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.

Heineken has reduced its workforce by around 3,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles during the first half of 2026, as the brewer accelerates a programme to simplify its organisation and improve productivity. The workforce reduction forms part of Heineken’s wider EverGreen 2030 strategy, which is focused on driving growth while creating a more streamlined operating model. The brewer said the reduction of approximately 3,000 FTEs had “materially advanced” its planned organisational changes. The move comes as Heineken reported a 6.7% organic increase in operating profit for the six months to the end of June, reaching €2.17 billion on a beer equivalent (BEIA) basis. Operating profit margin increased by 55 basis points to 14.6%. The company also reported organic net revenue growth of 2.7% to €14.83bn, while total volume increased 1.6% to 142.8 million hectolitres. Heineken said productivity improvements were helping to fund investment in its brands and growth capabilities, with gross savings expected to come towards the upper end of its €400m-€500m annual target. The brewer attributed these savings to a combination of measures, including expanding the use of new technology and optimising its supply chain network. It has also been simplifying its operating structure. During the first half, nine operating companies in Europe were brought together into four Multi-Market Organisations (MMOs), while the company is downsizing its Head Office by approximately one-third. Heineken is simultaneously expanding its HBS network, with around 3,000 roles expected to be moved into the service organisation, effectively doubling its scale. HBS currently has approximately 4,000 FTEs across centres in Poland, India, Mexico and Brazil and supports almost 40 operating companies globally. The company said the combination of organisational streamlining, automation and technology would help improve productivity and enable savings to be reinvested in growth priorities. “Productivity strengthens HEINEKEN’s foundation and funds our EverGreen growth ambitions,” the company said in its half-year results. Alongside the workforce changes, Heineken is increasing its use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across the business. AI is being deployed in areas including procurement, supply chain and support functions, while the company is also expanding its AI-powered commercial platform, MyFreddyai. Despite the workforce reduction, Heineken’s first-half results showed growth across several key areas of its portfolio. Its global brands collectively increased volume by 5.3%, with Heineken itself up 5.3%. Premium beer volumes grew 6%, while its beyond beer portfolio increased 8% and low- and no-alcohol volumes rose 12%. Performance was particularly strong in Asia Pacific and Africa & Middle East, where total volumes increased 11.6% and 2.9% respectively. Europe remained broadly stable, with total volume down 0.6%, while the Americas declined 3.4%. The UK was among the markets highlighted for positive performance, with total volume and net revenue both increasing by low-single-digit percentages during the first half. Heineken said the UK business benefited from its pub estate, customer relationships and broad brand portfolio. The company has maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, forecasting organic operating profit growth of between 2% and 6%. Heineken said it remains focused on accelerating EverGreen 2030 while adapting its operating model, with productivity savings expected to offset a significant proportion of ongoing cost pressures.

Crespel & Deiters has announced the launch of Lory Crumb Colored, a range of colourful crumbs for breading and toppings, made with natural colourants. The crumbs have been developed to remain colour-stable during cooking and are flavour-neutral, suitable for a wide range of applications. They are available in green, pink, yellow, orange and white colours, and can be used individually or in combination. They are suitable for use as coatings for meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, cheese or plant-based products, as well as for toppings in bakery and snack formulations. The ‘striking’ crumbs are sugar-free and can offer a distinctive look to rolls, pretzel products, snack buns and finger foods. When blended with conventional breadcrumbs, the colour does not bleed and remains clearly visible, Crespel & Deiters said, enabling targeted patterns and coverage. Crespel & Deiters highlighted the opportunity to create limited-edition or customised product themes, such as snacks in team or national colours, seasonal promotions and co-branded products. They can be easily incorporated into existing production processes and breading lines, designed to deliver reliable results at scale. The crumbs are suitable for industrial applications as well as the convenience and foodservice segments. Birgit Wessner, product manager at Crespel & Deiters, said: “Colored Crumbs give product developers and marketers a tool that helps attract attention and makes products stand out from the crowd”. “Colour becomes a communication tool for brands, occasions and target audiences. And because the natural colourants do not affect the flavour, such creative freedom does not require any recipe adjustments.”

Clean-ingredient breakfast brand Seven Sundays is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Oatcakes, a new breakfast option combining the characteristics of pancakes and oatmeal. Launching at Target and through the Seven Sundays website on 2 August, the new product is designed to provide a convenient breakfast option requiring only water and maple syrup. Oatcakes are made with 11 plant-based ingredients and contain 9-10g of upcycled plant protein per serving, alongside 20% of the recommended daily value of fibre. The range is free from refined sugar, gluten, glyphosate and artificial flavours, in line with Seven Sundays’ existing product positioning. Oatcakes will launch in three flavours: Original, Double Chocolate and Pumpkin Spice, with the latter available as a limited-edition variant. The products will have a suggested retail price of $7.49 per pack. Seven Sundays said the launch is intended to offer consumers a more convenient way to incorporate protein and fibre into the breakfast occasion, while maintaining the brand’s focus on simple, plant-based ingredients.

Minute Maid Spiked has expanded its ready-to-drink alcohol portfolio with the launch of a new Vodka Lemonade iced tea in the US. The still beverage combines real vodka with lemonade and iced tea flavours. It contains 3% lemon juice and has an alcohol content of 5% ABV. The launch joins Minute Maid Spiked’s existing vodka-based RTD range, which includes classic and pink Vodka Lemonade, alongside classic, tropical, berry and citrus varieties of Vodka Punch. Lou Grill, president of Red Tree Beverages, said: "We're delighted to announce the latest addition to the Minute Maid Spiked family. As we continue to expand the brand, adding a Vodka Lemonade iced tea to the line-up made sense." "The Vodka Lemonade iced tea is the ideal summer beverage as a familiar favorite with the bold taste of Minute Maid Spiked. Its inclusion in the Minute Maid Spiked portfolio is representative of our commitment to classic flavours and broad appeal." Vodka Lemonade iced tea is available nationwide in eight-packs of 12oz cans, priced at $16.99, and individual 16oz cans, priced at $3.49.

Aleph Farms has received regulatory approval from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to sell its 'Cultivated Thin-Cut Steak' in the country. The clearance marks the Israeli cultivated meat company’s second regulatory approval, following authorisation in Israel. According to Aleph Farms, it is currently the only company worldwide cleared to sell cultivated beef. Singapore became the first country to approve a cultivated meat product in 2020 and has since developed a regulatory framework for assessing products produced using cell-cultivation technology. Didier Toubia, co-founder and CEO of Aleph Farms, said the latest approval followed several years of work to demonstrate the product’s safety, reduce production costs and validate its commercial model. “We are the only company cleared to sell cultivated beef, and one of a small number of companies holding two regulatory clearances, in Israel and Singapore,” Toubia said. “We have further submissions under review and expect additional clearances over the coming year.” Aleph Farms plans to scale production through regional hubs and partnerships with existing manufacturers and supply chains, rather than developing large, centralised production facilities. The company intends to use Singapore as a base for its activities across Asia, while Switzerland will serve as its European hub. Aleph Farms is currently preparing to establish its first production base in Switzerland. The company said its cultivated products are designed to complement conventional beef production rather than replace it. Toubia described beef as a particularly compelling but technically challenging application for cultivated meat, owing to its position as both a premium and mass-market product. Aleph Farms has not yet announced when its 'Cultivated Thin-Cut Steak' will become commercially available in Singapore or through which retail or foodservice channels it will be sold. Top image: © Aleph Farms

Urban Eat, the Food For Now brand from Samworth Brothers, has launched a new range of high-protein Chicken Satay Skewers aimed at consumers seeking convenient, protein-rich snacks on the go. The new range comprises three formats, designed to cater to different snacking and meal occasions across the food-to-go market. The Chicken Satay Skewers are marinated in aromatic seasoning for 12 hours before being grilled. The range includes: Satay Skewers Snack Bag – seven chicken skewers providing 8g of protein per bag. Satay Skewers with a Sweet Chilli Dip – five chicken skewers with a sweet chilli dip, providing 7g of protein per pack. Satay Skewers Super-Sized – 10 chicken skewers delivering 14g of protein per pack. Urban Eat said the launch responds to growing demand for convenient and nutritious snacks that support active lifestyles, with protein continuing to gain traction among younger consumers. According to data cited by the brand, 28.6% of food and drink servings are now chosen for health reasons, while the protein market is valued at £33 billion. Pre-family shoppers are also identified as a key driver of category growth. Chicken is currently the leading protein within front-of-store chilled snacking, according to Urban Eat, while the category over-indexes among Millennials and Gen Z consumers. Wayne Greensmith, head of customer marketing at Samworth Brothers Food For Now, said: “Chicken is ruling the roost in Front of Store Chilled Snacks, and our new Chicken Satay Skewers are set to make their mark in chillers up and down the country. Perfect for both lunchtime occasions, afternoon snacking or even as a main in a meal deal – we know our customers, and their shoppers, are going to love them.” The new Chicken Satay Skewers launched on 25 July and are supplied in shelf-ready packaging.

Jungbunzlauer has appointed Marcus von Twistern as executive vice president (EVP) operations and a member of its Executive Committee, effective 1 August 2026. Von Twistern joins the natural ingredients manufacturer with more than 25 years of international experience spanning operations, production and large-scale investment projects. His previous roles have taken him across Germany, China, Italy and the US. Most recently, he served as vice president operations at UPM, while earlier in his career he held a number of senior leadership positions at Evonik Industries. At Evonik, von Twistern was responsible for production governance, performance management and operational excellence across multiple sites internationally. In his new role at Jungbunzlauer, he will focus on strengthening the company’s global production network as it pursues its long-term growth strategy. Bruno Tremblay, CEO of Jungbunzlauer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marcus to Jungbunzlauer. His proven operational leadership and international experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our global production network and advance our long-term growth ambitions.” Von Twistern added: “I am excited to join Jungbunzlauer at a time when reliability and consistent quality matter more than ever to our customers. I look forward to working with teams across our sites to further strengthen our operations in North America and Europe.” Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Jungbunzlauer manufactures ingredients from natural sources for the food and beverage, nutrition, health, home and personal care sectors. Its portfolio includes texturants, acidulants, sweeteners, minerals and tailored ingredient solutions, with production facilities including large-scale fermentation operations across Europe and North America. The company serves customers in more than 130 countries and has around 1,400 employees. It was founded more than 150 years ago and reports annual revenue of CHF 1.3 billion.

A new functional hydration beverage brand, Flydrate, has launched in the UK, targeting the air travel industry exclusively. The drink has uniquely been developed specifically for the low-humidity conditions experienced during commercial air travel. It has been formulated by scientists in collaboration with airline pilots and cabin crew. In an aircraft cabin, the air drops to as low as 10-12% relative humidity at cruising altitude – the Sahara Desert averages at around 25%. Drinks commonly consumed on-board, such as coffee and alcohol, can worsen dehydration, leading to common effects such as headaches, brain fog, fatigue and intensified jet lag after landing. On a long-haul flight, the body can lose up to two litres of water through breathing – a similar amount to what many runners lose through sweat during a marathon, Flydrate highlighted. Flydrate founder Laurence Nair-Price Flydrate was built with this in mind. The product is a lightly carbonated lemon and ginger-flavoured electrolyte beverage with no sugar, no caffeine and no carbs. The formula, which is also entirely vegan and gluten-free, combines potassium, magnesium and pink Himalayan salt for hydration at altitude. It also contains a blend of vitamins C, D3 and B5, zinc and taurine to target fatigue and support immunity. Flydrate drinks are launching in a 250ml can format, designed for liquid restrictions and on-the-go consumption. Each of six aviation-inspired can designs is dedicated to one of the world’s great flight routes, from the Concorde route between London and New York to the record-breaking 19-hour Singapore to New York service. The drink has secured listings throughout UK private aviation airport Farnborough Airport, as well as in every room of the Aviator Hotel and in London’s Battersea Heliport. It has also landed in a number of hospitality venues including London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House. Distribution is planned for expansion across UK private aviation, airport hospitality and travel retail through the remainder of 2026. Top image: © Flydrate

Rise Baking Company has completed its acquisition of Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, strengthening its position in the category and expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the US. The deal forms part of Rise Baking’s long-term growth strategy, with the bakery manufacturer aiming to broaden its product portfolio, increase innovation capabilities and provide greater value to customers. Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery has operated for more than 40 years and specialises in thaw-and-sell baked goods across the US. The company operates three manufacturing facilities spanning more than 350,000 square feet. Its portfolio includes the Jimmy’s Cookies brand, King Krumb Cookie line and Ecce Panis artisan breads, alongside private-label manufacturing and product development capabilities. Mark McNeil, CEO of Rise Baking Company, said: “We’ve admired what the Jimmy’s team has built over the years and we’re excited to welcome them to Rise. What makes this acquisition special is the people. Jimmy’s has built an outstanding team, a strong culture and a reputation for delivering innovative products and service.” Following the acquisition, Jimmy’s will initially continue to operate independently with Rise and Jimmy’s taking a phased approach to integration. This is intended to maintain continuity for employees, customers and partners. The acquisition adds further scale to Rise Baking’s manufacturing network and complements its existing portfolio, which spans cakes, cookies, muffins, icings, pies and other bakery products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rise Baking has expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions, bringing together brands and manufacturers including Brill, South Coast Baking, Table Talk, Best Maid, Henry & Henry and Bakestone Brothers. Top image: © Rise Baking Company

PepsiCo-owned Tostitos has expanded its US portfolio with a limited-edition tortilla chip flavour and two refrigerated guacamole dips ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Launching nationwide on 9 August, the new spicy queso blanco-flavoured tortilla chips combine queso cheese flavour with peppers and spices. The product will be sold in 11oz bags for a limited time. The following day, Tostitos will enter the refrigerated aisle for the first time with its Chunky Guacamole range. Available in mild and medium hint of lime varieties, the dips are made with Hass avocados, onions, tomatoes and jalapeño peppers. Denise Truelove, senior vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America, said: "At Tostitos, we know some of life's best moments happen when people come together around great food. Our new limited time offering flavour, Spicy Queso Blanco, puts a bold spin on the iconic chips-and-queso pairing."

Aldi and Arla Foods UK have launched an eight-week trial using ultraviolet tags to track milk bottles through the recycling system. The pilot, conducted in partnership with recycling technology provider Polytag, aims to give the companies a clearer picture of how dairy packaging moves through the waste and recycling chain. Invisible UV tags will be printed onto wrap-around labels applied to Arla’s milk bottles at its Oakthorpe dairy. The labels, produced by Saica Flex, use a food-safe fluorescent ink developed by Sun Chemical. When the packaging reaches a materials recovery facility, Polytag’s detection units will scan the tags and record barcode-level data in real time. Aldi and Arla will be able to access the information through Polytag’s online dashboard, providing insight into the bottles’ recycling rates and journey. The project builds on an initial trial conducted by Aldi, Arla and Polytag in 2023, which used pressure-sensitive labels. The latest pilot uses wrap-around labels, designed to offer greater durability and coverage. Luke Emery, plastics and packaging director at Aldi UK, said: "By integrating this advanced traceability technology into our packaging, we can gain deeper insights into the lifecycle of our materials”. Helena Delgado Nordmann, head of sustainability at Arla Foods UK, shared: "By working with Polytag, we hope to gain valuable insight into how milk bottle packaging moves through the recycling system, helping us to make more informed decisions about future packaging developments and supporting our ongoing efforts to improve packaging circularity”. Stefaan D’hoore, director of business development for speciality inks and coatings at Sun Chemical, commented: "This next phase of the collaboration showcases Sun Chemical's proprietary fluorescent ink technology for wrap-around labels.The ink has been tested against Recyclass’ Washing Quick Test Procedures and EPBP Quicktest QT 507 with good results. It has also been approved for use on labels designed to be optimally detected by Polytag's ink-agnostic detection units, helping to deliver robust recycling data and doesn’t impact the quality of the recycled polymers." "This deployment marks an exciting milestone as the first commercial use of Sun Chemical's fluorescent ink with Polytag's technology, demonstrating how collaboration across the packaging value chain can support greater transparency and help accelerate the transition to a more circular economy." The data collected during the pilot will be used to assess packaging performance and identify potential opportunities to improve recyclability and recycling rates.