US-based chocolate brand Hu has added to its portfolio with the launch of individually wrapped Dark Chocolate Bites, available in three new flavours: Hazelnut Butter, Cashew Butter and Pure Vanilla Bean & Creamy Coconut. Hu’s new Dark Chocolate Bites feature six individually wrapped chocolates available in 2.75oz pouches. Each bite features a creamy centre coated in dark chocolate and each only featuring 4-6 ingredients. Jordan Brown, co-founder of Hu, said: “We’re incredibly excited for our fans to try the new Bites. Our team put a lot of heart into this launch and it shows. This line continues our long legacy of chocolate innovation – especially with our first-ever creamy coconut-filled chocolate.” Crafted with organic, Fairtrade chocolate, Hu’s Bites are USDA organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and free from refined sugars, sugar alcohols, soy, palm oil and emulsifiers. They are also suitable for paleo, keto and kosher diets. Hu’s Dark Chocolate Bites are available across the US at Whole Foods and Kroger.

Gluten-free pizza company White Rabbit is expanding its prepare-at-home Italian range with a category-first biscotti launch and a new plain gnocchi. Marking its debut in sweet snacking, the biscotti is hand-rolled, twice-baked and made using a traditional Italian recipe with fresh almond pieces. The gnocchi, meanwhile, joins White Rabbit’s chilled fresh pasta line-up and offers a versatile option for both dairy and plant-based dishes. White Rabbit's co-founder and CEO, Nick Croft-Simon, said: “Our new biscotti taps into snacking and premium gifting, while our plain gnocchi addresses the main challenge gluten-free consumers face, finding convenient and quick meal solutions – both offers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top-tier mainstream equivalents, bringing more choice, incredible taste and value to our shoppers.” He continued: “Our mission at White Rabbit has been the same from the start: to bring compromise-free, high-quality gluten-free meal solutions to the category for the around 7 million gluten-free consumers that now make up a staggering one in five of UK households.” Launching this month in Sainsbury’s and Ocado, the new products complement White Rabbit’s wider range, which includes gluten-free sourdough pizzas, focaccia, pasta and desserts – all crafted in its bespoke bakery using traditional Italian methods.

Scotch whisky distiller InchDairnie Distillery has merged with Glasgow-based MacDuff International to form a new company, InchDairnie Whisky. Effective 1 May, the unified business will be led by Graham Glen as commercial managing director and Scott Sneddon as distilling managing director. In a statement on LinkedIn, the combined business said: “This strategic move brings together two respected names in Scotch whisky - uniting tradition, innovation and shared ambition under one identity. The merger will streamline operations, strengthen alignment across teams and sharpen our focus on delivering exceptional whisky to a global audience.” Founded in 2015 by Ian Palmer, InchDairnie launched its first brand in 2023 and has been producing whisky for MacDuff since its inception, including the Islay Mist and Lauder’s brands. Established in 1992, MacDuff also handled international sales and distribution of InchDairnie’s Ryleaw brand. Glen commented: “Working as one business, with one team and one vision sets us up for long-term success. While the MacDuff name will be retired from active use, it remains a proud part of our legacy.” Sneddon added: “This is more than a name change, it is a statement of intent. It comes at an exciting time as we prepare to launch our first single malt signature bottling, KinGlassie.” According to InchDairnie's new website, the company will sell to global markets including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Taiwan and parts of Europe. KinGlassie, a peated single malt, will launch in the coming weeks.

Endeavour Group has named Jayne Hrdlicka as its next managing director and chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2026, as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. Hrdlicka takes over from Ari Mervis, who stepped into the role in January, following the departure of former CEO Steve Donohue. Commenting on the changes, Mervis said: "After an extensive global search, the board is delighted to have secured such a highly capable leader. Jayne brings many strengths to the role, including a history of using deep consumer insights to define successful strategy formulation and execution and extensive business transformation experience.” Prior to joining Endeavour, Hrdlicka has held leadership roles across several Australian consumer businesses, including as CEO and MD of Virgin Australia during its exit from administration. She was also CEO and MD of the A2 Milk Company and Group CEO of the Jetstar Group. Between 2010 and 2016, she served as a non-executive director of Woolworths Group, which at the time included Endeavour Group’s liquor and hospitality businesses. Mervis continued: “Jayne has a proven track record leading consumer-facing businesses to success. She has led many complex organisations and delivered significant shareholder value by capturing the true potential of a company’s brands and assets." Hrdlicka said: “I look forward to working with the 30,000+ team members and together, continuing to deliver for millions of valued customers as we look to grow the company and unlock value for all of our shareholders". The Endeavour Group was established in 2018 following the merger of ALH Hotel Groups and Endeavour Drinks. Its portfolio includes Australian and New Zealand winemakers Paragon Wine Estates, wine, beer and spirits distributor Pinnacle Drinks and Australian fine wine retailer Langtons, as well as a number of liquor stores across Australia and other retail and hospitality brands.

Nomadic has expanded its protein-packed offering with the launch of Power Oats, a new yogurt and oats duo available in two flavours: Zingy Raspberry and Vibrant Vanilla. Each 150g pot delivers 10g of protein, 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D and gut-friendly cultures. The launch taps into rising consumer interest in immunity support and gut health, while also aligning with the popular overnight oats trend on social media. Power Oats joins the company’s growing ‘Power Portfolio’ of protein-led products aimed at time-pressed consumers. Michelle Bloom, Nomadic’s marketing manager, said: “Power Oats features yogurt blended with oats, which lend a different, satisfying, texture – and two great flavour choices". "Combining ‘power’ with flavour is always paramount for us – as it is for our customers, who’re busy on their feet and always on the go. If the flavour doesn’t match the power delivery in such products, then they’ll just move on.”    Power Oats will be available in Morrisons from Thursday 8 May for an RRP of £1.50.

Lactalis has agreed to acquire Portuguese cheese manufacturer Queijos Tavares from Crest Capital Partners. The deal includes two production sites in Seia and Fundão. Founded in 1996, Queijos Tavares produces cow, sheep and goat cheeses under brands including Seia do Tavares, Serras de Penela, Damar and Monte da Soalheira. The company is a major supplier to the retail and hospitality sectors in Portugal and holds three PDOs for its specialty sheep cheeses. The acquisition adds 120 employees to Lactalis Portugal, bringing its total workforce to 820 across four production sites. It follows the 2024 acquisition of Sequeira & Sequeira and further expands the company’s presence in Portugal’s cheese market. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

The alcohol industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the evolving tastes, values and purchasing habits of Gen Z and millennials. Unlike previous generations, these consumers are more health-conscious, socially aware, and, most importantly, digitally savvy. Zac Brandenberg, co-founder and CEO at Drinks, explains how traditional brands can adapt and how start-ups are thriving by catering to this new wave of digitally sophisticated drinkers. The 1962 animated series The Jetsons imagined a futuristic 2062, where everyday tasks were simplified through automation – from food preparation to shopping to household chores. We’re more than halfway to that future now, and while we haven't quite achieved their flying cars, we've surpassed the Jetsons’ vision in many ways. Today's consumers can order virtually anything with a few taps on their phones, get groceries delivered within hours and receive personalised recommendations through AI. Yet, while consumers can order almost anything with a few taps on their phones, alcohol retail remains firmly rooted in brick-and-mortar stores. This disconnect between modern convenience and traditional alcohol retail is particularly stark for younger generations who have grown up in an on-demand world. Nearly half (48%) of Gen Z and millennial consumers say they would prefer to purchase alcohol from their favourite online retailers – more than double the rate of consumers aged 45 and older (23%), according to Drinks’ survey. This preference is no slight shift; it's a fundamental reimagining of how the alcohol industry should work in our digital age. This transformation represents the biggest challenge yet to the traditional alcohol distribution model. As millions of Gen Z consumers reach legal drinking age and millennials enter their prime purchasing years, manufacturers and distributors must urgently adapt their operations to meet the demands of these digital-first consumers. If they don’t, they’ll miss out on more than flying cars – they’ll lose these customers to more innovative competitors. The new rules of alcohol retail Today's younger consumers expect the same digital convenience in alcohol retail that they experience everywhere else. While older generations remain committed to in-store shopping, Drinks' data shows millennials and Gen Z are pioneering a hybrid approach that blends digital and physical experiences. This shift isn't about abandoning traditional retail – quite the opposite. Recent Shopify data reveals that 47% of Gen Z consumers value in-store discovery, using physical spaces to explore new products. However, they expect these traditional experiences to be enhanced with digital conveniences, like mobile ordering and same-day delivery. Beyond shopping preferences, Gen Z is reshaping brand expectations. While they currently represent just 6% of alcohol buyers, Gen Z and Millennials make up 62% of the global population, with millions entering the BevAlc space over the next decade. Their influence is already apparent: Despite 21.5% of Gen Z not drinking any alcohol, 47.5% of those who do drink demand ingredient and calorie transparency from brands, and over half will stop purchasing from companies whose values don't align with theirs. This combination of demographic growth and consumer demands has pushed major alcohol brands to expand beyond traditional offerings, with companies launching alcohol-free alternatives, digital-first purchasing options, and more transparent product labelling. For manufacturers and retailers, Gen Z’s growing market influence means: Digital integration must provide the transparency Gen Z demands, from ingredient lists to company values. Manufacturers need to redesign their distribution networks to support seamless digital ordering and delivery. Companies that invest in both digital infrastructure and transparent practices now will capture the next generation of consumers. Overcoming the eCommerce trust gap The path to digital transformation isn't without obstacles. While younger consumers want digital convenience, Drinks' research reveals their key concerns: high delivery fees, shipping damage risks and a lingering attachment to in-store shopping experiences. These challenges stem from an outdated infrastructure designed for bulk retail delivery, not individual shipments. However, the blueprint for a solution already exists in the grocery sector, where micro-fulfilment centres near population hubs have revolutionised last-mile delivery economics. For alcohol manufacturers and distributors, adaptation means rethinking everything from packaging design to distribution networks. Success requires building infrastructure that can seamlessly serve direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol delivery – delivering the convenient future that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. Building for tomorrow’s alcohol consumer Gen Z’s behaviour offers a preview of tomorrow's marketplace. Unlike previous generations, who relied on in-store browsing and traditional recommendations, these digital natives turn to social platforms to evaluate everything from shipping speed to customer reviews. This mindset is reshaping product discovery. Drinks reports that younger consumers are three times more likely to be influenced by online recommendations and targeted advertising than older demographics. Yet the fundamentals haven't changed. Personal recommendations still drive product trials, but these conversations now happen primarily through digital channels. This shift means digital discovery is becoming as crucial as physical shelf presence. The challenge has evolved from selling online to creating digital experiences that match the convenience and social validation these consumers expect in every other category. The road ahead: Strategies and trends for 2025 The alcohol industry is at an inflection point as younger consumers reshape purchasing patterns. To succeed in this evolving marketplace, businesses must focus on the following key strategies while preparing for emerging trends: Digital integration: Build seamless ecommerce capabilities that connect with existing retail systems, allowing consumers to purchase through their preferred channels while maintaining compliance. Catalogue optimisation: Leverage AI and data analytics to curate product selections that match consumer preferences and personalise digital shopping experiences. First-party relationships: Develop direct connections with consumers to gather valuable insights, inform product innovation and enhance marketing strategies. Supply chain modernisation: Adapt distribution networks to prioritise speed and flexibility in both retail and DTC delivery. As businesses implement these strategies, larger industry shifts are already taking shape. Digital integration has become a business imperative. Drinks' data shows that retailers adding alcohol to their ecommerce platforms see 2-5% gross merchandise value (GMV) growth. To capture this ecommerce opportunity, manufacturers and distributors must develop new fulfilment capabilities that can handle individual consumer orders alongside traditional retail distribution. The three-tier alcohol distribution system, established after prohibition to regulate the flow of alcohol from producers to consumers through distributors and retailers, is evolving to include what we call the 'Fourth Tier'. This digital layer enables established online merchants to seamlessly add alcohol to their offerings without navigating the complex and expensive conventional alcohol licensing path. Through AI-driven product recommendations and streamlined compliance, the Fourth Tier creates opportunities for brands to reach consumers through diverse digital channels – from lifestyle content creators to established ecommerce platforms – while maintaining all legal requirements. This evolution comes at a critical time, as adjacent categories, like cannabis already offer the kind of superior digital experiences that younger consumers expect. The alcohol industry can no longer afford to protect outdated distribution models. While the Jetsons' flying cars remain science fiction, their vision of seamless digital convenience is now a consumer expectation. The alcohol industry must deliver this automated, accessible future or risk losing the next generation of customers entirely.

Kellanova-owned snack brand Pringles is set to enhance its UK convenience channel offerings with the launch of its latest flavour, Blazin’ Fried Chicken. This introduction follows a successful rollout across major grocery chains and is part of a broader strategy to capitalise on the increasing consumer preference for spicy snacks. The new flavour, inspired by Nashville-style fried chicken, is a response to a notable 23% rise in demand for spicy snack varieties across Europe. This trend reflects a growing appetite among consumers for bold flavours, with Google searches for Nashville-style chicken in the UK reportedly surging by 120% over the past year. The Blazin’ Fried Chicken flavour joins Pringles' existing Hot portfolio, which includes Smokin’ BBQ Ribs, Kickin’ Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli, each offering distinct heat levels. Seanáin McGuigan, Pringles brand manager for the UK and Ireland, highlighted the strategic nature of this partnership: "With the rise in popularity of hot and spicy foods in the UK, our new Blazin’ Fried Chicken flavour taps into this growing trend to give consumers more variety and choice when it comes to spicy snacks." The introduction of Blazin’ Fried Chicken is expected to create significant opportunities for retailers, particularly in the convenience sector. With Pringles' established reputation and the anticipated consumer enthusiasm for this new flavour, retailers are encouraged to capitalise on the trend by promoting the product effectively. Pringles is already making the flavour available nationwide through key distributors such as Bestway, Dhamecha, Parfetts, Sugro and Unitas. The new product will be available in a 160g pack with a recommended retail price of £2.75.

Dutch biotechnology company Meatable and Singapore-based TruMeat have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of cultivated meat. Meatable specialises in developing advanced cultivated meat technologies, particularly for pork, that enable the sustainable production of meat without the need for traditional animal farming. TruMeat, meanwhile, focuses on the industrialisation of cultivated meat technologies and contract manufacturing, providing essential infrastructure and expertise for large-scale production. This collaboration, unveiled on 30 April 2025, will focus on optimising production processes and developing media solutions, with plans to establish a cutting-edge facility in Singapore. The partnership aims to address one of the industry's most pressing challenges: achieving cost-effective production of cultivated meat at a scale that can compete with conventional meat. Meatable, recognised for its advanced cultivated meat technology, will leverage TruMeat's expertise in contract manufacturing to enhance efficiency and reduce production costs. Jeff Tripician, CEO of Meatable, said: "This is the next step in our journey to make cultivated meat accessible and affordable. We have full trust in TruMeat's expertise, and together, we are confident in our ability to optimise processes and scale efficiently. This collaboration brings us closer to providing the meat industry with the solutions it needs to deliver great tasting, sustainable meat to customers and consumers worldwide." The new facility in Singapore is poised to be a pivotal player in the cultivated meat landscape. It will be the first in the region dedicated to producing cultivated meat at the necessary cost levels and volumes for commercial partners to formulate, test and launch products effectively. James Chui, chairman of TruMeat, noted the significance of this development: "We recognise that Meatable is a clear leader in the cultivated meat space, and we have been waiting for a technology with this potential. We are very confident that by combining our strengths, we can achieve the necessary cost reductions and the commercial scale to make cultivated meat a viable option for global markets."

Swiss high-purity oil and fat specialist Nutriswiss has opened a state-of-the-art sensory laboratory at its headquarters in Lyss. Designed to provide neutral, accurate conditions for sensory evaluations, the facility underscores the company’s focus on safety and scientific precision in food manufacturing. The launch follows Nutriswiss’ certification under the latest FSSC 22000 food safety management system and approval from local authorities. Michèle Béatrice Suter, laboratory manager at Nutriswiss, said: “Smell and taste are critical in determining whether fats and oils meet the high expectations of our customers. With our new sensory lab, we can now evaluate products under completely neutral conditions – free from any external influences, such as ambient odours, ensuring the most accurate results possible.” The lab has been built to meet the most current recommendations from the German Society for Fat Science, a leading authority in lipid research and sensory standards. The design and implementation of the facility were developed in collaboration with the Food Sensory Research Group at the Zurich University of Applied Science, which also trains assessors for the Swiss Olive Oil Panel. The facility will support the company’s broader efforts in R&D, product development and customer-specific formulation.

Private equity firm Apex Capital has acquired a majority stake in Juanita’s Foods, a producer of authentic Mexican food products in the US. Known for its strong roots in the Hispanic community, Juanita’s will continue to be partially owned and actively led by the founding De la Torre family. The partnership aims to accelerate Juanita’s growth while preserving its heritage, ensuring continuity for employees and customers, and fostering innovation across its product portfolio. Pedro Palma, managing partner at Apex Capital, said: “We are proud to partner with Juanita’s, a brand that deeply resonates with Hispanic consumers and aligns with our values. This investment is a strong fit with our strategy of nurturing heritage Hispanic brands with high growth potential, guided by a focus on operational excellence and sustainable value creation.” Aron De la Torre, CEO of Juanita’s Foods, which was founded in 1946, added: “This partnership strengthens our commitment to expanding Juanita’s into new markets and categories. Our shared commitment at putting people at the centre and honouring our brand’s legacy will be key to our future success.” Financial terms were not disclosed. Top image: © Juanita's Foods

Adaptogenic wellness brand The Herbtender has launched a new range of five organic herbal teas, combining medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs to support wellbeing throughout the day. Drawing on 25 years of expertise, each blend has been crafted for both taste and efficacy, using high-quality ingredients such as reishi, lion’s mane, ginseng, holy basil, turmeric and lemon balm. The new range includes five blends: Good Morning, with Reishi, lemon balm, lemon verberna, rosemary and turmeric; And Breathe, with lion’s mane, holy basil, lemon balm, passionflower and liquorice to calm; Pure Focus, with lion’s mane, liquorice, peppermint, rosemary and lemon verberna; Vital Glow, with reishi, liquorice, ginger, cinnamon and hibiscus and Good Night, with reishi, holy basil, hibiscus and chamomile. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Mark and Laura Neville, in collaboration with medical herbalist Schia Mitchell Sinclair, The Herbtender champions clean, sustainable wellness solutions using adaptogens and functional herbs. Laura said: “The launch of our teas is a crucial step in our journey to extending our reach into broader, more accessible categories, traditionally related to herbal wellbeing. We hear from satisfied customers each day about the benefits they are experiencing from using our supplements to support their resilience to stress." "These teas are the natural next step to bringing adaptogenic wellness to different moments in their day and we hope they help more people experience the benefits of these incredible plants as part of their daily routine.” Sinclair added: “Drinking herbal tea is one of the oldest and simplest ways to enjoy the benefits of plants. It’s accessible, comforting, and adds something extra to your daily cuppa. So, it felt like a natural next step to bring The Herbtender’s adaptogen expertise into tea form. Each blend is crafted with a clear purpose in mind and is HFMA-certified for the health benefits it offers.” The teas come in fully recyclable, plastic-free packaging – down to the organic string – and each purchase supports charitable initiatives. They available online via the brand's website for £4.75 per pack.