Damm UK has acquired a stake in London-based Dalston’s Soda Co, making the soft drinks producer the first non-beer partner to join its Accelerator Programme at the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford. The Accelerator Programme supports emerging beverage brands with manufacturing, innovation and distribution, drawing on Damm’s experience producing and distributing soft drinks in Spain. Under the partnership, Damm will provide Dalston’s with production, distribution and commercial support as the soda brand seeks to expand across the UK on- and off-trade markets. Dalston’s produces soft drinks using real fruit, with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners or flavourings. The company is also a certified B Corp. Luke White, managing director of Damm UK, said: “We are excited to welcome Dalston’s as our first soft drinks partner which is well aligned with Damm’s premium offering that centres around craftsmanship, excellent ingredients and outstanding quality. We look forward to seeing Dalston’s flourish as we work together to help support its growth in the UK and beyond.” Dalston’s founder Duncan O’Brien described the investment as a “huge vote of confidence” in the business, adding that working with Damm would provide significant opportunities for growth. Giles Brook, chairman of Dalston’s Soda Co, said the brand could play an important role in Damm’s developing soft drinks portfolio, offering trade customers a natural alternative to conventional soft drinks. The deal follows Damm’s acquisition of the Old Speckled Hen beer portfolio earlier in July and forms part of the brewer’s strategy to develop into a broader beverage company. Damm relaunched its Bedford facility as the Damm Eagle Brewery in October 2025 following a £70 million modernisation programme. The upgrades included new syrup handling and mixing equipment, alongside a new canning line and additional production capacity. The site has the potential to expand to an annual capacity of two million hectolitres, with Damm now planning a further phase of improvements. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

Fairtrade International has announced increases to its minimum prices for arabica and robusta coffee, as it seeks to strengthen financial protection for farmers facing rising production costs and volatile commodity markets. From 1 December 2026, the Fairtrade Minimum Price for washed arabica beans will rise by 11%, from $1.80 to $2 per pound. Washed arabica accounts for more than 80% of Fairtrade coffee sales. The minimum price for natural robusta beans, which represent less than 10% of Fairtrade coffee sold, will increase by approximately 8%, from $1.20 to $1.30 per pound. Prices for natural arabica and washed robusta will also rise by $0.20 and $0.10 per pound, respectively. Fairtrade’s minimum price acts as a global floor, taking effect when market prices fall below the specified level. Farmers and cooperatives can continue to receive higher prices when market rates exceed the floor. According to the organisation, coffee market prices have remained above $2 per pound since March 2024. The changes follow a year-long review involving production cost data, market analysis and consultation with farmers, traders and other industry stakeholders. Fairtrade’s Standards Committee, which includes representatives from producer and commercial organisations, approved the final prices earlier this month. Data for the review was collected from 57 cooperatives across 13 countries for the 2023-2024 crop period. The figures were adjusted to reflect inflation and exchange rates up to September 2025 and assessed alongside external market information. More than 600 stakeholders responded during a two-month consultation period. Fairtrade said the review considered factors including production costs, market conditions, fairness and the relationship between its minimum prices and additional payments. The organisation will retain its existing Fairtrade Premium of $0.20 per pound and organic differential of $0.40 per pound, citing the need to provide cooperatives and traders with greater predictability during a period of historically high coffee prices. The Fairtrade Premium is paid in addition to the selling price and can be invested by cooperatives in areas such as production improvements, infrastructure and community projects. Fairtrade coffee cooperatives received more than €57 million through the mechanism in 2024. Meanwhile, the organic differential is intended to compensate farmers for the additional costs associated with organic production. Fairtrade said its research found average organic production costs remained broadly aligned with the existing payment. Colleen Anunu, senior advisor for coffee at Fairtrade International, said: “Fairtrade's price review process is unique in the coffee sector, as the only methodology that provides an essential understanding of the various stakeholders in the value chain – from farmer cooperatives to roasters to brands and retailers – as well as civil society pushing to create a thriving coffee system.” “Coffee farmers want to earn a dignified livelihood. The Fairtrade pricing structure is a critical safety net for cooperatives that supports farmer resilience in the face of climate change and emerging regulatory pressures, and also supports the security of global supply chains.” Fairtrade has committed to conducting a comprehensive review of its coffee prices every four years as part of efforts to improve producer resilience and support more sustainable supply chains.

Califia Farms is expanding its portfolio in the US with the launch of Banana Crème Almond Milk Latte and Organic Banana Crème Almond Milk Coffee Creamer, tapping into the popularity of banana-flavoured coffee options. The plant-based beverage brand noted that banana-flavoured lattés and café-inspired at-home recipes are gaining traction on social media platform TikTok, with banana flavours bringing a fun and fresh twist to coffee and creamer aisles. Banana Crème Almond Milk Latte offers a ready-to-drink (RTD) almond milk-based latté, blending banana crème flavour with rich coffee and warm cinnamon notes. The drink can be enjoyed straight from the bottle or poured over ice. The Organic Banana Crème Almond Milk Coffee Creamer provides a USDA Organic almond milk-based creamer with a creamy banana flavour and warm cinnamon, designed to add a sweet, dessert-inspired twist to hot or iced coffee. Both options will launch at Kroger stores nationwide, both priced at an MSRP of $6.49.

Sweet Robo has partnered with Santa Cruz Fun Foods to commercially launch a range of automated machines that turn Icee flavours into freshly spun candy floss. The range includes two models: the 'Icee Cotton Candy Vending Machine,' which is a fully automated, self-service unit designed for locations such as shopping centres, amusement parks, cinemas and family entertainment venues; and the 'Icee Cotton Candy Mini Pro,' which offers a smaller, countertop format aimed at convenience stores, specialist retailers and other point-of-sale environments. Each model can offer between four and six flavours, including several established Icee varieties. Sweet Robo’s automated technology prepares and dispenses fresh candy floss on demand, with the company positioning the machines as a consistent and efficient foodservice option for operators. Piny Vind, CEO of Sweet Robo, said: "Consumers are looking for experiences, not just products. By combining the iconic flavours of Icee with our robotics platform, we've created something that delivers both nostalgia and entertainment while giving retailers a new revenue-generating attraction." The company said its first shipment would comprise 100 machines, with commercial installations planned at retail, entertainment and other high-footfall locations across North America during summer 2026.

Pret A Manger has appointed Anita McDonnell as president of its international division, effective from late August. McDonnell will oversee the food-to-go and coffee chain’s operations across Europe, Asia and Africa. She will work alongside Felipe Athayde, president of North America, and Ross Warnes, president of the UK and Ireland, as Pret seeks to accelerate growth across its 21 international markets. She joins Pret from Taco Bell, where she most recently served as managing director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, having previously been the company’s chief growth officer for the region. McDonnell has more than 20 years of experience in franchised food and beverage businesses. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Domino’s and Costa Coffee, where she worked with franchise partners and managed operations across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. She succeeds Eira Jarvis, who will leave Pret at the end of 2026 following 13 years with the company. Jarvis has opted to remain in Asia rather than relocate to the UK, where the international president role will be based. She will continue in the position until the end of the year to support the leadership transition. Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said: "We're delighted to welcome Anita to Pret. She brings extensive global experience and a deep understanding of franchised businesses, with a strong track record of leading teams across multiple markets". He continued: "It's rare to find someone with such deep expertise in food, coffee and hospitality across such a wide range of Asian markets, and we are really lucky Anita has decided to join Pret. I'm looking forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen our international business and support our franchise partners around the world." Christou also thanked Jarvis for her contribution to the company, including her role in developing Pret’s international business and mentoring colleagues across the organisation.

Svedka Vodka has unveiled a limited-edition drinks dispenser designed to resemble an oversized can of its Vodka Water ready-to-drink beverage. Standing more than five feet tall, the Svedka vodka watercooler replaces the traditional blue water bottle with a large glass replica of the brand’s transparent can. The fully functional unit dispenses hot and cold water from a built-in tank, while a separate tap serves chilled Svedka Vodka Water. The cooler also includes a compartment for storing additional cans and is positioned for use at workplace celebrations, post-work gatherings and other social occasions. The launch follows the introduction of Svedka Vodka Water, which the company describes as the world’s first transparent canned vodka water. American actor and comedian Craig Robinson is supporting the launch. David Binder, senior brand director at Svedka, said: “When we introduced the world’s first transparent canned vodka water, we challenged expectations around what a ready-to-drink cocktail could look like". "The Svedka vodka watercooler continues that idea by reimagining another familiar icon through the lens of transparency, creating something that's unexpected, undeniably SVEDKA Vodka Water and built to bring people together."

Vita Coco has acquired super-premium Thai coconut water producer Copra in a deal that will expand its presence across the coconut water category and give it access to a fast-growing premium segment. The acquisition, which closed on 22 July 2026, includes Copra’s production facility in Thailand and its sourcing capabilities for Nam Hom coconuts, a variety known for its sweet, aromatic flavour and distinctive, slightly pink appearance. Copra operates in the super-premium, cold-chain coconut water segment, using an extract-and-fill-on-site model. The company also has an emerging branded business and a significant private label operation. According to Vita Coco, Copra’s net sales have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 48% over the past three years in the cold-chain coconut water segment. Copra expects full-year 2026 net sales to exceed $100 million. The transaction comprises $175 million in upfront consideration, subject to customary closing adjustments, with an additional earnout payment linked to Copra’s 2028 financial performance. The earnout has a floor of $45 million and a cap of $100 million. The initial purchase price was funded through 80% cash on hand, with the remainder paid in Vita Coco common stock. Michael Kirban, co-founder and executive chairman of The Vita Coco Company, said: “Copra brings specialised capabilities, deep sourcing expertise and a super-premium offering that can help us serve more consumers, and expand our market share while continuing to help shape and lead the category’s continued global growth." The acquisition is expected to broaden Vita Coco’s addressable market while strengthening its supply chain capabilities through Copra’s Thailand-based operations and access to Nam Hom coconuts. Vita Coco said it plans to expand Copra’s capacity, improve operational efficiency, support existing customer demand and develop new customer relationships. It also intends to invest in building Copra’s branded business, which the company believes has significant growth potential. Copra’s sales are currently concentrated in the Americas, with Vita Coco identifying opportunities to expand the business internationally and grow its branded presence. Martin Roper, chief executive officer of The Vita Coco Company, said: “We believe it is a perfect add-on to our coconut water capabilities, expands our total addressable market, strengthens our participation in coconut water, and gives us another way to help shape the category’s continued growth." Vita Coco expects the acquisition to be accretive to its adjusted EBITDA margins once the business is fully integrated.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired Weber Custom Vending, a vending and micro market operator serving the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton regions of Ohio, US. The deal expands Five Star’s presence in the state and includes five vending routes and 12 breakroom markets. The acquired operation serves customers across Cincinnati, Dayton, West Chester, Hamilton and neighbouring communities. Founded in 2014, Weber Custom Vending operates more than 400 vending machines across over 200 customer locations in southwestern Ohio. Its client base spans workplaces, healthcare facilities, senior living communities and local businesses. The company provides tailored vending and breakroom services, having established long-term relationships with customers throughout the region. Five Star will incorporate Weber Custom Vending’s accounts into its existing Ohio operations. The company said it would work to ensure continuity of service for customers during the transition. The acquisition forms part of Five Star’s wider growth strategy and strengthens its capacity to provide vending, micro market and other workplace refreshment services across Ohio.

Fresh & Ready Foods has recalled a limited quantity of two breakfast burrito products in the US after sausage was discovered in items labelled as vegetarian. The affected Sprig & Sprout Spicy Breakfast Burrito and Fresh and Ready Spicy Breakfast Burrito may contain soy that is not declared on the label. The company warned that the products could pose a serious or potentially life-threatening risk to people with a soy allergy or sensitivity. The recall was initiated after two customers reported finding sausage in burritos labelled as vegetarian. The unintended inclusion of sausage also introduced soy, which is classified as a major food allergen in the US. Affected products were distributed through grab-and-go markets and vending machines in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The recall applies to: Sprig & Sprout Spicy Breakfast Burrito, 8.3oz (234g), UPC 1 00001 00029 7 Fresh and Ready Spicy Breakfast Burrito, 8.2oz (232g), UPC 1 00001 00029 7 Both products were manufactured at the company’s Charlotte, North Carolina, facility between 9 and 12 July 2026 and carry a ‘Fresh Thru’ date of 20 July 2026. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported. Other products made at the Charlotte site and products manufactured at Fresh & Ready Foods’ other facilities are not affected. Consumers have been advised not to eat the recalled burritos and to discard any remaining products. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration.

Coffee equipment manufacturer Mago Maga has introduced Roma-X, its third-generation AI-powered home coffee roaster. The appliance was announced for launch through a Kickstarter campaign on Thursday 23 July, giving users access to the product alongside a platform for sharing roast profiles and connecting with other home-roasting enthusiasts. Roma-X represents a wider redesign of the company’s Roma Pro series, with updates to its physical structure, control systems, mobile application and overall user experience. According to Mago Maga, the appliance combines advanced roasting controls with automated features designed for use in domestic kitchens. The machine can roast up to 300g of green coffee beans per batch and offers six preset roast levels, 266 profiles tailored to beans from different origins and a manual mode for creating customised profiles. Users can control the appliance through a five-inch colour touchscreen, which supports English, Spanish and Chinese, or via iOS and Android apps. The mobile platform allows users to monitor and adjust roasts in real time, as well as upload, download and share profiles through an online community. Roma-X also uses AI algorithms to control the roasting process, while cloud-based machine learning is designed to optimise profiles over time. Additional features and roast settings can be added through over-the-air software updates. To make the appliance more suitable for indoor use, Mago Maga has incorporated a filtration system that it claims can reduce smoke and airborne particles by up to 90%. A dual-layer borosilicate glass chamber also allows users to watch the beans throughout the roasting process. Mago Maga CEO Chifeng Lei said: “Fresh roasting is becoming a new trend in the home coffee experience. The launch of Roma-X will bring home coffee users an entirely new social sharing experience and the magical fun of AI machine learning.” Roma-X has a planned retail price of $1,598, with early Kickstarter backers offered a discount of more than 50%.

Canadian superfood brand Organic Traditions has secured $10.5 million (CAD 15 million) in Series A funding to accelerate its expansion across North America. The round was backed by strategic angel investors with experience in consumer packaged goods, retail, technology and operations, including executives and operators associated with FreshPet, Shopify, City National Bank, Frito-Lay and Colgate-Palmolive. Organic Traditions plans to use the investment to expand its US retail presence, grow its e-commerce business and advance innovation within its Fiber Flow range. A portion of the funding will also support recruitment and infrastructure as the business scales. Founded more than 25 years ago by Jerry Zeifman, the company is now led by his daughter, Ally Mamalider. Its portfolio includes functional lattes, mushroom coffees, daily greens, fibre smoothies and other superfood products designed to support areas such as energy, immunity, gut health and sleep. Ally Mamalider, CEO of Organic Traditions, said: “This funding represents an exciting new chapter for Organic Traditions, but it does not change who we are. For more than two decades, the brand has been rooted in the belief that real food can be transformative. This investment allows us to reach more consumers, scale the areas where we see the greatest opportunity, and continue making superfoods simple and accessible.” The company reported revenue growth of 70% over the past three years, supported by product development, digital expansion and changes to its brand positioning. It expects revenue across Canada and the US to increase by 36% over the next 12 months, with US retail sales forecast to rise by 82% and e-commerce by 64%. Organic Traditions also plans to enter more than 1,500 US retail locations during 2026. A key focus of its innovation strategy is Fiber Flow, a range of single-serve sticks containing 8g of fibre alongside prebiotics and probiotics, with no sugar. The line launched at Costco Canada earlier this year and the company expects the Fiber Flow platform to grow by more than 200% over the coming year as it develops range extensions and invests in clinical trials. Walter N. George, president of OT Investors, commented: “The brand has built meaningful trust with consumers over decades while also proving it can innovate quickly and scale across modern retail and digital channels.” Organic Traditions is currently stocked by retailers including Erewhon, Fresh Thyme, Earth Fare, MOM’s Organic Market, Jewel-Osco and Better Health.

Milo's Tea Company has expanded its operations in Alabama, US, with the opening of a 150,000-square-foot refrigerated distribution centre off Lakeshore Parkway in Birmingham. Located near the company's manufacturing facility in Bessemer, the new site employs approximately 50 people and is expected to increase storage capacity while improving logistics, safety and distribution efficiency. The development is Milo's fourth major facility investment since 2020 and forms part of almost $400 million invested in its US manufacturing infrastructure since 2019. During this period, the family-owned refrigerated tea producer has more than tripled its production capacity in response to increased demand. Its investments include a $150 million manufacturing and distribution facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which opened in 2020, and a facility in the Spartanburg, South Carolina, area that opened in 2025 following an investment of more than $200 million. Milo's has expanded its original Bessemer production site from 30,000-square-feet to more than 200,000-square-feet. Together, the projects have created more than 500 jobs across Alabama, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Tricia Wallwork, chair and CEO of Milo’s, said: “This distribution centre isn’t just about adding square footage – it’s about improving safety and efficiency for our associates and logistics partners and deepening our commitment to our retail partners to deliver excellent on-time, in-full service.” The company said refrigerated infrastructure is central to its expansion because its freshly brewed tea products contain no preservatives, acids or dyes and must therefore be distributed through the cold chain.