Nestlé Cereals has expanded its breakfast cereal range with the launch of a new Shreddies variant in the UK. Shreddies The Simple One features just four ingredients – whole grain wheat, fruit puree, date syrup and a pinch of salt – and is aimed at health-conscious consumers. According to Nestlé Cereals, the new breakfast option contains no refined sugar and is free from artificial colours and flavours, while the use of whole grain as the main ingredient makes the new Shreddies variant a good source of fibre. Toby Baker, regional marketing director UK & Australia at Nestlé Cereals, said: “We know that consumers are looking to eat more healthily, especially following the pandemic. "Shreddies The Simple One is an exciting new addition to the breakfast table that caters to growing demand, with a delicious taste consumers will love. With increased interest in low sugar options, it offers retailers an opportunity to appeal to new consumers while driving sales.” Shreddies The Simple One is now available nationwide in Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Beverage dispenser manufacturer Lavit has secured an undisclosed investment from Branded Strategic Hospitality (Branded), an investment and advisory firm focusing on technology for the hospitality sector. Lavit’s counter-top dispensing solutions provide a range of cold beverage options on demand, allowing users to customise factors such as carbonation and flavour. The dispenser manufacturer received backing from Coca-Cola European Ventures last year, and this further investment will reportedly help to expand the company's position within the hospitality sector. According to Lavit, its dispensing platform offers over 25 flavours, some of which feature functional elements such as minerals and vitamins. The dispensers utilise recyclable aluminium EcoCaps to produce flavoured beverages, which operate similarly to coffee capsules in coffee machines. Lavit chairman & CEO John Uhlein said: "We look forward to working with the team at Branded Strategic Hospitality in introducing the Lavit technology to the hospitality sector." Branded co-founder and managing partner Jimmy Frischling, added: "Lavit is truly a cooler, water cooler. Beverage Innovation has been a key area of focus for Branded and we specifically want to promote wellness and sustainability. "As business owners, it's our responsibility to help our employees and consumers make easy and better choices and part of that includes our desire to do well by having people drink well." According to Branded, its investment in Lavit was part of a wider $10 million funding round.

Kopparberg has announced that it is adding a new limited-edition mixed fruit tropical variant to its cider offering in the UK. ‘Bursting’ with flavours of pineapple, passion fruit and mango, the new cider is said to provide a tropical twist on the brand’s classic blackcurrant and raspberry mixed fruit edition. Rob Salvesen, head of marketing at Kopparberg, said: “We’re famous for delivering premium fruit refreshment in all of the original flavours you’d expect from the brand, whilst also keeping close to the latest trends in the drinks industry. “This new variant, based on a surge in demand for tropical flavours, is a twist on our hugely popular classic mixed fruit cider, which is already synonymous with summer. Partnered with our very first limited-edition bottles and cans, we know that this new variant will define that first sip of a truly unforgettable summer.” Kopparberg will also be releasing a new cider variety ten-pack in Co-op stores on 28 April, containing the new mixed fruit tropical cider, as well as rose, cherry, strawberry & lime and mixed fruit variants. Kopparberg mixed fruit tropical cider will be available from select Asda, Tesco, Co-op and Morrisons stores. Last year, Kopparberg released a new range of hard seltzers in the UK.

Mark Anthony Brewing has added a new line of hard seltzers with a higher ABV to its  White Claw  portfolio, as well as a variety pack with three new flavours. Launched just in time for summer, White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge offers an 8% ABV and comes in two flavours: blood orange and cranberry. "We know some consumers are looking for a higher alcohol option from White Claw and that's what White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge delivers," said John Shea, chief marketing officer, White Claw Hard Seltzer, US. The brand has also launched its third variety pack collection featuring three new flavours: strawberry, pineapple and blackberry, which will be sold alongside its existing mango variant. The drinks feature a 5% ABV and contain 100 calories. The three new flavours join the existing portfolio of black cherry, watermelon, tangerine, lemon, raspberry, ruby grapefruit and natural lime. "Our fans have an insatiable desire for new flavours from White Claw and that's exactly what we are delivering just in time for summer," said Shea. The new products come after the release of a new hard seltzer iced tea line in four flavours earlier this year. White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge and Variety Pack Flavor Collection No. 3 are available across the US nationwide.

Heineken has announced its commitment to become carbon neutral in its own production by 2030 and its full value chain by 2040. The announcement marks the first in a series of refreshed Brew a Better World ambitions, which form part of the company’s new EverGreen growth strategy. In order to decarbonise its production sites, Heineken says it will maximise energy efficiency and renewable energy use by 2030. By 2030, the brewer also aims to cut emissions by 30% across its entire value chain – including barley farmers, packaging manufacturers and logistic providers – compared to a 2018 baseline. “We aim to be carbon neutral in our production sites by 2030 in order to meet the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Agreement. We will further reduce our emissions through energy efficiency and speed up the transition towards renewable energy,” said Heineken CEO and chairman, Dolf van den Brink. “A large part of our overall carbon footprint beyond production comes from agriculture, packaging, distribution and cooling. This means we will work in close partnership with our suppliers and partners to reach our ambitious goal of a carbon neutral value chain by 2040.” Heineken says the 2040 commitment makes it the first global brewer to aim for carbon neutrality in its full value chain. The Dutch brewing company says it has already started working towards achieving its goals including reducing carbon emissions per hectolitre in its breweries by 51% since 2008. Since committing to the transition to renewable energy in 2018, Heineken has implemented over 130 renewable energy projects, including what it claims are five of the world’s ten largest on-site solar-powered breweries. Last year, Heineken announced that all beer sold in the Dutch market is brewed using 100% green energy. Meanwhile in December, it entered a partnership to build a wind farm in Finland, which will inject renewable electricity in the European grid supplying 13 of its operating companies. As part of the shift, Heineken has become a member of the Business Ambition for 1.5C, the Race to Zero and RE100.

Kellogg's Pringles brand has unveiled a new limited-edition pickle-flavoured snack, which will be released in the US this month. Inspired by the restaurant classic, Kellogg claims that the new Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle flavour 'packs dill-pickle tanginess and savoury-fried satisfaction into' in an easy-to-eat format. Gareth Maguire, senior director of marketing for Pringles, said: "The Pringles brand prides itself in delivering insanely accurate flavour combinations that are both familiar and delicious."With the debut of Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle, fans can experience their favourite, iconic fried appetizer flavour in an entirely new, easy to snack form. Paired with other Pringles staples, these snackable, stackable crunchy crisps are an absolute must-try". The limited-edition Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle will be exclusively available at Dollar General stores nationwide from April 2021.

Molson Coors has entered into three new partnerships with  Jimmy’s Iced Coffee , Lixir Drinks, and Tarquin’s Gin and Twin Fin Rum as part of its Beverage Hub, which is dedicated to beverages beyond beer.  The company will be granted exclusive distribution rights for all three brands from Southwestern Distillery across its established on- and off-site trade networks in Western Europe.  The Beverage Hub is a new division within Molson Coors' European business unit, aimed at growing the company's presence in the fast-emerging ready-to-drink (RTD), adult soft drinks and premium spirits sectors. It will help the brewer move beyond cider and beer , and represents “the next phase of our already established wholesale offer to the independent on-trade, where we provide a range of beverages outside our own beer and cider heartlands,” said Jack Daniel, who leads the team. “The creation of the Beverage Hub is our response to the growing number of consumers reaching for ready-to-drink options, premium spirits and aspirational adult soft drinks and opening up those growth opportunities for our customers," said Daniel. "Our latest partnerships are with brands that have great-tasting products and founders who have fantastic stories to share that underpin truly distinctive brands”. In addition to the three new partnerships, the Hub's portfolio also includes hard seltzer brand Three Fold and partnerships with Bodega Bay and Miami Cocktail Company, which were announced last year. “Our mission is to provide consumers with the perfect drink for every occasion,” Daniel added. “Through the Beverage Hub, we now have the capability to bring a wider offer to our managed retail and off-trade customers as well.” Molson Coors will aid UK-based Jimmy's Iced Coffee with distributing its entire plastic-free range. Jimmy’s co-founder Jim Cregan said the partnership will give the brand “the chance to reach places, fridges and people we’ve not been able to due to our limited resources as a small business”.  The company will also support London-based Lixir Drinks, which creates mixers using natural ingredients, with its rollout across the UK, following its success in Northern Ireland in 2020. “It’s great to be partnering with Molson Coors to get our products into the hands of consumers across the UK and Ireland,” said Matt Mahatme, co-founder of Lixir Drinks. “We’re really looking forward to introducing more consumers to our product range, which are big on flavour, low in calories and contain absolutely no artificial ingredients." Meanwhile, Molson also inked a long-term partnership with Cornish spirits company Southwestern Distillery to distribute its products (including Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin, Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry, Tarquin’s British Blackberry Gin and Twin Fin Rum) across the UK and Western Europe. The deal will allow Southwestern to grow “further into UK retail and expand export beyond our existing 25 international markets,” said Tarquin Leadbetter, Southwestern’s founder and master distiller.

Anheuser Busch , under its premium Mexican beer brand Estrella Jalisco, has announced the latest addition to its Michelada portfolio, Tropical Chamoy Michelada.  A “refreshing and fruity spin” on the popular Mexican beverage (which is made with beer, lime juice, sauces, spices, tomato juice and chilli peppers), the drink features 3.5% ABV and blends the taste of pineapple with the heat of clamato and chamoy (a Mexican condiment).  Estrella is launching the new beverage with the help of Mexican singer and songwriter Sofia Reyes, who said: “Growing up in Monterrey, chamoy is a flavour I loved putting on candy and fruit — it sparks nostalgia and even now I enjoy it on the rim of my beers and micheladas! It shocked me to learn that it’s not in the English or Spanish language dictionary. I’m excited to help Estrella Jalisco spread awareness of chamoy’s wonderful and complex flavour and I’m looking forward to seeing all the creative definitions people share!” “Our Tropical Chamoy Michelada is a completely new flavour for American consumers in a ready-to-drink product, designed to evoke a modern connection to a Mexican tradition,” Jayden Kahl, senior director, Estrella Jalisco added. “But while people absolutely love chamoy, most don’t know how to define it. As we introduce chamoy’s unique, delicious taste to a wider audience, we’re hoping to open more palates to a Mexican staple, and give it the recognition it deserves.” Tropical Chamoy Michelada comes in a 25oz can and is now available in retailers nationwide

US-based brand Jimmy Dean has expanded its breakfast portfolio with new Breakfast Nuggets and Skillets varieties. Jimmy Dean Breakfast Nuggets feature a filling of meats, eggs and cheese covered in a breadcrumb coating. With 11g of protein, the nuggets come in two varieties: sausage, egg & cheese, and chicken sausage, egg & cheese. Meanwhile, Jimmy Dean Skillets are made up of seasoned meats, vegetables and cheese. With 13-14g of protein per serving, the skillets come in Meat Lovers and Sausage varieties; as well as a new Delights Turkey Sausage, Sweet Potato and Kale Skillet that is looking to target health-conscious consumers. "We know it's important to people to have a variety of breakfast options in order to keep mornings delicious and fun," said Scott Glenn, senior director of marketing at Jimmy Dean. "We believe breakfast helps people have a great start to their day, whether on-the-go with our bite-sized Breakfast Nuggets or around a kitchen table enjoying the comforting flavours of a skillet." The new products come shortly after the launch of  Loaded Sausage Bites and Omelet Minis,  which come in convenient single-serve cups, as well as plant-based patty breakfast sandwiches .   All of these new products can be found in the refrigerated aisle of retail stores nationwide.

UAE-based food and beverage company Agthia Group has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Egyptian processed meat producer and owner of the Atyab brand, Ismailia Investments. Under the terms of the agreement, Agthia will acquire a 75.02% share of the company, while founder and Atyab leader Attito Raslan will retain a stake. Ismailia Investments focuses on the frozen processed chicken and beef sectors and its portfolio consists of four brands: Atyab, Meatland, Shiketita and Furat. Following completion of the acquisition, the brands will join Agthia’s existing Egyptian operations. With a 60,000 square-metre facility, Ismailia Investments has a processing capacity of around 70,000 tons per year. It has more than 2,500 employees and 11 distribution centres across Egypt. In 2020, the company achieved revenues of AED 424 million ($115.5 approx.) and recorded revenue growth of around 28% between 2016 and 2020. The deal will enable Agthia to expand its position in the growing processed protein sector, which builds on its acquisition of Jordan’s Nabil Foods. “This acquisition is a continuation of our strategy to position Agthia as the leading FMCG player in the MENA region. Egypt is a key growth market for Agthia, and Atyab operates in a sector that is fast-growing and attractive,” said Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi, chairman of Agthia Group. Attito Raslan, chairman and CEO of Atyab, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of becoming part of Agthia and see this acquisition as a great opportunity to further accelerate our growth, strengthen our leadership position in Egypt and expand our reach into new markets. This acquisition would also further cement the strategic partnership between the UAE and Egypt.” The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Equity firm Falfurrias Capital Partners has announced an investment in sweet baked goods manufacturer Carolina Foods, for an undisclosed sum.  Carolina Foods, which owns the Duchess line of products as well as several leading bakery brands, is the firm's third investment in the packaged goods category in two years – following its acquisition of condiment, sauce and spice company Sauer Brands and the popcorn seasoning company Chicago Custom Foods.  "This partnership will give us the financial resources and management expertise to take Carolina Foods to another level," said  Paul Scarborough, CEO of Carolina Foods . "Falfurrias has a tremendous track record of helping the companies they invest in realise next-stage growth, and their expertise in food marketing and distribution will be especially useful to our organisation." Founded in 1934, Carolina Foods operates out of multiple sites across Charlotte, North Carolina. The company makes doughnuts, honey buns, pies, fritters and other treats under its Duchess brand, as well as private-label manufacturing and co-packing for numerous major snack brands.  "We have been aware of Carolina Foods for a number of years and have been impressed by the success of the business," said Falfurrias Partner, Chip Johnson. "We always enjoy partnering with companies in  Charlotte , and this deal is especially exciting to us given our recent focus on the packaged foods market.  We feel we can add a great deal of value to the company based on our team's knowledge of food manufacturing, marketing, and distribution."

In the US, Haribo has released its Funtastic Mix, a selection of gummy sweets in eight flavours and more than 15 shapes. Available now at retailers nationwide, the mix contains flavours including orange, blueberry, pineapple, lemon, blackcurrant, strawberry, apple and raspberry. The mix also features shapes such as caterpillars, crocodiles, flamingos, chameleons, dinosaurs, pacifiers, planes, racing cars, robots, lemonade bottles and more. “Haribo is committed to keeping a pulse on innovative flavour and form trends that spark moments of childlike happiness,” said Rick LaBerge, COO of Haribo of America. “Coming off the heels of our 100th birthday, we’re excited to bring US consumers a new treat that’s been inspired by global favourites and offers a fun mix of unique characters and flavour combinations.”