Laird Superfood has expanded its functional beverage range with a Vanilla Instant Latte. Formulated with real vanilla bean powder, the Vanilla Instant Latte offers an alternative to products containing artificial or unspecified “natural” flavours. It also features Laird Superfood’s proprietary Performance Mushroom Blend – comprising lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga and maitake extracts – as well as Aquamin, a mineral-rich sea algae complex that provides more than 72 trace minerals and serves as a source of calcium. According to the company, the product is designed for convenience, requiring only hot water for preparation, and aims to deliver a café-style experience at home. Jason Vieth, CEO of Laird Superfood, said: "We're excited to bring one of America's favorite coffee flavours – vanilla – to our line-up with our new Vanilla Instant Latte. Our Instant Latte line continues to gain in popularity, and adding more flavours like this makes it easier for folks to switch up their daily routine with another quick, healthy and delicious option." Laird Superfood Vanilla Instant Latte is available in an 8oz bag via the company’s website, with availability on Amazon and additional retailers to follow.

Automated beverage machines today offer quality, efficiency and consistency at the touch of a button. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Horeca operators are increasingly choosing to outsource their hot beverage provision to these workhorses of the foodservice industry — a trend that Refreshment’s magazine editor, Bryony Andrews, takes a closer look at. The challenges of providing a hot beverage service in a Horeca setting are manifold. Guests expect a high-quality hot beverage, but managing staffing issues, balancing operational costs and maximising efficiency make this a surprisingly thorny issue. However, while some jobs can only be done by a person, the provision of high-quality hot and cold beverages can be simplified by investing in an automated system, helping managers make the best use of limited resources. Thanks to developments in automatic dispensing technology, today’s beverage machines can produce barista-quality beverages at just the touch of a button. With the help of these fully- or semi-automated coffee machines, just one or two staff members can serve hot beverages to many customers in a fraction of the time that it would take to make drinks using a manual coffee machine. Crucially for resource-strapped Horeca businesses, this means that team members can be freed up to perform other essential tasks elsewhere. Furthermore, fully-automated coffee machines often have interfaces that are so simple that customers can serve themselves, allowing Horeca operators to offer hot beverages even in unattended locations. So what are the essential requirements for a professional beverage solution for the Horeca sector? According to David Mahon, head of direct business at SEB Professional UK, customer service is at the heart of successful hot beverage provision in the Horeca sector. He told Refreshment: “Delivering high-quality and consistent drinks enhances the brand reputation of a business, encouraging repeat customers and fostering loyalty. Our Schaerer machines focus on enabling operators to excel at the basics of a speciality coffee menu – such as cappuccino, flat white, lattes and americano – while also providing the tools to diversify their offerings. Flexibility is the key to loyalty.” Schaerer machines, Mahon explains, help Horeca operators to expand their beverage menu by offering them optional additional features, such as a Twin Milk cooler for offering dairy and plant-based options, or a Flavour Point syrup station for bespoke drinks with up to four flavours. “By combining precision technology with versatile menu options, Horeca businesses can confidently deliver both traditional favourites and customised drinks that cater to evolving consumer preferences,” Mahon continued. Automation Andrea Pozzolini, CEO at coffee equipment manufacturer Rhea, highlighted the vital role of automation in hot beverage provision for Horeca businesses. “Whether for a small boutique or a large chain, automation ensures that everyone – customers and employees alike – can prepare high-quality coffee or beverages. Our automated solutions combine state-of-the-art technology and extensive customisation options to deliver a premium coffee break experience, reducing the need for highlyqualified staff while maintaining the operator’s desired service standards.” According to Pozzolini, consumers today are not just looking for beverages but for “well-curated, high-quality experiences”. Maintaining standards In a busy Horeca environment, it is easy for quality to take a backseat to speed and convenience. However, with stiff competition from other foodservice outlets – and even from at-home espresso machines – beverage quality needs to remain high if the business is to retain the loyalty of its customers. “The ongoing challenge of high staff turnover across the Horeca sector means that drink quality often falls down the priority list,” Liz Bull-Domican, marketing executive at Franke Coffee Systems UK, told Refreshment. “Given the time and financial investment needed to train new staff, many Horeca businesses instead focus on a limited beverage menu and fast service as ‘quick wins’ to drive consumer satisfaction.” However, what these businesses don’t realise, Bull-Domican continued, is that consumer expectations are evolving. “Fast service is always appreciated by consumers, but so is seeing your favourite drink on the menu – not to mention receiving a coffee or hot chocolate that tastes better than anywhere else. This is where automated coffee machines come in, thriving in both served and self-serve Horeca environments. They incorporate the latest technologies in coffee extraction and consumer analytics to serve the perfect cup, all while supporting staff.” The spice of life With consumers today expecting customisable coffee orders, including a range of flavours, sizes, strengths, blends and milk options, automated beverage solutions need to offer at least as many options as a barista-led outlet. Franke’s Bull-Domican advised: “By offering an extensive hot beverage menu across all sites, customers will feel confident knowing what to expect: the ability to order their favourite drink wherever they are, and for it to taste great every single time.” She noted that while espresso-based coffee drinks are longstanding favourites among UK consumers, decaf options are increasingly popular, “particularly among older demographics and those seeking the full-bodied flavour of coffee without the caffeine buzz that follows…and non-dairy milk, originally created for consumers with allergies and intolerances, has become the preferred choice among many millennials and Gen-Z.” According to Rhea’s Pozzolini, “the most popular hot drinks typically include classic options such as espresso, cappuccino and long or American coffee. Today, however, with our super-automatic machines and fresh milk systems, we can address the growing demand for beverages made with fresh milk (both hot and cold), including plant-based alternatives for consumers who are lactose-intolerant or follow a vegan lifestyle. Offering a wide selection of beverages, including larger sized and coffee-to-go formats, is becoming increasingly important as it enables the Horeca sector to cater to the diverse preferences of both local and international customers.” Managing your environmental footprint The impact of climate change on coffee quality and availability means that sustainability and ethical production practices are crucial. Consumers – particularly millennials and Gen Zs – increasingly seek environmentally responsible brands, so Horeca operators should consider being transparent about the source and supply chain of their coffee beans. The choice of machine, too, can play an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of a business, and has the added bonus of reducing its energy costs and bottom line. Schaerer machines, for example, offer eco modes and advanced rinsing cycles to reduce water and energy use, and the company encourages sustainable practices such as supporting plant-based choices and ethicallysourced coffee options. “Our Coffee Link platform enables data-driven insights,” Mahon added, “helping Horeca operators optimise machine performance and reduce waste, ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability.” Nestlé Professional’s Nescafé Fusion system, meanwhile, gives its Horeca customers the option to trace the coffee supplied from the region it was grown through to where it was roasted and packed via the new ‘Trace my Coffee’ pilot program, which has been launched in Spain and the Netherlands and is set to be rolled out in the UK and Portugal this year. Consumer expectations of the Horeca sector are changing, with a growing emphasis on quick, convenient service as well as high-quality beverages. With overhead costs increasing but guest expectations remaining high, automated beverage solutions can help Horeca operators to maximise their existing resources while still ensuring an exceptional customer experience. Getting technical How is the latest beverage machine technology improving quality and efficiency for Horeca businesses? Schaerer For Horeca businesses seeking to offer a handmade, barista-style drinks menu, the Schaerer Soul 2-step model combines manual espresso preparation with automated milk steaming and texturing. Features like ‘Automatic Grinding Adjustment’ optimise espresso settings to maintain consistency throughout the day. Precision brewing and temperature control are integrated, ensuring a high-quality extraction every time. With 10- and 12-inch screens, the technology is easy to use and to adapt to the requirements of different locations. For environments that favour self-service or fully-automated operations, Schaerer’s patented ‘Best Foam’ technology guarantees precise milk texture and temperature for a variety of specialty beverages. The ‘MilkCheck’ feature, meanwhile, alerts operators when milk levels are low. Smart watch integration enables real-time notifications for quick responses to machine alerts. Rhea Rhea equips its freestanding and tabletop machines with touchscreens. This makes it easy to choose from a wide range of recipes, and has the secondary bonus of transmitting images and videos to display point-of-sale information, promote campaigns, collect customer feedback or simply to entertain. To help Horeca operators to maintain quality and consistency, Rhea developed its innovative Variplus technology, a patented system comprising three components: Variflex, Varigrind and Varitherm. Together, these elements ensure the optimum brew pressure, grind, water quantity and temperature required for different beverages. Additionally, the Varitherm induction heating system provides significant energy savings compared to traditional boiler systems, allowing water temperature to be adjusted for individual recipes and even for different temperatures within the same beverage. Varitherm plays an essential role in fresh milk preparations, as it heats the milk directly without steam, m, preserving the taste and freshness of the final drink. Franke Franke’s patented coffee extraction technology, iQFlow, allows Horeca businesses to customise multiple flavour profiles for their coffee beans. This means that the machines are able to extract the full aroma, flavour and body from different varieties of beans, with minimal variance from cup to cup. Franke’s automated cleaning system, meanwhile, means that cleaning can be scheduled for quieter times of the day, with minimal staff involvement needed, allowing it to fit seamlessly into day-today Horeca operations. Franke Digital Services (IoT) are designed for Horeca businesses with a coffee machine fleet, either at one site or across multiple venues. The software allows businesses to analyse the performance of each Franke coffee machine in real-time, monitoring insights such as drink popularity and peak times. Operators can learn about customers’ preferences and update the beverage menu accordingly. Evoca Evoca-owned machine manufacturer Gaggia works with its Horeca customers to create an ideal drinks menu on their machine, meaning that even inexperienced members of staff can meet customer expectations at the push of a button. In 2025, Gaggia is set to introduce a dual milk system, which allows operators to offer a plant-based milk option alongside dairy milk in the same machine, for operators serving a clientele that is increasingly exploring non-dairy alternatives in their coffee. At the high end of the range, the La Radiosa machine is capable of delivering up to 250 consistently high-quality cups of coffee a day. Alternatively, smaller-scale models such as La Brillante and La Solare offer a more moderate daily output of around 100 cups, meaning smaller Horeca businesses can minimise their financial outlay. Nestlé Professional The Nescafé Fusion range from Nestlé Professional offers a wide variety of machine options for different business needs. Horeca operators can choose from 14 different coffee machine models based on business size, cup capacity, counter space and consumer needs. To help them decide, Nestlé developed its Lifecycle Assessment Tool to assess varying parameters across its machines, including emissions, water usage and resource impact. The tool provides region-specific data for Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. To support Horeca operators in reducing their environmental footprint, Nescafé Fusion machines use up to 30% recycled plastic and can achieve energy savings of up to 60% compared to previous Nescafé machines. The machines use hot water to pre-heat the brewing chamber on demand, replacing heating fans.

When customers need a quick snack, a refreshing drink or an essential item on the go, they expect it to be fast and hassle-free. Whether they’re at work, in a residential space or passing through a public area, convenience should never be compromised. Smart stores like Stockwell and the soon-to-launch PicoCooler Vision are changing the way businesses meet these expectations, providing reliable, self-service retail that keeps customers happy. At 365 Retail Markets, we know that customer satisfaction starts with convenience. That’s why our smart store solutions offer flexible, efficient ways to deliver the experiences people expect. Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision make it easy for customers to get what they need without waiting in long queues or dealing with outdated payment methods. The combination of secure, cashless transactions and easy-to-use interfaces ensures a smooth shopping experience every time. For operators, these smart stores simplify management. Real-time data insights help track popular products and keep shelves stocked. This not only reduces waste but also makes sure customers find what they’re looking for, boosting satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. The compact, modular design of both Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision means they fit seamlessly into various environments, from offices to residential buildings. Our team partners with businesses to make sure these solutions work for their specific needs. From set-up to support, we’re there every step of the way, helping operators optimise their retail spaces and deliver quality service. Want to see how smart stores like Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision can benefit your business? Watch the video below to learn more.

The Hershey Company-owned brand Reese’s has expanded its snack line-up with the launch of Reese’s Filled Pretzels, combining its signature peanut butter with a crunchy pretzel shell. The new product is rolling out in three formats: a 5oz bag, a 9oz pouch and an 18oz jar. Hershey describes the snack as a balance of salty and sweet, featuring a thick peanut butter centre encased in a crispy pretzel. Natalie Perera, director of salty snacks at Hershey, said: "We know our fans are always on the hunt for new ways to get their Reese's peanut butter fix and trust us, this one's a total game-changer." Reese’s Filled Pretzels are available nationwide at major retailers in the US.

Nestlé Thai has resumed full operations of its Nescafé brand in Thailand following a ruling by the Thai Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court on Friday 11 April. The court confirmed Nestlé’s exclusive rights to use the Nescafé trademark, effectively overturning a prior injunction that had temporarily halted the brand’s production, sales and importation in the country. The earlier injunction, issued by the Minburi Civil Court on Thursday 3 April, had raised widespread concerns among retailers and consumers about a potential shortage of Nescafé products nationwide. A spokesperson for Nestlé told Refreshment: “We resumed full operations of our Nescafé products in Thailand with immediate effect. We are committed to ensuring that consumers in Thailand can continue to enjoy the complete range of Nescafé products without interruption.”

Hydration brand Phizz is launching Phizz Daily Energy, a new product designed to support energy and hydration during summer. The formula combines seven electrolytes, a comprehensive multivitamin and a high-strength B-vitamin complex. It also contains 75mg of caffeine from guarana and added caffeine, offering a sustained energy boost. Phizz says dehydration is one of the most common – and overlooked – causes of fatigue, and the product is formulated to address this directly. Daily Energy comes in two flavours: orange and a reformulated cherry flavour. Phizz CEO Dan Cray said: “We started Phizz because traditional sports drinks weren’t designed for daily life and the science behind their hydration benefits just doesn’t hold up. We wanted something that worked harder: science-led hydration that’s effective, delicious and easy to make a daily habit.” Available in 20-tablet tubes (£7.99) and 60-tablet packs (£19.99), Phizz Daily Energy is launching in Waitrose, Tesco, Amazon and Boots this summer.

The Ryl Company, owner of functional iced tea brand Ryl Tea, has secured $15m in Series B funding to fuel its innovation and expansion across the US. The company, headquartered in New Jersey, US, was founded in 2022 by Blodin Ukella and Morgan Wallen. Its latest investment round will support enhanced marketing efforts and product development for Ryl Tea as it expands its presence nationwide. The round follows a $7.5 million Series A round in early 2024, bringing the company’s total funding to $30 million in growth equity. In addition to support from the company’s board and chairman Leigh Feuerstein, the Series B round earned additional investment from major partners including Wallen, Get Engaged Media’s Cam Fordham, Austin Neal of Sticks Management and more. Ryl Tea is described as a functional, ‘better-for-you’ iced tea brand that aims to redefine the RTD tea category, with ‘clean ingredients and purposeful wellness benefits’. Each bottle is sugar-free, contains less than five calories and no artificial ingredients. At the core of each brew is the brand’s proprietary Antioxidant Superblend, crafted to deliver a source of vitamin C and a high concentration of naturally-occurring tea polyphenols. The tea is available in a range of flavours including peach, raspberry, green citrus and more, delivering a ‘health-forward’ twist on classic iced tea favourites. With this round of funding, the brand plans to significantly expand its national footprint with increased distribution to over 40,000 stores by the end of 2025. Key retail distribution includes major chains like Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Costco, Publix, HEB, Meijer, 7-Eleven and other regional and national retailers. Ryl has revealed it will also unveil its ‘most ambitious product yet’ next month (May 2025), an innovation that ties into a philanthropic initiative that the company said reflects its core values. Chairman Feuerstein commented: “The Ryl Company is surging into an exciting phase of hyper-growth, and this capital raise will assist us in scaling to new heights, especially as we expand our retail presence and national distribution”. “Under the direction of founder and CEO Blodin Ukella, the team’s deep connection with consumers has set the stage for great success. Blodin is a remarkable leader with a clear vision and indefatigable energy, and we're backing him with unbridled confidence in his ability to fuel Ryl’s expansion.”

US representatives Jill Tokuda and William Timmons have launched the bipartisan Congressional Coffee Caucus, aimed at supporting the US coffee industry and strengthening the global coffee supply chain. The caucus will focus on three key areas. First, agricultural resilience, by increasing research and development funding to support coffee farmers in the US, including in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico, as well as globally. Second, economic development, by promoting coffee in trade and economic policy to support a strong US coffee market and help drive development in coffee-producing countries. Third, will advance scientific research into coffee’s potential health benefits. The initiative has gained support from industry groups, including the National Coffee Association (NCA) and the Hawaiʻi Coffee Growers Association, which welcomed the caucus as a step forward in recognising coffee’s economic and cultural significance. The bipartisan group includes 19 members from both parties, representing a range of coffee-producing and coffee-consuming states. NCA's president and CEO, William 'Bill' Murray, said: “With two-thirds of American adults drinking coffee each day, NCA is proud to see Congressional leaders sharing the joy of coffee and kicking off this historic effort to recognise coffee as a touchstone in Americans’ daily lives and a huge driver of economic value in every US state and territory." Tokuda highlighted: "Coffee is more than just a daily ritual – it’s a vital pillar of our economy, supporting millions of farmers, businesses and communities across the country. From the fields in my home state of Hawaiʻi, to the roasteries and manufacturing plants in South Carolina and Vermont, coffee is consumed and enjoyed in every congressional district in the nation." "That’s why I’m proud to launch the Congressional Coffee Caucus with my colleague Timmons to highlight the positive impacts of our coffee industry that brings people together, one cup at a time." Timmons added: “Coffee is a vital part of the US economy, supporting millions of American jobs and generating billions in revenue from coast to coast. Beyond that, its health benefits keep our workforce sharp." "The Coffee Caucus celebrates this powerhouse industry by uniting lawmakers over a cup, fostering bipartisan collaboration, and paving the way for policies that strengthen both our economy and our well-being."

Maison Perrier, a brand under Nestlé Waters, has unveiled its first line of cocktail-inspired non-alcoholic sparkling beverages, dubbed Maison Perrier Chic. The new range features four flavours designed to echo classic cocktails using real fruit juice, natural flavours and the brand’s signature sparkling water. Developed in collaboration with a French bartender from one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, the Chic collection includes: Daiqui'red, a tart fruit twist on the classic Daiquiri; Peach Spritzer, a peach-forward take on the Bellini; Piña Fizz, a coconut and pineapple nod to the Piña Colada; and Citrus Fizz, a lemon-based interpretation of the French 75. Molly Lyons, senior marketing manager at Nestlé, said: "Maison Perrier Chic brings a new level of sophistication to sparkling beverages while reimagining the cocktail flavor experience. Chic is all about celebrating flavour, craftsmanship and the art of indulgence – without the alcohol." "Now, as part of the expanding Maison Perrier portfolio, Chic offers a new way to elevate various sipping occasions, from casual get-togethers to formal toasts, bringing refinement to every sip." Each can contains 30 calories or less. The Citrus Fizz flavour is now available exclusively at Whole Foods, while the full range is set to roll out across major retailers including Amazon starting this month. The drinks retail at $5.99 for a four-pack.

Originally released exclusively for athletes, US-based C4 Energy has unveiled C4 Liquid Gold, the 'world's first' champagne-bottled energy drink in an exclusive limited-edition new flavour. C4 Liquid Gold contains 200mg of caffeine, alongside CarnoSyn beta-alanine for performance, BetaPower betaine, and B vitamins. It comes in a 24oz champagne bottle rather than a 16oz can, complete with gold foiling. The flavour is described as a ‘zesty, citrusy experience'. C4, headquartered in Texas, US, is part of the global health and wellness company Nutrabolt. Nutrabolt's portfolio also includes pre-workout brands such as Xtend and Cellucor. C4 Liquid Gold is 'incredibly limited,' with consumers needing to sign up to a waitlist to be notified when it is available for purchase. It is priced at $44.44.

Espace Drive has introduced Cave O Vin, a range of automated lockers designed specifically for storing wine bottles at a constant temperature of 14°C. Available 24/7, these lockers provide a convenient 'click and collect' solution for wine merchants and professionals, allowing customers to pick up their orders outside traditional store hours. According to the company, Cave O Vin lockers are fully autonomous and connected, 'offering easy management' through a digital interface. Wine professionals can monitor stock levels in real time, customise access for secure distribution and ensure optimal preservation conditions for their products. Customers can then collect their orders by scanning a QR code after completing their online payment. With a sleek design, Cave O Vin units are suitable for various locations, including supermarkets, wine cellars, hotels and wineries. The lockers are designed in France, with nearly 98% of suppliers based locally. Espace Drive has developed 'unique technologies' to maintain a consistent internal temperature regardless of external conditions. As part of its commitment to supporting clients, Espace Drive offers assistance in customising the lockers, from marketing support to managing local authority approvals. The company’s expertise in connected distribution also allows for tailored units, with adjustable storage zones for different temperature requirements, making it ideal for wine and champagne storage.

Israeli AI-powered voice tech start-up Hi Auto has raised $15 million in Series A funding round to accelerate the rollout of its automated drive-thru ordering system for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). The round was led by Delek Motors, the Zisapel Family, Vasuki Tech Fund and an undisclosed publicly traded investor from the restaurant industry. Additional backing came from Allied Group, Goldbell Investments and the Meir Barel Group, bringing the company's total funding to $23 million. Hi Auto has also secured a $4 million credit line to support further growth. Hi Auto’s software-as-a-service platform aims to solve one of the QSR sector’s biggest challenges: staffing drive-thru lanes amid rising labour costs and high turnover. Using proprietary AI voice technology, the system automates the order-taking process with a reported 96% accuracy and over 90% completion rate – allowing restaurant staff to focus on tasks like food preparation and customer service. Roy Baharav, CEO and co-founder of Hi Auto, said: "Rising labour costs and labour turnover continue to strain restaurant operations. Our AI-powered ordering system acts like an always-available drive-thru specialist – one that never calls in sick, delivers near-perfect accuracy, and can upsell consistently. This funding will help us expand our footprint and refine our product as we become a trusted partner with leading QSR brands." Hi Auto is already working with QSR brands including Bojangles, Checkers & Rally’s, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Burger King New Zealand and Popeyes UK. The company is also running paid pilots with several chains across the US and internationally. Hi Auto’s system uses noise-cancellation technology and a specialised language model designed for the noisy and unpredictable environment of drive-thrus. This helps reduce order errors, even in situations with background noise, indecisive customers, car engines or adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms. The company’s platform includes a dynamic upselling feature that recommends add-ons or higher-priced items based on factors such as time of day, weather and inventory levels. The company reports that this has helped raise average order values, suggesting the technology may support revenue growth as well as streamline operations. Baharav added: "Whether it's lunchtime at a busy urban drive-thru or late-night in a suburban setting, we can determine which products to promote and when. We've seen increased check sizes directly impacting the bottom line." He continued: "We saw earlier attempts at AI-based ordering that never quite made it. But Hi Auto's focus on real-world conditions – like fragmentation of franchisee menu, employee-AI interface and guest experience – positions us to solve problems that others stumbled on. Our goal is to become the default conversational AI solution for QSRs around the globe." Top image: © Hi Auto