US-based company Hostess Brands has announced plans to open a new bakery facility in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in order to meet increased demand for its products. The sweet snacks company, which owns brands such as Donettes, Twinkies, CupCakes and Voortman, will invest between $120 million-$140 million to convert the 330,000-square-foot facility. The bakery will expand Hostess' capacity across its Donettes and cake platforms by approximately 20%. The investment will also enable the company to coordinate future production growth. Andy Callahan, president and chief executive officer of Hostess Brands, commented: "We’ve been profitably gaining market share across the snacking categories in which we compete. The addition of this new bakery signals our confidence that we expect the growth we have demonstrated over the last several years to continue." He added: "We are emphasising a sustainability-first approach to this project while leveraging best practices from across our network of bakeries and we anticipate this bakery will be our most efficient and greenest operation yet". The new facility is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2023 and will provide around 150 local jobs over the next three years.

Turkey Hill has expanded its novelty portfolio with the launch of a new ice cream range, called Dipped Duos. Dipped Duos feature two ice cream flavours mixed together in one bar then covered in milk chocolate coating. The ice creams bars come in four variants – vanilla bean & chocolate, caramel & chocolate, strawberry & vanilla bean and peanut butter & chocolate. Kriston Ohm, VP of marketing at Turkey Hill, said: "Last year we unveiled sixteen new products to our novelties line, and we are excited to continue to grow our novelty portfolio even further with the launch of Dipped Duos. Featuring Turkey Hill's signature creamy premium ice cream and a smooth rich milk chocolate coating, Dipped Duos are the perfect way to treat yourself." Dipped Duos are available at select retailers for an SRP of $3.79.

Selecta has partnered with Mars Wrigley to introduce a new generation of intelligent vending machines at locations across the UK and Europe. The smart vending machines feature 48-inch touchscreens, which consumers can use to access detailed product and nutritional information, purchase several products in a single transaction, and receive personalised product recommendations. “We are looking for partnerships to win with winners, and we see Mars Wrigley as a strong partner based on its strong brands and values”, said Jens van Beusekom, chief procurement officer at Selecta. “Selecta knows how to operate and how to approach the market. Mars Wrigley knows how to manage brands and snacks, and together we can win retail markets.” The vending solution is suitable for most locations, including workplaces, airports, railway stations, universities and hospitals. Selecta plans to install 500-1,000 vending machines in the UK and expand into other European countries, such as Germany, Italy, Austria, France and the Netherlands.

Kavli Group's Primula has unveiled new additions to its extensive squeezy, spreadable cheese range with two new variants. The new flavours include Light Cheese ‘n’ Onion and Cheese ‘n’ Sriracha. Primula’s Light Cheese ‘n’ Onion is a healthy alternative to normal cheese, containing 40% less fat than the rest of the cheese range, while Cheese ‘n’ Sriracha brings a "hot and smoky kick to your favourite dishes, with a hint of sweetness". Both variants are high in protein and calcium and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Lisa Thornton, head of marketing at Kavli UK, said: "Primula Cheese works closely with its incredibly loyal consumers to understand the new and emerging flavours exciting them and those that they want to see available on supermarket shelves...The new editions allow us to continue to meet changing consumer needs and tastes as well as attract new shoppers into the cheese spread category." The Light Cheese 'n' Onion variant will be available in Asda with an RRP of £1.60. Cheese ‘n’ Sriracha will be launching into Asda and Morrisons.

The world’s population is ageing. According to data from the World Health Organization, one in six people will be over 60 by 2030. And by 2050, around a quarter of the world’s population will be 60+ years old. These demographic shifts emphasise changing attitudes towards ageing. As most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond, many of us want to combat the natural issues of ageing to stay active, mobile and independent for longer. Today, more individuals are looking to prevent the issues of ageing while maintaining their lifestyles. As research delivers more insights into healthy ageing, this trend offers seniors a better chance for a fulfilling ‘golden age’. One secret to good mobility In our bodies, one structural protein plays an essential role in mobility: collagen. Collagen ensures the cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of all our connective tissues, such as skin, bones and muscles, as well as providing the structure to our musculoskeletal system. But, as we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen. The result: our bones and cartilage become more fragile, causing discomfort, a higher risk of fractures and less mobility, slowing us and our lives down. ©Sebastien Borda Supporting an active lifestyle The natural decline of collagen production makes us painfully aware of the passing of the years. With nutrition, it can help support an active lifestyle and slow down the ageing process. Recent research shows that taking collagen supplements can help support mobility and joint and bone health. Convenient, tasty and functional Around the world, the functional food and beverage market is gaining traction, particularly in the elderly nutrition segment. Today’s ageing consumers are looking for science-backed functional solutions that are tasty, convenient and easy to integrate into daily life. Answering these demands, collagen is fast becoming the ideal ingredient for an increasing number of senior nutrition manufacturers, with porcine collagen emerging as a premium, accessible and cost-effective option for a broad range of formulations and applications. By offering effective products, we can support ageing consumers to stay active and mobile for longer. Interested in learning more? Sign up for Rousselot’s webinar, Tasty Solutions for Elderly Nutrition. #healthyageing #Rousselot #collagen #mobility #nutrition

Atlantic Natural Foods has introduced a new range of plant-based, canned "Chik'n" products under its Loma Linda brand. The new line is available in three varieties: Loma Linda Chik'n in Broth, Loma Linda Chik'n BBQ and Loma Linda Chik'n Buffalo. Chik'n in Broth features large "chicken" pieces in a mild vegetable broth. Chik'n BBQ contains a thick, rich sauce made from sweet peppers, brown sugar and vinegar, complete with lighter notes of garlic, chilli and smoke. Lastly, Chik'n Buffalo uses a classic buffalo sauce that is tangy, zesty and provides a "punch of heat". The range is made from sustainably sourced plant proteins and is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and can be eaten hot or cold. Kelly Krause, EVP and chief innovation officer at Atlantic Natural Foods, said: "Alternatives to support our traditional food supply are necessary to provide more sustainable nutrition options on a global scale, so we're excited to bring our Chik'n to market quickly in support of these efforts. With chicken being among one of the most consumed meats in the world, this shelf-stable protein is the perfect addition to your pantry, available at an affordable price that fits all lifestyles." Retail prices will range from $2.49-$2.99 per can.

Danone has announced that it will be suspending all investments in Russia, while Valio will close its business operation, following the country's invasion of Ukraine. Danone said, however, that it will continue to produce and distribute its dairy products and infant nutrition to meet the essential food needs of the local population. Additionally, the company has closed one of its two factories in Ukraine, adding that the second was closed but managed to resume operations. "At Danone, we are all deeply affected by what we are seeing every day since the invasion of Ukraine...Since the beginning of the conflict, our first priority has been for the safety of our employees in Ukraine, with whom we remain in constant contact," a company spokesperson told FoodBev. They added: "We are also working with the Red Cross to explore how we can bring a variety of basic necessities to Ukraine. Our teams in neighbouring countries are actively involved in collecting and distributing goods to refugees." Meanwhile, Valio has announced that the company will close its business operation in the country "immediately". Valio has one processed cheese factory near Moscow, which employs around 400 people. “We strictly condemn Russia’s attack on independent Ukraine. Ethically, Valio cannot continue operations in Russia; therefore, we are ending business operation in Russia,” said Valio’s CEO, Annikka Hurme. The Finnish dairy manufacturer has already halted all exports from Finland to Russia and Belarus, as well as imports of ingredients and packaging materials from Russia to Finland.

Innocent has promoted its European managing director, Nick Canney, to CEO as Douglas Lamont steps down after 15 years a the helm. Canney joined the juice and smoothie company as UK&I managing director in 2015, before being promoted to European managing director in 2019. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises from 2011-2015. He also worked at Cadbury between 2009-2011 as UK grocery sales director. Lamont said: “As my fantastic journey at innocent comes to an end later this year, I couldn’t be more delighted that Nick is taking up the reigns from me and I know that he and the whole innocent team will continue to take the business from strength to strength in line with our purpose, vision and values”. Jennifer Mann, senior VP and president of global ventures for Coca-Cola, innocent's parent company, added: "In his seven years at innocent, Nick has demonstrated not only his commercial and people leadership capabilities but his commitment to the purpose, vision and values of the company. Nick will provide great continuity for the business as it enters its next phase of growth and looks to expand into new territories." Last week, activists filed a complaint with the ASA watchdog agency regarding innocent's 'misleading' TV advertisement.

UK snack brand Real Handful has introduced a new range of aerated nut snacks – Air Nuts. The new range will be available in four flavours: sea salted, salt & black pepper, cheese & onion and hot chilli. The brand claims that its Air Nuts are a "category first" and are around 60% lighter than regular nuts. Made with 83% peanuts, Air Nuts are a source of plant protein and are high in fibre. The range is also made with no oil and contains under 115 calories per 20g servings. Joe Taylor, Real Handful's co-founder, said: "We passionately believe that we can help double the nut snacking category in the UK, a £771m opportunity which would have a huge macro-nutritional benefit for the UK population and is endorsed by nut snacking’s compliance with the HFSS legislation. However, nut snacking hasn't changed for decades and the fact that nuts are fried and roasted in oil has created some negative health associations in the mind of consumers, particularly younger consumers." Air Nuts is available nationwide at WholeFoods and is then being rolled out into Sainsbury's later this month and Ocado in April for an RRP of £2.49-2.69 per 60g sharing pouch and £1 per 20g impulse pack.

Fermented Food Holdings (FFH) has acquired two brands – wildbrine and Bubbies – in a move to strengthen its position in the naturally fermented foods market. Californian company wildbrine is a producer of fermented products such as sauerkraut, kimchi, sriracha and salsa. The company recently launched an alternative dairy brand, named wildCREAMERY, which produces cultured plant-based dairy products. Bubbies Fine Foods, also based in California, is known for its naturally fermented dill pickles. The brand also manufactures bread and butter pickles, sauerkrauts, relishes and horseradishes. The acquisitions will enable FFH to support the growth of both brands, using its partnership with Taylor Farms – a US-based fresh vegetable grower and processor – to optimise its supply chain. Oliver Joost, co-founder of FFH, commented: "We see a huge opportunity to bring together the operating disciplines of traditional CPG businesses with the passion and innovation of entrepreneurial teams and a fresh approach to connecting with our consumers. We learned from experience the absolute priority of establishing deep trust with retailers."

Organic superfood producer Z Natural Foods has added to its extensive line of powders with the release of Organic Oat Milk Powder. Oat milk is a natural source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals with no saturated fat or cholesterol. Non-dairy and gluten-free, Z Natural Foods states that oat milk is recommended for consumers who are lactose intolerant or have gastrointestinal problems, as an alternative to dairy beverages. Jonathan Parker, director of nutrition and research for Z Natural Foods, said: "Just like our organic rolled oats, oat milk powder is a nutritionally dense food packed with nutrients like calcium, zinc, Vitamin B, Vitamin E and beta-glucans. But the most popular reasons for choosing our oat milk powder is the non-dairy and high fibre content resulting in a slower absorption similar to eating a bowl of oats." The powder comes in an air-locked, resealable, stand-up foil pouch and can be safely stored for up to two years. The Organic Oat Milk Powder retails in a 1lb bag for $15.99 (16 servings), a 5lb bag for $59.99 (80 servings) and a 50lb bag for $524.99 (800 servings).

Ball Corporation has initiated the construction of its new aluminium packaging plant in Kettering, UK, in a move to meet accelerating demand for sustainable beverage materials. The new facility is located at Segro Park Kettering Gateway, with the company claiming the site will be the "largest-ever" beverage packaging plant in the UK. The plant will cover 56,000 square metres, with extra space to expand later. The plant will produce approximately 1 billion fully recyclable cans in its first year, generating 200 local jobs. Carey Causey, president at Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA, said: "As environmental awareness increases, consumers are insisting on more sustainable drinks packaging. This new facility, in one of the UK’s best-known manufacturing locations, will help us to support our customers’ growth, creating fully recyclable cans which can play a role in a truly circular economy and support the local community." The Kettering facility will be Ball’s third can making site in the UK, following the opening of the company's plants in Milton Keynes and Wakefield. Stories you may also like to read: Ball Corporation appoints Dan Fisher as CEO Ball Corporation to open ‘circular economy lab’ in Brazil Ball Corporation announces plans for new packaging plant