Tenzing is expanding its fast-growing Natural Energy+ platform with the launch of Natural Energy +Focus White Peach, a functional energy drink designed to support concentration and sustained mental performance. The launch marks the second addition to Tenzing’s Natural Energy+ range, following the launch of Natural Energy+ Lion’s Mane earlier this year. According to the brand, the Lion’s Mane product has recorded 48% month on month growth since its debut in March. Developed to support focus and concentration, the new drink combines 160mg of natural caffeine with L-theanine in a 1:1 ratio, a formulation recognised for promoting alertness without jitters or the energy crash commonly associated with traditional energy drinks. The product features a triple tea blend of matcha, white tea and green tea, providing both a natural source of caffeine and L-theanine while contributing to a lighter, tea-inspired flavour profile. Additional functional ingredients include Sakura extract, derived from Japanese cherry blossom, and magnesium. Huib van Bockel, founder of Tenzing, said: "We've seen strong success since we launched Natural Energy+ earlier this year, to answer the demands of the next generation who want more from their energy drinks. Building on what Tenzing is known for – good energy that's 100% from nature, low calorie, with no crash – the new White Peach variant is built for focus, when you need to do deep, concentrated work." Founded in 2016, Tenzing was inspired by traditional Himalayan brews consumed by Sherpas, including mountaineer Tenzing Norgay. The brand is now stocked across all major UK retailers, with the Natural Energy + Focus White Peach available via their website and launching on Amazon next month. The product will also be available to the convenience and specialist retail channels through selected wholesalers.

Diamond Brew, a US coffee start-up specialising in shelf-stable, machine-free coffee pods, has closed an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round. Investors in the round include G/7 Venture Studio, Filipp Chebotarev of Cambridge Companies SPG, Beckett Industries, SGL Acquisitions, music executive and strategic advisor Charlie Walk, Kingsland Capital Group, Nobel Partners, Daniel Faierman of Habitat Partners and a group of NFL players including Sean Clifford and DeAndre Hopkins. The round also attracted participation from consumer packaged goods operators Alex Sourry, Lily Rogath and Dom Purpura, whose brand Mela Watermelon Water was recently acquired. Diamond Brew's hexagon-shaped pods use a proprietary flash-freezing process with liquid nitrogen, designed to preserve the flavour profile of freshly brewed espresso. The pods are sealed in 100% recyclable aluminium and contain coffee crystals that dissolve instantly in hot or cold water. According to the company, the pods are third-party lab tested for mould and toxins, while spent coffee grounds from production are upcycled into furniture as part of the brand's zero-waste approach. Since launching, Diamond Brew said its Single Serve Craft Espresso product has sold out three times. The company has since expanded its range with Decaf Bliss and Magic Highland Midnight Roast, which it said were developed in response to direct consumer feedback. Founder and CEO Douglas Yu said he spent more than 2,000 hours on TikTok Live in 2025, using customer interactions to guide product development and better understand shopping behaviours. “Those 2,000 hours aren’t just a content strategy, they’re our R&D. Our customers don’t just buy Diamond Brew, they help build it,” said Yu. “Diamond Brew debunks decades of stigma around instant coffee and reinvents convenient gourmet coffee entirely. One sip, you’ll never go back. This is just the beginning of the Brewless revolution, one hexagon pod at a time.” G/7 Venture Studio has joined the company as both an investor and embedded strategic partner, supporting Diamond Brew across brand, creative and growth strategy. Diamond Brew said the new capital will support product innovation and expansion into new channels, including the military channel through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Diamond Brew, formally Onward N Upward, sells its products through its own website, TikTok Shop and Amazon.

Italian liqueur producer Luxardo has expanded its espresso liqueur range with the launch of a caffeine-reduced option for cocktails in the US. Luxardo Decaf Espresso is designed to offer the flavour profile of espresso cocktails without the caffeine content typically associated with coffee-based serves. According to the company, the liqueur is made using decaffeinated arabica beans sourced from Brazil, Vietnam and Uganda. The beans are roasted, ground and infused over 25 days to create an espresso-foward profile, with notes of cocoa, subtle sweetness and a smooth finish. Matteo Luxardo, global export director at Luxardo, said: "Espresso is not simply a flavour profile. It is one of the most defining expressions of Italian culture. Our responsibility as a family producer is to preserve that authenticity in everything we create." "Innovation is never about moving away from tradition, it's about finding new ways to express it. Creating a decaffeinated version of our espresso liqueur allowed us to stay true to tradition and our quality standards while expanding the ways people can enjoy espresso cocktails to their liking in a modern context." The new product had been developed for use in both professional bars and at-home cocktail occasions. Luxardo said it can be used in classic espresso cocktails such as espresso martini, as well as serves including espresso tonic, without requiring fresh espresso. Brian Radics, chief marketing officer at Hotaling & Co, Luxardo’s US importer, said: "For years, espresso cocktails have been one of the most in-demand serves on menus, but there has never been a true decaf solution behind the bar". "As consumers increasingly seek to extend café-style moments into the evening without the effects of caffeine, the decaf liqueur provides a cocktail-ready solution. Espresso Liqueur has been the fastest-growing product in the US Luxardo portfolio. We believe consumers and bartenders will respond similarly to our new decaf offering and embrace decaf cocktails as part of their cocktail programs and at-home occasions." Luxardo Decaf Espresso Liqueur contains 0.4mg of caffeine per ounce and is bottled at 27% ABV. The product is made without added colouring agents The liqueur has an SRP of $29.99 for a 750ml bottle and is available through select US retailers, including BevMo, Total Wine & More and Eataly, as well as on-premise accounts and online.

JAB BevCo, a subsidiary of investment firm JAB Holding Company, has sold its remaining stake in Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) following the beverage giant's JDE Peet's acquisition and planned separation. JAB's remaining stake consisted of approximately 59.1 million shares, or around 4.3% of the company's outstanding common stock. The shares were sold through an unregistered block trade managed by JP Morgan Securities. This transaction completes JAB's exit from Keurig Dr Pepper. In May 2025, the investment firm sold 75 million KDP shares in a transaction worth approximately $2.51 billion, reducing its holding to around 4.4% of the company's outstanding common stock. JAB has now sold that remaining stake, which had a market value of approximately $1.85 billion based on KDP's share price at the time of the announcement. Keurig Dr Pepper was formed in 2018 through the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. JAB played a key role in the creation of the business and had remained one of its major shareholders in the years since the merger. Last year, KDP announced its acquisition of coffee giant JDE Peet's for €15.7 billion, with plans to separate into two US-listed public companies: Global Coffee Co and Beverage Co. JAB said it remains committed to its consumer investment platform and will continue to focus on building consumer businesses through long-term investment. The company added that recent senior appointments have strengthened its team as it pursues opportunities across the consumer sector.

British chocolate drinks chain Knoops is expanding its cold beverage offering with the launch of what it describes as the UK's first dedicated frozen hot chocolate range. The launch builds on the company's existing cold drinking chocolate portfolio, which includes iced and milkshake-style beverages, and is intended to help drive sales beyond the traditional autumn and winter hot chocolate season. The move comes as foodservice operators increasingly invest in iced and frozen beverages to attract consumers during warmer months. According to figures cited by Knoops, 62% of branded coffee shop leaders identify iced drinks as the category with the greatest growth potential, while UK iced coffee sales have grown at a compound annual rate of 22% over the past five years. Developed by founder Jens Knoop, the frozen hot chocolate range is made using the brand's signature chocolate buttons, blended with milk and ice. The drinks are available in two chocolate varieties: 54% Dark Chocolate and 28% White Chocolate. The range includes six core menu options: 54% Dark Frozen Hot Chocolate, 54% Dark Frozen Chocolate Mocha, 54% Dark Frozen Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest, 28% White Frozen Hot Chocolate, 28% White Frozen Hot Chocolate with Lemon Zest and 28% White Frozen Hot Chocolate with Matcha. Customers can further customise their drinks with a choice of dairy or plant-based milk, alongside additional mix-ins from the wider Knoops menu. Jens Knoop said: "We've spent years perfecting the drinking chocolate experience and wanted to create a frozen serve that delivers the same quality, depth of flavour and customisation that customers expect from Knoops. Our real drinking chocolate makes all the difference: creating a drink that remains smooth, indulgent and refreshing whilst still showcasing the character of the chocolate itself." "There’s significant potential for drinking frozen chocolate as consumers seek premium alternatives to traditional iced coffees, milkshakes and blended beverages during the summer months." The new drinks will be available across all 27 Knoops locations from 19 June, with early access for app users already available.

Exchange For Change, the organisation responsible for delivering the UK's forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has announced a new package of retailer support measures, including expanded exemption criteria and £60 million in grant funding, ahead of the scheme's planned launch in October 2027. The measures are designed to help retailers prepare for the introduction of the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, under which consumers will pay a refundable deposit on eligible drinks containers. Under existing regulations, retailers in urban areas with a retail footprint of less than 100 square metres are automatically exempt from operating a return point for DRS containers. Exchange For Change has now secured agreement from regulators in all three nations to broaden the exemption criteria. The changes will allow urban retailers with a sales area of between 100 square metres and 199 square metres, as well as rural retailers with less than 200 square metres of sales space, to apply for a size-based exemption. Additional exemptions may also be granted where factors such as proximity to another return point, heritage or listed building restrictions, site access limitations or a lack of utilities make participation difficult. Alongside the expanded exemptions, Exchange For Change has committed £60 million in grant funding to support the installation of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at up to 10,000 small independent retail sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Eligible retailers will be able to access grants worth £6,000 per site, paid in three annual instalments of £2,000 following the installation of an RVM. According to Exchange For Change, the funding is intended to help smaller retailers manage the costs associated with participating in the scheme and operating automated return points. Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange For Change, said: "Retailers will play a fundamental role in transforming how we increase recycling and reduce litter in every corner of the UK through the Deposit Return Scheme". "This package of support has been developed following extensive consultation with industry and intended to help retailers of different sizes make the best choice for their business, whether that's installing an RVM or applying for an exemption." "Together with the Return Handling Fee, the extension to exemptions and the provision of grants for small, independent retailers is another significant milestone in our work to deliver a scheme that is fair for business and accessible and easy to use for all consumers." The announcement follows the publication of the scheme's Return Handling Fee (RHF) structure last week. Under the framework, manual return points will receive 3p per container returned, while automated return points will be compensated according to annual return volumes. Retailers operating automated return points will receive 5p per container for up to 225,000 eligible containers returned annually. Returns above that threshold will attract a fee of 1.3p per container. The RHF is intended to help retailers recover costs associated with collecting and storing returned containers, including equipment purchases, staff training and the use of retail floor space. Exchange For Change said the expanded exemption criteria are intended to provide greater flexibility for retailers while ensuring sufficient local return point coverage for consumers. The organisation will be responsible for assessing and approving exemption applications. While grocery retailers with more than 200 square metres of retail space will still be able to apply for exemptions, the new framework maintains a presumption against granting exemptions to stores of that size or larger. Further details on grant eligibility and the exemption application process are expected to be published during the third quarter of 2026.

Lavazza has launched its Tablì single-serve coffee system in the US, introducing compressed coffee tabs made entirely from coffee as an alternative to traditional plastic and aluminium capsules. The launch marks the first expansion of the Tablì platform beyond Italy, where it was first unveiled in 2025. At the centre of the system are single-serve tabs made from compressed, pre-dosed ground coffee, eliminating the need for capsules, individual wrapping or coatings. Developed over five years and backed by more than 15 patents, the proprietary technology compresses ground and tamped coffee into a solid tab that can be brewed directly in a dedicated Tablì machine. Lavazza said the format allows consumers to smell, feel and see the coffee before it is brewed. Daniele Foti, vice president of marketing at Lavazza North America, said: "Tablì eliminates the trade-off between quality and convenience entirely – it's a true multisensory experience: coffee you can smell, feel, and see before it ever brews. And what's in the cup matches what's in your hands: the perfect espresso, every single time." "The US is one of the most dynamic markets in the world, and the momentum we've built here across our different segments is exactly why we're bringing Tablì here as the first market outside Italy. This is our biggest bet on this market yet, and we intend to shape what comes next." The Tablì range launches with five varieties: Espresso, Double Espresso, Lungo, Super Crema and Decaf. The accompanying machine is available in Graphite Black, Sand White and Walnut Brown finishes and features a bean-shaped slider designed for one-touch operation. A milk frother and dedicated tab storage holder are also available. Lavazza said the launch forms part of its accelerated US growth strategy, with Tablì positioned as the centrepiece of its North American expansion plans. The company described single-serve coffee as one of the fastest-growing segments in the global coffee market and said Tablì is designed to create a new space within the category. The system is currently available for pre-order in the US ahead of its official launch in August.

PepsiCo has launched Pepsi 'House of Treats,' a new crafted beverages platform aimed at delivering customisable, experience-led drinks across entertainment, hospitality and foodservice venues. The platform, unveiled by Pepsi Global on Tuesday 9 June, is designed for away from home channels including cinemas, stadiums, restaurants and live events. It responds to growing consumer demand for beverage personalisation, flavour exploration and what the company describes as 'treatanomics,' offering multisensory drinks experiences through selected PepsiCo partners. According to PepsiCo, the platform has been developed to enable large venues to offer customised drinks while maintaining speed of service and operational efficiency. The company said the concept is intended to help venues such as sports stadiums, theatre networks and restaurant chains serve visually distinctive beverages while enhancing consumer engagement with live entertainment experiences. Pepsi's 'House of Treats' forms part of PepsiCo's Meaningful Food and Drink Experience strategy and will initially be rolled out through select hospitality and entertainment partners. The first activation took place earlier this month in the UK during a Pepsi Max-branded experience at SXSW London event. PepsiCo said additional launches are planned later this year in Poland, Romania and Czech Republic, alongside further expansion across UK venues and PepsiCo pourer properties. "The role of beverages is evolving from functional refreshment into a much more experiential and culturally-relevant occasion," said Eugene Willemsen, chief executive officer of international beverages at PepsiCo. “Consumers are increasingly seeking personalised, elevated experiences that feel memorable and worth sharing. Pepsi 'House of Treats' is designed to meet that shift. Bringing together flavour, customisation and our broader portfolio in a single scalable platform for away from home environments, it gives our partners a simple way to unlock premium growth and operational efficiency while delivering standout experiences that drive stronger engagement and repeat demand." The platform will begin rolling out from June 2026 and will feature a menu of crafted beverages spanning a range of flavour profiles, including indulgent, refreshing and sensory-led options. PepsiCo said the drinks line-up will include more unconventional serves, such as beverages featuring a hint of spice.

Primi Digital has expanded its smart vending services to support businesses developing and managing automated retail systems. The company said the expanded offering is designed to support both single-machine operators and organisations managing larger vending networks across multiple locations. The initiative covers a range of areas associated with smart vending deployments, including digital customer interfaces, inventory management, cashless payment systems and operational planning. Primi Digital said its services are intended to help businesses coordinate the software, payment and management systems that underpin modern automated retail operations. According to the company, support may include digital vending system planning, customer purchase workflows, inventory tracking, reporting structures, payment integration and operational management. "Automated retail systems increasingly require coordination between hardware, software and customer-facing technology," said Yousuf Hasan, CEO of Primi Digital. "Our expanded focus reflects the need for support across the planning and operational stages of smart vending projects." Primi Digital noted that vending operators often manage a combination of machine infrastructure, software platforms, payment systems and customer experience requirements, creating additional complexity beyond the physical equipment itself. The expanded services also address machine configuration planning, interface management, product updates, inventory monitoring and performance reporting across vending locations. "Smart vending systems involve a range of operational and technology considerations beyond the vending equipment itself," Hasan added. "These include software, payments, reporting and ongoing system management." The company said the expanded smart vending initiative is available to businesses launching new automated retail projects as well as those reviewing existing vending operations.

Speciality coffee consumption in the US remained at a record high in 2026, with 47% of American adults reporting they had consumed a specialty coffee in the previous day, according to the latest National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) Specialty Coffee Report. The figure matches the record level reported in 2025 and remains above traditional coffee consumption, which stood at 42% of adults. The findings are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Dig Insights and released by the National Coffee Association (NCA) in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The report highlights the strong appeal of speciality coffee among younger consumers. Some 69% of adults aged 25-39 had consumed speciality coffee in the past week, the highest rate among all age groups. Past week consumption reached 60% among 40-59 year olds, compared with 50% among 18-24 year olds and 46% among adults aged 60 and over. Regional data showed speciality coffee was most popular in the northeastern US, where 64% of adults reported consuming it in the past week. Consumption was 61% in the West, 57% in the South and 49% in the Midwest. Speciality coffee drinkers were also more likely to purchase coffee prepared outside the home than traditional coffee consumers. According to the survey, 36% of past-day speciality coffee drinkers had coffee prepared out of home, compared with 23% of traditional coffee drinkers. The NCA's broader Spring 2026 coffee report found that 66% of American adults drank coffee in the previous day, making it the most consumed beverage in the country, ahead of both tap and bottled water. Bill Murray, president and CEO of the NCA, said: "Speciality coffee clearly plays a key role in contributing to coffee’s overall popularity, just one of the ways coffee adapts to many different tastes and preferences. With so many choices available to them, Americans consistently choose coffee – for flavour, comfort, energy, proven association with health benefits and so much more." Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, added that the findings demonstrate the growing importance of quality and consumer experience within the coffee sector. Additional findings showed that 58% of Americans consumed speciality coffee during the previous week. While hot beverages remained the preferred format, cold coffee continued to gain traction among specialty coffee drinkers. The most popular espresso-based specialty drinks were lattes, followed by espresso and cappuccino, while cold brew was the leading non-espresso specialty coffee option. The report also found that flavour plays a significant role in consumers' perception of speciality coffee, with chocolate, caramel, brown sugar and vanilla among the most popular flavour profiles. Medium roast was the preferred roast style among specialty coffee drinkers, ahead of dark and light roasts. The NCDT defines speciality coffee as including espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, non-espresso beverages including cold brew and nitro coffee, and traditional coffee perceived by consumers to be brewed from premium coffee beans or grounds.

Hotel Chocolat is entering the premium iced beverage space with the launch of Coconut Macaroon, its first limited-edition drinking chocolate specifically developed to be served iced. Available now, the new product reflects the growing convergence between café culture, indulgent flavour profiles and consumer demand for caffeine alternatives. The launch builds on the success of the brand's Coconut White drinking chocolate, which became a permanent addition to Hotel Chocolat's portfolio following strong consumer demand. The move also capitalises on the continuing popularity of coconut flavours within food and beverage innovation. Hotel Chocolat said it identified an opportunity to extend the appeal of bakery-inspired taste experiences into the chilled drinks category, tapping into the emerging 'patisserie chocolate' trend. According to a consumer survey conducted by the brand in May 2026, 48% of Hotel Chocolat customers said they would choose a premium iced drinking chocolate over a traditional iced coffee during the summer months. The findings suggest a growing appetite for cacao-based beverages that offer indulgence without relying on high caffeine content. Yiotis Panagiotou, speciality cocoa chocolatier at Hotel Chocolat, said: "Following the success of our Coconut White hot drinking chocolate, we wanted to translate the popular profile into an iced experience to be enjoyed in summer". "By combining the 'patisserie' trend with high-performance ingredients like coconut milk, we've created a product that responds to consumers' desire for innovation. It's about taking that bakery-favourite profile and making it a café-quality serve." The launch highlights broader shifts within the beverages sector, where premiumisation and experiential consumption continue to drive innovation. As brands seek differentiation in an increasingly crowded iced drinks market, chocolate-based offerings present an opportunity to expand beyond traditional coffee-led occasions. Coconut Macaroon will retail at £14.95 for a box of ten sachets and will be available through Hotel Chocolat stores, the brand's e-commerce platform and Hotel Chocolat cafés.

Pret A Manger has reported a strong start to 2026, with system sales increasing 7% during the first four months of the year, driven by higher customer numbers and continued international expansion. The food-to-go chain said UK sales grew 8% over the period, building on full-year system sales of £1.2 billion in 2025. On a constant currency basis and adjusted for a reduced trading week, sales in 2025 increased 2.7% year-on-year. Despite ongoing economic pressures, Pret said more customers are choosing the brand across its key markets. The company attributed the performance to investments in its freshly prepared food and barista-made drinks offering, alongside improvements to customer service and operational efficiency. Pret has continued to invest in affordability, while expanding and updating its menu. Since the start of the year, the company has broadened its Super Plates range with new protein-based options and introduced half-sized baguettes and wraps to provide lower-priced meal choices. New matcha beverages and a larger coffee size have also been added to the menu. The company said it has also increased investment in shop teams, equipment and maintenance, while enhancing barista training programmes to improve coffee quality and consistency. International growth remains a key focus for the business. Pret's estate has expanded by 5% year-on-year to more than 750 stores across 21 countries. In the UK, the company continues to target growth in transport hubs and roadside locations. Earlier this year, Pret opened its first drive-thru outlet in Warrington. Pano Christou, chief executive officer of Pret A Manger, said the results reflected the company's continued focus on value, menu innovation and customer experience. "We are encouraged by our start to 2026, particularly as more customers are choosing Pret despite the financial pressure many households continue to face," he said. "These results give us confidence that when we stay focused on the customer, we can continue to win the hearts and minds of Pret fans in the UK and around the world."