ChariTea has expanded its UK retail presence with a nationwide listing in Waitrose, as the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation reports it has raised £11 million for social projects. The Fairtrade iced tea brand is now available in 141 larger Waitrose stores and online, with its Black, Red and Mate variants retailing at £1.95 per 330ml glass bottle. The rollout comes alongside confirmation that the foundation currently supports 25 projects across seven countries. Since January 2010, the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation has received 5p from every bottle sold across the Lemonaid and ChariTea ranges. The £11 million raised to date is used to back initiatives focused on sustainable livelihoods in regions where ingredients are sourced, spanning parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Waitrose launch includes: ChariTea Mate   – a naturally caffeinated yerba mate iced tea, lightly sweetened with agave ChariTea Red  – a caffeine-free rooibos iced tea with passion fruit ChariTea Black  – Sri Lankan black tea with lemon, lightly sweetened with agave Managing director Julian Warowioff said the £11m milestone demonstrates the impact of linking soft drinks sales directly to social funding, adding that expansion with Waitrose will help scale both distribution and project support. The brand positions its range as brewed-from-leaf iced teas made with organic ingredients and without refined sugars or flavourings, as it targets growth in the premium iced tea segment alongside wider retail availability.

Horizon Organic has launched a new line of refrigerated coffee creamers made with four USDA certified-organic ingredients: milk, cream, cane sugar and natural flavours. The Horizon Organic Real Dairy Creamers range includes three flavours: Homestyle Vanilla, Chantilly Sweet Cream and Golden Caramel. The company said the products are the only nationally available branded creamers to combine bold flavours with real organic dairy and a four-ingredient formulation. Coffee creamers are the fastest-growing segment within refrigerated dairy, posting a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% over the past four years. At the same time, more coffee is being prepared at home, rising from 63% of cups in 2024 to 71% in 2025, according to the US National Coffee Association. Horizon Organic said the new range targets consumers seeking coffeehouse-style flavour with simpler ingredient lists, an area it says has been underserved in the category. Horizon Organic's chief marketing officer, Andrew Springate, said: “Horizon Organic believes that small choices can make a big difference for people and the planet, and it’s this belief that precipitated the launch of Horizon Organic Real Dairy Creamers. Consumers can now elevate their daily coffee experiences with the rich, comforting flavours of these new creamers, and all while feeling good about the ingredients they’re putting in their cup.” The creamers are available at major retailers across the US.

Sanpellegrino has expanded its Ciao flavoured sparkling water range with the launch of Ciao Limoncello, marking the first line extension for the brand. The new variant is inspired by Italy’s citrus tradition and combines lemon flavour with real fruit juice, natural flavours and a pinch of Sicilian salt. It contains five calories per can and zero alcohol, positioning it within the low-calorie, non-alcoholic refreshment segment. Ciao Limoncello is available on Amazon this month and is scheduled to roll out in retailers nationwide from February.

Sweet Robo has launched ChocoPrint, its first 3D chocolate printing system, extending its automated retail platform into on-demand, personalised confectionery. ChocoPrint enables the live printing of chocolate shapes, designs and custom logos, allowing vending machines to produce made-to-order products rather than pre-packaged items. The system is designed to integrate with Sweet Robo’s existing robotic vending infrastructure, giving operators and brand partners a way to add personalisation without increasing staffing or operational complexity. The company says the technology supports "higher-fidelity branding" than previous approaches, with logos and bespoke designs printed directly in chocolate. This capability is being rolled out across Sweet Robo’s wider machine portfolio, enabling more consistent personalisation across different automated formats. Sweet Robo currently operates more than 1,300 robotic machines across 25 countries, primarily in entertainment venues, retail destinations and other high-traffic locations. The addition of ChocoPrint reflects a broader shift in the company’s strategy, positioning automated vending as an experiential, interactive format rather than a purely transactional one. With ChocoPrint, Sweet Robo is targeting operators and brands seeking to combine automation with customisation, using robotics to deliver personalised products at scale. Beyond confectionery, Sweet Robo has been expanding its scope within automated foodservice. In 2025, the company partnered with RoboBurger, adding freshly prepared hot food to its portfolio as part of a wider push to scale robotics-led food and beverage concepts.

Canadian sports nutrition company Cizzle Brands has acquired 100% of Flow Water from RI Flow Sub in a transaction valued at approximately CAD 83.75 million (approx. $60.63 million), subject to customary post-closing adjustments. Flow’s branded consumer packaged goods assets, including its intellectual property, were carved out prior to closing and will continue to operate independently under existing ownership. Under Cizzle, the acquired business will focus exclusively on beverage co-manufacturing at its Aurora, Ontario facility, which will be renamed Cizzle Brands Manufacturing and operate as the CWENCH Hydration Factory. On a pro forma basis, the manufacturing business is expected to generate CAD $21.5 million in revenue in H2 2026, rising to CAD $46.5 million in fiscal 2027. Consolidated pro forma revenue for Cizzle is projected at CAD $41 million in 2026 and $75 million in 2027, with operating synergies expected to improve margins. The facility adds established Tetra Pak production capacity, a format in limited supply across North America, supporting sustainable, shelf-stable beverages. The acquisition strengthens Cizzle’s vertical integration, particularly for CWENCH Hydration, while enabling third-party co-manufacturing. “With Tetra Pak capacity in North America being quite scarce, this acquisition allows us to immediately become an industry leader in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging in the Tetra format,” said John Celenza, founder and CEO of Cizzle Brands. The acquisition was funded through a combination of debt and equity, including a senior secured credit facility from Orion Infrastructure Capital, a vendor take-back loan, and two non-brokered private placements. Orion Infrastructure Capital provided a CAD $40 million senior secured facility, with an additional CAD $10 million available, while the vendor extended a CAD $22.25 million secured promissory note. Equity financing included CAD $4.725 million in units and CAD $7.5 million in convertible notes. Notably, Cliff Rucker, owner of RI Flow Sub, participated as a lead investor in the equity financing, signalling continued confidence in the manufacturing platform under Cizzle’s ownership. Cizzle Brands operates a growing portfolio of performance-focused food and beverage brands, including CWENCH Hydration, Spoken Nutrition, and HappiEats. The newly acquired manufacturing business is expected to support future product innovation and scale across these brands while offering co-manufacturing services to external customers. The acquisition was completed through Cizzle Brands Acquisition, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary.

Compass Coffee has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it restructures parts of its business to address lower foot traffic and rising costs in Washington, DC. The company said its cafés will remain open and operating throughout the process, and it will continue serving customers across the city. Compass cited structural changes to Washington’s retail environment since 2020, including sustained declines in downtown office occupancy and weekday foot traffic. The company said legacy lease structures and fixed operating costs are no longer aligned with current consumer demand. As part of the restructuring, Compass will close its Ivy City roasting facility. The company said the site was built to support a scale of production that no longer matches today’s retail environment and that operating a large manufacturing facility within the city is no longer economically viable. Compass said the Chapter 11 process will allow it to address legacy costs, rebalance operations around current demand and concentrate resources on its strongest neighbourhood cafés. Michael Haft, founder and CEO of Compass Coffee, said: “As a fourth-generation Washingtonian, I started Compass to build something meaningful for this city and the people who show up for it every day. This has been a difficult chapter, and the decisions we’re making reflect the reality of this moment in Washington. They allow us to keep serving the city with the same real good coffee and sense of community that have defined Compass from the beginning.” Founded more than a decade ago, Compass operates 25 cafés across the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The company said it will continue trading during the restructuring while it works to stabilise the business and align its operating structure with current market conditions.

Dutch scale-up Aquablu has launched Aquablu Bold, a new connected, stand-alone water dispenser designed to deliver personalised flavoured and functional hydration. The system allows users to choose from six natural flavours with adjustable intensity levels, alongside functional additions such as electrolytes, protein and caffeine. Aquablu said collagen will be added as a future option. Aquablu Bold connects to the company’s app, which can be linked to fitness trackers. Using data such as activity levels, hydration balance and personal goals, the system provides tailored hydration recommendations via a built-in hydration coach. The launch marks an expansion of Aquablu’s offering beyond office environments, with the company positioning the system for use across a range of locations including gyms, hotels, airports and public spaces. Unlike Aquablu’s earlier Refill+ platform, Aquablu Bold is fully freestanding and designed as a plug-and-play unit. It includes integrated payment options and is powered by Aquablu’s Aura operating system, which provides real-time monitoring of performance and consumption. The platform also automates inventory management, triggering replenishment of flavours and functional ingredients when supplies run low. According to the company, the new system reflects its wider strategy to scale personalised hydration solutions globally, combining water dispensing with digital monitoring, customisation and automated operations. “After an intense workout, Aquablu Bold recommends the 'immunity' variant to me, with extra electrolytes and protein,” said co-founder Marnix Stokvis. “I can even indicate that I prefer a lighter flavour – and once I do that, the system automatically adapts to my preferences going forward.” “With Aquablu Bold, we are bringing our mission one step closer," added co-founder Marc van Zuylen. "We want people to have access to hydration 24/7, wherever they are – hydration that offers more than just water: flavour, vitamins, minerals and functional boosts that support everyday life. Hydration is the foundation of an energetic and balanced lifestyle, and with our technology we make that experience personal, accessible, and inspiring."

Unilever Indonesia has agreed to divest its tea business in Indonesia, including the SariWangi brand, to Savoria Kreasi Rasa, a subsidiary of Djarum Group. The proposed sale is part of Unilever Indonesia’s portfolio optimisation strategy, as the company sharpens its focus on fewer, larger and more scalable categories. The agreed transaction value is IDR 1.5 trillion (approximately $89.42 million), excluding applicable taxes. An independent business valuation conducted by Kantor Jasa Penilai Publik Suwendho Rinaldy dan Rekan assessed the tea business at a market value of Rp1.49 trillion. Benjie Yap, president director of Unilever Indonesia, said the transaction would allow the tea business to enter its next phase of development while enabling the company to prioritise higher-growth segments. “We are confident that this transaction will position the tea business for its next phase of growth, while sharpening Unilever Indonesia’s focus on priority, higher growth segments and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable shareholder value,” Yap said. Unilever Indonesia acquired SariWangi in 1989, when the brand introduced tea bags to the Indonesian market. Since then, SariWangi has become an established household name in the country. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. Top image: © Unilever

Javvy Coffee has expanded its protein coffee portfolio with the launch of Javvy Protein Creamer, extending its existing Protein Coffee range. The product is designed to be added to hot or cold coffee and contains 11g of protein per scoop, alongside prebiotics and MCTs. The creamer is lactose-free and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Following the original Sweet Cream variant, the Protein Creamer range has been expanded with three additional flavours: White Chocolate Mocha, Hazelnut and Salted Caramel. Javvy Protein Creamer is available exclusively via Amazon, TikTok Shop and the brand’s direct-to-consumer website, for $29.95.

Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages has added three professional athletes to its investor and impact partner roster: Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams and Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. A company spokesperson told Refreshment that the latest round raised $11 million in total, with McMillan, Williams and Grant contributing alongside other investors. Individual investment amounts were not disclosed. Waiākea said the partnerships reflect a shared focus on purpose-led business and environmental stewardship, aligned with the company’s sustainability positioning and B Corp certification. The athletes join the brand as both investors and advocates for its social and environmental initiatives. The trio joins Waiākea’s existing group of athlete partners, which includes Aaron Judge, Myles Garrett, Klay Thompson and several Hawai‘i-born professional athletes across baseball, football, surfing and volleyball. Ryan Emmons, co-founder and chief executive of Waiākea, said the company was “working with impact leaders who truly believe in our mission and community impact.” McMillan said investing in Waiākea “puts culture and purpose first,” while Williams described the brand as “something special” he was proud to support. Grant added that Waiākea’s focus on family, philanthropy and environmental care made it “the perfect partner.” In October, Refreshment interviewed Waiākea co-founder and CEO Ryan Emmons , discussing the company’s approach to tackling packaging sustainability challenges and its wider environmental commitments.

Jade Leaf Matcha, a premium matcha company, is set to launch a Pistachio Matcha Latte Mix. This new offering, which combines the smoothness of matcha with a creamy pistachio twist, will be exclusively available at Target, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s ready-to-mix latte line-up. Pistachio Matcha Latte Mix is designed for consumers seeking an on-trend, convenient and cost-effective alternative to café-style drinks. At a retail price of $10.99 for a package containing ten servings, each cup of this new latte mix costs approximately $1, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who desire a premium beverage experience at home. With the growing popularity of matcha and plant-based beverages, this launch aligns with current consumer trends favouring health-conscious and flavourful drink options. Pistachio Matcha Latte Mix offers a naturally sweet and nutty flavour profile, appealing to both matcha enthusiasts and those new to the beverage. The product is available for purchase online and in store. As the demand for convenient, high-quality beverages continues to rise, Jade Leaf Matcha’s new offering aims to attract a diverse customer base, from busy professionals to health-conscious families. Jade Leaf Matcha specialises in premium matcha products sourced from Japan. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality matcha while promoting the health benefits associated with this traditional beverage.

Fiddleheads Coffee – the oldest family-owned small-batch roastery in Thiensville, Wisconsin, US – has joined the FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective as it looks to secure its long-term future while maintaining its local roots. Founded in 1996, Fiddleheads operates eight cafés across the Greater Milwaukee area. The company said the move is intended to support its long-term development while maintaining its existing operations and local presence. The decision follows more than a year of discussions between Fiddleheads’ owners and FairWave. As the business approaches its 29th year of trading, the owners said they began evaluating options for the company’s future and potential succession. FairWave, which operates a portfolio of speciality coffee brands, said it conducted an extended assessment of Fiddleheads’ business and market position prior to the agreement. Specialty Coffee Collective's owner, Ray Marcy, said: “Fiddleheads is our family’s baby. It was really important to us that if we ever did decide to sell, it would be to someone who works in coffee – someone who understands how special Fiddleheads is to us, and how special it has become to the local community here.” "After meeting with Isaac and the incredible FairWave team for over a year, we knew we’d found the right home for our brand,” Marcy added. “They’re coffee people. They understand the heart and soul of this business and are determined to keep that alive.” Fiddleheads becomes the second FairWave brand in the Milwaukee market, following Anodyne Coffee Roasting, which joined the collective in June 2023. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.