Ingredion has acquired Benicaros, a patented prebiotic fibre derived from upcycled carrot pomace, expanding its portfolio of functional ingredients aimed at the growing health and wellness market. The ingredient, clinically shown to support immune health, is produced from carrot juice byproducts and is positioned as a next-generation prebiotic solution for food, beverage and dietary supplement applications. It was developed by Dutch health ingredients company NutriLeads, from whom Ingredion has acquired the solution. According to Ingredion, Benicaros offers several formulation advantages over traditional prebiotic fibres, including efficacy at very low dosage levels and improved digestive tolerance. The water-soluble ingredient also has minimal impact on taste, texture and odour, making it suitable for a broad range of product formats. Nate Yates, vice president and general manager of sugar reduction and fibre fortification at Ingredion, said: “As we expand our functional ingredients offering, Benicaros’ versatility and health benefits make it a perfect fit for our portfolio." He added: “This highly differentiated prebiotic carrot fibre addresses the limitations of traditional prebiotic fibres that require high daily intake, have tolerance issues and formulation challenges." Ingredion said Benicaros works by stimulating beneficial gut bacteria, resulting in immune health benefits while enabling lower inclusion rates than many conventional fibres. The ingredient also aligns with several key consumer trends, including demand for plant-based, clean-label and sustainable ingredients. Benicaros is kosher, halal, gluten-free and produced through upcycling, supporting circular economy initiatives within food manufacturing. “The benefits list of Benicaros is quite long, and the fact that it comes from upcycling carrot juice production, supporting sustainability and a circular economy, is all the more exciting,” Yates said. The acquisition was completed as an asset deal and includes full ownership of all related intellectual property, trademarks, human clinical trial data and manufacturing know-how. The move reflects continued momentum in the functional ingredients sector as manufacturers seek differentiated solutions that support gut health, immunity and sustainability claims without compromising product formulation or sensory performance. Headquartered near Chicago, Ingredion serves customers in more than 120 countries and reported approximately $7.2 billion in annual net sales in 2025. The company employs more than 11,000 people globally and operates a network of Idea Labs innovation centres focused on ingredient development and customer collaboration.

The Ilchester Cheese Co has expanded its Mexicana cheese brand through a new partnership with hot sauce brand Cholula, launching Mexicana Cholula Cheddar Cheese Slices as it looks to strengthen its presence in the flavoured and sliced cheese categories. The new product, which is launching exclusively in Sainsbury's stores, combines Mexicana cheese with Cholula hot sauce in a sliced cheese format. The launch marks the first cross-brand collaboration for the Mexicana range. Made with Cheddar cheese blended with red and green peppers, jalapeños and spices, the slices feature a higher heat level than the original Mexicana cheese. The new product carries a three-chilli heat rating, compared with the original product's two-chilli rating, while the addition of Cholula is intended to provide a tangy flavour profile aimed at hot sauce enthusiasts. Available in a 160g pack with a recommended retail price of £2.95, the product has been positioned as a premium offering within the sliced cheese segment. James Catchpole, managing director of Ilchester Cheese, said: “Consumers continue to seek out bolder flavours, particularly within everyday staples. By combining the strength of both the Mexicana and Cholula brands, we’ve created a product that brings a real kick into to the sliced cheese segment, while meeting demand for both flavour and convenience." He added: “We see strong potential for the product to drive shopper engagement within the flavoured cheese sector and attract both existing Mexicana fans and consumers looking to elevate their everyday meals with spicy flavours at home. Leveraging the global recognition of Cholula as one of the world’s most popular hot sauces, the collaboration also brings its loyal fan base into the Mexicana world, encouraging them to explore the wider range and discover new ways to enjoy bold, spicy flavour at home.” The launch forms part of Ilchester Cheese’s broader strategy to expand its flavour-led product portfolio and follows Mexicana’s position as the UK’s leading branded spicy cheese range, according to the company. Mexicana Cholula Cheddar Cheese Slices are now available in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

UK wellness drinks brand Vybey has entered the growing functional soft drinks category with the launch of Collagen + Energy, a lightly carbonated beverage designed to combine energy, hydration, focus and beauty support in a single format. Available in Mixed Berry and Lemon & Lime variants, the new drinks contain 8g of collagen protein, 75mg of natural caffeine, Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, L-theanine, magnesium and electrolytes. The company said the launch responds to increasing consumer demand for multifunctional beverages that support busy lifestyles without the heaviness of traditional protein drinks or the high sugar content associated with many mainstream energy beverages. According to Vybey, the new product was developed to bridge several fast-growing functional categories, including energy, cognitive support, hydration and collagen supplementation. “For all the positive energy surrounding better-for-you drinks, the market remains fragmented, with many products focusing on just one primary benefit,” the company said in its launch announcement. Vybey said the product is intended to fit multiple daily consumption occasions, including desk-based work, gym preparation, recovery, afternoon energy replacement and social occasions. Unlike conventional protein sodas, the company positioned the beverage as a “light carbonated proposition” that prioritises drinkability and convenience alongside functionality. The drinks are manufactured in the UK and target consumers seeking alternatives to traditional energy drinks, coffee and meal-replacement style functional beverages.

Cargill has announced a €56 million investment programme to expand its edible oils, gourmet chocolate and R&D capabilities across Belgium, reinforcing the country’s role as a strategic hub for food innovation and manufacturing in Europe. The investment spans three key sites, Izegem, Mouscron and Vilvoorde, and is designed to strengthen capacity, accelerate product development and support evolving customer demand across foodservice, retail and industrial segments. At its Izegem site, Cargill has invested €21 million to upgrade what is already its largest edible oils bottling facility in Europe. Around 60% of the plant has been transformed, nearly doubling capacity while introducing automation and new technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency and supply reliability. The expansion includes two dedicated foodservice production lines, enhancing flexibility and enabling the company to better serve quick-service restaurants, catering providers and other large-scale foodservice customers. In Mouscron, a €30 million investment has significantly expanded Cargill’s gourmet chocolate operations. The addition of 10,500 square metres of production space nearly doubles capacity and strengthens the company’s ability to respond to seasonal demand and customer-specific product requirements. The site produces the company’s premium Veliche couverture chocolate range and supports a broad customer base, including artisanal chocolatiers, restaurants and food manufacturers. The expansion is expected to shorten lead times and enable more tailored product development. Geert Maesmans, vice president of R&D for Cargill’s Food business in EMEA and the company’s Belgium country lead, said: “Belgium is a key strategic hub for Cargill in Europe, thanks to its strong food industry, close customer connectivity and advanced logistics infrastructure." Cargill has also invested €5.4 million in a new extrusion pilot plant at its Vilvoorde Innovation Center, enhancing its research and development capabilities across Europe. The facility will support rapid prototyping, ingredient testing and collaborative development across food, feed and pet food applications. This builds on a previously announced €45 million investment in the Vilvoorde site, further strengthening the company’s European innovation network. Maesmans added: “These investments strengthen our local R&D and production capabilities while enabling us to grow with our customers and deliver more diverse and innovative food solutions across the region." Cargill has operated in Belgium since 1953 and today employs more than 1,500 people across nine locations, covering production, R&D and regional coordination activities.

The Dutch Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Heineken and its Greek subsidiary, Athenian Brewery, in a long-running competition damages case brought by Greek brewer Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB). The ruling relates to a claim filed by MTB, producer of the Vergina beer brand, following a 2015 decision by the Hellenic Competition Commission. The competition authority found that Athenian Brewery had abused its dominant position in the Greek beer market for at least 16 years in a manner that excluded competitors, including MTB. Throughout the proceedings, Heineken and Athenian Brewery challenged whether the Dutch courts had jurisdiction to hear claims against the Greek subsidiary. They argued that allegations relating to conduct in Greece should not be considered by courts in the Netherlands. However, the Dutch Supreme Court upheld earlier decisions accepting Dutch jurisdiction over the claims. The judgment follows a referral to the European Court of Justice, which issued a preliminary ruling in February 2025. In February, the Amsterdam District Court indicated that MTB could be awarded at least €43 million in damages, excluding interest and additional costs, after accepting the brewer's methodology for calculating losses. The latest decision clears the way for the main proceedings to continue before the Amsterdam District Court, which is expected to issue a final ruling on damages later this summer.

Warrior has expanded its range of creatine offerings with a new Creatine Gummies product, available at 164 Morrisons stores across the UK. The listing follows the strong retail performance of the sports nutrition brand’s broader product range, sitting within Morrisons’ healthcare aisle and marking an expansion of Warrior’s partnership with the supermarket. The gummies have been developed to offer over 3g of pure creatine monohydrate in an on-the-go format. Warrior noted that this responds to growing demand for convenient ways for consumers to integrate creatine into their daily routines. Creatine is rising in popularity across a broad range of shoppers, with the gummies offering a quick and easy option that sits alongside the brand’s existing powder format – which Warrior reported strong performance for in Morrisons. Each tub of gummies provides a 30-day supply. The gummies contain zero sugar and are vegan-friendly, aligning with demand for cleaner-label and lifestyle-led nutrition. Warrior acknowleged that many gummy supplements on the market fall short of active ingredient levels, confirming that its gummies are HPLC-tested and independently verified by third-party laboratories Precision Analysis and A&T Global. The testing confirmed potency of 24-27g of creatine per 100g, with no deviations. Kieran Fisher, Warrior’s founder and CEO, commented: “The demand for creatine right now is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s evolved from a niche gym supplement into one of the biggest ingredients in health and nutrition, and the consumer buying into the category today is far broader than it was even two years ago.” FoodBev explored this broadening of the market in its most recent cover feature, highlighting how awareness is growing of the wider benefits of creatine supplementation beyond sports, tapping into trending areas such as women’s health and longevity. “The response to our wider creatine range has been incredible, so expanding further with Morrisons is a huge milestone for the brand,” added Fisher. “This launch is about making creatine more accessible to everyday shoppers by offering a format that feels approachable, enjoyable and easy to use consistently.” Warrior Creatine Gummies are available in Morrisons stores and online, priced at £20 for 30 servings.

Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) has formed a joint venture with WNC Capital Holdings to expand the production of savoury food solutions in the Philippines. The JV, which builds on the partnership between OFI and WNC subsidiary Wills International, will see the establishment of OFI Philippines Blends. It includes the development of a new manufacturing facility in Bulacan province, to be commissioned by Q4 2026. When fully operational, the facility will expand seasoning and flavour development capabilities to support growing demand for faster innovation, greater customisation and solutions aligned with local taste preferences. OFI Philippines Blends will focus on savoury solutions like seasonings, marinades, dry mixes and related applications that balance ‘cultural authenticity and healthier indulgence,’ the ingredients group said. The JV combines OFI’s global footprint, innovation and product expertise with WNC Capital Holdings’ established customer relationships and nationwide reach. OFI Philippines Blends’ aim is to become the leading ingredients partner for brands in the Philippines, enabling local manufacturers and foodservice operators to navigate shorter product cycles, increased competition and rising expectations for flavour relevance while managing cost, consistency and scale. It is also expected to enable closer collaboration with F&B brands from concept through commercialisation, providing brands with more diverse options, reduced reliance on imported solutions and faster iteration tailored to Filipino taste profiles. According to OFI’s TrendBites Asia Pacific consumer insights report, published earlier this year, 86% of Filipino consumers surveyed want more menu items inspired by local recipes. Additionally, more than eight in ten are open to global influences, such as Japanese, Chinese and Korean flavours. OFI Philippines Blends will also connect Philippine-based customers to OFI’s wider Asia Pacific footprint, including Customer Solutions Centers and manufacturing hubs across the region. Ramki Prasad, head of Asia Pacific F&B solutions at OFI, said: “The Philippines is one of the most dynamic food markets in Southeast Asia. Being closer to customers with enhanced capabilities strengthens our ability to collaborate, shorten development cycles and execute with confidence.” Prasad said WNC’s “deep understanding” of how manufacturers operate across the Philippines complements OFI’s consumer insights, innovation capability and scale. William Chuacokiong, founder and president of WNC Capital Holdings, said: “Philippine food brands are rooted in strong culinary heritage, and many are now looking outward. We have worked with local manufacturers for many years and partnered with OFI as their distributor in the Philippines. This JV formalises a trusted collaboration and strengthens our ability to support homegrown brands as they grow locally and compete globally”. “Global interest in Filipino flavours continues to rise. This partnership places the right capabilities in-market to help brands meet international expectations while preserving what makes their products distinctive.”

Japanese dairy manufacturer Morinaga Milk has announced plans to suspend production at its Hiroshima subsidiary in March 2027, with the company set to be formally dissolved six months later. The move forms part of Morinaga Milk’s wider operational restructuring strategy under its Medium-Term Business Plan 2025-28, which prioritises production efficiency and manufacturing network optimisation as key structural reforms. Production at the Hiroshima facility is scheduled to cease on 31 March 2027, with the legal dissolution of the company expected on 30 September 2027. In a statement, Morinaga Milk said the decision follows ongoing efforts to streamline operations and strengthen its business base amid challenging market conditions and increasing pressure to improve manufacturing productivity. Located in Hiroshima City’s Asakita ward, the facility has operated since 1959 and currently manufactures ice cream and yogurt products. The plant spans more than 26,000 square metres and employs 58 people, including seconded and contract employees. Morinaga Milk has not yet disclosed how production will be redistributed across its network.

Functional beverage brand Trip has introduced Tropical Mango, a new lightly sparkling drink formulated with magnesium and adaptogens, as the company looks to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing 'calming drinks' category. The new flavour, blending mango, passionfruit and lime with a hint of rose, is now available through major US retailers including Whole Foods, Sprouts and Walmart. Positioned as a summer-focused launch, Tropical Mango combines flavour-led refreshment with functional ingredients including magnesium, lion’s mane, ashwagandha and L-theanine, continuing Trip’s strategy of targeting consumers seeking alternatives to traditional soft drinks and alcohol. The launch marks the brand’s first move into tropical flavour profiles and is being supported by what the company describes as its largest marketing campaign to date. Trip co-founder and CEO Olivia Ferdi said: “We started Trip around a kitchen table with a real belief that people deserved a drink that actually helped them find their calm. Tropical Mango is everything we love about summer: effortless, vibrant and a little bit extraordinary. More than a flavour, it’s a feeling.” The launch comes as the functional beverage market continues to evolve beyond energy and hydration into mood-support and relaxation products. According to Trip, calming drinks are now the fastest-growing segment within the US functional beverage category, outperforming protein soda, gut health and hydration products. The company attributes the category’s momentum to shifting consumer habits, particularly among younger consumers, reducing alcohol intake and seeking lower-sugar alternatives with added wellness benefits. Trip cited data showing that 45% of Gen Z adults occasionally substitute alcohol with alternative beverages, while 66% of adults are actively reducing sugar consumption, and one-third of consumers purchase products aimed at supporting mental well-being.

The World Dairy Innovation Awards shines a light on the products, processes and businesses moving the global dairy industry forward. This year's entries have raised the bar once again – and today, FoodBev is proud to reveal the 2026 shortlist. The organisations featured here represent the full breadth of modern dairy: from farm-level sustainability initiatives and next-generation science, to packaging breakthroughs and products designed around how people actually eat and drink today. What unites them is a refusal to stand still. Behind every shortlisted entry is a team that has navigated regulatory complexity, supply chain realities and shifting consumer expectations – and still delivered something genuinely new. That deserves recognition. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 17 June, 5pm CEST, at the Global Dairy Congress, Barcelona. This year's awards feature more than 30 shortlisted brands from 14 countries, showcasing the truly global scale of dairy innovation. What innovations excite you most on this year's shortlist? Share your insights and join the conversation using #WDIA26 World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026 Shortlist Best products of 2026 Best Artisan Product Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Powder 700g Mengniu Dairy | Organic Whipping Cream Mengniu Dairy | Yo!Fine Dairy Greek yogurt-zero sucrose Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Cultured Butter Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whipping Cream Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce Best Butter/Spread Meiji Co | Meiji Spreatable Aged Cheese Blend Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Cultured Butter Best Cheese China Feihe | Feihe Angus Beef Cheese China Feihe | Feihe Love Veggie Cheese Junlebao Dairy | Soft Heart Cheese Meiji Co | Meiji Hokkaido Tokachi Camen-Blue Mengniu Dairy | Organic Mozzarella Cheese Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce Best Children's Dairy Product Dairy Farmers of America | TruMoo Moana Junlebao Dairy | Youcui Baoai Mengniu Dairy | Gyr U‑Star Children's Growth Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Mini Cheese Milk Flavored Ice Cream Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein HMOs Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Tetra Pak Slim 125ml × 16 cartons) Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein Millet Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Slim Pack 125ml × 20 cartons) Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Kids Cheese Milk Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Optimum A2 Pro+ Yili Group | Cute Star A2β-Casein Milk with Native DHA Best Dairy Alternative Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt Over The Moo | Over The Moo Dairy-Free Bites PlanetDairy | PlanetDairy Hybrid Milk range Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium Sky Barn | +Adaptogens Organic Oat Milk Best Dessert Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Classic Black Forest Cake Flavor Ice Cream Mengniu Dairy | Organic Mascarpone Flavored Cream Mengniu Dairy | Suibian Crispy！Lava Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt Best Dairy Drink Dairy Farmers of America | Alta Dena Protein Four Leaves Co | Lullaa NZSmartMilk – BioFusion Functional Dairy System Junlebao Dairy | Freshjoy Omega-3 Fresh Milk Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein Fruit & Vegetable Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Slim Pack 125ml × 20 cartons) Mengniu Dairy | Xin Yang Dao YouGu milk Mengniu Dairy | Youyi C Live Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Drink (Strawberry Flavor, Green Grape Flavor, Apple Flavor) Best Flavoured Dairy Drink Dairy Farmers of America | TruMoo Protein Whole Chocolate Milk Dimes Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret | Dimes Cola-flavoured Milkshake Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Chewy Fruit-Freshly Pressed Coconut Milk Beverage Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Fresh Chocolate Milk Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Flavored Best Dairy Protein Product Brownes Dairy | Füll+ China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder China Feihe | Feihe Angus Beef Cheese China Feihe | Feihe Love Veggies Protein Shake Dairy Farmers of America | Mulu Cottage Cheese Meiji Co | Savas Biopro Whey Protein 100 Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter The Organic Protein Co | Real Coffee Organic Whey Protein Powder Best Dairy Snack Junlebao Dairy | Soft Heart Cheese Mengniu Dairy | Hankou Set Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | ‌Mengniu Guanyiru Fruit Popping Beads Flavored Fermented Milk Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Cheese Nuts Crisps Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk SuSu High-Calcium Cheese Lollipop Best Functional Dairy Brownes Dairy | Füll+: Redefining functional dairy by giving consumers more. China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder China Feihe | Aiben Yuedong Protein Dual-Peptide Nutrition Powder China Feihe | Feihe BaoXin Cardiovascular Health Milk Powder China Feihe | Feihe Qingcheng Glycaemic Health Milk Powder China Feihe | Feihe ShanGu Bone & Joint Formula Milk Powder Chuckling Goat | Original Kefir Four Leaves Co | Lullaa / NZ SmartMilk – Functional Dairy Product Friesland Campina Innovation | Optimel Vezels – Making fibre intake easy, tasty and accessible Meiji Co | Meiji MeiBalance Mini Cup Strawberry Flavor Meiji Co | Meiji Hemoglobin A1c Support Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Calcium Electrolyte Drink Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Yourui Tekangli Selenium-Enriched Camel Milk Powder Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves BoneCare Soft Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Dream Cap 250ml × 10 cartons) Mengniu Dairy | Precision Functional Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium Yili | Yili Xinhuo Blood Sugar Management Formula Milk Powder Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt Casper's Ice Cream | FatBoy Birthday Sandwich Pop Dairy Farmers of America | Kemps Crafted Ice Cream Relaunch Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Qiaolezi Low-Sugar Salty Cheese Brownie / Matcha Cocoa Ice Cream Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | House Coffee Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Cheers！Tangerine Pu-erh Tea Flavor ice cream Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Strawberry & Milk Ice Cream (No Additives) Mengniu Dairy | Ice+ Whole Berry Sorbet Mengniu Dairy| Mengniu (Princess, Please Get Rich) Yellow Peach Milk Ice Cream Mengniu (Prince, Please Strike It Rich) Pineapple Milk Ice Cream Mengniu Dairy | SuiBian Qiao Qiao Man Guan Chocolate Ice Cream Vinamilk | Vinamilk Gelato Matcha Gotcha Ice Cream Best Specialised Dairy Powder China Feihe | Aiben Beishuhe China Feihe | AiBen BeiShuRan China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Xinhuo Living Heart Milk Powder Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Red Ginseng Revitalized Milk Powder Meiji Co | Meiji Hohoemi Infant Formula Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Ruibuen Chuainiuniu Jingzhi Young Children Formula Milk Powder Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Diacerna – Clinically Aligned Nutrition Restoring Confidence and Daily Control for Vietnamese Elders with Diabetes Yili | Yili Xinhuo Blood Sugar Management Formula Milk Powder Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Heart Vitality Formula Milk Powder Best Yogurt Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Jinshan branch | Changqing Lemon & Oat Popping Beads Probiotic Yogurt Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Yo!Fine Dairy Greek Yogurt Best innovations of 2026 Best Dairy Alternative Innovation ADM | Plant Based Protein Breakfast Shake Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt PlanetDairy | PlanetDairy Hybrid Milk range Sky Barn | The Future of Shelf-Stable Oat Milk Best General Health Innovation China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Beichang Probiotics Selenium-Enriched High-Calcium Goat Milk Powder Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Good Night, Lychee Ice Cream Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Ice+ Power Lemon Electrolyte Lemon Flavor Sorbet Mengniu Dairy | ‌Mengniu Guanyiru Anti-Hangover Functional Yogurt‌‌ Mengniu Dairy | ‌Mengniu Guanyiru Fruit & Vegetable Flavored Fermented Milk Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Guanyiru Iron-Fortified Functional Yogurt‌ Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu MNHi188 Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K Oral Solution Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Flavored Ice Cream Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Three Calves A2β HMO Milk Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu YimiBaba Probiotic Drops Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Yourui Selenium-rich and High-calcium Goat Milk Powde Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Heart Vitality Formula Milk Powder Best Intolerance-Friendly Innovation China Feihe | Feihe Ranch Bird's Nest Acid Lactose Protein Nutritional Powder China Feihe | Muyuxingyang Mead Johnson Nutritionals China | Chunguan Beiyougoatmilk S3 700G Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Low-Temperature Lactose-Free Product Series Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves Prebiotic Soft Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Tetra Pak Prisma 200ml × 12 packs) Mengniu Dairy | M-Plus Daily Protein Original High-Protein Milk (15g Protein, Original Flavor) Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Optimum A2 Pro+ Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection Yeeper Nutrition Technology (Qingdao) | Yeeper Boneng Young Children Formula Sheep Milk Powder Best Life-Stage Innovation China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Ginseng Cheese Milk Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Kids Cheese Milk Vinamilk | Vinamilk Green Farm Bird's Nest Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Prevent Gold – A Complete and Balanced Formula, Purpose‑Built for the Transition Stage of Vietnamese Aging Yili XinHuo | Yili Xinhuo Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder Best Manufacturing Innovation ColloidTek Oy | Collo | Liquid Process Intelligence for Dairy Manufacturing Four Leaves Co | Lullaa - NZ SmartMilk Mengniu Dairy | Automated Equipment for Precise Positioning of Conical Profiled Shelters Mengniu Dairy | Intelligent Control Precision Dynamic Molding System for Multi-color Ice Cream Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu A2 β-Casein Pure Milk Powder 700g Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Powder 700g Sealed Air | Transforming cheese packing with Cryovac AutoWrap Lite Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection Best Technology Innovation Diversey – a Solenis Company | Divos ACP (Accelerated Cleaning Protocol) DuPont Water Solutions | FilmTec Hypershell XP RO 8038 Element - Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Dairy Production Through Membrane Technology Innovation Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | YiLi’s You Xin Whipping Cream Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Xinhuo Shutang Formula Milk Powder JBT Marel | CIPure Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Sosodaily Probiotic Powder Platinum Edition Mengniu Dairy | Milk Extract - Cold Energy Circulation Recovery System Mengniu Dairy | Molecular-Level Sonic Void-Piercing Microcrystal Technique Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium Vinamilk | Vinamilk Green Farm High Protein Best businesses of 2026 Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative Junlebao Dairy Group | Freshjoy Milk Packaging Seoul Dairy Cooperative | Seoul Dairy Organic Milk in SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier Best Marketing Campaign Brownes Dairy | Füll+: Reclaiming 'Fast Food' for a new generation China Feihe | 'Action with Strength, Drink Aiben' Integrated Marketing for Aiben Small Molecule Whey Protein Special Dietary Powder Dairy Farmers of Canada | Strong and Free Kinisla | Strings & Things: Fun-Om-Nom-Nom Campaign Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | Jeanne: The Face of a New Generation Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | La Protectrice (The Protector) Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt Young Fun | Young Fun’s 'Forget It' Garlic-Flavored Limited Edition Best Packaging Design Brownes Dairy | Brownes Dairy creates the most beautiful yoghurt in the world Dairy Farmers of America | Mulu Cottage Cheese Packaging Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Light Meal Box Yogurt Bowl Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Selected Meadow Whole Milk Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk SuSu High-Calcium Cheese Lollipop Vinamilk | Gelato Ice cream by Vinamilk Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Ready-To-Drink – Ergonomic, Accessible, and Gift-ready Packaging Designed for Vietnamese Elders and Their Families Congratulations to all the shortlisted products, innovations and brands! Each shortlisted entry will be recognised as either a Winner, Finalist or Commended, on 17 June 2026. The 2026 judging panel FoodBev is grateful for the World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026 judging panel for their unwavering dedication to reviewing the innovations of the brands who entered this year's awards. Their invaluable expertise is paramount in evaluating the diverse range of entries, and their commitment to celebrating excellence within the dairy industry has been crucial in making the awards a success. FoodBev's Global Dairy Congress 2026 Time is running out to secure your place at the Global Dairy Congress 2026, taking place in Barcelona from 17-18 June. The Global Dairy Congress is the premier industry event devoted to marketing and brands, consumers and innovation, designed for industry leaders, innovators, suppliers, customers and advisers worldwide. The 19th annual Global Dairy Congress will feature two days of conference sessions focusing on the latest market developments, trends and opportunities and extensive time for informal networking and discussion. The 19th annual Congress will offer its attendees two days of insight-packed conference sessions, extensive networking, and the presentation of the World Dairy Innovation Awards, hosted at the five-star InterContinental Barcelona, providing an exceptional setting for this year's event. 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.

Nestlé UK & Ireland has appointed Gordon Yule as business executive officer for its newly created Nutrition & Health business, effective 1 June 2026. The move brings together Nestlé’s Nutrition and Nestlé Health Science operations into a single organisation designed to accelerate growth across life-stage nutrition, medical nutrition and emerging wellness segments. Yule takes on the role following four years with Nestlé Health Science, where he oversaw the integration of the former Bountiful business into the company’s operations. The new Nutrition & Health structure reflects broader shifts in consumer demand toward preventative health, active nutrition and personalised well-being solutions, areas that continue to drive investment and innovation across the food and beverage sector. In his new role, Yule will lead the combined organisation across the UK and Ireland, with responsibility for integrating teams, driving innovation and expanding Nestlé’s presence in high-growth nutrition categories. Speaking about the appointment, Yule said the business had a significant opportunity to strengthen its impact across consumer and patient health. He said: “By bringing together our expertise, science and passion, we have a real opportunity to build something powerful for the consumers, patients and customers who rely on us every day.” Under his leadership, the business will focus on infant and medical nutrition, as well as accelerating growth in women’s health, weight management and healthy ageing.

Functional snack start-up Fields Good officially launched with a line-up of ready-to-eat cookies formulated to support focus, sleep and protein intake while maintaining the indulgent taste and texture consumers expect from a classic bakery-style cookie. Founded by Ashley Fields, daughter of Mrs Fields Cookies founder Debbi Fields, alongside long-time friend and co-founder Kim Anderson, the Austin-based brand is entering the fast-growing functional food category with a mission to combine comfort, nostalgia and wellness in one product. The company also announced it has secured $1.8 million in pre-seed funding led by Female Founders Fund. The capital will support direct-to-consumer expansion, TikTok Shop and Amazon growth and future retail distribution plans. Ashley Fields, co-founder of Fields Good, said: “Consumers increasingly want foods that support how they feel throughout the day, but they don’t want to compromise on enjoyment. We built Fields Good to deliver both.” Fields Good spent more than two years developing its formulations, completing thousands of recipe iterations to ensure the functional ingredients blended seamlessly into the final product without affecting flavour or texture. The brand launches with three varieties: Focus Cookie, a soft-baked chocolate espresso cookie with sea salt, featuring 3g of creatine and 250mg of Cognizin citicoline, ingredients associated with focus and cognitive support. Sleep Cookie, an oatmeal raisin cookie formulated with 250mg of L-theanine to support relaxation and nighttime routines. Protein Cookie, a peanut butter cookie containing 10g of protein and 4g of fibre, designed for satiety and energy support. Kim Anderson, co-founder of Fields Good, said: “Fields Good is rooted in the belief that flavour and function don’t have to compete. We wanted to upgrade familiar comfort foods with ingredients consumers are already incorporating into their daily wellness routines.” Investors say the brand is well-positioned to capitalise on evolving consumer demand for products that merge indulgence with functionality. Anu Duggal, founding partner of Female Founders Fund, said: “We led this round because Fields Good answers a real cultural moment. Consumers want comfort and performance from the same product, and very few brands successfully deliver both.” Fields Good’s products are currently available for pre-order through the company’s direct-to-consumer website, with broader omnichannel expansion planned. Founded in Austin, Texas, Fields Good positions itself as a modern functional cookie company focused on delivering nostalgic bakery-style products enhanced with ingredients designed to support focus, recovery and rest.