Mars Wrigley has introduced Skittles Giants Gooey candies, featuring large, soft fruit-flavoured shells filled with a gooey citrus centre. This latest innovation capitalises on the trend for adventurous and unexpected flavours while tapping into the growing demand for fruit-inspired confectionery, which has seen a steady increase in the category at a CAGR of 4.3%. Available in two packaging formats, each bag contains five popular fruit flavours: Strawberry, Lime, Lemon, Blackcurrant and Orange. The 109g treat bag size has now launched in the impulse channel, with a 125g pouch set to hit grocery, discounter and digital channels soon (RSP £1.35). Alice Maramotti, Skittles senior brand manager, said: “We have a track record of pushing flavour, taste and texture boundaries to help drive category innovation, excitement and growth. Last year we had Skittles Desserts and before that, Skittles Squishy Cloudz in Fruits and Crazy Sours flavours. These unique tastes and textures sit at the heart of our innovation pipeline and bring a sense of fun to the category.” She added: “Skittles Giants Gooey is the next major chapter in our innovation story, offering an impactful twist on a favourite SKU and taking our NPD strategy to the next level. By extending the Skittles Giants range, for which 40% of shoppers are incremental to the category, we will drive frequency and penetration among shoppers looking for a flavour adventure with a burst of intensity.”

New energy drink brand Bizzi has entered the market with a line of RTD beverages that combine caffeine and collagen. The three varieties – Coffee + Collagen Signature Blend, Matcha + Collagen Signature Blend and Coffee + Collagen Vanilla & Turmeric – are designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking convenient wellness options. Bizzi Coffee + Collagen Signature Blend features Ugandan cold-brew coffee with 10g of bovine collagen, along with 100% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and zinc. It supports joint, muscle, skin and immune health. Bizzi Coffee + Collagen with Vanilla & Turmeric offers the same base but with vanilla and turmeric flavours. It contains 10g of bovine collagen, plus 100% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and zinc, adding a fruity twist to the caffeine boost. Meanwhile, for a non-coffee option, Matcha + Collagen Signature Blend combines Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha tea with 10g of bovine collagen and 100% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and zinc. Ashley Verma, founder of Bizzi, commented: “I can’t wait for people to experience Bizzi’s cold brew and matcha RTDs and bring this collagen and coffee first to the UK market. As a self-confessed coffee lover, I designed Bizzi to not only enrich busy lifestyles and support wellness but also to taste absolutely fantastic.” “The UK drinks market is a hugely dynamic and ever-changing landscape, and I believe that Bizzi fits beautifully into what consumers are looking for.” Bizzi’s collagen-infused beverages are available for purchase on the brand’s website and through Amazon.

UK-based functional beverage brand Trip has launched the Mindful Blend range. Known for its CBD-infused drinks, Trip is now venturing into new territory by infusing lion’s mane, magnesium, ashwagandha and L-theanine into its latest range of nature-inspired beverages. The Mindful Blend range debuts with four flavours – Cucumber Mint, Blood Orange Rosemary, Elderflower Mint and Raspberry Orange Blossom. Each variant aims to offer consumers a refreshing and calming experience, harnessing the powerful health benefits of its functional ingredients. Trip’s new functional drinks are now available for purchase online, with nationwide retail availability commencing on 6 May 2024. Consumers can find the Mindful Blend range at leading retailers such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods, Co-op, Ocado, as well as in restaurants and coffee shops, including Leon outlets nationwide. Lion’s mane, recognised for its cognitive benefits, magnesium, praised for its calming effects, and ashwagandha, known for its stress-relieving properties, have garnered widespread attention on social platforms like TikTok, where health-conscious users have driven billions of views. Olivia Ferdi, a representative from Trip, said: “As consumers continue to prioritise health and wellness, Mindful Blend provides an accessible way to incorporate these trending ingredients into your lifestyle and a new way to unwind. Millions already find calm through the functionality of our CBD drinks, and seeing the increased demand and popularity of these ingredients has made it clear that there is a market for us to expand into a new range of soft drinks.”

Lavazza has entered a deal to increase its stake in vending machine operator IVS Group with the aim of purchasing the entire business, reports state. If the sale is completed, Lavazza will gain an additional 28.36% stake in IVS for a price of €185 million, resulting in IVS being delisted from the stock exchange. According to Reuters, Lavazza already holds a 20.4% stake in IVS, after it acquired shares in the company totalling €75 million in 2020, and has offered to buy the remaining stock from other investors at €7.15 per share. The buyout offer, which values IVS at €647 million, comes after Lavazza signed an agreement with the majority shareholder of IVS, giving the Italian coffee giant the option to take full control of IVS from 2027. IVS is currently controlled by IVS Partecipazioni, which will maintain its 50.75% stake until the put and call options are exercised, a process that can only occur after the approval of IVS’s 2026 financial statements. FoodBev has approached Lavazza for comment.

Blupura has introduced its new filtration system, the Blutron Action. Blupura stated that the filtration system is designed to enhance the water quality of coffee machines, beverage dispensers, steam ovens and combination ovens. The new filter incorporates Blupura’s 0.5-micron carbon block technology to remove chlorine and improve water taste. The company explained that this step is vital as chlorine could hinder the effectiveness of the system’s high-efficiency ion exchange resin, which is key to reducing temporary water hardness. The resin helps prevent limescale build-up. Blutron Action features an integrated bypass system with four levels, allowing for water treatment customisation of up to 70%. This flexibility lets users tailor the system to their specific needs, ensuring the right balance between equipment protection and water quality. The filter removes unpleasant odours and flavours, and lowers the water’s pH, enhancing the taste of coffee and other beverages. With a micrometric pre-filter and a final stage for filtering suspended particles, it ensures optimal water quality and consistency.

Lavazza North America has introduced a new smart brewer – Flavia Creation 300 + Chill Refresh – for the workplace. The brewer offers 14 different types of hot, cold and frothed beverages, including coffee, tea, lattes and infused water. The unit features a built-in Flavia IQ smart system with a web-based digital interface to monitor consumption and help manage the ordering process. According to the company, Flavia’s Freshpacks are designed to brew directly from pack to cup, preserving taste and preventing the transfer of flavours, allergens or contaminants. In addition, the unit includes patented in-cup frothing along with the ability to brew cold drinks. Camille Vareille, VP of head of marketing Americas at Lavazza Group, said: “The Flavia C300 + Chill Refresh is the next generation brewer for medium-sized businesses. There is no other beverage system in the marketplace that delivers such a great-tasting range of hot and cold beverages at an affordable price point and compact footprint.”

Nestlé Waters has announced that it is cutting 171 jobs at its Vosges facility in eastern France, as it looks to scale back production at the site. The announcement follows the decision in 2022 to halt the marketing of its Vittel brand in Germany. Nestlé Waters says this has negatively impacted its production volumes at the site. Additionally, deteriorating weather conditions have affected the operating conditions of two of its wells dedicated to the production of Hépar. As a result, the company has suspended the use of the two wells, as it continues to use four other wells in connection with the Hépar brand. Nestlé Waters’ management met with the company’s social partners on Tuesday to make the announcement. Nestlé Waters said it will propose incentives to facilitate retirement, early retirement and internal and external redeployment. A spokesperson for Nestlé Waters told FoodBev: “Nestlé Waters will do its utmost to avoid forced departures. Throughout the information consultation procedure with employee representatives, our priority will be to promote social dialogue in order to identify and propose the best possible support solutions for the employees concerned.” They continued: “[We] will continue to be involved in the economic and social life of the region and will work closely with the public authorities and local communities to minimise the consequences of the reorganisation on the employment area, as part of a revitalisation project. In the meantime, the company will pursue its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving water resources.”

As the beverage industry continues to fizz with creativity and innovation, the World Beverage Innovation Awards have returned for their 22nd year, showcasing groundbreaking developments across the sector. From pioneering beer brewing techniques to revolutionary sustainable packaging, the awards spotlight the companies and individuals who are redefining the way we drink, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability, quality and consumer needs. Behind every refreshing sip is a story of technological advancement and creative problem-solving. Modern craft beverages, fermentation and bar beverage systems are just the tip of the iceberg of what’s new for this year’s awards. A new Beverage System category spotlights the tech innovations that enable bar and restaurant owners to boost the advancements of their establishments with draft systems, dispensers and beverage vending. Whether it’s using AI advancements for draft beverage consistency, or implementing better inventory management, technology is playing a key role in shaping the future of beverages. The rise of health-conscious consumers has led to a surge in beverages that offer more than just hydration. Functional drinks enriched with vitamins, minerals, probiotics and plant-based ingredients are gaining popularity, reflecting a broader trend towards health and wellness. The awards recognise this shift, celebrating products that not only quench thirst but contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Last year’s winner of Best Functional Beverage was Fhirst Living Soda, with its all-natural, zero-sugar RTD soda enriched with probiotic living cultures. Read more about last year’s winners in FoodBev Awards’ new Winning Innovations publication here. The 22nd World Beverage Innovation Awards serve as a testament to the beverage industry’s resilience, ingenuity and commitment to improvement. As we celebrate this year’s winners, we also look forward to the future innovations that will continue to surprise and delight consumers around the globe. In conclusion, the World Beverage Innovation Awards highlight the brightest ideas lighting up the beverage industry. From sustainable packaging solutions to wellness-focused drinks, the awards provide a glimpse into the future of beverages in over 20 categories, where innovation meets recognition, and where taste and responsibility go hand in hand. Let’s raise our glasses to the winners and the incredible innovations that are yet to come! Entry is open now, so make sure to sign up for the beverage awards on the FoodBev Awards website.

US-based bourbon producer Jim Beam has broadened its ready-to-drink portfolio by introducing four new flavours to its popular Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers line. Crafted in collaboration with The Boston Beer Company, the new malt-based beverages include the following flavours: Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Orange Crush and Peach Crush. Each flavour delivers a refreshing taste experience, complemented by subtle bourbon undertones. The brand says its ‘crush’ RTDs offer a unique interpretation of the popular East Coast cocktail, the crush. Blueberry Lemonade offers a fusion of crisp lemon and muddled blueberries, while Strawberry Lemonade features a tart and fruity profile. Orange Crush presents bright, tangy notes, while Peach Crush captures the sweetness of biting into a ripe peach. Veronique Mura, VP of Jim Beam Global Brand, commented: “Jim Beam is an iconic brand that at its core is about the power of human connection, going back to the front porch of the Beam family home where everyone was welcome. We know firsthand how a carefully crafted beverage can complement life’s most cherished moments and that is captured in every can of Kentucky Coolers cracked open with the ones we love. We are proud to continue to innovate this iconic brand and introduce more unique flavours for people to connect over and share.” The new flavours will be available nationwide in a 12-pack of 12oz cans, catering to consumers seeking easy-to-share refreshments for social gatherings or casual get-togethers. Each Kentucky Cooler is 5% ABV and contains 120 calories per serving. The 12-can variety pack is priced at a suggested retail price of $15.99.

US-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade has released its latest flavour innovations, aimed at capturing summer and spring sipping experiences. Among the new offerings is Mike’s Hard Limonada Fresca, a reinterpretation of traditional Latin American Aguas Frescas recipes. The Limonada Fresca line-up features flavours such as Watermelon Lime, Mangonada, Citrus Limonada and Pineapple Guava. These flavours are carefully crafted to deliver a blend of luscious citrus, lime and lemon, enhanced with real fruit juice and agave nectar. The company is also rolling out new Mike’s Harder mixed drink flavours. This includes Piña Colada, Hurricane Punch and Screwdriver. Piña Colada and Screwdriver will be available nationwide in 16oz single-serve cans, while Hurricane Punch will be offered in 23.5oz single-serve cans. The timing of the launch aligns with the onset of spring and the nearing of summer, ensuring that consumers have access to these new offerings in time for warmer weather and outdoor gatherings.

New research has found that a staggering 220 million tonnes of plastic waste is set to be generated in 2024, marking a 7.11% increase since 2021. The latest study, by charity EA Earth Action, and released last week, revealed that more than a third of plastic waste will be improperly handled at the end of its lifecycle. This equates to 68.6 million tonnes of plastic, translating to an average of 28kg of plastic waste per person worldwide. The report also announced this year’s Plastic Overshoot Day, on 5 September 2024, which marks the moment when the amount of plastic waste generated surpasses the world’s ability to manage it. Each country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day, determined by its plastic waste generation and management capacity. The EA Earth Action report identifies 117 days of plastic overshoot, meaning the plastic waste produced during these days ‘will not be well managed’. It says that only 12 countries are responsible for 60% of the global mismanaged plastic waste. Among them, the top five are China, the US, India, Brazil and Mexico. The charity has classified countries into six archetypes, providing tailored recommendations for improving waste management. These include reducing plastic consumption, promoting circular economy models like repair and reuse initiatives, implementing robust waste management policies such as extended producer responsibilities, enhancing local waste management infrastructure and halting the import of plastic waste from other countries. Sarah Perreard, co-CEO at EA Earth Action & Plastic Footprint Network, said: “The findings are unequivocal; improvements in waste management capacity are outpaced by rising plastic production, making progress almost invisible. The assumption that recycling and waste management capacity will solve the plastics crisis is flawed.” “The 2024 Plastic Overshoot Day report can serve both as a testament to our current trajectory and as a blueprint for necessary action. The decisions made today will echo through ecosystems and economies for generations. Ahead of UN Plastic Treaty negotiations in Ottawa, we call for a steadfast pursuit of science-driven, robust global policy that matches the scale of the plastic pollution problem. Let 2024 be the year we pivot to a trajectory that embraces reduction, ensuring the legacy we leave is not one buried in plastic.”

UK chilled coffee brand Arctic Coffee has expanded its offerings with the launch of a new high-protein caramel latte and a 1-litre mocha carton. The brand is also introducing a new mocha iced coffee in a larger 1-litre carton. Both products are made at Devon, UK-based dairy farm and owner of Arctic Coffee, Crediton Dairy. Arctic Coffee said the latest NPDs were crafted in response to consumers looking for more affordable and accessible RTD beverages, at a time when prices for coffee shop drinks are 'at an all-time high’. The new Arctic Coffee Hi-Protein Caramel Latte is a caramel latte chilled coffee. Each carton contains 15g of protein and 125 calories, while being low in fat and without added sugar. Head of marketing and insight at Crediton Dairy, Abigail Kelly, said: “Coffee shops have always led the way when it comes to decadent and daring coffee flavours and at a time when consumers need a good reason to part with income, innovation is key to keeping brands relevant. We wanted to bring similar great tasting and different options to the supermarket shelves to better meet the needs of shoppers.” She continued: “Shoppers are not only looking for nutritional cues and trendy flavours, but they are also looking for indulgence. The mocha flavour is under-represented in the category and there is a lack of good ones on the market that hit on the indulgent chocolate delivery – we’re about to change that!” The new iced coffees are available to purchase now in major UK retailers for an RRP of £1.15 and £2.20, respectively.