French payment service Worldline has partnered with Tabesto to introduce what they claim is the first all-in-one ordering and payment kiosk, using SoftPOS ‘Worldline Tap on Mobile’ technology. Tabesto is a French company that specialises in a range of intelligent solutions for the restaurant and retail sectors, focusing on order taking and payment. The Fox ordering and payment kiosk, part of the Tabesto application environment, acts as a payment terminal. It accepts payments through contactless bank cards, PIN codes on the screen, meal vouchers or NFC-enabled e-wallets, thanks to its embedded payment application and NFC sensor at the bottom of the screen. Available in 36 countries, this solution reduces customer wait times and is said to introduce a new ordering experience. According to the companies, Worldline and Tabesto assist restaurant and retail operators in simplifying operational management, cutting costs and optimising carbon footprint by reducing traditional equipment like ticket printers and payment terminals. Guillaume Hourmant, CEO and founder of Tabesto, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing innovative, cutting-edge solutions for the world’s leading retailers. By combining Worldline’s payment technology and prestigious customers with our expertise in order taking, we enable merchants to enhance the efficiency of their service while delivering a unique customer experience.” Stijn Gasthuys, head of digital commerce and global sales verticals merchant services at Worldline, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Tabesto to launch this revolutionary solution on the retail market. By combining our strengths, we are able to deliver a unique customer experience that pushes the boundaries of innovation within the industry, with innovative solutions that adapt to the needs of consumers and merchants.”

Consumers across Europe are shifting their beverage preferences, turning away from traditional alcoholic drinks and towards a diverse array of healthier options. This revelation comes from a study conducted by Prinova – a supplier of ingredients and premix solutions for the F&B and nutrition industries – which sheds light on evolving trends in the beverage space. According to the findings, a significant proportion of consumers, particularly those in the 25-34 age group, are reining in their alcohol consumption. Among the 1,277 physically active European consumers surveyed, 42.5% admitted to reducing their alcohol intake over the past three years, marking a substantial departure from the conventional drinking culture. What are they turning to instead? A spectrum of healthier alternatives, with tea, coffee, still water and juices/smoothies topping the charts. This shift is not confined to one demographic; preferences vary across age groups, genders and regions. For instance, while the older generation shows a preference for dairy beverages, the younger cohort is more inclined towards alcohol-free beer. Energy emerges as the coveted wellness benefit, surpassing hydration and post-exercise recovery. This is reflected in the 35% of men reducing alcohol consumption by opting for energy drinks. Moreover, a significant portion of consumers expressed a desire for a broader selection of healthy beverages, with millennials leading the charge at 64%. The research also uncovers the ingredients that drive consumer choices. Vitamins and minerals take centre stage, followed closely by plant protein, indicating a growing demand for functional beverages enriched with premium micronutrients. Other factors influencing purchase decisions include affordability, natural ingredients, trusted brands and scientifically proven formulas. Commenting on the findings, James Street, global marketing director at Prinova, said: “Consumers are increasingly re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol, whether that means embracing the ‘sober-curious’ trend or simply moderating their intake. However, our research also suggests that many more would be persuaded do so if they could replace booze with appealing healthy alternatives.“ He added: “Given the scale of this market need, and the increasingly wide range of on-trend functional ingredients available, it’s clear that there are still huge opportunities for innovation in the functional beverage space”.

PepsiCo‘s Bubly water brand is set to add a new sweetened sparkling beverage to its portfolio, Bubly Burst. Bubly Burst is the first product innovation since the brand’s launch six years ago. The range is available in six flavours: triple berry, peach mango, watermelon lime, pineapple tangerine, cherry lemonade and tropical punch. Bubly Burst comes in 16.9oz single-serve bottles made from 100% recycled PET. Each bottle contains ten calories or less, along with antioxidants and no added sugar.

Keurig Dr Pepper Canada has unveiled its latest single-serve coffee brewing technology, aimed at enhancing at-home coffee consumption. The company has introduced a comprehensive innovation agenda aimed at developing advanced coffee brewing systems that cater to the evolving preferences of coffee enthusiasts. The cornerstone of this initiative is the unveiling of K-Rounds plastic-free pods, which signify a departure from conventional single-serve coffee pod materials. These pods are crafted from roasted coffee beans, encased in a proprietary plant-based coating. This pioneering design not only preserves the flavour and aroma of the coffee but also eliminates the need for plastic or aluminium components, addressing sustainability concerns prevalent in the industry. Accompanying the K-Rounds pods is the introduction of the Keurig Alta brewer, a system that allows consumers to craft a range of hot and cold barista-style beverages without the complexity typically associated with traditional brewing methods. Bob Gamgort, chairman and CEO of KDP, said: “30 years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single-serve coffee system. Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come.” He continued: “Our ambitious agenda reflects our commitment to providing variety, quality, value and sustainability to the 45 million North American coffee consumers who currently use Keurig brewers and the millions of potential new households who will discover the benefits of a perfect cup of coffee prepared effortlessly in their home”. The K-Rounds pods enable brewing at both high and low pressures, catering to diverse coffee preferences. Each pod is marked with a unique code, automatically recognised by the Keurig Alta brewer, which adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure optimal extraction and flavour profile for every coffee variety. Additionally, the pods are expected to be certified compostable. The development of the Keurig Alta brewer and K-Rounds pods represents the culmination of a multi-year innovation endeavour, encompassing extensive R&D efforts. As part of this initiative, Keurig has secured a perpetual license to proprietary technology developed by Delica Switzerland, further enhancing the company’s intellectual property portfolio.

UK-based Cawston Press has unveiled its latest innovation: Sunshine Orange Fruit Water. This new addition joins the brand’s line-up of school-approved juice cartons, offering a refreshing choice for children with its natural blend of fruit juice and still water. Available now in Tesco stores (3x200ml) at an RRP of £2.10, Sunshine Orange Fruit Water caters to the growing demand for healthier beverage options among consumers. Crafted with 45% not-from-concentrate fruit juice and devoid of artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives, this drink is tailored to meet the preferences of both parents and children. The introduction of Sunshine Orange bolsters Cawston Press’s existing range, which includes Apple & Summer Berries, Apple & Pear, Apple & Mango and Cloudy Apple flavours. Milly Tuck, senior brand manager at Cawston Press, said: “Orange is the biggest flavour camp for juice and juice drinks, making up over 40% of UK sales. However, there has been a lack of innovation in the kids flavour space for drinks free from added sugar, sweeteners and preservatives, which is where Cawston Press is able to provide a high-quality drink priding itself on being made with very few simple, natural ingredients.” The Fruit Waters are packaged in SIG packaging primarily sourced from renewable FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper, aligning with the brand’s ethos of environmental responsibility. For retailers and wholesalers, Sunshine Orange Fruit Water (18x200ml) will be available alongside other Cawston Press offerings, providing versatile options for cafés, restaurants, bars and speciality stores.

Dutch-US beverage company JDE Peet’s has announced the appointment of Luc Vandevelde as its interim CEO, effective 1 April 2024. Vandevelde will succeed Fabien Simon, who has led the company since September 2020. Vandevelde’s background is firmly rooted in the retail and FMCG sectors, including stints as chairman of Carrefour and CEO of Marks and Spencer Group. His experience spans over 24 years at Kraft Foods, culminating in his tenure as CEO of Kraft Jacobs Suchard’s French and Italian operations. Joachim Creus, CEO of JAB, the parent company of JDE Peet’s, said: “Luc is a seasoned executive who knows JDE Peet’s and the coffee category intimately, and we are confident in his ability to unlock shareholder value while leading the search for a permanent CEO. JAB has strong conviction in the long-term growth prospects of JDE Peet’s and the resilience of the sector, and we are fully committed to our investment in the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company.” The transition marks the departure of Simon, who led JDE Peet’s through turbulent times, including the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and prevailing inflationary pressures. Olivier Goudet, chairman of JDE Peet’s, extended his gratitude to Simon for his leadership: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Fabien for leading JDE Peet’s, particularly through a period of macro disruption. While navigating Covid-19 and high inflation in a more complicated world, Fabien transformed the company into a global coffee and tea powerhouse with brands, talent and sustainability at its core.” He added: “Our leading portfolio of brands and products ideally position JDE Peet’s to gain global market share by meeting the diverse needs of our many customers and consumers. On behalf of the board, we wish Fabien much success in his future endeavours.” Following Vandevelde’s appointment as chairman after the next Annual General Meeting in May 2024, Goudet will transition to the role of non-executive director, ensuring continuity and strategic oversight on the board. The leadership reshuffle underlines JDE Peet’s commitment to navigating evolving market dynamics while leveraging its portfolio of brands, including L’or, Peet’s, Jacobs and Douwe Egberts, to maintain its position in the pure-play coffee and tea category.

This year, the WQA Convention & Exposition celebrated its 50th anniversary as a trade association. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive educational agenda covering topics ranging from emerging contaminants, like PFAS, to effective business management strategies. “Our convention theme, ‘Catalyst,’ describes how the convention will spark attendees to grow personally and professionally, as well as to acquire skills and contacts they need to grow their businesses,” said WQA events director Angie Silberhorn. The conference kicked off with engaging sessions about the water industry, such as ‘The Secret to Ice Machine Water Treatment’ by Kinetico, ‘Drinking Water Treatment – A Zero Liquid Discharge Design’ by Cartwright and ‘Market Trends in the Water Treatment Industry’ by Kinetico, setting a tone of insightful discussion. Keynote speakers shared innovative organisational strategies, while WQA leadership awards honoured industry leaders. Meanwhile, the exposition floor buzzed with activity as exhibitors showcased their advancements in water treatment technology. UV and filtration systems took centre stage. From UV disinfection systems to innovative filtration solutions, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of products designed to enhance water treatment efficiency and effectiveness. AquiSense, for instance, exhibited its PearlAqua Micro, which stands as the world’s smallest UV disinfection system, boasting disinfection performance powered by UV-C LEDs and a flow cell design. Waterdrop featured its range of reverse osmosis water filters and purifier systems at the exposition. Among its offerings was the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Water Filter, showcasing the Canadian company’s commitment to providing home water purification solutions. The system boasts a five-stage filtration process enclosed within a compact countertop design. With its 0.0001μm reverse osmosis membrane, it ensures water is free from lead, fluoride and other contaminants. Crystal IS featured its Klaran UVC LEDs to disinfect water, air and surfaces in various applications. The LEDs emit ultraviolet light in the key germicidal wavelength range from 260nm to 270nm to inactivate a variety of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. In the realm of water dispensers, Blupura introduced its latest model, the Rebel water dispenser, capable of dispensing 30 litres per hour with options for both hot and cold water. Additionally, Waco presented a premium line of water dispensers, such as the Infinite Series and the I Fev series. Cosmetal – part of the Celli Group – showcased its Hi-Class Top 20 water dispenser, which has a multiple dispensing system that provides both cold and hot water. The event also offered a networking opportunity, where everyone gathered to strengthen connections within the industry. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, sharing insights and experiences, and exploring potential collaborations that could drive innovation and growth in their respective businesses. Overall, the WQA Convention & Exposition 2024 delivered valuable insights, networking, and business opportunities for attendees, reinforcing its importance in an ever-evolving industry landscape. Stay up-to-date by following our social media channels for an upcoming interview with Judd Larned, the incoming president of WQA, discussing the latest industry trends.

Myprotein has collaborated with Jimmy's to launch a new milk protein-enriched iced coffee. Jimmy’s x Myprotein iced coffee has 5.6g of milk protein per 100ml and has been designed to fuel the active consumers. Neil Mistry, CEO of Myprotein, said: “We can’t wait to see the Jimmy’s x Myprotein product on shelves and are excited about being able to offer a functional beverage for those looking to incorporate extra protein into their routines, making healthy choices more accessible to the everyday consumer”. Luke Wilkes, managing director of Jimmy’s, commented: “This collaboration will bring consumers their usual refreshing iced coffee but also provides a boost of high-quality protein. Whether you’re fuelling up for a workout or simply looking to add that little bit of extra protein into your diet, we know this product will be ideal for Jimmy’s usual fanbase and fitness enthusiasts alike.” Jimmy's x Myprotein iced multipack is available at Tesco stores for an RRP of £5, and will soon be available at other supermarkets starting from the beginning of April.

Haribo has unveiled its latest creation: Unicorn-i-licious. This new gummy variety features colourful unicorn shapes and is now available in stores nationwide in the US. The rainbow-coloured gummies are available in six flavours: Apple, Blue Raspberry, Berry Punch, Banana and, for the first time, Cotton Candy and Tangerine. While the launch of Unicorn-i-licious marks Haribo’s first foray into unicorn-shaped gummies globally, Haribo says the new product is tailored specifically for US consumers. Seth Klugherz, VP of marketing at Haribo of America, said: “At Haribo we’re on a mission to inspire childlike happiness for fans everywhere, and we know that feeling will be even more special when they open a bag of Unicorn-i-licious”. “We were inspired to create Unicorn-i-licious because we know consumers need joy in everyday moments, and so much of that joy goes back to the simplicity of childhood. The playfulness and nostalgia of unicorns coupled with the new flavours are sure to delight, and that’s when the magic really begins!” With its playful shapes and flavours, Unicorn-i-licious adds a dash of excitement to Haribo’s confectionery line-up, which includes Goldbears, Twin Snakes, Starmix, Happy Cola and Happy Cherries. The company also launched limited-edition Awesome Axolotls in the summer of last year. Beyond the launch of Unicorn-i-licious, Haribo has hinted at a year filled with new gummy releases and creative collaborations.

Juice brand Tropicana is launching two new products in the ambient category. These additions come on the heels of the brand’s foray into the ambient juice sector last year, which saw significant growth in the market. The latest offerings, Tropicana Rise & Shine and Tropicana Fruit Sensation, are now available in the UK in Tesco stores. Tropicana Rise & Shine addresses a key concern among consumers: sugar content. Recognising that sugar consumption is a top barrier to purchase, particularly among families seeking healthier options, this range offers 30% less sugar compared to other juices. It is available in Smooth Orange and Pressed Apple variants. Meanwhile, Tropicana’s Fruit Sensation range is designed to tap into new consumption occasions beyond breakfast. Flavours include Apple Cucumber & Lemon with a hint of elderflower, Orange & Mango with notes of yuzu, and Peach & Raspberry with a hint of vanilla. Elizabeth Ashdown at Tropicana Brands Group, added: “Until now, the ambient juice category has been highly private label driven with a lack of quality juice options for consumers. These new launches will positively expand the ambient juice category by better meeting consumer needs for more natural and healthier refreshment throughout the day and will set a new quality benchmark in juice drinks.” Tropicana Rise & Shine is available in a 0.85cl carton for £2 RRSP. Tropicana Fruit Sensation is available in a 1-litre bottle for 1.75 RRP.

Nescafé Dolce Gusto is launching two new additions to its Italian Inspiration range, Espresso Roma and Espresso Milano. The Espresso Roma is described as rich and intense, aiming to bring the “vibrancy of the Italian capital”. It is comprised of a blend of coffees from five different origins for a rounded taste, described as having a velvety body with toasted notes of blackcurrant. Espresso Milano coffee is inspired by Italy’s fashion capital, designed to “add a touch of sophistication” to the range. It has notes of red fruit and dark chocolate combined with a light spicy note for a “delicate” toasting. Nescafé Dolce Gusto brand manager, Maryna Kinchyna, said: “Espresso has several characteristics and degrees of intensity as you travel throughout Italy. From the north downwards, coffee drinkers in the country would find distinct levels of toasting and creaminess.” “The Italian Inspiration Range perfectly interprets these different and authentic souls of espresso coffee as they would be found in Italy.” The new blends are now available through #Nescafé’s web shop and will roll out in Sainsbury’s stores across the UK from September.

Breville has announced the launch of its first sparkling beverage water maker, called InFizz Fusion. Available in five colours – sea salt, black truffle, olive tapenade, damson blue and brushed stainless steel –the machine has the capability to carbonate a variety of beverages, including fresh juices, wine, alcohol, coffee and tea, in addition to water. The InFizz Fusion is said to stand out due to its pressure control system, the FusionCap, which allows direct carbonation of flavoured beverages without the risk of overflow or requiring additional sparkling water to existing mixes. Breville explained that by enhancing natural base ingredients instead of using processed flavour drops post-carbonation, drinks maintain their full flavour throughout. InFizz Fusion gives users the flexibility to carbonate various beverages, experiment with pre-bottled drinks and restore flat liquids for enhanced flavour. The InFizz Fusion offers a “twist and tilt” action for bottle engagement and release and a “die-cast lever” for carbonation application, “making it an incredibly easy product to use,” the company said. Sabrina Smith, global category manager at Breville, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the InFizz Fusion just in time for everyone to enjoy their favourite drinks throughout the spring and summer. This is a product that opens up countless possibilities for the types of drinks that can be enjoyed throughout the day, while taking their flavor to the next level.” “The InFizz Fusion opens up a whole new way for our customers to experiment and enjoy drinks like they’ve never experienced before at home: from all-natural fizzy juice for the kids to sparkling ice teas, flavourful fresh non-alcoholic cocktails, to entertaining with carbonated sangria and margaritas – just to name a few.” Otto Romer, head of cuisine, chemistry and experience R&D at Breville, added: “Science can explain why carbonated drinks simply taste better. When a liquid is injected with carbon dioxide gas, the gas reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which has a taste that your tongue can actually detect – and one that accents the flavour of the beverage. At the same time, carbonation bubbles in the nose and mouth trigger other sensors in the brain, unlocking a more exciting, multi-sensory flavour experience.” In addition, Breville is releasing InFizz Aqua alongside the InFizz Fusion, designed specifically for carbonating water without the FusionCap feature.