Nestlé is set to increase production capacity at its Nescafé Dolce Gusto plant in Schwerin, Germany, as the facility takes on additional manufacturing responsibilities within the group’s production network. Opened in 2014, the Schwerin facility currently employs around 350 people, including 18 trainees. It operates ten filling lines and eight packaging lines, producing 28 Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsule varieties for a range of international markets. From 2027, the site is expected to produce around 2.3 billion coffee capsules annually, up from its current output of approximately 1.8 billion. The increase represents a rise of around 28%, or an additional 500 million capsules per year. The expansion will also create approximately 50 new roles, with recruitment due to begin from 1 October 2026 across production, engineering and logistics. To support the higher production volumes, three of the factory’s ten production lines will move from a three-shift to a four-shift operating model. The new positions will include machine and plant operators, mechatronics technicians, electricians and warehouse employees. Alexander von Maillot, CEO of Nestlé Germany, said the expansion reflected the company’s confidence in the performance of the Schwerin site and its workforce. “Schwerin has developed into a key production site within our international network in recent years, and we see further potential here,” he added. “This expansion will strengthen the site's competitiveness and future viability.” Plant manager Thomas Kolodzinsky said the additional volumes would create new employment opportunities in Schwerin and the surrounding region. Nestlé said it invests between €60 million and €90 million annually in the modernisation and development of its manufacturing sites. The company also highlighted sustainability measures at the Schwerin facility, including the use of electricity from renewable energy sources and coffee sourced through the Nescafé Plan. Coffee beans are roasted, ground and processed on site. Nestlé has also reduced the wall thickness of its Dolce Gusto capsules by 20% in an effort to lower the amount of plastic used in packaging. Top image: © Nestlé

Exchange for Change has announced a stepped producer fee structure for the UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), with fees for all eligible drinks containers set at 0p for the first 15 months of operation. The industry-led scheme administrator said the measure is intended to reduce costs for businesses during the early stages of the DRS, which is scheduled to launch in October 2027. Producer fees are paid by drinks manufacturers to help cover the costs of operating the scheme. Under the proposed structure, no producer fee will apply between October 2027 and December 2028. Based on current forecasts, fees are then expected to rise to 0.6p per unit for aluminium and steel containers and 2.3p per unit for PET containers from January 2029 to December 2032. The proposed fees will be reviewed, validated and reconfirmed in May 2027 as further cost forecasts, contractual pricing and operational data become available. Once the scheme is operational, fees will be reviewed annually and adjusted where necessary. Exchange for Change said the fee structure was developed following consultation with drinks producers and retailers of varying sizes across the supply chain. Russell Davies, chief executive of Exchange for Change, said the publication of the fees would give businesses greater clarity as they prepare for the scheme’s launch. “We recognise the breadth of work being undertaken by industry to prepare for launch in October 2027,” Davies said. “Setting a 0p producer fee for the first 15 months of the scheme is intended to support businesses in the early stages of the scheme.” He added that, as a not-for-profit organisation, Exchange for Change would seek to keep producer fees “as low as possible” while ensuring the scheme remains financially sustainable. The announcement follows several other DRS developments in recent months, including confirmation of a 20p deposit in April, as well as details of return handling fees, return point exemptions and grants for small independent retailers.

Chobani has launched a limited-edition ube-flavoured dairy coffee creamer in the US. The new Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer is made with ube, milk, cream and cane sugar, delivering a subtly sweet and slightly nutty flavour. The product contains no artificial flavours, colours from artificial sources or hydrogenated oils. During development, Chobani’s R&D team consulted Filipino employees about the ube products and desserts they grew up with, using their feedback to help shape the finished flavour profile. Nina Felix, senior director of supply chain optimisation at Chobani, said: "When the R&D team approached me, I shared a list of ube pastries, desserts and grocery products for them to try before beginning work on this project to get a sense of how most Filipinos enjoy it". “When I tried the finished product, I immediately thought of the ube macapuno ice cream I grew up buying from the mamang sorbetero – a Filipino street ice cream vendor. It really took me back.” For the product’s limited-edition packaging, Chobani partnered with Manila-based Filipino artist Patricia Doria, who created three Halloween-inspired designs using vivid colours and her distinctive airbrush style. The packaging also aims to introduce consumers unfamiliar with ube to its origins and pronunciation. Chobani Ube Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer will be available at retailers across the US from September, priced at $7.49.

UK herbal tea brand Pukka Herbs has entered the loose powder matcha market with three new products: Matcha Tulsi Lemon, Matcha Vanilla Chai and Pukka Ceremonial Matcha. The new line aims to offer a ‘premium, accessible matcha experience for wellness-motivated shoppers.’ Matcha is one of the fastest-growing tea trends in the UK, with hot and cold matcha consumption increasing significantly in recent years. According to the brand, the products offer a rich and smooth umami flavour, combining ceremonial-grade matcha with other natural, plant-based ingredients. All three products contain matcha made from green tea leaves shade-grown at high altitude before harvest, Pukka said. The Pukka Ceremonial offering provides what Pukka describes as a ‘traditional pure matcha drinking experience,’ while Matcha Vanilla Chai blends matcha with warming chai spices and vanilla notes to deliver a ‘naturally comforting’ sweetness without added sugar or syrups. This aims to address consumer barriers around matcha’s perceived earthy taste. Matcha Tulsi Lemon combines matcha with tulsi, lemon essential oil, spearmint leaf powder, rosemary leaf powder and lemon myrtle leaf powder. Pukka said it creates a ‘bright, refreshing and naturally flavourful’ cup. Each product is packaged in a recyclable tin with a freshness-preserving pouch that provides up to 30 servings. Pukka Matcha is also claimed to be the only matcha in UK grocery retail that is both Organic and Fair for Life certified. The launch builds on Pukka’s existing matcha offering, extending its Supreme Matcha Green and Mint Matcha Green teas into loose powders for the first time. Elle Barker, CMO, UK & Ireland for Pukka owner Lipton Teas and Infusions, said: “Matcha is one of the most exciting growth stories in tea, but until now the category has often felt exclusive or intimidating to new consumers”. She added: “With Pukka Matcha, we're combining organic, ceremonial-grade matcha with 25 years of herbal expertise to create a line-up that's both delicious and accessible. We believe there's a real opportunity to bring more people into the category by delivering the quality consumers expect organic and ethically sourced ingredients, alongside flavours they'll genuinely love drinking every day.” The new products are now available on Amazon, Ocado and Holland & Barret online, priced at £14.99 per 30g pack, with each pack offering up to 30 servings.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has agreed to sell its full equity stake in Chobani back to the company for $800 million, as well as its manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania for approximately $125 million. The transactions, announced today (1 September 2026), form part of KDP and Chobani’s aim to strengthen their longstanding partnership, and ‘advance the growth and capital allocation priorities’ of both businesses. The deal includes the Pennsylvania site’s facility lease, equipment and operations, with Chobani set to offer employment opportunities to the facility’s manufacturing and warehouse employees to ensure operational continuity. Employees in delivery, customer service and other corporate functions will remain with KDP. Chobani will continue to manufacture certain products for KDP at the site, located in Allentown, for a ‘defined period’ after the sale under a co-manufacturing agreement. It has revealed plans to invest $1.2 billion in the 1.5-million-square-foot campus over the next five years, planning to create more than 900 jobs and establishing a 'major new hub' for the business' dairy product production. The investment includes plans for up to ten new production lines. At full capacity, the Allentown facility is expected to source more than 3 billion pounds of Pennsylvania milk annually. At the site, Chobani said it will build on its 20 years of dairy expertise to create milk with more protein and less sugar than traditional milk. It will be available as a multi-serve milk for families, serving as the foundation for a new generation of dairy products, including high-protein shakes made with 'real' ingredients. KDP said it will use the net proceeds from the transactions to reduce debt ahead of its split into two separate businesses, Beverage Co and Global Coffee Co, following its JDE Peet's acquisition announced last year. The deal also sees the two companies build on their distribution agreement, with KDP continuing to distribute Chobani’s La Colombe brand’s ready-to-drink (RTD) lattes and other beverage products, including future RTD innovations. They will also continue their long-term licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement for La Colombe-branded K-Cup pods in the US and Canada. KDP and Chobani’s partnership began in 2023 when Chobani acquired La Colombia in a $900 million deal. Tim Cofer, CEO of KDP, said the transactions “enhance our financial flexibility, strengthen the efficiency of our manufacturing network and support the expansion of our important distribution partnership with Chobani”. He added: “This change also positions the Allentown facility for continued growth under an owner whose strategic priorities are well matched to the site, while ensuring continuity for our brands, customers and employees.” Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, commented: “With this deal, the plant will be used to its full potential, create value and opportunity for both companies and bring some of our best innovation to more people through KDP’s reach and capabilities. And most importantly, it means more jobs and more opportunity for Pennsylvania farmers.” The transactions are expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Allentown is part of more than $4 billion Chobani is investing across its US manufacturing network. The company is also investing in a new dairy processing facility in Rome, New York; expanding its manufacturing operation in Twin Falls, Idaho; improving its original site in New Berlin, NY; and expanding its Norton Shores, Michigan facility, which produces La Colombe drinks.

Beverage group Kofola has acquired a 52% majority stake in Czech speciality coffee chain Cøkafe, as it looks to strengthen its presence in the café and foodservice sector. Cøkafe founder Richard Mauler will retain a stake in the business and continue to oversee the development of the brand alongside Kofola. The deal builds on Kofola’s growing investment in the coffee supply chain. Last year, the group acquired a family coffee farm in Boquete, Panama, following earlier experience with coffee cultivation in Colombia. Kofola has also established its own roasting facility in Strážnice, South Moravia, giving the company greater control over coffee production from cultivation through to roasting and, with the Cøkafe investment, the final consumer experience. Jannis Samaras, owner and CEO of Kofola Group, said: “We can only guarantee long-term value and quality when we know the origin of the raw material and understand the entire process. With coffee, we started from the very beginning – on plantations in Latin America. But we wanted to tell our coffee story all the way to the end, directly to the customer in the cup.” He added that the partnership with Cøkafe reflected the companies’ shared focus on craftsmanship, quality and customer experience. Founded by Mauler, Cøkafe has developed a network of cafés alongside its own bakery and confectionery operations. Kofola said the brand will bring specialist coffee expertise, an established customer community and distinctive store concepts to the wider group. The acquisition will also expand Kofola’s foodservice portfolio, which already includes the UGO Freshbars and Salaterie network, as well as pub, café and rum bar concepts across its markets. Kofola plans to support Cøkafe with its experience in expansion, management and franchising, including through its UGO business. Marek Farník, CEO of UGO, said the group sees “huge potential” in developing a coffee chain with a strong brand story, pointing to potential synergies with its existing franchise expertise. The partners plan to invest in Cøkafe's customer experience, production and logistics capabilities before gradually expanding the chain into additional Czech cities. Mauler said the aim was not to grow “at any cost,” but to develop the business while retaining the qualities that have built its existing customer base. “We want to open cafes that people will love to return to, continue to improve our products, and at the same time build a company where great people will want to work and grow,” he added. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Chicago-based entrepreneur Alex Young has launched G&Tea, a new sparkling hard tea brand combining gin with South African rooibos tea and honey. The ready-to-drink range is launching in two varieties, Original and Passion Fruit, both containing 7% ABV and packaged in 12oz cans. G&Tea’s Original flavour combines London Dry gin with South African rooibos and clover honey, while the Passion Fruit variety adds tropical passion fruit flavour to the same base. According to the company, the drinks are caffeine-free and contain no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Rooibos, which is naturally grown in South Africa’s Cederberg region, provides an earthy flavour without the tannin bitterness associated with some traditional teas. The London Dry gin adds botanical and citrus notes, while honey provides sweetness. Young said his connection with rooibos stems from his childhood near the Cederberg region, before later moving to London and Chicago. “People are paying closer attention to what they consume. They want quality not just in the taste, but in the ingredients,” said Young. “We wanted to create something transparent and thoughtfully made, using clean ingredients that each contribute something meaningful to the finished drink.” Following its launch in Chicago, G&Tea is seeking distribution, retail, restaurant and hospitality partnerships across Illinois.

The way people experience drinking water at home is changing. Today's consumers expect more than simply drinking water: they want the convenience of fresh filtered water always available, without the burden of buying heavy bottles, finding storage space or worrying about running out. At the same time, they are increasingly looking for ways to reduce plastic waste and make more sustainable everyday choices. Building on more than 18 years of experience in the professional water dispensing industry, Blupura has developed WaveHome, its first water system designed specifically for the residential market. Rather than simply adapting an existing commercial product, WaveHome has been conceived from the ground up to meet the needs of modern households, combining professional performance with intuitive operation, elegant design and space-saving dimensions. The system pairs an elegant electronic tap with a compact undercounter unit, engineered to work seamlessly together while preserving valuable kitchen space. Available in five refined finishes (stainless steel, matt black, satin, bronze and gold) the tap has been designed to complement a wide variety of kitchen styles, from contemporary interiors to more classic settings. Together, the two elements provide ambient, chilled, sparkling and lightly sparkling filtered water directly from the mains supply, while maintaining access to standard mains water for everyday kitchen tasks. With a stainless-steel construction, the electronic tap combines durability with refined aesthetics, ensuring long-lasting performance in everyday use. Designed with simplicity in mind, it allows users to select their preferred water type by simply rotating the control knob, while the integrated LED ring provides clear visual feedback through dedicated colours. A double touch activates the programmable portion control, allowing bottles, reusable flasks and carafes to be filled quickly and accurately with the desired amount of water. The same attention to detail extends to the undercounter unit, where compact dimensions meet advanced functionality. Designed to fit perfectly inside a standard 60cm kitchen cabinet, WaveHome leaves valuable room for everyday essentials, including waste bins, eliminating the need to compromise on under-sink storage. By integrating both the filtration system and the refillable CO₂ cylinder within the unit itself, WaveHome maximises the available space while maintaining an organised and highly functional installation. An integrated LCD display provides users with key operating information, making everyday management even simpler and more intuitive. WaveHome has also been developed with installers and distribution partners in mind. The full optional version includes a complete installation kit, providing everything required to install and commission the system in just a few simple steps, without the need for additional tubing, custom-made kits or extra components. To further support partners, Blupura provides dedicated installation video tutorials together with its new e-commerce platform, offering easy access to products, original spare parts and technical resources. After-sales support has been designed to be just as straightforward. Thanks to the integrated display and LED indicators, WaveHome communicates key operating information directly to the user, making diagnostics easier and enabling service partners to provide faster and more efficient support, even remotely. As expectations around home hydration continue to evolve, consumers are looking for solutions that simplify everyday routines while supporting more sustainable lifestyles. By listening to these changing needs, Blupura has developed WaveHome, bringing its professional expertise into the home and making advanced water dispensing technology accessible to everyday life. To learn more about WaveHome and discover all its features, visit the dedicated product page here.

Saint James Iced Tea is entering the functional beverage category with the launch of Saint James Yerba Mate, a new certified organic line designed to provide consumers with a higher-caffeine alternative to the brand's existing ready-to-drink tea portfolio. The launch marks Saint James' first move beyond organic iced tea and comes as the company continues to expand its retail footprint across the US and Canada. Available in Mango Passionfruit, Raspberry Lemon and Strawberry Tangerine, each 16oz bottle contains 150mg of natural caffeine, between 20 and 25 calories, and 3-4g of sugar. The beverages are certified organic and non-GMO, with yerba mate sourced from South America. The drinks also contain naturally occurring compounds including polyphenols and theobromine, alongside caffeine, positioning the range within the growing market for functional and energy-focused beverages. Brenden Cohen, co-founder and co-CEO of Saint James Iced Tea, said: “Our consumers already turn to Saint James as part of their daily routine, so creating a more functional option was the next logical step. Saint James Yerba Mate delivers the same quality and taste our customers expect from us, now with a more substantial amount of natural caffeine.” The new line introduces a more distinctive visual identity for Saint James, with green and chrome packaging for its recyclable and resealable aluminium bottles. The three-strong flavour range is designed to combine fruit-forward profiles with the natural caffeine credentials of yerba mate: Mango Passionfruit, Raspberry Lemon and Strawberry Tangerine. Saint James said the new product maintains its focus on clean-label and organic ingredients while offering a more functional proposition for consumers seeking sustained energy throughout the day. Saint James Yerba Mate is available now online in 12-packs priced at $39.99, with retail distribution set to expand through Kroger and Albertsons banners.

Nestlé has appointed Thomas Conquet as managing director of its Waters and Premium Beverages business in the UK. Thomas Conquet Conquet succeeds Stefano Bolognese, who left Nestlé in April 2026 after 26 years with the company. Conquet joins the UK division from Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages USA, where he served as senior director of brand marketing. He has been with Nestlé since 2008 and has held roles across several of the group’s brands, including Perrier, S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Nestlé Pure Life and Maggi. During his time in the US business, Conquet was involved in expanding Nestlé’s premium beverage portfolio and developing consumer-focused initiatives. In his new role, he will lead Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages in the UK, which operates as a standalone global business within the wider Nestlé Group. Its UK portfolio includes S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Buxton, Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life. The company has also been expanding its presence in the premium beverages category, with recent UK launches including Inspired by Buxton Peak and Maison Perrier. Conquet will work alongside the wider leadership team to oversee the business’ strategic priorities and portfolio development. He said: “I’m excited to be joining the team at such a pivotal time. The business has strong momentum and an exceptional portfolio of brands. I look forward to building on this success and deliver even more value for our customers and consumers.” Top image: © SanPellegrino

Hotel Chocolat is expanding its autumn range with a new limited-edition Spicy Maple drinking chocolate, tapping into the growing appetite for sweet-and-spicy flavour combinations. The new £11.95 drink combines sweet maple with habanero heat, translating a flavour profile already used in the chocolatier’s filled chocolate range into a new format. It will be joined by the return of Pumpkin Spice Drinking Chocolate, also priced at £11.95, as well as three limited-edition seasonal Selectors. Spicy Maple reflects the continued momentum behind “swicy” flavour profiles, bringing a combination of sweetness and heat to the drinking chocolate category. Pumpkin Spice, meanwhile, returns with a blend of cinnamon, ginger and pumpkin, targeting consumer demand for warming and nostalgic seasonal flavours. Yiotis Panagiotou, Specialty Chocolatier at Hotel Chocolat, said: “Food innovation is increasingly about identifying what's already resonating with customers and finding new ways to deliver it. Spicy Maple started life as one of our filled chocolates, and we saw an opportunity to translate that into a completely different format, pairing the sweetness of maple with habanero heat to bring a ‘swicy’ twist to drinking chocolate.” The autumn line-up will also extend across multiple consumption occasions. Consumers can prepare the drinks at home using a Velvetiser, steam wand or hob, while Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser Cafés will serve the recipes as hot chocolate, choc shakes and mochas. Alongside the drinking chocolates, the brand is reintroducing three seasonal limited-edition Selectors: Nuts for Praline, Rustle & Crunch and Pumpkin Pie, with the latter featuring spiced pumpkin ganache, almond praline and a crunchy corn-flake crust.

Dunkin’ is set to return to Puerto Rico under a new development and operating agreement between parent company Inspire Brands and Puerto Rico-based operator Fusion Restaurant Group. Fusion will lead the coffee and bakery chain’s expansion across the island, with the first new locations expected to open in 2027. Dunkin’ first entered Puerto Rico in 2001, but exited the market in October 2014 after terminating its franchise agreement with Wometco Donas, resulting in the closure of all 18 locations. The new agreement will see Dunkin’ bring its core menu of coffee, iced beverages, donuts, breakfast sandwiches and other food offerings back to Puerto Rican consumers. Inspire Brands said the move marks Dunkin’s return to a market where it already has strong brand awareness, while establishing a platform for future growth across Puerto Rico. Michael Haley, president and managing director of international at Inspire Brands, said: “Puerto Rico represents a compelling opportunity to expand Dunkin’s presence in a market where the brand already enjoys strong awareness and affinity.” He added that Fusion Restaurant Group’s experience in the local restaurant sector made it well placed to oversee the brand’s return and expansion. Mario J Gaztambide, CEO of Fusion Restaurant Group, commented: “Dunkin’ is coming back to Puerto Rico, and we are proud to lead its return to the island.” Gaztambide said the launch would support Fusion’s wider focus on delivering convenient and locally relevant foodservice experiences in the market. Further details on individual restaurant locations and opening dates will be announced as the expansion progresses. Dunkin’ currently operates more than 14,200 restaurants across nearly 40 markets worldwide. Inspire Brands also owns Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s and Sonic.