Kellogg, in partnership with family-owned peanut butter maker Duerr’s, has announced the launch of Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter to UK stores this weekend. With both businesses headquartered in Manchester, the collaboration aims to tap into the growing peanut butter market and create a product that combines two breakfast favourites. The peanut butter reportedly features a smooth texture combined with crunchy, honey coated roasted peanuts to replicate the flavour of the popular cereal brand. Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut saw a year-on-year sales increase of 43% and the food giant hopes to enter a wider range of occasions with its brand, in addition to breakfast.   “Crunchy Nut is regularly hailed as the UK’s favourite cereal and we have seen huge sales increases over the last few months, with more shoppers having breakfast at home,” said Ben Simpson, revenue and channel director at Kellogg’s UK. He continued: “Knowing the popularity of the cereal, launching Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter allows us to meet a wider range of consumer occasions and it’s been great to work with another Manchester-based business in Duerr’s to make that possible. With recent data revealing peanut butter sales have overtaken jam, we’re confident that the launch of Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter will prove to be a popular one.’’  Since 1881, Duerr’s has been manufacturing jam and marmalade and entered the peanut butter category in 1989. Richard Duerr, sales and marketing director at Duerr’s, added: “The peanut butter category is a huge area of growth, with sales currently booming. We’re extremely proud to have teamed up with another Manchester giant to create this exciting product that marries together two hugely popular breakfast staples to create the ultimate treat.” Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter will be available to purchase in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide from 19 July for an RRP of £2.50.

Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry’s has launched a new limited-edition flavour in partnership with Netflix that celebrates space. Available in pint tubs, Boots on the Moooo'n features milk chocolate ice cream with cow-shaped fudge, toffee meteors and a sugar cookie dough core. The ice cream is inspired by the new Netflix comedy series, Space Force, which premieres tomorrow. Boots on the Moooo'n is the third flavour introduced in partnership with Netflix following Netflix and Chill’d – featuring peanut butter flavoured ice cream with pretzel pieces and chunks of fudge brownies – and Chip Happens, which is made of chocolate ice cream with fudge chips and potato chip swirls. Netflix and Chill’d is also available as a non-dairy frozen dessert.   Boots on the Moooo'n will be available for a limited time in retailers and participating scoop stores as they re-open across the US with an RRP of $4.99. Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s released a new range of dairy-free frozen desserts made with sunflower butter and added chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough and half baked chunk to its range of snackable Cookie Dough Chunks.

Pernod Ricard-owned Absolut has introduced a new canned range of vodka sodas and cocktails made with original Absolut Vodka and natural flavours. Available across the US, the ready-to-drink line up can be enjoyed straight from the can or served in a cocktail glass with garnish. Described as lightly sparkling, Absolut Vodka Sodas come in three flavours: Lime & Cucumber, Grapefruit & Rosemary, and Raspberry & Lemongrass. With a 5% ABV, the sodas contain 97 calories per serving with no added sugar or carbs. The trio of Absolut Cocktails, meanwhile, intend to offer a premium classic cocktail experience and range from 7-10% ABV. Mango Mule balances mango with citrus and ginger, while Berry Vodkarita features the natural flavours of strawberries, raspberries and citrus fruits, and Grapefruit Paloma the flavours of grapefruit, sherbet and tropical fruits. "Made with original Absolut Vodka, the new line of ready-to-drink vodka sodas and cocktails meet a consumer demand for convenience without compromising quality," said Regan Clarke, vice president of millennial connector brands at Pernod Ricard USA. She added: "While perfect for the summer season, these sparkling sips, made with natural flavours, are ready to enjoy all year long – no fuss required." Absolut Vodka Sodas and Absolut Cocktails are available to purchase now from retailers nationwide for an RRP of up to $12.99.

Swedish cider company Kopparberg is releasing a new range of hard seltzers in the UK at the end of May. Three flavours will be available in the new Kopparberg Hard Seltzer range: Mixed Berries, Black Cherry and Passionfruit. All three flavours contain 93 calories per can, and all three variants are carb and gluten-free. Kopparberg claims that the low-calorie count in each beverage is due to the company's trademarked KopparSpirit, an alcohol base made from fermented fruit that leaves behind no residual sugar. The company says that the decision to enter the hard seltzer category was made as a number of major firms have entered the fast-growing hard seltzer space in recent times. Kopparberg states that while the growth of the category has been rapid, many consumers have found hard seltzer products to be ‘subtle, bland and tasteless’, and says that this new range seeks to address this. Rob Salvesen, head of marketing at Kopparberg, said: “As Kopparberg continues to diversify its portfolio by leveraging its position in the market as experts in premium fruit refreshment, the brand needs to evolve with consumer trends and tastes. "Kopparberg is here to redefine the Hard Seltzer by putting flavour front and centre and we wanted to give consumers the refreshing, fruity flavour they’ve come to expect from Kopparberg, whilst delivering all the clean, low calorie promises of a Hard Seltzer. "Hard seltzers are already the youth generations drink of choice in the states and we wanted to make sure Kopparberg lends its big-brand credentials and flavour expertise to the category as hard seltzers land on our shores. Wherever we are this summer, Kopparberg Hard Seltzer is here to offer up something different, and, true to our brand values, there is no subtlety and absolutely no compromise on taste.” All three Kopparberg Hard Seltzer variants will be available nationwide from Tesco and Morrison's retailers from the end of May.

Kellogg’s has introduced a new line of Jumbo Snax as it transforms its ‘classic’ cereal brands into super-sized snacks. The new product line features brands such as Kellogg’s Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops – caramel crunch flavour – and Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes-inspired Tiger Paws. Featuring a paw-shaped cereal bite, Tiger Paws is inspired by Kellogg’s Frosted Flake’s mascot Tony the Tiger. All four varieties will be available in two options: a 12-pouch multipack with single-serve bags, ideal as an on-the-go snack, and a 6 oz multi-serve resalable bag ideal for sharing during movie nights. Each jumbo-sized piece contains the ‘goodness’ of wholesome grains and no high fructose corn syrup. "Kellogg's cereals shine as stars of the breakfast table, but for many, morning isn't the only time for cereal," said Erin Storm, marketing director of Kellogg all family cereal. "With 30% of cereal eaten outside of breakfast, we believe Kellogg's Jumbo Snax make snacking easier and that each bite unleashes jumbo fun for the whole family." Kellogg's Jumbo Snax are currently available to purchase online and in grocery and convenience stores across the US. Suggested retail prices vary from $2.99 - $6.98 depending on count and pack size. Kellogg's recently reported 8% organic growth in its first-quarter sales, after the firm benefitted from a March spike in demand due to consumer stockpiling of its packaged goods.

PepsiCo has launched two online direct-to-consumer stores in the US, allowing consumers to order a range of PepsiCo snack and drink products directly from the company during the Covid-19 pandemic. PepsiCo claims that the new Snacks.com and PantryShop.com ecommerce sites were developed in-house by the company's ecommerce team in less than 30 days. The company states that the sites have been launched to meet the evolving needs and purchasing habits of consumers, as increasing numbers of consumers are opting to buy food and drink products online as a result of stay-at-home orders issued because of the coronavirus outbreak. According to PepsiCo, on PantryShop.com, consumers can order specialised bundles which contain a range of products from PepsiCo brands such as Quaker, Gatorade and Tropicana. These bundles are listed under different categories including “Rise & Shine,” “Snacking,” and “Workout & Recovery," as each bundle aims to combine products which 'are designed to meet the new normal for many consumers', such as home exercising. These multi-product bundles have retail prices varying between $29.95 and $49.95, depending on the bundle. Snacks.com , meanwhile, allows consumers to order products from various Frito-Lay snack brands including Lay’s, Tostitos, and Cheetos. PepsiCo claims that it will continue to add new products to the site in the coming months. Gibu Thomas, senior vice-president & head of eCommerce at PepsiCo, said: “Over the last few years, PepsiCo has been working to be a faster, stronger, better company, one that is laser focused on meeting consumer needs and winning in the marketplace. Investing in ecommerce and digital capabilities and talent has been – and will continue to be – a big part of that effort. “In these uncertain times, as more and more consumers are using ecommerce channels to purchase food and beverage products, PantryShop.com and Snacks.com offer shoppers another alternative for easy and fast access to products they love.” Michael Lindsey, chief transformation & strategy officer for Frito-Lay North America, added: “We’ve seen incredibly strong demand for our snacks during this time, and Snacks.com offers consumers another way to purchase the products they love, delivered right to their door."

Mondelēz International 's latest Snacking Made Right report shows that the company has exceeded its sustainability and wellbeing goals, commenting that they are "on track" for their ambitions 2025 targets.  Published on 8 May 2021, the report highlights the company's ongoing commitment to deliver positive environmental change in the snacking industry. It includes signature programmes and approaches developed by Mondelēz that are aimed at helping consumers snack "the right way".  “As we collectively manage the global impact of COVID-19, now more than ever is the time for companies to do what’s right and drive sustainable business growth at scale,” said Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International. “At Mondelēz International our purpose-driven approach to sustainability and wellbeing is focused on reducing our impact on the environment and creating a positive impact on society as part of our mission to lead the future of snacking by delivering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. "I’m proud of the significant progress we’ve made in 2019 and believe our 2025 Snacking Made Right goals are the right goals to focus on for the future,” he continued.  By the end of 2019, 63% of cocoa was sourced sustainably, according to the company’s signature sustainable sourcing programme, Cocoa Life.  65% of wheat cultivated for Mondelēz's biscuit brands in Europe was sourced sustainably through their Harmony Wheat programme.  In terms of environmental impact, the report cited a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions across manufacturing operations; a 27% reduction in priority water usage in areas where water is most scarce; and a 21% reduction in waste from manufacturing operations . The report also stated that 93% of the company's packaging had been designed to be recyclable, meaning they were on track to reaching 100% in the coming years.  In addition, the company stated in the report that it would continue to honour it's maintenance of 100% Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) coverage in palm oil.  “We know consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their choices have on the world and what the companies behind those products stand for,” said Christine Montenegro McGrath, Vice President and Chief of Impact, Sustainability and Well-being at Mondelēz International. “We believe in making our snacks the right way, which means to both create a future in which people and planet thrive and to stand up for what we believe in. Today’s release of our Snacking Made Right report is an important step forward as we continue to demonstrate our progress on that journey,” Montenegro added.

Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new clean-label yogurt concept with its Nutrilac YO-4575 whey protein that it says meets Chinese demand for ambient yogurt. Initially created to increase creamy mouthfeel in high-viscosity fermented products such as skyr, Arla claims Nutrilac YO-4575 has heat-stability and texturising properties. As a result, Arla claims the 100% natural whey protein keeps unrefrigerated products smooth and stable throughout shelf life without the need for additives or preservatives. According to Arla, ambient yogurt is the fastest growing segment in China’s liquid dairy market. Citing Innova Database in its press release, the ambient category reportedly accounted for almost 30% of China’s entire yogurt market in 2019. With its new concept, Arla intends to help manufacturers meet growing Chinese demand for ambient stirred yogurt with clean labels. “Ambient yogurts with a natural label are looking more and more like a major opportunity to capture a slice of China’s growing yogurt market. But to be part of this journey, manufacturers need to offer something different,” said Torben Jensen, senior category manager, fresh dairy products at Arla Foods Ingredients. He added: “Clean-label products are the perfect way for brands to differentiate in the category, while tapping into demand for premium products. We’re proud to have developed the first clean label ambient yogurt. Our concept is delicious, convenient and made with all-natural ingredients. It offers a premium edge, with an ideal texture, fresh taste and great stability.” The new solution contains five all-natural ingredients: skimmed milk, cream (38% fat), Nutrilac YO-4575, sugar and native tapioca starch. It contains more than 3% protein, with Nutrilac YO-4575 providing high nutritional value due to its high amino acid content. Arla Foods Ingredients is offering its concept in three varieties: vanilla, peach and green tea.

Kellogg has announced that it will delay the launch of several product lines – including the launch of its Incogmeato range of plant-based meat alternatives – until the end of the year, due to Covid-19. Kellogg chief executive officer Steven Cahillane made the announcement during a call with investors following the release of the company's first-quarter results. The Kellogg-owned MorningStar Farms brand had announced last year that the Incogmeato range of plant-based burger patties and chicken alternatives would be launched in the US in "early 2020". However, this release has now been put on hold due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and Kellogg has stated that many other second-quarter commercial activities and product launches have been delayed to the third and fourth quarters, though no other specific brands or launches were identified. Cahillane stated: "As our retail partners work to keep shelves filled, many have delayed resets. So we have delayed the first wave of our launch of Incogmeato the MorningStar Farms sub-line of refrigerated meat alternatives. "Instead of launching the burger products at the end of Q1, we now plan to launch them along with the previously planned sausage products sometime later this year." While product launches have been deferred, Kellogg stated that it had "invested in additional warehouse space, redeployment of inventory and increased access to transportation", in order to meet the demand for packaged goods such as snacks, cereals and baking products. Demand for packaged foods has increased due to the implementation of stay-at-home guidelines around the world due to Covid-19, and stockpiling of these products by consumers in March helped Kellogg achieve stronger than expected first-quarter sales, with the company's year-on-year organic sales increasing 8% during the quarter.

Kraft Heinz has posted net sales of $6.16 billion in its first-quarter, representing 6.2% organic growth as a result of increased consumer demand related to Covid-19. The Lunchables and Philadelphia cream cheese owner was positively impacted by growth in at-home consumption and strong demand for its leading brands, particularly in developed markets.   Positive performance was partially offset by the continual lower demand in natural cheese and cold cuts, as well as coronavirus impact on its domestic foodservice sector. Nevertheless, Kraft's positive Q1 results follow a series of net sale declines in financial announcements and an overall ‘disappointing 2019’. Net income attributable to common shareholders decreased 6.7% to $378 million, predominantly due to an unfavourable comparison with the gain on the sale of a range of India nutritional beverages in the prior year period. In the US, net sales were up 6.4% from last year to $4.5 billion as retail consumption accelerated across all categories in March. Strong growth was particularly seen in macaroni and cheese, condiments and sauces, ready to drink beverages, and nuts. In the three months to 28 March, the company’s international segment saw net sales increase organically by 6.9% to $1.3 billion with concentrated retail growth in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Russia. The divestiture of Kraft’s Canadian natural cheese business caused the company’s Canada net sales to decline 19.8%, however its organic net sales increased 2.2% due to increased consumer demand. In its Canadian market, volume increased 8.6% with greater demand primarily in Kraft Dinner, Classico pasta sauce, and Kraft peanut butter which more than offset declines in coffee mainly from the exit of the McCafé licensing agreement. Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio said: “Our first quarter results reflect how strongly our employees have responded to the global Covid-19 challenge and the exceptional level of service our teams have demonstrated during this critical time; and for that, it is an incredible privilege to be part of the Kraft Heinz Company. "The transformation work we kicked off last year, together with the flexibility, agility, and creativity of our people, and the tremendous collaboration with our retail customers, are all coming together. Going forward, we have a singular focus: to meet the demand for our products and ensure consumers have the food and nourishment they need during these uncertain times.” While the company says the impact of the pandemic on its full-year results remains uncertain, it has forecast low to mid-single digit organic net sales growth for its second quarter.

Canadian alcohol distributor Corby Spirit and Wine has announced the retirement of president and CEO Patrick O'Driscoll and named Nicolas Krantz as his successor, effective 1 July 2020. During O'Driscoll’s ten-year tenure, Corby secured the long-term representation rights for Absolut vodka, ‘reignited’ the J.P. Wiser's Canadian whisky brand and acquired the Ungava Spirits brands and Foreign Affair Winery. O'Driscoll will remain in his role until 30 June 2020 and will assist Krantz with his transition into his new position. George McCarthy, chairman of Corby's board of directors, said: "It has been a privilege to work alongside Patrick these past years. Amongst his many accomplishments while leading Corby, Patrick developed the strong, mutually beneficial relationship with our controlling shareholder, Pernod Ricard, that exists today. We congratulate Patrick on his retirement and wish him the best." Krantz, a native of France, is currently serving as CEO of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Spain. He has also held the position of CFO at Pernod Ricard, EMEA & LATAM and various executive roles with Pernod Ricard affiliates and predecessor companies. He will also join Corby as a director, filling the vacancy created by O'Driscoll's departure. Commenting on Krantz’s appointment, chairman McCarthy said: "The Corby board is pleased to have found a talented leader to replace Patrick and is looking forward to Nicolas joining the company. “His strong leadership skills and significant industry experience should help us to continue to grow shareholder value. “Nicolas will provide further momentum to Corby's development and growth within the Canadian and international spirit and wine industry."

Carlsberg has recorded a decline of 6.8% in first quarter sales due to the global closure of bars and restaurants during the coronavirus lockdown. In the three months to 31 March, Carlsberg witnessed a 7.4% decline in organic revenue with a 7.6% fall in total volume. The Danish brewer posted net revenue of DKK 12.9 billion ($1.88 billion) compared to DKK 13.9 billion ($2 billion) the same time last year. First quarter revenue for the company’s Asia business - which was responsible for Carlsberg's recent strong performance - declined by 12% driven by an organic volume decline of 15.5%. The Chinese market – the firm's biggest market - was impacted the most with an organic volume decline by around 20%, as lockdowns started as early as January. In the rest of Asia and in Western Europe, Carlsberg witnessed an impact in some markets in late February, however at the end of the quarter all markets were entering into some level of lockdown. As a result, revenue in Western Europe declined by 6.9% with a 6% drop in volume. Carlsberg’s larger markets such as Switzerland, France and Denmark saw a mid- to high-single-digit beer volume decline due to large on-trade exposure. Non-beer volumes dropped organically by 10% due the expected negative impact by the loss of the German/Danish soft drink border trade from 1 January. Meanwhile, its Eastern Europe business saw very little impact from the virus in Q1 with revenue growth of 5.5% The Carlsberg brand grew strongly in Russia, while overall volumes declined by 10%, mainly due to a weaker Chinese market and a decline in India and Denmark. The company’s craft and specialty portfolio delivered volume growth of 1% with a 4% rise by 1664 Blanc driven by all three regions. In China, 1664 Blanc grew double-digit. It’s Tuborg brand declined by 15%, mainly caused by China, India and the Turkish licence market.  On 2 April, the group suspended its outlook for 2020 due to the significantly increased uncertainty surrounding the impact of Covid-19 on its business performance. Carlsberg CEO Cees ’t Hart said: “Our businesses in all markets are impacted to a greater or lesser extent. While we’re starting to see signs of recovery in our largest market, China, and initial signs of governments cautiously lifting restrictions in some Western European markets, other markets remain in lockdown. Nevertheless, social-distancing requirements will continue and will impact consumer behaviour. Consequently, volumes will decline further in Q2. “Carlsberg remains in strong financial health. To mitigate the impact of weaker volumes, we’re reinforcing our cost focus and maintaining a strict focus on cash and liquidity, while ensuring that this will not compromise the long-term health of our brands and our organisation.”