Storck is expanding its Riesen confectionery portfolio with the launch of Riesen Salted Peanut, a limited-edition variant combining the brand’s chewy toffee and dark chocolate with salted peanut. Launching across grocery, wholesale and impulse channels from 26 August 2026, the new 135g sharing bag targets growing consumer interest in sweet-and-salty flavour combinations. Riesen Salted Peanut brings together rich dark chocolate, chewy toffee and salted peanut in a new twist on the brand’s established recipe, while retaining its characteristic indulgent flavour profile. The launch comes as Storck looks to build on Riesen’s performance in the UK confectionery market. The brand is currently the UK’s No.2 toffee and fudge brand, with an annual value of £5.7 million and 5.8 million packs sold each year, according to Storck. Riesen has recorded 3.8% year-on-year value growth, while unit sales have increased by 2.4%. Buyer numbers have also risen by 18.7%, highlighting increased shopper penetration for the brand. Rebecca Robert, marketing director at Storck UK, said: “Sweet-and-salty flavour combinations continue to resonate strongly with consumers, and Riesen Salted Peanut brings that trend to life in a way that feels distinctive to the brand, combining rich dark chocolate and chewy toffee with a new salted peanut twist." Storck said the limited-edition SKU is intended to create additional interest in the confectionery aisle, encourage trial among existing and new shoppers, and provide retailers with a new product from an established brand. Riesen Salted Peanut will be available from 26 August in a 135g sharing bag, with a recommended retail price of £1.50. The product will be supplied in cases of 12.

Arla Foods Ingredients has completed an €8.3 million investment to electrify part of its production at the Danmark Protein plant in Videbæk, Denmark, cutting natural gas consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. The new heating system at Production Tower 4 is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to the annual heating demand of around 900 households using natural gas. The investment forms part of Arla Foods Ingredients’ wider strategy to electrify production and reduce emissions associated with dairy ingredient manufacturing. At the Videbæk facility, whey is processed into a range of protein and dairy ingredients. Under the new system, Tower 4 can switch between heat supplied by the plant’s existing steam system and a new electric heater, reducing its reliance on gas. The company estimates that the tower will be able to operate entirely on renewable electricity for 23% of the time. Mogens Bøgh Pedersen, director of the Danmark Protein plant, said: “This is one of those investments where we simultaneously improve operational reliability, strengthen security of supply and reduce our climate impact. The fact that we can achieve such a large reduction through a single solution highlights the potential of electrifying our production.” The combination of steam and electric heating also gives Arla Foods Ingredients greater flexibility in how it consumes energy. The company said it will be able to increase electricity use when wind and solar generation drives prices down, while reducing consumption when electricity supply is tighter. The approach is intended to support the Danish power grid while creating a financial case for further electrification across the company’s production network. A second project is now being planned for Production Tower 5 at the Videbæk site. The existing gas heating system will similarly be replaced with a combined steam and electric heating solution. If the Tower 5 project proceeds as planned, the two investments are expected to deliver annual CO2 savings of up to 5,200 tonnes. This is equivalent to the annual heating consumption of approximately 1,900 households. Paul van Rooij, vice president of Supply Chain at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “In addition to delivering substantial CO2e savings, this investment also represents a very strong business case. It is therefore a solution that we will naturally seek to scale across our other sites.” The Videbæk investment highlights the role electrification can play in reducing emissions from energy-intensive food and beverage processing, particularly where production currently relies on natural gas for high-temperature or process heating. For Arla Foods Ingredients, the project forms part of efforts to reduce the climate impact of its ingredient production while maintaining operational resilience and flexibility in energy consumption.

Beanstalk AgTech has launched Monsoon Ventures, a new Singapore-based venture studio aimed at commercialising agtech innovations designed to strengthen smallholder farming, environmental outcomes and food security across Southeast Asia. Backed by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and Rabo Foundation, the studio will initially focus on six markets – Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore – with an initial investment of S$1.2 million (approx. £693,348.00). Monsoon Ventures aims to support up to eight ventures during its first two years, with ambitions to attract and deploy additional capital and build more than 30 scalable ventures over the next five years. The initiative has been established in response to the commercialisation gap facing agtech developers across the region. Southeast Asia is home to an estimated 100 million smallholder farmers, who are increasingly exposed to climate-related disruption, fluctuating input costs and fragmented supply chains. While technologies capable of improving farm resilience are being developed across the region, Beanstalk said many struggle to progress beyond proof of concept and reach farmers at commercial scale. Monsoon Ventures will seek to address this gap by combining investment with commercial expertise. The studio will recruit teams, identify routes to market across agricultural value chains and support ventures in securing further investment or strategic partnerships with regional agribusinesses. Justin Ahmed, director at Beanstalk AgTech, said: “In Southeast Asia, the challenges facing science commercialisation are even more magnified, which is exactly why we’re launching Monsoon Ventures here." Ahmed continued: “Breakthrough science for smallholder resilience in this region so often dies between proof-of-concept and commercial launch. Monsoon Ventures will bring the strategy, team, and capital to help innovation cross this chasm and reach the smallholders who need it.” The studio builds on Beanstalk’s experience operating the Drought Venture Studio in Australia. The company said that initiative helped innovators raise more than AU$22 million (approx. £11,483,560) and launch 15 commercial products over two years. Monsoon Ventures will use a blended finance model combining philanthropic, public and private capital. EnterpriseSG has provided foundational support, while Rabo Foundation has contributed catalytic capital to help develop solutions targeting smallholder resilience. The initiative forms part of Singapore’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional hub for agrifood innovation and commercialisation. Sharon Tay, director of Food Manufacturing and Agri-Technology at Enterprise Singapore, “Strengthening regional food resilience requires more than breakthrough innovations – it requires a strong ecosystem that can translate promising ideas into solutions adopted at scale. Singapore is well positioned to play this role, drawing on our strengths as an innovation, financing and commercial translation hub for Southeast Asia.” Rabo Foundation said the venture studio model could provide agtech founders with the longer-term support required to develop commercially sustainable businesses. “Southeast Asia’s agtech landscape holds both enormous potential and persistent challenges,” said Bram Spann, regional lead Asia at Rabo Foundation. “Through this venture studio model, founders can access the structured, long-term support they need to iterate, validate, and build resilient business models.” For the food and agriculture sector, the initiative highlights the growing focus on moving agtech innovation beyond research and development and towards commercial deployment. By connecting technology developers with capital, agribusinesses and agricultural value chains, Monsoon Ventures aims to accelerate the adoption of solutions addressing productivity, climate resilience and resource efficiency. Beanstalk said it is now seeking conversations with funders and agribusinesses operating across Southeast Asia as it develops the studio's portfolio.

Jeff Dumbrell Following 365 Retail Markets’ acquisition of Cantaloupe, the combined business is bringing together payments, telemetry and connected-device capabilities with self-checkout, smart-store and retail management technology. The deal comes as unattended retail expands beyond traditional vending into micro markets, smart fridges, grab-and-go stores and other flexible formats across workplaces, hotels, healthcare facilities and transport hubs. Jeff Dumbrell, chief revenue officer at 365 Retail Markets, speaks to Refreshment about the rationale behind the acquisition, the priorities for integration and how data, AI and automation could shape the next phase of the sector. What was the strategic rationale behind 365 Retail Markets' acquisition of Cantaloupe, and why was this the right time to bring the two businesses together? The unattended retail market is changing quickly. Across Europe, operators are expanding beyond traditional vending into micro markets, smart stores, self-checkout and other flexible retail formats. Consumers expect convenient, frictionless shopping wherever they are, whether that's at work, in a hotel, on campus or in a transport hub. Operators need technology that gives them the flexibility to serve all of those environments. That's what bringing 365 Retail Markets and Cantaloupe together is all about. 365 has built strong expertise in self-service retail and software, while Cantaloupe brings leading payments, connected devices and telemetry capabilities. Together, we're giving operators a more robust set of tools that helps them grow, adapt and choose the right solution for each location. What are the immediate priorities as Cantaloupe is integrated into 365 Retail Markets? First and foremost, it's about our customers. They rely on our technology every day, so maintaining the reliability of our products and support is our top priority. At the same time, we're listening closely to customers to understand where we can create the most value by bringing the strengths of both companies together. This isn't about making big changes overnight. It's about combining the best of both businesses in a way that makes life easier for our customers. The acquisition combines Cantaloupe's payments, telemetry and device network with 365's self-checkout, smart-store and software capabilities. What new opportunities does this create for operators? Operators want more flexibility than ever before. They're serving a wider range of locations, and one retail format doesn't fit every environment anymore. A vending operator might be adding micro markets or smart coolers. A hotel may want 24/7 self-service for guests, while warehouses, hospitals and universities all have different needs. By bringing together payments, connected devices, software and self-service technology, operators get a much clearer view of their business. They can make better decisions around merchandising, replenishment and expansion based on real-time data. We're seeing that shift across Europe too. According to the European Vending & Coffee Service Association, micro markets grew by 38% last year and nearly 78% of vending machines now support cashless payments. That's a clear sign the market is moving towards more connected, digital retail experiences. How is the unattended retail market evolving beyond traditional vending and workplace micro markets? I think the biggest change is that unattended retail is no longer just about vending. Operators are using different formats depending on the location – from smart fridges in hotels to grab-and-go retail in hospitals, universities and transport hubs, or secure stores in manufacturing and logistics facilities. Consumers expect convenience wherever they are, while operators are looking for ways to overcome labour challenges and extend service without adding complexity. The conversation has shifted from 'which machine do I need?' to 'what's the right retail experience for this location?'. That's a much more exciting place for the industry to be. Which emerging locations or sectors present the strongest growth opportunities? Anywhere there's strong footfall and a need for convenient access to food, drinks or everyday essentials. Hotels, logistics centres and manufacturing sites are all growing because they often operate around the clock. Universities, healthcare, transport hubs and sports venues also present great opportunities to improve convenience and reduce queues. For me, it's less about the sector and more about solving a real operational challenge. If unattended retail makes life easier for consumers and operators, there's a good opportunity. What role will artificial intelligence and automation play in the combined company's technology strategy? AI has huge potential, but only if it solves real problems. Whether it's helping operators optimise stock, predict maintenance issues or improve product recognition in smart stores, AI should make running a business easier – not more complicated. The real opportunity is turning data into practical insights that help operators make faster, better decisions every day. As the business expands its payments, software and connected-device capabilities, how are you approaching cybersecurity and customer data protection? Security has to be built into everything we do. Our customers trust us with their businesses and payment transactions, so we're continuing to invest in secure platforms, payment technology, device management and strong data governance, while supporting compliance with requirements like GDPR. As unattended retail becomes more connected, maintaining that trust only becomes more important. What innovations or developments can operators expect from the combined business over the next 12 to 24 months? Our focus is on practical innovation that helps operators grow. Customers can expect better integration across payments, software, connected devices and self-service technologies, making it easier to manage their business and serve more locations by choosing the solutions that make the most sense for their operating model. I believe unattended retail is entering its next phase. Operators are serving more types of locations than ever before, and they need technology that's flexible enough to keep up. Our goal is to give them a connected platform that helps them grow with confidence, whatever comes next. Learn more about 365 Retail Markets here.

New Zealand dairy processor Synlait Milk has denied that it is involved in discussions with The A2 Milk Company or Fonterra regarding a potential transaction. The company issued the statement in response to media reports published on Monday 17 August concerning a possible deal involving third parties. “Synlait confirms that it is not involved in any discussions with The A2 Milk Company or Fonterra regarding the matters referred to in those reports,” the company said. Synlait provided no further details and said it had no additional comment at this time. Earlier this year, chief executive Richard Wyeth resigned after leading the company through efforts to stabilise its operational, quality and financial performance.

Weco has introduced the Multiscan MXV-Bulk X-ray inspection system, a new solution designed to help nut processors identify internal quality defects and foreign material that may not be visible on the surface of in-shell nuts. The system uses differences in density to assess the contents of individual nuts, enabling processors to identify issues including insufficient kernel fill, empty shells, insect damage and internal mould. It can also detect and remove dense foreign material, such as stones, glass, ceramics and embedded metal from the product stream. According to Weco, the technology is the first system of its kind in North America designed specifically to assess the internal quality of in-shell nuts using X-ray inspection. Nick Lightfoot, vice president at Weco, said: “Nut processors have traditionally relied on optical inspection methods that cannot tell them what is happening inside the shell. While X-ray is broadly used in food processing, this is the first system of its kind to evaluate the internal quality of in-shell nuts in North America.” The MXV-Bulk is designed for applications, including pecans, walnuts, pistachios and peanuts. By removing underfilled and defective nuts, the system is intended to help processors improve product grades, increase value per pound and reduce reliance on manual inspection. The system is designed to complement existing optical sorting, aspiration and separation technologies rather than replace them. While optical sorters assess external characteristics such as colour, size, shape and surface condition, aspiration primarily separates materials according to weight and aerodynamic properties. The MXV-Bulk adds an additional layer of inspection by analysing internal density. Nuts are transported on a belt designed to stabilise and evenly distribute product through the scanning area. The system captures images of individual objects and analyses them against defined quality parameters. Products that fall outside the specified tolerance, as well as detected foreign material, are automatically rejected using air valves. Processors can set density thresholds through the system's touchscreen interface to determine the minimum level of kernel fill required for acceptance. The technology can also assess fill in specific areas of individual nuts, allowing inspection parameters to be adjusted for different nut varieties and quality requirements. Weco said customer trials have shown the potential to reduce manual inspection requirements while increasing average product grades. “When processors are selling on kernel yield, that combination can produce a meaningful improvement to the bottom line,” Lightfoot added. The MXV-Bulk was developed through a collaboration between Weco and Multiscan Technologies, both Duravant operating companies. The project combines Multiscan's X-ray inspection technology with Weco's experience in nut processing. The equipment is designed for straightforward operation without requiring highly specialised personnel to maintain consistent inspection performance. The MXV-Bulk is available for sale worldwide and for lease in the US, Mexico and Canada. Weco also provides installation and start-up support, preventive maintenance, technology upgrades and 24/7 emergency assistance. The launch reflects the wider adoption of automated inspection technologies across food processing as producers seek to improve quality control, reduce manual intervention and maximise the value of raw materials. Weco has more than 30 years of experience in optical and electronic sorting technology, with applications across fruit, nut and agricultural processing. The company is part of Duravant, a global provider of automation solutions for food processing, packaging and material handling.

Irish cream liqueur brand Merry’s is adding a new Dubai chocolate-flavoured variant to its range, available nationwide across the US this October. The drink is inspired by the global Dubai chocolate viral food trend, one of the biggest flavour trends fuelled by social media over the past few years. Described as offering a ‘luxurious chocolate aroma,’ it blends nutty pistachio with fresh Irish cream, warm aged Irish whiskey and rich, indulgent dark chocolate and subtle vanilla notes. All of the cream used in Merry’s liqueurs is sourced from local grass-fed Irish cows in the Golden Vale, with a farm-to-bottle approach that takes just 12 hours from milking the cows to the finished product, according to the brand. The new addition will be available via distributor Prestige Beverage Group from 1 October, priced at an SRP of $15.99 per 750ml bottle.

Better-for-you confectionery brand Wild Thingz is expanding its UK retail footprint with two new gummy flavour collections. The new Berry Mix and Tropical Mix Share Bags are designed for sharing and on-the-go snacking, combining fruit flavours with the brand’s signature bug-shaped gummies. The products contain half the sugar of leading sweet brands, according to Wild Thingz, and are made without artificial ingredients or gelatine. The new Tropical Mix features Mango Spiders, Peach Vees, Orange Snails and Pineapple Frogs, while Berry Mix includes Blueberry Vees, Strawberry Butterflies, Raspberry Wasps and Blackcurrant Ladybirds. The new products will be available through WHSmith Travel locations including airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, major railway stations including London Euston, King’s Cross and Birmingham New Street, as well as the Eurotunnel and hospitals across the UK. The brand is also introducing a lower, more competitive price point, with the new 60g Share Bags carrying an RRP of £2.00. The products will be available through Ocado from 24 July. Founded in 2024 by former Mondelēz marketer Fliss Newland, Wild Thingz has positioned itself around lower-sugar confectionery made with natural flavours and plant-based ingredients. “We wanted to create gummies that deliver big, juicy fruit flavours while keeping everything families already love about Wild Thingz – half the sugar, natural ingredients and plenty of fun,” said Newland. “With new share bags, a new multipack and our expanding retail footprint, we're making it even easier for more families to discover the brand.” The expansion will continue in August with the launch of a Berry Mix Multipack exclusively through Ocado. Priced at £3.00, the multipack contains five individually portioned packs aimed at family occasions and on-the-go consumption, including days out, parties and summer activities.

DSM-Firmenich’s chair of the board of directors, Thomas Leysen (pictured above), has decided to retire from his role once his successor has been elected by the company’s shareholders. The company said its ‘strategic direction’ is ‘fully set,’ prompting Leysen’s decision to step down and devote more time to his other corporate and non-profit mandates. Richard Ridinger The board has unanimously proposed Richard Ridinger, currently an independent director of DSM-Firmenich, as his successor. Shareholders will be asked to approve his appointment at an Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting to be held on 19 October 2026. Ridinger brings extensive executive and board-level experience in global businesses across pharmaceuticals, home and personal care, and nutrition and health. DSM-Firmenich praised his deep understanding of the company, positioning him well to succeed Leysen. The company said he will provide continuity to execute its strategy and create long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders. Since the formation of DSM-Firmenich, a result of the merger between Royal DSM and Firmenich in 2023, Leysen has provided guidance through a period of significant change and challenging market conditions. The board thanked him for his leadership, adding that he has been ‘instrumental’ in positioning the company for its next growth phase. Leysen commented: “With DSM-Firmenich now fully operating as one company, the portfolio tuning nearing completion with the closing of the Animal Nutrition & Health sale foreseen later this year, the executive committee rejuvenated and the margin improvement program well underway, it is an opportune moment to hand over to a new chair”. “Richard has all the requisite experience to help bring DSM-firmenich to the next level. It has been a pleasure and an honour to chair the board during the formative stages of this unique company.”

Bonne Maman has expanded its US pie filling portfolio with the launch of a new peach variety. The ready-to-bake filling is made with large pieces of peach and can be used in pies, cobblers and other desserts. The launch follows the introduction of the brand’s seasonal pumpkin pie filling last autumn. Bonne Maman’s pie filling range also includes apple, blueberry and cherry varieties. According to the company, the products contain no high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, additives or artificial colours. Bonne Maman Peach Pie Filling is rolling out across speciality and mass-market retailers in the US, priced at $9.99 per 21.1oz glass jar.

Cirkla is to establish a new US manufacturing facility in Gainesville, Georgia, as the moulded fibre packaging company aims to meet growing demand for plastic reduction across the meat and poultry sector. The facility, which is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2027, will be dedicated to scaling moulded fibre packaging for meat applications and is described by Cirkla as the first US facility of its kind. The new site will enable an integrated domestic supply while increasing production capacity and reducing lead time. The investment follows what the company says has been a strong market uptake of its Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) fibre trays among protein processors. Cirkla manufactures moulded fibre products using materials including sugarcane bagasse, bamboo and wood pulp. Its portfolio includes MAP packaging for meat, ready meal packaging, dairy tubs and compostable coffee capsules. Vaibhav Goel, CEO of Cirkla, said: “Our manufacturing in India runs at scale and has validated this technology in real production environments across some of the most demanding protein categories. As US demand has grown, so has the case for a domestic footprint – this facility brings that same capability closer to our customers, built for the national rollouts ahead.” Cirkla’s MAP trays use moulded fibre alongside a patented liner technology designed to provide the barrier performance required for fresh protein packaging while reducing reliance on conventional rigid plastics. The Gainesville site will incorporate automation, in-house quality laboratories and expanding finishing capabilities. It will manufacture the company’s portfolio of moulded fibre packaging, including MAP and overwrap trays. The facility will be located at the Gainesville 85 Business Center in Hall County, an area with strong ties to the poultry and food manufacturing industry. Cirkla’s expansion comes as food manufacturers and retailers seek alternative packaging formats to reduce plastic use without compromising on shelf life, food safety and presentation. While the new site will initially focus on meat and poultry, the company said its technology has applications across other categories, including produce and ready meals. The project was supported by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Quick Start. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to provide more than 100 jobs and support Cirkla’s expansion across the US.

McCain Foods USA has expanded its Tast!ez frozen snack brand with the launch of Tast!ez Flavor-Fulls, a new range of cheese- and sauce-filled snacks designed to deliver a burst of flavour in every bite. The new line-up combines crispy exteriors with hot, melted fillings, bringing sauces and other flavour components inside the snack rather than relying on separate dipping accompaniments. Tast!ez Flavor-Fulls is launching in three varieties: Mini Marinara Mozzarella Sticks, Mini Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sticks and Cheddar & Bacon Potato Bites. The Mini Marinara Mozzarella Sticks combine melted mozzarella and marinara sauce within a crispy coating, while the Mini Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sticks feature mozzarella and a creamy garlic sauce centre. The Cheddar & Bacon Potato Bites, meanwhile, are made with potato and filled with cheddar and bacon. According to McCain, the filled format is intended to provide a more convenient snacking experience by incorporating sauce directly into the product, eliminating the need for additional condiments. Roderik Nuyens, director of retail marketing, US Snacking at McCain Foods USA, said: “Today's consumers want snacks that are easy to prepare, but they also want something that satisfies. With the innovation of Tast!ez Flavor-Fulls, we're bringing a creative take on frozen snacks that delivers restaurant-inspired flavour at home in just minutes using an air fryer or oven.” The launch builds on Tast!ez, which McCain introduced in 2024 with products including Mini Mozzarella Sticks and Garlic Cheese Curds. The brand is targeting consumers looking for convenient frozen snacks that can be prepared quickly in an air fryer or oven, with Flavor-Fulls positioned as an option for occasions ranging from after-school snacking to pre-dinner eating. The new products are now available in the frozen snack aisle at select retailers across the US, including Walmart and Wakefern, with a suggested retail price of $4.99 per pack. The launch comes as manufacturers continue to develop frozen snack formats that combine convenience with more indulgent, restaurant-inspired flavour profiles. McCain Foods is one of the world's largest manufacturers of frozen potato products and a producer of prepared appetisers and snacks. The company operates 49 production facilities across six continents and employs approximately 22,000 people.