Black Sheep Coffee has expanded its US beverage menu with the launch of Liquid Cookie, the first product in a new Liquid Dessert category. The iced beverage combines half-and-half with a choice of flavoured syrups and is topped with crushed M&M's. The launch marks the coffee chain's move into a new dessert-inspired beverage format, with further products expected to join the Liquid Dessert range. Gabriel Shohet, co-founder of Black Sheep Coffee, said: “Liquid Cookie is one of my favourite new product launches this year. It feels like childhood memories hitting your taste buds and I can’t wait for our customers to try it.” The new range builds on the brand's existing indulgent food offering, which includes Norwegian waffles in varieties such as Nutella & Banana, Strawberries & Cream, Biscoff and PB & Banana. The Liquid Dessert range will extend its approach to globally inspired menu innovation into a new beverage category. The beverage is currently available across all Black Sheep Coffee locations in the US.

Blank Street has raised $75 million in fresh funding from investors including private equity firm General Atlantic, as the coffee chain looks to accelerate its US expansion and broaden its product offering. According to the Financial Times (FT), the latest round values the company at approximately $650 million, including the new capital. Blank Street was reportedly valued at $500 million during its previous funding round last year. Founded six years ago from a single coffee cart in Brooklyn, New York, Blank Street has since expanded to more than 100 locations, with the majority of its stores situated in London and New York. The company is now increasing its presence on the US west coast, with new locations planned in California markets including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Malibu. Blank Street has built a strong following among younger consumers, particularly through its matcha-based beverages, which have gained traction on social media. However, co-founder Issam Freiha told the FT that the company does not want to be associated with a single drinks category. Instead, Blank Street is aiming to develop into what Freiha described as a “daily luxury brand,” expanding its relevance beyond morning coffee occasions into afternoon beverages and snacks, including ice cream. Freiha said the majority of the chain’s sales now take place in the afternoon, while the period after 4pm is its fastest-growing daypart. This shift has prompted the company to rethink elements including its menu, store design, service model and operational flow. Alongside General Atlantic, Blank Street’s existing investors include Left Lane Capital, General Catalyst and Tiger Global. General Atlantic said it sees continued growth opportunities in the out-of-home coffee and matcha market, supported by sustained consumer demand across the US and UK. The investment firm also owns a stake in coffee, juice and sandwich chain Joe & The Juice and has backed consumer brands including Gymshark and non-alcoholic beer company Athletic Brewing Company. Top image: © Blank Street

Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC) is targeting the autumn seasonal opportunity with the launch of Fox’s Chocolatey Pumpkin Spice Indulgent Creams, bringing the increasingly popular pumpkin spice flavour to the branded sweet biscuit aisle for the first time. The new product combines a chocolate-coated shortcake biscuit with a pumpkin spice-flavoured cream centre, featuring cinnamon and ginger notes designed to evoke the flavour profile associated with the autumn season. FBC said the launch is intended to capitalise on the annual pumpkin spice trend, which generates significant consumer engagement on social media as shoppers mark the arrival of autumn with posts about their first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Jo Harwood, chief sales and trade marketing officer at FBC, said pumpkin spice was “one of the most recognisable autumn flavours,” but had not previously been available in branded sweet biscuits. “With our track record of bringing trending flavours into the biscuit aisle, we’re confident Pumpkin Spice Creams will drive incremental spend by bringing new shoppers into the brand, and adding category value by giving retailers a compelling seasonal proposition,” she said. Harwood added that the product had secured five major listings from launch, reflecting what FBC sees as the potential of the seasonal proposition. Fox’s Chocolatey Pumpkin Spice Indulgent Creams will be available through Tesco Group, Asda, B&M, Heron and Ocado from 31 August, remaining in market through December 2026.

Starbucks is set to invest $100 million in a new corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of plans to expand its North American operations. The coffee chain expects the Southeast corporate hub to employ up to 2,000 people over the next several years across a range of corporate functions. The investment forms part of Starbucks’ wider North America growth strategy and is intended to support the continued expansion of its coffeehouse network, particularly across the southeastern US. The Nashville operation will work alongside Starbucks’ global headquarters in Seattle and support the company’s growing network of stores and suppliers across the region. Brian Niccol, chairman and CEO of Starbucks, said: “As Starbucks continues to expand across North America, Nashville gives us an opportunity to support that growth with great talent and proximity to our growing number of coffeehouses and suppliers across the Southeast". “This city offers a deep, diverse talent pool and a strong sense of community, making Nashville another ideal place to invest for the long term.” Tennessee governor Bill Lee said the investment would create “up to 2,000 quality jobs” in the state, while deputy governor and Department of Economic and Community Development commissioner Stuart McWhorter said the project reflected Tennessee’s position as a destination for corporate investment. Starbucks announced the Nashville hub as it continues to expand its footprint across North America, with the new office expected to provide additional corporate capacity closer to its growing operations in the Southeast.

Europe’s installed base of water dispensers exceeded 6.6 million units in 2025, increasing by around 2% year on year, according to new data from Zenith Global Commercial. The consultancy’s 2026 West Europe and East Europe Water Dispense Market Reports showed contrasting trends across the two regions, with Western Europe maintaining steady growth while Eastern Europe recorded its first increase since 2021. Western Europe’s installed base rose by 3% to more than 4 million units, adding approximately 118,000 units during the year. Over the past five years, the region has recorded compound annual growth of 4.2%. Meanwhile, Eastern Europe grew by 0.6% to almost 2.55 million units, marking a return to growth following several years of decline. Zenith said the regional installed base had fallen by close to 180,000 units over the previous five years. Excluding Russia and Ukraine, Eastern Europe recorded stronger growth of 1.5% in 2025, reaching around 1.13 million units. The installed base across these markets has increased by 5.8% since 2020. Zenith highlighted mains-fed systems as a key driver of growth across both regions. Integrated tap systems were the fastest-growing format, increasing by 5.8% in Western Europe and 8.1% in Eastern Europe. Point-of-use systems grew by 2% and 7.3% respectively, while bottled water dispense increased by 3.4% in Western Europe, supported by growth in Iberia. In Eastern Europe, bottled water dispense declined by 0.4% as customers continued to switch to mains-fed alternatives. Spain remained Western Europe’s largest water dispense market, with more than 1 million units installed following its thirteenth consecutive year of growth. The country added more than 100,000 net placements during 2025, supported by residential subscription models such as Aquaservice. Zenith forecasts Spain’s installed base to approach 1.4 million units by 2030. In Eastern Europe, Russia remains the largest market, followed by Poland, Ukraine, Romania and Czechia. However, the Russian and Ukrainian markets remain below pre-war levels following the withdrawal of companies including Brita and Eden Springs from Russia in 2022. Regulatory changes are also expected to influence the European water dispense sector. The EU ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate bottles and water-contact components took effect on 20 July 2026, with a transition period for existing bottles running until January 2029. Meanwhile, provisions under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation include restrictions on PFAS in food-contact packaging and a 25% recycled content requirement for single-use PET from 12 August 2026. Zenith said operators are increasingly incorporating PFAS-capable filtration into equipment specifications as a wider restriction on the substances under REACH is anticipated around 2029. European water dispense revenue surpassed €2.5 billion in 2025, growing faster than the installed unit base as higher prices fed through to the market. Zenith forecasts the European installed base to approach 7.5 million units by 2030, representing average annual growth of approximately 2.5%. Western Europe is expected to grow by 2.9% annually, while Eastern Europe is forecast to expand by 1.8%, based on an assumption that the war in Ukraine ends during the forecast period. Akos Petri, managing director of Zenith Global Commercial, said: “Europe is two markets with one name. One has compounded at more than 4% a year for five years on mains-fed conversion. The other lost close to 180,000 units to war and market exits and has only just stopped falling.” "Anyone sizing an acquisition in the East should be looking at the region without Russia and Ukraine in it, because that is the part they can actually buy.”

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today (20 August 2026) cleared Danone’s £864 million acquisition of plant-based nutrition brand Huel. Announced in March this year, the deal will bring Huel – which specialises in plant-based, functional nutrition offerings across categories including meal replacement shakes and ready meals – under Danone’s ownership, allowing it to benefit from the dairy giant’s global reach and R&D capabilities. The CMA launched its merger inquiry in July, after inviting interested parties the opportunity to comment on any impact the transaction may have on competition within the UK market. Now, ahead of its 11 September deadline to announce whether it would refer the merger for a phase 2 investigation, the CMA has confirmed it has given the two companies the green light. Huel, headquartered in Hertfordshire, UK, was founded in 2015 and has since built a substantial consumer base within the functional nutrition segment in the UK, Europe and the US. Its portfolio spans RTD drinks, powdered beverages and savoury meals. Danone’s acquisition aligns with its strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth as the company widens its reach in the booming health and wellness segment and expands beyond its core dairy offerings. The company also acquired Kate Farms, a provider of plant-based medical nutrition products, last year. Following the clearance by the CMA, which means Danone and Huel will not be subject to a more intensive phase 2 probe, the deal is expected to be completed in September 2026. The senior leadership team at Huel will remain unchanged, with CEO James McMaster to remain at the helm.

British drinking chocolate specialist Knoops has opened its first permanent US store in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of a wider multi-channel international expansion strategy. The store marks the company’s first permanent location in the US. A second Utah site is scheduled to open in Farmington in the final quarter of 2026, with further locations in the state already identified. Knoops said the US store rollout will provide a platform for the development of a broader multi-channel strategy, including the launch of its hand-flaked ‘Knoops At Home’ consumer packaged goods range across multiple sales channels. The expansion follows the company’s entry into the UAE, where it already operates stores alongside a developing wholesale CPG business. In the UK, Knoops is also expanding the distribution of its ‘Knoops At Home’ range into delicatessens, farm shops and premium grocery retailers. The move will extend the brand’s presence beyond its own stores, direct-to-consumer business and Amazon, as well as existing retail listings with Ocado, Harrods, Selfridges and Whole Foods. Founded in Rye, East Sussex, in 2013 by chocolate sommelier Jens Knoop, its stores offer a range of sustainably sourced chocolates that can be personalised across hot, iced, milkshake and frozen drinks. William Gordon-Harris, CEO of Knoops, said: “The opening of our first US store is a hugely exciting milestone for Knoops and the next step in our international growth story. We’ve seen the strength of the brand’s appeal in the UK and through our UAE stores, and we believe there is a significant opportunity to introduce the Knoops experience to consumers across America.” He added that Salt Lake City had been selected as a “dynamic, fast-growing market,” with the company planning to establish its store model in Utah before expanding into other US locations and developing its retail channels. Commenting on the UK expansion, Gordon-Harris said wholesale distribution represented “a major step forward” for the company’s 'Knoops At Home' range. He added: “With access to delicatessens, farm shops and premium grocery retailers across the UK, we can accelerate growth and meet the strong consumer demand we’re already seeing for 'Knoops At Home' across our sales channels".

The Welsh government has appointed Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), ahead of its planned launch in October 2027. The scheme will cover plastic (PET), metal and glass drinks containers from its introduction. However, under the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026, glass containers will be subject to a four-year transition period during which they will be exempt from labelling requirements and carry a 0p deposit. Exchange for Change was selected following a process to identify an organisation to support the establishment and implementation of the scheme, working alongside producers, retailers, local authorities and other partners. The DRS will apply a refundable deposit to eligible drinks containers, which consumers can reclaim when the containers are returned. The Welsh government said the scheme is intended to reduce litter, improve the collection of high-quality recyclable materials and support a longer-term transition towards reusable drinks containers. Work will now focus on developing the return network, collection and processing infrastructure, producer registration arrangements and other operational systems required ahead of the October 2027 launch. The Welsh government said it will work with Exchange for Change and other delivery partners to establish the scheme in Wales, while coordinating with DRS programmes being introduced elsewhere in the UK. An oral statement on the appointment is expected to be made during a Senedd Plenary session in the autumn term.

Flrt has expanded its zero-sugar energy drink range with the launch of Apple Bottoms Up, its first new flavour since the brand debuted earlier this year. The limited-edition seasonal variety features a green apple flavour with a slightly tart finish. It joins Flrt's existing Strawberry Fling, Berry Tempting, Guava Lava and Sunset Squeeze flavours. Like the rest of the range, Apple Bottoms Up contains a blend of functional ingredients and botanical extracts, including green tea, guayusa and ginseng, alongside 200mg of caffeine per can. The formulation also contains biotin, zinc and vitamins A, B and C, which the brand said are included to support collagen production and immunity. Allison Erfort, vice president of Flrt, said: "We love creating flavours with a little personality, and Apple Bottoms Up has plenty of it. It's crisp, juicy, a little cheeky and the perfect seasonal fling for the Flrt line-up. This is our first flavour drop since launch, but it won't be our last. We're having a lot of fun building this brand, and there's plenty more to flirt with." Apple Bottoms Up is initially available through a two-week preview at Kroger in the US. From 1 September, it will roll out nationwide at Walmart, Albertsons, Hy-Vee, H-E-B and Meijer, as well as through Amazon. The drink is available in 12oz cans, with 12-can multipacks also offered through Amazon.

Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa (AGP-A) CEO Paul Curnow has been appointed chairman of The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), a South African organisation focused on increasing glass recovery and recycling rates. Paul Curnow Curnow succeeds Mike Arnold in the role, having also succeeded him as CEO of AGP-A. Ardagh was a founding member of TGRC and has worked with the organisation, industry partners and local communities to support glass recycling and circular economy initiatives in South Africa. The appointment forms part of Ardagh's wider sustainability strategy, including its Clearly Ardagh transformation programme, which focuses on reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. AGP-A said increasing its use of recycled glass, or cullet, remains central to these efforts. The company achieved a recycled content rate of 49% in 2023 and said Curnow's new role would support further collaboration across the industry. As part of the appointment, Curnow will also join the board of the Paper and Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation Alliance, which brings together organisations working across South Africa's recycling sector. Curnow said: “Taking responsibility for our impact on the environment and ensuring our glass returns for re-use as a new bottle has always been important to me personally and, of course, for our business commercially". “Having partnered with the TGRC over the years in my role to grow recycling rates in South Africa, I am both proud and excited to now move on and play a broader industry role and serve as its chairman.” He added that glass's ability to be recycled repeatedly through local bottle-to-bottle systems would be important in supporting a more circular economy. He concluded: “I am passionate about working with our customers and industry partners to increase glass recovery rates, promote and inspire greater consumer awareness and unlock the full potential of a circular economy".

Better-for-you confectionery brand Wild Thingz is expanding its UK retail footprint with two new gummy flavour collections. The new Berry Mix and Tropical Mix Share Bags are designed for sharing and on-the-go snacking, combining fruit flavours with the brand’s signature bug-shaped gummies. The products contain half the sugar of leading sweet brands, according to Wild Thingz, and are made without artificial ingredients or gelatine. The new Tropical Mix features mango spiders, peach vees, orange snails and pineapple frogs, while Berry Mix includes blueberry vees, strawberry butterflies, raspberry wasps and blackcurrant ladybirds. Founded in 2024 by former Mondelēz marketer Fliss Newland, Wild Thingz has positioned itself around lower-sugar confectionery made with natural flavours and plant-based ingredients. The new products will be available through WHSmith Travel locations including airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, major railway stations including London Euston, King’s Cross and Birmingham New Street, as well as the Eurotunnel and hospitals across the UK. The brand is also introducing a lower, more competitive price point, with the new 60g share bags carrying an RRP of £2.00. The products will be available through Ocado from 24 July.

Jeff Dumbrell Following 365 Retail Markets’ acquisition of Cantaloupe, the combined business is bringing together payments, telemetry and connected-device capabilities with self-checkout, smart-store and retail management technology. The deal comes as unattended retail expands beyond traditional vending into micro markets, smart fridges, grab-and-go stores and other flexible formats across workplaces, hotels, healthcare facilities and transport hubs. Jeff Dumbrell, chief revenue officer at 365 Retail Markets, speaks to Refreshment about the rationale behind the acquisition, the priorities for integration and how data, AI and automation could shape the next phase of the sector. What was the strategic rationale behind 365 Retail Markets' acquisition of Cantaloupe, and why was this the right time to bring the two businesses together? The unattended retail market is changing quickly. Across Europe, operators are expanding beyond traditional vending into micro markets, smart stores, self-checkout and other flexible retail formats. Consumers expect convenient, frictionless shopping wherever they are, whether that's at work, in a hotel, on campus or in a transport hub. Operators need technology that gives them the flexibility to serve all of those environments. That's what bringing 365 Retail Markets and Cantaloupe together is all about. 365 has built strong expertise in self-service retail and software, while Cantaloupe brings leading payments, connected devices and telemetry capabilities. Together, we're giving operators a more robust set of tools that helps them grow, adapt and choose the right solution for each location. What are the immediate priorities as Cantaloupe is integrated into 365 Retail Markets? First and foremost, it's about our customers. They rely on our technology every day, so maintaining the reliability of our products and support is our top priority. At the same time, we're listening closely to customers to understand where we can create the most value by bringing the strengths of both companies together. This isn't about making big changes overnight. It's about combining the best of both businesses in a way that makes life easier for our customers. The acquisition combines Cantaloupe's payments, telemetry and device network with 365's self-checkout, smart-store and software capabilities. What new opportunities does this create for operators? Operators want more flexibility than ever before. They're serving a wider range of locations, and one retail format doesn't fit every environment anymore. A vending operator might be adding micro markets or smart coolers. A hotel may want 24/7 self-service for guests, while warehouses, hospitals and universities all have different needs. By bringing together payments, connected devices, software and self-service technology, operators get a much clearer view of their business. They can make better decisions around merchandising, replenishment and expansion based on real-time data. We're seeing that shift across Europe too. According to the European Vending & Coffee Service Association, micro markets grew by 38% last year and nearly 78% of vending machines now support cashless payments. That's a clear sign the market is moving towards more connected, digital retail experiences. How is the unattended retail market evolving beyond traditional vending and workplace micro markets? I think the biggest change is that unattended retail is no longer just about vending. Operators are using different formats depending on the location – from smart fridges in hotels to grab-and-go retail in hospitals, universities and transport hubs, or secure stores in manufacturing and logistics facilities. Consumers expect convenience wherever they are, while operators are looking for ways to overcome labour challenges and extend service without adding complexity. The conversation has shifted from 'which machine do I need?' to 'what's the right retail experience for this location?'. That's a much more exciting place for the industry to be. Which emerging locations or sectors present the strongest growth opportunities? Anywhere there's strong footfall and a need for convenient access to food, drinks or everyday essentials. Hotels, logistics centres and manufacturing sites are all growing because they often operate around the clock. Universities, healthcare, transport hubs and sports venues also present great opportunities to improve convenience and reduce queues. For me, it's less about the sector and more about solving a real operational challenge. If unattended retail makes life easier for consumers and operators, there's a good opportunity. What role will artificial intelligence and automation play in the combined company's technology strategy? AI has huge potential, but only if it solves real problems. Whether it's helping operators optimise stock, predict maintenance issues or improve product recognition in smart stores, AI should make running a business easier – not more complicated. The real opportunity is turning data into practical insights that help operators make faster, better decisions every day. As the business expands its payments, software and connected-device capabilities, how are you approaching cybersecurity and customer data protection? Security has to be built into everything we do. Our customers trust us with their businesses and payment transactions, so we're continuing to invest in secure platforms, payment technology, device management and strong data governance, while supporting compliance with requirements like GDPR. As unattended retail becomes more connected, maintaining that trust only becomes more important. What innovations or developments can operators expect from the combined business over the next 12 to 24 months? Our focus is on practical innovation that helps operators grow. Customers can expect better integration across payments, software, connected devices and self-service technologies, making it easier to manage their business and serve more locations by choosing the solutions that make the most sense for their operating model. I believe unattended retail is entering its next phase. Operators are serving more types of locations than ever before, and they need technology that's flexible enough to keep up. Our goal is to give them a connected platform that helps them grow with confidence, whatever comes next. Learn more about 365 Retail Markets here.