiotic dietary fibre business in China, from ChemPartner Pharmatech for $237 million. Quantum focuses on digestive microbiota health, engaging in the research, development, production and sale of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in Guangdong Province, Southern China. The acquisition will strengthen Tate & Lyle's position in the dietary fibres market, enhancing its portfolio of speciality fibres, R&D capabilities and proprietary manufacturing processes and technologies. It will help Tate & Lyle expand its added-fibre offerings across a range of applications such as dairy, beverages, bakery and nutrition (including infant nutrition). In addition, the purchase will expand Tate & Lyle's presence in China and Asia and provide opportunities to create solutions for the region. Nick Hampton, chief executive at Tate & Lyle, said: “We are delighted to announce the agreement to acquire Quantum, a leader in prebiotic dietary fibres and a business recognised for its high-quality ingredients and solutions. This acquisition significantly strengthens our fortification capabilities and expands our customer offering in key food and drink categories." He continued: "FOS and GOS are highly complementary to our existing fibre portfolio and will enable us to offer a broader range of solutions to our customers. The acquisition is also very much in line with our purpose to support healthy living by improving gut health, and driving sugar and calorie reduction and fibre fortification for consumers across the world.” Zeng Xianwei, chairman of the board of ChemPartner, added: “We are proud of the Quantum business we have built over the last 20 years, providing high-quality products to support healthier living for people across China and beyond. Tate & Lyle, with its global customer reach, strong focus on R&D, and strong fibre portfolio, is the ideal company to take Quantum to the next stage of its development. I wish them and the management team at Quantum success in the future.” The transaction is subject to approval by the shareholders of ChemPartner and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.

Atlas Bar has expanded its protein bars portfolio with the addition of three new plant-based bars in the US. The new plant-based protein bars flavours include: coconut almond, dark chocolate sea salt and peanut butter dark chocolate. The bars are made with real food ingredients, are keto-friendly and contain no added sugar. Formulated with a 300-mg dose of ashwagandha, each 45g pack contains 15g of protein and less than 1g of sugar. According to Atlas Bar, the brand is the first and only protein bar to support physical and mental wellness. Atlas Bar's founder, James Oliver, said: "Our goal at Atlas Bar is to help people become the best version of themselves through mind- and- body nutrition. With our plant-based bars, we can now provide options for all of our customers, helping everyone make a positive choice for their health and the planet." Atlas protein bars are available for purchase at retailers nationwide, including Sprouts, Stop & Shop and Lifetime Fitness.

Carlsberg has announced it has taken the “difficult and immediate decision” to fully dispose of its business in Russia. According to Bloomberg, Carlsberg holds a 27.3% share of the $16 billion Russian beer market. In a recent statement, Carlsberg said: "The war in Ukraine, and the escalating humanitarian and refugee crisis, shocks us all. We continue to strongly condemn the Russian invasion, which has led to so much loss of life, devastation and human tragedy." The company added: "Based on this review, we have taken the difficult and immediate decision to seek a full disposal of our business in Russia, which we believe is the right thing to do in the current environment. Upon completion, we will have no presence in Russia." In addition to halting new exports and investment in the country, the Danish brewer will also exit its Baltika Breweries subsidiary – the largest brewery in Russia, which employs 8,400 people. Baltika will no longer be included in Carlsberg's revenue and operating profit, and the company's exit will result in a "substantial non-cash impairment charge". Carlsberg concluded: "We deeply regret the consequences of this decision for our 8,400 employees in Russia. Until the completion of the process, we will maintain the recently announced reduced level of operations to sustain the livelihoods of these employees and their families. Any profits generated during the humanitarian crisis will be donated to relief organisations." You may also like to read: Heineken faces €400m in costs as it looks to exit Russian business Fonterra to exit Russian businesses following Ukraine invasion Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and McDonald’s join list of companies suspending operations in Russia Danone and Valio among producers to restrict operations in Russia

Boost Drinks has expanded its RTD coffee range with the launch of a new mocha-flavoured beverage. Featuring chocolate, South American coffee beans and milk, the mocha flavour is made using exclusive production techniques for a "silky taste and quality". The new flavour joins Boost's coffee range, which includes Caffe Latte, Double Espresso and Caramel Latte. Adrian Hipkiss, marketing and international business director at Boost Drinks, said: “Last year we marked our 20th year in the business, so seeing us fulfil our commitment to selling exceptional value products with no compromise on quality - such as our new Mocha iced coffee - is extremely rewarding. He added: “Investing in new flavour development is key to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring we continue to offer high-quality functional drinks – which we’re confident this new Mocha flavour will offer”. Mocha will be available to purchase wholesale in 12 x 250ml cases. £1 PMP.

Olam Group has announced an agreement to sell a 35.43% ​​​​​​​stake in its agribusiness unit, Olam Agri, to Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) for $1.24bn. Olam Agri specialises in grains, oilseeds, rice and animal feed. The company says the proceeds from the transaction will go towards improving its capital structure and reducing leverage. Olam's co-founder and CEO, Sunny Verghese, said: “Olam’s partnership with SALIC, a strategic, global investor, will position us for even stronger growth as we realise synergies across our complementary strengths". SALIC’s Group CEO, Sulaiman AlRumaih, added: "Our partnership with Olam will expand SALIC’s international footprint and increase access to strategic commodities. SALIC will leverage its international investments and local portfolio companies to strengthen its position across the agri-food value chain as a global food security player.” The transaction is expected to be completed in 2022, subject to required approvals from relevant international authorities.