Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has released two new hard seltzers inspired by the Moscow mule cocktail under its Moskovskaya Vodka brand. Moskovskaya Street hard seltzer will be available throughout European markets, with the UK being the first to launch the beverage in early February. Cellar Trends will be introducing the product in the convenience channel. With a 4.5% ABV, the hard seltzer range comes in two varieties: Moskovskaya Osobaya Vodka fused with notes of ginger and mint, and Moskovskaya Pink Vodka combined with raspberry and lime flavours. With its new launch, ABG aims to tap into the growing hard seltzer category and meet the demand for ready-to-go cocktails that can be drunk at home amid lockdowns. “There have been several takes on this trend from experimenting with the flavours, alcohol base and level, number of calories, design and other aspects, and as a historical vodka brand we wanted to create an exciting new option that is an authentic yet modern experience for the Moskovskaya consumer,” said Felicity Gransden, global brand ambassador of Moskovskaya Vodka. Simon Thomas, managing director of the UK-based distribution company Cellar Trends, added: “As hard seltzers are likely to see the highest growth rate within the UK’s RTD category, this is the right moment for Moskovskaya to deliver an authentic, fresh variation of the iconic brand that will fit UK consumer preferences.” ABG’s Moskovskaya Vodka brand is now available in over 65 markets worldwide, with a strong following in Italy, Canada, Spain, Portugal and the UK.

Silent Pool Distillers has launched a new gin that is crafted using some of the world’s ‘rarest’ citrus varieties into Waitrose stores across the UK. Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is made using fruits from around the globe such as Hirado buntan, natsudaidai, Buddha's hand and green Seville orange. As a result, the gin is described as having floral citrus and exotic fruit aromas that “lead into sweet notes of honey and melon, with juniper marrying the flavours together”. According to Silent Pool Distillers, the rare citruses are sourced from world-renowned citrus collectors on the Alentejo coast in Portugal, who grow in excess of 300 citrus varieties. Described as zesty and vibrant, the spirit has been distilled using the brand’s unique four-tiered process and is free of artificial flavourings. Adam Dobson, global sales director at Silent Pool Distillers, said: “Whilst super premium spirits continue to drive growth in the drinks category, we’re delighted to announce the official national launch of our naturally distilled, beautifully aromatic Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin with Waitrose. “With their discerning customer base and focus on sourcing quality artisan produce from ethical and sustainable suppliers, Waitrose is the perfect launch partner. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them and driving sales of both our original and rare citrus gins both in-store and online.” The citrus gin joins the company’s Silent Pool Gins portfolio that features the original and a limited-edition rose expression. Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin was first released on the company’s website in September, with Waitrose marking the product's first supermarket launch.

US snack brand PeaTos has secured $12.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Post Holdings, less than six months after raising $7 million in a Series A round. The funding will enable PeaTos to continue to drive its mission of revolutionising America’s favourite snacks by offering a better-for-you form of 'junk food'. PeaTos claims its pea-based snacks – which contain no artificial colours, flavours or ingredients – have twice the protein and three times the fibre of its corn-based counterparts. Since its establishment, the brand says it has developed an online social following and experienced massive growth in its direct-to-consumer business by adding new services such as subscriptions and a loyalty programme. The pea-based snacks are also available in over 4,700 retailers, including Kroger and Sprouts, and are witnessing a rise in the foodservice sector. With its funding, PeaTos also aims to further its distribution and brand awareness efforts. The US brand says it is “poised for explosive growth” in 2021 and beyond. “Post has a long history of success in the CPG space and we are honoured to have them as part of our mission. The proceeds of this funding round will give us the ability to further execute on our ambitious strategic plan,” said Nick Desai, founder and CEO of PeaTos. Howard Friedman, president and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, added: “We are very excited to begin our partnership with Nick and the PeaTos brand. We believe it has a bright future and we can learn a lot from their entrepreneurial culture and gain an understanding of the fast-growing snacking space.”

Global alcohol firms have formed an alliance with online retailers and delivery platforms to promote the responsible sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages online. The 12 global beer, wine and spirit companies that make up the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) have teamed up with 12 global and regional online retailers and delivery platforms to establish a ‘robust’ global standard for the online sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages. The ‘world-first’ coalition will look to enhance safeguards and security measures to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors and reduce harmful drinking among adults. Under the agreement, delivery to those who show signs of intoxication will be refused and ID’s will be checked of those suspected of being underage. Through the initiative, the companies aim to set the highest standards of responsible business practices for the alcohol and online delivery sectors and customers. It intends to promote these global standards as a resource to support the development of national in-country codes and practices. IARD members include AB InBev, Asahi, Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard and William Grant & Sons. These beverage giants have joined forces with online retailers, ecommerce and delivery platforms who operate across six continents such as UberEats, HipBar in India, Jumia in Africa, JD.com in China and the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group. The coalition has been launched following a surge in online drink orders amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It also comes after IARD members announced they would add symbols or written age restrictions to labels on their alcohol drinks to reduce underage drinking globally. “By building on safeguards that have already proven effective in certain countries and sharing new solutions and best practices, we can raise standards globally, from the point of purchase through to delivery. We encourage others to join this global collaboration, the first of its kind,” said Albert Baladi, president and CEO of Beam Suntory and chair of IARD. Henry Ashworth, IARD president and CEO, added: “IARD is proud to be uniting the world’s leading drinks producers with leading online retailers, and ecommerce platforms in raising global standards of responsibility. In coming together, we believe the partnership can facilitate greater change across our wider sectors.”

Heineken has announced its full acquisition of Brixton Brewery, three years after it took a minority stake in the south London-based craft brewer. Upon closing the transaction, Brixton Brewery is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heineken UK. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Established in 2013, Brixton Brewery started its business with one employee and making most deliveries on foot in and around Brixton Market. The UK craft beer manufacturer says its 2017 investment from Heineken enabled it to build a purpose-built brewery and create a tap room and experimental brewery at its original railway arch. Brixton Brewery’s team now includes 25 people. “When we look back over the past seven years, we honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come – from home brewing to starting a small brewery, to building a highly recognisable community-based brand, with a large new brewery and tap room,” said Jez Galaun, founder of Brixton Brewery. He added: “Over the past three years of working together, we’ve built a strong relationship with Heineken who share our commitment to quality and responsibility. We have benefitted from the Heineken team’s expertise and market reach, and we want to build on it. "There’s no denying the fact that the next few years will be challenging for many reasons, so we’re happy to have the opportunity to secure the future of Brixton Brewery for our families, our team, our community and fans of our beers, who’ve been hugely supportive of our success so far.”    Following the acquisition, the founders of Brixton Brewery will continue to lead the brewery’s day-to-day operations and strategic and creative direction. However, by extending its partnership, Brixton Brewery says it will leverage Heineken’s expertise and routes-to-market and expand its availability across the UK. Jochen Van Esch, craft development director at Heineken, said: “We are incredibly excited about the next chapter. Brixton Brewery will continue to operate as a separate entity. Our investment and support will mean the founders can stay in charge of day-to-day management of the company and its creative direction, and we can help develop retail opportunities, support with supply chain expertise and facilitate collaborations.”

Barilla has announced its acquisition of Ebro Foods’ Catelli dry pasta business in Canada, in a deal valued at CAD 165 million (approximately $128.6 million). Ebro Foods, through its indirectly-owned Canadian subsidiary Catelli Foods Corporation, entered an agreement for the divestiture of its dry pasta business to Barilla back in October 2020. The acquisition closed on 29 January 2021. Founded in 1867, Catelli offers a range of pasta including gluten-free, ancient grain and veggie options. In 2019, the Canadian brand reportedly posted a turnover of CAD 103.3 million (approximately $80.5 million). As part of the deal, Barilla will acquire the Catelli, Lancia and Splendor brands, as well as a manufacturing plant in Montreal, Quebec. The deal also marks an expansion of its North American operations and comes less than a month after Barilla purchased a majority stake in Pasta Evangelists, a UK company which delivers fresh pasta recipe boxes direct-to-consumers. Following the acquisition, Ebro will maintain its presence in the Canadian market through its Garofalo, Olivieri, Minute Rice and Tilda brands. “In Barilla, we’re leading the charge in transforming the pasta category, and as a category leader worldwide, it’s our mission to be an architect of growth,” said Claudio Colzani, CEO of the Barilla Group. He added: “Given the synergies between our business strategies, commitments and values, Catelli dry pasta is a natural fit for the expansion of our business. This acquisition will help underscore the importance of our responsibility to not only serve and satisfy the ever-changing needs of consumers through innovation but also to anticipate them.” Barilla has also announced the investment of €1 billion in Italy between 2020 and 2024 to fund several projects, including improvements of its existing pasta production sites and acquisitions in the country. Last year, Barilla finalised the purchase of the Muggia pasta plant from Pasta Zara.

Conagra Brands has announced plans to discontinue its production operations and close it Sandwich Bros. facility in Milwaukee, resulting in a loss of 190 jobs. Located at 7620 N. 81st Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the plant was acquired as part of Conagra’s deal for Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin in 2018, which produces frozen breakfast and entrée flatbread sandwiches. At the time of the deal, Conagra said Sandwich Bros’. products will continue to be made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The decision – which was announced in a lay off notice to the state of Wisconsin – was made in an effort to improve efficiencies and effectiveness within Conagra’s supply chain network. According to Richard Wallen, the director of human resources at Conagra Brands, the closure will affect all employees and is expected to be permanent. The total number of jobs lost comes to 190, including 172 employees in production and production support and 18 in management and administration.  The facility is expected to close on 2 April 2021 or within 14 days of the date.

Prepared meal company WeCook has raised CAD 7 million ($5.5 million approx.) in a financing round to accelerate its growth. Founded in 2013, WeCook offers ready-to-eat, home-delivered meals across Quebec and Ontario. The company's new financing was led by Desjardins Capital, which has increased its stake in WeCook with an equity investment for the second time in a year. The round also received participation from private investors, as well as National Bank's technology and innovation banking group, which provided debt financing. “I'm excited about the interest generated by this round of financing as WeCook becomes even more successful in Quebec and sees tremendous sales growth in Ontario, less than a year after we launched our operations in that province,” said Étienne Plourde, founder and CEO of WeCook. “We're staying focused on our goal of becoming the largest company in Canada's home-delivered, ready-to-eat meals sector, which includes expansion into Western Canada in 2022.” Marie-Hélène Nolet, chief operating officer of Desjardins Capital, added: “We're proud to continue our association with WeCook, whose operational and financial performance is quite remarkable. “Disciplined execution of its business strategy and the ability to produce definitive results reflect the strong skills and rigorous approach of the two young entrepreneurs leading the company as well as their extensive knowledge of food processing and digital marketing.”

Eat Just has teamed up with Cuisine Solutions – a manufacturer of sous vide foods – for the launch of plant-based Just Egg Sous Vide bites in US retailers. The launch forms part of an exclusive agreement between the two companies, whereby Cuisine Solutions will develop and produce Eat Just’s plant-based sous vide egg worldwide. French for ‘under vacuum’, sous vide is a cooking method in which food is vacuum-sealed and slow-cooked in water at precise temperatures. The Just Egg Sous Vide bites come in four flavours inspired by regional cuisines and whole plants: America (roasted potato, dill, chives, red bell pepper and black pepper); India (curry, broccoli, cauliflower, coconut milk and lemongrass); Japan (portobello mushrooms, yams, togarashi, soy and tamari); and Mexico (roasted poblanos, chipotle chilli powder, black beans, corn and lime). Depending on the flavour, the bites contain between 9-13g of protein per serving. Made using mung bean protein, they are also free of cholesterol, non-GMO, dairy-free and contain no artificial flavours. Just Egg’s bites join its vegan egg portfolio that includes a pourable liquid and pre-baked folded format. Earlier this month, the company introduced its plant-based egg patty alternativeto the menu of Chinese fast-food chain, Dicos. “The Cuisine Solutions team is the best in the world at what they do. We partnered with them because of their unparalleled expertise and leadership in the sous vide industry and their commitment to make our food system even better. We're excited for consumers to taste what we've been working on,” said Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just. Felipe Hasselmann, president and CEO of Cuisine Solutions, added: "Josh’s vision for the future of plant-based food is extremely inspirational and also very much aligned with Cuisine Solutions’ vision – both organisations seek to impact and revolutionise the food industry on a daily basis, which is what makes this such a natural partnership. “We are extremely excited to start supplying customers with the best sous vide egg bites in the market made with the best plant-based eggs.” Just Egg Sous Vide bites will roll out in March in the freezer section at select grocery stores.

US frozen snack and appetiser brand, Farm Rich, has added Sweet Onion Petals with Aussie-Style Dipping Sauce to its portfolio. The new offering features individual onion pieces in a crispy panko coating, with a 3oz dipping sauce. Each serving contains 220 calories and 0g of trans fat and cholesterol, according to Farm Rich. “Shoppers have come to expect a variety of creative, easy and wholesome snacks from Farm Rich,” said Ciera Womack, Farm Rich director of marketing. “With more snacking from home right now, these Sweet Onion Petals give consumers the restaurant flavour they crave, but made in the comforts of their own kitchens. Plus, they're a fun new appetiser for game day.” Priced at around $6.99 per 15oz carton, the new offering is available nationwide in the US. Sweet Onion Petals and other Farm Rich snacks can be found at grocery stores including Hy-Vee, Jewel, Safeway, Harris Teeter and more. Last year, Farm Rich introduced new plant-based Breaded Zucchini Sticks and Cauliflower Bites.

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has joined The Climate Group’s EV100 initiative, which brings together companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). CCEP has announced that it has committed to switch all of its cars and vans to EVs, or ultra-low emission vehicles where EVs are not viable, by 2030. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from CCEP's car fleet and vans make up approximately 17% of the company’s total Scope 1 emissions, according to CCEP. Currently, only 5% of CCEP’s cars and vans are EVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Through EV100, CCEP will work to transition all of the approximately 8,000 cars and vans in its light vehicle fleet, as well as half of the approximately 700 heavy goods vehicles it uses in Belgium and Germany. The commitment follows the launch of CCEP’s new climate strategy, which includes the ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2040, a goal which is being supported by a €250 million investment. The company has also established a new science-based target to reduce GHG emissions across its value chain by 30% by 2030 (compared with 2019). Joe Franses, VP, sustainability at CCEP, said: “This represents another important milestone along CCEP’s journey to a low carbon business. We have made a commitment to reduce GHG emissions across our entire value chain by 30% by 2030 (versus 2019), and the transition to electric vehicles is crucial to achieving our 2040 net zero ambition. “We are proud to use our voice to support EV100 in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and making electric transport the new normal by 2030.” Head of EV100, Sandra Roling, added: “We’re delighted that CCEP are joining the EV100 initiative. As such a notable brand, with a significant presence all over Europe, they will be helping to make electric transport the new normal as part of their commitment. We look forward to working with CCEP closely.” CCEP says that it will also support employees by offering workplace vehicle charging, as well as by making it easier for them to charge electric vehicles at home, at work and on the go.

Agrana has announced the appointment of Arla Foods executive Markus Mühleisen to the role of group CEO from June, following the retirement of long-serving CEO Johann Marihart. The Austrian ingredients producer reported that Mühleisen will serve as CEO for three years from 1 June 2021, succeeding Marihart who will retire on 31 May 2021 after nearly three decades in the role. Since 2018, Mühleisen has served as head of Arla Foods Germany. Prior to this, he has held numerous senior positions at Nestlé and General Mills. "I am delighted about the appointment of Markus Mühleisen. He has acted successfully in diverse management positions and has considerable international experience in the food and luxury food industry. Markus Mühleisen will ambitiously strive to continue the successful development of Agrana," said Agrana chairman, Erwin Hameseder. Marihart started working at Agrana nearly 45 years ago, first at the sugary refinery in Leopoldsdorf, before moving onto the potato starch mill in Gmünd, the former Österreichische Agrar-Industrie on 1 July 1976. During the course of the merger of Österreichische Agrar-Industrie with the re-organised sugar industry, Marihart became a founding board member of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG in 1988. He served as CEO since 1991 and has overseen the expansion of the company into a processor of agricultural products in fruit, starch and sugar segments operating on all continents.  “The successful development of Agrana has been closely linked to Johann Marihart. Under his leadership, Agrana grew to become a successful international industrial player. Revenues have increased seven-fold during the Marihart era,” said Hameseder. “Besides the successful expansion in Europe, one of his other major achievements has been establishing the fruit division. He was central to the company establishing a further division for diversification purposes – a strategy which has paid off particularly during difficult economic times and one which makes Agrana fit for the future,” he added.