Source Global, the developer of a “disruptive” technology that generates drinking water from the atmosphere, has announced its acquisition of spring water brand Proud Source Water. A certified B Corp, Proud Source offers naturally alkaline water in recyclable aluminium bottles, which can be found at retailers and foodservice locations across the US. The companies are combining to provide “the first completely renewable, sustainable bottled water,” according to Source Global. Its technology, the Source Hydropanel, produces drinking water using sunlight and air as the only inputs. CEO and founder, Cody Friesen, elaborated: “Our Hydropanels allow us to establish a source of clean, sustainable water almost anywhere on the planet, without the need to extract from existing freshwater resources”. “The technology is powered entirely by the sun, and the water is produced from vapour in the air, making it a truly renewable approach.” Proud Source – which currently sources from sustainably managed springs in the Rocky Mountains and Florida’s Apalachicola National Forest – will expand its product portfolio to include water produced via Source Global’s tech. Arrays of Hydropanels are to be installed at Proud Source’s bottling facilities, enabling the brand to offer “renewable water sourced from the air and delivered in infinitely recyclable packaging”. This is expected to be available nationally in early 2024. “Proud Source Water was launched with the commitment to deliver the cleanest and most sustainable water on the planet,” said president CJ Pennington. “Now, with the renewable water technology Source brings to the process, we are able to take that pledge to an unprecedented level.” The deal will see Proud Source become the bottled water division of Source Global. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The move comes nearly six months after the beverage giant said it would suspend sales and production

campfire tradition, Ben & Jerry's has introduced a duo of new ice cream flavours to its Sundae line-up The new flavours will be available in freezers nationwide starting this January, with a recommended retail

lot in common – we both have a legacy of innovative products that pack a big, satisfying crunch and mouth-watering

Up Vertical Farms has begun operations at its hands-free vertical farm in western Canada and expects Up expects annual production of approximately 2 million pounds of salad greens and has the ability to automated 13 to 21-day period, which allows blends to be tailored and grown instantaneously to keep up Bahram Rashti, co-founder of Up Vertical Farms, said: "We are honoured to do our part to help Canada

Premier Foods has expanded its desserts range by adding a pudding pot duo to its Ambrosia brand and a chocolate mint-flavoured sachet to Angel Delight. The ambient pots – available in Belgian chocolate and salted caramel sauce and Belgian chocolate and mint fondant sauce – are currently available at Tesco, Asda and Morrisons stores. Meanwhile, Angel Delight's chocolate mint flavour sachet is stocked at Tesco. According to the company, Ambrosia and Angel Delight's new offerings "don't require refrigeration, meaning they are fresher for longer and help to reduce waste". Dan Jalalpour, brand director for desserts at Premier Foods, said: “Total sweet food occasions remain higher than in 2019, with over 1.3 billion dessert snacks each year. The expansion of our desserts range looks to help grow the ambient category by appealing to both new and current shoppers who are looking for different and on-trend chocolate flavour options when snacking." He continued: “We firmly believe that healthier sweet treats are a big opportunity for retailers, and the HFSS-compliant Ambrosia dessert pots and Angel Delight chocolate mint will help meet consumer demand for healthier, convenient dessert snack options”.

US plant-based frozen dessert brand, Dream Pops, has expanded its confectionery portfolio with the launch of both Dream Pop's plant-based chocolate-coated snacks and syrups. Dream Pops Crunch, which is a plant-based chocolate-coated snack sweetened with coconut sugar, will be available in six flavours: Berry Dreams, Vanilla Sky, Birthday Cake, Banana Cream, Mint Chip and Cookie Dough. The range is free of dairy, gluten, soy and contains no artificial ingredients, and will be retailed for $5.99 per 3.5oz pouch. Meanwhile, the Dream Pops Drip plant-based superfood syrup line will be available in three flavours: chocolate, caramel and strawberry. The line was made with a coconut nectar base and boosted with baobab extract. The offerings are made with no high-fructose corn syrup, gums, stabilisers or added sweeteners. Dream Pops' CEO and co-founder, David Greenfeld, said: "At Dream Pops, our mission is to re-imagine all cult classics desserts with 100% plant-based ingredients, and we believe indulgence should never come at the expense of health and wellness". Dream Pops Crunch and Drip will be available at select retail stores from April 2022, before rolling out across the US.

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) will receive a grant of up to $45 million from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce its methane emissions and develop "climate-smart," low-carbon dairy products. The funds were announced through the USDA programme Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities, which vice president of sustainability at DFA, said: "We're thrilled to receive a Partnerships for Climate-Smart

Sophie’s BioNutrients has partnered with Danish Technological Institute (DTI) to make a microalgae-based ice cream. A 1 oz serving of the new vegan-friendly creation has the potential to provide double the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, according to Sophie’s BioNutrients. The ice cream is made using the food tech company’s protein concentrate derived from Chlorella vulgaris. “Microalgae is one of the most nutrient-rich and versatile resources on the planet,” said Sophie’s BioNutrients CEO and co-founder, Eugene Wang. “Today we have shown another facet of the unlimited possibilities this superfood can offer – a dairy- and lactose-free alternative to ice cream that, thanks to microalgae, offers a higher nutrition content than most available dairy-free alternatives. We are incredibly excited for this development in allergen-free foods and the prospect of more inclusive dining.” Alongside vitamin B12, Chlorella is said to be a good source of iron, which only exists at low levels in cow’s milk. Danish Technological Institute director of food technology, Anne Louise Dannesboe Nielsen, noted: “Microalgae is definitely part of the future. It is a sustainable ingredient with a lot of potential in multiple food applications. “At DTI, we are increasingly experiencing interest in microalgae and are eager to help grow, understand and explore its potential.”

Firelli has expanded its hot sauces portfolio with the launch of two new flavours in the UK – Firelli Truffle and Firelli Extra Hot. The hot sauces are low in calories and sodium, gluten-free, vegan and free from cholesterol, fat and GMOs. Firelli Truffle and Extra Hot sauces join the brand's original Firelli Hot Sauce, which launched last year. Firelli's founder, Elwyn Gladstone, said: “We decided to launch these expressions because chilli sauce and the pizza occasion are both growing globally, and we identified a gap in the market for a delicious hot sauce to go with every food occasion". He continued: "There is also an increased demand for all-natural products and exportable Italian cuisine. Firelli Truffle and Extra Hot Sauces make pizza taste unforgettable and act as a healthier replacement to chilli oil.”

Bel Group has entered into a strategic partnership with precision fermentation start-up Standing Ovation

Jack Link's has teamed up with Frito-Lay to combine its meat snacks products with Frito-Lay's "fan-favourite