Vivreau, a provider of sustainable water solutions, has launched three new water filters designed to address common water quality issues in North America. These systems are intended to improve the taste and quality of food and beverages in cafes, bakeries, catering businesses and vending operations. The new filters are available in two series: the Purity C Quell ST Advanced, suitable for coffee machines, espresso makers and vending machines, and the Purity C Steam Advanced, designed for small to medium-sized steamers and ovens. The products specifically target three major water impurities: carbonate hardness, chloramine and chlorides. Carbonate hardness is a primary cause of scale buildup, while chloramine is known to cause corrosion in materials such as rubber, copper and stainless steel. Chlorides can lead to stress corrosion cracking in stainless steel and copper. The filters remove chloramine, which improves taste and aroma, and reduce carbonate hardness to prevent limescale deposits in equipment. Additionally, they capture impurities like lead, copper and chlorine residues that can negatively affect flavour. They are equipped with a dual ion exchanger system to protect against corrosion caused by substances such as sulphates and chlorides. The design also eliminates the need for reverse osmosis, conserving water and preserving essential minerals. Anastasia Chovan, director of sales at Vivreau Professional Filter, said: "Vivreau is committed to providing simple water solutions, tools, and training for the food and beverage industry. With the new Vivreau water filters, we ensure that every cup of coffee, every baked good, and every steamed dish achieves its full flavour potential, providing the outstanding taste and quality Vivreau is known for." #Vivreau #waterfilters

Nordic coffeehouse chain Espresso House has appointed Thomas Kelly as its new group chief executive officer, effective from September. Kelly, who has extensive experience in the fast-casual and coffee sectors, previously served as CEO of McDonald’s Finland and Sweden, global executive director at Costa Coffee, and most recently CEO of Honest Burgers. The company said that this appointment marks the conclusion of the executive leadership changes at Espresso House over the past year. Espresso House operates in over 500 cafes across the Nordics and Northern Europe. Kelly said: “The fast-casual food and beverage sector continues to be filled with opportunities for excitement and innovation. The characteristics that have made Espresso House a national champion in Sweden and across the Nordics, present a remarkable platform for further growth. I look forward to bringing consumers in all our markets delicious food and drinks, warm and welcoming environments, all underpinned by our dedication to the fika tradition.” Additionally, Konrad Meyer has taken on the role of board chairman, and Kelly will work closely with CFO Daniel Sandström, with whom he has a history from McDonald’s. Meyer commented: “We are very happy to welcome Thomas to Espresso House and, coincidentally, are reuniting a proven duo of Thomas and Daniel Sandström, our CFO, who worked together for many years at McDonald’s. Our strengthened executive leadership team brings extensive Nordic and fast-casual experience". "I look forward to partnering with Thomas, the board and the entire Espresso House team in pursuing our growth ambitions while maintaining our commitment to serving the best coffee and food to our customers every day.” Top image: © Espresso House #EspressoHouse #CEO

Krispy Kreme has partnered with Dr Pepper to celebrate the upcoming football season with the launch of the Krispy Kreme x Dr Pepper Kickoff Collection. Available starting today (August 23), the collection features two new doughnuts inspired by the iconic flavours of Dr Pepper, alongside a seasonal favourite. The collection includes: Dr Pepper Kickoff Doughnut : An Original Glazed doughnut filled with Dr Pepper-flavoured frosting, with a blend of burgundy sprinkles and topped with a white chocolate Dr Pepper logo. Buttercreme Goals Doughnut:  Another Original Glazed doughnut, this one dipped in green icing, decorated with colourful sprinkles and a yellow buttercreme goal post. Kreme Filled Football Doughnut:  An unglazed doughnut filled with white Kreme, coated in chocolate icing and designed to resemble a football. Dave Skena, global chief brand officer for Krispy Kreme, said: "Two of America’s most loved flavours are about to become one amazing gameday sensation. This Dr Pepper collection is a must-add to your gameday line-up, whoever you’re cheering for." The doughnuts will be available for a limited time at Krispy Kreme locations across the US, with options for in-shop purchase, pickup and delivery through the Krispy Kreme app and website. Additionally, the doughnuts can be found in custom half-dozen boxes at select retailers. This collaboration marks a significant intersection of two popular brands, aiming to capitalise on the synergy between sweet treats and football culture. Many other companies are also embracing the power of collaboration. For example, Café Valley recently launched 7Up-flavoured mini cupcakes , while Coca-Cola partnered with Mondelēz International’s Oreo brand to release two limited-edition products  in Canada: the Oreo x Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola x Oreo Zero Sugar. #DrPepper #KrispyKreme #doughnut #flavours #partnership #US

Nestlé has announced a major leadership transition, with CEO Mark Schneider stepping down after eight years in the role. Laurent Freixe, who currently serves as executive vice president and CEO of Nestlé’s Latin American operations, will assume the position of CEO on 1 September. Nestlé said that Schneider has decided to "relinquish his roles as CEO and member of the board of directors". Freixe, with nearly 40 years at Nestlé, has driven growth in Europe "during the financial and economic crisis" and in the Americas, the Swiss food giant explained. He served as CEO of Zone Americas from 2014 to 2021, and following Nestlé's zone restructuring in 2022, Freixe was appointed CEO of Zone Latin America, a role he has held until now. In addition to his new role, Freixe has been nominated for a position on the board of directors at the company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. L-R: Laurent Freixe and Mark Schneider © Nestlé Paul Bulcke, chairman of Nestlé's board of directors, said: "The board of directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurent as the new CEO. I have known Laurent for a long time and highly regard him as a talented leader with strategic acumen, extensive in-market experience and expertise, as well as a deep understanding of markets and consumers." "He has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in challenging market conditions... Under his leadership, Nestlé will further strengthen its position as a dependable, reliable company through consistent and sustainable value creation." He continued: "I would also like to express our gratitude to Mark for his significant contributions to Nestlé and for his outstanding, steady leadership in turbulent times. Mark has been instrumental in the great progress we have made on our sustainability agenda. We extend our best wishes to him in all his professional and personal endeavours." Freixe commented: "I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility. There will always be challenges, but we have unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams." #Nestlé #CEO #appointment

UK supermarket chain Iceland Foods has introduced Power Water, a new line of energy water designed to boost hydration and concentration. Power Water combines caffeine, B vitamins and Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) to help reduce fatigue. The range is available in three flavours: blue raspberry, cherry and tropical. Aaron Cooper, head of grocery at Iceland, said: “We are so excited to be first to market offering Power  Water exclusively to our customers at Iceland." “Power Water is genuine innovation into the soft drinks category and will be a fantastic new addition to our wide range of products, providing a unique combination of hydration and enhanced cognitive function. We believe our customers will love the refreshing taste and the benefits that come with it.”  Power Water is available exclusively in Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores across the UK for £1.00 per 500ml bottle. #PowerWater #UK

Keurig has launched the K-Brew+Chill, a new coffee maker that uses the company's patented Quick Chill Technology to brew coffee 100 degrees cooler than previous models. In addition, the brewer also offers the option to brew hot coffee using any K-Cup pod. Keurig developed this product based on extensive consumer feedback, identifying that 60 degrees is the ideal temperature for iced coffee. The machine brews iced coffee in under three minutes, meeting the demand for both speed and versatility. The K-Brew+Chill features a patent-pending cooling system that uses aluminium coils to transfer hot coffee through a thermoelectric-cooled 'chamber,' chilling it to below 60 degrees before dispensing. According to the company, t his product launch comes as cold coffee continues to dominate the market, with 70% of coffee shop purchases being cold beverages. The machine allows consumers to make cold coffee at home more affordably, with compatibility across a range of K-Cup pods. Top image: © Keurig Dr Pepper #Keurig #coffeemachine

British supermarket giant Waitrose has revealed plans to open up to 100 convenience shops across the UK over the next five years. The initiative will see the firm inject £1 billion over the next three years into new stores and improvements to 150 existing shops, which make up almost half of its estate. James Bailey, executive director for Waitrose, said: “The groundwork we have undertaken behind the scenes in recent years means we can now focus on growth through new shops and ensuring our existing ones are providing great shopping experiences that match the quality of our products”. The company's John Barnes store in Finchley Road, London, will test new concepts as part of the investment programme. The Finchley Road shop, as well as two more across the UK (Suffolk and Maidenhead) will be used to trial new services, product offerings and concept upgrades over the next 12 months before a new blueprint for Waitrose shops is revealed in 2025. Through the investment, Waitrose will upgrade its service counters and give greater prominence to its wine selection – Finchley Road is the first Waitrose to feature an entirely chilled department for white wine, champagne, rose and beer. It will also bring greater flexibility to respond to local demand, with more space given to top sellers, as well as bringing more opportunity for third-party collaboration. The new stores will also provide more dedicated space for on demand grocery orders – Finchley Road is the first Waitrose shop to feature a hatch, which allows riders to make collections outside of the store’s opening hours. John Lewis says this store will be the ‘first UK supermarket’ to have a dedicated internal space for on-demand grocery collections, created due to the increased popularity of orders through Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Under this plan, Waitrose expects to open its first new store in six years in Hampton Hill, London, later this year, and a second in Greater London early next year. “The transformation of our Finchley Road store marks the next evolution of our journey to create a great shopping experience for our customers, underpinned by a high-quality product offering tailored to the local area, and the quality service we are synonymous with,” Bailey continued. “In designing the store, we have taken time to understand how our customers like to shop and used this knowledge to introduce new concepts that will be tested and rolled out nationally as we continue to work towards the Waitrose of the future.” The supermarket giant says that the convenience store will “trigger one of its biggest periods of expansion” as it looks to reach more customers. Nish Kankiwala, CEO of the John Lewis Partnership, commented: “Our investment in our Waitrose store portfolio is already yielding strong results, with customers responding positively. As our retail-driven plan continues to gain traction, our growing number of shoppers and increasing customer satisfaction scores are clear indicators of its success. This is a result of our unrelenting focus on improving the customer experience of our retail businesses, taking the love that exists for both brands and making sure customers are rewarded with better shops, the highest quality products, and the best service.” #Waitrose   #JohnLewis   #UK   #retail

Nespresso USA is launching its first line of honey products, made from the same coffee plants used for Nespresso coffee. These new offerings, known as Nespresso Bloom, reflect the brand's shift toward regenerative agriculture practices. The initial offerings in the range include Coffee Blossom Honey, which is a raw honey featuring a delicate floral flavour complemented by smooth caramel and vanilla notes. According to the company, this honey is ideal for enhancing the flavour of Nespresso coffee or for drizzling over foods like affogato, yogurt and whipped ricotta. Meanwhile the Coffee Blossom Honey Syrup is a blend of the Coffee Blossom Honey with Nespresso coffee to create a syrup that adds a refined coffee flavour with velvety caramel and vanilla notes. Nespresso said that this syrup is designed to enhance a variety of recipes, including macchiatos, espresso martinis and waffles. Alfonso Gonzalez Loeschen, CEO of Nespresso North America, said: "Supporting responsible practices in coffee farming has always been part of Nespresso's DNA, and this pilot is a result of how sustainability is fueling our innovation strategy. Our job is to protect the future of coffee while delivering a differentiated and superior coffee experience, which is what we know our customers are excited by. Nespresso Bloom is just that, as a first-of-its-kind offering for us."  The Nespresso Bloom products are available exclusively at Nespresso Boutiques in New York City and San Francisco. From 21 August, Coffee Blossom Honey and Coffee Blossom Honey Syrup will be available nationwide on via   the   brand 's website. Due to the limited size of the first harvest, quantities are restricted. #Nespresso   #US

US-based fresh meal delivery provider FreshRealm has announced plans to expand its footprint in Montezuma, Georgia, creating over 300 new jobs. FreshRealm is a ‘food-as-a-service' company offering a nationwide, end-to-end platform optimised for fresh food. Its solutions span various food industry segments, serving customers and partners in grocery, foodservice, hospitality, direct-to-consumer, medical meals and more. The move – the result of a $6.3 million investment – will add enhancements and several new lines to its Montezuma site, allowing FreshRealm to provide a full assortment of products, including ready-to-heat and ready-to-cook meals and meal kits to customers in the region. Snow Le, president of FreshRealm, said: “FreshRealm is building the most optimised fresh food platform in the world, so that everyone, every day, everywhere can enjoy fresh food. Montezuma is an excellent location for us to strategically reach the entire US, especially the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. We are proud to be expanding our operations in Georgia, a state with great fiscal strength and a clear dedication to businesses and communities.” FreshRealm collaborated with Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) global commerce team on this project in partnership with the Development Authority of Macon County, Georgia Power and Georgia Quick Start. GDEcD commissioner Pat Wilson commented: “A project of FreshRealm’s scale creates hundreds of jobs for families in Montezuma, Macon County, and communities in the surrounding region. FreshRealm’s investment is a continuation of Montezuma’s agricultural and food processing legacy that is shaping the future of these communities.” #FreshRealm #US #fooddelivery

The World Coffee Innovation Awards are back for 2024, and the FoodBev Awards team is thrilled to introduce the next of its esteemed panel of judges! Meet Nicole Battefeld-Montgomery, new to the judging panel this year. Read on to find out what Nicole will be looking out for this year... As a four-time German Coffee Champion and a World Coffee Competition coach, I’m thrilled to be part of the upcoming awards, where we’ll celebrate the best and most innovative developments in our industry. With over a decade in speciality coffee and nearly two decades in hospitality, I’m particularly excited to explore the entries across several categories that reflect my passion and expertise. In the 'Best Product' categories, I’ll be focusing on new product developments, especially in milk alternatives, as they are transforming the coffee experience for many. I'm eager to see advancements in barista tools and equipment and manual coffee machines that push the boundaries of craft and precision. I am also particularly interested in the incorporation of modern software in traditional coffee-making hardware. For the 'Best Innovation' awards, I’ll be looking for groundbreaking ideas in brewing and roasting innovations that enhance both quality and sustainability. Packaging and technology advancements, particularly in water filtration, are also crucial areas where I expect to see significant contributions that address environmental challenges. In the 'Best Business' category, my focus will be on sustainable and ethical initiatives. As the industry moves towards more responsible practices, it’s essential to recognise businesses that are leading the way in these areas. Start-ups that are introducing innovative solutions and sustainable models are of particular interest to me, as they represent the future of coffee. I’m looking forward to reviewing entries that demonstrate creativity, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence in coffee. Descriptions that clearly outline these aspects, along with high-quality photos, will be key to catching my attention. Learn more about FoodBev's awards and our 2024 World Coffee Innovation Awards by visiting the FoodBev Awards website.

Seven & I, the parent company of convenience store giant 7-Eleven, confirmed yesterday (19 August) that it has received a preliminary takeover offer from Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT). According to Reuters, the proposal is to buy the entire company, according to two sources familiar with the matter, and the bid, if successful, would be the largest-ever buyout of a Japanese firm from an overseas company. In a statement, Seven & I said: “The board of directors of the company [Seven & I] has formed a special committee of the board of directors, comprised solely of independent outside directors, led by Stephen Hayes Dacus, as chairperson of the board of directors, to review the proposal...the special committee intends to conduct a prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal, the company’s [Seven & I's] stand-alone plans and other alternatives for enhancing corporate value, after which a response will be made to ACT.” While the outcome of the bid is unknown, news of it sent shares of Seven & I surging by around 23% in Tokyo, valuing the company at around JPY 5.6 trillion (approx. $37.92 billion). 7-Eleven is said to be the ‘world’s largest’ convenience store chain with approximately 83,485 locations in 17 countries. ACT, which operates Circle-K convenience stores, is valued at around $58 billion and operates over 16,700 convenience stores in 29 countries and territories. Seven & I's statement concluded: “Neither the board of directors nor the special committee has made any determination at this time to either accept or reject the proposal from ACT, to enter into discussions with ACT or to pursue any alternative transaction”. Top image: ©7-Eleven #7Eleven #CircleK #SevenandI #AlimentationCoucheTard #Canada #Japan

Ready-to-eat bakery brand Café Valley has expanded its partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), with the launch of new mini cupcake flavours inspired by two of the company’s beverage brands. The new cupcakes, in 7Up and Crush Orange flavours, were crafted to tap into increasing demand for innovative flavours and convenient dessert options. The 7Up mini cupcakes capture the drink’s original lemon-lime flavour in the sponge and are topped with creamy vanilla icing and finished with a dusting of crystal sprinkles in the brand’s signature yellow and green colours. Crush Orange Flavored Soda mini cupcakes offer an orange soda-flavoured cake, topped with orange-coloured icing and orange crystal sprinkles. Brian Owens, CEO of Café Valley, said: “Since their debut in the spring of 2023, Café Valley's line of mini cupcakes has seen remarkable success, reflecting the excitement for bite-sized, sweet treats. With a strong partnership already established with Keurig Dr Pepper, introducing mini cupcakes is a joyful addition to our existing soda-flavoured baked goods.” This is not 7Up's first foray into the food sector. In June, the soft drink brand unveiled an exclusive three-piece barbecue condiment range in the UK , developed in partnership with Twisted. The collection draws inspiration from 7Up’s lemon and lime flavours and includes a ‘Zesty Mayonnaise’, ‘Zingy Hot Sauce’ and ranch-style ‘Tangy Salad Dressing’. Similarly, last week, beverage giant Coca-Cola teamed up with Mondelēz International-owned brand Oreo  to introduce two limited-edition products in Canada: the Oreo x Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola x Oreo Zero Sugar. The mini cupcakes are expected to enhance the brand's market presence and are available to purchase in select US retailers now. #CaféValley #KeurigDrPepper #7Up #US