The Coffee Canopy Partnership, initiated by JDE Peet's, has launched with the aim of improving the identification and remediation of coffee-related deforestation. Developed alongside major coffee sector players including Louis Dreyfus Company, Sucden, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Touton, Sucafina and Tchibo, the initiative aims to create what it describes as the world’s first comprehensive, openly accessible map of global coffee production. The project will use satellite technology from Airbus to map coffee farms, identify areas of forest loss and support restoration efforts, while helping to protect the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The first phase is an East Africa pilot covering Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda, spanning 1.2 million square kilometres of coffee-growing landscapes. The partnership plans to expand to all coffee-growing regions globally in 2027 through wider industry and institutional investment. Laurent Sagarra, VP of engagement at JDE Peet’s, said the initiative was designed to move beyond fragmented company-led deforestation programmes by supporting landscape-scale collaboration. He added: “This is not another certification scheme; it is a sector-led initiative aimed at strengthening collective action to help keep forests vibrant and reduce the risk of coffee-driven deforestation over time". The pilot phase is backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and endorsed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The programme also addresses mapping issues linked to the European Union Deforestation Regulation, under which coffee grown on land classified as forest after December 2020 cannot enter EU markets. The Partnership said inaccurate land classification has risked excluding smallholder farmers, particularly those operating shade-grown and agroforestry systems, from key export markets. To address this, the project plans to develop two datasets: a 2020-2021 baseline map showing the extent of coffee cultivation, and a 2024-2025 updated map highlighting potential new production land and areas where forest change has occurred since 2020. These maps are expected to feed into an open geospatial platform intended to support farmers, governments and the wider coffee sector with sustainability planning and forest protection.

Free Soul has partnered with PerfectTed to launch two new functional beverage products: Matcha Protein and Matcha Collagen Latte. The new range combines PerfectTed’s matcha with Free Soul’s nutritional formulations, offering consumers a natural caffeine source alongside added protein or collagen. Matcha Protein contains 18g of complete protein, while Matcha Collagen Latte provides 2,500mg of collagen peptides. The launch comes amid growing demand for coffee alternatives and functional products containing ingredients such as protein and collagen. Both drinks are made with whole-leaf ceremonial grade matcha, which is naturally rich in antioxidants and L-theanine. Lucy Murray, brand director at Free Soul, said: “Matcha is one of the biggest trends in drinks right now, and our community had been asking us for a matcha moment for a long time – particularly one that delivered the nutritional benefits of protein and collagen". "Partnering with PerfectTed allowed us to combine our expertise in women’s nutrition with their leadership in matcha to create something genuinely new – a functional latte that feels indulgent but works hard nutritionally.” Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, added: “This partnership with Free Soul is all about our communities. We kept seeing the same thing from both sides: people turning to matcha for a natural source of caffeine and already adding collagen and protein into their daily routines. So, we teamed up to create something that simply did not exist yet." "A genuinely great-tasting matcha that delivers on function, without compromising on ingredients, and brings two female-founded brands together in a way that feels real, not forced.” The new products are available via Free Soul’s website, Amazon and TikTok Shop, as well as in-store at Holland & Barrett. A roll-out to Tesco is scheduled for 1 June.

Exchange for Change has confirmed that a flat 20p deposit will apply to all in-scope containers when the Deposit Return Scheme launches across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027. The deposit will cover single-use drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel and aluminium, ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. Consumers will receive the full 20p back when eligible containers are returned. The announcement follows consultation with industry stakeholders and a review of deposit return schemes operating across Europe and other international markets. According to Exchange for Change, the work assessed different deposit values and variable pricing models to determine an approach that would provide a clear incentive for returns, remain simple for consumers and be practical for producers and retailers. The organisation said confirming the deposit level with just under 18 months until launch is intended to help businesses prepare for the scheme’s introduction. Research carried out as part of the review tested consumer responses to deposits ranging from 10p to 30p. Exchange for Change said deposits below 15p were unlikely to deliver target return rates of 90% of containers within three years, while a 30p charge could place a disproportionate upfront cost on shoppers. The analysis also considered variable deposit values based on container size or material. While used in some markets, Exchange for Change said these structures often lead to lower return rates for smaller containers. Russell Davies, Exchange for Change CEO, said: “The deposit value is a pivotal part of how the deposit return scheme will work in practice. That’s why we’ve engaged widely with industry, undertaken extensive market research and in-depth analysis on how schemes work in other countries. This work has identified that a flat 20p deposit is the most proportionate and sustainable amount for the UK." "Confirming this now, with just under 18 months to go until the DRS is live, will help producers and retailers with their planning and preparation for the scheme, and we will continue to support them closely throughout this process.”

UK start-up Drink Lomi has launched a range of single-serve matcha and vegan cold foam sachets, targeting growth in the premium at-home drinks segment. The Warwickshire-based company’s new line includes 2g AA-grade ceremonial matcha sachets and a 10g vegan “cloud foam” topper, designed to deliver a consistent, barista-style drink without the need for specialist equipment. Founder Harriet Lloyd said the format aims to address common challenges in the matcha category, including freshness, portion control and preparation complexity. “Matcha is premium, but often inconsistent once opened," she said. "We’ve simplified it into a single-serve format that guarantees quality every time.” The products are positioned for both retail and trade, with applications spanning home consumption, offices and hospitality settings. According to the company, the pre-portioned format can help reduce waste, extend shelf life and streamline stock management. Drink Lomi is also developing a pipeline of single-serve syrups and toppings as it looks to broaden its offering in the customisable drinks space. The brand is targeting distribution across grocery, wellness and lifestyle retail channels, following early placements in independent stores and experiential environments.

McWin Capital Partners has made a strategic investment in Incapto, a coffee-as-a-service platform targeting both households and businesses. Founded in 2020, Incapto combines in-house roasting, IoT-enabled bean-to-cup machines and a subscription model to offer an alternative to single-use coffee capsules. Through its McWin Food Tech Fund I, the firm is investing €5 million as lead investor in Incapto’s €10 million Series B round. McWin said the deal reflects its focus on backing scalable food tech businesses with recurring revenue models and a clear path to profitability, with Incapto set to join its growing portfolio. The round also includes new co-investors Cardumen Capital and Lever VC, alongside existing backers Banc Sabadell, P101, A3 Media and JME. McWin said the investment aligns with its strategy to support growth-stage food tech companies focused on sustainability and scalable business models. Incapto’s recurring revenue structure and path to profitability were cited as key factors behind the deal. Martin Davalos, partner and head of food tech at McWin Capital Partners, said: “At McWin, we are committed to backing high-growth companies that deliver not only exceptional financial results but also sustainable and scalable solutions". "Our foodservice strategy has enabled us to support brands in successfully expanding across various European markets including Spain. However, this marks the first investment in Spain under our Food Tech strategy, representing a significant milestone for McWin. Incapto’s innovative platform is closely aligned with our mission to drive transformative progress in the food sector, and we are excited to contribute to the company’s next stage of growth.” As part of the partnership, McWin will support Incapto’s growth through its network of quick-service restaurant and foodservice operators, with potential to expand the platform across new locations in multiple markets. Incapto plans to expand internationally into France, Portugal and other markets in 2026, targeting rising demand for more sustainable coffee solutions. The company reports more than 20,000 active subscribers in its B2C segment, with coffee-only subscriptions achieving a 98% revenue retention rate after two years and an LTV/CAC ratio of up to 5x. Joaquim Mach, co-founder and co-CEO of Incapto, said McWin’s “unparalleled expertise in the food industry” and shared focus on building a sustainable food ecosystem make it “the ideal partner” for the company’s next phase of growth.

Plans by Harrogate Spring Water to expand its bottling facility have been blocked by the local council, marking a setback for the company’s proposed development. The decision comes after the company had defended its woodland expansion plans ahead of a final council decision, with the proposal previously recommended for approval by council officers. The Danone-owned water company aims to extend its operations into an area of woodland near its existing site in Harrogate, which it said would impact around 500 trees in the area, with a company spokesperson telling FoodBev that the proposed tree planting and site development efforts mean significantly more trees would be planted than lost. Richard Hall, managing director of Harrogate Spring Water, expressed disappointment at the outcome, pointing to broader challenges within the UK planning system. “The challenges UK businesses face with the planning system are well documented and we are disappointed by the committee’s decision,” he said. Hall added that the company had addressed concerns raised during earlier discussions and had worked with both council officers and the local community throughout the process. “Our plans have been recommended for approval by the council and we have addressed the two reasons given for deferring this decision at the previous meeting,” he said. “Throughout this process, we have worked constructively with officers and the local community to strike the right balance between sustainable development and economic growth.” The proposed expansion was positioned as a significant local investment, including the creation of more than 50 jobs and an estimated £2.3 million annual contribution to the local economy. However, the plans drew criticism from campaigners and environmental groups, who argued that the loss of established woodland cannot be offset by new tree planting elsewhere. The company said it will now consider its next steps following the decision, while reaffirming its longer-term commitment to the site and surrounding community. “We are confident in our plans and will carefully consider next steps. Our commitment to investing in the business and community remains unchanged.” Top image: © Harrogate Water Brands

UK-based brand Plenish has added two new products to its functional shots portfolio, targeting digestive health and nutrient intake. The launches include a Fibre shot, made with cold-pressed ginger, lime and mint, and an Ultra Turmeric variant featuring a double-sourced turmeric blend. The Fibre shot delivers 5g of fibre per 60ml serving, equivalent to 16% of the recommended daily intake. The launch targets a widely cited gap in UK diets, with most consumers falling short of the 30g daily fibre recommendation. Plenish said the product is designed to offer a manageable way to increase intake, aligning with growing trends around “fibre-maxxing” and “fibre-layering”. The Ultra Turmeric shot contains 29g of cold-pressed turmeric and provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, alongside 15% of iron. It is available in both 60ml single shots and a larger 420ml “dosing bottle” format, which the company positions as suitable for regular consumption as part of a daily routine. Both new products are offered in Plenish’s dosing bottle format, allowing consumers to portion servings over time, alongside single-shot options for on-the-go use. Russell Goldman, managing director of Breakthrough Brands at Carlsberg Britvic, the parent company of Plenish, said: “At Plenish, we’re uniquely positioned to continue to drive category growth through innovation, and responding to consumer demand for effective functional products which consumers can fit into their everyday routines". "The launch of Fibre Shots responds to a real consumer challenge of not getting enough fibre and will help consumers meet their daily fibre goals. We also want to ensure we are continuing to cater for the consumer that wants even more out of their wellness habits, and Ultra Turmeric provides a powerful hit of active ingredients, minerals and vitamins to aid recovery and offer support for everyday health goals.” The new products is available Sainsbury's stores nationwide, online and via the brand’s direct-to-consumer platform.

Candy Can is expanding its novelty-led portfolio through a new licensing partnership with Perfetti Van Melle, bringing the Bubblicious brand into the ready-to-drink space for the first time. The collaboration debuts with a special-edition Bubble Gum flavour, inspired by Bubblicious’s 'The Original One,' translating the brand’s signature sweet, juicy profile into a carbonated beverage format. The launch signals the first in a planned pipeline of co-branded SKUs, with additional variants, including a Watermelon flavour, already slated for release. Positioned squarely at the intersection of nostalgia and innovation, the new product reflects Candy Can’s strategy of reimagining familiar confectionery experiences as modern beverages. The drink is designed to evoke childhood associations while appealing to contemporary consumers seeking playful, limited-edition offerings. Sander de Jonge, founder of Candy Can, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Bubblicious to create a beverage that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. This collaboration captures the essence of fun, flavour and creativity. As we continue expanding our line-up, flavours like this allow us to surprise consumers in unexpected and exciting ways.” The special edition Bubble Gum will roll out in major retailers across Canada beginning April, featuring bold and energetic packaging that merges Bubblicious’ visual identity with Candy Can’s colourful, flavour-driven design style. Carla Fernández-Moreno, food and beverage licensing manager at Perfetti van Melle, added: "This collaboration is a fantastic way to bring Bubblicious’ iconic flavour, along with its brand-new eye-catching look, into an exciting new format. Doing so alongside Candy Can makes perfect sense, as both brands share the spirit of fun, creativity, and innovation." The product will roll out across major Canadian retailers from April, supported by packaging that blends Bubblicious’ vibrant, youth-oriented branding with Candy Can’s colourful design language. For Perfetti Van Melle, the move reflects a broader push to extend core IP into adjacent categories. Bubblicious joins a roster of globally recognised brands, including Chupa Chups and Mentos, a being actively developed through licensing into food, beverage, and lifestyle segments. For Candy Can, the partnership underscores its evolution from niche novelty brand to a more structured innovation platform. The company has built momentum through limited-edition drops and flavour experimentation, leveraging social media engagement and collectable-style releases to drive consumer interest. Looking ahead, Candy Can confirmed further launches in 2026, including an Ice Pop flavour inspired by North America’s classic rocket popsicles, another play on retro taste profiles designed to resonate across generations.

Tenzo, a real-time data and analytics platform for hospitality operators, has secured a $5 million first close of its Series A extension round, led by Edge VC. Existing investors Amadeus Capital Partners and YourVC also participated in the round, alongside Frontive Holdings, a customer of Tenzo. The funding comes as hospitality operators face sustained cost pressures and increasingly complex day-to-day decision-making. Tenzo said the investment will support further expansion and product development. The company has also appointed Jane O’Riordan as chair of the board as it enters its next phase of growth. Founded to address operational challenges in the hospitality sector, Tenzo provides real-time visibility across sales, labour, inventory and operations. Its platform integrates data from more than 100 technology partners, enabling operators to access insights to support decision-making. According to the company, its platform has helped customers increase labour productivity by 15%, reduce food waste by 80% and cut time spent compiling reports by 75% on average. Tenzo currently works with more than 250 customers. Over the past year, it has added brands including JKS, Honest Burgers and Super8, and expanded its presence in hotel food and beverage operations, working with IHG, Dean Hotels and Ennismore. The company has also grown its international footprint, particularly in the US, where customers include PrimoHoagies, Parker Restaurant Group and Lettuce Entertain You. The new funding will be used to double the number of platform integrations over the next 18 months, alongside expanding the team and accelerating international growth, with a focus on the US market. Christian Mouysset, co-founder and CEO of Tenzo, said: “This is a particularly tough moment for hospitality in the UK. Tenzo was born out of experiencing those challenges first-hand – we created it to help operators move from simply surviving to truly thriving. Today, we connect more than 100 tools across the industry, democratising access to data so operational teams can make better, faster, data-driven decisions every day. This investment allows us to deepen that support, continue innovating for our customers, and play a meaningful role in ensuring the long-term success of the hospitality industry.” Hugo Sunnucks, investment manager at Edge VC, added: “Tenzo is addressing a fundamental challenge in hospitality by helping operators make sense of complex operational data in real-time. The team has demonstrated strong traction, a clear understanding of the market and a compelling vision for how data and AI can support more resilient and sustainable hospitality businesses.” Tenzo continues to expand its platform capabilities, with recent product developments including a new mobile app for general managers and leadership teams, and TenzoGPT, which enables users to interact with operational data using natural language.

Unity Coffee has raised £2 million in its second funding round, as the automated retail start-up looks to scale its app-led coffee model following pilot trials in London. The funding round follows an earlier friends and family raise and was backed by a private investor linked to The Imbiba Group, alongside angel investor and W Communications CEO Warren Johnson. The business, founded by former Costa Coffee and Coffee Nation entrepreneur Scott Martin, said early tests outperformed expectations, with more than 10,000 app downloads recorded within 24 hours ahead of rollout. Unity is positioning itself within the growing automated retail segment, combining connected hardware with app-based ordering, payments and real-time loyalty. According to Global Industry Analysts, the global vending machines market is projected to reach $31.7 billion by 2030, while intelligent vending machines could hit $63.2 billion over the same period. The company plans to deploy more than 500 machines over the next 12 months, targeting high-footfall locations including gyms, hotels, flexible workspaces and forecourts. The roll-out represents the first phase of a broader platform strategy spanning both hardware and software. Unity’s self-serve coffee system has been developed in-house by its fintech engineering team and is aimed at consumers seeking a more affordable, digitally integrated coffee experience. The company claims its drinks are priced up to 20% below typical high street offerings. Unity said its valuation has more than doubled over the past six months, supported by two London beta trials that exceeded internal adoption targets. During one 24-hour period, app downloads reached into the thousands as consumers trialled its range of coffee, matcha and hot chocolate via the platform. The raise comes as established coffee chains face increasing competition from newer entrants targeting younger consumers with technology-driven formats. UK-based operators such as Blank Street and Black Sheep Coffee have expanded rapidly, while in China, Luckin Coffee has scaled its business through connected, unmanned retail models. Martin said the company aims to challenge traditional coffee retail by combining lower pricing with a digital-first experience. “Big Coffee has spent decades extracting maximum margin from a captive market, but we are here to flip the model,” he said. “We are committed to offering barista-quality drinks at up to 20% cheaper than the high street, powered by a digital platform built for the next decade and socially distributed instant rewards which serve customers and owners.”

Red Bull UK has announced its latest seasonal flavour innovation: Summer Edition Citrus Zest, available in retail now. The new Summer Edition is described by the brand as ‘bursting with the invigorating flavour’ of Sudachi lime, a small green acidic citrus fruit originating from Japan. This follows the brand’s first UK Spring Edition, Cherry Sakura, which launched in February . Red Bull said it hopes to replicate the success of last year’s Red Bull Summer Edition White Peach, which was one of the year’s most successful NPDs across total FMCG, according to Worldpanel by Numerator. The brand noted that summer is a key time for engagement within the hydration category, while functional energy is also a core category for UK convenience stories during the warmer months. Additionally, flavour innovation is a key growth driver, with nearly one quarter of the population now buying flavoured functional energy, Worldpanel’s research highlights. Red Bull Summer Edition Citrus Zest is now available in single 250ml, sugar-free 335ml and 473ml cans, as well as in multipacks of four sugar-free 250ml cans.

Lavit has launched a new range of single-serve drinkmakers for office environments, alongside an expanded portfolio of partner beverage brands. The company, which develops cold beverage systems for breakrooms, lounges and reception areas, introduced its new X Series, with the Lavit X Pro drinkmaker set to debut at The NAMA Show this month before rolling out in select markets from summer 2026. Founded in 2017, Lavit focuses on delivering a range of branded beverages through a self-contained countertop system. Its machines offer both still and sparkling water options, using recyclable, space-efficient capsules designed to reduce waste and remove the need for fridge restocking. The company also positions its systems as a way to improve employee satisfaction and productivity in office settings. The X Pro drinkmaker introduces Capsule ID technology, which enables the system to recognise individual capsules and automatically dispense each drink according to its specific recipe. The machine also incorporates IoT over-the-air connectivity, allowing for software updates, new recipe integration and usage analytics, aimed at reducing maintenance requirements for distributors and office managers. A larger full-colour touchscreen has also been added to improve usability. Alongside the new system, Lavit is expanding its brand partnerships. New additions for 2026 include Karma Water, Spade, Rockaway Soda and LivPur Electrolyte Drink, with launches scheduled later this year. Existing brands available through the system include Arizone, True Citrus, Eboost, Mondays, Vibs, Supernaturals and Alpine Start. Adam Chojnacki, CEO of Lavit, said: "The landscape of brands and beverage types has changed rapidly at retail. People are drinking a wider variety of beverages than ever before throughout their day, yet choice in the office has remained constrained". "With the X Series, we're giving workplaces a simpler and more convenient way to deliver drinks people actually want, improving the employee experience while creating an efficient and sustainable platform for brands to reach more consumers." Top image: © Lavit