Following nine clinical studies that were performed on more than 500 people in 2021, Ingredia wanted to address a core objective for all its customers: consumer satisfaction. To do so, the company: Recruited 300 persons worldwide, in three distinct regions – the US, France and China Applied a strict methodology with validated questionnaires and partnered with BioMerieux, utilising the company’s expertise in the area Asked 300 participants to try Lactium at 300mg/day, reporting on either their stress indication or sleep disturbance indication. The results are now in and Ingredia is proud to announce an overall 78% satisfaction, quite evenly split – 78% in the stress indication and 77% in the sleep disturbance indication. Join us during Vitafoods Europe on 10-12 May, booth G100. To find out more about Lactium, contact us: lactium.com/contact #Ingredia #video #Vitafoods #Dairy #functionalingredients

German natural food company, KoRo, has raised €50 million in a Series B funding round to expand its product portfolio. The round was led by venture capital firm, HV Capital, alongside food tech specialist Five Seasons Ventures and global investment platform Partech. The capital will be used to expand KoRo's product portfolio, develop new marketing channels and increase its international footprint to Greece and the Czech Republic. Founded in 2014, KoRo sells natural spreads and nut butters, dried fruits, organic ingredients, snacks and superfoods. KoRo's co-founder and CEO, Constantinos Calios, said: “We will use the fresh capital to further accelerate growth both in Europe and internationally, with our fantastic team being the backbone of KoRo's success". He continued: "We currently ship to 16 EU countries and plan to open the online store in Greece and the Czech Republic soon. With the investment of our new VCs, we also want to expand our product portfolio from 1,250 SKUs to 2,000 by the end of this year.” Five Seasons Ventures' managing partner, Ivan Farneti, said: “At Five Seasons Ventures we look for outstanding food-tech companies throughout Europe and we have been following KoRo for a while". He continued: "The management team's exceptional job is the result of a tremendous passion for product quality and value-for-money for consumers, and the ability to implement scalable processes throughout the business, from marketing to operations, to procurement, etc. This business can scale to become a leading new brand for healthy food in Europe."

Mark Anthony Group-owned Mike's Hard Lemonade has announced the launch of a new line of slushy-inspired Hard Freeze. Mike's Hard Freeze will be available in four flavours: Blue Freeze, Red Freeze, White Freeze and Pink Freeze. Each slushy contains a 5% abv. Mike's Hard Lemonade's chief marketing officer, John Shea, said: "Mike's Hard Freeze was inspired by 90's nostalgia with throwback flavours, colours and packaging. As a first for Mike's Hard Lemonade, we crafted four refreshing, delicious and sessionable flavours to create a taste experience that brings back that 90's nostalgia." Mike's Hard Freeze will be available in a 12-can variety pack, with both Blue and Red Freeze coming in 23.5oz single-serve cans.

Ice cream brand Halo Top is expanding its portfolio with the launch of new fruit sorbet pints, made with real fruit and fruit juice. Halo Top Fruit Sorbets come in three variants including raspberry, mango and strawberry. The new releases are vegan certified and gluten-free while having at least "50% less sugar than the leading fruit sorbets in the frozen aisle" and starting at 260 calories per pint. Pete Gargula, Halo Top brand manager, commented: "At Halo Top, we're always looking for ways to create new frozen treats that dessert-lovers will love. We heard from our fans that they craved more frozen fruit offerings, but they didn't want the high sugar content of the fruit sorbets on shelves today. Following the release of Fruit Pops last year, our fruit sorbets allow fans to treat themselves to a refreshing, delicious dessert they can feel good about eating." Halo Top's new fruit sorbets can be found in the freezer section nationwide across the US beginning in May and retail for $4.79 per pint.

FrieslandCampina and DSM have launched a large-scale pilot project to trial DSM’s feed additive, Bovaer, at 200 Friesland dairy farms. Both companies will test the sustainability and viability of the feed additive over six months, starting later this year. Dutch feed supplier Agrifirm will supply Bovaer to participating farmers. Bovaer is a feed additive for cows and other animals. It can be added to feed daily, and is said to reduce methane emissions by an average of 30% and decrease the environmental footprint of meat and dairy. Dimitri de Vreeze, co-CEO of DSM, said: "I’m proud that we, FrieslandCampina and DSM, can offer dairy farmers a solution that will help to make a major contribution toward tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time. Collaboration, new ways of thinking and pioneering innovations are crucial to making dairy farming more sustainable. It’s important that dairy farmers are rewarded for their sustainability performance." If the results of the pilot project are positive, Bovaer will see further upscaling from 2023.

Starbucks has announced that its current president and CEO, Kevin Johnson, will retire – effective 4 April. Howard Schultz, who was the coffee chain's CEO prior to Johnson, will serve as interim CEO. Johnson is stepping down after 13 years with the company. He first joined Starbucks in 2009 as a director before being promoted to president and COO in 2015, and president and CEO in 2017. Schultz will serve as the company's interim CEO until a suitable replacement is found. Starbucks says Schultz is "singularly qualified," having served as the company's CEO in 1987-2000 and 2008-2017. He will also rejoin the company's board of directors. Mellody Hobson, independent Starbucks board of directors chair, said: “Kevin and the entire executive team stepped up to the challenge of the pandemic and navigated one of the most difficult periods in modern history. The economic certainty provided to partners during the early months of the Covid shut down, as well as during mandatory quarantines, underscores our core values and will be an enduring legacy for the company." She continued: “As the company navigates the aftermath of the pandemic and socio-economic forces impacting the lives of all our stakeholders, Howard will reinforce the company’s culture, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to innovating and executing on our core purpose and reason for being: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time.”

Food packaging specialist PFF Group has installed a £2 million thermoforming packaging system at its Sedgefield, UK, site. The technology was developed in collaboration with German manufacturer Illig and is the "first of its kind in the world". It will be used to produce PFF’s fully recyclable, food-grade packaging concept – IMPAC-T – which aims to reduce plastic packaging waste. The investment is part of the company's wider £4 million investment programme. Andy Bairstow, CEO of PFF, commented: "IMPAC-T is a technological breakthrough for the manufacture of food-grade packaging in the UK. As a business, our core values are innovation, sustainability and creativity and this system meets each of these attributes, it’s been fantastic to see both companies work closely together to deliver the project." He continued: "PFF’s bold strategy to invest in advanced technology once again demonstrates our commitment to the complete recycling process. Using rPET gives industries like the dairy sector an opportunity to switch from traditional polypropylene to circular economy packaging."

Beyond Meat and PepsiCo's joint venture, Planet Partnership, has released its debut product made with plant-based protein – meatless jerky. Beyond Meat Jerky is available in three variants: Original, Hot & Spicy and Teriyaki. The 'beef' jerky is marinated and slow-roasted and contains plant-based ingredients such as peas and mung beans, as well as 10g of protein, no cholesterol, GMOs, soy or gluten. Founded in 2021, Planet Partnership plans to produce snacks and beverages, expanding its technology and growth within the plant-based protein market. Dan Moisan, CEO of Planet Partnership, said: "We are thrilled to introduce the first product from Planet Partnership, our joint venture with Beyond Meat and PepsiCo. The nationwide launch of Beyond Meat Jerky will make plant-based meat accessible to millions of households. It tastes great, it's a good source of protein and it's convenient to eat whether you're on the go, at the office or out on adventures." The brand's first shelf-stable launch will be available in three different sized packs, with pending availability across grocery stores, gas stations, club stores and pharmacies.

US frozen food company, Brazi Bites, is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of a new line of better-for-you Pizza Bites. Brazi Bites' Pizza Bites are available in three flavours: Pepperoni, stuffed with fresh mozzarella, uncured pepperoni and tomato sauce; Four Cheese, filled with mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan and asiago; and Supreme, packed with uncured pepperoni, Italian sausage, red and green bell peppers, onions and spices. The Pizza Bites, which are made with the brand's signature cheese bread dough, are high in protein, free from gluten, grain, trans-fat and soy, and contains no artificial ingredients. "This exciting new product line allows us to continue our path to revolutionise the freezer aisle," said Junea Rocha, co-founder and CMO of Brazi Bites. "We're presenting shoppers with a naturally gluten-free and clean-ingredient snack that typically has a reputation of being unhealthy." Pizza Bites are available nationwide at several US stores, including Kroger, Target, Wegmans for an SRP of $5.99 per bag.

General Mills has reported third-quarter net sales of $4.5 billion, which it says "essentially matched year-ago results" from the same quarter. The company has also raised its guidance for fiscal 2022, citing "confidence in our plans and positive momentum on our business" as key motivators. Organic net sales increased 4% while operating profit decreased 1% to $815 million, driven primarily by "lower gross profit dollars and less favourable investment activity". General Mills' North America retail segment increased 1% to $2.81 billion, as a result of favourable net price realisation and mix. Net sales were up 4% for morning foods (which includes its cereal and yogurt units) and up 3% in its snacks segment. Net sales in its meals and baking solutions and Canadian units were down 2%, respectively. In its third-quarter results, General Mills saw international net sales decrease 23% to $721 million, including a "20-point headwind" from the divestitures of its European yogurt and dough businesses. Häagen-Dazs ice cream sales increase by 9% in Japan, driven by strong core performance and improved distribution. The company says it intends to tap into the continuing trend for at-home consumption occasions (including cooking and baking), brought about by the pandemic. Jeff Harmening, General Mills chairman and CEO, commented: "Our solid execution in a highly volatile environment enabled us to close the third quarter with improved momentum. Demand for our brands remains robust and our team has shown great agility to overcome disruptions throughout the supply chain and deliver for our customers and consumers. We expect to drive strong growth in the fourth quarter, fueled by accelerating net price realisation. With confidence in our plans and positive momentum on our business, we’re raising our guidance for fiscal 2022."

Greek and Mediterranean fine food producer, Odysea, has launched its new semi-dried Datterini tomatoes. The Datterini tomatoes, which are vine-ripened before being semi-dried to intensify their flavour, are stored in a blend of oil, garlic, basil and oregano to preserve their aroma. The tomatoes are grown in clusters of up to 12 fruits on "bush-like plants" and are harvested by hand from spring until late August, said the company. Odysea’s Semi-Dried Datterini Tomatoes are available nationwide from Sainsbury's stores for an RRP of £3 per 280g jar.

Ingredient supplier Ardent Mills has announced that it will open a new flour-milling facility in Gibsonton, Florida, at the end of March 2022. Construction of the 150,000-square-foot site began in 2019. Ardent says completion of the site will enhance its supply chain agility and increase its ability to meet growing consumer demand. The facility, called Port Redwing mill, will be able to produce up to 1.75 million pounds of flour per day, including all-purpose, whole-wheat, high-gluten, cake and bread flours. The ten-acre facility will consist of a mill and grain storage elevator, in addition to multiple packaging, warehouse and storage locations. Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills, commented: "For five decades, Ardent Mills has enjoyed the privilege of being a part of the Tampa community and it's been amazing to see the city grow and change. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers and this robust community through our brand new, state-of-the-art Port Redwing mill. This mill is a testament to our commitment to transform how the world is nourished and drive innovation across plant-based ingredients." Stories you may also like to read: Ardent Mills to acquire Firebird Artisan Mills operations Ardent Mills unveils plans to buy Hinrichs Trading Company operations Ardent Mills unveils details of CSR initiatives