Lean Cuisine has released six new entrées, including High Protein Bowls and Cauli Bowls to help consumers with their fitness goals.  The two High Protein Bowls both feature oven-fried breaded chicken – one with creamy mashed potatoes, savoury gravy and sweetcorn; and the other with Buffalo-style mac & cheese.  Meanwhile, Cauli Bowls feature pasta made with cauliflower and come in four varieties: Fettuccini with Meat Sauce, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Garlic Parmesan Alfredo with Broccoli and Creamy Tomato Vodka Pasta.  "In the last year, we've seen business and demand grow for Lean Cuisine as more people are looking for delicious options that help them meet their goals," said Megan Smargiasso, brand manager at Lean Cuisine. "Our fans continue to choose Lean Cuisine because of our commitment to taste and variety, all for under 400 calories – and we'll continue to deliver on that with our new offerings." The six new products are available at US retailers nationwide. MSRP of $3.49-$4.29 (prices may vary by retailer).

Popular rum brand Captain Morgan has launched a new line of ready-to-serve cocktails in three classic flavours: Tropical Punch, Mai Tai and Long Island Iced Tea.  Captain Morgan Mai Tai features orange, lime, and a hint of pineapple. Tropical Punch perfectly mixes citrus and tropical fruit into a cocktail. Meanwhile, Long Island Iced Tea combines rum, vodka and triple sec, among other flavours. "Captain Morgan has always been about bringing friends together to help create new memories, whether it's a happy hour or enjoying time at home," said Sam Salameh, VP of Captain Morgan. "Captain's Cocktails are meant to match the moments that are synonymous with the season – offering all the flavour and all the fun without any complications. The audacious reimagining of these classic cocktails with a unique Captain twist goes perfectly with our goal of being unapologetic in everything we do." The new Captain's Cocktails will be available nationally in the US and Canada from August. Mai Tai and Tropical Punch are available in 1.75mL bottles with an ABV of 13%; Long Island Iced Tea is available in 1.75mL with an ABV of 17%. All three cocktails have a suggested retail price of $19.99.

JBS-owned Planterra has announced that it will open a new R&D innovation centre at its expanded headquarters in Lafayette, Colorado.  The new space and R&D centre will enable Planterra to continue its mission of sharing plant-based food creations and provide new opportunities to test ingredient and product innovations, expanding office space and adding new jobs for the local area.  "I am proud of the team we've built at Planterra Foods and look forward to a future of continued growth and innovation in our new space in Lafayette," said Darcey Macken, CEO of Planterra Foods. "With a team full of passionate, problem-solving food lovers, I'm confident that Planterra Foods will continue to grow the world of plant-based with the best-tasting foods in the market." "Planterra Foods new R&D Innovation Center will open the doors to endless opportunities in plant-based protein," said Raúl Pero, VP of marketing and innovation at Planterra Foods. "With more and more plant-based options popping up in stores for consumers to choose from, our goal is to bring innovative solutions to plant-based foods with delicious, high-quality products that people can feel good about eating and feeding their families at home." "Colorado is open for business and this expansion will result in 100 new jobs," said Jared Polis, governor of the State of Colorado. "We look forward to continuing Colorado's reputation as one of the foremost agricultural producers in the world." In July, Planterra's Ozo brand has released five new frozen and fresh plant-based meat alternative products in the US.

Mars Wrigley-owned sweet brand Skittles has released its "first-ever" gummy in the UK. Squishy Cloudz combines gummy and marshmallows to form the shape of a cloud, with the same iconic fruit flavours found in the original Skittles product.  The new gummies come in two flavours: Fruits and Crazy Sours.  “Skittles has always brought bursts of joy to people’s lives, and the launch of Squishy Cloudz will be no exception," said Sasha Storey, Skittles senior brand manager. "We’re constantly innovating to bring our life-long fans new and exciting ways to enjoy the favourite fruity flavours of Skittles, and we can’t wait for people to start tasting the brand new member of the family.” Squishy Cloudz comes in a 120g pack and contains no artificial colouring. Available exclusively in Tesco for RRP £1.49 from August.

UK baby milk brand Kendamil has created "the world's first" ice cream made with formula milk.  Kendamil says the limited-edition product is designed for adults and aims to challenge the perception that baby milks taste "fishy," “bitter” and “medicinal,” restoring parents’ faith in the taste of baby milk.   “We are proud to launch the first-ever ice cream made with formula milk," said CEO and founder of Kendamil, Ross McMahon. We regularly receive verbatim feedback from customers – which our recent research reinforces – about the delicious creamy taste (and smell) of our baby milks and how their little ones happily drink the full bottle. "Given the surprising statistic that a third of parents have never tried their baby’s milk, we thought we’d bring it to them and let grown-ups in on the goodness with a world-first product made especially for them this summer. “We have worked passionately with the finest local farms and suppliers to develop the only British-made infant formula that’s kinder to babies and the environment. Kendamil Ice Cream embodies this spirit of innovation and we hope will encourage parents to enjoy the unique benefits of a full-cream, palm oil and fish oil-free recipe.”

Doritos has released a new limited-edition flavour, Dinamita Flamin’ Hot Queso.  The new flavour will be available at US retailers nationwide from August 23.  The new release comes off the back of several flavour innovations from Doritos, including Doritos Tangy Ranch and the relaunch of Doritos Tangy Pickle just last month.  SRP: $4.29 (10.75 oz), $2.99 (9.25 oz), $1.99 (4.0oz).

British dairy-free food producer Nush has expanded its range of Yogs with a Mango & Passionfruit variant; and its epicurean potted desserts with a Chocolate Fudge Pot flavour.  Mango & Passionfruit Yog sharing pot will be available from Ocado from August with an RRP of £2.99 for 350g. Made with whole ingredients and free from gluten, soya, preservatives, additives and refined sugar, the new Yog is made from almonds.  Chocolate Fudge Pot is the second edition to join the Nush Dessert range, alongside the Chocolate Orange Pot and will be available from Ocado from August with an RRP of £3.00 for 2x 75g pots. Bethany Eaton, co-founder of Nush says: “As the first brand to bring nut m*lk yogurt to the UK, innovation has always been at the heart of Nush. 2021 will be a big year of innovation for the business as we grow our share of the dairy-free category". "We are really excited to be launching the Choc Fudge Pots, after the huge success of entering the dessert category with the Choc Pot, which was an instant favourite amongst British consumers. This NPD will be joined by a Mango & Passionfruit Yog, which we think consumers will love as it tastes just like Summertime.”

UK producer of natural source waters, Highland Spring Group, has announced that its chief executive Les Montgomery will step down after 36 years.  CCO Simon Oldham and COO Mark Steven will become joint managing directors of the company with immediate effect.  Montgomery, who joined the company in 1985 as its finance director and became its chief executive in 2007, will become a non-executive director of the company at the end of 2021.  “Highland Spring Group recently celebrated its 40th year anniversary and I am very proud of how far the business has come in that time," said Montgomery. "It has been a privilege to lead the company for the last 14 years and I would like to thank all the employees, past and present, of Highland Spring Group for their commitment and support, I am very proud of everything we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to the business as a non-executive director.” Oldham and Steven added: “On behalf of Highland Spring Group, we would like to thank Les for his dedication and the huge contribution he has made to the business over the last 36 years". "We are delighted to be leading the business at this exciting time as we enter the next chapter in the story of this unique company. The last year has proven what a great business Highland Spring Group is, with strong assets and fantastic people. Our strategic approach will continue to focus on providing healthy hydration in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Mars Wrigley UK has pledged to remove the black PE liner from its Maltesers boxes, which will see 82 tonnes of plastic eliminated every year – savings the company says will be able to "cover the size of Monaco twice". The removal of all PE liners means that Maltersers packaging will be fully recyclable.  Adam Grant, general manager Mars Wrigley UK said: “At Mars, we take our responsibility for sustainable packaging seriously, and today’s announcement that our iconic Maltesers box is now fully recyclable is another important step in our journey toward packaging that is 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable”.  The news follows Mars Wrigley UK’s commitment to accelerating its sustainable packaging programme. The new Maltesers boxes are now widely available in-store.

Yogurt producer Nomadic Dairy has expanded its Breakfast Bircher range with the addition of two new flavours.  The new flavours, which include Raspberry and Vanilla Birchers, will offer UK consumers more choice for the breakfast occasion. The company's Birchers are made with rolled oats that are soaked in Nomadic Dairy's live yogurt, and offer a good source of protein.  “With breakfast occasions on the rise, health remains a key focus and consumers are choosing yogurt, oats and fruit as their top three ingredients," said Bethan Miles, brand manager at Nomadic. "Everything our Birchers include. Yet, we know that taste is something they are not willing to compromise on when it comes to a healthy breakfast." She added: "Our delicious Breakfast Bircher offers shoppers a balance of great taste and nourishment. Not only are they a great way to start the day, they are a perfect snacking choice to keep you going throughout your busy day.” The products will be available in over 300 Asda stores from the end of August. RRP £1.30 per 140g pot.

PepsiCo has made a pledge to become "net water positive" by 2030, as it aims to replenish more water than it uses in its operations.  The new commitment will see the beverage giant placed among the most water-efficient food and beverage industry manufacturers that operate in high-risk watersheds.  The PepsiCo Foundation is also launching a $1 million programme with NGO and long-term partner WaterAid in a bid to bring safe water to families in sub-Saharan Africa, expanding its 15-year $53 million+ safe water project that reaches over 20 countries and has supported over 59 million people since 2006.  "Time is running out for the world to act on water. Water is not only a critical component of our food system, it is a fundamental human right – and the lack of safe, clean water around the world is one of the most pressing issues facing our global community today," said Jim Andrew, chief sustainability officer at PepsiCo. He added: "Water scarcity is directly linked to the climate crisis, and at PepsiCo we believe a global effort to be 'net water positive' is essential. We're focused not only on making sure people around the world have access to this vital resource, but ensuring that we are also prioritising water stewardship in our operations everywhere." To reach this goal, PepsiCo will employ "best-in-class water-use efficiency standards" covering more than 1,000 company-owned and third-party facilities. It is hoped the programme will enable the company to reduce water usage by 11 billion litres per year - a 50% reduction in the water currently at PepsiCo's sites.  PepsiCo also hopes to adopt the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard in all high-water risk areas where it operated by 2025.  The Foundation's investment will help improve water infrastructure, build new water supply systems and sanitation facilities, and promote hygiene education. "It will also empower women and girls to become water, sanitation and hygiene stewards in their communities by providing them with the funding and training to maintain water access points and sanitation facilities for years to come," a company statement said.  "We learned quickly at the onset of the pandemic that handwashing and proper hygiene were critical to slowing its spread, but for millions around the world, access to water remains a luxury. As a result, millions of lives remain in jeopardy and until we address this crisis the region will remain especially susceptible to viruses like Covid-19," said CD Glin, VP global head of philanthropy at PepsiCo. "Not only does this disparity in water access contribute to the severity of the pandemic, but it also affects many other developmental goals of the region, including food production, gender equality, climate resilience and poverty alleviation. We're proud of our continued partnership with WaterAid to bring this programme to the region and are excited to be investing in the water-scarce areas that need this resource most." "The PepsiCo Foundation is a stalwart partner of WaterAid across three continents," says Kelly Parsons, CEO, WaterAid America. "They are funding critical programmes, providing flexibility to respond to the pandemic, and shouting loudly and clearly about the importance of safe water access for the billions who lack it." She continued: "We are proud to partner with The PepsiCo Foundation and are committed to doing all we can to support their goal of reaching 100 million people by 2030. Their aspiration helps us reach further and work harder on behalf of those in need."

Bacardi has announced a new Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish, the first instalment of a five-year aged rum series.  The new series will run through to 2025, with the cask finish changing each year based on the type of barrel used for the additional ageing.  Reserva Ocho has been aged in American oak barrels for eight to 12 years and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask for just over two months. Bacardi says the additional few months allows the blend to take on a "sweet, smooth velvety texture with notes of caramel, vanilla and orange, along with hints of walnuts and almonds". “We could not be more thrilled for the launch of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish to add to our Premium portfolio for a limited time. This is our first innovation for the Premium range since the portfolio first launched in 2018, and we are excited to introduce four more innovations over the course of the next four years,” said Lisa Pfenning, VP of Bacardi for North America. “We have seen an increased popularity in Premium rums throughout the years, namely sipping rums, and we hope our rum enthusiasts will appreciate the care and craftsmanship that has gone into blending the Reserva Cask Finish series – which will add new layers of beautiful and bold flavours to our smooth aged rums. Not only will the taste appeal to rum drinkers, but we believe that whiskey drinkers will find themselves reaching for a bottle of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish as well.” Reserva Ocho is available in 750ml bottles with a 40% ABV and an RRP of $32.99. The new spirit will be available online and in US stores nationwide from September.