SandStar has unveiled a new AI-powered vending kiosk, the VRK, aimed at enhancing the unattended retail experience through computer vision technology and remote management capabilities. The VRK combines hardware and software designed to improve product recognition, operational efficiency and security in vending environments. The kiosk features a gloss-black design with a luminous handle and optional FIFO (first-in, first-out) shelving intended to maintain product rotation and organised displays. To reduce theft and product loss, the unit incorporates a four-camera monitoring system powered by real-time AI. The system detects camera obstruction and responds with visual and audio alerts. It also includes a dual-sensor locking mechanism designed to improve security when the kiosk is closed. At the core of the system is a self-learning AI engine that continually improves product recognition and transaction accuracy as more purchases are made. According to SandStar, the system becomes more precise over time as it processes additional transactions. The VRK also includes a proprietary 4G connectivity solution with unlimited data and continuous monitoring, intended to minimise downtime and maintain stable connectivity. Operational management is handled through SandStar’s OPS platform, which enables operators to monitor and control machines remotely. The system is designed to allow fleet-wide management from a single interface. Each unit is delivered pre-calibrated with plug-and-play functionality to reduce installation time. The SandStar VRK is available in the US and Canada.

Japan’s Lifedrink Company has announced plans to acquire two beverage-related businesses as part of a strategy to expand its sales channels. The company’s board of directors approved the acquisition last Thursday, 5 March 2026, with the transaction expected to be completed on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 through a newly established consolidated subsidiary. Under the deal, Lifedrink will acquire SD Next Co, which manages vending machine operations, and SD Bottlers Co, which operates beverage wholesale and related activities, from Sukima Depart Co. Lifedrink said the move aligns with its management strategy focused on the “evolution and deepening of max production and max sales”. The company has previously prioritised expanding production capacity through initiatives such as upgrading beverage factory facilities, building new plants and pursuing mergers and acquisitions. By acquiring the vending machine and distribution businesses, the company aims to strengthen its direct sales channels and reinforce its overall business foundation. SD Next, established in September 2023 and headquartered in Tokyo, oversees vending machine-related operations for affiliated companies. The group operates approximately 3,000 vending machines, with aggregated net sales of JPY 2.7 billion (approx. $17.9 million) in the fiscal year ended August 2025, up from JPY 2.5 billion (approx. $16.6 million) in 2023. Meanwhile, Osaka-based SD Bottlers, founded in 2003, focuses on wholesale, retail and international trade of beverages and alcoholic drinks, as well as the purchase and sale of vending machines. The company recorded net sales of JPY 5.1 billion (approx. $34.1 million) in the fiscal year ended February 2025, compared with JPY 3.5 billion (approx. $23.2 million) in 2023. The acquisition price for both companies has not been disclosed at the request of the counterparty. Following completion of the transaction, Lifedrink will hold 100% of the voting rights in each company. Lifedrink and Sukima Depart also plan to discuss potential future collaboration initiatives. The company said the acquisition is expected to have only a minor impact on its consolidated operating results for the fiscal year ending March 2026.

PepsiCo is bringing one of its most recognisable snack brands into the culinary world with the launch of its first restaurant concept dedicated to Lay’s, opening in Madrid, Spain. The concept, called Pilla Tortilla, centres on Spain’s iconic tortilla (potato omelette) reimagined with Lay’s potato chips as a signature ingredient. Developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Miguel Carretero, the restaurant represents the first time PepsiCo has launched a full dining concept around one of its food brands. The opening forms part of PepsiCo’s Food Ventures initiative, a global business unit designed to expand the company’s presence in the away-from-home channel and create new meal occasions for its brands. “Pilla Tortilla is the first restaurant project by PepsiCo and Lay’s anywhere in the world,” said Pol Codina, general manager and senior vice president of PepsiCo Food Ventures. “With this opening in Madrid, PepsiCo is expanding its food and culinary focus and delivering on our diversification and growth strategy in the away-from-home channel.” The Food Ventures unit, based in Barcelona, aims to develop ready-to-eat concepts that connect PepsiCo’s snack brands with consumers in new contexts, both on-the-go and in foodservice environments. The Pilla Tortilla concept will debut with two formats: a full bar-restaurant offering dine-in, delivery and takeaway, and a separate takeaway-only kitchen. The menu focuses on tortilla served in different formats, including slices (pinchos), sandwiches and whole tortillas, with customisable toppings such as spicy sausage with brie and honey, anchovies with Lay’s, crispy pork belly with alioli and salsa brava, Iberian ham with gazpacho and pulled pork. The restaurant also incorporates Lay’s into other menu items, from starters like fish and chips with Lay’s Salt & Vinegar and marinated mussels with lime mayonnaise and Lay’s, to side dishes and desserts that combine sweet and savoury flavours, such as chocolate with Lay’s or goat’s cheese with honey and dulce de leche ice cream. Menu development was led by chef Miguel Carretero, who heads the restaurant Santerra and earned a Michelin star in 2024. Carretero worked with the PepsiCo brand team to refine the tortilla recipe and integrate Lay’s chips in a way that complements the dish while preserving its traditional character. “Lay’s is part of the collective imagination of many generations, and bringing its identity into such an emblematic recipe as tortilla was an exciting challenge,” Carretero said. “The result is a tortilla that’s instantly recognisable, but with a twist.” Erica Lascorz, senior director of innovation marketing at PepsiCo Europe, added: “We wanted to go beyond the typical snack moment and turn something as familiar as eating tortilla into a unique concept, ‘grabbing a tortilla’, a special shared moment with an authentic brand experience.”

Bloomberg has reported that Centurium Capital Partners is in advanced talks to acquire Nestlé’s Blue Bottle Coffee, citing people familiar with the matter. According to the report, the private equity firm – which previously backed the turnaround of Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee – is finalising details of a potential deal for the speciality coffee roaster and retailer. Late last year, Nestlé announced that it was reportedly exploring the sale of Blue Bottle Coffee , as part of a broader strategic review initiated by new CEO Philipp Navratil . The sources, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private, said an agreement could be reached soon, although negotiations are still ongoing and a transaction is not guaranteed. Blue Bottle Coffee was founded in Oakland, California, in 2002 and currently operates cafés across the US, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Nestlé acquired a 68% stake in the company in 2017 for approximately $425 million. Luckin Coffee, established in 2017, operates around 31,000 stores, making it the largest coffee chain in China. Refreshment has contacted Centurium for a comment.

Reborn Coffee has appointed Jung Jae Lim as co-chief executive officer. Lim brings more than 20 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management. In the role, he will lead initiatives across logistics, transportation and supply chain operations, focusing on strengthening distribution capabilities, improving service reliability and cost efficiency, and supporting the company’s expansion through enterprise partnerships and scalable infrastructure. According to the company, Lim has secured logistics partnerships with companies operating in the US and Mexico. The agreements are expected to generate an estimated combined monthly volume of more than 1,550 units and an annual logistics revenue potential of around $20 million. Jay Kim, co-CEO of Reborn Coffee, said: “Lim’s depth of logistics leadership and operational execution experience strengthens our leadership team at an important time in our growth. His track record across complex supply chain environments adds meaningful capability as we pursue a disciplined approach to scale, execution and long-term value creation." "As co-chief executive officer, Lim will be authorised to take such actions, execute such documents and cause the preparation and filing of such public disclosures as may be necessary or appropriate to advance the Company’s strategic initiatives and operational objectives.”

ProMinent has launched the DULCOEYE LT, an optical sensor designed to monitor low turbidity levels in water. The sensor is intended for use in applications where accurate water quality monitoring is required, including drinking water treatment, industrial process water monitoring, swimming pools and wastewater treatment. DULCOEYE LT comes factory-calibrated and features plug-and-play functionality for installation and operation. A hydrodynamic self-cleaning principle helps reduce maintenance requirements, while an integrated algorithm detects and compensates for air bubbles to maintain measurement accuracy. The system also includes a compact flow reservoir cell designed to reduce water consumption and provide short response times. The sensor can be combined with ProMinent’s single-channel controller, DULCOMETER diaLog C. Measurement data from the sensor is transmitted directly to the controller, which can adjust dosing in response to changes in water conditions. Andreas Zühlcke, vice president of product management and marketing at ProMinent, said: “With the DULCOEYE LT, we are setting a new standard in optical measurement technology. Our goal is to offer users worldwide a solution that combines precision and ease of use." According to the company, DULCOEYE LT is the first sensor in ProMinent’s new DULCOEYE optical product line. The company plans to expand the series with additional measurement parameters in the coming months.

US-based coffee and functional nutrition brand Bulletproof has unveiled a ‘first-of-its-kind’ innovation: Coffee + Creatine. Launching in 14oz pouch format, Coffee + Creatine features a premium instant black coffee crafted with toxin-tested 100% Arabica beans and 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving. It also includes 250mg of electrolytes to support hydration and performance. The instant powder can be mixed with both hot and cold water, and brews into a cup of coffee that can be enjoyed black or customised with creamer and sweeteners. The product aims to make creatine monohydrate – a trending supplement associated with muscle building – more approachable and easier to incorporate into everyday life. In addition to its muscle performance benefits, emerging research has linked creatine supplementation to other health benefits such as mental alertness, attention and mood. This adds further appeal to the ingredient as it moves further into the mainstream, as longevity, energy and cognitive performance become a more prominent focus for health-conscious consumers. The global functional coffee market was estimated to be worth approximately $4.5 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach nearly $7.8 billion by 2030. Harry Lewis, CEO at Bulletproof, said: “Creatine is one of the most researched ingredients in human nutrition, yet its broader benefits are still widely misunderstood”. He added: “With Coffee + Creatine, we saw an opportunity to bring credible science into a daily ritual people already love – creating something that supports both mental clarity and physical strength, without asking consumers to change their routine. This is about meeting people where they are and giving them more from the coffee they already drink.” Coffee + Creatine is designed for convenience, suitable for use before workouts or as part of consumers’ morning routines. It contains 43 servings per pouch and is now available through Bulletproof’s website and via Amazon, with retail availability exclusively at Target set to follow later this year.

Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has agreed to acquire US coffee roaster and distributor Farmer Brothers Coffee in an all-cash transaction that will combine two long-standing players in the US coffee and tea market. Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Cup will acquire all outstanding shares of Farmer Brothers for $1.29 per share. The deal values the company’s equity based on its total outstanding shares and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to shareholder approval and customary closing conditions. The transaction will bring together two companies with nearly 250 years of combined industry experience and expand Royal Cup’s national footprint across foodservice and retail channels. The combined organisation is expected to integrate roasting, distribution and equipment service operations to serve sectors including hospitality, healthcare, convenience retail and private label customers. Following completion, the combined company plans to expand direct store delivery operations, strengthen equipment service coverage and increase manufacturing capacity while enhancing supply chain capabilities across the US coffee and tea market. Royal Cup president and CEO Chip Wann said the acquisition represents a strategic move to strengthen the company’s competitive position and support long-term growth. “This transaction will allow Royal Cup and Farmer Brothers to combine our complementary capabilities and build a more resilient national organisation with the infrastructure and products necessary to better support our growing customer base across multiple channels,” he said. Farmer Brothers president and CEO John Moore said the combination of the two companies’ manufacturing, distribution and operational expertise would improve service for customers across the US. “By combining our tremendous expertise and operational excellence, we will be able to ultimately better serve our nationwide customer base through enhanced manufacturing and production capabilities, an unmatched distribution network and greater economies of scale,” Moore added. The acquisition follows Royal Cup’s partnership with Dallas-based private equity firm Braemont Capital in December 2025, which provided capital and operational support to accelerate expansion plans. Braemont Capital partner Wali Bacdayan said the deal would create a larger platform with integrated roasting, route-based distribution and equipment service capabilities designed to support customers nationwide.

Ferrero has announced a new governance structure, including the creation of two new leadership roles. The new governance structure is designed to further strengthen Ferrero’s position in the sweet packaged food sector. It sees the introduction of two new leadership positions reporting to Giovanni Ferrero, president of Ferrero International, effective from 1 September 2026. Alessandro Nervegna, currently chief strategy and innovation officer, will become the chief executive officer of Ferrero Core. This will involve driving the company’s core categories, including Confectionery, Biscuits and Bakery, and Better-For-You businesses. During his nearly 30-year career at Ferrero, Nervegna has held senior leadership positions across multiple geographies and played a key role in product strategy and innovation. Lapo Civiletti, current CEO of the Ferrero Group, will take on the new role of president of Ferrero Ice Cream and WK Kellogg Co, alongside his position as vice president of Ferrero International. Civiletti has been with Ferrero since 2004, and has held a number of increasingly senior leadership positions since. In 2017, he became the first non-family member to be appointed CEO of the Ferrero Group. Giovanni Ferrero will continue to guide the group’s overall growth agenda, focusing on business vision, long-term strategy and breakthrough innovation. He praised Nervegna’s “business acumen, strategic mindset and managerial rigour,” while stating that Civiletti has been “crucial to the successful journey” of the group so far. “Under his guidance and thanks to his record of delivery, the ambition of doubling the size of the business in less than ten years has become a reality,” Ferrero added. “He has built a robust management team, able to deliver consistent results, fit for an exciting future and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

A new era for sambuca is underway with the UK debut of Cimbroni, positioned as the first true luxury sambuca to enter the domestic drinks market. The brand aims to reposition the historic Italian spirit within the premium and super-premium space, aligning it more closely with categories such as Tequila and Gin rather than the traditional shot-led perception prevalent in the UK. The venture marks the first move into spirits for Julian Hearn, founder and CMO of multi-million-pound nutrition brand Huel. He co-founded Cimbroni alongside Kennet Newell-Hearn, a former professional rugby player and luxury spirits enthusiast. Together, the pair are targeting a reappraisal of sambuca’s role in the back bar and in at-home consumption. Traditionally served in Italy as a digestivo – neat, with three coffee beans (con la mosca), or alongside espresso – sambuca has long been associated with ritual and after-dinner occasions. Cimbroni seeks to retain this cultural heritage while modernising the serve and broadening its appeal to premium spirits drinkers. Central to the brand’s proposition is a production process designed to deliver greater depth and refinement than standard sambuca expressions. Crafted with Organic Agave and a blend of botanicals including orris root, Damascus rose, myrrh, petitgrain and elderberry, the spirit is aged for 33 days in oak – a claimed category first – to build structure and complexity. The result, according to the founders, is a notably drier, deeper and more balanced profile intended for sipping rather than shooting. Julian Hearn said: "Sambuca has unfairly garnered a somewhat cheapened reputation as a ‘shot’ drink in the UK market, and we’re here to transform that, restoring the elegance it was originally created with in Italy centuries ago." Cimbroni launches with two 70cl SKUs, each priced at £45 RRP and available initially via the brand’s dedicated website. The varieties include: Cimbroni 33 Classic (40% ABV) – Aged for 33 days in oak and infused with eleven botanicals, including cardamom, clove, liquorice, cassia bark, star anise, fennel and elderflower. Organic Agave is used to enhance texture and balance. The liquid delivers layered anise, dry oak influence and a subtle smoky finish designed for slow sipping. Cimbroni 33 Coffee (38% ABV) – A darker, more robust interpretation that builds on the Classic’s botanical base with pronounced roasted coffee and burnt caramel notes. Oak ageing contributes warmth and length, positioning the variant as an after-dinner alternative to coffee liqueurs or traditional digestifs. Hearn commented: “At its core, sambuca embodies ritual, clarity of flavour and celebration. Cimbroni refines these elements, bringing a level of craftsmanship and luxury that the category has never seen before.” Cimbroni is now available for UK-wide purchase direct-to-consumer at an RRP of £45 per 70cl bottle.

PepsiCo-owned Doritos is entering the high-growth protein snack segment with the launch of Doritos Protein, a new tortilla-style chip delivering 10g of protein per one-ounce serving while maintaining the brand’s signature bold flavour and crunch. Rolling out to select retailers next month, the product represents a strategic expansion for PepsiCo into functional snacking. A single-serve format containing 17g of protein per bag is slated to follow later this year. Formulated with dairy-based casein protein – listed as the first ingredient and a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids – Doritos Protein is positioned as a snack for consumers seeking added nutritional benefits without sacrificing taste. The product contains no artificial colours or flavours. Debuting in two varieties: Nacho Cheese – the brand’s top-selling flavour, featuring its classic bold, cheesy seasoning and Sweet & Tangy BBQ – a layered barbecue profile combining sweetness, spice and tanginess. Available in 7oz bags (SRP $4.89) and 12.75oz bags (SRP $7.39), the product will see additional size expansions later this year, including the higher-protein single-serve option. “The launch of Doritos Protein marks our strategic expansion into the protein snack category,” said Hernán Tantardini, chief marketing officer, PepsiCo Foods US. “We’re elevating the bold flavour and signature snacking experience consumers expect by using novel flavour and seasoning methods.” The introduction aligns with PepsiCo’s broader strategy of enhancing legacy brands with functional ingredients. Recent launches across its portfolio include: Smartfood Fibre Pop SunChips Fibre Pepsi Prebiotic Cola Poppi Prebiotic Soda Quaker Protein Granola Bars Quaker Protein Old Fashioned Oats Together, these innovations underscore PepsiCo’s effort to meet shifting consumer preferences for foods and beverages that combine taste, convenience and functional benefits.

Exchange for Change has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team as it prepares for the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027. The not-for-profit, industry-led body said the appointments strengthen its capabilities across operations, corporate affairs, legal, people and technology as it finalises the scheme’s operational framework. The new executives will work with the board to complete the operational blueprint, develop systems and processes, and support drinks producers, retailers and other stakeholders ahead of implementation. Andrew Smith joins as chief operating officer. He brings international executive experience across consumer goods, supply chain, logistics, waste management and recycling. His previous roles include senior positions at Diageo, Associated British Foods, BBC, IHG, Centrica and Reconomy Group. He will lead operational planning and end-to-end delivery, including systems, logistics, infrastructure partnerships and procurement. Strengthening the organisation’s external engagement capability, Kate McFerran has been appointed corporate affairs director. She brings experience leading communications and public affairs functions across regulated sectors, including manufacturing, transport and energy. Her previous roles include positions at Veolia, Federation of Master Builders and LNER, as well as consultancy work with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. She will oversee government relations, industry engagement and media communications. On the legal front, Rehan Akram joins as legal director with more than 25 years’ experience across private practice and senior in-house roles, including within FTSE 100 organisations. His background covers regulated and multi-stakeholder sectors such as aviation and retail, with a focus on governance and commercial leadership. He will be responsible for regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting. L-R: Andrew Smith, Kate McFerran and Rehan Akram The organisation has also appointed Henrik Malmquist as people director. With experience scaling FMCG-related businesses and building HR functions to support long-term performance, his background spans talent acquisition, leadership development, employee engagement and organisational design. He will lead all people and HR activity across Exchange for Change. Completing the senior leadership appointments, Trevor Gordon joins as chief information officer. A senior digital and technology leader, he has delivered large-scale operational and systems transformation programmes at Sodexo, Vodafone, Vue Entertainment, Selfridges and Autotrader. Most recently, he served as chief digital and technology officer at Save the Children. He will lead the development and implementation of the technology and data systems required to operate the DRS. L-R: Henrik Malmquist and Trevor Gordon Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “More than 50 deposit return schemes already operate around the world, with another 20 due to launch in the next three years, and in October next year we will launch the world’s biggest DRS right here in the UK". He continued: “Delivery is now our priority. We’re building the leadership capability that is vital to deliver this scheme, and these senior appointments strengthen our operational, legal, stakeholder and technology expertise to ensure the scheme is a success." “Our focus is clear – finalise scheme design, build the systems and partnerships required, and work closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to ensure the scheme is practical, efficient and ready to launch on time.”