Milo’s Tea Company has announced plans to invest an initial $130 million to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. According to the US-based company, the new facility was chosen after a “multi-year site selection process” and will bring more than 100 jobs to the area. The 110,000-square-foot facility will be Milo’s fourth production plant and it expects to break-ground by mid-March 2023, starting production of its tea and lemonade in late 2024. CEO at Milo’s Tea Company, Tricia Wallwork, said: “South Carolina was the optimal location to efficiently serve our customers up and down the east coast… We immediately felt at home in the Spartanburg area as we received a warm welcome from state and local community partners. South Carolina and Spartanburg County in particular proved to be the right ecosystem to help us advance our people-first culture by offering an excellent standard of living for our associates and robust workforce development resources to drive economic prosperity not only for our people but also for the region.” The expansion into South Carolina supports Milo’s goal of expanding its production of teas and beverages. The company plans to add additional lines of production over the coming years. #expansion #MilosTeaCompany #US

Organic beverage manufacturer The Juice Executive has announced it will acquire cold-pressed juice business Juice 4 Thought. Juice 4 Thought was launched in 2017 by Julia Duobko and delivers its products in glass bottles to London-based establishments. Alexandra Williams, managing director of The Juice Executive, said: “Juice 4 Thought and Juice Executive have well-aligned values around organic product quality and integrity, and this is an exciting opportunity for us to expand into new markets. Given the current environment, consolidation within the fresh production and distribution sector is going to be key for business resilience.” The company’s last acquisition was Radiance Cleanse in 2017 which also sits within the group’s organic portfolio of brands. Doubko will retain her position as owner of The Juice Executive. The acquisition is expected to be completed in February 2023. #Juice4Thought #TheJuiceExecutive

Smart Soda Holdings has announced the launch of its new countertop beverage solution, IoT JuLi Connect. JuLi Connect is said to be developed for commercial use, enabling users to personalise sparkling or still-flavoured alkaline water, soda or tea by setting carbonation levels, flavour combinations and functional nutrition boosts. By using the JuLi Connect system, users can mix and match flavours and functional shots to create endless options of beverages, allowing them to mix up to three flavours or enhancements per single beverage. SmartSoda CEO Lior Shafir said: “All SmartSoda offerings are based on the proven health benefits of alkaline water. That’s only part of why JuLi Connect delivers a great innovative alternative solution to traditional soda for offices, convenience stores and restaurants.” He continued: “Users can customise their drink choices from a portfolio of over 20 delicious all-natural flavours and a range of functional wellness shots that support energy, immunity, relaxation and focus. And easy-to-use tech-enabled management tools that support installation, maintenance and servicing support – all from a smartphone app supported by a full dashboard and connectivity.” SmartSoda co-founder and Chairman Julia Solooki added: “The real benefit of our JuLi Connect system is that it not only offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional sodas, but it can also represent a real cost-savings for our commercial customers. It’s a better value by far than other comparable dispensers. And it’s certainly more affordable and environmentally friendly than stocking bottled and canned beverages. In fact, the JuLi Connect contributes to our corporate goal of reducing the use of 2.3 billion plastic bottles by 2027.” #beveragedispenser #SmartSoda

A new functional soda brand, Fibe, has launched into the UK market, designed primarily to support digestive health with added prebiotic fibres. The non-HFSS beverages are available in three flavours: orange, fruit punch and lemonade, each containing five grams of plant-based prebiotic fibre as well as calcium and vitamin C, designed to improve gut and immune health. The 30-calorie cans are aimed to offer soda drinkers an accessible ‘gateway drink’ that looks and tastes like traditional soda while benefitting the body. Freya Twigden, Fibe’s founder, said: “The idea is simple, we’ve taken flavours that consumers know and love, and created a better version – one that not only tastes familiar but also boasts considerable gut-health benefits. There are no empty calories, no artificial sweeteners, just classic soda flavours with all natural ingredients, plus the added benefit of 5g of fibre to support digestive health.” She added: “The aim is to create an accessible range that gives us the opportunity to bring classic soda drinkers into the functional category as well as appeal to lapsed soda drinkers, looking for a healthier option…We believe by combining two trends, gut health and functional beverages, Fibe offers retailers a clear opportunity to add incremental sales and is set to further disrupt the category.” The beverages are available in Planet Organic stores nationwide as well as independent retailers for an RRP of £1.50 per can. #Fibe #functionalbeverage #prebioticfibres #UK

Westrock Coffee Company has acquired US-based speciality-grade roaster Bixby Roasting. In order to capitalise on shifting consumer consumption trends, the deal – which includes Bixby’s roasting facility in Los Angeles, California – will enhance Westrock Coffee’s omnichannel product marketing and development capabilities. Founded in 2017, Bixby roasts and ships fresh premium coffee direct to consumers’ doors via its subscription service. Bixby is also known in the emerging influencer-led brand space. Bixby co-founders, Miles Fisher and Remington Hotchkis, will both join the Westrock Coffee senior management team – Fisher will serve as senior vice president of sales while Hotchkis will be named vice president of sales. Elizabeth McLaughlin, executive vice president of sales at Westrock Coffee, said: “The emergence of influencer-led brands has created a new sales channel in the beverage business, and Bixby is at the forefront of its development. Miles and Remington bring a depth of knowledge on these emerging channels that we are adding to the Westrock Coffee portfolio, including the co-creation of new influencer brands that are particularly appealing to young consumers.” Fisher added: “Remington and I are thrilled to take our careers and company to the next level by joining forces with Westrock Coffee. [CEO and co-founder] Scott and his team continue to grow with their impressive customer base and look to serve their customers not only through traditional private brand offerings but also through the creation of products for specific customer segments and influencer-based brands. “With the resources and momentum that Westrock Coffee brings, we are ready to get to work and fuel the product development and ecommerce offerings of the company.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. #BixbyRoasting #US #WestrockCoffeeCompany

PepsiCo‘s SodaStream has expanded its portfolio of sparkling water makers with the addition of two new machines: E-Terra and E-Duo. The new models enable customers to customise their favourite beverages. According to SodaStream, these innovations will strengthen its efforts to provide a sustainable, elevated sparkling water experience “through distinct designs, innovative features and versatile options”. The E-Terra machine features an electric interface, while the E-Duo has the ability to carbonate water in both a glass carafe and a reusable plastic bottle. Mark Fenton, chief business officer at SodaStream US, commented: “Last year, we began to revolutionise our portfolio with better experience, design, and of course, functionality in mind”. He continued: “We listened to our consumers and have created a suite of sparkling water makers that enhance the user experience and make sparking water more enjoyable with total customisation. We are excited for these two new models hit the market this month and can’t wait to see how our users infuse them into their routines.” #PepsiCo #SodaStream

Odyssey Wellness – creator of Odyssey Elixir sparkling energy drink – has completed a $6.3 million Series A capital raise that will support Elixir’s growth across all its distribution channels. Odyssey Elixir is “the first” sparkling energy drink infused with functional mushrooms. Each beverage contains 2,500mg of fruiting body extracts from functional mushrooms (cordyceps and lion’s mane), as well as L-theanine and panax ginseng, which provide the benefits of nootropics, adaptogens and beta-glucans. The beverages are said to promote brain performance and boost energy, focus and mood, without the caffeine crash, artificial sweeteners, added sugar, or other ingredients associated with traditional energy drinks. Scott Frohman, founder and CEO of Odyssey Wellness, commented: “Odyssey is a purpose-driven company on a mission to upgrade people from their habitual caffeine crash, jitters and burnout to a more sustainable energy. By utilising the power of functional mushrooms and bringing them mainstream, we aspire to expand a growing population of conscious individuals that are more focused, more productive, and passionate about doing good, feeling good, and sharing those vibes with others.” He added: “We appreciate the infusion of capital and trust from our investors who bring incredible expertise and will be valuable strategic partners as we continue to build this brand.” Since its debut last year, it is now available at over 5,000 brick-and-mortar locations, including natural and conventional retailers. #OdysseyWellness #US

Source Global, the developer of a “disruptive” technology that generates drinking water from the atmosphere, has announced its acquisition of spring water brand Proud Source Water. A certified B Corp, Proud Source offers naturally alkaline water in recyclable aluminium bottles, which can be found at retailers and foodservice locations across the US. The companies are combining to provide “the first completely renewable, sustainable bottled water,” according to Source Global. Its technology, the Source Hydropanel, produces drinking water using sunlight and air as the only inputs. CEO and founder, Cody Friesen, elaborated: “Our Hydropanels allow us to establish a source of clean, sustainable water almost anywhere on the planet, without the need to extract from existing freshwater resources”. “The technology is powered entirely by the sun, and the water is produced from vapour in the air, making it a truly renewable approach.” Proud Source – which currently sources from sustainably managed springs in the Rocky Mountains and Florida’s Apalachicola National Forest – will expand its product portfolio to include water produced via Source Global’s tech. Arrays of Hydropanels are to be installed at Proud Source’s bottling facilities, enabling the brand to offer “renewable water sourced from the air and delivered in infinitely recyclable packaging”. This is expected to be available nationally in early 2024. “Proud Source Water was launched with the commitment to deliver the cleanest and most sustainable water on the planet,” said president CJ Pennington. “Now, with the renewable water technology Source brings to the process, we are able to take that pledge to an unprecedented level.” The deal will see Proud Source become the bottled water division of Source Global. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. #ProudSourceWater #SourceGlobal #US

Lucozade Sport is expanding its range with the launch of Lucozade Sport Zero Sugar, containing 4 calories per ser serving. Available in Orange & Peach and Raspberry & Passion Fruit flavours, Lucozade Sport Zero Sugar contains sodium and Vitamin B3 to help reduce tiredness and is available in 500ml bottles and 4x500ml multipack formats. Both flavours include Acesulfame K and Sucralose sweeteners. Tom Bell, head of marketing for Lucozade Sport at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I said: “As the nation’s favourite sports drink, we are excited to bring a new offering from Lucozade Sport. We know that more and more people are living an active lifestyle and hydration is a key need at this moment. He added: “This spring we are launching a thirst-quenching zero-sugar fitness drink containing sodium and Vitamin B3 that tastes great. We can’t wait for people to try it.” #LucozadeSport #zerosugar

Nestlé is piloting refillable vending machines for its Milo and Koko Krunch brands as part of its effort to explore solutions that help to reduce the need for disposable packaging. In collaboration with digital start-up Qyos by Algramo, the machines will be available at two retailers in Indonesia during a 4-6 month trial period. Qyos was founded in 2020 and is an Indonesian start-up that aims to provide households with alternatives to single-use plastic. It is supported by machines with interface systems from Chilean environmentally friendly refill technology company, Algramo. Gaelle de Mestral, head of R&D packaging at Nestlé, said: “We are actively exploring innovative, alternative delivery systems such as bulk, reuse and refill options across several product categories. By undertaking this second pilot for Milo and Koko Krunch, we’ll be able to gain new insights that can be applied to our products, as well further assess the refillable system’s effectiveness in preventing packaging waste along the supply chain.” As consumers will use their own containers, the machines are fitted with QR codes which can digitally provide product information including ingredients and shelf life. Packaging developers at Nestlé’s R&D centres in Singapore and Switzerland worked in collaboration with the Nestlé teams in Indonesia, as well as Qyos, for the development of the vending machines. Nestlé ensured that the refillable systems maintain the safety and freshness of products across the supply chain while considering the local context, such as the hot and humid climate conditions in Indonesia. Samer Chedid, president director of Nestlé Indonesia, added: “We hope that through the Nestlé x Qyos refilling machine technology, we can support the government to encourage people to reduce the use of packaging while also contributing to environmental sustainability goals in Indonesia”. In 2021, Nestlé piloted reusable and refillable containers for Milo, Dancow and Koko Krunch in South Jakarta, Indonesia, where consumers had the option of purchasing the products from tricycle carts fitted with refillable dispensing systems. #Algramo #Indonesia #Nestlé #Qyos

For the first time in 14 years, PepsiCo has unveiled a new logo and visual identity for its flagship soft drink. Pepsi says this new move marks the brand’s “next era”. The new design features a “bold typeface, signature pulse and an updated colour palette, including the colour black, highlighting the brand’s commitment to Pepsi Zero Sugar,” a brand said in a statement. Pepsi’s new look will be rolled out in North America this autumn, in time for the brand’s 125th anniversary. It will roll out globally in 2024. Conversion of the brand’s 20oz bottles has already begun, including Pepsi Zero Sugar to 100% recycled PET. Mauro Porcini, SVP & Chief Design Officer of PepsiCo, said: “At PepsiCo, we design our brands to tell a compelling and holistic story. Pepsi is a shining example of a brand that has consistently reinvented itself over 125 years to remain a part of pop culture and a part of people’s lives.” He continued: “We designed the new brand identity to connect future generations with our brand’s heritage, marrying distinction from our history with contemporary elements to signal our bold vision for what’s to come”. In other news, PepsiCo has also announced a change to its classic cola recipe in the UK and Ireland, with the beverage now set to contain 57% less sugar. Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Max will not be reformulated. The new recipe is reformulated with a blend of acesulfame potassium and sucralose sweeteners and contains 56% fewer calories from added sugar. Nutritional information will also be added to the packaging. The news comes as the UK government introduces new guidelines about the HFSS content of food and beverage products; however, some say that the new formulation will pose a problem for people with diabetes who are unable to consume such sweeteners. #Pepsi #PepsiCo #reducedsugar #sweeteners

365 Retail Markets has acquired UK-based food technology company Kafoodle for an undisclosed sum. Kafoodle specialises in menu and kitchen management, nutritional data and allergy compliance. The company’s software solutions help foodservice operators – from small hospitality venues to large healthcare and education organisations – in the UK and Europe to manage costs, food compliance, digital menus, food waste and food labelling, and track nutritional data The acquisition expands 365’s footprint in the UK and European markets. In addition, with Kafoodle’s technology, 365 will provide clients with comprehensive solutions that complement its existing offerings. The deal will allow 365’s customers to create menus that cater to the needs of specific demographics, such as individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. 365’s CEO, Joe Hessling, commented: “Kafoodle’s technology is truly innovative and aligns with our commitment to providing data-led insight to our clients while streamlining their business processes”. Kafoodle’s founder and CEO Tarryn Gorre added: “Everyone in the food service industry has the same responsibility to provide key information about the food they serve and Kafoodle’s mission has always been to streamline how businesses accurately provide data to consumers”. She added: “We are excited to join 365 Retail Markets’ team, to offer global support to food service businesses and tackle the challenges surrounding what’s in the food we consume and how it is sourced”. 365 said in a statement that “customers of both companies can expect to see new and enhanced solutions in the near future”. #365RetailMarkets #Kafoodle #UK