UK baby milk brand Kendamil has created "the world's first" ice cream made with formula milk.  Kendamil says the limited-edition product is designed for adults and aims to challenge the perception that baby milks taste "fishy," “bitter” and “medicinal,” restoring parents’ faith in the taste of baby milk.   “We are proud to launch the first-ever ice cream made with formula milk," said CEO and founder of Kendamil, Ross McMahon. We regularly receive verbatim feedback from customers – which our recent research reinforces – about the delicious creamy taste (and smell) of our baby milks and how their little ones happily drink the full bottle. "Given the surprising statistic that a third of parents have never tried their baby’s milk, we thought we’d bring it to them and let grown-ups in on the goodness with a world-first product made especially for them this summer. “We have worked passionately with the finest local farms and suppliers to develop the only British-made infant formula that’s kinder to babies and the environment. Kendamil Ice Cream embodies this spirit of innovation and we hope will encourage parents to enjoy the unique benefits of a full-cream, palm oil and fish oil-free recipe.”

Doritos has released a new limited-edition flavour, Dinamita Flamin’ Hot Queso.  The new flavour will be available at US retailers nationwide from August 23.  The new release comes off the back of several flavour innovations from Doritos, including Doritos Tangy Ranch and the relaunch of Doritos Tangy Pickle just last month.  SRP: $4.29 (10.75 oz), $2.99 (9.25 oz), $1.99 (4.0oz).

British dairy-free food producer Nush has expanded its range of Yogs with a Mango & Passionfruit variant; and its epicurean potted desserts with a Chocolate Fudge Pot flavour.  Mango & Passionfruit Yog sharing pot will be available from Ocado from August with an RRP of £2.99 for 350g. Made with whole ingredients and free from gluten, soya, preservatives, additives and refined sugar, the new Yog is made from almonds.  Chocolate Fudge Pot is the second edition to join the Nush Dessert range, alongside the Chocolate Orange Pot and will be available from Ocado from August with an RRP of £3.00 for 2x 75g pots. Bethany Eaton, co-founder of Nush says: “As the first brand to bring nut m*lk yogurt to the UK, innovation has always been at the heart of Nush. 2021 will be a big year of innovation for the business as we grow our share of the dairy-free category". "We are really excited to be launching the Choc Fudge Pots, after the huge success of entering the dessert category with the Choc Pot, which was an instant favourite amongst British consumers. This NPD will be joined by a Mango & Passionfruit Yog, which we think consumers will love as it tastes just like Summertime.”

UK producer of natural source waters, Highland Spring Group, has announced that its chief executive Les Montgomery will step down after 36 years.  CCO Simon Oldham and COO Mark Steven will become joint managing directors of the company with immediate effect.  Montgomery, who joined the company in 1985 as its finance director and became its chief executive in 2007, will become a non-executive director of the company at the end of 2021.  “Highland Spring Group recently celebrated its 40th year anniversary and I am very proud of how far the business has come in that time," said Montgomery. "It has been a privilege to lead the company for the last 14 years and I would like to thank all the employees, past and present, of Highland Spring Group for their commitment and support, I am very proud of everything we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to the business as a non-executive director.” Oldham and Steven added: “On behalf of Highland Spring Group, we would like to thank Les for his dedication and the huge contribution he has made to the business over the last 36 years". "We are delighted to be leading the business at this exciting time as we enter the next chapter in the story of this unique company. The last year has proven what a great business Highland Spring Group is, with strong assets and fantastic people. Our strategic approach will continue to focus on providing healthy hydration in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Mars Wrigley UK has pledged to remove the black PE liner from its Maltesers boxes, which will see 82 tonnes of plastic eliminated every year – savings the company says will be able to "cover the size of Monaco twice". The removal of all PE liners means that Maltersers packaging will be fully recyclable.  Adam Grant, general manager Mars Wrigley UK said: “At Mars, we take our responsibility for sustainable packaging seriously, and today’s announcement that our iconic Maltesers box is now fully recyclable is another important step in our journey toward packaging that is 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable”.  The news follows Mars Wrigley UK’s commitment to accelerating its sustainable packaging programme. The new Maltesers boxes are now widely available in-store.

Yogurt producer Nomadic Dairy has expanded its Breakfast Bircher range with the addition of two new flavours.  The new flavours, which include Raspberry and Vanilla Birchers, will offer UK consumers more choice for the breakfast occasion. The company's Birchers are made with rolled oats that are soaked in Nomadic Dairy's live yogurt, and offer a good source of protein.  “With breakfast occasions on the rise, health remains a key focus and consumers are choosing yogurt, oats and fruit as their top three ingredients," said Bethan Miles, brand manager at Nomadic. "Everything our Birchers include. Yet, we know that taste is something they are not willing to compromise on when it comes to a healthy breakfast." She added: "Our delicious Breakfast Bircher offers shoppers a balance of great taste and nourishment. Not only are they a great way to start the day, they are a perfect snacking choice to keep you going throughout your busy day.” The products will be available in over 300 Asda stores from the end of August. RRP £1.30 per 140g pot.

PepsiCo has made a pledge to become "net water positive" by 2030, as it aims to replenish more water than it uses in its operations.  The new commitment will see the beverage giant placed among the most water-efficient food and beverage industry manufacturers that operate in high-risk watersheds.  The PepsiCo Foundation is also launching a $1 million programme with NGO and long-term partner WaterAid in a bid to bring safe water to families in sub-Saharan Africa, expanding its 15-year $53 million+ safe water project that reaches over 20 countries and has supported over 59 million people since 2006.  "Time is running out for the world to act on water. Water is not only a critical component of our food system, it is a fundamental human right – and the lack of safe, clean water around the world is one of the most pressing issues facing our global community today," said Jim Andrew, chief sustainability officer at PepsiCo. He added: "Water scarcity is directly linked to the climate crisis, and at PepsiCo we believe a global effort to be 'net water positive' is essential. We're focused not only on making sure people around the world have access to this vital resource, but ensuring that we are also prioritising water stewardship in our operations everywhere." To reach this goal, PepsiCo will employ "best-in-class water-use efficiency standards" covering more than 1,000 company-owned and third-party facilities. It is hoped the programme will enable the company to reduce water usage by 11 billion litres per year - a 50% reduction in the water currently at PepsiCo's sites.  PepsiCo also hopes to adopt the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard in all high-water risk areas where it operated by 2025.  The Foundation's investment will help improve water infrastructure, build new water supply systems and sanitation facilities, and promote hygiene education. "It will also empower women and girls to become water, sanitation and hygiene stewards in their communities by providing them with the funding and training to maintain water access points and sanitation facilities for years to come," a company statement said.  "We learned quickly at the onset of the pandemic that handwashing and proper hygiene were critical to slowing its spread, but for millions around the world, access to water remains a luxury. As a result, millions of lives remain in jeopardy and until we address this crisis the region will remain especially susceptible to viruses like Covid-19," said CD Glin, VP global head of philanthropy at PepsiCo. "Not only does this disparity in water access contribute to the severity of the pandemic, but it also affects many other developmental goals of the region, including food production, gender equality, climate resilience and poverty alleviation. We're proud of our continued partnership with WaterAid to bring this programme to the region and are excited to be investing in the water-scarce areas that need this resource most." "The PepsiCo Foundation is a stalwart partner of WaterAid across three continents," says Kelly Parsons, CEO, WaterAid America. "They are funding critical programmes, providing flexibility to respond to the pandemic, and shouting loudly and clearly about the importance of safe water access for the billions who lack it." She continued: "We are proud to partner with The PepsiCo Foundation and are committed to doing all we can to support their goal of reaching 100 million people by 2030. Their aspiration helps us reach further and work harder on behalf of those in need."

Bacardi has announced a new Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish, the first instalment of a five-year aged rum series.  The new series will run through to 2025, with the cask finish changing each year based on the type of barrel used for the additional ageing.  Reserva Ocho has been aged in American oak barrels for eight to 12 years and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask for just over two months. Bacardi says the additional few months allows the blend to take on a "sweet, smooth velvety texture with notes of caramel, vanilla and orange, along with hints of walnuts and almonds". “We could not be more thrilled for the launch of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish to add to our Premium portfolio for a limited time. This is our first innovation for the Premium range since the portfolio first launched in 2018, and we are excited to introduce four more innovations over the course of the next four years,” said Lisa Pfenning, VP of Bacardi for North America. “We have seen an increased popularity in Premium rums throughout the years, namely sipping rums, and we hope our rum enthusiasts will appreciate the care and craftsmanship that has gone into blending the Reserva Cask Finish series – which will add new layers of beautiful and bold flavours to our smooth aged rums. Not only will the taste appeal to rum drinkers, but we believe that whiskey drinkers will find themselves reaching for a bottle of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish as well.” Reserva Ocho is available in 750ml bottles with a 40% ABV and an RRP of $32.99. The new spirit will be available online and in US stores nationwide from September.

Organic food producer Green Life Farms has agreed to acquire Finn Farms, a hydroponic grower based in Florida.  The transaction will give Green Life Farms full ownership of Finn Farms, including all site and equipment assets, and enable the company to expand Green Life Farms' growing and sales footprint in southwest Florida. Green Life Farms currently operates a hydroponic greenhouse in Lake Worth, Florida, with plans to open another 13 sites in the state.  Finn Farms operates a 2.5-acre hydroponic greenhouse in southwest Florida, which uses nutrient film treatment growing technology supplied by Green Automation, Novarbo, Priva, among others. Here, Finn Farms produces a range of leafy greens and herbs, including spinach and basil, and the site is expected to be fully operational later this year.  Upon completion of the transaction, Finn Farms will retain its brand name for herbs and microgreens.  A company statement said: "The acquisition allows Green Life Farms to rapidly accelerate its sales and capital growth plans, add technological diversity, and incorporate new intellectual property and licensing rights to its business model. Previously, Green Life Farms announced an expansion plan that included eight total facilities; based on market demand for its premium lettuce products, the company has updated its expansion plan to 13 farms."

Finsbury Food Group, which has manufactured Thorntons bites range for two decades, is revamping the line by adding new products, packaging and brand messaging.  The company will release seven new product options, including: Chocolate Orange Caramel Shortcake, Toffee Apple Caramel Shortcake, Hot Cross Bun Caramel Shortcake, Peppermint Crème Brownie and Strawberry Dream Brownie; as well as two additions to its individually wrapped cake bars: Hazelnut Brookie and Salted Caramel Brownie. “Thorntons cake bites have the highest impulse purchase rate throughout the category, and we know its look and flavour appeal is key to ensuring those impulse purchases remain high," said Jordan McCann, brand manager at Finsbury Food Group. "The range has enjoyed great success over the last 20 years, but we are constantly looking for ways to bring in new shoppers. The key to our ongoing success is to never take our eye off the ball when ensuring the range fits changing consumer trends." He continued: “The Thorntons bites and bars are successful because they are perfect for sharing occasions and adding a bit of luxury to those moments. We know the chances to get together and share a treat have been few and far between but hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, people will have more opportunities to spend time together and we’re making sure we have the perfect treats for those times.” Fiona Morgan, head of foodservice Ferrero UK & Ireland, added: “Finsbury has consistently found ways to bring the high quality and luxurious taste of Thorntons chocolate to cake products and this revamp is continuing that successful tradition. We’re excited to see the changes appear in the market and watch the range continue to go from strength to strength.”

Chips Ahoy! has partnered with The Hershey Company to launch Fudge Filled Cookies.   The cookies feature Chips Ahoy! iconic taste and Hershey-inspired fudge flavour, complete with a rich fudge filled centre.  "At Chips Ahoy! we're all about helping fans find their happy place. With summer fun in full swing, there couldn't be a better time to introduce the new Chewy Chips Ahoy! Fudge Filled Cookies inspired by Hershey's to make the season a little sweeter and our taste buds a little happier with this new cookie," said Sabrina Sierant, associate director, Chips Ahoy! at Mondelēz. "For a creative, fun and delicious treat, top your favourite ice cream with new Chewy Chips Ahoy! Fudge Filled Cookies inspired by Hershey's to turn any ordinary day into a Fundae," she added.

Jordan's Skinny Mixes has unveiled its 2021 autumn collection of zero-calorie, zero-sugar syrups. The company is bringing back six previously released pumpkin varieties and adding five new pumpkin flavours. The new varieties include: vanilla bean pumpkin, white chocolate pumpkin, pumpkin spice latte, keto pumpkin spice with MCT oil, and pumpkin pecan waffle. In addition, the brand will be returning its maple bourbon pecan variety and introducing maple donut and chai flavours. “Pumpkin spice is without a doubt our number one Skinny Syrup flavour year after year,” said Skinny Mixes CEO, Jordan Engelhardt. “We know that our loyal customers crave these products all year round, so we are so excited to be able to offer them their go-tos and some new varieties earlier this year.” Skinny Syrups are available via the brand’s website and can be found at local retailers across the US, Canada and Europe.