Canadian brand St. Lawrence Gold has released two new honey flavours into Waitrose stores across the UK. The two varieties include Blueberry Blossom Honey – described as having a subtle fruity kick – and Prairie Wildflower, which the brand says is a full-bodied honey with a distinctive taste that is perfect for cooking, particularly in Middle Eastern recipes. St. Lawrence Gold develops honeys from Winnipeg and claims it is the only company to bring pure Canadian honey to UK retailers. According to the brand, the grassland prairie in the Manitoba province provides a haven for bees with little human interference and undisturbed soils. In addition, the company has unveiled a new look for its range of maple syrups and honeys in the UK. St. Lawrence Gold’s two new honeys will go on sale in Waitrose stores nationwide from 12 July for £5.99 per 330g jar; as well as a few independent health stores.

Suntory Group has committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2022, as part of a JPY 100 billion (approximately $912 million) investment. The global beverage company aims to power its 63 directly-owned manufacturing sites and R&D facilities in Japan, the Americas and Europe with 100% renewable electricity by next year. The investment forms part of Suntory’s efforts to meet its goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030, as it looks to shift to low-carbon alternatives. The multinational beverage firm unveiled its aim to achieve net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050 last year. In order to meet its targets, Suntory plans to introduce internal carbon pricing to its group companies this year. As a result of these projects, Suntory estimates a reduction of around 1 million tons of GHG emissions in its direct operations when compared to a business-as-usual projection for 2030. “As a company with a mission ‘to create harmony with people and nature,’ we are committed to doing everything possible to decarbonise our business,” said Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings. “We will further accelerate our work by taking immediate actions in places where we can shift to 100% renewable electricity, which is a critical step in achieving our climate goals.” As of 2020, Suntory says approximately 30% of electricity used by its sites in Japan, the Americas and Europe comes from renewable sources. Almost all electricity in the company’s European business is sourced from renewable sources. Meanwhile, Suntory Beverage and Food Europe – which owns brands including Ribena and Lucozade – has already achieved 100% renewable electricity. Earlier this year, Suntory’s Kita-Alps Shinano-no-Mori Water Plant in Nagano began operating as its first carbon neutral plant in Japan. The company’s Beam Suntory division is also opening a new bourbon distillery in Kentucky later this year, which will mark Suntory’s first distillery powered by renewable electricity.

Bacardi has introduced a new limited-edition flavoured rum, Bacardí Tropical, which will be available until the autumn. Bacardí Tropical features white rum infused with ‘all-natural’ pineapple, coconut and guava fruit flavours. The new offering is free from artificial sweeteners and gluten, and contains only 100 calories per ounce and a half of liquid. “At Bacardí, we know that flavoured rum is the fastest growing segment in the category. To give people a delicious new flavoured rum option and get them excited about what is sure to be an unforgettable summer, we created Bacardí Tropical,” said Maria Galis, marketing director, Bacardí for North America. “It brings the natural fruit flavours of the Caribbean to classic rum cocktails like the piña colada, mojito or the tropical sunset, which is our take on the hurricane. It is also just as versatile and delicious when mixed with juices or soda for an easy, vacation-worthy sip." With an SRP of $12.99 per 750ml bottle, Bacardí Tropical is available via Drizly and at select liquor stores, bars and restaurants across the US. Bacardi recently expanded its range of Bacardí Real Rum Canned Cocktails with three new tropical flavours and its first variety pack.

Denmark-based beverage company Royal Unibrew has expanded into the energy drinks category with the acquisition of MC Energy, the owner of the Crazy Tiger brand. Royal Unibrew will acquire the French energy drinks company from three entrepreneurs at an enterprise value of around DKK 610 million (approximately €82 million). The company initially announced that it had entered exclusive negotiations to acquire MC Energy on 1 July. According to Royal Unibrew, Crazy Tiger holds around 10% volume share in the fast-growing energy drinks market, and it expects the brand to continue growing at a double-digit growth rate in the coming years. The acquisition will see Royal Unibrew add a new category to its French business which is currently based on its Lorina lemonade brand, as it plans to grow its existing capabilities in the country. The Danish firm also sees strong growth opportunities for the category across other markets. Lars Jensen, CEO of Royal Unibrew, said: “We are very pleased that we have secured the ownership of Crazy Tiger in France as we see significant growth opportunities in the energy drink category across geographies. “The acquisition of an energy drink company with a solid market position in France supports our strategy and is the next step in developing our French business into a multi-niche business model.” Under its ownership, Royal Unibrew intends to invest in Crazy Tiger, with plans to further product innovation, create a more premium brand and attract new consumers and occasions. Last week, Royal Unibrew also entered into an agreement to acquire Solera Beverage Group – an importer and distributor of beverages across Norway, Sweden and Finland – for an enterprise value of DKK 770 million (approximately €103 million). The deal will see Royal Unibrew gain access to international imported wine, beer and soft drinks, in addition to a strong Nordic platform.

German natural dietary fibre specialist Taiyo has joined forces with Asiros to develop and market two new high-in-fibre fruit powder ranges under the BerryShield brand. The new premium blends combine the benefits of Taiyo’s water-soluble prebiotic Sunfiber with the natural effects of individual fruits in different quality grades. BerryShield Premium Conventional and BerryShield Organic can be used for multiple applications in the nutraceuticals sector and the food and beverage industry for customers in the EMEA region. “We are very excited about our cooperation with Taiyo and the creation of innovative prebiotic juice powders made with Sunfiber,” said Carsten Aalundm, COO and commercial director of Asiros Nordic. The first products in the lines will be launched this summer and will come from the berry varieties tartcherry, elderberry and lingonberry. BerryShield Premium Conventional and BerryShield Organic powders can be consumed pure or processed in applications. Taiyo’s 100% natural, ISO-certified dietary fibre Sunfiber is non-viscous and derived from partially hydrolysed guar gum – which is clinically proven to be compatible with a low FODMAP diet, and effective in lowering the glycemic index and supporting digestion. With their new range, the companies aim to meet demand for food and beverage formulations that offer health and wellness benefits, while containing natural ingredients. “Taiyo and Asiros are pursuing similar goals by bringing products to market that are technologically convincing, and can offer added health value. In the collaboration, we combine our comprehensive know-how in natural plant-based premium ingredients,” said Stefan Siebrecht, managing director of Taiyo. Denmark-based Asiros is a producer of organic products from natural raw fruits and plant-based ingredients.

US non-alcoholic brewer, Athletic Brewing Company , has closed a $50 million funding round to expand its brewing capacity in response to growing consumer demand. The Series C round was led by existing Athletic investors and board members Alliance Consumer Growth and TRB Advisors, with other investors including athletes, entrepreneurs and celebrities, such as Blake Mycoskie, Lance Armstrong, Justin Tuck and JJ Watt. The new funds will support a ‘major’ investment in a larger east coast brewery less than a year after the opening of Athletic’s 150,000-barrel facility in San Diego. The new site will boost the non-alcoholic brewer’s production capacity to keep pace with consumer demand in the US, while the company is also set to launch in a number of overseas markets. In addition, the capital will support the expansion of Athletic’s team, while the company also plans to expand partnerships “to connect with its consumer community”. Launched in 2018, Athletic offers a range of non-alcoholic beers, created to cater for active adults who want to enjoy high-quality beer, across a variety of styles and flavours, without the alcohol or impact on personal goals.   In 2020, the company claims to have grown almost 500% year-over-year for the second year running. Athletic’s new hoppy sparkling water brand DayPack also launched last year. “We’re humbled that both investors who have been with us from the beginning and a host of new partners have faith in our ability to continue operating and expanding as a brewery whose commitment to our customers has never wavered,” said Athletic founder and CEO, Bill Shufelt. “This investment will allow Athletic to keep doing what we do best, brewing great beer for our customers, and giving back to the communities we care about.” Alyssa Ferenz, chief financial officer at Alliance Consumer Growth, added: “Athletic is one of those game-changing brands that doesn’t come along very often and has the ability to massively change the landscape of non-alcoholic beer as we know it. “We’re thrilled to build on our partnership with the Athletic team so that they can continue to serve a huge unmet need and grow their positive impact on their communities and the environment.”

Dawn Foods has strengthened its position in Portugal with the acquisition of bakery products distributor Icopa for an undisclosed sum.  Under the terms of the deal, Dawn Foods will gain access to Icopa’s three distribution centres, including one located directly next to its ingredient manufacturing plant in Palmela. Icopa offers a portfolio of bakery products such as bread mixes, packaging, utensils and decorating supplies. The transaction will see Dawn Foods expand its overall distribution capabilities in Europe, ensuring bakeries have access to all the products and solutions needed to grow their business. The deal marks the company’s second acquisition in recent months, following the purchase of Poland-based Jabex, a supplier of ingredients and other solutions for the confectionery, bakery and ice cream markets. "Dawn is committed to providing the best experience for our customers, and the addition of Icopa's distribution capabilities, team members and partnerships enables us to better serve and meet the needs of bakery customers in this region," said Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods. Lluís Borrell, Mediterranean cluster director of Dawn Foods, added: "Dawn and Icopa have enjoyed a successful partnership for many years, and we are excited to combine our high-quality products and Icopa's distribution capabilities to provide total solutions our customers will enjoy.”

Nestlé has announced plans to invest $100 million into the expansion of its frozen foods facility in Cherokee County, South Carolina. First opened in 1980, the Gaffney factory manufactures frozen food entrees for the company’s Stouffer’sandLean Cuisine brands. The proposed plan includes the addition of a new production line, as well as the expansion of an existing production line. The project will create approximately 160 new jobs and will ensure that Nestlé can continue to meet growing consumer demand for its frozen food brands.   “The frozen food category has been growing for the last few years, and the pandemic has only increased that trend. As people spent more time at home, they rediscovered the convenience, value and great taste of frozen foods,” said Nicole Caldwell, Nestlé USA Gaffney factory manager. The investment comes six months after Nestlé announced a $100 million expansion of its frozen foods plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in particular for the production of its Hot Pockets brand sandwiches. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Nestlé also launched its new Life Cuisine brandin the US, which offers a line of frozen meals with carb conscious, high protein, meatless and gluten free options. South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, said: “Agribusiness is South Carolina’s largest industry, and companies like Nestlé USA are helping it grow to even greater heights. We welcome this expansion and the jobs and supply chain opportunities it will create.”

Kerry is expanding its Strings & Things portfolio with the introduction of Frollies, a fruit smoothie on a stick. The ‘first-of-its-kind’ chilled smoothie on a stick is made with real fruit and comes in a strawberry and banana flavour. The new offering is said to combine the enjoyment of a fruit lolly with benefits such as vitamin D to support immunity, no added sugar and real fruit. Frollies are firm enough to hold their shape “making them convenient and mess free” and are said to be ideal for kids’ lunchboxes or on-the-go consumption. Each Frollies pod contains challenges or quiz questions. “We are thrilled to be launching Frollies for retailers to stock up on just in time for back to school,” said Becky Youseman, senior brand manager at Strings & Things. “The new launch is a really exciting development to the way kids snack and is evidence of our commitment to innovating in the category – helping to make kids’ snacking fun.” With an RRP of £1.75, Frollies will be available in Tesco from tomorrow with a further rollout across the grocery, convenience and wholesale channels to follow next month.  Last year, Kerry launched limited-edition Strings & Things Halloween and Christmas-themed cheese snacks in the UK.

Multivac has launched the F 286 thermoforming packaging machine that can produce vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) packs for snack products. The new machine has been designed to meet the current demand for snack packs such as dried or roasted meats and small sausages or tofu, which are particularly popular in Asia. Described as an ideal solution for smaller and medium-sized businesses, the F 286 can produce packs and pouches made from plastic or aluminium films – with the latter offering a longer shelf life.   According to Multivac, the machine has a high output with the ability to produce up to 240 thermoformed packs per minute, with a forming depth of up to 20mm. “Due to the worldwide demand for healthy snacks, we are also expecting great interest in this model from other regions,” said Dominik Eberhard, team leader for product management (thermoforming packaging machines) at Multivac. He added: “The F 286 is aimed particularly at smaller and medium-sized businesses, which want to get into thermoforming packaging for the first time, or alternatively to pack smaller batch sizes more flexibly. “The machine is also designed for processors, who package their products today in film pouches on rotating filling and sealing machines. By moving to thermoformed packs, they can avoid high pouch costs, as well as increasing their personnel efficiency.”  The unloading area can be extended to fit printing solutions or other equipment components, enabling the integration of an inkjet printer or additional cutting unit within the machine. Multivac says the new machine can be designed to the customer's individual requirements in terms of output capability and the printing or labelling process. Last November, Multivac sold Trimaster, a supplier of turnkey solutions in the food packaging industry.

Biotech company Microphyt plans to construct what it claims will be the world’s first fully-integrated microalgae biorefinery at its headquarters in France. The facility will enable the production of microalgae-based ingredients for the nutrition, food and beverage, personal care and wellness industries on an industrial scale. The microalgae biorefinery forms part of the company’s Scale programme – a four-year project that aims to address the increasing demand for safe and effective nutrition and wellness ingredients produced in a natural and highly sustainable way. During the four years, Microphyt says the production capacity will increase five-fold and will allow for the development and production of more than 15 new ingredients derived from microalgae. Microphyt received a €15 million grant from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking – a partnership between the European Commission and the Bio-industries Consortium – to support its Scale programme; which brings together 11 international partners including Evolys and Paul Bocuse Institute. Located in Baillargues, near Montpellier, the biorefinery will utilise the firm’s propriety Camargue technology, which is based on hydro-biomimetic principles, and produces and extracts bioactive compounds. According to Microphyt, the technology mimics nature’s most efficient growth conditions – taking advantage of the full biological potential of microalgae while ensuring a high level of control. Construction will begin on the new microalgae biorefinery this year and is expected to create around 100 jobs by 2025. “Scale is the first flagship biorefinery of its kind, developing a whole new value chain dedicated to aquatic resources. It will help reduce the EU’s heavy reliance on imported natural ingredients while acting as a carbon sink,” said Philippe Mengal, executive director of Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking. According to Microphyt, its method boasts highly efficient water use, takes in CO2 and does not use GMOs or pesticides. The firm also plans to integrate renewable energy production. Founded in 2007, Microphyt specialises in the production and marketing of microalgae-based bioactive ingredients. The company raised €28.5 million in June 2019 and commercially launched its first nutritional ingredient BrainPhyt for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline last year in the US.

Dessert manufacturer Vittles Foods has teamed up with Mondelēz to introduce a range of Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Brownies. The new brownies can be enjoyed either hot or cold and come in two variants: Cadbury Dairy Milk, which is covered in a chocolate sauce; and Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramel, featuring Cadbury Milk Chocolate Buttons and a caramel-flavoured sauce. The new offerings can be heated from frozen in the microwave or defrosted in the fridge for an hour before serving. “We are delighted with these Cadbury Dairy Milk Brownies; they encapsulate that moreish Cadbury chocolate taste which we all know and love, and as they go so well with a scoop of ice cream, we knew Iceland would be the ideal listing for these decadent desserts,” said Alastair Crimp, sales director for Vittles Foods. Sally Bentley, trading manager for Iceland, said: “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to partner with such an iconic household confectioner like Cadbury to develop a twist on their classic Dairy Milk flavours with these products. “As they’re exclusive to Iceland, there’s nowhere else that shoppers can get their fix of classic Cadbury Dairy Milk flavours in this new format.” Launching on World Chocolate Day on 7 July, the new range will be available in Iceland and Food Warehouse stores, as well as via the Iceland website.