Metsä Group is investing approximately €25 million in a new production line for its Muoto fibre-based food packaging in Finland, while abandoning plans for a commercial Kuura textile fibre mill amid worsening global market conditions. The new Muoto production line will be built at Metsä Group’s mill site in Äänekoski, Finland, alongside the company’s existing Muoto demonstration plant. Supplied by technology company Valmet, the line is scheduled to start up in 2028 and will have a nominal capacity of more than 100 million products a year. Developed by Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring, Muoto is a fibre-based packaging solution made directly from wet wood pulp. The technology eliminates intermediate processing steps and produces lightweight products designed to combine stiffness and functionality. The company says the packaging is intended for applications where fibre-based alternatives need to meet more demanding performance requirements, including serving and food packaging. Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring, said: “We’ve developed a competitive product and production concept for Muoto packaging that responds to the growing demand for fossil-free packaging solutions. Muoto supports Metsä’s ambition to develop new packaging innovations in collaboration with companies in the packaging value chain.” Metsä sees growing demand for alternatives to plastic in selected food and packaging applications as a potential market opportunity for Muoto. Von Weymarn said the products also meet the strict requirements of the European Union’s recently introduced Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which the company expects to support demand for fibre-based packaging alternatives. The new production line was originally planned for Rauma, Finland, but Metsä has opted for Äänekoski because of the site's existing infrastructure, the presence of the Muoto demonstration line and lower investment costs. The investment represents another step in Metsä Spring’s efforts to commercialise new products based on wood fibre and expand into markets beyond traditional pulp and paper applications. At the same time, Metsä Group has decided not to proceed with its planned Kuura textile fibre mill in Kemi, Finland. The project was designed to produce man-made cellulosic fibres for the textile industry. However, Metsä says significant global overcapacity has emerged in the market in a short period, particularly as new production capacity has been added in Asia. The resulting pressure on prices has weakened the competitive position of responsibly produced, higher-quality fibres. Metsä also says there are currently too few customers prepared to pay a premium for responsibly produced textile materials. As a result, the company does not believe the Kuura project has the prerequisites to continue in its current form. While the commercial investment will not proceed, Metsä says the expertise developed through the Kuura project remains valuable and that it is exploring ways to make use of the technology and capabilities developed in textile fibres. Metsä’s other innovation projects, including development of its lignin product and carbon capture technologies, are continuing as planned.

Yoplait is tapping into the global popularity of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters with a new limited-edition range spanning kids’ yogurts, desserts and drinking yogurt, as brands look to capitalise on the back-to-school shopping period. The collaboration will see characters from the hit animated film appear across three Yoplait products, with Frubes leading the launch from 15 August across all flavours in major grocers, Ocado and Iceland. The range will be supported by two new products: a KPop Demon Hunters chocolate dessert and a strawberry drinking yoghurt. The chocolate desserts will enter the £3.8m desserts category from 9 September, with a four-pack of 100g pots carrying an RRP of £2. Made with almost 80% whole milk and Fair Trade-certified cocoa, the products are HFSS compliant and will initially launch in Tesco, Iceland and Morrisons. Meanwhile, the 180g strawberry drinking yogurt bottles will feature four different designs showcasing characters from the film. Launching on 14 September in Tesco and Iceland, the four-pack will retail at £2.50. The new products will also carry Yoplait’s existing calcium and vitamin D fortification, with the company positioning the range as a way to combine family-friendly entertainment with the nutritional benefits of dairy. Antoine Hours, general nanager at Yoplait UK, said: “Back-to-school is the biggest moment in the year for kids’ yogurts and being able to bring the phenomenon that is KPop Demon Hunters to lunchboxes, snack & dinner time is going to get playgrounds buzzing." The launch reflects the continued growth of portable consumption occasions within yogurt. Yoplait says the kids’ portable segment is growing by 9.5% year-on-year, creating an opportunity for brands to target lunchboxes and on-the-go snacking as families return to school routines.

Actus Nutrition has completed a major expansion and infrastructure modernisation project at its Fond du Lac, Wisconsin facility, adding 40 million pounds of annual whey powder production capacity. The multi-million-dollar investment is designed to strengthen the company’s ability to meet growing demand for its dairy nutrition ingredients, while increasing manufacturing efficiency and operational scalability. The expansion incorporates next-generation robotics and automation systems, alongside process improvements across the facility. Upgrades have been made to drying operations, liquid management capabilities and carbohydrate processing systems. David Lenzmeier, CEO of Actus Nutrition, said: “By combining advanced automation technologies with critical infrastructure improvements, we are increasing our capacity to serve customers while strengthening our long-term competitiveness." The project is also expected to create several new full-time positions and provide additional leadership and career advancement opportunities for existing employees. More than 100 contractors worked alongside Actus Nutrition employees and project partners during the expansion. Lenzmeier added that the investment would provide a foundation for the company’s future growth by creating a “more efficient, scalable operation”. The Fond du Lac facility, originally built in 1918, has more than a century of dairy processing history and has developed into North America’s largest whey protein isolate manufacturing site, according to Actus Nutrition. The facility produces a range of whey-based ingredients, including whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolates, hydrolysates and sweet whey powder, as well as specialty ingredients such as lactoferrin. The expansion comes as demand for protein ingredients continues to drive investment across the dairy nutrition sector, with manufacturers seeking to increase processing capacity and improve production efficiency. Founded in 1945, Actus Nutrition is a vertically integrated manufacturer of nutritional ingredients for health and wellness products and a co-manufacturer for household brands. The company also supplies ingredients to the pet and livestock feed sectors.

Vertical farming business leaders will take stock of the sector’s future at the 7th Vertical Farming World Congress on 5-7 October in central London, after a demanding year of heightened financial pressure despite the technology's evident climate benefits. Hosted at the Bloomsbury Ballroom, the three-day Congress will bring together vertical farming operators, investors, suppliers, academics and advisers to review business models, commercial strategies, market opportunities and the latest in crop and technology innovation for the industry’s only dedicated annual international forum. Over 20 speakers have already been announced from as far afield as Chile and Singapore, Mexico and Taiwan, alongside contributions from the main associations in Africa, Japan and the United States. There will also be an opportunity to visit Fischer Farms Technology’s manufacturing site in Birmingham and Harvest London’s Plant Room, the city’s largest vertical farm. “All governments are now facing the combined disruptions of climate change, military conflict and trade unpredictability,” commented Richard Hall, Chair of event organiser FoodBev Media. “Many are developing policies to improve national food self-sufficiency and nutrition quality. Vertical farming can play an increasingly important role, with renewable energy sourcing, consistent year-round production, no floods, no droughts and no pesticides. “This year’s theme of ‘Rising to the Challenge’ is designed to explore how vertical farming can best help strengthen food supplies and public health, while improving sustainability and achieving competitiveness,” he concluded. For more information and to register, visit www.foodbevevents.com/event/vertical-farming-world-congress-2026. Discounts are available for start-up businesses and for online attendance.

Cheribundi has expanded its portfolio of recovery-focused products with the launch of two new concentrated shots designed to support post-exercise recovery and sleep. The new Recovery and Sleep Shots are positioned as the brand’s most potent and convenient products to date, targeting active consumers seeking functional nutrition solutions that can be incorporated into daily routines. The Recovery Shot contains 100% Montmorency tart cherry concentrate, which is naturally rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols. The formula is designed to support faster recovery and reduce muscle soreness following exercise. Meanwhile, the Sleep Shot combines tart cherry concentrate with 320mg of magnesium glycinate, a highly bioavailable form of magnesium. The product is designed to support deeper, more restorative sleep without the addition of melatonin. Each 2oz shot contains the equivalent of more than 60 Montmorency tart cherries, bringing tart cherry concentrate into a portable format aimed at both sports and everyday wellness occasions. Cheribundi said the shots can be consumed following exercise or incorporated into a nightly routine, extending the use of tart cherry beyond traditional juice and concentrate formats. Marc Seguin, CEO of Cheribundi, said: “For more than 20 years, Cheribundi has helped athletes recover naturally with the power of tart cherry. Our new shots make it easier than ever to get those benefits, whether you're hitting the gym daily, training for a race, or just winding down for the night.” The launch comes as consumer interest in recovery and sleep continues to shape the functional nutrition market. Cheribundi also highlighted growing interest in magnesium, citing a February 2026 ConsumerLab survey of more than 8,850 supplement users, which found magnesium was the second most popular supplement in the US, used by nearly 65% of respondents. The new products join Cheribundi’s existing range of juices, concentrates and gummies, giving consumers additional formats through which to incorporate tart cherry into their routines. Cheribundi Recovery and Sleep Shots are available in 30-count packs through Cheribundi’s website, Amazon and FreshDirect, with further retail expansion planned for later this year.

Nestlé and Danone are under investigation by prosecutors in Austria over the major recalls of several infant formula products due to cereulide contamination earlier this year. According to reports from European food consumer rights organisation Foodwatch, The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Vienna has launched a probe into Nestlé, while the Innsbruck prosecutor is investigating Danone. The investigations come after Foodwatch Austria filed a criminal complaint against the two F&B giants, stating that the public recalls carried out by Danone and Nestlé were too late. The recalls began in December 2025 and continued into January 2026, expanding to more than 800 products in at least 70 countries, Foodwatch said. They were due to the presence of cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by Bacillus cereus that can cause severe illness, particularly in younger infants. Foodwatch’s complaint to Austrian authorities follows a separate criminal complaint filed in France on behalf of eight families whose babies developed severe symptoms that did not resolve with treatment, including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain. Consumers across various European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Spain and the UK, reported cases of infants with gastrointestinal symptoms following consumption of infant formula products across several brands, according to an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In its complaint, Foodwatch said recalls weren’t put in place soon enough, with early recalls in Austria carried out ‘silently’ with only limited information available. In a statement, a Nestlé spokesperson said the company was taking the concerns “very seriously,” commenting: “Ensuring the safety and quality of our products is our highest priority. We continue to cooperate fully with the competent authorities.” The spokesperson stated that based on currently available information, “no causal link” has been established between the company’s infant formula and the reported symptoms. “As investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing, we do not comment further on the details of the case,” they added. Similarly, a spokesperson for Danone emphasised that the company is prioritising food safety: “We have further strengthened our ingredient and production controls and follow all guidance set by relevant food safety authorities,” they told FoodBev. “This includes the new guidance that was introduced in relation to cereulide levels earlier this year.”

The Gym Kitchen has expanded into the breakfast category with the launch of its first range of high-protein instant porridge pots, now available in Asda. The two-strong range comprises Golden Syrup and Chocolate variants, containing 21g and 20g of protein per 70g pot respectively. Priced at £1.30 each, the products are designed to provide a convenient breakfast option for consumers seeking higher-protein choices. Ready to eat within minutes using boiling water, the porridge pots require no refrigeration, specialist equipment or preparation beyond a kettle, positioning them towards busy and active consumers. According to The Gym Kitchen, the products have been developed to offer significantly more protein than standard instant oat products, while maintaining a short and simple ingredient list. Both variants are suitable for vegetarians and carry no red GDAs for fat, saturates, sugar or salt. The launch marks The Gym Kitchen’s latest move to broaden its proposition beyond its existing range of high-protein meals, with the brand aiming to provide consumers with more opportunities to incorporate protein into their daily diets. “The Gym Kitchen High Protein Porridge range has been developed to target morning occasions, with a convenient format that fits into busy, active daily routines,” the company said. Founder Segun Akinwoleola added: “Porridge is a natural fit for our proposition around high protein, taste, health and convenience, with an instant format that requires no refrigeration, no equipment and no preparation beyond a kettle." The Gym Kitchen High Protein Golden Syrup Porridge and High Protein Chocolate Porridge are available in 70g pots, priced at £1.30 each.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed making notifications for Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances mandatory, marking a significant shift in how food ingredients are overseen in the US. The proposed rule, announced by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), would require manufacturers to notify the FDA whenever they conclude that a substance added to human or animal food meets the criteria for GRAS status. The proposal would replace the current voluntary notification framework under which companies can independently determine that an ingredient is GRAS without informing the FDA. HHS said the changes are intended to increase transparency and give the FDA greater visibility into substances entering the US Food supply. Kyle Diamantas, acting FDA commissioner, said: “By proposing mandatory GRAS notifications, we are closing critical information gaps and giving the FDA greater visibility into substances entering the food supply.” The GRAS exemption was established by Congress in 1958 and allows substances whose safety is generally recognised by qualified experts to be exempt from the food additive approval process. While the FDA has operated a voluntary GRAS notification programme for years, manufacturers have not previously been required to submit a notification when making an independent GRAS determination. Under the proposed rules, any party introducing a substance into interstate commerce under the GRAS provision would have to notify the FDA of the basis for its conclusion. However, the proposal would not introduce a requirement for pre-market approval. Companies would still be able to market a substance before submitting a GRAS notice, during FDA review and after submission, provided the substance meets the statutory GRAS criteria. The FDA has proposed that failure to submit a notification would be considered when prioritising substances for post-market review. However, non-notification alone would not automatically mean that a substance is adulterated or that the FDA has determined it is not GRAS. The proposed framework would also establish a streamlined route for substances already on the market based on independent GRAS conclusions. Manufacturers would have a limited period to provide the FDA with information about existing uses. Under the proposal, the streamlined submission window would remain open for one year after the final rule takes effect. The FDA would initially require identifying information rather than the full underlying safety dossier through this pathway. However, the agency would retain the ability to subsequently require a full GRAS notification or a food additive petition. The proposal includes several exceptions for human food, including certain substances covered by existing FDA ‘no questions’ letters, substances listed or affirmed as GRAS in FDA regulations, some historical-use substances and uses reviewed through established FDA consultation processes. The FDA is also proposing the ability to revisit, update or rescind previous ‘no questions’ letters where new information raises questions about the underlying GRAS conclusion. The proposed mandatory system could significantly increase the regulatory and administrative burden for food and ingredient manufacturers, particularly companies with large portfolios of substances that have historically relied on independent GRAS determinations. Legal firm Venable said the proposal means manufacturers should begin reviewing their existing GRAS uses and assessing whether they fall within any of the proposed exceptions. It also advised companies to preserve evidence documenting when independently concluded GRAS uses entered interstate commerce, which could become important when using the proposed streamlined pathway. The proposed rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register today (11 August 2026), with the FDA proposing a 120-day consultation period with comments expected to be due in December. If finalised the mandatory notification provisions would have a compliance date of 18 months after the effective date of the final rule. The final rule would itself take effect 60 days after publication. The proposed changes form part of the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, which is also behind efforts to establish a federal definition of ultra-processed foods. HHS and the US Department of Agriculture have separately submitted the federal government’s first proposed definition of UPFs for final review. HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said the measures would bring “greater transparency to what’s in our food,” and strengthen the scientific basis of federal nutrition policy.

Pukka Herbs is expanding its wellness portfolio with the launch of two functional tea blends targeting digestive health and relaxation. Gut Health combines ginger and peppermint with naturally fermented kombucha, creating what the brand describes as a warming yet refreshing flavour. Meanwhile, Unwind has been formulated to support normal mental relaxation. The blend brings together chamomile and blueberry with adaptogenic ashwagandha and lion’s mane, a mushroom ingredient increasingly used in nootropic products. The launch responds to growing interest in beverages offering everyday wellness benefits. Pukka said 70% of shoppers are seeking to lead healthier lifestyles, while half of UK soft drinks consumers favour drinks with health benefits over supplements. Digestion and relaxation-related products currently account for 34.5% of functional fruit and herbal tea sales, according to figures cited by the company. Elle Barker, chief marketing officer for the UK and Ireland at Lipton Teas and Infusions, said: “These functional wellness blends are a natural fit for our current Pukka portfolio, designed specifically to meet evolving consumer preferences and bring a refreshing perspective to everyday wellness". “By bringing highly sought-after, trending ingredients into an accessible, delicious format, we’re making it easier than ever for people to take charge of their own wellbeing while helping our retail partners drive excitement and growth in the tea aisle.” Both products are organic and Fair for Life certified. Each pack contains 20 individually wrapped, home-compostable tea bags made with stitched organic string rather than glue. The outer packaging is fully recyclable and produced using FSC-certified materials. The new Gut Health and Unwind varieties will launch at Waitrose on 26 August, followed by a wider roll-out to retailers including Sainsbury’s and Holland & Barrett. Each pack carries an RRP of £4.99.

JBS has appointed Wesley Batista Filho as its new global chief executive, effective January 2027, as part of a planned leadership transition. L-R: Wesley Batista Filho and Gilberto Tomazoni. Batista Filho will succeed Gilberto Tomazoni, who is stepping down after eight years as global CEO and 14 years with the food group. Tomazoni will oversee the transition during the next five months before becoming vice-chairman of the JBS board and a senior advisor. He will also retain his position as chairman of Pilgrim’s Pride and become chairman of the J&F Institute, which focuses on developing future business leaders. Batista Filho joined JBS 15 years ago and has held several senior positions across the company’s international operations. His previous roles include CEO of JBS Brazil and president of Seara. Since 2023, he has served as CEO of JBS USA. Commenting on his appointment, Batista Filho said the company would remain focused on supporting its employees, serving customers and producer partners, improving operational performance and creating long-term shareholder value. Tomazoni said Batista Filho’s experience across JBS Brazil, Seara and its US operations had given him a strong understanding of the group’s businesses, culture and workforce. During Tomazoni’s tenure as CEO, JBS expanded into new protein categories, grew its branded and value-added portfolio and invested in biotechnology. The company also achieved investment-grade status and completed its listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Over the same period, JBS said its revenue increased by 73%, rising from $49.7 billion to $86.2 billion. Tomazoni described JBS as “stronger, more diversified and better positioned for the future,” adding that the company was ready to begin its next phase under Batista Filho’s leadership.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has agreed to acquire science-backed health and wellness brand Thorne, strengthening its position in the growing premium wellness and personalised health market. The transaction, which is expected to close later this year subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, will see P&G acquire Thorne from L Catterton’s Flagship Fund. Founded in 1984, Thorne develops nutritional supplements and wellness solutions focused on science, quality and efficacy. The company serves consumers, athletes and healthcare professionals, with a portfolio spanning nutritional supplements and personalised health technology. Colin Watts, CEO of Thorne, said: “As we looked to the future, we kept coming back to one question: What will best position Thorne to continue fulfilling its mission? We believe P&G is the right partner to help us expand our impact while staying true to the values and standards that have always defined Thorne.” The deal will also bolster P&G’s Personal Health Care business as consumer interest in self-care, preventative health and personalised wellness continues to grow. Paul Gama, CEO of P&G Health Care, said: “Thorne strengthens our position in premium wellness with a trusted, science-backed brand that complements our existing portfolio.” Thorne operates a vertically integrated manufacturing model, producing its supplements at its own facility in South Carolina, US. The company said its products are developed using high-quality ingredients and clinical research, with an in-house team of doctors, researchers and scientists overseeing its formulations. Thorne currently serves more than seven million consumers and is used by tens of thousands of healthcare professionals, as well as athletes, sports teams and US national teams. The acquisition marks P&G’s latest move to expand its presence in premium health and wellness, as consumers increasingly seek products positioned around prevention, self-care and personalised health. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

Plant-based dairy alternatives brand Malk has today (10 August 2026) announced the launch of Whole Malk – a clean-label, organic plant-based milk containing 12g of protein per serving. The brand, headquartered in Texas, is rolling out its new offering across the US from today at Whole Foods, Target and Sprouts stores. Designed to be a ‘true everyday dairy replacement that works for the entire household,’ the drink is USDA-certified organic and contains no gums, oils or filler ingredients. It is made from a blend or coconut, cashew, soy and pea protein, and is fortified with vitamins and minerals. According to Malk, its latest offering is suitable across a range of uses including coffee, cereal, smoothies, cooking and baking. It comes after the brand reported surpassing $94 million in sales and selling more than 1.4 million units last year. Building on this momentum, Malk is focusing on expanding its portfolio while continuing to align with its clean-label philosophy, centred around simple and natural ingredients. The alt-dairy producer unveiled a line of coconut-based creamers, available in three flavours, earlier this year, responding to demand for sweet and barista-worthy options that remain free from gums, oils and ‘mysterious natural flavours’.