The US Senate has released a continuing resolution (CR) that, if passed, would extend the federal hemp THC ban from 12 November to 11 December. The ban, passed in last year’s spending bill, is set to significantly restrict products containing hemp-derived THC that can be legally sold in the US. This includes a range of THC food and beverage products such as gummies and beverages – a market that has grown rapidly in recent years. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Drinks containing THC have surged in popularity in the US adult and functional beverages market, as consumer drinking behaviours evolve and young adults seek alternatives to alcohol. Under the new legislation, hemp products would be limited to a maximum of 0.4mg of THC per container. This will mean that most THC beverages, which typically contain between 2-5mg per can, will no longer be permitted for sale on the market. The new CR would expire on 11 December, with the government funding extension providing opportunities for hemp farmers and product manufacturers to negotiate with lawmakers on a long-term solution – a move that has been welcomed by members of the industry. If the new legislation is passed, only a ban on synthetic cannabinoids (rather than those naturally derived from the cannabis plant) will come into effect on the November date. The US Hemp Roundtable praised the extension, writing in a statement: “We are grateful to bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who worked to ensure the hemp industry was not left behind in these critical funding negotiations”. “This action provides Congress with additional time to develop a thoughtful, long-term approach to hemp policy rather than allowing a sweeping ban to take effect without fully considering its impact on American agriculture, small businesses and consumers.” Tina Smith, US Democratic Senator from Minnesota – who pushed for a delay of the ban – commented: “Minnesota has created one of the strongest, most carefully regulated systems in the country to allow the sale of hemp products. The initial ban set to take place was ill-advised and would have hurt both hemp farmers and Minnesota breweries alike.” She added: “While helpful to hemp farmers, brewers and consumers, we still need to work towards a long-term solution that will allow for the industry to move forward.” Commenting on the news, Blake Patterson, chief revenue officer at THC beverage brand Keef, said: "We at Keef are thrilled that the tireless efforts of so many have provided this important step for the industry. Guardrails and regulations are going to be the backbone that sets the tone for everyone in the value chain, including retailers and wholesalers, to make sensible plans." Meanwhile, Joe Gerrity, CEO and co-founder of THC beverage brand Crescent Canna, said Senate leaders did the "responsible thing" – but highlighted the "unsurprising, immediate resistance from a small group of special interests and lawmakers". In particular, he pointed to the pushback from US Senator for North Carolina, Ted Budd, who has called for the amendment to be stripped from the CR – calling it a "dangerous loophole" and accusing hemp beverage brands of placing public health at risk through marketing that "appeals to children". "If a substance causes intoxication like marijuana, it should be regulated as such – not given a free pass as 'hemp'. There is no loophole worth putting a child’s wellbeing at risk," he stated. Gerrity described this as "par for the course," commenting: "As popular as these products are, there will always be entrenched interests trying to lock out the competition". He added: "It's now up to constituents to make sure their elected representatives know that the federal government has no business banning products millions of law-abiding adults enjoy and benefit from. Consumers want these products, states have shown they can regulate them responsibly, and lawmakers have bipartisan frameworks in front of them. Congress needs to use this window to pass regulations."

Belgian bakery group Vandemoortele has completed the final phase of its acquisition of US-based Banneton Bakery, taking full ownership of the New Jersey manufacturer as it strengthens its North American production footprint. The transaction concludes a strategic integration process that began in April 2024, when Vandemoortele acquired an 80% majority stake in Banneton Bakery. Based in Swedesboro, New Jersey, the company manufactures premium artisan-style croissants, Danish pastries and other laminated dough products for the foodservice and retail sectors. Vandemoortele said the acquisition marks a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy by establishing a domestic US manufacturing base. The company expects the facility to complement its existing European import infrastructure, creating a hybrid production and supply model designed to improve logistics, increase flexibility and respond more quickly to customer demand. Curt Coolidge, general manager of Vandemoortele North America, said: "Completing the acquisition of Banneton Bakery is an exciting step forward that reinforces our unwavering commitment to being a trusted partner to our North American customers." He added: "We are excited to fully integrate the Swedesboro facility into our operations, allowing us to deliver the ultimate one-stop-shop experience for authentic, premium freezer-to-oven croissants and pastries." As part of the transition, Alexandre Bloch, previously with Vandemoortele France, has been appointed operations manager for the site. The Banneton brand will continue to operate within Vandemoortele's US portfolio alongside Banquet d'Or, with the company confirming that operations and customer service for its retail and foodservice partners will continue uninterrupted. The acquisition expands Vandemoortele's manufacturing capabilities in the US as the European bakery specialist continues to grow its presence in the North American frozen bakery market. The family-owned company operates manufacturing facilities across 12 European countries and exports bakery and plant-based food products to 90 countries worldwide.

Premium collagen brand Dose & Co has expanded beyond powdered supplements with the launch of its first ready-to-drink collagen beverages. The lightly sparkling range is available in two flavours: Raspberry & Pomegranate and Lime & Mint. Each 250ml can contains 2,500mg of Verisol Bioactive Collagen Peptides, including type I and III collagen, alongside hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and zinc. According to the brand, the ingredients have been selected to support skin, hair and nail health, responding to growing consumer interest in ingestible beauty and convenient wellness products. The drinks contain 23 calories per can and are positioned as an on-the-go alternative to traditional powdered collagen supplements. Dose & Co’s Sparkling Collagen Drinks are available chilled from Holland & Barrett stores across the UK and online, priced at £2.95 per 250ml can.

Champagne producer Masion Pommery & Associés has ended its exclusive partnership discussions with sparkling wine group Henkell International. On 2 June 2026, the two premium alcohol companies announced that they had entered exclusive discussions regarding a proposed strategic partnership that could have seen Henkell International – a Germany-based subsidiary under the Henkell Freixenet group – become a majority shareholder in Maison Pommery. The exclusivity period agreed between the two companies expired on 31 July 2026, with both businesses confirming that an agreement was not reached. The companies said they remain open to the possibility of resuming talks in future. Maison Pommery & Associés confirmed it will now be free to consider potential divestitures of ‘non-strategic’ assets across its portfolio, as well as any other transactions targeting strengthened equity. Specifically, the family-owned French producer said discussions are underway with several parties regarding the disposal of various assets in the Camargue region. It aims to dispose of non-strategic assets, particularly in Southern Europe, for approximately €100 million. Maison Pommery has also planned to reduce its inventory by approximately €100 million from 2027 to 2030, corresponding to approximately €25 million per year over four years. The company is a major player in Champagne, across the entire value chain from vine cultivation to wine production and marketing. It also produces a range of wines from the Provence, Camargue and Douro regions.

Swiss nutrition groups Hochdorf and Pharmalys have announced the establishment of Hochdorf Laboratories, a new joint venture in the infant formula category. The JV combines Hochdorf’s Swiss manufacturing and technology expertise with Pharmalys’ brand portfolio and established international distribution network. Both companies – based in Hochdorf, Lucerne, Switzerland – aim to strengthen their presence in the premium infant nutrition space, enabling them to take advantage of targeted international market opportunities. Pharmalys specialises in premium infant nutrition, with a distribution network across 32 countries. It will bring its international presence together with Hochdorf’s 130 years of experience in spray drying and advanced nutrition technologies. Hochdorf manufactures and distributes infant formula under its Bimbosan and Babina brands. It also provides specialised nutrition offerings made from milk and whey, both as a B2B ingredient supplier and to consumers worldwide. The joint venture is backed by Hochdorf’s parent company AS Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on control investments in mid-market companies in technology and industrial sectors. Andreas Schulte, chairman of the board of directors at Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition and founder and managing partner at AS Equity Partners, said: “The establishment of Hochdorf Laboratories is an important step in the further development of our company”. “Together with Pharmalys, we are creating a strong platform that combines our industrial expertise with international market access and opens up new growth opportunities.”

Clearspring has expanded its Japanese tea portfolio with the launch of Organic Japanese Hojicha Powder, tapping into growing consumer demand for speciality tea beverages and café-inspired drinks. The new product joins the company's existing Hojicha loose-leaf and teabag range and builds on the success of its Organic Matcha collection. Crafted from organically grown green tea leaves that are harvested, roasted and finely ground in Japan, the powder offers a roasted flavour profile with lower caffeine levels than traditional green tea. According to Clearspring, the roasting process gives the tea a smooth, mellow taste with nutty, smoky notes and hints of caramel and cocoa. The powder is designed for multiple applications, including Hojicha lattes, hot tea, smoothies, ice cream and bakery products. The company believes the category has significant growth potential as Hojicha-based drinks gain traction in UK cafés, mirroring the rise of matcha in recent years. Maria Dawson, managing director at Clearspring, said: "We're beyond excited to introduce a powdered version of our Organic Japanese Hojicha, a delicious, versatile green tea with a wonderfully smooth roasted flavour. I truly believe Japanese Hojicha Powder has the potential to take off globally just like matcha has, and soon many more people will be joining the Clearspring family to discover its unique flavour and comforting qualities." Organic Japanese Hojicha Powder is launching on Ocado this month, ahead of a wider UK retail rollout from July, with an RRP of £8.99. Founded in 1993, Clearspring specialises in organic Japanese and plant-based foods, with a portfolio of more than 300 products. The company said the latest launch aligns with its focus on authentic production methods, organic agriculture and expanding consumer access to traditional Japanese ingredients.

ADM has announced a series of investments across four US oilseed crush facilities as it looks to increase processing capacity and capitalise on growing demand for vegetable oils driven by the renewable fuels sector. The company will invest in targeted upgrades at its facilities in Frankfort, Indiana; Deerfield, Missouri; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Spiritwood, North Dakota. Once complete, the projects are expected to unlock approximately 700,000 metric tons of additional annual oilseed crush capacity, equivalent to more than 25 million bushels of additional demand for US-grown oilseeds. According to ADM, the investments are designed to increase throughput by optimising existing infrastructure rather than building new facilities, allowing the company to respond to long-term market demand while maintaining operational flexibility. Gary McGuigan, president of ADM's North America Ag Services and Oilseeds business, said: "These investments reflect ADM's continued focus on targeted growth opportunities in areas where long-term demand trends are creating new opportunities for farmers and customers." He added: "Strong demand – supported by biofuels policy in the US – is driving opportunities for farmers and the broader American agricultural sector. By choosing to build on our existing footprint and adopting individualised enhancement plans for each facility, we're ensuring that we are investing wisely and preserving flexibility while ultimately delivering a meaningful increase in capacity across our North American network." The planned upgrades vary by site. In Frankfort, Indiana, ADM will undertake storage improvements alongside equipment upgrades, with completion expected by late 2028. At Deerfield, Missouri, the company will invest in conveying, flaking, extraction and utility systems, with work scheduled for completion in late 2028 or early 2029. Meanwhile, the Lincoln, Nebraska, facility will receive additional meal storage capacity and debottlenecking improvements to remove existing processing constraints, while the Spiritwood, North Dakota, soybean crush plant – operated through the Green Bison joint venture with Marathon Petroleum – will undergo operational optimisation and selected equipment upgrades. Work at Spiritwood is expected to conclude by mid-2028. Beyond the initial four projects, ADM said it is assessing similar enhancement opportunities at additional North American crush facilities as it seeks to further expand capacity across its processing network. The latest investments build on other recent infrastructure projects across the company's US operations, including upgrades to its Clinton, Iowa, corn processing facility and expanded elevator capacity in Optima, Oklahoma. McGuigan said the investments would strengthen domestic agricultural infrastructure while helping connect more US farmers with growing domestic and international markets. "We're proud to continue investing alongside the farmers, communities and colleagues who make these operations successful," he concluded.

Griffith Foods has reached an agreement with LipCo Foods Group to acquire the Plant-Tec production facility in Zgierz, near Łódź, Poland. The acquisition forms part of Griffith Foods’ European growth strategy and will expand its manufacturing presence across Poland and Eastern Europe. The site will provide additional production capacity and flexibility, particularly in dry seasonings and coatings. Griffith Foods said integrating the factory into its existing network would enable it to respond more quickly to regional demand while supporting continuity of supply across Europe. According to market figures cited by the company, Eastern Europe’s sauces, seasonings and spices market was valued at $10.49 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow annually by 6.83% until 2030. Griffith Foods also highlighted Poland’s position as a gateway to other emerging markets in the region. The Polish economy is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2026, which would place it among the fastest-growing major economies in the EU. Filip De Reymaeker, president of Europe at Griffith Foods, said: “The new production facility is a key manufacturing asset that strengthens our footprint in Poland and Eastern Europe and supports our ability to serve customers in the region with greater capacity, flexibility and continuity of supply". "It also reinforces our position in important product categories, including dry seasonings and coatings, where we see strong potential for growth." “This investment strengthens our footprint in one of Europe’s most dynamic growth. It also supports our ambition to grow by connecting Griffith Foods’ global product leadership with strong local partnerships and market knowledge," he added. César Lipka, CEO LipCo Foods Group, stated: “Plant-Tec integration by Griffith Foods marks the starting point of a new phase of growth ambitions for both companies. LipCo Foods Group continues to focus on its business, which is the development of the multifood segments and innovations." "We welcome Griffith Foods’ new production capabilities in Poland, which will help both companies grow the business together and continue delivering differentiated value in dry products innovation.” LipCo Foods Group plans to redirect the capital released through the transaction towards its core business areas and innovation projects. TC Chatterjee, CEO of Griffith Foods says, “At Griffith Foods, we believe our greatest opportunities come from ‘creating better together’ with our customers and partners. This investment reflects our Purpose – blending care and creativity to nourish the world – while strengthening our ability to innovate, strengthen food systems and deliver sustainable growth across Eastern Europe.” Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mac and cheese brand Goodles has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Twirly Mac, a new noodle format designed to offer a different eating experience while retaining the brand’s nutritional positioning. The new range features a twisted noodle shape, which Goodles says has been developed to hold sauce differently from its traditional macaroni format. The range launches in three flavours: Cheddar Weather, Alfredo Heights and Hotshot Jackpot. Cheddar Weather combines cheddar with a warm, savoury flavour profile, while Alfredo Heights puts a twist on classic Alfredo with the addition of white miso. Hotshot Jackpot combines cheddar with chilli, garlic, soy and scallions for a spicy variant. All three products are Clean Label Certified and deliver 14g of protein, 7g of fibre and 21 nutrients from plants per serving. According to Goodles, the new format was developed as an R&D project aimed at creating a new eating experience within the boxed mac and cheese category. Molly Michet, chief product officer at Goodles, said: “[Twirly Mac] was a true R&D challenge, and that's what made it exciting. We set out to create a brand-new eating experience for our Mac & Cheese-loving community, and that included designing a noodle shape that holds sauce in a completely different way than our classic Mac.” The new range is available through Goodles’ website, with a wider retail rollout at select retailers later this month. It has an SRP of $3.79 per box. Goodles launched in 2021 with a focus on combining the indulgence of boxed mac and cheese with added nutritional benefits. Its products are made with a proprietary noodle recipe and contain protein, fibre, prebiotics and nutrients from plants.

Orkla Snacks has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares in The European Candy Group (CCI), a European producer of vegan sugar confectionery products. The deal values the confectionery group at €207 million on a cash- and debt-free basis. It aims to provide Orkla Snacks with the production capacity to support continued growth of its Bubs vegan confectionery brand in the Nordic markets, as well as enabling faster expansion into new European markets. CCI has been a supplier of selected Bubs confectionery products since 2025. The company has four manufacturing facilities – three in the Netherlands and one in Germany. It is headquartered in Drachten, the Netherlands, and has a workforce of just over 300 employees. In 2025, CCI reported revenues of €94 million, and is expected to generate revenues of €110 million in 2026. It is a key player in the manufacturing of private-label confectionery, sweets, liquorice and sugar-free products to retailers across Europe. Ingvill T Berg, CEO of Orkla Snacks, said: “CCI is a natural strategic fit for Orkla Snacks. The company brings unique expertise in the sugar confectionery market and a broad customer network spanning several European countries.” Orkla Snacks is a producer of confectionery, biscuits and savoury snacks across the Nordics and Baltics. Its portfolio includes a range of local heritage brands with a longstanding presence in these regions. In 2025, Orkla Snacks had a turnover of NOK 10.5 billion (approx. $1.1 billion). The Orkla Snacks business is part of Orkla ASA, an industrial investment company within brands and consumer-oriented businesses. Orkla Snacks is one of Orkla ASA’s largest portfolio companies. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and the advice of the works council, as required under Dutch law. Closing is expected toward the end of the third quarter or early fourth quarter in 2026. Top image: © CCI

Hormel Foods has completed the sale of its Brazilian operations, operated under the Ceratti brand, to Zanchetta Alimentos LTDA, a Brazilian food company. The transaction follows a definitive agreement announced on 29 June 2026 and forms part of Hormel Foods’ ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline its portfolio. The company said the divestment reflects its strategy of focusing its international operations on markets it considers to offer the strongest long-term growth opportunities. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Hormel Foods expects the transaction to have a minimal impact on its adjusted fiscal 2026 financial results. The company said further details will be provided during its third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call. Ceratti is a Brazilian food brand, with Hormel Foods’ Brazilian operations now transferring to Zanchetta Alimentos, which has an established presence in the country’s food market. The divestment is the latest move in Hormel Foods’ efforts to reshape its portfolio and focus resources on its priority businesses and markets. Hormel Foods, which reported more than $12bn in annual revenue, has a portfolio spanning brands including SPAM, SKIPPY, Planters, Applegate, Wholly and Jennie-O. The company’s international strategy is increasingly centred on markets where it sees stronger opportunities for long-term growth, with portfolio optimisation forming part of its wider approach to improving its business. The sale comes as Hormel continues to implement strategic initiatives designed to simplify its operations and improve performance. The company said the transaction is not expected to materially affect its adjusted fiscal 2026 results.

Plant-based nutrition brand Huel has expanded its portfolio in the US with the addition of a new Mixed Berry flavour to its Black Edition Ready-to-Drink (RTD) line-up. Launching exclusively in Walmart stores, the new flavour provides a ‘refreshing, berry-inspired taste with a smooth, lightly sweet finish’. It aims to bring a ‘vibrant and approachable’ option to the Black Edition range, designed for consumers seeking a convenient and nutritionally complete meal replacement option with a ‘fruit-forward’ flavour. The drink contains 35g of plant-based protein as well as a blend of 27 vitamins and minerals, 6g of fibre, and 400 kcal per bottle.