Several multinational F&B companies, including PepsiCo, Danone-owned Alpro and Costa, have withdrawn products from Germany’s voluntary Nutri-Score front-of-pack labelling system following the introduction of stricter scoring rules this year, according to an analysis by consumer group Foodwatch. The updated Nutri-Score algorithm, which came into force on 1 January 2026, applies tougher criteria to sugar, salt and fat content and reclassifies certain milk-based and plant-based drinks as beverages rather than foods. front The changes have resulted in lower ratings for a wide range of products, prompting some manufacturers to remove the traffic-light-style label from packaging. Foodwatch said it identified 33 manufacturers in Germany that had previously registered for Nutri-Score but have since withdrawn the label from all or part of their portfolios. Companies cited include PepsiCo, Danone, Alpro, Costa, Coppenrath & Wiese, Harry Brot, YFood, Hengstenberg and Werder Ketchup. Under the revised system, products that previously achieved favourable ratings have been downgraded. Pepsi Zero, for example, would fall from a B to a C due to new penalties for sweeteners, while Danone’s Actimel drink would drop from B to E as all drinkable products are now assessed under stricter beverage criteria. Bread, dairy alternatives and prepared meals have also been affected by changes to fibre thresholds and salt weighting. PepsiCo has removed Nutri-Score labelling from several beverage brands, including Pepsi, Mirinda and Rockstar, while continuing to display the label on some snack products such as Lay’s and Doritos. Similarly, Danone has dropped Nutri-Score from brands including Alpro, Actimel and Fruchtzwerge, while retaining it on others such as Activia. The withdrawals highlight growing tension between voluntary nutrition labelling schemes and manufacturers’ portfolio strategies, particularly as scoring revisions expose products to less favourable ratings without reformulation. Germany’s agriculture ministry said around 960 companies, covering approximately 1,420 brands, were registered to use Nutri-Score as of April 2025. Foodwatch has called on the government to make the label mandatory, arguing that voluntary participation allows companies to selectively apply transparency. For food and beverage manufacturers, the changes increase pressure to reassess product formulation, portfolio segmentation and labelling strategies, particularly as Nutri-Score continues to gain traction across multiple European markets. The Nutri-Score system is overseen by an independent international scientific panel, which reviews the methodology periodically to reflect evolving nutritional science.

Hilltop Food Group has announced the promotion of Tom Delaney to chief executive officer, as founder Scott Davies transitions into the role of executive chairman. Hilltop Honey is a UK-based honey brand and independent ambient food manufacturer with a BRCGS-accredited production facility. The company produces branded and own-label honey, organic honey, maple syrup, agave nectar and peanut butter, and has grown to become the "UK’s fastest-growing honey brand by value". Delaney joined the company in 2024 as sales director, bringing experience from the FMCG sector. In his new role, he will work closely with Davies during the company’s next phase. As executive chairman, Davies will provide strategic oversight and remain actively involved in the business as founder and owner.

UK mead producer Lyme Bay has expanded its portfolio with the launch of two low-alcohol sparkling meads, as it looks to position the traditional honey-based drink alongside ready-to-drink (RTD) formats amid rising demand for lighter alcoholic options. The company said it has introduced Raspberry Lemonade Sparkling Mead and Strawberry & Elderflower Sparkling Mead in 330ml cans at 3.5% ABV, broadening its range beyond bottled formats traditionally associated with the category. Lyme Bay, which describes itself as the UK’s largest mead producer, says the move is aimed at bringing mead to more casual and everyday drinking occasions, reflecting wider shifts in consumer behaviour towards lower-alcohol, flavour-forward beverages. “Interest in mead has grown significantly in recent years,” managing director Wolfgang Sieg-Hogg said, adding that the new products are designed to appeal to younger consumers and drinkers familiar with flavoured RTDs and sessionable beers. The sparkling meads are built on Lyme Bay’s traditional mead base, fermented from honey and water, with fruit and botanical flavours added to create lighter profiles. Raspberry Lemonade combines raspberry and citrus notes, while Strawberry & Elderflower blends fruit juice with floral elements. Produced at the company’s winery and meadery in Axminster, Devon, the launches expand one of the UK’s most extensive mead portfolios, which already includes traditional, flavoured and liqueur-style meads. Lyme Bay produces more than 250,000 bottles of mead annually. The products are available direct-to-consumer via the company’s website at an RRP of £2.75 per can. Heritage categories such as mead are increasingly being repositioned through modern formats and flavour innovation, as producers seek growth in a drinks market shaped by moderation, convenience and premiumisation rather than volume consumption.

Coca-Cola will expand its cherry-flavoured soft drinks portfolio in North America, launching a new Cherry Float variant and reintroducing Diet Coke Cherry nationwide as it looks to drive growth through flavour innovation and zero-sugar formats in a mature carbonates market. The company says the new products will roll out to retailers across the US and Canada from this month, joining its existing Coca-Cola Cherry and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry lines. The move reflects Coca-Cola’s continued focus on extending core brands through flavour variations rather than launching entirely new trademarks, a strategy widely adopted by major beverage groups to defend shelf space and stimulate incremental sales amid slowing soda volumes in developed markets. Coca-Cola Cherry Float is positioned as a modern take on a traditional soda fountain drink, combining cherry and vanilla notes without dairy. It will be sold in both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions, signalling the company’s ongoing effort to balance indulgence with demand for reduced-sugar options. Diet Coke Cherry, previously available only in limited markets, will return nationwide with updated packaging. The zero-calorie drink targets loyal Diet Coke consumers while tapping into renewed interest in retro flavours, a trend increasingly visible across food and beverage categories. The company said cherry-flavoured drinks have been part of its portfolio since the launch of Cherry Coke in 1985, its first major flavoured extension of the flagship brand. The latest expansion marks the largest refresh of the cherry range in decades. Established flavours with strong brand recognition offer lower-risk innovation opportunities than unfamiliar profiles, particularly as retailers and manufacturers remain cautious about complexity and SKU proliferation. Coca-Cola’s emphasis on cherry also aligns with broader flavour trends favouring familiarity and nostalgia, while refreshed packaging and zero-sugar variants are designed to appeal to younger consumers and health-conscious shoppers. The new products will be available in cans and bottles at major retailers, online and through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, reinforcing the company’s omnichannel distribution strategy.

Food safety and certification group FoodChain ID has acquired Brazilian certification body Sbcert, strengthening its position in livestock traceability and compliance services amid rising scrutiny of agri-food supply chains and export standards. The acquisition brings FoodChain ID direct access to Brazil’s official cattle and buffalo traceability system, SISBOV, a critical requirement for meat exports to markets including the European Union. Brazil is one of the world’s largest beef exporters, and traceability has become a growing focus for regulators, retailers and food manufacturers amid concerns over deforestation, animal welfare and supply chain transparency. Sbcert is a leading certification body in Brazil, specialising in audits and conformity assessments across agriculture and food production. It is best known for its role in SISBOV certification, which tracks individual animals throughout their lives to verify origin and production practices. FoodChain ID said the deal would enhance its global offering in food safety, product certification and traceability, expanding its ability to serve customers operating in complex, highly regulated markets. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The move comes as food and beverage companies face tightening regulations and buyer requirements linked to sustainability, origin verification and market access. In Europe, new rules such as the EU Deforestation Regulation are increasing pressure on suppliers to demonstrate traceable, compliant sourcing, particularly for animal-derived products. “Brazil is a strategically important market for global food and feed supply chains,” said Heather Secrist, senior vice president of technical services for the Americas at FoodChain ID. She continued: “Adding Sbcert strengthens our ability to support customers navigating food safety, traceability and sustainability requirements, combining local expertise with global reach”. Sbcert director Matheus Witzler added: "This partnership allows us to grow further by combining our deep expertise in agri-food traceability and certification with FoodChain ID’s globally trusted knowledge, reach and services, delivering even greater value to our customers and partners, not only in Brazil, but also in other markets where our customers require access to our combined know-how”. FoodChain ID said the acquisition expands its ability to serve customers in more than 100 countries, offering services including certification, regulatory compliance, testing, traceability and sustainability programmes.

US direct-to-consumer metabolic wellness brand, Maeva, has launched a nutrition system designed to support individuals using GLP-1 weight loss medications, as adoption of the drugs continues to rise. The brand has developed a portfolio of low-calorie nutrition products formulated to address nutritional challenges commonly associated with appetite suppression and reduced food intake during GLP-1 use. While designed with GLP-1 users in mind, Maeva says its products are also suitable for consumers pursuing weight loss through lifestyle or dietary approaches. According to the company, around 12% of US adults – approximately 30 million people – are currently using GLP-1 medications. Maeva positions its offering as a targeted alternative to conventional meal replacements and supplements, which it says are not specifically formulated for reduced intake. Maeva's co-founder Steven Neiger, said: "Maeva was born out of personal experience. After taking GLP-1s, I saw firsthand how easy it was to lose weight while also losing muscle, energy, and overall balance. The medication worked, but the nutrition support didn't exist so we set out to build what was missing." Dean Neiger, CEO of Maeva, added: "GLP-1 medications have helped many people make meaningful progress in their weight-loss and health journeys, but maintaining proper nutrition is often overlooked. Maeva exists to support people through this journey with science-backed nutrition designed for reduced intake, without compromising strength, confidence, or long-term wellbeing." The brand has partnered with registered dietitian and weight health specialist Ashley Koff RD to support product development and educational resources. Maeva’s initial product range includes gender-specific nutrition shakes, functional boosters and electrolyte products. The men’s shake contains 25g of plant protein per serving, alongside creatine and ashwagandha, while the women’s formulation provides 20g of plant protein with added collagen peptides, iron and B-complex vitamins. The range also includes targeted boosters for beauty, energy and gut health, as well as a low-calorie probiotic electrolyte mix. The company is backed by investors and industry operators with experience in wellness retail and brand building, including representatives from Raindrop, Ignite XL and The Detox Market. Maeva launches with a subscription-first, direct-to-consumer model, offering a curated starter kit designed to encourage long-term habit formation. Products are available via the brand’s website, with nutrition shakes priced at $69, boosters at $19.99 and electrolytes at $24.99.

Milliways, the UK-based plastic-free chewing gum brand, has secured $3 million in funding to expand its retail footprint in the US, underscoring growing investor confidence in sustainable and health-focused confectionery. The latest round attracted backing from industry veterans including Mehmet Yüksek, former CEO of Perfetti Van Melle North America, and Leon Amram, former owner of Intergum, alongside other executives with decades of experience building global chewing gum brands. The funds will be used to increase marketing, expand distribution, and scale inventories, building on a successful first year in the US market. Founded in 2021 by Tom Raviv, Milliways has grown into one of the UK’s largest gum companies and, since entering the US market just over a year ago, is now stocked in more than 2,000 stores including Sprouts, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Raley’s and Fred Meyer. According to SPINS data, it is the top-selling plastic-free gum brand in the US. Milliways positions itself as a clean label, better-for-you alternative to conventional gum, which has come under scrutiny for its microplastic content. The gum is plant-based, biodegradable, sugar- and aspartame-free, non-GMO, and contains xylitol, catering to consumers seeking incremental lifestyle improvements and sustainable options. Flavours include Spearmint, Peppermint, Mighty Mint, Bubblemint, Strawberry and Watermelon, sold in ten- and 30-piece packs. “Conventional chewing gum is one of the most concentrated sources of microplastic ingestion,” Raviv said. “Retailers and consumers are increasingly embracing high-quality, plastic-free alternatives, and this investment allows us to make Milliways available to more consumers every day.” The US launch reflects a broader trend in the confectionery sector toward sustainable and functional products, as changing consumer behaviours and regulatory pressures shift demand away from conventional, plastic-containing items. Brands like Milliways, which combine environmental credentials with taste and convenience, are well-positioned to capture market share in the expanding 'better-for-you' gum category. Since its launch, Milliways has raised $10 million in total funding and distributes in over 10,000 stores worldwide, signalling the growing commercial viability of eco-conscious alternatives in traditionally mass-market confectionery.

Sargento, the Wisconsin, US-based family-owned cheese company, has unveiled two new product lines designed to tap into growing consumer demand for bold flavours, convenient snacking and protein-rich on-the-go options. The launches include Hot & Spicy Sliced Cheeses – available in Sweet, Smoky and Intense heat levels – and Balanced Breaks Cheese + Crunch Mixes, the company’s first snack packs pairing natural cheese with seasoned crunchy mixes. “With consumers increasingly seeking adventurous flavours and convenient snacking options, these innovations give them new ways to explore trending tastes while delivering the high-quality, natural cheese we’re known for,” said Erin Price, Sargento general manager of consumer products. The Hot & Spicy range includes Mango Habanero Jack, Smoky Hot Colby-Jack and Carolina Reaper Jack, aimed at providing varying spice levels for sandwiches, wraps and burgers. Balanced Breaks combines cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack and Medium Cheddar with flavour-forward snack mixes – Buffalo Ranch, Sour Cream & Chive and Smoky & Sweet BBQ – offering 7-8g of protein per pack. These product introductions reflect Sargento’s strategy to leverage flavour innovation, convenience and protein content to expand share in both the dairy case and snacking occasions, particularly among younger consumers and those seeking bold, spicy flavours. Market research indicates that over 50% of consumers express interest in spicy foods, with Gen Z leading the trend. The new lines are expected to be available nationwide by spring 2026 in select retailers, reinforcing Sargento’s presence in the natural cheese category while addressing shifting consumer habits around portable snacking, indulgence and flavour exploration.

Modern Milkman, the UK-based sustainable grocery delivery service, has secured a £10 million investment from Salica Investments, bringing its total funding to more than £60 million and strengthening its position as a leading player in the circular economy. The funding will support the expansion of the company’s doorstep delivery model and the development of a broader integrated logistics and services platform for UK households. Leveraging its established delivery infrastructure, Modern Milkman plans to introduce new services designed to make sustainable consumption more accessible and convenient for consumers. The investment marks Modern Milkman as the first direct-to-consumer business in Salica Investments’ Growth Debt Fund portfolio, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s scalable model and long-term growth strategy. Founded in 2019 by Simon Mellin, Modern Milkman now serves more than 100,000 households across the UK. The business has also expanded internationally, entering the US market in January 2024 through a strategic acquisition and currently operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Ohio and New York. “This timely investment from Salica enables us to go beyond customer expectations and unlock a new generation of integrated doorstep services,” said Mellin. “Our growth and customer satisfaction demonstrate a clear consumer appetite for sustainable alternatives. With this backing, we’re well-positioned to scale while helping households reduce their environmental impact.” Modern Milkman operates a closed-loop delivery system, supplying groceries and breakfast essentials in reusable glass bottles and returnable containers. Its app-driven ordering and automated routing platform is designed to minimise waste by delivering only required quantities, while sourcing fresh produce from independent British suppliers. Usman Ali, Partner in Salica’s Growth Debt Fund, said: “Modern Milkman is a business with exceptional leadership and a clear strategy. Its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy creates long-term value while addressing global environmental challenges.” The latest investment represents a significant milestone in Modern Milkman’s mission to redefine sustainable doorstep delivery at scale, as consumer demand continues to grow for environmentally responsible food and beverage supply models.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a rapid risk assessment on cereulide in infant formula, as precautionary recalls linked to the toxin continue across multiple countries. Cereulide is produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus and can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. A number of infant nutrition products have been recalled since December 2025 as a preventive public health measure. The assessment was requested by the European Commission, which asked EFSA to provide urgent scientific advice to support risk management decisions across the EU, including when products should be withdrawn from the market. EFSA’s scientists have proposed an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.014 micrograms per kilogram of body weight for cereulide in infants. Vomiting was identified as the critical acute adverse effect and used to derive the ARfD through benchmark dose modelling. Because infants under 16 weeks metabolise substances differently from adults, EFSA applied an additional safety factor to ensure a conservative level of protection. For infant formula, EFSA confirmed that a consumption value of 260ml per kilogram of body weight remains appropriate for estimating short-term (24 hour) exposure. For follow-on formula, which is generally not consumed by infants younger than 16 weeks, a value of 140ml per kilogram of body weight was confirmed. EFSA said these intake values reflect the higher end of typical consumption, ensuring the assessment remains precautionary. By comparing the ARfD with these consumption values, EFSA concluded that cereulide concentrations in reconstituted formula above 0.054 micrograms per litre for infant formula, and 0.1 micrograms per litre for follow-on formula may lead to the ARfD being exceeded. EFSA reiterated that recalled products should not be given to infants or young children, and consumers should follow instructions issued by national food safety authorities. For infants who develop vomiting or diarrhoea after consuming affected products, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician. In cases of severe symptoms, including dehydration or persistent vomiting, emergency medical care is recommended, as gastrointestinal illness in infants can rapidly lead to complications.

Peter McGuinness Impossible Foods has announced that its current CEO, Peter McGuinness, will step down after nearly four years leading the plant-based protein company. His responsibilities will be assumed by the company’s three-member executive leadership team: Jason Gao, chief legal and operating officer; Meredith Madden, chief demand officer; and Robert Haas, chief supply officer. The company characterised the move as a transition “from a position of strength,” noting that under McGuinness’s leadership, Impossible Foods outperformed the broader plant-based category, gaining US market share and securing the No. 2 position nationally. The period was marked by product innovation, expanded distribution and brand repositioning aimed at broadening appeal beyond core plant-based consumers. McGuinness will remain on Impossible Foods’ board of directors. “Impossible is primed to further strengthen its position in the marketplace as a respected food company built for long-term success,” said board member Fedele Bauccio. “We’re grateful for Peter’s impactful leadership as CEO, which helped establish Impossible as the strongest player in the category, and we’re happy he will remain on the board. We have the utmost confidence in Jason, Meredith and Rob to lead the company into its next chapter of growth.” During McGuinness’s tenure, Impossible shifted its positioning from a primarily tech-driven food start-up to a more mainstream food brand. The company undertook a comprehensive brand and packaging overhaul, emphasising meat-like taste, approachability and inclusivity to better resonate with flexitarian and meat-eating consumers. It also deepened collaboration with retail and foodservice partners through merchandising strategies, menu development and category-building marketing initiatives. Earlier this month, Impossible Foods also announced a strategic partnership with food-tech start-up Equii to expand its innovation pipeline into high-protein, grain-based products, including hamburger and hot dog buns, signalling a broader platform strategy beyond plant-based meat analogues. “Over the last four years, we’ve expanded, evolved and invested in both the company and the brand. We constructed a sustainable business that could support our sustainable mission,” McGuinness said. “I’m proud of the position Impossible is in today, and I’m very confident in the company. I have no doubt the highly capable executive leadership team will continue to lead and re-energise the category.” Founded in 2011, Impossible Foods produces plant-based chicken, beef and pork alternatives and distributes products across four continents, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Global cocoa supplier OFI (Olam Food Ingredients) will launch a new range of single-origin cocoa liquors at ISM Cologne 2026, designed to deliver artisan-level flavour precision at an industrial scale, addressing a major challenge for premium chocolate manufacturers. The range, featuring liquors from the Dominican Republic, Uganda and Papua New Guinea, combines craft-inspired batch roasting with tailored fermentation and advanced sensory mapping. According to the company, this approach allows chocolate makers to replicate complex, origin-led flavours consistently across large-scale production. “The challenge for chocolate manufacturers is producing true craft-quality flavour without compromising consistency,” said Simon Brayn Smith, global head of cocoa liquor at OFI. “Our new range bridges that gap, bringing the depth and nuance of single-origin cocoa to industrial processes.” Premium confectionery, already valued at over $31 billion globally, is projected to more than double to $68 billion by 2033, driven by consumer demand for richer and more complex flavour experiences, according to M2 Square Consultancy. OFI’s new liquors target this market, offering industrial-scale reliability without sacrificing the sensory qualities that define fine-flavour chocolate. The launch also highlights OFI’s strategic focus on origin-led cocoa sourcing, with the company leveraging its global origination network and scientific flavour mapping to select beans with distinct terroir profiles. The liquors are intended for broad application across chocolate and ingredient categories, enabling manufacturers to differentiate products in an increasingly competitive premium segment. The launch underlines a wider trend in the chocolate industry: combining craft techniques with industrial capabilities to meet growing consumer demand for premium, traceable and origin-specific chocolate, while maintaining scalable, cost-effective production.