US-based foodservice automation company Hyphen has raised $25 million in a Series B funding round, with participation from restaurant chain CAVA Group. The funding will be used to accelerate production and deployment of Hyphen’s Automated Makeline across US restaurants. The system combines robotics and AI to increase order capacity during peak hours, improve accuracy and allow staff to focus on customer service. Hyphen will manufacture the units in partnership with Re:Build Manufacturing and provide nationwide installation and maintenance through Ricoh USA’s network of more than 15,000 technicians. Stephen Klein, co‑founder and CEO of Hyphen, said: "This new funding is a testament to the impact Hyphen's team and technology are having on restaurant operations. We are galvanised by this investment to scale our manufacturing, support our growing customer base, and continue innovating as we build the future of foodservice." Brett Schulman, co‑founder and CEO of CAVA, added: "As we continue to scale, we're eager to invest in and test technology that can enhance – not replace – the human experience. By piloting Hyphen's automated digital makeline, we have the opportunity to increase order accuracy and speed during peak digital hours, while reducing complexity for our team members." "That means more time spent delivering exceptional hospitality and crafting the Mediterranean flavours our guests love. It's a meaningful step in our commitment to operational excellence and innovation that supports both our growth and our people."

Emmi Caffè Latte will introduce a new creamy iced coffee to the UK market this autumn. The product, which is already a "bestseller" in Switzerland, Germany and Belgium, will be available in Tesco from 27 October. Emmi Caffè Latte Creamy is made with hand-roasted arabica beans from Guatemala and Honduras, fresh Swiss milk with added cream and sugar. It contains no added sweeteners and is positioned to meet demand for smooth-textured iced coffee, which research suggests appeals to more than a third of consumers. According to the company, the launch responds to consumer demand for indulgent iced coffee products, with research indicating that 37% of consumers prefer a smooth, creamy profile. Emmi also cites data showing that 49% of UK office workers purchase coffee daily and that 21% of iced coffee drinkers choose it to enhance their day. The 230ml product is packaged in a cup containing 30% recycled materials, and Emmi says the production and filling process is powered entirely by sustainable energy. Georgia Lightbody, brand manager at Emmi Caffè Latte, said: “Consumers are increasingly looking for small moments to treat themselves that align with their health and lifestyle goals. Our new Emmi Caffè Latte Creamy variant brings together everything they want: great taste, high-quality natural ingredients and a momentary retreat to re-energise – all in a convenient, on-the-go format.” Emmi Caffè Latte Creamy will retail at £1.85 and joins the brand’s existing iced coffee range available through Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, The Co-operative Group and independent retailers across the UK.

Singapore-based food tech start-up Prefer has raised $4.2 million in an oversubscribed funding round and launched its first commercial products: Soluble coffee and cocoa powders made from food manufacturing byproducts such as rice and soy. The round, which brings Prefer’s total equity raised to $6.2 million, was led by At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from existing investor Forge Ventures. Prefer uses a proprietary fermentation and roasting process to develop flavours that replicate the taste and functionality of coffee and cocoa. The company says its coffee has up to 85% lower emissions and costs 50% less than traditional Arabica. It supplies to FMCG brands, food manufacturers, private label retailers and flavour houses. The startup has secured its first international commercial partnerships. In Thailand, Prefer is working with Ajinomoto Co (Thailand) on sustainable coffee beverage innovations. In Australia and New Zealand, it has partnered with The Coffee Ferm, which will license Prefer’s flavour IP for local manufacturing and distribution. Prefer’s coffee products are already available through Singaporean foodservice channels, including Melvados. The company plans to scale production through toll manufacturers in key markets, continue cocoa flavour R&D and expand its partnerships in Asia. Jake Berber, co-founder and CEO, said: “With the support of our new partners, the quality of our new products and the grit of this team, we’re in a unique position to ensure coffee and cocoa are accessible to the masses while respecting our planet". Helen Lin, partner at At One Ventures and board member at Prefer, added: “We’re in the early stages of a food system transformation, one that decouples beloved consumer products from environmentally harmful supply chains".

The World Catering Technology Awards is back for 2026, and this year, the award is bigger and better than ever. Now in its third year, FoodBev Awards is unveiling a series of exciting updates, including new award categories and exciting new benefits for successful companies – all combined to set the stage for what promises to be the most exciting edition yet.  Introducing the new ‘Best Technology' categories to celebrate more innovations  The 2026 edition of the World Catering Technology Awards introduces a diverse set of categories aimed at celebrating the advancement of innovation in the foodservice industry. Our latest edition of categories labelled as ‘technology’ aims to highlight the best in each establishment, such as bars and caf é s, as well as QSR and FSR, to showcase efficiencies and quality control.  Additionally, the World Catering Technology Awards continues to recognise the ongoing efforts in AI, automation, vending and dispensing. FoodBev Awards is also excited to promote the latest marketing campaigns and sustainability initiatives that are key drivers for the foodservice industry.    Join FoodBev at HRC The World Catering Technology Awards ceremony will be returning to HRC event for 2026! The event will have seen a massive overhaul, with brand new dedicated show sections and digital tools to create the most exciting atmosphere yet at the UK’s greatest hospitality event.  The show will relocate to ExCeL London’s South Hall, running alongside The Pub Show and the new hospitality tech event, Hospitality Tech360, It hopes to focus on the most meaningful connections that drive innovation and continue to bolster the industry in as many ways as possible. How to enter Entry for the World Catering Technology Awards is now open. Companies can submit their entries through the official website by clicking below. The entry deadline is the 20 February 2026. About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com  or email awards@foodbev.com .

Nestlé Waters is under intensifying scrutiny in France as investigations link its bottled water brands to alleged decades-long use of banned filtration methods and record microplastic contamination. Record microplastic contamination linked to waste dumps A report by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) and the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Offences (Oclaesp) has found that Nestlé’s Contrex and Hépar waters contained microplastic concentrations far exceeding environmental baselines. Nestlé’s Hépar water samples contained around 2,096 microplastic particles per litre, and Contrex 515 particles per litre – with contamination levels up to 1.3 million times higher than in rivers and lakes. Investigators linked the pollution to four unauthorised plastic waste dumps in the Vosges, containing an estimated 473,700 cubic metres of discarded bottles. The findings, revealed by Mediapart , form part of criminal proceedings due to be heard in Épinal, a commune in northeastern France, from 24-28 November 2025, in which Nestlé faces charges related to illegal waste disposal. Nestlé disputes the allegations, saying independent lab tests show no contamination and that most of the dumps have been cleaned up. Decades of alleged illegal filtration methods Media investigations in France show that Nestlé has been using unauthorised filtration methods – including ultraviolet light and carbon filters – since the 1990s, while continuing to sell the product as 'natural mineral water'. Consumer organisation Foodwatch alleges that the practice amounts to €3 billion in fraud over the past 15 years and has filed legal action against Nestlé and fellow producer Sources Alma in France. Ingrid Kragl, director of public information at Foodwatch France, said: “Nestlé has apparently sold billions of bottles of water that had nothing to do with ‘natural mineral water’ for decades, in France, Europe and even worldwide – and consumers were completely clueless". He continued: "If the new media reports are confirmed, there is only one conclusion: the mineral water scandal is the result of decades of systematic fraud by the food giant. The authorities must now act quickly. A judicial investigation is now needed. Nestlé is not above the law." According to last year's joint investigation, carried out by Le Monde and Radio France , at least a third of France-based spring and mineral water brands – including several owned by Nestlé – have used purification techniques prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water'. These methods were reportedly introduced to address sporadic bacterial or chemical contamination but are banned because they alter water that is meant to be bottled in its natural state. As reported by the BBC , the non-compliant treatments identified in the investigation included ultraviolet light, carbon filtration and ultra-fine micro-meshes, which are commonly used to remove bacteria from drinking water. These methods, while permitted for tap water, are prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water,' which must be bottled directly from the source without altering its natural composition. The BBC noted that the investigation found such treatments were used across at least a third of mineral water brands in France, introduced in part to address concerns about water quality. The Le Monde and Radio France investigation also noted that the French government had been aware of these practices since 2021 and subsequently eased certain regulations to allow some microfiltration to continue, enabling affected bottling sites to remain in operation.

PepsiCo-owned crisp brand Walkers has introduced two new global-inspired flavours to its permanent line-up in response to evolving consumer preferences – Sticky Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken. With Tikka Masala and Japanese flavours both rising in popularity in the UK, the new products aim to provide an exciting and trendy new addition to the savoury snack category. The launch follows the announcement that Walkers has been moving many of its category favourites towards a lower salt formulation, offering many of the brand’s popular flavours – such as Salt & Vinegar and Prawn Cocktail – along with newer products. Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken will be offered as a non-HFSS choice. Wayne Newton, senior marketing director of Walkers Snacks at PepsiCo, said: “Masala Chicken and Sticky Teriyaki bring exciting, globally inspired flavours that strongly resonate with UK consumers. By expanding our permanent line-up, we are giving shoppers even more choice when it comes to the flavours they love, and helping retailers boost basket spend.” The new Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken flavours will be available across grocery, impulse and wholesale in the UK, starting from the last week of August in various formats, including six-pack multipacks at RRP £2.15, 45g grab bags at RRP £1.10 and 70g PMPs at RRP £1.35.

The European Commission has cleared Prosus’ €4.1 billion acquisition of Just Eat Takeaway, a deal set to establish the world’s fourth largest food delivery group. The two companies first reached a conditional agreement on the all-cash deal in February 2025 , with Prosus offering €20.30 per share for Just Eat Takeaway. Prosus said it has been engaging ‘constructively’ with the European Commission in recent months to secure the necessary regulatory clearance, which has now been granted. This was the final regulatory approval needed to close the offer. In efforts to foster a competitive food delivery sector in Europe, Prosus has agreed to significantly reduce its equity stake in Delivery Hero to a single digit percentage within 12 months of the European Commission’s approval. Additionally, Prosus confirmed it will not recommend or appoint any future individual connected with Naspers/Prosus to the Delivery Hero management or supervisory boards, or governing bodies. Prosus said these commitments reflect its desire to ‘move swiftly and bring Just Eat Takeaway into the Prosus ecosystem, and begin the work necessary to accelerate its performance’. Fabricio Bloisi, Prosus’ CEO, said: “We’re thrilled by the European Commission’s swift approval of our acquisition of JET. Innovation doesn’t wait, and we can now get to work quickly, as AI is rapidly reshaping food delivery.” Prosus’ investment in AI aims to ‘reinvent’ the consumer experience and better serve millions of customers per day, enabling it to scale its AI solutions across Just Eat’s operations. Bloisi added: “This milestone marks a bold investment in Europe’s AI future and strengthens our commitment to the continent. With JET’s trusted brand and leading positions, combined with Prosus’s technical expertise and global scale, we’re poised to accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new value for our partners, drivers and shareholders.” If all offer conditions are met by the closing date of 1 October 2025, including the acceptance threshold of the deal, Prosus will declare the offer unconditional within three business days after the closing date.

New York-based coffee technology brand Terra Kaffe has launched Demi, an automatic espresso machine that brews espresso and drip coffee from fresh whole beans. Demi is available in four colours: Cloud, Slate, Forest and Sand, and was designed in collaboration with Ammunition Group. The model features hybrid brewing for espresso-based drinks and drip coffee, a heating system for higher brew temperatures and a grinder dial for grind adjustment. It offers a menu including espresso, lungo, Americano and drip coffee, with adjustable strength and volume. The machine has a large water tank, bean hopper and waste bin, as well as dual-side water level visibility. Other features include a dot-matrix display, brushed-metal selector dial, self-cleaning system, adjustable spout for cups up to 5.5 inches and a redesigned brew compartment. The product, priced at $795, is available for pre-order at the company's website. Top image: © Terra Kaffe

Chick-fil-A will introduce its 2025 fall menu on Monday, 18 August, featuring the return of a seasonal beverage line, a new take on its chicken sandwich and the addition of waffle-cut potato chips. The Cherry Berry range, first launched in spring 2024, is returning with a new sparkling option, Cherry Berry & Sprite, alongside three other variations: Cherry Berry Lemonade, Cherry Berry Frosted Lemonade and Cherry Berry Sunjoy. All combine cherry, blueberry and cranberry natural flavours. The Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich, tested in Raleigh, North Carolina, last year, will be available nationwide. The sandwich includes a toasted pretzel bun, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon and Creamy Dijon Mustard Sauce, with a choice of original, spicy or grilled chicken filet. Two waffle-cut potato chip varieties will also join the permanent menu: Sea salt original and Chick-fil-A Sauce flavour. The chips will be available as a side, snack or catering option, with 7oz retail bags set to roll out in select Atlantic and Southeast US stores later this year. Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging for Chick-fil-A, said: "We are always looking for ways to surprise our guests with new and unique menu offerings, and this year's fall line-up presents even more opportunities for guests to customise and make them their own". "Our guests' demand for bold, fun beverages is only growing and Cherry Berry's return, now with a bubbly twist, brings something fresh and unexpected to our line-up. The Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich offers the perfect complement: it is savoury with layers of flavour that feel indulgent, yet distinctly Chick-fil-A."

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a draft proposal to authorise the creation of a voluntary, industry-led programme to collect and recycle soft plastic packaging from consumers. The scheme would replace and expand the current in-store and kerbside collection pilot schemes for soft packaging and would be run by Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA). The proposed scheme will focus on increasing the recovery of post-consumer soft plastics, such as shopping bags and food wrappers, with foundation members including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Nestlé and Mars. The SPSA scheme will be funded by a levy on participating businesses, calculated according to the volume of business-to-consumer soft plastic packaging they place on the market. The levy includes both manufacturers supplying packaged goods and supermarkets selling own-brand goods. Participants may choose to pass the levy through the supply chain, potentially reaching consumers. In the draft, the ACCC considers the programme’s environmental benefits to outweigh the potential for competitive concerns and has proposed granting authorisation for an eight-year period, which would come with conditions to ensure transparency and prevent exclusive contracts. An interim authorisation has also been granted, enabling SPSA to begin sharing operational data and transitioning the Soft Plastics Taskforce’s existing arrangements into the new programme. In a statement about the proposal, Mick Keogh, ACCC’s deputy chair, said: “We believe the proposed scheme will result in an environmental benefit as it aims to take over and expand the current in-store collection and kerbside pilots for recycling soft plastic packaging, meaning some soft plastics are likely to be diverted from landfill". The ACCC has previously granted approval for major supermarkets to collaborate through the Soft Plastics Taskforce to process stockpiled plastics left after the collapse REDcycle, a similar collection scheme. Keogh continued: “While we know that soft plastic recycling has faced many challenges in Australia, we consider that the SPSA scheme is an important stepping stone to expanding collections and recycling.” The ACCC is seeking public submissions on the draft determination by the end of August 2025. If authorised, the programme would operate alongside broader government reforms to packaging regulation aimed at reducing waste and building a circular economy.

Swiss coffee equipment manufacturer Thermoplan has acquired Mikafi, a start-up developing compact tabletop coffee roasters for on-site use in cafés, for an undisclosed sum. Mikafi’s system allows green coffee beans to be freshly roasted within minutes, using pre-set roasting profiles to create small batches of signature blends directly at the point of consumption. The roaster is designed to fit seamlessly into café environments and can be operated without specialist expertise. Founded in Switzerland, Thermoplan is known for manufacturing fully automatic coffee machines used in hospitality and retail globally. Thermoplan had previously partnered with Mikafi in its development and will now integrate the concept into its product portfolio. The company said the move supports its strategy to offer customers a full “bean-to-cup” solution, covering green coffee sourcing, roasting and preparation. The Mikafi roaster is undergoing further development in technology, design and functionality, with the goal of bringing it to market maturity. Thermoplan plans to showcase the product at Host 2025 in Milan, taking place from 17-21 October.

Kellogg’s is expanding its snacking portfolio with the introduction of six new products, now available at UK supermarkets. The new additions include expansions to the company’s Pop Tarts and Rice Krispies Squares ranges, as well as two brand-new product lines: Kellogg’s High Protein Bars and Oaties Bars. Pop Tarts, which has reported 1.3 million buyers and sales growth of over 25% in the UK over the past four years, is adding a new Frosted Choco Orange flavour to its line-up. The new variant features a chocolate flavoured pop tart with a ‘tangy burst of citrus flavour,’ complete with icing and orange sprinkles. It is available in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco stores now at £3.00 per box of eight. Meanwhile, the Rice Krispies Squares launch introduces a new Honeycomb & Chocolate flavour. It incorporates Rice Krispies infused with honeycomb and topped with a chocolate-flavoured drizzle, designed for on-the-go snacking. It is available in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons now before rolling out to other major retailers, at an RRP of £2.25 for a pack of four. New to shelves are the Kellogg’s High Protein Bars, with protein shown to be the cereal bar category’s biggest and fastest growing segment. Kellogg’s new bars contain 8g of protein, combining salty almonds, nuts and chocolate to create a multi-textured, crunchy and smooth snack. Available in Almond and Dark Chocolate, and Almond and Salted Caramel, the new bars are available in packs of four (RRP £2.50) in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons before rolling out to other retailers. Finally, following the successful launch of Kellogg’s first oat-based cereal Oaties in early 2025, the company has now launched Oaties cereal bars. They contain 55% wholegrain oats and offer a source of fibre, available in both Chocolate & Oat and Honey & Oat flavours. They are available in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons before a wider roll-out, priced at £2.25 per four-pack. Holly Wright, senior activation brand manager at Kellogg’s, said: “We are continuously reviewing our snacks portfolio, to ensure we’re meeting the evolving tastes of our customers and driving innovation in the category”. “We’re delighted to be expanding our range with six new products. Whether shoppers are looking for a mid-morning pick me up, a snack to tide them over till their next meal or an afternoon treat, there really is something for everyone to try.”