Keurig Dr Pepper has appointed Kimberly-Clark executive Russ Torres as chief executive officer of its planned Global Coffee Co, as the company moves toward the separation of its coffee and beverage businesses. Torres will join Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) on 3 November 2026, initially serving as CEO of the company's Coffee Operating Unit. In that role, he will oversee the integration of KDP's and JDE Peet's coffee operations ahead of the planned separation, which is targeted for early 2027. Following the separation, Torres will become CEO and a member of the board of the future Global Coffee Co. KDP CEO Tim Cofer will become CEO of the company's future Beverage Co. Torres joins KDP from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where he is currently president and chief operating officer, with responsibility for operations spanning more than 30 countries. He has three decades of experience in the consumer goods sector, including leadership positions at Newell Brands, Bain & Company and Mondelēz International, formerly Kraft Foods. At Kimberly-Clark, Torres previously served as group president of North America, where he was responsible for driving growth across the company's regional portfolio. Pamela Patsley, chairman of KDP's board and future chairman of Global Coffee Co, said: “Russ is a proven leader with extensive experience building consumer brands, guiding global organisations through complex change, and delivering consistent results with high-performing teams." Cofer said Torres would join with time to work with KDP's coffee teams ahead of the separation and focus on integration and synergy opportunities. The appointment comes as KDP prepares to combine its coffee operations with those of JDE Peet's into a standalone global coffee company. The planned business is expected to generate approximately $16 billion in annual revenue, employ more than 25,000 people and operate across more than 100 markets, according to KDP. Its portfolio will span single-serve systems, roast and ground coffee, whole bean, soluble coffee, ready-to-drink products and away-from-home formats. Brands will include Keurig, Jacobs, Peet's, L'OR and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, alongside regional brands. The creation of the business will bring together KDP's substantial single-serve coffee platform with JDE Peet's portfolio of international coffee brands and formats. Torres said: “Coffee is one of the most exciting and resilient categories in consumer goods today. With the remarkable talent across this business and powerhouse brands like Keurig, Peet’s, L’OR, Jacobs and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Global Coffee Co is uniquely positioned to drive growth, deliver game-changing innovations, and delight consumers around the world.” KDP said the planned separation remains targeted for early 2027.

New brand launches Vanilla and Caramel coffee creamers exclusively through Ocado, targeting a largely untapped UK category. Brooklyn Halo is set to bring US-style flavoured coffee creamers to the UK grocery market, launching two products exclusively with Ocado in October. The new brand, created by Hunts Coffee Creamers, will initially launch with Vanilla and Caramel variants. Made with real milk and cream, the creamers are designed to be poured directly into hot or iced coffee, offering consumers an alternative to their usual combination of milk and sugar. The launch marks Brooklyn Halo’s attempt to establish a dedicated flavoured coffee creamer category in the UK, where the format has yet to achieve the level of penetration seen in the US. According to market data cited by the brand from DigiRoads, the US flavoured coffee creamer market is worth $4.26 billion. Ross Hunt, co-founder of Hunts Coffee Creamers, said: “We’ve been developing Brooklyn Halo for several years, and are very excited to be establishing a new American-style coffee creamer category in the UK grocery market and launching exclusively with Ocado." The company has developed the range with UK consumer preferences in mind, positioning the products as less sweet than some traditional US-style creamers. “Coffee creamers are a huge part of coffee culture in the US, but British consumers have never really had the same choice,” Hunt said. “We’ve adapted this proven concept for UK tastes with a less-sweet, more balanced formulation, giving people a simple way to transform an everyday coffee into something more indulgent and enjoyable.” The products will be available in 500ml cartons at an RRP of £3.69 and 1-litre cartons priced at £5.99. Brooklyn Halo is UHT treated and aseptically filled, giving the range shelf-stable characteristics and allowing it to be stored either ambient or chilled, according to the company. Brooklyn Halo Vanilla and Caramel will be available from Ocado from October.

UK matcha brand PerfectTed has expanded its range with the launch of Instant Matcha Latte Powders in Original and Vanilla flavours. The new products combine ceremonial-grade matcha with oat milk in individually portioned sachets, offering consumers a ready-to-mix matcha latte that can be prepared by adding water and stirring. Available in boxes of six sachets, the powders are designed to provide a café-style matcha latte in around 30 seconds without the need for a whisk or specialist equipment. The launch follows product development work aimed at overcoming the technical challenges associated with creating an instant matcha latte. As matcha is naturally insoluble, PerfectTed’s team developed a formulation designed to deliver the colour, flavour, creaminess and mouthfeel associated with a freshly prepared latte. The powders can be prepared with either hot or cold water, according to the company. The Original variant is designed to retain the characteristic flavour of matcha, while Vanilla offers a subtly sweet profile aimed at consumers who are newer to the category. Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, said: “Our aim has always been to make matcha as accessible as possible, and our consumers and community have been asking us for even easier ways to enjoy it. These new Instant Matcha Lattes are a direct response to that demand, making it possible to enjoy a delicious matcha latte in 30 seconds, without a whisk or any specialist equipment, while still using ceremonial grade matcha – just add water and stir!” The company added that convenience is an important part of its strategy to broaden matcha consumption and incorporate the beverage into more everyday routines. The Original and Vanilla Instant Matcha Lattes are now available at Sainsbury’s, priced at £3.85 RRP per six-sachet box. Founded in 2021 by Teddie Levenfiche and Levi Levenfiche, PerfectTed has developed a portfolio spanning matcha powders, ready-to-drink matcha lattes, sparkling matcha energy drinks, concentrates, single-serve sachets and matcha Nespresso-compatible pods.

Exchange for Change has appointed five waste management and recycling companies to provide logistics and processing services for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as preparations continue ahead of its launch in October 2027. The industry-led organisation said the network will create a resilient and scalable recycling infrastructure across the UK, with the investment expected to generate around 700 new jobs and unlock millions of pounds in new recycling infrastructure. The appointed providers are SUEZ, which will cover the North East, North West, West Central and South West regions of England; CIRQLR, covering the East Central, South and South East; Re.Group, which will operate in Scotland in partnership with Hargreaves Services; Bywaters, covering London; and Re-Gen, which will provide services in Northern Ireland. Under the agreements, three dedicated DRS processing facilities will be established in Scotland, Scunthorpe and Guildford, alongside dedicated DRS processing lines in the Isle of Dogs and Newry. A shared-use plastics recycling facility in Avonmouth will also support the scheme. These facilities are expected to be operational when the DRS launches in October 2027. A further three purpose-built processing facilities are planned for Ely in Cambridgeshire, Knowsley in Merseyside and Avonmouth, with these expected to become operational from October 2030. Around 400 new recycling vehicles are also expected to be mobilised to collect DRS materials from return points across the UK. From October 2027, the UK DRS will introduce a 20p deposit in single-use PET plastic, aluminium and steel drink containers between 150ml and 3 litres. Consumers will be able to reclaim the deposit by returning eligible containers to designated return points. Exchange For Change said its logistics and processing partners will collect returned containers and process the material for recycling into new drink containers. The organisation estimates that more than 6.5 billion cans and bottles currently become waste rather than being recycled in the UK each year. By comparison, it said countries operating DRSs achieve average return rates of around 90%. Russell Davies, chief executive of Exchange For Change, said: “The Deposit Return Scheme will transform how the UK recycles. This is not only about preventing waste from polluting ur towns, countryside, rivers and beaches, but also about investing for the long term in new environmental infrastructure, jobs and opportunities across the UK.” Davies added that the five waste management companies would create a ‘resilient and scalable collections network’ for the collection and processing of DRS materials. The infrastructure announcement comes alongside the opening of Phase 1 registration for businesses that will participate in the scheme. The organisation has now opened registration for producers and retailer return points ahead of its October 2027 launch. Businesses required to register as a producer, return point operator or both can now create an account through Exchange For Change’s registration portal and complete the first phase of the process. Phase 2 registration is due to open in January 2027. Certain retailers will be exempt from operating a return point. Urban retailers with a retail space below 100m² are automatically exempt and do not need to register unless they intend to offer a return point. Davies said: “We encourage businesses to complete Phase 1 as soon as possible and will continue to provide guidance and support throughout the registration process as preparations for scheme go-live progress. The organisation has also published guidance on material requirements for drink containers, producers' fees, return point exemptions and grant funding for small independent retailers. The UK DRS will cover drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel and aluminium between 150ml and 3 litres. In Wales, the scheme will also cover glass containers, although no deposit will be applied to glass containers during the first four years of the scheme.

Mixology Attraction was one of the defining developments of Beer&Food Attraction 2026, strengthening Rimini’s role as an international meeting point for the beverage and wider out-of-home industry. Its debut contributed to a 39% increase in exhibition space dedicated to beverage and mixology, bringing together spirits, soft drinks, wine, ready-to-drink and 'low and no' alcohol products. The format connected brands, distributors, bartenders, bar managers and Ho.re.Ca professionals, while the Mixology Circus added live experiences, professional content and networking opportunities focused on contemporary drinking culture and emerging market trends. Mixology Attraction is part of the wider Beer&Food Attraction platform, organised by Italian Exhibition Group. The 2026 edition welcomed 645 exhibitors from 24 countries and 46,204 professional visits, up 6% on 2025, with attendees arriving from 86 markets. The international dimension was equally significant. The programme involved 145 top buyers and generated 1,983 business meetings, connecting exhibitors with importers, distributors, wholesalers, Ho.re.Ca operators and restaurant chains. The UK ranked among the leading international markets for both exhibitors and visitors, highlighting the strong relationship between the country and the event. Alongside Mixology Attraction, beer remains a core part of the show, with an offering representing the full breadth of the category: from leading international and mainstream brands to medium-sized producers, independent craft breweries and international beer specialities. Foodservice also plays a strategic role, connecting beverage with the occasions and formats in which products are consumed. The offer ranges from pizza, ready meals and burgers to frozen food, snacks and sauces, alongside professional equipment, payment systems and management software for the sector. Completing the beverage value chain, BBTech Expo brings together raw materials, production and processing technologies, filling and packaging, creating a direct connection between finished products, production and technological innovation. Beyond the exhibition floor, Mixology Circus, Beer&Tech Arena and Ho.re.Ca Arena create spaces for knowledge-sharing, training and discussion. Birra dell’Anno Competition – Beer of the Year, World Pizza Champion Games, the Italian Cuisine Championships and other professional events contribute to an experience built around four key needs: doing business, learning, networking and discovering new market trends. Building on these results, Beer&Food Attraction, together with Mixology Attraction, will return to Rimini Expo Centre from 21-23 February 2027. Mixology Attraction will enter its second edition, while the wider platform will strengthen thematic visitor journeys, B2B speed-dating, business matching and the Buyer Nomination Programme, with particular international focus on the UK, Germany and Spain. Three days to discover products and technologies, meet new partners, exchange knowledge and explore the trends shaping the future of beverage, beer, foodservice and the out-of-home market.

Nespresso Professional has launched its first-ever limited-edition Pumpkin Spice blend for workplace environments, aiming to bring seasonal flavour trends into the office coffee occasion. The launch follows new research commissioned by Nespresso, which found that 64% of UK employees are excited about the arrival of autumn, rising to 78.9% among those aged 25–34. The research also highlights the role of coffee rituals in workplace culture, with 58% of respondents saying workplace coffee rituals provide an essential reset following the summer break. Meanwhile, 57% said grabbing a hot drink with colleagues is important for catching up after the holidays. The new Pumpkin Spice blend combines South American Arabicas with seasonal notes of cinnamon, clove and cardamom, alongside a sweet pumpkin pie flavour. Designed particularly for milk-based recipes, the blend can be served either hot or over ice, according to Nespresso. The company said the launch responds to growing interest in seasonal flavours, with 43% of 18–34-year-olds surveyed saying they eagerly anticipate the arrival of pumpkin spice drinks each year. Overall, 57% of respondents said they are more likely to treat themselves to a special coffee during autumn. Silvio Pella, B2B commercial director at Nespresso UK&I, said: “By introducing Pumpkin Spice to our professional range for the first time, we are giving businesses a simple way to make the office feel a little more welcoming."

Roland Weening has stepped down as chief executive of juice drink maker Capri-Sun Group, ending more than a decade with the company. Weening, who was appointed group CEO in February 2016, left Capri-Sun Group Holding AG with effect from 18 September 2026. The company said he has been released from his position as CEO and from all other duties. Before joining the Swiss beverage business, Weening held senior roles at consumer goods companies Mondelez International and Unilever. Capri-Sun is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, and was established in 1969 by Dr Hans-Peter Wild’s father. The company has since grown into an international juice drink business, operating 24 manufacturing facilities and employing approximately 1,000 people globally. Following Weening’s departure, Capri-Sun said the business will continue to be managed by its existing executives, officers, directors and employees, alongside owner Dr Hans-Peter Wild. Wild, who built the business over the past five decades, remains chairman of the board. Capri-Sun did not provide further details regarding Weening’s departure or announce a successor to the CEO role.

US beverage company Matchi Global has launched Matchi, a range of shelf-stable canned protein matcha lattes combining ceremonial-grade matcha with 20g of complete milk protein. The 248ml cans also contain 4g of prebiotic fibre and approximately 120mg of caffeine, positioning the drinks at the intersection of the growing matcha and high-protein beverage categories. Matchi launches with three flavours: Vanilla, Lavender and Banana. The drinks are made without artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners or preservatives. According to the company, the recipe combines traditionally shaded and milled matcha made from first spring leaves with filtered milk protein containing all nine essential amino acids. The brand said its formulation is designed to deliver a latte-style drinking experience rather than the texture of a conventional protein shake, with oat notes followed by the individual flavour and a smooth matcha finish. Jordan Martinez, founder of Matchi Global, said: “We're not a protein drink company with matcha. We're a matcha company with 20 grams of protein, including all nine essential amino acids from filtered milk protein, and prebiotic fibre built in." Matchi enters the market as demand for both matcha and protein-enriched beverages continues to grow in the US. The company cited figures showing the US high-protein shakes category reached $8.1bn in 2025, up from $4.7bn in 2021. Meanwhile, the US matcha market was valued at $478.8m in 2024 and is projected to reach $762.6m by 2030. The company said it identified an opportunity between canned matcha beverages with limited protein content and protein drinks that do not place matcha at the centre of the product. Matchi's formulation underwent 11 rounds of development before launch, with the company focusing on balancing the flavour of matcha with protein and other functional ingredients. Products are available in 12- and 24-can packs, with a subscription option offering a price of less than $4 per can, according to the company.

Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (AC-CCSWB) has completed a $42 million expansion of its San Antonio, Texas, facility, adding warehouse capacity and a second production line. The Coca-Cola bottler has expanded its warehouse operations by 170,000 square feet as part of the project, which is designed to increase production and storage capacity and support growing demand across Central Texas. The completed expansion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in San Antonio. According to AC-CCSWB, the enlarged warehouse can now hold an additional 20% of product, helping the company manage demand spikes during holidays and other seasonal fluctuations. Susanne Brady-Lusk, president of Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, said the San Antonio site plays an important geographic role within the company's territory. “[I]t is the right time to invest in this expansion project as our business continues to grow year after year,” she said. The investment is intended to strengthen the bottler's ability to supply customers across the Central Texas region, with the company citing rising consumer demand as a key driver behind the expansion. The San Antonio project forms part of a wider investment programme by AC-CCSWB across its territory. The company has also invested in facilities in Fort Worth, Houston and Waco as it seeks to expand its operational capacity ahead of future growth. Coca-Cola has served the San Antonio community for nearly 60 years, with AC-CCSWB employing approximately 900 people locally. The company produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola products across Texas and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It operates seven production plants and 37 distribution facilities, employing more than 9,000 people and serving more than 31 million consumers across its territory. AC-CCSWB is part of Arca Continental, one of the world's largest Coca-Cola bottlers. The wider group operates Coca-Cola franchises across Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and the southwestern US, serving more than 130 million consumers.

The Coca-Cola Company has appointed Rob Gehring as president of its North America operating unit, effective 1 December 2026. Gehring will succeed John Murphy, who has led the operating unit on an interim basis since August. Murphy will continue in his roles as president and chief financial officer of The Coca-Cola Company. Gehring, 59, is returning to Coca-Cola following a tenure at Monster Energy Company, where he most recently served as CEO, Americas. He took on the role in February 2026, overseeing Monster’s operations across North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining Monster, Gehring held a number of senior positions across the beverage and consumer goods sectors. He began his career within the Coca-Cola system in 1992 in sales and marketing, subsequently holding roles across the US and Canada. Between 2011 and 2016, he served as president of Coca-Cola’s Walmart global team. Gehring then joined The Hershey Company in 2016 as global chief sales officer, leading its global customer organisation and retail channels. In 2018, he returned to the Coca-Cola system as COO of Swire Coca-Cola USA before becoming president and CEO. During his tenure, he oversaw bottling operations across 17 states and more than 8,000 employees. Gehring joined Monster Energy in 2024 as chief growth officer before becoming CEO, Americas, earlier this year. Commenting on the appointment, Coca-Cola CEO Henrique Braun said: “Rob is a transformational leader whose exceptional ability to develop and lead people, combined with his deep operations experience, has made him a trusted partner across our system. I am pleased to welcome him back to Coca-Cola and look forward to partnering with him to grow our business in North America.” Gehring has previously served on the Executive Bottler Advisory Board of Keurig Dr Pepper and the American Beverage Association. He holds a degree from Arizona State University. The appointment comes as Coca-Cola continues to manage a portfolio spanning sparkling soft drinks, water, sports drinks, coffee, tea, juice, dairy and plant-based beverages across more than 200 countries and territories.

Death Wish Coffee Co. is expanding its seasonal portfolio with the launch of White Chocolate Pistachio, a medium-roast coffee combining toasted pistachio and sweet white chocolate flavour notes. The new blend is set to launch on 29 September, initially exclusively through the brand’s website. It is positioned around the continued popularity of pistachio flavour profiles and the demand for indulgent, seasonal coffee offerings. Made with Certified Fair Trade arabica and robusta beans, White Chocolate Pistachio is described as having a smooth, low-acidity profile and contains no artificial flavours. Sasha Auguste, chief marketing officer at Death Wish Coffee, said: “Pistachio profiles are exploding, but we weren't interested in making just another play-it-safe fall coffee. We built a blend that offers deep, cosy indulgence without compromising on our sustainably sourced standards or our signature smooth taste.” The launch taps into the growing use of pistachio across food and beverage categories, with the ingredient increasingly moving beyond traditional confectionery and dessert applications. White Chocolate Pistachio will be available in 9oz ground coffee bags priced at $13.99 through Death Wish Coffee’s website. The product is scheduled to roll out to major retailers and Amazon in 2027. Death Wish Coffee says its range is available in more than 25,000 stores across the US. Its portfolio includes Dark Roast, Medium Roast, Espresso Roast, Light Roast and Valhalla Java, with its coffees made using Fair Trade and organic coffee.

US speciality coffee company Reborn Coffee has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with beverage and distribution company Visvita to expand its franchise supply chain and develop a co-branded ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage range. The non-binding agreement will combine Reborn Coffee’s coffee brand and roasting platform with Visvita’s production, supplier and logistics infrastructure across the US and Mexico. Under the proposed partnership, Reborn plans to route franchise supply volumes through Visvita’s existing production and logistics network rather than develop its own infrastructure. The companies said this could support Reborn’s expansion across North America and international markets while improving supply chain efficiency. The companies are also assessing opportunities to connect Visvita’s distribution footprint and local partner network in Mexico with Reborn’s Latin American franchise supply chain. The aim is to expand franchise supply and product distribution across Mexico and other Latin American markets using Visvita’s established channels. Reborn said the arrangement could reduce the time required to establish supply operations in the region while supporting the transition of its franchise network. Alongside the supply chain plans, Reborn and Visvita intend to develop a co-branded RTD beverage portfolio under the name “Visvita Reborn”. The range is expected to target US on- and off-premise retail channels, spanning independent retailers, larger-scale retail and online distribution. Visvita currently has supplier relationships with US retailers, which the companies plan to leverage as part of the RTD rollout. Michael Aminpour, CEO of Visvita, and Daniel Aminpour, director, have been appointed as Head Sales Advisory Leads to support Reborn’s global franchise expansion and RTD plans. Jung Jae Lim, CEO of Reborn Coffee, said: “Visvita provides us distribution and production infrastructure that would otherwise take years and significant capital for us to build independently. By combining our brand and roasting platform with their robust supplier network in the US and Mexico, we can scale franchise supply and enter the RTD category through channels already open to us.” The companies also intend to continue discussions around potential strategic investment arrangements. However, the MOU is non-binding and does not require either party to enter into definitive agreements. Reborn said there is no assurance that the proposed agreements or initiatives will ultimately be implemented on the terms outlined. Reborn Coffee is a California-based speciality coffee retailer focused on artisanal coffee and international expansion. Visvita operates as a beverage and distribution company with supplier relationships and distribution networks across retail channels in the US.