Pure Brands-owned Buena Fé has introduced ready-to-drink organic tequila quenchers, designed for consumers looking for a "cleaner, organic cocktail alternative". The USDA-certified tequila quenchers are available in two variants – watermelon & strawberry and mango & pineapple. The handcrafted beverages are blended in Mexico and contain 100% blue weber agave tequila blanco, fruit juice, agave, natural flavours and sparkling water. Each can is 140 calories or less and free of preservatives. Andrew Bushby, Buena Fé co-founder, commented: "The introduction of Buena Fé follows more than eight months of searching, blending and batching to create a proprietary formula that meets our standards. Our mission is to create cocktails that are better for the consumer and better for the environment. We believe we have created the cleanest and tastiest tequila quencher in the world." Each flavour is sold in a four-pack for an MSRP of $14.99 per pack. The brand will be launched across the US this spring in select states including Kansas, Washington, California and New York.

Mochi ice cream brand Little Moons has sold a significant minority stake in its brand to US private equity investor L Catterton. Based in the UK, Little Moons produces mochi ice cream balls in a variety of flavours, including: passionfruit & mango, creamy coconut, honey roasted pistachio and Belgian chocolate. L Catterton's investment will support the brand's growth and international expansion. Howard Wong, co-founder of Little Moons, said: "This transaction marks an exciting milestone for Little Moons, which began as a small family business 12 years ago, as we capitalise on the explosive demand for our mochi ice cream both in the UK and internationally". He continued: "We firmly believe that, in L Catterton, we’ve found a partner that shares not only our ambitions but also our values and their support will help us to scale our reach globally. The L Catterton team brings an extensive track record in the retail and food categories and we look forward to benefiting from their expertise so we can continue doing what we do best – creating little lifts that spark positivity for more people around the world." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Nestlé USA has announced it will invest $675 million to construct a new beverage facility in Glendale, Arizona, in a move to strengthen its market position and manufacturing network. The 630,000-square-foot site will produce Nestlé's creamers, including the Coffee-Mate, Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss and Starbucks brands, with the ability to expand to additional beverages in the future. The Glendale facility will include sustainable features such as a water recycling process to reduce water usage. Nestlé also plans for the site to contribute zero waste to landfill. The plant will join Nestlé's network of 14 food and beverage factories across the US. Daniel Jhung, president of beverage at Nestlé USA, commented: "Beverages play an increasingly important role in the lives of consumers, a trend that's been accelerated by the pandemic and is expected to continue to grow. This investment illustrates our continued commitment to leading and growing categories where we play, providing consumers with a variety of high-quality, innovative products to meet their needs." The investment will create 350 local jobs and the plant is set to be fully operational by 2024.

Free-from chocolate brand Nomo has launched a new kid's Easter egg to add to its range, which includes a Creamy Choc Egg and Monster Lolly. The Easter eggs are free from dairy, gluten, eggs and nuts and include a separate chocolate lolly. Jacqueline Tyrrell, brand manager at NOMO, said: "Those who are vegan or free-from often find themselves missing out on seasonal moments like Easter. We want to take the angst out of these moments for children and parents, which is why we strive to make our products irresistible and inclusive to ensure no one misses out." She continued: "We offer all the flavours and formats that are available in mainstream confectionery, so it is easier than ever to make direct swaps for those also wanting to trial a vegan diet". Nomo’s Creamy Choc Egg and Monster Lolly is available from Holland & Barrett, Sainsbury’s and Tesco with an RRP of £3.

US craft brewer Stone Brewing is making expansions within its Richmond, Virginia, operation in a bid to strengthen its East Coast operations and allow for increased production of its beers. The brewery will receive four new tanks, increasing its production capacity from 150,000 barrels to 200,000 barrels. The company also plans to install a 10-barrel pilot system, which will allow brewers to showcase their own innovations. Maria Stipp, Stone Brewing CEO, said: "Richmond is home to Stone and continues to support our growth in a really meaningful way. We’ll continue to invest in our facility, the community and our talented team. I can’t wait to see that pilot system in action and what our awesome brewers have in store for us." The facility will enable Stone to expand distribution internationally across Europe and the UK.

US packaging company Berlin Packaging has announced the acquisition of Canadian glass and closures distributor, United Bottles & Packaging. Founded in 1994, United Bottles & Packaging provides bottles and closures for food products, as well as both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, such as wine, spirits, beer and cider. Additionally, the company offers a variety of services, including custom shapes, moulds, warehousing and logistics, case-packed pallets, and customised boxes and caps. Jacques Dalpé, president of United Bottles & Packaging, said: "We are excited for the opportunities this partnership will bring to our organisation. Access to Berlin Packaging's vast global resources and custom products will allow us to better serve our customers, grow our business with our existing suppliers and provide opportunities for our employees." Bill Hayes, global CEO and president of Berlin Packaging, added: "Targeted acquisitions such as United Bottles & Packaging are a key component of our growth strategy. This addition strengthens our position in Canada's food and beverage markets as well as expands our glass offerings across all of North America." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Partake Brewing has raised $16.5 million in Series B capital, as it looks to meet rising consumer demand for its non-alcoholic beers. The funding round was led by US investors PowerPlant Partners and Amberstone, alongside existing participants CircleUp Growth Partners, Barrel Ventures and McLean & Associates. The company offers a range of non-alcoholic beers, including: Pale, IPA, Blonde, Red Ale and Peach Gose. The investment will allow Partake Brewing to expand into new geographies such as the US and Canada, invest in new product development, and meet growing consumer demand for non-alcoholic beverage options. Ted Fleming, founder and CEO of Partake Brewing, commented: "It has been an incredible journey growing Partake at such an accelerated rate and we are honoured to have these investors’ significant support behind us as we further expand on our mission to create a more inclusive drinking culture. We look forward to the continued growth these investments will allow us to make in the near future." In 2020, the company raised $4m in a Series A funding round.

Molson Coors-owned brand Zoa has expanded its portfolio in the US with the introduction of new pre-workout beverage 'supplements,' called Zoa+. The new product line is available in three flavours: mandarin orange grapefruit, pineapple passion fruit and blackberry acai. Zoa+ is a zero sugar ready-to-drink beverage, packed with 200mg of natural caffeine, that contains a combination of nitric oxide support, vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes and nutrients to support performance and focus, as well as hydration and immunity. “As our consumers will experience, we went to great lengths to deliver a dynamite formulation,” said Zoa founder, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. “Between Zoa+ and Zoa, you have one hell of a Cadillac combo of healthy energy products to support all of your daily fitness and life goals.” The Zoa+ is available for $39.99 for a 12-pack. Earlier this year, Zoa added two new flavours to its energy drink portfolio: white peach and tropical punch.

US beverage company Hoplark has announced the launch of its new non-alcoholic craft brew with zero calories, called Hoplark 0.0 Citra. The new product is claimed to be the beer industry's first non-alcoholic craft brew with zero calories, sugar, carbs, gluten and added flavours. Hoplark 0.0 is available for purchase at Natural Grocers, Sprouts and King Soopers. Hoplark's CEO and co-founder, Dean Eberhardt, said: "Whether you're wanting to avoid the next day's side effects or are focusing on your health, Hoplark 0.0 is for everyone...I'm proud to give consumers another choice with Hoplark 0.0 which offers the flavorful hoppy taste of a craft beer, but without the alcohol, calories or sugar."

LT Foods' subsidiary, LT Foods Americas, has acquired a 51% stake in rice company Golden Star Trading, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition includes the Golden Star brand, which produces speciality rice such as jasmine, calrose and basmati, as well as rice bowls. The investment is in line with LT Foods' long-term growth distribution plan, which looks to expand its presence in the speciality rice market across North America. Mr. Ashwani Kumar Arora, managing director and CEO of LT Foods, said: "The acquisition of the Golden Star business is an excellent fit and is consistent with our strategic plan to expand our product offerings across geographies. We are all impressed by Golden Star's brand growth trajectory and the execution, and operational excellence, to produce consistent quality products and expand its reach." LT Foods Americas plans to acquire the remaining 49% stake in the company after three years.

US food tech start-up, Lypid, has raised $4 million in a seed funding round to expand its PhytoFat portfolio of vegan fats that mimic the texture and flavour of animal fats. The round was led by Green Generation Fund, with participation from Big Idea Ventures, Foodland Ventures, SOSV’s IndieBio, among others. The capital will be used to help Lypid bring its product to market and expand into the US, Europe and Asia. Using Lypid’s microencapsulation method, PhytoFat maintains its animal fat-like qualities when heated above 165 degrees celsius, producing vegan fats with "juicy" animal-like texture, melting behaviour and better nutritional profile. PhytoFat has no artificial additives, hydrogenation and contains zero trans fats. Victor Chen, co-founder and CEO of Foodland Ventures, said: “ technology creates great diversity for plant-based fats – it could be the vital ingredient for better-tasting plant-based meats or a healthier alternative for traditional meat-based products”. Jen-Yu Huang, Lypid's co-founder, said: “We see fat as a critical catalyst to bring meat alternatives to the next level – tastier, healthier and more sustainable. Now our goal is to bring production of PhytoFat to the industrial level. We are aiming to produce more than 10 tonnes per year for each production line.”

Pernod Ricard-owned Irish distillers brand, Jameson Whiskey, has launched its first ready-to-drink canned cocktail in the US. The new offering is a premium, carbonated cocktail in a can – named Jameson Ginger & Lime. The cocktail is made with the distiller's triple-distilled Irish whiskey as well as natural ginger and lime flavours. Kate Pomeroy, head of innovation at Pernod Ricard North America, said: "The Jameson Ginger & Lime ready-to-drink cocktail was inspired by one of our all-time fan-favourite recipes. Our goal was simple – to create a cocktail experience that is easy and delicious." The new release has an ABV of 6% and is available now at US retailers nationwide and on Drizly as a four-pack of 12oz cans for an SRP of $14.99.