UK-based coffee roaster Lost Sheep Coffee has introduced a new range of barista quality, speciality grade RTD canned iced coffees. The milk-based iced coffees come in two varieties, mocha and latte, and are made using the brand’s Get To The Hopper coffee, a blend of beans from Paranaiba, Brazil and Huila, Colombia, which are hand-roasted at the brand’s roastery in Whitstable, UK, to create a smooth, chocolatey caramel blend. Both drinks are made with skimmed milk and are under 85 calories a can, appealing to consumer demand for lighter options. They are also traceable from ‘farm to can’. Stuart Wilson, founder of Lost Sheep Coffee, said: “With Gen Z consumers more likely to drink ready to drink coffee than hot coffee, the category is buzzing, yet right now in the UK there isn’t another brand using ‘farm to can’ traceable, speciality grade beans in a ready to drink milk-based coffee format.” He continued: “Many other ready to drink coffee products on the market use instant coffee as an ingredient, but ours uses speciality grade coffee beans, which are the highest grade you can get in the world. Our beans from Paranaiba in Brazil are grown at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level with carefully sourced beans from Huila in Colombia, grown at altitudes of 1500 to 2000 metres.” “This level of traceability is unique in the ready to drink market, meaning we are perfectly positioned to turn the category on its head with a speciality grade product that is completely new, as well as being cost-competitive.” Wilson explained that, with 35% of consumers interested in RTD coffee with functional benefits, the brand expects to the range with products with added protein and vitamins in the next few months. The RTD iced coffees are available at various UK retailers for an RRP of £2.20 per can.

The KitKat brand has launched a new limited-edition flavour to its US line-up, Pink Lemonade. The new addition wraps KitKat’s classic wafer in a pink lemonade-flavoured creme, delivering a refreshing taste with hints of strawberry. The bar was designed to cater to the tastes of Gen Z and Millennials, as the brand says that more than 93% of these consumers express a preference for pink lemonade-flavoured treats. Hilary Long, KitKat’s brand lead, said: “Creating new, unexpected flavour experiences for our KitKat fans is at the core of what we do. The KitKat Pink Lemonade-flavoured bar delivers an immersive experience in every bite, reminiscent of a refreshing glass of pink lemonade as the weather heats up for summer fun.” This is the latest in a number of flavour innovations for the KitKat brand. In January this year, a new ethically-sourced KitKat was launched in the UK, made with cocoa mass from beans grown by farmer families participating in the Nestlé’s income accelerator programme. The same month, the brand unveiled a new 70% Dark bar. In November last year, Hershey – seller of KitKat in the US – introduced a new frosted donut-flavoured bar in the US, and in May last year, a new limited-edition churro variety was launched. The bars are available to purchase now across the US in standard and king size formats.

Coca‑Cola has launched a new platform, Coca‑Cola Lens, designed to provide retailers and foodservice operators with crucial consumer insights and industry trends. This initiative aims to assist businesses in navigating today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. Coca‑Cola Lens offers a comprehensive library of 16 articles, each delving into various aspects of shopper behaviour, supported by macroeconomic data and forward-looking insights. Developed by Coca‑Cola’s internal experts and enriched with data from proprietary tools and third-party sources, the articles cover pressing topics such as the rise of premium water, the influence of multicultural consumers and the impact of digital ordering technologies. In addition to these insights, the platform provides practical guidance on optimising restaurant menus and curating cold vault inventories. The content is presented in an accessible format, enhanced with visuals such as charts and graphics. Coca‑Cola plans to update the platform with four to six new articles each quarter, incorporating feedback from its customers and associates. Pamela Stewart, chief customer officer for Coca‑Cola North America, said: “We are launching Coca‑Cola Lens to deliver on the promise to create value beyond beverages to our customers, while serving as thought partners and consultants. Together, we will navigate this dynamic landscape, leveraging data and tools to drive our business strategies forward and accelerate growth.” Coca‑Cola North America, serving over 250,000 retail stores and 500,000 foodservice outlets, is building on its tradition of fostering growth through partnership. Coca‑Cola Lens is a testament to this commitment, providing customers with the tools to anticipate consumer needs and stay ahead of trends. Dagmar Boggs, head of Foodservice at Coca‑Cola North America, added: “With the launch of Coca‑Cola Lens, we’re taking our commitment to the next level. Customers will be able to self-serve the actionable insights they need, precisely when they need them, empowering our partners to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and agility.” Coca‑Cola Lens will be officially introduced ahead of the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago from May 18-21.

Alpla has unveiled a new recyclable wine bottle made of PET, designed to enhance sustainability and cost-efficiency within the wine industry. This new bottle, which weighs just an eighth of its glass counterpart, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% and offers significant price savings, marking an advancement in eco-friendly packaging. The newly unveiled 0.75-litre PET wine bottle, which weighs only 50g, has already made its debut in Austria, containing white wine from Wegenstein winery. Now available in both 0.75-litre and 1-litre sizes, Alpla plans to manufacture several million units annually by 2025, with a focus on producing bottles entirely from rPET. This sustainable innovation joins the Europe-wide bottle-to-bottle recycling loop, reducing carbon emissions by 38% compared to traditional glass bottles, even before incorporating recycled PET (rPET). “PET is light, unbreakable, recyclable and requires minimal energy for moulding, making it an ideal packaging solution.,” said Daniel Lehner, global sales director for food and beverage at Alpla. “Winemakers can significantly improve their environmental footprint while also reducing costs. The PET bottles meet all quality standards, are available in transparent or green, and are suitable for various types of wine.” The shift to PET bottles also offers economic advantages. The lower material and energy consumption reduce carbon emissions, with the use of rPET further enhancing these savings. Even with 30% rPET, carbon emissions are reduced by 43%, and using 100% rPET halves the ecological footprint, achieving a 50% reduction in carbon emissions. The lightweight nature of PET also decreases shipping costs, and Alpla’s PET wine bottles are up to 30% less expensive than their glass counterparts. These PET bottles are compatible with conventional metal screw caps and existing bottling lines, ensuring a seamless transition for winemakers. Wegenstein winery, the pilot customer, has successfully integrated PET bottles into their bottling process alongside glass bottles. “The PET bottle is perfectly tailored to our bottling and shipment processes. Our collaboration with Alpla significantly accelerated the market launch,” said Sebastian Rosenberger, project manager at Alpla. Herbert Toifl, managing director of Wegenstein winery, praised the new packaging: “The PET bottle lives up to its promise. It is visually appealing, maintains our wine’s quality, and is practical. We are offering an innovative solution for environmentally conscious consumers.”

Canada-based sparkling water brand Perrier has unveiled Maison Perrier, a new collection of premium sparkling beverages, signalling the company’s foray into a fresh and sophisticated drinks segment. Maison Perrier introduces two distinctive lines: Maison Perrier Forever and Maison Perrier Chic. The Forever range, already available nationwide at Canadian retailers, features a fusion of bubbles and natural fruit flavours, delivering a zero-sugar taste sensation. Two new variants will be added to the Forever line-up – Lychee and Pineapple – alongside nine consumer favourites such as Lemon, Lime, Orange and Grapefruit. The Chic range, set to debut this summer, offers a selection of sophisticated mocktails. With a blend of concentrated juices, botanicals and natural flavours, these non-alcoholic cocktails present a luxurious alternative to traditional beverages, each containing less than 30 calories. Chic features two mocktails: The Peach Spritzer, marrying fruity peach with the warmth of rose wine, and The Mojito, blending citrus and natural aromas with subtle notes of mint and honey. “This marks a significant milestone for Perrier, a brand known for over a century for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship,” said Lisa Beausoleil, president of Waters for Nestlé Canada. “With Maison Perrier, we aim to provide our discerning consumers with modern, elegant and flavorful beverage options, elevating their refreshment experiences to new heights.” Maison Perrier Forever is available for purchase at major drugstores, and grocery and convenience retailers across Canada. The Chic range is slated for a nationwide launch at Canadian retailers later this summer.

Origin Materials, a company specialising in the development of carbon-negative materials, has launched the Carbonated Soft Drink (CSD) PET Cap, said to be the lightest cap of its kind ever produced commercially. This innovation marks a key advancement in sustainable packaging solutions, promising enhanced recycling circularity, lighter packaging and improved product shelf life. The newly launched PET cap, compatible with the PCO 1881 neck finish, is the “world’s first” to be manufactured entirely from PET material, whether virgin or recycled (rPET). This achievement is poised to revolutionise the beverage packaging industry, particularly in the CSD sector, known for its widespread use of the PCO 1881 finish. John Bissell, co-founder and co-CEO of Origin, said: “There are hundreds of different kinds of caps and closures in container packaging. But the PCO 1881 neck finish is considered a leading standard for carbonated soft drinks and is often used for other products such as juices or even still or sparkling water. Because of the ubiquity of bottles using the PCO 1881 finish, it’s an area where our 100% PET cap can make a tremendous difference by improving recycling circularity and product performance in a massive market.” He continued: “Our innovation in the design and manufacturing of PET closures, including closures made with recycled PET, has enabled us to pursue solutions previously thought to be impossible, and an 1881 compatible CSD PET cap is certainly one of them. Now that we have unlocked the use of PET and rPET for use in food, beverage, and home goods closures, we can bring the benefits to a range of products – benefits like improving recycling, extending product shelf life, using less plastic through light-weighting, decreasing manufacturing waste during the bottling process and expanding the use of recycled material.” Origin’s PET cap boasts a lightweight design without compromising performance, leveraging the superior mechanical properties of PET compared to traditional materials like HDPE and PP. Furthermore, the design incorporates tamper evidence features, ensuring both functionality and user satisfaction. “Our caps and closures platform enables mono material solutions – just one material, PET, the most recycled plastic – from cap to bottom for a wide range of product types,” added Bissell. “Until now, PET was ubiquitous in packaging, except for the caps and closures. We are changing that, by enabling the production of closures with any kind of PET material, whether it’s virgin PET, recycled PET, or bio-based PET.” Origin anticipates the commercial availability of its PET caps and closures, produced at commercial scale, by Q4 2024. This solution is expected to address sustainability challenges in the packaging industry while catering to a market valued at over $65 billion.

Utz, a US-based salty snack food brand, has collaborated once again with Mike’s Hot Honey to launch the new extra-hot potato chips flavour. Available now until September, this limited-time flavour intensifies the heat of the original Utz Mike’s Hot Honey chips threefold. The ‘swicy’ (sweet and spicy) potato chips are gluten-free and kosher-certified, and are offered in both on-the-go 2.625-ounce packs and take-home 7.75-ounce sizes. The original Utz Mike’s Hot Honey potato chips, introduced as a limited-time offer in May 2023, quickly gained popularity and became a permanent flavour in August of the same year, surpassing sales records of Utz’s previous limited-time launches. Utz Brands’ marketing director Amber McGrogan, said: “We know hot and spicy is currently the No 1 flavour in salty snacks. That’s why, following the success of our original Mike’s Hot Honey potato chips, we wanted to offer fans an even hotter snacking option.” She added: “Mike’s Hot Honey has been a great partner over the last year, and we look forward to continuing to work together to bring the sweet heat to snacking fans nationwide.” Expanding on the ‘swicy’ trend, Utz also introduced Utz Mixed Mini pretzels in Mike’s Hot Honey flavour in March 2024, offering fans more ways to enjoy the sweet heat of Mike’s Hot Honey. Utz Mike’s Hot Honey Extra Hot potato chips are now available at leading grocery, mass and convenience retail stores nationwide and online. Mike’s Hot Honey founder Mike Kurtz, commented: “At Mike’s Hot Honey, we think everything is better if it has the perfect kick of sweet and heat, and that’s never been more true than with the incredibly popular Utz Mike’s Hot Honey potato chips. We’ve tasted the new Utz Mike’s Hot Honey Extra Hot Chips, and we just know Utz fans are going to love them as much as we do.”

Mondelēz International has launched the first-ever certified gluten-free chocolate chip cookie under its Chips Ahoy! brand. Scheduled to hit shelves this May, the unveiling of the Chips Ahoy! Gluten-Free cookie marks a core expansion in the brand’s product portfolio. Leveraging years of development, Mondelēz has created a cookie that not only meets the stringent standards of gluten-free certification but also promises to deliver the signature taste and texture that has made Chips Ahoy! a household favourite across America. Jainette Quinones, brand manager for Chips Ahoy! Innovation, said: “When we set out to create our first Chips Ahoy! Gluten-free cookie, we didn’t want it to be a good gluten-free cookie, we wanted it to be a great cookie that’s also gluten-free. I am proud to say that our innovation team has succeeded – the new Chips Ahoy! Gluten-Free cookie is an absolutely delicious cookie that everyone can enjoy.” The introduction of the new variant follows closely on the heels of Mondelēz’s recent success with its MMMproved Chips Ahoy! Original recipe.

Kirin Brewery has launched a new series, ‘Hyoketsu Mottainai,’ as part of its RTD brand, Kirin Hyoketsu. The initial release, Kirin Hyoketsu Mottainai Hama-nashi (limited edition), will hit shelves in Japan on 7 May, offering consumers a unique taste experience coupled with a commitment to sustainability. Recognising the challenges faced by fruit farmers in recent years, including climate issues and rising costs, Kirin’s Hyoketsu aims to support these producers while delivering the fresh taste of fruit to consumers. The company’s new initiative, the ‘Hyoketsu Mottainai Project’ seeks to reduce food waste and bolster farmer support efforts. In line with the project, fruits deemed unsuitable for sale due to cosmetic imperfections are repurposed as ‘mottainai fruits,’ featured in products to minimise food loss. Kirin will donate 1 yen from each product sold to these producers, furthering its commitment to sustainability. The flagship product of the series, Kirin Hyoketsu Mottainai Hama-nashi, showcases the flavours of Yokohama’s brand pear, Hama Nashi, aiming to reduce waste by approximately 22,000 pieces of this fruit. With a focus on both taste and social impact, Kirin aims to engage young consumers and expand its presence in the RTD market.

Kirin Brewery has launched a new series, ‘Hyoketsu Mottainai,’ as part of its RTD brand, Kirin Hyoketsu. The initial release, Kirin Hyoketsu Mottainai Hama-nashi (limited edition), will hit shelves in Japan on 7 May, offering consumers a unique taste experience coupled with a commitment to sustainability. Recognising the challenges faced by fruit farmers in recent years, including climate issues and rising costs, Kirin’s Hyoketsu aims to support these producers while delivering the fresh taste of fruit to consumers. The company’s new initiative, the ‘Hyoketsu Mottainai Project’ seeks to reduce food waste and bolster farmer support efforts. In line with the project, fruits deemed unsuitable for sale due to cosmetic imperfections are repurposed as ‘mottainai fruits,’ featured in products to minimise food loss. Kirin will donate 1 yen from each product sold to these producers, furthering its commitment to sustainability. The flagship product of the series, Kirin Hyoketsu Mottainai Hama-nashi, showcases the flavours of Yokohama’s brand pear, Hama Nashi, aiming to reduce waste by approximately 22,000 pieces of this fruit. With a focus on both taste and social impact, Kirin aims to engage young consumers and expand its presence in the RTD market.

This week, Starbucks Canada launched a new collaborative effort to advance sustainability in the dairy sector, in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC). Starbucks Canada has committed CAD 500,000 (approx. $364,426) to the initiative so support dairy sustainability-focused projects over the course of this year, rewarding the efforts of Canadian dairy farmers on their path to net zero. The partnership includes three projects, the first – which has already begun – is in collaboration with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Lactanet for FCC’s Dairy Sustainability Incentive programme. The programme rewards farmers who successfully adopt environmental best management practices and encourages continued sustainable farming by granting annual incentives to customers who meet select criteria. David Wiens, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said: “The support of Starbucks will help recognise more farmers’ commitment to environmental management and show Canadians that sustainability begins with the people producing their food. When farmers set out to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we knew we would not go it alone. DFC welcomes Starbucks as they join us on this leg of the journey.” Lori Digulla, SVP and general manager for Starbucks Canada, commented: “At Starbucks, we are committed to working alongside others to help our communities thrive and protect the planet. As a company that relies on the dairy sector every day, we have a responsibility to innovate and collaborate to source dairy responsibly and sustainably. With DFC, we hope to combine the best knowledge and resources together to help the farmer community in Canada and ensure a sustainable future of dairy for all.” Dairy is an integral part of the Starbucks menu, and supporting the long-term health of the dairy sector is one of the latest efforts in the company’s push toward sustainability. Last week, the coffee giant joined the Environmental Defense Fund’s global Dairy Methane Action Alliance, along with Californian dairy brand Clover Sonoma. The alliance first launched in December 2023 at the UN’s climate summit (COP28) in Dubai, with Danone, Bel Group, General Mills, Lactalis USA, Kraft Heinz and Nestlé as its founding members. By joining the initiative, these companies commit by the end of 2024 to annually and publicly disclose methane emissions within their dairy supply chains, with each pledging to create and publish a methane action plan by the end of the year. Starbucks’ action plan will specifically apply to methane in regions where Starbucks directly purchases milk for its stores. Katie Anderson, senior director, business food and forests at Environmental Defense Fund, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Clover Sonoma and Starbucks to the Dairy Methane Action Alliance. With these additions, the alliance now comprises an even wider array of dairy sector players – from regional producers, to processors, to restaurants – and demonstrates that the sector is gaining momentum on methane action.” Angela Anderson, director of Starbucks Sustainable Dairy, added: “As a company, we’re committed to supporting farmers as we work together to reduce emissions across our dairy supply chain. We’re excited to join the Dairy Methane Action Alliance and collaborate across industries on solutions to advance our resource positive goals.” #Starbucks

Valeo Foods-owned premium snack brand Kettle Chips has added two new flavours to its line-up: Chorizo & Red Pepper and Sour Cream & Chive. The Chorizo & Red Pepper variant, a new addition to the Ridge Cut range, delivers a satisfying crunch, courtesy of its uniquely textured chips. Crafted by Kettle’s Innovation Chef, the combination of smoky chorizo and sweet red bell pepper transports taste buds “straight to a Spanish summer”. Arriving just in time for BBQ season, the Sour Cream & Chive flavour offers a blend of rich sour cream and tangy fresh chives, both complementing the classic cut chip. Vibrant and refreshing, these new flavours are poised to become staple additions to summer gatherings as temperatures rise. Made from premium potatoes and real food ingredients, Kettle Chips cater to adventurous food enthusiasts seeking palate-pleasing experiences. Hand-cooked and free of artificial flavourings, each pack aims to inspire culinary exploration. Phil Holford, head of brands at Valeo Snackfoods, said: “We’re overjoyed to be able to treat consumers to our two new flavours, each the result of the passion and creativity of our Innovation Chef”. He added: “From the mouth-watering spice of chorizo to the delicate hum of chives, every element has been refined from the highest quality ingredients to build the perfect seasoning. We know that our firm fans and new faces alike will enjoy tucking into a bag of both.” The Chorizo & Red Pepper and Sour Cream & Chive flavours will hit UK shelves on 13 May, available for purchase at supermarkets including ASDA and Morrisons, with a recommended retail price of £2.39.