Cambodian rice brand Ibis Rice has launched a new innovation: bean and rice cakes, providing a natural source of protein and fibre in a convenient snacking format. The new organic bean and rice cakes taps into the growing trend for protein-boosted foods as consumers seek to add functionality to their snacks. The snacks are launching in plain and kelp sea salt varieties. Ibis Rice also supports soil regeneration and deforestation prevention. The rice is traditionally grown and planted once a year with the seasonal flooding from the monsoons. Working with farmers on soil improvement, Ibis Rice has established inter-cropping practices with red black-eye beans. The beans naturally fertilise the soil, improving yields and nourishing soils to support wildlife and help safeguard forests. With one rice crop a year and two bean harvests before and after the rice season, Ibis Rice farmers get paid three times a year instead of once, the company said in a statement. This income diversification is a key part of building climate resilience and future sustainability into their livelihoods. Nicholas Spencer, CEO at Ibis Rice Conservation Co, said: “Of course, a new product launch is always exciting, but this one is particularly noteworthy for us as a business”. “Not only do the bean and rice cakes taste delicious, they are the absolute embodiment of what Ibis Rice stands for – good for farmers, wildlife, the planet and our customers.” Ibis buys directly from farmers, then packages and processes its own foods, keeping the added value in Cambodia before selling directly to its UK distributor. The new Ibis rice and bean cakes are launching at selected independent retailers in the UK this month.

DolCas Biotech, a company known for its advancements in nutraceutical ingredients, has unveiled a novel approach to functional foods by incorporating marine collagen tripeptides into chocolate bars. The new chocolate bar features Morikol, a highly concentrated fish collagen tripeptide that is clinically validated to deliver effective results at a minimal dose. Each 8g square contains 1g of Morikol, a low-molecular weight collagen designed for high bioavailability and rapid absorption. This unique formulation allows for the integration of collagen into various chocolate types – milk, dark or white – while preserving their familiar flavour and texture. KG Rao, founder and CEO of DolCas Biotech, highlighted the advantages of Morikol’s low dosage. "Most collagen ingredients come in 5g-10g doses. Morikol’s low concentration makes it ideal for innovative delivery formats," Rao commented. A single square of chocolate can provide a full clinical dose of collagen peptides, catering to consumers interested in beauty-from-within and joint health. Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Morikol. In a trial involving 53 women, participants consuming 1g of Morikol daily for 12 weeks reported significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, as well as a notable reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Another study with 64 participants suffering from mild knee pain showed that a 2g daily dose of Morikol helped alleviate joint discomfort and reduce fluid accumulation. The ingredient's formulation is designed to facilitate the direct uptake of its tripeptides through the intestinal barrier, enhancing its efficacy. Previous research has indicated that these tripeptides can stimulate collagen production, benefiting skin, bone and connective tissue integrity. Morikol is positioned as a versatile ingredient suitable for a range of functional food applications. Its neutral flavour and odourless properties allow it to blend seamlessly into chocolate products, appealing to manufacturers looking to enhance their offerings with health benefits. The ingredient is also non-GMO, allergen-friendly, and certified kosher and halal, meeting various dietary requirements. The ingredient presents a promising opportunity for chocolate manufacturers to innovate and cater to health-conscious consumers. The integration of such ingredients into traditional confections could redefine the chocolate category, aligning it with modern wellness trends. DolCas Biotech, headquartered in New Jersey, specialises in developing clinically validated bioactive ingredients. With a focus on clean label products, the company aims to provide solutions that meet contemporary wellness needs while maintaining the integrity of natural ingredients.

In a move to streamline its operations, General Mills has finalised the sale of its US yogurt business to Lactalis Group. This divestiture encompasses several well-known yogurt brands, including Yoplait, Go-Gurt, Oui, Mountain High and :ratio, along with manufacturing facilities located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Reed City, Michigan. The US yogurt segment contributed approximately $1.2 billion to General Mills’ net sales in fiscal 2025, reflecting its significant role in the company’s portfolio. The decision to divest this business aligns with General Mills' broader strategy to focus on its core brands and optimise its operational structure. The proceeds from the sale are earmarked for share repurchases and debt reduction, signalling a commitment to enhancing shareholder value and maintaining financial stability. This transaction marks a notable shift in the competitive landscape of the yogurt market, which has seen increasing consolidation in recent years. Lactalis, known for its extensive dairy offerings, is expected to leverage its expertise to expand the reach of these brands in both domestic and international markets. Lactalis USA has established a new division, Midwest Yogurt, to oversee the acquired brands and operations. Esteve Torrens, CEO of Lactalis USA, said: “This acquisition advances our US growth strategy and strengthens our position as an emerging leader in the US yogurt market. Incorporating the popular Yoplait brand into our house of US dairy product brands will create important, new opportunities for growth and product innovation, as well as positive impacts for our customers, communities and employees.” Kerry DeLaney, CEO of Lactalis Midwest Yogurt, added: “The Yoplait team looks forward to an exciting future as part of Lactalis USA. By leveraging Lactalis’ expertise and dairy know-how, we will grow our portfolio of brands that consumers love and trust”. General Mills, which reported fiscal 2025 net sales of $19 billion, has been actively pursuing initiatives to innovate and strengthen its brand portfolio.

Food technology start-up CarobWay has launched its latest ingredient innovation, CarobBiome, a prebiotic fibre derived from the ancient carob fruit. This product aims to meet the growing consumer demand for natural solutions that promote gut and metabolic health, and it will be showcased at the IFT FIRST 2025 conference in Chicago from July 14-16. CarobBiome is designed to offer significant health benefits without the common gastrointestinal discomfort associated with many dietary fibres. Comprising 85% fibre, the ingredient features a unique blend of soluble and insoluble fibres that not only support digestive health but also contribute to appetite regulation and blood sugar management. The soluble fibres help slow digestion, enhancing feelings of satiety which can aid weight management, particularly for consumers using GLP-1 therapies. Udi Alroy, CEO and co-founder of CarobWay, highlighted the product's natural composition and its potential to enhance gut health. "Not all prebiotics are equal," he said. "“While many fibres on the market can cause some level of stomach discomfort, CarobBiome is specifically designed to ease bloating and maintain a happy tummy. Moreover, it is completely natural, vegan and allows for a clean, simple ingredients label. It also is highly nutritious.” The launch of CarobBiome comes at a time when fibre is increasingly recognised as a crucial functional ingredient in food products. According to an Innova Market Insights report, fibre ranks as the second most sought-after functional ingredient among consumers, following protein. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, who show a growing interest in prebiotic benefits. As dietary preferences shift towards more nutrient-dense foods, CarobBiome offers a versatile solution for manufacturers looking to reformulate products to align with consumer demands. The ingredient is neutral in flavour and heat-stable, making it suitable for various applications, including baked goods, nutrition bars, snacks and meal replacements. Sustainability is another key aspect of CarobBiome. The fibre is sourced from upcycled carob pulp, reinforcing CarobWay's commitment to a zero-waste approach. The carob tree, known for its resilience and low resource requirements, thrives in challenging environments, requiring minimal water and no chemical fertilisers or pesticides. This regenerative agriculture practice not only supports biodiversity but also contributes to carbon sequestration.

The Watercoolers Europe (WE) 2025 Conference & Trade Fair returns on 6-7 November 2025, bringing together the watercooler industry’s leading voices for two days of knowledge-sharing, networking and celebration. Hosted at the stylish Meliá Milano Hotel, this flagship event reflects over 30 years of WE’s commitment to supporting excellence and growth across the sector. The 2025 programme offers a rich mix of expert-led conference sessions, interactive workshops and a vibrant international trade fair. The conference will feature presentations on emerging consumer habits, effective communication with younger generations, regulatory trends and practical strategies to support business development. Attendees will hear from specialists across marketing, sustainability and technology, including keynote speaker Bert Helbig, who will explore how to engage Gen Z and future customers with messaging that truly resonates. Complementing the conference, the workshops will provide hands-on, practical learning tailored for companies of all sizes. Topics will focus on sustainability leadership, adapting to evolving EU legislation, and optimising operations to meet current and future challenges. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your marketing strategy or enhance your compliance processes, these sessions are designed to offer tools and insights that can be immediately impactful to how you run your business. Our flagship event is the prestigious Aqua Awards Ceremony, held during the Gala Dinner on the evening of the 6 of November. With a legacy stretching back nearly three decades, the Aqua Awards recognise excellence in four categories: Best Innovation (product or technology), Water for All, Sustainable Leadership and Marketing Campaign. These awards honour the creativity, commitment and forward-thinking spirit of WE members across Europe. Open to all full members of Watercoolers Europe – either directly or through National Associations – the Aqua Awards are free to enter. Early submissions, received by 30 June, benefit from additional visibility via WE’s website, newsletters and LinkedIn platform, reaching over 5,000 industry professionals. With its unique blend of business opportunity, expert insight and industry celebration, WE 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for everyone in the watercooler world.

Pre-workout brand C4 has partnered with The Hershey Company to enter the protein category with the launch of its first-ever whey protein powder in the UK. The new C4 Whey Protein range debuts with two flavours: Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter and Chocolate. Each serving contains 25g of whey protein, with no added sugars, and is aimed at supporting muscle recovery and performance. Doss Cunningham, chairman and CEO at Nutrabolt, the parent company of C4, said: “We prioritise listening to our customers and value our strategic partnerships. For years, users have been mixing their own peanut butter and chocolate protein shakes." "After extensive testing, we’re thrilled to finally bring the debut of C4 Whey Protein in three mouth-watering flavours which fitness enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike can enjoy” Andy Paladino, global licensing director at The Hershey Company, added “We are always seeking new ways to bring our...Reese’s and Hershey’s brands into innovative formats. These new protein powders sweeten the performance category for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to achieve their best, and we are thrilled to partner with C4 to deliver this line-up." Available in 13, 22 and 46-serving tubs, the product marks a major expansion for C4 beyond its core pre-workout offerings. The powders are currently available at Boots and Holland & Barrett.

Powerade has launched its newest product, Powerade Xtra Sour, expanding its portfolio of sports drinks with three bold flavours: Cherry Kicker, Grape Shocker and Peach Pucker. This limited-time offering is available in 28 fl oz bottles across retail locations nationwide, aiming to capture the attention of consumers during the summer season. The introduction of Powerade Xtra Sour builds on the success of last year’s Sour line, which gained popularity among Gen Z consumers. The brand says that this new formulation not only enhances flavour but also provides 50% more electrolytes compared to Gatorade Thirst Quencher, positioning it as a competitive option for athletes and active individuals seeking effective hydration. In addition to the standard offerings, Powerade Xtra Sour will also be available in a zero-sugar variant exclusively at Wendy’s locations. This version will feature the same vibrant flavours and can be found through Wendy’s Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers. The launch aligns with Powerade's ongoing strategy to innovate and respond to changing consumer preferences in the beverage market. Under the management of Bodyarmor Sports Nutrition, which took over the brand in 2023, Powerade has focused on revitalising its product line-up and enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.

Walmart has opened its first owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kansas. The 300,000-square-foot plant will process and package beef sourced from Sustainable Beef, a Nebraska-based supplier in which Walmart invested in 2022 . Packaged products will be distributed to Walmart stores across the Midwest. The facility will create more than 600 jobs in the Olathe area. It is designed to improve supply chain efficiency, product consistency and traceability. It will produce case-ready beef cuts for direct shipment to Walmart distribution centres. The opening is part of Walmart’s broader effort to develop a vertically integrated beef supply chain and support US manufacturing. The company has pledged to invest $350 billion in products made, grown or assembled in the United States by 2031. John Laney, executive vice president for food at Walmart US, said: “The opening of our new facility in Olathe, Kansas, is centered on delivering more of what our customers want – affordable food and quality they can trust. This is the first case-ready facility fully owned and operated by Walmart, and that milestone ensures we’re able to bring more consistency, more transparency and more value to our customers.”

Hot on the heels of Nestlé USA’s announcement to eliminate all FD&C synthetic colours from its US food and beverage products by mid-2026 , JM Smucker has revealed a significant policy shift, aiming to remove all FD&C colours from its consumer food portfolio by the end of 2027. This move, which will affect products such as sugar-free fruit spreads and ice cream toppings, reflects the company’s ongoing response to evolving consumer preferences. While a majority of Smucker’s consumer offerings are already free of artificial colours, the decision will impact specific items within its Hostess brand portfolio. Furthermore, the company has indicated that most of its products supplied to K-12 schools do not contain FD&C colours, and it plans to collaborate with distribution partners to phase out these colours entirely from school offerings by the 2026/2027 academic year. Mark Smucker, CEO and chair of the board, commented: "Our commitment to remove FD&C colours from our sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings and sweet baked goods products represents the latest example of our desire to evolve and our ability to continue to innovate to deliver on the expectations of our consumers". He added: "Importantly, this work is ongoing, and we are consistently evaluating consumer behaviour to ensure we are addressing any notable changes while maintaining our commitment to offer choice". This move is part of a broader strategy that has previously included the removal of high-fructose corn syrup from Uncrustables sandwiches and the introduction of fruit spreads made with all-natural ingredients and reduced sugar options. John Brase, president and COO, highlighted the company’s focus on delivering safe, high-quality products. "This decision supports our commitment to provide affordable and convenient options that meet consumer needs," he noted. The company is currently engaged in reformulation planning and assessing supply chain implications to ensure a smooth transition to color-free products. The shift away from FD&C colors aligns with a growing industry trend towards cleaner labels and transparency, as consumers increasingly seek products that are free from artificial additives.

Flavour house ITS has launched a range of natural, clean label flavours specifically formulated to perform well in hydration drinks. The flavours are well-suited for drinks such as electrolyte RTDs and powders, and other types of beverages with functional ingredients. ITS’ launch responds to the increasing popularity of hydration beverages, with many consumers now making these drinks a part of their everyday wellbeing routine. While they have shifted from the sports nutrition category further into the mainstream, formulations are becoming more complex with many containing electrolytes and functional ingredients that do not always taste appealing, ITS noted. The new hydration flavours from ITS are designed to mask unpleasant off-notes from electrolytes and fuctional ingredients. It is launching in seven flavours: lemon and lime, peach, watermelon, cherry, yuzu, tropical and raspberry. They are plant-based, EU clean label-compliant and allergen-free. According to ITS, they have been tested in real-world hydration applications so consumers can be assured they will deliver on both taste and functionality. ITS is offering flexible formats such as tablets, sachets and drops in low MOQs, along with quick turnround or orders and samples to support manufacturers in making NPD as agile as possible.

Sigma Alimentos, the parent company of Spanish meat producer Campofrío, has unveiled its investment plan aimed at restoring and enhancing production capacity in Spain after the Torrente facility in Valencia was severely damaged by a hurricane in October 2024. The initiative involves an estimated total investment of €157 million, which includes the construction of a new processed-meat plant in Utiel, Valencia, at a cost of €134 million, and an additional €23 million earmarked for capacity expansions at Campofrío’s Burgos facility. The new Utiel plant is set to replace the Torrente site, which employed over 300 workers prior to the disaster. The company will also invest €23 million in its 'La Bureba' facility, situated in the Castilla y León region – a vital production site for Sigma, specialising in the manufacturing of high-quality processed meats. The planned capacity expansion will improve operational efficiency at La Bureba, ensuring it can adapt to changing market needs while upholding Sigma's commitment to quality and safety. Key details of the recovery plan New packaged meats plant: Sigma will construct a new packaged meats plant in Valencia, with an estimated investment of €134 million. Capacity expansion at La Bureba: An additional €23 million will be allocated for capacity expansion at the La Bureba facility in Castilla y León. Funding: The projects will be largely funded through insurance reimbursements, along with expected government incentives. Operational timeline: The recovered production capacity is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Funding for these projects will primarily come from insurance reimbursements, supplemented by expected government incentives. The new facilities are anticipated to be operational by 2027, allowing Campofrío to better adapt to evolving consumer demands for processed meats. In a statement, Sigma highlighted its commitment to its workforce, reaffirming support for the employees affected by the Torrente facility's closure. The recovery plan is designed not only to restore lost production capabilities but also to enhance operational efficiency and flexibility, aligning with broader efforts to improve profitability in a competitive market. Sigma's European division, which includes Campofrío, reported a revenue of $2.28 billion in 2024, a slight decline of 3% from the previous year, while EBITDA increased significantly due to structural efficiencies. With operations across 17 countries and a diverse portfolio that includes over 100 brands, Campofrío remains a critical component of Sigma's strategy to strengthen its presence in the European food and beverage sector. Image credit: Sampol

Refresco has announced that CEO Hans Roelofs will retire on 1 August, 2025, after 18 years leading the global beverage solutions company. Roelofs joined Refresco in 2007 and oversaw major expansion. The company now operates 75 manufacturing sites in 13 countries and employs over 14,000 people. During his tenure, Refresco grew from a regional player to a global leader in beverage solutions. Refresco's supervisory board has launched a succession process and expects to announce a new CEO in due course. Roelofs will remain in his role until his retirement to ensure a smooth leadership transition. James Cunningham, chairman of Refresco's supervisory board, stated: "I would like to thank Hans for his tremendous career at Refresco and the role he played in driving the company’s success for nearly two decades". "Hans’s passion for and commitment to Refresco is admirable, and he was instrumental to the company’s ascent to a global leadership position. We are grateful for his leadership in positioning Refresco for continued success in the years to come as we continue to expand the company’s footprint and execute on our proven strategy to grow alongside our strong and diversified customer base.” Roelofs commented: “It has been a true privilege and honoUr to lead Refresco since 2007. Together with our passionate and highly professional team, we have grown the business from a small regional player into the global leader in beverage solutions that we are today". "With its blue-chip customer base, Refresco is now stronger and more resilient than ever, and I am proud of what we have achieved. This is the right time for me to step back, confident that the company will continue to grow and thrive on its unique entrepreneurial spirit and the agility of its people.” Frédéric Stévenin, Refresco's supervisory board member, added: “I would like to thank Hans for his outstanding, dedicated service to Refresco and its stakeholders since he joined the company in 2007. Under his leadership, Refresco went through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. We look forward to celebrating Hans’s many amazing accomplishments as his formal retirement date nears.”