Kraft Heinz has launched a new line of single-serve cheesecakes under its Philadelphia cream cheese brand across the US. Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble is a new line of three-layer cheesecakes featuring fruit or chocolate sauce on the bottom, a creamy cheesecake filling and a graham cracker or cookie crumble topping. The new dessert range comes in four flavours: original, strawberry, cherry and chocolate hazelnut. Available in packs of two, convenient single-serve cups, Philadelphia’s marketing strategy focuses on providing couples with an escape from ‘the last-bite dilemma’, considering many argue over sharing desserts. To ensure that sharing dessert is not an issue for couples on Valentines Day, the makers of Philadelphia are offering free Philadelphia Cheesecake Crumble this week while supplies last. The cheesecake cups are also available at retailers nationwide for an RRP of $3.99.

PepsiCo has announced that products sold under the Aunt Jemima name will be rebranded as Pearl Milling Company. Products branded with the Pearl Milling Company name, including pancake mixes, syrups and flour, will start to arrive on the market in June. PepsiCo’s Quaker Oats subsidiary acknowledged that "Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype", when it announced that it would replace and retire the range last year. The Aunt Jemima logo featured an image of an African American woman named after a character from 19th-century minstrel shows, which negatively caricatured people of African descent. Quaker has already transitioned away from the imagery, and in this new announcement, PepsiCo said that products will continue to be available under the Aunt Jemima name without the character image until June, when Pearl Milling Company-branded products hit shelves. Though new to stores, Pearl Milling Company was founded in 1888 in Missouri, and was the originator of the self-rising pancake mix that would later become known as Aunt Jemima. Throughout the effort that led to the new name, PepsiCo says that Quaker worked to gather a range of perspectives, including from consumers and external cultural experts, in an effort to “ensure the new brand was developed with inclusivity in mind”. In the coming weeks, Pearl Milling Company will announce the details of a new $1 million commitment that will aim to empower black women and girls.

Mexican grocery delivery start-up Jüsto has secured $65 million in funding, marking what it claims is the largest Series A round raised in Latin America. The round was led by equity firm General Atlantic, with participation from existing investors including Foundation Capital and Mountain Nazca. Founded in 2019, Jüsto was one of Mexico’s first vertically-integrated online grocery platforms with no physical store presence. The company offers a broad range of products from both large consumer product companies and smaller local producers. Jüsto plans to use the capital to fuel its geographic expansion across Mexico and Latin America, as well as to enhance its last-mile logistics infrastructure and marketing initiatives. Since its inception, the company has raised more than $100 million including a $27 million seed round last year led by Foundation Capital and Mountain Nazca. According to Jüsto, its revenue grew by 16-times in 2020. “Our mission at Jüsto is to become Latin America’s favourite supermarket within the next decade. We strongly believe that this vision, combined with our expertise in technology, logistics, and customer service, will lead to an even more seamless, more affordable online shopping experience for our consumers,” said Ricardo Weder, founder and CEO of Jüsto. He added: “We are beyond thrilled to take our vision to the next level alongside General Atlantic and look forward to harnessing the firm’s global resources and expertise in consumer businesses and technological enablement to aid Jüsto in meeting the rapidly-growing demand for our services.” Jüsto marks General Atlantic’s fifth investment in Mexico since 2014, when the equity firm first entered the country. Luis Cervantes, managing director and head of Mexico City at General Atlantic, said: “Mexico is at an inflection point in its transition to a digital economy, and we see Jüsto as leading the way in the high-growth online grocery space with its technology-centric, mission-driven approach. “Under Ricardo’s leadership, we believe Jüsto is positioned for significant expansion as it disrupts and transforms the legacy grocery value chain.” As part of the transaction, Luis Cervantes and Zeev Thepris, vice president at General Atlantic, will join Jüsto’s board of directors.

The Coca-Cola Company has announced that it is shifting to recycled plastic (rPET) bottles for several of its drink brands across the US. Coca-Cola will first introduce the new 13.2oz ‘sip-sized’ bottles made from 100% rPET (excluding the cap and label) for its Coca-Cola trademark brands. Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Flavors will roll out the new bottle starting this month in select states in the Northeast, Florida and California. Fanta bottles will also be available. In California and New York, 20oz rPET bottles will also be available across the same brands and will roll out this spring in Texas. Brands such as Dasani and Smartwater will follow suit with 20oz rPET bottles launching in March and July, respectively. In February, select markets will roll out a new 13.2oz clear Spite bottle, making it easier to be recycled and remade into new bottles. All Sprite packaging will transition to clear packaging by the end of 2022. Coca-Cola says combined, the packaging shifts will represent a more than 20% reduction in its use of new plastic across its North American portfolio compared to 2018 – an estimated reduction of 10,000 metric tons in GHG emissions annually. The introduction of rPET bottles in the company’s home market follows similar moves abroad such as Western Europe, bringing the total to 19 markets globally. In the summer, the new ‘conveniently sized and sippable packaging’ will roll out across additional sparkling beverage brands nationwide. “On-the-go consumers have been telling us they want an option like this, because it’s just the right amount for the ‘snacking’ occasion. We believe this innovation delivers the double benefit of convenience and sustainability,” said Tammy Lee, brand manager, Coca-Cola Trademark. The shift comes after Coca-Cola pledged to make 100% of the packaging recyclable by 2025 and to use 50% recycled material in bottles and cans by 2030. “Given our scale and resources, we realise our unique opportunity and clear responsibility to make a positive difference in the global plastic crisis, bringing us closer to our ambitious World Without Waste goals,” said Alpa Sutaria, VP and general manager, sustainability, North America unit at The Coca-Cola Company. Each 100% rPET bottle will feature on cap messaging, as well as a “Recycle Me Again” message on the label to encourage consumers to recycle their bottles and support closed-loop recycling systems.

Next Frontier Brands has announced its acquisition of distilled non-alcoholic spirit producer, Fluère Drinks. Distilled in the Netherlands, Fluère’s beverages are available in more than 30 countries, including throughout the Asia Pacific region, and in the UK and the US. The brand’s portfolio includes Original, Spiced Cane Dark Roast and Raspberry Blend non-alcoholic spirits, as well as a Smoked Agave mezcal alternative, which Fluère launched last year. Following the acquisition, Fluère will be sold through Next Frontier Brands’ global distribution network.    “Fluère is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the distilled non-alcoholic spirits category,” said Leon Meijers, founder and CEO of Fluère. "We have created a suite of non-alcoholic beverages that deliver an exceptional experience to the sophisticated consumer.” Jason Roth, chief strategy officer for Next Frontier Brands, added: “Fluere's products provide consumers with a great-tasting non-alcoholic alternative to traditional distilled spirits and position Next Frontier Brands to compete effectively at the intersection of beverage and wellness.” Next Frontier Brands, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with a focus on beverages and wellness products, says that Fluère is the seventh addition in the past eight months to its portfolio of FMCG challenger brands. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Private equity firm Highview Capital has announced its purchase of Randall Farms, a US provider of fresh poultry and meat products, for an undisclosed sum. Randall Farms partners with grocery customers to provide all types of processed and value-added meats including fresh prepared meals and marinated, ready-to-cook offerings. The company operates in California, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, Texas, Nevada and New Mexico. Highview Capital bought Randall Farms from the family of Stan Bloom, whose father Sid founded the business. “My family founded Randall Farms in 1952 as a small poultry farm raising chickens to sell to local supermarkets,” said Bloom. He added: “I’m so proud of all of our team’s hard work and how far we’ve come to become an established partner of choice to grocery stores looking for affordable, value-added protein offerings. “As the company sits on the cusp of its next phase of growth, we are thrilled to have found a new owner in Highview that strongly believes in the business and has the tools necessary to take it to the next level.” Following its acquisition, Highview plans to invest in scaling Randall Farms by expanding its geographic reach and product offering. Randall Farms will join Highview’s portfolio that includes GS Foods, a family of specialised food service distribution companies including its subsidiaries Gold Star Foods and Good Source Solutions. Steve Russell, senior portfolio manager of Highview Capital, added: “We have long admired the Randall business and its rich, customer-centric heritage. This is clearly a special company, and we look forward to working with Randall’s leadership to invest in the business for the future while honouring its outstanding legacy."

Campbell-owned Snyder's of Hanover has added three new Twisted Pretzel Sticks flavours to its snack portfolio in the US.  The new additions come in response to demand for snacks with more intense flavours and complex textures and include jalapeno ranch, sour cream & onion and extreme seasoned. Featuring a new and improved taste, the snacks are twisted and slow baked for a unique ‘melt in your mouth’ crunch. Jalapeno ranch offers a balanced spicy snack, while extreme seasoned features a buttery blend of spices including onion, garlic and pepper. The new Twisted Pretzel sticks are available now for an RRP of $3.89 per 12oz bag. They follow Snyder's of Hanover’s launch of milk chocolate covered pretzel balls last year.

Unilever has expanded its Marmite portfolio with a new limited-edition chilli-flavoured variant. Offering “an explosion of flavour”,  Marmite Dynamite is said to be rich in B vitamins and is vegan. The new product is the latest in a series of limited-edition Marmite flavours, with previous launches including champagne and Guinness Marmite.  With an RRP of £3.99 per jar, Marmite Dynamite is available for six months as an exclusive with Sainsbury’s. Last year, Unilever launched Marmite Peanut Butter Smooth in the UK, which joined a crunchy variant in the Marmite peanut butter line.

Truffle condiment and sauce brand, Truff , has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of Truff Mayonnaise. The latest addition to the California-based brand’s range comes in two varieties: Truffle Mayonnaise and Spicy Truffle Mayonnaise. Truff says that the recipe features cage-free eggs, sunflower oil and ‘plenty’ of black winter truffles. “We are lucky to have cultivated a strong community on social media where our fans share fun recipes, cooking hacks and more,” said Nick Guillen, co-founder and co-CEO at Truff. “From the very beginning, mayonnaise has been repeatedly mentioned as an excellent pairing with Truff Hot Sauce. “Since our customers were already mixing Truff with mayonnaise to make spicy dips, spreads and drizzles, we thought… why not give it a try ourselves and see where our flavour obsession takes us?” Truff's new mayonnaise line is available via the brand’s website and at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide in the US. “Truff's existing portfolio of sauces has seen tremendous success with each launch, resulting in explosive growth at Whole Foods Market,” said Christina Pearson, global category manager at Whole Foods Market. “We think Truff’s new line of mayonnaise will be no different and we are eager to watch as the brand presents its unique, elevated and flavour-packed take on America's best-selling condiment.”

Italian-owned agribusiness Sedamyl has announced an £80 million investment into the expansion of its Yorkshire potable alcohol plant. The expansion comes a decade after Sedamyl acquired the redundant former Tate & Lyle site in Selby as its UK base for the production potable alcohol, a main ingredient in the manufacture of premium spirits and a processing aid in the food industry. The investment will see Sedamyl double its production capacity, add new product lines and increase business for Yorkshire farmers. It will also create 75 new jobs – increasing its workforce to around 150 – and support hundreds more among its suppliers. As well as increasing its potable alcohol capacity, following the expansion, the facility will begin the production of liquid sweeteners. Originally founded in Italy in the 1950’s as a fruit distillery, Sedamyl currently produces starches, alcohol and wheat gluten in the UK to serve the beverages, food and animal nutrition industries. It also provides products for the paper and corrugating industries. By adding liquid sweeteners to its portfolio, the company will broaden its offering to the food industry. Sedamyl operates two production sites in Italy in and the UK. In line with its sustainability objectives, the investment will provide an increased market for wheat grown by local farms, boosting the local economy in the region. Elena Frandino, managing director at Sedamyl UK and a member of family that has owned the business for 60 years, said: “These are difficult and challenging times for everyone because of the pandemic, so we’re incredibly proud to be able to announce such an important investment plan, which will enable us to reinforce and grow our position as a leading and sustainable supplier for our customers. “Supporting Yorkshire farmers is also important to us and we are proud to say that our wheat is sourced from an average of 60 miles from our North Yorkshire factory, helping us to improve our sustainable practices.” The distillery expansion is underway with completion expected by the autumn and the first deliveries of liquid sweeteners due to start in late 2022.

Imperfect Foods has announced a $15 million increase to its Series D commitment, after the company attracted the backing of two new investors. Founded in 2015, Imperfect Foods aims to reduce food waste by ‘rescuing’ imperfect or excess products, including vegetables, dairy, shelf-stable goods, meat and seafood. These are then distributed to consumers via its grocery delivery service. Last month, the company announced that it had received a commitment to fund $95 million in a growth investment.  The company has since attracted the support of two additional investors, Hamilton Lane and Blisce, with the Series D commitment now totalling $110 million. Imperfect Foods says that the investment will be used to increase production capacity, improve the shopping experience and accelerate its private label programme, among other things. “Imperfect Foods’ ability to reduce food waste while delighting customers is unique, and embodies the idea of doing well by doing good,” said Alexandre Mars, founder and CEO of Blisce.   “Their direct sourcing from farmers combined with national direct-to-consumer delivery stands out and makes them the clear sustainable choice for online grocery shopping. “We are proud to back the team at Imperfect Foods as they pursue this important mission to provide high quality service to their customers while simultaneously building a better food system and reducing food waste across the United States." Imperfect Foods claims that its sourcing strategy saved over 50 million pounds of food in 2020. “We're excited to continue to do our part in not only making fresh food more accessible to all communities across the country, but also striving to take care of farmers and the planet while we do so,” said Imperfect Foods CEO, Philip Behn.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has announced that it is increasing the stake held by employees and black empowerment investors in the company to 20%. The updated agreement will see nearly 8,000 employees increase their current 5% stake in CCBSA to an approximate 15% shareholding, tripling the size of its employee share ownership scheme. Together with the external BEE partners, the combined equity stake will be 20%. Companies in South Africa are required to meet an integration programme called Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), which allows black employees and investors to hold equity in a company.  Coca-Cola's South African bottler says it has also agreed to additional commitments which will positively impact employees, existing B-BBEE shareholders and South African localisation initiatives. “We have also undertaken to collaborate with our sugar suppliers to increase the volume of sugarcane procured from Black farmers,” said Velaphi Ratshefola, managing director of CCBSA. The company will be contributing ZAR 80 million (approximately $5.38 million) every year for three years towards localisation initiatives that form part of the nation’s effort to rebuild the economy. CCBSA’s announcement was made together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Competition Authorities. The dtic Minister Ebrahim Patel said: “The commitment from CCBSA to increase the level of worker ownership in the company, deepen the level of transformation in the sugar value chain and support the broader localisation drive in the economy, are important steps in our efforts to create a more inclusive economy in South Africa. “It’s an example of what companies can do, and we look forward to others following their lead, as we drive an enhanced model of broad-based transformation, through worker empowerment, in our country.” Financial details of transaction were not disclosed.