The Macallan has unveiled two new single malt whiskies in its Harmony Collection, developed in partnership with UK-based tea company Jing Tea. The limited-edition releases – Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea – pay tribute to the craftsmanship and natural origins of tea, drawing flavour inspiration from Jing's single garden selections. The Phoenix Honey Orchid expression is influenced by a rare oolong grown in Guangdong, China, known for its dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes. The Cherrywood Lapsang release, available exclusively through global travel retail, is inspired by Jing's reimagined lapsang souchong, smoked over cherrywood in the UK. Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of Jing, commented: “At Jing, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission to change the perception of what tea can be. The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.” Jaume Ferras, creative director at The Macallan, added: “Our collaboration with Jing is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea – two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time. Working with Jing has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavour and storytelling, creating two whiskies that are both innovative and deeply connected to the land.”

80 Acres Farms and Soli Organic have announced a strategic merger aimed at establishing one of the largest and most advanced indoor farming networks globally. This union combines the complementary strengths of both companies, enhancing their technological capabilities, operational efficiencies and retail distribution networks to serve over 17,000 storefronts across the US. The newly formed entity, operating under the 80 Acres Farms name and headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio, is projected to generate nearly $200 million in its first year. This merger marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of vertical farming, with industry leaders noting the importance of execution, efficiency and results. Mike Zelkind, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and CEO of the merged company, said: "Vertical farming is entering the next phase of business maturity. This merger unites two top operators that have the scale, economics, and teams necessary to deliver the results that the industry has been waiting for." Zelkind highlighted the companies' shared commitment to producing fresher, better-tasting produce that is pesticide-free, climate-resilient and designed for optimal shelf life. Walter Robb, former co-CEO of Whole Foods Market and co-chairman of Soli Organic, added: "Retailers today seek differentiated products, supply chain reliability, and compelling narratives. Given recent trade volatility, indoor agriculture is becoming increasingly vital. This merger enhances product quality, expands the product portfolio, and boosts supply chain resilience." Key highlights of the merger National scale and reach: Leveraging Soli Organic's established commercial presence, the combined company will enhance its capacity to serve more than 17,000 retail locations nationwide, supported by a robust farm and logistics network designed for regional redundancy and just-in-time delivery. Growth potential: With seven vertical farms strategically distributed across the country, the new entity has the capacity to produce 15-20 million pounds of fresh produce annually, aligning with current customer demand while allowing for future retail expansion. Diverse product portfolio: The merger will offer a comprehensive range of fresh, ready-to-eat products, including salad blends, salad kits, herbs, tomatoes and microgreens, catering to the needs of retail, convenience and foodservice sectors. Advanced technology integration: The integration of 80 Acres Farms' GroLoop platform – a sophisticated system for precision farming – with Soli Organic's extensive agronomic expertise positions the company at the forefront of agricultural innovation. This technology enhances yield, flavour and consistency while minimising costs, bolstered by AI-driven insights for improved crop optimisation and supply chain responsiveness. Operational expertise: The merger combines seasoned teams in engineering, plant science, operations and food safety, strengthening the company's technical foundation. This operational depth is expected to accelerate innovation and enhance customer engagement through proven branding and marketing strategies. Sustainability and efficiency: With vertically integrated operations and real-time visibility, the combined company aims to reduce food waste, improve freshness and ensure reliable service across the nation. The commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of 100% renewable electricity and 95% less water per pound of produce. Tisha Livingston, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms, highlighted the adaptability of the GroLoop platform, commented: "By merging it with Soli's extensive reach and agronomic knowledge, we can operate more efficiently and deliver greater value throughout the supply chain". About 80 Acres Farms Founded in 2015, 80 Acres Farms is a leader in vertical farming, using the Infinite Acres GroLoop technology platform to produce pesticide-free and longer-lasting harvests while minimising food waste. About Soli Organic Established in 1989, Soli Organic is the leading indoor organic agriculture company in the US, dedicated to providing sustainably grown, USDA Certified Organic produce, including a wide range of culinary herbs.

Soreen, the UK-based healthy cake brand, has unveiled two limited-edition Mini Loaves variants: Cookies & Cream for Halloween and Salted Caramel for Christmas. These new products are designed to attract health-conscious consumers while driving incremental sales during key seasonal shopping periods. As the Halloween and Christmas seasons approach, Soreen is poised to leverage the growing trend of limited-edition products that excite shoppers and drive category penetration. The launch of Cookies & Cream Mini Loaves is particularly timely, with cake category penetration typically increasing from 55% to 60% during Halloween. Notably, 45% of total spending in the cake category is attributed to new shoppers, highlighting the potential for these seasonal offerings to broaden Soreen's customer base. Liz Jacobs, marketing director at Soreen, noted the appeal of the Cookies & Cream variant: "Our new Cookies & Cream Mini Loaves are a truly unique offering for Halloween. They perfectly blend the fun and indulgence of the season with the healthier snack profile shoppers are increasingly seeking." Each Mini Loaf is individually wrapped, contains under 100 calories and is a source of fibre, catering to the growing demand for healthier snack options. The playful packaging, featuring a zombie design and the brand name reimagined as ‘Scream,’ aims to capture consumer attention on retail shelves. Following the Halloween launch, Soreen will introduce Salted Caramel Mini Loaves in September, targeting the lucrative Christmas market. This variant is crafted to satisfy festive indulgence while remaining HFSS-compliant, allowing retailers to confidently promote it in high-visibility areas. Salted Caramel Mini Loaves align with current consumer trends, offering a permissible treat that meets health-conscious demands without sacrificing flavour. Christmas represents a significant opportunity for retailers, with cake category penetration soaring from 55% to 77% during the holiday season. Jacobs noted: "Salted caramel remains a hugely popular flavour, and our new Mini Loaves deliver that indulgent taste in a healthier format. This launch is an exciting addition to retailers’ seasonal offerings and embodies Soreen's commitment to championing feel-good nutrition." Both Mini Loaves will be available across major grocery retailers including Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Ocado.

Agrana has announced its strategic acquisition of Mercator-Emba, a Slovenian food manufacturer specialising in syrups and dessert toppings for the foodservice sector. This acquisition aims to enhance Agrana's market presence in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, aligning with the company's Next Level corporate strategy focused on profitable growth within its food and beverage solutions segment. EMBA, headquartered approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Ljubljana, employs around 100 staff and reported revenues of approximately €30 million in its 2024 financial year. The company’s expertise in product development and production is expected to complement Agrana’s existing operations and expand its distribution capabilities. Stephan Büttner, CEO of Agrana, said: “Acquiring Mercator-Emba gives Agrana access to additional distribution markets and new customer segments in the growing food service sector”. This move not only enhances Agrana’s product offerings but also strengthens its position in a competitive marketplace increasingly driven by consumer demand for innovative food solutions. The acquisition is currently pending approval from relevant competition and regulatory authorities, a standard procedure in such transactions. Once finalised, this deal will add to Agrana's portfolio, which includes 37 production sites worldwide, with 20 located in Europe. These facilities are dedicated to manufacturing tailored formulations for various industries, including dairy, foodservice, ice cream, bakery products and beverages. With approximately 9,000 employees and annual revenues of around €3.5 billion, Agrana is a global leader in fruit preparations and a significant manufacturer of apple and berry juice concentrates. Additionally, the company is a major sugar producer in Central and Eastern Europe and a key player in customised starch products and bioethanol.

Daily Dose, a British cold pressed juice company, has launched two innovative apple juice flavours now available in Waitrose stores across the UK. The new offerings, Apple & Alphonso Mango and Apple & Root Ginger, are designed to cater to the growing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality beverages. Packaged in 900ml bottles and priced at £3.75 (RRP), both juices are crafted from 100% fresh, cold pressed fruit, free from concentrates, preservatives and added sugars. The Apple & Alphonso Mango flavour is poised to deliver a smooth, tropical twist on the classic apple taste, while the Apple & Root Ginger promises a zesty, invigorating kick, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking unique flavour profiles. George Hughes-Davies, founder of Daily Dose, expressed enthusiasm for the new products' debut in Waitrose: “It’s incredible to see our two new apple flavours on the shelves at Waitrose, and we can’t wait for shoppers to discover and try them”. He noted the company’s commitment to sustainability by utilising 'wonky' produce – fruits that are perfectly good but often discarded due to cosmetic imperfections. This aligns with the increasing consumer preference for brands that prioritise sustainability and waste reduction. Daily Dose has established itself as a BCorp, manufacturing all its juices in Corby, UK, and sourcing ingredients primarily from British farms. The company is on track to achieve £20 million in revenue this year, a significant milestone since its inception, which began in a kitchen with a blender purchased on eBay. The cold pressed juice market in the UK is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising health awareness and the demand for natural beverages. Daily Dose's collaboration with Waitrose not only enhances the supermarket's chilled juice aisle but also reinforces the brand's position as a leader in the sustainable juice segment.

Fresh Del Monte Produce has announced a strategic joint venture with Colombia-based Managro Group, a leading exporter of avocados and limes. This partnership aims to enhance Fresh Del Monte's supply chain capabilities through the expansion of a packing house dedicated to these high-demand fruits in Colombia, thereby strengthening its presence in the burgeoning avocado and lime markets. The new facility is set to bolster Fresh Del Monte's ability to supply high-quality avocados and limes year-round to North American and European markets. With Colombia's optimal growing conditions and reliable sourcing capabilities, this investment aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to diversify its sourcing and solidify its footprint in the region. “This joint venture is a bold step in advancing our long-term ambition: to lead in the most dynamic, high-growth categories in fresh produce,” said Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales, marketing and product management for North America at Fresh Del Monte. Dumas also highlighted that the collaboration with Managro will enhance the company's vertical integration while reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier of premium fresh produce. The global demand for avocados and limes is on the rise, driven by consumer preferences for nutrient-rich foods. According to a report by Fact.MR, the global lime market is projected to grow from $48 billion in 2024 to $62 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. Similarly, the avocado market is expected to expand from approximately $19 billion in 2024 to about $34 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust CAGR of 5.9%. This joint venture leverages Colombia’s agricultural advantages, Managro's extensive industry knowledge and Fresh Del Monte’s global distribution to meet increasing demand for these products.

ProAmpac, a manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions, has announced the commercial launch of its ProActive Recycle-Ready polyolefin-based platform, specifically designed for high-speed chunk cheese applications. This new packaging solution represents a significant leap forward in recyclable dairy packaging, offering enhanced performance while ensuring product freshness and shelf life. The newly developed Recycle-Ready films are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of chunk cheese production. They provide excellent clarity, allowing products to maintain an appealing presentation on retail shelves. Additionally, these films boast robust puncture resistance and can endure high temperatures encountered during the filling process. The advanced sealing technology employed in these films allows for a very low seal initiation temperature, significantly reducing the risk of leaks on high-speed filling lines. Ebrahim Jalali Dil, global senior innovation manager at ProAmpac, said: “These specialised films deliver outstanding abrasion resistance and have successfully passed rigorous transportation testing, ensuring dependable product protection from production through distribution”. The versatility of the platform is further enhanced by a range of barrier options tailored to various cheese formats and moisture levels, enabling dairy brands to maintain both freshness and shelf appeal. Designed for compatibility with polyethylene (PE) recycling streams, the ProActive Recycle-Ready platform can also incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, providing an environmentally responsible solution for cheese brands committed to sustainability.

Scottish craft beer brand BrewDog is experiencing a substantial decline in its market presence, with nearly 2,000 pubs across the UK severing ties with the brand. First reported by the The Sunday Telegraph , this shift, which has seen BrewDog's distribution drop by over a third, highlights the challenges the company has faced amid a changing consumer landscape and ongoing controversies regarding its workplace culture. A national petition launched by the union in January 2024, urging BrewDog to reverse its decision to withdraw the Real Living Wage for its bar employees. Sustainability may also be a contributing factor. Last year, BrewDog also announced that it would relinquish its carbon-negative status and withdraw from the carbon credits market . At the time, national media outlets criticised the company for relinquishing its carbon-negative status, arguing that the company is failing to uphold its ethical commitments, with industry insiders labelling the move as indicative of a lack of moral responsibility. According to industry sources, approximately 1,860 pubs have removed BrewDog products from their menus over the past two years, resulting in a staggering 52.3% decrease in the availability of its flagship beer, Punk IPA. The decline is particularly pronounced in urban areas such as Shepherd’s Bush, Camden and Shoreditch, as well as cities like Oxford, Brighton and Leeds, where consumers increasingly favour rival draught beers from brands like Beavertown and Camden Town. A source told The Sunday Telegraph that BrewDog was “losing taps like you wouldn’t believe”. The loss of distribution comes at a critical time for BrewDog, which has been grappling with significant financial challenges. The company reported losses of £59 million in 2023 and £30.5 million in 2022, with chief executive James Taylor indicating that the company is likely to remain in the red this year. The closure of ten BrewDog bars across the UK, including its flagship location in Aberdeen, underscores the brand's struggle to maintain commercial viability. BrewDog's reliance on major pub chains, particularly JD Wetherspoon, has become a focal point of concern. With 794 pubs operating under the Wetherspoon brand, any disruption in this partnership could severely impact BrewDog's revenue streams. According to industry analysts, the Wetherspoon deal would effectively eliminate Punk IPA from the pub trade. Founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, BrewDog rose to prominence during a craft beer boom, known for its bold marketing tactics and innovative brews. However, recent years have seen the brand embroiled in controversy, including allegations of a 'toxic' workplace culture and inappropriate behaviour by former executives. Watt resigned as CEO in 2024 , passing control to Taylor , who has since undertaken a rebranding effort to restore the company's reputation. The decline in distribution serves as a stark reminder of the competitive pressures within the alcoholic drinks industry and the importance of maintaining a positive brand image amid operational challenges.

Yerba Madre, previously known as Guayakí Yerba Mate, has launched its first seasonal beverage, 'Watermelody,' as part of a broader strategy to innovate within the ready-to-drink yerba mate market. This release coincides with the brand's recent rebranding and the introduction of a new can design. Watermelody combines organic watermelon, yerba mate and hibiscus, aiming to appeal to consumers looking for a refreshing and energising drink during the summer months and back-to-school season. The product will initially be available at select grocery retailers in the Western US, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest, with plans for nationwide distribution through Sprouts and Amazon starting October 1. The development of Watermelody reflects the brand's commitment to consumer engagement, as it was influenced by feedback from its community of over 12,000 dedicated fans, referred to as "Ambacebador" superstars. Jennifer Brush, VP of product innovation and brand, highlighted the importance of community input in shaping the product, noting that the brand aims to provide organic energy with a fruity twist. Yerba Madre maintains a strong position in the ready-to-drink yerba mate segment, reportedly outperforming the overall tea category in dollar sales velocity. The company attributes its success to a focus on sustainable sourcing practices, working directly with family farmers and Indigenous communities in South America. The new flavour is certified organic and Fair Trade, aligning with growing consumer preferences for ethically sourced products.

Finsbury Food Group has acquired a 70% stake in Lola’s Cupcakes, a UK-based player in the premium cupcake and celebration cake sector. This acquisition marks Finsbury's inaugural foray into the direct-to-consumer segment, aligning with its long-term growth strategy. Lola’s, known for its strong ecommerce presence, generates approximately half of its £25 million annual revenue through online sales. The brand operates a network of 45 kiosks and collection lockers strategically located in high-traffic areas, including major transport hubs in London. With a workforce of around 400 employees based at its Park Royal facility, Lola’s has established itself as a beloved UK brand with a reputation for quality and innovation. John Duffy, chief executive of Finsbury Food Group, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone in the trajectory of Finsbury Food Group as we welcome Lola’s into the family". He continued: "This acquisition not only underscores our commitment to a buy-and-build strategy but also enables us to penetrate the direct-to-consumer market for the first time. With Lola’s strong digital presence and entrepreneurial spirit, we see significant potential for growth and innovation.” The integration of Lola’s into Finsbury’s operations is expected to leverage the latter’s extensive manufacturing expertise and commercial reach, providing new avenues for product development and market expansion. Asher Budwig, managing director of Lola’s, added: “I’m thrilled to be working with the Finsbury team on the next chapter of Lola’s story. With Finsbury’s manufacturing capabilities and support, I’m confident we can elevate Lola’s to new heights.” The acquisition follows Finsbury’s transition from public to private ownership in 2023, when Isle of Man-based asset manager DBAY Advisors took control of the business. The move to acquire Lola’s is part of Finsbury's broader strategy to diversify its offerings and scale operations within the bakery market.

Collaboration with ABB Tetra Pak has also today announced it is developing an energy assessment programme in collaboration with ABB to help food and beverage producers lower their environmental impact and cut costs. These solutions are being showcased in the Swedish Pavilion at Hannover Messe 2019. The programme provides an assessment of the entire plant, helping customers minimise their environmental impact and maximise profitability. Based on this analysis, Tetra Pak provides recommendations for food producers on opportunities to reduce energy consumption and help them make informed decisions about how resources are used in their plants. Based on pilot projects in the Americas, the programme can potentially reduce carbon emissions for food and beverage manufacturing and cut energy cost by between 15% and 25%. The strategic collaboration will combine the strengths of ABB Ability digital solutions and Tetra Pak’s unique expertise in food manufacturing – and will build on both companies’ global installed base, deep domain and digital transformation expertise. Nilsson continued: “There is a sense of urgency for all industries to reduce their environmental impact across their operations, and we are developing programmes together with our partners to reduce this impact for our customers and the overall industry. The plant assessment programme is an excellent example of an area where we have found and created opportunities for environmental savings.” And Visar Krasniqi, group vice-president for digital transformation at ABB, added: “With this strategic collaboration, Tetra Pak and ABB will create and drive a leading manufacturing ecosystem to provide Tetra Pak’s customers with the most advanced digital solutions and services. Additionally, this will enable Tetra Pak’s customers to run ABB’s digital solutions and their operations with improved overall efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.” To find out more about how you can boost your productivity with the use of data and technology, click here .

Digital technology company ABB has invested $280 million to build a new robotics campus in Västerås, Sweden. ABB offers robotics solutions to four key applications in the food and beverage industry: packaging, picking, palletising, handling and processing. The campus will serve as the hub for ABB Robotics' European operations, offering customers "AI-enabled" collaborative and industrial robots, along with digital solutions designed to facilitate flexible automation. According to the company, the new facility will replace the nine separate buildings "that have grown organically since 1974 and currently constitute the robotics operations in Sweden". Spanning 65,000 square metres, the campus will serve as a contemporary workspace for ABB Robotics' workforce of 1,300 in the area. It will include a new facility, offices, a R&D hub, an experiential centre and a training venue designed for both customers and visitors. In addition, the site will feature autonomous mobile robots as a key element in transporting materials and products among the warehouse, assembly stations and assembly departments. Björn Rosengren, ABB CEO, said: “The investment in our new campus is driven by customer demand and projected market growth. Following important investments in China and the US, the new facility in Sweden will strengthen our capabilities in serving our customers in Europe with locally manufactured products in a growing market." He continued: "Already today, around 95% of the robots ABB sells in the region are manufactured here. This is a strong commitment not only to our “local for local” strategy, but to all our robotics customers across Europe." The investment is expected to enhance ABB's robotics and automation leadership globally. This move will see ABB expand its production capacity by 50% and boost its ability to serve the European market. Once completed, ABB said the company will have committed a total investment of $450 million in its three robotics facilities since 2018, including its Shanghai mega factory that supplies customers in the Asian market and the Auburn Hills site catering to the Americas. The campus will foster close collaboration with customers and partners to co-create robotics and automation solutions within a secure and operational setting. Customers will have the opportunity to test and experiment with their solutions using the ABB's latest automation advancements on-site. Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s robotics & discrete automation business area, commented: “This is a great time to invest in robotics and automation. This new campus is a significant part of our global growth story and key in supporting our European customers as they accelerate investment in robotics and AI due to the reshoring of industry, the move to more sustainable supply chains and long-term labour shortages." "Our Robotics Campus will help us to serve our customers more efficiently and support new and existing sectors like automotive, electronics, logistics, healthcare, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals to unlock the full potential of automation.” In addition, the campus will provide an opportunity "to develop the ecosystem while maintaining rapid lead times, with shorter transports and a reduced carbon footprint," said ABB. The hub will align with ABB's 2030 sustainability targets, focusing on achieving carbon neutrality in its operations through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increasing preservation of resources. Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, added: “Our new, sustainable facility in Sweden will be located at the cradle of ABB Robotics' global innovation, starting with ABB’s development of the world's first commercial all-electric robot nearly 50 years ago. In our new R&D centre, we are focusing on the development of new digital and AI-enabled technologies, making robots increasingly accessible while lowering the entry barrier for applications in all industries.” Construction is scheduled to start next year, and the campus is anticipated to open in late 2026.