ProVeg Incubator has partnered with the Association of Alternative Food Producers (AAFPP), which is preparing to launch a plant-based start-up incubator in Russia. ProVeg Incubator – part of ProVeg International – says that the new animal-free food tech accelerator will be the first of its kind in the country. The AAFPP is a newly formed Russia-based non-profit organisation that was established by Julia Marsel and Tim Ponomarev, two of the founders of ProVeg Incubator alumni start-up, Greenwise. Together, the organisations aim to accelerate the development of companies that are creating alternatives to animal-based products, for example plant-based food and ingredients, and cultured meat, or those developing related technology such as 3D bioprinting. The incubator, based in the Moscow and Kaluga region, will be welcoming its first cohort of food and food-tech start-ups this spring. Julia Marsel, co-founder of both the AAFPP and meat alternative company Greenwise, said: “We started as a plant-based brand but, over the years, we’ve broadened the scope of our activities and now see ourselves as drivers of Russian food tech. “In Russia, and other Russian-speaking regions, the alternative food market is still in its infancy and needs support. That’s why we decided to set up an organisation that, together with the ProVeg Incubator, will support start-ups and help to achieve our shared goal of a future food system that doesn’t rely on animal ingredients.” Albrecht Wolfmeyer, head of the ProVeg Incubator, said: “We are excited to be developing the market for animal-free food innovations in the Russian-speaking countries, together with the AAFPP. “The potential impact of this project is enormous, given that the target region has a population of around 240 million people. We will bring our experience and know-how to the table, having already built a pioneering food incubator, and look forward to mentoring start-up founders and connecting them to partners from Germany and beyond.” The new incubator will welcome entrepreneurs that are based in Russia or the Commonwealth of Independent States, or are focused on targeting those markets.

Coca-Cola has expanded its Topo Chico sparkling water portfolio with the introduction of a new tangerine variety in the US. Topo Chico Twist of Tangerine features the brand’s sparkling mineral water – sourced exclusively from Cerro del Topo Chico in northern Mexico – with a natural touch of citrus flavour. With zero calories or sweeteners, the brand targets consumers seeking a healthy alternative. The tangerine flavour joins Topo Chico’s Twist line including Twist of Lime and Twist of Grapefruit. The new beverage comes after Coca-Cola announced it would launch a hard seltzer under the Topo Chico brand, marking its first foray into the hard seltzer market. Topo Chico Twist of Tangerine is available to purchase today in single glass bottles, as well as packs of four and 24 at Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide. The beverage will roll out in Whole Foods stores this spring.

US pancake brand Birch Benders has unveiled new keto-friendly and organic baking ranges, featuring cake mixes and frostings. The keto-friendly products are said to be gluten free and include three baking mixes and two frostings: Ultimate Fudge Keto Brownie Mix, Chocolate Keto Cake Mix, Classic Yellow Keto Cake Mix, Chocolate Keto Frosting and Vanilla Keto Frosting. According to Birch Benders, the new range features clean ingredients, is free from added sugar and offers low net carbs. Also containing no added sugar, the new organic baking products include: Ultimate Fudge Organic Brownie Mix, Chocolate Organic Cake Mix and Classic Yellow Organic Cake Mix. “For years, we have reimagined classic favourites with better-for-you alternatives, including our popular pancake and waffle mixes, and we’re thrilled to bring the Birch Benders magic into the baking aisle,” said Lucy Rand, vice president of marketing at Birch Benders. “We believe that life is too short to not enjoy the foods you love most, and this new line is a great option for anyone who is balancing decadent desserts and better-for-you eating.” The new mixes and frostings are available to purchase via the brand’s website and launch later this month on Amazon. The products will also be available at retailers including Target, Kroger and Walmart starting in April. Last year, Sovos Brands acquired Birch Benders, as it looked to strengthen its presence in the breakfast and snacking categories.

British cheesemaker Wyke Farms has announced the completion of its new export ‘centre of excellence’, which includes increased cheese maturing and dispatch storing space. Based in Wincanton, Somerset, the site now has the capacity to age an additional 2,500 tonnes of cheddar stocks to support the increase demand for Wyke Farm’s 18-month-old Ivy’s Vintage cheddar across the world. The company has also increased its cheese dispatch storage to allow the consolidation of cheese container orders prior to export post Brexit. Wyke Farms has also implemented a high-speed cutting and packing line for increased volume and longer-life cheese packs for overseas export markets. To emphasise the company’s heritage, the site also features a cheesemaking museum that includes retired cheesemaking equipment from the past 200 years. The expansion – which aims to service Wyke Farms' growing export markets across the world – was supported by a £1.3 million food processing grant under the government’s RDPE growth programme. Paul Caldwell, RPA CEO, said: "The investment brings much needed additional export capability and job creation to Wyke Farm's cheese processing facility. Just as importantly, it offers increased stability to the dairy farmers who supply the milk that goes into the cheese at a difficult time for the sector." In line with its 100% green sustainability plan and self-sufficient identity, the new facility includes solar, heat recovery and air sourced heat pumps. According to Wyke Farms, the energy efficient facility also includes a new chilled dispatch store that allows central distribution for larger customers and consolidation of complex multi-product export orders, saving secondary storage and road miles in the UK and overseas. Rich Clothier, managing director and third generation family member at Wyke Farms, said: "Built to the highest environmental standards this export hub will allow us to continue to export more of my grandmothers Ivy's Vintage cheddar to over 160 countries in a post Brexit world, in the most environmentally responsible way helping to secure jobs and livelihoods of people in Somerset, the heart of Cheddar."

Diageo is expanding its gin portfolio in the UK with the introduction of Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale. The new offering is made using the four botanicals of Tanqueray London Dry Gin, blended with blackcurrants and vanilla, and featuring the ‘exotic floral’ notes of black orchid. The 41.3% ABV gin is available to purchase on Amazon and will be found in select stores from 17 February, starting with Waitrose. “The gin category continues to thrive and this is primarily motivated by consumer demand for new and exciting variants,” said Adrienne Gammie, marketing director for gins, Pimms and Baileys at Diageo. “Tanqueray has always been commended for its taste and quality – and the introduction of Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale is an extension of the brand’s commitment to introducing rich and exciting new choices to the market." The Tanqueray brand is also set to introduce two new 250ml can formats, for its London Dry Gin and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin. The ready-to-drink pre-mixed gin and tonics will be available in April. Gammie added: “We continue to see a huge trend in customers seeking new formats – especially in the pre-mix category. The new can formats provide convenience to the consumer, whilst being able to enjoy a high-quality serve at home.” Last year, Diageo announced that it was acquiring British gin and vodka maker Chase Distillery.

Italian food packaging manufacturer AMB has been acquired by an affiliate of private equity firm Peak Rock Capital for an undisclosed sum. Established in 1969, AMB is a manufacturer of rigid and flexible films for use in packaging food such as cold meats, fresh pasta, cheese and ready-to-eat products. Following the acquisition, Peak Rock Capital will hold a majority stake in AMB, while the founding Marin family and current management team will continue to run the business. Headquartered in San Daniele, AMB provides the complete food packaging process including design, prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing of rigid, flexible, printed and laminated films. With Peak Rock’s investment, AMB aims to accelerate its growth plans including its global footprint and focus on developing sustainable packaging options. “AMB represents an exciting opportunity for us to invest in a leading provider of recyclable products within the stable and growing European market for rigid food packaging materials,” said Alex Dabbous, managing director of Peak Rock Capital Europe. “We are excited to partner with the Marin family and the company's talented management team to support AMB's growth through geographic and customer expansion, product innovation, and potential add-on acquisitions,” he added. Bruno Marin, CEO of AMB, said: "The investment by Peak Rock is another huge step in our growth plans, perhaps the largest in our company's history. “Over the past 50 years, AMB has become a leader in its space through innovation, talented people and an unwavering focus on our defined vision. Peak Rock has been an active investor in our market historically and truly understands not only our business but the future growth potential of the industry.” AMB currently operates in five locations across Europe including the UK and Germany and has over 430 employees. The company will join Peak Rock’s portfolio that consists of Halo Foods, a snack bar manufacturer which it acquired last year, Turkey Hilland Pretzels Inc.

Olymel has announced that it is investing CAD 9 million ($7 million approx.) to set up a second shift at its Ange-Gardien hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning plant in Montérégie-Est, Quebec. The investment and additional shift at the facility – which was part of the January 2020 acquisition of pork producer F. Ménard – are expected to create more than 250 new jobs. The plant’s workforce will grow to more than 900 employees, which Olymel says will make the facility one of the largest employers in the region. Renovations to accommodate the new evening shift are already underway, including the addition of freezing capacity and the expansion of the cafeteria and employee parking areas. The plant has also undertaken work to upgrade its wastewater treatment equipment. Olymel says that the second shift – which it expects to be in operation by next September – will allow the facility to gradually increase its weekly slaughter capacity from 25,000 to 35,000 in the first phase. Depending on market needs and the availability in deliveries, the plant should be able to reach a slaughter capacity of 50,000 hogs per week, according to Olymel. “With this investment, our company will have the opportunity to devote a greater part of its activities to value-added products and will be able to consolidate its position in its domestic and international markets,” said Olymel president and CEO, Réjean Nadeau. “With the completion of this project, Olymel remains a major player in the agri-food processing industry in Quebec and Canada and is helping create stable jobs that are revitalising our regions, in this case, Montérégie.” Last year, Olymel announced an investment of more than CAD 31.5 million ($23.6 million approx.) to expand its poultry slaughtering and cutting plant in Montérégie.

While consumer trends can determine the popularity of a specific beverage category, they also drive packaging design choice. After all, packaging comes at the forefront of the battle for consumer attention on the shelf. For even the trendiest beverage to succeed in the market, fit-for-purpose packaging with a relevant design is needed to enhance the beverage’s character. CANPACK, one of the top aluminium can producers, monitors current market trends and drivers to create design solutions for beverage producers, enabling desired brand-building to be achieved. Let’s take a look at some consumer drivers and packaging design solutions (varnishes, inks and technology) suggested by CANPACK’s graphic design team. Surroundings During the pandemic, many consumers have reinvented their relationship with their closest surroundings, including nature. This shift to nature and localism can be reflected in packaging designs that use soft colours and textures imitating natural wood or stone, thus blending into the environment. Such a design can be enhanced with CANPACK’s Matte varnish, which underlines the natural origin and craftmanship of the beverage and gives the packaging a classy, vintage look. Satin varnish is another possibility, giving a fabric texture and an ultra-premium look. If a company would like to underline specific elements of its brand or include other senses of the brand’s perception, there is a possibility to utilise the benefits of effects, such as Selective Matte ink or Tactile varnish, which provide a special surface texture that is rough to the touch on selected parts of the can design. Identity According to Mintel, 43% of surveyed consumers expect products to meet their personalised needs. As such, they may expect those products to come in personalised packaging and tap into what matters most to them, eg. hobbies and values. Personalisation will ensure consumers feel a brand treats them as an individual and builds a connection. With CANPACK’s Quadromix technology, it is possible to produce four different designs (with two colour sets) within one production run. The technology can help to create a limited series of cans with engaging designs that tell a compelling brand story. For special occasions, Multi Print allows the production of up to 24 designs within one run and the creation of unique promotions – a perfect example of technology at the service of personalisation. Experiences The persisting pandemic has not stopped consumers from engaging their senses and seeking pleasure, not just from the products they buy, but also from the unique and memorable experience a brand offers. Hence, the search for brands that provide the opportunity to experience new sensations is more important than ever before. With the application of special inks that glow in the dark, CANPACK offers cans that surprise consumers with new design and messages. By the same token, thanks to Thermo ink, can design elements can change their colours to indicate a defined temperature of the drink. Colours changing in the dark or at the defined temperature can reveal a secret design or message that gives the brand a new identity and allows them to communicate with the consumer. The above are just examples of the effects CANPACK’s graphic design team offers its customers to make sure packaging design reflects the nature of their beverage. “Each beverage developed by our customer is a special product that deserves special packaging. What makes us unique is our individual approach to each packaging design. We work hard to make sure we make the most of packaging design potential and enable the product to get the best exposure on the shelf,” said graphics innovation manager, Pawel Kawa. “We monitor trends, the market and customer insights, as well as the latest ink and varnish developments. Whatever the future holds for beverage can design, we are here to embrace it.” To find out more about special effects offered by CANPACK, click here .

Drop Bear Beer Co. has secured a £1.8 million equity investment to build what it says will be one of the world’s first dedicated alcohol-free breweries. Based in Swansea, Wales, Drop Bear offers a range of vegan, gluten-free and low-calorie beers, which come in at around 0.5% ABV. The company – which was founded in 2019 – aims to establish a brewery in South Wales, as it looks to increase production and market share. The new funding includes a £1.5 million investment by Admiral Group founder Henry Engelhardt and £300,000 from a campaign on equity crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube. Drop Bear will use the new funds to press ahead with its plans for the alcohol-free brewery, which it claims will be only the second to open in the UK. The company says that it currently has a site under consideration and plans for the brewery to be fully operational by the end of October. “To have a businessman of Henry’s experience and reputation on board recognising the incredible work we’re doing with Drop Bear is absolutely fantastic,” said Drop Bear co-founder and operations and finance director, Sarah McNena. “His investment, along with £300,000 that is coming from our Crowdcube campaign, enables us to increase production capacity further, create more jobs and make even more of an impact on both the national and international stage.” Drop Bear co-founder and sales and marketing director, Joelle Drummond, added: “In less than two years and with a very humble personal investment, Sarah and I have transformed Drop Bear from just an idea into a multimillion-pound business with an international reputation. “As the founders of Drop Bear, we’re so excited and motivated to show the world what Drop Bear can do with significant investment and what this brewery will mean for the industry as a whole.” The Drop Bear range currently consists of four beers: Tropical IPA, Yuzu Pale Ale, Bonfire Stout and New World Lager.

Mars is expanding its biscuit offering for the UK market with the introduction of Galaxy Chocolatey Moments. Sold in packs of ten, the new offering features shortcake biscuits ‘smothered’ in chocolate.  “We are delighted to be introducing a new Galaxy SKU to our growing portfolio of biscuits,” said Michelle Frost, general manager at Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats. “We are confident that the innovative format, great taste and the strength of the brand will appeal to both Galaxy and biscuit fans alike.” With an RRP of £1.50 per 110g pack, Galaxy Chocolatey Moments will be available at Sainsbury’s from 7 February and Tesco from 15 February. Mars recently added to its range of vegan and gluten-free chocolate in the UK with the launch of Bounty Vegan and Topic Vegan.

Carlsberg has posted an 8.4% decline in organic revenue in its 2020 results, following significant impact to its on-trade channel amid a "challenging year".  The company posted revenues of DKK 58.54 billion ($9.42 billion) in 2020, but says it delivered a “solid set of results despite Covid-19” and that the group’s financial situation remains strong. Carlsberg posted a 3.1% decline in organic operating profit to DKK 9.7 billion ($1.56 billion), in line with its expectations announced in Q3 after it witnessed positive volume trends in Russia and China. Accounting for around 25% of Carlsberg volumes, the brewer said the beer market was significantly impacted by the on-trade due to a range of lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings. Volumes in the on-trade channel declined by more than 20%, however in local markets, the company developed online delivery and takeaway platforms to support its on-trade customers. The impact of the off-trade varied significantly between Carlsberg’s markets. Overall the sector increased by mid-single-digit percentages, however this was not enough to offset the volume decline in the on-trade. Total organic volume dropped by 3.8%, representing a 9% decline in Tuborg (despite growing 15% in Russia, this was offset by other large market declines such as India, Nepal and Denmark) and a 10% fall in Carlsberg – impacted by market declines in India and Malaysia and the closure of the night entertainment channel in China. Meanwhile, 1664 Blanc witnessed an 8% volume rise and its Somersby brand a 2% rise. Nevertheless, the company’s growth priorities of craft and speciality and alcohol-free brews proved resilient. Craft and speciality volumes grew 1% with Russia as a key driver, while alcohol-free brews grew 11%, as more consumers became increasingly aware around health and wellbeing amid the pandemic. Carlsberg particularly saw good results for recent launches in the category including Baltika Zero Grapefruit and Raspberry, Brooklyn Special Effects and Somersby 0.0. The company witnessed its third-party ecommerce sales go up by approximately 60%, with particular strong growth in Asia. During 2020, Carlsberg UK completed its merger with Marston’s, while last month the brewer’s acquisition of  Wernesgrüner Brewery in Germany was completed. Carlsberg CEO Cees ’t Hart said: “While the pandemic is not yet behind us and we don’t know how long it will remain a challenge in 2021, we believe that Carlsberg will emerge even stronger from the crisis. “The group’s financial situation remains strong. Despite Covid-19, we improved our operating margin, delivered strong cash flow, increased dividend per share, carried out a sizeable share buyback programme and strengthened the business through acquisitions.” The company has also announced a new DKK 750 million share buy-back programme, which will run until 23 April. With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to impact business performance in 2021, Carlsberg expects organic growth in operating profit within the range of 3-10%.

Mondelēz International has announced plans for a £15 million investment to bring more Dairy Milk production to Cadbury's “home” at Bournville. The company will invest £11 million to create a new production line, as it plans to consolidate the majority of its Cadbury Dairy Milk tablet production at the Birmingham site. Mondelēz says that the new ‘line of the future’ will enable 125 million more of the large sharing bars to be made at the factory annually. Alongside the new line, Mondelēz is planning to invest a further £4 million at Bournville in increasing chocolate production capacity, to meet demand. “At a time when manufacturing in the UK is facing significant challenges, it has never been more vital to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our business,” said Louise Stigant, UK managing director, Mondelēz International. “We now have an opportunity at Bournville to further invest in its future as the home and heart of Cadbury by bringing more Cadbury Dairy Milk production to Bournville. “This investment will continue the modernising of our production processes at Bournville and ensure we are meeting the need for a highly efficient and robust supply infrastructure for our iconic Cadbury Dairy Milk tablets.” The Bournville factory produces five and a half million blocks of Cadbury Dairy Milk every day. The site also makes products including Wispa and Cadbury Creme Eggs. According to Mondelēz, five years ago production costs at Bournville were three times those of similar factories in Germany and other European markets. The company says that it has invested more than £80 million at the site since 2014 and that as a result, production efficiency has increased by more than 30% during the same period.