US-based butcher Omaha Steaks has unveiled a new Smash Burger that delivers crispy, griddle-style results, with no smashing or special equipment required. Over 18 months in development, the burger is 7mm thick, made from 100% Omaha Steaks aged beef and cooks directly from freezer to bun in five minutes. It’s fully flippable on a grated grill, making it easy to achieve a restaurant-quality crust at home. Nate Rempe, president and CEO of Omaha Steaks, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to provide our customers with high-quality, convenient options for enjoying great food at home. Our new Smash Burger is the perfect blend of fast and flavour, with a crispy crust that locks in the juiciness and taste that Omaha Steaks is famous for and no griddle required.” Founded in 1917, Omaha Steaks is a fifth-generation, family-owned company based in Nebraska, offering premium USDA-approved beef and a wide range of gourmet foods. The burger is available to purchase via the brand's website.

Major international dairy companies, including Meiji, Lactalis and Saputo, are reportedly considering bids for Fonterra’s global consumer businesses, according to Reuters , citing two sources familiar with the matter. The New Zealand-based dairy co-operative is exploring the sale of several of its consumer-facing operations, which include brands such as Anchor butter, Mainland cheese, Kapiti ice cream and Anlene powdered milk. Also on the table are Fonterra’s Oceania and Sri Lanka business units, which span the entire value chain from milk collection through to product supply for retail and foodservice channels. The divestment could raise around NZ 4 billion (approx. $2.37 billion), the sources told Reuters . US private equity firm Warburg Pincus is also said to be in the mix, according to a third source aware of the firm's interest. Fonterra first announced in November 2024 a step-change in its strategic direction , as the co-op plans to strengthen its commitments to developing high-value dairy ingredients. The company aims to finalise a sale by mid-2025 but is still considering the IPO route, the sources said. If the IPO route is chosen, the spin-off company would be named Mainland Group. Fonterra has already appointed key executives in preparation for the potential listing and intends to consult its farmer shareholders before making a final decision. Warburg Pincus declined to comment. FoodBev has also contacted Fonterra, Meiji, Lactalis, Saputo for further comment.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has unveiled a new flavour for its Relentless energy drink line, introducing a tangy Guava variant aimed at capitalising on the growing demand for flavoured energy beverages, particularly among Gen Z consumers in the UK. The launch, set for May 10 2025, is part of CCEP's strategy to enhance its market presence in the competitive energy drinks sector, which is currently valued at over £2.1 billion. The energy drinks category has seen a notable surge, with flavoured energy drinks generating £881.7 million in sales over the past year. Relentless, now positioned as the fourth largest energy drink brand in Great Britain, is valued at £37.6 million. The brand's success has been driven by a robust core range and innovative product development, including the recent introduction of the low-sugar Fruit Punch flavour, which has achieved significant sales since its launch. Consumer preferences are shifting towards lower-sugar options, especially among young adults. According to Mintel's 2024 report, there is a clear trend indicating that consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives in the energy drinks market. The new Guava flavour, described as a "sweet-but-tangy" refreshment, aims to meet this demand, especially during the summer months when fruity flavours tend to resonate more with consumers. The Guava variant will be available in pink cans, featuring the recognisable Relentless branding. It will be sold in both plain and price-marked 500ml packs, making it convenient for on-the-go consumption. To support the launch, CCEP plans an integrated marketing campaign that includes partnerships with influencers, in-store sampling, and brand activations at major music and cultural events, reinforcing the brand's longstanding association with the music scene. Helen Kerr, associate director of portfolio development at CCEP, noted: “The energy drinks category continues to boom and is now worth more than £2.1 billion in GB and growing, with innovation key to driving this momentum. This latest arrival follows the introduction of Relentless Fruit Punch, which has generated nearly more than £1.7 million value sales since launching in May 2024." She added: “We know that 67% of energy drinkers prefer a chilled energy drink, so we’re encouraging retailers to stock up on new Relentless Guava variant and give it some space in the chiller, while amplifying visibility with impactful in-store activation to maximise sales at launch”. This launch is expected to enhance consumer engagement and drive sales across the Relentless product range, which includes other flavours like Raspberry Zero Sugar and Cherry.

The Campbell's Company-owned brand Snack Factory is expanding its Pretzel Crisps range with a new limited-edition flavour: S’mores Pretzel Crisps, available nationwide from this month. The launch features the brand’s signature thin, crunchy pretzels coated in dark chocolate and finished with a marshmallow-flavoured drizzle. The product is positioned as a sweet and savoury alternative to traditional s’mores, aligning with consumer demand for seasonal and nostalgic flavours, particularly among younger demographics. S’mores joins the existing Pretzel Crisps portfolio, which includes seasonal varieties such as White Crème & Peppermint and newer savoury flavours like Rye and Brioche. Justin Matijcio, associate vice president of pretzels at Campbell’s, said: “Snack Factory has always been about rethinking the familiar in fun, flavorful ways, and our new S’mores Pretzel Crisps are no exception. With the launch of S’mores Pretzel Crisps, we’re continuing to lead the pretzel category with innovation that excites snackers in a way only Snack Factory can.” Snack Factory S’mores Pretzel Crisps will be available at retailers including Target and Kroger for an SRP of $4.69.

In a year marked by significant growth, European alternative protein companies attracted nearly $509 million (€470 million) in investment during 2024, reflecting a 23% increase from the previous year. However, despite this surge, experts caution that the sector remains immature, with large funding rounds occasionally skewing the overall picture of progress. The data, compiled by Net Zero Insights (NZI) and analysed by the Good Food Institute (GFI), highlights a promising trend in the alternative protein landscape, particularly in precision fermentation and biomass fermentation. Companies focused on precision fermentation, which employs organisms like yeast to create ingredients that mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal products, raised approximately $130 million (€120 million) in 2024 – over three times the amount secured in 2023. Meanwhile, biomass fermentation firms garnered $129 million (€119 million), marking a 10% increase. Investment in privately held plant-based companies, which dominate the European alternative protein ecosystem, rose by 37% to $181 million (€167 million). Notably, this figure excludes outlier deals, such as the $425 million (€391 million) investment in Swedish plant-based dairy company Oatly, which could misrepresent the sector's overall fundraising success. Conversely, funding for cultivated meat products fell sharply, declining by 59% to $52 million (€48 million). This decrease can be attributed to the previous year's large deals that distorted the funding landscape. Companies that did secure significant funding in 2024 primarily focused on preparing for market entry. Helene Grosshans, infrastructure investment manager at GFI Europe, commented on the mixed results: “It’s positive to see overall growth in investment during 2024. But these figures demonstrate that the region’s alternative protein ecosystem remains immature, with large individual deals such as those seen in 2023 still capable of skewing figures from one year to the next. She continued: “It’s also encouraging that large funding bodies were behind some of last year’s most significant deals. Start-ups cannot rely on venture capital to build the plants needed to scale production, and to reap the benefits that protein diversification can offer, governments and organisations such as philanthropic foundations should develop innovative finance mechanisms to support this growing ecosystem.” Key stats from the 2024 Alternative Protein Report Total investment:  $509 million (€470 million) raised by European alternative protein companies in 2024. Precision fermentation funding:  $130 million (€120 million), over three times the amount raised in 2023. Biomass fermentation funding:  $129 million (€119 million), a 10% increase from the previous year. Plant-based companies investment: $181 million (€167 million), a 37% increase. Cultivated meat funding: $52 million (€48 million), a 59% decline from 2023. Consumer interest: Nearly 50% of consumers in Europe are open to trying precision fermentation-enabled products. The report underscores the necessity for diverse funding mechanisms to support start-ups in scaling production. Grosshans emphasised that start-ups cannot solely depend on venture capital to build the infrastructure required for growth. She urged governments and philanthropic organisations to devise innovative financial solutions to bolster this emerging sector. The 2024 'State of Alternative Proteins' report also outlines broader trends in the industry, including increasing consumer interest in alternative proteins driven by health, sustainability and taste considerations. Research indicates that nearly half of consumers in several European countries are open to trying precision fermentation-enabled products, but education remains key to unlocking this demand. As the global demand for meat continues to rise, the alternative protein ecosystem is seen as a crucial component in diversifying food sources and mitigating environmental impacts. The World Bank has highlighted the potential of alternative proteins, ranking them as a top intervention for climate mitigation, with the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The report also notes the emergence of Asia as a potential leader in alternative protein innovation, with substantial government investments and a growing number of start-ups entering the market. Countries like Singapore are establishing themselves as hubs for research and development, creating opportunities for collaboration and commercialisation on a global scale. While the investment figures for 2024 are encouraging, the European alternative protein sector faces challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth. The reliance on large funding rounds, coupled with an immature ecosystem, suggests that stakeholders must work collaboratively to build a robust framework for innovation and market entry.

With the UK government's Simpler Recycling legislation now in effect, businesses face a pivotal moment in waste management. Lee Dobinson, chief commercial officer at BioteCH4, outlines how companies can transition from general waste disposal to segregated food waste recycling. He emphasises the importance of early adoption, highlighting that proactive engagement with anaerobic digestion (AD) processors can transform compliance into a competitive advantage. It is no surprise that with change comes some hesitation around what will happen to costs, processes and, in some cases, the sustainability of business processes. The challenge faced not only by manufacturing but by the wider industry is not impossible to overcome, though it is not without its difficulties. Now is the time to act Now is the time for businesses to take a robust approach to how they manage their waste output and get a head start on their competitors. Not only does correct food waste management have a positive impact on the bottom line for the business, but it also brings environmental and sustainability benefits. It is estimated that the manufacturing industry currently sends 700,000 tonnes of food and beverage waste to landfills every year. Not only does this staggering figure contribute to the ever-increasing global and environmental problems we face currently, but it also bears significant financial implications on a business. The anaerobic digestion (AD) industry supports the transformation of food waste into renewable energy as part of a wider portfolio of renewable energy businesses. Currently overlooked as a significant player in the renewable energy sector, AD is the government’s favoured route for food waste recycling as part of the Simpler Recycling legislation changes. The anaerobic digestion process captures harmful gases released during decomposition (usually happening in landfill) and converts them into electricity, which can be used to power homes and businesses. Any surplus gas is treated and injected into the national gas grid as biogas, helping reduce environmental impact while providing valuable energy for society.   In addition to green energy, the final output of the AD process is a nutrient-rich biofertiliser which is used on local farmland to promote healthy crop growth and completes the link for a circular process, growing new crops to enter the food industry. AD provides the best solution for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere every year as misdirected food waste sits in landfill. By capturing and correctly processing unavoidable food waste as part of the food waste hierarchy at the point of manufacturing, the AD industry can process this to generate renewable energy, helping to combat the problem food waste causes and lessen the UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. As the new legislation beds in, it is likely the AD industry will see around an additional 1 million tonnes of food waste enter the market over the next 12-18 months, while the AD sector can process this and create good from this hefty problem it is important businesses are talking to AD processors about their options around flexible waste management solutions. The growing problem of oil and fats Some processors have the capability to recycle a business's waste oils, fats and grease recycling from grease traps through to large quantities of wasted oil in the manufacturing process. It is a business's responsibility to ensure correct management of cooking oil waste streams, the safe disposal of these liquids is a legal requirement. Not only are there environmental benefits here but also financial. When properly managed, recycled oil enters the biofuels market, where it can be processed and used in substantial quantities to meet the ever-growing demand of the biodiesel industry. Identifying areas for improvement with the management of your cooking oil waste streams will not only help to reduce the impact that oils and fats accidentally released into the water system could have on your local area but also offer an opportunity for additional revenue for your business. Proper procurement of an independent AD food waste processor and the implementation of innovative solutions offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the challenges faced by food and beverage manufacturers. The benefits of AD AD is a viable step towards a greener future and hitting the UK’s targets for net zero. I’d urge food and beverage manufacturers to consider AD as a solution for enhancing their sustainability credentials alongside the financial and operational benefits it brings. By reducing operational costs through increased efficiency and reducing residual waste collection costs, AD can have huge economic benefits. It also reduces the carbon footprint caused by decomposing waste in landfill and can generate considerably more renewable energy than incineration processes. In addition, AD can maximise operational efficiency. By having a set waste management plan for food waste, businesses can reduce waste costs and provide valuable data to front-end procurement teams, allowing more accurate ordering of raw materials. AD will also give compliance with legislation. Talk to the AD industry now and start the process ahead of the implementation as not doing so will have financial penalties.

Agronomics Limited has announced an expanded partnership between its portfolio company, BlueNalu, and Nomad Foods, aimed at advancing the commercialisation of cell-cultivated seafood products in the UK and Europe. This collaboration is particularly relevant for stakeholders in the plant-based and cultivated food sectors, as it signifies a growing interest in sustainable protein alternatives. Initially formed in 2021, the partnership has focused on exploring market opportunities for cell-cultivated seafood. With the latest development, BlueNalu and Nomad Foods are set to implement a market-entry strategy that begins with premium foodservice offerings, responding to a notable shift in consumer demand for high-quality seafood alternatives. This partnership coincides with BlueNalu's recent acceptance into the UK Food Standards Agency's (FSA) regulatory sandbox, a programme designed to expedite the approval process for novel foods. This initiative allows BlueNalu to collaborate directly with the FSA to navigate regulatory challenges while ensuring compliance with food safety and transparency standards. Notably, BlueNalu is the only U.S.-based company in this programme focused on cell-cultivated seafood. Recent research sponsored by BlueNalu highlights a strong consumer interest in its first commercial product, cell-cultivated bluefin tuna toro. A survey conducted in 2024 among 2,000 frequent sushi consumers revealed: 92% expressed interest in trying the cell-cultivated product. 74% indicated a willingness to pay the same or more compared to conventional bluefin tuna, citing health benefits such as the absence of contaminants like parasites, microplastics and antibiotics. These insights suggest a growing market potential for cell-cultivated seafood, particularly among health-conscious consumers. “Our cell-cultivated bluefin toro offers a new, high-quality seafood experience – nutrient-rich, free from environmental contaminants, and designed to complement a global supply chain that is increasingly fragile and unpredictable,” said Lou Cooperhouse, founder, president and CEO of BlueNalu. He continued: “We’re proud to work with trusted partners and forward-thinking regulatory agencies to deliver safe, consistent, and desirable seafood to consumers in the coming years. Our acceptance into the UK regulatory sandbox reinforces BlueNalu’s position as a global company at the forefront of food system innovation.” Carly Arnold, chief RDQ officer at Nomad Foods, added: "The goals of cell-cultivated seafood to offer alternative yet nutritious, safe and sustainable products aligns with our commitment to providing consumers with access to great tasting seafood that is both good for them and good for the planet”. Jim Mellon, executive chair of Agronomics, stated that this partnership exemplifies the ongoing momentum in the cultivated food industry, which is increasingly focused on sustainability and health.

IPL and Schoeller Allibert have announced a landmark merger to form a global leader in reusable plastic packaging, with combined pro forma annual revenue of more than $1.4 billion in 2024. The new company – yet to be named – will be headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and led by IPL CEO Alan Walsh. With 27 manufacturing facilities across North America, the UK and Europe, the combined business will have a strong international footprint. IPL, also based in Dublin, focuses on rigid plastic packaging for the food, consumer goods, environmental and agriculture sectors. It operates 16 sites, employs around 2,500 people and reported 2024 revenue of $822 million. Schoeller Allibert, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a European leader in returnable transport packaging. It serves the food, beverage, automotive, pharma and retail sectors through 11 production sites and approximately 1,600 employees, generating €550 million in 2024 revenue. The merger is set to accelerate the shift to sustainable packaging, driven by tightening regulations, growing consumer awareness and ESG commitments. The combined portfolio will include reusable crates, containers and transport systems designed for high-volume users in key industries. “The future of packaging lies in sustainability, innovation and adaptability,” said IPL CEO Alan Walsh. “This merger allows IPL and Schoeller Allibert to combine our strengths on both sides of the Atlantic. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we aim to better serve customers and build a resilient foundation for long-term growth.” Schoeller Allibert's CEO, Alejandro Cabal Uribe, added: “Our combined strength in packaging solutions positions us to meet global sustainability challenges head-on. We’re aligned in our mission to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste and enhance value chains.” Expected to close in Q3 2025 pending regulatory approval, the merged business will be 55% owned by IPL’s shareholders – investment funds managed by Madison Dearborn Partners and CDPQ – and 45% by Schoeller Allibert’s owners, Brookfield Asset Management’s private equity arm and the Schoeller family. The deal signals continued consolidation in the packaging sector as companies seek scalable, closed-loop solutions. For food and beverage producers, it means expanded access to eco-friendly packaging infrastructure across key markets. Top image: © IPL

Swiss technology group Bühler has announced that Samuel Schär will take over as CEO in January 2026, succeeding Stefan Scheiber, who will be nominated as chairman of the board. Schär has been with the company for 20 years. He joined Bühler after studying physics at EPFL Lausanne and working in consulting, and went on to establish the company’s nanotechnology business unit. He later led the grinding and dispersing business and joined the group executive board in 2013. For a decade, he headed the advanced materials segment before taking charge of Bühler’s global services and sales organisation. The leadership transition is part of Bühler’s long-term succession planning. Scheiber, who has served as CEO since 2016 and has been with the company for 35 years, will be proposed as chairman at the 2026 AGM. He will succeed Calvin Grieder, who is stepping down after 25 years in senior roles including CEO and chairman. Bühler remains family-owned, with the fifth generation – Karin, Maya and Jeannine Bühler – continuing the group’s long-term ownership strategy.

Nestlé Confectionery has unveiled a new addition to its popular Aero range: a limited-edition coconut-flavoured sharing bar. Cat Mews, brand manager for Aero at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: The new Aero Coconut sharing bar invites consumers to indulge in a delightful experience that celebrates the joy of sharing". The launch follows the success of recent additions to the Aero range, including Strawberry , Choco-Hazelnut and a new Peppermint gifting bar. Aero Coconut is available in stores across the UK now.

UK veg-based food brand Gosh! is expanding its Street Food range with two new globally inspired options: Aloo Tikki and Katsu Bites. Made from 100% natural ingredients and packed with veg, the new bites are ideal for weekday meals and sharing occasions. Gosh!’s latest line-up includes: Indian inspired Aloo Tikki Bites, made from a blend of potato, green lentils and aromatic spices, while the Japanese-inspired Katsu Bites are crafted from chickpeas, butternut squash, coconut and spices. Caroline Hughes, marketing director at Gosh!, said: “At Gosh! We are delighted to be expanding our popular Street Food range with our new bites, helping people discover a world of flavour. Made from 100% natural ingredients and packed with veg, these delicious bites will also help consumers hit their weekly plant point target without compromising on taste.” Available now in Tesco stores nationwide and launching on Ocado in the coming months, priced at £2.60.

Butterfly Equity’s Actus Nutrition, a vertically-integrated nutritional ingredients manufacturer, has finalised an agreement to purchase a 99,000-square-foot processing facility from Foremost Farms USA. Actus will continue to manufacture whey protein products at the facility in Sparta, Wisconsin, following significant investment to increase capacity and expand its capabilities. As part of the deal, Actus and Foremost Farms will begin a long-term whey protein partnership supporting growth for both companies. Actus Nutrition’s CEO, David Lenzmeier, said: “We’ll be able to hit the ground running because we can plug the Sparta facility into our existing network without a lot of changes. The facility will provide added capacity that will help us better meet the insatiable global demand for whey protein, while further positioning Actus to meet the needs of our existing customers.” The Sparta location will become Actus’ seventh manufacturing facility in Wisconsin. The company also operates sites in Minnesota, Nebraska, California, Idaho and Illinois. Actus plans to extend offers of employment to the current team members as part of the deal. Additional hiring is anticipated to support operational needs and future growth. Declan Roche, chief commercial officer for Foremost Farms USA, commented: “Foremost Farms and Actus have a strong relationship that goes back many years and this extends our partnership in new directions. This scenario creates a win-win, enabling Foremost Farms to streamline its operations while continuing to maximise value for the cooperative members through a long-term strategic partner.” Joel Eigenbrood, chairman of the board of directors for Foremost Farms, added: “We are pleased that this sale will allow Foremost Farms to continue to focus on its core business. We appreciate the contributions made by our Sparta employees and we look forward to working with Actus to create more value for our patron farmers.” The parties expect to close the acquisition before the end of May.