GEA has expanded its CookStar portfolio with a new compact spiral oven aimed at small to mid-sized food manufacturers seeking more efficient and consistent cooking processes. The CookStar First features a twin-zone spiral design with integrated booster impingement, enabling more uniform heat distribution across the conveyor belt. The German engineering group says the oven limits core temperature variation to around 1°C, compared with deviations of up to 6°C in conventional systems. The technology can reduce cooking times by 10-30% and improve yields by up to 3%, according to the company. Throughput is rated at up to 1,700 kg per hour. Designed for versatility, the oven can handle a range of products, from steam-cooked and baked items to coated poultry, plant-based foods and ready meals. Its compact footprint, with a total height of less than 3.9 metres, allows installation in existing facilities, including sites with limited ceiling clearance. Energy efficiency is a key focus for the CookStar First. GEA has incorporated an intelligent active exhaust system, adjustable product gates and improved water flow to reduce air leakage and allow water reuse. The company reports that these innovations can cut energy and water consumption by up to 12%, earning the oven its 'Add Better' label for resource efficiency. Operators benefit from digital connectivity through GEA SmartControl HMI, which provides real-time process monitoring, alarm management, and a 24-hour event timeline. The system also integrates with GEA Insight Partner technology for remote diagnostics, service interventions, and maintenance planning. The new oven complements the wider CookStar range, which includes the original CookStar with smoking functionality and the high-capacity CookStar Turbo, capable of processing up to 12,000 kg per hour. All models share a common footprint and can be integrated into existing production lines. GEA provides global support through food technologist expertise, operator training, and service networks to assist with commissioning, process optimisation, and long-term reliability. CookStar First targets food producers seeking to modernise operations with improved efficiency, product consistency and sustainable resource use – trends increasingly important for manufacturers under pressure to reduce waste, energy use and costs.

Coca-Cola has confirmed it will retain full ownership of Costa Coffee, following months of speculation over a potential divestment of the UK-based café chain. The company had previously explored a possible sale of Costa , which it acquired in 2018 for around $5 billion. Reports last year suggested Coca-Cola was weighing strategic options for the business amid a broader shift towards healthier innovation, with talks later facing uncertainty as discussions with TDR Capital stalled . However, the company's chief financial officer, John Murphy, told Bloomberg on Tuesday that it will keep Costa within its portfolio. “We have decided to continue to have Costa 100% owned inside our portfolio,” Murphy said in the interview. “There are no immediate plans to do anything with Costa other than to get it performing even better.” Murphy said Costa continues to perform well in core markets including the UK, Ireland and parts of Western Europe, but acknowledged that the business in China has underperformed expectations. Describing China as "more challenging than we expected," Murphy said the market remains under review. When asked whether Costa could exit China, he said no decision had been taken. “It’s one aspect of the portfolio that we continue to review,” he said. “We will be looking closely at the China business throughout 2026.” Murphy also addressed Costa’s "express concept" – its self-serve touchscreen coffee kiosks. While the format has seen success in the UK and Ireland, scaling the model internationally has proven more complex. Although the concept is "consumer-friendly," Murphy said supply chain and logistics expansion had been "more difficult than we thought". The confirmation comes amid wider developments at Coca-Cola, including the recent appointment of current EVP and COO Henrique Braun as the company’s next CEO .

US dairy exporters are poised to gain greater access to Argentina following the recent signing of a reciprocal trade and investment agreement. The deal, concluded between the US and Argentina, eliminates tariffs of up to 28% on select US dairy products, including milk powders, dairy proteins and lactose. It also establishes a 1,000 metric ton quota for certain US cheeses. Argentina has pledged to curb non-tariff barriers, including facility registration requirements, and to provide protections for 39 commonly used cheese names, such as 'parmesan,' a move seen as crucial for maintaining global product consistency. “The commitments secured in the US-Argentina reciprocal trade deal bring new, real opportunities for our dairy exports to South America,” said Krysta Harden, CEO of the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Gregg Doud, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, highlighted the agreement’s potential to translate into tangible growth for US dairy farmers. “Trade deals like this one bring dairy farmers promise for the future. Dairy farms operate 365 days a year, and the U.S. negotiating team is keeping pace to secure new market access,” he added. Jaime Castaneda, executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names, called the protection of common cheese names 'timely,' noting that European Union agreements with the Mercosur bloc risk limiting US exporters’ use of globally recognised product names. The Argentina deal follows similar reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala aimed at reducing barriers to US dairy exports. Industry groups said they would continue to collaborate with the US government to convert trade commitments into measurable export growth. Business implications: Market access: The removal of tariffs and barriers could increase US dairy competitiveness in Argentina, particularly in high-value segments such as speciality cheeses and dairy ingredients. Brand protection: Safeguarding common cheese names supports global consistency for US products, critical for brand recognition and compliance in international markets. Strategic precedent: The deal reinforces the US government’s broader approach of reciprocal trade agreements to expand dairy export opportunities across Latin America.

Ben & Jerry’s is expanding its packaged Sundaes range with three new flavours, as the company seeks to capitalise on growing at-home indulgence trends and premium ice cream demand. The new offerings – Straw-Bae Shortcake, PB Blondie Bestie and Mocha Mood Pie – bring the total Sundaes portfolio to seven. Each product includes layered ice cream with mix-ins and whipped toppings, designed to deliver a full-service sundae experience without the need for preparation at home. Retail pricing is set between $4.99 and $6.49 per serving. Flavour highlights: Straw-Bae Shortcake combines sweet cream ice cream with shortcake cookies and strawberry swirls, topped with strawberry-swirled whipped topping and shortcake crumble. The flavour leverages nostalgia and seasonal appeal, particularly around Valentine’s Day, while aligning with consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat desserts. PB Blondie Bestie features peanut butter ice cream with blonde brownies and graham cracker swirls, topped with caramel-swirled whipped topping and mini peanut butter cups. It targets adults seeking rich, indulgent flavour experiences and 'Instagrammable' textures that perform well in social media-driven snacking trends. Mocha Mood Pie blends chocolate cold brew ice cream with chocolate cookies and swirls, topped with fudge-swirled whipped topping and fudge chips. Coffee sourced from BLK & Bold adds lifestyle and ethical sourcing credentials, appealing to conscious consumers while tapping into the coffee-flavoured dessert trend. The 2025 Sundaes launch was the top-selling new ice cream innovation in the US, and Ben & Jerry’s executives said the portfolio expansion reflects a strategy to drive incremental growth in the super-premium segment. The ready-to-eat, layered Sundaes format addresses consumer preferences for convenience, indulgence and novelty, particularly during seasonal peaks. As a Certified B Corp, Ben & Jerry’s continues to integrate responsible sourcing and ESG principles across its ingredient supply chain, aligning innovation with broader sustainability objectives.

Smithfield Foods, the US pork and packaged meats giant, will close its dry sausage facility in Springfield, Massachusetts, in August 2026, laying off 190 employees, the company confirmed. Production will shift to other Smithfield plants with sufficient capacity to maintain quality standards. The closure is part of Smithfield’s broader strategy to consolidate manufacturing operations and manage costs amid inflationary pressures in the meat sector. In a statement to FoodBev, the company said it is supporting affected employees through the transition, including opportunities to apply for roles at other facilities. Smithfield expanded its dry sausage production capacity with the 2024 acquisition of a Cargill plant in Nashville, Tennessee , which can produce 50 million pounds of pepperoni and charcuterie-style meats annually. The company says the move allows it to maintain supply without building new facilities or acquiring additional brands. Despite consolidating operations, Smithfield has projected continued growth in the dry sausage segment, which the company estimates will expand by roughly 6% through 2030. Social media-driven trends around charcuterie boards have contributed to sustained demand for salami, pepperoni, and other snackable meats, even as the initial surge in popularity has tapered. The Springfield closure follows other cost-optimisation measures, including the sale of over one-third of Smithfield’s hogs to reduce exposure to volatile agricultural markets. Simultaneously, Smithfield has invested in its packaged meats portfolio, most recently through the $450 million acquisition of popular hot dog brand Nathan’s Famous . This strategy has helped Smithfield deliver record operating profits in its packaged meats segment, where sales rose 9% to $2.1 billion in the third quarter.

The food and beverage landscape is evolving faster than ever. Consumers across the globe are demanding cleaner labels, recognisable ingredients and products that align with their values. Colour plays a crucial role in shaping these expectations, often long before taste or texture even come into play. Yet as the world moves away from artificial and petroleum-based dyes, many manufacturers still wonder how to make the switch without compromising performance, vibrancy or stability. The answer is simpler than you think. Exberry by GNT, the global pioneer in plant-based color solutions, has released a comprehensive new white paper that shows manufacturers exactly how to transition from artificial dyes to natural, plant-based alternatives, seamlessly, safely and successfully. Whether you’re developing confectionery, beverages, dairy, bakery or savoury applications, this resource was created to empower your team with practical insights and ready‑to‑apply knowledge. Inside the white paper, you’ll discover why plant-based colours are no longer just a 'nice to have' but the new industry standard. Consumer expectations for clean labels have skyrocketed, and with regulatory pressure increasing, particularly in markets signaling the phase‑out of petroleum‑derived dyes, future‑proofing your portfolio has never been more urgent. Exberry colours, made from fruits, vegetables, plants, algae and seeds, offer a direct path forward with shades that are vibrant, stable, and fully aligned with modern market demands. But the journey from artificial to natural doesn’t need to be complicated. The white paper introduces 'The Simple Switch,'  GNT’s structured, expert‑guided approach to supporting manufacturers throughout every step of their reformulation projects. From colour matching and application testing to regulatory guidance and stability optimization, Exberry provides hands‑on support backed by more than 45 years of global expertise. One of the most valuable sections of the white paper is the detailed Color Guide, which breaks down the full colour spectrum, from yellows and oranges to reds, pinks, blues and even green‑brown blends. You’ll learn which raw materials deliver optimal performance, how different pigments behave under various pH and temperature conditions, and how Exberry solutions can replace commonly used artificial dyes in real‑world applications. The guide gives development teams the clarity and confidence needed to reformulate without guesswork. You’ll also gain a behind‑the‑scenes look at GNT’s vertically integrated supply chain built on long‑term farmer partnerships, sustainable crop cultivation, and traceable raw material sourcing. With the majority of Exberry crops grown under controlled conditions and supported by GAP-aligned agricultural practices, manufacturers can count on reliability, consistency, and transparency year‑round. If you’re ready to unlock clean‑label innovation, differentiate your portfolio and future‑proof your brand, this white paper is your essential next step. Download the white paper now and discover how plant‑based color can elevate your product – from concept to shelf, naturally.

Nestlé-owned Maison Perrier is expanding its US sparkling water portfolio with French Kiss, its first sweetened sparkling water featuring prebiotics and real fruit juice. The launch marks Maison Perrier’s move into the fast-growing functional and indulgent sparkling water segment, with beverages designed to offer both flavour and health benefits. Each 330ml can contains at least 10% fruit juice, 6g of fibre and less than 1g of added sugar. The product is initially available in four flavour combinations – Blackberry & Lemon, Peach & Cherry, Mango & Coconut, and Raspberry & Lime – at an MSRP of $8.49 for a six-pack. Distribution began online and at Harris Teeter, with rollout in Target and Publix in mid-to-late February, and nationwide by early April. “French Kiss introduces a prebiotic element to the sparkling water category while remaining indulgent and flavorful,” said Molly Lyons, senior marketing manager at Maison Perrier. “This innovation complements our existing portfolio and allows us to address evolving consumer demand for functional beverages that balance taste and wellbeing.” Maison Perrier, a premium sub-brand of Perrier, has traditionally focused on plain or lightly flavoured sparkling water. French Kiss represents a shift into sweetened and functional beverages, a segment that has seen rising consumer interest amid broader trends in gut health and nutritional snacking. The product is bottled in the south of France and reflects Maison Perrier’s positioning as a premium, lifestyle-oriented brand. Expanding into functional sparkling waters could allow Nestlé to capture incremental market share in a category increasingly defined by innovation and health claims. Maison Perrier joins competitors such as LaCroix, Spindrift and PepsiCo’s Bubly in offering fruit-forward sparkling waters

Peter McGuinness Bel North America, the US and Canadian arm of French dairy and snacking group Bel, has appointed Peter McGuinness as its new chief executive, as it seeks to accelerate growth and expand its purpose-driven snacking strategy. The appointment follows news last week that McGuinness would step down from Impossible Foods after four years as CEO, where he helped scale the plant-based company through product innovation and broader market distribution. He also previously held senior roles at Chobani, including president and chief operating officer, helping the yoghurt brand evolve into a diversified lifestyle business. In his new role, McGuinness will oversee Bel North America’s operations across offices in New York, Chicago and Montreal, as well as five manufacturing plants in the US and Canada. He will be responsible for driving growth, advancing mergers and acquisitions, expanding innovation, and strengthening the company’s regional footprint. “North America, and particularly the United States, is a cornerstone of Bel’s future,” said Cécile Béliot, CEO of Groupe Bel. “Peter is a transformational, values-driven leader whose track record aligns with Bel’s model, where profitability and sustainability are equally important.” The move comes as Bel continues to roll out its 'Purpose*Full Snacking' strategy, aimed at addressing nutritional gaps in the US market. According to Bel, most Americans snack daily, but around 80% fail to meet recommended intakes of fruit, vegetables, and dairy. Bel’s portfolio includes more than 200 products across seven brands, such as Babybel, GoGo squeeZ, The Laughing Cow and Boursin. Bel is also investing in expanding production capacity at its Little Chute, Wisconsin, and Brookings, South Dakota, facilities to meet growing demand. “Bel’s mission-led model, rooted in 160 years of innovation, is inspiring,” McGuinness said. “I’m excited to accelerate Purpose*Full Snacking in North America, making it easier for people to snack intentionally with fruit, veggie, and cheese options that bring both nourishment and enjoyment.” Bel North America is part of the family-owned Groupe Bel, which operates globally in dairy, fruit, and vegetable snacks. The group has a 160-year history and is focused on combining growth with social and environmental responsibility.

Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SunOpta in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.50 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, SunOpta will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Refresco following the close of the transaction, which is expected in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory, court and shareholder approvals. SunOpta’s shares will be delisted from Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange upon completion. Refresco CEO Steve Presley said: “SunOpta represents an exceptional strategic addition to our portfolio. The acquisition is highly complementary and significantly broadens our position in the fast-growing plant-based beverages category." "It enhances our North American capabilities and supports a more balanced global footprint, while expanding our offerings to both retail and branded customers.” The deal also brings SunOpta’s out-of-home customer base and capabilities into Refresco’s platform, strengthening its reach across retail, foodservice and branded channels. For SunOpta, the transaction marks the next phase in a multi-year transformation into a focused supply-chain and innovation partner in the better-for-you food and beverage space. SunOpta CEO Brian Kocher added: “This strategic combination validates our vision of transforming SunOpta into a premier solutions partner in the high-growth better-for-you food and beverage space". "This partnership with Refresco provides the resources and scale to unlock SunOpta’s full potential and accelerate the next chapter of our growth journey.” SunOpta has built strong platforms in plant-based beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks, serving major brands, retailers and foodservice operators across North America, with a focus on sustainability, food safety and quality. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both boards of directors and will be implemented through a court-approved plan of arrangement under Canadian law. SunOpta has announced it will suspend quarterly earnings calls and discontinue quarterly and annual financial guidance in light of the pending transaction. Financial and legal advisors on the deal include Morgan Stanley as exclusive financial advisor to Refresco, Lazard as financial advisor to SunOpta, and Scotiabank as advisor to SunOpta’s special committee, along with multiple legal firms representing both parties. The acquisition further consolidates the beverage co-manufacturing and solutions space, particularly in plant-based beverages, one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. By combining Refresco’s global scale and manufacturing footprint with SunOpta’s specialised capabilities in plant-based and better-for-you products, the deal positions the combined business to serve growing demand from retailers, branded manufacturers and foodservice operators seeking scalable, sustainable beverage solutions. If approved, the transaction will create one of the most comprehensive independent beverage solutions platforms in North America, Europe and Australia, with a strengthened portfolio spanning carbonated drinks, juices, RTD teas, waters, energy drinks, sports drinks and plant-based beverages.

Private equity firm Kingswood Capital Management has agreed to acquire the paper-based packaging arm of Coveris, as the European packaging group sharpens its focus on flexible plastics and PE investors continue to target sustainable materials assets. Kingswood said on Tuesday it had entered into a definitive agreement to buy Coveris’ Paper Business Unit, which will operate as a standalone company under its former name, Paragon Print and Packaging, following completion of the transaction. Paragon produces paper-based packaging for food, household and personal care customers, including labels, cartons, trays and lined board products. The business generated annual sales of around €270 million and employs approximately 1,400 people across the UK and continental Europe. Kingswood said it plans to retain Paragon’s existing management team, with chief operating officer Jo Ormrod appointed chief executive following completion. The unit will be rebranded immediately upon separation, restoring a name that predates its integration into Coveris. The acquisition marks another complex corporate carve-out for Kingswood, which has increasingly targeted industrial and materials businesses at strategic inflection points. The firm said it sees growth potential in paper-based packaging as food and consumer goods manufacturers seek recyclable alternatives to plastic amid tightening environmental regulations. Coveris, backed by private equity firm Sun Capital, said the divestment would allow it to focus on its core flexible packaging operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Following the sale, Coveris will operate 17 flexible packaging sites in EMEA and the UK, generating annual sales of about €600 million and employing 2,500 people. Christian Kolarik, chief executive of Coveris, said the paper unit had reached sufficient scale and maturity to operate independently after being established in 2020. While flexible plastics manufacturers continue to invest in recyclability and downgauging, paper-based formats remain attractive to brand owners seeking fibre-based solutions aligned with circular economy targets. Jefferies acted as financial adviser to Kingswood, with Kirkland & Ellis providing legal counsel. The deal, signed in January, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Better-for-you frozen food brand Tattooed Chef is entering the premium pizza segment with a new cottage cheese-based crust, as manufacturers race to add protein and functionality to mainstream comfort foods. The US-based company said it will launch a line of pre-made, ready-to-bake cottage cheese crust pizzas in March, positioning the product as a high-protein alternative to traditional frozen pizza. The launch comes as frozen food producers seek to revive category growth by tapping demand for protein-rich, gluten-free and 'better-for-you' formats, particularly among younger consumers who remain price-sensitive but increasingly health-focused. Tattooed Chef said the cottage cheese crust delivers higher protein content than conventional frozen pizzas, leveraging renewed consumer interest in dairy-based protein following the resurgence of cottage cheese across social media and foodservice menus. The new line will debut in four SKUs – Killer Bee, Spicy Vodka, Bianca and Four Cheese – flavours that the company said have previously performed well with its consumer base. Founder Sarah Galletti said the launch marks a shift in how the brand approaches frozen pizza innovation, moving beyond vegetable-based crusts towards protein-led reformulation. Tattooed Chef rose to prominence during the cauliflower-crust boom of the late 2010s but is now pivoting as the category matures and competition intensifies. Industry analysts have pointed to frozen pizza as a key battleground for value-added innovation, with brands under pressure to justify premium pricing through functional claims such as protein enrichment, gluten-free credentials and cleaner labels. Retailer distribution across three major US grocery chains suggests confidence in consumer uptake, despite ongoing cost pressures across dairy, cheese and frozen logistics. The range will roll out nationwide at Albertsons, Kroger and Sprouts, with a recommended retail price of $6.99.

Fresh Del Monte Produce has received approval from the US Bankruptcy Court to acquire select assets of California-based Del Monte Foods Corporation and its affiliates, marking a major milestone in a court-supervised sale process under Section 363 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The ruling clears the transaction to move into the pre-closing phase, providing regulatory and procedural certainty as the company advances through remaining steps, including customary regulatory reviews and other closing conditions. As previously disclosed, Fresh Del Monte will pay $285 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities, for the assets. The company expects the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to final regulatory approvals and standard closing requirements. Upon closing, Fresh Del Monte will acquire a portfolio of prepared and packaged food businesses, including vegetable, tomato and refrigerated fruit operations. The transaction also includes global ownership of the Del Monte brand subject to existing licensing arrangements. The company said additional details on the transaction’s strategic and financial impact will be shared following closing, in line with standard disclosure practices. With court approval secured, Fresh Del Monte is now focused on completing regulatory reviews and preparing for integration. Fresh Del Monte Produce operates in more than 80 countries and is one of the world’s largest vertically integrated producers and distributors of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The company also maintains a significant presence in prepared foods across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.