United Dairy Farmers (UDF) has announced the retirement of president and CEO Brad Lindner and the appointment of Michael Ahmed as his successor. Lindner, who has spent more than 47 years with UDF, including 27 as CEO, said: “This will be a significant shift for us as we transition from being a family-led organisation to one operated by non-owners.” Founded in 1940, UDF has evolved into a vertically integrated operation and has seen growth over the past decade, highlighted by a $25 million investment in its Norwood, Ohio, ice cream plant, the opening of a new family bakery and the construction of more than 50 stores. The move marks a major milestone for the 85-year-old company as it transitions to non-family leadership for the first time. Lindner will stay on to support the transition and serve as chairman of the board. New CEO Michael Ahmed joined UDF from the Gorilla Glue Company, having previously worked in senior leadership roles at Tyson Foods. “Michael has a strong background in food manufacturing, supply chain distribution and warehousing – key criteria when we began our search,” Lindner continued. Speaking about his new appointment, Ahmed said: “UDF has been a trusted name for over 85 years, built on family, quality and community. Together we will build on that legacy, growing the brand, expanding our reach and continuing to deliver the homemade quality and customer experience that make UDF special.”

In a bold new twist on holiday comfort food, Kraft Mac & Cheese has unveiled a limited-time apple pie flavour, merging two beloved American classics just in time for Thanksgiving. The new mashup combines the creamy, savoury taste of Kraft Mac & Cheese with cinnamon and green apple notes inspired by traditional apple pie. “This holiday season, we wanted to create a memorable experience for mac and cheese fans that felt as unexpected as this flavour pairing,” said Cheryl Barbee, communications director at Kraft Mac & Cheese, part of the Kraft Heinz Company. “The new Apple Pie flavour rounds out our 2025 flavour innovations with a nostalgic blend of classic Thanksgiving dishes and bold flavour.” The launch taps into an ongoing sweet and savoury flavour trend that continues to resonate with consumers. Apple and cheese have long been paired on tables across the US. Kraft’s new offering reimagines that tradition in a ready-to-prepare, affordable format. Launching on 3 November and retailing at $1.48 while supplies last, Kraft Mac & Cheese Apple Pie flavour is available across the US in Walmart stores now.

Welsh soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has completed a £5 million investment at its Knighton, Powys site, installing the UK’s first Tetra Pak speed portion pack line with the latest technology upgrade. The new line will increase Radnor Hills’ carton capacity by 150%, from 60 million to 150 million packs annually. It will also create over 20 new jobs and enable the company to expand into new markets, including the NHS, schools and the travel sector. Founded in 1990, Radnor Hills produces still and sparkling Radnor Spring Water, Heartsease Farm premium presses and Radnor Splash, which sells at a rate of three units per second. All products are made using natural Welsh spring water sourced from the company’s own boreholes near its production site. The investment coincides with Radnor Hills’ 35th anniversary and forms part of wider infrastructure upgrades, including extended warehousing, a new canning line box packer, a new ERP system and increased site automation. The new filling machine – a Tetra Pak A3 Speed 0500 – can produce 24,000 cartons per hour, offering an annual capacity of 90 million cartons. Radnor Hills founder and CEO William Watkins said the investment builds on the success of its first Tetra Pak line, opened in 2018. “It’s a very exciting time for the business, and I’m incredibly proud of our people, who are vital to our continued success and growth,” he said. Chris Sanders, sales and marketing director at Radnor Hills, added that the upgrade makes the site “one of the most versatile soft drinks manufacturing facilities in Europe,” supporting growth across schools, foodservice, exports and travel, while opening opportunities in healthcare and convenience channels. The company recently launched its Radnor Fruits Disney Stitch range in partnership with Morrisons, packaged in 200ml Tetra Pak cartons featuring pull-tab technology. It also plans to introduce Radnor Hydrate in early 2026. The new Radnor Fruits Disney Stitch range in Tetra Pak cartons. Tetra Pak North Europe managing director Katrin Andersson highlighted: “Radnor Hills are a key partner for Tetra Pak, and their strong brand presence and focus on innovation make them an ideal collaborator on pioneering projects such as this”.

Claire Breheny In the UK, the no and low alcohol (nolo) market is set to double in value by 2028, fuelled by a generation of health-conscious consumers and major brand investment. Claire Breheny, partner and head of trade marks at IP law firm Mathys & Squire, examines how this transformation is creating new challenges – and opportunities – for beverage makers and IP professionals alike. From ‘Dry January’ to ‘Sober October,’ there has been a generational shift in attitudes towards alcohol consumption following the rise in popularity of ‘no and low alcohol’ (nolo) beverages. The nolo market reached a £380 million valuation in 2024, is expected to be worth £413 million in 2025, and is forecasted to hit £800 million by 2028, according to Mintel. The UK, historically known for having a heavy-drinking population, has ranked eighth in the world in non-alcoholic sales in 2024, from 13th in 2022. This shift can be explained by several factors, including a trend of health consciousness among the younger generation. Similar patterns have, unsurprisingly, emerged at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), with a 20% increase in trade mark filings for non-alcoholic beer and 19% for non-alcoholic cider over the past two years. Shifting consumer preferences The primary driver of the nolo trend is Ge-Z, comprising those born between 1997-2012, which is currently estimated to make up 17-20% of the UK population. Commonly labelled the ‘sober-curious generation,’ a survey by Mintel found that around 1/3 of people aged 18-24 do not consume alcohol at all, with 40% of the Gen Z population putting effort into alcohol moderation in 2023. Notably, abstinence-focused movements such as ‘Dry January’ initiated by Alcohol Change UK experienced more than double growth in participants, from 4.2 million in 2019 to 8.5 million in 2024. "Abstinence-focused movements such as ‘Dry January’ initiated by Alcohol Change UK experienced more than double growth in participants, from 4.2 million in 2019 to 8.5 million in 2024" This wave of ‘sober curiosity’ mirrors the growing trend of health and wellness consciousness worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is a contributing factor to more than 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions. While public awareness of such risks has historically been low, the influence of the digital age and access to information via the internet have continuously exposed Gen-Zers to such risks. This is further catalysed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which redirected the focus of the general population towards mental well-being and health perception, according to a report by the Global Wellness Institute. In addition, the UK’s growing ethnic and religious diversity, particularly evident among Gen Z as the second-most ethnically diverse generation yet, has contributed to declining alcohol consumption and shifting societal drinking patterns, stemming from cultural or religious factors. Nolo becoming the norm With the growing awareness and normalisation of non-alcoholic beverage consumption, established companies have responded by expanding their portfolios to embrace non-alcoholic alternatives. For instance, brands such as Guinness and Tanqueray have launched ‘0.0%’ versions of their original lines. In 2024, Carlsberg acquired soft drink giant Britvic, expanding its range of non-alcoholic drinks, alongside its own non-alcoholic variants of Somersby Cider, Kronenberg 1664 Blanc and Carlsberg. This acquisition created the multi-beverage powerhouse Carlsberg Britvic and put Carlsberg in the prime position to cater to consumer needs, with soft drinks now making up around 30% of its business. Simultaneously, this shift in consumer attitudes has paved the way for new entrants specialising in nolo beverages, such as Lucky Saint in the UK. The attractiveness of alcohol-free alternatives is further supported by legislation changes in the UK for alcohol duties, with the imposition of a 3.6% increase on the standard rate on non-draught products taking effect from February 2025. In turn, beverages with a low ABV are entitled to draught relief, with a lower rate imposed for nolo drinks under 3.5% ABV. "If an alcohol-free product shares branding with an alcoholic one, marketers must ensure the positioning does not imply endorsement of the alcoholic variant" Additionally, the rise in popularity of nolo beverages is also encouraged through high-profile endorsements. Advertisement regulation changes in the UK and EU have prompted companies to refocus their marketing strategies towards their non-alcoholic offerings to retain brand recognition, as the public promotion of alcohol has been limited, or in some jurisdictions, prohibited. This is evidenced by Heineken’s partnerships with UEFA and Formula One to promote its 0.0% range, and AB InBev’s promotion of Corona Cero in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the UK Advertising Standards Agency stipulates that advertisements must not unintentionally promote alcoholic beverages. Therefore, if an alcohol-free product shares branding with an alcoholic one, marketers must ensure the positioning does not imply endorsement of the alcoholic variant. Celebrities have also hopped on the nolo bandwagon by launching their own non-alcoholic beverage brands, thereby fuelling consumer curiosity and reinforcing the mainstream appeal of alcohol-free offerings. Actor Tom Holland debuted his brand ‘Bero’ for non-alcoholic beer, while Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton co-founded a line of non-alcoholic agave spirits, ‘Almave’. Elsewhere, the hospitality industry has adapted to this market shift, with pubs and restaurants now offering a diverse range of nolo drinks to promote a socially inclusive environment that caters to all. This not only includes nolo variants of existing beers and spirits, but also their own ranges of non-alcoholic cocktails or mocktails. Some establishments have even gone as far as to become alcohol-free altogether. How the law is changing It is evident that the nolo industry is and will continue experiencing an upward growth trajectory. Consumer behavioural shifts alongside the increased availability of non-alcoholic alternatives from new and established brands, paired with their significant and widespread promotion, have transformed the alcohol-free movement from a fleeting trend to a disruptive force in the beverage industry. Traditional brewery and distillery proprietors may need to review their IP portfolios to ensure that sufficient protection is sought. Indeed, this is reflected by the surge of trade mark filings for nolo drinks in the UK register. In 2024, 37% of beer trade mark filings were attributable to their non-alcoholic counterparts, reflecting the continued investment and innovation in the industry. At the same time, this development poses new legal considerations. Under the Nice Classification system, low-alcohol beverages in general are in Class 33, however, non-alcoholic wines and other non-alcoholic drinks fall in Class 32. Beers and low-alcohol beers fall under Class 32 also. "The risk of conflicts arising from nolo filings could pressure changes to brand enforcement strategies, protection and clearance searches, not only for new entrants on the market, but also for existing brands" Previous case law indicates that non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages were historically considered dissimilar. In Fine Wines v Zombie, the EUIPO declared in 2020 that “The contested goods, non-alcoholic beverages … are dissimilar to the Opponent’s goods [wines]. They do not originate from the same companies, do not share their method of use, and they are neither in competition nor complementary.” However, the legal position has shifted to reflect current commercial and social practices. In a recent decision (September 2025), the EUIPO found in Fondel Creations v P-Touch Private, that: “The contested alcoholic beverages (except beers) are similar to the opponent’s non-alcoholic beverages in Class 32… Some specific non-alcoholic drinks are similar to some specific alcoholic drinks, for example, alcohol free wine in Class 32 and wine in Class 33…Non-alcoholic wine is intended to be consumed in the same circumstances as alcoholic wine by consumers who cannot, or choose not to, consume alcohol. Since consumers will perceive them as alternative products, they must also be considered to be in competition. It is not uncommon for non-alcoholic wine to be sold in wine shops or specialised wine sections in supermarkets.” This shift could lead trade mark owners with previous registrations for either type of beverage to enjoy a broader scope of protection as nolo drinks begin to be perceived as substitutes or in competition with alcohol, particularly given that they are now increasingly originating from the same entities. However, the risk of conflicts arising from nolo filings could pressure changes to brand enforcement strategies, protection and clearance searches, not only for new entrants on the market, but also for existing brands. It will be interesting to see if conflicts arise due to this shift between brands, which may have been able to co-exist previously.

Even before the pumpkins are carved 🎃, talk turns to Christmas – that magical season of indulgence, celebration and comfort. As the nights draw in and the weather turns crisp, shoppers are already embracing the festive spirit, and the UK’s supermarkets are quick to respond. This year’s ranges are brimming with warming spices, nostalgic flavours and creative centrepieces designed to make Christmas 2025 one to remember. From reimagined classics to bold new flavour trends, here’s what’s decking the supermarket shelves this festive season. This is not an M&S advert..well actually, it kind-of is 🤤! Tesco Tesco’s festive offering this year celebrates sharing and indulgence, with a touch of culinary playfulness. Kick things off with the Sharing Burrata, finished with a hot maple glaze and pistachio nibs – a nod to 2025’s enduring love of sweet heat and nutty richness. For mains, Tesco continues the honey trend with a Rolled Lamb Shoulder seasoned with honey, garlic, citrus and thyme, or a 30-day Matured Sirloin Wing Rib for those swapping turkey for steak. Plant-based diners are well served too, with No-Beef Bourguignon Pies, filled with vegan beef-style strips and vegetables in a red wine and cognac sauce. And for something unexpected, the Slow-Cooked Turkey Curry Pie offers a creative twist on Christmas leftovers. In the party range, Tesco leans into nostalgia with its Charcuter-tree – a build-your-own charcuterie tree that’s part centrepiece, part conversation starter. Classic flavours also get festive makeovers, from Crispy Fish and Potato Bites to Bombay Potato Toasties. Dessert lovers can look forward to Chocolate and Gingerbread S’mores Tarts, swapping dried fruit for molten chocolate and marshmallow buttercream. The showstopper selection also includes a Chocolate and Honeycomb Choux Wreath, a Dark Chocolate and Cherry Festive Wreath and a Star-Shaped Banoffee Dessert – a suitably sweet finale to a classic Christmas spread. Morrisons Morrisons’ range this year is big on choice, especially for flexitarian and vegetarian shoppers. Highlights include the Brie and Harissa Roasted Carrot Galette and a Butternut Squash, Chestnut and Cranberry Wreath, offering hearty, colourful alternatives to meat. Traditionalists can stick with turkey, while those seeking something bolder can opt for the playfully named ‘Tree-bone’ Steak – a 14-day matured T-bone with chimichurri rub and festive butter. Stuffing also gets a rework with Morrisons’ Apple and Cranberry Melt-in-the-Middle Stuffing, combining pork, sage and a sweet-tart fruit centre in a handmade pastry shell. On the snacking side, the ‘Starcuterie’ Centrepiece adds a DIY twist to the charcuterie board trend. Trending flavours shine through in dishes like Baked Feta with Hot Honey and Chorizo Dip, while the Prawn Coconut Curry Donuts bring a bold sweet-and-savoury flair to festive grazing. Desserts continue the mash-up theme with a Black Forest Profiterlog – part Yule log, part profiterole tower – and a Winter Berry Baked Cheesecake for a rich, fruity alternative to the traditional pudding. Iceland For those prioritising value and convenience, Iceland once again makes frozen festive dining stress-free. The Luxury Whole Roast Dinner in a Box (£25) includes everything needed for a full Christmas meal, while the Pigs in Blanket Roasting Joint puts the perennial favourite front and centre. For a twist, there’s also an Easy Carve Duck Joint for those skipping turkey. Iceland’s party range embraces the fun of the season with Potato Stars and Christmas Trees, Chicken Christmas Trees and desserts like the Christmas Tree Pavlova Stack and Sticky Toffee Cottage – all designed to deliver maximum festive flair with minimal prep. Sainsbury’s Sainsbury’s is serving up festive cheer with a mix of wordplay and sophistication this year. Expect witty names like Tira-Merry-Su and Sleigh de Noël, plus inventive spins on mince pies such as Caramel Custard and Mince Pie Tarts. Vegetarians can tuck into a classic Mushroom Wellington, while seafood fans might choose Lobster Mac and Cheese for an indulgent twist. The Dry-Cured Gammon with Bramley Apple and Caramel Sauce adds a sweet-savoury hit to the main table. On the drinks front, Sainsbury’s is tapping into flavour trends with a Pistachio and Chocolate Cream Liqueur and a Blackcurrant Spritz, available in both alcoholic and alcohol-free versions – perfect for festive toasts. Waitrose Waitrose’s Christmas 2025 collection includes a mix of elegant and whimsical items. Pigs in Blankets are reinvented as Scotch Eggs and even a Quiche, moving from side dish to party hero. The Turkey Bauble – turkey wrapped in bacon and shaped into a festive ornament – is a standout centrepiece. Other mains include Sweet Cured Gammon with Black Cherry Glaze and the vegetarian Cauliflower Cheese Galette Crown. Desserts lean Italian with the Pistachio Meringata and Tiramisu Torta, while The Nutcracker – a shimmering chocolate and hazelnut mousse shaped as the iconic figurine – offers nostalgia with a touch of glamour. To toast the season, Waitrose adds a surprising twist with Mulled Rosé Wine, blending citrus, spice and hints of baked apple to keep summer’s sunshine alive through winter. Marks & Spencer Following a year of viral hits – from pistachio pastries and premium chocolate slabs to novelty sandwiches – M&S continues to expand its seasonal range. Its Maple Mulled Wine adds a touch of brandy and syrupy sweetness, perfect alongside a British Turkey and Stuffing Wellington (also available in a vegetarian butternut squash and brie version). Pastry takes centre stage with Turkey and Stuffing Pies, featuring vegetables, creamy sauce and smoky bacon under puff pastry topped with pigs in blankets. Desserts once again steal the spotlight, from Passionfruit and White Chocolate Pine Cones to the Lemon and Mascarpone Panettone Gateau, combining freshness and decadence with signature M&S polish. Aldi Aldi’s festive range includes options that are affordable without compromising on variety or flavour. Like Iceland, Aldi offers a Christmas Dinner in a Box, alongside vegetarian Rainbow Vegetable Parcels. Sides include Loaded Yorkshire Puddings – mini Yorkshires filled with stuffing and topped with pigs in blankets – and a range of Stuffing Slabs in seasonal flavours. The on-the-go range even gets a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap, complete with gravy dip. For party tables, Aldi offers a Savoury Yule Log with brie and roasted vegetables and an array of imaginative desserts. The Nutcracker Dessert – a chocolate shell filled with ganache, caramel, marshmallows and biscuit – nods to Waitrose’s version, while Melting Baubles and Pistachio Tiramisu keep the viral flavour trend alive. Whether following tradition or current trends, 2025’s Christmas food scene includes a wide range of options. Supermarkets are focusing on innovation, inclusivity and variety, showing that festive food combines creativity with familiar comforts. After all, it’s the most wonderful (and delicious) time of the year.

Premium preserves brand Bonne Maman has added two new flavours, Pumpkin and Four Fruits, to its range of pie fillings in the US. The seasonal new flavours aim to help consumers elevate their baked goods, while making home baking more convenient. Each jar is crafted with ‘generous amounts’ of fruit and premium ingredients designed to provide a ‘shortcut’ to homemade flavour. The Four Fruits filling need simply be poured into a pie and baked ready to enjoy, while the seasonal spiced Pumpkin filling can simply be mixed with eggs and milk, then baked. Like all Bonne Maman products, the new pie filling flavours are free from high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, additives and artificial colours. They are now available at select retailers across the US, at a suggested retail price of $2.99 per 21.1 oz jar. The new flavours join the three existing options in the Bonne Maman Pie Fillings range – Apple, Blueberry and Cherry.

Lee Kum Kee, the globally recognised Asian sauce and condiments brand, has made its debut in the noodle category with the launch of its first-ever plain noodle range, a move the company says marks the beginning of a ‘noodle revolution’. The expansion reflects a growing consumer demand for authentic international foods. According to recent research, 82% of UK shoppers want supermarkets to offer a wider variety of global food products, highlighting a strong opportunity in the category. Drawing on more than 130 years of expertise in Asian food craftsmanship, Lee Kum Kee aims to bring restaurant-quality texture and flavour to retail shelves. Each noodle variety cooks in under three minutes and are available in 180g and 360g packs. The range includes four varieties: Egg Noodles, Ramen Noodles, Knife-Cut Noodles and 4-Flavour Noodles. “Lee Kum Kee is a brand proud of its heritage, but not afraid to innovate,” said Shuang Cheng, director of convenience foods at Lee Kum Kee Europe. “With this launch, we’re bringing authentic handmade-style noodles that elevate the everyday cooking experience.” Available now in Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, the packs are priced at £1.45 for 180g and £2.45 for 360g. In addition, Lee Kum Kee will roll out noodle kits in November, pairing the new noodle range with specially crafted sauces.

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen has said the brand’s parent company, Unilever, blocked it from launching an ice cream flavour in support of Palestine. In a video post shared on social media platform Instagram, Cohen said that Unilever/The Magnum Ice Cream Company (Unilever’s soon-to-be spun-off ice cream business) had "a while back" prevented the brand’s creation of a new ice cream flavour to “call for peace in Palestine” amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. He revealed that instead, he now plans to independently launch the flavour, calling on the public to submit ideas for its ingredient formulation, name and packaging design. The recipe will centre around watermelon, which has become a widely used symbol used to express solidarity with Palestine due to its colours (red, black, white and green) matching those of the Palestinian flag. This development is the latest in a long dispute between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever, which acquired the Ben & Jerry’s brand for $326 million in 2000. Ben & Jerry’s co-founders, Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, have accused Unilever of standing in the way of their social mission and silencing them on various political issues. Due to this, Greenfield announced his resignation from the ice cream brand after 47 years last month. In his video announcing the new Palestine-themed flavour, Cohen referenced the brand’s earlier refusal to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel – a move he said Unilever also blocked. Ben & Jerry’s announced it would no longer sell its ice cream in the occupied territories in 2021, but Unilever sold its Israeli business to a local licensee, enabling the products to continue being sold in the West Bank. In a statement, a Unilever spokesperson said: “Throughout our ownership of Ben & Jerry’s, we have been committed to its unique three-part mission – product, economic and social. We have always sought to work constructively with the Ben & Jerry’s teams to make sure we stayed true to the original agreement around the progressive, non-partisan social mission.” Unilever’s The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) is currently on track to complete its demerger by the end of 2025, Unilever revealed last week. Following the demerger, Unilever will retain a 19.9% stake in the newly independent TMICC.

Princes Group has priced its initial public offering (IPO) at 475 pence per share, valuing the business at approximately £1.16 billion as it joins the main market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Conditional trading began on 31 October 2025, with full admission expected on 5 November. The move marks a major milestone for the 150-year-old food and drink company, best known for its ambient grocery brands across soft drinks, canned goods, cooking oils and meal solutions. The IPO comprises 84.2 million new ordinary shares, raising £400 million in gross proceeds to fund growth and acquisitions. The offering also incorprated a retail tranche, through which UK investors subscribed for about 2.9 million shares, raising around £14 million. If the over-allotment option is fully exercised, the total offer size could reach £420 million. NewPrinces, the company’s majority shareholder, invested £200 million in the flotation, while Newlat Group – the family office of executive chair Angelo Mastrolia – added £54.7 million. Following admission, the expected free float will be around 13%. Simon Harrison, CEO of Princes Group, said: “Today marks a defining moment in Princes Group’s journey as we proudly begin our chapter as a publicly listed company. Our listing on the London Stock Exchange reflects not only our heritage but also our ambition for future growth. We remain focused on expanding our international footprint, deepening category leadership and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.” Executive chair Angelo Mastrolia described the listing as the start of a “period of exciting growth and value creation,” highlighting a pipeline of potential acquisitions and a strategy to modernise and expand operations. The IPO provides Princes with new capital to pursue acquisition-led expansion, complementing its portfolio of well-known brands including Princes, Napolina and Jucee. The company said it will continue to prioritise innovation, operational efficiency and sustainability as it accelerates growth in the UK and internationally. Founded in 1880, Princes employs more than 7,000 people across manufacturing sites in the UK, continental Europe and Mauritius. Headquartered in Liverpool, the business joins a small but growing group of UK food and drink manufacturers turning to public markets to fund expansion – signalling renewed investor appetite for established FMCG brands with global potential.

Kellogg’s has expanded its snacking portfolio with the launch of Rice Krispies Squares Yule Log Style, a limited-edition seasonal version of the popular cereal treat. Available exclusively in Tesco stores until the end of the festive season, the new flavour combines the classic Rice Krispies, with a chocolatey syrup and dusting of white sugar sprinkles, offering an indulgent twist on a Christmas favourite. The Rice Krispies Squares Yule Log Style multipack contains four bars and carries a recommended price of £2.25. “With Christmas fast approaching, we’re excited to bring a festive twist to a fan favourite,” said Holly Wright, Kellogg’s UKI senior activation brand manager. “Our new limited-edition Squares Yule Log Style flavour is a delicious seasonal treat that’s perfect to enjoy as a moment of indulgence over Christmas.” The launch follows strong brand performance for Squares, which has seen value sales grow by 9.9% year on year.

As the holiday season approaches, Nestlé Toll House is set to attract consumers with the launch of three limited-edition cookie dough flavours designed to enhance festive baking experiences. The new Peppermint Cocoa Cookie Dough joins returning favourites Milk Chocolate M&M'S Minis Holiday Sugar Cookie Dough and Santa’s Cookie Dough, aiming to capture the spirit of the season and drive sales in the competitive food and beverage market. Nestlé Toll House's latest offerings are crafted to evoke nostalgia and promote family traditions around holiday baking. Peppermint Cocoa Cookie Dough features a rich cocoa base infused with red and white peppermint chunks, creating a unique blend of chocolate and mint that is expected to resonate with consumers seeking festive flavours. The returning Milk Chocolate M&M'S Minis Holiday Sugar Cookie Dough combines classic sugar cookie dough with vibrant red and green M&M'S, appealing to families looking for fun and interactive baking experiences. Santa’s Cookie Dough, enriched with brown butter and real chocolate morsels, adds an indulgent twist to the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Each 14 oz package is designed to yield approximately 20 cookies and is priced at an MSRP of $3.86, with availability at retailers nationwide. Kate Boeding, head of marketing at Nestlé Toll House, said: “Many of the best memories around the holidays connect to baking at home with Nestlé Toll House”. This sentiment is likely to resonate with consumers, positioning the brand as a facilitator of cherished family traditions. The introduction of these limited-edition flavours is not only a response to consumer demand for seasonal products but also a strategic move to boost brand visibility during a critical sales period. The holiday season is traditionally a peak time for baking products, and Nestlé Toll House's new offerings are poised to capture market share from competitors. In addition to the holiday doughs, Nestlé Toll House is also set to launch a second batch of its innovative Cookie Tacos, a unique fusion of cookies and tacos, on November 6. The first drop sold out in under three minutes, indicating strong consumer interest and potential for significant sales growth.

Nutriearth has opened its first commercial manufacturing facility in Carvin, France, for the production of natural vitamin D3 made from edible insects. The site was developed following a €7.45 million fundraising round and brings together 'R&D, quality and production operations' under pharmaceutical-grade standards. It features cleanroom operations and separate production lines for Nutriearth’s oil and powder product formats. The facility produces vitamin D3 from Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) using a patented process that mimics the body’s natural vitamin D synthesis. The company’s Nutra-oil is approved for use in supplements and functional foods in North America, while its N-utra flour was authorised by the European Commission in February 2025 for use in food applications such as bakery, pasta and snacks. According to Nutriearth, the Carvin site will provide a local, sustainable supply of vitamin D3, reducing Europe’s reliance on imports from China and India, which account for most of the global market. The facility has capacity to supply the vitamin D3 needs of around 50 million people and will serve customers in human nutrition, nutraceuticals, pet food and animal feed. Nutriearth’s vitamin D3 is absorbed up to three times better than lanolin-derived versions and twice as well as lichen-based alternatives, according to company data. A life cycle assessment found the process generates 76.8% lower greenhouse gas emissions and has an eightfold lower overall environmental impact compared to conventional vitamin D3. The project was supported by investors and partners including Demeter Investment Managers, Captech Santé, Rev3 Capital, Nord Capital, Nord France Amorçage and Bpifrance.