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 .

Monin has introduced a new Matcha Green Tea concentrate, targeting continued growth in the global matcha category. The product is made using Japanese matcha powder and is designed to simplify preparation for operators, with drinks ready in under 20 seconds. Baristas can prepare matcha beverages by combining the concentrate with milk, removing the need for traditional whisking methods. The format supports a range of applications, including hot and iced drinks, as well as cocktails. The launch comes as matcha continues to gain traction across foodservice. According to Monin, 62% of premium coffee shop menus in the US and Europe now include a matcha-based option, with the category expected to grow at a rate of 8.7% annually through to 2030. The company said the new concentrate builds on previous launches in the UK, where limited-edition matcha products sold a combined 141,000 bottles within four months. Jamie Carey, senior marketing manager at Monin UK & Ireland, said demand for matcha remains strong, particularly for drinks that combine visual appeal, perceived health benefits and versatility.

Constellation Brands has agreed to acquire the remaining stake in non-alcoholic beverage brand HopWr for an undisclosed sum. HopWtr, which produces hop-infused sparkling waters formulated with adaptogens and nootropics, has been part of Constellation’s venture portfolio since 2021. The move comes as demand for non-alcoholic alternatives continues to rise, with the beer-adjacent segment recording 22% dollar sales growth in 2025. Constellation said the acquisition supports its strategy to align with shifting consumer preferences and expand its presence in premium, better-for-you beverage categories. Jordan Bass, founder and CEO of HopWtr, said: “My team and I look forward to taking this next step with Constellation and benefitting further from the company’s deep industry expertise and commitment to driving premium, consumer-driven brands. I’m confident this will help us keep the momentum going and am excited to work together on the next phase of growth.” The US beverage alcohol company said the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to complete in early April 2026. Top image: © HopWtr

De Jong Duke has introduced Lina, a new professional coffee machine aimed at workplaces, hospitality settings and public environments. The model features a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen designed to support quick drink selection and simplified navigation, alongside a service interface intended to streamline set-up and maintenance for operators and technicians. Lina incorporates recycled materials across several components, including the door frame, back plate, drip tray and cup stand. The company said the machine achieves more than 95% recyclability. A medium-capacity version is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2026, targeting higher-volume locations. The launch marks the first product in de Jong Duke's next-generation portfolio. The company plans to introduce additional systems later this year, including the Nio Next, a high-capacity machine designed for larger-scale operations, and a Fresh Milk Solution featuring temperature control and valve technology for milk foaming. Lina can also be connected to de Jong Duke's ConnectMe platform, enabling remote monitoring of machine performance, usage data and maintenance requirements. The machine will be available to order from Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Top image: © De Jong Duke

Nestlé’s planned sale of a stake in its water division has moved into the next phase, with several private equity firms advancing in the bidding process, according to a report by the Financial Times , citing sources familiar with the matter. The report states that Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), KKR and PAI Partners have progressed to the next round of bids for a potential 50% stake in Nestlé’s water business. The deal could value the unit at around €5 billion. Platinum Equity is also said to have expressed interest. The unit includes premium bottled water brands such as Perrier, San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, and forms part of Nestlé’s ongoing efforts to reshape its portfolio. This announcement comes against the backdrop of broader changes at the Swiss group. Under CEO Philipp Navratil, who was appointed following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe , Nestlé has been reassessing its portfolio and exploring divestments to focus on higher-growth areas. As part of this strategy, the company has been reviewing underperforming or non-core assets. It has previously explored disposals through private equity partnerships, including the sale of its remaining ice cream interests to Froneri , its joint venture with PAI Partners. Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Nestlé was moving forward with plans to sell a stake in its bottled water division , with buyout firms including PAI Partners, Blackstone, KKR, Bain Capital and CD&R having expressed interest.

Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) has launched a two-year pilot project to test new biodiversity guidelines across natural mineral and spring water sites in Europe. The initiative, titled Sources for Nature, will run from 2026 to 2028 and bring together volunteer companies and industry associations to apply a common framework at catchment level. The aim is to strengthen ecosystem protection and restoration around water sources, while generating practical insights for wider industry adoption. The project builds on biodiversity recommendations published in May 2025 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in collaboration with NMWE and sector experts. The guidance sets out a structured approach for managing biodiversity in and around natural mineral water catchments, with a focus on preserving habitats, supporting species and maintaining healthy water cycles. At site level, the framework follows a four-step process: establishing a biodiversity baseline, setting targets, selecting indicators to measure progress and implementing and adapting actions over time. Participating sites will pilot this approach under real operating conditions and share findings to help refine future guidance. The pilot will also document operational challenges, solutions and enabling factors linked to biodiversity action, including habitat restoration, ecological connectivity and species monitoring. NMWE said the evidence gathered will help identify gaps in the framework and support broader uptake of biodiversity practices across the sector. Adam Gono, deputy secretary general of NMWE, said: “The publication of the IUCN Recommendations was a major milestone for our sector; this pilot is about putting them into practice. By testing the framework across diverse hydrological, ecological and business contexts, we want to build a robust business case for biodiversity and support more systemic nature protection in natural mineral water catchments.” Top image: © Natural Mineral Waters Europe

US-based unattended retail technology provider 365 Retail Markets has introduced a new payment capability, VisionLink, for its Vision Smart Stores, designed to consolidate transactions across multiple units into a single purchase. The feature applies to the company’s modular store format, which combines units such as the PicoCooler Vision, PicoAmbient Vision and PicoFreezer Vision. With VisionLink enabled, shoppers can access multiple compartments within a store using one payment authorisation, receiving a single receipt at the end of the transaction. The system works by holding an initial pre-authorisation and applying it across all connected units. Customers can move between chilled, frozen and ambient sections without triggering separate charges for each door opened, with all selected items grouped into one final transaction. VisionLink also supports multiple users shopping at the same time. Each shopper completes an initial authorisation and can unlock additional units by re-presenting their payment method, with the system tracking items individually and assigning them to the correct basket. According to the company, the update builds on the modular capabilities of its Vision Smart Stores and is intended to streamline the shopping process while maintaining secure access control. Boris Amegadjie, chief product officer at 365 Retail Markets, said: “"Our Vision Smart Stores are designed to eliminate friction while giving operators the flexibility to choose configurations that fit each unique environment. VisionLink takes the next step, uniting smart security with seamless controlled access for an enhanced, simplified shopping experience – driving higher sales and greater customer satisfaction."

Chobani is expanding its product line-up with the launch of a new Chobani Flip Peanut Butter S’mores yogurt, as the company continues to tap into demand for indulgent, dessert-inspired flavours. The new product combines peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow flavours with crunchy mix-ins, and is made with natural ingredients. It forms part of Chobani’s broader strategy to extend its Flip range with more indulgent, snackable options. Alongside the launch, Chobani is bringing back its limited-edition S’mores Coffee Creamer, returning to shelves following previous consumer demand. The creamer is made with real cream and positioned around simple ingredients. Chobani-owned La Colombe is also reintroducing its ready-to-drink S’mores Latte, featuring notes of cocoa, graham cracker and toasted marshmallow. The products will be available for a limited time at major retailers from early April.

The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania is investing $1.94 million to support the restoration of the Ruvu Basin, a key water source for Dar es Salaam and surrounding regions. The project will focus on improving water replenishment through nature-based solutions, restoring catchment areas and promoting more sustainable water management in the Ngerengere catchment of the Ruvu sub-basin. It also aims to strengthen local capacity for watershed management and support water stewardship efforts. Led by Global Water Challenge and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in partnership with the Wami-Ruvu Basin Water Board, the initiative will include activities such as tree planting and the adoption of more climate-resilient farming practices. At least 2,000 farmers are expected to benefit. The project forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024, which represents a nearly $25 million commitment to address water challenges across 20 African countries by 2030. Alfred Olajide, vice president of franchise operations for East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, said water insecurity remains a growing global challenge, with demand for safe water exceeding supply in some regions. He added that the company will continue to focus on water stewardship, improving efficiency and returning treated water to communities. David Chait, managing director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, stated the company has a responsibility to help address water scarcity and protect local water resources, particularly in areas facing the greatest challenges. Charles Oluchina, country representative for IUCN Tanzania, said the project will support the restoration of the Ruvu sub-basin through nature-based solutions while improving water security and livelihoods. Olajide added that partnerships between businesses, governments and civil society organisations will be key to delivering long-term impact.

Valeo Foods UK’s Kettle Chips brand has expanded into the tortilla category with the launch of Kettle Tortillas in the UK. The range includes three flavours: Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream and Sea Salt & Black Pepper. Each variant uses a white corn tortilla base combined with additional ingredients such as quinoa, seeds or vegetables, depending on the flavour. Mature Cheddar & Red Onion combines white corn with red quinoa, onion and herbs, finished with a cheddar and onion seasoning. Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream includes red pepper, pumpkin and linseeds, paired with a chilli and sour cream seasoning. Sea Salt & Black Pepper features a base made with black beans, millet, linseeds and sunflower seeds. Michael Inpong, chief marketing officer at Valeo Foods UK, said: “We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Kettle Tortillas, which bring everything consumers love about our iconic hand-cooked potato chips to the tortilla category". "Whether it’s Kettle’s bold crunch or real food ingredients, these are tortillas elevated to a gourmet level – perfect for dipping, sharing or enjoying straight from the bag during those moments that deserve a little something extra.” The products are available in 140g packs and are HFSS compliant. Kettle Tortillas are available in Morrisons and Waitrose, with an RRP of £2.65.

Chobani is investing $567 million to expand its La Colombe ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee facility in Norton Shores, Michigan, as demand for RTD lattes continues to grow. The multi-phase project will add more than 200,000-square-feet of production space to the existing site. The expansion is expected to create around 340 jobs while retaining a further 312 roles. The facility produces La Colombe’s RTD latte range, first introduced in 2016 as the brand moved beyond its café roots. The products are manufactured using milk sourced from Michigan dairy farms. Chobani said the expansion will significantly increase its milk sourcing in the state, rising from around 30 million pounds annually to an expected 615 million pounds over the coming years. The company has operated in the region for more than a decade and said the investment will support further growth in production capacity, as well as continued collaboration with local suppliers and partners. Alongside the site expansion, Chobani said it will continue to work with local organisations on workforce development initiatives and community programmes, including training and employment pathways. Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, said the company plans to continue investing in the region: "This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together in West Michigan, and we're committed to being part of it for many years to come". Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer added that the investment would support job creation and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.

Starbucks UK has rolled out its Signature Bakery Collection nationwide after a trial in selected stores delivered strong customer response and sales. The updated range is designed to complement coffee purchases and increase food attachment. It combines new products with reformulated core items, with a focus on ingredient quality, recipe changes and improved in-store presentation. New additions include a Pistachio Scroll made with croissant dough and pistachio butter filling, and a Raspberry Jam & Custard Doughnut. Existing items such as the Triple Chocolate Brownie and Cinnamon Bun have been updated, while Victoria Sponge and Carrot Cake have been added to the permanent line-up. The move reflects wider demand in the food-to-go sector for premium bakery products positioned alongside coffee. Starbucks said the revised range aims to strengthen food sales across morning and afternoon occasions. Teresa Kremer, senior manager for food category and transformation at Starbucks UK, said: “We know customers increasingly look for high-quality bakery options that complement their beverage order and elevate their overall coffeehouse experience". "By introducing new flavour-led innovation alongside improved classics and elevated in-store presentation, the Signature Bakery Collection brings a more considered and premium feel to our range. Early feedback from customers has been incredibly encouraging and reinforces the important role food plays in the Starbucks experience.” The range is now available across participating Starbucks stores in the UK, subject to availability.