UK RTD cocktails brand The Drinks Bureau has added a new limited-edition offering to its portfolio: Jam Doughnut Daiquiri. The playful cocktail is launching in the brand’s new 200ml shaker can packaging innovation, requiring no cocktail shaker or ice and offering mid-strength (8% ABV) cocktails in a fun, ready-to-serve format. Debuting exclusively at Morrisons stores from today (20 October), the cocktail celebrates the flavours of the retailer’s popular jam doughnut while putting a sweeter twist on the strawberry daiquiri. It combines white rum with strawberries and lime to provide ‘jammy’ sweetness reminiscent of the classic bakery aisle treat. The launch follows a surge in popularity of jam doughnuts at Morrisons, with shoppers consuming over 67 million doughnuts from Morrisons bakeries last year – amounting to over 336 tonnes. Consumers can simply chill, shake and enjoy straight from the can, or pour into a cocktail glass for a more sophisticated at-home option. The new cocktail is now available at Morrisons for a limited time. The brand's Spicy Margarita and Lychee Martini products have also launched at Morrisons in the Shaker Can format, with all Shaker Cans launching with an RSP of £2.50 per can.

FMCG manufacturer and supplier Supreme has acquired the trade and selected UK and European assets of SlimFast from Glanbia in a £20 million deal, announced today (20 October 2025). Supreme said the acquisition of the weight management brand – known for its range of meal replacement shakes, bars and snacks – aligns fully with its ongoing M&A strategy, adding highly recognised brands into its diverse portfolio of high frequency consumable products. It has acquired the brand for a total cash consideration of £20.1 million, including £9 million of deferred consideration due in 15 months’ time. The acquisition will be financed through a mixture of Supreme’s existing cash resources and utilisation of its asset-based lending facility. Founded in 1977 in the US, SlimFast’s product range includes a variety of formats such as ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix powder products, as well as its Advanced Nutrition range which includes high-protein, high-fibre and gluten-free meal replacement shakes and smoothies. For the year ended 31 December 2024, SlimFast’s UK and European assets reported unaudited revenue of £25.5 million and adjusted gross profit of £9.7 million. This latest deal follows Glanbia’s sale of SlimFast’s US brand to Heartland Food Products Group – the manufacturer of the Splenda sweetener brand – last month. Supreme noted that SlimFast is well placed to capitalise on the growing demand for GLP-1 products, which require nutrition and protein supplementation during treatment and as a ‘follow-on’ in most cases. The weight management market is projected to reach £1.5 billion by 2027. The company said it expects to unlock meaningful synergies by integrating the brand into its vertically integrated distribution platform, adding that SlimFast is ‘highly complementary’ to Supreme’s existing Drinks & Wellness category. Supreme already services a number of key SlimFast customers with additional upsell opportunities already targeted across the approx. 55,000 retail sites the group currently supplies. This includes major retail chains and the convenience channel/independents, which do not currently stock SlimFast products. The deal will enhance Supreme’s retail network through the addition of new UK retail customers, such as Boots and Superdrug, providing further cross-selling opportunities. It will also provide the opportunity to expand SlimFast globally. Supreme plans to move the manufacturing of all powder products in-house, benefitting its manufacturing operations and broader Drinks & Wellness division. Sandy Chadha, CEO of Supreme, commented: “Under our ownership and track record for product innovation, we believe the commercial opportunities to both enhance and broaden SlimFast’s market presence makes it an ideal addition to our business”. Top image: © SlimFast

Goodrays, one of the UK’s fastest-growing CBD brands, is making waves in the functional beverage sector with the launch of its first non-CBD drink, Re:Focus. The latest product combines nootropic and recovery ingredients, positioning itself as a unique offering in the burgeoning functional wellness market. The introduction of Re:Focus comes at a time when consumer interest in functional drinks is escalating. Notably, Google searches for 'Lion’s Mane' surged by 450% week-over-week last year in the UK, reflecting a growing awareness of the cognitive benefits associated with this powerful mushroom. Re:Focus is set to capitalise on this trend, becoming the first drink to blend Lion’s Mane, magnesium and electrolytes into a single can, addressing both cognitive enhancement and physical recovery. Re:Focus will be available in two flavours: Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix. Each flavour is designed for taste as well as delivering functional benefits that support mental clarity and hydration. The drink contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients and is low in calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Key ingredients include: Lion’s mane: Each serving contains 250mg of this nootropic mushroom, which is traditionally used to support cognitive function and long-term brain health. Magnesium: With 800mg of a premium magnesium blend per serving, Re:Focus delivers 65mg of elemental magnesium, essential for over 300 bodily functions, including cognitive performance and muscle recovery. Electrolytes: Each serving includes 530mg of a bespoke blend of potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium to ensure optimal hydration, a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive performance. Eoin Keenan, founder of Goodrays, said: “For too long, food and drink has been dominated by sugar, alcohol and energy overload, and we’re changing that”. The launch of Re:Focus represents a significant milestone for Goodrays, which has seen its CBD range grow by 45% year-on-year. Re:Focus will be available for purchase online through the Goodrays website, Amazon, Waitrose, Morrisons and other select retailers starting October 20 2025. Priced at £7.50 for a pack of four 330ml cans, the drink is positioned to capture the attention of both health-conscious consumers and retailers looking to expand their functional beverage offerings.

Premium sake brand Dassai is set to embark on an unprecedented venture: brewing sake in space. The initiative, known as the Dassai Moon Project, represents a significant milestone in both the food and beverage industry and the realm of space exploration. Scheduled for liftoff today (October 20 2025), from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, this mission aims to explore the feasibility of sake fermentation in a microgravity environment. The project will use advanced brewing equipment and premium sake ingredients – including rice, Koji, yeast and water – transported aboard H3 Rocket No. 7, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Upon arrival at the International Space Station (ISS), these materials will be used in an experiment led by Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui within the Kibou (Hope) module. In 2024, Dassai unveiled its ambitious vision of establishing the first sake brewery on the moon, with a long-term goal of full-scale production by 2050. The initial experiment aboard the ISS will serve as a critical step toward this goal, allowing researchers to study how fermentation processes are affected by the unique conditions of space. The experiment will take place in a simulated lunar gravity environment, using an artificial gravity generator within the Cell Culture and Bio-engineering Facility-Light (CBEF-L) installed in Kibou. Sake fermentation tank This research not only aims to enhance our understanding of fermentation in space but also seeks to integrate traditional sake craftsmanship with the advancements of space technology. Upon completion of the brewing experiment, approximately 520 grams of moromi – the fermented mash – will be returned to Earth. Half of this batch will be pressed into a limited-edition sake, aptly named 'Dassai Moon,' which has already garnered significant interest, pre-selling for JPY 1.1 million (approximately &650,000) in Japan. Proceeds from these sales will support domestic space initiatives. The remaining moromi will be preserved as the first-ever sample of space-brewed mash, providing valuable data for future research in space-based fermentation. Unlike heavier fruits such as grapes, rice is lightweight and practical for transport, making it an ideal choice for space agriculture. Dassai aims to use lunar resources, including water believed to exist on the Moon, to brew sake directly on the lunar surface.

Charlie Bigham’s, a UK-based premium pre-prepared food brand, has launched its most luxurious collection to date – the Brasserie range – now available in select Waitrose stores. This new offering aims to elevate the at-home dining experience, providing consumers with restaurant-quality meals crafted by expert chefs. The Brasserie range features a selection of indulgent dishes prepared in small batches at Bigham’s London kitchen. Each meal is designed to replicate the quality and sophistication of fine dining, using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. Notable dishes include: Beef Wellington (£29.95): A prime centre-cut fillet encased in golden puff pastry, complemented by a rich mushroom duxelles and chicken liver, delivering a classic showstopper. Venison Bourguignon (£16.95): Slow-braised Scottish venison served with roasted vegetables and decadent browned butter mash, embodying the essence of comfort food. Coq au Vin (£16.95): French-trimmed chicken legs braised in red wine, accompanied by mushrooms, bacon, and a luxurious dauphinoise, offering a taste of French bistro dining. Salmon Wellington (£19.95): Sushi-grade salmon layered with spinach and leeks, wrapped in a delicate mushroom duxelles and puff pastry, creating a refined flavour profile. Duck Confit & Pommes Anna (£16.95): Tender duck confit paired with a rich lentil sauce and cheesy browned butter potatoes, perfect for a cosy evening at home. This launch taps into a growing consumer trend, with recent research indicating that 48% of Britons prefer dining at home for romantic occasions. Additionally, 86% of respondents highlighted food as the most crucial element of such experiences. The range caters to this demand, offering meals that transform any evening into a special occasion. Founder Charlie Bigham said: "Showstopping food doesn’t always have to mean going out. With the Brasserie range, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality experience at home – indulgent, crafted dishes that make any evening special." Miriam Tellis, head of trading for meal solutions & bakery at Waitrose, added: "Almost 30 years ago, Waitrose was the first supermarket to stock Charlie Bigham's meals. The new Brasserie range features delicious, restaurant-inspired dishes made from high-quality ingredients, creating a special dining experience in the comfort of your home."

Yogurt manufacturer Chobani has successfully raised $650 million in its latest funding round. This capital infusion is aimed at supporting the company's ambitious expansion plans across the US, particularly in the dairy processing sector. Founded two decades ago, Chobani has announced plans to invest $1.2 billion in constructing its third US dairy processing facility in New York. Additionally, the company is set to implement a $500 million expansion initiative in Idaho . Following this latest equity raise, Chobani's valuation has soared to $20 billion, as reported by the New York Times DealBook. The company anticipates generating $3.8 billion in net sales for the current year, reflecting a robust 28% growth compared to the previous year. This performance highlights the shifting dynamics within the US food and beverage landscape, where private food brands like Chobani are increasingly capturing market share from larger conglomerates, including Unilever. Chobani is not resting on its laurels; the company is actively diversifying its product offerings beyond its core yogurt line. In 2024, it launched high-protein products such as protein shakes , aiming to appeal to a broader consumer base. Furthermore, Chobani has made strategic acquisitions, including the $900 million purchase of coffee brand La Colombe in 2023 and the acquisition of plant-based food maker Daily Harvest earlier this year.

Tom Ellis GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are not just shrinking waistlines – they’re reshaping appetites and shaking up the food and beverage industry. From smaller portions to nutrient-dense products, comapnies must rethink indulgence, innovation and education if they want to stay relevant. Tom Ellis, CEO and co-owner at Brand Genetics, explains how these drugs are disrupting consumption and what’s next for producers. By 2030, around 7% of the US population could be using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications, which work by suppressing appetite and reducing food intake, are expected to reach 24 million users in the US alone by 2035. In the UK, demand is also rising rapidly. The market for GLP-1 medications is projected to more than triple over the next six years, growing from an estimated £180 million in 2024 to over £575 million by 2030. "These drugs are not just reshaping waistlines – they are reshaping consumption itself" These drugs are not just reshaping waistlines – they are reshaping consumption itself. Appetite, once the bedrock of demand, is no longer a constant. For a growing segment of people, hunger is biologically reduced, cravings are muted and food is no longer front of mind. This isn’t just another health trend or diet fad. The F&B industry needs to pay close attention. Appetite suppression is now a commercial disruptor The early data is already painting a clear picture. Walmart has reported a slight pullback in overall basket sizes amongst shoppers taking GLP-1 medications – within six months of using the drug, households with at least one user cut their grocery spending by about 6%. The reductions were most significant in calorie-dense, processed items like chips, with increases in nutrient-dense items like yogurt and fresh produce. Analysts at Morgan Stanley forecast a 3%-4% drop in consumption of snacks, soft drinks and alcohol in markets where these drugs are gaining ground – a direct implication for categories built on volume, impulse or emotional reward. While restraint is behavioural in traditional dieting, GLP-1 drugs dampen cravings and slow gastric emptying, with users often reporting feeling full quicker or losing interest in food altogether. Emotional and habitual eating, once major consumption drivers, are fundamentally reduced. From indulgence to intention This rewiring of consumption is reshaping people’s relationship with food. Brands that previously relied on portion size, high-frequency snacking or sensory indulgence will increasingly find themselves out of step with a growing segment of biologically reprogrammed consumers. Understanding this shift requires going deeper than trend analysis. What we are seeing with GLP-1 users is a transformation in the underlying architecture of behaviour. By decoding this behaviour through three key lenses – drivers, enablers and abilities – brands can go beyond surface-level analysis and into the psychological roots of decision-making. Drivers: What motivates the shift We identified three key motivations emerging from GLP-1 users: Empowerment and control Many describe the most significant change as the silencing of constant preoccupation with meals and cravings, replaced by a sense of control. This shift is supported by research indicating that GLP-1 receptor agonists can delay gastric emptying and glucose absorption, promoting greater satiety between meals. Health security GLP-1s are a preventative treatment for long-term health management, not just weight loss. Novo Nordisk’s Select trial showed that semaglutide reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with overweight or obesity. Esteem and status GLP-1 use is closely tied to appearance, with many users reporting increased confidence after weight loss on social media and online communities, with studies linking weight loss to improved psychological well-being and self-esteem. Enablers: What accelerates or inhibits adoption GLP-1 usage is not evenly distributed (yet) as access and affordability remain major barriers. The UK has tightly rationed access through public systems; the NHS only funds Wegovy for people with a BMI ≥30 and comorbidities, and only through specialist weight loss programmes (~35,000 slots for over 3 million eligible). Telehealth platforms are accelerating access by providing direct-to-consumer services and bypassing traditional gatekeepers. However, supply is sometimes less limiting than affordability – even when available, many can't justify the cost. Cultural acceptance is also accelerating. High-profile endorsements from public figures – such as Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey – along with a surge in online communities, have helped reduce stigma and increase social acceptance. While medical organisations – including the NHS – now call obesity a treatable condition, rather than a personal failing. Abilities: Consumers’ skills and knowledge Perhaps the most disruptive aspect of GLP-1 drugs is how they remove the ability – and desire – to overeat. Appetite suppression is neurologically enforced, reducing not just volume but interest in many common foods. Brands cannot outmarket satiety. Instead, they will need to rethink the very foundations of what and how they offer. The physiological effects don’t stop with appetite. Many GLP-1 users also experience side effects – including nausea, digestive discomfort and fatigue. As a result, they tend to avoid rich, greasy, spicy or carbonated foods and beverages, even if they once enjoyed them. This creates new product design requirements: foods and drinks must not only be appealing but also easy on the stomach. "Brands can’t outmarket satiety. Instead, they will need to rethink the very foundations of what and how they offer" Alongside these physiological changes, there is also a growing knowledge gap. With appetite cues reduced, many users report not knowing how much or what to eat. Some unintentionally under-eat or miss out on key nutrients, leading to issues like fatigue or muscle loss – a concern increasingly echoed by clinicians. In online forums and social media groups, users are actively seeking advice, tips and food recommendations, highlighting a significant lack of formal support. This presents a clear opportunity for food and beverage brands to step in – not just with products, but with guidance. High-protein, portion-controlled, nutrient-dense offerings designed specifically for GLP-1 users could become the new staples. Crucially, education about what to eat, how often and why will become part of the product experience itself. Brands that help people feel informed and in control will earn trust and loyalty. Over time, many GLP-1 users also become highly intentional shoppers. With their hunger no longer steering decisions, they begin to take a more calculated, label-conscious approach to consumption. These aren’t just aspirational health consumers; they are pragmatists responding to physiological feedback. Traditional 'better-for-you' branding may not be enough – they want clear, evidence-backed benefits that support how their bodies now work. Key implications for brands: Strategies must change Brands willing to respond to this appetite shift with insight and innovation will lead the way. Three shifts stand out: Portion is the new battleground: As people eat less, they expect more from every bite. Smaller, nutrient-dense formats will define the next phase of product development. Indulgence needs a rethink: Emotional eating is being replaced by intentional eating. Messaging that leans on satisfaction, simplicity and control will resonate more than cues around craving or reward. New needs create new categories: The demand is growing for new food categories that are high in protein, gentle on digestion and easy to integrate into new routines. Functional drinks, satiety aids and educational tools all have a role to play. Brands that adapt to new preferences will be best placed to stay relevant in a reshaped landscape. The challenge is clear, so is the opportunity. Appetite has changed. Now strategies must too.

PepsiCo has inaugurated a new beverage canning line at its Dragomirești-Deal plant in Ilfov County, Romania, following an $8.5 million investment. The canning line is said to be the only one of its kind in the Eastern Balkans region, marking a major milestone in PepsiCo’s investment in Romania. With seven production lines now in operation, the Dragomirești-Deal plant’s annual production capacity has been boosted to over 500 million litres of beverages, 15-20% of which will be exported. The new line supports 250ml, 330ml and 500ml packaging formats, covering the entire beverage portfolio of PepsiCo East Balkans: Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP, Mountain Dew and Lipton. It is designed for high efficiency, with a capacity of up to 1.5 million cans per day. The new production line is integrated into the plant’s logistics flow through automated guided robots, which handle and store pellets. As a result, the product undergoes a fully automated process, from filling to loading on trucks. According to the beverage giant, the carbon footprint of the line is reduced by 210 tons of CO2 annually compared with conventional canning lines. Additionally, water consumption is reduced by around 20%, while electricity and natural gas usage will also decrease ‘considerably’. In 2023, the company also commissioned the most automated bottle filling line in its European portfolio following a $13 million investment. Radu Berevoescu, general manager of PepsiCo East Balkans, said: “This investment marks a new stage in the modernisation and development of our operations in Romania. Beverages produced in Dragomirești-Deal reach consumers in seven markets, positioning us as a strategic production and distribution hub for Central and Southeastern Europe.”

Carlsberg Britvic-owned plant-based drinks brand Plenish has introduced Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk, made with just four naturally sourced ingredients and no oils or additives. The drink is made using only water, gluten-free organic oats, plant-based calcium and salt. By not breaking down the oats into natural sugars like most oat drinks, Plenish claims to have created a UK-first innovation that responds to growing demand for sugar-free options without compromising on creaminess or taste. Data from Kantar shows that sugar content has become the leading health concern for consumers, with sugar-free products now driving growth ahead of core oat drinks. Russell Goldman, managing director for Breakthrough Brands at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “At Plenish we recognise the evolving concerns from consumers around making healthier choices, avoiding artificial ingredients and reducing their sugar intake. It’s about expanding choice within our oat drink portfolio to meet evolving consumer needs.” The launch continues Plenish’s expansion of its milk alternatives range following the launch of Plenish Enriched Oat M*lk earlier this year, a clean label oat drink fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk started rolling out at Waitrose stores from 13 October 2025, at an RRP of £2.35, and is also available via the brand’s website.

According to Bloomberg News , Coca-Cola is considering an initial public offering (IPO) for its Indian bottling unit – Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages – in a deal that could be valued at $1 billion. Bloomberg ’s report states that the company has been in talks with bankers over the past few weeks to discuss a potential IPO, which would value the unit at around $10 billion. The media outlet’s unidentified sources reportedly said a potential deal is still in its early stages, and would be likely to take place in 2026 if it does go ahead. Further details of the potential deal – such as timing, structure and size of the offering – are still believed to be subject to change. FoodBev has not yet been able to independently confirm the news, as Coca-Cola has not yet responded to a request for comment. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in India, and has been manufacturing Coca-Cola brands in the country since 1997. Headquartered in Bengaluru, it has a workforce of more than 5,000 employees and serves 3 million customers, according to its website. In December 2024, The Coca-Cola Company announced an agreement for Jubilant Bhartia Group to acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings, HCCB's parent company. This summer, the bottler appointed Hemant Rupani as its new CEO , effective from September. Rupani joined following a nine-year career with Mondelēz International. He succeeded former chief executive Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who moved to pursue a new opportunity within the Coca-Cola system.

Cocoa tech start-up Celleste Bio has introduced what it says is the world’s first chocolate-grade cocoa butter made using plant cell culture technology, a development that could help make the chocolate industry more climate-resilient. Celleste’s lab-grown cocoa butter is bio-identical to the one extracted from cocoa beans, matching its fatty acid profile, melting point and texture – even the familiar “snap” of good chocolate. The company says it can produce the ingredient without relying on cocoa farming, using a process that’s scalable, waste-free and designed to operate independently of traditional agriculture. The launch comes amid growing concern over the future of cocoa. Prices rose 400% in 2024 following a massive shortage, as climate change, disease and poor harvests hit major producing countries. Industry experts warn that such instability could become the norm. Michal Berresi Golomb, CEO of Celleste Bio, said: "Our ability to produce real cocoa butter via cell culture proves that science can be used to grow and produce ingredients that mirror nature with integrity and transparency. This is a major R&D achievement for Celleste led by Hanne Volpin, CTO of Celleste, and her R&D team, and also validation for the entire cocoa industry that there is a solution to supplement supply chain shortages caused by the volatility and unpredictability of traditional farming". Howard Yano Shapiro, retired chief agriculture officer at Mars, added: "It's important to understand, technology doesn't replace traditional farming. It is an 'insurance policy' against imminent supply chain disruptions and destruction caused by pests, disease, land and water overuse – as well as those that will arise from climate and agricultural instability." "Celleste Bio is one example of a technology that is getting ahead of a long-term crisis. Cocoa butter is the single most important, expensive and resource-intensive ingredient in chocolate and if we've learned anything from last year, it's that solutions for crop supplementation are crucial." Celleste Bio is now building a pilot facility to speed up development and scale production of its cocoa ingredients. So far, the company has raised $5.6 million, with Mondelēz International as a strategic partner, alongside Supply Change Capital, Trendlines and Barrel Ventures.

US President Donald Trump announced on social media this week that he is considering blocking imports of cooking oil from China. This decision comes in response to China's recent cessation of all purchases of US soybeans, a situation Trump described as an “economically hostile act” against American farmers. In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted: “I believe that China purposefully not buying our soybeans, and causing difficulty for our soybean farmers, is an economically hostile act". He continued: "We are considering terminating business with China having to do with cooking oil, and other elements of Trade, as retribution. As an example, we can easily produce cooking oil ourselves; we don’t need to purchase it from China.” Trump's statements have already begun to reverberate through the agricultural sector, with oilseed and related agriculture stocks experiencing significant gains. Companies like Australian Oilseeds Holdings surged over 260%, while Sadot Group climbed by 90%. Other notable increases included Origin Agritech Limited at 42%, and Bunge Global rising by 15%. These market reactions reflect investor optimism regarding potential shifts in US agricultural policy and the prospect of increased domestic production. The backdrop of this announcement is the escalating trade tensions between the US and China. The trade spat intensified this spring when Beijing halted soybean purchases, redirecting its imports to Argentina and Brazil. This shift has resulted in significant losses for US soybean farmers, with estimates suggesting a quarter of their market has been lost due to these trade dynamics. Trump’s latest comments appear strategically timed as he prepares for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for November 10 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit in South Korea. The president also threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods starting November 1, following China’s recent restrictions on rare earth exports. For the food and beverage industry, these developments signal potential volatility ahead. Companies that rely on soybean imports for cooking oils and animal feeds must prepare for potential disruptions in their supply chains. Increased domestic production of cooking oil could offer opportunities for local suppliers, but it may also foster greater competition within the sector. As the agricultural market braces for potential policy shifts, stakeholders will need to closely monitor the evolving trade landscape and its implications for pricing, availability and strategic sourcing of key ingredients.