The Hershey Company has announced the appointment of Kirk Tanner as president and chief executive officer, effective 18 August 2025. Tanner succeeds Michele Buck , who will transition to a senior advisory role following her retirement after a notable tenure leading the company. Tanner, a seasoned executive in the food and beverage sector, brings over three decades of experience, primarily from PepsiCo, where he held various leadership positions culminating in his role as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America. In that capacity, he managed a substantial $28 billion business portfolio that included well-known brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade and Mountain Dew. His leadership at PepsiCo was characterised by a focus on brand growth, innovation and adapting to shifting consumer preferences. Currently, Tanner serves as the CEO of fast food corporation Wendy's, where he has implemented strategies to enhance brand performance and operational efficiency. His appointment at Hershey comes at a time when the company seeks to expand its footprint in the competitive snacks market. Mary Kay Haben, lead independent director and chair of the CEO Search Committee, highlighted Tanner's proven leadership capabilities and his deep understanding of consumer trends. "Kirk is a high-impact leader with a results-driven mindset," she said, noting his extensive experience in snacks, beverages and innovation. Buck's leadership has been pivotal in positioning Hershey as a multi-category snacking powerhouse. Under her guidance, the company has undergone significant transformation and growth, solidifying its reputation in the industry. As Tanner prepares to take the helm, Buck expressed her confidence in his ability to lead the company forward. Michele Buck In his inaugural remarks, Tanner acknowledged the importance of understanding consumer needs and fostering strong partnerships with customers. He reiterated his commitment to Hershey's ambition of becoming a leading player in the snacking industry, focusing on sustainable growth and innovation. Hershey, which generates over $11.2 billion in annual revenues, is recognised for its diverse portfolio that includes iconic chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey's and Reese's, as well as salty snacks like SkinnyPop. The company's leadership transition reflects a strategic move to enhance its market position amid evolving consumer demands and increased competition in the snacks sector.

Chupa Chups, a well-known name in the confectionery sector valued at £17.6 million, is set to enhance its product offerings with the introduction of Pinkis, a new addition to its jellies range. The new product, characterised by its soft texture and vibrant pink colour, will be available in UK stores starting this July, aiming to capture consumer interest in playful and innovative treats. The jelly segment has shown robust growth, with total jellies up 9% year-over-year, and Chupa Chups Jellies experiencing an impressive 111% growth. The launch of Pinkis aligns with this upward trend, responding to increasing consumer demand for unique and enjoyable confectionery options. Priced competitively at £1.25 per 90g bag, Pinkis is designed to appeal to both value-conscious shoppers and those seeking indulgent treats. The product aims to bolster retailers' on-the-go sweet sales and stimulate impulse purchases, thereby attracting new customers to the category. What sets Pinkis apart is its innovative texture. The product boasts a super-soft, fluffy consistency that enhances the sensory experience. This focus on texture is critical, as it aligns with current consumer preferences for unique and enjoyable snacking experiences. Kim McMahon, brand manager for Chupa Chups, said: “Texture is a huge driver of excitement in the category,” noting that Pinkis offers something different that is expected to resonate with shoppers. The vibrant strawberry flavour of Pinkis is designed to capture attention in the confectionery aisle. By combining a playful texture with a familiar yet exciting taste, Chupa Chups aims to attract both loyal customers and new consumers who are eager to explore novel confectionery options. Priced at £1.25 per 90g bag, Pinkis is positioned as an accessible treat that delivers on both flavour and value, appealing to a broad audience. As the market continues to evolve, the introduction of Pinkis reflects Chupa Chups' commitment to innovation and consumer engagement. Retailers can anticipate that this new offering will not only drive impulse purchases but also enhance the overall appeal of the jelly category, encouraging shoppers to seek out unique experiences in their confectionery choices. The product will initially be available through key wholesalers, including Batleys, Bestway and Dhamecha, ensuring widespread distribution.

Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has completed an expansion of its coffee processing facility in Varginha, Minas Gerais, significantly boosting the site’s storage and processing capabilities. The expansion adds 13,000 square metres to the existing plant, bringing the total footprint to 31,000 square metres. With the upgrade, the facility can now store up to 1 million coffee bags and process over 2.5 million annually, more than double its previous capacity. Shipping capacity has also increased by 50%. LDC, which has operated in Brazil’s coffee sector for more than 35 years, said the move strengthens its position in the country’s largest coffee-producing state and supports its broader strategic growth plans. New features at the Varginha site include robotic loading systems and box silo storage technology. The company also implemented additional safety systems exceeding national standards. Arthur Graf, LDC’s head of coffee for Brazil, said: “Our expanded facility in Varginha is now among the largest and most advanced green coffee processing warehouses in the region, positioning it as a key logistics hub for coffee storage and distribution. Today’s inauguration therefore represents a significant milestone for our growth plans in Brazil, reaffirming our long-term commitment to the country and its coffee sector.” He added: “This expansion will streamline logistics for sourcing from small and medium-sized coffee growers, to meet both domestic distribution and export demand. With increased storage and processing capacity, we can now purchase and receive coffee as soon as farmers are ready to sell, ensuring a more efficient flow of goods, even during peak harvest periods. This offers farmers more convenience and flexibility, enabling them to market their coffee at the most strategic time.” LDC operates two other coffee facilities in Brazil – in Nova Venécia (Espírito Santo) and Matipó (Minas Gerais – and employs around 480 people across its Brazilian coffee operations.

The Watercoolers Europe (WE) 2025 Conference & Trade Fair returns on 6-7 November 2025, bringing together the watercooler industry’s leading voices for two days of knowledge-sharing, networking and celebration. Hosted at the stylish Meliá Milano Hotel, this flagship event reflects over 30 years of WE’s commitment to supporting excellence and growth across the sector. The 2025 programme offers a rich mix of expert-led conference sessions, interactive workshops and a vibrant international trade fair. The conference will feature presentations on emerging consumer habits, effective communication with younger generations, regulatory trends and practical strategies to support business development. Attendees will hear from specialists across marketing, sustainability and technology, including keynote speaker Bert Helbig, who will explore how to engage Gen Z and future customers with messaging that truly resonates. Complementing the conference, the workshops will provide hands-on, practical learning tailored for companies of all sizes. Topics will focus on sustainability leadership, adapting to evolving EU legislation, and optimising operations to meet current and future challenges. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your marketing strategy or enhance your compliance processes, these sessions are designed to offer tools and insights that can be immediately impactful to how you run your business. Our flagship event is the prestigious Aqua Awards Ceremony, held during the Gala Dinner on the evening of the 6 of November. With a legacy stretching back nearly three decades, the Aqua Awards recognise excellence in four categories: Best Innovation (product or technology), Water for All, Sustainable Leadership and Marketing Campaign. These awards honour the creativity, commitment and forward-thinking spirit of WE members across Europe. Open to all full members of Watercoolers Europe – either directly or through National Associations – the Aqua Awards are free to enter. Early submissions, received by 30 June, benefit from additional visibility via WE’s website, newsletters and LinkedIn platform, reaching over 5,000 industry professionals. With its unique blend of business opportunity, expert insight and industry celebration, WE 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for everyone in the watercooler world.

FEM has introduced two new ice machine water filtration systems. Manufactured by American company Pentair Everpure, the filtration systems target common issues such as scale build-up, off-tastes and odours in ice and bacterial contamination. The range includes two types of systems – Pre-Coat Media and Fibredyne – each available in different sizes to match various machine capacities. The Pre-Coat Media system uses Micro-Pure media with Agion antibacterial protection and pre-coat technology to trap particles as small as ½ micron. It is available in two sizes, with the largest supporting ice cubes producing up to 255kg and ice flakers up to 435kg. The Fibredyne system offers submicron filtration and reduces contaminants like chlorine, which can affect the taste and smell of ice. Its largest model is suitable for ice cubers producing up to 425kg and flakers up to 725kg. Both systems are designed to inhibit bacterial growth and protect machine components. Replacement cartridges are available for each model. The Pre-Coat Media cartridge lasts up to six months, while the Fibredyne cartridge can last up to a year.

Krispy Kreme has appointed Raphael Duvivier as chief financial officer, effective 11 July 2025. Raphael Duvivier © Krispy Kreme He will replace Jeremiah Ashukian, who is leaving the company for a role in the private sector. Duvivier, currently president of international at Krispy Kreme, joined the company in 2019 and has held leadership roles in finance, strategy and operations. He previously worked at Restaurant Brands International and Opus Investimentos. In a related leadership change, Alison Holder will become chief brand and product officer, also effective 11 July. Holder, who has been with the company for more than 25 years, will take on global marketing responsibilities. She will replace chief growth officer, David Skena, who is also departing 'to pursue another opportunity'. Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme CEO, said: “We thank Jeremiah and Dave for their contributions over the last several years and wish them both well in their new endeavours. I have the utmost confidence in Raphael, Alison and the rest of our strong team to help drive Krispy Kreme forward as we pursue US expansion through high-volume retail points of distribution and capital-light international franchise growth.”

Nespresso Canada has expanded its green bag recycling programme across all Quebec municipalities that operate sorting centres and have agreements with Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ). This makes Quebec the second province in Canada to offer province-wide access to the programme, following updates to recycling regulations under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework that took effect earlier this year. Through the programme, residents can recycle used Nespresso aluminium coffee capsules by placing them in specially designed green bags and depositing them in their regular recycling bins. The green bags are provided at no cost with online orders, in stores and via the Nespresso Club. The capsules are fully recyclable. Once collected, the aluminium is repurposed and the coffee grounds are used in Quebec’s biomethanization facilities. Nespresso Canada president Carlos Oyanguren noted that Quebec was the first province to pilot the green bag scheme in 2016. "The expanded rollout of the green bag program throughout the province has been a Nespresso priority for years. In fact, Quebec was where the green bag programme was first launched in 2016," he said. "We are proud of the enthusiasm this programme has generated among consumers and municipalities, and of being able to make this easy recycling solution available province-wide. For over a decade, Nespresso has been playing a key role in reducing waste in the country by implementing innovative recycling solutions. Combining quality and sustainability has always been at the heart of our DNA." Maryse Vermette, president and CEO of Éco Entreprises Québec, added: "This recovery and recycling solution, the result of an agreement between Éco Entreprises Québec and Nespresso and made possible with EPR, is part of the circular economy dynamic. Throughout Quebec, we encourage the public to make the right thing when sorting – for containers, packaging and printed paper – and this now includes Nespresso aluminum coffee capsules." With the Quebec expansion, Nespresso’s green bag programme now reaches over 1,500 communities across Canada, including areas in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and all of Prince Edward Island.

The water dispenser industry is undergoing a period of meaningful transformation. Driven by shifts in consumer expectations, sustainability pressures and service-led business models, dispenser design is evolving from basic equipment to integrated solutions that deliver performance, flexibility and experience. While subscription-based models such as Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) are gaining traction in many environments, the landscape remains diverse. The needs of a restaurant differ from those on a construction site. But across all sectors, the demand is clear: smarter systems, tailored solutions and more intentional design. Akos Petri, managing director at Zenith, explains that the company's extensive, three-decade-long collaboration with industry partners has helped reveal how market dynamics are evolving across sectors, highlighting distinct needs and emerging trends that shape each category. HoReCa – a high-value shift toward experience In the hospitality and foodservice sectors, dispensers are becoming part of the guest experience, not just operational infrastructure. A growing number of venues are investing in premium dispense systems offering chilled, filtered and sparkling water, delivered on-demand. Purezza by Waterlogic is one notable example. These systems enable restaurants and hotels to serve water in branded bottles, offering a polished alternative to single-use bottles while supporting sustainability goals. Feedback from operators suggests the margin potential is strong, many are able to replace bottled water with a higher-value, in-house option. We're also seeing growing interest in white-label solutions, particularly in premium dining. These give venues control over water presentation while reducing logistics and plastic use. For dispenser providers, designing systems that meet these branding, aesthetic and performance needs is becoming a competitive advantage. Offices – redefining hydration post 2020 In office environments, hydration is increasingly seen as part of the employee experience. As hybrid working patterns shift, companies are upgrading common areas with health-conscious, low-touch solutions that reflect their workplace values. This includes touchless dispensing, antimicrobial surfaces and remote monitoring. Facility managers value systems that offer usage analytics and predictive maintenance, helping reduce admin and downtime. In many of these cases, WaaS is playing a role, offering bundled solutions that include equipment, servicing and regular filter replacement. For larger offices or those undergoing renovation, this model simplifies implementation. However, more traditional procurement models still remain relevant, especially in smaller or budget-sensitive workplaces. Construction and industrial sites – prioritising practical solutions In more rugged environments such as construction or industrial sites, priorities differ. Dispensers need to be robust, easy to refill and able to operate reliably with minimal maintenance. Bottled water dispensers (BWD) continue to dominate here due to their simplicity and mobility. While some shift toward point-of-use (POU) systems is occurring, particularly in larger, semi-permanent worksites, the move is slower. In these settings, cost, logistics and adaptability often outweigh the appeal of smart features or long-term contracts. BWD to POU - a gradual but persistent trend Across Europe, we continue to track a steady migration from BWD to POU systems. This is being driven by: Sustainability goals, particularly around single-use plastics Operational efficiencies, such as reducing storage and delivery complexity Improved user experience, including consistent water quality and design integration POU systems meet these expectations well and, when delivered through WaaS, become easier for businesses to adopt without large capital outlay. Still, the speed of migration varies by country and sector. Design priorities - modularity, customisation and circular thinking One of the clearest shifts we see is in design thinking. Dispensers must now be built not just for performance but for long-term adaptability. Key design attributes include: Modular components, allowing upgrades or repairs without full replacement Customisable elements, such as branding, interfaces, and bottle formats Circular design, including recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems Whether in a premium restaurant or a coworking space, these attributes improve system longevity, reduce environmental impact and support brand alignment. A market in motion, not a monolith What’s evident is that the dispenser landscape is evolving but not converging into a single model. While WaaS is expanding, particularly in the office and hospitality sectors, traditional sales models continue to serve important roles elsewhere. What’s emerging instead is a more fragmented, responsive market where providers must tailor solutions to fit specific operational needs. At Zenith, we believe this flexibility, supported by thoughtful design and robust servicing, will define the next era of success in the sector. Whether through branded hydration in restaurants, workplace wellness systems or durable dispensers on job sites, the role of water dispense continues to grow in both value and visibility. Ultimately, the future of hydration isn’t just about delivering water. It’s about understanding where and how people interact with it and designing solutions that fit seamlessly into that experience. A demo version of Zenith’s European water dispense database is available to support deeper understanding of market trends.

Evoca Group has expanded its Necta lineup with the launch of the Barista 500 Pro Touch and Barista 600 Pro Touch, two new fully connected coffee machines aimed at modernising the vending market with a focus on sustainability and remote functionality. The new models are built with 96% recyclable materials, including bio-circular plastics on the door and use a fully lead-free hydraulic circuit. Both machines meet A+ energy class standards under EVA-EMP guidelines and come in 100% recyclable packaging. Targeting professional operators, the machines are designed for durability and ease of use, while integrated cloud connectivity allows for remote diagnostics, software updates and system reboots, cutting down on maintenance time and improving efficiency for vending providers. Evoca said the new models "set a new benchmark for user experience, performance, environmental responsibility and connectivity".

UK iced coffee brand Jimmy’s is expanding its portfolio with the launch of its first coffee-free product: Iced Chocolate Milk. This move marks the company’s entry into the rapidly growing flavoured milk market, following an April Fools campaign that generated significant consumer demand. The launch targets both Jimmy’s customers and new consumers seeking innovative flavoured milk options. According to the company, the flavoured milk segment has surged 74% in value over the past five years, with chocolate milk representing nearly half of the category’s sales. Jimmy’s aims to capitalise on this trend, providing retailers with a high-potential product to boost sales in the category. Russel Goldman, managing director of breakthrough brands at Carlsberg Britvic, the parent company of Jimmy's, commented: “What started as an April Fools prank is now hitting the shelves. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee already has a 65% brand awareness among category shoppers, and as a trusted favourite, we knew we had to fulfil the requests for a delicious Iced Chocolate Milk following overwhelming consumer response. Given the reaction, it felt like the perfect time to enter a new category." Jimmy’s Iced Chocolate Milk is available exclusively on Ocado in a 500ml glass bottle.

Flash Coffee has appointed Bardon Matthew as its new CEO to lead the company’s next phase of growth, with a focus on expanding across Indonesia. The appointment follows Flash Coffee’s decision to focus fully on the Indonesian market and build on its recent turnaround. The company plans to grow from 80 stores by the end of 2025 to more than 500 stores in the coming years. A recent $3 million investment will help support this plan. Matthew has over 20 years of experience in Southeast Asia’s food and drink industry. He has held leadership roles at companies such as Starbucks, J.Co Donuts & Coffee, Krispy Kreme, Indofood and Fore Coffee. Flash Coffee operates in Jakarta and Bandung and plans to enter two more cities by the end of the year. "I don't believe in the status quo," comments Bardon Matthew, CEO of Flash Coffee. "When teams are empowered and systems are structured in the right way, you can iterate and improve to build for excellence and resilience. I am excited to lead Flash Coffee in its mission to scale smartly and efficiently, while continuing to delight customers in my home country." Jakob Angele, Flash Coffee's executive chairman, added: "Bardon understands our customers, our stores and what it takes to constantly iterate and improve a great business. After our very successful turn around efforts in 2024, and with Flash Coffee showing great current performance, we are now taking the next leap and will be scaling Flash Coffee to 500 stores across Indonesia."

Admiral Vending Systems, a UK-based provider of commercial coffee machine leasing solutions, has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered instant quoting tool designed to simplify and modernise the procurement process for office coffee equipment. The digital tool generates accurate pricing and machine recommendations within seconds by analysing key workplace data, including office size, daily usage and location. The move reflects growing demand for smarter, self-service procurement systems in the UK’s commercial refreshment sector. The platform is built by three key components: Intelligent machine algorithm – The AI assesses office-specific factors to recommend the most suitable bean-to-cup coffee machine models from Admiral’s curated range. Transparent pricing engine  – Clear, upfront lease costs are generated based on machine type, lease duration and service options, helping businesses avoid hidden fees or unclear terms. Geographic relevance – The system incorporates delivery and service logistics specific to each region, ensuring efficient rollout across the UK. "This technology allows UK businesses to cut through the clutter and get exactly what they need, fast," said James Tuck, director at Admiral. "We've taken the guesswork out of leasing a coffee machine. The AI learns from each interaction, ensuring that every recommendation is based on real world office dynamics, not assumptions or sales targets. It's about trust, transparency and delivering great coffee with zero hassle." The launch comes as demand for high-quality coffee solutions in offices continues to rise. Recent figures from Allegra World Coffee Portal show that 78% of office workers in the UK now consider premium coffee a key workplace perk, while 63% of HR and facilities managers cite improved employee satisfaction as a primary motivation for upgrading their coffee offerings.