Abbott has announced plans to separate its Nutrition business into an independent, publicly traded company by the end of next year. The Nutrition company will have approximately $8.5 billion in annual sales, with around 16,000 employees and 14 manufacturing sites around the globe. Its portfolio covers various specialised nutrition categories including infant, pediatric, medical and adult nutrition, with brands such as Similac, Ensure, PediaSure and Glucerna. Abbott said the separation will allow the Nutrition business to focus its resources ‘more strategically’ across innovation, commercial activities and long-term value creation and performance initiatives. It will also enable Abbott to continue focusing on its core, higher-growth healthcare portfolio, with sales of approximately $42 billion and a range of solutions that includes wearable medical devices, diagnostics and pharmaceutical innovations. The news comes as Abbott reduces its 2027 sales growth forecast, now expecting 6%, down from its previously forecasted 6.5%-7%. The company’s Nutrition business has faced significant supply chain and legal challenges in recent years, including over 1,000 lawsuits alleging that the company’s cow’s milk-based preterm infant formulas contributed to serious illness in babies. One such case saw Abbott recently agree on a settlement worth $670 million, covering a 2024 verdict in a brain damage case linking its preterm formula to necrotising enterocolitis – a severe intestinal disease primarily affecting premature infants. The company said the agreements are a compromise of disputed claims and do not constitute an admission of liability. However, the company saw its Worldwide Nutrition sales increase by 5.1% on a reported basis in the third quarter of 2026, driven by sales growth of nearly 9% in Worldwide Pediatric. Abbott said broad-based growth across the portfolio has fuelled sales increases in the third quarter. The Nutrition business has continued to innovate this year with ten new launches during the first half of 2026, including a new higher-protein Ensure shake and a ready-to-feed liquid infant formula with whole milk under the Similac brand. “As we continue to shape Abbott for the future, this separation will benefit both companies, setting each one up for maximum success in its respective market,” said Robert B Ford, chairman and CEO of Abbott. The company noted each business’ different investment identities and requirements, growth profiles, and innovation cycles. It aims to better align capital allocation strategies with the two businesses’ distinct operating models. The separation will be carried out through a tax-free distribution to Abbott shareholders. Upon completion, Abbott shareholders will own shares in both Abbott and the newly carved out Nutrition company. Daniel Salvadori, executive vice president and group president, Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products, will become chief executive officer of the new Nutrition company. Abbott said the transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, will not impact its guidance for 2026 or for 2027, the latter of which it will provide in January.

Keurig is set to face a jury trial over allegations of anticompetitive practices and false advertising, following a US federal court ruling in a legal dispute brought by Rogers Family Coffee Co more than a decade ago. In a ruling issued on Friday, 18 September and subsequently unsealed, US District Judge Vernon S Broderick of the Southern District of New York denied Keurig's request to dismiss several key claims before trial. The decision allows Rogers, which owns San Francisco Bay Coffee, to pursue allegations that Keurig used its market position to restrict competition in the single-serve coffee market. The case, which dates back to 2014, centres on claims that Keurig entered into restrictive agreements with coffee roasters, suppliers and distributors that prevented them from working with competing coffee pod manufacturers. Rogers alleges that these practices helped Keurig maintain its dominant position in the market, limited consumer choice and kept prices artificially high. According to the company, Keurig held a market share exceeding 85% during the period in question. Economists cited in the release estimated approximately $390 million in antitrust damages, before potential trebling, alongside around $109 million in disgorgement relating to false advertising claims through mid-2025. The court found sufficient disputed evidence for a jury to consider whether Keurig's agreements with industry partners restricted competition and contributed to its alleged monopoly power. The ruling also allows claims concerning the alleged tying of Keurig coffee brewers to its own coffee pods to proceed to trial. Separately, the court found that certain statements made by Keurig about the safety, performance and compatibility of competing coffee pods were literally false. These included claims suggesting that third-party pods could damage Keurig 2.0 brewers or pose safety risks. However, the court also dismissed several aspects of the case, including claims relating to Keurig's retail agreements, the redesign of its 2.0 brewer and earlier patent litigation. In a statement to FoodBev Media, a Keurig spokesperson said: "We're pleased with the overall decision as the court’s ruling both validates several important portions of our defense and dismisses many of the plaintiffs’ theories, including all antitrust claims based on the 2.0 brewer and Keurig’s agreements with its retail partners". "We have maintained throughout this process that consumers had a wide variety of choices for making coffee at home, both within the Keurig system and beyond. We continue to vigorously defend our position as this matter proceeds.” Commenting on the ruling, Lisa Smoot, Rogers' CEO, said: "This is a huge win for us. Our family company has been pursuing justice for over a decade. We remain committed to seeing this through to a just decision". The company originally filed its lawsuit in California in 2014, before the case became part of consolidated proceedings in New York. In a separate ruling in July 2025, the court sanctioned Keurig over failures to preserve evidence and delays in producing transactional data. Following the latest decision, Rogers has requested that the case be returned to California for trial. The ruling does not constitute a final finding that Keurig violated antitrust law, with the remaining disputed claims still to be determined at trial.

The first ever Specialised Nutrition World Congress is to be held on 17-18 March 2027 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Initial speakers have been announced, including a keynote address by Nestle’s Nutrition Global Category Head Laurent Alsteens alongside speakers from Abbott, China Nutrition & Health Food Association, FrieslandCampina, Kate Farms and Sabinsa. Among other contributions are market insights from Circana, allergy initiatives from the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and innovations from Evanium, Flow Health Science and Jenerise. The Congress aims to define and strengthen the potential for the evolving category of specialised nutrition. With a focus on foods with scientifically backed benefits for specific health purposes, the Congress has adopted the theme of ‘Food for Health’. Its many segments encompass key life stages from early nutrition to motherhood and longevity as well as active nutrition, weight management, medical nutrition and mobility. Programme sessions will cover the global market outlook, public perceptions, key life stages, market segments, latest research and latest innovations. There will also be a tour of FrieslandCampina’s Research and Innovation Centre. The event is being organised by FoodBev Media in partnership with the International Special Dietary Foods Federation (ISDI). “It is only recently that we have come to realise that the right food can improve many aspects of our health and our quality of life, as well as protecting us and avoiding the need for more medicine,” commented Francesca Hall, managing director of FoodBev Media. “This event is designed to share the latest science and market insights, helping companies develop best practice and achieve greater market success.” “This event will showcase the importance and benefits of all types of specialised nutrition, emphasising how innovation in the sector is solving people’s complex nutritional needs,“ added Jean-Christophe Kremer, ISDI secretary general. “It is a unique opportunity to tie together diverse market segments and unite industry peers from across the world in a single forum of discussion and debate”. Full programme and booking details are available at www.foodbevevents.com/event/specialised-nutrition-world-congress-2027 and super saver discounts are available until 30 October.

UK tofu brand The Tofoo Co has broken ground on a new production facility in Yorkshire, set to double its production capacity and support the company’s growth plans. The new plant, located in North Yorkshire’s Malton Enterprise Park, will provide twice the capacity and 3.5 times the productive space as the brand’s current facilities, providing a platform for the brand to reach production of over 10,000 tonnes of tofu by 2033. The Tofoo Co noted growing demand for natural sources of protein, including tofu, as shoppers seek versatile, protein-rich ingredients and become more conscious of artificial ingredients. The expansion is designed to address these needs, with the brand’s growth pipeline recently seeing the launch of new products in both the French and German markets. The Tofoo Co said it sees ‘substantial’ growth opportunities in these countries. Once operational, the new site is designed to support sales of £73 million. Supporting the brand’s ongoing growth ambitions, the new site will include a dedicated space for a Tofoo Co development kitchen and a pilot plant to support new product development, trials and customer experiences, while 25% of the facility’s non-allocated space will be retained to accommodate future products and evolving business needs. The company said sustainability has been a central consideration in the design of the site, which will be equipped to support resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact through measures such as reduced wastewater, on-site solar generation, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and heat recovery systems. David Knibbs, CEO of The Tofoo Co, said: “We’ve built a strong position in the UK tofu market, and we see significant opportunities ahead as more consumers discover tofu as a natural, versatile source of protein”. “This investment is about creating the foundations for our next chapter and ensuring we have the capacity, capability and flexibility to meet growing demand from both the UK and Europe.”

British dairy brand All Things has expanded its cottage cheese portfolio with the launch of its first Cottage Cheese Dips, introducing the ingredient in a new snacking format. The range launches with Sour Cream & Chive Cottage Cheese Dip, combining cottage cheese with the familiar flavour profile of sour cream and chive. The 150g product is designed for dipping, spreading and snacking, moving cottage cheese beyond its traditional tub format. Sour Cream & Chive Cottage Cheese Dip launched in Tesco and Ocado during the week commencing 19 October, with an RRP of £1.95 for 150g. The launch comes as cottage cheese has gained popularity among consumers, driven in part by social media and interest in high-protein recipes and versatile foods. All Things said the new dip aims to build on this momentum by bringing cottage cheese into flavour-led snacking occasions. A second flavour, Dill & Pickle, will initially be introduced to the brand's creator network ahead of its wider retail launch. The flavour will be available exclusively through Ocado later this month, also at an RRP of £1.95 for 150g. The launch taps into growing consumer interest in pickle flavours, with dill and pickle increasingly appearing across snacks, sauces, sandwiches, burgers and dips. Both variants are made in Britain and will feature high protein, live cultures and British claims prominently on pack. The products are also minimally processed, with the brand highlighting their ingredient lists. The Cottage Cheese Dips follow the recent launch of All Things Smooth Cottage Cheese, which was developed to offer consumers a more versatile format. Toby Hopkinson, CEO and co-founder of All Things, said: “Seeing how creative people have been with our Natural Cottage Cheese has really shaped our NPD strategy for the second half of this year." Hopkinson added that dips were a “natural next step” following the launch of Smooth, while Sour Cream & Chive was selected for its familiarity and Dill & Pickle provided an opportunity for a more social-first launch. “It’s all part of taking cottage cheese into new formats and occasions, and there’s plenty more to come,” he said. All Things was founded by chef Thomas Straker and entrepreneur Toby Hopkinson. Its portfolio currently spans butter and cottage cheese, with the company continuing to develop new dairy categories and formats.

Jason DaPonte As consumers become increasingly overwhelmed by the demands of managing their health, wellness is shifting away from constant optimisation towards products and choices that fit more naturally into everyday life. Jason DaPonte, managing director at Magnetic, explores what this means for food and beverage brands and their approach to innovation. It’s never been easier to take control of your health. In just a few clicks, you can ask AI about your symptoms, track your sleep score, order personalised supplements or monitor almost every aspect of your wellbeing. On the surface, that should be a good thing. For years, we’ve encouraged people to take more responsibility for their health rather than rely solely on healthcare systems designed to treat illness after it appears. Yet despite having almost unlimited access to information, products and tools, people are feeling increasingly exhausted by the pursuit of wellness. Managing your health now comes with a growing list of decisions, responsibilities and things to think about. Don’t say it too loud, but it’s quickly become another form of work. Faced with an avalanche of available data, people are asked to evaluate ingredients, interpret biomarkers, decide which expert to trust and work out whether the latest health trend is worth paying attention to, all while juggling work, family and everyday life. Even something as simple as eating has become an exercise in optimisation. Consumers are bombarded with advice about how much protein, fibre or specific nutrients they should be getting, and brands are responding with a multitude of products designed to help them meet these targets. The rise of this self-health economy has quietly shifted the responsibility away from institutions and onto individuals. That might sound empowering, but for many people it feels exhausting. Confusing optimisation for wellbeing The global wellness industry reached $6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $10 trillion by 2029. From supplement brands promising to improve cognitive performance to wearable tech designed to track metrics such as sleep and performance, there’s no shortage of ways that people can seemingly improve their ‘wellness’. However, many solutions marketed today continue to place the burden of action on the individual. Consumers are expected to absorb vast amounts of information and turn it into meaningful behavioural change. Instead, many are left navigating an endless stream of data, social media advice, trends and product claims, from how much protein they need each day to whether they should be choosing products with added probiotics. This can leave them feeling more drained than when they first started. Most people already know the basics of good health – sleep, eating well and staying active. The challenge isn’t necessarily a lack of awareness, but finding the time and energy to consistently act on this knowledge. And this influx of extra information, far from being helpful, just adds to the mental overload. This is where much of the wellness industry gets it wrong. This shift presents a different opportunity for food and beverage brands. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that support their health without asking them to take on another task or routine. Take longevity. The wellness industry often focuses on extending lifespan, but Magnetic’s consumer research found that 78% would rather prioritise prolonging their independence than simply living longer. They don’t want to spend another decade tracking biomarkers or following complicated protocols. They want the energy and the physical capability to enjoy their lives. We’re already seeing this shift reshape health technology. People have embraced wearable tech, but the most interesting developments are coming from brands that do more than collect data. Oura’s AI Advisor, for example, translates biometric information into personalised coaching rather than simply presenting another stream of numbers. Similarly, wearables such as Levels, Nutrisense and Signos combine glucose monitoring with tailored dietary advice. More recently, Garmin has launched its newest wearable, CIRQA. Rivalling Whoop, this tracker is designed to be worn day and night and offers insights on your workouts and sleep, giving recommendations and offering personalised sleep coaching. Information only becomes valuable when it reduces effort. When it creates more work, it risks becoming another source of stress. Most people don’t need another dashboard that tells them they’ve slept badly last night (most of us can tell that without a fancy gadget). They need help sleeping better tonight; they need help losing weight – they need to turn data into behaviour change. The future of wellness should feel effortless This creates an important challenge for brands and manufacturers. It could mean reconsidering how innovation is framed. If consumers have to understand another claim or change their behaviour, the product just adds to the very cognitive load wellness is supposed to reduce. The opportunity is to make those benefits feel useful and relevant without asking consumers to think harder about what they are buying. We’re already seeing signs of it. People may never buy a product because it promises cellular repair, but they might choose an afternoon drink with added nootropics designed to help them focus, or a prebiotic soda that quietly supports gut health. In both cases, the long-term health outcome is delivered without demanding another routine or item added to the to-do list. This idea of 'stealth longevity' reflects how people actually live. Most people don’t want to become biohackers, nor do they have the time. They’re simply looking for healthier choices that fit seamlessly into everyday life. Behind this sits a bigger question for the food and beverage industry. If we know people are overwhelmed, what responsibility do brands have? For years, the wellness sector has been built around continuous optimisation. There’s always another supplement to try or another metric to track. Yet the foundations of health haven’t changed. The industry instead has to design systems, products and experiences that make healthier behaviours easier to maintain. The next phase of wellness shouldn’t be measured by how much information it gives people, but by how much effort it removes from their lives. Because the future of health will belong to those that who make wellbeing feel effortless.

Aldi has launched a new initiative with meat processor ABP to support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable farming practices. The ‘Grounded in Goodness’ programme will bring together around 1,000 beef farmers across England, Scotland and Wales. Participating farmers will commit to a range of on-farm actions focused on soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare. In return, farmers will receive premium payments on top of standard market prices, as well as access to specialist agronomic advice and peer learning networks. The initiative will begin recruiting farmers this month, with the first cohort expected to be fully onboarded by spring 2027. A small group of Horizon Farmers, described by Aldi as pioneers in progressive farming, will help pilot new approaches under the scheme. They will work with Aldi and ABP to test practices and share learnings with the wider farming network. Aldi said the initiative has been designed to provide farmers with practical support and financial certainty as they face rising input costs, climate pressures and changes to agricultural subsidy systems. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “Grounded in Goodness is designed to provide practical support and financial certainty that helps farmers invest in their businesses for the long term.” She added that the programme had been developed in collaboration with ABP and farmers to recognise existing practices while providing a framework for farmers seeking to further improve sustainability. “By investing in the farmers who supply us, we're helping to build a stronger, more resilient British beef supply chain that is fit for the future,” Ashfield said. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) welcomed the initiative, highlighting the role retailers can play in supporting British agriculture and encouraging sustainable farming practices. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “By recognising and rewarding the environmentally beneficial actions that are already being delivered on our farms, this scheme provides a strong incentive for further sustainable farming practices, while supporting profitable beef production.” Clare Wise, NFU livestock board chair, added that the scheme could help provide farmers with the confidence needed to invest in their businesses and support growth in the domestic beef sector. Aldi said ‘Grounded in Goodness’ forms part of its wider sustainability strategy and represents a long-term investment in the resilience of British beef production. The programme will focus on practical measures across three key areas – soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare – with participating farmers able to access technical expertise alongside financial incentives. The retailer said the involvement of Horizon Farmers would help ensure that the approaches tested through the programme are practical and deliverable at farm level, while enabling lessons to be shared across the wider network.

Flexible packaging manufacturer ProAmpac has launched its ProActive Intelligence Shelf Protect (SP) Series, a new packaging technology designed to reduce microbial growth, extend product shelf life and minimise food spoilage. Developed for selected meat, seafood and dairy applications, the technology incorporates patented biotechnology directly into food-contact packaging films to help preserve product quality during storage and distribution. The SP range is compliant with US Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture requirements for its intended applications, including fresh beef, pork, cooked sausage, deli meat, salmon and fresh cheese. According to ProAmpac, the technology helps reduce microbial growth associated with food spoilage while maintaining packaging clarity and the film's physical and sealing properties. Studies conducted by food manufacturers and third-party laboratories have demonstrated extended shelf life for fresh beef, pork and cooked sausage in tested applications, alongside improvements in quality indicators associated with microbial spoilage and odour development. However, the company noted that shelf-life improvements vary depending on factors such as product type, processing conditions, initial microbial levels and storage practices, with individual food trials required to determine effectiveness. The technology was developed in partnership with biotechnology company Copperprotek, combining its patented technology with ProAmpac's packaging materials. ProAmpac is integrating SP into three existing packaging formats: TruTite-SP-1000 boneless shrink bags and tubestock, ClearShield-SP-1000 bone-in shrink bags and tubestock, and Envio-SP-1000 forming and non-forming films. The company said the technology is designed to help food producers reduce financial losses associated with product markdowns, shrinkage and disposal. For approved applications, no additional on-pack labelling is required beyond a 'use by' or 'use or freeze by' date. Sam Kessler, senior innovation engineer at ProAmpac, said: "For meat processors, every product lost represents an investment in production, packaging, and distribution that goes unrealised". "Shelf Protect gives customers a new tool to help preserve that value, bringing active packaging technology to the shrink bags and films they rely on." The launch expands ProAmpac's ProActive Intelligence portfolio of active and intelligent packaging solutions, as the company continues to develop materials aimed at addressing shelf-life and food waste challenges across the food industry.

Remedy Drinks has launched a limited-edition kombucha flavour, Merry Cherry, ahead of the Christmas season. The new variant combines cherry with notes of white chocolate, raspberry and biscuit, and is positioned as a festive, better-for-you soft drink option for the holiday period. Merry Cherry is long-age brewed for 30 days and contains no sugar and five calories per serving. The kombucha is also vegan and gluten-free. The new product is available in a 700ml sharing bottle, with a recommended retail price of £2.95. It is launching at Sainsbury’s and Ocado, as well as through Remedy’s online store. Remedy said the limited-edition launch is intended to provide retailers with a seasonal opportunity to encourage new consumers to try kombucha, while offering existing shoppers a festive flavour in a sharing format. Santino Luciano, newly appointed managing director UK & Europe at Remedy Drinks, said: “Innovation is how we recruit new shoppers into kombucha, and limited editions have driven strong trial and repeat.” He added that the company is investing in “visibility, trial, great-tasting innovation and strong storytelling” to make kombucha more accessible to consumers. The launch comes as the UK grocery kombucha category continues to expand. According to Remedy, the category is now worth £47.2m and is growing by 14% year-on-year, compared with 5.2% growth across total flavoured carbonates. The company said the category has added £6m in value over the past 12 months. Remedy currently holds a 34% share of the UK kombucha market, with £16.1m in retail sales, according to figures supplied by the brand. Alongside the product launch, Remedy has partnered with charity Social Bite, which supports people experiencing homelessness and food poverty. The company will donate 10p from every bottle of Merry Cherry sold to the charity. Consumers can also make an additional donation using a QR code on the product packaging. Remedy said the initiative forms part of its plans to combine seasonal innovation with social impact during the Christmas period. The company, which was founded in Melbourne, Australia, has expanded its portfolio beyond kombucha with Remedy Sodaly, a no-sugar soda made with apple cider vinegar. Remedy's drinks are naturally sugar-free, vegan and gluten-free and contain no artificial ingredients.

PepsiCo Beverages US has announced the immediate closure of its beverage manufacturing plant in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company said the decision was “difficult” and thanked employees for their contributions as well as the local community for its support. PepsiCo did not provide further details on the reasons behind the closure or disclose how many employees are affected. Local PepsiCo sales and delivery teams will continue to serve customers in the Knoxville area following the plant’s closure. The company said its immediate priority is supporting affected employees through the transition. Employees will receive a paid notice period through 1 January, including continued pay and benefits, as well as access to employment and transition resources. The closure comes as PepsiCo continues to adjust its operations across its global beverage business. The company has not indicated whether production previously handled at the Knoxville facility will be transferred to another site. PepsiCo said it remains committed to supporting its employees and customers in the Knoxville community during the transition.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has appointed Matt Herrick as its next president and chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2027. Matt Herrick Herrick, currently president and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), will succeed Michael Dykes, who is retiring after a decade at the helm of IDFA. Dykes will remain with the association until 31 January 2027 to support the leadership transition. Herrick returns to IDFA after previously spending more than seven years on its executive team, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief impact officer. During his tenure, he oversaw policy, advocacy, communications and strategic initiatives, helping to strengthen the association's influence within the US dairy industry. He also played a role in expanding IDFA's grassroots advocacy network and state affairs capabilities, as well as leading campaigns to secure federal funding for dairy processors and protect dairy products in federal nutrition programmes. Herrick established the IDFA Foundation, serving as its first executive director. Under his leadership, the foundation supported initiatives that helped provide more than one million meals to people experiencing food insecurity. More recently, at IBWA, Herrick has overseen advocacy, membership and organisational strategy, introducing new public affairs initiatives and strengthening the association's financial position. Daragh Maccabee, chair of the IDFA Executive Council and CEO of Idaho Milk Products, said: "Matt is an exceptional leader who understands IDFA, our members and the opportunities ahead for US dairy". He added that Herrick's strategic vision, leadership experience and understanding of the food and agriculture sectors made him a strong candidate to build on the association's progress. Herrick added: "Returning to lead the International Dairy Foods Association is a tremendous honour and a true homecoming. Having spent years working alongside the dedicated processors, cooperatives and farmers who make American dairy an economic engine and a nutritional cornerstone, I have boundless respect for the IDFA board, our members and our exceptional staff." "I am thrilled to rejoin this community at such a pivotal time to help meet the world’s growing demand for wholesome dairy nutrition. Together, we will write an ambitious new chapter of advocacy, growth and effectiveness – building on the inspiring, optimistic legacy of my friend and mentor, Michael Dykes.” Herrick brings more than two decades of experience across the food and agriculture industries, government and public affairs. He has held senior positions at the US Department of Agriculture and the US Agency for International Development, serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations. His previous experience also includes communications and public affairs roles at the Rockefeller Foundation and Oxfam America, alongside work in agricultural trade, international development and food policy. Dykes, who recruited Herrick to IDFA in 2019, welcomed the appointment, highlighting his previous contributions to the organisation. "He is strategic, creative, driven and deeply committed to getting results for members," Dykes said. "He knows IDFA, knows our members and knows this industry, and I am confident he will build on our momentum and make this organisation even stronger."

Heineken and its Greek subsidiary, Athenian Brewery, have been ordered to pay Greek brewer Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB) €111 million in a longstanding competition case. The judgement, announced today (21 October 2026) is the result of long-running proceedings after Macedonian Thrace Brewery filed a lawsuit against Heineken in the Amsterdam District Court in 2017. The claim followed a December 2015 decision by the Hellenic Competition Commission, Greece’s competition regulator, which stated that Athenian Brewery had abused a dominant position in the country’s beer market for at least 16 years by restricting competition. MTB, founded in 1996, produces Greece’s Vergina lager among its portfolio of premium and speciality beers produced in the Greek industrial area of Komotini. Athenian Brewery’s brands include local beer brands Alfa, Mamos, Nymphi and Noctua, alongside Heineken’s Amstel and Heineken brands. In October 2024, the Amsterdam District Court held Heineken and Athenian Brewery jointly and severally liable for competition infringement due to Heineken’s majority ownership and influence over the subsidiary. Heineken appealed to the Dutch Supreme Court in June 2025, but the appeal was rejected. Earlier this year, the Amsterdam court endorsed a damages quantification model developed by economic consultancy Oxera for MTB. It estimated that the principal damages to be awarded to MTB would be at least €43 million. Now, in its latest judgement adopting Oxera’s model – which will be the final judgement in the case, according to MTB – the Dutch court has rejected the defences put forward by Heineken and its adviser, Charles River Associates. In a statement, Heineken said the court awarded MTB damages of €43 million, together with statutory interest of €68 million. Demetri Chriss, director of business development at MTB, said: “For nearly three decades, Heineken has done everything in its power to avoid being held accountable for the damage it has caused MTB, but the Amsterdam District Court’s judgment goes a long way in setting the record straight.” Chriss added: “This is one of the most significant milestones in MTB’s history, as it recognises that hard work, careful planning and dedication can overcome even the most egregious of abuses by a multinational behemoth like Heineken. Justice has been served.” Though MTB said the ruling will be final, Heineken’s statement said the company believes “an appeal is the appropriate legal step to ensure that these issues are fully reviewed.” “Heineken respects the court and the legal process. At the same time, Heineken respectfully disagrees with important aspects of the Court's decision,” the company’s statement said. “In our view, damages claims of this scale should be grounded in evidence and reflect the commercial realities of the market.” “The damages assessment relies in part on assumptions about MTB's sales, pricing and profitability in a hypothetical market scenario. In our view, those assumptions should be carefully tested against the available economic evidence and market developments during the relevant period. We do not believe the damages awarded adequately reflect those considerations.”