US energy drink brand Gorgie has launched Rocket Pop Protein, a new summer-inspired flavour designed to evoke the taste of the classic red, white and blue ice lolly. The new flavour combines cherry, citrus and berry notes and is formulated with 150mg of green tea caffeine per can. It also contains biotin, B vitamins and L-theanine, and is gluten-free and made without artificial sweeteners. Michelle Cordeiro Grant, founder and CEO of Gorgie, said: "Rocket Pop Protein is everything we want summer to feel like nostalgic, fun, energetic and a little unexpected. Our community is always looking for flavours that feel exciting and memorable, and we wanted to create something that taps into that sense of nostalgia while still delivering the clean, functional energy Gorgie is known for." Rocket Pop Protein will be available via the brand's websites and at Target stores across the US.

AB InBev has appointed Dirk Van de Pu as chairman of its board, effective 16 June 2026. Dirk Van de Pu © LinkedIn Van de Put, who has served as an independent director on the brewer's board since April 2023, succeeds Martin J Barrington, who retired from the board at the company's annual shareholders' meeting. Van de Put is currently chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International, a role he has held since 2017. He has more than 30 years of experience in the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods sectors, with expertise across commercial operations in both emerging and developed markets. Before joining Mondelēz, Van de Put served as president and CEO of McCain Foods. He has also held senior leadership roles at Novartis, Danone, Coca-Cola and Mars. AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris said: “We are delighted to have Dirk Van de Put as our new chairman. He brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished record of leadership that will be invaluable as we continue to grow and create a future with more cheers.” Van de Put added: “I’m honoured to be selected as the company’s next chairman. Having spent the past three years on the AB InBev board, I am supportive of the company’s strategy and ten year plan. I have been impressed by the company’s talented management team, led by CEO Michel Doukeris, and I look forward to helping AB InBev write the next chapter in brewing history.”

Danone has filed a federal lawsuit against Chobani, alleging that the US yogurt maker misleads consumers over the protein content of its Chobani 20g Protein products, according to Reuters. The complaint, filed Monday 15 June in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims Chobani inflates protein claims on its multi-serving yogurt tubs by using larger serving sizes than those typically recognised under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Danone argues that the labelling practice gives consumers the impression that Chobani's products directly compete with its Oikos Pro line, which contains 20g of protein per standard 5.3oz serving. According to the lawsuit, if Chobani followed FDA serving-size standards, its products would deliver less than 18g of protein per serving rather than the advertised 20g. Danone contends that this would place the products closer to the protein levels found in its Oikos Triple Zero range, which contains between 15g and 18g of protein per serving and is sold at a lower price point. The company said producing dairy products with that level of protein density is "difficult and costly," and alleged that Chobani instead increased the labelled serving size without increasing the amount of yogurt. Danone is seeking unspecified damages and changes to Chobani’s labelling. Last year, Danone also sued Chobani over its cold brew coffee branding, alleging that the company copied the tagline and packaging of one of its top-selling products. FoodBev has reached out to Danone and Chobani for comment. A spokesperson for Danone said: "As a matter of company policy, Danone does not comment on active litigation."

The Winners of the World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026 were revealed live on stage at the 19th Annual Global Dairy Congress, marking the culmination of months of rigorous judging and a shortlist that set a high bar across every category. All submissions were reviewed by an independent panel of judges drawn from across the dairy value chain – spanning manufacturing, nutrition science, product innovation, growth insights and more. Francesca Hall, events director at FoodBev Media, presented these awards and reflected on the quality of this year's submissions: "The level of innovation on display this year is remarkable. These winners are reimagining dairy's role, engineering function and purpose into every drop while keeping consumers' evolving needs at the heart of that change." If one theme cut across this year's winning entries, it was function. Dairy products are increasingly being engineered to do more than nourish – delivering targeted protein, blood sugar benefits, fortified nutrients, or performance-driven formulations aimed at specific consumer needs. It's a sign of where the industry's R&D energy is concentrated heading into 2027, and this year's winners reflect that shift clearly. Congratulations to every Winner, Finalist, and Commended product, innovation and company! Explore the full list of 2026 winners by category below. What innovations excite you most in this year's results? Share your insights and join the conversation using #WDIA26 World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026 results Best products of 2026 Best Artisan Product WINNER Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group | Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yo!Fine Dairy Greek yogurt-zero sucrose FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Cultured Butter FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Powder 700g COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Organic Whipping Cream COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whipping Cream Best Butter/Spread WINNER Meiji Co | Meiji Spreatable Aged Cheese Blend FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Cultured Butter Best Cheese WINNER China Feihe | Feihe Angus Beef Cheese FINALIST Junlebao Dairy | Soft Heart Cheese FINALIST Meiji Co | Meiji Hokkaido Tokachi Camen-Blue FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Organic Mozzarella Cheese COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe Love Veggie Cheese COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce Best Children's Dairy Product WINNER Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Optimum A2 Pro+ FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America | TruMoo Moana FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Mini Cheese Milk Flavored Ice Cream FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein HMOs Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Tetra Pak Slim 125ml × 16 cartons) Cream Modified Milk (Slim Pack 125ml × 20 cartons) FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Youcui Baoai COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Gyr U‑Star Children's Growth Yogurt COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein Millet Milk Full COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Kids Cheese Milk COMMENDED Yili Group | Cute Star A2β-Casein Milk with Native DHA Best Dairy Alternative WINNER PlanetDairy | PlanetDairy Hybrid Milk range FINALIST Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt FINALIST Over The Moo | Over The Moo Dairy-Free Bites COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium COMMENDED Sky Barn | +Adaptogens Organic Oat Milk Best Dessert WINNER Mengniu Dairy | Suibian Crispy！Lava FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Classic Black Forest Cake Flavor Ice Cream COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Organic Mascarpone Flavored Cream COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt Best Dairy Drink WINNER Four Leaves Co | Lullaa NZSmartMilk – BioFusion Functional Dairy System FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein Fruit & Vegetable Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Slim Pack 125ml × 20 cartons) FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Youyi C Live Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Drink (Strawberry Flavor, Green Grape Flavor, Apple Flavor) COMMENDED Dairy Farmers of America | Alta Dena Protein COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Freshjoy Omega-3 Fresh Milk COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Xin Yang Dao YouGu milk Best Flavoured Dairy Drink WINNER Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Flavored FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America | TruMoo Protein Whole Chocolate Milk FINALIST Dimes Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret | Dimes Cola-flavoured Milkshake COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Chewy Fruit-Freshly Pressed Coconut Milk Beverage COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Fresh Chocolate Milk Best Dairy Protein Product WINNER Dairy Farmers of America | Mulu Cottage Cheese FINALIST Brownes Dairy | Füll+ FINALIST China Feihe | Feihe Angus Beef Cheese FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter COMMENDED China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe Love Veggies Protein Shake COMMENDED Meiji Co | Savas Biopro Whey Protein 100 COMMENDED The Organic Protein Co | Real Coffee Organic Whey Protein Powder Best Dairy Snack WINNER Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Cheese Nuts Crisps FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Hankou Set Yogurt FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | ‌Mengniu Guanyiru Fruit Popping Beads Flavored Fermented Milk COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Soft Heart Cheese COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk SuSu High-Calcium Cheese Lollipop Best Functional Dairy WINNER China Feihe | Feihe Qingcheng Glycaemic Health Milk Powder FINALIST China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder FINALIST China Feihe | Aiben Yuedong Protein Dual-Peptide Nutrition Powder FINALIST Four Leaves Co | Lullaa / NZ SmartMilk – Functional Dairy Product FINALIST Meiji Co | Meiji MeiBalance Mini Cup Strawberry Flavor FINALIST Meiji Co | Meiji Hemoglobin A1c Support Yogurt FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Yourui Tekangli Selenium-Enriched Camel Milk Powder FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Precision Functional Yogurt FINALIST Yili | Yili Xinhuo Blood Sugar Management Formula Milk Powder FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder COMMENDED Brownes Dairy | Füll+: Redefining functional dairy by giving consumers more. COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe BaoXin Cardiovascular Health Milk Powder COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe ShanGu Bone & Joint Formula Milk Powder COMMENDED Chuckling Goat | Original Kefir COMMENDED Friesland Campina Innovation | Optimel Vezels – Making fibre intake easy, tasty and accessible COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Calcium Electrolyte Drink COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves BoneCare Soft Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Dream Cap 250ml × 10 cartons) COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt WINNER Vinamilk | Vinamilk Gelato Matcha Gotcha Ice Cream FINALIST Casper's Ice Cream | FatBoy Birthday Sandwich Pop FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Cheers！Tangerine Pu-erh Tea Flavor ice cream FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Strawberry & Milk Ice Cream (No Additives) COMMENDED Dairy Farmers of America | Kemps Crafted Ice Cream Relaunch COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Qiaolezi Low-Sugar Salty Cheese Brownie / Matcha Cocoa Ice Cream COMMENDED Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | House Coffee COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Ice+ Whole Berry Sorbet COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy| Mengniu (Princess, Please Get Rich) Yellow Peach Milk Ice Cream Mengniu (Prince, Please Strike It Rich) Pineapple Milk Ice Cream COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | SuiBian Qiao Qiao Man Guan Chocolate Ice Cream Best Specialised Dairy Powder WINNER China Feihe | Aiben Beishuhe FINALIST China Feihe | AiBen BeiShuRan FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Red Ginseng Revitalized Milk Powder FINALIST Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Diacerna – Clinically Aligned Nutrition Restoring Confidence and Daily Control for Vietnamese Elders with Diabetes FINALIST Yili | Yili Xinhuo Blood Sugar Management Formula Milk Powder COMMENDED China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Xinhuo Living Heart Milk Powder COMMENDED Meiji Co | Meiji Hohoemi Infant Formula COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Ruibuen Chuainiuniu Jingzhi Young Children Formula Milk Powder COMMENDED Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Heart Vitality Formula Milk Powder Best Yogurt WINNER Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Jinshan branch | Changqing Lemon & Oat Popping Beads Probiotic Yogurt FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yo!Fine Dairy Greek Yogurt COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt Best innovations of 2026 Best Dairy Alternative Innovation WINNER PlanetDairy | PlanetDairy Hybrid Milk range FINALIST Sky Barn | The Future of Shelf-Stable Oat Milk COMMENDED ADM | Plant Based Protein Breakfast Shake COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt Best General Health Innovation WINNER Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Good Night, Lychee Ice Cream FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Beichang Probiotics Selenium-Enriched High-Calcium Goat Milk Powder FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | ‌Mengniu Guanyiru Fruit & Vegetable Flavored Fermented Milk FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu MNHi188 Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K Oral Solution FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Heart Vitality Formula Milk Powder COMMENDED China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Ice+ Power Lemon Electrolyte Lemon Flavor Sorbet COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | ‌Mengniu Guanyiru Anti-Hangover Functional Yogurt‌‌ COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Guanyiru Iron-Fortified Functional Yogurt‌ COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Flavored Ice Cream COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Three Calves A2β HMO Milk COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu YimiBaba Probiotic Drops COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Yourui Selenium-rich and High-calcium Goat Milk Powder Best Intolerance-Friendly Innovation WINNER Yeeper Nutrition Technology (Qingdao) | Yeeper Boneng Young Children Formula Sheep Milk Powder FINALIST Mead Johnson Nutritionals China | Chunguan Beiyougoatmilk S3 700G FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Low-Temperature Lactose-Free Product Series FINALIST Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Optimum A2 Pro+ FINALIST Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe Ranch Bird's Nest Acid Lactose Protein Nutritional Powder COMMENDED China Feihe | Muyuxingyang COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves Prebiotic Soft Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Tetra Pak Prisma 200ml × 12 packs) COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | M-Plus Daily Protein Original High-Protein Milk (15g Protein, Original Flavor) Best Life-Stage Innovation WINNER Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Prevent Gold – A Complete and Balanced Formula, Purpose‑Built for the Transition Stage of Vietnamese Aging FINALIST China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili Xinhuo Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Ginseng Cheese Milk COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Kids Cheese Milk COMMENDED Vinamilk | Vinamilk Green Farm Bird's Nest Best Manufacturing Innovation WINNER ColloidTek Oy | Collo | Liquid Process Intelligence for Dairy Manufacturing FINALIST Four Leaves Co | Lullaa - NZ SmartMilk FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Intelligent Control Precision Dynamic Molding System for Multi-color Ice Cream FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Powder 700g COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Automated Equipment for Precise Positioning of Conical Profiled Shelters COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu A2 β-Casein Pure Milk Powder 700g COMMENDED Sealed Air | Transforming cheese packing with Cryovac AutoWrap Lite COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection Best Technology Innovation WINNER JBT Marel | CIPure FINALIST Diversey – a Solenis Company | Divos ACP (Accelerated Cleaning Protocol) FINALIST DuPont Water Solutions | FilmTec Hypershell XP RO 8038 Element - Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Dairy Production Through Membrane Technology Innovation FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Milk Extract - Cold Energy Circulation Recovery System FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Molecular-Level Sonic Void-Piercing Microcrystal Technique COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | YiLi’s You Xin Whipping Cream COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Xinhuo Shutang Formula Milk Powder COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Sosodaily Probiotic Powder Platinum Edition COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium COMMENDED Vinamilk | Vinamilk Green Farm High Protein Best businesses of 2026 Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative WINNER Seoul Dairy Cooperative | Seoul Dairy Organic Milk in SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier FINALIST Junlebao Dairy Group | Freshjoy Milk Packaging Best Marketing Campaign WINNER Brownes Dairy | Füll+: Reclaiming 'Fast Food' for a new generation FINALIST Dairy Farmers of Canada | Strong and Free FINALIST Kinisla | Strings & Things: Fun-Om-Nom-Nom Campaign FINALIST Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | Jeanne: The Face of a New Generation COMMENDED China Feihe | 'Action with Strength, Drink Aiben' Integrated Marketing for Aiben Small Molecule Whey Protein Special Dietary Powder COMMENDED Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | La Protectrice (The Protector) COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt COMMENDED Young Fun | Young Fun’s 'Forget It' Garlic-Flavored Limited Edition Best Packaging Design WINNER Vinamilk | Gelato Ice cream by Vinamilk FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Light Meal Box Yogurt Bowl FINALIST Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk SuSu High-Calcium Cheese Lollipop FINALIST Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Ready-To-Drink – Ergonomic, Accessible, and Gift-ready Packaging Designed for Vietnamese Elders and Their Families COMMENDED Brownes Dairy | Brownes Dairy creates the most beautiful yoghurt in the world COMMENDED Dairy Farmers of America | Mulu Cottage Cheese Packaging COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Selected Meadow Whole Milk COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection The FoodBev team extend our warmest congratulations to all those who have been successful in 2026. The World Dairy Innovation Awards will return for 2027 – stay tuned for more details on how to enter! The 2026 judging panel The announcement of this year's winners wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of the expert judging panel. FoodBev is immensely grateful for the time, insight and objectivity they brought to their reviews. By identifying the standout achievements of 2026, their efforts continue to elevate standards and spotlight genuine innovation across the global dairy sector. About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are recognised as some of 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.

Tetra Pak and Spanish seafood producer Jealsa have launched what they describe as the 'world's first carton packaging solution for shelf-stable tuna', marking a significant innovation in a category long dominated by metal cans. The new format, based on Tetra Pak's Tetra Recart technology, debuted in Sweden last month through retailer Axfood and is now being made available to food manufacturers and seafood brands globally. Developed through a collaboration between the packaging giant and Jealsa, the solution aims to provide tuna producers with a paper-based alternative to traditional steel cans while offering opportunities for brand differentiation, improved logistics and lower environmental impact. The launch comes as the global shelf-stable tuna market continues to expand, with demand driven by consumers seeking affordable, convenient and protein-rich food options. Tetra Pak estimates the category will grow by around 12% to reach 12.4 billion units by 2030. For decades, shelf-stable tuna has been almost exclusively sold in round metal cans. Tetra Pak believes the introduction of a carton-based format could help brands modernise the category and stand out on increasingly competitive retail shelves. The Tetra Recart package features a rectangular shape with large printable surfaces, allowing for greater brand visibility and consumer communication. The format also offers advantages for retailers and e-commerce operators through improved shelf utilisation, warehousing efficiency and transport optimisation. Tatiana Liceti, executive vice president of packaging solutions at Tetra Pak, said: "This is true packaging innovation in a category that has looked the same for generations. We are giving producers and brands a new way to stand out on shelf, support cost-competitive production and modernise with a paper-based alternative to cans." According to Tetra Pak, Tetra Recart has a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional tuna packaging formats, with emissions up to 85% lower than steel cans and 83% lower than glass jars. The packaging is made with up to 71% FSC-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests. The company argues that the lightweight, space-efficient format can also contribute to lower emissions throughout the supply chain by improving transportation and storage efficiency. As food manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce packaging-related emissions and improve resource efficiency, alternative formats such as fibre-based cartons are attracting growing attention across multiple food categories. Consumer research commissioned by Tetra Pak suggests strong potential acceptance for the format. More than 80% of consumers surveyed said they would purchase tuna packaged in Tetra Recart, while 58% indicated a preference for the carton over existing packaging alternatives. Initially, the solution is being launched in a 200ml Mini format and supports a variety of tuna applications, including flakes, shredded tuna, spreads and chunks. Tetra Pak says further product formats and tuna preparations are expected to be added as the category develops. Jesús M. Alonso Escurís, president of Jealsa, said: "Through our collaboration with Tetra Pak, we've brought a game-changing packaging solution to market, combining innovative packaging with our heritage in high-quality seafood." Following the Swedish rollout, Jealsa plans to introduce Tetra Recart-packaged products under its own brands, including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto and Robinson Crusoe, as well as for private-label and third-party customers. With demand for shelf-stable protein continuing to rise and retailers seeking more sustainable packaging solutions, the introduction of carton-based tuna packaging could represent one of the most significant changes to the category in decades.

Archer Meat Snacks has expanded its product range with a new eight-count mini stick multipack line-up, including its first chicken product. The new range includes oven-roasted chicken and BBQ beef, made with 100% grass-fed beef. The wider multipack flavours includes oven-roasted chicken minis, sweet BBQ beef minis, classic beef minis, 1oz classic beef sticks, original turkey minis and 1oz original turkey sticks. The products are certified gluten-free and contain 0g of total sugar, no fillers and not artificial ingredients. Each mini stick provides 4g to 5g of protein. Andrew Thomas, SVP of marketing at Archer Meat Snacks, said: "Archer was built on a simple idea: real ingredients, real protein, nothing you can't pronounce. The fact that we're now in more than 30,000 doors – and growing more than three times the category – tells us consumers have been waiting for this." "The chicken launch and eight-count expansion are about meeting them wherever they shop and making it easy to choose better protein snacks." The eight-count mini stick multipacks will be available at Target stores across the US for an SRP of $7.99, while the eight-count 1oz full-size stick multipacks are priced at $16.99.

Nestlé USA has completed the removal of all Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colours from its US food and beverage portfolio, marking a significant milestone in the company's broader strategy to align products with evolving consumer preferences for simpler ingredients and greater transparency. The company announced that it has fully eliminated FD&C colours from products sold across its US food and beverage business, fulfilling a commitment made in 2025 to accelerate the transition away from synthetic colour additives. The move comes as major food manufacturers face increasing pressure from consumers, retailers and policymakers to reformulate products using ingredients perceived as more natural and easier to understand. According to Nestlé USA, the transition involved reformulating products where artificial colours had previously been used while maintaining product quality, taste and consumer appeal. "Consumers are at the centre of every decision we make," the company said, emphasising that ingredient changes were implemented without compromising food safety, quality or product experience. Among the brands affected by the initiative was Nesquik, where strawberry-flavoured products were reformulated using colours derived from natural sources. Nestlé's foodservice division also transitioned more than 20 beverage products within its Nestlé Vitality portfolio to natural colour alternatives in a five-month period. The latest announcement builds on a broader reformulation strategy underway across Nestlé's US business. The company said it is continuing to reduce added sugars where appropriate, while expanding low- and no-sugar offerings across categories. Nestlé noted that less than 1% of its US portfolio contains high-fructose corn syrup and that it does not use aspartame in products sold in the US market. Recent product launches include zero-sugar offerings under the Coffee Mate brand, reflecting growing demand for products that support sugar reduction without sacrificing convenience or taste. Alongside the removal of synthetic colours, Nestlé highlighted efforts to simplify ingredient lists across several flagship brands. The company's Natural Bliss dairy creamers are formulated with four ingredients: milk, cream, sugar and natural flavour, while Libby's Pure Pumpkin contains only pumpkin. Nestlé also pointed to its California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizzas, which are made with real cheese, contain no artificial flavours and feature preservative-free crusts. The emphasis on ingredient transparency reflects a wider trend within the food and beverage industry, where manufacturers are increasingly focusing on clean-label positioning and consumer trust. To support those efforts, Nestlé continues to expand the use of SmartLabel technology, providing consumers with digital access to detailed product information and ingredient disclosures. The company is also investing in product innovation aimed at emerging consumer health trends. One example is Vital Pursuit, a recently launched frozen meal range developed for consumers using GLP-1 weight-management medications. The meals are designed to provide higher protein levels, portion-controlled servings and nutrient-dense nutrition tailored to changing eating habits. Nestlé highlighted additional brands serving the growing functional nutrition market, including Vital Proteins, which offers collagen-based wellness products, and BOOST, which provides protein, vitamins, and minerals for a range of dietary needs. Industry analysts view these categories as key growth areas as consumers increasingly seek foods and beverages that deliver both nutrition and specific health benefits. The removal of FD&C colours represents one of the most visible examples of Nestlé USA's wider portfolio transformation strategy, which combines ingredient reformulation, nutrition improvements, transparency initiatives and targeted innovation. While the company described the achievement as a significant milestone, it indicated that further product evolution remains a priority as consumer expectations continue to shift. The announcement positions Nestlé among a growing number of multinational food manufacturers moving away from synthetic colours and investing in cleaner labels, functional nutrition and enhanced consumer transparency as competitive differentiators in the US market.

Dutch food-tech company the Protein Brewery has received European Union novel food authorisation for Fermotein, making it the first whole-food mycelium ingredient approved for sale in the bloc and marking a significant milestone for the emerging biomass fermentation sector. The European Commission has formally authorised Rhizomucor pusillus mycelium, the fungal biomass behind Fermotein, for placement on the EU market under the Novel Food Regulation. The approval follows a positive scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in December 2025 and a favourable vote by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed in May this year. The authorisation represents a first for the European food industry, establishing Rhizomucor pusillus mycelium as the first novel mycelium ingredient to gain approval under the EU’s novel food framework. For The Protein Brewery, headquartered in Breda, the decision unlocks commercial access to its home market after several years of regulatory review. Thijs Bosch, CEO of The Protein Brewery, said: “This is a turning point for the company. Europe is our home market, and supplying European customers directly from our Dutch factory is a major milestone. We see strong demand from both established and emerging brands seeking nutrient-dense, sustainable ingredients.” The approval is expected to accelerate interest in biomass fermentation as food manufacturers seek alternative protein sources that combine nutrition, functionality and sustainability. Produced through the fermentation of Rhizomucor pusillus, a non-fruiting fungal species related to strains traditionally used in Asian fermented foods, Fermotein contains approximately 50% protein and 30% dietary fibre, alongside naturally occurring micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Unlike many alternative protein ingredients that require blending to achieve nutritional completeness, the company positions Fermotein as a single ingredient delivering all essential amino acids while supporting clean-label product development. The ingredient has been approved for use across a wide range of food and beverage applications, including protein powders, nutritional supplements, snack bars, dairy alternatives and better-for-you food and drink formulations. The European Commission approved the ingredient under the designation 'Rhizomucor pusillus mycelium,' a move The Protein Brewery says provides clearer terminology for manufacturers and consumers while recognising the ingredient’s identity as a whole-food mycelium product. The company submitted its novel food dossier in 2020 and worked with both EFSA and the European Commission throughout the review process. Yvonne Dommels, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs at The Protein Brewery, said: “Today we are proud that we can finally sell Fermotein in our home country and across Europe." Under the authorisation, The Protein Brewery has been granted five years of exclusive rights to the scientific data supporting the ingredient’s safety assessment, in addition to protection provided by its proprietary production technology. The company is already commercialising Fermotein in Singapore and the United States and is now preparing to expand European supply. The Protein Brewery expects to deliver approximately 600 metric tonnes of Fermotein in 2027 from its Breda production facility, supported by existing customer commitments across Europe, Singapore and the US. Production capacity is expected to exceed 2,000 metric tonnes by 2029. Regulatory submissions are also progressing in the UK, Canada and Australia/New Zealand, with the company anticipating a first authorisation in the UK later this year. The approval comes amid growing investor and industry interest in fermentation-enabled ingredients as food manufacturers seek scalable solutions to meet demand for high-protein, sustainable and minimally processed products. Commenting on the approval, Lea Seyfarth, policy manager at non-profit think tank the Good Food Institute Europe, said: "It’s fantastic to see the first approval of a mycoprotein ingredient under the EU’s novel food process, demonstrating that the regulatory system can enable new products to come to market in a way that meets the bloc’s robust safety standards." However, Seyfarth criticised the six-year process from application to final approval, adding that the EU should ensure its regulatory framework "keeps pace with European food innovation". "The EU should prevent unnecessary future delays by boosting the European Food Safety Authority’s capacity and enabling regulators to provide extended scientific advice and detailed guidance to applicants before submission," she said. Top image: © The Protein Brewery

UK soft drinks producer Belvoir Farm is expanding into the fast-growing functional beverages category with the launch of Happi, a new canned drinks range designed to support hydration and digestive health while maintaining the brand's focus on natural ingredients and flavour. The new range arrives as consumer demand for functional beverages continues to accelerate, driven by growing interest in everyday wellness and products that deliver health benefits beyond basic refreshment. According to Belvoir Farm, Happi has been developed to address a key challenge within the category: balancing functional credentials with taste. The drinks combine real fruit juices with targeted nutritional ingredients, while avoiding sweeteners and artificial flavourings. The launch includes two variants aimed at distinct wellness occasions. The still Ginger, Lemon & Turmeric flavour is positioned around digestive health and contains fibre, live cultures, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. Belvoir Farm says the formulation supports gut health, digestive enzyme function, immunity and energy metabolism. Meanwhile, the sparkling Blueberry & Lemon variant targets hydration, featuring electrolytes sourced from Himalayan pink salt alongside a blend of minerals and vitamins designed to support electrolyte balance, muscle function and reduced fatigue. The launch reflects broader momentum within the UK functional drinks market, where consumers are increasingly seeking beverages that deliver tangible health benefits without requiring lifestyle changes or supplement regimens. Belvoir Farm cited research showing that more than two-thirds of consumers prefer functional soft drinks to supplements, while hydration remains a particularly strong purchase driver among younger consumers. Peverel Manners, managing director of Belvoir Farm, said: "We know consumers are increasingly looking for drinks that support their wellbeing, particularly around hydration and digestion, but without compromising on taste. With Happi, we set out to create a range that delivers on both, combining real fruit juices with carefully selected functional ingredients while staying true to our Belvoir Farm values and commitment to quality ingredients." Across the range, Happi is naturally sweetened, low in calories and formulated without artificial ingredients, reinforcing the clean-label positioning that has become increasingly important within the functional beverage sector. The drinks will retail at £1.75 per can and are initially available through Amazon UK and TikTok Shop, with distribution also secured through wholesalers including Cotswold Fayre, Norfolk Minerals, Shire Foods and Springvale Foods. The launch marks a strategic extension for Belvoir Farm, which has built its reputation over four decades on premium cordials, presses and botanical soft drinks. As competition intensifies in the functional drinks space, Happi positions the company to tap into growing consumer interest in hydration, gut health and everyday wellness while leveraging its established expertise in natural flavour development.

US-based ice cream brand Alden’s Organic has expanded its frozen novelties range with the launch of two new global-inspired bars. According to recent research from Innova Market Insights, 51% of global consumers are now actively seeking out cuisines from other countries – with ice cream and desserts identified as ‘breakout’ categories for cultural fusion. Alden’s new ‘Global Delights’ collection aims to meet this demand by bringing bold, internationally inspired profiles to the freezer aisle. The range includes Mango Chamoy Twist Bars, made with organic mango ice cream and swirled with tangy chamoy – a Mexican pickled-fruit and chilli condiment, offering a sweet, salty, sour and spicy bite. It also includes Thai Tea Swirl Bars, inspired by the smooth, aromatic Thai street-tea tradition. The bars blend Thai tea sorbet with a rich dairy swirl, designed to provide an indulgent take on the Southeast Asian beverage. Like the rest of the brand’s products, the new bars are USDA Organic certified and Non-GMO Project Verified. They are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Joelle Simmons, chief commercial officer at Alden’s Organic, said: “Our fans are asking for more bold and surprising flavour combinations”. “Mango chamoy and Thai tea are two of the most exciting global flavours having a cultural moment right now, and our new bars let fans experience them in a way that's premium and still 100% organic.”

FrieslandCampina has unveiled a series of leadership changes and governance appointments designed to ensure continuity and stability as the dairy cooperative navigates challenging market conditions and advances its integration strategy. During the Members’ Council meeting of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina on 16 June, dhair Sybren Attema announced that he will step down from his roles as chair of both the Cooperative Board and the Supervisory Board of Royal FrieslandCampina on 15 December 2026. He will be succeeded by Nils den Besten, a dairy farmer from Giessenburg and current member of both boards. The transition marks the end of Attema’s five-year tenure, during which FrieslandCampina steered through a period of significant industry and market challenges. The company highlighted his role in bringing stability to the organisation and overseeing the successful merger with Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel, a move that expanded scale and strengthened the group's competitive position. Attema said, “Looking back on the past few years, I am proud of what we have achieved together – especially during a challenging period: greater calm, stability and strength. With the merger with Milcobel and the steps we have taken, FrieslandCampina is now in a strong position.” Den Besten said: “I strongly believe in the strength of our cooperative and company: together, we ensure a leading milk price and stable long-term value. As chair, I want to combine direction and pace with transparency, so that members, cooperative and company can continue to build a future-proof FrieslandCampina together.” The Supervisory Board also announced that chief executive officer Jan Derck van Karnebeek will be reappointed for a second four-year term beginning 1 June 2027. According to Attema, the early confirmation reflects the board’s confidence in the CEO’s leadership and the progress made under the current executive team. Attema said: “A great deal is happening in the world. That is precisely why we believe it is important to provide clarity about the leadership of FrieslandCampina in good time.” The board credited Van Karnebeek and the executive board with helping drive improved financial performance in recent years while maintaining a clear strategic direction for the business. As part of the governance changes, Sandra Stuijk-Pelkmans, a dairy farmer from Alphen, will become vice-chair of the Cooperative Board from 15 December 2026, succeeding Den Besten in that role. FrieslandCampina cited her financial and banking expertise, collaborative leadership style and governance experience as key strengths that will support continuity within the cooperative. Baptiest Coopmans will remain vice-chair of the Supervisory Board. The Members’ Council also approved the reappointment of Herman Bakhuis and Stuijk-Pelkmans to second terms on the Cooperative Board, effective from the same date. Alongside the governance announcements, FrieslandCampina provided an update on business performance during the first half of 2026. Chief financial officer Hans Janssen reported that earnings are facing pressure from low base dairy prices and substantially higher milk volumes, which have compressed margins across parts of the business. Despite these headwinds, the company said it continues to gain market share and is delivering strong performance in protein markets. Integration activities following the Milcobel merger and the acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein are progressing according to plan. Janssen said FrieslandCampina remains focused on profitable growth, margin improvement and cost discipline throughout 2026. The cooperative stated that the latest appointments and reappointments form part of a carefully managed governance process aimed at safeguarding long-term continuity, stability and effective leadership as FrieslandCampina continues to strengthen its position in global dairy markets.

Yum Brands has entered into definitive agreements to sell Pizza Hut for an aggregate $2.7 billion, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. Under the agreements, Pizza Hut, excluding Mainland China, will be acquired by private equity firm LongRange Capital for approximately $1.5 billion. Pizza Hut in Mainland China will be acquired by Yum China Holdings for approximately $1.2 billion. The sale follows a strategic review of Pizza Hut, which Yum began in November 2025. The company said its leadership team and board determined that the transactions provide the strongest path to maximise shareholder value, while giving Pizza Hut an ownership structure tailored to its distinct markets, competitive strengths and long-term priorities. Chris Turner, chief executive officer of Yum, said: “These transactions enable Yum to be a more focused company that continues to leverage scale, technology and talent to accelerate our raising the BAR priorities and deliver sustained value for our stakeholders". "Under LongRange and Yum China, Pizza Hut will be well positioned for future growth with ownership that brings deep expertise in the restaurant industry. Pizza Hut is one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the world, and we are proud of the important role it has played in Yum’s history. Pizza Hut was built by the passion and dedication of our team members, employees and franchisees, and we’re excited for the next chapter.” Yum said it expects to receive approximately $2.3 billion in net proceeds after taxes, closing adjustments and transaction-contingent fees, excluding a potential $75 million earn-out from LongRange by 2030. The company also expects to incur one-time expenses of approximately $85 million during the remainder of 2026 to complete the separation. Following completion, Yum will continue to provide Byte by Yum, its proprietary technology platform, to Pizza Hut outside China. It will also provide certain corporate services under a transition services agreement to support the separation. Yum! Brands and Yum China said they remain committed to their partnership, with the companies agreeing to certain financial incentives that are expected to generate value for both sets of shareholders if KFC China’s future system sales growth rates accelerate. The companies also plan to work together on long-term growth plans for Taco Bell in Mainland China. The transactions have been unanimously approved by Yum’s board of directors and are expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Once completed, Yum will no longer report Pizza Hut as a division. Separately, Yum’s board has approved an additional $4 billion authorisation for the repurchase of common stock. The company said the net after-tax proceeds from the Pizza Hut sale will be used in line with its capital allocation strategy, including investing in the business and returning excess capital to shareholders.