US frozen dessert brand Protein Pints has expanded its portfolio with two new flavours – Cookies & Cream and Coffee – as it seeks to build momentum in the protein-enriched ice cream segment. Cookies & Cream combines chocolate shortbread cookie pieces with a protein-rich base flavoured with vanilla and cocoa, while the Coffee variant is made with medium-roast Colombian beans to deliver nutty, roasty notes. Each pint contains 30g of protein, is gluten-free and has 85% less sugar than conventional ice cream, according to the company. The range is made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, providing 120-160 calories per serving. Paul Reiss, co-founder and CEO of Protein Pints, said: “Introducing Cookies & Cream and Coffee allows us to deliver on our early momentum, proving that ice cream can satisfy cravings while supporting protein goals and a health-forward lifestyle”. The new flavours will debut across Kroger’s west coast banners, including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC and Food 4 Less. Target will follow with a nationwide rollout in October, while Albertsons Companies – including Safeway, Jewel-Osco and Vons – will add the products in November.

Mars has announced plans to invest €1 billion across its European Union operations by the end of 2026. This substantial investment reflects Mars' ongoing presence in the EU market, where it operates 24 factories across ten countries and employs approximately 25,000 people, making the region an important part of its global operations. This investment builds on the €1.5 billion that Mars has invested in EU manufacturing over the past five years, reflecting a strategic focus on sustainability, economic resilience and consumer-driven innovation. The company aims to modernise its facilities, improve production efficiency and embed environmentally friendly practices throughout its value chain. Modernising manufacturing facilities: Mars plans to undertake significant upgrades to its production capabilities, with a noteworthy €250 million earmarked for its chocolate factory in Janaszówek, Poland. This project will introduce state-of-the-art automation technologies and increase production capacity by 63%. The facility, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, is central to Mars' growth ambitions in the region and will play a critical role in meeting the rising consumer demand for high-quality chocolate products. Innovations in packaging, such as recyclable pouches for brands like Whiskas pet food, will also be prioritised to align with consumer preferences for sustainable options. Decarbonising operations: As part of its commitment to sustainability, Mars is focusing on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions across all operations. The company has achieved a 16% reduction in scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions since 2015. Key initiatives include transitioning its ice cream factory in Steinbourg, France, to operate entirely on renewable electricity, making it the first Mars site globally to be fossil-fuel-free. Additionally, Mars has implemented a state-of-the-art pouch production line at its pet nutrition facility in Lithuania, powered solely by renewable energy. The Moo’ving Dairy Forward Plan, with an investment of $47 million, aims to reduce methane emissions in agriculture, addressing a critical environmental challenge across multiple EU member states, including the Netherlands. Strengthening local economies: Mars has a long history of collaborating with local partners, from farmers to technology providers, to bolster local economies and support community development. The company has committed over €100 million to modernise and digitise its industrial sites in France, enhancing local employment opportunities while advancing its Net Zero ambitions. By investing in local suppliers and fostering innovation, Mars aims to create a positive impact in the communities where it operates, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Claus Aagaard, CFO of Mars, said: “We take a long-term view – we believe in Europe and we would like to see more growth for the benefit of consumers in the EU economies. Our investments are designed to keep our operations world-class, competitive, and aligned with the EU’s long-term priorities.” He highlighted that this investment is not merely about financial growth but about building a stronger, more resilient business that delivers meaningful innovation to consumers and value to thousands of European suppliers. Mars' investment comes at a time when the food and beverage industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and innovation. With 85% of the products sold in the EU produced locally, Mars is well-positioned to leverage this investment to enhance operational efficiency and drive product innovation in a rapidly evolving market. Mars' investment in Europe parallels its recent announcement of a $2 billion investment in its manufacturing footprint in the United States by the end of 2026 . This initiative highlights the company's commitment to local production, with 94% of its US products manufactured domestically. Mars has previously invested $6 billion over the past five years to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities across the US.

In a move to enhance its offerings in the health and wellness sector, Heartland Food Products Group, the manufacturer of the Splenda sweetener brand, has acquired the SlimFast US brand from Glanbia. Ted Gelov, chairman and CEO of Heartland, said: “The addition of SlimFast to the Heartland family reinforces our commitment to helping consumers live healthier, more balanced lives". He continued: "Both brands share a common purpose, empowering people to make better choices without sacrificing taste or enjoyment”. This deal positions Heartland to address two critical consumer demands: weight management and sugar reduction. Heartland Food Products Group, based in Indianapolis, is recognised as a global leader in low- and no-calorie sweeteners, coffee, nutritional beverages and drink mixes. The Splenda brand, a staple in sugar alternatives, holds the position of the number one zero-calorie sweetener brand in the US and is highly recommended by healthcare professionals. With the addition of SlimFast, Heartland aims to expand its market presence and enhance its product offerings in the dietary and weight management sectors. SlimFast, known for its meal replacement products and weight loss solutions, complements Splenda’s extensive range of sweeteners and nutritional drinks. This acquisition not only broadens Heartland’s product line-up but also strengthens its mission to help consumers reduce sugar intake and manage their weight effectively. The acquisition comes at a time when consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, driving demand for products that support weight management and healthier lifestyles. The combined expertise of Splenda and SlimFast positions Heartland to leverage these trends and deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving consumer preferences. Image: © SlimFast

Lawmakers in California, US, have passed a bill to ban products that contain ‘intentionally added’ per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – widely known as ‘forever chemicals’. PFAS are often used in water-resistant treatments and non-stick coatings, across applications ranging from food packaging to cookware, cleaning products and electronics. They are known as ‘forever chemicals’ as they do not degrade easily, enabling them to build up in the environment for hundreds to even thousands of years. These chemicals have been linked to a range of serious health concerns including cancer, altered immune function and fertility issues. In California, the recently passed Senate Bill 682 seeks to phase out the use of PFAS in consumer goods products. Authored by Senator Ben Allen, the bill has now cleared the state legislature and is being passed to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature by 12 October 2025. If enacted, a wide range of consumer goods containing intentionally added PFAS, including food packaging and plastic foodware, would be banned from sale and distribution beginning in 2028. Stores would also be banned from selling cookware containing intentionally added PFAS, such as some non-stick pans, as of 2030. The bill would add to PFAS restrictions already in place in the state – California has already implemented bans on PFAS in paper-based food packaging as well as textiles, cosmetics, menstrual products, firefighting foam and certain children’s items. Senate Bill 682 has received mixed responses, with advocates of the ban noting its potential to reduce unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products. Susan Little, California legislative director for The Environmental Working Group, a co-sponsor of the bill, commented: “This bill is a long overdue step toward protecting Californians from unnecessary exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ in everyday products. We applaud Sen. Allen for championing this important public health initiative, which will eliminate major routes of exposure to these toxic chemicals.” However, the California Chamber of Commerce has warned that the bill risks ‘creating far-reaching economic, regulatory and environmental consequences in the state’ due to its ‘overgeneralisation’ of PFAS chemistry. It argues that some PFAS-containing materials play a key role in the development of vital products like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, conduits and surgical devices, which could be impacted by a sweeping ban. In the context of food and beverage packaging, however, many manufacturers have already removed added PFAS from their packaging materials where possible in line with the evolving regulatory landscape. Ten other US states, including New York and Colorado, have already implemented laws addressing PFAS chemicals in certain food packaging materials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last year that grease-proofing substances containing PFAS, historically used in paper and paperboard-based packaging, are no longer being sold by manufacturers for food contact use in the US market following the introduction of a voluntary phase-out initiative in 2020.

Mingle Mocktails, a non-alcoholic cocktail brand based in the US, has launched its inaugural adaptogenic beverage, called Mingle Mood. This new ready-to-drink sparkling drink aims to blend wellness with enjoyment, reflecting the increasing demand for functional beverages. Mingle Mood is infused with a blend of adaptogens, including lion’s mane, ashwagandha and L-theanine, which are known for their calming and focus-enhancing properties. The drink is designed to promote mental balance and wellbeing, aligning with the broader trend of health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. The initial launch will feature two flavours: Berry Lemon Bliss and Serene Citrus Spritz, each containing just 30 calories per can. With the introduction of Mingle Mood, Mingle Mocktails expands its portfolio to include a complete range of mocktails, mixers and functional beverages, positioning itself as a unique player in the growing non-alcoholic beverage market. The brand's commitment to innovation is underscored by its focus on wellness, catering to consumers who prioritize health and moderation in their beverage choices. Laura Taylor, founder of Mingle Mocktails and recently named one of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Entrepreneurs, said: “Mingle Mood reflects the evolving landscape of non-alcoholic drinks, where functionality and enjoyment go hand in hand”. The launch comes at a time when the demand for functional beverages is surging, driven by consumers' desire for healthier options that do not compromise on taste or experience. Mingle Mocktails is supported by notable backers, including entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel. Mingle Mood is available for purchase on the brand's website, with wider distribution expected at Total Wine locations beginning October 1. Priced at $14.99 for a four-pack, the product aims to attract both existing fans of the brand and new consumers exploring the functional beverage category.

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced his resignation from the ice cream company after 47 years, amid an ongoing dispute between its founders and the brand’s parent group, Unilever. Greenfield established the now iconic ice cream brand in 1978 alongside co-founder Ben Cohen, who shared an emotional open letter from Greenfield on social media platform X this morning (17 September 2025), announcing the news. Greenfield and Cohen sold the brand to Unilever in 2000 in a $326 million deal. Greenfield stated that the co-founders’ independence to pursue their values was at the core of the agreed merger – however, in his resignation announcement, he claimed this independence “is gone,” describing the situation as “profoundly disappointing” and “one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made”. In his letter, Greenfield wrote: “For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts but in relation to real events happening in our world”. “This independence existed in no small part because of the unique merger agreement Ben and I negotiated with Unilever, one that enshrined our social mission and values in the company’s governance structure in perpetuity.” The co-founders’ relationship with Unilever has become increasingly strained in recent years, as the two have accused Unilever of silencing their stance on political issues. In March, they accused the F&B giant of removing Ben & Jerry's' CEO, David Stever, due to his commitment to the brand's social mission. Earlier this month, Greenfield and Cohen publicly urged the board of the newly formed  Magnum Ice Cream Company – created as part of Unilever’s strategy to spin-off its ice cream business – to allow Ben & Jerry’s to operate independently. “We no longer believe that Ben & Jerry’s can thrive as part of a conglomerate that fails to support its founding mission,” they wrote. “The strength of Ben & Jerry’s lies in the authenticity of its values and its voice, whether in opposing crimes against humanity, supporting marriage equality or demanding climate justice.”

In a move aimed at enhancing supply chain transparency in the agricultural sector, Bunge has partnered with Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited (BKP), a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group). The collaboration will seek to implement a blockchain-based traceability system for soy and soy meal sourced from Brazil, marking a pivotal advancement for sustainability in the F&B supply chain. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows successful pilot testing of a blockchain platform designed to trace soy products. This initiative will enable BKP and its parent company, CP Group, to source soy and soy meal with verified sustainability credentials for food and animal feed production across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the transparency of grain value chains, connecting sustainably sourced products with an increasingly conscious consumer market. Julio Garros, co-chief operating officer at Bunge, said: “With the blockchain platform, we are creating a direct and verifiable connection between our food production and end customers. This ensures that every link in the chain contributes to a more transparent and trustworthy future.” The pilot project, which successfully traced approximately 375,000 metric tons of soy meal, has laid the groundwork for this large-scale implementation. Beyond traceability, Bunge and BKP are committed to collaborating on regenerative agriculture projects aimed at reducing supply chain emissions. This aligns with CP Group’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The partnership will explore innovative solutions for system integration, enhancing visibility across agricultural commodity supply chains and fostering low-carbon initiatives. Thiti Lujintanon, CEO of BKP, highlighted the benefits of this partnership: “Collaborating with global agriculture leaders like Bunge enhances CP’s supply chain and ensures our competitiveness in the global market. We seek long-term growth that delivers consistent value to our customers.” The partnership’s expansion in 2025 will also encompass comprehensive trade agreements focused on upstream operations, including the procurement of key agricultural raw materials and improvements in transportation logistics. The blockchain technology underpinning this initiative was developed in partnership with Justoken, a Bunge Ventures portfolio company specialising in blockchain infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to further advance the capabilities of the supply chain, providing enhanced logistical support and sustainable sourcing models.

GEA Group has launched its latest digital service product, the GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry. This condition monitoring tool is aimed at enhancing production reliability and operational efficiency in dairy and beverage plants, where maintaining uninterrupted operations is critical for producing high-quality products such as infant formula, cream and cheese. The GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry employs a sophisticated condition-based monitoring approach, utilising real-time data collection and analysis to identify early signs of equipment degradation. Key operational parameters – including temperature, pressure, vibration and flow – are continuously monitored, providing operators with immediate insights into machine health. This proactive monitoring is particularly vital in the dairy sector, where unplanned downtime often stems from issues like reduced suction pressure in vacuum pumps, which can lead to large production losses. By leveraging predictive analytics, the system can detect patterns indicative of potential failures, allowing for timely interventions that prevent costly shutdowns. Operators receive pre-alarm notifications, enabling them to address issues before they escalate into critical failures. The dairy and beverage industries face numerous operational challenges, particularly related to maintenance. Traditional monitoring systems often generate overwhelming volumes of alarms, complicating the task for operators who must prioritise and address numerous issues. Additionally, a shortage of skilled technicians exacerbates these challenges, leaving teams ill-equipped to interpret alarms or perform diagnostics effectively. The GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry addresses these pain points by integrating expert maintenance guidance with data-driven decision-making. This combination allows operators to focus on the most pressing issues, optimise maintenance schedules and maintain production continuity. The technical foundation of the GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry is built on advanced sensors for monitoring vibration, flow, and pressure, coupled with a local edge gateway that processes data before sending it to the cloud. The set-up not only ensures rapid response times but also minimises cybersecurity risks by operating independently of the customer’s IT infrastructure. Data is securely transferred to the GEA Cloud and analysed using proprietary algorithms, with certified vibration specialists validating the diagnostics to enhance the accuracy of automated analyses. Angela Yeung, digital portfolio and strategy lead for liquid and powder technologies at GEA, said: “Unplanned downtime remains the biggest challenge for dairy processors. By harnessing predictive insights, our customers can take proactive measures to reduce costs and improve efficiency." She continued: "With GEA InsightPartner EvoHDry, operators gain a clear understanding of machine health, enabling them to plan maintenance effectively and keep production stable.”

Baja Aqua-Farms (BAF) has acquired Baja Marine Foods (BMF), a player in the fishing and processing sector based in Baja California, Mexico. This acquisition positions BAF as a leading vertically integrated bluefin tuna rancher in the Americas and marks its entry into the burgeoning marine ingredients market. Founded in 2010, Baja Marine Foods specialises in producing high-quality fishmeal, fish oil and frozen seafood products sourced from sustainable pelagic species. With a modern processing facility capable of handling up to 450 tons of protein per day, BMF adheres to rigorous quality standards, ensuring that its products meet the demands of both human consumption and the aquaculture and pet food industries. Manuel Vazquez, CEO of Baja Aqua-Farms, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We look forward to welcoming the Baja Marine Foods team as they join the Baja Aqua-Farms family in this exciting new chapter". He continued: "This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver the highest quality bluefin tuna to our customers around the world in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner”. The integration of BMF’s operations will enhance BAF’s supply chain traceability, allowing the company to offer a comprehensive range of seafood products from ocean to plate. This alignment not only bolsters BAF’s position in the premium tuna market but also taps into the growing demand for nutritional marine ingredients, which are essential for both animal and human diets. Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, but the move is expected to drive growth and innovation within BAF’s portfolio, catering to the increasing consumer interest in sustainably sourced seafood products.

Oat milk brand Oatly is rolling out a limited-edition hot cocoa oat milk product in the US ahead of the festive season. The drink will be found in the chilled aisle, designed to be heated up and served warm at home. It will launch in 32 fl oz cartons at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide on 1 November 2025. According to the brand, the drink is ‘chocolatey and creamy,’ made from glyphosate-residue-free oats. It is certified gluten-free and non-GMO as well as plant-based, and contains vitamins A, D, B12 and beta-glucans (the soluble fibre in oats). This latest US launch follows the Swedish brand’s recent introduction of its Matcha Latte Oat Drink into UK retail , responding to increasing interest in the trendy Japanese tea powder among British consumers. Oatly’s hot cocoa drink is one of many recent F&B innovations announced for the festive season as brands begin to prepare their seasonal line-ups. UK chocolate brands Nomo and Gnaw both announced their Christmas 2025 line-ups this month, while F&B giant Mars Wrigley revealed its own upcoming festive additions in August.

NoPalm Ingredients has entered into a partnership with Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel to secure feedstock and explore co-location opportunities for the scale-up of its palm oil alternatives. Under the agreement, Milcobel will supply whey permeate – a by-product from its cheese production – to NoPalm Ingredients’ demonstration facility in the Netherlands, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. In addition, the two companies will conduct a joint feasibility study on establishing NoPalm Ingredients’ first commercial production facility at Milcobel’s Langemark site, targeted to start operations in 2028. NoPalm has developed a fermentation process that converts agro-industrial side streams such as whey permeate into oils and fats with the same functional properties as palm and other tropical oils. Industrial trials carried out over the past two years have confirmed the feasibility of using whey permeate as a feedstock, with consistent production of specification-grade oils at industrial scale. Francis Relaes, managing director of Milcobel Premium Ingredients, said: “This new collaboration with NoPalm Ingredients...brings the valorisation of whey permeate higher up the value chain, turning it into sustainable, high-value oil ingredients for food and non-food". He continued: "It not only strengthens our economic model but also reinforces our commitment to circularity principles and better impact for the planet”. Lars Langhout, CEO of NoPalm Ingredients, added: “This partnership proves the strength of our co-location model: turning side streams into high-value ingredients where they are generated, reducing transport and sharing infrastructure". "Working with Milcobel shows how a biotech start-up and a dairy leader can create true circularity with economic and environmental value on both sides.”

Paul Bulcke Nestlé has announced that chairman Paul Bulcke will step down earlier than planned, with Pablo Isla set to take over the role effective October 1. This leadership transition comes in the wake of significant investor backlash following a series of executive departures that have raised huge concerns about Nestlé's governance and strategic direction. Bulcke’s resignation is seen as a necessary step to address the turmoil that has engulfed Nestlé in recent months. The company has faced heightened scrutiny after the abrupt dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe , which marked the second executive exit in just over a year. Freixe was ousted due to allegations of an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate, prompting shareholders to question Bulcke’s decision-making and oversight capabilities. One major investor remarked that Bulcke had “lost the respect and trust of investors,” calling for his immediate resignation instead of waiting until his scheduled departure in April 2026. The leadership crisis at Nestlé began with the ousting of former CEO Mark Schneider in August 2024, followed by Freixe’s swift removal. This rapid succession of CEOs has left the company grappling with a leadership vacuum, leading to questions about its governance structures and strategic priorities. Investor sentiment has soured significantly, with Nestlé’s shares plummeting approximately 40% since 2022, exacerbated by the recent scandals and sluggish sales. In an effort to stabilise the company, Nestlé has appointed Philipp Navratil, head of the Nespresso division, as the new CEO. Philipp Navratil However, the ongoing leadership upheaval has raised alarms among investors about the effectiveness of the board’s oversight, particularly regarding how Bulcke could have been unaware of what many described as an “open secret” surrounding Freixe’s conduct. Pablo Isla, who has served as vice chairman and chairman elect, will now lead the board as it seeks to restore investor confidence and guide Nestlé through this challenging period. However, this appointment may not fully satisfy the board’s wish for a new, fresh candidate with no previous involvement with the company. Isla expressed gratitude for Bulcke's contributions while emphasising the need for a fresh perspective to advance Nestlé’s strategic initiatives. “Paul’s wisdom and commitment have shaped the company and laid the groundwork for our next chapter,” Isla commented. Bulcke will be become an honourary chairman, a title reflecting his long-standing service and influence within the organisation. In conjunction with Isla’s appointment, Dick Boer will take on the role of lead independent director and vice chairman, while Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch will serve as vice chair of the board. These changes are part of a broader effort to enhance governance at Nestlé, ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to market dynamics.