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.

Joe & the Juice has partnered with television presenter Maya Jama to launch a limited-edition collagen-infused matcha drink in the UK, as the brand looks to tap into growing demand for functional beverages and flavour innovation. Maya Jama’s Matcha is available from 15 April across all 91 Joe & the Juice stores nationwide for a limited time. The drink combines matcha with a blend of black sesame, sea salt and agave and is served with Sproud Zero M*lk, a plant-based, high-protein, low-sugar barista product. According to the company, matcha has seen rapid growth in UK foodservice, with the category generating revenue of $37.2 million in 2024 and forecast to more than double to $77.5 million by 2033. Matcha drinks have also moved further into the mainstream, accounting for around 4% of all café drink sales, with volumes more than doubling year-on-year during peak summer periods. The wider functional drinks segment is also expanding, driven largely by younger consumers. The UK market has grown by 54% year-on-year, with health-focused beverages such as matcha, adaptogenic drinks and collagen-infused products increasingly replacing traditional coffee and alcohol consumption among Gen Z. The broader UK functional beverage market is now valued at approximately £2.4 billion. Joe & the Juice said the new product has been developed to offer a differentiated, UK-exclusive option within the high street, aligning with the rise of ‘swavoury’ flavour profiles that blend sweet and savoury tastes. The combination of black sesame, sea salt and agave delivers a balanced, subtly nutty flavour, while the addition of collagen adds a functional element and supports premiumisation in the coffee-to-go category. The collaboration with Jama is intended to strengthen the brand’s cultural positioning, using talent-led partnerships to drive relevance and footfall among younger consumers. The drink’s dark, monochrome aesthetic also reflects Jama’s personal brand and her co-ownership of Sproud. Maya Jama said: “I wanted to create something with Joe & the Juice that felt a bit different but still really on trend. The black sesame gives it that slightly nutty, savoury flavour and the collagen adds a little extra. I hope fellow matcha lovers fall for it just as much as I have!” Jon James, UK managing director at Joe & the Juice, added: “At Joe, our mission has always been to make high quality, freshly prepared food and drinks part of people’s everyday routines. Maya Jama is the perfect partner to bring this to life – her influence, cultural relevance and connection with our audience make this collaboration a natural fit." "We’re really excited to be working with Maya on this launch, and Maya Jama’s Matcha is a great example of how we’re evolving the category. The flavour combination brings something different to the market, while the addition of collagen taps into growing demand for more functional options.” The launch will also be supported in-store with a limited-edition Matcha Bar, featuring flavour pairings such as sesame and dark chocolate, designed to drive trial and engagement with the wider matcha category. Maya Jama’s Matcha is currently available at Joe & the Juice stores nationwide for a limited time.

Death Wish Coffee Co has expanded its ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio with the launch of a Caramel Cold Brew Latte. The new product builds on the brand’s existing RTD range, which includes Mocha, Vanilla and Classic Cold Brew Lattes, and responds to demand for higher-caffeine, better-for-you coffee options. The company positions the launch against traditional energy drinks, highlighting consumer preference for natural ingredients and flavour in the RTD coffee segment, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Caramel remains one of the leading flavour profiles in the category, and Death Wish Coffee said the new variant is designed to offer a more balanced alternative to sweeter coffeehouse-style drinks. The Caramel Cold Brew Latte is made with 100% Colombian cold brew coffee that is Fair Trade USA certified and contains no artificial colours or flavours. Each 11oz slim can delivers up to 120mg of natural caffeine. The company states the product contains 65% less sugar than a leading competitor and is a source of protein. Steve Gardiner, CEO of Death Wish Coffee, said: “We built Death Wish Coffee by refusing to settle for weak, bitter brews and we’re done with the idea that convenience requires compromise. Our Caramel Cold Brew Latte proves you don’t have to sacrifice ingredient integrity for potency. It is the bold, insanely smooth, natural caffeine kick our fans need to live at full throttle – without the junk, and with the Fair Trade standards the planet deserves.” The product is available via Amazon and in-store at Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons and other retailers.

Berlin-based soft drinks brand Holy has launched an adjustable flavour system, introducing a new 'Syrup Bottle' designed to let consumers control drink intensity at the point of consumption. The product combines water with a replaceable flavour pod and uses a mechanical dosing system with five preset intensity levels, ranging from light to strong. Users can adjust flavour strength via a dial on the bottle, allowing the same drink to be tailored throughout the day without dilution or remixing. Holy said the system addresses a long-standing limitation in soft drinks, where flavour intensity is typically fixed during production despite differing consumer preferences and occasions. Holy will debut ten sugar-free flavours at launch, including Green Apple, Elderflower Lime, Mango, Cola Popsicle, Tangerine Yuzu and Pomegranate. The company said the formulations are designed to remain consistent across all five intensity settings. According to the company, the main barrier to adjustable soft drinks has been technological rather than formulation-related. Holy spent three years developing the dosing mechanism, producing six prototype generations before finalising a system capable of delivering consistent, controlled flavour mixing in a portable format. Several components are currently under patent application. Fredi Jost, co-founder of Holy, said: “The drinks industry has spent decades optimising flavour. What was missing was a system that makes it controllable.” The launch also introduces a shift in format, moving away from ready-mixed beverages towards a system based on a reusable bottle and interchangeable flavour pods. Flavour is created at the moment of use rather than during manufacturing and distribution. By separating water and flavour, the system reduces packaging, weight and transport volume, with each pod designed to produce several litres of drink. Holy said these efficiencies are a result of the product design rather than a primary sustainability claim. The Syrup Bottle will be available as part of a starter bundle including ten flavour pods, providing approximately 25 litres of drink at a mid-level setting. The bundle is set to launch on Sunday 19 April, priced at £44.99 via the company’s UK website.

Nestlé and Starbucks are expanding their presence in the cold coffee category with the launch of a new premium concentrate under their Global Coffee Alliance. The product, Starbucks Coffee Craft, is a concentrated coffee made from arabica beans and designed to replicate the brand’s signature flavour in at-home iced beverages. It will launch this year in Japan, South Korea and the UK, with a wider roll-out across Europe and Asia planned for 2027. Available in two variants – Rich Black and Signature Caramel – the concentrate can be mixed with water, milk or plant-based alternatives, allowing consumers to create drinks such as iced americanos and iced caramel macchiatos at home. Cold coffee continues to drive growth in the wider coffee category, with forecasts suggesting the segment could exceed $4 billion in value by 2030. Nestlé and Starbucks said the new launch aims to capture this demand by combining indulgence, convenience and personalisation. Ethel Touitou, Nestlé’s global category lead for Starbucks, commented: “We are excited to expand coffee concentrates to the Starbucks brand, making it easier and more convenient to create delicious, iced beverages at home, while staying true to the signature Starbucks taste". “Whether using water, milk, or plant-based alternatives, consumers can now personalize their coffee experience – from iced americanos to iced caramel macchiatos – with a simple pour and from the comfort of their homes.” Nik Dodi, vice president of the Global Coffee Alliance at Starbucks, added that the product highlights the partnership’s ability to extend the Starbucks experience beyond coffee shops and into new formats and consumption occasions. The product builds on the Global Coffee Alliance between the two companies, which began eight years ago. The partnership combines Nestlé’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities with Starbucks’ brand strength, and has expanded the availability of Starbucks-branded products across retail, at-home and foodservice channels.

McDonald's is preparing to expand into energy drinks and flavoured sodas as part of a broader overhaul of its cold beverage offering in the US, according to a report by the The Wall Street Journal . The company is expected to introduce a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer alongside new drinks such as a Dirty Dr Pepper and a Mango Pineapple Refresher, with a rollout beginning next month. Energy drinks are reportedly set to follow from August. The move builds on several years of beverage development, including trials conducted through McDonald’s now-closed CosMc’s concept, where drinks such as Sour Cherry Energy Burst and Blackberry Mint Green Tea were tested. According to the WSJ , McDonald’s plans to price the new drinks below competitors including Starbucks, Dutch Bros and Sonic. The beverages are also expected to deliver strong margins for franchisees, who have invested in equipment to support preparation without disrupting service. The expansion comes as demand grows for energy drinks and flavoured sodas, with consumers seeking alternatives to traditional coffee and tea. Following the closure of CosMc’s in May last year, the company began testing new drinks in around 500 US restaurants in late 2025.

HeroVend has launched a cloud-based vending intelligence platform designed to give operators real-time visibility over sales, inventory and performance across their machines. The software connects to existing vending hardware via supported APIs and consolidates data into a single dashboard, including live sales, stock levels, cost tracking and automated reporting. According to the company, the platform enables operators to monitor orders, revenue, profit and margins, with data refreshed every five minutes. Users can filter performance by machine, date range, payment status or customer, and access detailed product-level insights. HeroVend team said: “We wanted to give vending operators the same kind of business intelligence that big retailers take for granted. The kind of insight that tells you which machine is underperforming before it costs you a week of revenue, or which product just fell off a cliff before you restock it.” The platform includes a cost analysis tool that allows operators to configure cost of goods, transaction fees, sales tax and revenue share by location, automatically calculating margins for each product and machine. At its core is ‘Hero AI’, an embedded assistant powered by Anthropic’s Claude, which enables users to query operational data in natural language. The AI also monitors performance through automated anomaly detection, identifying issues such as inactive machines, declining product sales or changes in customer behaviour. HeroVend also provides a daily performance summary, highlighting key metrics, stock alerts and trends. Inventory is tracked in real time, with automated stock updates based on sales data and configurable low-stock alerts. A log records all stock activity, including restocking and adjustments, while warehouse inventory can also be managed through the platform. The web-based system is mobile-optimised and can operate offline using a local data archive. Additional features include role-based access, two-factor authentication and exportable reports in multiple formats. HeroVend is available via subscription, with plans starting at $49 per month for up to 30 machines, rising to $79 per month for 31-100 machines and $199 per month for fleets exceeding 100 machines.