Keurig Dr Pepper has announced the appointment of Anthony DiSilvestro as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. DiSilvestro succeeds former CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, who will serve as a strategic advisor for the company until 7 April 2026. Priyadarshi has been with the company since 2022. In his new role, DiSilvestro will report to CEO Tim Cofer and lead the company’s finance and technology businesses. He brings more than 40 years of industry experience, including a track record of strategic leadership, cost structure optimisation and large-scale transactions. Most recently, DiSilvestro served as CFO at toy manufacturing giant Mattel. Prior to this, he worked at Campell Soup Company for nearly 24 years, rising through a series of financial leadership roles and serving as CFO from 2014–2019. During this time, he led a transformation of the company’s cost structure and oversaw major transactions, including multiple acquisitions and divestitures. Keurig Dr Pepper’s CEO Cofer commented: “As a seasoned and forward-thinking CFO with deep expertise across food and beverage and consumer goods, Anthony is a natural fit for KDP”. “He will play a crucial role in sustaining our company’s strong base business momentum, while drawing on his significant M&A experience to facilitate the successful integration of JDE Peet’s and ultimate creation of two winning companies. Anthony will be a valuable partner in launching our next chapter.” Cofer also thanked Priyadarshi for being “an integral part of KDP’s strategic evolution, accretive international contribution and strong financial performance”. Commenting on his new role, DiSilvestro said: “KDP is a world-class company with a compelling growth strategy, iconic brands and a unique opportunity to transform the beverage industry and unlock shareholder value. I’m excited to work with Tim and the Board, the management team and a strong bench of finance leaders to drive attractive results and help navigate this pivotal period for our company.”

The Magnum Ice Cream Company has announced a £50 million investment to modernise and expand its manufacturing site in Gloucester, the UK’s largest ice cream factory. The upgrade is part of the company’s wider €350–380 million global supply chain transformation programme, which aims to boost productivity, efficiency and long-term capacity across its international network. It will see a full rebuild of the site’s mix plant, the installation of advanced blending technology and the addition of new high-speed production lines dedicated to popular brands such as Twister and Solero. By 2027, the company aims to increase total output at Gloucester by 50% compared to 2023 levels. Home to UK production of Viennetta, Magnum, Twister, Solero and more, the factory already produces more than 600 million ice creams annually. Weekly output includes nearly 3 million Calippos, 2 million Viennettas and 1 million Ben & Jerry’s tubs. Founded in 1959, Gloucester is the second largest ice cream facility in Europe and remains a cornerstone of the UK’s frozen desserts market. The site currently employs more than 500 people, and supports hundreds more through regional suppliers and contractor partnerships. The company will also be upskilling its engineering and operations workforce. The Magnum Ice Cream Company's CEO, Peter ter Kulve, said: "Our investment is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the UK, and will not only boost productivity and support growth but also ensure the site remains a centre of excellence for innovation, quality and sustainability as we enter our next chapter". Jamie Farrell, the company's head of country UK and Ireland, highlighted the importance of the site ahead of Magnum Ice Cream Company’s transition to a stand-alone business. He said: "The investment in new state-of-the-art lines for family favourites like Twister and Solero, along with sustainability upgrades including a 5% energy efficiency gain and a 20% reduction in food waste, demonstrates our renewed commitment to innovation and responsible growth." The investment aligns with the company’s wider productivity optimisation strategy, which emphasises a digital-first approach. Improvements in capacity, utilisation, service performance and manufacturing cost efficiency sit at the heart of the programme. The Magnum Ice Cream Company, currently part of Unilever, is currently on track to complete its demerger on 6 December 2025.

The UK government has today (25 November 2025) announced an extension of the soft drinks industry levy to include high-sugar milk-based drinks. While the tax currently applies to traditional soft drinks such as fizzy drinks and fruit squash, the extension will mean pre-packaged milk-based and milk alternative drinks with added sugar are now covered. This includes flavoured milks and milkshakes, sweetened yogurt drinks and ready-to-drink coffees. Many of these can contain as much added sugar as fizzy drinks, where much of that sugar is added separately to the milk, but were previously exempt from the levy. Plain and unsweetened milk and milk alternatives will not be included, the government confirmed. The levy has seen the average sugar content of drinks in scope fall almost 50% since its introduction in 2018. It is a levy on manufacturers and importers, which has resulted in companies halving sugar content in popular drinks to avoid the tax. The government expects to see further reductions in response to this new extension, which will see the threshold lowered from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml. This means more high-sugar drinks will fall under the levy unless manufacturers cut sugar content. They will be given until 1 January 2028 to reduce sugar in their drinks. Extending the sugar levy is part of a package of measures taken by the government with the aim of tackling obesity and preventing heart disease, stroke and cancer. Other measures include banning ‘junk food’ adverts before the 9pm watershed, and banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16. The government expects the new plans to reduce daily calorie intake by around 4 million in children and 13 million in adults across England. It is also projected to deliver almost £1 billion in health and economic benefits, including saving the NHS £36 million. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said that children from low-income households are held back by an unhealthy start to life, adding that the existing levy has shown children’s health improves when industry cuts sugar levels. “A healthier nation will mean less pressure on our NHS, a healthier economy and a happier society,” he continued. Responding to the news, a spokesperson for the Food and Drink Federation welcomed the changes to the tax. They commented: “The new proposals take into account the costly and technically complex work that companies have to do to bring healthier products to market, and go some way to protecting the investment companies are making to help people follow healthier diets.” “Drinks manufacturers will continue conversations with government to ensure we have the right conditions to keep investing in healthier product innovation in the UK, even while the rate of food inflation continues to run so high. Government support and partnership to ensure industry has the R&D investment it needs for healthier product development would help food and drink companies move further and faster.” Meanwhile, James Watson, UK partner at global operations strategy and transformation consultancy Argon & Co, said that the move “highlights the absence of a coherent food and health strategy”. He commented: “Manufacturers are being penalised without any roadmap of what ‘good’ looks like, nor where funds raised will be directed.” “Even minor tweaks force manufacturers into costly reformulation, relabelling and compliance changes. Milkshakes represent a tiny fraction of total sugar consumption. If the aim is healthier diets, this feels like fettling rather than grasping the nettle – another missed opportunity to give clarity on a long-term nutrition and reformulation strategy with one-off tweaks that send mixed signals.”

Danone North America is tapping into the protein boom with the launch of Silk Protein, the latest addition to its plant-based drink portfolio. According to Danone, Silk Protein fills a gap in the market amid increased consumer interest in high-protein products – it is claimed to deliver the highest protein content of any currently available refrigerated, plant-based milk in the North American market. Each serving provides 130kcal and 13g of plant protein with all nine essential amino acids, as well as 3g of fibre and 50% less sugar than regular dairy milk while containing no artificial sweeteners. The drink also offers a source of calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. It is debuting in two flavours: original, and chocolate. The launch comes as research shows that online searches for high-protein foods has more than doubled (up 105%) in the past year. According to IFIC’s 2024 Food & Health Survey, three quarters of American consumers (71%) want to consume more protein. However, plant-based protein only accounts for one third (33%) of America’s total estimated protein intake according to PMC data. Danone Silk has begun rolling out regionally, with full nationwide distribution slated for early 2026.

Flavour specialists the Flava People has once again joined forces with Diageo to launch a new alcohol-free Baileys Chocolate Sauce, landing in Aldi stores nationwide this December. The launch follows the Baileys Caramel Sauce, which debuted in Iceland in May and has since gained significant traction among shoppers seeking premium branded indulgence. The new chocolate variant delivers the signature taste of Baileys Irish Cream in a rich chocolate format designed for drizzling over desserts, stirring into hot drinks, pairing with ice cream or adding a twist to alcoholic drinks. Packaged in a convenient squeezy bottle, Baileys Chocolate Sauce aims to bring a premium edge to everyday treats and seasonal occasions. Scott Dixon, Managing Director of The Flava People, said: “We’ve seen an incredible appetite for branded indulgence in grocery and Baileys continues to resonate across multiple categories.” With consumers increasingly favouring established brands within the dessert and toppings category, the Baileys chocolate Sauce taps into the company’s ongoing popularity as both a flavour and a brand. “This new chocolate sauce builds on the momentum of our caramel launch earlier this year and taps into the seasonal demand for elevated dessert experiences. It’s a brilliant example of how strategic brand collaborations can unlock new occasions and drive category growth,” Dixon continued. Bailey’s Chocolate Sauce will be available in Aldi from December, RRP £2 for 200ml and will also be stocked in B&M.

Plant-based ingredients company Roquette has unveiled Horizons, a new foresight platform designed to help food and nutrition businesses anticipate change and navigate uncertainty. The food and beverage industry operates in a fast-changing environment marked by evolving consumer expectations, regulations and technological disruption. Amid these changes, fuelled by factors such as the growing urgency of sustainability, Roquette noted that F&B companies need insights that go beyond the short-term to help them prepare for the future. The Horizons platform aims to provide structured support to businesses within the food industry, combining AI-driven scanning with expert analysis to detect emerging signals, prioritise the most critical drivers and develop scenarios to guide long-term strategy and innovation. It follows a four-step process that begins with scanning for signals of change – spanning lifestyle shifts, regulations, technologies, market dynamics and resource management. These signals are transformed into radars and prioritised according to their likelihood and potential impact. Roquette’s experts then construct scenarios that explore how the future may unfold under certain conditions. The final step translates these scenarios into tangible resources, such as ideation tools that provide guidance for future-proof strategies. Each signal and scenario is validated by specialists to ensure outputs are credible and actionable. Involvement from external partners, including think tank Hello Tomorrow and EDHC Business School, strengthen the scanning phase and help to ensure relevance. Horizons bridges macro drivers with consumer insights to help users connect long-term forces of change with immediate market realities. Through this, manufacturers can anticipate regulatory and consumer shifts, reduce uncertainty by stress-testing strategies across multiple potential futures, and fast-track innovation cycles. The platform also establishes a framework for resilience in volatile times, Roquette said, helping businesses to act ‘decisively rather than reactively’. Horizons is launching with online access to selected foresight resources, including a ‘strategic toolbox’ of industry radars, driver cards, scenarios and ideation materials. These are designed to spark new ways of thinking about the future of food, leading to tailored co-creation projects if desired. Sébastien Adelis, food and nutrition global insights and digital planner at Roquette, said: “Our industry is being reshaped by shifting consumer expectations, new health priorities, regulatory pressures and breakthrough technologies. The challenge is not simply keeping pace with these changes but anticipating what they will mean.” He added: “By combining advanced analytics with the expertise of our teams worldwide, Horizons transforms uncertainty into clear direction, enabling our partners to accelerate innovation, build resilience and shape a more sustainable future”.

Max Koeune, president and CEO of McCain Foods, has been appointed co-chair of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), joining Tesco Group CEO Ken Murphy in leading the industry body for the next two years. Max Koeune The CGF is the only global organisation that unites consumer goods manufacturers and retailers at the CEO level, representing more than 400 member companies across 70 countries, including Mondelēz International, Nestlé and Unilever. The forum works to scale cross-industry collaboration on issues ranging from sustainability to supply chain resilience. “It is an honour to join Ken as Co-Chair of The Consumer Goods Forum,” said Koeune. “I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the CGF’s global network to champion innovation and create positive impact at scale.” Koeune’s appointment comes at a time when the global food and beverage industry is navigating evolving consumer expectations, decarbonisation goals and accelerating supply chain transformation. McCain Foods, a major player in prepared potato products with a presence in over 160 markets, has been a vocal advocate for sustainable food production and regenerative agriculture. The company is deeply involved in the CGF’s work, contributing to three of its major Coalitions of Action: Climate Transition, Food Waste and Plastic Waste. Koeune has also served as co-sponsor of the Food Waste Coalition for the past five years. Koeune steps into the role previously held by Ramon Laguarta, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, who is stepping down to prioritise other commitments. The CGF expressed its gratitude for Laguarta’s leadership, noting that PepsiCo will remain actively engaged in its programmes. Wai-Chan Chan, managing director of the CGF, said: “McCain Foods brings deep industry expertise and Max’s insights will be instrumental in helping guide our efforts. With the co-chair’s strategic direction, I look forward to the CGF continuing its mission as a catalyst for meaningful progress across the consumer goods industry.” Through its Coalitions of Action, the CGF is working to advance decarbonisation, reduce waste, accelerate circular packaging models and drive healthier lives, all areas where food and beverage businesses are under mounting pressure to deliver measurable progress.

Danish biotech Chromologics has raised €7 million in a funding round led by Novo Holdings, EIFO, Döhler Ventures, Collateral Good Ventures and Synergetic, bringing its total capital raised to nearly €20 million. The funding will support regulatory submissions for Chromologics’ natural red colour, Natu.Red, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US FDA, as well as scale-up production through a large-scale contract manufacturing partner. Chromologics, a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark, develops fermentation-based natural colours designed to be heat- and pH-stable, vegan-friendly and independent of seasonal agricultural constraints. Trials with over 90 food manufacturers across Europe and the US have demonstrated its performance in applications ranging from meat and confectionery to plant-based products. Investor interest reflects growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic colourants, particularly amid recent regulatory scrutiny of artificial reds in the US fermentation-derived colours like Natu.Red are considered more sustainable than fruit- or vegetable-extracted alternatives, requiring less land, water and agricultural input. Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, director at Döhler Ventures, said Chromologics’ technology offers a “stable, scalable, and cost-competitive solution” for food producers navigating both regulatory changes and rising consumer demand. Gerit Tolborg, CEO, Chromologics, commented: "In times of shifting priorities, we deeply value the continued trust in our mission. Biomanufacturing remains essential to stabilise food supply chains – an endeavour that requires patient investors who understand the realities of innovation." Tolborg continued: "The support from our existing shareholders underscores the confidence in both Chromologics' technology and its commercial potential. Chromologics has demonstrated the cost efficiency, scalability, safety, and product-market fit of Natu.Red." Top image: © Chromologics

Meiji will launch the first winter-season product in its Meiji Dear Milk line up with the debut of Meiji Dear Milk Tokuno, rolling out nationwide on 1 December. The new product builds on the brand’s positioning as Japan’s first ice cream made solely from dairy ingredients, while dialling up richness to colder weather consumption. The limited-edition winter variant features an elevated milk fat content of 19.5% compared with 17% in the core product. The formula incorporates fresh cream sourced from Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, an area known for high-quality dairy production, resulting in a deeper, fuller milk flavour and a lingering, indulgent finish. The Dear Milk series is designed to highlight the inherent sweetness, aroma and richness of milk. Using its proprietary Tokachi condensed milk, Meiji concentrates its ingredients through the freezing point concentration method – a technique that intensifies milk’s natural character without relying on non-dairy additives. Positioned as a ‘winter ice cream’ that complements seasonal preferences for richer flavours, Meiji Dear Milk Tokuno aims to expand usage occasions during the colder months when ice cream consumption typically decreases. Meiji Dear Milk Tokuno ice cream will be available across Japan from 1 December.

Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection has introduced the X3 Series, a new line of bulk flow x-ray inspection systems aimed at detecting physical contaminants and reducing waste in food production. The series includes the X13 and X53 models, built on the company’s X2 platform with shared components for streamlined maintenance. Designed for unpackaged, loose-flow products on conveyors, the X3 Series can detect contaminants as small as 0.3-0.4 mm, covering items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses, confectionery and cereals. Reject options include a 30-nozzle air blast for small products and a six-flap pusher for larger produce, reducing blockages and minimising waste. The X13 offers a cost-effective solution with HiGain+ detector technology and ContamPlus software for reliable detection of metal, glass, bone and stone. The X53 provides enhanced accuracy with Dual Energy detectors and AMD Pro software, enabling it to distinguish between materials of similar density and detect low-density contaminants. The X53 also features traceability and automation tools, including self-check routines and a lockable inspection tunnel for secure operation. Both models feature tool-free component removal, front-access conveyors and options for water-cleaning systems, belt scrapers and IP69 protection. A 15.6-inch touchscreen and automatic set-up reduce operator errors and training requirements. The X3 Series integrates with ProdX for real-time monitoring, automated reporting and long-term data storage, supporting regulatory compliance. Mettler-Toledo also provides global remote support, service plans, and spare parts to maximise uptime. Chris Plant, head of sales x-ray inspection at Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray, said: “The launch of the X3 Series is a major milestone for bulk flow inspection. With the X13 and X53, we are combining exceptional detection capabilities with hygienic design and versatile reject options that significantly reduce waste." "From agricultural produce to confectionery, the X3 Series enables manufacturers to protect equipment, reduce costs and build consumer trust, while simplifying compliance in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.”

NBA player Chris Paul’s plant-based snack brand, Good Eat’n, has added two new products to its line-up as demand for clean label, dairy-free snacks continues to grow. The latest additions, Spicy Nacho Cheeze tortilla chips and Dairy-Free White Cheddar Popcorn, aim to deliver bold flavour without compromising on ingredient transparency. Both snacks are free of artificial dyes, Non-GMO Project-verified and gluten-free, aligning with consumers’ increasing preference for simple, recognisable ingredients. The Dairy-Free White Cheddar Popcorn is made with avocado oil to achieve what the brand describes as a lighter, cleaner finish while offering a sharp cheddar-style flavour without dairy. Meanwhile, Spicy Nacho Cheeze tortilla chips provide a 'warmer, bolder kick' designed to appeal to shoppers seeking heat in their better-for-you snacks. The new products are available at H-E-B stores across Texas, Gopuff and via Good Eat'n's website. At H-E-B, White Cheddar Popcorn retails for $3.99, while Spicy Nacho Cheeze is priced at $4.34.

The Compleat Food Group’s chilled pickles and kimchi brand, Vadasz, is expanding its range with the launch of its first-ever seasonal innovation: Sprout Kimchi. The limited-edition product combines fermented Brussels sprouts with spring onion, garlic, ginger, chilli and citrus zest. Vadasz describes the festive offering as a crunchy and spicy condiment that balances the earthy bitterness of sprouts with vibrant aromatics and natural sweetness. Vadasz aims to attract new shoppers to the brand while also tapping into consumer appetite for festive innovations, and the growing appetite for fermented foods as consumers become more aware of their gut health benefits. Sprouts are naturally high in fibre, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. When fermented, they also provide gut-friendly live cultures and probiotics. The Sprout Kimchi product can be paired with seasonal favourites such as roast dinners and festive sandwiches, and can be used as a swap for traditional kimchi in dishes such as stir-fries and fried rice. Yvonne Adam, chief marketing officer at The Compleat Food Group, said: “Sprouts can divide opinions during the festive period, but we’ve reimagined them in a way that’s both flavour-packed and health-forward”. “With rising interest in fermented foods and gut health, we’re confident this limited-edition launch will spark seasonal trial and drive year-round repeat purchase across the Vadasz range.” Sprout Kimchi is now available exclusively in Waitrose stores across the UK, priced at £4.95 per 350g jar. The product is the latest among several innovations launched this year by the brand, including Smacked Cucumbers, Hot & Chunky Kimchi and Kimchi Shot.