Premium ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand Monaco Cocktails has launched a new flavour: Tequila Sun Crush, which combines agave tequila with a 'refreshing' orange taste.  Each 12oz can features two shots of tequila, 9% ABV and no gluten.   “Agave tequila is a top-growing spirit, and we are thrilled to introduce a new RTD variety that taps into this booming interest for pre-mixed, tequila-based cocktails,” said Don Deubler, CEO of Atomic Brands. “We are delivering an all new canned cocktail experience with the launch of Tequila Sun Crush that builds off the strong momentum we’ve seen for our first tequila-based RTD, Tequila Lime Crush. Now with Tequila Sun Crush, we are marrying premium agave tequila with refreshing, on-trend orange flavour to bring a new and exciting option to market this summer to meet this increasing consumer demand,” he added.  The new product joins Monaco Cocktails' existing lineup, which includes: Citrus Rush, Tequila Lime Crush, Blue Crush, Cranberry, Mango Peach, Black Raspberry, Tropic Rush and Purple Crush. Tequila Sun Crush is now available in convenience stores nationwide for $2.50-$2.99.

Coca-Cola Israel (The Central Bottling Company - CBC) and Israeli food-tech company BioMilk have signed a strategic investment term sheet, which will see CBC invest up to $2 million in the development of BioMilk's cultured milk products.  As part of the deal, BioMilk will transfer its products to Tara Dairy, which is owned by CBC, for a "pilot commercial production". Subject to final agreement, the investment will also enable BioMilk to create products that are sustainably sourced and have a low carbon footprint.   "We are pleased to enter into a strategic collaboration with a leading company in the food and beverage field with an emphasis on dairy products, which aims to lead to the integration of the technological solutions that BioMilk develops into Tara Dairy's products," said Tomer Aizen, CEO of BioMilk.  "Our company is a pioneer and leads a technological, nutritional and ecological revolution. BioMilk intends to develop products that will enable CBC through Tara Dairy to market revolutionary, tasty and functionally valuable products while preserving the environment. BioMilk is the first company in the field of cultured milk that receives a strategic investment from a leading dairy industry player." He continued: "This investment will allow BioMilk to step up technological developments and accelerate its reach towards the fridges and shelves of consumers, with a variety of dairy products based on 'real' milk produced in a lab from mammalian cells, with a clear differentiation over other alternative plant-based milk substitutes”. Yoram Sagy, President of CBC added: " The Central Bottling Company's innovation arm has been working in recent years to locate the world's most advanced technologies in the field of food development. In BioMilk we have identified a significant food technology player, from both business and sustainability perspectives."

Meal kit company HelloFresh has agreed to acquire Australian ready-to-eat meal manufacturer Youfoodz for AUD 125 million (approximately $93.3 million). The deal marks an important step in HelloFresh’s growth strategy and will strengthen its direct-to-consumer (D2C) ready-to-eat capabilities; as well as enhance its Australian brand portfolio and product offering. Youfoodz provides and distributes fresh ready meals, as well as snacks and drinks through both home delivery (D2C) and retail (B2B). Since its establishment in 2012, Youfoodz says it has delivered over 60 million ready-to-eat meals to its home delivery, retail and corporate customers. The company operates three production facilities in Brisbane, which it claims produce more than 400,000 ready-made meals, 80,000 snacks and 25,000 drinks per week. “We are impressed by Youfoodz’ strong product and manufacturing capabilities and are looking forward to jointly delight Australians with delicious, healthy and convenient meals,“ said Tom Rutledge, CEO of HelloFresh Australia and New Zealand. Upon completion of the transaction, Youfoodz will continue to operate under its own brand. HelloFresh says it will make the brand become increasingly available to its consumers through a subscription platform. According to HelloFresh, Australia has witnessed rapid growth in the ready-to-eat meal delivery service, and the Berlin company recently launched its value brand EveryPlate in the country. Dominik Richter, CEO of HelloFresh, added: “The popularity of ready-to-eat services in Australia in a well-established and growing sector offers us a good opportunity to further strengthen our position by offering further choice of meal solutions and price points to our customers.” The deal also comes after HelloFresh acquired Factor75, a prepared meal delivery service in the US. Youfoodz CEO, Lance Giles, added: “We are excited about the prospect of joining the HelloFresh group. This is a significant endorsement of our brand and the success we have enjoyed as a business in the ready-made meal sector. “Partnering with a global leader like HelloFresh will help us accelerate growth of our business and enhance our customer offering through new menu offerings, customer initiatives and enriched service levels.” The transaction – which is subject to customary conditions including shareholder and court approval – is expected to be finalised in October 2021.

Ball Corporation is planning to build new aluminium beverage packaging plants in the UK and Russia, in a move to significantly increase its manufacturing capacity. According to Ball, each of the planned facilities would produce billions of cans every year – across a range of formats and sizes – from 2023, and provide up to 200 skilled jobs. The news follows the announcement earlier this year of Ball's plans for a new €170 million aluminium can plant in the Czech Republic, which will help boost its output in the EMEA region. Ball has submitted a formal application to North Northamptonshire Council and expects to break ground on the newly announced UK facility later this year, following a period of public consultation on the plans. The plant – representing Ball's third beverage can manufacturing site in the UK – will be located at the Segro Park Kettering Gateway in Northamptonshire. The planned facility will supply cans for domestic customers in categories such as hard seltzer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails. Meanwhile, to serve the fast-growing Russian market, Ball is planning to build a plant in Ulyanovsk in the west of the country. The Ulynavosk plant will extend Ball's manufacturing footprint in Russia to four facilities and will supply customers in categories including beer and energy drinks. “With the demand for our infinitely recyclable aluminium packaging growing fast in an expanding number of categories, we are acting now to support our customers in the UK and Russia,” said Carey Causey, president, Ball beverage packaging EMEA. “The pandemic and changing consumption patterns mean that consumers are enjoying more of their favourite beverages at home and on the go and want to buy products in packages that they know will be recycled and can contribute to a truly circular economy.”

Vegan brand Follow Your Heart has launched dairy-free Greek Style Crumbles in the UK, available in Tesco stores nationwide from 12 July.  Created in the brand's Los Angeles solar-powered, zero-waste facility (known as Earth Island), the crumble format is aimed at plant-based and flexitarian consumers looking for a traditional feta alternative.  John O’Connor, new business development at Follow Your Heart said: “We are so excited to launch the first dairy-free Greek Crumbles in the UK and it’s a great testament to our strong innovation team in the US focusing on plant-based cheese. We are passionate about showing UK shoppers how delicious and easy plant-based eating can be." "In contrast to some other brands with long ingredients lists including unrecognisable components, Follow Your Heart focuses on keeping things clean and minimal to create inherently better-for-you products for shoppers,” he added.  Greek Style Crumbles features just ten ingredients, is coconut-oil based, allergen-free and non-GMO. It is also free of dairy, soy, casein, gluten, lactose and preservatives.  RRP £3.50 for 170g.

US better-for-you baking brand Miss Jones Baking Co has announced the launch of a new line of reduced-sugar baking mixes. Everyday Delicious mixes are made with 100% whole grains and Miss Jones’s SmartSugar – a blend of sugar, chicory root, tapioca and monkfruit that is said to reduce sugar by 50% without any artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. The new line features five variants: Monster Cookie Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Fudgy Brownie Mix, Blueberry Muffin & Bread Mix, and Banana Bread & Muffin Mix. “Since founding Miss Jones Baking Co, we have always strived to innovate and make delicious treats we know and love better for you without sacrificing taste,” said Sarah Jones, founder and CEO of Miss Jones Baking Co. “We all want to have our cake and eat it too (literally), but without the guilt. I've crafted each of our new mixes with more of what you want and less of what you don't so you can enjoy what you bake knowing it's tasty and nutritious to the last bite.” Everyday Delicious mixes are available to purchase via the brand’s website and on Amazon, as well as at Kroger and Whole Foods Market for $4.99.

Bel has announced the launch of its plant-based cheese alternative brand Nurishh to the UK market with three new products. The initial line includes a vegan alternative to Camembert, a mozzarella style block and a grated cheddar & mozzarella style blend – which are currently available in Asda stores and are being rolled out to other retailers nationwide. A full range of dairy-free grated cheeses, slices, blocks and spreads have also been developed for future launch. The Nurishh plant-based Camembert alternative witnessed a successful soft launch back in December in Sainsbury’s as part of the festive period. Bel Brands launched the Nurishh brand in the US earlier this year in six varieties including three slices and three shred formats. Chloe Feminier, plant-based commercial manager at Nurishh, said: “A versatile selection designed to cater to all occasions – with taste highlighted as a key barrier to buying vegan products, and insights showing consumers seeking inspiration for plant-based recipes – the new additions to the Nurishh range bolster the offering, with varied formats ensuring a delicious plant-based option for every occasion and recipe.” The three plant-based cheese options retail between £2.50 and £3.50.

Private equity firm KPS Capital Partners has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Tate & Lyle’s Primary Products business in the Americas for $1.3 billion. The deal will see the creation of two standalone businesses – Tate & Lyle and NewCo. Under the terms of the agreement, Tate & Lyle and KPS will each own 50% of the newly-formed company (NewCo), with KPS having board and operational control. The new company will comprise of Tate & Lyle’s Primary Products business in North America and Latin America and shareholdings in its two joint ventures - Almidones Mexicanos and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio-Products. The deal values the standalone unit at $1.7 billion. The Primary Products business manufactures nutritive sweeteners, industrial starches, acidulants and other corn-derived products for a variety of applications including carbonated beverages, confectionery products, packaging products and animal feed. Founded in 1906 as A.E. Staley Manufacturing, the unit has approximately 1,700 employees across six manufacturing facilities in the US and Brazil. The sweetener division’s European operations are not included as part of NewCo and will remain with Tate & Lyle. Tate & Lyle first announced its intentions to sell the stake back in April, revealing that talks were underway with potential buyers. Following the split, Tate & Lyle plans to reposition itself as a food and beverage solutions business focused on faster growing speciality markets. “With the pandemic accelerating the trend towards healthier food, now is the right time to focus our business on capturing this growth,” said Nick Hampton, CEO of Tate & Lyle. He added: “Today’s announcement represents the next phase in the evolution of Tate & Lyle. Our one strong company will become two stronger businesses, both in a position to pursue new and exciting growth opportunities in their respective markets.” Meanwhile, NewCo will focus on becoming a leading manufacturer of plant-based products for the food and industrial markets. Michael Psaros, KPS co-founder and co-managing partner, said: "We will invest in research and development in close cooperation with customers to introduce new products and product categories, in order to capitalise on long-term trends such as the transition to a more plant-based diet by consumers worldwide." The deal marks KPS’ fifth investment in 2021 – including its acquisition of Crown Holdings’ EMEA food packaging unit– bringing its total investment activity this year to a combined value of over $6 billion. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

Truvant, a global provider of packaging and display solutions, has opened a new facility in Indiana, US. The 244,000-square-foot facility in Indianapolis increases Truvant’s operational footprint to 15 facilities globally and brings more than 250 jobs to the area. The new facility will support Truvant customers from industries including food with secondary and promotional packaging services. Truvant – a portfolio company of US private equity investment firm The Halifax Group – says that Indianapolis provides a central location from which it can service 75% of the North American market in less than 24 hours. The new complex features capabilities for kitting, fulfilment, assembly, bundling, shrink wrapping, liquid blending, pouching, blister packaging, e-commerce fulfilment and more. The facility will support customers with manual, automated and semi-automated processes, allowing for a wide range of scalable contract packaging, contract manufacturing and supply chain solutions. The site is located within a half mile of the Indianapolis airport and is immediately adjacent to FedEx's second largest hub in the world, according to Truvant. “The strategic location of the Indianapolis site will enable us to expand our reach to create a stronger manufacturing network across the US," said Truvant CEO, Scott Lamb. “We are now better equipped than ever to help current and future customers get their products to both retailers and consumers directly in the most efficient way.” He continued: “We are excited to provide an opportunity for people in the community to work in the dynamic and growing co-manufacturing and co-packaging sector.”

Glass bottle manufacturer and bottler Encirc has unveiled its 2025 decarbonisation plan that uses hydrogen-powered furnaces, leading to the creation of 200 jobs in Cheshire. In order to meet its commitment, Encirc plans to use hydrogen in its furnaces to create billions of ultra-low carbon glass bottles. To ensure the availability of hydrogen, the Cheshire-based manufacturer plans to expand its Elton facility and create at least 200 jobs – to join more than 1,00 current employees at the site. The company will use the hydrogen supply from the proposed HyNet North West project in its furnaces to the lead the decarbonisation of glass packaging. HyNet North West is a hydrogen and carbon capture and storage project that aims to unlock a low carbon economy and put the region at the forefront of the UK’s drive to net zero. According to Encirc, the project has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes every year by 2030. The news comes after Enrcirc – alongside Glass Future – successfully used a biofuel-powered furnace and 100% recycled glass to reduce the carbon footprint of its bottles by up to 90%. Encric successfully trialled its low carbon glass bottles with Carlsberg, Molson Coors and Diageo. After touring the Elton factory and learning more about how Encirc could take advantage of a new supply of hydrogen, Anne-Marie Trevelyan – the UK’s Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth – said: “I’m delighted Encirc has announced its ambition to create the first ultra-low carbon glass by 2025 as part of the HyNet North West project. “It is a sign our plan for jobs is working and will create not only over 200 jobs on the ground in Chester but a skills base fit for the future. Working together with government and ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, I’m delighted to see British industries are building back greener, meaning firms can play their part in creating jobs and meeting our ambitious climate commitments.” Adrian Curry, Encirc managing director, added: “It is vital that glass packaging decarbonises to meet our zero-emission future. Glass already has so many incredible environmental and health benefits over other materials, but the carbon intensity of our furnaces is a key challenge we need to address. We are delighted to be leading the charge, creating the world’s most sustainable glass bottles."

Refresco has entered into an agreement to acquire Hansa-Heemann, a German mineral water and carbonated soft drinks (CSD) company. The deal forms part of Refresco’s buy-and-build strategy and further enhances its position in terms of product and brand portfolio and geographical coverage. Headquartered in Rellingen, Hansa-Heemann is an independent beverage manufacturer that specialises in the production and bottling of mineral water and CSDs. The independent bottler has five production sites across Germany and serves three different market segments: private label, own brands and contract manufacturing for A-brands. Hansa-Heemann reportedly has annual revenues of approximately €300 million and employs over 800 people. With the acquisition, Refresco will expand its offering in water and CSDs with brands such as Fūrst Bismarck, Hella and St. Michaelis. Upon completion, Refresco will enhance its presence in Germany, thus improving its transport efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions.   "We are very much looking forward to welcoming Hansa-Heemann to Refresco. Our companies are a great fit and Hansa-Heemann's expertise and capabilities will allow us to further improve our operational excellence," said Hans Roelofs, CEO of Refresco Group.  “In addition, this acquisition will further diversify our business and product offering, which will benefit our customers. Refresco Germany and Hansa-Heemann are highly complementary and through this acquisition, we will be able to offer nationwide coverage to German retailers.” Hansa-Heemann chairman, Wolff Lange, added: “It is a promising opportunity for our family business to join Refresco as it will enable the Hansa-Heemann team to apply their knowledge and expertise with more impact, at a much bigger scale. Our combined capabilities will accelerate our ambitions and further enhance our offering to customers.” The transaction was made for an undisclosed sum and is subject to regulatory approval. In 2019, Refresco acquired Arizona Production & Packaging (AZPACK), a US-based packaging manufacturer.

BlueTriton Brands, formerly known as Nestlé Waters North America, has announced the appointment of Jorge Mesquita as its new CEO. The former Nestlé Waters US and Canada operations adopted the name BlueTriton Brands earlier this year, after Nestlé completed its sale of the business. Newly appointed CEO Mesquita joins the company as it "embarks on growth and innovation initiatives as an independent business". “Over the course of his long career in the consumer products industry, Jorge has developed an outstanding reputation as a strategic thinker and inspirational leader with a focus on operational excellence and a passion for re-energising businesses and brands,” said Tony Lee, managing partner of One Rock Capital Partners, which earlier this year acquired BlueTriton in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. “We are thrilled to have the benefit of his experience and expertise as BlueTriton moves into its next exciting chapter.”  Before joining BlueTriton, Mesquita served as executive vice president and worldwide chairman of Johnson & Johnson’s consumer division, where he revamped the marketing and commercial strategies for brands such as Johnson’s Baby and Neutrogena. Prior to that, Mesquita spent nearly 30 years at The Procter & Gamble Company, where he led three separate divisions during his tenure. These included responsibility for overseeing the company’s largest business unit as P&G’s group president, global fabric care. “A transformational leader with an impressive track record of driving game-changing innovation, building brands and delivering top- and bottom-line results, Jorge is the ideal executive to lead BlueTriton as we seek to expand our market leadership, advance our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and realise the potential of our unrivalled portfolio of water brands,” said Dean Metropoulos, chairman and former interim CEO of BlueTriton. Mesquita added: “The water category is primed for growth and innovation as more consumers seek healthy hydration alternatives to sugary drinks. With an exceptional portfolio of beloved brands, BlueTriton is well-positioned to capitalise on this tremendous market opportunity.”