GrubMarket, an AI technology and digital platform company in the US food supply chain field, has raised approximately $50 million in Series H financing, valuing the company at a pre-money valuation of $4.5 billion. GrubMarket is a US-based food supply chain technology and eCommerce company operating across the US and Canada, serving both business customers and consumers. The company operates across all 50 US states and has an international presence in countries including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa and Spain. GrubMarket conducts business in more than 70 countries worldwide and plans further expansion across the Americas, Europe and Africa. The latest investment follows a series of acquisitions and product launches over the past year. Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, said: "GrubMarket has experienced an incredible acceleration in growth over the last 12 months and continues to stand out as the largest private food technology company in the United States. Since we have a self-sustaining business model, this funding round was not a necessity; rather, we saw it as an opportunity to align our company's valuation with the new level of scale and strength that we have achieved with our eCommerce business growth, our AI-powered tech innovations, and the significant ongoing value we generate for the industry." "This Series H funding will turbocharge our AI software and business growth, and extend our eCommerce reach globally. We will increase our investment in people, financial infrastructure, technology, and acquisitions. Above all, we will continue to operate a self-sustaining business as the foundation of this company."

UK-based on-trade syrup supplier, Monin, has launched two new flavours aimed at helping bars and coffee shops capture consumer demand for indulgent and experimental drinks, as operators look to boost spend per visit in a competitive hospitality market. The French-owned group says its Hot Honey and Maple Pecan Pie syrups are designed to capitalise on two fast-growing flavour trends: sweet-spicy combinations and nostalgia-driven indulgence. The move reflects growing pressure on drinks-led venues to refresh menus with premium and limited-edition flavours that justify higher price points, as footfall stabilises but discretionary spending remains under strain. Hot Honey taps into the emerging 'swicy' trend, which blends sweetness with heat and has gained traction across foodservice menus and social media. Market data cited by Monin shows UK search interest in hot honey rose sharply in 2025, while sweet-spicy flavours are forecast to see strong growth across food and drink. “Operators are looking for flavours that feel bold but familiar, and that work across multiple dayparts,” said Tony Kousoulou, beverage expert at Monin. “Hot honey gives bartenders and baristas a way to add complexity to cocktails, iced drinks and simple serves without adding operational complexity.” The second launch, Maple Pecan Pie, is positioned around nostalgia and indulgence, two themes increasingly shaping hot drinks and dessert-style cocktails. The flavour is designed to replicate bakery-style notes associated with comfort and familiarity, which Monin says are resonating strongly with consumers seeking affordable treats during periods of economic uncertainty. Both syrups are vegan, allergen-free and made with natural flavourings and colourings, aligning with ongoing demand from operators for clean label ingredients that can be used across menus without complicating allergen management. Monin, which sold 173 million bottles globally in 2023, has increasingly positioned itself not just as an ingredients supplier but as a strategic partner to the on-trade, using proprietary trend data and menu development support to help operators maximise sales. The launches underline how flavour innovation remains a key lever for value growth in the drinks sector, particularly as alcohol moderation trends push bars and cafés to invest in premium non-alcoholic and hybrid serves. Both products will be rolled out to the UK on-trade via distributor Bennett Opie, with Hot Honey also set to launch across more than 500 Greene King venues from April.

Nestlé UK & Ireland has announced three senior leadership appointments spanning its coffee, manufacturing and foodservice operations. Katya Simmons has been appointed managing director for coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland. Simmons joined Nestlé in 2002 in Russia, holding sales and marketing roles before becoming managing director of Nestlé Professional Russia and Eurasia in 2015. She relocated to the UK in 2017 and has served as managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland since 2018. During her tenure, the business delivered market share growth, strengthened customer partnerships and expanded sustainability and skills initiatives, including the long-running Toque d’Or competition and the Choose Hospitality Pledge. Speaking on her new role, Simmons said: “I am thrilled to be leading the coffee sector in the UK and Ireland. Coffee has an exciting future ahead of it and I am privileged and proud to be part of the team taking it forward. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve and how we’ll drive growth across our incredible brands” Martin Krohn has been appointed head of technical and production for Nestlé UK & Ireland, with responsibility for coffee, confectionery and food factories, including Mindful Chef and Simply Cook operations. Krohn joined Nestlé in 2005 and has held a range of manufacturing and industrial performance roles across Germany and Bulgaria. Since 2021, he has led confectionery manufacturing in Europe for the KitKat and wafer cluster, overseeing performance improvements across the portfolio. Krohn commented: “It’s a pleasure to move into the role of head of technical and production for Nestlé in the UK and Ireland. Safety and quality are paramount to all that we do at Nestlé, and I will continue to put this at the heart of the market.” Meanwhile, Lorenzo Vigano has been named managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. Vigano joined Nestlé Italy in 2012 and has held senior leadership roles across Italy, Europe and Turkey, including head of beverages for Nestlé Professional Europe and managing director of Nestlé Professional Turkey, where he grew the business into one of the company’s top ten global markets. Vigano stated: “It’s a pleasure and honour to lead Nestlé Professional at such an exciting time. As we enter the new year, I’m energised by the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting our customers across hospitality and foodservice. Together, we’ll continue delivering exceptional products and services, driven by our focus on excellence, sustainability and innovation.”

British soft drinks maker AG Barr has agreed to acquire premium mixer brand Fentimans and juice producer Frobishers in deals worth more than £50 million, strengthening its exposure to the fast-growing adult soft drinks market as alcohol consumption continues to decline. Barr, best known for its flagship Irn-Bru brand, said it would buy Hexham-based botanical drinks company Fentimans for around £38 million, funded through a mix of cash and debt. The company has also completed the £13 million acquisition of Devon-based juice brand Frobishers, which closed at the end of its financial year in January. The acquisitions mark a further shift in Barr’s strategy away from reliance on mainstream carbonates and towards higher-margin, premium and functional beverage categories, a segment attracting growing consumer and retailer demand. Both brands operate in the adult soft drinks market, which is benefiting from the consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption. Barr says the deals will support growth through portfolio diversification and create opportunities for cost synergies across production, distribution and procurement. The move comes as Barr reported a strong financial performance, with annual revenues rising 4% year-on-year to approximately £437 million. The company said it expects a double-digit increase in annual profits, underpinned by solid performances from brands including Rubicon and energy drink Boost. Irn-Bru, which remains Barr’s largest brand by volume, delivered modest growth in the second half of the year after a flat first half, while a decline in its Funkin ready-to-drink cocktail range reflected broader softness in the alcoholic and alcohol-adjacent categories. Founded in 1875 and headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland, AG Barr has been expanding beyond traditional soft drinks into plant-based milks, health shots and low-calorie products as manufacturers respond to tightening health regulations and shifting consumer preferences. Fentimans, known for its botanical brewing process and premium mixers, is positioned in the fast-growing non-alcoholic and low-alcohol occasions market, while Frobishers brings a long-established presence in juices, sparkling drinks and cordials. This combination gives Barr greater access to on-trade and premium retail channels, where margins are typically higher. Chief executive Euan Sutherland said Barr had laid “strong foundations for future growth” and entered the new financial year with momentum across its core brands and new product pipeline.

UK functional beverage brand WaterJunkie has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new range of mushroom-infused sparkling drinks, targeting growing consumer demand for functional ingredients in accessible, everyday formats. Positioned at the intersection of hydration and wellness, the new range blends functional mushroom extracts with natural flavourings, aiming to overcome one of the category’s key barriers: taste. By  focusing on palatable, clean flavour profiles, WaterJunkie is seeking to broaden the appeal of mushroom-based drinks beyond early adopters and niche wellness consumers. Developed in response to rising interest in adaptogenic and functional ingredients linked to balance, focus and calm, the drinks are designed for regular, everyday consumption, rather than occasional or specialist use. The brand says the products integrate seamlessly into daily routines, aligning with evolving consumer expectations around health, convenience and functionality. The launch reflects wider trends shaping the UK drinks market, including the rise of sober-curious behaviour, wellness-led purchasing decisions, and increasing demand for low-sugar, alcohol-free alternatives that fit modern lifestyles. The mushroom range also marks a strategic shift for WaterJunkie as it builds a diversified functional portfolio beyond CBD, with functional mushrooms forming a core pillar of future innovation. The company continues to focus on scalable product development and relevance across retail, hospitality and wellness-led channels, as it expands distribution and trade partnerships. “At Water Junkie, we believe functional ingredients should feel both trusted and accessible. Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries, but the category has become increasingly complex for consumers," Queenie Porter, founder of WaterJunkie, said. "Our approach was to bring clarity and confidence back to the space, combining the credibility of the medicinal world with the considered design cues of the beauty industry. The result is a functional mushroom range that is purposeful, approachable and quietly confident, both in what it delivers and how it appears on shelf," Porter continued. With this launch, WaterJunkie strengthens its positioning as a next-generation functional beverage brand, responding to consumer demand for wellness-led, flavour-first innovation in the fast-evolving UK drinks sector.

Coca-Cola will expand its cherry-flavoured soft drinks portfolio in North America, launching a new Cherry Float variant and reintroducing Diet Coke Cherry nationwide as it looks to drive growth through flavour innovation and zero-sugar formats in a mature carbonates market. The company says the new products will roll out to retailers across the US and Canada from this month, joining its existing Coca-Cola Cherry and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry lines. The move reflects Coca-Cola’s continued focus on extending core brands through flavour variations rather than launching entirely new trademarks, a strategy widely adopted by major beverage groups to defend shelf space and stimulate incremental sales amid slowing soda volumes in developed markets. Coca-Cola Cherry Float is positioned as a modern take on a traditional soda fountain drink, combining cherry and vanilla notes without dairy. It will be sold in both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions, signalling the company’s ongoing effort to balance indulgence with demand for reduced-sugar options. Diet Coke Cherry, previously available only in limited markets, will return nationwide with updated packaging. The zero-calorie drink targets loyal Diet Coke consumers while tapping into renewed interest in retro flavours, a trend increasingly visible across food and beverage categories. The company said cherry-flavoured drinks have been part of its portfolio since the launch of Cherry Coke in 1985, its first major flavoured extension of the flagship brand. The latest expansion marks the largest refresh of the cherry range in decades. Established flavours with strong brand recognition offer lower-risk innovation opportunities than unfamiliar profiles, particularly as retailers and manufacturers remain cautious about complexity and SKU proliferation. Coca-Cola’s emphasis on cherry also aligns with broader flavour trends favouring familiarity and nostalgia, while refreshed packaging and zero-sugar variants are designed to appeal to younger consumers and health-conscious shoppers. The new products will be available in cans and bottles at major retailers, online and through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, reinforcing the company’s omnichannel distribution strategy.

Kickstart Coffee has made its supermarket debut in Aldi UK stores nationwide after securing a first-time listing in the retailer’s Specialbuys range, following a £100,000 reinvestment into education and community infrastructure in Uganda. The Cambridgeshire-based social enterprise launched in Aldi’s Specialbuys aisle with Every Bean Counts, a medium-roast coffee made from speciality-grade Arabica beans sourced from Ugandan smallholder farmers. The Aldi listing marks Kickstart Coffee’s first supermarket trial and a significant step in scaling both its commercial footprint and social impact. The business reinvests 100% of its profits into education and essential infrastructure in coffee-growing communities, with increased retail sales expected to support further projects at origin. Since launching in 2020, Kickstart Coffee has helped place more than 700 children into education, funded approximately 20,000 school meals per month and supported the development of school partnerships, including Bunamutoro Primary School, which educates 220 pupils. Hannah Nunn, founder of Kickstart Coffee, said: “Being featured as a Specialbuy in Aldi stores is a huge moment for us. Every bag sold helps fund education and essential infrastructure in Uganda’s coffee-growing communities, creating brighter futures for children." “It also means our small Cambridgeshire-based team can support even more families at origin. Seeing our coffee on shelf, delivering both quality and real impact, is a proud milestone – and one we hope inspires more people to choose coffee with purpose.” Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, added: “We are proud to give Kickstart Coffee a platform within our Specialbuy range to share their story and mission. Our customers love great coffee – and this one delivers on both quality and purpose."

JDE Peet’s has published a Nature Transition Plan, setting out a science-based roadmap to protect ecosystems, strengthen farmer resilience and support the long-term viability of coffee production. The company said it is the first food and beverage business to release a nature transition plan fully aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, alongside the Global Biodiversity Framework and Science-Based Targets for Nature. The plan translates existing sustainability commitments into measurable, time-bound actions across JDE Peet’s global coffee supply chain. It builds on the company’s Common Grounds programme, which has reached nearly one million farmers since 2015. Key targets outlined in the plan include sector-wide action to address deforestation in coffee supply chains beyond EU Deforestation Regulation compliance, and the expansion of regenerative farming practices across an additional 200,000 hectares by 2030 to improve soil health, biodiversity and water outcomes. JDE Peet’s also aims to source 100% of its green coffee responsibly by 2028, up from 83.2% in 2024, using recognised sustainability schemes and strengthened supplier support. Laurent Sagarra, VP of engagement at JDE Peet’s, said: “Without nature there is no coffee. Nature-related risks are no longer distant threats – they are here, now, impacting coffee farmers and supply chains worldwide". "Our Nature Transition Plan is both a clear roadmap, and a call to action for the coffee industry to work together with governments, NGOs and coffee farmers to bend the curve on biodiversity loss and secure the future of coffee. By protecting nature, we protect coffee, communities and the shared future of our industry.”

The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has welcomed the UK government’s announcement of the deposit return scheme’s official name, Exchange for Change , as consultation on the scheme continues. The AVA said it has played a key role in the development of the scheme, working with the UK Deposit Management Organisation from the outset to ensure the needs of vending and automated retail operators are represented. As a result, vending and unattended retail have been structured to remain exempt from the requirement to provide a return point, which the association described as a critical protection for the sector. The AVA said it continues to push for practical implementation measures that reflect the operational realities of automated retail, including safeguards against additional fees and logistical challenges for operators. Scott Sherlock, public affairs manager at the AVA, said it was essential that the scheme continues to recognise the sector’s unique operating model and that exemptions are maintained as implementation progresses. AVA chief executive David Llewellyn said the launch of the scheme name marked progress but noted that a tight timetable remains ahead of the planned October 2027 launch. He added that the industry could benefit from a unified scheme operating consistently across the UK. The AVA said it will continue working with government and industry stakeholders to support its members as the UK vending and automated retail sector adapts to environmental regulation linked to the rollout of Exchange for Change.

Cawston Press has entered the flavoured sparkling water category with the launch of a new two-strong range made with real pressed fruit juice and sparkling water. Launching on 2 February, the range includes Squeezed Lime and Pressed Watermelon variants. Both products are made with sparkling spring water and real pressed fruit juice, with no added sugar, sweeteners or fruit juice concentrates. The Squeezed Lime variant blends sparkling spring water with lime juice, while Pressed Watermelon combines watermelon juice with a small amount of lemon. The move marks an expansion for the brand as it targets consumers seeking lower-sugar hydration options, amid growing demand for alternatives to sugary and caffeinated drinks. According to Cawston Press, the range is positioned between plain sparkling water and traditional carbonated soft drinks, aiming to offer a flavoured option using a limited ingredient list and clear labelling. Cawston Press MD Steve Kearns said: “Sparkling water is a growing category, but we saw a clear opportunity to do things differently. Consumers want great tasting clean ingredients even when they’re choosing flavoured sparkling water." "Using real pressed fruit, we’ve created a sparkling water that delivers genuine full-on fruit flavour without adding anything unnecessary. For retailers, we’re offering a premium option that stands out on shelf and speaks directly to today’s health-conscious shopper.” Cawston Press Sparkling Waters are available in 440ml single cans and 4x330ml multipacks. The new range is stocked at Ocado, Amazon, selected wholesalers and via the brand’s website.

UK coffee brand TrueStart Coffee has secured a Series A investment led by JamJar Investments, the consumer-focused investment firm behind Innocent Drinks. DLF Venture and a group of strategic angel investors also participated in the funding round, which a spokesperson for TrueStart told Refreshment totalled a multi-million-pound investment. The funding will be used to support the company’s next phase of growth, including expanding retail distribution of its core range, launching new products, scaling brand and sampling activity and further developing its direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel. Founded in 2015 by Helena Hills and Simon Hills, TrueStart was created during the founders’ triathlon training, with the aim of offering speciality-grade coffee positioned around caffeine awareness and everyday performance. The brand sources coffee from selected origins, including Colombia, and carries out testing to ensure consistency across its range. TrueStart is listed with retailers including Asda, Morrisons, Co-op, Costco and Ocado, and is available across more than 5,000 distribution points in the UK. It has also built a D2C customer base alongside its retail and out-of-home presence. Helena Hills said: “After ten years of diligently building our brand bootstrapped, we have fantastic product-market fit and the demand for TrueStart has never been higher". "This strategic investment will enable us to rapidly accelerate our already explosive growth, to build a category defining brand that always delivers on taste, health & energy for our customers. The future is super bright and we are just getting started.” Adam Balon, co-founder of JamJar Investments, commented: “TrueStart is exactly the kind of brand and team we love to back… one that brings excitement, optimism and a bit of fun to people’s everyday routines. Coffee is a huge category that’s been crying out for a shake-up, and TrueStart is doing exactly that with brilliant products, a clear point of view and founders with the ambition to build something genuinely special." "TrueStart has already proven they can unlock growth in a way most challengers can’t. We see massive potential and are excited to be part of the journey as TrueStart builds one of the next great consumer brands.” Clément Helinckx, principal at DLF Venture, added: “TrueStart has shown it can deliver real, incremental and profitable growth through exceptional products and a meaningful brand. This next stage is about scaling across retail, out of home and D2C, by launching innovation that grows the category and activating the brand in ways that recruit new consumers and build long-term brand value.”

Arden’s Garden, a premium cold-pressed juice and wellness company based in Atlanta, has launched Sea Moss Energy, a new functional wellness shot designed to deliver sustained energy and gut-friendly nutrition. The product builds on the company’s growing lineup of sea moss–based offerings, following the success of its Tropical Sea Moss Smoothie, introduced in 2025. Sea Moss Energy is made with fruit juices and gel derived from St Lucia sea moss and features tropical flavours including pineapple, passion fruit and lemon. The 2-ounce shot contains green tea for a smooth caffeine lift without the crash commonly associated with coffee. Each serving delivers 106 milligrams of caffeine and just 40 calories. “We have seen such an amazing response to our other products that utilise sea moss gel, so it was only natural that we expanded our wellness shot offering to include Sea Moss Energy as well,” said Leslie Zinn, CEO of Arden’s Garden. “In just six months, our Tropical Sea Moss Smoothie became a best-selling product. Consumers are clearly interested in sea moss for its mineral-rich nourishment and anti-inflammatory properties, and this shot allows us to deliver those benefits in a convenient, on-the-go format”. Founded in 1995, Arden’s Garden has steadily expanded its portfolio of fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, functional beverages and better-for-you foods. The addition of Sea Moss Energy reflects growing consumer interest in functional ingredients that support energy, digestion, and metabolic health. According to the company, the new shot was developed to support gut health and thyroid function while appealing to flavour-forward consumers. “We took the best of both worlds, functional ingredients and tropical flavours, and combined them into a wellness shot that’s easy to toss into a gym bag or lunchbox,” Zinn said. Sea Moss Energy is now rolling out nationally, hitting shelves this week in more than 1,450 Publix locations and already available in over 100 Roundy’s stores across the Midwest. Additional retail distribution is expected to be announced in the coming months as Arden’s Garden continues to expand its footprint. The product retails for $2.99 per 2oz shot and is available at all Publix locations.