The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published its first enforcement rulings under the UK’s new restrictions on advertising less healthy food and drink, offering the food and beverage industry early insight into how the regulations are being applied in practice. The rules, introduced at the start of the year as part of the UK Government’s public health strategy, prohibit identifiable less healthy food products, commonly referred to as HFSS (high in fat, salt and sugar), from being advertised on TV or on-demand services between 5:30 am and 9 pm. They also ban such advertising in paid online media at any time. The ASA’s initial decisions highlight the importance of product visibility and classification under the Government’s Nutrient Profiling Model: Upheld – Lidl Northern Ireland: An influencer-led Instagram post featuring two bakery items was ruled in breach due to the prominence of a less healthy product, despite the inclusion of a compliant item. Upheld – Iceland Foods: Online display ads showcasing a range of products, including identifiable HFSS sweets, were found to violate the rules. Not upheld – German Doner Kebab: An influencer promotion featuring menu items did not breach regulations, as the foods shown were not classified as less healthy under the Nutrient Profiling Model. Not upheld – On the Beach: A TV advert depicting a child selecting a doughnut from a buffet was deemed compliant, as the food was considered incidental rather than the focus of the promotion. The rulings underscore a key compliance challenge for brands: even when healthier options are included, the presence and prominence of HFSS products can render an advert non-compliant. Conversely, contextual or incidental appearances of such foods may fall outside the scope of the restrictions. Guy Parker, chief executive at the ASA, said: “As the ad regulator, our role is to remain impartial and independent, making sure our new LHF rules, which reflect the law, are applied fairly and consistently. These initial rulings are an important step in building a clearer picture of how the rules are applied in reality. We’ll be continuing to play our role in administering and enforcing them, including by using tech-assisted proactive monitoring.” The ASA confirmed it will continue to roll out further rulings in the coming months, supported by its AI-driven Active Ad Monitoring system. The regulator is also stepping up guidance and training to help advertisers, retailers and foodservice operators navigate the evolving landscape.

Arla Foods-owned Lurpak is expanding its flavoured butter portfolio with the launch of Lurpak Chilli & Garlic. Rolling out from April 2026, the NPD builds on the strong performance of Lurpak Garlic Butter and is positioned to drive incremental growth in the rapidly expanding flavoured butter segment. With an MRRP of £2.50, the product will debut in a practical stick format designed to simplify portioning and appeal to a younger generation of home cooks. Lurpak Chilli & Garlic has been developed to meet increasing consumer appetite for heat and intensity in everyday cooking. The brand is positioning the product as an accessible way to elevate meals with minimal effort, aligning with broader trends around convenience and flavour experimentation in the home. Catriona Mantle, marketing director for BSM at Arla Foods, comments: “With Lurpak Chilli & Garlic, we’re unlocking even more excitement in the category and building on the momentum we’ve created with Lurpak Garlic Butter, the UK’s number one flavoured butter." The launch sits within Lurpak’s “Unleash Full Flavour” platform, which focuses on delivering impactful taste experiences and reinforcing the brand’s role as a catalyst for better home cooking. Mantle continued: "The launch brings the heat and flavour consumers are looking for, in a simple, versatile format that makes great-tasting meals easier every day. We’re confident it will attract new shoppers to Lurpak and drive incremental growth for retailers.” Lurpak Chilli & Garlic will be available initially in Morrisons and Ocado from April, with wider distribution across UK retailers beginning in May 2026. The launch comes as Lurpak approaches its 125th anniversary, with the brand set to increase marketing investment throughout the year.

Celleste Bio has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first milk chocolate bars made with real cocoa butter produced using cell suspension culture technology. The cocoa butter was used by Mondelēz International, Celleste’s strategic partner, to produce nearly a dozen chocolate bars that met the company’s product integrity and consumption standards. According to Celleste, the milestone shows its cell-cultured ingredients are bio-identical to conventionally grown cocoa, delivering the same texture, melt profile and sensory experience. The company said this validates the next phase of scaling production to market-ready volumes within the next two years. Celleste, founded in 2022, aims to support a more sustainable future for the chocolate industry amid supply chain pressures including climate change, disease, traceability challenges and geopolitical instability. CEO Michal Beressi Golomb said: "In three years we've made unprecedented progress to meet this formidable scientific challenge. We've validated our ingredients as drop-in replacements, created an operational R&D pilot facility to scale up our volumes and now proven our cocoa butter performs identically to conventional cocoa, clearing the next phase to commercial scale." The company also plans to use AI-based computational modelling to tailor cocoa butter characteristics, such as melting points and flavour profiles, to customer specifications, enabling manufacturers to expand product innovation. Chief technical and scientific officer Hanne Volpin highlighted the environmental upside of using cell cultured technology to supplement traditional growing methods: "Building a resilient supply chain means being able to produce at commercial volumes while offsetting disruptions caused by climate change, deforestation and resource scarcity." "We are on track to produce 1 ton of cocoa butter annually in a 1,000-litre bioreactor from a single bean – which would otherwise require about a hectare of cocoa trees. To that end, we've curated a very robust bank of multiple cocoa bean varietals we can use to grow, test and scale material without ever having to cut down a single tree in the rainforest." To date, Celleste Bio has raised $5.6 million in funding, including investment from Mondelēz International, Supply Change Capital, Trendlines, Barrel Ventures and non-dilutive grants.

Exchange for Change has published a material specification outlining the technical requirements for drinks containers included in the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as industry prepares for the scheme’s launch in October 2027. The specification sets out the criteria containers must meet to be accepted by Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), covering materials, design, labelling and identification requirements to support efficient recycling and high-quality material recovery. It applies to PET plastic, aluminium and steel containers ranging from 150ml to 3-litres, and is intended to give producers clarity on any packaging changes required ahead of implementation. Technical requirements set out for container design and identification According to the document, containers must meet defined dimensional and structural requirements to ensure compatibility with RVM systems, with cylindrical formats preferred to support automated take-back. Non-standard shapes may require additional testing to confirm they can be processed through machines. Material performance is also addressed, with minimum compaction thresholds set at 55% for PET bottles and 75% for aluminium and steel cans to enable efficient processing. A key focus of the specification is product identification. All in-scope containers must carry a compliant barcode linked to Exchange for Change’s Article List, with existing barcodes requiring updates. The system will rely on a combination of barcode recognition, shape detection, weight verification and metal detection, with a minimum combined accuracy of 95% required for RVM acceptance. The document also sets out detailed guidance on barcode format, quality and placement, including requirements for GS1-compliant codes and positioning to ensure readability during collection. In addition, labelling requirements are outlined, including the introduction of a UK DRS deposit logo, which will be mandatory for in-scope products. Producers are advised to limit label coverage on bottles to improve the quality of recycled material and support the circular economy goals of the scheme. Registration timelines and exemptions Ahead of the scheme’s launch, producers will be required to register all products with Exchange for Change by July 2027, allowing time for onboarding and testing. Products in non-standard formats may require physical testing to confirm compatibility with RVM equipment. The specification also introduces a low-volume product exemption for smaller producers, applying to products with limited annual unit volumes. These products remain subject to registration requirements but are exempt from certain fees and labelling obligations. Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “The publication of our material specification is a milestone in providing producers with the clarity they need to prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme. It sets out in practical terms how packaging should be labelled so it can work effectively within the system from day one." He continued: “Our focus is on making sure businesses have the time, certainty and support they need. By publishing this guidance now, we’re helping producers plan ahead, align packaging changes with their existing cycles and avoid unnecessary disruption as we move towards launch." “This is part of our wider work to support industry readiness for the deposit return scheme’s launch in October next year. We will continue to provide further detail, guidance and engagement opportunities as the scheme develops.”

Sidel has introduced a new returnable PET bottle designed specifically for the still water category, as beverage producers and retailers seek solutions that reduce waste and support circularity. The new Returnable PET – Still Water format has been developed to meet growing demand for reusable packaging, particularly in light of shifting consumer expectations and regulatory developments in markets such as the EU. Jerome Neveu, packaging and mold product manager at Sidel, said the launch represents “an important step in bottle design, offering still water producers unique and optimised, reusable solutions”. Unlike existing formats adapted from carbonated beverages, the new bottle is purpose-built for still water, removing structural constraints linked to carbonation. According to the company, this allows producers greater flexibility in design while enabling lightweighting and improved durability. Sidel said the bottle is 10% lighter than the lightest 1-litre returnable carbonated water bottles currently used for still water. It is designed to withstand up to 25 washing cycles, maintaining performance across repeated use. The bottle is fully compatible with existing PET recycling streams, supporting bottle-to-bottle circularity at end of life. It can also be produced using Sidel’s EvoBLOW blow-moulding systems. In terms of design, the format is available in cylindrical and square shapes, with capacities ranging from 0.5 to 2 litres. The company said the bottle enables customisation aligned with brands’ existing single-use designs, while offering a returnable alternative. Textured surface options are designed to maintain a premium, glass-like appearance over multiple reuse cycles, targeting use across retail and foodservice channels including hotels, restaurants and catering.

Angel Delight is expanding its ambient dessert portfolio with the launch of a new Cake Shop-inspired range, tapping into consumer demand for indulgent, bakery-style flavours in convenient formats. The new line, developed by Premier Foods, introduces two variants, Birthday Cake and Cookies & Cream, bringing familiar cake-inspired profiles into the brand’s signature light and airy dessert format. The move reflects a broader trend within the food and beverage sector, where hybrid products blur the lines between traditional categories to drive shopper engagement. The Cake Shop range is designed to capitalise on growing consumer appetite for novelty and nostalgia-led flavours. By translating popular bakery tastes into ambient desserts, the brand aims to both recruit new shoppers and re-engage existing consumers in what has traditionally been a more functional category. Rob Watson, brand director of ambient desserts at Premier Foods, commented: “Angel Delight has been enjoyed by families for almost 60 years, and we’re continuing to evolve our brand to tap into the latest consumer demands. We are confident our Cake Shop range will delight our loyal customers while attracting new shoppers in-store.” The launch follows the strong performance of Angel Delight’s bubble tea-inspired Bubble Jelly range, which generated over £500,000 in sales within its first three months on the market after launching in September 2025. This momentum underscores the brand’s increasing focus on trend-led innovation to unlock growth in the ambient desserts segment. The Cake Shop range will launch exclusively in Morrisons from 24 April, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 95p.

Harrogate Spring Water has defended its proposed factory expansion plans, as a final decision from North Yorkshire councillors is expected today. The bottled water company, owned by Danone, is seeking approval to extend its operations into an area of woodland near its existing site in Harrogate. The proposal has already been recommended for approval by council planning officers. A spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water said the company had worked closely with local authorities throughout the process. “Throughout the planning process, we have worked constructively with council officers and listened closely to community concerns,” the spokesperson said. “We have committed to creating a new, publicly accessible two‑acre woodland connected to the Pinewoods, planting 491 native and more mature trees and delivering around 3,000 trees across the district – six times more than would be lost.” The company added that its plans align with Danone’s wider sustainability commitments. “These plans are consistent with Danone's commitments globally to sustainable, responsible development, including its Renewed Forest Policy,” the spokesperson said. “Ultimately our goal remains to balance sustainable development and economic growth with care for the local environment and community.” According to the company, the development would impact approximately 500 trees, rather than the higher figures previously cited. Harrogate Spring Water said its planting strategy had been revised following consultation with North Yorkshire Council, reducing the number of trees planted on-site to around 491, while increasing off-site planting to ensure its commitment to planting six times as many trees as would be lost is maintained. The business also noted that its approach to tree planting and site development had been shaped through engagement with council officers to ensure compliance with planning policy. However, the plans have drawn criticism from campaigners and environmental groups. Critics argue that the proposal involves the removal of the trees from Rotary Wood, a community woodland planted by local schoolchildren, and that the loss of established woodland cannot be offset by new tree planting elsewhere. They have also questioned whether the development is consistent with Danone’s global forest commitments, which include pledges around deforestation-free supply chains and achieving a “forest-positive” status in the coming years. More than 1,300 formal objections have been submitted by local residents and organisations, according to campaigners, with concerns focused on biodiversity loss, community access and the long-term environmental impact of the expansion. A final decision on the plans is expected at a North Yorkshire Council planning committee meeting scheduled for today 17 April. Top image: © Harrogate Water Brands

Nestlé has agreed to transfer its shares in German spice brand Ankerkraut back to its founders, marking a notable shift in its portfolio strategy and a renewed push toward brand simplification. The agreement will see Ankerkraut co-founders Anne Lemcke and Stefan Lemcke regain full control of the business they established in 2013. Both parties said the move reflects a shared view that Ankerkraut requires greater entrepreneurial flexibility to respond to changing market dynamics and accelerate its growth trajectory. Alexander von Maillot, CEO of Nestlé Germany, described the partnership as “constructive” and “trust-based,” noting that the decision aligns with Nestlé’s broader strategic transformation. The company has been actively refining its global portfolio, prioritising core brands and categories while divesting non-core or less scalable assets. For Nestlé, the divestment underscores its continued focus on streamlining operations and sharpening brand positioning in an increasingly competitive and cost-sensitive food and beverage environment. The move follows a wider industry trend of multinational players reassessing investments in niche or founder-led brands that may benefit from more agile, independent management. Ankerkraut’s founders emphasised the emotional and strategic significance of the transition. “Ankerkraut is more than a company for us—it is our life’s work,” they said in a joint statement, adding that they are eager to “open a new chapter” and further develop the brand independently. Founded in Hamburg, Ankerkraut has built a strong presence in the DACH region with a portfolio of more than 500 products spanning spices, blends, teas, and accessories. The company employs around 160 people and distributes its products through e-commerce channels, including its own online store and Amazon, as well as food retail and specialty outlets across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It also operates branded retail stores in Hamburg and Bochum. Both Nestlé and Ankerkraut highlighted their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, with continuity for employees, customers, and business partners a stated priority. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal reflects a broader recalibration within the food and beverage sector, where scale, agility, and brand authenticity are increasingly shaping ownership structures and growth strategies.

Lindt & Sprüngli is tapping into seasonal and global flavour trends with the launch of a limited-edition, Japan-inspired chocolate collection for spring/summer 2026. At the centre of the launch is Lindor Cherry Blossom, a Sakura-inspired truffle designed to capture the essence of Japan’s iconic blossom season. The product features a delicate cherry blossom-flavoured filling encased in a white chocolate shell, aligning with the continued popularity of lighter, floral taste profiles in premium confectionery. Expanding its matcha offering, Lindt is also introducing Lindor Matcha Cornet, combining white chocolate with a smooth green tea centre. The product reflects the sustained growth of matcha as a mainstream flavour across European markets, particularly within indulgent snack categories. The range is further elevated by the launch of the Tokyo Style Chocolate Matcha and Strawberry bar, which returns following a limited run sell-out last year. The bar incorporates ceremonial-grade matcha, roasted Genmai rice for added texture, and white chocolate, drawing on traditional Japanese tea culture while catering to consumer demand for multi-sensory experiences. Miquetta de Castro, master chocolatier at Lindt UK, said: “Inspired by the florals of Sakura and the depth of matcha, our new flavours combine delicate, seasonal tastes with Lindt’s signature Swiss white chocolate." The collection is positioned as a seasonal offering, available until August across Lindt retail stores, its e-commerce platform, and selected UK retailers. Products will also feature in Lindt’s Pick & Mix format, supporting trial and incremental purchases. Lindor Cherry Blossom (200g, £7.50) is available now via Lindt channels, rolling out to Tesco from May, Lindor Matcha (200g, £7.50) is available nationwide from May and Tokyo Style Matcha & Strawberry Bar (150g, £10 RRP, £8 introductory) – exclusive to Lindt stores and online.

Ferrero, the global manufacturer behind brands such as Nutella, has confirmed that officials from the European Commission are conducting on-site inspections at its offices. The Commission had earlier disclosed that it carried out raids at the premises of an unnamed chocolate confectionery company as part of a probe into suspected violations of EU competition rules. These regulations are designed to prevent cartels and other anti-competitive practices that could distort fair trade within the bloc. According to the Commission, the investigation is focused on potential “market segmentation” practices. These include restrictions on the cross-border trade of goods between EU member states and barriers that may limit retailers from sourcing products across multiple countries within the single market. Such practices, often referred to as territorial supply constraints, have long been a point of contention for European retailers. Supermarket groups have accused major consumer goods companies of maintaining artificial price differences between countries and limiting their ability to purchase branded products in bulk for resale across borders. These constraints can ultimately affect pricing, availability, and competition throughout the region’s food and beverage landscape. Bloomberg was the first to identify Ferrero as the company involved in the investigation. In a statement, Ferrero acknowledged the inspections, saying: "Ferrero is aware that on-site inspections are currently taking place in its offices by European Commission officials. The Company is fully cooperating and providing the information requested."

UK natural dip brand Holy Moly is strengthening its presence in the convenience and food-to-go category with the launch of three new avocado-based products, rolling out exclusively across 100 Sainsbury’s stores this spring. The expansion introduces Kids Simply Avocado Pots, Breakfast Avocado & Toast pots and a new Guacamole Chip & Dip multipack, each designed to meet growing demand for natural, minimally processed snacking options across different dayparts. Available from 15 April, the Kids Simply Avocado Pots are positioned to tap into the lunchbox and after-school snacking occasion. Each multipack contains five 57g portions of Simply Avocado, made from 98% avocado, lime juice and a pinch of salt, packaged in a biodegradable wood-fibre net and retailing at £4.00. With no artificial ingredients and free from ultra-processed components, the launch reflects a broader shift toward clean-label, parent-approved snacks. The portion-controlled format also aligns with demand for convenience without compromising on nutritional value. Tom Walker, co-founder of Holy Moly, said: “Parents are under more pressure than ever to find snacks that are nutritious and genuinely convenient. Kids Simply Avocado Pots deliver exactly that, simple, natural ingredients in a portion size that works for real life.” Further extending its reach into new consumption occasions, Holy Moly will debut its Breakfast Avocado & Toast pots on 11 May, priced at £1.85. Positioned in the front-of-store food-to-go fixture, the product pairs a 57g portion of smashed avocado with toasted bread pieces in a dual-compartment format. The move marks the brand’s first entry into the supermarket meal deal segment, capitalising on demand for healthier, plant-based breakfast and snack alternatives. “Breakfast Avocado & Toast brings smashed avocado to the front of the store for the first time, making it more accessible than ever,” Walker added. “While inspired by a breakfast favourite, it offers shoppers a fresh, healthy option that works just as well throughout the day.” Rounding out the launch, Holy Moly is also introducing a Guacamole Chip & Dip multipack (76g per unit), offering three packs for £4.00. Available from 15 April in the dips aisle, the format aims to drive value and encourage repeat purchase among avocado snack enthusiasts.

Saltwell Group has opened a new production facility in Santiago, Chile, marking a significant step in scaling its naturally lower-sodium salt offering to meet rising demand. The site, located close to the company’s raw material sources in the Atacama Salt Flats, is designed to strengthen supply chain efficiency while supporting the food industry’s efforts to reduce sodium content across product portfolios. Saltwell’s flagship ingredient, Saltwell salt, contains approximately 35% less sodium than conventional salt while maintaining comparable taste, texture and performance. Produced through solar evaporation and modern sea salt processing methods, the ingredient is positioned as a clean-label solution for manufacturers reformulating to meet health guidelines and consumer expectations. The new Chilean facility significantly increases the company’s production capacity at a time when global food and beverage brands are under mounting regulatory and commercial pressure to cut sodium levels without compromising product quality. Locating production near raw material sources is expected to deliver both operational and environmental benefits. By reducing transport distances for key inputs, Saltwell Group aims to lower logistics costs and emissions, while also improving supply reliability. The Santiago site also offers proximity to Chile’s major export hubs. Anders Hansson, CEO, said: “This new product plant in Chile represents a major strategic investment and a key milestone in our story. With expanded capacity and the proven performance of Saltwell in food formulations, we are well-positioned to help food manufacturers deliver healthier, great-tasting products aligned with evolving consumer expectations.” As part of the transition, the majority of Saltwell production will shift from Cyprus to Chile. The Cyprus facility will remain operational, focusing on speciality product lines and acting as a contingency site.