FoodBev is thrilled to announce the esteemed Winners, Finalists and Commended products, innovations and companies celebrated in this year's World Dairy Innovation Awards. Our awards shine a spotlight on the trailblazers who are truly setting the pace for the global dairy industry’s future. These awards celebrate the tireless spirit of innovation in the dairy sector, where consumer expectations are continually shifting and the drive for sustainable, nutritious and diverse dairy offerings is paramount. From farm to the fridge, the advancements seen this year have been remarkable. From pioneering new product formulations that respond to specific dietary trends, to revolutionary advancements in sustainable processing and packaging – the innovations seen this year are crucial to ensuring dairy’s enduring role as a vital source of global nutrition and a leader in sustainable food system innovation. Winners were announced at a ceremony hosted at FoodBev Events' 18th Global Dairy Congress. Under the theme 'Dairy for All Ages,' this event is renowned as the dairy industry’s leading international forum devoted to marketing and branding, consumers and innovation – providing unparalleled access to insights from professionals across the globe. To each company and team recognised in this year’s awards, FoodBev extends our warmest congratulations! These achievements are a direct reflection of your hard work, creativity and the significant impact your team has made. Dan Bunt, marketing director at FoodBev Media, commented: "This year's award winners have highlighted the trend spike in exciting new flavours, creative use of technology and the increasing value of functionality in the dairy industry." Congratulations once again to all these deserving businesses! World Dairy Innovation Awards 2025 results Best products of 2025 Best artisan product WINNER Inner Mongolia Yijiahao Cheese - Zhenlao Light Cream FINALIST Mengniu Hi-Tech Dairy Products - Mengniu GuanYiRu One-shot Immunity Yogurt Bottle Best butter/spread WINNER Meiji - Meiji Creamy Spread Tube Best cheese WINNER China Feihe - Love Veggie Cheese FINALIST China Feihe - Supernova Cheese Mango Yogurt Flavour FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yijiahao Cheese - Yili MiaoZhi Crispy Cheese FINALIST Meiji - Meiji Hokkaido Tokachi Fresh Mozzerella Basil Cheese FINALIST Meiji - Meiji Vegetable Cheese Slices Pumpkin and Carrot Blend COMMENDED Arla Foods - Castello Mild Blue COMMENDED China Feihe - High-Fibre Dark Chocolate Cheese COMMENDED Meiji - Meiji Vegetable Cheese Slices Tomato Blend Best children's dairy product WINNER Yashili Dairy (Maanshan) - Mengniu RuiBuEn EnZhi Milk Formula FINALIST Arla Foods - Arla Big Milk Multipack FINALIST Bright Dairy And Food - Jianneng Yogurt for Children FINALIST China Feihe - GeniusMax Children's Growth Milk Powder FINALIST China Feihe - Goodshadoo Fruit and Vegetable Nutrient-fortified children's formula milk powder FINALIST Milkground - Milkground Premium Cheese Lollipop FINALIST Vinamilk - Vinamilk ADM Nutritious Milk FINALIST Yashili Dairy (Maanshan) - Mengniu HuiCongMing Native DHA Student Milk Formula COMMENDED   BTNature - BTNature Premium Growpro Nutrient-Dense Milk Powder 800g COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Shiny Meadow A2 β-Casein Fresh Milk COMMENDED   Junlebao Dairy Group - Mengbao Gaogao Children's Formula Milk COMMENDED   Vinamilk - Optimum Best dairy alternative WINNER Mindfuel Flow - Mindfuel Flow Perform focus and clarity FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Daily Fiber Oat Milk Biomimetic Eco-Friendly PET Bottle FINALIST Vinamilk - Plant Milk High Protein Vinamilk FINALIST Vinamilk - Vinamilk Plant-based Yogurt COMMENDED   Planet Dairy  - Audu hybrid shredded range Best dessert WINNER Arla Foods - Baileys Extra Thick Espresso Cream FINALIST Arla Foods - Baileys Squirty Cream FINALIST Milkground - Milkground Cheese Triangles (Refreshing Apple Flavor) FINALIST Vinamilk - Vinamilk Green Farm High Protein Yogurt FINALIST Yili Joyday - Joyday Vanilla Berry Sandwich COMMENDED   Arla Foods - Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream COMMENDED   Vinamilk - Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt Best dairy drink WINNER Nurri - Nurri 30g Protein Ultra Filtered Milk Shake FINALIST CP-Meiji - Meiji Probiotic Drink FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America - TruMoo Zero Chocolate Milk FINALIST FrieslandCampina - Yazoo Inspirations FINALIST Hunt And Brew - Hunt And Brew UK Launch FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Chewy Fruit Milk Beverage - Pineapple and Apple Flavour FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu YoyiC Probiotic Lemon Tea FINALIST Satine - Satine Special Edition Year of the Dragon, co-branded with the Palace Museum COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Chewy Fruit Floral Fruity Milkshake Yogurt COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Chewing Lemon Light Milk Juice Drink COMMENDED   Junlebao Dairy - Freshjoy lactose-free milk COMMENDED   Maui Food - Maui Fresh Full Cream Sheep Milk COMMENDED   VitaDairy Vietnam - Moozi Fresh Milk Best dairy protein product WINNER FrieslandCampina - Chocomel Protein FINALIST China Feihe - Feihe Aiben Yuedong Double Peptide Protein Nutritional Powder FINALIST China Feihe - Feihe Aiben Yuedong Protein Nutritional Powder FINALIST FrieslandCampina - Optimel Protein FINALIST Maui Food - Maui Skim Sheep Milk Powder 25kg FINALIST Shanghai Maction Health Technology - Mengniu M-Action Protein Drink Pro COMMENDED   Arla Foods Ingredients - High-protein drinking yogurt based on acid whey COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Satine Fresh Active Pure Milk COMMENDED   The Organic Protein - The Organic Protein Co Madagascan Vanilla Organic Whey Protein Powder COMMENDED   Vinamilk - Meal Replacement for Weight Control - Vinamilk Tu Do Best dairy snack WINNER China Feihe - High-Calcium Cheese Puffs Cheese Flavour FINALIST Cedar's Foods - Cedar’s Foods Tzatziki with Feta Dip FINALIST FrieslandCampina - Pöttyös Protein FINALIST Mengniu Hi-tech Dairy Products - Mengniu 12mm Large Fruit Chunks Yogurt COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Green Mood Green salsa ice cream cone COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Just Pure Nutty Cranberry Oatmeal Crisp Greedy Yogurt Best ice cream/frozen yogurt WINNER Yili Joyday - Joyday Crunchy Choco Lava FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu "Natural Beauty" Lychee Cheese Flavoured Ice Cream Stick FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Ice + Chocolate frost FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Suibian Suibianzhuan Chocolate ice cream FINALIST Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Jeni’s J-Bars: Chocolate Churros and Cream FINALIST Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Jeni’s J-Bars: Passion Fruit Dreamsicle FINALIST Yili Cremo - Cremo Choco Crush Thai Tea Cream Cheese FINALIST Yili Joyday - Joyday Crunchy Vanilla Cookies COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Deluxe Organic Milk Ice Cream COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Pineapple Ice Sorbet COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Zombie Apple Pineapple Flavour Sorbet COMMENDED   Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Jeni’s J-Bars: Dark Chocolate Bombe COMMENDED   Yili Cremo - Cremo Fruit Blast Grape Best functional dairy WINNER BTNature - BTNature OptiCare MoveSure Enriched Nutrition 800g FINALIST Arla Foods - Arla Protein Food To Go Chocolate Caramel Shake FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Future Star Exclusive Care Formula Milk For Children FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Immunity-Boosting Fermented milk FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Jinlingguan Zhenhu Bocui lnfant Formula Milk Powder FINALIST Meiji - Meiji W Skincare Yogurt FINALIST Vinamilk - Meal Replacement for Weight Control - Vinamilk Tu Do FINALIST Vinamilk - Vinamilk Green Farm High Protein COMMENDED   China Feihe - Feihe Aiben Plant Sterol Esters Milk Powder COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Morning 8 Tons of Vegetable and Fruit Probiotic Flavoured Fermented Milk COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Yili Red ginseng revitalised milk powder (Tongrentang Co-Branded Edition) COMMENDED   Junlebao Dairy - Junlebao Zhizhen Qihu Infant and Young Children Formula COMMENDED   Maui Food - Maui Whole Sheep Milk Powder COMMENDED   VitaDairy Vietnam - Calosure America Best yogurt WINNER Vinamilk - Vinamilk Green Farm High Protein Yogurt FINALIST Arla Foods - Arla Skyr Whipped Yogurt Coconut & White Chocolate FINALIST FrieslandCampina - High Protein Greek Yoghurt & Powerbowl FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Deluxe Deluxe Gelato FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Morning 8 Tons of Vegetable and Fruit Probiotic Flavored Fermented Milk FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Ambpomial Yellow Peach Oatmeal Bursting Beads Yogurt FINALIST Yili - Changqing Greek Yogurt COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Justpure Vitamin D Flavoured Yogurt COMMENDED   Mengniu Hi-Tech Dairy Products - Mengniu GuanYiRu One-shot Immunity Yogurt Bottle COMMENDED   Vinamilk - Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt COMMENDED   Yili - Changqing 100% Natural Yogurt, 400g Best innovations of 2025 Best dairy alternative innovation WINNER Planet Dairy - Audu by PlanetDairy FINALIST Mindfuelbev - Mindfuel Flow Restore Stress & Mood FINALIST Vinamilk - Vinamilk Plant-based Yoghurt Best health innovation WINNER Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Deluxe Deluxe Gelato FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America - Dairy Pure Milk50 FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Fermented Yogurt Ice Cream FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yijiahao Cheese - Eight-Treasure Herbal Round cheese FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Ambpomial Prune Flavored Ambient Probiotic Yogurt FINALIST Morinaga Milk Industry - Yogurt for memory with B. breve MCC1274, world’s first Bifidobacterium which shows memory maintaining function with single live strain FINALIST Vinamilk - Optimum FINALIST Yashili Dairy (Maanshan) - Mengniu Yourui An Tang Dun Formula Milk Powder COMMENDED   China Feihe  - Feihe Aiben Daily Protein Nutritional Paste COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy  - Mengniu Future Star Exclusive Care Formula Milk For Children COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Bama128 Fermented milk COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Justpure Vitamin D Flavoured Yogurt COMMENDED   Vinamilk  - Meal Replacement for Weight Control - Vinamilk Tu Do COMMENDED   Yashili Dairy (Maanshan) - Mengniu One Metre Eighty-Eight Children Growth Formula Milk Powder Best intolerance-friendly innovation WINNER Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Yili’s Patented Multi-Enzymatic Lactose-to-GOS Technology: Boosting Gut Health in Qinghuo Adult Milk Powder FINALIST Arla Foods - Arla LactoFree Yoghurts FINALIST China Feihe - Muyuyouyang FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America - Dairy Pure Milk50 FINALIST Junlebao Dairy - Tianshikangmin Infant Partially Hydrolyzed Milk Protein Formula Food for Special Medical Purpose COMMENDED   China Feihe  - Xingfeifan Xiaoyang COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy  - MENGNIU Shiny Meadow Double Protein Milk COMMENDED   Yeeper (Qingdao) Sheep Dairy  - Yeeper Boneng Young Children Formula Sheep Milk Powder Best manufacturing/technology innovation WINNER DSM-Firmenich  - Maxiren EVO FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Conversion of Lactose in Milk to Tagatose by Enzyme-Chemical Method in a Synthesis Tower FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Multi-Texture Ice Cream Blending-Dispersion-Infusion Integrated Technology FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Ambpomial Yellow Peach Oatmeal Bursting Beads Yogurt FINALIST Junlebao Dairy - Freshjoy Lactose Free Milk FINALIST Mengniu Hi-tech Dairy Products - Mengniu 12MM Large Fruit Chunks Yogurt FINALIST Smaxtec - TruHealth Management – Powered by AI TruAdvice & Digital Assistant COMMENDED   Arla Foods Ingredients - High Yield Cottage Cheese COMMENDED   Collo  - Collo Liquid Analyzer COMMENDED   CP-Meiji  - Meiji Greek Style Yogurt COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Yijiahao Cheese  - Yili’s Xiang Yue Whipping Cream COMMENDED   SPXFlow Technology Danmark - APV Seamless UHT Vessel COMMENDED   Vikan  - Ultra Safe Technology Tank Brush Best businesses of 2025 Best marketing campaign WINNER Dairy Farmers of America  - Alta Dena FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America - Mayfield Dairy FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America - Meadow Gold FINALIST Hunt And Brew - Hunt And Brew UK Launch Campaign FINALIST Les Producteurs de lait du Québec - Lait - Rien d'autre (Milk - Nothing Else) FINALIST Les Producteurs de lait du Québec - Milkeye FINALIST Müller UK & Ireland - Müller Corner Originals COMMENDED   Arla Foods Ingredients - Upcycle your whey to value COMMENDED   China Feihe  - China Feihe - Launch of Fresh Extraction Technology of Milk Protein COMMENDED   Dairy Farmers of America  - TruMoo limited-edition flavours COMMENDED   Dairy Farmers of Canada  - Farm & Seek campaign Best new brand WINNER Shanghai Maction Health Technology  - Mengniu M-Action FINALIST China Feihe - Feihe Aiben Daily Protein Nutritional Paste FINALIST China Feihe - Feihe Zhiyunsheyang Postnatal & Lactation Nutrition Powder FINALIST PlanetDairy - How All Dairy Companies Will Be In The Future FINALIST SYNAURA Biotechnology (Shanghai) - Synaura Biotech: A Synthetic Biology Start-up that Specialises in Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) COMMENDED   China Feihe  - Feihe Zhiyunsheyang Prenatal & Maternity Nutrition Powder Best packaging design WINNER Vinamilk  - Vinamilk Plant-based Yoghurt FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Daily Fiber Oat Milk Biomimetic Eco-Friendly PET Bottle FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Forest-Protection Fermented Milk FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Shiny Meadow Seasonal Packaging (Cherry Blossom Bottle / Chinese New Year Bottle / Luminous Bottle) FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Satine Fresh Active Pure Milk FINALIST Mengniu Hi-tech Dairy Products - Mengniu YoyiC Chubby Bottle Probiotic Dairy Beverage FINALIST Yili - Shuhua Lactose-free Milk x Ma Long Co-branded Collectible Edition Packaging FINALIST Yili ChangQing - Changqing Greek Yogurt COMMENDED   China Feihe - Love Veggie Cheese COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Deluxe@ TPA250 Edge DreamCap PoB Full Color Digital Printing COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Blueberrie Popping Beads Fermented Milk Best CSR/sustainability initiative WINNER Yili Group  - Satine Carbon-Reduced Organic milk FINALIST Arla Foods Ingredients - Upcycle your whey to value FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniuu Deluxe Organic Milk Ice Cream FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Green Mood Mung Bean Ice Cream (Eco Mission Edition) FINALIST Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Strawberry Flavoured Ice Cream FINALIST Yili - Yili Eco-friendly Double Reduction Pure Milk COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy  - Mengniu Deluxe A2 Beta-Casein Pure Milk COMMENDED   Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu YoyiC Environment - Friendly Packaging COMMENDED   Maui Food  - Maui Sheep Milk Which innovations excite you most from this year's results? Share your insights and join the conversation using #WDIA25 About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com  or email awards@foodbev.com .

Specialities Inc, a US-based producer and distributor of deli food products, has introduced a 5kg artisan gouda cheese infused with pumpkin spice flavours. Crafted in the Netherlands by wholesale cheesemaker Van der Heiden Kaas, known for its traditional cheese-making techniques, the seasonal cheese features a unique blend of liquorice, ginger and cinnamon to create a 'rich, creamy gouda designed to evoke the feeling of cosy autumnal days and seasonal flavours.' The cheese was created as part of a collaboration between Specialities Inc and Van der Heiden Kaas, with the companies seeking the 'perfect flavour pairing that would resonate with the American palate'. Pumpkin Spice Gouda is making its debut at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, US, this July.

Industrial automation firm Sojo Industries has raised $40 million in financing from S2G Investments to expand its modular robotic packaging systems and track-and-trace software. The California-based company provides mobile and on-site packaging services for food, beverage and consumer goods manufacturers, including Fortune 500 firms and emerging brands. Its patented Flight system delivers rapid-deployment packaging lines, capable of being set up and running within an hour at customer locations, reducing the need for third-party co-packing and transport. The funding will be used to scale Flight deployments, enhance Sojo’s supply chain software platform Sojo Shield and further develop its integrated 'Atoms to Bits' platform, which combines robotics with blockchain-enabled logistics tools. Sojo Shield enables real-time inventory tracking, geolocation and operational insights, helping brands reduce freight distances, cut emissions, and gain more control over packaging and distribution processes. According to the company, its customers have saved over 5 million freight miles through the platform to date. S2G Investments, which focuses on food, agriculture, energy and oceans, said the partnership supports growing demand for flexible, tech-driven packaging solutions amid supply chain disruption and rising product variety. Matthew Walker, managing director of S2G’s food and agriculture strategy, said: “Sojo is addressing a core pain point in the food and beverage supply chain by tackling the fragmented, manual packaging and distribution processes that lead to hidden costs and operational drag. As complexity grows, brands need more agility, and traditional workflows, marked by multiple handoffs and limited visibility, are no longer sustainable.” Top image: © Linkedin: Sojo Industries

UK tempeh brand Better Nature has expanded its range with the addition of a Mediterranean Tempeh block, launching at Ocado. The pre-seasoned Mediterranean-inspired block is designed to provide a convenient addition to dishes like summer salads and pasta dishes, as well as for barbecue occasions. It contains 44g of protein per pack and a firm, juicy texture. Tempeh also contains a good source of fibre and prebiotics, tapping into increasing demand for gut-friendly products thanks to its fermented nature. It also provides a source of iron. Better Nature said it is targeting meat-eaters looking for healthy protein swaps with the launch, noting that gut-friendly proteins are creating new opportunities for category growth. Elin Roberts, co-CEO and co-founder of Better Nature, said: “Gut-friendly protein is hot right now, fuelled by social media and the shift away from UPFs”. She added: “With consumers prioritising protein as part of a healthier lifestyle, we’re starting to see a shift away from so-so proteins like chicken (that offer nothing but protein) and towards more nutritious proteins like beans and tempeh, which are also packed with gut-friendly fibre and prebiotics”. The new Mediterranean Tempeh is rolling out via Ocado this month with an RRP of £3 per 220g pack.

Unilever has proposed Peter ter Kulve as its preferred candidate to head the Magnum Ice Cream Company, the group’s ice cream division, with full board approval expected. Last year, Unilever announced plans to separate its ice cream business and form The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which is gearing up for a planned Amsterdam listing by the end of the year. Ter Kulve is the current president of ice cream for Unilever, having previously been president of the group's home care division. A spokesperson for Unilever confirmed: "It is proposed that Peter ter Kulve will become CEO of The Magnum Ice Cream Company. Approval of the full board of The Magnum Ice Cream Company by the Unilever PLC Board is anticipated in July 2025." Following the separation of the ice cream business from the rest of Unilever’s portfolio, the Magnum Ice Cream Company will be parent of Unilever's global ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry's. Ben & Jerry's has been involved in a series of disputes with the company in recent years, including a March 2025 lawsuit over the removal of Ben & Jerry’s CEO and its calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. In November 2024, Ben & Jerry's also filed a lawsuit claiming that Unilever had tried to stop it from expressing support for Palestinian refugees. The brand was reported to be exploring buy back options earlier this year. Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry's in 2000 for $326 million. According to reporting by Reuters , Warren Ackerman, an analyst from Barclay’s bank estimated that Ben & Jerry’s is the third largest ice cream brand in the world, warning that a potential fall out from the appointment could impact investors. Unilever's ice cream business reported a combined turnover of €8.3 billion in 2024. An official announcement of ter Kulve's appointment is expected following a July board meeting.

Masons of Yorkshire has partnered with mixer brand Franklin & Sons to launch a new range of ready-to-drink (RTD) cans combining premium spirits with crafted mixers. The 250ml range includes two variants: Original Gin & Light Tonic, and Vodka, Lime & Lemonade. The collaboration brings together Masons’ award-winning gin and vodka with Franklin & Sons' mixers, as both brands aim to meet rising demand for high-quality, convenient alcoholic beverages. Masons distills its spirits using real botanicals and natural ingredients. The company said the RTD format had been in development for more than two years and required a partner with aligned values on quality and provenance. The new range is available via the Good Time In platform and Masons’ website, with further rollout onboard TransPennine Express trains later this month.

Dutch supermarket giant Albert Heijn has become the first major retailer in the Netherlands to introduce a line of its own hybrid dairy and plant milk products into stores. The launch is the result of a collaboration between the Netherlands' Farm Dairy and Denmark-based food-tech firm PlanetDairy, marking a significant milestone for the dairy sector. Available in skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole varieties, the hybrid milk products are said to offer comparable levels of vitamins B and B+, with added vitamin D, to traditional dairy and plant-based options. The skimmed milk features 2.7 g protein and 0.1 g saturated fat compared to 3.6 g and 0.6 g respectively for traditional skimmed milk, while the semi-skimmed has 3g of protein and 0.3g of saturated fat, compared to 3,5g and 1g in traditional products. The whole milk has 3g protein and 0.7g fat compared to 3.4g and 2.2g respectively for traditional whole milk. The range is made from between 60-70% traditional dairy, with the balance made up of plant ingredients. Produced at Farm Dairy’s facility in Lelystad, the Netherlands, the milk will be offered at the same price as traditional dairy and plant-based options at Albert Heijn stores. The collaboration began last year following the successful launch of cheese alternatives into the Nordic market. Hans Zijlstra, manager of quality & technology at Farm Dairy, said: “Combining our traditional dairy expertise with PlanetDairy’s food-tech innovation allowed us to create a product that meets the evolving demands of modern consumers – those who want sustainability without sacrificing taste.” By combining PlanetDairy’s proprietary blending technology and Farm Dairy’s established production capabilities, the hybrid milks are designed to offer the sensory and nutritional experience of traditional dairy with a substantially reduced carbon footprint. “The first challenge to overcome was taste and appearance,” said Paul Cornillon, CTO of PlanetDairy. “The milk needed to match the experience of traditional dairy in every way, while also being affordable and nutritionally balanced.” For Albert Heijn, the launch underscores its commitment to innovation and environmental leadership in retail. “We pride ourselves on being pathbreakers in Dutch retail,” said Jan de Graaf, head of dairy at Albert Heijn. “The Farm Dairy and PlanetDairy partnership made it possible for us to bring this hybrid milk to market as a first in the Netherlands.” Following the launch of hybrid milk in the Netherlands, the companies have already announced a collaboration to bring hybrid yogurt to supermarket shelves. “This is just the beginning,” said Jakob Skovgaard, CEO of PlanetDairy. “We're excited to build on this momentum and help shape the future of dairy, where sustainability, taste and nutrition are no longer trade-offs.” Skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole hybrid milks are available across the Netherlands at Albert Heijn stores now.

Food giants Kraft Heinz and General Mills have this week announced they will commit to removing artificial colours from all of their US food products by the end of 2027. The announcements come amid increasing scrutiny of artificial dyes and other synthetic food additives in the US, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr calling on all major food companies in the country to remove the dyes from their products by the end of his term in 2029. This aligns with Kennedy’s Make America Health Again agenda, seeking to address chronic health issues by reforming dietary practices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already banned the use of the synthetic Red Dye 3 after it was linked to cancer in laboratory rats . Other synthetic colours have been linked to potential adverse health effects, such as hyperactivity in children, fuelling growing concerns over their use. Kraft Heinz announced yesterday (17 June 2025) that it will not launch any new products in the US with Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colours, effective immediately. It will also remove the remaining FD&C colours from its US product portfolio before the end of 2027. In a statement, the company said nearly 90% of its US products are already free of artificial colours. Kraft Heinz has now invested in ‘significant resources’ to address the portion of products that still contain the synthetic dyes. It will take a ‘three-pronged’ approach to address the challenge: removing colours where it is not critical to the consumer experience; replacing FD&C colours with natural variants; or reinventing new colours and shades where matching natural replacements are not available. Pedro Navio, North America president at Kraft Heinz, said: “The vast majority of our products use natural or no colours, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio. In fact, we removed artificial colors, preservatives and flavours from our beloved Kraft Mac & Cheese back in 2016.” He added: “Our iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup has never had artificial dyes – the red colour comes simply from the world’s best tomatoes. Above all, we are focused on providing nutritious, affordable and great-tasting food for Americans and this is a privilege we don’t take lightly.” The company said it is also working with licensees of it brands to encourage them to remove FD&C colours. General Mills also shared a statement yesterday, revealing it will remove artificial colours from all its US cereals and all K-12 school foods by summer 2026. It will then work to remove them from its full US retail portfolio by the end of 2027. The company said the change impacts only a small portion of its K-12 school portfolio, as nearly all its school offerings today are made without artificial dyes. Similarly, 85% of its full US retail portfolio is currently made without FD&C colours. Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO of General Mills, said: “Across the long arc of our history, General Mills has moved quickly to meet evolving consumer needs, and reformulating our product portfolio to remove certified colours is yet another example”. He added: “Knowing the trust families place in us, we are leading the way on removing certified colours in cereals and K-12 foods by next summer. We’re committed to continuing to make food that tastes great and is accessible to all.” The company has made several moves to enhance the health of its offerings in recent years, including addressing sugar reduction, doubling vitamin D in its cereals by 2023 and reducing sodium by 20% across key product categories since 2019.

Veritable Distillery, a Connecticut-based producer of historically-inspired spirits, has introduced its new Limoncello, a summer aperitif crafted with traditional methods and a focus on authenticity. This launch comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking premium, transparent products that resonate with their values of sustainability and quality. Drawing inspiration from colonial New England, where lemons were prized for their flavour and medicinal properties, Veritable’s Limoncello aims to elevate this citrus fruit's status in the modern spirits market. The distillery sources its key ingredient, Sorrento lemons, from Italy, known for their vibrant flavour, and incorporates them into a recipe that reflects Old World craftsmanship. The Limoncello is produced using a meticulous five-week maceration process, allowing the natural flavours to infuse into the organic cane spirit. The final product contains only four ingredients: hand-prepared Sorrento lemons, organic cane spirit, sugar, and water. This commitment to simplicity aligns with a growing consumer preference for transparency and clean label products. Finneas Pryor, vice president and co-founder of Veritable Distillery, highlighted the importance of authenticity in their offerings: “By sticking to traditional methods and just a handful of honest ingredients, we were able to create something that's incredibly fresh, expressive and easy to love”. This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry, where consumers are gravitating towards products that tell a story and connect with their heritage. Veritable Distillery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its packaging choices, as the Limoncello is bottled in 100% recycled glass. The distillery also prioritises radical transparency, disclosing all ingredients and production methods directly on the label. This initiative allows consumers to make informed choices, fostering a deeper appreciation for authentic, traditional spirits. The distillery’s approach aligns with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. According to recent industry reports, consumers are more inclined to support brands that demonstrate ethical practices and sustainability in their production processes.

A new report from Circana reveals a significant shift in European consumer behaviour, highlighting a growing appetite for indulgent food experiences that provide emotional and mental relief amidst ongoing economic and global challenges. The 'Eat Play Love' report indicates that while everyday spending remains cautious, there is an emerging trend of splurging on food, snacks and dining experiences that offer moments of joy and escape. Key findings from the report Shift toward snackification The report underscores a notable trend toward 'snackification,' where traditional meal structures are being redefined. Approximately 13% of Europeans now opt for snacks as replacements for main meals, while 28% consume snacks alongside their meals. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of diverse options, with consumers increasingly viewing snacks – not just sweets – as integral to their daily nutrition. The concept of snacking has evolved significantly, with nearly 40% of snack products consumed outside the home now being eaten during lunch or dinner. This trend indicates that consumers are experimenting with a wider variety of foods, including pickles, boiled eggs and even frozen pizza, as they seek options that fit their lifestyles. In addition, high-protein, minimally processed snacks continue to gain traction, with almost half of respondents considering regular snacking as a form of self-care. This shift might illustrates a broader cultural change where snacking is no longer seen as a guilty pleasure but rather as a deliberate choice that enhances wellbeing. “Eating is no longer just about satisfying hunger; it’s about boosting moods, adding excitement to every meal and enhancing everyday rituals,” said Ananda Roy, senior vice president of strategic insights and thought leadership EMEA at Circana. “The convenience, flexibility and variety offered by snack foods is a great example. Today, snacks are less a guilty pleasure and more a deliberate purchase.” Rise in restaurant-quality delivery Despite the higher costs associated with food delivery, spending in this sector has surged, with €29 billion spent on foodservice deliveries in the past year, up from €26 billion in 2023. This trend is particularly pronounced in the UK, where the foodservice delivery market grew to £9.7 billion, reflecting a 29% increase from the previous year. Savvy consumers are creatively managing their budgets by ordering main courses for delivery while purchasing appetisers, desserts and drinks from grocery stores. This strategy allows them to transform a typical €120 restaurant visit into a more affordable €50 pizza delivery, preserving much of the enjoyment associated with dining out. Breakfast and snacking trends Breakfast is undergoing a transformation, with the number of breakfasts eaten out of home increasing by 3% in 2024, totaling 9.8 billion occasions. The report notes a 10% rise in breakfast outings among 17 to 29-year-olds, signaling a shift in how younger consumers engage with this meal. This demographic is increasingly opting for healthier choices, such as cereal and egg-based products, which are becoming more popular. Simultaneously, snacking continues to thrive, with spend on ‘snacking meals’ up 4.5% in foodservice outlets and 9.6% in retail foodservice, contributing to a combined total of €64 billion. Sweet bakery items are experiencing robust growth across all dayparts, particularly during breakfast, where items like muffins and pancakes saw a 13% increase in popularity. Even though total lunch visits declined, sweet bakery items registered a 4% growth, indicating a persistent consumer preference for indulgent snacks. Health and environmental concerns As health issues such as obesity and chronic diseases become more prevalent, European consumers are increasingly proactive about their nutrition. There is a rising demand for foods that are high in protein and fibre, as well as those that boost immunity and enhance mood. Notably, 38% of consumers believe that processing can improve taste, while 40% assert that it makes products more affordable. This duality suggests that while there is a push for natural ingredients, many consumers still appreciate the benefits of processed foods. Environmental responsibility remains a significant concern, with 26% of European consumers preferring environmentally friendly options and 27% drawn to socially responsible brands. This trend reflects a growing awareness of sustainability issues, as consumers increasingly seek local sourcing and seasonal produce in their food choices. Mainstream preferences and the rise of the supermarket The report indicates that mainstream food outlets and chains are dominating consumer choices, with many Europeans gravitating toward familiar brands like Starbucks and Pret a Manger for their value and convenience. This trend is evident in food retail, where supermarket unit sales grew by 1.6%, contrasting with a mere 0.8% growth for discount stores. Consumers are returning to traditional retail channels, seeking the reliability and variety that supermarkets offer. Doggy bags and sustainable practices The concept of taking home leftovers has gained traction, with 20% of European consumers now viewing doggy bags as important and an act of sustainability. While saving money is the primary motivation for requesting a doggy bag, the desire to reduce food waste also plays a significant role. Furthermore, 19% of consumers express interest in donating leftovers to charities, indicating a growing trend towards food sustainability. Edurne Uranga, vice president of foodservice Europe at Circana, commented: “Consumers are watching their spending, asking for doggy bags and planning meal occasions carefully. This isn’t just budgeting; it’s a form of empowerment.”

Danone North America celebrated the opening of a new $65m production line at its manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, yesterday (17 June 2025). The 115,025-square-foot site has benefitted from an expansion to support the growth of Danone’s coffee and creamer portfolio, including brands such as International Delight creamers and STōK Cold Brew Coffee. The new production line features advanced technology, including a unique bottle-molding process to increase production capacity and deliver efficiency and sustainability benefits. According to Danone, this technology will result in a 30% reduction in bottle loss, and reduced water usage to create new recyclable bottles. © Rick Wilson/AP Content Danone is also investing in a new regional distribution centre in the Jacksonville area. This will form part of a streamlined, high-capacity distribution network, enabling the company to enhance supply chain efficiency and deliver products at ‘peak freshness’ across the southeastern US. Through the investment, Danone aims to increase product availability on shelves nationwide and shorten the path from production to customer delivery. Between the manufacturing plant and distribution centre, Danone will also create nearly 200 new direct and indirect jobs in the community. Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America, commented: “Today's announcement is the latest example of our over 80-year commitment to American manufacturing and strengthening our local communities”. “We are focused on serving our consumers as our business continues to grow and innovate, and we are committed to accelerating these investments to play our part in driving economic growth.” Top image: © Rick Wilson/AP Content

Bühler has introduced OmniCool Smart, a compact cooling tunnel engineered for product and chocolate cooling. According to Bühler, its new system can help manufacturers to cut energy consumption and reduce operating costs through a streamlined, maintenance-friendly design. While traditional cooling systems rely on compressed air, OmniCool Smart operates entirely on electricity. Compressed air systems are energy-intensive and require regular maintenance, while electric systems can offer a quieter, more efficient and low-maintenance alternative. OmniCool Smart optimises airflow, temperature control and belt tracking to deliver ‘perfectly cooled’ fruit, cereal, snack and protein bars as well as enrobed wafer and biscuit products. It features a modular design, with the cooling section positioned underneath to ensure ‘optimal cooling performance’ while minimising height. Its belt tracking system incorporates advanced sensor technology to deliver ideal operating conditions. The tunnel is also designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, reducing downtime. The solution can be fully integrated into existing production lines. It can be operated either from the previous machine in the line or directly via its own control panel (human-machine interface, HMI). Operators benefit from ‘intuitive controls’ that simplify configuration and monitoring, Bühler noted, both at the equipment or via smart devices. OmniCool is also available as a bundle with ChoCoat Pro, offering an optimised solution for enrobing and cooling. András Somfai, head of product management and process engineering at Bühler, said: “OmniCool Smart is the ideal compact cooling solution for today’s and future production needs”. “It ensures consistently high product quality, significantly reduces cleaning and maintenance requirements, and supports customers in reducing their carbon footprint.”