Hotel Chocolat is entering the premium iced beverage space with the launch of Coconut Macaroon, its first limited-edition drinking chocolate specifically developed to be served iced. Available now, the new product reflects the growing convergence between café culture, indulgent flavour profiles and consumer demand for caffeine alternatives. The launch builds on the success of the brand's Coconut White drinking chocolate, which became a permanent addition to Hotel Chocolat's portfolio following strong consumer demand. The move also capitalises on the continuing popularity of coconut flavours within food and beverage innovation. Hotel Chocolat said it identified an opportunity to extend the appeal of bakery-inspired taste experiences into the chilled drinks category, tapping into the emerging 'patisserie chocolate' trend. According to a consumer survey conducted by the brand in May 2026, 48% of Hotel Chocolat customers said they would choose a premium iced drinking chocolate over a traditional iced coffee during the summer months. The findings suggest a growing appetite for cacao-based beverages that offer indulgence without relying on high caffeine content. Yiotis Panagiotou, speciality cocoa chocolatier at Hotel Chocolat, said: "Following the success of our Coconut White hot drinking chocolate, we wanted to translate the popular profile into an iced experience to be enjoyed in summer". "By combining the 'patisserie' trend with high-performance ingredients like coconut milk, we've created a product that responds to consumers' desire for innovation. It's about taking that bakery-favourite profile and making it a café-quality serve." The launch highlights broader shifts within the beverages sector, where premiumisation and experiential consumption continue to drive innovation. As brands seek differentiation in an increasingly crowded iced drinks market, chocolate-based offerings present an opportunity to expand beyond traditional coffee-led occasions. Coconut Macaroon will retail at £14.95 for a box of ten sachets and will be available through Hotel Chocolat stores, the brand's e-commerce platform and Hotel Chocolat cafés.

Pret A Manger has reported a strong start to 2026, with system sales increasing 7% during the first four months of the year, driven by higher customer numbers and continued international expansion. The food-to-go chain said UK sales grew 8% over the period, building on full-year system sales of £1.2 billion in 2025. On a constant currency basis and adjusted for a reduced trading week, sales in 2025 increased 2.7% year-on-year. Despite ongoing economic pressures, Pret said more customers are choosing the brand across its key markets. The company attributed the performance to investments in its freshly prepared food and barista-made drinks offering, alongside improvements to customer service and operational efficiency. Pret has continued to invest in affordability, while expanding and updating its menu. Since the start of the year, the company has broadened its Super Plates range with new protein-based options and introduced half-sized baguettes and wraps to provide lower-priced meal choices. New matcha beverages and a larger coffee size have also been added to the menu. The company said it has also increased investment in shop teams, equipment and maintenance, while enhancing barista training programmes to improve coffee quality and consistency. International growth remains a key focus for the business. Pret's estate has expanded by 5% year-on-year to more than 750 stores across 21 countries. In the UK, the company continues to target growth in transport hubs and roadside locations. Earlier this year, Pret opened its first drive-thru outlet in Warrington. Pano Christou, chief executive officer of Pret A Manger, said the results reflected the company's continued focus on value, menu innovation and customer experience. "We are encouraged by our start to 2026, particularly as more customers are choosing Pret despite the financial pressure many households continue to face," he said. "These results give us confidence that when we stay focused on the customer, we can continue to win the hearts and minds of Pret fans in the UK and around the world."

The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) has officially introduced its new SmartLink specification to the wider industry, presenting the interoperability framework during Venditalia last month. Designed to modernise communication across unattended retail environments, EVA SmartLink is an open and secure architecture intended to connect vending machines, professional coffee machines, payment systems and management software through a common standard. Visitors to the EVA stand were able to see live demonstrations of machines and peripherals integrating SmartLink technologies. SmartLink presentation at Venditalia. According to the association, the specification has been developed in response to longstanding interoperability challenges within the industry. The unattended retail sector currently relies on a range of legacy communication protocols, including MDB and Executive, which can limit compatibility between equipment and peripherals. Additional proprietary modifications introduced by some suppliers have further increased integration complexity and costs for operators. EVA also highlighted growing market demands for enhanced connectivity, improved user experiences and compliance with evolving regulations covering cybersecurity, data access and fiscalisation. Development of the specification has been led by an EVA working group over the past two years, following several years of research into industry requirements and the limitations of existing communication standards. Built on OPC Unified Architecture (UA), SmartLink has been designed as an open and freely accessible specification that companies can implement without licensing restrictions. EVA said the approach is intended to encourage adoption across both European and international markets. The association believes the standard could help reduce integration complexity, accelerate product development and shorten time-to-market for new unattended retail solutions. Over the coming months, EVA plans to promote the specification through a series of national vending association events and discussions with industry stakeholders. The SmartLink working group, chaired by Alessandro Ratti, includes machine manufacturers, payment providers and operators. The group will continue refining the specification and gathering industry feedback, with a final version expected to be published by the end of 2026.

UNESDA has appointed Natalia Filipposyants, senior vice president and general manager for Europe at PepsiCo International Beverages, as president of the European soft drinks trade association. Natalia Filipposyants Filipposyants takes over the role with immediate effect and will serve a two-year term, succeeding Andrew McMillin. Commenting on her appointment, Filipposyants highlighted the economic contribution of the European soft drinks sector, noting that it supports more than 1.8 million jobs and generates €242 billion in revenue across industries including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, retail and hospitality. She said the industry is operating in an environment shaped by changing consumer expectations, alongside growing economic and regulatory pressures. According to Filipposyants, consumers are increasingly seeking greater choice, transparency, functionality and sustainability, prompting manufacturers to accelerate innovation and expand portfolios of low- and no-sugar beverages. Filipposyants also reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with UNESDA members, policymakers and other stakeholders to help create a stable regulatory environment that supports investment, innovation and competitiveness across Europe. UNESDA director general Nicholas Hodac welcomed the appointment, adding: "Under [Filipposyants] leadership and together with our closely connected membership, we will continue to demonstrate the active role of our sector in supporting balanced beverage choices and driving innovation, sustainable growth, and prosperity for Europe.’’ Hodac also thanked outgoing president Andrew McMillin for his contribution to advancing the industry's priorities, particularly in areas such as innovation, growth and regulatory simplification during the start of the European Union’s new political mandate.

Two automated return machines from Tomra Reuse have been installed at Freiburg Central Station, marking the first integration of automated return technology into an existing urban reusable packaging system in Germany. The machines, which operate in partnership with the reusable cup network Recup, allow consumers to return reusable cups without visiting a participating café, offering a new collection point within the city's established reuse infrastructure. Freiburg has an established reusable packaging network, supported by a city-wide packaging tax on single-use items and a growing number of Recup partners. Until now, however, the city did not have automated return infrastructure at major public transport hubs. Located at one of the region’s busiest transport hubs, the new machines enable commuters, residents and visitors to return Recup cups at any time. The units automatically identify eligible cups and provide an immediate deposit refund through the user’s digital payment method. Phillip Goos, CEO of Recup, said the installation demonstrates how existing reusable systems can be strengthened through additional return infrastructure. “Central stations are busy hubs: people from across the region come together here, travelling into or out of the city,” he said. “Reusables need to work as simply as possible, even across city borders.” The project combines Tomra Reuse’s physical return machines with a digital platform designed to support reusable packaging systems. The infrastructure is intended to be interoperable, meaning it can be adapted to accept other reusable packaging formats in the future. According to Tomra, automated return points can complement existing reuse networks by increasing the number of available collection locations and making reusable packaging more convenient for consumers. Sven Hennebach, senior manager at Tomra Reuse, said the success of reusable systems depends on making returns as easy as the initial purchase. “Promoting reusables or making single-use less attractive isn't enough,” he said. “The right infrastructure is needed so consumers can naturally integrate reusables into their daily lives.” The Freiburg deployment follows Tomra Reuse’s city-wide return programme in the Danish city of Aarhus, where more than 30 return machines have been operating in public spaces since January 2024. The company said the network has processed almost two million returns and achieved a return rate of 89% over the past year.

Canny Snacks, a newly formed business backed by Welsh soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills, has secured the sales, marketing and distribution rights for British snack brand Burts Snacks as part of a move to expand into the snacking sector. The launch marks Radnor Hills’ first major venture beyond beverages, with the company aiming to leverage its existing infrastructure, commercial expertise and customer relationships to support growth in the adjacent snacking category. Under the agreement, Canny Snacks will manage the commercial development of the Burts brand, while ownership and manufacturing remain with Europe Snacks, which acquired Burts and its Plymouth production facility in 2023. Europe Snacks will continue as the exclusive manufacturing partner for the brand, producing Burts products at the Plymouth site using existing sourcing and production processes. Canny Snacks will operate as an independent business led by co-founder and director Tom Carne, with support from Radnor Hills’ commercial and operational teams. The business will also be guided by William Watkins, founder and CEO of Radnor Hills, and Adrian Carne, former CEO of Yeo Valley. The company said it plans to invest in the Burts brand and pursue innovation opportunities within the snacking market while maintaining continuity for customers during the transition process, which began on 1 June. Watkins said: “Canny Snacks allows us to explore growth beyond drinks and into the fast-growing snacking market, building on the experience, infrastructure and relationships we already have at Radnor Hills". He continued: “This is an exciting opportunity for Radnor Hills to expand into a category that naturally complements our core drinks business – after all, great drinks and great snacks are the perfect combination.” “Canny Snacks allows us to explore growth beyond drinks and into the fast-growing snacking market, building on the experience, infrastructure and relationships we already have at Radnor Hills." Carne added: “We’re delighted to be launching this new partnership with securing the sales and marketing rights for Burts Snacks, with the transition taking place in the coming weeks”. “We see a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of the Burts brand and build a scalable snacking business. By combining the strengths of Radnor Hills, Europe Snacks and our wider partners, we are well placed to drive future growth through a collaborative approach.” Rikin Lakhani, managing director of Burts UK, commented: “Canny Snacks’ entrepreneurial drive, combined with the expertise of Radnor Hills, creates a powerful platform to unlock new opportunities and take the Burts brand to the next level”.

Exchange For Change has today confirmed the fees to be paid to return point operators under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, ahead of its launch in October 2027. Following industry consultation, the fees have been set at 3p per container for manual return points. For automatic return points, the structure is split into two tiers: 5p per container for up to 225,000 in-scope items returned annually and 1.3p per container for volumes above that threshold. Russell Davies, Exchange For Change CEO said: “We have taken onboard a wide range of feedback provided by retailers, producers and trade bodies and established a return handling fee (RHF) that reflects the complexities of the UK retail landscape and ensures the scheme remains in balance". “The UK’s retail landscape is unique in the world, spanning large supermarket chains, medium-sized franchises and a very high ratio of small and independent convenience stores comparative to other nations." “This means the network of return points across the UK will be extensive, and the nature of collections will range from small convenience stores manually collecting and returning a small amount of containers, through to large multinational supermarket chains operating multiple reverse vending machines that collect several thousand containers each week at every store." “The RHF reflects this diversity in our retail sector, and delivers a fair scheme for all.” Responding to the announcement, Travis Way, managing director at reverse vending machine specialist EcoVend, said the confirmation of return handling fees provided retailers with greater clarity on the financial framework of the scheme and would help support investment decisions and operational planning ahead of its 2027 launch. He welcomed the tiered structure, noting that it recognised the differing circumstances of retailers based on size and return volumes, while the distinction between manual return points and reverse vending machine operators should help keep the scheme practical and accessible across the retail sector. Way also said the planned review of fees before launch and on an ongoing basis would be important to ensure the structure reflects real-world operating costs and supports participation levels needed to achieve strong container return rates. The RHF will be reviewed early next year prior to the scheme going live, and it will continue to be reviewed annually to take account of new data available from producers and retailers, as well as to consider other relevant factors. The annual review will use real data collected during operation of the scheme, which will build a profile of the RHF and factors that impact it, thereby ensuring the assumptions and data inputs become more robust every year.

The Ryl Company, maker of the rapidly growing ready-to-drink iced tea brand Ryl Tea, has closed a $20 million Series C growth equity financing round led by Purchase Capital through its Ryl Growth Partners SPV. The investment will support the company's next phase of expansion, including continued retail distribution growth, further development of its Direct Store Delivery (DSD) network, product innovation and investments across sales, operations, and brand-building functions. The funding arrives amid accelerating momentum for Ryl Tea and growing industry attention around what some observers are calling the 'Modern Tea' movement – a shift toward better-for-you tea products that mirrors the transformation seen in categories such as soda, energy drinks and hydration beverages. According to Circana data cited by the company, Ryl Tea recorded 157% growth while the broader $4.5 billion canned and bottled tea category declined 1.8% over the same period. The company noted that, for the first time, dollar growth generated by emerging tea brands is outpacing the dollar decline experienced by legacy tea brands, signalling changing consumer preferences within the category. Blodin Ukella, founder and CEO of The Ryl Company, said: “Tea is one of the largest beverage categories in the U.S., but much of its shopper base has historically skewed older. Our mission is to bring a new generation of consumers into the tea aisle through products that align with how people want to drink today.” The company’s strategy centres on attracting younger consumers with zero-sugar formulations, functional benefits and contemporary branding. Ryl Tea's portfolio features fewer than five calories per can, functional tea polyphenols and vitamin C, positioning it within the broader health-and-wellness beverage trend that continues to resonate with Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. The financing follows a period of significant operational expansion for the company. Over the past two years, Ryl has established a national DSD footprint, a milestone that places the brand among a relatively small group of emerging beverage companies with scalable route-to-market capabilities. The company also recently expanded its innovation efforts through a multi-year licensing agreement with The Hershey Company. The partnership will bring zero-sugar iced teas inspired by Jolly Rancher flavours to market, combining one of confectionery’s most recognisable brands with Ryl’s functional tea platform. Nicholas J. Singer, founder and managing partner of Purchase Capital, said: “The Ryl leadership team has built a product that strongly resonates with consumers and is rapidly expanding. Modern Tea is one of the most compelling categories in the beverage industry, and Ryl is exceptionally well-positioned to lead it.” Looking ahead, Ryl executives indicated that additional product innovation is planned, with a new pipeline of launches expected in early 2027. Leigh Feuerstein, co-chairman of The Ryl Company, said: “The work our team has done to earn retailer trust, build out our DSD network, and secure partnerships with companies like Hershey has positioned us well for the next phase of growth.”

French water cooler manufacturer Mistral Constructeur has unveiled a redesigned version of its flagship Evopure commercial water cooler, marking 20 years since the original model was first introduced. The new Evopure 2.0 was launched at the industry trade show Venditalia and has been developed to reflect changing workplace hydration habits and growing demand for sustainable solutions. Designed by Mistral's in-house research and development team, the updated model retains the overall shape and structural design of the original Evopure while incorporating a more contemporary appearance. The unit features an all-black finish and a simplified user interface intended to provide a more modern user experience. The redesign also reflects the increasing adoption of reusable bottles in workplaces. As part of this shift, Mistral has removed the integrated disposable cup dispenser from the new model, encouraging users to bring their own drinking vessels. To accommodate reusable bottles more effectively, the dispensing area has been enlarged, allowing for easier filling of larger containers. The Evopure 2.0 also includes integrated connections for external wastewater drainage as standard, which the company says simplifies installation and day-to-day operation. Mistral added that the water cooler incorporates filtration technology designed for commercial and industrial environments, in line with manufacturing standards at its facility in Essonne, France. The Evopure 2.0 is manufactured in France and is now available for international pre-orders.

Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has secured a $192 million senior secured credit facility to support its acquisition of Farmer Brothers Coffee and provide working capital for the combined business. The financing was arranged by White Oak Commercial Finance, an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors. The package comprises a $155 million revolving credit facility and a $37 million term loan. White Oak Commercial Finance acted as sole lead arranger and sole lender on the revolving facility, while Hilco Global served as administrative agent on the term loan, with White Oak acting as co-lender. The funding enabled Royal Cup, a portfolio company of Braemont Capital, to complete its acquisition of Farmer Brothers Coffee, expanding its national presence and manufacturing capabilities. According to the companies, the transaction will strengthen Royal Cup's position across key commercial beverage markets by increasing route density and broadening its operational footprint. Mark Allen Smith, managing director of originations at White Oak Commercial Finance, said the facility was designed to provide the flexibility needed to support Royal Cup's strategy of building a national beverage platform. Andre Hakkak, CEO and co-founder of White Oak Global Advisors, described the acquisition as an important milestone for Royal Cup, adding that the financing would support the company's growth plans while providing flexibility during the integration of the two businesses. Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Global Capital Solutions (Americas), said the transaction reflected continued demand for scalable financing solutions in the lower middle market and would help position Royal Cup for long-term operational and strategic growth. The acquisition of Farmer Brothers is expected to enhance Royal Cup's capabilities as a provider of beverage and equipment solutions across the US market.

The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) has opened registrations for EVEX 2026, the latest edition of its annual European Vending Experience event, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 13-15 October. Hosted at the Parkhotel Schönbrunn, next to Vienna's historic Schönbrunn Palace, the event is being organised in partnership with the Austrian Vending Association (OVV). The EVA said the location was selected for its accessibility to participants from across Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, as well as the wider German-speaking market. Since its launch in 2015, EVEX has become one of the vending and coffee service industry's flagship annual events, bringing together operators, suppliers and other stakeholders for networking, exhibitions and educational sessions. The 2026 edition follows last year's event in Croatia. Running over two and a half days, EVEX 2026 will feature a trade exhibition, conference sessions and interactive workshops covering developments and trends across the vending and coffee service sectors. Networking activities will also form a key part of the programme, including a guided tour highlighting Vienna's coffee culture. The event will begin with a welcome cocktail reception and dinner on 13 October, with the main conference and exhibition programme taking place over the following two days. The EVA said sponsorship and visibility packages are already attracting strong interest, with a limited number of opportunities still available. Attendees are encouraged to register early and secure accommodation before the hotel booking deadline of 30 June. Further details on the programme, sponsors and registration are available via the EVA's EVEX 2026 event website.

VenHub has opened a second and larger production and assembly facility in Las Vegas, expanding its manufacturing capacity as demand for its autonomous Smart Store technology continues to grow. The company said the new site will enable it to increase production and deployment of its AI-powered retail units, supporting a broader commercial rollout across key sectors including airports, universities, corporate campuses, entertainment venues and EV charging locations. The facility represents the latest step in VenHub’s manufacturing expansion strategy, first outlined in March 2026, and is designed to speed up delivery times as customer demand increases. The announcement follows a series of recent commercial developments for the company, including an extension of its agreement with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Metro, a partnership with Circa Resort & Casino to install an autonomous Smart Store at the Las Vegas property and additional agreements for new Smart Store locations across the city. Shahan Ohanessian, founder and CEO of VenHub, said the opening marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth plans. “The opening of our second production facility is a defining moment in the continuing evolution of VenHub,” he said. “We are no longer preparing to scale; we are now fully equipped to meet our growing demand and scale rapidly.” He added that the additional manufacturing capacity will allow the company to assemble and deploy Smart Stores more quickly as it expands its network of commercial partners. VenHub said it is seeing increasing interest from developers, municipalities and businesses seeking automated retail solutions. The company is currently prioritising deployments across transit hubs and airports, campuses and universities, corporate and government sites, fuel and EV charging locations, entertainment venues and convenience retail environments. Top image: © VenHub