Global cocktail and spirits provider Lucas Bols has announced the launch of Bols Ready to Enjoy Cocktails.  The latest addition to the company's portfolio will feature five signature cocktails: Bols Margarita Azul is described as "tangy and refreshing" (ABV 14.9%); Bols Espresso Martini is "rich and smooth (ABV 14.9%); Bols Red Light Negroni is "bittersweet and complex" (ABV 21.9%); Bols Very Old Fashioned is "aromatic and intense" (ABV 30%); meanwhile, Bols Pornstar Martini is "exotic and fresh" (ABV 14.9%).  Each cocktail comes in a unique 200ml tube made from sustainable packaging, as well as two larger sizes (375ml and 700ml).  Huub van Doorne, CEO Lucas Bols said: “Lucas Bols wants to inspire consumers by bringing the magic of cocktails home. With our Ready to Enjoy Cocktails, crafted with our famous Bols liqueurs, vodka and genever, we are tapping into the rapidly growing category of ready to serve cocktails. We prioritised superior quality, convenience and sustainable packaging to revolutionise the cocktail experience at home. Our Bols Cocktail Tubes illustrate our leading position in the development of the global cocktail market.” The new cocktails debut in the US and the company's native country the Netherlands this autumn.

Kellogg's latest launch combines Crunchy Nut's iconic nutty and honey flavours into a soft, creamy filling encased in a "crunchy pillow".  "Crunchy Nut Bites are the newest addition to the range, following on from the launch of the granola last year and Nut Butter Bars earlier this month," said Susann Heinz, senior brand activation manager at Kellogg’s UKI.  She added: "We understand the cereal has a huge fan base, so we’re continuously looking for ways to expand our offering and to meet our consumers’ needs. We are sure Crunchy Nut lovers will enjoy our latest innovation". Crunchy Nut Bites retails at £2.99 (per 375g box) and is available in major supermarkets across the UK.

Provider of processing and packaging solutions for food products Multivac has announced that it will invest approximately €20 million in the construction of a new multi-purpose building in Tsukuba, Japan.  Areas of expansion will include the company's integrated systems, as well as products from the Fritsch (a manufacturer of equipment for both large bakeries and smaller producers of bakery products) and Tvi (a meat portioning specialist) business units. The new building will also include a training centre for customers and staff, as well as showrooms for machines.  “Japan is a significant market for Multivac. The new building will expand the local production capacity and also optimise our logistics systems,” said Guido Spix, group president of Multivac. “In the future, we will therefore produce at one location, which will also enable us to increase our productivity.” Located on the ground floor will be the manufacturing and assembly departments, as well as the training & application centre for processing & packaging, together with the application centre for bakery technology. The upper floor will comprise a small-parts warehouse, as well as a canteen and the offices and meeting/training rooms, which are needed to meet the growing demand. “The new building will not only create additional capacity, but it will also enable us to provide new training facilities for the staff of our Japanese service network, as well as offering customers advice on all aspects of system integration, and bringing our solutions closer to them in our showrooms - including those from the Fritsch and Tvi business units, which will play an important role for us in future on the Japanese market,” says Kenichiro Onuma, managing director of Multivac Japan. Multivac now has 12 subsidiaries in the Asia-Pacific region, employing more than 300 staff.  The building will sit on 14,400 square metres of land and is set to open in summer 2022.

Nestlé has announced that it is upgrading its R&D facilities in Singapore, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of its opening.  The R&D centre has played a key role in developing new products and technologies for South East Asia and beyond over the last four decades.  Commenting on the centre, Chris Johnson, CEO for Zone Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa, said: "All food is local. If you want to be successful in our business, you need a good understanding of the flavours people love, the dishes they want to serve to their families, the food trends they want to try. That's why it's so important to have a research and development team in Singapore, here in the heart of South East Asia, a centre of excellence driving innovation and product development in Asia, for Asia."   The upgraded facilities feature state-of-the-art labs, experimental kitchens, consumer testing, sensory evaluations rooms, open working spaces, as well as Nestlé's fundamental research hub. The upgrade will also include a new regional R&D accelerator, providing a "world-class platform" for start-ups, students and Nestlé employees in the region to develop and test novel concepts in under six months. Thomas Hauser, head of global product and technology development for Nestlé added: "Our R&D centre in Singapore has a long history of developing innovative products for South East Asia that are inspired by the cultural diversity and different local cuisines". "Upgrading the centre with state-of-the-art facilities including the new R&D Accelerator is proof of our long-term commitment to the region. We will also be able to respond to food and beverage trends and challenges more quickly and efficiently," he said.  The R&D centre will continue trialling innovations and new products across brands such as coffee mixes, powdered beverages such as Milo, culinary products, plant-based foods & beverages and ice cream.

US-based premium ice cream company Serendipity Brands has appointed Bob Gorman as its new chief executive officer.  Gorman aims to focus on short- and long-term business strategy for the brand, as well as the brand's retail footprint and expansion into key markets. He will also collaborate with part-owner and investor, Selena Gomez, to grow the brand's offerings.  “Serendipity has seen tremendous growth over the past year and we are thrilled to have Bob join us as he has a proven track record of successfully developing and amplifying brands,” said Sal Pesce, co-founder of Serendipity Brands. “We look forward to his unique perspective and expertise as we continue growing and expanding Serendipity Brands.” Gorman brings with him over 20 years of marketing experience across the food, wellness, beauty and spirits industries. Most recently, he was chief marketing officer at  Kellogg -owned  Rxbar ; he has also held positions at Beam Suntory, Alberto Culver, and Procter and Gamble.   “Serendipity Brands is perfectly positioned to deliver exceptional growth,” said Gorman. “Serendipity has all of the ingredients for success – an iconic restaurant, award-winning ice cream, a team with over 100 years experience in the ice cream category, and amazing investors like Selena Gomez.”

Innovative coffee company Taika has raised $2.2 million in a seed funding round led by Obvious Ventures.  The round also included participation from Kindred Ventures, Human Ventures and Quiet Capital, as well as multiple angel investors. Taika, which creates functional blends of coffee, tea and adaptogens, has also launched a functional canned matcha latte made with "creamy, housemade macadamia milk high in healthy fats and protein". The macadamia milk is developed using a secret formula that is keto-friendly, vegan-friendly and has zero carbohydrates "unlike alternatives like oat milk," a company statement said.  "Our vision for Taika is to help people effortlessly live healthier lives," said Michael Sharon, co-founder and CEO of Taika. "Our new adaptogenic Matcha Latte gives people another way to do that and builds on our existing product line of outrageously delicious, perfectly calibrated beverages that are authentically good for you. Scaling this vision out over the next few years is possible thanks to the support of our inspiring community and wonderful group of investors." He continued: "We're thrilled to continue partnering with Obvious Ventures who have a long track record of supporting transformative, world positive companies like Beyond Meat and Miyoko's. We're also delighted to continue working with Kindred Ventures, Human Ventures and Quiet Capital as well as our stellar group of angel investors." "Our approach to developing new products is simple in theory yet challenging in practice," said Kal Freese, co-founder and head of product at Taika. "While many other canned matcha drinks use non-organic, culinary grade matcha, we source the very best ingredients we can get our hands-on, which included blind taste testing dozens of teas, and then turning them into delicious and healthy ready-to-drink products with minimal processing and no preservatives. He added: "Taika's organic, ceremonial grade matcha from Kagoshima has a nuanced sweetness and 60mg caffeine per can (half of our coffees) that works magnificently with our naturally sweetened macadamia milk".

Activated snacking brand Boundless has announced the launch of the "world's first" activated chip range.  The chips are made from sprouted sorghum, an ancient supergrain that is soaked to enable better digestion of its nutrients. They come in two flavours: Chipotle & Lime and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar.  Founder Cathy Moseley said: “Our mission is quite simply to make snacking well easy. That’s why we believe this launch is a real game-changer, we’re helping people to look after their gut with a product range that is both accessible and affordable". "We know that consumers are more aware of gut health than ever, but it can be confusing and overwhelming when it comes to what to actually buy, especially when it all seems so expensive and complicated. There are so many snacks that claim to be ‘gut friendly’ and ‘high in fibre’ but the problem is that without activation none of these things really matter." She continued: "We take great ingredients and make them better. With a little TLC our grains are ready to unlock their impressive range of nutrients. Sprouting the grains reduces the levels of phytic acid, which in turn increases the bioavailability of nutrients inside the grain. To put it simply the process removes the stuff that messes with your digestion to begin with! The method is simple, but mighty.” The new activated chips will be available online from August, with independent shops and Amazon following in September (RRP £1.80 per 80g packet).

US-based producer of fresh fruits and vegetables, Taylor Farms , has made an investment in Pure Green farms, which grows, packs and ships leafy greens year-round from its hydroponic farm in Indiana.  The expansion will enable Taylor Farms to make its foray into the greenhouse growing sector and complement Taylor's existing 122,200 crop acre field-grown programme and 16 salad producing facilities across North America. "We're excited to venture into the industry of indoor growing with this investment," said Bruce Taylor, founder and CEO, Taylor Farms. "Our customer partners have asked for a national solution and this is our first step." Pure Green Farms' facility is a climate-controlled environment equipped with high-tech machinery, which has the potential to be expanded by up to 300 acres.  "We are thrilled to work alongside an industry leading company like Taylor Farms," said Joe McGuire, CEO of Pure Green Farms. "We know this is just the beginning of a fantastic relationship with Taylor Farms and we're looking forward to continuing to address the increasing demand for local product offerings."

Amber Beverage Group has expanded its premium gin portfolio with the introduction of two new ready-to-drink options for its flagship Cross Keys Gin brand.  Cross Keys Gin & Tonic and Cross Keys Gin & Blackcurrant & Tonic feature an ABV of 5% and are available in 330ml cans. The RTDs will have an initial launch in the Baltics, followed by a move into the UK and beyond in late 2021.  Cross Keys Gin & Tonic contains the brand's gin, tonic water, lemon, lime and rosemary flavours. Meanwhile, the brand's Blackcurrant variant features tonic water, lemon and Cross Keys Blackcurrant Gin flavours. “By launching Cross Keys Gin & Tonic, we have set ourselves the ambition to become the No.1 Gin & Tonic RTD brand in the Baltics. We have developed an amazing product with a very tasty and refreshing liquid that will fit our consumers’ needs, not only during the summer months but throughout the whole year,” said Māris Kalniņš, global brand director for Cross Keys Gin.

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats (MCD&T) has announced its latest product innovation, MilkyWay Biscuits.  Based on the popular MilkyWay chocolate bar, the new biscuits are vanilla flavoured and dipped in chocolate. Each biscuit features one of four outer space designs embossed on the top.  Each serving (the equivalent of two biscuits) has 87 calories, with each 108g pack containing 12 biscuits.  Michelle Frost, general manager at MCD&T has announced its latest product innovation, MilkyWay Biscuits.  said: “Sales of MilkyWay confectionery grew by nine per cent last year, and we are confident that a combination of the brand strength, competitive price point and fun format will create some real excitement and attract new consumers to the biscuits aisle.” MilkyWay Biscuits will be available in B&M from September 1 2021, and in ASDA in a couple of weeks. RRP: £1.00 per pack.

European packaging company Smurfit Kappa has announced that it will invest $22 million to expand its corrugated packaging plant in Culican, northwest Mexico.  The investment demonstrates the company's commitment to the Mexican market and will enable Smurfit Kappa to modernise and expand its capabilities, capacity and product offering for local customers in the fresh produce sector.  Smurfit Kappa will instal state-of-the-art machinery and construct a 10,900m2 building that will include a new corrugator and an automatic rotary die cutter (RDC), which is expected to be fully operational by 2021.  The new site will enable Smurfit Kappa to produce corrugated boxes "made with a moisture barrier that helps resist condensation," a company statement said. The new investment will also result in more sustainable operations at the new plant, with reduced use of paper that is 100% recyclable and reuseable at the company's mills.  “Our Culiacan plant has for a long time been a significant employer in the region, and this will continue to be the case with this new investment, with a need for new operational and administrative roles, and the workforce at the plant expanding to over 300 employees,” said Jorge Angel, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Mexico. Juan G Castaneda, CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas, added: “This investment will enable us to meet the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions not only in the region but also across Mexico. We have a strong customer base including some of the largest agricultural producers and FMCG companies in Mexico, and continuously investing in our facilities is paramount to providing the best possible service to customers and contributing to the growth of their businesses”.

The Coca-Cola Company has announced that its board member, Herbert A Allen, has retired as a director after 39 years of service.  Allen, who is 80-years-old, was the longest-serving current member of the company's board of directors. He stepped down on 18 August, leaving 11 directors on the board.  “On behalf of The Coca-Cola Company and its board of directors, I thank Herbert for his service,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. He added: “Herbert joined the board in 1982. Throughout the years, his counsel and sound judgment have guided company leadership through many evolutions. His positive impact on Coca-Cola will last far beyond his tenure on the board. We wish him all the best in the next chapter.” “The greatest part of serving as a director has been meeting and getting to know a wide variety of people in the company,” Allen said. “Whether bottlers, Coke employees, officers or company directors, virtually everyone has been part of an enriching experience. As a shareowner, I extend my appreciation and gratitude to all of you.” Allen joined the board back when the company was led by Roberto Goizueta (chairman and CEO). He went on to work with five other chairmen of the company, most recently Quincey.