Nestlé will cease production at its Diósgyőr, Hungary, confectionery plant in December 2026, citing declining demand for seasonal chocolate products. The company informed employee representative bodies of the decision this month. The facility currently produces hollow chocolate figures for distribution across several international markets. According to a Nestlé spokesperson, output at the plant has "decreased significantly" in recent years amid weaker demand for seasonal confectionery. The facility represents less than 3% of Nestlé revenue in Hungary and approximately 0.4% of its domestic production volume. Alongside preparations to halt production, Nestlé has entered advanced negotiations over the sale and future operation of the factory. The company said it hopes to transfer the facility to an investor that will continue confectionery manufacturing, potentially preserving employment for as many workers as possible. Nestlé said it will provide further information on the outcome of the advanced negotiations at a later date. The company’s hollow chocolate figures will remain available following the shutdown, with production set to move to an independent manufacturer operating in accordance with Nestlé’s quality standards. Nestlé added that its other Hungarian factories in Szerencs and Bük will continue operating and developing.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that tests of an iceberg lettuce sample from supplier Taylor Farms produced a false positive result for Cyclospora, amid a five-state outbreak that has seen at least 94 people hospitalised. On Saturday 18 July 2026, the FDA reported that an iceberg lettuce sample from Taylor Farms, which supplies the Taco Bell foodservice chain, had tested positive for the Cyclospora parasite. However, health officials yesterday (19 July 2026) said they had re-reviewed the sample results and concluded that the findings ‘do not represent true amplification’ and should be considered a false positive. Cyclospora infection causes gastrointestinal illness, most commonly severe diarrhoea, in addition to other symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, bloating, and sometimes vomiting and fever. The illness can cause severe hydration and other complications. A multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses was reported by the FDA on 16 July, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Thousands of people are said to have been infected, with nearly 100 hospitalisations. No deaths have been reported. The FDA said its investigation had found convergence on a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico, used by the Taco Bell locations where people ate before becoming unwell. The supplier was identified as Taylor Farms Mexico on Friday 17 July, resulting in the recall of all Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico from the US market. Several lawsuits were filed against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms last week after the companies were named in the FDA’s investigation. However, Taylor Farms has now reported it has received an ‘apology’ from the FDA due to the false positive result. “To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora,” the greens supplier wrote in a statement shared yesterday (19 July). “Our thoughts remain with everyone who has fallen ill in this outbreak. We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues.” The latest development means the exact source of the outbreak is still unknown. The FDA’s investigation remains active, with collection and analysis of product samples ongoing. Consumers have been advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in the impacted locations.

Plant-based protein brand Aloha has expanded its snack portfolio with the launch of a limited-edition strawberry protein bar. Available exclusively through the brand's website and Amazon in an initial small-batch release, the new USDA Organic-certified bar is made with real strawberries and coconut flakes, delivering 14g of plant protein, 10g of fibre and 4g of sugar per serving. The launch marks the latest addition to Aloha's expanding fruit-inspired protein bar portfolio, joining existing flavours, including Blueberry, Key Lime, Lemon Cashew, Raspberry White Chocolate and Chocolate Cherry. The company said the new variety responds to consumer requests for alternatives to traditional chocolate-based protein bars. Brad Charron, CEO of Aloha, said: "Strawberry is one of the most beloved flavours in the US, but it's also one of the hardest to get right without leaning on artificial flavours and sketchy ingredients. That's not how we do things here. We use real strawberries, go figure, to keep the recipe simple, and let the real ingredients do the work." The company has also expanded its presence at Target stores nationwide, adding Chocolate Mint and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip as permanent listings alongside a rotating seasonal Banana Bread Chocolate Chip flavour. These complement the retailer's existing range, which includes Peanut Butter Cup, Coconut Chocolate Almond, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Chocolate. Aloha's limited-edition Strawberry Protein Bar is available now through the company's website, Amazon and Thrive Market while stocks last. The brand said the initial launch will inform the potential for a wider retail rollout in 2027.

Food and beverage consumers are looking for more than just quality and taste. They also want to know that the products they buy are produced with care for the environment and society. For food manufacturers, demonstrating a measurable commitment to responsible sourcing has become a commercial imperative. Now, international companies using ingredients derived from US soybeans have a powerful, cost-effective tool to showcase this commitment directly on their packaging: the Sustainable US Soy label. Verified trust across the value chain Available at no cost, the Sustainable US Soy label indicates that the soy utilised is verified through the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). The SSAP ensures that US Soy is grown under a robust system of regulations and continuous improvement, aligned with global goals to eliminate hunger, protect land and water and promote responsible production. The SSAP has received multiple third-party accreditations, including FEFAC, GLOBALG.A.P., the SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (Gold Level), the Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices, GMP+ International and the QS Quality Scheme for Food. Administered by Soy Export Sustainability, the protocol verifies international shipments and provides transparent, transferable certificates across the entire value chain. To make a greater impact, the on-pack label can feature a QR code, immediately directing eco-conscious shoppers to online details about the US Soy sustainability advantage. Flexible labelling options for a variety of products The labelling programme fits seamlessly into multiple sectors of the food industry, with clear qualifying criteria: Soy food and oil products: Must contain at least 60% sustainable US Soy. Whole soybean products: Must contain at least 90% sustainable US Soy. Animal proteins: For companies producing poultry, pork, shrimp or other proteins, the 'Fed with Sustainable US Soy' label is available. This enables livestock and aquaculture producers to highlight their sustainable supply chain, provided at least 60% of the soy in the feed ration is verified sustainable US Soy. To maintain trust and credibility, participating companies sign a simple License Agreement with the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and undergo an annual audit utilising a product-based mass balance calculation. A proven driver of market success Choosing sustainable ingredients is not just good for the planet; it’s proven to drive business growth. Today, these labels are featured on more than 1,200 products worldwide, helping brands stand out on crowded retail shelves. One example demonstrates the business case. Since introducing the Sustainable US Soy label to Sajo Daerim’s soy paste products, sales have increased 26%, according to company representatives of Seoul-based Sajo Daerim Corporation. As global market preferences shift toward transparency, integrating the Sustainable US Soy label onto your packaging is an effortless way to build brand equity, satisfy consumer expectations and boost your bottom line. Ready to enhance your packaging strategy? Contact USSEC today to sign the license agreement and join a global network of sustainability leaders.

Synergy Machinery and Sidel India have appointed Ashish Deshpande as managing director, reinforcing the leadership of both businesses as they seek to accelerate growth, deepen customer partnerships and expand their sustainable packaging solutions across India and international markets. The appointment comes as Synergy Machinery continues to broaden its integrated packaging and bottling offering for the beverage, food, home and personal care (FHPC) sectors. Working in partnership with Sidel India, the company provides end-to-end production line solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, optimise resource consumption and support manufacturers' sustainability objectives. Deshpande will lead both organisations through their next phase of expansion, with a focus on strengthening customer relationships, broadening the companies' technology portfolio and helping manufacturers improve productivity while reducing their environmental impact. Commenting on his appointment, Deshpande said: "Synergy has built an impressive reputation for engineering excellence and customer partnership, and I'm excited to build on that success. My priority is to strengthen our position as a trusted technology partner for beverage and packaging manufacturers by driving innovation, investing in our people and helping customers enhance productivity while reducing their environmental footprint. Together with the talented teams at Synergy and Sidel India, we are well positioned to drive the next phase of sustainable growth." Synergy Machinery has established itself as a provider of packaging and automation solutions with a customer-focused approach, working alongside manufacturers to develop production technologies tailored to evolving operational requirements. The company also holds a number of internationally recognised certifications, including ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, reflecting its commitment to responsible business practices.

Salmonella control remains one of the most persistent challenges in poultry processing, not because detection methods are lacking, but because results often arrive too late to influence operational decisions. As supply chains accelerate and become increasingly decentralised, laboratory-based testing struggles to keep pace. Drawing on recent research at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Abdeladim Moumen, director of R&D in medical biotechnology, examines how rapid molecular screening methods could support earlier intervention and more effective risk management across the poultry value chain. For many years, culture methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have formed the backbone of Salmonella testing. Culture testing works by isolating and growing bacteria from poultry samples under controlled laboratory conditions to confirm whether Salmonella is present. Because it identifies live bacteria, it remains the regulatory standard in many markets and is widely regarded as highly reliable. PCR, however, takes a different approach. Instead of growing bacteria, it detects the genetic material of Salmonella by amplifying specific DNA sequences associated with the pathogen. This allows results to be produced more quickly than conventional culture testing and has made PCR an important tool in modern food safety programmes. Both methods remain essential for regulatory compliance and routine monitoring. Their main limitation is turnaround time. Standard workflows can still take several days because enrichment and sample preparation stages are difficult to shorten. In poultry processing, where production cycles move rapidly, that delay reduces the practical value of testing. By the time results are available, products may already have moved through the supply chain. In many cases, testing confirms contamination after the fact rather than helping processors prevent it. A system built around centralised testing Food safety systems have traditionally been designed around central laboratory infrastructure. For large integrated processors, this model can function effectively. Across much of the poultry sector, however, production and processing are spread across multiple sites, including smaller slaughter facilities and regional plants. In these environments, reliance on laboratory testing introduces practical constraints. Transport of samples, turnaround times and cost all influence how often testing can be carried out. As a result, testing coverage may reflect logistical limits rather than actual risk. This creates a gap between where food safety risks occur and where they are detected. Closing that gap requires tools that can support decision-making closer to production, rather than relying entirely on centralised laboratory workflows. A more practical approach to molecular testing Loop-mediated isothermal amplification, or LAMP, has emerged as a faster alternative to conventional PCR. Unlike PCR, it operates at a constant temperature, simplifying the instrumentation required and allowing amplification to be completed in less than an hour. These features have made LAMP attractive for food safety applications where speed is critical. In practice, however, most LAMP-based assays used for Salmonella detection still depend on pre-enrichment steps. Incubation periods ranging from several hours to a full day are commonly required to increase bacterial numbers and ensure reliable detection. While effective, this limits the practical advantage of the method and keeps testing firmly tied to laboratory workflows. Recent research has focused on overcoming this limitation by removing enrichment altogether. Work carried out at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic has demonstrated that colour-based LAMP assays can be adapted to detect Salmonella directly in poultry samples without prior enrichment. The approach combines targeted assay design with simplified sample treatment, allowing bacterial DNA to be released through controlled heat treatment rather than full DNA extraction. A key element of this strategy is the use of an in-house colourimetric buffer containing Phenol Red. During amplification, changes in pH trigger a clear visual colour shift, providing an immediate indication of a positive result without the need for specialised reading equipment. By stabilising samples before analysis, the assay remains robust despite natural variation in poultry meat. The results of this colourimetric LAMP (cLAMP) assay offer clear visual outcomes in around 40 minutes, while maintaining sensitivity suitable for operational decision making. Crucially, this performance is achieved without enrichment or laboratory-intensive preparation steps, making the method more compatible with use outside centralised testing facilities. Designing tests for real processing conditions Applying rapid molecular testing to food production presents practical challenges. Poultry meat varies in composition, including fat content and acidity, all of which can affect test performance if not properly managed. Extraction-free approaches aim to simplify preparation without removing it entirely. Basic heat or chemical treatments can release bacterial DNA in a controlled way, allowing consistent amplification without extensive laboratory processing. The goal is not to replace laboratory systems in production facilities, but to provide screening tools that are stable enough to function in real operating conditions where time and resources are limited. What faster screening could change The main value of same-day screening is the ability to act sooner. Rapid testing allows processors to assess incoming raw material, verify hygiene controls during production, and, as such, investigate potential contamination before products leave the site. Earlier detection can also help limit the scale of recalls and reduce operational disruption if contamination occurs. For regulators, rapid screening may support more targeted oversight, particularly in regions where routine laboratory testing is difficult to maintain consistently. Accessibility is another important factor. Testing methods that can be used closer to farms or processing lines reduce dependence on sample transport and support more consistent monitoring across distributed supply chains. Working alongside existing methods Culture testing and PCR will continue to play a central role in food safety management, particularly for confirmation and regulatory enforcement. Their reliability and legal standing are well established. Rapid molecular screening serves a different purpose. It provides an earlier indication of risk and supports faster operational decisions. Used alongside laboratory testing, it can help close the gap between detection and response. This combined approach reflects how food safety is managed in practice, balancing formal verification with tools that support day-to-day process control. A more responsive model for Salmonella control Food safety systems work best when they reflect the realities of modern production and distribution. As poultry supply chains become more complex, the ability to identify contamination earlier becomes increasingly important. Rapid screening technologies adapted for field and processing environments show how diagnostics are evolving to meet those demands. For poultry processors, they offer a practical way to strengthen control measures without adding unnecessary operational burden. The future of Salmonella management is unlikely to depend on a single testing method. Instead, progress will come from combining established laboratory techniques with faster screening tools that can be used where they provide the greatest operational value.

Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur has agreed to sell its fine cheese business to Lactalis, marking a strategic move to streamline operations and concentrate investment on its core value-added dairy activities. The proposed transaction includes Agropur's Oka and Saint-Hyacinthe production facilities, along with the brands associated with its fine cheese portfolio. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. According to Agropur, the divestment forms part of a broader strategy to simplify its operations and strengthen its long-term competitiveness by focusing on higher-growth areas of the business. Roger Massicotte, president of Agropur, said: "This decision has been carefully considered and is intended to strengthen the Cooperative's long-term competitiveness and ensure its sustainability. Although profitable, the fine cheese business represents only a small portion of our operations, accounting for approximately 2% of our consolidated revenue and 2% of the milk processed in our Canadian plants." Following completion of the transaction, Agropur said it will prioritise investment in strategic product categories including fluid milk, value-added milk, industrial cheese, butter and dairy ingredients. Émile Cordeau, CEO of Agropur, said: "Over the coming years, Agropur will focus its efforts and investments on strategic activities that generate the greatest value for its dairy farmer members, namely the production of fluid milk, including value-added milk, industrial cheese, butter and dairy ingredients." He added that the move would strengthen the cooperative's position as a preferred dairy supplier to the food industry while enabling it to continue developing high-quality products aligned with changing customer demand. Agropur also acknowledged the heritage of its fine cheese business, which includes the iconic Oka brand, and said it would work alongside Lactalis to ensure a smooth transition for employees and business partners. Olivier Gardère, president of Category Cheese Canada, said: "Agropur acknowledges the historical importance of its fine cheese business in Québec and wishes to highlight the expertise and dedication of the employees who contributed to this sector. Agropur will work closely with Lactalis until the transaction is completed to ensure an orderly transition for employees and partners." The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Agropur is Canada's largest dairy cooperative, operating 28 production facilities across Canada and the US. In 2025, the cooperative generated CAD $8.9 billion in revenue and processed 6.7 billion litres of milk on behalf of its 2,700 dairy farmer members. Top image: © Agropur

Melodea has unveiled MeloPack, a fully recyclable flexible packaging solution designed to help food manufacturers transition away from multi-layer laminates ahead of the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements. The new solution combines Melodea's proprietary barrier-coating technology with mono-material film structures to deliver high- and ultra-high-barrier performance while remaining compatible with existing packaging lines, eliminating the need for capital investment or production downtime. According to the company, MeloPack enables food brands to move from packaging specification to production-ready printed rollstock within 30 days. The packaging is certified for direct food contact under EU EC 10/2011, US FDA and Germany's BfR standards, and is designed to meet forthcoming PPWR recyclability requirements. Dr Shaul Lapidot, CEO of Melodea, said: "Customers are ready for a complete packaging solution, but not at the cost of certifications, barrier performance, or partial recyclability. We have brought that solution to market at a price competitive with the non-recyclable formats brands are running today. PPWR is here. We are ready." MeloPack is available in three transparent mono-material structures: BOPP + MelOx-NGen + PP, PE + MelOx-NGen, and Bio-PE + MelOx-NGen. The films are engineered to provide high oxygen and water vapour barrier properties for demanding food applications while maintaining recyclability. The launch comes as food manufacturers prepare for new European packaging legislation. From 12 August 2026, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 requires packaging placed on the European market to be accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity for each SKU, while increasing pressure on brands to replace difficult-to-recycle multi-material packaging with recyclable alternatives. Melodea says MeloPack has been developed specifically to address these requirements. The solution is available from €6/kg, which the company says is competitive with conventional multi-material laminates. Printed rollstock can be supplied in 30 days, with film thicknesses ranging from 40 to 200 microns and flexographic printing available in up to eight colours. Each batch is supplied with a Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis.

Capri Sun Group has broken ground on a new production plant in Stargard, Poland, with the first phase of construction set to be completed by the end of 2027. The factory, established as part of the company’s strategy to expand manufacturing capacity and grow across Europe, has been supported by an investment of more than €70 million. It is expected to create approximately 120 new job opportunities in the region and has been designed to enable further expansion in the future. Capri Sun said this reflects growing consumer demand across established and emerging markets as it continues its international growth trajectory. The location in Stargard was selected due to its direct access to key markets in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Nordics, enabling shorter lead times and improved supply chain agility. Capri Sun’s flagship production site in Eppelheim, Germany, will continue to serve as the company’s centre of excellence. The facility provides innovation and training across the company’s global manufacturing network. Roland Weening, group CEO at Capri Sun, said: “This new facility marks an important milestone in our growth strategy, by enabling and supporting our increasing demand across greater Europe”. “Beyond strengthening Capri Sun's manufacturing footprint, the project will contribute to regional economic development through new jobs, partnerships and long-term industrial investment.” Capri Sun, headquartered in Switzerland, was established in 1969 and is now among the most well-known children’s drink brands globally. The brand has recently been innovating to expand its portfolio into new territories, entering the functional hydration category earlier this year with the launch of new electrolyte drink pouches.

Belgian chocolatier Maison Pierre Marcolini is expanding into the home-baking category with the launch of a cooking chocolate collection in the UK. Available from 4 September 2026, the range will bring chocolate discs previously reserved for professional use to home cooks through retail, wholesale and e-commerce channels. The collection comprises eight varieties, including four signature blends, two single-origin Grands Crus and two milk chocolates. Cocoa content across the dark chocolate range varies from 77% to 82%, while both milk chocolate varieties contain 45% cocoa. The signature blends include Midnight Smoke, a 77% dark chocolate made with cocoa from São Tomé and Príncipe and Ecuador; 82% Cocoa Fusion; 80% African Bloom; and 81% Intense Ember. The Grands Crus comprise 77% Peru Whisper, made with cocoa from northern Peru’s Piura region, and 81% Congo Myst, sourced from the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two milk chocolate options are Origin Meadow and Silk Rêverie. Maison Pierre Marcolini said the chocolates are produced through its bean-to-bar process at its Brussels workshop. The company selects and processes its own cocoa beans, with each origin undergoing a tailored roasting and conching process over three days. The range will be offered in three formats. A larger box will be sold by weight in Maison Pierre Marcolini stores at Selfridges, Notting Hill, Regent Street and Marylebone, priced at £7 per 100g. A smaller discovery box, also priced at £7 per 100g, will be available online in all eight varieties. The collection will also include a £19.50 hot chocolate format containing eight 15g chocolate pyramids, available in two varieties.

Ben & Jerry's has introduced a new limited-edition ice cream, Razz Up!, combining an eye-catching flavour innovation with a nationwide campaign encouraging civic participation ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. Available now in more than 200 Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops across the US, with retail distribution to follow, Razz Up! features black raspberry ice cream swirled with raspberry sauce and crackling fudge chunk pieces that create an audible popping effect when eaten. The launch coincides with National Ice Cream Day and marks the latest addition to the brand's rotating portfolio of limited-batch flavours. Carleen Pickard, global social mission director at Ben & Jerry's, said: "Ben & Jerry's has long advocated for civil liberties and a strong and inclusive democracy; these values are central to who we are. Razz Up! is what Ben & Jerry's does best – use the power of ice cream to bring people together and turn concern into action." Beyond the product launch, Ben & Jerry's is rolling out a nationwide "Razz Up!" campaign in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Black Voters Matter, Community Change and the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC). The new pint also features artwork created by Chicago-based artist and activist Monica Trinidad, whose design draws inspiration from social justice movements and grassroots organising. While Ben & Jerry's has long integrated social campaigns into its product launches, the company said Razz Up! is intended to bring together its latest flavour innovation with community engagement throughout the election season. The launch comes amid ongoing tension with Ben & Jerry's parent company, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, with the Ben & Jerry's Foundation stating that it will cease production by year-end if a favourable outcome cannot be reached. Razz Up! is available now at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops across the US, with pints set to arrive in grocery stores nationwide in the coming weeks.

The Coca-Cola Company has confirmed that production at its Fairlife dairy business in the US has been temporarily suspended following a ransomware attack that compromised part of the company's systems. According to Coca-Cola, Fairlife identified unauthorised access by a third party to a portion of its IT infrastructure, including production-related systems, prompting the company to activate its incident response and business continuity protocols. The company said it is continuing to investigate the incident with the support of external cybersecurity specialists and advisors, while law enforcement agencies have also been notified. The full scope and impact of the cyberattack remain under investigation. Despite the operational disruption, Coca-Cola stressed that product quality and food safety have not been affected. In a statement, the company said: "As a result of the incident, production operations at Fairlife in the United States are temporarily suspended; Fairlife's Canada production operations are not currently impacted." Coca-Cola is working to restore affected systems and resume normal operations as quickly as possible, although it has not provided a timeline for restarting production. The incident highlights the growing cybersecurity risks facing food and beverage manufacturers, many of which are increasingly reliant on digitally connected production systems. Ransomware attacks have become a significant concern across the manufacturing sector, with disruptions capable of halting production, interrupting supply chains and affecting customer deliveries. While Coca-Cola has not disclosed whether any data was compromised or whether a ransom demand was made, the company noted that its assessment of the incident remains ongoing. Fairlife, acquired by The Coca-Cola Company in 2020, produces a range of ultra-filtered milk, protein shakes and nutrition products and forms part of Coca-Cola's expanding value-added dairy portfolio. The company said it will continue its investigation and remediation efforts while working to restore impacted operations. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available. Top image: © Fairlife