European packaging company Smurfit Kappa plans to invest $33 million in the expansion of its Fortaleza, Brazil, production facility. The investment will expand the site's capacity, in order to meet growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging. The project, which will include the installation of a new corrugator, will significantly extend the plant’s shelf-ready packaging capabilities for customers in a variety of market sectors, including fresh fruit and pharmaceuticals. Several high-end printers will also be installed in order to provide a high level of precision and quality. "Today’s announcement will ensure Smurfit Kappa can support our customers to gain even more share in their markets. The combination of an innovation centre and state-of-the-art technology will provide greater opportunities to collaborate with customers to deliver innovative, inspiring and sustainable solutions," said Manuel Alcalá, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Brazil.

Packaging company SIG has expanded its lower-carbon, aluminium-free packaging portfolio with the release of Signature EVO. The new range is said to offer the world's first aluminium-free full barrier packaging materials for aseptic carton packs. The extension, which is already available for plain white milk, can be utilised for "oxygen-sensitive products", such as fruit juices, nectars, flavoured milk and plant-based beverages. SIG's SVP innovation, Ali Kaylan, said: “By extending our Signature portfolio with Signature EVO – the world’s first aluminium-free packaging materials for aseptic cartons with full barrier protection – we are taking the next step in our aluminium-free journey and underlining our position as an industry leader in sustainable innovations". He continued: "We are delighted to give our customers additional opportunities to bring low-impact packaging solutions to more categories and more consumers around the world”. According to SIG, Signature EVO packaging materials are expected to offer a similar carbon footprint reduction to SIG's Combibloc EcoPlus, which was launched in 2010. Signature EVO ensures that "oxygen-sensitive products" are protected over long periods of time without the need for refrigeration. The new aluminium-free solution will initially be released in the CombiblocMini portion-sized format before being extended to other formats.

Vegan fried chicken firm VFC Foods has announced it has secured £7.5 million in a seed funding round led by vegan investment fund Veg Capital. Founded in late 2020, VFC produces a wide range of vegan fried chicken products, including Chick*n Fillets, Popcorn Chick*n and Chick*n Bites. The funding will be used to grow the company's team and support distribution expansion. VFC’s commercial director, Stewart McGuckin, said: “The reception from both customers and consumers has been incredible, and the successful Tesco launch has allowed us to secure listings in more of the UK’s top four grocers, as well as the largest foodservice wholesalers. Expansion within the UK has been phenomenal, and we are also seeing strong international demand, particularly from the US.” VFC says that a larger Series A funding round is being considered for mid 2023. Last year, VFC raised £2.5 million in funding to scale up production and accelerate the growth of the brand, both in the UK and internationally.

Canadian grain and ingredient company, Scoular, has opened a high-speed flax processing facility in Regina, Saskatchewan. Scoular’s new plant will support the company’s ongoing commitment to providing marketing opportunities for Canadian farmers. The facility will produce whole and milled flax – available in the brown or golden categories – for a range of applications, including bread, cereal, bars, snacks, pasta, oils and supplements. Drew Fossum, Scoular’s product group manager, said: “Our new facility is a testament to Scoular’s dedication to Canadian producers. We are committed to providing these growers a competitive market for their flax. The facility has outstanding capabilities and it further strengthens Scoular’s position as a reliable and consistent supplier of flax to our customers.” The facility is the first flax plant to open in Western Canada in almost ten years.

Suntory is adding a new Original flavour to its Lucozade's Alert range, following the £1 million generated sales in under two months through convenience stores. Lucozade Alert Original is low in calories and non-HFSS certified. The new variant will be available from next month in 500ml in standard and price marked cans. Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I's head of Lucozade, Zoe Trimble, said: “Over the past year, consumption patterns have changed, drinking occasions have evolved and we know the importance of converting these insights into action through the launch of new flavours, formats and NPD". She continued: “We know that 75% of adults reported concerns about tiredness, yet many shoppers still don’t think stimulant drinks are for them. This is why we brought Lucozade Alert to shelves last year; high in caffeine and with Vitamin B3 to help reduce tiredness."

Jack Link's-owned meat snacking brand Peperami has launched new chorizo five-packs to add to its extensive snack portfolio. The new chorizo sticks are made with 100% pork, packed with protein, contain 99 calories and are unpasteurised to maintain a fuller flavour — providing a shelf life of over six months. Laura Trivulzio, marketing director at Peperami and Jack Link’s, said: “With health riding higher on the consumer agenda than ever before, there is no better time to launch our new chorizo variant, in a bid to attract younger adults to the category. The British appetite for chorizo is building at a fast pace and as Peperami is cementing its position as an iconic brand in the savoury snack market, we wanted to tap into the growing trend with our new, authentic chorizo variant." She continued: "The chorizo sticks are a more sophisticated lunchtime and mid-afternoon snack offering, adding to our expanding snack portfolio and providing a better-for-you snack with distinctive flavours to help maintain excitement around snack times". The chorizo five-pack will RRP for £2.30 and is available in Tesco, with further roll-out expected into other retailers. The chorizo single sticks will also be launching at a later date.

Puratos has announced the acquisition of Profimix, a Czech supplier of improvers, bakery mixes and confectionery. Founded in 2007, Profimix has built a strong position in the Czech market through its brand 'Pekaruv Mlyn', and has a turnover of more than €4 million. According to Puratos, Profimix has "an organic-certified production manufacturing unit and specialises in flour parameters knowledge and analysis". The acquisition helps Puratos to extend its reach in the health and wellbeing category, as the company's latest Taste Tomorrow research found that 79% of consumers ranked grains and seeds as the number one contributor to health and taste in bakery products. Puratos Czech Republic general manager, Tomas Novak, said: “The acquisition of Profimix will allow us to offer customers greater flexibility, services, speed in innovation and access to healthier products”. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Puratos recently announced its acquisition of Belgian probiotics company THT for an undisclosed sum.

Ingredients manufacturer Lycored has opened a processing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, to expand the company's production capacity. The new plant will process Lycrored's portfolio of carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and real food ingredients. The Branchburg facility will enable the company to maximise the purity, efficacy and shelf-stability of its ingredients, while increasing output capacity. It will provide advanced capabilities for milling, blending, drying and coating, with large-scale opportunities for customisation. Shirley Cohen, CEO at Lycored, commented: “Our Branchburg facility boasts formidable milling and blending proficiency with state-of-the-art technology. It allows us to optimise nutrient efficacy and bioavailability while providing innovative formulations perfectly tailored to our customers’ requirements.” Measures to reduce waste and preserve resources have also been integrated into the new plant.

UK fruit lager company Jubel has announced that it has raised £2.7 million in an investment round to support its expansion. The round included Nigel Wray, Stephen Hemsley, a former CEO of Domino’s Pizza Group, and CEO of Primary Health Properties Harry Hyman, as well as further backing from drinks distributor C&C Group. The brand produces craft lager cut with fruit, which is brewed with British hops and barley as well as fruit extracts sourced from a sustainable, organic British farm. The alcoholic beverages are also vegan, gluten-free and have an ABV of 4%. Jubel's fruit-infused craft lager range includes peach, elderflower, grapefruit and mixed variations. Michael Saunders, agency brands director at C&C Group, said: "The Jubel team have done a fantastic job of growing the brand significantly since we first invested back in 2019. It was a no-brainer for us to invest further in the brand and we're very excited to continue supporting the growth of this new category space between lager and fruit cider that Jubel is pioneering." The brand is sold in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Whole Foods, with the retail channel making up 25% of its revenue.

Patco Brands-owned brand Rancho La Gloria has expanded its agave-based alcoholic beverages portfolio with the launch of a new wine line, called AgaVida. The new range is derived from 100% Blue Agave nectar and is infused with natural fruit flavours. AgaVida is available in four flavours: AgaVida Strawberry, AgaVida Mango, AgaVida Peach and AgaVida Green Apple. Patco Brands COO Russell Stanley said: "Rancho La Gloria is known for agave-based products, and with AgaVida, we have the opportunity to introduce new consumers to the category through a flavorful yet approachable wine. At 5% abv and with four familiar flavours to choose from, AgaVida is an easy to drink table wine that can be sipped throughout the day or night and tastes exceptional all the while." AgaVida, which contains 80 calories per serving, will be available nationwide at Walmart for an SRP of $12.99 per 750ml bottle, with plans to launch at additional retailers throughout 2022.

Pepperidge Farm, a division of Campbell, has expanded its Goldfish cracker snacks lineup with the introduction of Goldfish Mega Bites. Goldfish Mega Bites come in two flavours: Sharp Cheddar and Cheddar Jalapeño. The new additions, which are geared toward adults, are 50% larger than regular Goldfish. Campbell Snacks chief marketing officer Janda Lukin said: "This is the first time Goldfish has created a snacking experience specifically with 'Grown Up' tastes in mind. We're at the start of a new chapter for the brand and are expanding our offerings and appeal to all age groups...while remaining a snack for all families." Goldfish Mega Bites will roll out at major retailers for an SRP of $2.69 per 5.9oz bag.

UK dairy company Yeo Valley has re-launched its organic creams in a new fully recyclable and practical bottle format for ease. The bottles will make Yeo Valley's single and double-creams easier to pour and store. They're also made from 50% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. The new bottled creams are available in 220ml sizes for an RRP of £1.50 for the double cream and £1.30 for the single cream. These will be launching in Waitrose and Sainsbury's this month. The release will join the company's extensive dairy range which includes organic yoghurt, cream, milk, butter, cheese, ice cream and compote.