US-based snack brand LesserEvil has launched Cheezmos, a new cheese puff product that aims to capture the nostalgia of traditional snacks while prioritising clean ingredients. This expansion into a new category reflects the company's strategy to cater to the growing demand for better-for-you snacks. Cheezmos are crafted with organic avocado oil and real organic cheddar, positioning them as a healthier alternative in the competitive snack market. The product comes in two distinct flavours: Cowboy Cheddar, which offers a rich, savoury taste, and Blazin’ Hot Cheddar, aimed at consumers who prefer a spicier option. According to LesserEvil, Cheezmos are free from artificial dyes, preservatives and other additives commonly found in processed snacks. The introduction of Cheezmos aligns with current consumer trends favouring transparency and quality in food products. As more consumers seek snacks that deliver both flavour and nutritional integrity, Cheezmos aims to meet this demand without compromising on taste. Cheezmos will make its debut at Whole Foods Market this month, with plans to expand distribution to Kroger in September. This strategic rollout is designed to leverage the visibility and customer base of these major retailers, positioning Cheezmos as a prominent option for health-conscious consumers. LesserEvil’s expansion into this new product line reflects a broader trend in the snack industry, where brands are increasingly focused on innovation and healthier alternatives. The brand's product range includes a variety of healthier snack options, such as popcorn, grain-free puffs and keto-friendly snacks, all crafted with clean ingredients to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Starbucks has announced a price reduction for some of its iced beverages in China, lowering prices by an average of 5 yuan (approx. $0.70) nationwide as of Tuesday, according to Reuters . The move comes amid growing consumer caution and intensifying competition in the country’s coffee market, which is Starbucks’ second-largest after the US. According to a post on its official Weixin account, the company said dozens of drinks – including non-coffee options and Frappuccinos – will now be available at lower prices, with some starting from 23 yuan (approx. $3.20) China’s coffee sector has become increasingly competitive, with domestic chains like Luckin Coffee and Cotti offering drinks at prices as low as 8.8 yuan (approx. $1.22). A source close to Starbucks told Reuters that the decision is not a response to pricing pressure from rivals but rather an effort to boost customer visits during slower afternoon hours. The individual added that Starbucks is likely focusing on growing demand for non-coffee beverages in that time slot. While the company has previously stated it would not participate in a price war, it has introduced smaller drink sizes and issued discount coupons to attract customers. Starbucks is also exploring options to revitalise its business in China, including the potential sale of stakes in its local operations.

Saudi Arabian F&B group Almarai Company has signed an agreement to acquire water company Pure Beverages Industry Company in a deal valued at SAR 1.04 bn (approx. $277m). Pure Beverages, also based in Saudi Arabia, produces bottled drinking water under brands including Ival and Oska. In a statement announcing the acquisition, Almarai said it aligns with the company’s growth strategy to expand its beverage portfolio and enhance its consumer offerings. The company currently provides a portfolio spanning dairy, bakery, poultry, beverages and specialised nutrition. The share purchase agreement, covering 100% of the total shares of Pure Beverages, will be financed through Almarai’s internal cash flows. Headquartered in Riyadh, Pure Beverages was established in 1979 and operates several manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. Through its range of bottled waters, it aims to ‘cater to the aspirations of a wide range of consumers in a dynamic society’. The acquisition’s completion is subject to contractual conditions and regulatory approvals.

Pladis is introducing a new limited-edition flavour to its McVitie’s Digestives range: Raspberry & Cream Pink Digestives. The product features golden-baked Digestive biscuits topped with a raspberry and cream-flavoured coating. It forms part of McVitie’s ongoing centenary celebrations for its Chocolate Digestives brand. Benazir Barlet-Batada, marketing director for Pladis UK&I, said: “As we continue to celebrate 100 years of McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives, we wanted to mark the next chapter in our history by reinventing the nation’s favourite". “We know consumers are currently enjoying nostalgic flavours across a wide range of food and drink products, and that nostalgia in food isn’t just about recreating the past, it’s about rediscovering it in a way that feels new and exciting. Meanwhile pink is also still trending as a popular colour across food and drink." “Our new Pink Digestives are fun, fresh and packed with fruity flavour, designed to delight loyal Digestives fans and foodies alike.” The new flavour will be available in Sainsbury’s from 16 June, with a broader rollout to other major retailers, convenience stores and wholesalers planned for July.

PepsiCo has ceased manufacturing operations at its Frito-Lay processing plant in Rancho Cucamonga, Southern California, ending five decades of production at the site. While production will cease, the company confirmed that its warehouse, distribution, fleet and transportation teams will continue to operate at the site. The company told FoodBev in a statement: "PepsiCo Foods US announced the shutdown of manufacturing operations at our Rancho Cucamonga site. Our warehouse, distribution, fleet and transportation teams will continue to operate at this location." "We are truly grateful for all the support over the last five decades from our Rancho Cucamonga manufacturing team as well as the local community. We are committed to supporting those impacted through this transition and we are offering pay and benefits to impacted employees." PepsiCo has not revealed how many employees are impacted by the closure.

JM Smucker is preparing to increase coffee prices further as the company looks to offset rising costs and drive profitability across its retail coffee portfolio, which includes Folgers, Dunkin' and Café Bustelo. In its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings report, the US food and beverage group revealed an 11% increase in retail coffee sales value compared to the same period last year, driven entirely by higher pricing. The company highlighted that net price realisation – particularly for the Folgers and Café Bustelo brands – was the primary contributor to growth, with volume remaining flat overall. Smucker also provided guidance for fiscal year 2026, forecasting a 2% to 4% increase in overall net sales, with 'higher net price realisation' expected to be a key factor. While the company did not explicitly confirm the timing of future price increases, the language in its outlook suggests further hikes are likely across key categories, including coffee. The retail coffee unit remained Smucker’s largest contributor to quarterly sales, generating $738.6 million, with a segment profit of $211.2 million. However, profit margins contracted slightly due to increased commodity costs, despite reduced marketing spend. “As we look ahead to fiscal year 2026, we remain focused on delivering the business through the strength of our key growth platforms,” said CEO Mark Smucker. “We are confident in our strategy, and we are well-positioned to deliver long-term growth and increase shareholder value.” Top image: © The JM Smucker

Laird Superfood, known for its minimally processed superfood products, has launched its latest offering: Protein Instant Latte. This product, designed to cater to the growing consumer interest in functional beverages, combines convenience with nutrition, delivering 10g of plant-based protein per serving. Protein Instant Latte is formulated with a proprietary blend of pea, hemp and pumpkin seed proteins, along with naturally occurring medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) sourced from coconut. Notably, it also incorporates extracts from functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, cordyceps, maitake and chaga, which are increasingly recognised for their potential cognitive and physical health benefits. In addition to its protein content, Protein Instant Latte includes Aquamin, a multi-mineral complex derived from sea algae that provides calcium and over 72 trace minerals. This ingredient further enhances the product’s appeal as a health-focused beverage, supporting sustained energy and recovery – a key concern for many active consumers. Jason Vieth, CEO of Laird Superfood, highlighted the current trend towards protein-rich foods: “Consumers are looking for cleaner, smarter ways to incorporate protein into their daily routines”. This sentiment reflects a broader shift in the food and beverage industry, where health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking products that align with their wellness goals. The launch of Protein Instant Latte comes at a time when the demand for protein-enriched products is surging. According to market research, the global protein supplement market is expected to reach $27 billion by 2027, indicating robust growth potential for companies that can deliver innovative protein solutions. Laird Superfood's entry into this segment is strategic, targeting consumers who prefer plant-based options and are looking for convenient ways to enhance their diets. Protein Instant Latte can be prepared simply by adding water, making it an accessible option for busy consumers. Each bag contains six servings, priced at approximately $3 per serving, significantly lower than typical coffee shop offerings. This positioning may appeal to both retail partners and consumers looking for cost-effective, health-oriented alternatives. The product can be enjoyed either hot or iced, catering to varying consumer preferences. As the market for ready-to-drink and instant beverages continues to expand, Laird Superfood’s focus on clean, real-food ingredients positions it favourably within this competitive landscape. Protein Instant Latte is currently available for purchase on Laird's website and in select Sprouts Farmers Market locations, with plans for broader distribution, including Amazon, in the near future.

Halfday, a brand specialising in gut-healthy iced teas made with prebiotics, has launched a new limited-edition flavour, Tropical Tea, which combines pineapple, passion fruit and guava. This product is positioned to appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for refreshing beverage options during the summer months. The Tropical Tea flavour aligns with Halfday’s commitment to providing beverages that are both enjoyable and beneficial for digestive health. Each can contains 4g of sugar, 35 calories and 6g of prebiotic fibre sourced from the brand's proprietary Goodday Prebiotic Blend, which includes cassava root fiber, fructan fiber, and organic agave inulin. This formulation aims to maintain a balance between flavour and health benefits, catering to the growing demand for low-sugar, functional beverages. Mike Lombardo, co-founder of Halfday, indicated that the new flavour is a departure from the brand’s traditional offerings, designed to evoke a sense of adventure and summer enjoyment. The launch of Tropical Tea comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking beverages that not only quench their thirst but also provide health benefits. The iced tea market has seen a surge in demand for products that are low in sugar and high in functional ingredients. By introducing limited-edition flavours, Halfday aims to differentiate itself in a competitive landscape, appealing to consumers looking for novelty without sacrificing health. Kayvon Jahanbakhsh, co-founder and CEO, noted that these limited-edition releases allow the company to explore new taste profiles while maintaining its focus on health. Tropical Tea is exclusively available at Whole Foods Market locations across the US and on Amazon. At Whole Foods, consumers can purchase the beverage in 4-packs for $7.99 or single cans at two for $4. On Amazon, it is offered in 12-pack cases for $29.88.

Krispy Kreme has finalised the sale of its remaining ownership stake in Insomnia Cookies, a move that underscores the company's commitment to financial restructuring and strategic growth. The transaction, which generated approximately $75 million in net cash proceeds, will be directed towards debt reduction, as announced by the company on June 10 2025. This divestiture follows Krispy Kreme's earlier decision to sell a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies in July 2024, reflecting a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance financial stability. The cash influx from this latest sale is expected to play a crucial role in alleviating the company's debt burden, a significant concern for many businesses in the current economic climate. Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth highlighted the importance of this transaction in a statement: “We continue to take swift, decisive action to de-leverage our balance sheet and drive sustainable, profitable growth”. He highlighted that the company is now focusing on two primary opportunities: expanding its US market presence and pursuing capital-light international franchise growth. This strategic pivot comes at a time when the food and beverage industry is increasingly prioritising operational efficiency and profitability. By divesting non-core assets, Krispy Kreme aims to concentrate resources on its flagship brand, known for its iconic Original Glazed doughnuts, and to expand its innovative digital business model, which has seen significant growth amid changing consumer preferences. The cash generated from this sale could allow Krispy Kreme to invest in enhancing its supply chain efficiencies or expanding its product offerings, aligning with industry trends that emphasise sustainability and consumer engagement. Additionally, the company's commitment to reducing debt may bolster investor confidence, particularly as the market continues to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pact Coffee has expanded its presence in Waitrose with the launch of a new decaffeinated pod product, responding to growing demand for high-quality, caffeine-free options. The new product – a decaf version of the roaster’s Bourbon Cream Espresso – is rolling out in Waitrose stores nationwide this month. It is currently the only speciality-grade decaf coffee listed by the retailer. The move follows a reported 200% year-on-year increase in Pact’s direct sales of decaf coffee. The company cited recent consumer research indicating that half of UK consumers have bought decaffeinated coffee for home use in the past six months, and that seven in ten would be more likely to drink it if higher-quality options were available. Will Corby, Pact Coffee’s director of coffee, commented: “By definition, speciality coffee must score at least 80 points from 100 with professional tasters. This coffee scores 84, so consumers will be able to enjoy top-quality decaf.” The pods, which contain freshly roasted coffee, are being introduced with a promotional price of £4 for a ten-pack until 20 July, after which they will be priced at £5.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that several major crops, including coffee and beans, could lose half their optimally suitable land by 2100. The organisation has upgraded its Adaptation, Biodiversity and Carbon Mapping Tool (ABC-Map) geospatial app with a new indicator, providing information on the suitability of major crops in evolving climate scenarios to the end of the century. Developed for policymakers, technicians and project designers, the ABC-Map offers an initial screening of the climate-related risks, biodiversity indicators and carbon reduction potential of a selected project. The open-source app uses satellite imagery based on Google Earth engine, with information from global datasets. Data from a study by French fin-tech start-up Finres, commissioned by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and funded by the French Development Agency, is incorporated into the indicator. The study, ‘ Have crops already reached peak suitability: assessing global climatic suitability decreases for crop cultivation ,’ uses a new method to assess crop suitability in varied climate scenarios. It concludes that five out of nine major staple and cash crops – wheat, coffee, beans, cassava and plantain – are already losing optimal growing conditions, and some could lose half their optimal suitable land by 2100. In particular, the study’s researchers suggest coffee production in some of the major coffee-growing regions could decline sharply by the end of the century. Beans and wheat could also experience significant losses, especially in regions such as North America and Europe. The ABC-Map features indicators in three sections: adaptation, biodiversity and carbon. The new indicator expands the scope of the adaptation section, which previously only displayed information on past trends in a given area, such as temperature and rainfall. Users can input a location and select a crop from 30 options, with the tool highlighting the suitability of selected crops in that area for time periods stretching to 2100. It provides a ‘crop suitability score’ for two different climate emission scenarios. The FAO said it is also planning to introduce an indicator with information on livestock heat stress and another for crop water requirements, which would estimate expected rainfall and potential irrigation needs.

Michael Ault The food and beverage industry is in the midst of a major transformation, driven by advancements in payment solutions and digital ordering systems. As customers now expect faster, more seamless transactions and businesses face rising operational costs, embracing new technologies is no longer optional, it’s pivotal to surviving in a highly competitive market. Michael Ault, UK country manager at MyPOS, explores how payment technologies are reshaping the industry and why embracing these tools is now essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. The UK has one of the highest adoption rates of contactless payments in the world. In March 2024, there were 1.59 billion contactless card transactions, a 5.9% increase from the previous year, and this number is only projected to grow. Consumers now expect fast, hassle-free payments, whether they’re picking up a coffee on the way to work or dining at a high-end restaurant. Contactless payments have become the norm, allowing customers to tap their cards or smartphones to complete transactions in seconds. Mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, further streamline the process, enabling users to store multiple payment methods and loyalty cards in one place. This shift has reduced wait times and improved overall customer experience, particularly in high-traffic establishments like quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and pubs. Integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems are also revolutionising how businesses operate as they go beyond simple payment processing and provide real-time analytics and inventory tracking. By analysing transaction data, businesses can tailor promotions and menu offerings based on customer preferences, boosting both sales and customer satisfaction. Digital orders mean service efficiency The way people order food and drinks has changed significantly in the last few years. A survey by Barclaycard found that 42% of UK consumers prefer to order digitally rather than interact with staff, particularly in fast-paced environments like coffee shops and takeaway restaurants. Online ordering systems, mobile apps and self-service kiosks are now commonplace, offering customers greater flexibility and convenience. Online ordering platforms enable customers to browse menus, customise their orders and schedule pickups or deliveries without needing to call or visit in-person. Mobile apps take this a step further by offering tailored experiences, like personalised recommendations, order history and exclusive loyalty perks. Self-service kiosks are becoming a familiar sight in restaurants, allowing customers to place orders and pay without waiting for staff. McDonald’s, for example, has seen significant success with this model, reducing queue times and improving service efficiency. These kiosks not only enhance convenience but also boost order values, with orders 11% larger when using kiosks, as customers tend to spend more when they have the freedom to browse menu options are their own pace. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in digital ordering. AI-powered chatbots assist with orders, provide recommendations and answer frequently asked questions, further streamlining the experience. Personalisation driven by AI fosters customer loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and higher spending. The challenges ahead While the benefits of frictionless payments and digital ordering are clear, businesses face several challenges when adopting these technologies. Cybersecurity risks: As digital transactions increase, so does the threat of cybercrime. The UK saw over £570 million stolen due to payment fraud in the first half of 2024, highlighting the need for robust security measures. Businesses must prioritise encryption, tokenisation and strong authentication to protect customer data. Luckily, some fintech platforms combine intuitive, user-friendly interfaces with high-level security – making it easier for businesses to adopt them and even encouraging higher customer spending. Integration with legacy systems: Many F&B businesses still operate on outdated technology that is not always compatible with modern payment and ordering solutions. Upgrading infrastructure requires investment in both technology and staff training. Upfront costs: While digital solutions often lead to long-term savings, they typically require an initial investment. Businesses must weigh the costs against the benefits and look for pay-as-you-go providers. Staff training: Implementing new technology successfully depends on employees being comfortable using it. Comprehensive training ensures staff can assist customers effectively and troubleshoot issues quickly. Opportunities for F&B businesses Embracing these technological advancements presents a number of opportunities for F&B businesses. Digital platforms allow businesses to engage with customers through personalised promotions, loyalty programmes and direct feedback mechanisms. This fosters brand loyalty and drives repeat businesses. Automation also reduces manual errors, speeds up service and allows staff to focus on delivering exceptional customer service. Real-time data analytics improve inventory management and demand forecasting. Additionally, online ordering and delivery services help businesses reach a wider audience beyond their physical locations, creating new revenue streams. The UK’s takeaway and food market were valued at approximately £23.1 billion in 2024, demonstrating the potential for growth. Overall, keeping up with technological trends ensures businesses can adapt quickly to evolving consumer behaviours and expectations and therefore stay ahead of competitors. What’s next? The UK is moving closer to a cashless society, with only 14% of transactions expected to be cash-based by 2026. Restaurants will need to prioritise contactless payments, mobile wallets and even biometric authentication methods. As e-commerce becomes increasingly mobile-first, restaurants and food vendors must optimise their digital experience for smartphones to stay competitive. Additionally, concept of a checkout-free store, where customers can simply pick up items and leave without scanning or queueing, is gaining traction. This model could redefine the traditional restaurant and takeaway experience. The integration of cutting-edge payment solutions and digital ordering systems is transforming the UK’s F&B sector. While challenges exist, businesses that proactively embrace these technologies will be better positioned for growth. Those who prioritise seamless payments, personalised digital experiences, and operational efficiency will not only meet customer expectations but also future proof their businesses in today’s increasingly digital world.