Nestlé has announced a BRL 500 million (approx. $88.3 million) investment in Brazil through 2028 to expand its coffee production, grow its fleet of Nestlé Professional machines and accelerate innovation in response to changing consumer habits. The funding builds on a BRL 1.5 billion (approx. $264.7 million) investment announced in 2024 and reinforces Brazil’s role as a key market for Nestlé’s global coffee strategy. A portion of the new investment will focus on the company’s Nescafé Dolce Gusto factory in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais – Nestlé’s first plant with Triple Zero certification, which includes operating without water extraction from nature, landfill waste or net greenhouse gas emissions. The site enables local product development, with all launches since 2020 created in Brazil. Nestlé is also expanding its presence in the out-of-home channel by growing and upgrading its fleet of Nestlé Professional coffee machines, currently the company’s largest globally with over 26,500 units installed in locations such as offices, bakeries and convenience stores. The machines serve around 700,000 cups daily, and Nestlé expects to surpass 250 million servings per year, targeting a 30% increase in machine count by 2026. The company also continues to invest in sustainable coffee farming through the Nescafé Plan, supporting over 2,200 producer families in Brazil. Participating farms use at least one regenerative practice and record 60% higher productivity than the national average. Nestlé also offers financial incentives for high-quality sustainable coffee. José Argolo, CEO of Nestlé Professional, commented: “We already have the largest fleet of Nestlé Nescafé Professional machines in the world and the goal is to increase this number by 30% by 2026. This will give more people access to different flavours and experiences with coffee, with consistent preparation, cutting-edge technology and specialized service." Valéria Pardal, executive director of coffees at Nestlé Brazil, added: “We believe in Brazil’s potential as a strategic hub for coffee production and consumption, both at home and abroad. The investments made until 2028 reinforce our commitment to offering high-quality products, with a positive impact on the entire chain, from the farm to the consumer." “We continually invest in research to understand the motivations, expectations and consumption habits of Brazilians. This attentive focus helps us innovate with purpose, creating beverages that connect with different lifestyles and that accompany market transformations in a relevant and consistent way."

Barebells has added a new flavour to its milkshake range with the launch of a cookies and cream variety. The drink contains 24g of protein and no added sugar, and follows the flavour profile of the brand’s popular cookies and cream protein bar, first introduced in 2016. The new product joins existing milkshake flavours including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Joe Enright, marketing activation manager for Barebells, said: “This really is a dream come true. This milkshake truly hits the spot when it comes to both new and nostalgic cravings." “Ever since we launched our cookies and cream protein bar, we’ve wanted to create this milkshake: as a throwback to the times when we were having freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk as kids. Now it’s finally time," Enright added. “The result is a familiar and decadent flavour, perfect as a snack on the go, or as a treat at any time of the day. This is a shake for any occasion." The cookies and cream milkshake is available to purchase online via the brand's website and will be rolled out in stores across the UK in the coming weeks.

KFC UK & Ireland has announced a £1.49 billion investment plan over the next five years, aimed at expanding its presence and creating more than 7,000 new jobs across the UK and Ireland. The announcement coincides with the fried chicken chain’s 60th anniversary in the region. As part of its long-term growth strategy, KFC plans to open 500 new restaurants over the next decade. Around £466 million of the investment will go towards building new flagship locations and drive-thrus, particularly in growth regions such as Ireland and North West England. The funds will also be used to refurbish over 200 existing outlets with modernised designs and enhanced digital capabilities. The company said it will allocate £583 million to support job creation, including in-restaurant roles such as customer-facing team members, kitchen staff, managers and a newly introduced guest experience lead. KFC stated that all positions will offer structured training and development opportunities. Another £404 million will be directed towards strengthening KFC’s UK and Ireland supply chain. Beneficiaries include suppliers such as Pilgrim’s Europe, McCormick, Nature’s Way and software provider Fourth. The investment is expected to contribute £169 million in direct gross value added to the UK economy. According to KFC, the UK’s fried chicken market is now valued at approximately £3.1 billion, with demand outpacing other quick-service restaurant categories. Rob Swain, general manager for KFC UK&I, said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for 60 years now, but we’ve never seen such strong demand for freshly prepared, fried chicken as we’re seeing today". "As the market leader and a near-£2 billion revenue business, we’re incredibly well positioned to unlock this opportunity. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK&I with a major investment in our restaurants, and in the suppliers who have been so crucial to our success, which will create jobs in local communities across the country.”

While mains water providers are ultimately responsible for maintaining the quality of water supplied for human consumption, filtration systems enable consumers, business owners and facilities managers to further enhance its quality and taste. We asked a number of experts in the field of water filtration what their customers should be concerned about when it comes to the quality of their water, and what products and systems they would recommend to ensure the best possible taste, function and purity. Patrick Aigeldinger, director of product management at ultra-violet (UV) disinfectant technology expert Crystal IS, identified microbial contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that can be present in water as a potential health risk, and something homeowners and facilities managers should be vigilant against. He also cites chemical contaminants as a possible hazard. “Substances like PFAS, chlorine and heavy metals affect both health and taste and have been found post-treatment for many residential water sources,” he said. Aigeldinger recommends high-power UVC LEDs to combat these hazards to water quality. “We’ve developed LEDs with higher output and longer lifetimes, reducing maintenance costs and improving disinfection performance for higher flow rate systems,” he told Refreshment. “Compact UVC reactor designs offer smaller, more efficient reactors that integrate seamlessly into point-of-use and point-of-entry systems. Their efficient use of system design allows them to offer competitive solutions to existing lamp-based systems on the market today.” Debora Screpanti, marketing manager at Blupura, a manufacturer of eco-friendly water coolers and dispensers, noted that municipalities typically monitor and regulate mains water quality, conducting regular checks to ensure it meets safety standards up to the consumers’ taps. However, she highlighted factors such as ageing plumbing, local contamination and maintenance issues as potentially having an adverse effect on water quality within a home or an office. “To ensure optimal water quality, it’s advisable for consumers to have their tap water analysed first,” she recommended. “Then, by engaging with a water quality expert such as a certified dealer, they can receive tailored recommendations based on this analysis. This approach ensures that any specific concerns are addressed.” Last year, Blupura launched its first dedicated line of water filters, Blutron. “This range has been designed to address a variety of water quality challenges, ensuring safe and great-tasting water for diverse environments such as domestic, office, vending and Horeca sectors,” Screpanti said. “Building on this foundation, we have added and continue to add new filtration solutions that remove contaminants, improving the taste and odour of tap water in different scenarios.” Grace Chang, product manager at Caware Water Filter Solutions, spotlighted contaminant levels, water hardness and microbial content as key concerns for Caware’s professional customers. She noted that these factors affect both water safety and appliance longevity for Horeca businesses. “The quality of water used in brewing will impact the coffee experience,” Chang commented. “The best coffee bean needs the right water quality to bring out its best features. The Specialty Coffee Association recommends optimal café water quality, with total alkalinity and total hardness specified, and highlights the best calcium-tomagnesium ratio for a perfect brew.” Caware’s Café Purist product platform and advanced patented Micro · Kh technology, explained Chang, are designed to ensure that the optimum water is used to prepare coffee. “Taste and odour play an essential role, as they directly impact the drinking experience and overall satisfaction with water quality,” Chang added. Antonio Zerilli, managing director at Italian manufacturer of water dispensers Zerica, recommends that home- and business-owners focus on the quality of their incoming water supply. “While our chillers are designed to ensure optimal performance without altering the water’s chemistry, maintaining the quality of the water at the source is crucial,” Zerilli said. “Using pre-filtration systems that target specific impurities ensures both the safety and taste of the dispensed water. It’s also important to consider regular maintenance and the choice of filtration solutions tailored to local water conditions.” Zerica’s recent innovations have aimed to deliver chilled and sparkling water solutions that still preserve the natural integrity of the supplied water. “Our patented mini Ice Bank Direct Chill and Silver Turbo Clean technologies are standout features, as they cool water efficiently without creating an environment conducive to microbiological growth,” Zerilli said. “While Zerica products don’t alter the quality of incoming water, we offer optional high-quality filters that can be integrated to reduce impurities like chlorine or fine particles, ensuring that the end product is as close to the natural quality of the source water as possible. Our systems are also engineered to minimise stagnation, further enhancing water safety and freshness.” The where and the why Geography plays a critical role in water quality challenges, with different methods of filtration recommended for different compositions of water. "Geographic factors, including water source type, mineral content and contamination risks will determine the filtration methods needed," Tracy Corroll, technical manager at the Water Dispenser and Hydration Association (WHA), told Refreshment. "For example, areas with hard water may require more advanced resin filtration rather than standard bacteriostatic filtration. The WHA advises its members to adapt technologies and services to local conditions, ensuring the highest water quality regardless of location." Caware's Chang agreed, commenting: "Different regions have unique water quality challenges". For example, areas with high mineral content require softening solutions, while regions near agricultural sites may need specialised filters for pesticides and nitrates. "Tailoring filtration methos based on geographic concerns is essential, often involving customisable solutions that address local contaminants," she continued. Emma Redford, marketing director at H2O Direct, a water filtration provider for coffee, vending and Point-of-Use (POU) watercoolers, shared a similar view: "Some areas have hard water, causing limescale build up in hot and sometimes cold machines, whilst other areas can have very soft water, which can cause acidic water if the pH is low. Testing the water before installing any water reliant drinks machine is essential to understand what filtration is required." In regions with poor infrastructure, Aigeldinger of Crystal IS recommends UVC LED solutions, which offer reliable disinfection without chemicals. "Some of these systems are even being used in locations impacted by the war in Ukraine where water infrastructure has been severly impacted," said Aigeldinger. "In cold climates, LED systems are designed to operate efficiently in low temperatures, ensuring year-round performance." Zerica, meanwhile, addresses the problem of geographic variation by providing modular filtration options that can be selected based on local needs. "For example, in areas with hardness, filters to manage scaling might be used, while in regions with chlorine-heavy water, carbon-based filters are more suitable," said Zerilli. "Importantly, our filtration systems work in harmony with our chillers, focusing solely on optimising the water from the network without altering its intrinsic characteristics. This ensures consistent quality regardless of location." Tackling the PFAS problem PFAS contamination is a growing concern worldwide – but what are the dangers and how can filtration help? Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, commonly known as PFAS, are man-made chemicals that come from industrial and consumer use. Released into the environment from a wide variety of sources, they have been making media headlines worldwide in recent years as the public becomes more aware of their potential hazards to long term health. “PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals,' can accumulate in the body and lead to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental delays,” the WHA’s Corroll told Refreshment. A 2022 study found that levels of PFAS found in rain water worldwide greatly exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s lifetime drinking water health advisories. In 2024, meanwhile, a worldwide study of 45,000 groundwater samples found that 31% contained levels of PFAS that were harmful to human health. The severity of PFAS-associated health effects can vary based on the length and level of exposure and the prior health status of the individual. “There is still more research to be undertaken to understand the full implications,” Corroll cautioned. “The UK government has already banned a number of these chemicals and is currently working with agencies to reassess and possibly expand this ban.” Filtration methods have been shown to effectively reduce PFAS levels in water, Corroll explained, but these filtration methods must have been tested and certified for any claims made. H2O’s Redford expanded on the topic of PFAS, which she considers one of the greatest issues in water currently: “Exposure to PFAS can cause a variety of health issues, including increased cholesterol, hormone disruption and in some cases, increased risk of cancer. The long-term dangers have not as yet been fully confirmed, but certainly PFAS chemicals are being thoroughly investigated by the WHO and the European Drinking Water Inspectorate.” Redford highlighted H2O’s FX filters and its new FP range for successful elimination of PFAS from drinking water. “H2O, along with our manufacturing partner Microfilter, has created a filter range, the FX for Microplastics removal,” she told Refreshment. “We are the first company in the world to receive NSF401 Certification, and the FX range won 'Best Product Innovation' at the Watercoolers Europe Acqua Awards in 2023.” In addition to this, H2O is set to launch the FP range for total PFAS removal at the Aquatech show in Amsterdam this year. This new filter will be certified to NSF53: Total PFAS Reduction. Blupura’s Screpanti told Refreshment that the manufacturer is “actively addressing” the challenge of PFAS contamination. “We are developing tailored filtration solutions to effectively remove PFAS from water. We plan to preview these innovations in 2025, showcasing our commitment to providing safe and high-quality water to our customers.” Zerica’s Zerilli, meanwhile, noted that "addressing PFAS contamination requires advanced filtration technologies specifically designed to target these substances”. “While Zerica’s chillers do not treat PFAS directly, we recommend compatible pre-filtration solutions for areas with known PFAS issues. Technologies like granular activated carbon (GAC) or highpressure reverse osmosis (RO) systems have shown effectiveness in reducing certain PFAS compounds. However, it’s important to note that the performance of these filters can vary depending on the specific types of PFAS present, as well as their concentration in the water.” Zerilli continued: “Zerica collaborates with trusted filter providers to ensure that any filtration solutions integrated with our chillers meet the highest standards for safety and efficacy. This approach ensures customers receive high-quality chilled or sparkling water while relying on the filtration stage to address PFAS concerns effectively.” However, while PFAS elimination is important, consumers and facilities managers must ensure that they focus on the bigger picture of water quality, and not on this single element to the exclusion of other concerns. “The recent focus on filtering PFAS chemicals from drinking water can create an unintended impact of leaving the treated water susceptible to microbial contaminants,” warned Crystal IS’s Aigeldinger. He recommends combining UVC LED treatment with activated carbon or ion-exchange systems that target PFAS to ensure comprehensive water treatment. “This provides a higher level of protection to the homeowner,” he maintained. Whole-house filtration systems Whole-house filtration systems, where a mains water filter is fitted to the rising main where water enters the building, are rising in popularity with consumers. There are a number of benefits to ensuring all the water used by the household is of a certain level of quality. However, there are drawbacks as well as advantages, so Refreshment spoke to the experts for some more in-depth information. “Whole-house filtration systems treat all the water entering a building, providing uniform water quality for both drinking and non-drinking uses, such as showers, laundry and appliances,” said Zerica's Zerilli. “While this can be advantageous for non-food-related applications or centralised equipment, it may not always be the best solution for drinking water”. Zerica specialises in POU systems, which Zerilli believes are better suited for food-grade applications where the focus is on delivering high-quality water directly at the point of consumption. “POU solutions ensure that the water is freshly filtered, chilled, and dispensed right before use, minimising stagnation and preserving its natural qualities. This makes POU systems a superior choice for drinking water, both in terms of taste and safety, as they target specific filtration needs without unnecessary treatment of water used for nonconsumption purposes. “For equipment or applications requiring centralised water treatment – such as in industrial or commercial settings – Zerica collaborates with customers to integrate appropriate filtration systems upstream. This dual approach ensures optimised performance for both drinking water and technical uses, tailored to the specific requirements of the context.” Blupura’s Screpanti identified the “comprehensive approach” of whole-house filtration systems, which ensure water quality by treating water at the point of entry into the home. This means that all water used for drinking, cooking, bathing and cleaning is free of contaminants, as well as has the additional benefit of a positive economic and environmental impact on household appliances. “[Whole-house filtration] systems protect household appliances from scale buildup and extend their operational lifespan,” Screpanti said. “For families or businesses, this approach simplifies water management by eliminating the need for multiple point-of-use filters. However, whole-house systems are not without drawbacks. They involve higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance, which may not suit all budgets. Additionally, some systems may not address specific contaminants, such as PFAS, necessitating the inclusion of specialised technologies like reverse osmosis at critical points.” H2O’s Redford notes a number of drawbacks of whole-house systems. “For now there is not a proven system to remove both microplastics and PFAS,” she said. “This system would be very expensive to maintain and produce, hence why such filtration has not yet been introduced on a large scale for a household. Limescale buildup within a household is a common request, especially in areas of extreme hard water, but the most efficient and cost-effective solution is to use individual filters at points where hard scale reduction is required.” According to Aigeldinger of Crystal IS: "The primary benefit is full-system protection from heavy metals, chemicals and particulate contamination for all water within the building. Plus, as more of these systems integrate UVC LED treatment, customers benefit from reduced service and maintenance compared to traditional mercury lamp-based treatment.” Aigeldinger warned, however, that this treatment can leave the home susceptible to opportunistic piping pathogens (OPP), as these filtration systems remove PFAS, but also chlorine, the main protectant to microbial growth in the water. “Whole-house or whole-building systems remove chlorine at the point-of-entry, creating the opportunity for microbial growth and biofilms downstream in the water within the pipes post treatment, “ Aigeldinger said. “This impacts water in areas like beverage machines, ice makers, refrigerators or humidifiers on the main water feed.” Thanks to ongoing scientific research, we are aware of many of the factors that affect water quality. However, the risks of emerging contaminants such as PFAS are still not fully understood. To ensure water the quality of their water remains as high as possible, users should partner with experts who can help them to understand both the potential impurities and the composition of their water. This will be crucial when deciding which filtration or purification system will offer the best result for the supplied water, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of taste, odour, appearance and – of course – safety.

Grind has introduced a new Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, available in Espresso Black and Caramel flavours, following growing customer demand for at-home iced coffee options. Each 500ml carton makes up to eight servings and is designed to be added to milk or water for a quick iced latte or americano. The product is made using 100% speciality-grade Arabica beans, which are ground and slow-steeped in cold water. The new range will be available online at via the brand's website and in select Grind locations.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has expanded its service footprint in Central Tennessee and South-Central Kentucky through the acquisition of key operations from Premium Solutions. The deal strengthens Five Star’s reach in the region and adds to its capabilities in vending, office coffee, micro markets, POU water and bottled water services. The acquisition includes Premium Solutions' operations in the two-state area, while the company will continue to operate in other territories. Founded by industry veteran Steve Moseley, Premium Solutions has provided comprehensive breakroom services for over a decade, including in-house coffee roasting added in recent years. Pat Barger, Five Star's director of mergers and acquisitions, said: "We’re excited to welcome the team and customers from Premium Solutions to Five Star. Steve has built a high-quality operation, and we’re proud to build upon that foundation to serve even more clients in the region.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Plant-based and free-from chocolate brand Nomo has launched two brand-new chocolate bar varieties into UK supermarkets: Salted Popcorn and Birthday Cake. The Salted Popcorn bar, in a convenient 32g size, features smooth dairy-free chocolate filled with roasted corn pieces and a hint of sea salt, creating a sweet and salty flavour combination. In celebration of the brand's sixth birthday this month, a new Birthday Cake bar will also be launching, available in a larger 127g format. It features a vanilla birthday cake-flavoured filling and sprinkles, designed to provide an inclusive option for sharing or gifting. In addition to the two new bars, Nomo's Cookie Dough bar has also launched in a smaller, 32g snackable bar, joining the larger version in the brand's portfolio. It features a soft, crumbly cookie dough filling, reflecting continued strong demand for cookie dough chocolate – a category growing +47% in value year-on-year. Nomo said that its Cookie Dough line alone is worth £3.76 million, having grown 26% in sales year-on-year, and holding a 47% value share of the total cookie dough chocolate segment. Tara Stevens, senior brand manager at NOMO, said: “Consumer insight is at the heart of everything we do and these new flavours are bold, fun and full of personality – perfect for our ever-growing base of fans looking for treats that fit their lifestyle. Our new flavours are ideal for everyday snacking but also everything from movie nights to birthday celebrations – moments that everyone can enjoy together, regardless of dietary needs.” All of Nomo's bars are completely plant-based and free from dairy, gluten, egg and nuts. The bars are available at UK supermarkets now.

Health-Ade’s SunSip prebiotic soda brand has unveiled its latest flavour, grape, now rolling out at Target stores across the US. The drink aims to deliver a ‘better-for-you twist on a childhood favourite’. It contains 5g of sugar and 35 kcal per can, and is naturally sweetened with fruit juice, monk fruit and organic cane sugar. In addition to prebiotics, the grape-flavoured soda provides a source of vitamins C, B6 and B12, alongside minerals zinc and selenium to promote an ‘inner and outer glow’. According to SPINS data, grape flavour is the top dollar growth driver in the total prebiotic soda category. Charlotte Mostaed, chief marketing officer at Health-Ade, said: “The launch of Grape SunSip reflects our continued focus on flavour-forward innovation that meets growing consumer demand for delicious, functional beverages”. The release joins a summer line-up of innovations from Health-Ade, including the seasonal return of its Orange Creamsicle Kombucha and the new permanent addition of Mango Lemonade Kombucha. SunSip also launched Dr Bubbles and Cream Soda earlier this year, tapping into the growing ‘nostalgia’ trend within the beverage sector.

Coca-Cola Consolidated has announced a $90m investment into a new, 400-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility in Columbus, Ohio, US. The investment also includes two 15,000-square-feet buildings to house equipment repair services and fleet maintenance. The new 60-acre campus is part of the Rickenbacker Industrial Center. It aims to better serve customers through new technology, sustainability process innovation and a designated learning centre. The Columbus warehouse will handle more than 16 million cases of product a year and, on average, around 75,000 cases daily. Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Vertique system is a semi-automated solution that improves warehouse productivity, efficiency, accuracy and working conditions. This latest investment has resulted in 35 additional hires, with the learning centre providing teammates with hands-on training and the opportunity to grow their skills. The site also leverages new equipment in line with sustainability efforts, including LED lighting, infrastructure for future EV charging stations, cardboard and plastic compactors and re-designed HVAC systems in its fleet shop. Across Ohio, Coca-Cola Consolidated currently has more than 2,210 teammates working in 15 facilities – including two manufacturing plants in Cincinnati and Twinsburg – serving more than 21,000 businesses.

The 25th UK Soft Drinks Conference brought together key figures from across the soft drinks sector in London, held on a beautiful sunny day on 13 May 2025. Functionality was the day’s hot topic, as industry experts discussed the latest opportunities, challenges and trends over the course of the event. Hosted at the Congress Centre in the heart of London’s vibrant West End and in association with the British Soft Drinks Association, over 200 attendees listened to panels, networked, sampled a selection of beverages and, of course, celebrated the winners of the first UK Soft Drinks Awards. Packed with insight and opportunities, the day featured 28 top producers, experts, retailers and innovators, all exploring the most pressing developments to face the industry, including the latest government legislation, evolving consumer preferences and more. Gearing up for change The event kicked off bright and early at 9am with British Soft Drinks Association’s William Watkins, founder and CEO of Radnor Hills, welcoming all attendees. In the morning sessions, the future of the sector was a key talking point, with lively discussion about how consumer tastes are changing and how sustainability is shaping the industry. Perhaps one of the biggest changes coming to the sector is the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme, which has been announced for the UK and will officially launch on 1 October 2027. Already in use across other parts of Europe, the scheme will transform how single-use drinks containers are brought, used, returned and recycled. The early afternoon panels kicked off with discussions about the scheme and how it will impact the sector going forward, with examples of how it is working in Ireland and what the rest of the UK can expect. Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, Ireland – the company managing the Deposit Return Scheme in the country – spoke about how the scheme is already making an impact on sustainability. Julian Hunt, vice president of public affairs, communications and sustainability for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ GB and Northern Europe division, also took to the stage to share how Coca-Cola is currently preparing for the scheme’s introduction. The future is functional After some lunch and refreshments, the afternoon panels turned toward the theme of the day: functionality. Many of the speakers talked about the functional drinks movement, touching on how many healthy and sugar-free alternatives to traditional soft drinks have emerged onto the market. Freya Twigden, founder of gut-friendly beverage brands Fibe and Fix8, led an interesting panel on the popularity of prebiotic and kombucha-infused drinks, offering her insights into how companies can embrace this trend without sacrificing the brand recognisability and flavour their consumers are loyal to. Following on from that, attention turned toward mood-boosting mushrooms, with discussions taking place around the increasing popularity of lion’s mane in beverages, a nootropic mushroom celebrated for its cognitive health benefits. The topic of soft drinks’ positioning into a more adult and premium category was also explored, with a session on female-focused functionality led by Chrysi Philalithes, acting chief executive officer of G Spot, the functional beverage company founded by actress Gillian Anderson. Finishing big with the UK Soft Drinks Awards After a packed and insightful event, the day was rounded off in fabulous style with a ceremony announcing of the winners of the inaugural UK Soft Drinks Awards. This year’s ceremony was presented by FoodBev’s marketing director, Dan Bunt. The first UK Soft Drinks Awards recognised the highest standards in taste and design within the soft drinks sector and were open to all UK-based brands across 13 categories, providing plenty of scope for recognition. Judging was certainly tough, with a host of well-loved brands shortlisted, covering everything from premium, alcohol alternative soft drinks to dilutable beverages and wellness offerings. A huge congratulations to all the winners, finalists and commended companies, and thank you to the judges who had perhaps the most difficult job of all – choosing who would walk away as a winner out of so many brilliant entrants. The UK Soft Drinks Conference 2025 was a huge success, offering a comprehensive blend of knowledge, networking and product innovation insights. It highlighted the latest in government regulation and sustainability initiatives and provided us all with valuable guidance as we look toward another fantastic year of growth for the category. We look forward to seeing you next time!

PepsiCo has completed its acquisition of functional soda brand Poppi in a deal valued at $1.95 billion, including $300 million in anticipated tax benefits. The net purchase price stands at $1.65 billion, with an additional earnout tied to performance targets. The move, which was first announced in March, adds another better-for-you brand to PepsiCo’s portfolio, which already includes health-focused names like Siete and Sabra. Poppi, known for its prebiotic sodas made with fruit juice and apple cider vinegar, has gained traction among Gen Z and millennial consumers thanks to its low-sugar formulations and strong social media presence. Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages US, said: "Poppi represents a compelling strategic fit within our short- and long-term vision for the future of beverages. Its rapid growth, strong consumer engagement and differentiated functional positioning make it a dynamic addition to our portfolio." "We are excited to scale Poppi's momentum and unlock new growth through our capabilities – we're just getting started." Chris Hall, CEO of Poppi, added: "PepsiCo's belief in the Poppi brand is a tremendous validation of the work we've done to advance our mission. Their partnership and resources will be instrumental as we scale to our next phase of growth. We're incredibly grateful to our passionate community and look forward to welcoming even more consumers into the Poppi portfolio." Financial advisors on the deal included Centerview Partners and JP Morgan for PepsiCo, and Goldman Sachs for Poppi. Legal advisors included Cravath, Swaine & Moore for PepsiCo and Cooley for Poppi.

British B-Corp NutraTea has added two new herbal teas to its women’s health range: NutraMeno, aimed at easing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, and Spearmint & White Peony, developed to support women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The additions bring the company’s women’s wellness line to six products, designed to support different life stages including menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Each tea is formulated with 100% active botanical ingredients, without additives or fillers. NutraMeno combines Red Clover and Shatavari Root, herbs traditionally used to address hormonal imbalances and menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and irritability. Spearmint & White Peony blends digestive support and hormonal balance properties, drawing on traditional herbal medicine. Founded by brothers Anish and Mikesh Patel, NutraTea formulates teas based on Ayurvedic principles and pharmacist-led research. All products are vegan, plastic-free and packaged in recyclable materials. The tea bags are designed for multiple uses. Anish Patel, co-founder of NutraTea, said: “The UK continues to be one of the most dynamic and fast-growing markets for functional tea, driven by a growing consumer focus on health and holistic wellbeing". “Our women’s health blends have been incredibly well-received, so expanding the range with NutraMeno and Spearmint & White Peony was a natural next step. We’re proud to now offer a comprehensive collection that delivers effective, natural support for women through every stage of life.” Mikesh Patel, co-founder at NutraTea, added: “Our reusable tea bags reflect our commitment to sustainability – a small but meaningful innovation that allows our customers to enjoy their tea while reducing waste. It’s all about more wellness, less impact.” The new blends will be available via NutraTea’s website, Amazon, TikTok shop and selected health food stores and pharmacies starting this month. Each box contains 20 biodegradable tea bags and retails at £5.99.