Nestlé-owned coffee creamer brand Coffee Mate has unveiled a range of new products. The first new product, a Kit Kat-flavoured creamer, was made in partnership with confectioner Hershey and brings the popular chocolate bar to consumers’ cups, with an indulgent chocolate, wafer-forward flavour. The brand also introduced two new seasonal iced coffees, Pumpkin Spice – with notes of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg – and Peppermint Mocha flavour varieties. Coffee Mate has also launched two new seasonal flavoured coffee creamers, Caramel Apple Crisp and Zero Sugar White Chocolate Peppermint. The Caramel Apple Crisp creamer provides a flavour of sweet baked apples and cinnamon spice, combined with milky coffee notes and caramel. The Nestlé-owned brand is also bringing back some of its popular seasonal creamers, with Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha and Nestlé Toll House Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, making their return. This is the latest in a number of innovations from Coffee Mate. In March, the brand introduced a new Dirty Soda creamer, designed specifically to accompany soda brand Dr Pepper, while last year saw the launch of a pink-coloured coffee creamer, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the film Mean Girls. 2023 also saw it introduce a breakfast-inspired creamer in partnership with Kellogg's Eggo brand and, in October, it launched its first line of iced coffees in the US. #CoffeeMate #Nestlé #coffee

Hotel Chocolat has launched a new café collection in its North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, UK, stores as part of the expansion of its Velvetiser Café format. The locations include Harrogate, Leeds Trinity, Leeds Springs and the upcoming Ilkley store, set to open in late September. This new range, developed by Hotel Chocolat's executive development chef David Demaison, includes a variety of bakes and savouries inspired by dishes from the company’s restaurant in Saint Lucia. The collection features items such as the Chocolatine, a pastry with high-cacao chocolate batons; Beyond a Brownie, which is described as particularly chocolatey with fillings based on the brand’s popular chocolates; Rabot Original savoury pastries; and the Dunking Pastry, designed to complement drinking chocolate. It also features the Hazelnut Crownie, a cookie-brownie hybrid with Piedmont hazelnuts; Rabot Estate Banana Bread, a cacao-rich banana bread; Cacao Pod: a cacao pod-inspired pastry lined with either dark or white chocolate; and Chocolatier’s Carrot Cake, layered and topped with cream mixed with molten 36% white chocolate. The new products are hand-baked daily and "promise exceptional taste and texture," said the company. This launch is part of Hotel Chocolat’s broader expansion plan, which includes opening 25 new stores across the UK and investing £10 million in its manufacturing plant, creating 250 new jobs in total. Ian Mackie, head of Velvetiser Café, said: "This launch represents a significant milestone for the Velvetiser Café, as we expand our offerings to include a diverse and delectable menu inspired by our commitment to quality and innovation. Each item is crafted with care and precision, using the finest ingredients sourced responsibly, reflecting our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. We cannot wait for our customers to experience the unique flavours and the exceptional quality that define Hotel Chocolat.” David Demaison, Hotel Chocolat's executive development chef, noted: “We spent months obsessing, finessing, and taste-testing before settling on just the right ratio of chocolate to pastry and more. Now, our imaginative menu is ready to savour. A collection of chocolate and savoury creations designed to delight at breakfast, lunch and every other moment besides." "Wake up to a flaky Chocolatine, with two of our sophisticated, high-cacao chocolate Batons encased within. Spend your lunchtime with an authentic Rabot Original savoury pastry, in one of three recipes. And elevate your afternoon with a Beyond a Brownie – luxuriantly chocolatey and loaded with fillings inspired by our best-loved chocolates.” #HotelChocolat #UK #café #bakes #savoury

UK-based premium soft drinks provider, Luscombe Drinks, has announced the launch of its new bottled water brand, 'Dartmoor Spring'. This new range will feature both still and sparkling water, packaged in convenient 27cl bottles and distributed through Luscombe’s established network. Sourced from a natural spring on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Spring water originates from Luscombe’s farm. This exclusive source ensures that the water is softer than mains-sourced alternatives, free from added fluoride and limescale, with a neutral pH level of 7.3. Such a pH level is highly sought after in the water industry, providing a refreshing palate cleanse. Gabriel David, founder of Luscombe Drinks, said: “With continued demand for bottled water, we saw an opportunity to expand our offerings and are delighted to introduce Dartmoor Spring as a standalone brand". He added: "Reinforced by the trusted Luscombe name, we are confident that Dartmoor Spring will provide establishments with a product they can know and trust”. The launch comes at a crucial time for the UK bottled water market, currently valued at £2.1 billion and projected to grow by 12% by 2027. Dartmoor Spring is set to make a significant impact as consumers increasingly appreciate the convenience, safety, and hydration benefits of bottled water. Additionally, Dartmoor Spring water serves as the foundational ingredient in Luscombe’s premium soft drinks range, blended with the finest organic fruits sourced from top farmers and growers worldwide. #LuscombeDrinks #DartmoorSpring #water #waterdrinks #sparklingwater

Plant-based beverage brand Califia Farms has acquired Uproot, a US-based plant milk dispenser system for foodservice. Uproot provides sustainable, nutritious plant-based milk to the foodservice sector. Its plant-based milk dispenser programme, which launched in 2022, operates over 150 dispensers at colleges, schools and hospitals across the US. The programme serves oat milk, soy milk, and chocolate pea milk to meet the growing demand for plant-based milk. Under the deal, Uproot’s employees, including its two founders, will join the Califia team. The acquisition will enable Califia to expand its ‘Away From Home’ portfolio of products and services. Dave Ritterbush, CEO of Califia Farms, said: “The founders of Uproot have developed a turnkey solution for dispensing plant-based milk and have achieved impressive distribution in just five years. We look forward to building on this foundation, connecting with consumers in new ways and providing our plant milks to more people.” Kevin Eve, founder of Uproot, added: “Jacob and I founded Uproot to bring great plant-based milks to college dining and other food services. We are excited to continue this mission with Califia Farms because they share our commitment to nutrition and sustainability. Together with Califia Farms, we will be able to offer more delightful, dispensed plant-based products and better serve our customers!” The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. #CalifiaFarms #Uproot #US #plantbased #plantbaseddairy

Chobani and coffee roaster La Colombe have partnered on a new pumpkin spice collection, with returning favourites as well as two new product launches. The two new seasonal products are Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink and Chobani Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk – both are made without artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives. The Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink contains pumpkin blended with seasonal spices and is available in a convenient on-the-go format. The Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk is designed to spice up coffee, tea, espresso drinks and dirty sodas with barista-style oatmilk, featuring additional oats in an optimised recipe that creates superior frothing capabilities. Niel Sandfort, Chobani’s chief innovation officer, said: “Pumpkin spice has gone from a seasonal trend to a highly anticipated staple, and we at Chobani and La Colombe couldn't be more excited to release these quintessential fall flavours now. We are pleased to introduce our new innovations, Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink and Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk, as well as bring back our tried-and-true pumpkin offerings that embody the fall season.” In December, Chobani acquired La Colombe for $900 million. The new products are available to purchase at major US retailers now for an RRP of $1.99 and $4.49, respectively. #Chobani #LaColombe #pumpkinspice #dairy

Unilever has announced the sale of its stake in Qinyuan Group (also known as 'Truliva'), a company known for its water purification solutions in China, to Yong Chao Venture Capital. The deal, which is set to close later this year pending customary conditions, marks a strategic move for Unilever as it continues to refocus its portfolio on high-growth areas. Earlier this month, Unilever also sold its Pureit water purification business to A. O. Smith. Founded in 1998, Qinyuan specialises in environmentally friendly products, such as water purification and commercial water equipment. In 2014, Unilever acquired shares in Qinyuan. Its service network covers nearly all regions of China, improving its ability to address local water quality and market needs. Eduardo Campanella, president of Unilever Home Care, highlighted: “This move aligns with our Growth Action Plan by shifting our focus towards more dynamic sectors. Qinyuan’s essential role in providing water purification solutions to millions of customers in China makes this a strategic transfer. Yong Chao Venture Capital’s extensive expertise in the Chinese market positions them well to advance the brand.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. #Unilever #QinyuanGroup #Truliva #China

Casey’s General Stores, a US chain of convenience stores, has agreed to acquire Fikes Wholesale, the owner of CEFCO convenience stores, in a deal worth $1.15 billion. The purchase price includes tax benefits estimated at $165 million for a net after-tax purchase price of $980 million. Fikes Wholesale, which began as a single 'filling station' in Cameron, Texas, in 1952, operates 198 retail outlets and a dealer network across multiple states. The acquisition will expand Casey’s network to nearly 2,900 stores, adding 148 locations in Texas and 50 in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. The deal also includes a fuel terminal and commissary to support the Texas operations. Darren Rebelez, board chair, president and CEO of Casey’s, said: “This acquisition will allow Casey’s to accelerate our unit growth plan with high-quality assets that, along with our recent 22-store acquisition in northern Texas, will provide an expanded presence in Texas and allow us to continue to expand in the state and region.” Raymond Smith, president of Fikes and CEFCO, highlighted: “The acquisition by Casey’s, especially given its reputation and shared values, is an exciting development for Fikes and our employees. I am happy that the CEFCO stores will join a top convenience retailer that will reinvest in the stores and eventually bring Casey’s pizza to many of our customers, as well as provide professional opportunities for our employees. We believe Casey’s will be an excellent steward of the CEFCO experience that our loyal customers have come to expect.” Rebelez added: “We expect the acquisition will create value for Casey’s shareholders in the near- and long-term and will be accretive to Casey’s EBITDA in the current fiscal year. Fikes is a well-run and well-respected company in our industry, and we look forward to welcoming the Fikes team to the Casey’s family. We could not be more excited about the future of our two organisations.” The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approval. Casey’s will fund the transaction with cash and bank financing, targeting $45 million in annual run-rate synergies after completing kitchen upgrades at the newly acquired stores. Top image: © CEFCO #Caseys #CEFCO #conveniencestores #US

Doritos has introduced a new limited-edition coffee flavour aimed at tackling afternoon fatigue. Doritos Coffee combines the familiar crunch of Doritos with the rich taste of coffee. The initiative responds to the frustration of Australians who find their favourite coffee shops closed in the late afternoon. The new flavour aims to offer a convenient alternative for those craving a coffee fix while snacking. Kat Miller, senior brand manager at Doritos, said: “Each afternoon, people across the country are left disappointed by their favourite coffee shop being closed just as they need an afternoon pick-me-up. This is why we’re excited to announce the release of Doritos Coffee – the perfect snack to help Aussies beat the 3 pm slump." Doritos Coffee is not available for purchase. Instead, the company is giving away 25 packs daily through a giveaway on its Instagram page. This release follows the launch of Doritos Coriander in 2023, which received mixed reviews across Australia due to its 'soapy flavour'. #Doritos #Australia #Coffee #Newflavour

US coffee technology company Bellwether Coffee has announced the launch of its next-generation automated coffee roasting system. The Series 2 Bellwether Automated Roasting System delivers “consistent artisan-quality” results without requiring gas lines, ventilation or previous roasting experience. The new device includes 50% extra hourly roasting capacity (three roasts per hour); a 24-inches built-in touchscreen; an online click-and-ship marketplace; an armless cooling tray; and improved efficiency and durability. Ricardo Lopez, founder of Bellwether Coffee, said: “With hundreds of customers roasting on our Series 1 roaster, we’ve seen firsthand the potential for our roasters to empower coffee retailers in not only reducing their carbon footprint but also in growing revenues and evolving their businesses to meet the needs of the current landscape”. He continued: “Our new roaster is a massive step to transforming the coffee industry, making it more sustainable for the planet and accessible to all communities”. Kristen Johansen, chief product officer of Bellwether Coffee, added: “Our technology brings the craft of coffee roasting into a digital platform that anyone can use. Our new, intuitive software enables any cafe, bakery or restaurant to take full control of their coffee program and sustainably source and roast their own incredible coffee with the touch of a button.” According to Bellwether, the company reduces 87% of the carbon footprint from roasting with its closed-loop system. #BellwetherCoffee #coffeeroastingsystem

Starbucks has announced that its current president and CEO, Kevin Johnson, will retire – effective 4 April. Howard Schultz, who was the coffee chain’s CEO prior to Johnson, will serve as interim CEO. Johnson is stepping down after 13 years with the company. He first joined Starbucks in 2009 as a director before being promoted to president and COO in 2015, and president and CEO in 2017. Schultz will serve as the company’s interim CEO until a suitable replacement is found. Starbucks says Schultz is “singularly qualified,” having served as the company’s CEO in 1987-2000 and 2008-2017. He will also rejoin the company’s board of directors. Mellody Hobson, independent Starbucks board of directors chair, said: “Kevin and the entire executive team stepped up to the challenge of the pandemic and navigated one of the most difficult periods in modern history. The economic certainty provided to partners during the early months of the Covid shut down, as well as during mandatory quarantines, underscores our core values and will be an enduring legacy for the company.” She continued: “As the company navigates the aftermath of the pandemic and socio-economic forces impacting the lives of all our stakeholders, Howard will reinforce the company’s culture, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to innovating and executing on our core purpose and reason for being: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time.” #Appointment #coffee #Starbucks

Premium mixer brand Fever-Tree has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of a new blood orange ginger beer flavour variety. Fever-Tree has partnered with bourbon brand Maker’s Mark to develop the custom flavour. The new release is designed to pair with the characteristics unique to bourbon, combining the sweet notes of Italian blood oranges with the fiery, full-bodied taste of its signature ginger beer. The new drink contains a blend of three real gingers sourced for their distinctive, flavour profiles as Fever-Tree expands its popular ginger beer range for the first time. Charles Gibb, CEO of Fever-Tree USA said: “We are delighted to innovate our ginger beer range to capitalise on the fastest growing and largest spirits categories – which is why we’ve created a liquid that pairs perfectly with bourbon, vodka, and tequila. “Fever-Tree is always on the forefront of innovation and works with the best in class/leaders in the industry partners, like Maker’s Mark, to ensure the best quality, flavour, and mixer to make the world’s best drinks.” In line with Fever-Tree’s existing mixer portfolio, the new beverage is non-GMO certified and contains no artificial sweeteners or colours. The blood orange ginger beer mixers are available to buy in select retailers across the US, at an RRP of $4.99 per 4-pack. #FeverTree #MakersMark #mixers

BrewDog has launched a new vodka in three flavours, made from beer that does not meet the company’s standards. Instead of being wasted, the below-standard beer batches are transported across the road to BrewDog’s new distillery, where it is processed to create the new vodka. Available in three flavours, original, vanilla toasted marshmallow and tropical guava, the vodkas are packaged in recycled glass bottles and labelled with wood pulp, in line with BrewDog’s commitment to the environment. The waste-reducing vodka boosts the company’s existing ecological credentials: an anaerobic digestor and 9,308-acre planting and peatland restoration projects, affirming BrewDog’s position as a carbon-negative business. James Watt, CEO of BrewDog, commented: “This is a hugely exciting launch for BrewDog and BrewDog Distilling Co, highlighting both businesses’ commitment to the environment. We are looking forward to continuing our research into new ways to prevent wastage in our industry.” The vodkas are available nationwide in Tesco stores and on the company’s website, for an RRP of £20 per 700ml, 40% ABV. #BrewDog #carbonnegative #UK #vodka