Innovative coffee company Taika has raised $2.2 million in a seed funding round led by Obvious Ventures.  The round also included participation from Kindred Ventures, Human Ventures and Quiet Capital, as well as multiple angel investors. Taika, which creates functional blends of coffee, tea and adaptogens, has also launched a functional canned matcha latte made with "creamy, housemade macadamia milk high in healthy fats and protein". The macadamia milk is developed using a secret formula that is keto-friendly, vegan-friendly and has zero carbohydrates "unlike alternatives like oat milk," a company statement said.  "Our vision for Taika is to help people effortlessly live healthier lives," said Michael Sharon, co-founder and CEO of Taika. "Our new adaptogenic Matcha Latte gives people another way to do that and builds on our existing product line of outrageously delicious, perfectly calibrated beverages that are authentically good for you. Scaling this vision out over the next few years is possible thanks to the support of our inspiring community and wonderful group of investors." He continued: "We're thrilled to continue partnering with Obvious Ventures who have a long track record of supporting transformative, world positive companies like Beyond Meat and Miyoko's. We're also delighted to continue working with Kindred Ventures, Human Ventures and Quiet Capital as well as our stellar group of angel investors." "Our approach to developing new products is simple in theory yet challenging in practice," said Kal Freese, co-founder and head of product at Taika. "While many other canned matcha drinks use non-organic, culinary grade matcha, we source the very best ingredients we can get our hands-on, which included blind taste testing dozens of teas, and then turning them into delicious and healthy ready-to-drink products with minimal processing and no preservatives. He added: "Taika's organic, ceremonial grade matcha from Kagoshima has a nuanced sweetness and 60mg caffeine per can (half of our coffees) that works magnificently with our naturally sweetened macadamia milk".

Activated snacking brand Boundless has announced the launch of the "world's first" activated chip range.  The chips are made from sprouted sorghum, an ancient supergrain that is soaked to enable better digestion of its nutrients. They come in two flavours: Chipotle & Lime and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar.  Founder Cathy Moseley said: “Our mission is quite simply to make snacking well easy. That’s why we believe this launch is a real game-changer, we’re helping people to look after their gut with a product range that is both accessible and affordable". "We know that consumers are more aware of gut health than ever, but it can be confusing and overwhelming when it comes to what to actually buy, especially when it all seems so expensive and complicated. There are so many snacks that claim to be ‘gut friendly’ and ‘high in fibre’ but the problem is that without activation none of these things really matter." She continued: "We take great ingredients and make them better. With a little TLC our grains are ready to unlock their impressive range of nutrients. Sprouting the grains reduces the levels of phytic acid, which in turn increases the bioavailability of nutrients inside the grain. To put it simply the process removes the stuff that messes with your digestion to begin with! The method is simple, but mighty.” The new activated chips will be available online from August, with independent shops and Amazon following in September (RRP £1.80 per 80g packet).

US-based producer of fresh fruits and vegetables, Taylor Farms , has made an investment in Pure Green farms, which grows, packs and ships leafy greens year-round from its hydroponic farm in Indiana.  The expansion will enable Taylor Farms to make its foray into the greenhouse growing sector and complement Taylor's existing 122,200 crop acre field-grown programme and 16 salad producing facilities across North America. "We're excited to venture into the industry of indoor growing with this investment," said Bruce Taylor, founder and CEO, Taylor Farms. "Our customer partners have asked for a national solution and this is our first step." Pure Green Farms' facility is a climate-controlled environment equipped with high-tech machinery, which has the potential to be expanded by up to 300 acres.  "We are thrilled to work alongside an industry leading company like Taylor Farms," said Joe McGuire, CEO of Pure Green Farms. "We know this is just the beginning of a fantastic relationship with Taylor Farms and we're looking forward to continuing to address the increasing demand for local product offerings."

Amber Beverage Group has expanded its premium gin portfolio with the introduction of two new ready-to-drink options for its flagship Cross Keys Gin brand.  Cross Keys Gin & Tonic and Cross Keys Gin & Blackcurrant & Tonic feature an ABV of 5% and are available in 330ml cans. The RTDs will have an initial launch in the Baltics, followed by a move into the UK and beyond in late 2021.  Cross Keys Gin & Tonic contains the brand's gin, tonic water, lemon, lime and rosemary flavours. Meanwhile, the brand's Blackcurrant variant features tonic water, lemon and Cross Keys Blackcurrant Gin flavours. “By launching Cross Keys Gin & Tonic, we have set ourselves the ambition to become the No.1 Gin & Tonic RTD brand in the Baltics. We have developed an amazing product with a very tasty and refreshing liquid that will fit our consumers’ needs, not only during the summer months but throughout the whole year,” said Māris Kalniņš, global brand director for Cross Keys Gin.

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats (MCD&T) has announced its latest product innovation, MilkyWay Biscuits.  Based on the popular MilkyWay chocolate bar, the new biscuits are vanilla flavoured and dipped in chocolate. Each biscuit features one of four outer space designs embossed on the top.  Each serving (the equivalent of two biscuits) has 87 calories, with each 108g pack containing 12 biscuits.  Michelle Frost, general manager at MCD&T has announced its latest product innovation, MilkyWay Biscuits.  said: “Sales of MilkyWay confectionery grew by nine per cent last year, and we are confident that a combination of the brand strength, competitive price point and fun format will create some real excitement and attract new consumers to the biscuits aisle.” MilkyWay Biscuits will be available in B&M from September 1 2021, and in ASDA in a couple of weeks. RRP: £1.00 per pack.

European packaging company Smurfit Kappa has announced that it will invest $22 million to expand its corrugated packaging plant in Culican, northwest Mexico.  The investment demonstrates the company's commitment to the Mexican market and will enable Smurfit Kappa to modernise and expand its capabilities, capacity and product offering for local customers in the fresh produce sector.  Smurfit Kappa will instal state-of-the-art machinery and construct a 10,900m2 building that will include a new corrugator and an automatic rotary die cutter (RDC), which is expected to be fully operational by 2021.  The new site will enable Smurfit Kappa to produce corrugated boxes "made with a moisture barrier that helps resist condensation," a company statement said. The new investment will also result in more sustainable operations at the new plant, with reduced use of paper that is 100% recyclable and reuseable at the company's mills.  “Our Culiacan plant has for a long time been a significant employer in the region, and this will continue to be the case with this new investment, with a need for new operational and administrative roles, and the workforce at the plant expanding to over 300 employees,” said Jorge Angel, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Mexico. Juan G Castaneda, CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas, added: “This investment will enable us to meet the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions not only in the region but also across Mexico. We have a strong customer base including some of the largest agricultural producers and FMCG companies in Mexico, and continuously investing in our facilities is paramount to providing the best possible service to customers and contributing to the growth of their businesses”.

The Coca-Cola Company has announced that its board member, Herbert A Allen, has retired as a director after 39 years of service.  Allen, who is 80-years-old, was the longest-serving current member of the company's board of directors. He stepped down on 18 August, leaving 11 directors on the board.  “On behalf of The Coca-Cola Company and its board of directors, I thank Herbert for his service,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. He added: “Herbert joined the board in 1982. Throughout the years, his counsel and sound judgment have guided company leadership through many evolutions. His positive impact on Coca-Cola will last far beyond his tenure on the board. We wish him all the best in the next chapter.” “The greatest part of serving as a director has been meeting and getting to know a wide variety of people in the company,” Allen said. “Whether bottlers, Coke employees, officers or company directors, virtually everyone has been part of an enriching experience. As a shareowner, I extend my appreciation and gratitude to all of you.” Allen joined the board back when the company was led by Roberto Goizueta (chairman and CEO). He went on to work with five other chairmen of the company, most recently Quincey.

London-based coffee brand Grind has raised £22 million ($30m) during an investment round.  The company says it will use the investment to accelerate its UK direct-to-consumer business and fund an international expansive drive, with aims to branch out to the US in 2022.  Grind also highlights the "explosive" growth in its at-home coffee products during the lockdowns as a reason for its recent success.  The investment round was led by entrepreneur and author Richard Koch, founder of LEK Consulting. Grind was founded by David Abrahamovitch and Kaz James in Shoreditch, east London in 2011. The company opened cafes and restaurants across the city and ore recently, launched its direct-to-consumer arm, led by its compostable and organic coffee pods for Nespresso machines.  “It’s amazing to reflect on how the little coffee shop we opened a decade ago has evolved into such a recognisable brand, enjoyed by our customers around the world," said Abrahamovitch. "Each year, we serve hundreds of thousands of coffee lovers through our London stores, and through our compostable coffee pods, we’ve now found a way that we can take the Grind coffee experience into the homes of millions more around the world."

Lean Cuisine has released six new entrées, including High Protein Bowls and Cauli Bowls to help consumers with their fitness goals.  The two High Protein Bowls both feature oven-fried breaded chicken – one with creamy mashed potatoes, savoury gravy and sweetcorn; and the other with Buffalo-style mac & cheese.  Meanwhile, Cauli Bowls feature pasta made with cauliflower and come in four varieties: Fettuccini with Meat Sauce, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Garlic Parmesan Alfredo with Broccoli and Creamy Tomato Vodka Pasta.  "In the last year, we've seen business and demand grow for Lean Cuisine as more people are looking for delicious options that help them meet their goals," said Megan Smargiasso, brand manager at Lean Cuisine. "Our fans continue to choose Lean Cuisine because of our commitment to taste and variety, all for under 400 calories – and we'll continue to deliver on that with our new offerings." The six new products are available at US retailers nationwide. MSRP of $3.49-$4.29 (prices may vary by retailer).

Popular rum brand Captain Morgan has launched a new line of ready-to-serve cocktails in three classic flavours: Tropical Punch, Mai Tai and Long Island Iced Tea.  Captain Morgan Mai Tai features orange, lime, and a hint of pineapple. Tropical Punch perfectly mixes citrus and tropical fruit into a cocktail. Meanwhile, Long Island Iced Tea combines rum, vodka and triple sec, among other flavours. "Captain Morgan has always been about bringing friends together to help create new memories, whether it's a happy hour or enjoying time at home," said Sam Salameh, VP of Captain Morgan. "Captain's Cocktails are meant to match the moments that are synonymous with the season – offering all the flavour and all the fun without any complications. The audacious reimagining of these classic cocktails with a unique Captain twist goes perfectly with our goal of being unapologetic in everything we do." The new Captain's Cocktails will be available nationally in the US and Canada from August. Mai Tai and Tropical Punch are available in 1.75mL bottles with an ABV of 13%; Long Island Iced Tea is available in 1.75mL with an ABV of 17%. All three cocktails have a suggested retail price of $19.99.

JBS-owned Planterra has announced that it will open a new R&D innovation centre at its expanded headquarters in Lafayette, Colorado.  The new space and R&D centre will enable Planterra to continue its mission of sharing plant-based food creations and provide new opportunities to test ingredient and product innovations, expanding office space and adding new jobs for the local area.  "I am proud of the team we've built at Planterra Foods and look forward to a future of continued growth and innovation in our new space in Lafayette," said Darcey Macken, CEO of Planterra Foods. "With a team full of passionate, problem-solving food lovers, I'm confident that Planterra Foods will continue to grow the world of plant-based with the best-tasting foods in the market." "Planterra Foods new R&D Innovation Center will open the doors to endless opportunities in plant-based protein," said Raúl Pero, VP of marketing and innovation at Planterra Foods. "With more and more plant-based options popping up in stores for consumers to choose from, our goal is to bring innovative solutions to plant-based foods with delicious, high-quality products that people can feel good about eating and feeding their families at home." "Colorado is open for business and this expansion will result in 100 new jobs," said Jared Polis, governor of the State of Colorado. "We look forward to continuing Colorado's reputation as one of the foremost agricultural producers in the world." In July, Planterra's Ozo brand has released five new frozen and fresh plant-based meat alternative products in the US.

Mars Wrigley-owned sweet brand Skittles has released its "first-ever" gummy in the UK. Squishy Cloudz combines gummy and marshmallows to form the shape of a cloud, with the same iconic fruit flavours found in the original Skittles product.  The new gummies come in two flavours: Fruits and Crazy Sours.  “Skittles has always brought bursts of joy to people’s lives, and the launch of Squishy Cloudz will be no exception," said Sasha Storey, Skittles senior brand manager. "We’re constantly innovating to bring our life-long fans new and exciting ways to enjoy the favourite fruity flavours of Skittles, and we can’t wait for people to start tasting the brand new member of the family.” Squishy Cloudz comes in a 120g pack and contains no artificial colouring. Available exclusively in Tesco for RRP £1.49 from August.