21st Amendment Brewery, a well-known name in the San Francisco craft beer scene, has announced plans to shut down its taproom and brewing facility in San Leandro. This decision comes as the brewery grapples with a challenging market landscape and recent financial setbacks, including a last-minute withdrawal of support from a key lender. Founded in 2000 by Shaun O'Sullivan and Nico Freccia, 21st Amendment Brewery has been at the forefront of the craft beer movement, known for its innovative brews and commitment to quality. However, the brewery's recent struggles reflect broader trends affecting many craft beer producers, particularly in a post-pandemic environment where consumer preferences and competition have evolved significantly. The brewery's closure highlights the ongoing pressures within the craft beverage sector, which has seen a surge in competition from both established brands and new entrants. As consumers look for unique flavours and experiences, and increasingly move away from alcohol altogether, breweries must adapt to stay relevant. The withdrawal of financial backing has further complicated 21st Amendment's efforts to navigate these challenges, ultimately leading to the decision to cease operations. Industry experts suggest that the closure of such a prominent brewery may signal a turning point for the craft beer market, highlighting the need for innovation and adaptability among producers. As the industry continues to evolve, breweries are increasingly required to diversify their offerings and enhance their marketing strategies to capture consumer interest.

Nature’s Path, an independent North American organic breakfast and snack food brand, is set to disrupt the granola market with the introduction of two new protein-rich granola varieties. Each serving is designed to deliver 10g of plant-based protein, appealing to the growing consumer preference for nutritious, high-protein snacks. Protein Granola combines organic pea protein with coconut oil, making it the only protein granola on the market with this formulation. These crunchy clusters not only provide a source of fibre and healthy fats but also offer sustained energy, making them suitable for any time of day. The new Protein Granola comes in two enticing flavours that promise to satisfy consumer cravings: Blueberry Cinnamon: This flavour features a comforting mix of sweet blueberries and warming cinnamon, baked with coconut oil to create crunchy, organic oat clusters. Maple Almond Butter: Combining toasted almonds, creamy almond butter and rich maple syrup, this flavour offers a nutty experience with the same 10g of protein per serving. Arjan Stephens, president of Nature’s Path, said: “Innovation starts with listening to our consumers. As demand for plant-based, high-protein options grows, our new Protein Granola delivers bold flavour, clean ingredients and supports our mission to create organic foods that nourish people while leaving the earth better than we found it.” Nature’s Path Protein Granola is now available for purchase online through the Nature's Path website and Amazon, as well as at select retailers across the nation. This launch aligns with the brand’s commitment to providing organic, vegan-friendly options that cater to a diverse consumer base seeking healthier snack alternatives.

Biotech company NoPalm Ingredients has partnered with Nizo Food Research to establish the first demonstration factory dedicated to the production of sustainable yeast oils at the Food Innovation Campus in Ede in the Netherlands. This facility marks a pivotal transition from pilot projects to commercial-scale production, underscoring the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to palm oil. Lars Langhout, CEO and founder of NoPalm Ingredients , said: “From a shaking flask and a microscope in the lab, we are now building our own factory: dreams are becoming reality". He continued: "...we are showing the industry that yeast oils no longer only exist in the lab, but can also be produced at large scale, and that we are a reliable partner for sustainable oil alternatives”. The new facility will consolidate various production stages, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, while enabling the company to produce several hundred tons of yeast oil annually, with plans to scale up to over 1,200 tons. This development is poised to provide food manufacturers with a reliable source of sustainable oil alternatives, facilitating the replacement of conventional oils in their products. Julie Cortal, chief commercial officer at NoPalm Ingredients, added: “We have proven that our technology works, and by taking the entire process into our own hands, we maintain maximum control over every step: from raw material to end product". "This guarantees consistent quality, high standards, and security of supply – and with that, a solid foundation for long-term partnerships with customers who want to become more sustainable and grow.” The Food Innovation Campus, spearheaded by Nizo since 2023, aims to foster collaboration among leading companies in the protein and food sectors. Nikolaas Vles, CEO of Nizo Food Research, noted that NoPalm Ingredients' presence enhances the region's fermentation cluster, which is crucial for advancing sustainable food innovation. “They strengthen the fermentation cluster in the region and apply fermentation to fats – an often overlooked but essential part of both the protein and food transition,” Vles commented. Utilising Nizo's existing infrastructure, NoPalm Ingredients can expedite the construction of its factory, with the first industrial production of yeast oil expected in the latter half of 2026. The initiative is projected to create 25 jobs in addition to the 25 already employed at NoPalm's headquarters in Wageningen. Jeroen Blansjaar, COO at NoPalm Ingredients, remarked, “With this factory, we are taking our technology to ‘technology readiness level’ seven and eight, bringing the full process under our own control at industrial scale”. The establishment of the demonstration factory has been made possible with support from regional stakeholders, including Oost NL, the Province of Gelderland and the Municipality of Ede. This collaboration is integral to expanding circular food production in the area.

This week, Birds Eye has announced the launch of seven new innovations across its Captain’s Discoveries and Chicken Shop ranges. As part of its Captain’s Discoveries range, the Nomad Foods-owned brand is debuting two new prawn products: Battered Lemon & Parsley Prawns, and Classic Breaded Prawns. The new additions build on the existing range, which brings world flavours into the frozen seafood category, aiming to elevate everyday meal occasions. By tapping into well-loved flavours and focusing on sustainability (both products are ASC-certified) the brand said it aims to inject excitement into the £297 million UK frozen seafood category and appeal to a younger demographic, who typically under-index in the frozen fish segment. Also new this week are five new additions to Bird’s Eye’s Chicken Shop range – Spicy Korean Tenders, Texas BBQ Chicken Fries, Nacho Jalapeno Chicken Fries, Sweet Chilli Tenders, and Crispy Seasoned Fries. The new additions tap into the ‘fakeaway’ trend, offering consumers more affordable, at-home versions of classic takeaway favourites. They are designed to appeal to a young adult audience (18-34 year olds) and a broad range of tastes, inspired by on-trend flavours and formats from quick service restaurants to bring more variety to the frozen aisle. Bird’s Eye said the products are ideal for consumers looking for ‘a treat without the hassle of scratch cooking or the expense of a takeaway,’ and can be cooked in the air fryer for added convenience. The innovations follow the relaunch of the Chicken Shop range in 2024, which included the roll-out of seven new products inspired by bricks and mortar chicken shops. According to Nielsen data, these innovations added £8 million of additional sales for the brand, with around one in six (16%) shoppers buying Chicken Shop products being new to the frozen poultry category. The new Chicken Shop products are available from September across retailers nationwide. The Captain’s Discoveries prawn products are launching initially in Tesco from 8 September, followed by further grocery channel listings from the end of September onwards.

Xampla, a UK-based start-up developing plastic alternative materials made from plants, has received $14 million in private capital. According to the University of Cambridge spin-out, the funding will see more than 10 billion units of single-use plastic replaced with its Morro materials in the next five years, including plastic linings found in takeaway boxes, coffee cups and sachets. The start-up’s proprietary Morro materials offer a natural polymer alternative made from regenerative and natural plant protein feedstocks, including peas, rapeseed and sunflower. They are biodegradable, compostable and entirely free from plastic. Lead investor Emerald Technology Ventures runs a specialist, venture-backed investment fund targeting the full packaging lifecycle. The fund aims to catalyse leaps in advanced materials that benefit the planet and earn significant returns. Also leading the Series A round is BGF and Matterwave Ventures, in addition to participation from existing investors including Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures. Research shows there are now 8 billion tonnes of plastics and microplastics in our global environment, with less than 10% of plastic ever produced being recycled. Amid increasing concern over our worldwide reliance on plastics and the associated pollution as a result, businesses across the F&B industry and beyond are pouring efforts into developing sustainable alternatives that can offer the same capabilities in packaging applications – an enduring challenge for the sector. Xampla’s work in this area has included ensuring its Morro coating can maintain the recyclability of cardboard without compromising on grease, oxygen and moisture barrier properties. Its Morro films are soluble, offering potential to replace plastic PVA films across various applications. They are also food-safe and can be used as edible replacements for packaging single-serve products like sweets and soups. The start-up has already worked in collaboration with industry partners, replacing plastic coatings on boxes used by food delivery giant Just Eat and Bunzl Catering Supplies. Alexandra French, chief executive at Xampla, said: “This is a major vote of confidence for our revolutionary replacements for polluting plastics, and will see us expanding into Asia Pacific as well as growing in the UK and Europe”. Rowan Bird, investor at BGF, described Xampla’s technology as a “truly scalable and practical alternative to plastic”. He added: “Its patented, entirely natural and PFAS-free material is not only strong in performance but also drop-in ready for existing manufacturing lines, making it an attractive option for brands looking to adopt more sustainable solutions. We believe in the strength of the team, the quality of the product, and the positive role Xampla can play in helping reduce reliance on polluting plastics.”

DSM-Firmenich has announced that it has met its goal of sourcing 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources, achieving this milestone ahead of its 2025 timeline. This development is part of the company's broader strategy aimed at reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and value chain by 2045, as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO of DSM-Firmenich, said: “Reaching 100% purchased renewable electricity ahead of schedule demonstrates the decisive actions we are taking to meet our science-based targets”. To achieve this goal, DSM-Firmenich implemented a sourcing strategy aligned with RE100, a global initiative encouraging companies to commit to 100% renewable electricity. The strategy involved long-term power purchase agreements with wind and solar farms in Europe and North America, as well as local retail contracts and increased renewable purchases in China. Chief sustainability officer Katharina Stenholm acknowledged that while this milestone is significant, the company recognizes the ongoing need for progress. “We will keep pushing forward to meet our long-term goals, with our net-zero ambition for 2045 guiding the way,” she noted. In addition to achieving 100% renewable electricity, DSM-Firmenich is exploring renewable steam and heat from sustainably managed biomass co-generation plants in Switzerland, France, China and Brazil. The company is working on optimising waste streams and collaborating with partners to develop low-carbon solutions, which are essential for its greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Featured image: © DSM-Firmenich

FoodBev Media is thrilled to announce the official shortlist for the World Beverage Innovation Awards 2025. Now in their 22nd year, the awards continue to shine a spotlight on the most groundbreaking and innovative developments across the global beverage sector. The World Beverage Innovation Awards provide a comprehensive look into the future of beverages, celebrating excellence in over 20 categories. From pioneering production technology to revolutionary sustainable packaging and wellness-focused drinks, the awards recognise the companies and individuals who are truly redefining the way we drink. This prestigious scheme is a key platform for brands to gain global recognition and enhance their industry presence. Our judges were impressed by the high calibre of entries this year, showcasing a remarkable commitment to creativity, responsibility and taste. The shortlisted products represent a forward-thinking approach to an ever-evolving market, tackling key trends such as sustainability, health and consumer experience. Mark your calendars for Tuesday 16 September, 5pm CEST, where winners will be revealed live at Drinktec in Munich, Germany. With 160 shortlisted submissions across 25 countries, these awards represent the world's best, showcasing the most impressive innovations across the global beverage industry. World Beverage Innovation Awards 2025 shortlist Best products of 2025 Best alcohol beverage Casa Lima - Distilled Tea Spirit FX Matt Brewery - Saranac Weekend Warrior Holistic Spirits - Harmony Holistic Gin Holistic Spirits - Origen Holistic Vodka Mikuni Distillery - Osaka Gin Ölgerðin - PRN Best beverage concept | Category sponsored by Sidel Candy Can - Candy Can Charlie's Organics - Charlie's Organics Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu YoyiC Probiotic Lemon Tea Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Youngfun Chew a Lemon Light Milk Juice Drink Kinohimitsu - Kinohimitsu Haéria Pro This category is sponsored by Sidel, a leading global provider of equipment and packaging solutions. Learn more HERE . Best beverage system Chagee - Chagee’s beverage system Pubinno - TapPay: The Smart, Seamless Self-Service Beverage Operating System Best dairy beverage Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Shiny Meadow 4.0 Fresh Milk Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Slimline White Kidney Bean Extract Probiotic Skim Milk Formula Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Yili MilkZi Durian Milk Ningde Jiuzhan Agriculture - Jiuzhan Camellia Oil Emulsified Milk Nurri - 30g Protein Ultra Filtered Milk Shake PlanetDairy (DK) & Farm Dairy (NL) - Hybrid Milks are the Sustainable Solution for the Silent Majority Yili - QQ Star 'Monster Yummy' Milk Drink Best dilutable beverage PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Gatorade Hydration Booster WillPowders - Kombucha Best energy beverage Fulfill Food & Beverages BDA Karviva Beverages - Karviva Energy Juices: Hibiscus/Pomegranate and Mango/Passion Fruit PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Mountain Dew Redesign PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Rockstar Energy WillPowders - Brain Powder Best functional beverage Chuckling Goat - Original Kefir Forever Young Kombucha - Wanty Blackcurrant Probiotic Soda GoodBrew - GoodBrew GoodGut Latte Hormony Drinks - Hormony Drinks Humm Kombucha - Humm Probiome Kombucha Ikaffe - Black Rice Amazake Juni - Adaptogenic Sparkling Tea Kızılay I çecek - Kızılay Plus Green Apple & Green Plum Flavored Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water with Liposomal Magnesium Living Things - Lemon & Ginger Prebiotic Soda Mindfuelbev - Mindfuel Flow Focus & Clarity Neurothena - Neurothena - Brain Fuel Ölgerðin - Kristall+ Sky Barn - +Adaptogens Oat Milk VitClear - Brain Health Nootropic Soda WillPowders - ElectroTide Best low/no alcohol beverage Betty Booze - Betty Booze Vodka Iced Tea + Meyer Lemonade Betty Booze - Betty Booze Vodka Iced Tea + Passion Fruit Fulfill Food & Beverages BDA Karviva Beverages - Karviva Unwined Wine Replacement Drink: Malbec & Rose Best natural/organic beverage Chagee - BO·YA Jasmine Green Milk Tea Charlie's Organics - Charlie's Organics Fulfill Food & Beverages BDA Karviva Beverages - Karviva Fermented Tea Drinks (In Transparent Cans) Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Fruit Veggie Milk Juni - Adaptogenic Sparkling Tea Sky Barn - +Adaptogens Oat Milk WillPowders - Kombucha - Warm Best plant-based beverage Fulfill Food & Beverages BDA Karviva Beverages - Karviva Sprouts of Hope Whole Plant Juice GoodBrew - GoodBrew Pistachio Latte Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Daily Fiber Oat Milk PlanetDairy (DK) + Farm Dairy (NL) - Hybrid Milks are the Sustainable Solution for the Silent Majority Sky Barn - +Adaptogens Oat Milk Vietnam Soya Products Company - Fami Go - Soy Milk Best premium beverage GoodBrew - GoodBrew GoodGut Latte Best ready-to-drink beverage Betty Booze - Betty Booze Vodka Iced Tea + Meyer Lemonade Betty Booze - Betty Booze Vodka Iced Tea + Passion Fruit GoodBrew - GoodBrew's GoodGut Latte Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu YoyiC Probiotic Lemon Tea JSC OMG Bubble Tea - OMG Bubble Tea Watermelon Slay with Lychee Bubbles Mindfuelbev - Mindfuel Flow Focus & Clarity Mindfuelbev - Mindfuel Flow Stress & Mood VitClear - Active Health Nootropic Soda (Guava & Passionfruit) Best packaging of 2025 Best metal design Ardagh Metal Packaging - Candy Can x PAC-MAN Ardagh Metal Packaging - Carissima Limoncello Spritz Ardagh Metal Packaging - Maison Perrier Chic Canpack - Lech Crown Packaging Services EMEA - Natakhtari Olberding Brand Family - Canadian Club Metal Design PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Mountain Dew Redesign Best packaging design Candy Can - Candy Can CANPACK - ŻYWIEC Graphic Packaging International - AB InBev Leffe Beer Multipack with Two-Piece Technology Graphic Packaging International - EnviroClip Beam for Get More Vits Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu YoyiC Super-fast Burning Probiotic Solid Beverage Living Things - Watermelon & Lime Prebiotic Soda Olberding Brand Family - Canadian Club PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Gatorade Hydration Booster PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Mountain Dew Redesign Primo Brands: Saratoga Spring Water - Primo Brands’ Saratoga Spring Water: An Icon of Style and Sustainability Türkiye Şişe Ve Cam Fabrikaları - 33cl Haus Beer Bottle Best sustainable packaging Alzamora Group - Bottle & Cups Gift Pack Aqua Matters - Jääde Finnish Spring Water Pure-Pak Belvac - The Carrier Ring Aluminum Bottle Buyo and 100+ Accelerator: Circular and Cost-Effective Sustainable Packaging - Buyo and 100+ Accelerator Denomination - Tread Softly Bagnums Graphic Packaging International - Cap-It for AG Barr’s Irn Bru Graphic Packaging International - AB InBev Leffe Beer Multipack with Two-Piece Technology Graphic Packaging International - EnviroClip Beam for Get More Vits Plastipak - O2Blox - Nylon Free Barrier Sipa - XRefill Türkiye Şişe Ve Cam Fabrikaları - ULW Long Neck Beer Bottle Türkiye Şişe Ve Cam Fabrikaları - 20cl ULW Mineral Water Bottle Best innovations of 2025 Best component/equipment innovation H2oK and 100+ Accelerator: Modular Filtration Tech enabling High-quality Water Reuse at Scale - H2oK and 100+ Accelerator Regal Rexnord - Rexnord 1104 Series FlushTop MatTop Chain Best filling/packing innovation Belvac - The Carrier Ring Aseptic Aluminum Bottle Fogg Filler - PF 2160 Hot Fill Glacier and 100+ Accelerator : AI-Powered Robotics for Smarter Recycling - Glacier and 100+ Accelerator Best health/wellness innovation Fibre UP - Fibre UP Soft Drinks Ikaffe - Pineapple Vinegar Scent Rice Amazake (175ml) Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guan Yiru Early 8 Dundun Probiotic Yogurt Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Three Calves Prebiotics Lactose Free Milk Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Yourui Sugar Guard Probiotics Powder Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial - Inikin Ginseng and Goji Berry Water Net Zero Foods - ROBOT Organic Honey Cola Kombucha PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Gatorade Hydration Booster The Pickle Juice Company - Pickle Juice VitClear - Brain Health Nootropic Soda WillPowders - ElectroTide Best ingredient innovation Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Guanyiru Popping Bubble Blueberry Yogurt Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Hi188 Pro-Growth Probiotics Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lc19 Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Yourui Golden Bone Strength Senior Milk Formula NutriFusion - GrandFusion Second Squeeze  - Fruit surplus and skins made into fruit syrups Soufflet Malt - Malted Soft Drink Vivici - The Compact Protein Revolution: Unlocked with Vivitein BLG WillPowders - Kombucha - Fresh ZoomAgri and 100+ Accelerator: Enabling a More Efficient Malting Process, Reducing Land, Water, and Energy Use in Beer Production - ZoomAgri and 100+ Accelerator Best packaging/labelling innovation Ball Corporation - Braille Ends Ball Corporation - Dynamark Advanced Pro – Designed to Engage, Engineered to Perform Ball Corporation & Constellation Brands - Corona Lime Friendly Ends Candy Can - Candy Can Canpack - X Energy Drink Chagee - Chagee's packaging and labelling Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Daily Fiber Oat Milk Biomimetic Eco-Friendly PET Bottle Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Just Pure Yogurt Charming Cat Ear Cap Double Easy Packaging Yogurt PepsiCo Design + Innovation - Gatorade Rookie Bottle Best processing/production innovation Belvac - The Carrier Ring Aluminum Bottle BlueTree Technologies - BlueTree Technologies Chagee - Chagee’s tea extraction technology Colloidtek - Collo Liquid Intelligence DNP’s Green Aseptic - Green Aseptic SmartSkin Technologies - SmartSkin's Solutions TraceGains - TraceGains Intelligent Document Processing Best technology innovation Arcade Strange - Gamified Drink Pouring Experience from Arcade Strange Beverage Booster - Double Chamber Widget Carbotek Systems - Carbo.cool - Adaptive Inline Carbonation Ceria Brewing Company - Ceria Brewing Company Alcohol-Free Beer Identiv, ZATAP, and Genuine-Analytics - The Future of Wine Authentication from Identiv, ZATAP, and Genuine-Analytics IdentPro - Warehouse Execution System Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy - Mengniu Shiny Meadow Direct Steam Infusion Technology Misa-Vertriebs - Misa-Customize Online 3D Beverage Tower Configurator Mocco - Jeasy Best business of 2025 Best CSR/sustainability initiative 100+ Accelerator: Big ideas, Real Impact - 100+ Accelerator Ball Corporation - Ball’s Climate Transition Plan Lipton Teas and Infusions - Lipton Tea Innovation & Technology Academy OzHarvest Ventures & Second Squeeze - Oh! For OzHarvest Lemonaid Primo Brands - Primo Brands: Pioneering Sustainable Hydration Through a Reuse and Refill Revolution Retal - A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Packaging for Global Brands Best marketing campaign Candy Can - Candy Can Les Producteurs de lait du Québec - Milkeye Les Producteurs de lait du Québec - Rien d'autre - Nothing else Best logistics/supply chain solution Dr Scrap and 100+ Accelerator: From Industrial Scrap to Recycled Treasure - Dr Scrap and 100+ Accelerator Best new/start-up business Mocco - Jeasy Congratulations to all the shortlisted products, innovations and brands! Each shortlisted entry will be recognised as either a Winner, Finalist or Commended, on 16 September 2025. Sidel Best Beverage Concept category sponsor Sidel is a leading global provider of equipment and packaging solutions for beverage, food, home and personal care products in PET, can, glass and other materials.  With over 170 years of experience, Sidel has 40,000 machines installed in more than 190 countries and 5,000+ employees worldwide who are passionate about providing equipment and service solutions.  Sidel, one of three industry groups of Tetra Laval, is a leading provider of equipment and services solutions for packaging beverage, food, home, and personal care products. Join us at Drinktec 2025 Drinktec is the world's leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry, held every four years in Munich. It's a premier global platform that brings together manufacturers, suppliers and producers to showcase the latest technologies and discuss emerging trends, from processing and filling to packaging and marketing. Join FoodBev Media for the awards ceremony at the Liquidrome Wave Stage on 16 September 2025, Hall C4, Stand 179! At our stand, you can also find us with our co-exhibitors to learn more about successful World Beverage Innovation Awards participants, both old and new! FoodBev Awards has also partnered with The Good Cup to promote the future of sustainability. The awards ceremony will be followed by a Liquidrome Sundowner, sponsored by FoodBev Media. Guests can enjoy networking with international industry professionals, along with complimentary snacks and drinks. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with the best in the business! What happened last year? The World Beverage Innovation Awards 2024 marked the scheme's 21st year, with the winners being announced at the BrauBeviale trade event in Germany. The awards celebrated a wide range of innovations, from craft beverages to ready-to-drink creations and low/no alcohol options. For a look back at the excitement and to hear directly from one of the winners, watch our exclusive interview with Radoslav Stryhal from DeMagdo on the company's victory. "We really appreciate this recognition. [The award] is important to us, gives us strength, and gives us motivation." About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com  or email awards@foodbev.com .

The Cocktail Collection has introduced its latest ready-to-serve cocktail, Bulleit Whiskey Sour, responding to the growing consumer demand for convenient, high-quality cocktail options. This new offering, which blends Bulleit Whiskey with lemon juice and a hint of honey, is designed to seamlessly transition from summer to fall, making it an ideal choice for various seasonal gatherings. Bulleit Whiskey Sour is positioned as a premium option in the ready-to-serve market, allowing consumers to enjoy a classic cocktail without the need for extensive preparation. To serve, consumers simply pour the cocktail over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange slice and Amarena cherry, delivering a bar-quality experience at home. The cocktail is available in two sizes – 350ml (SRP: $13.99) and 750ml (SRP: $25.99) – with an average ABV of 25%. Nikhil Shah, brand director at Diageo, added: “From backyard bonfires to game night gatherings, this cocktail offers an easy, elevated option for any occasion”. The new cocktail is available online and at multiple locations in the US.

The European Union (EU) has invested €2.2 million into a project to encourage the growth and adoption of plant-based food across Europe. Officially launched yesterday (3 September 2025), the project – named Innovative Strategies to Accelerate Adoption and Consumption of Plant-Based Food (ISAAP) – is part of the EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)’s Food Impact Funding Framework. It will run from September 2025 until August 2027, bringing together partners from Portugal, Czechia and Denmark. Two national offices of industry awareness organisation ProVeg International will play key roles in the use of the funding. The project will build on Denmark’s National Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods, aiming to replicate and expand similar strategies across other EU countries to promote healthier and more sustainable food systems. In Portugal, ProVeg will work alongside farmer organisations such as the Portuguese farmers confederation Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal, and CERPRO, a producers organisation. Universidade Católica Portuguesa will also collaborate on the project, supporting the development of innovative new legume-based products and building stronger connections between agriculture, research and industry. Meanwhile, ProVeg Czechia will focus on increasing access to plant-based meals in the foodservice sector. It will work closely with Catering Zdravě and other partners to support the development of new plant-based dishes, share expertise across the catering sector and help expand the New Food Forum, a key industry event. Jasmijn de Boo, global CEO of ProVeg International, said: “ISAAP represents a joint effort to make plant-based foods more accessible, appealing and sustainable across Europe. We are proud to collaborate with partners in creating real change that benefits farmers, industry, and consumers alike.”

Tony’s Chocolonely, a brand renowned for its commitment to ethical chocolate production, has unveiled its latest product: the Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Crunch Bar. This new offering aims to capture the attention of consumers and retailers alike, combining familiar flavour profiles with the company’s mission to combat exploitation in the cocoa industry. Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Crunch Bar features a blend of buttery pecan pieces, crumbly cookie bits and Tony’s signature crunchy caramel, all enveloped in smooth milk chocolate. This flavour combination is designed to evoke the indulgence of Southern US-style pralines, appealing to both chocolate enthusiasts and those seeking a unique taste experience. The new bar is now available online and select independent retailers, including Whole Foods. This launch aligns with Tony’s ongoing strategy to expand its product range while maintaining its core values of transparency and sustainability within the cocoa supply chain. Tony’s Chocolonely has positioned itself as a leader in the ethical chocolate movement, advocating for fair labour practices and sustainable sourcing. The introduction of the Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Crunch Bar not only diversifies its product line-up but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to social responsibility.

The UK government has announced a decisive policy shift aimed at protecting the health of children by banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to those under the age of 16. This call, part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles among youth, responds to mounting public concern regarding the adverse effects of these beverages on children's health and wellbeing. The proposed legislation, outlined by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, will restrict the sale of popular energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Prime in retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online. This ban is in line with commitments made during the King’s Speech 2024 and reflects the government's ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children in the UK. Research indicates that up to one-third of UK children consume high-caffeine energy drinks weekly, with some products containing caffeine levels comparable to multiple cups of coffee. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has expressed concern over the potential health implications, which include increased risks of headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety and even more severe outcomes such as seizures in extreme cases. Additionally, sugary variants of these drinks contribute to obesity and dental issues, further exacerbating public health challenges and putting extra strain on services like the NHS. A systematic review of over 1.2 million young people across 21 countries has reinforced these concerns, linking energy drink consumption to negative health outcomes and reduced academic performance. On BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Streeting highlighted the need for legislative action: “We have listened to health organisations, experts and public leaders calling for urgent action on high-caffeine energy drinks to protect children’s health”. The government is launching a 12-week consultation to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including public health experts, parents, educators and the F&B industry. This consultation aims to refine the details of the ban, including enforcement mechanisms and the specific products that will be affected. Retailers and manufacturers will need to adapt swiftly to the new regulations, which will apply uniformly across all sales channels, including online platforms and vending machines. The proposed enforcement measures will allow local authorities to issue fines for non-compliance, with penalties varying based on the size of the business. For instance, individual and small businesses may face fines of £1,500, while larger corporations could incur penalties of £2,500 for selling to underage customers. According to the BBC , the British Soft Drinks Association has urged that any forthcoming regulations be based on robust evidence, noting that many manufacturers have already taken steps to self-regulate. However, the proposed ban is expected to significantly impact the energy drink market, which has seen rising popularity among youth, particularly in deprived areas where access to these products is more pronounced.

Jerry Beeney Jerry Beeney, director of global business development – R&D/science at Teledyne FLIR Systems, explains how thermal imaging is a critical and efficient tool in food and beverage manufacturing plants, how it can help identify issues across operations and maintain essential safety regulations throughout the food and beverage industry. The F&B industry is one of the most regulated and safety-conscious industries in the world. With an intricate web of processes, from raw material handling to packaging and distribution, ensuring safety for the consumer and plant equipment is paramount. Any compromise can have far-reaching consequences, including health risks, reputational damage, damaged facilities and regulatory penalties. Among the many advanced technologies deployed to enhance safety and efficiency in food and beverage plants, thermal imaging has emerged as an invaluable tool. What is thermal imaging? Thermal imaging is a technology that captures the infrared radiation emitted by objects and presents it visually. All objects emit some level of infrared radiation, which increases with temperature. Thermal imaging cameras translate this radiation into an easy-to-understand image, allowing users to identify heat patterns and anomalies that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. In food and beverage plants, this technology serves as a non-intrusive, real-time diagnostic tool, aiding in the early detection of issues, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining product quality standards. Key applications in F&B plant safety Equipment maintenance and reliability Thermal imaging is widely used to monitor the condition of critical machinery and equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, conveyors and motors that operate continuously; malfunctions can lead to production downtime or even hazardous situations. By identifying abnormal heat patterns, such as overheating or won-out components, thermal imaging helps predict and prevent potential failures. For instance, detecting a hot spot in a motor could point to bearing failure, allowing timely repairs before a breakdown occurs. Electric system inspections Electrical systems form the backbone of plant operations, powering machinery, lighting and controls. Loose connections, overloaded circuits or faulty wiring can lead to overheating, posing a fire hazard. Thermal imaging enables inspectors to identify and address such issues proactively. This not only prevents accidents but also ensures compliance with safety regulations. Temperature control in food production Maintaining precise temperature ranges is essential throughout food production to ensure safety and prevent contamination. Thermal imaging assists in checking temperature consistency in industrial ovens, refrigeration units and cold storage, identifying potential cold spots or irregularities that might affect product quality. For example, a thermal scan of an industrial oven can reveal cold spots that might lead to undercooking, while monitoring freezers ensures the consistent preservation of perishable goods. Leak detection Leaks in steam pipes, refrigeration systems or packaging can compromise safety and efficiency. For instance, identifying insulation failures in steam systems helps reduce energy waste and prevent accidental burns. Thermal imaging can detect temperature differences associated with leaks, enabling quick identification and resolution. In steam systems, identifying insulation failures helps reduce energy waste and prevent accidental burns. Optical gas imaging cameras using thermal imaging technology can identify refrigerant gas leaks in cooling systems, which can be harmful to the environment and pose health risks to workers. Sanitation verification Ensuring thorough cleaning and sanitation is critical in food safety. Thermal imaging can assess the effectiveness of cleaning processes, confirming that areas have reached necessary temperatures for microbial control. This supports compliance with safety protocols such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points). Worker safety and training Thermal imaging also contributes to workplace safety by monitoring heat exposure levels in high temperature zones, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Moreover, its visual format is an excellent tool for training employees on safety procedures and identifying hazards. Advantages of thermal imaging Incorporating thermal imaging into safety practices offers numerous benefits: Non-invasive technology: Inspections can be conducted without direct contact, ensuring no disruption to operations. Instant feedback: Real-time data enables swift identification and resolution of issues. High precision: Subtle temperature variations are detectable, ensuring accurate diagnoses. Cost efficiency: Preventive maintenance minimises downtime, repair costs and equipment damage. Regulatory support: Thermal imaging aligns with stringent safety and environmental standards, bolstering consumer trust. Case studies of success Numerous food and beverage plants worldwide have reaped the benefits of thermal imaging. For example, a major dairy processing plant reported a significant reduction in equipment failures after incorporating routine thermal inspections into its maintenance schedule. Similarly, a bakery utilised thermal imaging to optimise oven performance, leading to consistent product quality and reduced waste. Future trends in thermal imaging for food safety As technology advances, thermal imaging is becoming more accessible and sophisticated. Integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is enhancing its diagnostic capabilities, allowing for predictive analytics and automated inspections. Wireless and handheld devices are making thermal imaging more user-friendly, while cloud-based platforms enable seamless data sharing and analysis. These innovations will continue shaping the future of safety in food and beverage plants. Thermal imaging has become an indispensable asset in safeguarding the F&B industry. By offering clear insights into heat-related anomalies, it enhances preventive maintenance, mitigates risks and ensures compliance with hygiene standards. As the sector embraces emerging technologies, thermal imaging will remain at the forefront of safety innovations, protecting both operations and consumers.