Molson Coors Beverage Company is expanding its presence in the fast-growing fruit beer segment with the launch of Madrí Excepcional Limón, a new flavoured lager rolling out exclusively across Tesco, Booker and One Stop stores in the UK. Available from April 2026 in 4x440ml can multipacks at 3.4% ABV, the latest addition to the Madrí Excepcional portfolio blends the brand’s established European-style lager with natural lemon flavouring. The launch comes as fruit beer continues to gain traction in the UK off-trade, now valued at £43m and recognised as one of the category’s fastest-growing segments. Madrí Excepcional Limón joins a rapidly expanding range that includes the core 4.6% ABV lager and its alcohol-free variant. Since its debut in October 2020, developed in collaboration with Spain’s La Sagra brewery, the brand has become one of the most successful recent launches in UK brewing. Anca Secara, marketing controller for Madrí Excepcional at Molson Coors, said: “Fruit beer is one of the most exciting areas of the category right now, and we are thrilled to help retailers tap into the opportunity with Madrí Excepcional Limón." She added: “The latest innovation offers a refreshing, premium-quality fruit beer option suited to year-round occasions, particularly key seasonal moments such as BBQs, picnics and bank holiday gatherings as we approach the summer months.”

Yoplait is expanding its kids’ portfolio with the launch of its first-ever Greek-style yogurt pouch under the Petits Filous brand, targeting the fast-growing on-the-go snacking segment. The new Petits Filous Greek Style pouches are rolling out across major UK retailers this spring, as the brand looks to capitalise on rising demand for convenient, nutritious children’s snacks. The launch comes as yogurt pouches continue to gain traction, with the UK kids’ yogurt pouch segment now valued at £11 million and showing steady growth. Multipacks dominate the format, accounting for nearly 70% of purchases. Yoplait’s entry into the segment reflects both category momentum and shifting consumer preferences toward portable, lunchbox-friendly products. Available in Strawberry and Vanilla variants, the Greek-style pouches are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, key nutrients associated with children’s bone development, and contain 5.4g of sugar per pouch. The company is positioning the range as one of the lowest-sugar fruit yogurt pouch options currently on the market, aligning with ongoing pressure on manufacturers to reduce sugar in children’s products while maintaining taste. The launch builds on Petits Filous’ long-standing focus on fortification, with the brand having incorporated calcium and vitamin D into its products for over a decade. Designed for busy families, the pouches can be stored out of the fridge for up to eight hours, making them suitable for lunchboxes, travel, and on-the-go consumption. In line with increasing scrutiny on packaging, the pouches are made from mono polypropylene (Mono PP), a material expected to become widely recyclable through UK household collection systems from 2027. The new range is launching across Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Iceland over a six-week period, with an RRP of £3.00 per multipack.

Crane NXT has completed its acquisition of Antares Vision, marking a strategic expansion of its capabilities in the fast-growing food and beverage traceability sector. Following the deal, Antares Vision has been delisted from the Euronext Milan and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Crane NXT. The acquisition positions Crane NXT to capitalise on increasing demand for traceability, quality assurance and anti-counterfeiting solutions across global food and beverage supply chains. Aaron W Saak, president and CEO of Crane NXT, described the deal as a key milestone in the company’s evolution, highlighting Antares Vision’s “market-leading technology, software and service offerings” as a strong complement to its existing portfolio. For the F&B industry, the move reflects accelerating investment in digital traceability systems as manufacturers and retailers respond to tightening regulatory requirements, food safety concerns and rising consumer demand for transparency. Antares Vision has a presence in track-and-trace systems, inspection solutions and smart data management, capabilities increasingly critical for ensuring product authenticity, monitoring quality and enabling end-to-end supply chain visibility. Antares Vision will be integrated into Crane NXT’s newly formed Detection & Traceability Technologies segment, alongside its CPI business. The company said the addition will enhance its ability to serve high-growth sectors, including life sciences and food and beverage. Top image: © Antares Vision

Nestlé has appointed Ben Duncan as managing director for its food business in the UK and Ireland, in a move that strengthens its senior leadership team across a key regional market. Duncan will oversee Nestlé’s food portfolio across both markets, including well-established brands such as Maggi and Carnation, as the company continues to focus on growth, innovation, and consumer-led strategy. Duncan brings more than two decades of experience within Nestlé, having joined the business in 2004 through its Purina division. His career has spanned a range of senior commercial roles across the UK and international markets, covering sales, marketing, category management, and strategic revenue leadership. In his new role, Duncan is expected to drive performance across Nestlé’s food category, with a focus on strengthening brand relevance and responding to evolving consumer preferences in areas such as convenience, health and value. Commenting on his appointment, Duncan said he was “pleased to be stepping into the role” and highlighted the importance of Nestlé’s food brands in everyday meal occasions across the UK and Ireland. “Our trusted brands play a key role in everyday meals for families across the UK and Ireland, and I’m excited to build on that trust and put consumers at the centre of everything we do,” he added.

This is targeting the growing demand for convenient, high-protein meat alternatives with the launch of two ready-to-eat deli slice products. The new lines, This Isn’t Roast Chicken Slices and This Butter Bean, Garlic and Paprika Slices, are set to hit shelves this spring, offering retailers a plant-based upgrade to the traditional deli counter. Designed for immediate consumption, both products require no preparation, positioning them squarely within the fast-growing food-to-go and snacking segments. The This Isn’t Roast Chicken Slices aim to replicate the bite and texture of traditional chicken deli meat, addressing a common consumer complaint around rubbery or overly processed plant-based slices. Meanwhile, the Butter Bean, Garlic and Paprika variant taps into evolving flavour trends and ingredient innovation, using butter beans to deliver a more distinctive, “from-scratch” profile. The 95g packs will launch at an RRP of £2.95, debuting in Morrisons stores from 22 April. Distribution will expand to Waitrose (chicken slices only) and Sainsbury's (both SKUs) from 6 May. Both SKUs are positioned as high-protein, low-saturated-fat options and provide a source of vitamin B12 and iron, key nutrients often associated with animal-based products. The products are being marketed for multiple usage occasions. from premium sandwiches to snackable formats, highlighting their versatility in both retail and potential foodservice applications.

Fonterra Co-operative Group has appointed Richard Allen as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Miles Hurrell, who announced last month that he would step down . Richard Allen ⏐ © Fonterra Allen will take up the role on 1 May 2026. Hurrell will remain with the co-operative in an advisory capacity until September 2026 to support the leadership transition. Chair Peter McBride said Allen brings experience across Fonterra’s global operations and a strong connection with farmer shareholders and customers. He currently serves as president of global ingredients, overseeing ingredients sales, optimisation, risk management, trading and global manufacturing. Allen joined Fonterra in 2008 as a graduate and has held a range of roles across the business, including leading the Farm Source division, serving as vice president of its foodservice business in China, acting as founding CEO of MyMilk and, more recently, president Atlantic, based in Chicago, where he managed relationships with key global accounts. Allen said he is “incredibly humbled” to be appointed CEO and is committed to maintaining the co-operative’s performance, strategic delivery and financial discipline. McBride added that Hurrell worked with the board on leadership development and succession planning, enabling an efficient appointment process.

GEA has introduced the GSE 150 CPR, a separator designed to clarify pulp-rich citrus juices in medium-capacity operations while maintaining process stability under fluctuating solids loads and reducing juice losses. The launch comes as citrus processors face increasing variability in raw materials. In Brazil, nearly half of the Citrus Belt is affected by citrus greening (HLB), leading to smaller fruit, lower juice yields and inconsistent solids content. At the same time, demand is rising for premium juices with controlled pulp levels. The GSE 150 CPR (Constant Pulp Removal) uses a separating disc and a second centripetal pump to continuously discharge pulp under pressure of up to four bars. This reduces reliance on solids-holding capacity and allows stable operation even with variable pulp content. According to GEA, the system can process around 50% more product than conventional separators of a similar size. The machine typically requires two to four solids discharges per hour, compared to up to 30 in conventional systems under high solids loading. Fewer discharges reduce interruptions, improve restart stability and minimise product losses. An optional automatic pulp control system enables operators to manage pulp levels more precisely. A standard time-based version is available, alongside an advanced system that adjusts discharge based on viscosity measurements. This is intended to support producers supplying different markets with varying pulp specifications while reducing changeover times and losses. The separator is suitable for orange, grapefruit and lemon juice, as well as pulp washing and cloudy peel extract. GEA cites throughput of up to 17,000 litres per hour for orange juice and up to 12,000 litres per hour for lemon juice, depending on product characteristics. All product-contact components are made from stainless steel and the system is fully compatible with clean-in-place (CIP) processes. The unit operates at 5,300 rpm and is powered by a 30 kW motor. Optional condition monitoring is available via GEA’s InsightPartner system, which tracks parameters such as vibration to support maintenance. The GSE 150 CPR expands GEA’s CPR separator range and targets processors seeking a mid-sized solution with lower discharge frequency and improved efficiency. It is positioned as an entry point for companies investing in separation technology in growth markets including Egypt, Turkey and Southeast Asia.

Germany-based industrial packaging specialist Ringmetall has strengthened its position in the US food and industrial packaging market through the acquisition of the Thermoforming Division of New England Plastics Corp. The transaction, structured as an asset deal, marks the company’s second acquisition of 2026 and reinforces its strategic focus on growth in the liner segment. Headquartered in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the acquired thermoforming unit is a well-established producer of rigid and form liners, tote liners and related packaging components. These products play a critical role in protecting food ingredients and bulk goods throughout processing, storage and transportation, key priorities for food and beverage manufacturers navigating increasingly complex supply chains. The division employs 41 staff members, all of whom will be retained as part of the transition. The business generates annual revenues in the high single-digit million-dollar range, with profitability in line with Ringmetall’s existing liner operations. For the food and beverage industry, the acquisition signals continued investment in packaging solutions designed to enhance product safety, extend shelf life and improve logistics efficiency. Thermoformed liners are widely used in bulk food handling applications, offering durability, contamination protection and compatibility with automated filling systems. Christoph Petri, Co-CEO of Ringmetall, said: “With this acquisition, we are consistently pursuing our buy-and-build strategy. It underlines both the attractiveness of the Ringmetall Group as a partner and our positioning as a serial acquirer.” The company recently completed another acquisition, Makplast, highlighting its accelerated expansion strategy. Ringmetall indicated that further deals, particularly within the liner segment, are likely as it continues to scale its global packaging platform. The acquisition will be financed through existing funds and available credit lines. While financial details were not disclosed, the integration of the thermoforming unit into Ringmetall’s operations is expected to proceed in the near term.

Pladis is strengthening its savoury snacking portfolio with the launch of two limited-edition additions to its Jacob’s Mini Cheddars range. Rolling out from April across grocery, wholesale and convenience channels, the new variants, Mini Cheddars Chipotle & Lime and Mini Cheddars Nacho Cheese, aim to capitalise on the continued popularity of Mexican-inspired flavour profiles within the UK snacks category. The Chipotle & Lime SKU combines smoky heat with citrus sharpness, aligning with the rising mainstream appeal of chipotle, while the Nacho Cheese variant delivers a spiced, indulgent cheese profile designed to balance heat with creaminess, another key trend driving innovation in savoury snacks. According to Kate Stokes, marketing manager at Pladis, the launch reflects a strategic move to blend “on-trend culinary flavours” with established consumer favourites, particularly as demand grows for more adventurous taste experiences within familiar formats. The new flavours are launching in multiple formats to maximise reach across channels: 150g sharing bags (RRP £2) 90g price-marked packs (£1.25 PMP for Chipotle & Lime) This dual-format approach supports both impulse and sharing occasions, while maintaining strong visibility in the convenience channel.

Midland, a US-based provider of paper, packaging and performance solutions, has announced the acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned leader in food packaging materials and equipment. The move strengthens Midland’s position in the food and beverage sector, enhancing its ability to serve processors and manufacturers with more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. Based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Wetoska brings more than six decades of specialised experience in food packaging. The company has built a strong reputation across key categories, including meat, seafood, dairy, bakery and snack foods, segments that demand high-performance, reliable packaging systems. The acquisition combines Wetoska’s deep technical expertise and customer-focused approach with Midland’s expansive national distribution network. Together, the companies aim to deliver greater value through expanded product offerings, improved supply chain capabilities and increased access to innovative packaging technologies. Wetoska’s history in the food packaging industry dates back to 1958, when the Tobin-Stahr Company was founded. A pivotal moment came in 1964 when former professional football player Bob Wetoska joined the business, helping to popularize vacuum packaging solutions among Chicago-area meat and cheese processors. After acquiring the company in 1987 and renaming it, Wetoska led decades of growth and innovation that helped shape modern food packaging practices. Today, the business remains family-led under President Steve Wetoska and his siblings, who have continued to expand the company’s custom packaging capabilities. As part of the agreement, Wetoska will maintain its leadership structure, ensuring continuity for customers while benefiting from Midland’s broader resources and reach. The acquisition aligns with Midland’s strategy to grow in high-demand end markets and strengthen the US food supply chain. By integrating Wetoska’s specialised solutions, Midland is positioned to better support food producers facing increasing pressure around efficiency, sustainability and product protection. Midland CEO Mike Graves said: “We are thrilled to welcome Wetoska Packaging Distributors to the Midland family. Their reputation for innovation and service complements our mission to help customers produce, protect, and promote their products.” Steve Wetoska added that the partnership marks “an exciting new chapter,” noting that Midland’s scale will enable the company to expand its offerings while maintaining its high-touch customer service model. Midland, founded in 1907 and headquartered in Chicago, serves more than 10,000 customers nationwide, offering packaging design, automation, and supply chain solutions. The addition of Wetoska further enhances its capabilities in the food and beverage sector, a critical industry where packaging plays a central role in safety, shelf life, and distribution efficiency. As consolidation continues across the packaging landscape, this acquisition underscores a broader trend: the growing importance of integrated, innovation-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of food manufacturers and processors.

Nomad Foods is expanding its senior leadership structure with a series of executive appointments aimed at sharpening commercial execution and accelerating growth across its European markets. The frozen food giant, whose portfolio includes brands such as Findus, iglo, Ledo, Frikom, Birds Eye, Aunt Bessie’s and Goodfella’s, has announced the creation of two new regional President roles covering Southern Europe and Central Europe. Both positions will sit on the company’s Executive Team and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Dominic Brisby. Jon Fernandez de Barrena will join Nomad Foods on 13 April 2026 as President Southern Europe. Jon Fernandez de Barrena In the newly created role, Fernandez de Barrena will oversee operations across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Adriatics. He joins Nomad Foods from Alvinesa Natural Ingredients, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since July 2023. The appointment strengthens Nomad Foods’ leadership presence in a strategically important region as the company looks to deepen market focus and improve local execution. Nomad Foods has also confirmed plans to appoint a President for Central Europe later this year. That executive will lead commercial operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. Further details on the hire are expected once the appointment is finalised. “These appointments represent an important step as we continue to strengthen our focus and unlock the full potential of our markets across Europe,” CEO Brisby said. “Both roles will help sharpen our commercial execution, enhance agility and create greater alignment between our local teams, our brands, and our long-term strategic priorities.” The announcements follow Nomad Foods’ appointment of Simon Ball as President UK & Ireland in March 2026. Ball is responsible for leading the company’s UK and Irish business, including flagship brands Birds Eye, Aunt Bessie’s and Goodfella’s. Nomad Foods has also revealed plans to appoint a chief marketing officer. The future CMO will join the executive team and lead a strengthened marketing organisation spanning brand development, communications, RDQ and innovation. The company said the role is intended to create a more unified marketing function capable of delivering stronger commercial outcomes.

Cargill has reduced CO₂ emissions at its Baupte site in Normandy, France, by 45% following the modernisation of one of its most energy-intensive production processes. The project, supported by an investment of around €25 million, focused on improving energy efficiency through the introduction of Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) technology. The system replaces natural gas-based steam with an electrically driven process that captures, recompresses and reuses vapours generated during production as the main heat source. Valery Bauchart, site manager at Cargill Baupte, said: “This system, operating since the end of 2025, reduces emissions by approximately 13,700 metric tons of CO₂ per year, supporting Cargill’s broader global ambition to reduce emissions from its operations by 25% by 2035". "The investment also aligns with France’s focus on industrial decarbonisation and energy efficiency, while reinforcing the role of local manufacturing in delivering more sustainable food ingredient production.” The Baupte facility produces carrageenan, biopolymers and other texturising solutions used in applications including dairy desserts, cocoa-based drinks, plant-based products, confectionery, sauces, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. France’s Minister Delegate for Industry, Sébastien Martin, said the project demonstrates the role of electrification in reducing industrial emissions while maintaining competitiveness. Established in 1941, the Baupte site employs around 275 people and exports more than 75% of its production. The site also includes a dairy-focused Food Innovation Center supporting product development.