Caffè Nero North America has been selected as the stalking horse bidder in the court-supervised sale of assets belonging to US coffee chain Compass Coffee, following approval from the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia. On Friday, 23 January 2026, the court approved bidding procedures governing the proposed sale, including the designation of a stalking horse purchaser, bidder protections and the timetable for the auction and sale hearing. Under the stalking horse agreement, Caffè Nero North America has submitted an offer to acquire substantially all of Compass Coffee’s assets for a cash purchase price of $2.9 million, alongside the assumption of certain specified liabilities. The bid remains subject to higher or better offers submitted in line with the court-approved process. The agreement also includes a proposed break-up fee equal to 4% of the cash purchase price, payable under certain circumstances if the transaction does not proceed. Compass Coffee filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month as it seeks to restructure parts of its business in response to lower foot traffic and rising costs in Washington, DC. The company said its cafés will continue operating throughout the process. In court filings, Compass cited structural changes to Washington’s retail environment since 2020, including sustained declines in downtown office occupancy and weekday footfall, alongside legacy lease structures and fixed operating costs that are no longer aligned with current demand. As part of the restructuring, the company confirmed plans to close its Ivy City roasting facility, stating that the site was built to support a scale of production that no longer reflects today’s retail environment and is no longer economically viable within the city. Compass said the Chapter 11 process will allow it to address legacy costs, rebalance operations around current demand and focus resources on its strongest neighbourhood cafés. Founded more than a decade ago, Compass Coffee operates 25 cafés across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia, and has said it will continue trading while working to stabilise the business and align its operating structure with current market conditions.

Pringles has teamed up with Xbox and Bethesda Softworks to launch a limited-edition Fallout 76 Mystery Flavour crisp across the UK and Ireland. The collaboration brings official Fallout 76 Vault imagery to Pringles’ packaging, with themed tubes designed to reflect the visual identity of the gaming franchise. The Mystery Flavour format continues Pringles’ recent approach of releasing limited-edition seasonings without disclosing the flavour profile. Alongside the Mystery Flavour, Pringles has also introduced a limited-edition packaging refresh across its core range, including Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and Texas BBQ Sauce. The redesigned tubes draw inspiration from several Xbox gaming titles, including World of Warcraft: Midnight, Sea of Thieves, The Outer Worlds 2 and Fallout 76. Grace Taylor, brand activation lead at Pringles, said the Mystery Flavour format is designed to encourage engagement and discussion. She said: “Our Mystery Flavours always get people buzzing with excitement. Our most recent ‘Santa’s Secret Flavour’ had people guessing right up to the end, until the big reveal announced it was a delicious festive truffle." She added: "But this drop – our third ever Mystery Flavour – is a full-on flavour quest. The seasoning is bold, surprising and full of twists that will keep fans debating for months on end." The Fallout 76 Mystery Flavour and limited-edition core range tubes are available for a limited time.

The UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has unveiled Exchange for Change as its new trading name, marking a key step in preparations for the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The not-for-profit body is responsible for designing and delivering the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which is scheduled to go live in October 2027. According to the organisation, the Exchange for Change name is intended to reflect the core principle of the scheme: enabling consumers to return empty drinks containers and reclaim their deposit, supporting improved recycling rates and reduced litter. Alongside the rebrand, Exchange for Change has introduced a new scheme icon, which will appear on all bottles, cans and designated return points once the DRS is implemented. Developed in collaboration with Uncommon Creative Studio, the icon depicts bottles and cans transforming into coins, designed to be easily recognisable for consumers and applicable across the full range of in-scope containers. The organisation said supporting producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators will be a central focus as the scheme moves into its next phase. Detailed guidance on how and when the logo should be applied – including placement, sizing, colour use and approved formats – is expected to be issued in the coming weeks to help businesses prepare packaging and artwork updates ahead of launch. Commenting on the rebrand, Exchange for Change chief executive Russell Davies said: “Our new name reflects what this scheme is all about, and that’s making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities and recycling habits across the UK”. The Deposit Return Scheme remains on track for implementation in October 2027, with further updates expected as Exchange for Change works with stakeholders across the supply chain to finalise operational and communications frameworks.

Hotel Chocolat has launched a new limited-edition drinking chocolate, Fire & Ice, to mark National Hot Chocolate Day on 31 January 2026. The product blends the brand’s 70% dark chocolate with Tasmanian peppermint and habanero chilli, combining cooling and warming flavour notes in a single formulation. Made with real chocolate flakes and natural ingredients, Fire & Ice is designed exclusively for use with Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser. According to the company, the flavour is inspired by its existing Fire & Ice chocolate selector, which has now been adapted into a hot chocolate format following the launch of the updated Velvetiser last year. Yiotis Panagiotou, specialtiy cocoa chocolatier (product development) at Hotel Chocolat, said: “Fire & Ice is originally a chocolate selector, but we’d never tried it as a drinking chocolate until now. After launching the all-new Velvetiser last year, I was inspired to invent a new and unexpected drinking chocolate flavour that ‘shouldn’t’ work, but it does." "Fire & Ice does just that – it’s the epitome of ‘opposites attract’ in drinking chocolate form. The two flavours get their own time to shine so you get to experience both. The chilli brings the heat and drama, whereas the peppermint balances it out bringing cool and calm. I can talk about it all day, but the fun really begins when you try it for yourself – which is why I’m excited for people to sip our complimentary samples in stores on National Hot Chocolate Day.” The launch forms part of Hotel Chocolat’s wider hot chocolate portfolio, which includes flavours such as 100% dark, ginger, chilli, coconut white, black forest gateau, peanut butter and mint. Fire & Ice will be available for a limited time in-store and online, priced at £14.95 for a box of ten sachets.

Berrington Pure Spring Water-owned aluminium bottled water brand Re:Water is investing £2 million in a new production facility in Herefordshire as it looks to scale output and support growing grocery, retail and hospitality demand for plastic alternatives. The new site, due to become operational in February, is located a few miles from the company’s existing base and is five times larger than the current facility. The expansion will allow Re:Water to add additional production lines, increase on-site stockholding and bring more of its operations in-house. The move is intended to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve capacity at a time when retailers are placing greater emphasis on scale, reliability and security of supply. Re:Water bottles its spring water in 100% recycled and fully recyclable aluminium, including the cap. The brand sources its water locally in Herefordshire and said it chose to remain in the area to protect water quality, retain its workforce and minimise disruption. The new facility will also support product development, with a 750ml bottle scheduled to launch in 2026 following the introduction of a 330ml format. The investment is expected to support future export growth, following the brand’s King’s Award for Innovation in 2025. According to the company, demand for aluminium bottled water continues to rise as consumers seek alternatives to single-use plastic without sacrificing convenience, while retailers and foodservice operators face increasing pressure to offer more sustainable packaging formats. Benjamin Rendell, director at Berrington Pure Spring Water, said: “We’re growing at pace and were forecast to reach capacity at our existing site. This investment is about staying ahead of that growth. The new site gives us the space to scale properly – adding production lines, increasing stock holding and making sure everything remains in-house and under our control.” Rhodri Lewis, director at Berrington Pure Spring Water, said the larger site would also help reduce the company’s carbon footprint by increasing on-site warehousing and cutting transport movements. With expanded capacity, on-site warehousing and BRC-compliant operations under one roof, Re:Water said the investment positions the business to continue growing across grocery, retail and hospitality channels while maintaining product quality and consistency. Re:Water’s spring and sparkling water is currently stocked in over 5,000 locations across the UK, including Marks & Spencer, Pret A Manger, Itsu, the National Trust and London Zoo. Recent contracts include Transport for Wales, which has moved to stock Re:Water exclusively, and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour through the brand’s custom-print offering.

Planet Oat, the US oat milk brand owned by HP Hood, has entered the zero-sugar coffee creamer segment, launching what it says are the category’s first oat-based creamers formulated with no sugar per serving. The move reflects growing pressure on food and beverage manufacturers to cut sugar without sacrificing taste, as consumers scrutinise labels more closely and regulators and health bodies continue to focus on sugar reduction. The new products – Zero Sugar Caramel and Zero Sugar Vanilla Cinnamon – extend Planet Oat’s presence in the fast-growing plant-based coffee creamer market, a category that has increasingly become a battleground for differentiation as traditional dairy and non-dairy players compete for space in both chilled and ambient aisles. For ingredient suppliers and manufacturers, the launch highlights ongoing innovation around flavour delivery and sweetness modulation in plant-based formats, where sugar has traditionally played a key role in mouthfeel and taste. Brands are now under pressure to deliver indulgent profiles while aligning with 'zero' and 'free-from' claims that resonate with health-conscious consumers. The creamers are free from dairy, lactose, gluten, soy and nuts, positioning them as inclusive alternatives aimed at consumers managing allergies or dietary restrictions – a strategy that has helped plant-based brands broaden their appeal beyond vegans. The US coffee creamer market has been shifting steadily towards functional and 'better-for-you' formulations, with reduced sugar, clean label sweeteners and plant-based fats becoming key areas of product development. Creamers, unlike core milk alternatives, allow brands to command higher margins and experiment more aggressively with flavour and formulation. Planet Oat has not disclosed pricing or distribution details for the new products. The brand has previously focused on mainstream retail penetration rather than niche health channels, suggesting the zero-sugar line is intended to scale rather than remain a specialist offering.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based vending and micro market business, Jordan Distributing, expanding its footprint across Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. The acquisition strengthens Five Star’s presence in the Chattanooga market, where the company will integrate the acquired routes into its existing operations to ensure continuity of service for customers. Jordan Distributing was founded by industry veteran Hugh Jordan, who entered the vending sector in 1972. In 1992, Jordan acquired Tom’s Distributorship in Knoxville and later expanded into Chattanooga. The business he acquired traces its origins back to 1937 and is credited with being among the first to introduce glass-front snack machines in workplaces in 1956. In recent years, the two-route operation in Chattanooga has been managed by Hugh’s son, Bart Jordan, serving customers across Chattanooga and nearby areas including Cleveland, Tennessee, and Dalton, Georgia. The transaction covers the vending and micro market routes only and does not include employees, facilities or ownership transitioning as part of the deal. The sale enables Hugh Jordan to retire after more than five decades in the vending industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Nestlé-owned brand Milkybar has launched a new white chocolate product in the UK and Ireland, expanding its range with a crunchy sharing format. The product combines crispy cereal balls coated in Milkybar white chocolate and is positioned as a sharing snack. According to Nestlé Confectionery, the Crunchy Pops are made with whole milk, Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa and contain no artificial flavours. The launch adds to Milkybar’s existing portfolio of white chocolate blocks and buttons. Rachel Beaufoy, marketing manager at Nestlé Confectionery, said: “It’s an exciting year for Milkybar, and Crunchy Pops are a special launch for us. We’ve combined a delicious crunchy texture with our creamy white chocolate to create a treat we think people will love.” The launch coincides with Milkybar’s 90th anniversary. The brand was introduced in 1936 in the UK and Switzerland and has since become one of the UK’s best-known white chocolate brands. Milkybar Crunchy Pops White Chocolate sharing bags will be available in stores across the UK&I from next week.

Nestlé is moving forward with plans to sell a stake in its bottled water division, setting up one of the food and beverage industry’s most closely watched carve-outs as private equity firms line up to back a business housing premium brands such as Perrier and S.Pellegrino, Bloomberg reported. The Swiss food group has invited first-round bids this month for the water unit, valued at around €5 billion, according to sources, with Rothschild advising on the transaction. The sale would mark a major step in Nestlé’s broader effort to refocus its portfolio and restore confidence following a turbulent period marked by regulatory scrutiny and reputational challenges. Buyout firms including PAI Partners, Blackstone, KKR, Bain Capital and Clayton Dubilier & Rice have expressed interest, Bloomberg previously reported. Banks are preparing between €2 billion and €3 billion of debt financing to support a potential deal, structured as leveraged loans in euros and dollars, the sources said. The financing would equate to roughly four to six times the unit’s estimated €500 million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation – a level that underscores both the strength of the underlying brands and the willingness of private equity to lean into consumer staples assets as dealmaking rebounds. Nestlé announced in late 2024 that it would separate its water business , long viewed by investors as a non-core asset relative to its faster-growing nutrition, health and premium food categories. Momentum around the sale has picked up following a leadership reset that saw Philipp Navratil appointed chief executive in September . The deal highlights how even globally recognised beverage brands are being reassessed amid rising environmental and regulatory pressures. Bottled water producers face intensifying scrutiny over plastic use, water sourcing and sustainability claims – risks that investors are factoring into valuations. Nestlé’s water division has also been under pressure after the company acknowledged in 2024 that it had used filtration methods not permitted for natural mineral waters  in parts of its portfolio, while the group continues to manage a separate infant formula contamination crisis. Despite those challenges, bankers involved in the process say the water unit remains an attractive asset, anchored by premium brands with global distribution and pricing power.

Twinings has expanded its ready-to-drink Sparkling Tea portfolio with the launch of a new peach-flavoured variant. The new product, named Revive, blends Chinese green tea with peach and apple juice, elderflower infusion and sparkling water. It contains fewer than 50 calories per 250ml can and is positioned as a naturally refreshing option with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners or colours. Developed by Twinings’ master blenders, herbalists and R&D team, Revive uses a lightly brewed green tea selected for its subtle flavour profile, designed to complement the fruit and floral notes. Sweetness is derived from apple and peach juice, while a small amount of lime juice provides acidity, and elderflower adds a floral finish. In line with the wider Sparkling Tea range, Revive is fortified with functional ingredients, including magnesium, niacin and vitamin C, which are associated with normal psychological function and reduced tiredness and fatigue. Peach remains one of the most popular flavours in the iced tea and soft drinks categories, and Twinings said the new launch offers a more premium take by combining it with apple and elderflower. The brand is positioning the product as part of a broader push towards healthier everyday beverages, particularly during the New Year period when demand for low- and no-sugar drinks typically increases. The Sparkling Tea range now consists of four flavours: Revive – Peach and Apple with Elderflower, infused with Chinese green tea Defence – Orange, Passionfruit and Elderberry, infused with Chinese green tea Refresh – Raspberry Lemonade with Hibiscus, infused with Chinese white tea Boost – Lemon with Ginger and Lemon Balm, infused with Indian black tea All variants are fortified with vitamins and minerals and are designed to support different well-being occasions. Gill Close, marketing director for UK & Ireland at Twinings, said the launch responded to strong consumer demand for peach-flavoured drinks while maintaining the brand’s focus on quality and functionality. " As a beloved flavour in the beverage world, we’re thrilled to introduce Peach Revive  to our Sparkling Tea range – a delicious, modern take on a classic flavour – at less than 50 calories per can. With its harmonious blend of sweet peach, apple, elderflower and green tea notes, this new flavour is set to be the crown jewel in our collection, offering a revitalising taste that’s sure to invigorate and delight." The Twinings Sparkling Tea range, including Revive, is available via Amazon and twinings.co.uk, with wider retail distribution planned. The recommended retail price is £1.90 per can.

Coco5, the coconut water brand backed by professional athletes, including basketball players Devin Booker and Charles Barkley, has closed a $10 million funding round as it looks to broaden its footprint beyond the traditional sports drink aisle. The capital injection will support the hiring of senior executives across sports nutrition, consumer packaged goods and retail, as the brand strengthens its leadership team to scale operations and drive new product innovation. Coco5 is centred on coconut water enriched with electrolytes, designed to support performance, recovery, and general wellness. The brand leverages its association with professional athletes to position itself at the intersection of sports nutrition and mainstream wellness. By combining natural hydration with functional benefits, Coco5 targets both active consumers and health-conscious shoppers seeking alternatives to traditional sports drinks. Flavours currently include cherry, lemon, passionfruit, pineapple and coconut. Originally distributed through sports and fitness channels, Coco5 is now expanding into healthcare, hospitality, and international wellness-focused markets. The brand is also exploring flavour extensions and additional product formats to broaden its functional beverage portfolio and capture a larger share of the growing hydration and wellness segment. The $10 million injection will fund strategic growth initiatives, including expanding key wellness-focused channels and accelerating product innovation. Coco5 has already begun seeing traction beyond the traditional sports drink aisle, reflecting broader consumer demand for functional, health-oriented beverages. The investment and leadership expansion could position Coco5 as a notable challenger in the functional hydration space, competing with established sports drink and wellness beverage brands both domestically and internationally. Featured image: © Coco5

Nichols is stepping up its expansion in the energy drinks category with the launch of Vimto Energy Tropical Cooler. The product has been developed to meet the growing ‘Enhance My Body & Mind’ consumer need, combining functionality with taste and refreshment. Key credentials include being zero sugar, high in vitamins B6 and B12, and made with natural caffeine and real fruit juice, supporting more health-permissible choices without compromising on flavour. Angela Reay, marketing director at Nichols, said: “We are really excited by the launch of Vimto Energy Tropical Cooler, the latest product in our growing Energy range, which has been developed to specifically target the convenience and wholesale channels." Reay continued: "Flavoured energy and price-marked packs are delivering strong growth in impulse, and this launch brings both together in a trusted, mainstream brand. The Tropical Cooler flavour delivers a sense of escapism while staying true to Vimto Energy’s inclusive proposition, helping retailers attract new shoppers, drive repeat purchase and unlock incremental category growth." The new SKU will launch on 19 February 2026, following a seven-week exclusivity period with SPAR, and will be available in a 500ml can.