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.

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