Minor Figures, a notable player in the plant-based beverage sector, has launched Hyper Oat, a new range of oat drinks aimed at redefining consumer expectations within the functional beverage market. This introduction highlights the growing demand for innovative plant-based products that prioritise both flavour and nutritional benefits. Hyper Oat distinguishes itself by focusing on functionality in addition to taste. The range features four unique flavours – Berry, Matcha, Turmeric and Mango – each crafted with ingredients such as adaptogens and nootropics. This emphasis on health aligns with current consumer trends, as many seek products that offer both enjoyment and wellness benefits. Berry: A light pink drink enriched with protein and calcium, designed to support muscle function, making it suitable for post-workout recovery. Matcha: This green variant includes zinc and pantothenic acid, promoting cognitive function and appealing to consumers looking for mental clarity. Turmeric: Featuring baobab and vitamin D, this golden drink supports immune health, reflecting rising consumer interest in gut wellness. Mango: Rich in B12, aimed at reducing fatigue and catering to active lifestyles. The Hyper Oat range will be available through major UK retailers, with Waitrose now stocking the Berry and Mango flavours. Ocado and Morrisons will also carry the collection, with broader availability expected through Minor Figures’ website and various independent stores by May. Since its founding in 2014, Minor Figures has established itself as a key player in the plant-based sector. The brand focuses on creating distinct offerings that enhance the consumer experience rather than merely serving as dairy alternatives. With B-Corp certification and a focus on ethical sourcing, Minor Figures continues to prioritise environmental responsibility while expanding its global footprint.

Milo’s Tea Company has opened its new $200 million manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The plant is set to employ more than 200 people once fully operational, with over 130 roles already filled. These initial hires are key to establishing the company’s signature People First culture and maintaining its strong standards in food safety, quality and operational efficiency. Founded in 1989, Milo's Tea is said to be the fourth-largest iced tea maker in the country. Milo's CEO Tricia Wallwork said: "This strategic location is key for us to continue to deliver excellent on-time, in-full service to our customers and delicious beverages to our fans. Brewing fresh beverages with no added colours or preservatives is not the easiest way to do business, but it's the right way to do it to deliver that consistent homemade taste." "The proximity we have in the upstate of South Carolina to major logistics paths will create more opportunities to expand our offerings in retail locations across the mid-Atlantic." Retail giant Walmart, a key Milo’s partner for more than three decades, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. With Milo’s products now in about 4,200 Walmart stores and more than 55,000 retail locations overall, the retailer has played a central role in the brand’s nationwide expansion. Walmart US CEO John Furner added: "Walmart is so proud to support American businesses, and Milo's Tea Company is a very special one. Two-thirds of our product spend goes towards goods that are made, grown or assembled right here in the US. This has a great impact on creating jobs and bringing customers products they love." "Our collaboration with Milo's, and the support from South Carolina, is a shining example of that impact, and a blueprint for how we can do even more." The new Spartanburg facility marks another milestone in Milo’s rapid growth – the company has more than tripled in size in the past decade, expanding from under 50 to nearly 1,000 employees and growing its footprint from one to four production sites.

Nescafé has entered the premium iced coffee space with its new Espresso Concentrated – a liquid coffee designed to create barista-style iced drinks at home. Each bottle contains 16 servings and is available in three flavours: vanilla, caramel and classic. Ingrid Hayes, marketing director for Nescafé UK and Ireland, said: “We are so excited to be introducing our new Nescafé Espresso Concentrated range to iced coffee aficionados in the UK”. Tapping into the growing trend for cold coffee, Nescafé Espresso Concentrated offers a refreshing iced coffee in three steps. Consumers simply shake the bottle, add their chosen flavour to 150ml of milk and ice and enjoy. Hayes added: “In addition to this, the Nescafé Espresso Concentrated range is completely customisable, meaning you can enjoy your iced coffees exactly the way you like them for a quality, ‘coffee shop at home’ experience”. The range will be available nationwide from mid-April and is made with 100% responsibly sourced coffee.

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, the regional Coca-Cola bottler for Texas and surrounding areas, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have installed four AI-powered recycling bins to improve waste management and sustainability at the airport. Developed by SmartSort Technologies, the bins use cameras and artificial intelligence to scan items and guide users on proper disposal. Dual-stream units – separating waste and recyclables – are now available in Terminals D and E, while DFW’s Airport Headquarters and Department of Public Safety received triple-stream bins that also include a compost option. The technology not only helps travellers dispose of items correctly in real time but also tracks data on recycling volumes and materials. This allows the airport to monitor its long-term sustainability performance. Robert Horton, DFW’s VP of environmental affairs and sustainability department, said: “The introduction of AI-powered recycling bins enhances the traveler experience and reinforces our efforts to create a more sustainable airport through innovation and technology. Incremental steps like this can build better traveller habits that help reduce waste, increase recycling and engage our customers in new and exciting ways.” Abraham Tueme, director of sustainability at Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, added: “It takes time to create meaningful change, and our focus is on introducing long-term solutions that truly make a difference in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Installing SmartSort units at DFW Airport allows us to advance recycling efforts in our community in a way that benefits both travelers and the local environment.” Top image: © SmartSort Technologies

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes has expanded its lemonade and teas concentrates collection with two new flavours: sugar-free watermelon lemonade and sugar-free peach tea. Launching in time for summer, the new drinks offer a fresh twist on classic summer beverages, with zero sugar and low calories. watermelon lemonade and peach tea join an existing line-up of popular drinks, including sugar-free lemonade, strawberry lemonade and sweet tea concentrates. Sugar-free watermelon lemonade concentrate is a juicy blend of ripe watermelon with tangy lemonade, featuring 0g of sugar and only 10 calories per serving. The sugar-free peach tea concentrate is a summery blend of classic iced tea and ripe peach flavours, with 0g of sugar, 5 calories per serving. Both drinks are packaged in bottles containing 12 servings each, and the recipes are keto-friendly, gluten-free and kosher certified.

A new report from the National Coffee Association (NCA) shows that 66% of American adults now drink coffee every day, up nearly 7% since 2020 and surpassing daily consumption of tea, juice, soda and bottled water. According to the Spring 2025 National Coffee Data Trends (NCDT) study – conducted by Dig Insights in January – the average coffee drinker in the United States downs three cups each day. Speciality coffee is driving much of the growth: 46% of adults reported consuming a speciality brew in the past day, an 18% increase from five years ago. Within that segment, espresso‑based beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos rose from 24% of adults in 2020 to 28% this year, while non‑espresso formats – including cold brew and nitro coffees – jumped from 12% to 17%. By contrast, traditional coffee remained steady: consumed by 42% of adults during the past day in January 2025, compared to 43% recorded in January 2020. Overall, speciality drinks now account for 59 of every 100 cups poured, with the remaining 41 cups attributed to conventional coffee. NCA's president and CEO, Bill Murray, commented: "Coffee holds a unique place in Americans' daily lives – no other beverage is such a beloved and prominent touchstone. Coffee's popularity brews big benefits for American coffee drinkers and the entire US economy, and we expect America's love affair with coffee to continue for many decades to come." Home brewing on the rise Home remains the most popular brewing venue: 71% of daily coffee drinkers prepared their brew solely at home in 2025, up from 63% in 2020. Meanwhile, only 16% relied exclusively on out‑of‑home preparation, and 13% combined home and away consumption. Grocery stores continue to be the top retail channel for coffee purchases (40% of daily drinkers), though online buying has doubled over five years – from 7% in 2020 to 14% in January 2025. Mass merchandisers and club stores also play a role, at 29% and 10% respectively, while coffee shops account for 5% of daily purchases. Evolving coffee gear in US households Drip coffee makers remain the most common home appliance, found in 62% of households – up from 58% in 2020. Single‑cup brewers follow at 42%, with instant coffee jumping to 35% penetration. Higher‑end machines are on the rise as well: 15% of homes now feature bean‑to‑cup systems (versus 10% in 2020) and 12% own espresso machines.

Global beverage company Suntory Group, founded in Japan in 1899, has announced the launch of Water Scape – a new company supporting businesses and communities in securing sustainable water supplies. Water Scape was created through Suntory’s internal venture programme, Frontier Dojo, in response to growing global awareness of water-related challenges. The initiative builds on research from the group’s Institute for Water Science, which studies natural water cycles – rain, snow, ice, groundwater – and water quality. Water Scape aims to commercialise this expertise to benefit individuals and organisations facing water security and management issues. The company will offer diagnostic and monitoring services for groundwater, using scientific data and hydrological evidence to visualise conditions and develop sustainable action plans, including investment strategies. Masatoshi Kawasaki, will lead the company as president and representative director. He said: “As a corporation sustained by the gifts of nature and water, Suntory has consistently pursued sustainable water use through earnest engagement and knowledge built on scientific evidence". "As water issues intensify globally, Suntory is committed to contributing to societal sustainability by sharing our accumulated water-related expertise to support businesses and local communities.”

Key takeaways: Legal outcome:   Monster Beverage's $311 million victory against Bang Energy upheld by appeals court. Allegations:  Bang accused of false advertising regarding 'Super Creatine'. Market implications: Highlights competitive practices in the energy drink industry. Future considerations: Potential impact on advertising standards and regulatory scrutiny in the beverage sector. Monster Beverage Corporation has successfully upheld a $311 million judgment against Bang Energy and its founder, Jack Owoc. The ruling was confirmed by the ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals on April 15 2025, following allegations that Bang Energy engaged in deceptive marketing practices to gain market share at the expense of Monster. The case originated in 2018 when Monster accused Bang and Owoc of falsely advertising their products, particularly claiming that their energy drink contained 'Super Creatine,' which was marketed as a remedy for serious neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. A jury sided with Monster in 2022, concluding that Bang's claims were misleading and that the drink did not contain actual creatine, leading to a substantial damages award. Following Bang Energy's bankruptcy  declaration and subsequent acquisition by Monster  for $362 million in 2023, the appeals court's recent decision reinforces the original trial court's findings. Monster's attorney, Allison Libeu, highlighted that the ruling validates the jury's unanimous verdict and the trial court's decisions throughout the proceedings. Owoc's legal team argued that the trial excluded crucial evidence that could have supported their defense, including allegations of Monster's own misleading advertising tactics. However, the appeals court rejected these claims, stating that the jury had sufficient basis to rule in favour of Monster. This case highlights ongoing tensions in the competitive energy drink sector, where marketing claims can significantly impact consumer perception and market dynamics. As companies navigate regulatory landscapes and consumer expectations for transparency, this ruling may set a precedent for future advertising practices within the industry. The case is officially noted as Monster Energy Co v. Vital Pharmaceuticals Inc d/b/a VPX Sports, 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 23-55451.

Cantaloupe has introduced the a new self-service kiosk, named Go Micro, aimed at helping operators to start or scale their micro market business. The kiosk features a five-inch touchscreen, built-in barcode scanner and flexible form factor that allows it to fit into small or uniquely configured spaces. It is also compatible with Cantaloupe’s Cooler Café units and integrates with the company’s Go and Seed Markets platforms, giving operators centralised control over inventory and performance across all locations. Cantaloupe says the Go Micro is intended to simplify micro market operations while offering an affordable alternative to traditional vending machines or more expensive kiosks. Gaurav Singal, chief technology officer at Cantaloupe, said: “Our mission at Cantaloupe is to empower operators to grow their businesses through smart, accessible technology. With the Go Micro, we’re breaking down the cost barrier for starting micro markets." "Whether you’re launching your first market or upgrading smaller locations from other kiosks, the Go Micro offers the flexibility, simplicity and affordability to help vending operators scale efficiently.” Singal added: “For small business owners starting their first micro market or existing customers wanting a secondary checkout at busy locations, the Go Micro offers a compelling and attractive price point that is a cost-effective path to unifying the micro market footprint under one platform – and simplifying the operational workflow.”

Thanks to a growing focus on convenience and customers' increased comfort with automation, demand for unmanned retail solutions has surged. With the sector poised for further growth, Refreshment spoke to Aslak de Silva, CEO of Selfly Store, about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the vending industry and how it is shaping the future of the unattended customer experience. Finnish company Selfly Store, an intelligent vending machine manufacturer and developer, has been focused on AI-driven innovations to empower merchants and enhance customer experiences in recent years. The company was recently acquired by European provider of connected commercial refrigeration Husky Intelligent Fridges. How has AI changed the vending landscape in recent years? AI is no longer a futuristic concept for the vending industry – it is the driving force reshaping how businesses operate and how consumers engage with vending solutions. AI has transitioned vending machines from simple product dispensers to smart retail hubs. AI's ability to analyse data in real time enables dynamic inventory management, personalised user interactions and predictive maintenance. Selfly Store has integrated AI to optimise inventory replenishment, predict customer preferences and reduce operational inefficiencies. These advancements save operators time and improve profitability. Moreover, they have helped more than double the average monthly revenue generated by vending machines and micro-stores. How does AI enhance the purchase experience for vending machine users? AI personalises the customer journey by understanding and adapting to user behaviour. Features such as tailored product suggestions, dynamic pricing based on demand and automated expiry management ensure that customers always find fresh and relevant options at the right price. How can AI tools help operators to drive forward their business? AI empowers operators by providing actionable insights through tools like Selfly Insights. Operators can analyse sales trends, optimise machine placement and forecast demand with precision. AI also enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent operations. Data collected from historical maintenance issues helps operators to be proactive in fixing problems before they occur. Moreover, year-on-year average revenues per vending machine have increased between 30% and 70% How do you ensure your clients' data security? A huge majority of vending machines do not collect any consumer data. For merchant data, at Selfly Story, we use encrypted communication protocols and secure cloud solutions to safeguard customer and operational data. Using a robust, cloud-based platform from known partners ensures we stay ahead of the curve. Do you use AI for product development and improvement? Currently, we leverage AI tools, including GPT-based systems, to enhance various aspects of our product development. These tools assist with coding, troubleshooting, debugging and even software design. Additionally, we've developed an internal instance of GPT, fine-tune with our product data using semantic search and the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) method. This system is particularly valuable for our technical support team, enabling them to provide faster and more accurate assistance. Looking ahead, AI-powered digital twins have the potential to revolutionise our product development process by stimulating vending machine operations and testing new features before implementation. However, as we currently operate with a single hardware size, the cost-benefit ratio of developing such a model is not yet justified. As our product portfolio expands, this approach will likely play a more prominent role in our innovation strategy. Does combining the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI have potential within the vending sector? The combination of IoT and AI is transformational. IoT sensors gather real-time data on machine performance and customer behaviour, while AI analyses this data to drive decision-making. At Selfly Store, this synergy enables predictive stock refills, remote diagnostics and even automated machine learning models that evolve with consumer trends. What are the potential drawbacks, if any, of AI vending? While AI offers immense benefits, the quality and accuracy of its output depend heavily on the data provided. With a limited number of transactions per vending machine, there is a higher rish of inaccurate AI conclusions. Operators must constantly monitor, refine and develop AI algorithms. Achieving the best result requires a balance between questioning AI outpurs and trusting its insights. What is the future of AI and IoT for vending? Are they here to stay, or will traditional, offline vending continue to play a role? IoT is undoubtedly the future of vending, but traditional offline machines will still serve specific market needs. IoT-enabled vending allows for enhanced connectivity, smarter management and real-time adaptability, making it indispensable in today's fast-paced retail environment. There will never be a one-size-fits-all situation. Offline vending will have its use cases, but they will be limited. The same applies to AI in general – it is not a solution for every scenario, but its potential is undeniable. Our conclusion is that vending has a smarter, more agile future with AI and IoT. At Selfly Store, we are at the forefront of integrating AI and IoT into the vending industry. By empowering merchants with cutting-edge tools, we've created opportunities for growth and transformation. As AI and IoT technologies evolve, the vending industry will become even more adaptive, efficient and user-centric – paving the way for a smarter, more connected future. We're proud to be a part of this revolution, helping businesses thrive in an era where technology meets customer convenience. A new generation of retail concepts AI has transformed vending and unattended retail. Once simply a way to sell products in remote locations, now this growing sector offers a streamlined experience for the customer, and an optimised sales and marketing tool for the operator. Below are some recent shelf-service concepts and technologies that are changing the game and changing traditional models... Cantaloupe Smart Stores address theft and shrinkage Launched in late 2024, Cantaloupe's Smart Store series is an advanced self-service retail solution designed to "revolutionise the way food and beverage vendors address key challenges" such as labour shortages, theft and shrinkage. The Smart Stores offer a 24/7 self-service solution with advanced technology and security, designed for retailers, residential buildings, fitness centres, hotel pantries and more. The customer presents payment at the point-of-sale (POS) to unlock the unit, takes the desired item(s), which are added to their cart, then completes the purchase by pressing 'pay' and walking away. "We've heard from retailers about core customer and operational challenges, which encompass product accessibility, store locations, theft prevention and inventory management," said Jef Dumbrell, chief revenue officer of Cantaloupe. "Our Smart Stores can solve all these issues in traditional retail environments...while extending retail brands into new footprints like airports and college campuses. Additionally, Smart Stores provide a more modern and secure alternative to traditional food and beverage vending machines." The Smart Store uses weighted-shelves and cameras to monitor inventory and minimise shrinkage, while touchscreens, audio help and visual cues ensure an accessible and seamless experience for the user. "By addressing core challenges such as theft and labour shortages, our new solutions not only protect our customers' investments, but also open new revenue streams," noted Dumbrell. Autonomous micro market technology Micromart, a leader in the convenience retail industry, specialises in autonomous micro market technology aimed at transforming convenience retail. Created in response to the growing demand for micro markets, Micromart's secured, unattended markets employ AI-powered order processing for fast and secure transactions. Retailers have the flexibility to customise their space with various Micromart units, including the pantry, fridge, freezer and heating tower for hot food capabilities. The technology features AI-driven order processing and secure payment systems to ensure shopping and prevent theft. It also uses dynamic pricing through electronic price tags and digital video content. Additionally, the Micromart Platform allows operators to manage their business remotely, reducing operational costs and streamlining inventory management. Yang Yu, CEO of Micromart, said: "After selling over a quarter million items via our KitchenMate food service division in Toronto, we're thrilled to white-label this proven technology for vending, micro market and foodservice operators across the US and Canada". "Our autonomous micro markets help operators reduce labour costs, minimise theft and optimise revenue, making them an ideal solution for today's economic environment." Personalised purchases in 90 seconds In January 2025, vending and automation technology leader Sweet Robo unveiled its Case Bot, an AI-powered vending robot that prints fully customised phone cases in just 90 seconds. Case BOT allows users to select from a variety of phone case styles, explore an extensive image library or upload their own designs. In under two minutes, this smart robot produces a high-quality, personalised product. "Case BOT is a revolution in how we think about retail experiences. This isn't just about making phone cases – it's about showing the world what's possible when AI, robotics and creativity come together," said Dennis Branch, chief revenue officer at Sweet Robo. Aimed at retail, entertainment and entrepreneurial ventures, Sweet Robo's machines are designed to deliver high-impact experiences while requiring less than ten square feet of space. AI-powered age verification According to Marcus Tiedt, sales and marketing director at Innovative Technology, the use of AI and biometric technology for self-service payment systems can bring a host of benefits to improve the customer experience. MyCheckr is Innovative Technology's standalone, automated device for facial age estimation which does not require any integration. The device is perfect for the retail sector selling age-restricted goods or services to help with licensing obligations and Challenge25. MyCheckr is equipped with a camera and a screen that predicts a customer's age quickly and reliably and can be used in both manned and unmanned settings. The process is customer-centric and seamless, with no specific interaction or registration required. "AI and biometrics are also increasingly being used to empower personalised in-store shopping promotions to facilitate smart shopping," said Tiedt. "Innovative Technology's age estimation solutions can also be used for digital advertising and consumer analytics and present an idea way to personalise ads and give valuable demographic data to full understand consumer behaviour and provide an enhanced level of customer service."

Chinese tea chain Chagee is pressing ahead with plans to raise nearly $400 million in a US initial public offering this week, despite mounting trade tensions between the US and China and broader market uncertainty, according to the Financial Times . The Shanghai-based brand, known for its coffee-inspired tea drinks like 'teaspressos' and oolong 'teapuccinos,' is aiming to generate $396 million through its Nasdaq debut, with shares expected to be priced between $26 and $28. If successful, the move would give the company a fully diluted valuation of approximately $5.2 billion. Chagee’s offering would mark the second-largest US IPO by a Chinese company in over three years. The listing comes in the wake of renewed trade hostilities, including tariff hikes from the US that now put duties on Chinese imports at around 120%. Despite trade headwinds, demand from institutional investors appears strong. Chagee’s prospectus notes that CDH Investment Management, Allianz Global Investors Asia Pacific, ORIX Asia Asset Management and RWC Asset Management have shown 'nonbinding' interest in purchasing 51.7% of the available shares. Chagee’s fast growth in China may be helping to attract investors. The company ran 6,440 stores by the end of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 83%, while annual revenue rose 167% to nearly $1.7 billion. The IPO is being led by Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and China International Capital Corporation.

In this month's 'Start-up spotlight,' where we highlight emerging and early-stage companies driving innovation in the coffee, vending and water sectors, we speak to Kaffe Bueno, a company focused on upcycling coffee by-products. Using a cutting-edge bioscience approach, the company transforms spent coffee grounds into high-value ingredients for industries ranging from personal care to nutraceuticals. Co-founder Alejandro Franco tells us more. Kaffe Bueno is a pioneer in upcycling coffee by-products. Can you share how your bioscience approach unlocks the full potential of coffee waste? At Kaffe Bueno, we see coffee grounds not as waste but as a resource packed with untapped compounds. Through our biorefinery and proprietary processes, we extract high-value bioactive ingredients from spent coffee grounds, transforming them into functional ingredients for personal care, nutraceuticals and beyond. Our approach is rooted in green chemistry and biotechnology, designed to unlock coffee’s full circular potential. How has Kaffe Bueno evolved since you launched? It has evolved in many ways and continues to do so with every learning in our journey. We once thought we could vertically integrate the whole supply chain by owning a café which would serve as our source of raw material (spent coffee grounds).       We soon realised it would take thousands of cafés to scale it up the the scale we envision. Since then, we focus more on partnerships. We do what we do best while leveraging the expertise of our partners across the value chain. You previously mentioned that only 1% of the coffee bean’s potential is used when brewing a cup of coffee. How does your biorefinery in Copenhagen ensure the remaining 99% is effectively utilised? Our biorefinery is designed to separate, through green processes, and valorise every key component of spent coffee grounds – from lipids and proteins to polyphenols and dietary fibres. Each fraction becomes a value-adding ingredient for specific applications, ensuring that nothing is wasted and that coffee’s full value is returned (maximised) to the economy. The applications of your by-products are wide-ranging, from personal care and animal health to the agrochemical industries. What challenges have you faced in valorising waste for these diverse applications? One key challenge has been aligning regulatory and quality standards across very different industries, each with unique demands. We’ve overcome this by investing early in R&D and regulatory validation, building a strong scientific foundation for each ingredient. Close collaboration with partners ensures our upcycled ingredients meet both performance and compliance needs across sectors.   Upcycling is seen as a solution to the food waste crisis. From your experience, what are the main technical and regulatory hurdles here, and how do you navigate them? The main hurdles are proving consistent quality and safety of ingredients derived from waste, and navigating different regulatory frameworks across industries and geographies. For example, the Novel Food legislation in EU is the antithesis of food innovation. You also have other market-specific certifications or standards required by the market rather than the law, halal or kosher, for example. Everything is navigable, as long as you make yourself and your team aware of both the requirements from the market or governments before you decide to standardise any internal process. Being flexible in your how is what enables your what to align with your why.   How does Kaffe Bueno balance the clean label revolution’s demands with maintaining quality, efficacy and profitability for your clients and partners? One must become aware and understand what are the barriers, limitations, challenges and opportunities presented by the market and legislation. On the other side, you must understand your raw material, capabilities (technology, expertise, knowledge, or lack of, etc) to subsequently connect the dots to solve the problem.   What potential do you see for coffee by-products in this space, and how do you envision your products impacting both the nutrition and sustainability landscapes? Coffee by-products hold immense potential to replace synthetic and unsustainable ingredients in personal care, food and beyond. As a naturally rich source of health-promoting compounds they can address growing demands for natural, functional and sustainable solutions. Our goal is to set a new standard for upcycled ingredients that contribute to human and planetary health.   Compounds within coffee have clinically proven potential to prevent and treat a long list of conditions and diseases. The science, although abundant, still much of it is in its infancy. We were lucky to have been able to spot the opportunity before most, and we believe we can change how the world perceives and utilises coffee – the plant, not the drink. Coffee bean development. Have you seen any other exciting examples of companies utilising coffee by-products? Yes, there are a few companies using coffee grounds for biofuels, textiles and even construction materials. It’s exciting to see this growing ecosystem, but what sets us apart is our focus on high-value, health-promoting ingredients through a biotech lens.   What advice would you give to other companies looking to implement sustainable practices in their operations? Use common sense. Ask simple questions and answer them honestly. Measure wisely. Focus. What are you using in your operations today that could be avoided or reduced? If it can’t be avoided or reduced, how confident are you that it is sustainable? What gives you that confidence?   You can’t improve what you don’t measure. So investing in a Life Cycle Assessment to map out your emissions will be enlightening for any company. It will also tell you where to focus your efforts. What are Kaffe Bueno’s goals for the coming year? Our focus is on scaling our biorefinery’s capacity and quality. On the other hand, we have exciting products in the pipeline for existing and new industries and markets.