Leon Grocery is set to introduce a new line of sauces designed to enhance everyday meals, launching exclusively at Sainsbury's on July 28 2025. This range draws inspiration from the popular flavours of Leon's restaurant offerings, aiming to provide consumers with convenient and flavourful options for home cooking. The new sauce line-up includes four distinct varieties, each crafted to deliver bold tastes with minimal preparation. The offerings are aligned with Leon’s 'Naturally Fast Food' philosophy, which emphasises quick and convenient meal solutions made from quality ingredients. The sauces launching include: Garlic Lemon Mayo (£2.95): A rich garlic mayo with a citrus twist from lemon and a hint of black pepper, suitable for dipping and drizzling. Honey Mustard Mayo (£2.95): A blend of creamy mayo with blossom honey and mustard, inspired by the flavours of Leon’s Chicken Caesar offerings. Hot Honey Sriracha (£2.85): A sweet and spicy sauce combining blossom honey with habanero peppers, designed for those who enjoy a kick in their condiments. Korean-Style Gochujang Mayo (£2.95): A creamy mayo infused with the bold flavours of Korean gochujang, featuring a smooth and spicy profile. In addition to these new sauces, Leon will continue to offer its popular vegan Garlic Aioli, expanding its selection to cater to both vegetarian and vegan consumers. This launch follows Leon's established presence in the grocery sector, having initially entered Sainsbury's in 2019. The company has since expanded its offerings to include a variety of products aimed at bringing the restaurant experience into consumers' homes. As consumer preferences shift towards quick meal solutions that do not compromise on taste, Leon's new range positions the brand to capitalise on this demand.

Solina, a player in the global savoury food solutions market, has announced its entry into the South American market through the acquisition of New Max Industrial, a Brazilian provider of savoury solutions, flavouring systems and natural colourants. This move marks Solina's first foray into Brazil and is aimed at capitalising on the country's robust food industry. New Max, headquartered in Americana, São Paulo, boasts 30 years of experience and a strong reputation within Brazil’s domestic food sector, particularly in serving major meat processing companies. The company is recognised for its technical expertise and customer-centric approach, providing a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to the needs of the meat industry and beyond. Brazil, with a population exceeding 210 million, presents significant growth opportunities for food companies. As the second-largest producer of poultry and beef globally, the country has a dynamic foodservice sector and a rising consumer demand for diverse and high-quality food experiences. Solina's acquisition of New Max is positioned to leverage these market dynamics, enhancing its capabilities to serve both local and international clients. Anthony Francheterre, CEO of Solina, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition: “New Max is a remarkable company, both in its technical capabilities and its long-standing partnerships across the Brazilian food industry. Our advanced R&D capabilities and global customer network will support New Max’s continued development while establishing a robust platform for Solina’s international customers in South America.” Fabio Aragão, CEO of New Max, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it aligns well with both companies' focus on the savoury and meat sectors. He noted that the collaboration would enable New Max to unlock new opportunities, enhancing its offerings with Solina's global reach and R&D resources. Daniel de Souza, founder of New Max, highlighted the significance of this partnership in continuing the legacy of the company he built over three decades. “This partnership with Solina marks an exciting new phase for New Max," he commented. "I’m proud to see the company continue its journey with a partner who shares our values and vision." Under the terms of the agreement, the New Max team will remain under Aragão's leadership, ensuring continuity while integrating Solina's resources to better serve Brazilian customers.

Premium snacking brand Forest Feast is set to enhance its product portfolio with the introduction of two new chocolate date varieties inspired by Middle Eastern flavours. The new offerings, Pistachio Crisp Milk Chocolate Dates and Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Dates, aim to cater to the growing consumer demand for innovative snack options in the competitive food market. The Dubai chocolate-inspired Pistachio Crisp Milk Chocolate Dates feature sweet dates filled with creamy pistachio nut butter and crispy wafer, all enveloped in rich Belgian milk chocolate. Meanwhile, the Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Dates combine a generous layer of Belgian milk chocolate with buttery French salted caramel flakes, creating a unique salty-sweet flavour profile. Both products are handcrafted at Forest Feast's manufacturing facility in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, ensuring quality and attention to detail in every batch. This move aligns with the brand's strategy to deepen its market presence and respond to evolving consumer preferences. Bronagh Clarke, marketing director at Forest Feast, noted the brand's impressive growth trajectory, having doubled sales to over £20 million in the UK market within the past year. This growth reflects the company's commitment to enhancing brand awareness and expanding its market reach. "With our consumers increasingly seeking innovation, we are strategically positioned to grow the category by launching two exciting new flavours, further strengthening our competitive edge," Clarke commented. The new chocolate date products are scheduled to launch in Morrisons on July 21, followed by availability in Waitrose, Boots, Ocado and other retailers starting in September. The recommended retail price is set at £4.35 for a 140g package. Forest Feast's growth, as reported by IRI Worldwide, indicates a 98% year-over-year increase in grocery and impulse sales, underscoring the brand's successful navigation of the evolving food landscape.

Del Monte Foods has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a broader plan to restructure its balance sheet and pursue a sale of the business. The company said it aims to sell all or most of its assets through a court-supervised process to maximise value for stakeholders. The US-based food producer entered into a restructuring support agreement with a group of lenders who hold a portion of its term loan debt. The agreement outlines a plan to run a “going-concern” sale, allowing the company to continue operations during the process. Del Monte Foods has secured $912.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing from existing lenders, including $165 million in new funding. This financing is subject to court approval and is expected to support ongoing operations, including the company’s current pack season. Greg Longstreet, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods, said: “This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods. After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods. With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success." The company has filed several motions with the US Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey to maintain regular business operations. Non-US subsidiaries are not part of the Chapter 11 filing and will continue operating as usual. Del Monte Foods, which has been in business for nearly 140 years, said the bankruptcy and sale process is intended to position the company for future stability under new ownership. Separately, Fresh Del Monte Produce, a provider of fruit and vegetables, clarified that it is not affiliated with Del Monte Foods. In a statement, Fresh Del Monte emphasised: "The two companies are entirely separate entities, with no shared ownership, governance or operations. Del Monte Foods is a privately held US company owned by a parent organization based in Singapore. Fresh Del Monte Produce’s financial or operational performance is not impacted by that separate, unaffiliated company’s announced legal or financial proceedings."

British confectionery company Langtins has introduced a new range of freeze-dried sweets, called Noomz. The range features eight varieties, including Fruit Bites, Fruit Bears, Lemon Bites, Mini Rocks, Drift Rocks, Jelly Rings, Rain Burst and Sour Bites. Each product is Halal certified and packaged in resealable pouches. Using freeze-drying method, Noomz removes moisture while preserving structure, intensifying flavour and creating a crisp texture. Mubarak Isap, managing director at Langtins, said: “Freeze-dried is one of the fastest growing segments in the confectionery market and a popular social media trend among Gen Z audiences. We’re excited to be embracing this new era of confections and bringing freeze-dried sweets to customers on a larger scale with the launch of Noomz.” The freeze-dried sweets are available in selected convenience stores across the UK for prices starting at £2.49.

Functional beverage producer Celsius has added a new flavour to its Live Fit portfolio: Blue Razz Lemonade. The Blue Razz Lemonade flavour offers a combination of sweet blue raspberry notes with a citrus finish. It has a lemon taste complemented by Blue Razz sweetness, all without carbonation. The new flavour joins the brand's existing line of fizz-free beverages, including: peach mango green tea and raspberry açai green tea. The Blue Razz Lemonade flavour is currently available nationwide in the US.

Celsius has added a sparkling raspberry peach flavour to its Live Fit portfolio. Made with seven essential vitamins and zero sugar, the new variant offers a sweet blend of raspberry and peaches. "The uplifting combination of sweet, luscious peaches and tangy raspberries, will become an instant favourite with each sip, providing a great option for consumers seeking a delicious and refreshing energy option," said the company. Celsius Live Fit's sparkling raspberry peach is available nationwide across the US.

The Hershey Company has announced plans to phase out artificial food dyes from its product line-up by the end of 2027, according to a report by Bloomberg . This decision aligns with a growing trend among food manufacturers responding to consumer demand for cleaner labels and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies. Hershey, known for its popular brands such as Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers, is making this move amidst a shifting regulatory landscape. Various states in the US are implementing stricter regulations concerning artificial ingredients, prompting companies to reevaluate their formulations. The candy giant's commitment reflects an industry-wide effort to address health concerns associated with synthetic dyes, which have been linked to behavioural issues in children and other health risks. Hershey follows in the footsteps of other major players in the food and beverage sector, including Nestlé and JM Smucker, both of which have also revealed plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from their products. This collective movement signals a significant shift in industry standards as brands strive to maintain consumer trust while navigating a complex regulatory environment. As part of its broader strategy to enhance transparency, Hershey will focus on reformulating its products using natural colourants in place of artificial dyes. This shift not only aims to improve product perception but also aligns with the increasing market demand for natural ingredients. The decision follows similar commitments from other major players in the food and beverage sector, as brands strive to maintain consumer trust while navigating a complex regulatory environment. Industry analysts suggest that this move could enhance Hershey's competitive positioning, particularly among younger consumers who prioritise ingredient integrity.

Celsius has expanded its product line-up with the launch of two new 'fizz-free' energy drink flavours: Pink Lemonade and Dragonfruit Lime. Dragonfruit Lime, previously offered as part of Celsius' On-The-Go powder range, is now available in a ready-to-drink format. The new version combines the tropical flavour of dragonfruit with lime, designed to offer a smooth, balanced taste without carbonation. Meanwhile, the Pink Lemonade is positioned as a refreshing alternative for those who prefer still beverages. The new additions are aimed at consumers seeking non-carbonated energy drink options and follows rising demand for non-carbonated energy drinks. Pink Lemonade is currently available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide, while the Dragonfruit Lime flavour is sold at Circle K locations.

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has released the brand's first "curated collection" of chocolate ice cream. The range is made with 45% more cocoa than Tillamook's traditional chocolate ice cream, "creating flavours that are richer, darker and decadent," said the coop. It includes four flavours: Brownie batter, with extra creamy dark chocolate brownie batter ice cream and brownie dough pieces; Dark chocolate cookies & cream, featuring rich dark chocolate ice cream with chocolate crunchy cookie pieces; Chocolate hazelnut, presenting velvety dark chocolate ice cream with chopped hazelnuts and a hazelnut butter ribbon; and German chocolate cake, offering dark chocolate ice cream with brown sugar coconut filling, pecan pieces and chocolate cake pieces. Hunter Clayton, ice cream scientist at TCCA, said: "Our ice cream makers worked hard to source the perfect cocoa powder to bring the right balance of sweetness, bitter cocoa and flavour intensity to our new chocolate ice cream base". "Our tastebuds also brought us to the kitchen to explore how decadent desserts could translate well into ice cream, which led to spending hours baking German chocolate cake and licking brownie batter off whisks – all in a day's work – to create a collection worthy of all chocolate lovers' desire." Tillamook's Chocolate Collection is available to buy at Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, Ahold Delhaize and other grocery stores, across the US.

Coldpress has expanded its range of nutritious beverages with a new mandarin juice, boosted with added vitamins B, D and E. According to Coldpress founder Andrew Gibb, declining US and Brazilian crops, mounting Red Sea tensions and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns have led to an increase in orange juice prices. This, in turn, has led the company to explore the possibilities provided by other, more accessible fruits. Gibb expanded: “Mandarins are a fantastic, low-calorie winter fruit, packed with vitamins and minerals. Alongside vitamin C, which ably supports one’s daily immune system function, mandarins contain two antioxidant phytochemicals (beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin) that your body turns to vitamin A, which supports good vision, a healthy immune system and positive growth development.” Gibb also commented that the distinct sweetness of mandarins supports Coldpress’ ‘beyond breakfast’ appeal, with mandarin juice being ideal for an all-day drink, cocktails and mocktails. This versatility is fuelled by a growing appetite for healthier living offerings. Coldpress mandarin orange juice will debut across UK retailers from March.

The European Commission has announced a new strategy aimed at establishing the EU as a global leader in life sciences, with a strong focus on food innovation. The plan includes €350 million in funding to help scale up fermentation technologies that can support the development of sustainable food ingredients and alternative proteins. The Strategy for European Life Sciences identifies fermentation as a key area of growth, highlighting its potential to create high-value food products using renewable raw materials. It focuses on two main approaches: Biomass fermentation, which uses agricultural byproducts to produce foods that mimic the taste and texture of meat; and precision fermentation, already used in cheese-making, is now being adapted by European startups to produce ingredients such as whey protein, palm oil alternatives and chocolate compounds. The EU sees this as a strategic move to reduce dependence on food imports, cut emissions and support a new wave of biotechnology-led innovation across the continent. While European start-ups are leading research in the field, the Commission acknowledges that scaling production remains a major barrier – one it aims to overcome through public-private partnerships, funding packages and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The strategy is backed by nonprofit group Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe), which says the plan could help start-ups commercialise academic research in the alternative protein space. A recent report cited by the group found that with proper policy support, alternative proteins could generate up to €65 billion for Germany’s economy and create 250,000 jobs by 2045. The strategy includes: €150 million in Horizon Europe funding to support sustainable bioeconomy solutions and help commercialise fermentation-made foods. An additional €200 million earmarked for 2026–2027, to drive collaboration between researchers and businesses in biomanufacturing and life sciences. A strategic research agenda on food systems to improve taste, texture, and affordability of next-gen food products. Plans to address public confusion around ultra-processed foods, which is seen as limiting consumer adoption of healthier, more sustainable options like plant-based meat. GFI Europe and the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN International) say clearer public messaging is needed, especially as research shows plant-based meat can reduce LDL cholesterol, improve gut health and lower the risk of bowel cancer. Lea Seyfarth, policy officer at GFI Europe, said: “It’s great to see the Commission recognising the central role that food innovation can play in boosting Europe’s life sciences sector and proposing measures that can harness the region’s growing expertise in transformative technologies such as fermentation". “With the incoming Danish presidency highlighting the importance of biotech in food production, momentum is building behind innovative ways to develop a more sustainable food system. This strategy is a step towards unlocking the EU’s potential to become an alternative protein world leader, driving growth and reducing reliance on imports.”