FoodBev Media, the leading global provider of food and beverage industry news and insights, is excited to announce the launch of its industry-first mobile app coming soon to the app store. Designed to deliver on-the-go access to breaking industry news, exclusive podcasts, video content and live trade show social feeds, the app empowers professionals to stay informed, engaged and ahead of the latest developments in the food and beverage sector – anytime, anywhere. Key Features: Industry news on demand: Get real-time updates on breaking news, emerging trends and cutting-edge innovations shaping the global food and beverage landscape. Multimedia insights: Access FoodBev Media’s latest podcasts and video content, featuring expert analysis, industry interviews and thought-provoking discussions. Live social feeds from industry events: Stay connected with major trade shows and conferences, with live updates, social media feeds and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Attendees can share their experiences directly through the app. “We are excited to introduce a more dynamic and interactive way for industry professionals to stay connected with the ever-evolving food and beverage landscape. The new app ensures instant access to the latest news, trends and insights, while real-time event feeds bring trade shows to life for both attendees and remote audiences. Push notifications keep users informed the moment news breaks.” Dan Bunt, marketing director at FoodBev Media Experience the live event feed at IFE 2025 The app’s live event feed will debut at the prestigious International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025 , creating an unparalleled digital experience for both attendees and remote participants. For the first time, IFE visitors will be able to share real-time insights, product discoveries and key takeaways directly through the app’s interactive social feed. Whether it's an exciting exhibitor showcase, an inspiring panel discussion or a must-try innovation, attendees can post and engage with the industry community. For those unable to attend in person, the app provides a front-row seat to the action, with real-time posts, photos, and event highlights straight from the show floor. Visit FoodBev Media at IFE 2025 FoodBev Media will be exhibiting at stand 260 , where attendees can experience the app firsthand and discover the latest trends driving the industry forward. Joining us will be The Good Cup, an innovative brand leading the charge in sustainable packaging solutions. Their revolutionary eco-friendly packaging is setting a new standard for takeaway sustainability. 🍬Access the app preview by visiting our stand and claim a sweet treat as a thank you for testing our new platform! 🍿 Downloading the FoodBev Media App FoodBev Media is a leading provider of business intelligence for the global food and beverage industry. Through its digital platforms, print publications, live events and exclusive content, FoodBev Media informs and inspires professionals across all sectors.

Aldi has unveiled a limited-edition triple-sauce dispenser, aptly named The Mighty Trio, designed to cater to the growing demand for customisable condiment options among British consumers. This innovative product combines ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard into a single bottle, allowing users to enjoy all three sauces simultaneously – a feature that aligns with recent consumer trends indicating a strong preference for sauce mixing. Recent research reveals that a significant portion of the UK population is passionate about their condiments. Approximately 70% of respondents reported enjoying the practice of mixing multiple sauces, with 43% favouring the combination of ketchup and mayonnaise. Furthermore, 59% of consumers admitted to creating their own custom sauce blends at home, demonstrating a clear trend toward personalisation in the condiment space. The launch of The Mighty Trio comes amid findings that nearly one-third of Brits would consider ending a date over a disagreement about sauce preferences. This suggests that condiment choices are not merely culinary; they are intertwined with social interactions and perceptions. In fact, 40% of participants believe that sauce preferences can reveal personality traits, indicating a deeper cultural significance attached to these condiments. Aldi's new offering aims to meet the evolving needs of consumers who appreciate convenience without sacrificing flavour. The dispenser is particularly timely, as 84% of Brits indicated they would be likely to leave a barbecue if ketchup was unavailable, highlighting the critical role of condiments in social dining settings. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “The Mighty Trio is our response to the growing trend of sauce mixology among Brits. It’s a fun, practical solution for those who enjoy their burgers, hot dogs or chips with a variety of flavours.”

Puratos, a producer of bakery, pastry and chocolate innovations, has launched a new Innovation Center and Research & Development (R&D) laboratory in Cartago, Costa Rica. This facility is part of the company's strategy to enhance its presence in Latin America and serve as a catalyst for product development and trend adaptation in the region. With an investment exceeding ₡300 million colones (approx. $590,000), the new centre is designed to foster collaboration and creativity in product development. It features two main components: an Innovation Center for demonstrations, training, and product testing, and an R&D laboratory focused on ingredient research and formulation improvements. This dual approach aims to align with the evolving demands of consumers while leveraging local resources. The Innovation Center is expected to serve over 200 clients each month, providing training on the latest techniques and trends in the food and beverage sector. This initiative not only aims to enhance local market offerings but also positions Costa Rica as a regional hub for food innovation, catering to the broader Central American and Caribbean markets. Puratos' commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices is evident in this expansion. The company notes the importance of developing products that meet the needs of modern consumers while ensuring positive impacts on the local community and environment. This focus aligns with Puratos’ global mission to preserve the heritage of bread and promote biodiversity through initiatives like the preservation of sourdough cultures. The opening of the Innovation Center is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Puratos' competitive edge in the food industry while contributing to economic growth and job creation in Costa Rica. Plans for further expansion are already in place, with a second phase set to begin in 2026, which will include additional office space dedicated to new business development.

Luscombe, a producer of premium soft drinks, has introduced a new beverage, Apple & Ginger, in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This launch highlights the company's focus on natural ingredients and traditional flavour combinations. The new drink blends organic English apples with organic Peruvian ginger, aiming to provide a balanced flavour profile that reflects Luscombe's commitment to quality. Scott Cooper, managing director of Luscombe, noted that the combination is both nostalgic and contemporary, tapping into a heritage of orchard fruit and spice that has been popular for centuries. Apple & Ginger is produced using organic apples sourced from local orchards, which are pressed to create a naturally sweet juice. This juice is then mixed with ginger and Dartmoor spring water, resulting in a beverage that is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, without any artificial additives or sweeteners. The drink is available in two sizes: 270ml (RRP £2.79) and 740ml (RRP £3.95). Luscombe encourages consumers to explore different serving options, including serving it chilled over ice or warm with spices.

Danone is poised to enhance its market agility and product innovation as it announces a strategic restructuring of its leadership and operational framework. This transformation, part of the ongoing 'Renew Danone' initiative, aims to streamline the company's geographical operations into three key regions: EMEA (Europe, Turkey, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific and the Americas. The restructuring is expected to sharpen the company's focus on its core product categories while fostering a more responsive organisational structure. As of January 1 2026, Danone will operate under a new leadership model with three regional presidents: Pablo Perversi for EMEA, Bruno Chevot for Asia Pacific, and Henri Bruxelles for the Americas. This change is intended to facilitate quicker decision-making and enhance the company's ability to respond to local market demands, particularly in the fast-evolving F&B sector. Danone continues to prioritise its health-focused product categories, which include Essential Dairy & Plant-Based Products, Waters and Specialized Nutrition. The company is committed to driving growth in these segments by leveraging its extensive portfolio of well-known brands, such as Actimel, Activia, Alpro and Evian. The restructuring aligns with Danone's broader strategy to invigorate its product offerings. By concentrating resources and leadership efforts within defined geographical markets, Danone aims to accelerate the development of innovative products that cater to local tastes and dietary needs. The company has already made strides in this direction, with recent launches in plant-based dairy alternatives and fortified nutritional products designed for specific consumer demographics. In addition to product innovation, Danone’s renewed focus includes a strong commitment to sustainability. Laurent Sacchi, who will lead the Sustainability initiative, aims to integrate health and environmental considerations into product development. Antoine de Saint-Affrique, Danone's CEO, noted the importance of this transformation: “We are taking decisive steps to create a more compact and agile organisation that enhances our ability to innovate and respond to market changes". He added: "Our mission remains clear: to bring health through food to as many people as possible, while ensuring that our practices contribute positively to society and the environment”.

Lindt & Sprüngli has launched a new limited-edition product: Lindor Shortbread Truffles. The new offering combines the brand's iconic milk chocolate with the rich, buttery flavour of traditional shortbread, appealing to the demand for unique and culturally resonant confectionery products. Lindor Shortbread Truffles feature a luxurious milk chocolate shell embedded with shortbread pieces and a smooth, melting chocolate filling infused with shortbread aroma. This product is positioned as a perfect indulgence for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons, making it an ideal companion for cosy moments, especially when paired with a warm cup of tea. The introduction of Lindor Shortbread Truffles reflects Lindt’s strategic focus on blending traditional flavours with its premium chocolate offerings. Shortbread biscuits, a staple of British culture, resonate deeply with local consumers, making this product particularly relevant. The launch is expected to not only attract existing Lindt customers but also entice new consumers seeking a taste of nostalgia combined with luxury. Stefan Bruderer, master chocolatier at Lindt, highlighted the importance of understanding local tastes: “We recognise the unique love UK consumers have for biscuits and shortbread, in particular, has deep roots in British culture. This inspired us to create a treat that blends the beloved flavour of shortbread with our cherished truffles.” The product is available exclusively at Tesco stores across the UK, retailing at £7.50, and will also be sold through Lindt’s retail locations and eshop. With a limited availability until the end of the year, the truffles are positioned as a seasonal treat, perfect for holiday gifting or personal indulgence. The chocolate market has seen a surge in demand for premium offerings, with consumers willing to pay a premium for products that provide a distinctive experience. This is not Lindt’s first foray into innovative flavours this year; the company also introduced Lindor Pistachio Truffles , showcasing its commitment to flavour exploration and consumer engagement.

The Coca-Cola Company is reportedly exploring the sale of Costa Coffee, the British coffee chain it acquired in 2018 for over $5 billion. According to Reuters , this potential divestiture comes as the beverage giant reassesses its portfolio in response to evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures. Sources indicate that Coca-Cola is collaborating with Lazard, an investment bank, to evaluate options for Costa Coffee, which operates in 50 countries and has become a significant player in the global coffee market. Initial discussions have reportedly taken place with several private equity firms, and indicative offers are anticipated in the coming months. However, it remains uncertain whether a sale will materialise. CEO James Quincey has acknowledged that the company’s investment in Costa has not yielded the expected returns, prompting a reevaluation of its operations and growth strategies. “We are reflecting on what we’ve learned and exploring new avenues to expand within the coffee category while maintaining the Costa brand's integrity,” Quincey stated during a recent earnings call. As part of its broader strategy, Coca-Cola is pivoting towards healthier product offerings. The company has recently committed to using real cane sugar in its US beverages , aligning with the growing demand for transparency and healthier ingredients among consumers. This initiative coincides with the 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which advocates for improved nutrition in the American diet. The shift towards health-conscious products is not just a response to regulatory pressures but also a reflection of changing consumer behaviour. Consumers are increasingly prioritising health and wellness in their purchasing decisions, leading companies in the F&B sector to innovate and adapt. Coca-Cola’s potential sale of Costa Coffee is set against a backdrop of increased deal-making activity within the packaged food industry. As companies seek to consolidate and achieve greater scale, this move could further intensify competition in the coffee market, particularly against established players like Starbucks and Nestlé. Moreover, with the rise of speciality coffee shops and the growing popularity of premium coffee products, Coca-Cola may be looking to reposition itself in a segment that demands both quality and innovation. Analysts suggest that the company’s focus on healthier options could resonate well with consumers seeking alternatives to traditional sugary beverages.

Pringles is set to roll out a range of new flavours in the US next month, expanding its crisp and puffed snack lines with smoky, sweet and spicy options. The launch includes three new 'Smoky' crisps – Smoky Bacon, Smoky Mesquite BBQ and Smoky Cheddar – alongside Sharp White Cheddar. The Smoky Bacon variety features hickory smoke and pork flavors, while Smoky Mesquite BBQ combines barbecue sweetness with tangy notes. Smoky Cheddar blends applewood smokiness with cheddar cheese and Sharp White Cheddar delivers a nutty, aged cheese profile with a hint of acidity. Pringles is also extending its Mingles range of puffed snacks with two new flavours. Cinnamon & Sugar marks the brand’s first sweet flavour since 2016 and will feature limited-edition holiday packaging. Jalapeño & Queso pairs creamy cheese with mild chili heat. Mauricio Jenkins, US head of marketing for Pringles, said: "At Pringles, we're constantly thinking of new ways to satisfy our fans' cravings, and bringing this suite of sweet, smoky, savory flavour to shelves is an exciting expansion of the unique snacking experiences Pringles offers". "With the addition of the Smoky collection to our offerings, launching Sharp White Cheddar and creating even more poppable Pringles Mingles flavours to share, we hope our fans find an exciting new snack to enjoy for any occasion." The new flavours will be available at retailers nationwide starting in September.

Nestlé Waters is under intensifying scrutiny in France as investigations link its bottled water brands to alleged decades-long use of banned filtration methods and record microplastic contamination. Record microplastic contamination linked to waste dumps A report by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) and the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Offences (Oclaesp) has found that Nestlé’s Contrex and Hépar waters contained microplastic concentrations far exceeding environmental baselines. Nestlé’s Hépar water samples contained around 2,096 microplastic particles per litre, and Contrex 515 particles per litre – with contamination levels up to 1.3 million times higher than in rivers and lakes. Investigators linked the pollution to four unauthorised plastic waste dumps in the Vosges, containing an estimated 473,700 cubic metres of discarded bottles. The findings, revealed by Mediapart , form part of criminal proceedings due to be heard in Épinal, a commune in northeastern France, from 24-28 November 2025, in which Nestlé faces charges related to illegal waste disposal. Nestlé disputes the allegations, saying independent lab tests show no contamination and that most of the dumps have been cleaned up. Decades of alleged illegal filtration methods Media investigations in France show that Nestlé has been using unauthorised filtration methods –  including ultraviolet light and carbon filters – since the 1990s, while continuing to sell the product as 'natural mineral water'. Consumer organisation  Foodwatch  alleges that the practice amounts to €3 billion in fraud over the past 15 years and has filed legal action against Nestlé and fellow producer Sources Alma in France. Ingrid Kragl, director of public information at Foodwatch  France, said: “Nestlé has apparently sold billions of bottles of water that had nothing to do with ‘natural mineral water’ for decades, in France, Europe and even worldwide – and consumers were completely clueless". He continued: "If the new media reports are confirmed, there is only one conclusion: the mineral water scandal is the result of decades of systematic fraud by the food giant. The authorities must now act quickly. A judicial investigation is now needed. Nestlé is not above the law." According to last year's joint investigation, carried out by Le Monde and Radio France ,  at least a third of France-based spring and mineral water brands – including several owned by Nestlé – have used purification techniques prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water'. These methods were reportedly introduced to address sporadic bacterial or chemical contamination but are banned because they alter water that is meant to be bottled in its natural state. As reported by the BBC , the non-compliant treatments identified in the investigation included ultraviolet light, carbon filtration and ultra-fine micro-meshes, which are commonly used to remove bacteria from drinking water. These methods, while permitted for tap water, are prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water,' which must be bottled directly from the source without altering its natural composition. The BBC noted that the investigation found such treatments were used across at least a third of mineral water brands in France, introduced in part to address concerns about water quality. The Le Monde and Radio France investigation also noted that the French government had been aware of these practices since 2021 and subsequently eased certain regulations to allow some microfiltration to continue, enabling affected bottling sites to remain in operation.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has entered an agreement to acquire JDE Peet’s in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately €15.7 billion. Keurig Dr Pepper will pay €31.85 for each JDE Peet’s share, which is about 33% higher than the average price the shares have sold for over the past three months. Shareholders will also receive a previously declared €0.36 per share dividend before closing. An affiliate of JAB Holdings, Acorn Holdings, and certain directors and officers holding 69% of JDE Peet’s voting power have agreed to sell their shares. Following completion of the acquisition, expected in the first half of 2026, KDP intends to separate into two US-listed public companies: Global Coffee Co, a pure-play coffee business with about $16 billion in annual sales, and Beverage Co, focused on North American refreshment beverages with over $11 billion in annual sales. The combined coffee business will operate in more than 100 countries, holding leading market positions in 40, and will encompass brands including Keurig, Jacobs, L’OR and Peet’s. KDP expects to save about $400 million a year within three years by combining operations, and to increase its earnings per share in the first year after the deal closes. Beverage Co will retain brands such as Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, 7UP and A&W, as well as operations in Mexico and Canada. It will leverage a direct-store-delivery network and target expansion in high-growth categories such as energy drinks and functional beverages. KDP CEO Tim Cofer will lead Beverage Co after the split, while current CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will head Global Coffee Co. JDE Peet’s CEO Rafa Oliveira will remain in place until the transaction closes. Global Coffee Co will be headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with international headquarters in Amsterdam. Beverage Co will be based in Frisco, Texas. Tim Cofer said: "Today's announcement marks a transformational moment in the beverage industry, as we build on KDP's disruptive legacy by creating two winning companies, including a new global coffee champion. Through the complementary combination of Keurig and JDE Peet's, we are seizing an exceptional opportunity to create a global coffee giant." "This is the right time for this transaction, with KDP in a position of operational and financial strength, momentum across our evolved portfolio, and increasing coffee category resilience. By creating two sharply focused beverage companies with attractive and tailored growth propositions and capital allocation strategies, we are poised to generate significant shareholder value in both the near and long term." Rafa Oliveira added: "We are excited to join forces with Keurig to chart the future of global coffee by leveraging our combined portfolio of the world's most beloved coffee brands. This highly complementary transaction will deliver an attractive premium for our shareholders and will create compelling future growth opportunities for our employees, customers and other stakeholders." "We are incredibly proud of the formidable global platform that we have built at JDE Peet's and, together with Keurig, we are looking forward to powering a new era of coffee innovation and leadership, building on JDE Peet's recently announced 'Reignite the Amazing' strategy."

The FoodBev Awards team is delighted to introduce the first of this year’s esteemed judges: Scott Rosenbaum, co-host of Business of Drinks. Returning to the panel for a second year, Rosenbaum brings a wealth of industry insight and a sharp eye for innovation. In this preview, he shares what he’ll be looking out for in the entries this time around… It’s an honour to be a judge for the 2025 World Beverage Innovation Awards. For years, I’ve had the privilege of helping drinks brands grow, and I’m enthusiastic to see what this new cohort of innovators brings to the table. This is more than just a competition; it's a look into the future of our industry. My career has been dedicated to understanding what makes a great beverage brands tick and a core tenet is that the best brands never stop innovating. At Distill Ventures, I helped deploy millions of dollars to promising alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands after evaluating 1000s of emerging brands. Today, as co-host of the Business of Drinks podcast, I regularly interview the founders and leaders of the fastest growing drinks companies about their cutting-edge innovations. So whether it's technological or sustainability advancement, branding evolution or increased consumer connection and engagement, I'm excited to see how this year's entrants are driving the industry forward. The World Beverage Innovation Awards gives me a chance to celebrate the bold ideas and dedicated people that make the drinks world so dynamic. It's a platform for recognising excellence and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here's to the groundbreaking products and concepts that will be showcased this year. Learn more about FoodBev's awards and our World Beverage Innovation Awards by visiting the FoodBev Awards website. # WorldBeverageInnovationAwards

Lidl GB has introduced a new labelling initiative, ‘Live Well,’ across its own-label products, helping consumers to identify products that are healthy ‘for both people and the planet’. Several other retailers have introduced health markers informing shoppers about nutrition, however Lidl said it has taken this ‘a step further’ to ensure Live Well products also align with the Planetary Health Diet – a global, plant-rich diet framework designed to promote a healthy and sustainable way of eating. The Lidl Live Well logo has been developed in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and builds on Lidl’s partnership with WWF to align with the Planetary Health Diet, said to be an industry-first. Set to roll out in stores within the next six months, the logo will initially signpost over 100 Lidl own-label products including fruit and vegetables, wholegrain products and plant-based protein products. The initiative builds on Lidl’s commitments made earlier this year to increase the proportion of plant-based foods sold by 20% by 2030. Alongside the launch of Live Well, the retailer is also committing to 10% of own-label products meeting the Live Well criteria by 2030. To be associated with the Live Well logo, products will meet evidence-based nutrition criteria approved by the BNF. All Live Well products will have at least one specific, authorised health claim as well as aligning with the Planetary Health Diet. Products must also meet criteria tailored to each category’s nutritional profile. This includes non-HFSS, high in/source of fibre, and low amounts of fats, saturated fats, sugar and salt (green traffic light labels). The Live Well logo will also feature criteria to ensure products meet sustainability standards such as LEAF certification, critical raw materials verified as from sustainable sources, and 100% recyclable packaging where possible. It responds to new research, commissioned by Lidl and the Planetary Alliance, which found that over four in five respondents view eating healthily as important but over three quarters said they need guidance to find healthy products. Richard Bourns, Lidl GB’s chief commercial officer, said: “As UK supermarkets we must go further if we’re serious about supporting healthier lives whilst also meeting our net-zero commitments”. “We must broaden our view on health and consider planetary health alongside human health, moving beyond narrow definitions and supporting the wider food system.”