Nomadic, a UK-based convenience food brand, is entering the snacking market with its Yogurt & Oat Bar – the country’s first chilled yogurt bar. The product, which combines a soft oat base topped with creamy yogurt and encased in dark chocolate, will is available nationally at Morrisons and through Nomadic's network of wholesalers. The introduction of the Yogurt & Oat Bar marks a significant move for Nomadic, drawing inspiration from the booming success of similar products in the US, particularly the Clio brand, which has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers. The US chilled yogurt bar market, valued at approximately $236 million, has seen substantial growth, doubling in size over the past two years and projected to increase tenfold over the next decade, according to industry insights from Spins. Nomadic's Yogurt & Oat Bar is poised to create a new category within the chilled snack segment, which has been traditionally dominated by ambient products. Jennifer Crew, brand manager at Nomadic, said: “We couldn’t be more excited with this launch; it’s a new category with massive potential that we’re delighted to create! Genuine variety in chilled snacking – especially in nourishing and convenient snacks – has been sorely lacking until now.” The bar is designed to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers, with 42% seeking healthier options and 35% looking for convenient snacking solutions, as highlighted by recent Kantar research. Each 28g bar contains only 134 calories and is fortified with gut-healthy live cultures, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lighter indulgence. Nomadic's entry into the chilled snack market follows extensive consumer research and fact-finding missions to key US markets, including Chicago and Los Angeles. These efforts have informed the development of a product that not only meets consumer demand but also aligns with broader trends towards fresh, whole-food snacking. The launch of the bar coincides with a notable decline in sales for top ambient snack brands, such as Cliff and Kind, which have reported year-over-year declines of 5.9% and 12.3%, respectively. In contrast, chilled snack products are thriving, with brands like Perfect and Mid-day Squares experiencing growth rates of 19.9% and 23.9%. With a retail price of £1.50, the Yogurt & Oat Bar is set to appeal to a broad audience, from busy professionals to families seeking healthier snack alternatives.

The proposed £1.2 billion ($1.61 billion) merger between convenience food manufacturers Greencore Group and Bakkavor Group is under scrutiny by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has raised concerns regarding potential anti-competitive effects in the chilled sauces market. In a preliminary assessment, the CMA indicated that the merger could significantly reduce competition in the supply of own-label chilled sauces, positioning the combined entity as one of the largest suppliers in the UK. The regulator noted that the only other substantial competitors in this space are 2 Sisters Food Group and Billington Foods, both of which are perceived as weaker rivals. Despite these concerns, the CMA has cleared the merger in the Italian markets for chilled ready meals and salads, citing sufficient competitive dynamics in those sectors. This partial clearance highlights the complexities of market evaluations in the food industry, where regional competition can vary significantly. Greencore's CEO, Dalton Philips, said: "The CMA process has been constructive and the Phase 1 decision is a welcome one, confirming our view of the highly complementary nature of our businesses and product portfolios across 'food for now' and 'food for later'". He continued: "...we are now working with the CMA and Bakkavor for the benefit of all our stakeholders to complete the Bakkavor transaction early next year. I’m genuinely excited about what 2026 has in store as we bring these two great businesses together to create a true UK national food champion to deliver high-quality, innovative food to customers and consumers." Mike Edwards, CEO of Bakkavor, added: “Today’s positive news from the CMA is a significant step forward in the process, providing welcome clarity which means we can collectively work at pace and stay on track to complete the transaction in early 2026". Both companies have until November 3 to propose remedies to address the CMA's competition concerns, with the aim of proceeding with the transaction in early 2026. The CMA's intervention reflects a broader regulatory environment in the UK that is increasingly vigilant about maintaining competitive markets, particularly in essential consumer goods like food.

In a move to streamline its operations and reduce debt, B&G Foods has announced the sale of its Green Giant and Le Sieur frozen and shelf-stable vegetable product lines in Canada to Nortera Foods. The transaction, expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026 pending regulatory approval, marks another significant step in B&G's ongoing efforts to focus more sharply on its core business areas. B&G has previously divested portions of the Green Giant brand, selling its US shelf-stable vegetable line to Seneca Foods in November 2023 and the US Le Sueur line to McCall Farms in August 2025. This latest divestiture continues the trend as the company evaluates the potential sale of its Green Giant U.S. frozen vegetable line. “Our decision to sell the Green Giant and Le Sieur brands in Canada is another milestone in our ongoing effort to divest brands and product lines that are non-core to B&G Foods’ long-term strategy,” said Casey Keller, president and CEO of B&G Foods. Keller also noted that Nortera Foods, which has been a primary co-manufacturer for the Green Giant brand in Canada, is well-positioned to enhance the brand’s success in the region. The financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed. However, B&G Foods plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and investments in assets that align with its business strategy. B&G Foods' strategy aims to enhance profitability and operational efficiency, critical factors as the market faces challenges such as inflation and supply chain disruptions. Nortera Foods, known for its commitment to high-quality vegetable products, is expected to leverage its existing infrastructure and expertise to maintain and grow the Green Giant brand in Canada. As B&G Foods continues to assess its portfolio, the potential divestiture of the US frozen vegetable line remains on the table. The company’s ongoing evaluation process underscores the dynamic nature of the food sector, where adaptability and strategic foresight are paramount.

Ocean Spray has unveiled two new cranberry products in time for the festive season, expanding its drinks and sauces portfolio with both limited-edition and permanent additions. The Cranberry Winter Spice drink blends cranberry and apple juices with cinnamon and clove flavouring. It can be served either chilled or warmed and will be available for a limited time in Tesco stores nationwide. The company is also launching a Cranberry Smoked Chilli sauce – a hot version of its traditional cranberry sauce – which will join Ocean Spray’s permanent line-up from 3 November. Zoe Trimble, senior marketing manager at Ocean Spray, said: “We’re thrilled to be releasing these exciting new cranberry variants ahead of the festive period". "We know consumers love trying new products, especially around this time of year, so we hope whether they’re making new Christmas cocktails with our ‘Cranberry Winter Spice’ drink or testing out a new recipe with our ‘Cranberry Smoked Chilli’ sauce, they bring fans the new and exciting flavour hit they’ve been looking for." The Cranberry Winter Spice drink (RRP £1.99) will be available while stocks last, and the Cranberry Smoked Chilli sauce (RRP £1.80) will be sold exclusively in Tesco stores.

Retailer Aldi UK has expanded its partnership with cocoa-free chocolate brand ChoViva, launching three new seasonal products. ChoViva, owned by German food-tech start-up Planet A Foods, is a chocolate alternative made from a blend of sunflower seeds, sugar and plant-based fats. It is designed to offer the same taste and creamy texture as traditional chocolate. Expanding on its partnership with the brand, initiated earlier this year, Aldi has this month launched a crunchy ‘ChoViva Halloween Gonk,’ while two additional festive cocoa-free products will launch ahead of Christmas: ‘Gav the Gonk,’ with a creamy and crispy filling; and ‘Gus the Gonk,’ with a creamy milky filling. The move follows the successful launch of its cocoa-free Peanut Butter Mini Eggs earlier this year. The supermarket said it aims to meet growing demand for chocolate alternatives, with research showing one in five Gen Z and Millennial shoppers claim they want to see more of these in UK retail. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “We don’t believe that anyone should have to pay a premium for exciting new products,” explaining that the new cocoa-free confectionery offerings are available at a low price (59p) in line with the discount retailer’s commitment to offering value to shoppers.

Tyson Foods-owned brand Hillshire Farm is entering the freezer aisle for the first time with the launch of Stuffed Croissants and Ciabatta Deli Sandwiches. The Hillshire Farm Stuffed Croissants, which contain up to 12g of protein, come in three varieties: Ham and Cheese, Buffalo-style Chicken and Philly Style Cheesesteak. While the Hillshire Farm Ciabatta Deli Sandwiches, with up to 25g protein, are available in Chicken Pesto, Italiano and Turkey and Bacon options. The new range features real butter croissants and rustic ciabatta bread, combining bakery-style craftsmanship with the brand’s signature meats and cheeses. Each product is designed to deliver a satisfying, protein-rich snack or meal in minutes. The six new frozen handhelds will roll out nationwide across the US by the end of October, expanding Hillshire Farm’s footprint beyond the refrigerated deli case and reinforcing Tyson Foods’ commitment to diversifying its portfolio across meal occasions.

Dairy giant Fonterra has announced a $75 million investment to expand butter production at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury, New Zealand. The new investment, revealed in the company’s annual results, is part of a broader plan to invest up to $1 billion over the next three to four years in projects aimed at driving efficiency and boosting returns for its shareholders. The project will see the construction of a new butter line at Clandeboye, increasing the site’s butter production capacity by up to 50,000 metric tonnes per year. The expanded facility will produce a range of butter formats tailored to global ingredients customers and professional kitchens, with the capability to meet halal and kosher certification standards for export markets. Mike Hurrell, CEO, said the expansion aligns with Fonterra’s long-term strategic focus on higher-value dairy categories. “This investment supports that goal by increasing our production of a high-value product and improving our product mix by adding value to milkfat.” The new butter line will produce both lactic and unsalted butter, with Hurrell adding: “Butter remains a highly valued product in our portfolio, and this investment ensures we’re well placed to meet evolving global demand for quality dairy fats.” This expansion is Fonterra’s third major investment in the South Island in the past year, following $75 million for an advanced protein hub at Studholme, aimed at supplying high-protein ingredients for the medical and sports nutrition market, which is expected early 2026. The company also invested £150 million in a new UHT cream plant at Edendale, expanding capacity for high-value foodservice products. In addition, Fonterra recently completed a $64 million project at Clandeboye to convert two coal boilers to wood pellets – part of its plan to exit coal use by 2037. According to Fonterra’s COO, Anna Palairet, the investment strengthens the co-operative’s South Island network and enhances flexibility and resilience across its manufacturing footprint. “This investment is part of Fonterra’s broader strategic asset roadmap supporting long-term growth in high-value dairy categories,” said Palairet. “The expansion will create 16 new jobs at the site, supporting the local economy.” Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025, with commissioning set for early 2027 and first production expected in April of that year.

Testing, inspection and certification company SGS has partnered with dairy giant Yili Group, aiming to advance quality and sustainability across the dairy sector. The partnership, announced on 24 October 2025, aims to promote full-chain mutual trust and global standardisation across dairy production, safety, sustainability and innovation. An agreement was signed by the two companies earlier in the month (9 October) at Yili Modern Smart Health Valley, located in China’s Inner Mongolia region. Jian Wang, SGS’ general manager for Agriculture and Food, China, signed for SGS, while Yili was represented by Lyu Zhuyong, general manager of its Quality Management department. Before the ceremony, the SGS delegation toured Yili’s National Dairy Technology Innovation Center, Chilechuan Ecological Smart Pasture and Yili Modern Smart Health Valley. During the tour, Yili showcased how it integrates digitalisation, low-carbon practices and intelligent systems across its value chain. Both teams discussed forage cultivation, milk supply quality, sustainable manufacturing and product innovation, aiming to strengthen SGS’ understanding of China’s dairy sector. Through the collaboration, the two companies will work to deliver a range of integrated solutions. These will include safety and nutrition solutions across testing, inspection, certification, training and consultancy. They will also deliver specialised training and consultancy around ‘lab empowerment;’ joint zero-carbon initiatives – including carbon reduction services such as audits and certification; and digital integration, linking SGS and Yili systems for seamless testing and data exchange. Charles Ly Wa Hoi, head of Connectivity and Products, and Health and Nutrition, at SGS, attended the signing as a witness. He commented: “As a globally trusted leader in quality and integrity, SGS will play a pivotal role in advancing Yili’s global development strategy of ‘Comprehensive Value Leadership.’ We look forward to working together to build a sustainable future for healthy food.” Yili Group’s vice president, Liu Dapeng, who also attended as witness, said: “The belief that ‘Yili means quality’ is deeply embedded in our corporate culture. Our long-standing partnership with SGS in food safety reflects this commitment. Today’s agreement is a promise to global consumers – Yili and SGS will jointly demonstrate the quality and reliability of China’s dairy industry to the world.”

UK bread brand Jason’s Sourdough is enhancing its presence in Tesco stores by launching a new line of premium ready-to-eat toasties, now available in 355 locations across the nation. This expansion follows the successful introduction of their Hot Food-To-Go toasties earlier this year, which catered to the foodservice and travel sectors. In response to increasing consumer demand for high-quality, convenient meal options, Jason’s Sourdough has adapted its toastie range for retail, providing a less processed alternative in the Snacking and Savouries category within Tesco's chilled aisle. The new offerings include two gourmet varieties: the Ham Hock & West Country Mature Cheddar and the Tangy & Mature Three Cheese Toastie, both priced at a recommended retail price (RRP) of £3.75. Ham Hock & West Country Cheddar features slow-cooked pulled ham hock, West Country mature cheddar, and Dijon mustard on Jason’s signature white sourdough ciabattin. Meanwhile, Tangy & Mature Three Cheese combines Emmental, cheddar and Italian hard cheese on the same artisan bread. These toasties promise a outer crunch with a soft, tangy centre, appealing to both busy consumers looking for quick meal solutions and those seeking gourmet flavours. They can be prepared in just five minutes using various cooking methods, including grilling, baking, air frying or with a panini press. Jason Geary, master baker at Jason’s Sourdough, said: “Our Ciabattin is often described as ‘the best toast ever,’ which inspired us to create a toastie that maintains that same crispness and flavour. We aimed to enhance the texture of pre-made toasties while keeping flavour at the forefront.” The brand uses a unique sourdough starter and a long fermentation process to achieve its signature flavour and texture. Their toasties are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including slow-cooked meats and aged Cornish cheddar, while being free from seed oils and artificial gums.

Mondelez, the maker of snacks such as Oreo and Cadbury, is reviewing its marketing strategies through adoption of newly developed generative AI tool aimed at reducing production costs by 30% to 50%. Mondele is reviewing its marketing strategies through a adoption of newly developed generative AI tool aimed at reducing production costs by 30% to 50%. This investment comes as the company navigates a challenging economic landscape characterised by rising tariffs and shifting consumer spending patterns. The AI tool, which Mondelez has been developing in partnership with Publicis Groupe and Accenture, represents a significant technological advancement for the packaged-food giant. With an investment exceeding $40 million, Mondelez anticipates that the tool will enable the rapid creation of short television advertisements, with initial deployments expected by the upcoming holiday season and potentially for the 2027 Super Bowl. Jon Halvorson, Mondelez’s global senior vice president of consumer experience, highlighted the urgency of integrating AI into their marketing processes to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional advertising agencies. Mondelez is not alone in this endeavour. Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola are also exploring AI-driven advertising solutions. Notably, Coca-Cola ran AI-generated holiday ads in 2024, although the execution received mixed reviews from consumers. Mondelez's approach, however, currently avoids using human likenesses in its AI-generated content, focusing instead on product-centric animations for brands like Chips Ahoy and Milka. The generative AI tool has already been used for social media campaigns, showcasing visually engaging animations that resonate with targeted consumer demographics. For instance, an eight-second video for Milka features dynamic chocolate visuals tailored to specific audiences, which Halvorson noted would traditionally cost hundreds of thousands to produce. By leveraging AI, Mondelez aims to streamline these processes and significantly reduce costs. In the US market, the AI tool is set to enhance product pages for Oreo on major retail platforms such as Amazon and Walmart starting in November. Additionally, Mondelez plans to extend its use to Lacta chocolate in Brazil and Cadbury in the UK in the coming months. Tina Vaswani, vice president of digital enablement and data at Mondelez, assured that all AI-generated content will undergo human review to prevent any potential missteps. The company has established guidelines to avoid promoting unhealthy eating habits and other sensitive topics.

With autumn and winter driving seasonal product launches, and the continuing trends of convenience and functionality, there have been some interesting new additions to retail shelves over the last week. From ready-to-drink beverages that offer indulgence and functionality, to easy-to-prepare meals and snacks, convenience and flavour are among the trends that are shaping upcoming releases. FoodBev's Leah Smith takes a closer look at some of the latest launches driving consumer interest this season. Jam doughnut-inspired canned cocktail UK RTD cocktails brand The Drinks Bureau has added a new limited-edition offering to its portfolio: Jam Doughnut Daiquiri . Combining white rum with strawberries and lime for a ‘jammy’ sweetness reminiscent of the classic bakery treat, the drink was developed following a surge in demand for jam doughnuts at Morrisons. Shoppers purchased more than 67 million doughnuts from Morrisons bakeries last year – amounting to over 336 tonnes. Like The Drinks Bureau’s previous releases, the new cocktail will launch exclusively at Morrisons for a limited time. The playful serve debuts in the brand’s new 200ml shaker-can format, which requires no cocktail shaker or ice and offers a mid-strength (8% ABV) option in a convenient, ready-to-serve format. Irish liqueur dessert cream Arla Foods has expanded its partnership with Baileys with the launch of a new Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream product in the UK. The indulgent product blends flavours of chocolate with the familiar taste of Diageo’s classic Baileys Irish cream liqueur. It joins an existing UK portfolio of licensed Baileys treats, including Extra Thick Cream, Extra Thick Salted Caramel, Baileys Pouring Cream, Baileys Espresso and Baileys Squirty Cream, which debuted last year. Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream will roll out in a 250ml tub, launching exclusively in Lidl stores this month ahead of wider retail availability in November. Protein+ Power pots UK plant-based meal brand Bol has introduced a new sub-range under its Power Pots line: Protein+ . The nutrition-focused meals target growing demand for natural, high-protein and high-fibre options. Each pot combines globally inspired flavours with whole foods, providing 30g of protein, at least 19g of fibre and up to two of consumers’ recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Designed for convenience, the range includes three variants – Thai Green Curry, Teriyaki Style Rice Bowl and Chickpea Jalfrezi – all ready to eat within five minutes. Functional cognitive performance drink UK-based CBD brand, Goodrays, is making waves in the functional beverage sector with the launch of its first non-CBD drink, Re:Focus . The new range will be available in two flavours – Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix – formulated to support mental clarity and hydration. Both are low in calories, contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients, and are designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers. In addition, the key ingredients across the range include Lion’s Mane, magnesium and electrolytes. Carb-free spinach-flavoured tortillas Mission Foods has launched its latest innovation: Mission Zero Net Carbs Spinach Tortillas. Made with real spinach and containing no added sugars or artificial flavours, each tortilla is packed with fibre, making them an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers looking to enhance their meals with nutritious ingredients. The new product aligns with current dietary trends, including keto and GLP-1-friendly lifestyles that emphasise nutrient-dense foods. Non-alcoholic RTD margaritas Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail is poised to capture a larger share of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market with the introduction of its latest ready-to-drink (RTD) offering: a premium margarita . The margarita features a distinct Anejo Tequila aroma complemented by refreshing citrus notes and a hint of salt, all encapsulated in a convenient RTD format. Edna’s products are crafted from all-natural ingredients, free from artificial flavours and preservatives, catering to the growing consumer preference for clean-label beverages. The margarita is now available for purchase through online platforms, wholesale distributors and select speciality beverage partners across the US. Zero-sugar oat milk Carlsberg Britvic-owned plant-based drinks brand, Plenish, has introduced Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk , made with four naturally sourced ingredients and no oils or additives. The drink is produced using only water, gluten-free organic oats, plant-based calcium and salt. Unlike most oat drinks, it is not processed to break down oats into natural sugars – a method Plenish claims makes it a UK-first innovation that meets rising demand for sugar-free options without compromising on creaminess or taste. Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk began rolling out at Waitrose stores earlier this month for an RRP of £2.35, and is also available via the brand’s website.

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America has unveiled its latest addition to the premium spirits market: a new 100ml liquor bottle manufactured entirely in the US. The introduction of the 100ml bottle expands existing stock collection, which already includes a 50ml liquor bottle, and aims to meet growing consumer demand for smaller, high-quality packaging options. According to Darrell Wineman, VP of sales – food and spirits for AGP-North America: “Ardagh Glass Packaging is proud to be the largest domestic manufacturer of glass bottles for the US spirits market, partnering with some of the most iconic brands in the industry”. Wineman also highlighted that this new offering will help brands differentiate themselves on retail shelves and enhance consumer engagement. AGP-North America has a rich history of over 125 years in glass bottle production, providing a diverse range of premium spirits containers in various colours, sizes, styles and finishes. The new 100ml bottle is designed to be endlessly recyclable, aligning with the growing trend toward sustainability in packaging.