The 26th annual UK Soft Drinks Conference was hosted by FoodBev Events on 12 May 2026, taking place at the historic Church House Westminster in London. From circular economy efforts to premium functional beverage opportunities, topics explored throughout the day provided food for thought as industry leaders gathered to discuss the commercial opportunities shaping future growth in the category. Read on for an overview of the highlights. This year, the event’s theme, ‘Beyond Thirst,’ guided discussions from leading voices within the UK’s soft drinks industry as attendees – from retail buyers to ingredient houses, brand founders and more – considered how evolving consumer priorities are redefining brand development and product innovation. Guests arrived at the grade II listed Church House – situated in the idyllic Dean’s Yard, with beautiful views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben – ready for a day of insightful conference sessions and valuable networking opportunities. Market view The programme began with a review of 2025, and an overview of the key issues facing the industry in 2026, delivered by British Soft Drinks Association president and Radnor Hills CEO, William Watkins. “Soft drinks are an important part of the retail offer, hospitality, the on-trade and the convenience sector, where as many as one in five of all purchases made is a soft drink,” Watkins said, highlighting the opportunities offered by the category – one he describes as “exciting, exhilarating and dynamic,” contributing £5.6 billion to the UK economy each year. Watkins praised the industry’s efforts to reformulate to address health concerns, with the average sugar content of soft drinks falling almost 50% since 2018, and seven in ten soft drinks now sold in the UK being low-sugar or sugar-free. Additionally, he cited flavour innovation, functional benefits and strong promotional activity as key drivers of 2025’s growth in categories such as carbonates, energy drinks, juices and flavoured water. However, he pointed to significant industry challenges ahead, including the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the government’s new Nutrient Profile Model – if applied to mandatory policy reporting, categories such as juice would be considered ‘less healthy’ and penalised, Watkins emphasised. Richard Lee, business unit director for drinks at Worldpanel by Numerator, then stepped up to the podium to discuss economic, retail and consumer developments and opportunities. He drew attention to how geopolitical and economic factors have impacted consumer buying behaviours, with a rising portion of households struggling financially due to rising cost of living. “Macroeconomic uncertainty absolutely drives short-term behavioural change, but the job for all of us…is to focus on where our long-term success can be derived from – at Worldpanel we know that long-term success really comes from addressing consumer need,” he stated. Five key consumer needs – health, taste, energy, hydration and the ‘anytime treat’ – are shaping the industry, Lee explained, with health and functionality offering a huge value opportunity – consumers are prepared to pay almost five times the average price for brands in this space against the wider soft drinks category average. However, taste remains the key driver of purchases across soft drinks and alcohol alternatives. He prompted brands to consider who their competition is within their targeted consumer need state, how they will defend their space, and what their core focus is today to drive future growth. This was followed by panel discussions on market growth and industry leadership priorities, joined by experts from Tesco, British Soft Drinks Association, Innocent Drinks, Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages, and PepsiCo. Lauren Tredgett, category buying manager for soft drinks and chilled juice at Tesco, described the opportunity for brands to help address the hydration gap, with 80% of the nation not drinking enough water. Meanwhile, category headwinds were acknowledged, with Innocent Drinks’ head of UK and Ireland, Nicki Garland, citing extreme weather and citrus greening as a key challenge for the fruit juice category, as well as the previously mentioned legislation updates. PepsiCo’s Alastair Gore, commercial director of GB&I beverages for PepsiCo, said that the growth of ‘healthier’ options is not detracting from core, taste-led propositions, but rather adding to the overall category’s success, working synbiotically alongside a “healthy base of core brands” in taste and indulgence. Sustainability Key topics explored during the event’s Sustainability Summit centred around the scale of effort required to shift the industry toward a circular economy – one of the sector’s current most pressing challenges. Simon James, director of circular economy directorate in the UK government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), said that the Collection and Packaging Reforms alone are expected to stimulate £10 billion of new investment and create 25,000 jobs, showing the economic opportunity of a circular economy shift. He noted the huge success of second-hand marketplace app Vinted for other industries like fashion, drawing on this to highlight the potential success that circular economy principles can bring for the F&B sector. Implementation of a successful DRS was a key topic, with Exchange for Change’s CEO, Russell Davies, drawing on comparison with other countries’ successes in reducing litter and improving recycling rates following the roll-out of their schemes. The UK’s will be the largest single scheme in operation globally, handling 25 billion cans and single-use plastic bottles, he emphasised. During a session on balancing all interests in EPR, Jeremy Blake, CEO of EPR scheme administrator Pack UK, highlighted the potential impact of reduction – specifically, he noted that if the 20% of non-recyclable packaging entering local authorities waste management were removed from the market, this could boost the UK’s current packaging recycling rate from 64% to more than 80%. Samantha Walker, DRS lead for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain, and James Bull, head of packaging and food waste strategies for Tesco, emphasised the scale of the challenges for the industry during a panel session, with Bull acknowledging that transitioning toward re-use is a necessary but complex effort. In an open poll, the audience were invited to vote on the most pressing sustainability policy action. Leading as the top priority was the delivery of a UK-wide DRS on time, followed by EPR fairness and cost, recycling value/investment, net zero strategy, and consistent collection. DEFRA’s James stressed that the industry should “keep talking about the holistic picture,” with each of these sustainability action priorities aligning to work together, rather than being viewed as siloed issues. Meanwhile, Veolia head of policy and stakeholder engagement Gavin Anderson, who stepped up to speak about the waste management company’s investment in closed loop recycling, shared his thoughts about the importance of fostering collaboration in the sector as stakeholders work to adapt to new policies. Functionality Among the biggest talking points of the day, functionality claimed its place as one of the top trends shaping today’s modern soft drinks – this was reflected in the shortlisted entrants and winners of FoodBev Awards’ UK Soft Drinks Awards for 2026, many of whom embraced product positioning centred around wellbeing and aligning with the latest health trends. Recent NielsenIQ (NIQ) data highlights a boom in functional drink offerings, with categories such as coconut water, kefir and kombucha firmly established and delivering double-digit growth – meanwhile, functional health shots are now worth £100 million in value sales, delivering a 47% compound annual growth rate over the past three years. A session on investment into functional drinks brands, delivered by JamJar Investments’ principal Sophie Luck, offered valuable insights into what successful companies are doing right. The company is on the lookout for innovative formats in the health and wellbeing space, with Luck pointing out that brands who are particularly aligned with (or not impacted negatively by) the rise of GLP-1 medications for weight management are of particular interest currently – such as protein and fibre drinks. She shared what brands should be able to offer to secure backing – such as a clear point of view and visual identity; a product that would generate buzz and attract repeat purchase; and a credible, capital-efficient route to a meaningful exit. Olivia Ferdi, co-founder and CEO of functional beverage brand Trip, stepped up to discuss how the brand – which offers a portfolio spanning CBD and lion’s mane beverages to sleep-focused powdered offerings – is aiming to help consumers ‘find calm amid the everyday chaos’. She spoke about the importance of being able to address different use cases – for example, ‘daily calm’ for everyday routines, ‘social calm’ for social events, and ‘evening unwind calm’ for moments of rest. Elsewhere, Huib van Bockel, founder and CEO of clean energy drink brand Tenzing, discussed the rise of ‘good energy’ – energy drinks positioning themselves as better-for-you, natural alternatives in a market traditionally dominated by offerings that are high in sugar and synthetic additives. NIQ data shows that Tenzing is currently the UK’s third leading energy drink brand in value ROS, behind category giants Red Bull and Monster. Van Bockel pointed to data showing that 61% of those who don’t consume energy drinks cite ‘unnatural ingredients’ as their primary reason for avoidance, while 40% of women aged 18-44 find traditional energy drink flavours ‘too artificial’ or ‘cloying’. During a panel session, he spoke about consumer confusion surrounding functional ingredients, pointing to overcomplication within the category and the importance of clarity in messaging. An audience poll saw hydration come out on top as the biggest UK soft drinks value growth opportunity over the next three years. Daniel Cray, co-founder and CEO of effervescent hydration tablet brand Phizz, addressed the impact of dehydration on wellbeing during a session where he spoke about the opportunity of electrolyte beverages in meeting well-understood, everyday consumer needs. He highlighted that currently on Amazon, more people are searching for electrolytes than for protein, despite the current protein boom. The company is entering the chilled RTD beverage space this summer, its first foray out of the effervescent tablet format. Gut health closely followed hydration in the poll, with several major players stepping up to speak about the benefits and value opportunity brought by gut-friendly beverages. Freya Twigden, founder of kombucha and water kefir brand Fix8, described how water kefir can provide a lighter approach to gut health beverages than typical, dairy-based probiotic drinks. She spoke about expanding usage occasions in breakfast and beyond as pure juice declines in the market due to sugar levels, adding that GLP-1 users and Gen Z consumers are creating new market opportunities for gut health brands. Also tapping into the gut health opportunity, decaf functional coffee brand Nolo’s co-founder Binky Felstead, and chief marketing officer Martin Franklin, took to the stage to explain how the brand saw a gap in the market for high-quality, decaffeinated coffee options that do not compromise on taste, while providing extra value through added functionality. The brand’s cold brew range contains 6.5g of added fibre, with Franklin describing it as the UK market’s “first prebiotic coffee”. Positioning for success Tim Warrilow, co-founder and CEO of Fever-Tree, addressed the opportunity for premium mixers to expand beyond their current market positioning and attract consumers as a soft drink in their own right – 880 million fewer alcoholic drinks were consumed in the UK last year, and 50% of consumers are actively moderating their alcohol consumption, underscoring a shift in consumer drinking behaviours and more interest in ‘low and no’ options. “In our own sales there’s an increasing blurring of lines between people drinking our products mixed or soft – over a third of people are drinking our products soft, and that’s the fastest growing part of the business,” he enthused. He said that Fever-Tree sees evening socialising as the biggest occasion opportunity for premium soft drinks, noting that the adult occasion is still somewhat underserved, with consumers seeking something that is “crafted, with fantastic ingredients, developed for adults and not for children”. CapriSun managing director, Matt Done, also addressed expanding to address additional consumer groups and occasions. “Consistency builds brands, but change keeps them relevant,” he stated, describing how CapriSun – a brand that built itself around children’s consumption occasions such as lunch boxes and kids’ parties – is moving with market trends to target new territories. In particular, the brand is focusing on the opportunity offered by ‘hydration plus’ – though not yet rolled out in the UK, CapriSun has launched electrolyte-boosted hydration beverages in the US and across several European countries. Water as a soft drink was another focus area as Alex Wright, co-founder and CEO of Dash, explained how the brand aims to “challenge the soft drinks status quo” and address the hydration opportunity while providing additional value in eco-friendliness (the brand uses surplus ‘wonky’ fruit and vegetables to reduce food waste), flavour innovation and health (as a sugar-free, natural brand). Health and wellness associations are also driving the rise of matcha – the Japanese green tea powder is currently booming in the UK as Western consumers increasingly associate the trending drink with wellbeing and aesthetics. Shani Higgs, head of sales for matcha brand PerfectTed, explained how the appeal of iced matcha drinks – which make up 90% of the matcha drinks sold nationwide – is extending beyond the core consumer profile for matcha consumption in the UK (Gen Z women, described by Higgs as ‘matcha girlies’) and attracting new groups across age groups and genders. “When the industry starts noticing that you’re converting the customer who swore they would never drink that kind of drink, that’s when you know you’ve crossed into the mainstream,” she said, highlighting the company’s own data – it shows that while PerfectTed’s core customer is 16-34-year-olds, the 35-44 age group is the fastest-growing and presents what the brand sees as the biggest opportunity. Additionally, Kit Newell, co-founder of honey-based beverage brand Hive Mind, explored how the brand is also tapping into health trends with the creation of its Honeyade product line. Founded by Kit and his brother Matt, two beekeepers based in Monmouthshire, Wales, Hive Mind began as a traditional meadery and has since broadened beyond alcohol to offer a line of soft drinks sweetened naturally with honey, rather than artificial sweeteners or refined sugars. “Walk through any supermarket and you’ll find hundreds of soft drinks claiming to be natural, but hardly any are sweetened with anything recognisable,” Newell pointed out. “Consumers are trapped in a choice between sugar and artificial sweeteners…honey is the world’s only naturally occurring sugar that needs no additional processing.” Closing with celebration The day culminated in the announcement of the UK Soft Drinks Awards 2026 winners in a special ceremony, showcasing the high quality of submissions received this year across categories such as flavourful carbonates, gut-friendly drinks with live cultures, premium alcohol alternatives and more. You can read the full list of winners here. From thought-provoking discussions to meaningful networking sessions, the UK Soft Drinks Conference 2026 offered a vital opportunity for major players across the industry to come together and celebrate the resilience and adaptability of this dynamic category. We look forward to returning to London for the 27th annual event next spring – see you there!

US coffee brand Death Wish Coffee Co has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Power Surge, a new high-caffeine coffee positioned to meet growing demand for natural energy products. The new blend contains around 210mg of caffeine per 6oz serving, which the company said is 20% more caffeine than its existing Dark Roast product. The caffeine content is achieved through a higher proportion of Organic Robusta beans, without the use of artificial additives or synthetic caffeine. According to the company, the launch comes amid rising consumer interest in high-caffeine beverages, with the segment significantly outpacing broader coffee category growth. Death Wish Coffee said a survey of its subscribers found that 67% would be interested in adding a higher-caffeine product to their routine. Power Surge is described as a full-bodied, low-acidity coffee with berry and malt flavour notes. The product is certified USDA Organic and Fair Trade, consistent with the company’s existing portfolio. The range is available in several formats, including 10oz and 16oz ground bags, 16oz whole bean bags and ten-count single-serve pods. Steve Gardiner, CEO of Death Wish Coffee, said the launch reflects evolving consumer habits and demand for “natural fuel” products that fit into increasingly busy lifestyles. Power Surge is available now via Amazon and the company’s website, with a wider retail rollout underway across US retailers including Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Target, Wegmans, Weis, Winn-Dixie and Price Chopper.

Automation, frictionless retail and sustainability emerged as defining themes at Venditalia 2026, as the vending and unattended retail sectors gathered in Rimini, Italy, to showcase the technologies shaping the future of consumer convenience. Held at Rimini Expo Centre from 6-8 May, the exhibition marked the event’s first edition in Rimini following a strategic partnership between CONFIDA – the Italian Vending Association – and Italian Exhibition Group. Spanning 30,000 square metres across eight halls, the trade show welcomed more than 300 exhibitors and reflected the sector’s increasingly international outlook, with foreign exhibitors accounting for a record share of participants. The exhibition also highlighted the scale and continued growth of the European vending sector, which generated €26.4 billion in revenue in 2024, with 4.5 million installed machines and 34.5 billion products sold across the region. Against this backdrop, exhibitors focused heavily on automation, digitalisation and connected retail technologies as operators look to modernise vending experiences and adapt to changing consumer expectations. Bringing together manufacturers, operators, product suppliers and technology providers from across the vending ecosystem, the event offered insight into how the sector is evolving in response to growing demand for convenience-led, data-driven and increasingly cashless retail experiences. New consumption models were also a key focus, with vending solutions continuing to expand beyond traditional locations into spaces such as coworking hubs, hospitality environments and retail settings. © 2026 Vending Expo │ Venditalia Smart retail and AI take centre stage AI and smart retail technology emerged among the defining themes of this year’s edition, reflecting what organisers described as a wider "digital revolution" taking place across the vending industry. From machine connectivity and remote management to cashless payment integration and AI-driven consumer experiences, exhibitors demonstrated how technology is reshaping both operational efficiency and end-user interaction. Ernesto Piloni, CEO of Venditalia, highlighted connectivity, AI and digital payments as key drivers behind the sector’s evolution, noting the growing role of remote machine management, big data analysis and cashless technologies in modern vending environments. He also pointed to the increasing expansion of vending solutions beyond traditional settings, with opportunities emerging across sectors including retail and hospitality. Several companies showcased vending machines and smart fridges capable of automatically recognising selected products through integrated camera systems, allowing consumers to simply pick up items and complete purchases with minimal friction. The technology mirrors the broader retail sector’s continued shift toward cashierless shopping and automated retail environments. 365 Retail Markets showcased this technology through its PicoCooler range, available in ambient, chilled and freezer formats. The solution is designed to create an unattended grab-and-go retail experience using automatic product recognition technology. Similarly, Televend presented a range of smart vending machines alongside payment and telemetry systems that can either be integrated into new machines or retrofitted onto existing equipment. The company’s presence reflected growing interest in connected vending infrastructure capable of offering operators improved machine monitoring, inventory management and consumer insights. Connectivity also featured prominently throughout the show, particularly with the introduction of SmartLink, a new communication protocol promoted by the European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA). Designed to improve communication between vending machines, payment systems and management software, the protocol aims to support a more integrated and future-ready vending ecosystem. Sustainability and seamless payments remain key focus areas Water dispensing and filtration solutions also featured heavily across the exhibition floor. Blupura displayed several products, including the latest generation of its Ecochic range, the Blutron Osmo reverse osmosis system and Rebel Box, an undercounter dispensing solution. The company also highlighted Blujuice, a system combining water and concentrated syrup dispensing, now equipped with post-mix nozzle technology and an auto-flushing hygiene system. Blupura's Ecochic range and Blutron filter Sustainability remained a key focus throughout the event, with Microfilter Europe presenting its range of recyclable water filters for coffee machines and point-of-use dispensers. Coffee also maintained a strong presence throughout the event, underlining its importance as a core category within vending and convenience retail. Several manufacturers showcased new blends and brewing equipment aimed at elevating beverage quality and consumer experience. Lavazza invited visitors on a sensory journey inspired by different Italian cities through its latest coffee blend range. Meanwhile, payment technologies took centre stage, with companies including Nayax, Payter and Worldline demonstrating solutions designed to simplify and streamline the payment experience for consumers. Their presence reflected the continued shift toward fully cashless and digitally connected vending environments, where speed, convenience and integration with mobile payment platforms are becoming increasingly essential. Overall, Venditalia 2026 reflected the growing convergence of AI, automation, sustainability and frictionless payment systems across the vending and unattended retail industries, as companies continue to develop more connected and consumer-friendly solutions. The next edition of Venditalia will return to Rimini Expo Centre from 10-12 May 2027. Top image: © 2026 Vending Expo │ Venditalia

Payment technology company Finix has launched a new unattended payment terminal designed for self-service and semi-attended retail environments. The Android-based payment terminal expands the company’s hardware portfolio and is aimed at businesses operating kiosks, vending machines, parking systems and automated retail formats. According to Finix, the device is intended to support growing demand for contactless and self-service payment experiences across the retail and hospitality sectors. The unattended payment terminal supports EMV chip, magnetic stripe and contactless payments, including mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. It also features an Android-powered touchscreen interface designed to provide a familiar checkout experience for consumers. Richie Serna, CEO and co-founder of Finix, said: “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for businesses to accept payments anywhere, whether a staff member is present or not. Customers expect the same fast, easy checkout experience at a kiosk that they get at a traditional checkout counter.” He added that the terminal is designed to support multiple payment methods, “from contactless taps to QR codes”. The terminal comes pre-configured with the Finix Payment App and includes installation components such as a 4G antenna, power supply and mounting hardware. The company said the device also offers simplified fleet management and a secure, passcode-protected settings interface for operators. Finix provides payment processing solutions for businesses across the US and Canada, serving sectors including software platforms, marketplaces, retail and e-commerce.

Kerry has announced that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a positive scientific opinion on Acrylerase, the company’s amidase food enzyme designed to reduce acrylamide levels in coffee extracts used for instant coffee and coffee substitutes. The development comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of acrylamide in coffee products across the EU. Acrylamide, a process contaminant formed during high-temperature roasting, is considered a substance of concern due to its genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Under EU Regulation 2017/2158, food manufacturers are required to implement mitigation measures and monitor acrylamide levels in line with the ALARA ('As Low As Reasonably Achievable') principle. According to Kerry, Acrylerase is the first commercially available food enzyme specifically developed to directly decompose acrylamide after it has formed, rather than attempting to limit its creation through process modifications or precursor reduction. The EFSA opinion confirms the safety of the enzyme for use in coffee extracts intended for instant coffee and coffee substitutes. Kerry described it as the first scientific assessment of an amidase for hydrolysing acrylamide in these applications under the EU regulatory framework. Yasemin Koybasi, global regulatory director at Kerry, said: “A positive EFSA opinion is a significant milestone for Acrylerase and for manufacturers evaluating new ways to mitigate acrylamide. It reflects the rigor of the EU food enzyme evaluation process and provides important reassurance on the safety of Acrylerase for its intended applications.” Kerry said the enzyme can reduce acrylamide levels by up to 90% under relevant processing conditions without affecting taste, aroma or product yield. The company added that the technology is designed to integrate into existing industrial coffee-processing workflows without requiring recipe or operational changes. The announcement also strengthens Kerry’s broader food enzyme portfolio, which focuses on supporting manufacturers with food safety, quality and regulatory compliance challenges across multiple categories. Ronan Moloney, vice president of enzymes at Kerry, said: “This milestone demonstrates how targeted enzyme innovation can help solve real-world manufacturing and food safety challenges. Acrylerase delivers measurable value for customers while supporting compliance with increasingly complex regulatory requirements.” Acrylerase was developed in collaboration with ANKA, which provided expertise in coffee chemistry, roasting dynamics and industrial processing applications. Kerry said the partnership helped translate the enzyme technology into a scalable solution for coffee manufacturers.

Across the B2B and hospitality sectors, demand for premium, sustainable water solutions has never been stronger. From offices seeking healthier hydration options to hotels and restaurants elevating guest experiences, water has become a strategic offering, not just a basic service. For distributors looking to expand their portfolio and capture this growing market, partnering with Waterlogic and Purezza represents a compelling opportunity. A strong value proposition for B2B and hospitality Waterlogic is globally recognised for its advanced point-of-use water dispensers, combining cutting-edge purification technology with reliability and ease of use. Meanwhile, Purezza Premium Water offers a refined solution tailored specifically for the horeca sector, enabling venues to serve high-quality still and sparkling water on-site, branded to enhance their identity. Together, these brands offer a complete ecosystem: B2B solutions for workplaces, healthcare and shared environments Hospitality-focused systems designed to elevate service while reducing plastic waste Proven technology, including Firewall UVC purification, ensuring exceptional water quality Capitalise on key market trends Businesses and hospitality operators are actively reshaping their operations around sustainability, cost efficiency and customer experience. Waterlogic and Purezza directly support these priorities by: Reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles Lowering logistics and transport costs Delivering consistent, premium-quality water on demand Supporting ESG commitments and sustainability storytelling As regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, offering environmentally responsible solutions is no longer optional, it is a competitive advantage. Designed for distributor success Partnering with Waterlogic and Purezza means more than adding products to your portfolio. It means gaining access to a structured and supportive ecosystem designed to help you grow: Comprehensive training and onboarding Sales and marketing support, tailored for local markets Lead generation initiatives and campaign assets Technical expertise and after-sales service frameworks This enables distributors to confidently approach new segments, from corporate clients to high-end hospitality venues. A scalable business opportunity Whether you are an established distributor or looking to expand into new verticals, Waterlogic and Purezza offer a scalable model with recurring revenue potential, through equipment sales, installations, and ongoing service contracts. With increasing demand for sustainable, premium water solutions across Europe and beyond, the opportunity to differentiate your business has never been clearer. Take the next step Join a global network of distributors already delivering innovative hydration solutions to businesses and hospitality venues worldwide. If you are ready to grow your portfolio and lead in a rapidly evolving market, now is the time to partner with Waterlogic and Purezza. Become a distributor.

French anti-fraud officers have raided Perrier bottling and laboratory sites owned by Nestlé as part of an investigation linked to allegations surrounding the treatment of natural mineral water in France. The raids were carried out yesterday, 19 May, at two of its water facilities in Vergèze, southern France, where Perrier is bottled, as well as at a laboratory in the Vosges mountains. A Nestlé Waters spokesperson told Refreshment: “Unannounced inspections were carried out at two of Nestlé Waters’ sites in France on 19 May. We continue to cooperate fully with the authorities involved.” According to Reuters, the raids form part of an investigation launched after a consumer group filed a complaint with the Paris prosecutor alleging “deceit”. French broadcaster Radio France first reported the development. Perrier and several other mineral water brands have faced scrutiny since French media reports in 2024 alleged that producers had used water treatment methods intended to prevent contamination, potentially conflicting with regulations governing products labelled as natural mineral water. A French court rejected a separate consumer group case against Perrier in late 2025.

Minor Figures has announced the launch of its new barista oat bag-in-box solution, designed specifically for high-volume cafés, hospitality operators and automated coffee environments. The 5L bag-in-box has been approved by automated milk dispensing system provider UberMilk, and is the first plant-based oat solution to receive approval from the brand. Developed to support modern coffee service, the format helps operators to save time behind the counter, reduce carton waste and improve consistency during busy periods. The solution is designed for contract catering, café groups, universities and TUCO operations, hotels, and vending. Minor Figures’ reformulated, gluten-free Barista Oat drink has been optimised for coffee performance and tested by UberMilk in Germany across key quality and operational measures. These include foam texture, dispensing consistency and machine performance. Stuart Forsyth, co-founder and CEO of Minor Figures, said: “We help high-volume cafés reduce oat milk cost per cup and speed up service by replacing cartons with a professional, automation-ready format. As coffee service continues to evolve, cafés need solutions that help teams move faster, reduce waste and maintain consistency under pressure.” Forsyth added: “This is another breakthrough innovation for Minor Figures and a huge step forward for plant-based coffee service. Being approved by UberMilk reinforces the quality and performance of the product in professional café environments.”

Starbucks is set to incur approximately $400 million in restructuring charges as part of its ongoing ‘Back to Starbucks’ turnaround strategy, with the company also confirming a new round of corporate layoffs and office closures in the US. According to a Form 8-K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Starbucks’ board approved further restructuring actions aimed at “revitalising coffeehouses and enhancing the customer experience” to support long-term growth. The company said the plan supports its previously announced goal of delivering $2 billion in cost savings initiatives, while continuing the shift of its international business towards a model in which nearly 90% of stores are licensed. As part of the restructuring, Starbucks will streamline its domestic and international support organisation and reduce the operational complexity of its Starbucks Reserve and Roastery business. A Starbucks spokesperson has confirmed that the company is laying off around 300 US corporate employees. Reuters also reported that Starbucks is consolidating several regional support office locations, including sites in Atlanta, Burbank, Chicago and Dallas. Reuters reported that Starbucks is reviewing its international support operations and expects further job cuts outside the US. Starbucks said the changes are intended to “sharpen focus, prioritise work, reduce complexity and lower costs,” adding that the cuts will not affect its coffeehouse operations, according to Reuters. The company expects most restructuring actions to be completed by the end of its current fiscal year, with a significant share of the associated charges expected to be recognised during fiscal 2026. Of the estimated $400 million in restructuring charges, approximately $280 million will comprise non-cash charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets, including lease assets tied primarily to Starbucks Reserve and Roastery locations and non-retail support facilities. The remaining $120 million will consist mainly of employee separation costs linked to optimisation of the company’s global support organisation. The latest restructuring measures come as CEO Brian Niccol continues efforts to revive sales growth and improve operational efficiency following several challenging quarters for the business.

Plant-based beverage brand Califia Farms is expanding its UK ready-to-drink (RTD) range with the launch of Blueberry Matcha Almond Latte, tapping into the rising demand for matcha across the country. The popularity of matcha in the West has surged in recent years, with Califia Farms noting its rapidly growing presence as a staple both in cafés and at home in the UK. This latest innovation, building on the success of the brand’s original Matcha Latte product, is positioned as a ‘first-to-market’ flavour innovation for the UK. It combines premium 0.4% single-origin Japanese matcha with a subtle blueberry profile, made from almond milk and designed to deliver a more ‘authentic and consistent’ flavour compared to blended alternatives. Califia Farms developed the product to meet growing demand for plant-based alternatives, convenient café-style drinks at home, and flavour innovation in the matcha segment. The SKU was specifically designed to drive trial among lifestyle consumers seeking premium, customisable beverages. It is also positioned as a lighter option within the RTD space, with low sugar content and containing 93 kcal per serving. Damien Threadgold, UK and EU general manager at Califia Farms, said: “Matcha has become one of the most relevant trends in the UK drinks category, but there is still significant headroom for innovation in retail”. “With our Blueberry Matcha Latte, we’re bringing something genuinely new to shelf – combining authentic Japanese matcha with a distinctive flavour twist to help retailers tap into that demand. It’s about delivering a premium, café-style experience in a convenient format that meets the needs of today’s shopper.” The 750ml multi-serve drink will be rolling out from 18 May 2026, available exclusively at Tesco for three months and priced at an RRP of £3.25.

Drip Water is seeking to raise between $3 million and $5 million through convertible bridge notes to support its US expansion strategy following a series of sports partnerships and retail launches across the American market. The lifestyle bottled water brand said the funding will be used to scale US operations, support inventory and logistics infrastructure, execute confirmed retail roll-outs and expand its operational teams across key markets. Founded in 2024 by Luke Davis, Paul Hayes and Matt Dodds, Drip has positioned itself as a culturally driven hydration brand operating across sport, entertainment, music, fashion and wellness. Drip said it has gained traction in the US retail market through confirmed launches in QuikTrip stores across Oklahoma and Kansas, ahead of broader roll-out plans covering more than 1,200 locations. The brand has also expanded onto Walmart's website and Amazon Marketplace. According to the company, it is also in advanced discussions with retailers and operators including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Spec’s, Wawa, Terrible’s, US Foods and Wynn Resorts. Drip’s initial US expansion strategy is focused on Texas, Nevada, Florida, Illinois and California, with the company targeting wider national growth by 2027. The company said its strategy centres heavily on combat sports and athlete-led partnerships, particularly through its UFC collaboration, which it believes can help drive visibility, credibility and retail access. Drip said it has also assembled a US executive team with experience across businesses including Campari USA, Q Mixers and Liquid Death. Davis said the company aims to position Drip as the global “water of sport”. Top image: © Drip Water

Community Coffee has expanded its core product line with two new permanent flavoured coffees, Chocolate Lava Cake and Cinnamon Roll, as it responds to growing demand for dessert-inspired coffee blends. The family-owned US coffee brand said both new medium roast flavours are available now and contain no added sugar or sweeteners. The launch broadens its flavoured coffee portfolio with what the company described as bakery-inspired profiles developed in response to consumer feedback. Chocolate Lava Cake is described as a medium roast with semisweet and dark chocolate notes intended to evoke the dessert’s molten centre and rich cake base, while Cinnamon Roll features spiced cinnamon and icing notes designed to mirror a freshly baked pastry. The company said both flavours are allergen-free and made using a blend of South and Central American coffee beans. It added that the development of Cinnamon Roll focused on capturing a buttery, dough-like profile, distinguishing it from its existing Mardi Gras King Cake flavour. Kristi Crump, chief commercial officer at Community Coffee, said: “Chocolate Lava Cake and Cinnamon Roll are completely new to our lineup and are a direct result of customer feedback. They wanted the warmth and indulgence of their favourite bakery treats in every cup, so we created these 'from scratch' flavors to deliver that cozy feeling to their morning ritual." Tom Corley, CEO of Community Coffee, commented: “For over 100 years, Community Coffee has stood for quality, family and the joy of a great cup. Adding Chocolate Lava Cake and Cinnamon Roll to our permanent lineup reflects our commitment to growing with our consumers and bringing the flavours they love into their everyday ritual.” The new coffees are available through retail stores in the US, as well as online via Community Coffee’s website and Amazon, in ground and K-Cup formats.