Watercoolers Europe (WE) is gearing up for its WE Event in Torremolinos, Málaga, a key date for professionals in the watercooler and hydration industry. Delivered in partnership with FoodBev Media, this year’s event promises a lively, insight-packed programme built to inform, inspire and connect. Set in a vibrant international location, the event will bring together industry leaders, suppliers and decision-makers from across Europe and beyond. Attendees can expect a mix of keynote talks and networking opportunities designed to keep professionals up to date with developments in the rapidly evolving market. For the first time, the programme features two keynote speakers offering both European and global perspectives. Michaela Merk, a leading expert in branding and customer experience, will explore how emotional connection drives brand success, while international keynote speaker David Avrin will focus on customer experience, innovation how businesses can stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Alongside the conference, the WE Trade Fair will showcase leading suppliers and solution providers, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the latest products, technologies and services shaping the industry. With a strong focus on interaction and engagement, the exhibition floor will serve as a hub for meaningful conversations, collaboration and business development. Networking sits at the core of the event, with a range of informal and structured opportunities for attendees to meet peers, build partnerships and strengthen industry connections. Interest is already building, and early booking is encouraged. Registration is now open online, with full programme details and booking information available.

Starbucks is expanding its at-home coffee range with the launch of Starbucks Coffee Craft, a new premium coffee concentrate designed to let consumers recreate iced café-style drinks at home with minimal preparation. Rolling out to retailers nationwide, the product is aimed at growing demand for iced coffee and customisable drink formats outside the café environment. Starbucks Coffee Craft is a concentrated coffee made with arabica beans and developed to retain the brand’s signature taste profile. It can be mixed simply with water, sparkling water, milk or plant-based alternatives, offering flexibility for a range of iced drinks. The launch comes in two variants: Rich Black and Signature Caramel Flavour. Each bottle contains enough concentrate for around eight servings and is designed to support a variety of recipes, including iced Americanos, iced lattes and caramel-style iced beverages inspired by Starbucks café menu items. The product is positioned around personalisation, encouraging consumers to adapt drinks with syrups, whipped cream, and other toppings to suit individual preferences. Ingrid Hayes, coffee marketing director at Nestlé, said iced coffee trends continue to grow but replicating café-style drinks at home can feel complicated for consumers. “With Starbucks Coffee Craft it has never been easier to create delicious, iced drinks from the comfort of your home,” she said. “It’s perfect for those who rely on convenience but are still looking for the premium quality and taste that Starbucks is known for.” Hayes added that the concentrate is intended to support experimentation with different flavour combinations and homemade recipes. “Our new coffee concentrated opens the door to endless iced coffee possibilities,” she said. “Whether you prefer a rich Iced Americano or an indulgent Iced Caramel Macchiato, Starbucks Coffee Craft is designed to cater to your taste preferences.”

Soluble coffee has been included in the European Commission’s draft update to the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), published as part of its Simplification Review. The European Coffee Federation (ECF) said the change marks a step towards a more coherent regulatory framework for the sector. Under the draft delegated act amending Annex I, soluble coffee (CN 2101 11 00) would be brought within the scope of the EUDR. The product is made from green coffee, which is already covered by the regulation. Its inclusion is intended to align treatment across coffee categories and address differences in how products are regulated within the EU market. Previously, EU-produced instant coffee was subject to due diligence requirements, while some imported finished products were not, an inconsistency the ECF has raised with policymakers since 2023. “Including soluble coffee in the scope would support fair competitive conditions within the internal market and reinforce the Regulation’s environmental integrity,” said Eileen Gordon-Laity, secretary general of the ECF. “Aligning requirements across coffee categories is essential for both the effective implementation of the Regulation and for operators preparing for compliance ahead of the application date.” The ECF also pointed to environmental considerations, noting that producing 1kg of soluble coffee requires around 2.6kg of green coffee, compared with 1.19kg for roasted coffee. The EU produces roughly 280,000 tonnes of soluble coffee annually, with major production centres in Germany, Spain and Italy.

FoodBev Media is proud to announce the winners of the UK Soft Drinks Awards 2026, celebrating the brands innovating UK soft drinks sector. This year’s awards present a shift in the market, defined by an intersection of flavour and holistic wellness as the industry redefines the role of the soft drink in the modern consumer’s life. The 2026 cohort reflects an evolution of sector categories, most notably the surge in functional and wellness-led drinks. Established household brands have leveraged their heritage to launch strategic extensions, successfully pivoting into the health-conscious space. This movement signifies a maturing market where the primary driver of new product development focuses on the wellness-benefits to the health-conscious consumer. A dedicated panel of industry experts meticulously evaluated and tasted submissions from more than 30 UK-based brands, each retailing within the United Kingdom. This turnout provided a comprehensive snapshot of the ingenuity currently being poured into UK soft drinks, from disruptive start-ups to legacy leaders. The winners were unveiled during an exclusive live ceremony at the UK Soft Drinks Conference in London on 12 May 2026. As the premier forum for the nation’s beverage leaders, the conference provided a fitting backdrop to celebrate the brands at the forefront of the industry’s functional revolution. Melissa Bradshaw, group editor of FoodBev Media, presented the awards and reflected on the exceptional quality of this year’s submissions: The quality of submissions we’ve seen this year is testament to the resilience and creativity of the UK beverage sector. It is particularly inspiring to see how established players are reinventing themselves through functional extensions, highlighting the opportunity soft drinks brands have to pave the way for a health-forward future. This year's winners balance wellness-centric innovation with exceptional taste profiles, responding to consumer needs while putting their own refreshing twist on today's top trends. Congratulations to all! With competition more rigorous than ever, securing a UK Soft Drinks Award in 2026 remains a definitive benchmark of excellence. These winners are actively shaping the future of hydration through bold, tasty, soft drink innovation. UK Soft Drinks Awards 2026 results Best products of 2026 Best brand extension WINNER Carlsberg Britvic | Tango Sour FINALIST Bottlegreen | Bottlegreen non-alcoholic Bitter Orange Spritz FINALIST Phizz | Daily Immune+ COMMENDED Radnor Hills | Radnor Spring Pineapple & Grapefruit COMMENDED Refresco | Pink Ting COMMENDED Remedy Drinks | Remedy Sodaly Best carbonated drink WINNER Hip Pop | Hip Pop Lemonade FINALIST Nestlé Waters UK | Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks FINALIST Carlsberg Britvic | Tango Sour FINALIST The Root Co | Original Ginger Beer COMMENDED Carlsberg Britvic | Tango Strawberry Smash COMMENDED Refresco | Pink Ting COMMENDED Nutriju / Wow Cacao | Wow Cacao Sparkling Water Best children's drink WINNER Pip Organic | Pip Organic Pineapple and Mango Smoothie FINALIST Carlsberg Britvic | Star Wars Fruit Shoot FINALIST Pip Organic | Pip Organic Apple Cherry Fizz Best dilutable product WINNER Carlsberg Britvic | Robinsons Creations Strawberry, Cherry & Lime FINALIST Bottlegreen | Bottlegreen Wild Elderflower Cordial FINALIST Holy Softdrinks | Holy Energy – Raspberry Raptor COMMENDED Nichols (Vimto) | Vimto Wonderfuel Mango & Orange Functional Squash Best fruit/juice drink WINNER Tiger Tiger Foods | Pulp + 100% Real Lychee Juice With Pulp FINALIST Carlsberg Britvic | J2O Sparkling Best functional drink WINNER Medahuman | Greens FINALIST Fizz with Purpose | It's Giving Apple & Elderflower 330ml FINALIST Hip Pop | Hip Pop Cherry & Blackberry CBD Kombucha FINALIST Remedy Drinks | Remedy Kombucha Ginger Lemon FINALIST Xoxo Soda | Xoxo Soda Sparkling Lychee COMMENDED Goodrays | Goodrays Raspberry & Guava CBD Drink COMMENDED Ka-Ex | Ka-Ex Boost COMMENDED TranquiliTea Wellness Beverages UK | TranquiliTea Citrus Chill COMMENDED Vitamin Well | Vitamin Well Hydrate Best low or no alcohol drink WINNER Bottlegreen | Bottlegreen non-alcoholic Bitter Orange Spritz FINALIST Nutriju / Wow Cacao | Wow Cacao Sparkling Water FINALIST Refresco | Ben Shaws Bitter Shandy Best low or no sugar drink WINNER Nestlé Waters UK | Sanpellegrino Zero Added Sugar FINALIST Dot Dot Bubble Tea | Dot Dot Bubble Tea Lychee & Rose in Glass FINALIST Remedy Drinks | Remedy Kombucha Wild Berry FINALIST Vitamin Well | Vitamin Well Zero FINALIST Xoxo Soda | Xoxo Soda Sparkling Lychee COMMENDED Holy Softdrinks | Holy Energy – Strawberry Shark COMMENDED MacB | MacB Strawberry & Kiwi 500ml Best natural/organic drink WINNER Pip Organic | Pip Organic Apple Fizz FINALIST Pip Organic | Pip Organic Strawberry, Banana and Purple Carrot Smoothie FINALIST The Root Co | Passion Fruit Ginger Beer COMMENDED Equinox Kombucha | Equinox Sicilian Orange & Yuzu Organic Kombucha Best new brand WINNER Aqua Glow | Aqua Glow Sparkling Collagen Drink, Berry Crush FINALIST Fizz with Purpose | It's Giving FINALIST Nolo | Nolo Classic Decaf Oat Milk Latte COMMENDED Belly Dance | Belly Dance, gut-groovin' water kefir soda (cherry berry / kiwi mango / fiery ginger) COMMENDED Muush | Muush Sicilian Lemonade Functional Soda with Lion's Mane Best new drink concept WINNER Holos Kombucha | Mulled Spice Kombucha FINALIST Dot Dot Creative | Dot Dot Bubble Tea Lychee & Rose FINALIST Fizz with Purpose | It's Giving Mango & Passionfruit 330ml COMMENDED Boba Moshu | Boba Moshu – Mango Flavour COMMENDED Holy Softdrinks | Holy Energy – Cherry Cheetah COMMENDED Sneak | Frostberry Blast Best plant-based drink WINNER Belly Dance | Belly Dance – water kefir soda (kiwi mango) FINALIST The Root Co | Passion Fruit Ginger Beer Best premium drink WINNER Bottlegreen | Bottlegreen non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz FINALIST Goodrays | Blood Orange & Grapefruit CBD Drink FINALIST The Root Co | Original Ginger Beer COMMENDED Nutriju / Wow Cacao | Wow Cacao Still Water Best sports/energy drink WINNER We are Onest | Onest Energy FINALIST Holy Softdrinks | Holy Energy – Fruity Frog FINALIST Nocco | Nocco Electrolyte COMMENDED Ghost Lifestyle | Ghost Energy – Blue Raspberry Best wellness drink WINNER Trip | Trip Wild Strawberry FINALIST Aqua Glow | Aqua Glow Sparkling Collagen Drink, Mango Passion FINALIST Hip Pop | Hip Pop Ginger & Yuzu Kombucha FINALIST Medahuman | Greens FINALIST VitClear | Brain Health Nootropic Soda COMMENDED Nichols (Vimto) | Vimto Wonderfuel Mango & Orange Functional Squash COMMENDED Phizz | Daily 3-in-1 Orange COMMENDED Vitamin Well | Vitamin Well Recover Best drink designs & businesses of 2026 Best in can WINNER Hip Pop | Hip Pop Tropical Peach FINALIST Belly Dance | Belly Dance - water kefir soda (fiery ginger) COMMENDED Nocco | Nocco Electrolyte Best in PET WINNER Dot Dot Bubble Tea | Dot Dot Bubble Tea Lychee & Rose FINALIST Boba Moshu | Boba Moshu - Strawberry Flavour COMMENDED Roxane | Aqua Pura Mineral Water Best packaging/label design WINNER Holy Softdrinks | Holy Energy - Raspberry Raptor FINALIST Dot Dot Bubble Tea | Dot Dot Bubble Tea Lychee & Rose FINALIST We are Onest | Onest Energy COMMENDED Ghost Lifestyle | Ghost Energy COMMENDED Roxane | Aqua Pura Mineral Water Best marketing/social media campaign WINNER Roxane | Aqua Pura Mineral Water Congratulations to all the UK Soft Drinks Awards winners, finalists and commended brands for their outstanding products! About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised among the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com or email awards@foodbev.com.

365 Retail Markets has completed its acquisition of Cantaloupe, a global provider of end-to-end self-service commerce technology, following the deal’s initial announcement in June last year. The combined business will operate under the 365 Retail Markets brand and unites Cantaloupe’s payments infrastructure, telemetry systems and global device network with 365’s self-checkout, smart store and software platforms. The integration is designed to broaden the company’s reach beyond traditional vending and food service operations into additional environments including hospitality, sports and entertainment venues, transit hubs, corporate campuses and industrial sites. 365 Retail Markets is a portfolio company of Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth-oriented media, communications and education businesses across North America and Europe. Joe Hessling, founder and chief executive of 365 Retail Markets, said the deal would significantly expand the company’s customer base and product offering. He highlighted the onboarding of nearly 40,000 new customers through the acquisition and said the combined platform would strengthen the company’s position in a retail sector increasingly shaped by automation and connected consumer experiences. Jeffrey Dumbrell, chief revenue officer at Cantaloupe, said the integration would help customers “maximise the value and reach” of available technology solutions. He pointed to rising demand for micro-retail in non-traditional settings such as hospitality and warehousing, adding that the combined capabilities would enable more flexible and tailored retail experiences delivered closer to consumers. Providence Equity Partners said the transaction reflects growing demand for data-driven, automated retail models across a wider range of locations. The firm said the merger expands opportunities for scale, diversification and enhanced service delivery across geographies and sectors. Scott Marimow, managing director at Providence, highlighted that unattended retail is increasingly present in locations ranging from airports to corporate and industrial sites, adding that the combination of the two companies creates stronger potential for growth and operational reach. Joshua Selip, also a managing director at Providence, stated that the sector continues to evolve toward more customised solutions across different customer environments, and that the combined business is positioned to support that shift. The companies said the global unattended retail market, valued at around $86 billion, continues to grow as operators invest in automated, connected systems aimed at improving efficiency and consumer convenience.

Kenco is expanding into matcha and ready-to-use coffee concentrates with the launch of new at-home drinks products aimed at younger consumers and café-style occasions. The new range, launching in UK supermarkets from May, includes Kenco Matcha Latte sachets in vanilla and strawberry flavours, alongside Kenco Espresso Concentrate in unsweetened, mocha and caramel variants. The espresso concentrate is designed for both iced and hot coffee drinks and targets growing demand for customisable café-style beverages at home. The launch follows continued growth in iced coffee consumption, particularly among younger consumers, with iced lattes now overtaking cappuccinos in out-of-home popularity. Kenco Matcha Latte marks the brand’s entry into the matcha category. The single-serve sachets contain built-in creamer and require only hot or cold water to prepare. The products are intended to simplify matcha preparation for consumers seeking convenient, trend-led drinks at home. According to the company, matcha menu items have increased by 30% year-on-year, while social media mentions have risen by more than 107%. Matcha is also now the fourth most popular iced drink among under-35 consumers out of home. Maria Kabalyk, head of category and shopper at JDE Peet’s UK & Ireland, Kenco's parent company, said: “Shoppers’ expectations of the coffee aisle are evolving fast. They are looking for more choice in formats, flavours and ways to enjoy iced and hot drinks at home, without compromising on quality or convenience." She continued: "By bringing Kenco Matcha Latte and Kenco Espresso Concentrate to market, we’re investing in the long‑term health of the category – creating new reasons to buy, new occasions and new ways for shoppers to trade up". "These launches respond directly to what we’re seeing in shopper behaviour as well as what the next generation of coffee drinkers what from their brews and will help retailers capture additional value by keeping the fixture relevant and exciting for both existing shoppers and those discovering these drinks for the first time.” Kenco Matcha Latte (8 x 20.3g sachets) will launch in Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s with an RRP of £2.99. Kenco Espresso Concentrate (485ml) will launch in Tesco, Asda and Morrisons with an RRP of £5.

Snack brand Salty Dog is expanding its range with the launch of Chilli Rice Crackers. The new product features crunchy rice clusters with a chilli seasoning and will be sold in 40g packs with an RRP of £1.69. Salty Dog said the product is designed for multiple consumption occasions, including on-the-go snacking, pairing with drinks and lunchboxes. The launch adds to Salty Dog’s existing snack portfolio, which includes hand-cooked crisps, Darling Corn roasted corn kernels and flavoured nut products such as Honey Roasted, Chilli, Dry Roasted and Salted peanuts, as well as Salted Cashews. Salty Dog's co-founder Dave Willis said: "For some while now we’ve wanted to extend our fine snacking estate whilst staying true to the business’s unswerving commitment to intriguing textures, bold flavours and an unyielding crunch, taking our snacking prowess into yet another staple food crop to further enhance our prowess as a one-stop, fine snacking provider." The company also expects the product to target channels including pubs, delis, coffee shops, garden centres, canteens, airlines and vending machines.

Monster Beverage posted record first-quarter net sales of $2.35 billion in 2026, marking a 26.9% increase from $1.85 billion a year earlier and surpassing the $2 billion threshold for a fiscal first quarter for the first time in the company’s history. The energy drinks company said favourable foreign exchange rates contributed $89.3 million to quarterly sales growth. On a currency-adjusted basis, net sales rose 22.1%. Growth was driven primarily by Monster’s core energy drinks business, where sales increased 27.6% to $2.19 billion. The segment includes the Monster Energy, Reign, Bang and FLRT brands. Monster’s Strategic Brands division, which includes energy drink brands acquired from The Coca-Cola Company as well as its affordable Predator and Fury products, reported sales growth of 28.9% to $126.7 million. International markets continued to play an increasingly important role in the company’s performance. Net sales outside the US climbed 44.9% to $1.06 billion, accounting for around 45% of total quarterly revenue, compared with 40% in the prior-year period. Operating income increased 28.1% to $730 million, while net income rose 28.6% to $569.5 million. Gross profit margin declined to 55.0% from 56.5% a year earlier, which Monster attributed to geographical sales mix, higher aluminium can costs and increased freight-in expenses, partly offset by pricing actions. Hilton H. Schlosberg, Monster's chief executive officer, said: “The global energy drink category continues to demonstrate solid growth, driven by increased consumer demand. We delivered a strong start to the year, with net sales increasing 26.9%, operating income increasing 28.1% and net income per diluted share increasing 27.6% for the 2026 first quarter. Net sales crossed the $2.0 billion threshold for the first time in the company’s history for a fiscal first quarter." He added: “Our net sales to customers outside the United States increased 44.9% in the 2026 first quarter to approximately 45% of total net sales. This represents the highest percentage of net sales to customers outside the United States recorded by the company to date for a single quarter." “We remain focused on the growth of our existing core offerings as well as the continued introduction of product innovations, which remain central to our long-term growth strategy."

Elyas Coutts As workplace wellbeing climbs higher on the corporate agenda, employers across the UK are rethinking the role food and drink play during the working day. From functional beverages and protein snacks to smart fridges stocked with fresh meals, healthy vending is evolving far beyond the traditional chocolate bar and fizzy drink model. In this this exclusive interview, Connect Vending's CEO, Elyas Coutts, discusses how employee expectations are shifting, which healthier categories are performing best and how technologies such as micro-markets and smart fridges are reshaping workplace refreshments. The conversation also explores the operational challenges of fresh vending and the trends expected to define the sector in the years ahead. How has demand for healthier vending options changed in UK workplaces over the past few years, and what factors are driving that shift? The demand for healthier vending options in UK workplaces has changed significantly over the past few years because employees are increasingly expecting the same level of quality and convenience in the workplace that they can find on the high street. With more employees returning to working in the office, after getting used to eating healthy homemade meals, they expect to find the same options in the workplace. Social media is also a driving factor since healthy eating and wellbeing trends have gained traction in the past few years. What does 'healthy vending' mean in practical terms for employers looking to improve workplace food and drink choices? When considering healthier options for vending, there are a few considerations that need to be made, mainly around ensuring the product has a reasonable shelf life and that the packaging is suitable for a ‘grab & go’ environment and often this does mean more protein based or oat/date-based products. Naturally, when it comes to ambient vending there is a limitation, if you want fresher food you have to consider refrigerated options, as a result we are seeing an expansion of fridge-based options like smart fridges which enable operators to lean into healthier options such as salads, sandwiches and other grab and go fresh alternatives. Which healthier snacks, drinks or fresh food categories are performing best in workplace vending machines today? Functional drinks are arguably the best performing category in healthy vending machines because they are refreshing, have clear health benefits and feel guilt-free whilst also being enjoyable. At Connect Vending, VitHit drinks are our top selling product, this is largely due to the seasonal flavour ranges which can increase sales by 30%, as well as the clear health benefits and low calories. How important is variety when creating a healthier workplace vending offer, particularly for different dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free options? Variety is essential because when employees only see a small selection of products every day, they quickly stop engaging with the range and fall back to what is familiar and this is rarely a healthy option. Keeping the range fresh and broad gives people a reason to explore and means there is always something that feels relevant to them personally. This matters even more when you factor in the diversity of dietary requirements in a modern workplace. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are no longer niche requests they reflect how a significant proportion of the workforce eat. What role can vending machines play in supporting employee wellbeing, energy levels and productivity during the working day? Access to the right food at the right time has a direct impact on how people feel and perform at work. Many employees experience an energy dip in the mid-afternoon, and what they reach for in that moment matters. Healthy vending machines positioned with this in mind become a genuine wellbeing tool rather than just being there for convenience. When an employee can grab a balanced snack or a vitamin-enriched drink without leaving the building, they are more likely to make a better choice than if they were walking to the nearest corner shop. What are the biggest challenges in maintaining fresh, healthier products in workplace vending, particularly around shelf life, waste and restocking? How to overcome these challenges? Fresh food is inherently more difficult to manage than traditional vending machine products since shorter shelf lives mean that restocking schedules need to be more frequent and more precise. At Connect Vending, we manage this through regular, planned service visits combined with real-time stock monitoring, so we can respond quickly if a product is moving faster or slower than expected. We also managed the waste through using the FIFO method and working with Olio, the food waste charity. How are newer formats such as micro-markets and smart fridges changing expectations for healthy workplace refreshments? Micro markets and smart fridges are becoming an increasingly significant part of our fleet, and they are changing the conversation around workplace food in a fundamental way. Where a traditional vending machine offers a limited, fixed selection behind glass, a micro market or smart fridge feels far closer to a retail experience. This matters because the way people eat is becoming more transient, with less fixed mealtimes and more snacking. Are there differences in demand for healthy vending between sectors such as offices, manufacturing sites, hospitals and education settings? There are significant differences between sectors. Offices consistently show the strongest genuine demand for healthy vending, with desk-based employees more willing to engage with premium healthy products. Manufacturing sites are more complex since decision-makers often request a healthier offer, but the sales data does not always reflect it, with shift-based workers tending to favour more indulgent options. Education settings, particularly universities, are a strong market driven by a health-conscious younger demographic, while hospitals, where long shifts and high-pressure environments mean convenience often wins out over nutrition. Looking ahead, what trends do you expect to shape the future of healthy vending in workplaces over the next few years? Unattended retail will continue its rapid growth, with micro markets and smart fridges becoming a core part of the workplace offer rather than a premium add-on. Smarter technology and real-time data will make these formats viable in more locations. We also expect sustainability to become an increasingly important factor, as employers face greater pressure to demonstrate their environmental credentials across all areas of the business. And as healthy eating moves from trend to baseline expectation, the standard for what counts as a good workplace food offer will keep rising.

Oatly is expanding its foodservice beverage portfolio with the launch of Oatly Barista Cold Foam, a plant-based topping designed to meet rising demand for premium cold coffee and customisable drinks across cafés, bakeries, bars and restaurants. The new product delivers a light, creamy foam layer intended to sit visibly on top of iced beverages without quickly melting, offering operators both functional performance and visual appeal for layered drink presentations. According to Oatly, Barista Cold Foam has a creamy flavour profile with subtle vanilla notes and can be customised with additional colours and flavours, allowing foodservice operators to create personalised beverage offerings across seasonal and signature menus. Bryan Carroll, UK and Ireland general manager at Oatly, said: "Cold drinks are no longer a seasonal trend, they’re reshaping modern coffee shop, bakery, bar and restaurant culture." The company said the product can be whipped or frothed using a variety of preparation methods, including handheld frothers, blenders and siphons. Oatly recommends chilling the product for 24 hours before use to achieve optimal foam stability and texture. Carroll continued: "The demand for individuality and different flavours and consistencies is growing every day. With Barista Cold Foam, we’re giving the hospitality industry a new way to meet that demand and making it easy to create great-tasting, layered, customised drinks that feel both premium and expressive.” As part of the rollout, Black Sheep Coffee will become the first quick-service restaurant chain to introduce Oatly Barista Cold Foam across its menu. Beginning 13 May, the retailer will feature the product in a range of summer beverages, including an Iced Americano, Iced Latte and Iced Vanilla Matcha topped with cold foam. Customers will also have the option to add the foam to other drinks across the menu. Oatly will further showcase the new product at the London Coffee Festival from 14–17 May, where it plans to serve a Teas & Black Sugar beverage alongside additional drinks. Oatly Barista Cold Foam is available now from selected wholesalers.

Atlantic Grupa has invested €11 million in hydration brand Waterdrop, acquiring a minority stake and securing a seat on the company’s investment committee, deepening an existing distribution partnership across Austria, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. The move strengthens a collaboration that began as a regional distribution agreement and now shifts into a closer strategic and financial relationship. Through the new stake, Atlantic Grupa will gain direct insight into Waterdrop’s operations and support its long-term growth strategy. Founded in Vienna, Waterdrop develops 'Microdrinks,' compressed sugar-free cubes designed to flavour water with fruit and plant extracts. The company positions the products as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional soft drinks. Production is handled in its own facility in Germany, which it says helps maintain quality control and consistency. Over the past decade, Waterdrop has expanded into a global brand with around €150 million in annual revenue. It now operates across Europe, the United States, Australia and Japan, combining direct-to-consumer sales with branded retail stores and selected distribution partners. The company runs roughly 50 physical stores in major cities, blending digital and in-store retail experiences. Its growth has also been supported by high-profile marketing partnerships, including collaborations with international sporting events such as the Australian Open and professional tennis players. Martin Donald Murray, chief executive of Waterdrop, said the investment builds on a strong existing relationship with Atlantic Grupa and adds further strategic depth to their cooperation. Lada Tedeschi Fiorio, group vice president for corporate strategy and investments at Atlantic Grupa, said the company sees strong potential in Waterdrop’s international expansion and is confident in its long-term growth prospects, particularly in European markets.

Functional soda brand Olipop has introduced two new berry-inspired flavours, marking the return of a fan-favourite alongside a seasonal release. The new line-up includes Raspberry Sherbet, a limited-edition flavour, and Blackberry Vanilla, which joins the brand’s permanent range following strong consumer demand. Raspberry Sherbet blends tangy raspberry juice with creamy vanilla notes, designed to evoke the taste of the classic frozen dessert. The flavour is part of Olipop's 6g fibre line and will be available for a limited time in 12oz single cans and variety packs. Blackberry Vanilla, originally launched as a limited-edition product in 2020, returns after becoming one of the brand’s most requested flavours. The drink combines blackberry with apple, mandarin and lemon juices, finished with vanilla for a layered, slightly creamy profile. Each can contains 5g of sugar and 9g of fibre. Both flavours are now available nationwide through major retailers including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods Market, as well as via the company’s direct-to-consumer platform.