The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and World Coffee Research (WCR), alongside industry partners, have announced a €850,000 co-investment to support Uganda’s coffee sector through improvements to seed systems and farmer livelihoods. The three-year initiative, part of the Advancing Climate-Resilience and Transformation in African Coffee (ACT) programme, brings together UNIDO, WCR, the Lavazza Foundation, The JM Smucker Co and JDE Peet’s. The programme is funded in part by Italian Cooperation. The project aims to expand access to high-quality planting material, improve productivity and strengthen resilience across Uganda’s coffee sector, which is the largest exporter in Africa. It also supports the country’s target of reaching 20 million bags of annual coffee production by 2030. Ugandan coffee farmers face ongoing challenges from diseases such as coffee wilt disease in robusta and coffee leaf rust and coffee berry disease in arabica. According to previous research, adoption of disease-resistant varieties can increase smallholder profits by up to 250%. The initiative will focus on developing seed system infrastructure, including the establishment of robusta mother gardens and nurseries across Northern, Central and Western Uganda. These are expected to produce up to 460,000 high-yielding, disease-resistant robusta trees annually, including drought-tolerant grafted varieties. It will also include genotyping more than 5,000 plants to ensure genetic quality, alongside training programmes for technicians in propagation and quality assurance. Demonstration plots for robusta and arabica varieties will be set up to support farmer adoption. The programme builds on a national roadmap for investment in coffee research and seed systems, led by Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation and National Coffee Research Institute in collaboration with WCR. Andrea De Marco, programme manager at UNIDO, said"Uganda's coffee sector holds extraordinary potential, and this initiative demonstrates precisely the kind of public-private partnership that can unlock it". "Through the ACT Coffee Programme, UNIDO is working to ensure that the benefits of innovation in seed systems and climate-resilient varieties reach the smallholder farmers who need them most, building the foundation for a coffee sector that is productive, sustainable and equitable." The partnership builds on WCR’s existing work in Uganda to improve access to quality planting material and strengthen long-term coffee supply.

Planet Doughnut has installed a 24/7 vending machine outside its bakery at Battlefield Industrial Estate in Shrewsbury, offering customers round-the-clock access to its products. The machine is stocked daily with a range of doughnuts, including core and limited-edition flavours, as well as branded merchandise. It is located at the company’s site on Knights Way and is accessible throughout the year. Alice Turnbull, head of marketing at Planet Doughnut, said the business was “excited to finally share what has been a well-kept secret” and to introduce a new concept to local customers. The company said it is exploring opportunities to expand the vending machine concept to other locations, including towns, cities and workplaces. Founded in 2017 by Duncan and Samantha McGregor in a garage in Shropshire, Planet Doughnut grew from a home operation into a dedicated bakery before being acquired by the Delves family in 2025. The business produces handcrafted doughnuts using a vegan dough at its SALSA-accredited bakery. Products have a shelf life of up to 72 hours and are supplied to a range of stockists, including farm shops, garden centres, holiday parks, theme parks, football stadiums and music venues.

Exchange For Change plans to allocate £60 million in grants over the first three years of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to support small, independent retailers with the rollout of reverse vending machines (RVMs). The proposed funding scheme will provide £6,000 per site, distributed over three years in annual payments of £2,000. The first instalment is expected to be paid around three months after implementation. The grants are intended to help offset the upfront cost of installing RVMs, which the organisation identified as a key barrier for smaller retailers. The funding will be provided in addition to the Return Handling Fee. The grant scheme forms part of a wider set of measures aimed at balancing accessibility of return points with operational practicality for businesses. As part of its proposed framework, Exchange For Change said urban retailers with a sales area below 100 square metres will be automatically exempt from operating a return point. Other retailers may also be able to apply for exemptions where space, layout, infrastructure or health and safety constraints make hosting a return point impractical, provided local access is not affected. Urban stores between 100-199 square metres, as well as rural retailers under 200 square metres, are expected to be eligible to apply for exemptions based on physical limitations. Any exemptions would require approval and depend on sufficient local return point coverage. The proposals are currently under review by regulators across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, with further details on eligibility criteria, application processes and operational requirements expected in the coming weeks.

DuPont has launched a new ultrafiltration (UF) module with an integrated pre-filter, combining pre-filtration and ultrafiltration into a single unit. The Inge UF modules with integrated pre-filter (iP-F) remove the need for a separate pre-filtration manifold, which is typically used to eliminate debris and particulates. By integrating both steps into one housing, the system is designed to reduce plant footprint as well as capital and operational costs associated with standalone pre-filtration units. The modules use the same membrane materials, dimensions and drinking water certifications as existing Inge UF products. They are intended for use in new installations, plant expansions and containerised systems where space and operational simplicity are priorities. According to DuPont, the combined system can deliver consistent permeate quality, pathogen removal and improved tolerance to variations in feedwater quality, while requiring less space than conventional filtration setups. System configurations can be assessed using DuPont’s Wave Pro modelling software, which enables evaluation of different treatment designs as part of overall process planning. DuPont Water Solutions said its technologies are used to purify more than 50 million gallons of water per minute across 112 countries, serving municipal, industrial and desalination applications. Dorie Yontz, global marketing leader for drinking water and desalination at DuPont Water Solutions, said: “By combining pre-filtration and ultrafiltration into a single unit operation, Inge ultrafiltration modules with integrated pre-filter will help customers simplify plant design while protecting their UF membrane investment. The result is a more compact, efficient solution that supports reliable performance across a range of water qualities.”

Smeg USA has expanded its coffee portfolio with the launch of a new espresso and cold brew machine, alongside a multi-purpose coffee grinder and additional colour options across its countertop appliances. The new Espresso & Cold Brew Coffee Machine (ECF03) combines hot and cold brewing capabilities in a single unit, offering single and double espresso functions as well as single and double cold brew doses. The machine features a 15-bar pump, pressure gauge, 58mm portafilter and steam wand, and includes a 47oz removable water tank. It also incorporates a rapid heating system and a built-in cup warmer. Designed as a companion product, the Multi-purpose Coffee Grinder (CGF03) includes 15 grind settings, programmable dosing and a manual grinding mode. It is equipped with stainless-steel conical burrs, an 8.8oz bean hopper and a 4.6oz ground coffee container and features an antistatic system to reduce mess. Both products are available in Smeg's 1950s-style design in multiple colourways, including black, white, pastel green, cream and pastel blue. In addition, the company has introduced matte black and matte white finishes across selected appliances, including its two-slice toaster, electric kettle, semi-automatic espresso machine and drip coffee maker. Karen Olle, marketing director at Smeg USA, said: "The morning coffee ritual sets the tone for the entire day, and we believe it deserves to be a thoughtful, elevated experience. With our new coffee suite and sophisticated matte finishes, we are bringing the authentic Italian café straight to the kitchen counter, merging exceptional performance and flawless design." The espresso and cold brew machine is priced at $840, while the grinder retails at $300.

Café chain Blank Street is in early-stage discussions to raise more than $100 million in fresh funding as it looks to accelerate expansion, according to the Financial Times . The café chain, which was valued at around $500 million last year, could reportedly approach a $1 billion valuation in any deal. However, sources said talks remain preliminary and neither the funding size nor valuation has been finalised. Founded in 2020 by Vinay Menda and Issam Freiha with a small coffee cart in Brooklyn, Blank Street is a fast-growing café chain focused on delivering speciality-grade coffee and fresh, locally sourced food. Blank Street now operates across multiple US cities as well as London, where it launched in 2022 and has since expanded to more than 40 locations across the UK, including Scotland. The company reported turnover of nearly £36 million for the 2024 financial year. The potential funding round would support further growth, including expansion into new cities. The company is also preparing to enter Los Angeles. The discussions come as newer café concepts gain traction with younger consumers, while established chains face mounting pressure. Starbucks has closed selected UK sites as part of a broader restructuring. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has abandoned plans to sell Costa Coffee after failing to secure bids meeting its expectations , highlighting ongoing challenges in the traditional coffee chain segment. Top image: © Blank Street Coffee

Sun Cruiser has entered into the non-carbonated vodka tea segment with the launch of a new ready-to-drink (RTD) product, White Tea + Vodka. The product combines vodka with white tea and is positioned as a low-calorie option, containing 100 calories and 1g of sugar per serving. The drinks are non-carbonated. The variety pack includes four flavours: berry hibiscus, blackberry, peach and passionfruit. Erica Taylor, senior brand director for Sun Cruiser, said: “Vodka iced teas continue to be a go-to for drinkers, but white tea is still largely unexplored within the RTD space". "White tea and fruit make for a super crushable flavour combo, and with fans already loving Sun Cruiser’s line-up of vodka iced teas and lemonades, this felt like the perfect time to build on that and offer something new." Sun Cruiser said the new line is intended to expand its presence in the RTD spirits category. The new range is rolling out in select US markets, including Ohio, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida and Rhode Island. It is available as an eight-pack variety format.

Starbucks has completed its previously announced joint venture with Boyu Capital , advancing its long-term growth strategy in China. The deal, first outlined in November 2025, sees funds managed by Boyu Capital acquire a 60% stake in Starbucks’ China retail operations. Starbucks retains a 40% interest and continues to own and license its brand and intellectual property to the joint venture. The new entity will oversee around 8,000 company-operated stores, which will transition to a licensed operating model. The partners have set a long-term ambition to expand the network to up to 20,000 locations. Brian Niccol, chairman and CEO of Starbucks, said: “China remains one of the most exciting long-term opportunities for Starbucks, and finalising this partnership with Boyu accelerates our ability to grow with intention and discipline". "By combining Starbucks trusted global brand with Boyu’s deep local expertise, we are positioning the business to serve more customers, enter more cities and strengthen our leadership in a dynamic and evolving market.” Molly Liu, CEO of Starbucks China, said the joint venture would support greater localisation, including tailored beverages, food and digital engagement. Meanwhile, Brady Brewer, CEO of Starbucks International, added that the model is designed to accelerate expansion and improve efficiency. With the transaction now closed, the joint venture will move into its operational phase, focusing on expansion and innovation across the market.

Keurig Dr Pepper has acquired a 96.22% stake in JDE Peet’s, marking a transformative step in its strategy to build a scaled, global coffee platform while preparing to split its business into two standalone public companies . The deal brings together KDP’s Keurig system and JDE Peet’s extensive international coffee portfolio, creating a combined platform with significant reach across formats, channels and price tiers. The companies said integration efforts are already underway, focusing on operational alignment, cost synergies and leadership structure. Following an interim integration period, KDP plans to separate into a North America-focused beverage company, known as Beverage Co, and a global coffee-focused entity, Global Coffee Co. The coffee business will combine JDE Peet’s brands, such as L'or, Peet’s and Jacobs, with KDP’s single-serve coffee ecosystem, positioning the new entity as a “global coffee powerhouse.” The separation is expected to be completed via a tax-free spin-off, with operational readiness targeted by the end of 2026, subject to market conditions and financial milestones. Rafael Oliveira KDP has also appointed Rafael Oliveira as CEO of its coffee operating unit and future CEO of Global Coffee Co. Oliveira, who has led JDE Peet’s since November 2024 , will join KDP’s executive leadership team during the transition. KDP board chair Pam Patsley said: " Our acquisition of JDE Peet’s marks a defining step in our value creation strategy, and Rafael is the right choice to lead the combined coffee business and launch Global Coffee Co." The acquisition underscores continued consolidation in the global coffee category, where scale, brand equity and multi-channel distribution are increasingly critical. By combining KDP’s North American strength with JDE Peet’s international footprint, the new coffee entity is expected to compete more directly with major global players across retail, out-of-home and e-commerce channels. Patsley continued: “Our board conducted a robust and rigorous process that considered a range of internal and external candidates, and we are confident Rafael will be an exceptional leader for this new company". "With proven leadership across complex global markets and a commitment to driving financial results, he has set a course for growth at JDE Peet’s. With a singular focus on coffee, the newly integrated coffee business will be poised to create value and growth opportunities for employees, partners, customers and shareholders.” Current KDP CEO Tim Cofer is set to lead the future Beverage Co post-separation. Cofer said: “With this complementary combination, we are uniting outstanding talent, systems and brand portfolios under a shared vision for global leadership in coffee." Oliviera added: “This is an incredible opportunity to create the future of coffee.   Global   Coffee Co will aim to be the best coffee company in the world by combining global reach with local expertise to operate across all formats, segments, channels and price points." At the same time, the planned split reflects diverging growth dynamics between beverages and coffee. KDP is effectively creating two focused businesses, one centred on North American refreshment beverages and another dedicated to global coffee growth. With KDP now holding more than 95% of JDE Peet’s shares, the company will proceed with delisting from Euronext Amsterdam. The final trading day is scheduled for Wednesday 29 April 2026, with delisting expected on Thursday 30 April.

Volvic is launching a new functional water range, Volvic Vitamin+, marking its entry into the functional hydration segment in the UK and Ireland. The range, which will roll out from Monday 6 April, combines the brand’s natural mineral water with added magnesium and vitamins B and C. The formulation is positioned to help reduce tiredness and fatigue and support normal energy-yielding metabolism. Volvic Vitamin+ will be available in 75cl PET bottles, targeting meal deal and on-the-go occasions. The company cited rising demand for healthier food-to-go options, with 69% of consumers seeking healthier meal deals and overall food-to-go consumption projected to grow at a 5% CAGR over the next five years. The range includes two variants: Recharge Raspberry, which contains magnesium and vitamins B5, B6 and C, and Active Peach, which contains magnesium and vitamins B5, B7 and C. Victoria Pham, head of category and commercial strategy of UK&I – beverages at Danone, said: “Consumers are changing the way they think about what they drink. With 67% of UK soft drink consumers preferring a drink with health benefits over taking a supplement offering equivalent benefits, it’s clear that people are looking for convenient, everyday ways to support their health and wellbeing." "Answering that need, Volvic Vitamin+ offers great-tasting, naturally filtered mineral water enriched with magnesium and essential B and C vitamins, helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and support normal energy-yielding metabolism. “Backed by two years of strong performance in Europe and clear consumer demand here in the UK, we’re excited to scale into functional hydration. The move reflects our confidence in the category’s future, with strong growth expected in the year ahead.” According to the company, the product has driven category penetration in Germany over the past two years. Consumer testing also indicated strong purchase intent and brand alignment. Volvic Vitamin+ will be available at major UK retailers with an RRP of £2.20 and will be included in meal deal promotions. In Ireland, it will retail at €2.80.

J2O is extending its portfolio with the launch of a new sparkling range, available in Apple & Raspberry and Apple & Mango flavours. The new line is packaged in 330ml cans and targets demand for alcohol-free soft drinks suited to social and on-the-go occasions, particularly among younger consumers. The launch builds on J2O’s positioning as a social soft drink brand, with the sparkling format offering a carbonated alternative to its existing still range. The rollout includes both single cans and multipacks, aimed at covering different purchase occasions, from impulse buys to larger shops. Alongside the new range, J2O’s core Orange & Passion Fruit still variant will also be introduced in a 330ml can format. Carly Sims, socialising brand director at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “With J2O Sparkling, we’ve taken what consumers already know and love about J2O’s unique taste and given it a fresh, sparkling twist, creating a premium option that feels right for everyday get-togethers, relaxing evenings at home or special moments worth celebrating." “By launching across both single cans and multipacks, we’re helping retailers tap into different shopping missions – from impulse top-ups to bigger planned shops – while encouraging shoppers to trade up for social occasions. The new 330ml single can also gives retailers an easy way to meet demand for softer, low-tempo occasions, whether that’s enjoying a drink with a meal or picking up something a bit more special as part of a meal deal." The products will be available from March across grocery, convenience and wholesale channels, with a recommended retail price of £1.75 for single cans. J2O will also expand distribution of its 10x250ml multipack, featuring Orange & Passion Fruit and Apple & Raspberry still flavours.

The Coca-Cola system in South Africa, comprising The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottlers Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, plans to invest ZAR 17.6 billion (approx. $1 billion) in the country by 2030. The investment will be directed towards expanding production capacity, strengthening distribution and supporting innovation across the company’s value chain. According to a socio-economic impact study by Steward Redqueen, the Coca-Cola system contributed ZAR 51.2 billion (approx. $3 billion) in value-added economic activity in South Africa in 2024. The system supported more than 87,000 jobs across its value chain, including 7,822 direct roles and approximately 79,300 jobs through suppliers, partners and customers. The study indicates that each direct job supports around ten additional jobs in the wider economy. Local procurement reached ZAR 25.6 billion (approx. $1.52 billion) in 2024, spanning sectors such as sugar production, packaging, transport and marketing. Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said: “South Africa remains one of our most strategic markets in Africa – the beginning of a legacy that dates back to Coca-Cola’s first entry on the continent in 1928. These findings reaffirm the Coca-Cola system’s role as a key driver of shared value and sustainable growth within the South African economy." The study assessed direct, indirect and induced impacts using company data and external economic sources, outlining the contribution of Coca-Cola’s operations from agriculture through to retail. South Africa is also included in the company’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a nearly $25 million programme running to 2030 aimed at addressing water-related challenges across 20 countries. The investment follows an agreement by Coca-Cola HBC to acquire a majority stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa .