Natural foods company Chickapea has announced the launch of +Greens, a new organic pasta line offering 24g of plant-based protein per serving. Available in penne, spaghetti and spirals, the new ‘veggie-packed’, gluten-free offering is made with only chickpeas, lentils, kale and spinach, according to Chickapea. Each serving of +Greens is said to provide 11g of fibre and more than two servings of vegetables. In addition, Chickapea says that the new offering is a source of iron, as well as vitamins K and B6. “As a busy parent, I'm constantly crunched for time. That's why +Greens provides a one-pot solution with its high protein, vegetable and nutrient make-up,” said Shelby Taylor, founder and CEO of Chickapea. “+Greens is incredibly versatile. You can easily replace animal-based proteins with Chickapea – it's delicious tossed in a salad, soup or curry, or enjoyed in your favourite pasta dishes. It's a high-quality, shelf-stable protein with clean, plant-based, organic ingredients.” Starting this month, Chickapea's +Greens line will roll out to stores nationwide in the US, including Mom’s Organic Markets and many independent grocers. The products will also be available for purchase online, via Amazon and the brand’s website.

Kellogg Canada’s Eggo waffle brand is introducing Eggo Chocolate Flavour Cereal to mark its 50th birthday in Canada. The brand's latest innovation features mini chocolate-flavoured waffle-shaped cereal pieces, dusted with a chocolatey coating. Made with whole grains and containing no artificial flavours or colours, the new offering joins Eggo Maple Syrup Flavour Cereal in the brand’s portfolio. “We're excited to have chocolate lovers and Eggo fans experience this delicious new cereal,” said Christine Jakovcic, vice president marketing and nutrition, Kellogg Canada. “Canadians are pleasantly surprised to find Eggo in the cereal category. It's a whole new way to enjoy the famous Eggo we love.” Launching as a permanent flavour, the new offering is rolling out to stores in Canada now.

Tata Consumer Products has agreed to acquire India's Kottaram Agro Foods (KAF), owner of the Soulfull brand. The acquisition will allow Tata Consumer Products to expand its product portfolio and participate in additional consumption occasions. The Economic Times has reported that the deal was made for Rs 155.8 crore ($21.4 million approx.). KAF’s Soulfull brand offers a portfolio of millet-based products for kids and adults, including cereals, muesli, snacks and plant-based protein drinks. Tata Consumer Products claims that Soulfull – which was launched in 2013 – is one of the fastest growing brands in India’s ‘better-for-you’ packaged food market. “This acquisition is a good strategic fit for Tata Consumer Products,” said Sunil D’Souza, managing director and CEO, Tata Consumer Products. “It opens to us significant new market opportunities in the fast-growing mini meals segments and helps us partner a passionate and ambitious team of entrepreneurs who will remain and become a part of Tata Consumer Products' team. Soulfull synergises well with our existing product portfolio, our distribution network as well as the supply chain.” Tata Consumer Products also claims that the Tata name would further enhance the Soulfull brand’s credentials with consumers. Prashant Parameswaran, managing director and CEO, Kottaram Agro Foods, added: “We are extremely proud to associate with Tata Consumer Products which provides us a great platform for furthering Soulfull’s purpose of making ancient millets relevant for the 21st century. Tata Soulfull will enhance the brand’s credibility and make health more accessible and mainstream while retaining its vibrancy." Parameswaran continued: “This partnership would enable us to not just scale our existing business but also enter new categories in the fast-growing health and wellness market.” The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of FY 2021.

Kellogg's has announced the launch of new limited-edition strawberry and white chocolate flavoured Coco Pops in the UK. The new cereal will be available in major supermarkets from 12 February for 12 months only. According to Kellogg’s, the new Coco Pops flavour turns the milk pink, guaranteed to add a splash of colour to a consumer’s breakfast. The new addition follows the release of White Choc Coco Pops in 2019, which reportedly saw more than three million boxes sold in the first six months. In 2017, Kellogg’s reduced sugar in its original Coco Pops by 40% to help British consumers make healthier breakfast choices. The company claims that the new pink Coco Pops contain 30% less sugar than other chocolate flavoured toasted rice cereals. Available in 480g packs, the new cereal contains no artificial colours or flavours. Harriet Oakes, activation brand manager from Kellogg’s, said: “We are thrilled to launch new Strawberry & White Choc Coco Pops. It took over 50 recipe trials before we achieved the tastiest mix of strawberry and white chocolate that turned milk the perfect pink. "When we launched White Choc Coco Pops in 2019, they sold out in just a few days so we’re hoping Coco Pops fans will be just as excited to try the new flavour. We’re sure kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy bringing a bit of pink to their breakfast.” Kellogg’s limited-edition Strawberry & White Choc Coco Pops will be available from all major supermarkets next week for an RRP of £2.99.

Ingredients supplier Milk Specialties Global (MSG) has doubled its lactose production capacity following an investment of approximately $20 million into the expansion of its facility in Visalia, California. The company made the decision to increase the lactose production capacity at its Visalia facility in order to meet increased demand for dairy ingredients in Asia and other oversea markets. In addition to boosting lactose capacity, the total $20 million investment went towards operational efficiencies to improve the facility’s carbon footprint. According to MSG, lactose is in high demand for applications in bakery, confectionery, dairy and other prepacked foods and beverages. “We always strive to make the best products on the market and deliver better value to our customers. The project we just completed at our Visalia facility furthers our ability to deliver a high-quality product at a good value,” said Milk Specialties Global CEO, David Lenzmeier. Lactose is a co-product of the dairy protein concentration process and is the largest component in milk. MSG produces lactose for a wide variety of organic and conventional specifications. The company first began producing milk protein concentrate at its Visalia facility in 2012 and permanently acquired the facility in 2019. The facility also produces other milk proteins and micellar casein. MSG manufactures nutritional ingredients – including whey protein concentrates, milk protein isolates, lactose and permeate – for the health and wellness, performance nutritional and functional food industries. The company operates facilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois and California.

Uber Technologies has reached an agreement to acquire Drizly, a US alcohol ecommerce platform, for approximately $1.1 billion. Founded in 2012, Drizly is an on-demand alcohol marketplace that currently operates a delivery service in more than 1,400 cities across a majority of US states. The company partners with thousands of local merchants to provide customers with a variety of beer, wine and spirits. Upon completion of the transaction, Drizly will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uber and its marketplace will eventually be integrated within the Uber Eats app, while also maintaining a separate Drizly app. The deal is the latest move by Uber as it looks to expand its platform and follows its acquisitions of food delivery service Postmates and grocery delivery service Cornershop. “Wherever you want to go and whatever you need to get, our goal at Uber is to make people’s lives a little bit easier. That’s why we’ve been branching into new categories like groceries, prescriptions and, now, alcohol,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. As a result of the deal, Drizly plans to expand in the fast-growing sector, while gaining access to the advanced mobile marketplace technologies of Uber. Following the transaction, merchants on Drizly will be able to benefit from Uber’s technology and consumer base, while delivery drivers will reportedly have more ways to earn. Drizly will also adopt Uber’s rewards and subscription programmes offering greater value to consumers. Drizly co-founder and CEO Cory Rellas, said: “Drizly has spent the last eight years building the infrastructure, technology, and partnerships to bring the consumer a shopping experience they deserve. “It’s a proud day for the Drizly team as we recognise what we’ve accomplished to date but also with the humility that much remains to be done to fulfil our vision. With this in mind, we are thrilled to join a world-class Uber team whose platform will accelerate Drizly on its mission to be there when it matters – committed to life’s moments and the people who create them.” Khosrowshahi added: “Cory and his amazing team have built Drizly into an incredible success story, profitably growing gross bookings more than 300% year-over-year. By bringing Drizly into the Uber family, we can accelerate that trajectory by exposing Drizly to the Uber audience and expanding its geographic presence into our global footprint in the years ahead." The deal – which is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions – will be paid in both stock and cash and is expected to close within the first half of 2021.

UK cider maker Sandford Orchards has invested £1.2 million to expand its bottling and canning capabilities. Founded in 2002, Devon-based Sandford Orchards offers a range of ciders including flavoured offerings and session ciders, with new vintage ciders set to launch in March. The company's recent expansion of its packaging capabilities included setting up its own canning line for the first time. “At the beginning of the first lockdown, our usual canning business became too busy to provide us with the capacity that we needed," said Barny Butterfield, Sandford Orchards' chief cidermaker. "We knew that canned cider offered us a huge potential market, as it is not well served by quality craft ciders, so we took the plunge and invested in our own in-house canning line which delivers 3,500 cans of cider per hour. “In the same period, we also purchased brand new state-of-the-art bottling machinery to allow us to meet the growing demand for our products and match our ambitious projections. This has tripled our bottling rate to an impressive 6,000 bottles an hour.” Alongside this, the company says that it has increased automation in its kegging line and implemented a new branding strategy. Butterfield continued: “With our new branding and expanded capacity we are starting 2021 in a strong position to meet the needs of our fast-growing fan base as well as those consumers wanting to trade up to something more authentic and better tasting.”

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream has unveiled the Edy’s (Dreyer’s) Rocky Road Collection, which includes three new ice creams ‘loaded’ with mix-ins. The new flavours being introduced as part of the collection include: Salted Caramel Pretzel Path, featuring salted caramel ice cream, fudge swirls, and chocolatey covered salted pretzels and toffee; Brownie Brick Road; and Cookie Cobblestone, a twist on S’mores made with chocolate sandwich cookies, marshmallow swirls, cookie dough chunks and chocolate ice cream. Like the rest of the Edy’s (Dreyer’s) brand’s range, the new products will be marketed under Dreyer's Classic Ice Cream in Texas and west of the Rocky Mountains, and under Edy's Grand Ice Cream in the East. The newly unveiled Rocky Road Collection also includes three established Edy’s (Dreyer’s) flavours: Mocha Almond Avenue, Chocolate Peanut Butter Park and The Original Rocky Road. Julianne Feder, senior associate brand manager at Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, said: “Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream was founded by William Dreyer and Joseph Edy in 1928 with the mission to spread smiles and provide delicious ice cream that the whole family could enjoy together, and that mission remains the same, if not more relevant today. “The new Rocky Road collection is designed to send ice cream lovers on a treasure hunt of indulgent mix-ins, full of flavour, decadence and texture. It’s indulgence that the whole family can enjoy.” The new flavours will be available from stores nationwide in the US, starting this month. Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream was included in the recent sale of Nestlé's US ice cream business to Froneri, an ice cream-focused joint venture Nestlé created in 2016 with PAI Partners.

Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has released two new hard seltzers inspired by the Moscow mule cocktail under its Moskovskaya Vodka brand. Moskovskaya Street hard seltzer will be available throughout European markets, with the UK being the first to launch the beverage in early February. Cellar Trends will be introducing the product in the convenience channel. With a 4.5% ABV, the hard seltzer range comes in two varieties: Moskovskaya Osobaya Vodka fused with notes of ginger and mint, and Moskovskaya Pink Vodka combined with raspberry and lime flavours. With its new launch, ABG aims to tap into the growing hard seltzer category and meet the demand for ready-to-go cocktails that can be drunk at home amid lockdowns. “There have been several takes on this trend from experimenting with the flavours, alcohol base and level, number of calories, design and other aspects, and as a historical vodka brand we wanted to create an exciting new option that is an authentic yet modern experience for the Moskovskaya consumer,” said Felicity Gransden, global brand ambassador of Moskovskaya Vodka. Simon Thomas, managing director of the UK-based distribution company Cellar Trends, added: “As hard seltzers are likely to see the highest growth rate within the UK’s RTD category, this is the right moment for Moskovskaya to deliver an authentic, fresh variation of the iconic brand that will fit UK consumer preferences.” ABG’s Moskovskaya Vodka brand is now available in over 65 markets worldwide, with a strong following in Italy, Canada, Spain, Portugal and the UK.

Silent Pool Distillers has launched a new gin that is crafted using some of the world’s ‘rarest’ citrus varieties into Waitrose stores across the UK. Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is made using fruits from around the globe such as Hirado buntan, natsudaidai, Buddha's hand and green Seville orange. As a result, the gin is described as having floral citrus and exotic fruit aromas that “lead into sweet notes of honey and melon, with juniper marrying the flavours together”. According to Silent Pool Distillers, the rare citruses are sourced from world-renowned citrus collectors on the Alentejo coast in Portugal, who grow in excess of 300 citrus varieties. Described as zesty and vibrant, the spirit has been distilled using the brand’s unique four-tiered process and is free of artificial flavourings. Adam Dobson, global sales director at Silent Pool Distillers, said: “Whilst super premium spirits continue to drive growth in the drinks category, we’re delighted to announce the official national launch of our naturally distilled, beautifully aromatic Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin with Waitrose. “With their discerning customer base and focus on sourcing quality artisan produce from ethical and sustainable suppliers, Waitrose is the perfect launch partner. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them and driving sales of both our original and rare citrus gins both in-store and online.” The citrus gin joins the company’s Silent Pool Gins portfolio that features the original and a limited-edition rose expression. Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin was first released on the company’s website in September, with Waitrose marking the product's first supermarket launch.

US snack brand PeaTos has secured $12.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Post Holdings, less than six months after raising $7 million in a Series A round. The funding will enable PeaTos to continue to drive its mission of revolutionising America’s favourite snacks by offering a better-for-you form of 'junk food'. PeaTos claims its pea-based snacks – which contain no artificial colours, flavours or ingredients – have twice the protein and three times the fibre of its corn-based counterparts. Since its establishment, the brand says it has developed an online social following and experienced massive growth in its direct-to-consumer business by adding new services such as subscriptions and a loyalty programme. The pea-based snacks are also available in over 4,700 retailers, including Kroger and Sprouts, and are witnessing a rise in the foodservice sector. With its funding, PeaTos also aims to further its distribution and brand awareness efforts. The US brand says it is “poised for explosive growth” in 2021 and beyond. “Post has a long history of success in the CPG space and we are honoured to have them as part of our mission. The proceeds of this funding round will give us the ability to further execute on our ambitious strategic plan,” said Nick Desai, founder and CEO of PeaTos. Howard Friedman, president and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, added: “We are very excited to begin our partnership with Nick and the PeaTos brand. We believe it has a bright future and we can learn a lot from their entrepreneurial culture and gain an understanding of the fast-growing snacking space.”

Global alcohol firms have formed an alliance with online retailers and delivery platforms to promote the responsible sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages online. The 12 global beer, wine and spirit companies that make up the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) have teamed up with 12 global and regional online retailers and delivery platforms to establish a ‘robust’ global standard for the online sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages. The ‘world-first’ coalition will look to enhance safeguards and security measures to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors and reduce harmful drinking among adults. Under the agreement, delivery to those who show signs of intoxication will be refused and ID’s will be checked of those suspected of being underage. Through the initiative, the companies aim to set the highest standards of responsible business practices for the alcohol and online delivery sectors and customers. It intends to promote these global standards as a resource to support the development of national in-country codes and practices. IARD members include AB InBev, Asahi, Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard and William Grant & Sons. These beverage giants have joined forces with online retailers, ecommerce and delivery platforms who operate across six continents such as UberEats, HipBar in India, Jumia in Africa, JD.com in China and the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group. The coalition has been launched following a surge in online drink orders amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It also comes after IARD members announced they would add symbols or written age restrictions to labels on their alcohol drinks to reduce underage drinking globally. “By building on safeguards that have already proven effective in certain countries and sharing new solutions and best practices, we can raise standards globally, from the point of purchase through to delivery. We encourage others to join this global collaboration, the first of its kind,” said Albert Baladi, president and CEO of Beam Suntory and chair of IARD. Henry Ashworth, IARD president and CEO, added: “IARD is proud to be uniting the world’s leading drinks producers with leading online retailers, and ecommerce platforms in raising global standards of responsibility. In coming together, we believe the partnership can facilitate greater change across our wider sectors.”