Swedish better-for-you snack brand Nick's has partnered with Perfect Day to launch a new line of ‘vegan dairy ice creams’. The new keto-friendly range features seven flavours, including Swedish Mint Chip, Choklad Choklad and Karamell Swirl. The ice creams are said to be free from added sugar and to contain 70% fewer calories than traditional premium ice cream. The line is made using Perfect Day's animal-free dairy proteins, which are produced in a process that involves the fermentation of microflora. Perfect Day claims that its 'flora-made' dairy proteins are identical to the proteins found in cow’s milk, imparting to food products the nutrition, texture and taste of conventional dairy. Three of the Nick's vegan ice creams are available for home delivery in the US via the brand’s website. All seven flavours will be available for online order in February and from select retail grocery stores in the spring. Last year, The Urgent Company launched a new ice cream brand in the US made with Perfect Day’s animal-free whey protein.

Flow Alkaline Spring Water has unveiled its new vitamin-infused water line that claims to support a consumer’s immune system. Launching in the US later this year, Flow Vitamin-Infused Water is made using natural organic flavours and will come in three varieties: cherry, citrus and elderberry. The line of alkaline spring waters contains a blend of eight vitamins and minerals that are recognised for their support of immunity and metabolic function. These include vitamin C, vitamin B1 and zinc gluconate. Each beverage is available in a 500ml Tetra Pak carton that is made from nearly 70% renewable materials and is fully recyclable. “We are focused on innovation that honours the primary reasons consumers have embraced Flow: taste, refreshment and water quality,” said Nicholas Reichenbach, founder and CEO of Flow Alkaline Spring Water. “With an increased consumer focus on health, wellness and immunity-supporting functional beverages, it is an ideal time for the Flow brand to introduce Flow Vitamin-Infused Water,” he added. Flow Vitamin-Infused Water is the latest product release from the brand, following its spring 2020 launch of a collagen-infused water line. The drinks will be available to buy at US retailers from March/April, as well as to pre-order online from February, for a suggested retail price of $2.99. Last October, Flow secured a seven-figure investmentfrom Virgo Investment Group to fund new product lines and expand distribution channels.

US turkey producer Butterball has announced that it is investing a total of $8.7 million at two processing facilities in Northwest Arkansas. The project includes a $4.7 million investment in Ozark and a $4 million investment in Huntsville, with the company expecting to create a total of 360 new jobs within three years. Butterball’s Huntsville facility makes a range of products, including pre-packaged fresh, frozen and cooked whole turkeys, as well as turkey breasts and roasts. The company plans to upgrade processing equipment, expand cooler space and implement production line modifications at the Huntsville site, among other changes. At the Ozark plant, where Butterball produces pre-packaged fresh and frozen whole turkeys, the company plans to expand refrigeration capacity and upgrade processing equipment. Butterball will also reportedly remodel employee welfare areas at the facility. Butterball president and CEO, Jay Jandrain, said: “Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey growing operations and production facilities, Butterball appreciates the continued support from the state of Arkansas as we look to expand some of our processing operations at our Huntsville and Ozark, Arkansas facilities.” Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas, said: “This is a great day for Northwest Arkansas. Butterball has chosen to expand not just one, but two Arkansas facilities. The trust that they have placed in our workforce and business climate is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our state and these two communities.”

New Zealand-based biotechnology company PharmaZen has received a NZD 14 million ($9.94 million) investment from ADM Capital's Cibus Fund. PharmaZen – which trades as Waitaki Biosciences – develops, manufactures and distributes a portfolio of nutraceutical ingredients including marine and bovine collagen, fruit extracts and protein ingredients. These ingredients include greenshell mussell powder, shark cartilage powder and blackcurrant extracts, to support areas such as joint, bone, muscle and digestive health. Cibus Fund, meanwhile, is an agri-technology investment fund established by ADM Capital, which invests in "sustainably run" food and agriculture companies. Cibus Fund will acquire a 13.8% stake in PharmaZen as a result of this transaction, and the capital raised through the investment will reportedly be used to expand PharmaZen's production capacity amid growing demand for its nutraceutical ingredients. According to a release, a new 3,000 square-metre production facility will be constructed on PharmaZen’s existing site in Rolleston, New Zealand, which is expected to be operational in August 2021. Once completed, the site will house three more two-tonne freeze dryers, as well as new extraction facilities and an expanded marine collagen plant. PharmaZen also reportedly plans to purchase another hectare alongside the existing Rolleston site, with proposals for a further 3,000 square-metre factory currently being outlined, with an anticipated build date of mid-2021. Damon Petrie, investment director at ADM Capital and a member of the Cibus team, will join the PharmaZen board as a non-executive director once the transaction is completed. Petrie said: “PharmaZen occupies a unique position on the world stage and is well placed to benefit from the strong growth we are seeing in international Nutraceuticals markets, now forecast to grow to become a $722 billion industry by 2027 from $383 billion in 2019. "Its portfolio of nutraceutical ingredients and its AiOra® range of branded products are high quality and aimed at fast-growing market segments. The range also benefits from New Zealand’s clean green reputation and the country’s record for producing high-quality food and ingredients."

Walmart has announced that it will be testing out grocery deliveries using a HomeValet’s smart box to keep food fresh outside of customer’s homes. From this spring, participating customers in Bentonville, Arkansas, will be able to receive deliveries from their local Walmart directly in a temperature-controlled HomeValet-powered smart box placed outside their home. As a result, Walmart says customers will have the ability to receive secure, contactless deliveries and will know their grocery items will stay fresh whether they are home or not. Powered by an internet of things (IoT) platform, HomeValet’s smart box has three temperature-controlled zones, ensuring it can properly store frozen, refrigerated and pantry items. When it is time for a delivery to be made, the smart box also communicates with the delivery provider’s device, giving them secure access to the smart box to complete the delivery. Walmart says the solution presents the retailer an opportunity to deliver items 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The US retail corporation launched its grocery delivery service in 2018, and it aims to continue to find new ways to serve customers. Last year, the company announced that its automated system Alphabot was fully operational to enable more efficient order picking and was ready for a wider roll out.

Barilla has purchased a majority stake in Pasta Evangelists, a UK company which delivers fresh pasta recipe boxes direct-to-consumers. The Italian company says the deal supports its international growth plans, especially in the UK, and boosts its digital sales efforts amid a period when food delivery businesses are thriving. Founded in 2016, Pasta Evangelists delivers various forms of pasta and sauces directly to consumers across the UK on a subscription basis. The company also distributes its pasta and sauces via Ocado, Amazon and Marks & Spencer. Among its investors is Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith. Barilla – known as the world’s biggest pasta maker – will acquire the UK company through its venture firm BLU1877 for an undisclosed sum. As cited by Reuters, two sources close to the matter said Barilla would pay around £40 million for the fresh pasta firm. According to Barilla, Pasta Evangelists’ sales rose more than 300% during 2020, having sold in excess of 1 million portions of pasta during the year, up from just 200 portions when it launched in 2016. Gianluca Di Tondo, Barilla Group chief marketing officer, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has changed consumer behaviour, the way people work, and the way products are distributed. “The consumer demand for freshly made, premium food is growing, as well as the boom in ecommerce and subscription-based consumer products. We are excited to expand our family with a brand that underlines these major trends. The UK is at the forefront of both.” Following the acquisition, Pasta Evangelists will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity led by its CEO and founder, Alessandro Savelli, and co-founders Chris Rennoldson and Finn Lagun, who will remain significant shareholders in the company. Barilla is looking to expand in the promising UK market, where the company is registering interesting growth rates. These efforts will also be supported by the creation of a digital hub in London, which will work in an integrated way with the Parma headquarters. Pasta Evangelists CEO and founder, Alessandro Savelli, said: “With Barilla's support, we look forward to taking Pasta Evangelists to the next level, including through internationalisation and scaling up our production whilst staying true to our core values: freshness, craftsmanship and italianità, or Italianness. As an entrepreneur, and as an Italian, for me this is a dream come true.”

AB InBev’s Michelob Ultra brand has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a range of USDA certified organic hard seltzers. Marking the brand’s entry into the hard seltzer category, Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer comes in three flavours: cucumber lime, spicy pineapple and peach pear. According to Michelob Ultra, the new offering “caters to the more mature hard seltzer lover, ages 35-54 years old”, who the brand says is driving half of the growth in the hard seltzer segment. "We're kicking off 2021 in a big way by bringing an innovative...organic option to the hard seltzer category for those who enjoy clean and refreshing flavours," said Ricardo Marques, global vice president of Michelob Ultra. "We believe that Michelob Ultra is uniquely positioned to win in the hard seltzer segment, not only because it's one of the hottest brands in the country, but also because it has unmatched equity as a high-quality brand. This is just the beginning of an exciting, action-packed year from Michelob Ultra, and we couldn't be more excited." According to Michelob Ultra, the new offering contains zero sugar and only 80 calories, and is filtered six times to remove impurities. The seltzers will be available nationwide starting this month in 12oz can 12-packs and 12oz can 24-packs, as well as in 25oz cans, wherever the Michelob Ultra brand is sold. A second variety pack and additional flavours will be available later this year. AB InBev’s Bud Light brand is also expanding its range with new Seltzer Lemonades, which will be available in the US from next week.

Mars has partnered with DHL in a project that will see the construction of two new warehousing facilities in the UK, in an effort to reduce its logistics carbon footprint. The project represents a £350 million investment and Mars claims that it will deliver annual outbound logistics CO2 savings of 7.7%. The multi-year partnership with logistics company DHL will ensure that Mars is well positioned to meet increasing consumer demand with its products. The new sites will be based in the Midlands and East London and will designed with sustainability in focus, with the buildings to be partially solar powered. They will have a combined square footage of over a million feet, increasing Mars’ warehousing capacity by over 50%. Mars UK says it transports over 1.2 million pallets of its products every year, and as a result of the £350 million sustainable logistics operation, the company claims it will remove a million miles a year from roads.  Tim Walker, supply chain director at Mars UK, said: “Our partnership with DHL will deliver a world class logistics operation that is sustainable, smart and agile. This project is a meaningful step in our sustainability journey as we look to create the world we want tomorrow – which we know starts with how we do business today.” Jim Hartshorne, managing director, retail & consumer & Ireland, DHL Supply Chain, said: “We’re delighted to be extending our global partnership with Mars in the construction and management of these sites. Our shared environmental commitments are supported by this investment and we are creating long term, exciting jobs in both of these communities.” The two depots, East Midlands Gateway and London Thames Gateway, will be operational in the spring of 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry's has announced the launch of two new ice cream flavours that feature a ‘twist’ of cookie dough. Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Twists will roll out into freezers across the UK from the end of January and the new products look to celebrate the anniversary of the brand's iconic Cookie Dough tub. The ice cream range will be available in two flavours, both featuring ‘chunky-licious’ cookie dough twisting through the middle of the tub. Rain-dough is made up of vanilla ice cream with a swirly rainbow sprinkled cookie dough centre and colourful tie-dye chunks. Meanwhile, Dough-ble Chocolate features chocolate ice cream with a swirly chocolate cookie dough centre and chocolate chunks. Both varieties join the brand’s line of cookie dough products including the original ice cream, Cookie Dough S’wich Up ice cream, and Cookie Dough Chunks. Like the rest of its portfolio, the new ice cream flavours are made with Fairtrade ingredients and only natural colours. “To celebrate 30 years of our iconic Cookie Dough tub, we wanted to give fans something new to be delighted by. So here we have a modern twist on what they hold dear and the chance to expand their dough love with classic and entirely new combinations,” said Ben & Jerry’s flavour guru Helder Silva. Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Twists will launch into stores nationwide for an RRP of £5.49.

Chobani has announced the launch of a range of ready-to-drink coffees, made with single origin cold brew and the brand’s oat milk and dairy creamers. The new coffee range will be available in four flavours: cold brew pure black, which is free from sugar and dairy; cold brew with sweet creamer, made with milk; cold brew with vanilla, also containing milk; and cold brew with oat milk. The range is said to be free from artificial flavours or sweeteners, and to contain only natural ingredients. “Nutrient-dense Greek yogurt and coffee have long been a perfect pair, fuelling our lives throughout the day,” said Peter McGuinness, president and COO of Chobani. “Chobani coffee is crafted from single origin 100% Arabica beans, geared for the passionate coffee drinker looking for cold-press brews, who loves the added taste of creamers made from farm-fresh milk and oat milk.” With an RRP of $4.49 per 32oz multi-serve pack, the four new Chobani coffees will be available nationwide in the US at grocery and retail stores starting this month.

Diageo has announced that the company’s CFO Kathryn Mikells will leave the business later this year and will be replaced by Lavanya Chandrashekar. The alcohol firm has announced that Kathryn Mikells will return to the US at the end of June after almost six years in the role. Meanwhile, Lavanya Chandrashekar, the current CFO of Diageo North America and global head of investor relations, will take her place from 1 July. Mikells joined Diageo from the Xerox Corporation and relocated to London in November 2015. She has since been deemed as instrumental in driving Diageo’s improved performance and in leading a substantial global productivity programme. As part of her upcoming role, Chandrashekar will join the Diageo executive committee and board. She joined Diageo in her current role in July 2018, where she has since been said to have accelerated growth in Diageo’s North American business and, subsequently, has taken on accountability for investor relations globally. Prior to joining Diageo, Chandrashekar worked at Mondelēz International for four and a half years and spent 18 years at Procter & Gamble in in various senior finance positions. Diageo CEO, Ivan Menezes, said: "I am immensely grateful for the leadership role Kathy has played in making Diageo a consistent top-tier performer. She has made a significant contribution to Diageo’s improved performance trajectory, including her leadership of a substantial global productivity programme and her critical role in active management of our brand portfolio through our acquisition and disposal activities. “I am delighted that Lavanya will take up the role of chief financial officer. She brings a breadth of international experience, has an exceptional grasp of consumer products value creation and world class experience of effective cost management.”

Personalised sports nutrition brand Gainful has raised $7.5 million in new funding to support product and market expansion. The Series A round was co-led by BrandProject and Courtside Ventures, while additional financing came from investors such as AF Ventures, Round13 Capital, and the founder of Polaris Sports. Founded in 2017, Gainful was designed to address the lack of accessibility and guidance within the protein supplement industry. The brand looks to bring personalised nutrition based on consumers’ body and dietary needs, fitness habits and goals, with its online protein subscriptions. The funding comes after Gainful claims it more than doubled its revenue in 2020 and its latest investment will support continued product and channel expansion, as well as in hiring more staff. The US start-up offers proteins blends precisely formulated using its online personalisation quiz and proprietary algorithm. Its protein powders come unflavoured with the option of adding Flavor Boosts in six different flavours, which are 100% plant-based. Recently, Gainful launched its new Hydration product line: customised electrolyte drink mixes. Eric Wu, co-founder and COO of Gainful, said: “Each individual’s fitness journey is one-of-a-kind, and we felt that existing brands simply weren't offering the level of customisation or support needed for consumers to feel confident making progress along their journey. “Our mission is simple – turning our customers’ effort today into momentum for tomorrow, through personalised nutrition and support. Adding Gainful Hydration will help sustain fitness routines and bolster recovery so our Personalised Protein Powder can work even harder for our customers.” Andrew Black, CEO of BrandProject and board member at Gainful, added: "Today’s sports nutrition options are outdated, impersonal and confusing—consumers are looking for better solutions, designed to meet their unique needs. “Gainful is changing this by offering a best-in-class personalised sports nutrition offering. We are excited to continue supporting Gainful in building breakthrough personalised sports nutrition solutions.”