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

Sidel has introduced a new returnable PET bottle designed specifically for the still water category, as beverage producers and retailers seek solutions that reduce waste and support circularity. The new Returnable PET – Still Water format has been developed to meet growing demand for reusable packaging, particularly in light of shifting consumer expectations and regulatory developments in markets such as the EU. Jerome Neveu, packaging and mold product manager at Sidel, said the launch represents “an important step in bottle design, offering still water producers unique and optimised, reusable solutions”. Unlike existing formats adapted from carbonated beverages, the new bottle is purpose-built for still water, removing structural constraints linked to carbonation. According to the company, this allows producers greater flexibility in design while enabling lightweighting and improved durability. Sidel said the bottle is 10% lighter than the lightest 1-litre returnable carbonated water bottles currently used for still water. It is designed to withstand up to 25 washing cycles, maintaining performance across repeated use. The bottle is fully compatible with existing PET recycling streams, supporting bottle-to-bottle circularity at end of life. It can also be produced using Sidel’s EvoBLOW blow-moulding systems. In terms of design, the format is available in cylindrical and square shapes, with capacities ranging from 0.5 to 2 litres. The company said the bottle enables customisation aligned with brands’ existing single-use designs, while offering a returnable alternative. Textured surface options are designed to maintain a premium, glass-like appearance over multiple reuse cycles, targeting use across retail and foodservice channels including hotels, restaurants and catering.

Exchange for Change has published a material specification outlining the technical requirements for drinks containers included in the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as industry prepares for the scheme’s launch in October 2027. The specification sets out the criteria containers must meet to be accepted by Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), covering materials, design, labelling and identification requirements to support efficient recycling and high-quality material recovery. It applies to PET plastic, aluminium and steel containers ranging from 150ml to 3-litres, and is intended to give producers clarity on any packaging changes required ahead of implementation. Technical requirements set out for container design and identification According to the document, containers must meet defined dimensional and structural requirements to ensure compatibility with RVM systems, with cylindrical formats preferred to support automated take-back. Non-standard shapes may require additional testing to confirm they can be processed through machines. Material performance is also addressed, with minimum compaction thresholds set at 55% for PET bottles and 75% for aluminium and steel cans to enable efficient processing. A key focus of the specification is product identification. All in-scope containers must carry a compliant barcode linked to Exchange for Change’s Article List, with existing barcodes requiring updates. The system will rely on a combination of barcode recognition, shape detection, weight verification and metal detection, with a minimum combined accuracy of 95% required for RVM acceptance. The document also sets out detailed guidance on barcode format, quality and placement, including requirements for GS1-compliant codes and positioning to ensure readability during collection. In addition, labelling requirements are outlined, including the introduction of a UK DRS deposit logo, which will be mandatory for in-scope products. Producers are advised to limit label coverage on bottles to improve the quality of recycled material and support the circular economy goals of the scheme. Registration timelines and exemptions Ahead of the scheme’s launch, producers will be required to register all products with Exchange for Change by July 2027, allowing time for onboarding and testing. Products in non-standard formats may require physical testing to confirm compatibility with RVM equipment. The specification also introduces a low-volume product exemption for smaller producers, applying to products with limited annual unit volumes. These products remain subject to registration requirements but are exempt from certain fees and labelling obligations. Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “The publication of our material specification is a milestone in providing producers with the clarity they need to prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme. It sets out in practical terms how packaging should be labelled so it can work effectively within the system from day one." He continued: “Our focus is on making sure businesses have the time, certainty and support they need. By publishing this guidance now, we’re helping producers plan ahead, align packaging changes with their existing cycles and avoid unnecessary disruption as we move towards launch." “This is part of our wider work to support industry readiness for the deposit return scheme’s launch in October next year. We will continue to provide further detail, guidance and engagement opportunities as the scheme develops.”

Harrogate Spring Water has defended its proposed factory expansion plans, as a final decision from North Yorkshire councillors is expected today. The bottled water company, owned by Danone, is seeking approval to extend its operations into an area of woodland near its existing site in Harrogate. The proposal has already been recommended for approval by council planning officers. A spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water said the company had worked closely with local authorities throughout the process. “Throughout the planning process, we have worked constructively with council officers and listened closely to community concerns,” the spokesperson said. “We have committed to creating a new, publicly accessible two‑acre woodland connected to the Pinewoods, planting 491 native and more mature trees and delivering around 3,000 trees across the district – six times more than would be lost.” The company added that its plans align with Danone’s wider sustainability commitments. “These plans are consistent with Danone's commitments globally to sustainable, responsible development, including its Renewed Forest Policy,” the spokesperson said. “Ultimately our goal remains to balance sustainable development and economic growth with care for the local environment and community.” According to the company, the development would impact approximately 500 trees, rather than the higher figures previously cited. Harrogate Spring Water said its planting strategy had been revised following consultation with North Yorkshire Council, reducing the number of trees planted on-site to around 491, while increasing off-site planting to ensure its commitment to planting six times as many trees as would be lost is maintained. The business also noted that its approach to tree planting and site development had been shaped through engagement with council officers to ensure compliance with planning policy. However, the plans have drawn criticism from campaigners and environmental groups. Critics argue that the proposal involves the removal of the trees from Rotary Wood, a community woodland planted by local schoolchildren, and that the loss of established woodland cannot be offset by new tree planting elsewhere. They have also questioned whether the development is consistent with Danone’s global forest commitments, which include pledges around deforestation-free supply chains and achieving a “forest-positive” status in the coming years. More than 1,300 formal objections have been submitted by local residents and organisations, according to campaigners, with concerns focused on biodiversity loss, community access and the long-term environmental impact of the expansion. A final decision on the plans is expected at a North Yorkshire Council planning committee meeting scheduled for today 17 April. Top image: © Harrogate Water Brands

Lipton Teas & Infusions is launching a new Lipton Ice Tea teabag range in the UK, marking its first move into the cold brew teabag category. Lipton said the launch is designed to help retailers drive incremental sales by appealing to younger consumers, with one in six tea purchases among Gen Z shoppers now in cold tea. The product line has been developed around key consumer trends including health, convenience, sustainability and flavour. The individually wrapped, plant-based pyramid teabags are designed for cold brewing in refillable water bottles, targeting the growing number of consumers carrying reusable bottles. Available in three flavours – Black Tea Peach, Green Tea Citrus Mint and Hibiscus Raspberry – the range is positioned as a convenient, on-the-go option for cold tea consumption. Lipton added that the launch could help extend tea consumption beyond traditional hot occasions, particularly as fruit and herbal tea consumption typically declines during summer months. The company highlighted that the UK cold tea market is already worth £67.7 million and reaches 12.1% of the GB population. The range also aligns with demand for better-for-you beverages, offering zero sugar and zero calories, with sweeteners from natural origin. Jonny Briscoe, general manager UK & Ireland at Lipton Teas and Infusions UKI, said: "The Lipton Ice Tea range is more than just a new product; it's a strategic move to revolutionise how consumers enjoy ice tea and how retailers can grow their tea category sales through a taste-first concept that resonates with younger demographics. The existing Lipton Hot range has already demonstrated strong incremental sales), indicating the brand's proven power to drive category growth." Lipton Ice Tea Infuse ten-pack is available at Ocado, and will roll-our in Co-op stores from late April and in Sainsbury’s from May.

PepsiCo has unveiled a new phase for its Gatorade brand, expanding its focus beyond traditional sports use as it looks to position hydration as part of everyday life. The move builds on more than 60 years of research into hydration and athletic performance, with the company aiming to apply that expertise to a wider range of consumer needs and occasions. The update includes refreshed packaging, new product development and changes to formulations. The shift comes as PepsiCo points to a gap between awareness and behaviour. While 95% of Americans recognise the importance of hydration, more than 150 million report experiencing mild to moderate dehydration on a weekly basis. Damian Browne, SVP of R&D for US beverages at PepsiCo, said hydration is often misunderstood. He noted that dehydration can build gradually throughout the day and that thirst is not always a reliable indicator. Hydration plays a role in several bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient delivery, joint lubrication, energy levels and cognitive focus. However, PepsiCo said increasingly crowded shelves and varied product claims have made it harder for consumers to choose the right products. Mike Del Pozzo, president of PepsiCo’s US beverages category, said the company sees an opportunity to bring more clarity to the category. He added that hydration needs vary between individuals and situations, and that the brand aims to help consumers better understand those needs beyond sport. As part of the repositioning, Gatorade is introducing what it calls an 'Advanced Hydration System,' designed to make product benefits clearer. Packaging will highlight whether products hydrate better, faster or longer than water, helping consumers navigate different use cases. The company is also expanding its product portfolio to address a broader range of occasions. This includes the development of Gatorlyte Longer Lasting, a new product featuring a proprietary electrolyte blend designed to help the body retain fluids for longer periods. The product is being introduced in limited distribution this year, with a wider launch planned for 2027. In parallel, Gatorade is updating formulations in response to changing consumer preferences. A new lower-sugar offering, Gatorade Lower Sugar, contains 75% less sugar than the brand’s Thirst Quencher and does not include artificial flavours, sweeteners or colours. PepsiCo also confirmed plans to remove artificial colours from parts of the portfolio. Powder stick products will eliminate artificial colours later this spring, while three ready-to-drink flavours – Fruit Punch, Lemon Lime and Orange – will transition to colours derived from fruits and vegetables later this year. Despite the broader positioning, the company emphasised that sport remains central to the brand. Gatorade said its expanded focus is intended as an extension of its existing science-led approach, rather than a shift away from its athletic roots. The updated packaging and product system are expected to begin appearing in stores in the coming weeks.