PepsiCo has made a pledge to become "net water positive" by 2030, as it aims to replenish more water than it uses in its operations.  The new commitment will see the beverage giant placed among the most water-efficient food and beverage industry manufacturers that operate in high-risk watersheds.  The PepsiCo Foundation is also launching a $1 million programme with NGO and long-term partner WaterAid in a bid to bring safe water to families in sub-Saharan Africa, expanding its 15-year $53 million+ safe water project that reaches over 20 countries and has supported over 59 million people since 2006.  "Time is running out for the world to act on water. Water is not only a critical component of our food system, it is a fundamental human right – and the lack of safe, clean water around the world is one of the most pressing issues facing our global community today," said Jim Andrew, chief sustainability officer at PepsiCo. He added: "Water scarcity is directly linked to the climate crisis, and at PepsiCo we believe a global effort to be 'net water positive' is essential. We're focused not only on making sure people around the world have access to this vital resource, but ensuring that we are also prioritising water stewardship in our operations everywhere." To reach this goal, PepsiCo will employ "best-in-class water-use efficiency standards" covering more than 1,000 company-owned and third-party facilities. It is hoped the programme will enable the company to reduce water usage by 11 billion litres per year - a 50% reduction in the water currently at PepsiCo's sites.  PepsiCo also hopes to adopt the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard in all high-water risk areas where it operated by 2025.  The Foundation's investment will help improve water infrastructure, build new water supply systems and sanitation facilities, and promote hygiene education. "It will also empower women and girls to become water, sanitation and hygiene stewards in their communities by providing them with the funding and training to maintain water access points and sanitation facilities for years to come," a company statement said.  "We learned quickly at the onset of the pandemic that handwashing and proper hygiene were critical to slowing its spread, but for millions around the world, access to water remains a luxury. As a result, millions of lives remain in jeopardy and until we address this crisis the region will remain especially susceptible to viruses like Covid-19," said CD Glin, VP global head of philanthropy at PepsiCo. "Not only does this disparity in water access contribute to the severity of the pandemic, but it also affects many other developmental goals of the region, including food production, gender equality, climate resilience and poverty alleviation. We're proud of our continued partnership with WaterAid to bring this programme to the region and are excited to be investing in the water-scarce areas that need this resource most." "The PepsiCo Foundation is a stalwart partner of WaterAid across three continents," says Kelly Parsons, CEO, WaterAid America. "They are funding critical programmes, providing flexibility to respond to the pandemic, and shouting loudly and clearly about the importance of safe water access for the billions who lack it." She continued: "We are proud to partner with The PepsiCo Foundation and are committed to doing all we can to support their goal of reaching 100 million people by 2030. Their aspiration helps us reach further and work harder on behalf of those in need."

Bacardi has announced a new Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish, the first instalment of a five-year aged rum series.  The new series will run through to 2025, with the cask finish changing each year based on the type of barrel used for the additional ageing.  Reserva Ocho has been aged in American oak barrels for eight to 12 years and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask for just over two months. Bacardi says the additional few months allows the blend to take on a "sweet, smooth velvety texture with notes of caramel, vanilla and orange, along with hints of walnuts and almonds". “We could not be more thrilled for the launch of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish to add to our Premium portfolio for a limited time. This is our first innovation for the Premium range since the portfolio first launched in 2018, and we are excited to introduce four more innovations over the course of the next four years,” said Lisa Pfenning, VP of Bacardi for North America. “We have seen an increased popularity in Premium rums throughout the years, namely sipping rums, and we hope our rum enthusiasts will appreciate the care and craftsmanship that has gone into blending the Reserva Cask Finish series – which will add new layers of beautiful and bold flavours to our smooth aged rums. Not only will the taste appeal to rum drinkers, but we believe that whiskey drinkers will find themselves reaching for a bottle of Bacardi Reserva Ocho Sherry Cask Finish as well.” Reserva Ocho is available in 750ml bottles with a 40% ABV and an RRP of $32.99. The new spirit will be available online and in US stores nationwide from September.

Organic food producer Green Life Farms has agreed to acquire Finn Farms, a hydroponic grower based in Florida.  The transaction will give Green Life Farms full ownership of Finn Farms, including all site and equipment assets, and enable the company to expand Green Life Farms' growing and sales footprint in southwest Florida. Green Life Farms currently operates a hydroponic greenhouse in Lake Worth, Florida, with plans to open another 13 sites in the state.  Finn Farms operates a 2.5-acre hydroponic greenhouse in southwest Florida, which uses nutrient film treatment growing technology supplied by Green Automation, Novarbo, Priva, among others. Here, Finn Farms produces a range of leafy greens and herbs, including spinach and basil, and the site is expected to be fully operational later this year.  Upon completion of the transaction, Finn Farms will retain its brand name for herbs and microgreens.  A company statement said: "The acquisition allows Green Life Farms to rapidly accelerate its sales and capital growth plans, add technological diversity, and incorporate new intellectual property and licensing rights to its business model. Previously, Green Life Farms announced an expansion plan that included eight total facilities; based on market demand for its premium lettuce products, the company has updated its expansion plan to 13 farms."

Finsbury Food Group, which has manufactured Thorntons bites range for two decades, is revamping the line by adding new products, packaging and brand messaging.  The company will release seven new product options, including: Chocolate Orange Caramel Shortcake, Toffee Apple Caramel Shortcake, Hot Cross Bun Caramel Shortcake, Peppermint Crème Brownie and Strawberry Dream Brownie; as well as two additions to its individually wrapped cake bars: Hazelnut Brookie and Salted Caramel Brownie. “Thorntons cake bites have the highest impulse purchase rate throughout the category, and we know its look and flavour appeal is key to ensuring those impulse purchases remain high," said Jordan McCann, brand manager at Finsbury Food Group. "The range has enjoyed great success over the last 20 years, but we are constantly looking for ways to bring in new shoppers. The key to our ongoing success is to never take our eye off the ball when ensuring the range fits changing consumer trends." He continued: “The Thorntons bites and bars are successful because they are perfect for sharing occasions and adding a bit of luxury to those moments. We know the chances to get together and share a treat have been few and far between but hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, people will have more opportunities to spend time together and we’re making sure we have the perfect treats for those times.” Fiona Morgan, head of foodservice Ferrero UK & Ireland, added: “Finsbury has consistently found ways to bring the high quality and luxurious taste of Thorntons chocolate to cake products and this revamp is continuing that successful tradition. We’re excited to see the changes appear in the market and watch the range continue to go from strength to strength.”

Chips Ahoy! has partnered with The Hershey Company to launch Fudge Filled Cookies.   The cookies feature Chips Ahoy! iconic taste and Hershey-inspired fudge flavour, complete with a rich fudge filled centre.  "At Chips Ahoy! we're all about helping fans find their happy place. With summer fun in full swing, there couldn't be a better time to introduce the new Chewy Chips Ahoy! Fudge Filled Cookies inspired by Hershey's to make the season a little sweeter and our taste buds a little happier with this new cookie," said Sabrina Sierant, associate director, Chips Ahoy! at Mondelēz. "For a creative, fun and delicious treat, top your favourite ice cream with new Chewy Chips Ahoy! Fudge Filled Cookies inspired by Hershey's to turn any ordinary day into a Fundae," she added.

Jordan's Skinny Mixes has unveiled its 2021 autumn collection of zero-calorie, zero-sugar syrups. The company is bringing back six previously released pumpkin varieties and adding five new pumpkin flavours. The new varieties include: vanilla bean pumpkin, white chocolate pumpkin, pumpkin spice latte, keto pumpkin spice with MCT oil, and pumpkin pecan waffle. In addition, the brand will be returning its maple bourbon pecan variety and introducing maple donut and chai flavours. “Pumpkin spice is without a doubt our number one Skinny Syrup flavour year after year,” said Skinny Mixes CEO, Jordan Engelhardt. “We know that our loyal customers crave these products all year round, so we are so excited to be able to offer them their go-tos and some new varieties earlier this year.” Skinny Syrups are available via the brand’s website and can be found at local retailers across the US, Canada and Europe.

Danone has reported a return to growth across all categories in the second quarter after posting a 6.6% net sales increase on a like-for-like (LFL) basis. The owner of Evian and Activia posted €6.17 billion in second-quarter sales, up 3.6% on a reported basis. The results are in line with Danone’s expectations announced in Q1: a goal of returning to profitable growth in Q2 and H1 thanks to the gradual reopening of economies. For the first half of the year, Danone’s like-for-like sales went up 1.6% to €11.84 billion, while operating income fell 4.2% LFL to €1.55 billion. Danone’s second quarter results were driven by a recovery in the company’s Waters unit, as well as sustained momentum for its Essential Dairy and Plant-based (EDP) division and a return to growth for Specialized Nutrition. In the quarter, the company’s Waters unit increased 19.5% to €1.13 billion, led by 6.6% volume growth. Recovery was mainly driven by Europe mobility, while emerging geographies remained more impacted by Covid-19 related restrictions. Last year, Danone was significantly impacted by a 28% fall in bottled water sales amid Covid-19 related lockdowns, with Q2 2020 sales falling 5.7% to €5.94 billion. Second quarter net sales in the company’s EDP unit rose 4.8% LFL to €3.25 billion, resulting in 3.2% growth in H1. Continued growth in dairy was driven by protein and probiotics (led by Actimel); while Danone’s plant-based portfolio was driven by its creamers and yogurt. “We maintained strong momentum in our EDP business, led by growth in dairy, and plant-based reporting its 6th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, and a solid performance in Europe and Noram,” said interim co-CEOs of Danone, Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta and Shane Grant. Europe and North America sales rose by 6.4% LFL in Q2, while sales in the rest of the world increased 6.9%. Danone’s Specialized Nutrition division also returned to growth in the quarter, rising at 2.8% to €1.79 billion; with adult nutrition delivering high single-digit growth and infant nutrition low single-digit growth.       Danone says its return to growth was driven by its portfolio review process – including the sale of its plant-based nutrition brand Vega and its minority stake in China Mengniu Dairy – supported by selective reinvestments and channel execution focus. Danone has also launched a share buyback programme of up to €800 million, as it prepares for the appointment of Antoine de Saint-Affrique to CEO in September. The company reiterated its 2021 guidance: a return to profitable growth in H2 and full-year recurring operating margin broadly in line with 2020.

Snowdonia Cheese Company has announced the release of a new vintage Cheddar cheese aged 500 feet underground in Welsh slate caves for 18 months. Rock Star marks the company’s first vintage cave-aged Cheddar and will be available from Ocado and Waitrose, as well as wholesalers, independents, delis and premium grocers from 1 September. The new cheese is aged in a former slate mine buried deep in remote mountains surrounded by Snowdonia National Park and the protected Dark Sky Reserve. Snowdonia Cheese Company says maturing the cheese for 18 months in sealed slate chambers is what gives it a deeper flavour and denser texture. Rock Star is described as smooth and creamy with the occasional crunchy crystal. “On the palate, complex umami flavours and sweet caramel notes lead to a long finish with a savoury tang,” added the company. Richard Newton-Jones, commercial director at Snowdonia Cheese Company, said: “It’s a real labour of love to mature a cheese deep underground in such a remote setting and for us, it’s absolutely worth it. “The flavour is stunning and the setting is incredible – it’s a real honour to work with the natural landscape in this way, surrounded by the majestic beauty of Snowdonia. “Rock Star is sure to elevate special occasions with family and friends. It brings a real sense of luxury and wow-factor to the cheeseboard and we have no doubt it will prove an extremely popular addition to the Snowdonia Cheese range.” Rock Star Vintage Cave-Aged Cheddar has an RRP of £4.50 per 150g truckle.

Investment platform Bond Bakery Brands has strengthened its sweet goods platform after investing in Coco Bakery, a Canada-based manufacturer of macaron and premium baked products. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Coco Bakery provides macarons and other French pastries such as eclairs and profiteroles to retail and food service customers across North America.  "Coco Bakery is a leader in a segment of strategic importance to us and expands our production footprint into the Ontario market,” said Nicolas Mulroney, co-founder, president and CEO of Bond Bakery Brands. He added: “Coco Bakery's founders have built a strong reputation within the industry, and we are very excited to invest in the company's growth in Canada and the US.” The transaction strengthens Bond Bakery Brands’ investment platform that aims to accelerate the growth of bakery companies. Coco Bakery will now join Bond’s portfolio alongside Portofino Bakery, and Pace Processing and Product Development, which the company acquired last October. Bond Bakery Brands employs more than 600 people across ten facilities in Canada. Oksana Marjanovic, founder of Coco Bakery, said: "I'm delighted to announce that we will be partnering with Bond Bakery Brands for the next phase of Coco Bakery's growth journey. “Since founding the business in 2012, we've worked hard to become the North American leader in French macarons and other similar bakery products, and look forward to joining Bond's exciting bakery platform. I'm excited to see what Coco Bakery can achieve under their guidance."

Dried fruit snack brand Rind Snacks is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of a range of thin-cut Fruit Chips. Rind – which announced a $6.1 million raise just last month – says that its new chips are made with US-grown, non-GMO fruit. A source of fibre and vitamin C, the range features orange, kiwi and apple varieties. “At Rind, we're all about offering consumers new twists on snacking classics. Potato chips have dominated this aisle for as long as we can remember, and it's time to make room on the shelf for a snack that delivers both flavour and function,” said Matt Weiss, founder and CEO of Rind. “We're excited to 'flip the script' on chips by bringing fibre and immunity-boosting vitamins to a category rarely known for nutrition. Enjoy Rind Chips on their own, dipped in a favourite spread or elevating your next happy hour on the rim of a glass.” By retaining the rind on its products, Rind claims to have helped divert more than 120,000lb of edible peels from landfill last year. With an MSRP of $4.99-5.99, Rind Chips will come in 3oz bags and be available via the brand’s website, as well as on Amazon, FreshDirect, Hungryroot and at additional retailers later this year.

Mondelēz International has witnessed a 12.4% increase in second-quarter net revenue and raised its full-year guidance, as sales in emerging markets continue to bounce back. The owner of Toblerone and Oreo recorded revenues of $6.64 billion in Q2, which it says was driven by organic net revenue growth of 6.2%, favourable currency and incremental sales from the company’s acquisitions of Hu, Grenade and Gourmet Food. The company recently entered an agreement to buy Chipita, a manufacturer of cakes and pastries in Europe. For the three months ended 30 June, Mondelēz saw its emerging markets grow by 19.6% in net revenue including double-digit growth in Brazil, India, Russia and Mexico. This continues improvement seen in Q1 where the unit recorded 6% growth following a 2.5% decline in Q4 2020. “We remain encouraged by the resiliency and underlying strength of our emerging market, while we continue to invest behind attractive growth opportunities for the long term,” said Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International, in a conference call. He added: “We are also expanding our presence in emerging markets, where we continue to gain distribution in key countries like China and India with another 60,000, and 20,000 stores added this quarter.” The company’s developed markets, however, posted net revenue growth of 8.9%. In Europe, Mondelēz witnessed a 15.7% increase in sales to $2.47 billion; while the North America region only saw a 1.1% increase to $2.05 billion. In the Latin America region, the company’s second quarter revenue grew 30.9% to $669 million. Meanwhile, Asia, Middle East & Africa net revenues stood at $1.45 billion, representing a 17.4% increase. Mondelēz is raising its organic sales outlook for the full-year to an upwards of 4% growth, compared to its previous expectations of +3%. Van de Put continued: “Mobility is increasing as restrictions ease but at-home consumption remains elevated and it appears that higher levels of working from home and shopping online are here to stay. More time at home, the desire for trusted and comforting brands and the return of impulse and on-the-go consumption are driving sustained growth in our core categories.”

San Francisco-based coffee start-up Spinn has secured $20 million in a new funding round, as it aims to redefine the at-home coffee experience. The round was led by Spark Capital, with participation from Amazon’s Alexa Fund, Bar 9 Ventures and existing investors. Looking to tap into the growing market for at-home coffee machines, Spinn offers all-in-one brewing systems that make a variety of coffee types including espresso, americano, drip and cold brew. Spinn’s machines use a centrifugal force to spin the coffee grounds rather than press them; and can be controlled via voice command from Amazon’s Alexa, from a mobile app or by a single tap on the machine. “Spinn is doing for coffee what Dyson did for vacuums and what Nest did for homes, rethinking technology and connectivity for better results,” said Kevin Thau, general partner at Spark Capital. The machines do not require filters or pods as part of Spinn’s goal to provide a more sustainable solution. The company has built a delivery network encompassing more than 500 artisan roasters globally. With the funding, Spinn plans to scale production and accelerate growth, further develop its patented brewing technologies, as well as complete the delivery of outstanding pre-orders.  "Spark, the Alexa Fund and Bar 9 represent some of the most impressive track records in consumer products, connected devices and coffee industry investing. Their capital and expertise will be instrumental in our growth and ability to deliver a superior coffee experience to millions of people," said Roderick de Rode, CEO of Spinn.  Paul Bernard, director of Amazon Alexa Fund, added: “We are impressed with Roderick and the team’s ability to advance the state of the art at-home coffee experience in a way that is also good for the planet. Spinn has a compelling vision for how its system can make use of voice and be part of the convenience of a truly smart home.”