Nestlé has initiated a strategic review of The Better Health Company, its New Zealand-based health supplements business. The Better Health Company was acquired by Nestlé Health Science in 2022 from CDH Investments and the company’s founding shareholders. The business includes the Go Healthy supplement brand, which produces a range of dietary supplements and nutraceutical products including powdered beverages as well as vitamins and probiotics. It also includes a manufacturing facility in Auckland, and the Manuka honey brand Egmont. The move comes amid ongoing portfolio streamlining efforts from the F&B giant in recent years, including a review of its wider vitamins, minerals and supplements segment initiated last year. Last month, Nestlé agreed to sell a 50% stake in its water and premium beverages business to private equity firm Platinum Equity, resulting in the creation of a new joint venture, Peranel. The deal assigns an enterprise value of $5.6 billion to the new 50/50 JV. The company has been focused on optimising its offerings by reviewing brands that have not met performance expectations, aligning with a broader portfolio streamlining trend among major multinational food and beverage businesses. In recent years, a number of global F&B companies including Unilever and General Mills have undergone restructuring measures including divestitures and reviews of non-core business assets in efforts to unlock value and boost resilience to economic challenges. Nestlé has confirmed it will assess a ‘full range of options' to position the business for future success,’ but emphasised there is no certainty on outcome or timing regarding the review of The Better Health Company. The business will continue to operate as usual while the review is underway.

Lotus Bakeries-owned brand Kiddylicious has expanded its baby snacks portfolio with the launch of Rice Scoops, a new savoury range designed for toddlers aged 12 months and above. The gluten-free snacks are available in two flavours, Cheesy and Tomato & Basil, and feature an extruded scoop-shaped format designed to be easy for young children to hold. According to Kiddylicious, the format has been developed to support independent self-feeding and can be eaten straight from the pack or paired with dips to introduce different tastes and textures. The launch follows several additions to the Kiddylicious portfolio, including Cookie Squares, Filled Oat Bars and Pouches. Ash Byrne, marketing manager at Kiddylicious, said: “Rice Scoops have been designed with little fingers in mind, to bring interactivity and enjoyment to the weaning and eating journey". “Their scoop shape makes them easy for toddlers to hold and dip, helping them build confidence and develop important feeding skills as they explore food independently.” Kiddylicious Rice Scoops are available in multipacks containing four 12g packs from Tesco, Morrisons, Boots and Ocado, with an RRP of £2.65.

Anheuser-Busch is investing $13 million in its Baldwinsville, New York, brewery as the brewer expands production capacity for Michelob Ultra and Cutwater and strengthens its investment in the manufacturing workforce. The project is part of Anheuser-Busch's broader Brewing Futures initiative, under which the company plans to invest $600 million across its US operations during 2025 and 2026. The Baldwinsville investment brings the company's total investment in the New York brewery to more than $100 million since 2021. The $13 million project will increase production capabilities for Michelob Ultra, which Anheuser-Busch identifies as America's top-selling and fastest-growing beer, while upgrading can and bottle lines at the Baldwinsville facility. The brewery will also gain new production capabilities for Cutwater Spirits, the company's spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand, to support growing demand. Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, said: "Anheuser-Busch is committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work. Investments in facilities like our Baldwinsville Brewery help us strengthen our operations while creating and sustaining jobs and continuing to drive economic growth throughout Central New York State." The Baldwinsville brewery is a significant manufacturing site for Anheuser-Busch, with hundreds of employees producing more than 50 of the company's brands. The latest capital investment focuses not only on expanding output but also on modernising the facility's packaging and production capabilities. Increased Michelob Ultra capacity reflects the brand's continued growth within Anheuser-Busch's beer portfolio, while the addition of Cutwater capabilities points to the brewer's increasing integration of spirits-based and ready-to-drink products into its manufacturing network. The move comes as large beverage companies continue to adapt their production footprints to changing consumer preferences, including growing demand for convenient, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Alongside the production investment, Anheuser-Busch will establish a new technical skills training centre inside the Baldwinsville brewery. It will be one of 15 such centres the company is opening across the country. The programme provides hands-on training for packaging operators seeking to advance into skilled maintenance roles, including electrician positions. The Baldwinsville project is one element of Anheuser-Busch's $600 million Brewing Futures investment programme for 2025 and 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen the company's US manufacturing operations, support jobs, and develop the next generation of manufacturing workers. The company has operated in New York State for more than 40 years and says it views its Baldwinsville brewery as a hub for innovation and an important economic contributor to the Central New York region.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ordered Vandemoortele to sell its Worcester laminated dough production facility and UK sales operations in Staines-upon-Thames following its acquisition of Délifrance. The decision follows the publication of the CMA’s final report into the deal, which concluded that the merger would substantially reduce competition in the UK supply of frozen viennoiserie products. Vandemoortele and Délifrance both supply frozen products such as croissants and pains au chocolat to supermarket and foodservice customers, where they are typically baked in-store or on-site before sale. According to the CMA’s independent inquiry group, the acquisition would make Vandemoortele the UK’s largest supplier of frozen viennoiserie and could result in higher prices or lower quality for businesses and consumers. The decision follows earlier scrutiny of the deal, with the CMA raising competition concerns over the acquisition in December 2025. Later that month, the watchdog proposed accepting remedies offered by Vandemoortele to address the concerns identified during its initial investigation. In May 2026, Vandemoortele conceded that the merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the supply of frozen laminated dough products to UK retail and foodservice customers. The CMA said the concession enabled it to streamline its phase 2 investigation and begin discussions over potential remedies earlier than usual. The investigation was completed almost seven weeks ahead of the 24-week statutory deadline. Under the remedy, Vandemoortele must divest its Worcester manufacturing facility alongside its existing UK sales operations to a suitable purchaser. The sale package will include the assets needed for the business to operate as an independent competitor, including customer relationships, contracts, staff and relevant rights. Transitional services and manufacturing arrangements will also be included to support continuity for customers during the transfer. Martin Coleman, chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Once Vandemoortele conceded that their merger raised competition concerns, we could streamline the investigation, discuss remedies at an early stage and ultimately make a final decision well ahead of the statutory deadline.” He added that transferring Vandemoortele’s UK sales operations to an independent operator would help preserve competition and “keep prices in check for consumers”. Vandemoortele completed its acquisition of Délifrance before the CMA launched its phase 2 investigation and will continue to operate in the UK. The CMA said it will monitor the companies’ progress in implementing the required remedy.

Marks & Spencer has introduced a new seedless grape brand in a grab-and-go pot format, designed to bring greater convenience and differentiation to the fresh produce category. Tiqi is available exclusively at M&S stores nationwide and has been developed to combine a distinctive flavour profile with a portable packaging format aimed at on-the-go snacking. The seedless grapes are described as sweet, juicy and crunchy, with a layered flavour profile that the brand says can deliver different tasting notes to individual consumers. Tiqi was developed in vineyards in Bakersfield, California, through the Grapa Global Breeding Programme. The variety has been selected for its flavour, texture and crunch, with the resulting product positioned as an alternative to more traditional grape offerings. The grapes are packed in a purpose-designed pot format intended to provide a convenient single-serve option while differentiating the product on shelf. Ghenadie Coroi, buyer at Marks & Spencer, said: “As a grape fan, I am super excited to be part of this amazing project, bringing to life something new, disruptive and, more importantly, an amazing product: Tiqi. It’s hard to express the flavour, and we had many interesting debates on flavour profile while eventually agreeing that the only way to get it is by trying it!” The launch was preceded by live sampling sessions with UK consumers, with the brand reporting that 100% of sampled shoppers said they liked the product. The sampling also generated a Net Promoter Score of 63, while 84% of participants said they would purchase Tiqi in future. “Crunchy” was the most frequently used descriptor among those surveyed, cited by 37% of tasters. The launch reflects efforts within fresh produce to introduce new varieties and formats that can create additional excitement around everyday fruit, while catering to demand for convenient snacking options. Tiqi is now available in the fresh produce aisle at selected M&S stores and is sold exclusively through the retailer.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today (20 August 2026) cleared Danone’s £864 million acquisition of plant-based nutrition brand Huel. Announced in March this year, the deal will bring Huel – which specialises in plant-based, functional nutrition offerings across categories including meal replacement shakes and ready meals – under Danone’s ownership, allowing it to benefit from the dairy giant’s global reach and R&D capabilities. The CMA launched its merger inquiry in July, after inviting interested parties the opportunity to comment on any impact the transaction may have on competition within the UK market. Now, ahead of its 11 September deadline to announce whether it would refer the merger for a phase 2 investigation, the CMA has confirmed it has given the two companies the green light. Huel, headquartered in Hertfordshire, UK, was founded in 2015 and has since built a substantial consumer base within the functional nutrition segment in the UK, Europe and the US. Its portfolio spans RTD drinks, powdered beverages and savoury meals. Danone’s acquisition aligns with its strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth as the company widens its reach in the booming health and wellness segment and expands beyond its core dairy offerings. The company also acquired Kate Farms, a provider of plant-based medical nutrition products, last year. Following the clearance by the CMA, which means Danone and Huel will not be subject to a more intensive phase 2 probe, the deal is expected to be completed in September 2026. The senior leadership team at Huel will remain unchanged, with CEO James McMaster to remain at the helm.

Sazerac has expanded into the growing soju category with the launch of Dalho Soju in the US market, available in two size formats. The spirits giant said the new brand aims to ‘bring a new perspective’ to the soju category, pairing its tradition of connection with a ‘modern emphasis on flavour, choice and discovery’. Soju, a distilled alcoholic beverage originating in Korea, is gaining traction in the US, fuelled by growing interest in Korean culture and new drinking occasions. According to IWSR data, US soju volumes are predicted to grow at a 16% compound annual growth rate through 2029, outpacing broader spirits trends and driven primarily by younger drinking-age consumers seeking flavour exploration. Distilled from grain, Dalho is named after the Korean words for moon (달) and tiger (호), aiming to reflect ‘a bold spirit and the energy of modern social connections’. It launches in a classic 375ml bottle format, honouring soju’s heritage as a spirit traditionally enjoyed with meals, while also introducing what it calls a ‘market-first’ 50ml option that offers ‘more flexibility for flavour variety and casual trial’. Dalho Soju launches in four flavours – original, peach, strawberry and lychee – each bottled at 17% ABV. It is now available through select retailers, restaurants and bars across Sazerac’s US distribution network, debuting at a suggested retail price of $0.99 for the 50ml bottle and $5.99 for the 375ml bottle. Lauren Selman, brand director of global growth and innovation at Sazerac, said: “Soju has always been a spirit rooted in connection, and we wanted Dalho to build on that in a way that feels fresh and inviting”. “Whether someone is trying soju for the first time or already enjoys the category, the flavours and the 50ml format offer an approachable way to explore the Dalho line-up and discover something they enjoy.”

Kieran Fisher Creatine has become the UK's most searched supplement, outpacing magnesium glycinate and protein powder alike, says Kieran Fisher, founder of Warrior. In this exclusive piece, he explores why the category is booming, who the new consumer actually is and why functional formats and gummies are reshaping how the mainstream buys in. Creatine has moved firmly into the mainstream, overtaking magnesium glycinate as the UK's most searched supplement across vitamins, sports nutrition and wellness. At the same time, IRI data shows grocery sales rising 81% year on year. Yet the consumer driving demand in 2026 looks very different from the one buying creatine in 2019, with interest increasingly focused on everyday wellness, cognitive performance and healthy ageing. This shift has major implications for food, beverage and wellness manufacturers as consumer expectations continue to evolve beyond traditional sports nutrition. From niche to necessary Globally, the creatine supplements market reached approximately $1.37 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow at 11.5% annually to $2.86 billion by 2030. The UK is growing faster still, with an estimated 14.8% CAGR projected through 2035. This spike marks a significant shift in consumer behaviour. In the first quarter of 2026, creatine overtook protein powder, electrolytes, collagen, ashwagandha and multivitamins to become the most-searched term across the vitamins and wellness category on Amazon. Demand is growing not only online but across the wider health and wellness landscape, reflecting increasing consumer awareness and adoption. The most researched supplement in the world Creatine's reputation was originally established as a performance supplement for athletes looking to increase strength, power output and muscle mass. But our understanding of creatine has evolved significantly since then, and the evidence for its physical performance benefits remains among the most robust in sports nutrition, with decades of peer-reviewed research confirming its role in regenerating ATP, the body's primary energy currency, during short, high-intensity effort. More recently, research has expanded the conversation beyond physical performance, highlighting creatine's potential role in cognitive function, particularly in tasks requiring rapid mental processing and working memory under conditions of sleep deprivation or mental fatigue. Separate research has also highlighted potential benefits for mood regulation, bone mineral density in ageing populations and metabolic health markers. For a growing number of consumers, creatine is becoming part of a daily wellness routine, going far beyond gym supplements. Why the creatine consumer has changed The creatine consumer today is just as likely to be a 35-year-old woman interested in cognitive performance as a 22-year-old man chasing a personal best. The fastest-growing consumer segments are women interested in body composition and cognitive performance, over-40s motivated by longevity and healthy ageing and general wellness consumers adding creatine to an existing supplement routine alongside magnesium, collagen and omega-3. These consumers don't want products designed exclusively for gym-goers. They want convenient, enjoyable formats with proven efficacy that fit seamlessly into their daily wellness routines, reshaping demand across the wider wellness category. The rise of everyday formats What we're seeing in the data is a category in transition. Flavoured creatine grew 121% year on year versus 73% for unflavoured, signalling that consumers are increasingly prioritising convenience, taste and everyday usability alongside efficacy. The more significant shift is towards functional creatine and the growing appetite for products that combine creatine with complementary active ingredients to address specific consumer need-states. Creatine with electrolytes for hydration and performance; creatine with collagen for joint health and body composition; creatine with multivitamins for overall nutrition. Each combination is grounded in science, not marketing. Amazon search data reflects the same trends – consumers are already searching for these combinations. Gummy-format supplements have reshaped how mainstream consumers enter new supplement categories. Mushroom gummies, sleep gummies and collagen gummies have each driven category penetration beyond what powders or capsules achieved because they meet consumers where they are: accessible, approachable and already part of a daily vitamin ritual. Creatine gummies are already among the top 20 supplement search terms on Amazon UK. The growth of these formats highlights how consumer expectations are evolving and why innovation within the category is accelerating. The pattern is clear – gummies are often the format through which mainstream wellness consumers discover new supplement categories. Mushroom, sleep and collagen gummies have all surged. Creatine gummies continue to gain visibility as consumer awareness broadens and category adoption expands. The future of creatine Functional creatine will become expected rather than novel. The search data shows consumers are already looking for creatine combined with electrolytes, collagen and vitamins, reflecting a broader shift towards products that deliver multiple wellness benefits in a single serving. As the category matures, consumers are likely to place increasing value on convenience and functionality alongside efficacy. At the same time, gummy supplements continue to be one of the fastest-growing formats within vitamins, minerals and supplements. Mushroom, sleep and collagen gummies have already demonstrated how accessible formats can accelerate mainstream adoption, and creatine appears to be following a similar trajectory. Convenient formats that fit naturally into daily routines will continue to play an important role in broadening the category's appeal. The creatine consumer will also continue to evolve. Women, over-40s, and consumers focused on cognitive performance, longevity, and healthy ageing represent some of the fastest-growing segments entering the category. Research published over the past two years on creatine's cognitive, mood and bone-health benefits is helping to introduce the ingredient to audiences who would never previously have considered purchasing a sports nutrition product. Perhaps most significantly, the pace of category evolution is accelerating. As with protein and collagen, creatine is increasingly moving beyond its traditional sports nutrition roots and into the wider wellness conversation. Brands that establish credibility, trust, and consumer loyalty early are likely to be best positioned as consumer awareness grows and the category matures. Every piece of data – IRI, Amazon search rankings, TikTok engagement and published scientific research – points to the same conclusion. Creatine is becoming a daily wellness staple, not a gym supplement. At Warrior, we recognised that shift early and have spent the last five years building the products, evidence base and manufacturing capability to support it. What's happening today isn't a trend; it's the mainstream adoption of one of the most researched ingredients in nutrition, and we're still in the early stages of that growth.

Haribo is expanding its US confectionery portfolio with the launch of Balla Bites and Balla Bites Sour, two new bite-sized gummy products designed to bring texture, flavour and a more 'playful' eating experience to the candy aisle. The new products pair a chewy outer layer with a soft centre, creating a two-texture format in each piece. The range also delivers multiple fruit flavours per bite, with combinations featuring orange, blackberry, lemon, strawberry, apple and wild berry. Available in both sweet and sour varieties, Balla Bites are made without artificial colours and tap into continued consumer interest in snacks that offer novelty, bold flavour and a more interactive eating experience. Sophia Lewis, senior brand manager at Haribo of America, said: “We know consumers are looking for candy experiences that surprise and delight them, and Balla Bites does exactly that. With two different textures and three flavours in every tiny bite, Balla Bites and Balla Bites Sour deliver a new sensory experience with every pop. They're unlike anything else in the candy aisle.” The small, poppable format is positioned for a range of snacking occasions, from movie nights and road trips to sharing and on-the-go consumption. For Haribo, the launch also represents another move to differentiate within the competitive gummy category through product innovation centred on sensory appeal. The new range builds on a portfolio that includes established products such as Goldbears, Twin Snakes and Peaches, as well as the more recently introduced Sour Sodas. Balla Bites continues the brand's focus on developing new formats while retaining the playful identity that has helped drive Haribo's growth. Innovation is also extending beyond product development. Haribo recently opened its first US retail stores in Woodbury, New York and Wrentham, Massachusetts, further expanding the brand's physical presence and direct connection with consumers. Balla Bites and Balla Bites Sour are now available in a variety of pack sizes at select retailers across the US, with distribution expected to expand to additional retailers through early 2027.

Challenger brand Aapa has launched nationwide across Asda and WHSmith, entering the UK market with a proposition designed to bridge the gap between traditional soft drinks and functional beverages. The brand is launching in four flavours: Lemon & Lime, Orange, Wild Berry and Tropical, and is positioning itself around great taste alongside a substantive nutritional ingredient stack. Each 330ml can contains 7g of fibre, added zinc and calcium, antioxidants and real fruit juice, while being naturally sweetened and containing 49 calories. Aapa is available as a single 330ml can, alongside 4x330ml multipacks. The brand has landed in WHSmith stores nationwide and began rolling out across Asda’s main estate stores from 19 August. Mark Watkins, director at Aapa, said: “We created Aapa to help people feel better without asking them to compromise on taste. We wanted to make a soft drink that people genuinely want to drink, while also giving them something more from the ingredients in the can." Aapa is targeting consumers looking for drinks that better fit their lifestyles without sacrificing the enjoyment associated with mainstream soft drinks. Rather than positioning itself squarely within either the traditional soft drinks or functional beverage categories, the challenger brand is seeking to establish a distinct space centred on everyday enjoyment and its ingredient credentials. Top image: © Aapa

Flrt has expanded its zero-sugar energy drink range with the launch of Apple Bottoms Up, its first new flavour since the brand debuted earlier this year. The limited-edition seasonal variety features a green apple flavour with a slightly tart finish. It joins Flrt's existing Strawberry Fling, Berry Tempting, Guava Lava and Sunset Squeeze flavours. Like the rest of the range, Apple Bottoms Up contains a blend of functional ingredients and botanical extracts, including green tea, guayusa and ginseng, alongside 200mg of caffeine per can. The formulation also contains biotin, zinc and vitamins A, B and C, which the brand said are included to support collagen production and immunity. Allison Erfort, vice president of Flrt, said: "We love creating flavours with a little personality, and Apple Bottoms Up has plenty of it. It's crisp, juicy, a little cheeky and the perfect seasonal fling for the Flrt line-up. This is our first flavour drop since launch, but it won't be our last. We're having a lot of fun building this brand, and there's plenty more to flirt with." Apple Bottoms Up is initially available through a two-week preview at Kroger in the US. From 1 September, it will roll out nationwide at Walmart, Albertsons, Hy-Vee, H-E-B and Meijer, as well as through Amazon. The drink is available in 12oz cans, with 12-can multipacks also offered through Amazon.

Canada’s Competition Bureau is seeking to block Nortera Food’s proposed acquisition of B&G Foods Canada’s Green Giant and Le Sieur vegetable business, arguing that the transaction would substantially reduce competition in the country’s canned and frozen vegetable sector. The Bureau announced that it has applied to the Competition Tribunal to stop the deal and has also requested an order preventing the companies from closing the transaction until the Tribunal reaches a decision. According to the regulator, Nortera is already Canada’s dominant processor of certain canned and frozen vegetables. The acquisition would bring the company together with what the Bureau describes as its only major national brand competitor, further concentrating an already consolidated market. Nortera markets canned and frozen vegetables in Canada under brands including Del Monte and Arctic Gardens, while B&G Foods Canada sells vegetables under the Green Giant and Le Sieur brands. The Competition Bureau said its investigation found that the transaction was likely to result in higher prices, fewer choices and reduced competition in the wholesale grocery supply chain. Jeanne Pratt, interim Commissioner of Competition, said: “Our investigation found that this proposed transaction would weaken competition and likely lead to higher prices and fewer choices for staple items at the grocery store. We are taking action to preserve competition so that Canadians don’t pay more for basic necessities like canned and frozen vegetables.” B&G Foods said it was disappointed by the Bureau’s decision and disagreed with its assessment. In a statement, the company said it believes the available evidence supports the transaction as being in the best interests of stakeholders, including Canadian customers. B&G Foods said it remains in discussions with Nortera and is evaluating ‘multiple options’ including potential alternatives.