Boparan-owned Carluccio's has released a range of restaurant-inspired dishes including fresh pasta, a selection of ready meals and 12" pizzas, as well as stir-in sauces. The 16-strong product range will feature ready meal options, such as Beef and Chianti Lasagne for two and Roasted Mushroom Tagliatelle, alongside 12" pizzas ranging from Margherita to Prosciutto Crudo & Mozzarella. In collaboration with Italian pasta brand Bertangi, the release also includes three fresh pasta variations – Ravioli, Mezzelune and Girasoli – which coincides with two stir-in sauce options. Phil Neale, marketing and communications director at Boparan Restaurant Group, commented: "From listening to customers, we know people would like to access our brands more regularly as part of their eating-at-home occasions and this brand new fresh range from Carluccio’s allows us to bring them high-quality dishes inspired by our restaurants into their own home kitchens." The prices range from £2.50 for sauces up to £6.50 for ready meals. These are exclusively available in 300 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

Private investment firm Inverleith has acquired a majority stake in Scottish premium whisky and gin distiller Eden Mill St Andrews. Eden Mill produces Scottish craft gins and single malt scotch whisky, including flavoured and heritage gins, as well as its 'hip-flask' whisky series. The investment from Inverleith will enable the company to expand its distribution in the UK and internationally. The company also plans to build a new carbon-neutral distillery located on the University of St Andrews Eden Campus. Paul Miller, Eden Mill's managing director and founder, said: "We have been looking for an investor who shares our passion for the Eden Mill opportunity, who understands the uniqueness of the opportunity and is aligned to our vision. With their consumer strategic brand and commercial expertise, I am confident that we have found the right partner to take drive and support the next and most significant stage of the Eden Mill journey. I’m looking forward as managing director to working closely with the team at Inverleith."

Spirits producer Diageo has recorded a 15.8% rise in half-year net sales to £8 billion, driven by growth across all of its regions. The owner of Gordon’s gin and Smirnoff vodka has reported broad-based growth across most categories, with a particularly strong performance in scotch, tequila and beer. For the six months to 31 December, Diageo's operating profit increased 22.5% to £2.7 billion. The company has benefited from shoppers stocking up during the pandemic, often trading up to more expensive types of alcohol. Sales of premium products made up more than 50% of net sales. Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes said that consumer demand has remained resilient in the off-trade channel. Meanwhile, the company has benefitted from the continued recovery of the on-trade channel – particularly in Europe, where net sales were up 21%, and North America, where sales were up 10%. "I am very pleased with our financial results, which build on our growth momentum in fiscal 21. We delivered strong organic net sales growth across all regions and operating margin expansion,” said Menezes. “Strong sales volume growth and continued premiumisation drove an improvement in organic operating margin during the half. This was achieved while increasing our investment in marketing to gain share and support innovation, particularly in North America and Greater China.” Menezes continued: “We have made a strong start to fiscal 22. While we expect near-term volatility to remain, including potential impacts from Covid-19, global supply chain constraints and rising cost inflation, I am confident in our ability to successfully navigate these disruptions through the remainder of the year.”

UK treats brand Serious Sweets has announced its acquisition of gourmet honeycomb maker Mighty Fine Confectionery for an undisclosed sum. Founded by Ross Newton and Kit Tomlinson, Mighty Fine is based in Camden, London, and produces confectionery products, including chocolate-coated almonds and homemade honeycomb bars, dips and buttons. Serious Sweets supplies treats to major retailers in the UK and has established SSC Brands to manage its branded interests. Rob Whitehead, managing director at Serious Sweets, commented: "We’re delighted to continue the Mighty Fine journey that Ross and Kit have so brilliantly led. The opportunity for more ‘worth-it’ moments from the Mighty Fine brand is huge, and we intend to delight consumers in very special ways over the next few years." Mighty Fine will join the SSC Brands portfolio.

Plant-based nutrition brand Kencko has raised $10 million in Series A funding, as it looks to enter additional categories. Kencko's products – offered through its subscription service – aim to help customers consume their recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables. The brand’s portfolio includes smoothie sachets, which contain 2.5 servings of fruit and vegetables in a powdered, freeze-dried form, and which are prepared by adding liquid. The company also offers gumdrops, while its Kenckobowls will launch in February to provide a "quick but nutritious meal" that is prepared by adding hot water to the freeze-dried mix. Kencko claims that by freeze drying produce soon after harvest, it cuts food waste by up to 30% compared with fresh produce. All of the B Corporation’s packaging is also said to be plant-based and compostable. The round was led by existing investor Siddhi Capital, and also included participation from Next View Ventures, Riverside Ventures, Silas Capital, Cheyenne Ventures, Nakhla Ventures and Shilling Capital, among others. The company plans to use the new funds to expand into additional categories, targeting further consumption occasions throughout the day.

Kerry has expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new facility, as it continues to develop its Middle Eastern footprint. The new 21,500-square-foot plant currently employs 130 people and will help companies to meet consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food and beverages – particularly in the snack, meat and bakery sectors. The company has already invested more than €80 million in the region over the past four years. According to Kerry, the new facility will be the company's largest in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region. Edmond Scanlon, chief executive of Kerry Group, said: "The opening of our new facility at our Jeddah site is part of our commitment to continuing to grow our presence across the Middle East where we have invested over €80 million since 2018". He continued: "This new facility is the first of its kind in the Middle East and is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, offering top-in-class sustainable nutrition technology platforms, laboratories equipped with unique testing capabilities while also being sustainable".

Danone-owned brand So Delicious Dairy Free has unveiled a new line of coconut milk yogurts with botanical extracts in the US. So Delicious Yogurt Alternatives with Botanicals Extracts is available in three flavours: strawberry with elderberry extract, mango with ginger and turmeric extracts and mixed berry with chamomile extract. The range is made with organic coconut and contains 7-8g of sugar and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. "Here at So Delicious, we're focused on dairy-freeing minds with great taste – and our new yogurt alternatives with vibrant botanical extracts are making it easier than ever to indulge in mindful microbreaks throughout the day," said Lia Stierwalt, senior director of marketing, So Delicious Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives. So Delicious Yogurt Alternatives with Botanicals Extracts are available at Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market for an MSRP of $1.99 per single-serve cup.

Ball Corporation has announced the appointment of Dan Fisher, the current president of the packaging company, as its next CEO. Fisher will succeed John Hayes, who will remain chairman of the board. Fisher first joined Ball 12 years ago and held several executive leadership roles, such as senior vice president and COO, before being promoted to president in early 2021. Stuart Taylor, lead independent director on Ball's board, said: "This announcement is the successful culmination of a purposeful, multiyear succession plan based on John's desire to step away from day-to-day management. Dan has worked closely with the board over the past several years, and we look forward to the next phase in our development with Dan as CEO." Fisher added: "It is an honour to be named the next CEO of Ball Corporation, and I want to thank both John and the board for the confidence they have placed in me to lead this strong organisation. Ball is well-positioned for the future, and I welcome the opportunity to continue to work with John as chairman and benefit from his experience as we create value for all of our stakeholders, using 'Drive for 10' and 'EVA' as our guide."

Twelve5 Beverage Company-owned brand Rebel Hard Coffee is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new Bolder Hard Coffee range. The line will be available in two flavours: Double Mocha Bolder Hard Latte and Salted Caramel Bolder Hard Latte. Each variant contains an abv of 8% per 16oz single-serve cans. "Twelve5's Rebel and the Hard Coffee category have so much potential that remains untapped," said Michael Sargent, senior brand manager, Twelve5 Rebel Hard Coffee. "We are focused on being a category leader and bringing to market what consumers are looking for in the right format, at the right retail locations." Twelve5's Rebel Bolder Hard Coffee will be available at grocery and convenience stores from early February.

Starbucks has entered into the ready-to-drink canned energy drink category with a new range, named Baya Energy. The beverages were developed through the North American Coffee Partnership (NACP), a joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo to create coffee and energy products. Baya Energy drinks are available in three fruit flavours – Mango Guava, Raspberry Lime and Pineapple Passionfruit. The new beverages are crafted from caffeine naturally found in coffee fruit as well as additional vitamin C for immune support. The energy drinks also contain 90 calories and 160mg of caffeine per 12 oz. can. Chanda Beppu, vice president of channel development Americas at Starbucks, said: "We’re thrilled to introduce Starbucks Baya Energy to our customers, providing them with a refreshing, fruit-flavoured boost of feel-good energy, in a way only Starbucks can deliver". She continued: "Over the years, we’ve continued to identify new and exciting ways to expand our ready-to-drink portfolio and saw an opportunity to complement our existing coffee beverage lineup with Starbucks Baya Energy, the brand’s first beverage to launch in the energy category". Starbucks Baya Energy is available nationwide in US stores and gas stations as well as online for an SRP of $2.89. The brand has also expanded its ready-to-drink coffee range with new releases such as: Frappuccino Coffee Drink with Oatmilk – available in Caramel Waffle Cookie and Dark Chocolate Brownie variations – and Frappuccino Passport Series in Hazelnut Tiramisu flavour.

Glencore-owned Viterra Limited has entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire the grain and ingredients business of Gavilon Agriculture Investment, for $1.1 billion. Gavilon, based in Omaha, Nebraska, stores and distributes grains, oilseeds, feed and food ingredients to customers worldwide. It has an asset network that spans the US, as well as international operations in Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia. “The addition of Gavilon supports our long-term strategy of significantly increasing our presence in the United States, one of the major producing and exporting regions, which will further strengthen our global network,” said David Mattiske, CEO of Viterra. “The combination of the Gavilon and Viterra origination businesses will enable us to provide more value and flexibility to our customers. We will be able to rapidly enhance our sustainable supply chains, provide higher levels of quality control and reliability, while creating exciting opportunities for our customers and employees.” He continued: “We look forward to welcoming the employees of Gavilon to the Viterra team, and further strengthening the successful business and commercial relationships Gavilon has built with producers and consumers”. Peter Mouthaan, CFO of Viterra, added: “This transaction demonstrates the continued support of our shareholders to execute on opportunities that deliver significant growth for our business, while maintaining a robust balance sheet. Funding for the agreed purchase price and a portion of the assumed working capital has been secured through the signing of a committed acquisition financing facility. Funding for the remainder of the working capital will be financed by using proceeds from other committed financing facilities and cash on hand, including existing available undrawn committed credit lines amounting to approximately US $3.6 billion as of 31 December 2021.” Glencore acquired Vittera for $6.1bn almost ten years ago, aiming to accelerate its agricultural trading division. The transaction is subject to customary closing and regulatory conditions. It is expected to close in the second half of 2022.

Thatchers Cider has expanded its premium cider portfolio with the launch of a blood orange variant in the UK. Thatchers Blood Orange is crafted with naturally sweet dessert apples – Braeburn, Fuji and Gala – which have been specially selected for their sweetness, aroma and quality. The new release has a 4% abv and is available in either a 500ml bottle or 440ml can. Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker, said: “Packed with sweet, juicy flavour, Thatchers Blood Orange will tease the taste buds and quench the thirst. All our ciders are made with the same deep-rooted responsibility that comes with 117 years of cider making here at Myrtle Farm." He continued: "This is a juicy addition to the growing Thatchers Cider family, attracting a new generation of cider drinkers. With the blood orange flavour yet to make its mark in cider, Thatchers Blood Orange will cut through a cluttered fruit cider category, whilst introducing new shoppers into cider." The 500ml bottle has an RRP of £2.30 while the canned four-pack is £5.50. The new release will have a nationwide roll-out at the end of February.