Five Star Food Service, a franchise of Compass Group company Canteen, has acquired vending machine supplier Rawls Distributing after the death of co-founder Robin Rawls. Founded in 1976 as Tom's Foods Franchise, Rawls Distributing, which is based in Savannah, Georgia, is also a member of the Canteen franchise group. The acquisition expands Five Star's territory along Georgia's Atlantic coast. Five Star’s president and CEO, Richard Kennedy, said: “We are grateful to be establishing ourselves in Savannah and the coastal Georgia region. Robin and the team at Rawls Distributing built a successful business with strong values and community relationships. The addition of the Rawls business is an excellent complement to our operations in South Georgia.” Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Last year, Five Star bought Alabama-based vending operator Gulf Coast Canteen for an undisclosed sum.

The Hershey Company is expanding its KitKat portfolio with the release of two new products — KitKat Duos Strawberry and Dark Chocolate and KitKat Thins Chocolate Hazelnut. The KitKat Duos Strawberry and Dark Chocolate flavour combines the sweet, fresh taste of strawberry with the flavour of dark chocolate in the KitKat Duos third-generation bar. The bar will be available in both standard and king size. KitKat Thins Chocolate Hazelnut will join the existing thins lineup which slims down the classic bar wafer into a thinner treat. The new variation adds a hazelnut flavour to a light, crispy version of the snack. These will be available in 3.1 oz. and 7.37 oz. bags. Dan Williard, brand manager of KitKat, said: "A new year is always a chance to try new things, so what better way to start than by releasing new KitKat flavours? There's nothing more classic than KitKat wafers and chocolate, but KitKat Duos Strawberry and Dark Chocolate and KitKat Thins Chocolate Hazelnut bring fresh takes." Both new items are permanent additions to KitKat's lineup and are available in US retailers nationwide.

Bowery Farming has announced plans to open two new smart indoor farms that will serve the Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metro areas. The farms will create more than 200 jobs across the Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth markets, and provide locally grown produce to a population of 20 million and 16 million respectively. The company's new state-of-the-art farms will feature technology innovations resulting in efficiency improvements to all elements of the grow environment. The company has also announced new third-party funding, led by KKR, which will accelerate the expansion of Bowery's network of vertical farm facilities. Irving Fain, CEO and founder of Bowery Farming, said: "We're thrilled to announce our expansion beyond the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. KKR's support is a testament to the proven success of our business model and a strong vote of confidence in our technology leadership and ability to address critical challenges in the current agricultural system. There is an enormous economic opportunity that comes with supporting our mission to democratise access to local, pesticide-free 'Protected Produce' and now we are ready to continue our growth more rapidly." Both farms are expected to open in the first quarter of 2023. Bowery's announcement follows the company's $325 million Series C funding last year, which was led by Fidelity Management & Research Company.

Molson Coors Beverage Company has announced it is selling its Saint Archer brewery to Ballast Point owner, Kings & Convicts Brewing Co. Under the deal, Kings & Convicts will take over Saint Archer’s 100,000-barrel-capacity beer operation in Miramar and adjoining taproom, as well as its 1,200-square-foot taproom in Leucadia, California. Molson Coors will retain ownership of the Saint Archer brand, which it acquired in 2015. “The Saint Archer team has built a distinct brand that has a very loyal following in southern California. Unfortunately, the overall business has struggled to grow despite investing significant resources behind its production and commercialisation,” said Paul Verdu, vice president of Tenth & Blake, Molson Coors’ US craft division. “We’ll maintain ownership of the Saint Archer brand as we determine the best long-term plan and remain focused on growing our regional breweries that continue outpacing home-market competitors.” He continued: "We tried to do everything we could to keep the brand going, but it just wasn't financially viable to continue operating. That isn't a reflection on how great Saint Archer beer is, or the passion or the efforts of our team in California. The beer is awesome, the brand is awesome, but it was just hit with a series of challenges we weren't able to overcome." Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Scotland-based company Darnley’s Gin has launched a range of recyclable gin pouches as part of its 2022 sustainability strategy. The refill pouches, which can be returned to the brand’s headquarters for recycling, are available in 70cl for each of the Darnley’s Gin Original, Spiced Gin & Navy Strength products. According to the company, the pouches derives from recycled plastic material (grade 7), "which is not only recycled but also weighs 50% less than a glass bottle of Darnley’s Gin to transport". Aimed at existing consumers, the gin pouches will make it more "energy-efficient for fans to purchase a glass bottle in the first instance before purchasing pouches to complement and refill them," said the firm. Darnley’s Gin founder William Wemyss said: “Our sustainability plans for the brand are one of constant improvement and the launch of our gin pouches is part of this journey". He continued: "We hope Darnley’s Gin fans will not only enjoy these gins but also return the pouches so the full environmental benefits of this initiative can be realised.”

Packing and weighing solutions company, Ishida Europe, has launched a next-generation x-ray inspection system that detects foreign bodies when packing meats. The Ishida IX-G2-F incorporates a new line sensor that provides a high-quality x-ray image through an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. This has increased capability to detect bone fragments and low-density foreign bodies compared with previous x-ray models. The technology increases the ability of the machine to identify contaminants, in particular when handling thicker and denser products such as chicken fillets, chicken breasts and a wide range of poultry products. The enhanced sensitivity means there is a reduced risk of false detections, which helps to maximise throughput and avoid extra costs associated with unnecessary waste and the repacking of products. Sibtain Naqvi, Ishida Europe’s x-ray product manager, said: “The next generation IX-G2-F x-ray inspection system offers unrivalled performance and with its improved line sensor and software capabilities it has already delivered significant benefits on production lines". He continued: “The enhanced sensitivity provides poultry processors with even greater reassurance that their high product quality standards are being maintained and by minimising the number of false rejects, production can be maximised. We believe our IX-G2-F models represent another major advance in our x-ray inspection portfolio". The high-performance system is supported by Ishida’s self-learning genetic algorithm technology, which the company says delivers "maximum detection sensitivity and reliability".

Grupo Modelo, the brewer of Corona beer, has partnered with WestRock and Grupo Gondi to invest in a sustainable, fibre-based packaging solution. The partnership will see Grupo Modelo invest around $4 million in WestRock CanCollar Eco packaging in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The investment aims to help the beer company advance its sustainability goals by eliminating its use of plastic rings in Mexico. Soqui Calderon, regional director of sustainability for Grupo Modelo, said: “At Grupo Modelo, we are continuing to evaluate various alternatives for plastic rings in the packaging of beer cans. This is how we discovered CanCollar Eco, a new solution developed by WestRock and produced in Mexico by Grupo Gondi. Made from recyclable paperboard, this innovative packaging uses the least amount of material required to hold and to keep our beer cans secure through the supply chain." Unlike a cardboard box that completely covers the product, CanCollar Eco packaging uses only a paperboard clip to hold the upper part of the cans. The technology will replace hard-to-recycle plastic packaging and is expected to result in more than 100 fewer tons of plastic waste each year.

UK plant-based dips company Holy Moly has expanded its portfolio with the addition of two new "creamy" vegan dips. Holy Moly Tzatziki and Smoky Garlic Aioli dips are made with a blend of plant-based mayo and yogurt, containing no artificial ingredients. According to the company, the dips are promised "creamy indulgence without any compromise on taste". The two new products join Holy Moly’s current line-up of smoky red pepper and tomato salsa, tomato and mango salsa and original guacamole. Holy Moly's co-founder, Tom Walker, said: “Our principles around wholesome, quality ingredients and delicious homemade taste give us a genuine point of difference in dips for consumers across the board". He continued: "We are becoming increasingly discerning about taste and what goes into our food – whether you are vegan, or not there is a trend towards simple ingredients with authentic foodie credentials and the Holy Moly range taps into that insight". Holy Moly Tzatziki and Smoky Garlic Aioli dips are available at Waitrose for an RRP of £2.50 for 170g pack. In 2020, Holy Moly entered into the ready-to-drink category with the launch of a range of cold-pressed Nutshakes across the UK.

Danish Crown has launched a new plant-based range under its Den Grønne Slagter brand, consisting of ready meals and meal components. The range includes eight plant-based products, which includes veggie fars, veggie bites, BBQ burger, nuggets, schnitzel and veggie deller along with Indian-inspired dishes, Tandoori and Byriani. The products are made without soy and with either Nordic or organic vegetables as the main ingredient. Mette Schacht Færch, head of marketing and innovation at Danish Crown Nordics, commented: “We have worked intensively with these products to develop the right taste, texture and preparation, and this work showed that preparation is key to obtaining a good experience from the products. Briefly said, several of the plant-based products must be fried at lower temperatures than meat, and this is one of the things we will now emphasise to consumers buying one of our products." The new product range from Den Grønne Slagter is available in select Danish food retail chains and from the end of January also widely available in Danish supermarket coolers.

Greek yogurt maker Chobani has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a new plant-based coffee creamer range. The company – which already offers dairy- and oat-based coffee creamers – says that the new line blends plant-based ingredients to create a ‘rich, creamy and dairy-like product’. Chobani’s new plant-based creamer range features four varieties: Sweet & Creamy, French Vanilla, Chocolate Hazelnut and Caramel Macchiato. “As coffee drinkers continue to elevate their at-home experience and ask for better options, we're expanding our creamer offering to include four new plant-based creamers full of the flavours they love,” said Chobani president and chief operating officer, Peter McGuinness. “With this expansion, we offer better options with something for everyone – creamers made from oat, farm-fresh dairy or plant-based ingredients.” Chobani’s new plant-based creamers are free from artificial flavours, sweeteners and preservatives, and are available in the US. Chobani has also announced the launch of a new limited-availability dairy coffee creamer flavour, Sizzlin' Brown Sugar, which was picked by consumers through a contest and vote.

Danone-owned brand Evian has announced the launch of its "first-ever" sparkling water in recyclable aluminium cans across the UK. According to the company, Evian Sparkling was "crafted by its 15-year natural filtration journey through the glacial rocks in the heart of the French Alps". The new sparkling water is available to purchase at Tesco stores in 33cl sleek aluminium cans and will be available in 1-litre rPET bottles later this year. Evian's VP of marketing, Shweta Harit, said: “Evian Sparkling represents new possibilities for the brand, as we reimagine our uniquely sourced water into an exciting new product. Evian Sparkling stands out for its true purity and freshness – elevating your experiences and keeping you hydrated." She continued: “This new product contains the perfect level of sparkles with its fine bubbles creating a subtle taste and gentle intensity. Available for the first time in recyclable aluminium cans, this latest innovation demonstrates our longstanding pioneering spirit that runs through everything we do at Evian.”

JBT Corporation has announced the launch of an electric version of its Stein TwinDrum Spiral Oven, as it looks to help customers become more eco-friendly. The TwinDrum Spiral Oven is the latest spiral oven cooking technology from JBT, and includes the addition of a uniform temperature and roasting capabilities via an efficient two-zone spiral system. The oven’s design enables processors to increase their processing capabilities compared with existing ovens, and at the same time ensures consistent cooking of food items by uniformly distributing the hot airflow across all levels. The new electric version allows customers to forgo gas- and oil-based heating systems by plugging directly into the grid, offering a "new way to heat". The electric oven contains a fixed heater, so it can be easily accessed for cleaning and maintenance. Meanwhile, electric heating gives processors the option of using renewable energy sources. The electric TwinDrum Spiral Oven also includes proportional control for the heating elements to achieve more accurate temperature and energy control. “Through the electric TwinDrum, we are offering a new way to heat. We come in contact with a lot of new food producers in the world wanting to cook and fry alternative proteins, but often, for these small-scale start-up producers, investing in a thermal fluid system can be quite expensive. Having an electrically heated fryer and oven is a good and more affordable alternative for this group," said Stefan Paulsson, JBT’s director of value stream and global product line.