Hotel Chocolat is entering the premium iced beverage space with the launch of Coconut Macaroon, its first limited-edition drinking chocolate specifically developed to be served iced.

Pret A Manger has reported a strong start to 2026, with system sales increasing 7% during the first four months of the year, driven by higher customer numbers and continued international expansion.

UNESDA has appointed Natalia Filipposyants, senior vice president and general manager for Europe at PepsiCo International Beverages, as president of the European soft drinks trade association.

The Ryl Company, maker of the rapidly growing ready-to-drink iced tea brand Ryl Tea, has closed a $20 million Series C growth equity financing round.

Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has secured a $192 million senior secured credit facility to support its acquisition of Farmer Brothers Coffee and provide working capital for the combined business.

Saratoga Spring Water has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Saratoga Collection, a new range of flavoured sparkling waters designed to tap into growing consumer demand for premium hydration options.

The Melitta Group has announced plans to invest more than €100 million into its coffee production site in Bremen, Germany, as part of its long-term growth and internationalisation strategy.

PerfectTed has expanded its ready-to-drink matcha latte range with the launch of a new Protein White Chocolate Matcha Latte, combining matcha with 18g of protein in a canned format.

The UK’s vending, coffee services and automated retail sector generated £3.78 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 3.3% increase year-on-year and placing the industry 5% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels, according to the latest Census & Market Report from the AVA.

The 26th annual UK Soft Drinks Conference took place on 12 May 2026 in London. From circular economy efforts to premium functional beverage opportunities, we delve into the highlights.

US coffee brand Death Wish Coffee Co has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Power Surge, a new high-caffeine coffee positioned to meet growing demand for natural energy products.

Kerry has announced that the European Food Safety Authority has issued a positive scientific opinion on Acrylerase, the company’s amidase food enzyme designed to reduce acrylamide levels in coffee extracts.