Heineken has announced its commitment to become carbon neutral in its own production by 2030 and its full value chain by 2040. The announcement marks the first in a series of refreshed Brew a Better World ambitions, which form part of the company’s new EverGreen growth strategy. In order to decarbonise its production sites, Heineken says it will maximise energy efficiency and renewable energy use by 2030. By 2030, the brewer also aims to cut emissions by 30% across its entire value chain – including barley farmers, packaging manufacturers and logistic providers – compared to a 2018 baseline. “We aim to be carbon neutral in our production sites by 2030 in order to meet the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Agreement. We will further reduce our emissions through energy efficiency and speed up the transition towards renewable energy,” said Heineken CEO and chairman, Dolf van den Brink. “A large part of our overall carbon footprint beyond production comes from agriculture, packaging, distribution and cooling. This means we will work in close partnership with our suppliers and partners to reach our ambitious goal of a carbon neutral value chain by 2040.” Heineken says the 2040 commitment makes it the first global brewer to aim for carbon neutrality in its full value chain. The Dutch brewing company says it has already started working towards achieving its goals including reducing carbon emissions per hectolitre in its breweries by 51% since 2008. Since committing to the transition to renewable energy in 2018, Heineken has implemented over 130 renewable energy projects, including what it claims are five of the world’s ten largest on-site solar-powered breweries. Last year, Heineken announced that all beer sold in the Dutch market is brewed using 100% green energy. Meanwhile in December, it entered a partnership to build a wind farm in Finland, which will inject renewable electricity in the European grid supplying 13 of its operating companies. As part of the shift, Heineken has become a member of the Business Ambition for 1.5C, the Race to Zero and RE100.

Kellogg's Pringles brand has unveiled a new limited-edition pickle-flavoured snack, which will be released in the US this month. Inspired by the restaurant classic, Kellogg claims that the new Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle flavour 'packs dill-pickle tanginess and savoury-fried satisfaction into' in an easy-to-eat format. Gareth Maguire, senior director of marketing for Pringles, said: "The Pringles brand prides itself in delivering insanely accurate flavour combinations that are both familiar and delicious."With the debut of Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle, fans can experience their favourite, iconic fried appetizer flavour in an entirely new, easy to snack form. Paired with other Pringles staples, these snackable, stackable crunchy crisps are an absolute must-try". The limited-edition Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle will be exclusively available at Dollar General stores nationwide from April 2021.

Molson Coors has entered into three new partnerships with  Jimmy’s Iced Coffee , Lixir Drinks, and Tarquin’s Gin and Twin Fin Rum as part of its Beverage Hub, which is dedicated to beverages beyond beer.  The company will be granted exclusive distribution rights for all three brands from Southwestern Distillery across its established on- and off-site trade networks in Western Europe.  The Beverage Hub is a new division within Molson Coors' European business unit, aimed at growing the company's presence in the fast-emerging ready-to-drink (RTD), adult soft drinks and premium spirits sectors. It will help the brewer move beyond cider and beer , and represents “the next phase of our already established wholesale offer to the independent on-trade, where we provide a range of beverages outside our own beer and cider heartlands,” said Jack Daniel, who leads the team. “The creation of the Beverage Hub is our response to the growing number of consumers reaching for ready-to-drink options, premium spirits and aspirational adult soft drinks and opening up those growth opportunities for our customers," said Daniel. "Our latest partnerships are with brands that have great-tasting products and founders who have fantastic stories to share that underpin truly distinctive brands”. In addition to the three new partnerships, the Hub's portfolio also includes hard seltzer brand Three Fold and partnerships with Bodega Bay and Miami Cocktail Company, which were announced last year. “Our mission is to provide consumers with the perfect drink for every occasion,” Daniel added. “Through the Beverage Hub, we now have the capability to bring a wider offer to our managed retail and off-trade customers as well.” Molson Coors will aid UK-based Jimmy's Iced Coffee with distributing its entire plastic-free range. Jimmy’s co-founder Jim Cregan said the partnership will give the brand “the chance to reach places, fridges and people we’ve not been able to due to our limited resources as a small business”.  The company will also support London-based Lixir Drinks, which creates mixers using natural ingredients, with its rollout across the UK, following its success in Northern Ireland in 2020. “It’s great to be partnering with Molson Coors to get our products into the hands of consumers across the UK and Ireland,” said Matt Mahatme, co-founder of Lixir Drinks. “We’re really looking forward to introducing more consumers to our product range, which are big on flavour, low in calories and contain absolutely no artificial ingredients." Meanwhile, Molson also inked a long-term partnership with Cornish spirits company Southwestern Distillery to distribute its products (including Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin, Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry, Tarquin’s British Blackberry Gin and Twin Fin Rum) across the UK and Western Europe. The deal will allow Southwestern to grow “further into UK retail and expand export beyond our existing 25 international markets,” said Tarquin Leadbetter, Southwestern’s founder and master distiller.

Anheuser Busch , under its premium Mexican beer brand Estrella Jalisco, has announced the latest addition to its Michelada portfolio, Tropical Chamoy Michelada.  A “refreshing and fruity spin” on the popular Mexican beverage (which is made with beer, lime juice, sauces, spices, tomato juice and chilli peppers), the drink features 3.5% ABV and blends the taste of pineapple with the heat of clamato and chamoy (a Mexican condiment).  Estrella is launching the new beverage with the help of Mexican singer and songwriter Sofia Reyes, who said: “Growing up in Monterrey, chamoy is a flavour I loved putting on candy and fruit — it sparks nostalgia and even now I enjoy it on the rim of my beers and micheladas! It shocked me to learn that it’s not in the English or Spanish language dictionary. I’m excited to help Estrella Jalisco spread awareness of chamoy’s wonderful and complex flavour and I’m looking forward to seeing all the creative definitions people share!” “Our Tropical Chamoy Michelada is a completely new flavour for American consumers in a ready-to-drink product, designed to evoke a modern connection to a Mexican tradition,” Jayden Kahl, senior director, Estrella Jalisco added. “But while people absolutely love chamoy, most don’t know how to define it. As we introduce chamoy’s unique, delicious taste to a wider audience, we’re hoping to open more palates to a Mexican staple, and give it the recognition it deserves.” Tropical Chamoy Michelada comes in a 25oz can and is now available in retailers nationwide

US-based brand Jimmy Dean has expanded its breakfast portfolio with new Breakfast Nuggets and Skillets varieties. Jimmy Dean Breakfast Nuggets feature a filling of meats, eggs and cheese covered in a breadcrumb coating. With 11g of protein, the nuggets come in two varieties: sausage, egg & cheese, and chicken sausage, egg & cheese. Meanwhile, Jimmy Dean Skillets are made up of seasoned meats, vegetables and cheese. With 13-14g of protein per serving, the skillets come in Meat Lovers and Sausage varieties; as well as a new Delights Turkey Sausage, Sweet Potato and Kale Skillet that is looking to target health-conscious consumers. "We know it's important to people to have a variety of breakfast options in order to keep mornings delicious and fun," said Scott Glenn, senior director of marketing at Jimmy Dean. "We believe breakfast helps people have a great start to their day, whether on-the-go with our bite-sized Breakfast Nuggets or around a kitchen table enjoying the comforting flavours of a skillet." The new products come shortly after the launch of  Loaded Sausage Bites and Omelet Minis,  which come in convenient single-serve cups, as well as plant-based patty breakfast sandwiches .   All of these new products can be found in the refrigerated aisle of retail stores nationwide.

UAE-based food and beverage company Agthia Group has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Egyptian processed meat producer and owner of the Atyab brand, Ismailia Investments. Under the terms of the agreement, Agthia will acquire a 75.02% share of the company, while founder and Atyab leader Attito Raslan will retain a stake. Ismailia Investments focuses on the frozen processed chicken and beef sectors and its portfolio consists of four brands: Atyab, Meatland, Shiketita and Furat. Following completion of the acquisition, the brands will join Agthia’s existing Egyptian operations. With a 60,000 square-metre facility, Ismailia Investments has a processing capacity of around 70,000 tons per year. It has more than 2,500 employees and 11 distribution centres across Egypt. In 2020, the company achieved revenues of AED 424 million ($115.5 approx.) and recorded revenue growth of around 28% between 2016 and 2020. The deal will enable Agthia to expand its position in the growing processed protein sector, which builds on its acquisition of Jordan’s Nabil Foods. “This acquisition is a continuation of our strategy to position Agthia as the leading FMCG player in the MENA region. Egypt is a key growth market for Agthia, and Atyab operates in a sector that is fast-growing and attractive,” said Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi, chairman of Agthia Group. Attito Raslan, chairman and CEO of Atyab, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of becoming part of Agthia and see this acquisition as a great opportunity to further accelerate our growth, strengthen our leadership position in Egypt and expand our reach into new markets. This acquisition would also further cement the strategic partnership between the UAE and Egypt.” The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Equity firm Falfurrias Capital Partners has announced an investment in sweet baked goods manufacturer Carolina Foods, for an undisclosed sum.  Carolina Foods, which owns the Duchess line of products as well as several leading bakery brands, is the firm's third investment in the packaged goods category in two years – following its acquisition of condiment, sauce and spice company Sauer Brands and the popcorn seasoning company Chicago Custom Foods.  "This partnership will give us the financial resources and management expertise to take Carolina Foods to another level," said  Paul Scarborough, CEO of Carolina Foods . "Falfurrias has a tremendous track record of helping the companies they invest in realise next-stage growth, and their expertise in food marketing and distribution will be especially useful to our organisation." Founded in 1934, Carolina Foods operates out of multiple sites across Charlotte, North Carolina. The company makes doughnuts, honey buns, pies, fritters and other treats under its Duchess brand, as well as private-label manufacturing and co-packing for numerous major snack brands.  "We have been aware of Carolina Foods for a number of years and have been impressed by the success of the business," said Falfurrias Partner, Chip Johnson. "We always enjoy partnering with companies in  Charlotte , and this deal is especially exciting to us given our recent focus on the packaged foods market.  We feel we can add a great deal of value to the company based on our team's knowledge of food manufacturing, marketing, and distribution."

In the US, Haribo has released its Funtastic Mix, a selection of gummy sweets in eight flavours and more than 15 shapes. Available now at retailers nationwide, the mix contains flavours including orange, blueberry, pineapple, lemon, blackcurrant, strawberry, apple and raspberry. The mix also features shapes such as caterpillars, crocodiles, flamingos, chameleons, dinosaurs, pacifiers, planes, racing cars, robots, lemonade bottles and more. “Haribo is committed to keeping a pulse on innovative flavour and form trends that spark moments of childlike happiness,” said Rick LaBerge, COO of Haribo of America. “Coming off the heels of our 100th birthday, we’re excited to bring US consumers a new treat that’s been inspired by global favourites and offers a fun mix of unique characters and flavour combinations.”

Molecular spirits maker Endless West has raised $21 million in Series B funding, bringing its total investment to date to $33.7 million.  Established in 2015 by scientists Alec Lee and Mardonn Cua, the tech start-up examines the molecular composition of wines and spirits, identifies key flavour and aroma molecules, and extracts them for use from more efficient sources, such as plants, fruits and yeast.  The brand will use the funds to expand its US distribution, research and development efforts and grow its B2B platform Blank Collective.  Endless West's molecular spirit products currently include: Glyph, which is inspired by whiskey, with three distinct expressions; Gemello,  inspired by Moscato d'Asti wine; and Kazoku, a saké-inspired spirit.  "At Endless West, we've created a brand new category of spirits to directly address and eliminate some of the biggest pain points in the industry," said Lee. "We protect the natural resources used to make spirits, pronounce those unique flavours that define the spirits' characteristics and innovate flavour through our technology-driven platform." Investors in this funding round include Horizons Ventures, Litani Ventures, North East Family Office and SOSV, among others. "Endless West is one of the first companies to address climate change and true product innovation in the spirits world," says Sarah Cone, founder and managing partner of Social Impact Capital. "For too long, we've been operating under the guise that the finest beverages must be produced using large swaths of land, exploiting precious resources. Endless West's use of technology presents a precise, flavorful experience without significant amounts of resources such as wood, water, land and energy that is usually needed to produce wine and spirits," she added.

Nestlé has inaugurated a new plant-based meal solutions manufacturing facility in Malaysia, following an investment of MYR 150 million ($36.3 million approx.). The facility, which marks the first in ASEAN and second in Asia, will cater to the rising local demand for plant-based food, as well as exports. It joins the company’s plant-based food facility in Tianjin, China. Located in Selangor, the new factory will produce plant-based burgers, schnitzels, chargrilled pieces and mince under the new Harvest Gourmet brand. The facility has the capacity to produce 8,000 tonnes of halal certified plant-based food per year and will supply both food service and retail. According to Nestlé, Harvest Gourmet has already inked deals to supply global and regional restaurant chains including Element Fresh in China, KyoChon in Malaysia and Carl’s Jr in Singapore. The plant has already commenced production of its new Harvest Gourmet products for the out-of-home markets and is getting ready to launch its consumer range, starting with Tmall and Hema stores in China. “We are confident that with this new facility we will be able to capture the exciting growth opportunity for plant-based products in this region, which is a very important growth priority for the Nestlé Group worldwide,” said Chris Johnson, Nestlé CEO for Asia, Oceania and Africa. Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé Malaysia , said: “In the same way as it is happening in other parts of the world, Malaysians are becoming interested in exploring alternatives to meat consumption, either because of health reasons or for environmental considerations. “For them, we have developed an exciting range of new products that provide an excellent nutritional alternative supporting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.”

PepsiCo-owned snack brand Lay's has released two spicy potato chip flavours in the US through its new Kettle Cooked Extra range. Lay's claims that the new Honey Habanero and Extreme Cheddar flavours provide fans with 'more of what they love' – extra flavour and extra crunch. Both flavours are now available nationwide from selected retailers in the US, with a suggested retail price of $3.49 per 7.75oz bag. To support the launch, Lay's is also launching a new ad campaign with NFL star and Super Bowl winner Marshawn Lynch to promote the brand's Kettle Cooked snacking range.

PepsiCo has partnered with Peeps to introduce a marshmallow-flavoured Pepsi soft drink, which will be available for a limited time through a competition. Peeps' signature marshmallow chicks and bunnies are often associated with springtime by US consumers, and the spring-inspired beverage seeks to evoke the "joyous, relaxing vibes of springtime". The drink combines the taste of Pepsi cola with the 'pillowy-sweet' Peeps Marshmallow flavour, while the 7.5oz mini-cans will feature bright pink, yellow and blue colour schemes. To win the limited edition drinks, consumers will need to submit a photo of themselves "enjoying their favorite springtime activities" with Peeps Marshmallow Chicks and Bunnies through the #HangingWithMyPEEPS hashtag. Todd Kaplan, vice-president of marketing at Pepsi, said: "After what has been a very difficult year, many consumers are looking for new things to smile about. "So, to celebrate the start of springtime, Pepsi collaborated with Peeps to develop a limited batch of its first-ever marshmallow cola. "We know our consumers love our limited product drops, and we believe that Pepsi x Peeps will deliver an iconic and delicious pairing that has the potential to become a fan favourite."