Nestlé will cease production at its Diósgyőr, Hungary, confectionery plant in December 2026, citing declining demand for seasonal chocolate products. The company informed employee representative bodies of the decision this month. The facility currently produces hollow chocolate figures for distribution across several international markets. According to a Nestlé spokesperson, output at the plant has "decreased significantly" in recent years amid weaker demand for seasonal confectionery. The facility represents less than 3% of Nestlé revenue in Hungary and approximately 0.4% of its domestic production volume. Alongside preparations to halt production, Nestlé has entered advanced negotiations over the sale and future operation of the factory. The company said it hopes to transfer the facility to an investor that will continue confectionery manufacturing, potentially preserving employment for as many workers as possible. Nestlé said it will provide further information on the outcome of the advanced negotiations at a later date. The company’s hollow chocolate figures will remain available following the shutdown, with production set to move to an independent manufacturer operating in accordance with Nestlé’s quality standards. Nestlé added that its other Hungarian factories in Szerencs and Bük will continue operating and developing.

Spanish coffee group Cafento has acquired McCabe’s Coffee, an Irish speciality roaster based in County Wicklow, as part of its international growth strategy. The deal marks Cafento’s second investment in Ireland, following its acquisition of Dublin-based Java Republic in 2019. McCabe’s produces speciality and organic coffee, strengthening Cafento’s presence across the premium, speciality and organic segments. Established 27 years ago by Clive McCabe as a small family roasting venture, the company has grown to supply more than 450 independent cafés and hospitality customers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is now managed by the founder’s son, Stephen McCabe, and his wife, Portia. McCabe’s will continue to operate as an independent brand from its existing base in Wicklow. All employees will remain with the business, while Stephen McCabe will stay on as brand ambassador. Emma Charlotte Brett, Cafento’s managing director for international operations, said the acquisition reflected the group’s confidence in the Irish market and its focus on international expansion. She added that the two family businesses shared similar values and a long-term approach. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Top image: © McCabe's Coffee

Nestlé-owned Coffee Mate has launched a limited-edition mixed fruit-flavoured creamer in the US. Named Situation-Sip, the product combines strawberry, citrus and mixed berry flavours. It is designed for use in hot and iced coffee, alcohol-free cocktails and 'dirty sodas'. The launch is supported by a campaign featuring US television personality Carl Radke, who said the product “brings ‘more life’ to everything from a morning coffee run to a sunset soft cocktail”. Sarah Bell-Klauser, Nestlé's VP of brand marketing for the coffee and beverage division, said: “We developed the Coffee Mate Situation-Sip mixed fruit-flavoured creamer to capture the spirit of summer flings, giving fans an excuse to flirt with a new flavour and reimagine their cup as the perfect match.” The creamer is available free of charge through two limited online drops on 20 and 27 July, exclusively via Coffee Mate’s website. Products will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Refresco has appointed Minsok Pak as president and chief strategy and transformation officer. Minsok Pak In the newly created position, Pak will join Refresco’s executive committee and report directly to CEO Steve Presley. He will lead the beverage solutions provider’s global corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions activity, while overseeing transformation programmes focused on operational performance and commercial effectiveness. Pak brings 35 years of experience across the consumer and retail sectors. Most recently, he served as global CEO of CJ Foods, leading a business operating in more than 75 markets. He has also held senior strategy, transformation and innovation roles at Mondelēz International and Target Corporation. Earlier in his career, Pak worked at The Lego Group, where he oversaw branded retail and channel development across more than 200 stores worldwide. He also spent more than two decades as a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, advising consumer and retail companies across the US, Asia and Europe. Presley said: “Minsok has spent his career leading large-scale strategy and transformation at companies operating at this scale. He brings a strong track record of creating long-term value, along with deep experience in M&A and operations, and I’m confident he is well suited to lead the business at this important stage in Refresco’s growth.” Commenting on his appointment, Pak added: “The beverage industry is changing faster than at any point in a generation. Brands are outsourcing production, private label is taking structural share, and entirely new categories are scaling faster than most manufacturers can follow.” The appointment follows Refresco’s acquisition of North American supply chain solutions provider SunOpta, which expanded the company’s plant-based and protein manufacturing capabilities, foodservice channel access and presence across North America.

The UK government has confirmed that the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England will be banned from April 2027, subject to parliamentary approval. The legislation will cover drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, excluding tea and coffee. It will apply across shops, online retailers and vending machines, while business-to-business sales will be excluded. Retailers will be responsible for preventing sales to under-16s, with local authorities overseeing enforcement. Businesses that breach the legislation could face fines of up to £2,500. The decision follows a consultation that received 1,095 responses from businesses, public health organisations, enforcement bodies and members of the public, with strong support for introducing an age restriction. Around 100,000 children in England are estimated to consume high-caffeine energy drinks every day. Evidence has linked consumption to anxiety, disrupted sleep and reduced concentration, with children in more deprived communities disproportionately affected. Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said the ban would reduce children’s access to drinks that could harm their health, wellbeing and education. Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, welcomed the announcement as a “vital step towards protecting children’s health”. She said: “Strong evidence links high-caffeine energy drinks to anxiety, poor sleep, reduced concentration and harm to learning and wellbeing – restricting sales to children at a vital time in their life is just common sense.” Jenner added that extending the restriction across shops, vending machines and online sales would create a “fair, consistent system” for retailers and families. What the ban means for vending operators For vending operators, the legislation is expected to prevent affected energy drinks from being sold through machines, regardless of where those machines are located. According to the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), this will include machines in factories, warehouses, workplaces, staff rooms, adult-only gyms and transport hubs, as well as publicly accessible locations. The person controlling or managing the premises where a machine is installed will be responsible for compliance. AVA said it was disappointed that the government had not adopted a location-based approach or allowed age-verification technology. The association highlighted that more than 82% of vending machines are located at sites that do not permit access to children and estimated that the restriction could cost the industry £43 million annually. Operators do not need to make immediate changes, but AVA advised members to assess which machines and product ranges could be affected and begin considering suitable replacement drinks ahead of implementation. The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) also highlighted the voluntary measures already taken by manufacturers. A spokesperson said: “BSDA members have led the way in responsible retailing through the association’s long-standing voluntary Code of Practice. Since 2010, our members have committed not to market or promote the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, and all high-caffeine beverages carry a ‘not recommended for children’ label.” "The available evidence shows that the vast majority of caffeine consumed by children and adolescents comes from sources other than energy drinks." The BSDA said it would continue engaging with the government as the details of the legislation are developed. The government intends to introduce the measures through secondary legislation under the Food Safety Act 1990, with the aim of improving children’s physical and mental health and supporting their concentration and learning.

Aqua Libra has expanded its flavoured sparkling water portfolio with the launch of a new Peach & Kiwi variety. Combining the sweet flavour of peach with kiwi, the sparkling water contains no sugar, sweeteners, calories or artificial ingredients. Peach & Kiwi joins Aqua Libra’s existing flavour combinations, which include Blood Orange & Mango, Cucumber Mint & Lime, Raspberry & Blackcurrant and Watermelon & Strawberry. The launch comes as the UK flavoured water category is valued at £474 million, while canned sparkling water generates £36 million in retail sales value. According to Aqua Libra, growth is being supported by demand for sugar-free, low-calorie drinks and greater interest in flavour-led products. Malcom McDermott, head of marketing at Aqua Libra, said: "At Aqua Libra, we're on a mission to inspire people with the potential of water. That's why we've always focused on creating fun and interesting flavour combinations that offer something a little different for consumers looking for more natural options." "Peach & Kiwi is another example of our commitment to bringing fresh ideas to the category. As flavoured sparkling water continues to attract new shoppers, retailers have a real opportunity to drive engagement through products that deliver both health credentials and genuine innovation.” The drink will be available through Ocado, Amazon and Aqua Libra’s website from 20 July 2026, ahead of a wider retail rollout beginning in October.

Heineken Costa Rica has signed an agreement to acquire RainForest Water, a Costa Rican premium artesian water brand, through its subsidiary Distribuidora La Florida. Founded in Sarapiquí, RainForest Water bottles artesian water directly at its natural source and packages it in recyclable and reusable aluminium bottles. Its operations are powered by renewable energy and supported by initiatives focused on reforestation, forest conservation, biodiversity and community development. The acquisition is expected to provide RainForest Water with a platform to expand into new markets while retaining its focus on sustainability and reducing plastic use. Ariel Aizenman, founder and CEO of RainForest Water, said: “When we started this project, we wanted to demonstrate that a brand born in Costa Rica could compete with the best in the world. This agreement confirms that innovation, quality and purpose can transform a Costa Rican product into a brand of international value.” He added that the deal recognised the contribution of the company’s employees, customers, suppliers and partners to the development of the brand. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Financial details were not disclosed.

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Coffee Legend of the Year Award, which recognises long-standing leadership within the coffee services sector. The award is open to NAMA members who have contributed to the industry for at least ten years. Eligible nominees may include coffee service operators, roasters, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, brokers and educators. Nominations should outline the individual's achievements, leadership and long-term influence, as well as their contribution to the wider convenience services industry. Christine Cochran, president and CEO of NAMA, said: “NAMA’s Coffee Legend of the Year Award recognises a person whose work elevates the entire coffee services ecosystem". “A Coffee Legend innovates, sets standards and opens doors for others. When you nominate someone, you’re helping spotlight the individuals whose contributions make a meaningful difference, not only in coffee service, but across the broader convenience services industry.” Jim Carbone, vice president of operations and coffee experience at WithMe and last year’s Coffee Legend recipient, added: “It celebrates the leaders whose passion and commitment keep coffee services advancing across convenience services, and being part of that legacy is something I’ll always be grateful for.” Nominations will close on 17 August 2026. The recipient will be recognised during NAMA’s Coffee Tea & Water event, taking place in Austin, Texas, from 18-19 November.

The South African Competition Commission has recommended approval of Coca-Cola HBC AG’s proposed acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA). The Commission announced that it has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the deal with conditions, concluding that the transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any relevant market. Coca-Cola HBC AG and Coca-Cola HBC Holdings BV intend to acquire CCBA, the largest Coca-Cola bottling operation in Africa. Coca-Cola HBC, headquartered in Switzerland and listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Athens Exchange, is an authorised bottler of the Coca-Cola Company’s brands across Europe, Eurasia and Africa. Its portfolio spans sparkling soft drinks, water, juice, sports and energy drinks, ready-to-drink tea, coffee and premium spirits. CCBA operates across the carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks market in South Africa through authorised bottling subsidiaries producing and distributing Coca-Cola-branded beverages, as well as other licensed brands, including Monster Energy. Following its assessment, the Commission said the merger would not raise significant competition concerns. However, approval is subject to a series of public interest commitments agreed by the merging parties. These include a moratorium on merger-related retrenchments in South Africa, commitments to maintain historically disadvantaged persons and worker ownership levels, continued procurement from empowered suppliers, HDPs and small and medium-sized enterprises and investment in downstream distribution, retail operations and capital expenditure within the country. The parties have also committed to ensuring CCBA remains incorporated and headquartered in South Africa. In addition, Coca-Cola HBC has agreed to pursue a secondary inward listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. The Competition Tribunal will make the final decision on whether to approve the transaction.

Steve Davis The drive towards more sustainable packaging is transforming the food and beverage industry. As manufacturers replace traditional materials with lighter, recycled and fibre-based alternatives, they must balance environmental ambitions with the need to protect products, maintain production efficiency and meet increasingly stringent quality standards. Steve Davis, global director of product management at Industrial Physics, explores why testing has become essential to reducing risk, ensuring consistency and enabling manufacturers to innovate with confidence. Across the food and beverage sector, packaging is being asked to do more than ever before. It must preserve product quality, extend shelf life and maintain safety across complex supply chains, while meeting ambitious sustainability targets. This shift is changing the role packaging plays in production. The question is no longer whether a material is recyclable or renewable, but whether it can consistently deliver the performance required in real-world conditions. As sustainability strategies accelerate, packaging is becoming as much a performance challenge as it is an environmental one. For manufacturers, this introduces a new kind of risk. When packaging performance becomes less predictable, small variations can directly affect product integrity, operational efficiency and brand reputation. From material choice to product protection In food and beverage applications, packaging is not an isolated component; it is integral to product delivery. It must maintain barrier performance, ensure seal integrity and withstand the mechanical stresses of filling, transport and storage. Historically, conventional materials such as plastics have been optimised over decades to deliver consistent results across these conditions. Today, however, the introduction of new materials such as paper-based alternatives, higher recycled content and lightweighting strategies is changing how packaging behaves. It is important to recognise that paper is not a single, uniform material but a diverse group influenced by fibre source, processing methods, coatings and additives. When recycled content is introduced, variability increases further. Differences in fibre length, contamination levels and residual inks or adhesives can significantly affect mechanical and surface properties. As a result, packaging that performs well in development may behave unpredictably in production or distribution. This is the core challenge: sustainable materials can meet performance requirements, but with a narrower margin for error. In practical terms, performance is no longer guaranteed by material selection alone. It must be actively verified. Understanding performance in practice For food and beverage manufacturers, the key question is not how a material performs in isolation, but how it behaves in contact with the product and throughout its lifecycle. Small changes in packaging performance can have disproportionate effects. Variations in barrier properties can influence oxygen ingress or moisture transfer, affecting freshness and shelf life. In carbonated beverages, minor inconsistencies in strength and sealing can impact pressure retention. In chilled or temperature-sensitive products, packaging must maintain integrity despite environmental fluctuations. These are not hypothetical concerns. In high-speed production environments, even slight deviations can scale quickly into large volumes of compromised product, increasing the risk of waste or recalls. The challenge is not simply adopting more sustainable materials, but ensuring they perform reliably under real-world conditions. The limits of traditional quality checks Traditional quality control methods remain critical. Periodic sampling and laboratory-based testing provide highly accurate, standards-aligned measurements that underpin quality assurance and compliance. However, as production speeds increase and materials evolve, these approaches are difficult to rely on in isolation. Sampling provides a snapshot, although it may not capture short-term variations or process drift. In high-speed production environments, timing becomes as important as accuracy. By the time an issue is detected through end-of-line testing, it may already have affected significant production volumes. This does not diminish established methods but highlights the need to complement them with greater visibility into how performance evolves over time. Connecting measurement to performance To address this challenge, manufacturers are adopting more connected approaches to testing and quality control. Rather than treating measurements as isolated data points, connected systems link results across tests and align them with production conditions. This helps build a clearer picture of how performance is influenced by material characteristics and process variables. For example, seal strength can be correlated with dwell times or temperature profiles. Barrier performance can be assessed alongside material thickness or coating consistency. Dimensional characteristics can be linked to mechanical performance, such as pressure resistance or compression. This type of insight enables manufacturers to move beyond pass/fail assessments and understand the underlying drivers of performance. It also supports more targeted process optimisation, helping to maintain consistency even as materials and formats evolve. Closing the performance gap Sustainability will continue to reshape packaging, but its success depends on performance. Materials must not only meet environmental criteria, but deliver consistent, reliable protection. Closing this gap requires a shift in how packaging is evaluated – from a focus on material properties alone, to a broader understanding of performance in practice. Testing is no longer a supporting function. It is a critical enabler of product quality, operational efficiency and brand trust. For food and beverage manufacturers, sustainability ambitions must be matched with robust, data-driven testing strategies that ensure packaging performs as intended, every time and at scale.

US ready-to-drink protein beverage brand Splyt has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a limited-edition Banana Milk flavour, tapping into demand for nostalgic flavours within the functional beverage category. The product combines the taste of banana-flavoured milk with 20g of protein, 0g of sugar, 90 calories and 60mg of caffeine per shelf-stable can. It is made with lactose-free ultrafiltered milk. The launch is the latest addition to Splyt’s range of protein milk beverages, which includes Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Vanilla Milkshake and Max Chocolate varieties. Josh Mendenhall, co-founder and president of Splyt, said: "It delivers that familiar banana flavour people grew up with, but with 20g of protein, added energy and the bold experience Splyt is known for. It's playful, functional and built for how people actually drink today." Splyt’s Banana Milk is available exclusively through Amazon and TikTok Shop in the US while stocks last.

Nestlé has brought together its Aero and Milkybar brands in a new confectionery range launching across the UK and Ireland. The range combines Aero’s aerated chocolate texture with Milkybar white chocolate. It includes a bubbly sharing bar and a sharing bag of bite-sized pieces. Produced at Nestlé’s factory in York, the products are available in selected stores now, with the full range set to roll out nationwide from August. Rachel Beaufoy, marketing manager at Nestlé, said: “We’re very excited to see fan reactions to the team-up of two of our classic brands. The iconic Milkybar white chocolate combined with the signature Aero bubbles is a duo we know fans will love.” The launch follows several recent additions to Nestlé’s confectionery portfolio, including Aero Caramel flavour bubbles, an Aero Pistachio flavour sharing bar and Milkybar Crunchy Pops.