Ball Corporation is expanding its manufacturing footprint in India with a new investment of around $60 million in its Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh. The move follows a $55 million investment in 2024 to expand the company’s Taloja plant near Mumbai, and forms part of Ball’s broader strategy to boost capacity and strengthen supply chains in one of Asia’s fastest-growing consumer markets. The company said the investment will support rising demand for aluminium beverage cans in India, where the market is projected to grow by more than 10% annually over the next five years. Demand is increasing across categories including ready-to-drink beverages and milk-based drinks, which are shifting to aluminium formats. Ball’s retort technology is used to extend shelf life for dairy-based beverages. Mandy Glew, president of Ball Beverage Packaging EMEA and Asia, said India is a “key” growth market for the company and that further expansions are being evaluated. Manish Joshi, regional commercial director for Asia, added: “This is a pivotal moment for our India team. It reinforces our commitment to serving customers in this fast-growing market with greater speed, flexibility and reliability". "We are proud to contribute to local skill development, and strengthen our partnerships with local suppliers and customers to drive growth, sustainability and technical innovation tailored to the Indian market.” Ball has operated in India since 2016 and currently produces a range of can sizes at its Taloja and Sri City sites. Top image: © Ball Corporation

Mikko Keto SIG Group, a provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has announced the appointment of Mikko Keto as its new chief executive officer, effective in the first half of 2026. This move comes after an extensive global search aimed at identifying a leader capable of driving the company’s next phase of growth and innovation. Keto joins SIG from FLSmidth, an engineering company specialising in the mining sector, where he served as Group CEO. During his tenure, he successfully implemented a comprehensive business transformation strategy that included financial and operational resets, portfolio optimisation through significant divestments and mergers, and a global efficiency programme that doubled the company's value. His previous experience at Metso Corporation further solidifies his credentials, where he held various leadership roles over a nine-year period. Ola Rollén, chair of the board of SIG, expressed confidence in Keto’s ability to lead the company: “Mikko brings an impressive track record of driving business and cultural transformations in engineering-led systems businesses. We believe that under his direction, we will build a simpler, leaner and more agile company that delivers enhanced value to all stakeholders.” Keto's appointment comes at a pivotal time for SIG, which has established itself as a key player in the F&B packaging market. The company is recognised for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, providing a diverse portfolio that includes aseptic cartons, bag-in-box solutions, and spouted pouches. In his statement, Keto highlighted the strengths of SIG’s business model: “The group has a high-quality business model, with engineering, innovation, and sustainability at its core. I very much look forward to leading the Company into its next chapter and building on its strong foundation.” His leadership is expected to further enhance SIG’s capabilities in delivering end-to-end solutions for differentiated products and smarter factories. Anne Erkens, who has served as interim CEO during the transition, will continue in her role as CFO, ensuring continuity in leadership as the company embarks on this new chapter. The board has expressed gratitude for her contributions during this period of change. With a strong focus on sustainability, SIG produced 57 billion packs and achieved €3.3 billion in revenue in 2024. The company has also earned accolades for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, including an AAA ESG rating from MSCI and a Platinum CSR rating from EcoVadis.

Caraway Tea Company, a US manufacturer and co-packer of premium teas, wellness blends and supplement-infused beverages, has announced its relocation to a new, larger facility in Poughkeepsie, New York. The site is part of a 115,00-spare foot industrial complex and provides Caraway Tea with 20,000 square feet of dedicated production, blending and fulfilment space, with additional capacity for future expansion. “This move represents an exciting new chapter for Caraway Tea,” said Michael Caraway, chief operating officer of Caraway Tea Company. “Our expanded footprint will allow us to scale manufacturing, improve workflow efficiency and continue innovating in the wellness and tea categories.” As part of the relocation, the company is expanding its in-house quality control and R&D laboratory to more than 500 square feet, enhancing its capabilities in testing, formulation and new product development. The upgraded lab will reinforce the company’s commitment to SQF-certified quality, traceability and compliance. The Poughkeepsie facility will serve as Caraway Tea’s primary headquarters and production centre, supporting the company’s full suite of services.

Adam Pope Invisible yet indispensable, gases play a crucial role in food and drink manufacturing – from carbonating beverages to keeping refrigeration systems cool. But while essential to production, these gases also pose significant safety and environmental challenges. As the sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, reduce waste and operate more sustainably, ensuring safe and efficient gas management has never been more important. In this feature, Draeger Safety UK’s Adam Pope explores how businesses can strengthen gas safety practices, protect workers and equipment, and align sustainability goals with safer, smarter operations. From the presence of carbon dioxide in drinks manufacturing to the use of ammonia in food refrigeration systems, gas safety is a key health and safety consideration in the food and drink sector. The variety of gases, their individual characteristics, properties and different applications, combined with the potential high-risk nature of the hazards involved, can make gas safety seem a challenging area, further complicated by regularly evolving legislation and advice. As a result, it can be challenging to determine the best approach to ensure the safety of workers, and more broadly, the plant as a whole. This issue is brought into particularly sharp focus in smaller and lower-complexity settings, such as small or independent food and drink manufacturing facilities. In such settings, health and safety knowledge (and resources) may be more limited, and the ability to work in partnership with an experienced supplier can be particularly valuable. Example: Carbon dioxide in breweries Carbon dioxide is a gas which can commonly present safety issues in environments such as breweries due to the potentially high amounts of the gas created during the fermentation process. Approached appropriately, however, such scenarios are straightforward to address, and correct handling can also yield significant efficiencies in terms of the costs associated with resolving the issue. In breweries, it is unavoidable that carbon dioxide will enter the ambient environment, often drifting off fermentation vessels into production halls. This itself is a safety issue that requires addressing; however, it is particularly pronounced when members of the public are present – for example, on a brewery tour or in an adjoining tap room. One major brewing company ran ventilation fans constantly to ensure a through flow of air, to ensure that oxygen displacement did not become a safety issue within the facility. However, this ventilation system was costly to run, and its permanent operation was unnecessary – it only needed to be in operation when gas levels reached a certain point. The decision was made to install a new fixed gas detection system, which was linked to the ventilation system. This enabled the fans to be automatically triggered into operation when carbon dioxide was detected at a certain (conservative) level and switched off when safe levels were restored. This typically only required the fans to be active for 30 minutes or so each time, which led to an approximately 60% reduction in the total time that fans needed to be operational, with associated cost savings. This highlights a common – and understandable – mistake when approaching gas safety issues, which is to implement unnecessary (and often costly) mitigation methods due to not fully understanding the risks posed. Example: The use of ammonia in food refrigeration Ammonia is commonly used in food refrigeration systems and is therefore often employed in small independent food facilities. Whilst its pungent odour is distinctive and unmistakable, its dangers are significant: In lower concentrations, inhalation can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and prolonged exposure can result in severe respiratory complications, and can even be fatal. Another, often overlooked, danger is its explosive nature when present in higher volumes. As a result, an accidental release of ammonia can not only pose immediate health risks but can also lead to explosive incidents if not promptly monitored and managed. In such settings, correctly positioning gas detectors and audio-visual alarms, particularly in critical areas, is essential for reliably monitoring ammonia and ensuring the protection of both employees and assets. Although each facility is different and likely to have unique requirements, with the right knowledge and advice, the solution itself need not be overly complicated. A well-designed gas safety detection system, tailored to the site’s specific needs following a survey, will be effective in monitoring for any leaks, providing a complete solution. Once installed, the system can be fully tested by the equipment provider and set up to trigger alarms for both gas concentrations above defined exposure limits and also explosive potential, ensuring that timely action can be taken, whether that is an emergency evacuation, automated ventilation or a shutdown. If regular service and maintenance schedules are up to date (something that any good gas safety partner will be able to advise on), such a solution can be left to operate in the background. Key points Three key points for health and safety managers to consider when it comes to gas safety in lower complexity food and drink settings: Keep it simple – particularly for smaller settings, a well-chosen gas detection system supported by expert advice from a knowledgeable provider is often more than enough for lower-complexity environments in the food and drink industry. Ask the company with which you are considering working what experience they have in the food and drink sector and make sure that they can handle the full range of gas safety issues in your business. Additionally, ensure the company has strong engineering, installation and service and maintenance capabilities to support you through the process and look after your system longer-term. Consider the total cost of ownership of gas detection and monitoring devices – quality can vary, and it's important to ask, for example, how long consumable parts, such as sensors or batteries, should last  – there can be significant differences in the lifespan of such parts and the frequency with which they may need to be replaced can make the difference between good and poor value in the long term. Gas safety is an issue that is attracting growing focus, not least with the increased use of new and more environmentally sustainable practices and materials. Obtaining good advice from trusted partners is an effective way to efficiently address gas safety concerns in the food and drink sector, from settings which are small and simple through to the sophisticated and complex, ensuring peace of mind for all concerned.

Kääpä Biotech, a Finnish start-up specialising in functional mushroom ingredients, has successfully secured a €9 million strategic investment. The milestone will contribute to the company’s growth plans in the global nutraceuticals market, accelerating its mission to bring premium, traceable and clinically validated functional mushroom ingredients to the forefront of global wellness and health. Global agri-food tech fund manager PeakBridge led the investment round, together with food-tech venture capital fund Zintinus. The capital will enable Kääpä to increase production capacity, expand vertical integration, scale operations, strengthen the market position of its NordRelease ingredients and meet surging demand from international consumers across the wellness, nutrition and supplement sectors. Eric Puro, CEO and co-founder of Kääpä Biotech, said: “The functional mushroom market continues to expand rapidly, with the sector fuelled by increasing customer demand for high-quality, trustworthy and science-backed functional mushroom products”. “We are overjoyed by the strengthening relationship with PeakBridge, who invested in us earlier this year . In addition to the strategic partnership and funding, PeakBridge’s tailored value-add programmes for portfolio companies are a cornerstone of their partnership approach, guided by a team with deep food industry expertise.” Gali Artzi, partner and CTO at PeakBridge, commented: “Kääpä Biotech exemplifies what we look for in this space: vertical integration that addresses real supply chain vulnerabilities, rigorous bioactive standardisation and a European base that cuts dependence on Asia's concentrated production”. “Functional mushrooms represent more than a wellness trend; they're a convergence of centuries of traditional use, growing clinical evidence and modern extraction science that delivers measurable health benefits. Kääpä is a true sector leader and we’re thrilled to extend our support into this next chapter.” In September 2025, Kääpä unveiled a new mushroom cultivation facility in Paimio, Finland, expanding its production and R&D capabilities. In June 2025, it opened an additional cultivation site in Salo, Finland, further strengthening its capacity to meet growing demand for Nordic-origin, premium functional mushroom ingredients.

‘High-protein’ has been the buzzword in food and beverages in recent years. But another sports-focused ingredient is muscling in to take protein’s crown: creatine. And its benefits could go beyond boosting your workouts. FoodBev’s deputy editor, Melissa Bradshaw, delves into the creatine craze. Creatine, an organic compound that provides energy to the muscles, is currently in the food and beverage innovation spotlight. Produced naturally in the body – as well as consumed through certain foods including meat, dairy and seafood – this multifunctional molecule gives a boost to the muscles, helping to power them through physical activity. The creatine produced in the body also provides energy to other tissues, like the heart and brain. Supplementation of creatine is nothing new. It became popular with active individuals in the 1990s, when famous athletes began using creatine supplements to enhance their performance. Since, its popularity has soared among active consumers in day-to-day life, heralded as a work-out must by many gym-goers, personal trainers and fitness influencers alike. “Creatine is one of the most well-researched and effective supplements for supporting performance, particularly in high-intensity, short-duration activities like sprinting, weightlifting or interval training,” said Yasi Ansari, registered dietician nutritionist, specialist in sports dietetics and owner of Yasi Ansari Nutrition. “It works by increasing the availability of phosphocreatine in our muscles, supporting the regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during quick bursts of effort and energy.” Supplementation has also been associated with supporting recovery after acute training, helping to decrease the biomarkers of muscle damage, though Ansari added that more long-term studies on the benefits of creatine in recovery are needed. In supplement form, it is most commonly available as creatine monohydrate: the most extensively studied form of creatine that has become very cost-effective to synthetically produce on a mass scale. “Some products use alternative forms, such as creatine hydrochloride or creatine ethyl ester, but research on these is significantly more limited,” Ansari said. “That doesn’t mean they’re harmful, but we just don’t have the same level of evidence supporting their effectiveness as we do for creatine monohydrate.” A boost for the body and brain? Though creatine has long been recognised for its performance benefits, researchers have recently been exploring a range of additional advantages of creatine supplementation, ranging from mood support to improved memory and other cognitive functions. Last year, a small study from a team at German research institute Forschungszentrum Jülich found that a single high dose of creatine could temporarily improve cognitive performance that has been reduced by sleep deprivation. Published in the journal Scientific Reports , the study involved giving a high dose of creatine to test subjects who had been kept awake overnight and were required to solve cognitive tasks during this time. A positive effect on the brain metabolism and cognitive performance was observed three hours after taking the creatine, reaching its peak after four hours and lasting up to nine hours. Particular benefits included improvements in processing capacity and short-term memory. The neuronal cells of the central nervous system absorb creatine only to a small extent, a barrier to previously enabling this short-term effect to be proven in research studies. The researchers explained that the cells usually cover their needs largely through their own synthesis – however, putting the brain in a ‘stressed’ state through their experimental conditions meant the uptake of creatine in the cells was increased. Ali Gordjinejad, coordinator of the study from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine at Forschungszentrum Jülich, emphasised that for now, it is not advisable to take high doses of creatine supplements at home due to health risks associated with strain on the kidneys. “However, if future studies show an increase in cognitive performance at lower doses, creatine might become a serious competitor to coffee during long working nights,” he added. It’s important to emphasise that larger studies would also be needed to provide more robust evidence – the sample size for this study was very small (just 15 participants). But the findings lay the foundation for these benefits to be explored on a larger scale, suggesting a positive association with improved functioning. Meanwhile, the findings of another study carried out last year suggests that creatine monohydrate supplementation could have promising effects in decreasing symptoms of depression when used alongside talking therapy. The UK study involved daily creatine supplementation among 50 adult participants with depression who were also undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with an additional 50 participants taking a placebo alongside CBT. Findings showed that the group supplementing creatine showed a significantly greater reduction in depression symptoms compared to the placebo group. Though, again, the sample size is modest and the duration relatively short (eight weeks), this emerging research shows promising early findings to provide a foundation for larger and longer trials in the future. Getting creative with creatine Creatine is typically available in powder format that can be mixed into drinks, a popular way for active consumers to get their daily dose. However, applications for the integration of this powerhouse ingredient have broadened into other supplement formats, such as gummies, and less traditional formats like snacking products. In the last year, we’ve seen creatine innovation branch out into new territories, combining functional fitness supplementation with fun flavours and formats designed to combine convenience with enjoyment. Creatine and confectionery crossovers combined nostalgia with performance this summer, tapping into the ‘ retro revival ’ trend in F&B and bringing playfulness to the sports nutrition category. In July, Cellucor launched a creatine powder inspired by the iconic American Jolly Rancher Green Apple and Cherry-flavoured candy . Then, in August, fellow US brand VMI Sports announced the launch of Pez Flavoured Creatine Monohydrate , available in Sour Apple and Cherry variants. British brand Warrior also expanded the creatine innovations within its sports nutrition portfolio this year, broadening into new formats. Building on the success of its standard creatine monohydrate powder, the brand launched ‘Creatine+’ in May : a product line responding not only to the boom in creatine’s popularity, but to the rising demand for multifunctional products that promise convenient, all-in-one benefits. The range includes Creatine+ Electrolytes, Creatine+ Collagen, Creatine+ Energy, Creatine+ EAA (essential amino acids) and Creatine+ Vitamins. All five products, suitable for mixing into beverages, are available in Mixed Berry or Unflavoured variants for flexibility. The brand also introduced a creatine protein bar line in December 2024, containing 20g of protein and 3g of creatine, designed to provide a tasty and convenient on-the-go snacking format. Most recently, a unique new format – a sugar-free chewable tablet – has launched to market in Canada under the brand Mutant, owned by Fit Foods. Available in ' Tangy Blue Razz' and 'Berried Alive' flavours, the tablets are designed to provide 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving, offering a convenient and mess-free alternative to powders. The brand claims its innovation is the 'world's first' sugar-free, full-dosed chewable creatine tablet. When it comes to convenience, gummies have also become a popular format. TopGum unveiled a new collection of active nutrition gummies last month, with a creatine gummy product among those in the range. These contain 1,500mg of creatine in each gummy, available in trendy fruity cherry, raspberry and watermelon flavours. Consumer trust Though the gummy supplement format has become more popular, consumers have been cautioned that there could be discrepancies between the dose of creatine advertised on the packaging and the actual amount contained in the product. A ‘ creatine gummy scandal ’ was uncovered earlier this year when James Smith, an author, personal trainer and fitness influencer, carried out independent third-party testing on a range of popular gummy brands, finding that they contained significantly less of the ingredient than claimed. According to Smith, some of the batches tested – from brands including Overload, Gains Nutrition, Push, Unique Physique and Supplmnt – contained little to no creatine. The results of batches tested from other brands, such as WellBoost, Create, Known Nutrition and MyVitamins, were more promising, showing an amount of creatine that more closely matched the amount advertised. New Zealand-based Push was forced to put the brakes on sales and issue an apologetic statement revealing it was undertaking an investigation into the claims, after Smith revealed that the third-party testing he arranged – carried out using Eurofins, the same lab Push itself said it used to conduct its own tests – showed around 0.1g of creatine in a daily serving of three gummies. This serving was marketed as containing 5g. Smith accused manufacturers of intentionally reducing or omitting creatine to achieve better taste and texture, thus attracting more repeat purchases, while also calling out brands who he said have not been doing their due diligence and taking responsibility for the testing process. Nutraceuticals, such as gummies, are subject to food safety regulations and are therefore liable if found to be making false claims and deliberately deceiving consumers. However, because they are less stringently regulated than the pharmaceuticals market, consumers have been encouraged not to take the marketing at face value and to do their research before buying. Registered dietician nutritionist Ansari highlighted the importance of ensuring third-party testing is properly carried out, with certificiation schemes such as Informed Choice and NSF Certified for Sport helping to build consumer confidence. “[Labels like these] help put consumers at ease, knowing that what is on the label is what they will get,” she commented. “I also advise that clients avoid the term ‘blend’ or ‘proprietary blend’ in creatine supplements.” Gains for all Beyond the obvious creatine fans – the likes of bodybuilders and athletes – these products could appeal to a wide range of consumers as awareness of creatine’s benefits increases. “Creatine can support people across the lifespan,” Ansari told FoodBev. “For example, women across various age groups experience numerous metabolic, hormonal and neurological benefits.” “For women, changes in oestrogen lead to changes in muscle mass and bone health. In addition to strength training, adequate nutrition, including higher intakes of protein and creatine, can help prevent muscle mass loss.” Ansari added that further research is needed to assess whether creatine alone, or in combination with strength training, supports the musculoskeletal parameters of post-menopausal women – but incorporating both is good practice to support strength and movement, and combat age-related muscle loss. Most products currently available are targeted toward the sports nutrition market. However, innovation is likely to expand as the trend reaches new audiences. Functional drinks company Progevity is one example of expanding innovation, having released a protein beverage for consumers aged 50 and older last year . The longevity-focused drink, targeting older consumers rather than the broad active nutrition market, contains creatine alongside additional functional ingredients such as collagen, vitamins and functional botanicals. Innovation in high-protein products has not slowed, still a booming market driving NPD across numerous food and beverage sub-categories. But alongside their protein-packed shakes and snack bars, consumers are increasingly likely to seek out creatine products in the coming years, with the creatine supplements market projected to surpass $4 billion in value by 2030. Growing health-consciousness and demand for functional performance products is powering the surge, delivering gains for consumers and producers alike.

Rind Snacks, the sustainable, fruit-forward brand has announced the launch of its latest innovation, Rind Raspberry Almond Granola Squares, available exclusively at Sam’s Clubs across the US. The new offering marks Rind’s first foray into the functional granola space, following its acquisition of Small Batch Organics in 2023. Each Raspberry Almond Granola Square blends whole fruit, hearty oats, crunchy nuts and seeds and a touch of Greek yogurt. With 5g of protein per serving, the squares offer a nutrient-rich, on-the-go option that bridges the gap between indulgence and functionality. Matt Weiss, founder and CEO of Rind Snacks, said: “Expanding beyond the dried fruit category and into whole-fruit granola snacks represents a major step in Rind’s evolution. It reflects our expanded manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to reimagining how functional, whole-food snacks can deliver flavour and performance.” Unlike traditional granola bars, Rind’s new portion-controlled, snackable squares cater to shifting consumer habits that favour convenient, shareable and better-for-you snacks. The format is designed to meet modern snacking trends – versatile enough for breakfast, mid-day or a healthy treat. Founded in 2018, Rind Snacks has grown from a niche dried fruit brand into one known for functional, sustainable snacking, with products that are non-GMO, kosher and gluten-free. The Raspberry Almond Granola Squares are available now in Sam’s Club stores and online.

The European Commission has opened an antitrust investigation to assess whether energy drinks company Red Bull has illegally restricted competition within the category. The probe is significant, as it marks the EU Commission’s first formal investigation into a potential abuse of a category management position by a supplier to limit or disadvantage competing products. In a statement released yesterday (13 November 2025), the Commission said that Red Bull may have developed a European Economic Area (EEA)-wide strategy to restrict competition from energy drinks larger than 250ml in the off-trade channel, in retail outlets such as supermarkets and petrol station shops. Allegedly, Red Bull’s strategy targeted its ‘closest competitor’ in the energy drinks market, the EU Commission said – though it did not disclose the name of the brand. It expressed concern that Red Bull may have implemented this strategy in the Netherlands in particular, where it holds a dominant position in the national market for the wholesale supply of branded energy drinks. Two suspected anti-competitive practices are at the centre of the investigation. One such practice is granting monetary and non-monetary incentives to off-trade customers to delist, or disadvantage (such as in terms of visibility), competing energy drinks sold in sizes exceeding 250ml (Red Bull’s most widely recognised can size). The other is misuse of a category management position at off-trade customers, so that competing energy drinks sold in sizes exceeding 250ml are delisted or disadvantaged. Under category management arrangements, retailers entrust the marketing of a category of products – such as energy drinks – to a specific supplier (the category ‘captain’ or ‘manager’). Acting as a category manager may cover not only the supplier’s products, but also the competitor’s. The category manager may therefore have influence on factors such as the selection, placement and promotion of competing products in a store. If such practices are proven, Red Bull may have breached EU competition rules that prohibit the abuse of a dominant position. The Commission said it will now carry out its ‘in-depth’ investigation as a priority. It carried out unannounced inspections at the headquarters of Red Bull, located in Austria, and at several of its EEA subsidiaries in March 2023. The Commission then continued the inspection at its premises in Brussels in June 2023, and between August and September 2023. Red Bull challenged the decision authorising the Commission to carry out inspections to the General Court. The company also requested the suspension of the continued inspection at the Commission’s Brussels premises. In September 2023, the president of the General Court dismissed the request for suspension, and in October 2025, the General Court rejected Red Bull's challenge against the inspection decision. It stated that that decision was ‘well-founded’ and ‘adopted on the basis of sufficient indicia, and that it was neither arbitrary nor disproportionate’. FoodBev has reached out to Red Bull for comment on the latest developments. The EU Commission’s Teresa Ribera, executive vice president for Clean, Just and Competetive Transition, said: “We want to see if these practices may be keeping prices high and limiting choice of energy drinks for consumers. This investigation is part of the Commission’s continued efforts to enforce competition rules in the food supply chain to the benefit of European consumers.”

As the countdown to Christmas begins, brands across the food and beverage industry are unveiling this year’s advent calendars – transforming a long-standing festive tradition into a showcase for creativity, flavour and innovation. From coffee to chocolate, frozen desserts and even garlic dip, this year’s advent calendars show how brands are mixing indulgence with creativity to bring something new – and a little fun – to the festive countdown. Here’s a look at some of this year’s most notable launches. Doughlicious UK-based frozen dessert brand Doughlicious is bringing something different to the holiday countdown with its first-ever frozen advent calendar. The Doughlicious Countdown Calendar features 12 frozen Cookie Dough & Gelato Bites, most of which are limited-edition holiday flavours handmade in London. Each bite pairs soft cookie dough with creamy gelato, finished with a dusting of crumbs or toppings. The line-up features Gingerbread, Snowball, Peppermint Bark, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Truffle, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Churro, Blueberry and White Chocolate – all gluten-free and made with 100% British oats. Priced at $11.99, the calendar offers a playful twist on traditional holiday treats and will be available nationwide in the freezer aisle at Target. Celebrations Celebrations is releasing a limited batch of its Numberless Advent Calendar, following unexpected viral interest driven by a social media misprint earlier this season. The product gained national attention after a Hertfordshire consumer posted about receiving a calendar with unnumbered doors, allowing users to open any compartment at any time. The post sparked what online fans called 'Christmas freedom,' prompting thousands of comments across social channels and Reddit forums. In response to the surge in demand, Celebrations has confirmed the release of a small number of bespoke calendars. The launch highlights how quickly consumer culture can reshape seasonal traditions, with fans embracing a more flexible – and rule-free – approach to the advent countdown. Lindt Another brand embracing the countdown is Lindt, with a full line-up of festive favourites. Swiss chocolatier Lindt has introduced its 2025 advent calendar collection, available across its stores, boutiques and online. The range includes the Pick & Mix Advent Calendar (£17.50, 300g), which can be filled with a personalised selection of chocolates and a London-themed edition exclusive to the Piccadilly flagship store. Also part of the line-up is the Chocolate Factory Advent Calendar (£22, 304g), inspired by Lindt’s historic Kilchberg site in Switzerland and the Teddy Augmented Reality Advent Calendar (£15, 250g), which offers a digital element through interactive animations. Other options include the Teddy 3D Advent Calendar (£25, 250g), the Festive Selection Advent Calendar (£16, 289g) and two milk chocolate versions priced at £8.50 and £12. L-R: Lindt Chocolate Factory, Lindt Teddy Augmented Reality, Teddy 3D Advent Calendar and Lindt Festive Selection. Ole Smoky Adding a spirited twist to the countdown, Ole Smoky Distillery has launched its 12 Days of Moonshine Minis Holiday Pack – a limited-edition advent-style calendar featuring a selection of the brand’s award-winning moonshines. Each of the 12 windows reveals a 50ml jar showcasing one of Ole Smoky’s popular flavours, including Strawberry, Apple Pie, Sour Watermelon and White Lightnin’ Moonshine, along with cream-based varieties such as Butter Pecan, White Chocolate Strawberry and Banana Pudding. Priced at $39.99, the set comes in a festive box with custom artwork, designed for both long-time fans and newcomers to explore the brand’s flavour range. Bonne Maman Bonne Maman is once again marking the festive season with the return of its limited-edition advent Calendar, now in its ninth year. The 2025 design features 24 individually boxed mini jars, each revealing an exclusive flavour and a short message hidden behind the door. The collection showcases a mix of seasonal preserves, including Caramel Spread with Coffee, Mango and Ginger Spread, Pear and Mandarin with Cinnamon Spread and Strawberry with Passion Fruit Spread. Each recipe is made with simple, high-quality ingredients and contains no high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives or additives. Presented in a decorative holiday-themed box, the calendar retails for $54.99 and is available through Bonne Maman’s online shop, Amazon and selected US retailers. Jeppson’s Malört Chicago-based spirit brand Jeppson’s Malört is making the festive countdown a little more interesting with the launch of its Malört Advent Calendar. Each door hides a miniature bottle of the brand’s bitter liqueur – described by Malört as “a little bit of joy, regret and that unmistakable flavour you love to hate”. Retailing at $79.99, the Malört Advent Calendar is available exclusively through Malort's website and select US retailers while stocks last. Ethel M Chocolates Bringing a touch of the desert to the festive season, Ethel M Chocolates has launched a limited-edition Holiday Advent Calendar for 2025. The 24-piece set features a mix of returning favourites and new creations – from Dark Chocolate Prickly Pear and Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel to newer flavours like Milk Chocolate Bananas Foster and Dark Chocolate Passion Fruit Caramel Truffle. Each day reveals a different chocolate, designed to showcase the brand’s signature blend of regional inspiration and handcrafted confectionery. YumEarth Meanwhile, YumEarth, known for its allergy-friendly and organic sweets, is introducing a range of seasonal products for 2025 – including its first-ever Advent Calendar. The calendar offers a joyful countdown to Christmas, featuring '12 Days of Christmas' illustrations and daily surprises such as Organic Chewys and Sour Littles. Like the rest of the brand’s range, the treats are free from the top allergens, non-GMO and made without artificial dyes or high-fructose corn syrup, making them suitable for families looking for inclusive holiday options. Retailing at $23.99, the advent calendar will be available at Whole Foods Market, Amazon and at the YumEarth's website. Alongside the calendar, YumEarth is also introducing several seasonal products, including a Chocolate Snowman made with Fair Trade Certified cocoa, Peppermint Puffs and a No-Bake Cake Pops Kit, while returning favourites such as Candy Cane Lollipops and the Gingerbread House Baking Kit round out the festive collection. Peet's Coffee Peet’s Coffee is marking the holiday season with the debut of its 12 Days of Peet’s Advent Calendar, a new addition to the brand’s seasonal line-up that turns the countdown to Christmas into a daily coffee ritual. The limited-edition calendar includes twelve individual ground coffee varieties, ranging from Peet’s signature blends such as Major Dickason’s and French Roast, to single-origin coffees including Kenya Auction Lot and Guatemala San Sebastian. Each pack offers a different brew to explore, highlighting the roaster’s craft and variety. The calendar, priced at $79.95, is available via Peet’s website and coffee bars. Domino’s Domino’s is giving the traditional holiday countdown a savoury twist this year with the launch of its first Garlic & Herb Dip Advent Calendar. Branded as 'Merry Dipmas,’ the limited-edition release offers 24 days of Domino’s signature dip. Izzy Gardener, chief festive flavour explorer at Domino’s, said the launch was designed to bring “a cheeky twist on a Christmas tradition,” highlighting the dip as “the ultimate holiday companion”. Available exclusively through Domino’s websites from 2-16 November, the calendar encourages consumers to get creative with flavour pairings, from sweet and savoury combinations to more daring experiments – think gingerbread, candy canes or even Brussels sprouts with Garlic & Herb Dip.

Danone North America’s dairy brand Too Good & Co has expanded into the coffee segment with the launch of a new line of refrigerated creamers. Rolling out nationwide this month, the Too Good & Co Coffee Creamers range includes three varieties: Sweet Cream, Roasted Vanilla and a seasonal Lavender option. Each product is made with milk and cream and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavours, preservatives, gums or oils. According to the company, the creamers contain 40% less sugar than leading coffee creamer brands and are designed to appeal to consumers seeking simpler ingredient lists and lower-sugar options. Danone cited research indicating that 68% of shoppers look for products made with real ingredients, while 41% consider total sugar content when buying food and drink. The three flavours aim to offer versatility for coffee and tea preparation at home, aligning with growing interest in #HomeCafe and #CoffeeTok trends. Sweet Cream provides a classic profile, Roasted Vanilla offers a caramelised vanilla flavour, and the Lavender creamer delivers subtle floral notes with a vanilla base. Additional seasonal flavours are planned for 2026. "Our new Too Good & Co creamers are crafted for those who want to enjoy real, high-quality ingredients and delicious flavor, all while feeling good about what's going in their cup," Olivia Sanchez, senior vice president of creamers at Danone North America. Too Good & Co said the move into creamers builds on consumer demand for everyday products with reduced sugar and recognisable ingredients. The creamers will be available at retailers across the US with an SRP of $5.99 per bottle.

GoodLeaf Farms, Canada’s largest national vertical farming operator, has completed a CAD 52 million (approx. $37 million) equity financing round to scale production at its facilities in Alberta and Quebec and to build a new research and development centre in Ontario. The round included new and existing investors, among them Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Power Sustainable Lios and McCain Foods. The company said 2025 marked a period of strong growth, with demand for its Canadian-grown baby greens, microgreens and blends rising sharply. Earlier this year, GoodLeaf opened its Agricultural Centre of Excellence in Guelph, which now serves as its R&D hub. CEO Andy O’Brien said demand for the company’s products “nearly doubled” by April. The new funding will allow GoodLeaf to double output at its two largest farms in 2026, he added. FCC’s managing director Adam Smalley said the investment aligns with the growing consumer appetite for locally produced produce and supports Canada’s long-term food security. Jonathan Belair, managing partner at Power Sustainable Lios, said GoodLeaf’s ability to raise capital “speaks to the confidence investors have in vertical farming” and the milestones the company has achieved. Part of the funding will go towards establishing a new R&D centre in Ontario to advance more sustainable and efficient growing practices across GoodLeaf’s three vertical farms. Charlie Angelakos, VP of global external affairs and sustainability of McCain Foods, added: "We have been a key partner in GoodLeaf's development, and we're excited to continue supporting their mission". Top image: © GoodLeaf

The assets of plant-based cheese brand Julienne Bruno have been acquired out of administration by Harvey & Brockless, a subsidiary of The Compleat Food Group. Julienne Bruno, established in 2020 by founder Axel Katalan, is a supplier of dairy-free cheese and cream products, headquartered in London, UK. The company appointed Sam Birchall and Howard Smith from Interpath as joint administrators on 11 November 2025. A previous winner of FoodBev Media’s World Dairy and Plant-Based Innovation Awards, Julienne Bruno has grown substantially since its inception and developed a strong reputation for its plant-based cheese products, which included plant-based alternatives to burrata, stracciatella and mozzarella. However, Interpath revealed that the brand had been unable to secure the necessary investment required to enable profitability, resulting in the appointment of administrators this month. Despite what Interpath said was a ‘competitive process’ to seek investment options, with a number of parties showing interest, a solvent outcome could not be found and all 14 staff members were made redundant. However, within days of the company being placed into administration, Interpath has secured the sale of certain assets – including the Julienne Bruno brand – to Harvey & Brockless. The Compleat Food Group, a UK-based chilled food group that houses brands such as Wall’s Pastry, Vadasz and Squeaky Bean among others, acquired speciality food producer and distributor Harvey & Brockless last year. A spokesperson for The Compleat Food Group commented: “Harvey & Brockless has acquired the assets of Julienne Bruno and is committed to ensuring the continuation of its much-loved plant-based products”. They added that the company is currently in the process of relocating the production assets to its facility in Evesham, Worcestershire, with availability of the products expected to resume in the new year. Tom Swiers, head of food and drink for Interpath, said: “Since its launch, Julienne Bruno had developed a great reputation for its innovative and high-quality plant-based products. Known as a pioneer within the sector, it had generated a loyal customer base both in the UK and internationally.” “We’re pleased to have achieved this sale which will enable the brand to continue under new ownership and deliver to its customers.” Joint administrator Smith added that the immediate priority is to support the employees who have been made redundant, including supporting their claims for redundancy pay and other money owed.