Agtech start-up Pairwise has secured $90 million in a Series B funding round, as it looks to develop and bring genetically enhanced produce to North America. Pairwise aims to build a healthier, more sustainable world by combining its gene-editing capabilities, crop science expertise and data technique to cultivate better fruits and vegetables. The round was led by capital investor Pontifax AgTech and existing investor Deerfield Management, while Temasek and Leaps by Bayer also joined the round. Through addressing challenges with flavours, shelf life and availability, Pairwise aims to boost fresh produce consumption. Using its CRISPR technology, the company is working on cultivating better fruits and vegetables varieties, which have improved taste, enhanced convenience, increased shelf life, improved yield, simplified harvesting and lengthened season availability. The US start-up is currently developing new types of leafy green, berries and cherries and expects to launch its first gene-edited produce by 2022. “People see innovation all around them, except in the produce aisle. We will give consumers new options that make healthy eating easier and more exciting,” said Pairwise CEO Tom Adams. “With this additional funding from industry-leading investors, Pairwise is taking a bold step toward achieving our mission of building a healthier world,” he added. The funding follows Pairwise’s $25 million Series A round back in March 2018, which was led by Deerfield and what is now called Leaps by Bayer, to develop its gene editing platform and product portfolio. At the same time, the company announced a $100 million ongoing collaboration with Bayer Crop Science to advance gene editing tools in corn, soybeans, wheat and canola. Pontifax AgTech co-founder and managing partner, Ben Belldegrun, said: “Our investment in Pairwise reflects our thematic focus on the convergence of biotechnology and agriculture and the use of CRISPR technology to improve health and nutrition in food and agriculture. “We believe that the combination of Pairwise’s gene editing platform, plant breeding expertise, and consumer food understanding creates a powerful engine that will be a game changer.” In less than three years, Pairwise has grown to 100 team members across two locations in Durham, North Carolina, with additional growth anticipated for 2021.

BA Sports Nutrition has expanded its Bodyarmor portfolio with the introduction of Bodyarmor Edge, a new sports drink with natural caffeine. Containing no colours from artificial sources, the new offering comes in four flavours: Berry Blitz, Tropical Chaos, Power Punch and Orange Frenzy. Bodyarmor Edge claims to deliver the same hydration benefits attributed to Bodyarmor Sports Drink, combined with natural caffeine. Developed with the same coconut water-based formula as Bodyarmor Sports Drink, the new beverage provides more than 1,000mg of electrolytes plus 100mg of natural caffeine. Bodyarmor’s latest product is also said to contain antioxidants, natural flavours and sweeteners. Bodyarmor Edge is available now from stores nationwide in the US, as well as via Amazon. “Bodyarmor has transformed the sports drink category by providing hydration options that today’s athletes want and need – and Bodyarmor Edge is our most innovative product yet,” said Brent Hastie, president, Bodyarmor. “Bodyarmor Edge combines our proven sports drink formula with a boost of natural caffeine for consumers who are looking to get more out of their day. We are excited to launch Bodyarmor Edge, another game changer in sports nutrition and performance within our portfolio of active hydration products.” The Coca-Cola Company purchased a minority stake in Bodyarmor in 2018, as it looked to adapt its product portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences.

Frontier Nutrition, a manufacturer of affordable fortified snacks for the Bangladesh market, has raised $6 million in Series B financing. Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, in the US, Frontier Nutrition operates in Bangladesh under the brands Hashi Khushi and Nutri+. The company develops, manufactures and markets fortified snacks that it says treat and prevent malnutrition, and cost just $0.06 per serving. Frontier's fortified products, which include lentil butter, chocolates, powdered drinks and biscuits, are reportedly sold in more than 50,000 outlets across Bangladesh. The company’s latest financing was led by Adjuvant Capital, a life sciences fund backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Finance Corporation and other global health investors. Other supporters included DSG Consumer Partners, Great Point Ventures and Royal DSM’s investment arm, as well as Happy Family Organics founder Shazi Visram, Beyond Meat chairman and Eat the Change founder, Seth Goldman, and Novartis board member Bridgette Heller. Proceeds from the raise will be used to bring manufacturing of several products in-house and to launch a sales and marketing campaign to raise awareness of the Hashi Khushi brand. In addition, capital will be used to develop new products that can be used in research studies and international humanitarian efforts.    “Frontier's suite of micronutrient-fortified snack foods provides a unique solution to addressing malnutrition among mothers and children in Bangladesh,” said Adjuvant Capital principal Michael Chang, who will join Frontier Nutrition's board of directors. “The products are competitively priced, locally produced and, perhaps most importantly, tailored to the Bangladeshi palette, making them an attractive snacking alternative. “We couldn't be more excited to be part of Frontier's growth story as they work to scale distribution of these impactful products to women and children across the country.”

Anheuser-Busch has announced an investment of more than $1 billion over the next two years in its facilities and communities across the US. With its investment, the brewer is looking to drive economic prosperity in communities across the US, strengthen its connections with consumers and support the more than 2.1 million jobs related to the beer industry. The capital expenditure programme across 26 states will be used to expand its operations – in particular its hard seltzer production – support ongoing industry job creation and sustainable innovations. Anheuser-Busch is committing nearly $100 million towards sustainability projects including solar panel instalments, water treatments and other similar initiatives. “We need to build more seltzer capacity so we can attend the demand from consumers, which is a growing demand,” Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris told Reuters, adding that the company’s new Michelob Ultra organic seltzer also requires “huge” investment. According to Reuters, nearly $400 million will be injected into 12 of Anheuser-Busch's major breweries, while more than $100 million will go towards new can manufacturing lines to meet demand for single-serve cans. The announcement of the investment comes during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the country looks to recover from job losses and economic decline. The brewer operates more than 120 facilities across 27 states. "We are committed to protecting peoples' livelihoods across our entire supply chain – from farmers and bartenders to truck drivers and team members in our own facilities," said Dave Taylor, US chief supply officer at Anheuser-Busch. He added: "By investing in these communities and their capabilities, we're ensuring that together, with all of our partners, we can brew and deliver great beer for many years to come." Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, said: "We are here to find a better way to lead a safe and strong recovery, and we're starting by investing across our US supply chain to protect the industry and the millions of people who rely on it for their livelihoods. These investments are immediate and happening now." Anheuser-Busch says it supports the US agricultural community, sourcing the majority of its ingredients from more than 900 American farms. Last year, Anheuser-Busch Foundation committed $530,000 to four US land grant universities to advance sustainable agricultural practices. The company has also announced its support towards the recovery of the bar and restaurant industry through various donations.

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.