The Hershey Company has appointed Amanda Almond as president of its international business, effective 12 October 2026, succeeding Rohit Grover, who has held the position for eight years. Amanda Almond Almond brings more than 30 years of experience in consumer goods and retail, having most recently served as regional managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at global wine company Vinarchy. At Vinarchy, Almond oversaw operations across 57 markets. Prior to this, she spent 12 years at Bacardi, where she held several senior regional leadership positions. In her new role, Almond will oversee Hershey's international operations as the company looks to accelerate growth across global markets. She will be based at Hershey's UK office and will work alongside the company's international leadership team during the transition. Grover, who joined Hershey in 1999, has spent 27 years with the company, holding leadership positions across its US and international businesses. Kirk Tanner, president and CEO of The Hershey Company, said: "Amanda is a proven international leader who knows how to build and scale brands in markets around the world". He added: "She has a track record of scaling and growing businesses, bringing teams together and building high-performance cultures, and she brings the experience and energy to accelerate our international growth". Almond added: "Hershey's brands are loved around the world, and I'm honored to join the company at such an exciting time for its international business". "I'm grateful to Rohit for the strong foundation he and the team have built, and I look forward to working with our teams, customers and partners to bring these iconic brands to even more consumers."

Michael Wood Following 365 Markets’ acquisition of Cantaloupe, FoodBev Media’s Melissa Bradshaw speaks to Michael Wood, product management senior manager at 365 Retail Markets, to find out how the company is adapting unattended retail innovation to meet different regional and customer needs. Topics covered include new age verification approaches, AI-powered vision coolers and freezers, improving unattended coffee, and adapting smart stores and payment experiences for different spaces and regions. Listen on to find out more.

The French government has proposed a plan to extend its sugar tax on soft drinks to include high-sugar processed foods, a measure aiming to improve public health across the nation. In its 2027 budget, France’s government noted that industrially processed foods containing additives – often referred to as ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – are major contributors to excessive sugar consumption. It proposes the extension of its sugar levy, which currently covers sweetened non-alcoholic drinks, as part of measures to tackle the root cause of chronic diseases linked to high-sugar diets, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. The proposed extension would operate on a sliding scale based on sugar content. The government said it aims to safeguard ‘high-quality food produced by our farmers, as well as artisanal products’. The budget states that 40% of adults and 80% of children in France consume too much sugar, while consumption of processed foods has risen by 170% since the 1980s. Impact on industry Commenting on the proposed measure, Paul Boivin, director general of national bakery, viennoiserie and pastry sector association Fédération des Entrepreneurs de Boulangerie (FEB), told FoodBev: “Reducing excessive sugar consumption is a major public health priority. Manufacturers of bakery and patisserie products have a responsibility to contribute, and we accept that responsibility. “However, FEB opposes the proposed extension of the tax. We believe the government should recognise and support the collective sugar reduction work already undertaken by our federation with its own administrations. For more than a year, our sector has worked with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture on a voluntary agreement for industrial pastries and viennoiseries.” A voluntary agreement submitted by the FEB’s members is being submitted, aiming to reduce the average sugar content of their product offer by at least 5% by 2031, Boivin pointed out. This aims for ‘actual sugar reduction’ without compensating by using substitutes or additives. But Boivin argues that taxing products without recognising companies’ existing reformulation efforts “sends a contradictory message”, adding: “A tax alone does not guarantee a lasting improvement in diets. It is dishonest to suggest otherwise in an attempt to justify a tax in disguise.” He expressed concerns about small and medium-size enterprises’ capacity to invest, facing additional costs on top of recipe development, production trials and product testing. “The tax would also create an uneven playing field between pre-packaged products and products sold loose,” Boivin said. “Comparable products with the same sugar content could be treated differently simply because of how they are packaged and sold. We see no public health justification for such a difference in treatment.” Product quality can become significantly impacted when reformulating to reduce sugar, due to its functional role in areas beyond sweetening. Sugar can also contribute to texture, appearance and shelf life, and Boivin noted that preserving quality is critical in successfully reformulating while helping consumers become accustomed to less sweet flavours. “The risk is that the tax absorbs resources needed to achieve these changes. Businesses could have to absorb the cost through lower margins or pass some of it on to consumers,” he concluded. Sugar reduction ramps up around Europe Legislation around sugar reduction has broadened substantially in Europe over the last decade, though most levies currently in place focus on sweetened beverages. The UK government announced plans to extend its Soft Drinks Industry Levy last year, covering additional beverage categories including dairy drinks and RTD coffees in addition to traditional fizzy drinks and fruit squash products. Additionally, the threshold for sugar levels was lowered from 5g to 4.5 per 100ml, with manufacturers given until 1 January 2028 to reduce sugar in their drinks to avoid the tax. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy has seen the average sugar content of drinks in scope drop by almost 50% since its introduction in 2018. However, the UK has not yet gone as far as to extend the levy to cover food products. Instead, measures to reduce sugar consumption in foods have focused on marketing and product placement restrictions. A UK report, published last March, called for a new sugar and salt tax on industrially processed foods such as biscuits, breakfast cereals and crisps, with Chris Hilson, lead author of the report at the University of Reading, calling an extension of the legislation “vital” in improving public health. Elsewhere, Poland has recently proposed an expansion of its sugar tax to cover more beverage formats, including concentrates and ready-to-drink dietary supplements. If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 January 2027. Germany has also proposed the introduction of a new soft drinks sugar tax from 2027, though manufacturers have criticised the proposal, stating that an accelerated timetable – with the legislation previously proposed for implementation in 2028 – could have significant financial consequences for businesses and leave them too little time to prepare.

US plant-based milk specialists New Barn Organics and BAM The Brand have partnered to launch a buckwheat-based milk alternative product at Whole Foods Markets. The collaboration was established through Whole Foods Market’s Local and Emerging Accelerator Program, where BAM – a producer of functional, regeneratively farmed buckwheat ingredients – was chosen to participate and paired with plant-based beverage producer New Barn as a mentor. The partnership sees BAM’s buckwheat platform combined with New Barn’s expertise in organic, regenerative food production and retail distribution. It aims to support BAM in expanding its buckwheat ingredients, making them more scalable across various F&B categories and helping to expand them into new formats. New Barn acquired BAM’s buckwheat milk recipes as part of the collaboration, and is now launching New Barn Organics Buckwheat Milk to market, powered by BAM’s shelf-stable Buckwheat Milk Powder innovation. “The CPG industry is competitive, and we saw a unique opportunity to be stronger together,” said Paige Hansen, founder and CEO of BAM the Brand. “Plant-based milk remains a core category, and Buckwheat Milk is a natural next step as consumers seek regenerative, delicious ways to diversify their diets.” “This partnership accelerates category growth and enables BAM to expand buckwheat into new formats.” The newly launched Buckwheat Milk is free from gluten, dairy, nuts, seed oils and GMO ingredients, and is Regenerative Organic Certified. It is available now at regional Whole Foods Markets stores across Southern Pacific, Northern California, Southwest, Rocky Mountain and Florida.

Skittles is expanding its candy range with Gummy Crystals, a new product that combines a soft gummy centre with tangy, crunchy candy crystals. Skittles Gummy Crystals will initially launch in two varieties: Original and Tropical Splash. Original features Strawberry, Lemon, Grape, Orange and Green Apple flavours, while Tropical Splash combines Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Mango Melon, Pineapple and Watermelon. Both variants are designed around the contrast between the chewy gummy texture and a crunchy crystal coating, creating what Skittles describes as a “crunch in every bite”. The launch reflects the growing role of texture in confectionery innovation, as brands look beyond flavour to create more distinctive eating experiences. Ro Cheng, marketing vice president, Mars Snacking North America, said the product was developed in response to demand for “dynamic, multi-textured treats”, combining a soft gummy centre with a crunchy exterior. The product joins Skittles Gummies, Skittles Gummies Fuego, Skittles POP'd and Skittles Littles, alongside the original chewy Skittles range. Skittles Gummy Crystals will receive an initial digital-first launch, with consumers able to access the product exclusively through TikTok Shop from 2 November as part of a limited bundle. The product is expected to reach select retailers later in the year, before a wider national rollout in the US in 2027.

Kerry has opened a new coffee extraction facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, expanding its capacity to produce coffee ingredients for beverage, dairy, foodservice and other food and beverage applications. The site, Kerry’s first manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, officially opened on 30 September with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by customers, industry partners, government representatives, and community leaders. First announced in September 2025, the facility is designed to develop natural coffee taste and flavour profiles using extraction and concentration technologies. Kerry said the site will produce tailored coffee solutions for applications including ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee, alcoholic beverages, ice cream and savoury sauces. The facility includes separate hot and cold brew extraction lines and has been designed with additional capacity to allow production to scale as demand increases. John Cahalane, president and CEO of Kerry North America, said the investment would increase coffee production capacity closer to customers on the US East Coast and provide greater flexibility in responding to changing consumer preferences. The company also expects the site to help reduce supply chain complexity and associated environmental impacts. The opening comes as demand for premium and speciality coffee continues to increase in the US. According to data cited by Kerry from the National Coffee Association, 48% of American adults drank speciality coffee in the past day, compared with 39% for traditional coffee – a record level for speciality coffee consumption. Kerry also points to growing demand for higher-quality coffee across formats such as RTD beverages, despite continued price pressures. The company is positioning its Bethlehem operation to support manufacturers and foodservice operators looking to replicate fresh-brewed and craft coffee experiences in products with longer shelf lives. Its technologies combine roasting, extraction, concentration and thermal processing to create coffee ingredients tailored to individual formulations while maintaining what Kerry describes as consistent, true-to-bean flavour and aroma. For foodservice customers, the ingredients can also be used to develop products such as iced lattes, espresso-style beverages, cold brew and functional drinks without requiring specialist barista skills or significant investment in coffee equipment. Sustainability is another focus of the new facility, with Kerry highlighting the potential environmental benefits of concentrated coffee products. The company said its high-Brix coffee concentrates, at between 23 and 30 Brix, can reduce the amount of water that needs to be transported and can be shipped at ambient temperatures rather than requiring refrigeration. According to Kerry's calculations, its Direct Concentrated Fresh (DCF) bean solution can deliver a 61% lower carbon footprint, while its conventional coffee offering has a 40% lower carbon footprint compared with competitor conventional coffee products. Kerry also claims a 34% reduction compared with refrigerated Brix products. The facility will use naturally sourced ingredients aligned with certification standards including USDA Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Café Femenino. The investment forms part of Kerry’s wider sustainability strategy, which includes commitments around responsible sourcing and reducing environmental impacts across its operations and supply chain.

Carnation has introduced its first-ever fall flavour, with the launch of limited-edition Carnation Caramel Flavoured Evaporated Milk in the US. The new product combines the brand’s evaporated milk with flavours of toasted sugar, buttery toffee and vanilla, positioning it as a seasonal ingredient for autumn baking and cooking. Available in a 12oz can, Carnation Caramel Flavoured Evaporated Milk is designed for use across a range of applications, from desserts and breakfast dishes to savoury recipes. The launch marks a seasonal extension for Carnation, with the brand targeting home bakers looking to incorporate autumn-inspired flavours into familiar recipes without adding multiple ingredients. Carnation said the new product can also be used beyond traditional desserts, giving consumers options for incorporating its caramel flavour into breakfast and savoury dishes. Carnation Caramel Flavoured Evaporated Milk is available now in the US as a limited-edition 12oz can, with a suggested retail price of $2.19.

Corbion CEO Olivier Rigaud will not seek a third term at the food ingredients company, with his current appointment due to end at the company’s Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2027. Rigaud has informed Corbion’s Supervisory Board that he intends to hand over leadership of the business after eight years as chief executive. He will remain in the role until the 2027 AGM, with the company saying he will continue to focus on improving performance, strengthening execution and delivering its strategic priorities during the remainder of his tenure. Rigaud has led Corbion through a significant period of transformation, during which the company has sought to strengthen its position in food ingredients and other specialty markets while establishing a platform for future growth. The Supervisory Board has now begun a search for his successor. It said the timing of Rigaud’s departure provides sufficient scope for an orderly transition and handover of responsibilities. The leadership change comes as Corbion continues to execute its BRIGHT 2030 strategy, which is focused on strengthening performance and creating long-term value for the business and its stakeholders. Alongside the CEO succession process, Corbion’s Supervisory Board intends to nominate Alexander (Xander) Wessels as a member of the board at an Extraordinary General Meeting. Wessels brings experience across the life sciences, speciality chemicals and food ingredients sectors. His previous senior leadership roles include CEO of Caldic, CEO of Archroma, and president and CEO of DSM Pharmaceutical Products. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at DSM and Campina. He currently serves as chair of the Supervisory Board of NRG PALLAS and chair of Enza Zaden, as well as sitting on the board of directors of Archroma. Corbion said Wessels’ background in international B2B businesses, transformation, operational performance and value creation would complement the company’s strategic priorities. His proposed appointment would add further industry and leadership experience to Corbion’s Supervisory Board as the company progresses with BRIGHT 2030. The board said Wessels’ experience would be particularly valuable as Corbion works to improve performance and continue its transformation. The company has yet to announce who will succeed Rigaud as CEO, with the formal succession process now underway. Rigaud is expected to remain at the helm for the next seven months, providing Corbion with a transition period before the new CEO takes over following the May 2027 AGM.

Carlsberg Group is expanding its long-standing bottling partnership with PepsiCo into Georgia and Armenia, following a similar agreement announced for Azerbaijan earlier this year. The agreements will see Carlsberg take responsibility for the production, sale and distribution of PepsiCo’s soft drinks portfolio in the two markets, while creating a broader South Caucasus cluster for the brewer and beverage company. As part of the expansion, Carlsberg has agreed to acquire Iberia Refreshments in Georgia and JI Pepsi Cola Bottler Armenia from Revery, the current owner of both businesses. Both companies are existing PepsiCo bottlers in their respective markets. The acquisition of JI Pepsi Cola Bottler Armenia remains subject to regulatory approval from the Armenian government. Once the transactions are completed, Georgia and Armenia will become operating markets for the Carlsberg Group. The move represents a further broadening of Carlsberg’s role in the PepsiCo system and follows the group's recently announced agreement to become PepsiCo’s bottling partner in Azerbaijan from 2027. Together, the three South Caucasus markets are expected to provide Carlsberg with a regional platform from which to develop PepsiCo’s beverage business, while leveraging its established operations and market presence in Azerbaijan. Nikos Kalaitzidakis, executive vice president, Central and Eastern Europe & India at Carlsberg Group, said the expansion would provide a platform to develop a “full multi-beverage portfolio” across the region. Natalia Filippociants, SVP and GM, Internal Beverages Europe at PepsiCo, said the expanded partnership would help the company “unlock the next phase of growth” in the two markets. Once the latest agreements take effect, Carlsberg will have PepsiCo bottling agreements covering 17 markets. These include the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos and Cambodia. From 2029, the relationship will also extend to Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, while Azerbaijan is scheduled to join the network from 2027. Georgia and Armenia will be added following completion of the proposed acquisitions.

PepsiCo is reportedly investing $1 billion into Colombia over the next five years, the country’s President Abelardo De La Espriella announced yesterday (28 September 2026) following a meeting with the company’s executives. The announcement comes after Colombia’s Vice President of the Republic, José Manuel Restrepo, and the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mauricio Gómez Amín, met in New York, US, to present businesspeople from various countries with a portfolio of more than 150 investment projects in Colombia. According to De La Espriella, PepsiCo’s investment will expand production, modernise operations and strengthen distribution across the country. “Confidence is demonstrated through investment,” he said. “This commitment boosts employment, supports more than 2,000 farmers and strengthens Colombian small shop owners.” Industry and tourism Minister Amín said the initiative “represents a new sign of confidence from the private sector and is part of the agenda being carried out by the government to attract capital, strengthen productive activity and generate new opportunities for growth and employment in line with the Crecer Mission, a strategy with which the Government of President De La Espriella seeks to boost the economy and move towards a 6% GDP growth”. FoodBev has approached PepsiCo for confirmation of the investment and further details.

UK-based tequila cocktail brand Pimentae has launched a new Tequila Espresso Martini, now available at Waitrose, Ocado and Morrisons stores. The premium-positioned cocktail puts an agave-led twist on the classic Espresso Martini, combining Mexican tequila, rich espresso coffee and smooth coffee liqueur. According to the brand, it delivers ‘intense’ notes of freshly brewed espresso, smooth tequila, dark chocolate and caramel, balanced with subtle sweetness and a ‘rich, velvety’ finish. Pimentae said the 14.5% ABV serve is ideally suited to autumn evenings and festive celebrations. It is priced at £4.25 per 125ml can. The launch follows the brand’s growing presence in UK retail, with more than 1,200 national listings secured since its launch in 2021. Other recent product launches from the brand include its RTD Spicy Margarita this summer – a mezcal-based offering, marking its first diversification beyond tequila – and its Grapefruit Margarita last year, responding to the rising popularity of Paloma cocktails.

Monster Energy is adding a globally inspired flavour to its ready-to-drink coffee portfolio with the launch of Java Monster Dubai Chocolate, set to arrive on shelves in October. The new SKU combines coffee and cream with cocoa, pistachio and a crisp, phyllo-inspired note designed to evoke the increasingly popular Dubai-style chocolate profile. The flavour is paired with Monster Energy’s signature energy blend and delivers 200mg of caffeine per serving. Jordi Gayola, CMO of the Americas at Monster Energy, said: “Dubai chocolate has a distinctive flavour, and the job was to capture it and make it unmistakably Java Monster. The result does both: the signature taste, with the coffee and cream experience Java fans expect.” Java Monster Dubai Chocolate joins the brand’s existing ready-to-drink coffee range, which includes Mean Bean, Loca Moca and Salted Caramel.