Britvic-owned UK soft drink brand, Tango, is set to launch its latest rotational flavour, Strawberry Smash, as part of its annual ‘Editions’ series. This new offering aims to capitalise on the £1.2 billion fruit-flavoured carbonates category, which has been experiencing robust growth and increasing consumer demand for innovative beverage options. Strawberry Smash combines the familiar taste of strawberry with a hint of pineapple, designed to appeal to a broad demographic while reinforcing Tango’s brand identity. Previous flavours in the Editions series, such as Mango, Paradise Punch and Berry Peachy, have achieved significant success, with each flavor being recognised as a leading new product in their respective launch years. The new flavour follows the success of Tango’s Mango variant, which recorded £12.7 million in retail sales value shortly after its 2024 launch. By introducing a sugar-free option that does not compromise on taste, Tango is addressing the growing consumer preference for healthier beverage choices without sacrificing flavour. Ben Parker, VP Sales Off-Trade at Carlsberg Britvic, highlighted the anticipation surrounding new Tango flavors, highlighting the importance of innovation in a crowded market. "Creating unique flavours that resonate with consumers of all ages is crucial for standing out in the soft drinks category," he noted. The launch of Strawberry Smash is expected to enhance Tango’s position as the second most purchased fruit-flavoured carbonates brand in the UK, with over 5.3 million consumers. For retailers, this presents an opportunity to drive foot traffic and increase sales in the soft drinks category, particularly as the product will be available in various formats, including 330ml cans, 500ml bottles and multipacks.

Canadian coffee and café brand, Artigiano, has announced the acquisition of Salt Spring Coffee, a pioneer in organic and fair-trade coffee roasting. The acquisition positions Artigiano as the second-largest roaster of organic coffee in the country and the only roaster of Regenerative Organic Certified® coffee in Canada. Founded in 1996 by Mickey McLeod and Robbyn Scott on Salt Spring Island, Salt Spring Coffee has earned recognition as Canada's first Regenerative Organic Certified coffee roaster. The company has been dedicated to producing high-quality organic and fair-trade coffee, focusing on soil health, ecosystem preservation and farmworker fairness. Dean Shillington, president and owner of Artigiano, said: "This partnership broadens our product offerings while strengthening our commitment to environmental stewardship, including a continued focus on organic and non-GMO ingredients in everything we serve". Mickey McLeod, president of Salt Spring Coffee, shared: "Joining forces with Artigiano is a natural progression for us... We are confident that this collaboration will elevate our shared vision of delivering outstanding coffee experiences while prioritising sustainable and regenerative practices." Shillington added: "With Artigiano's growing presence and dedication to crafting meaningful café experiences, this partnership will expand our collective reach through café experiences and grocery retail while staying true to the shared values that define both of our brands. The Salt Spring brand and its community will remain fully intact, and we look forward to building on its strong foundation and fostering further growth." Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Top image: © Salt Spring Coffee

Ferrero UK’s Tic Tac confectionery brand has added a new innovation, Tic Tac Two, to its portfolio. The new sugar-free product aims to put a fresh twist on the classic hard sweets, offering dual flavour combinations in a double-sided format. Tic Tac Two, debuting in the UK this month (February 2025), features three flavour combinations: Raspberry & Lemon, Strawberry & Lime and Fresh & Mild Spearmint. The product’s packaging and dual flavour concept aims to attract impulse purchases while appealing to the young adult demographic. The fruity flavours are designed to appeal to ‘adventurous flavour seekers,’ while the minty option caters to those who prefer ‘a more classic and refreshing’ taste experience. A spokesperson for Ferrero commented: “This launch positions Tic Tac as the perfect refreshment for on-the-go occasions, introducing a playful twist for consumers’ evolving preferences. We’re continuing to innovate and are confident Tic Tac Two is a great addition for retailers looking to tap into the growing demand for on-the-go products.” Tic Tac Two will be rolling out across grocery, convenience and wholesale channels in the UK from February with an RRP of £1.70.

We are excited to announce the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) bi-annual event. Rising to the challenge: Leading the future of hydration 📅 Thursday: 20 March 2025 📍 The Nottingham Belfry, Nottingham, NG8 6PY Open to members and non-members This event offers a tremendous opportunity for all businesses within the water dispenser market, providing visitors with valuable insights, practical knowledge and enjoyable experiences. Programme Morning: Conference and networking lunch Afternoon: Trade show Evening: Industry dinner with silent auction in aid of Just a Drop   Trade show (free entry): The trade show is dedicated to the water dispenser and hydration industry. It comprises sector-specific manufacturers, suppliers and bottlers; visitors will gain insights into innovations and technologies across various products, dispensers, bottle-filling stations, integrated tap systems and more. Conference 'Rising to the challenge: Leading the future of hydration' says it all. The star-studded line-up of speakers will provide invaluable knowledge and fresh perspectives to take back to their businesses. Keynote speaker: Roger Black - Roger is one of Britain’s most successful athletes, winning 15 major championship medals over 14 years. An Olympic 400 metres silver medallist and World Championship gold medallist, he will share his journey from athletics to business success, revealing the mindset and strategies that helped him. Keynote speaker: Roger Black Guest speaker: Alastair Banks, Optix Solutions - Generative AI has taken the world by storm. Get a deep dive into the world of AI and discover how it could help, sustain and revolutionise the way we do business in the future. How can we make actual use of this tool in our daily lives? Industry insights with Akos Petri, Zenith Global - Learn the latest industry statistics from 2024 and stay ahead of key trends shaping our sector. This is always a key part of the WHA conference and gives delegates information to help their future decision making. Wellbeing matters with Ben McGannan and Carin Söderberg, The Wellbeing People - Ben and Carin will explore practical steps to enhance employee wellness and productivity through their innovative programme 'Habits for Health'. Impact beyond business with Phillipa Clow, WHA - Phillipa will share her eye-opening experience visiting Just Drop projects in Zambia in November 2024, showcasing who she met, what she saw and how we are all making a real difference in the world and plans for the future. Evening dinner and silent auction Unwind and enjoy the industry dinner with results of the silent auction raising funds for Just a Drop and a perfect conclusion to an eventful day.   Register now here . Contact Phillipa Clow: phillipa.clow@twha.co.uk

Keebler, in partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, has introduced a limited-edition Harry Potter Butterbeer Fudge Stripes cookies product. The cookies, which are inspired by the popular beverage from the Harry Potter universe, feature a Butterbeer-flavoured cookie topped with Butterbeer-flavoured fudge that replicates the sweet and frothy combination of cream soda and butterscotch. The cookies are designed with shapes and imprints inspired by the Harry Potter films. Kim Thomas, brand manager of Keebler Fudge Stripes, said: "Our goal is to spread magic to families in delicious ways that create more meaningful moments and what better way to do so than to partner with a franchise that's all about magic. We're honoured to bring this signature flavour to an iconic Keebler cookie that gives consumers a fun and tasty way to celebrate the first-ever Butterbeer season." The new offering will be available at US retailers nationwide for an SRP of $4.80.

Starbucks has announced leadership changes, bringing in two former Taco Bell executives as part of its "Back to Starbucks" plan. Sara Trilling, executive vice president and president of Starbucks North America, and Arthur Valdez, EVP and chief supply chain officer, are departing. Trilling’s role will be split into two: North America chief stores officer and chief store development officer. Valdez supported integrating the customer solutions team with store operations but chose to step down from the position. Trilling and Valdez have both agreed to assist with the transition in the coming months. The new appointments include Mike Grams as EVP of North America chief stores officer, and Meredith Sandland as EVP of chief store development officer. Grams, a former Taco Bell president and COO, will oversee retail teams and store performance. Starbucks will soon announce a new chief supply chain officer to replace Valdez. Prior joining Starbucks, Grams spent over 30 years at Taco Bell, starting as a restaurant general manager in 1992 and eventually rising to the position of the chain’s president and global chief operating officer in 2020. Currently, Sandland is the CEO of Empower Delivery, a restaurant software company. She previously held the role of chief development officer at Taco Bell. Both Grams and Sandland are joining Starbucks this month. Brian Niccol said: "I understand this is a lot of change...I’m grateful to Sara and Arthur for the contributions they have made, and I’m excited to welcome new leaders to our team as we get 'Back to Starbucks'." In an open letter last month, Niccol confirmed that the company would be reducing the headcount of its support team .

Parker Hannifin, a US company specialising in motion and control technologies, has introduced a new filter solution for bottled water manufacturers. Parker Bioscience Filtration, a division of Parker Hannifin, launched the Bevpor Caustic Stable filter, designed to ensure microbiological safety in bottled water while withstanding high concentrations of sodium hydroxide – known as caustic – found in some clean in place (CIP) processes. The Bevpor Caustic Stable filter is intended for bottled water manufacturers who use higher concentrations (typically over 2%) of sodium hydroxide in their CIP processes. These processes are used to regenerate filters involved in batch processing and packaging beverages. Aggressive CIP methods may be required to break down blockages or fouling materials that cannot be removed with standard sodium hydroxide concentrations. Standard membrane filters can be damaged by high concentrations of sodium hydroxide, compromising filter integrity, reducing production efficiency and increasing operational costs, while risking product quality and safety. According to the company, the Bevpor Caustic Stable filter can withstand these aggressive CIP processes, offering high throughput and microbial stability, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for bottled water manufacturers. The filter uses a high-performance, asymmetric PES membrane that ensures complete sterility, as per ASTM F838-20, and is designed for final water stabilisation before bottling or canning. Mark Richardson, processing product manager at Parker Bioscience Filtration, said: “Born from our close relationship with the bottled water industry and engineered with our problem-solving approach, Bevpor Caustic Stable is an important addition to our Bevpor product portfolio". “It will enable manufacturers which employ aggressive CIP regimes to benefit from the increased process control and operational efficiency offered by our Bevpor range, and help them to protect their beverages from contamination prior to bottling.”

Asda has introduced its first automated free sample vending machine at its Pilsworth store in Bury, UK. The supermarket has described the machine as a 'first to market innovation'. Customers can access complimentary samples through the supermarket's Rewards app, with Müller’s Frijj milkshake being the first product offered. The vending machine is supported by Asda’s retail media division, LS Eleven Media Services, which facilitates brand engagement with customers through dynamic content and product trials. This concept, already adopted in US supermarkets, has been proven effective in driving sales growth. In fact, similar Freeosk machines have been shown to increase sales by up to 50% following product sampling campaigns. An Asda spokesperson told Refreshment: “We are trialling a digital sampling machine at our Pilsworth store so that customers can try newly launched products from our branded partners simply by scanning their Asda Rewards ID.” The digital sampling vending machine will complement Asda's existing services and will not replace them. Along with sampling the product, customers will be able to view ingredient and dietary information on the screen.

Organic sprouted snacks brand, Go Raw, has introduced a new range of snacking granola to its portfolio. Available in five flavours – sweet & salty, dark chocolate chunk, chocolate peanut butter, cranberry almond and cherry berry chocolate chunk – Go Raw's Snacking Granola is gluten-, oat- and soy-free, as well as vegan-friendly. Peter Grumhaus, CEO of Go Raw, said: "During a team meeting last year, we realised many of us snack on granola straight from the bag. But the dense, crumbly texture of traditional granola just didn't deliver the satisfying crunch we craved. That sparked the idea for Snacking Granola: bigger, lighter, and crispier clusters crafted specifically for snacking." Snacking Granola is available at Wegmans and Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide.

Nayax and Seco have announced a strategic partnership aimed at embedding Nayax’s payment platform into Seco’s Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The collaboration is expected to provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with integrated payment solutions, advanced telematics and AI-driven insights, enhancing the capabilities of automated self-service retail. The two companies have signed an MoU with the goal of establishing a long-term relationship. The first product to emerge from this partnership is a payment-enabled smart screen designed for next-generation vending machines, micro markets, smart coolers and other automated retail solutions. This integration will allow businesses to offer "seamless and secure" transactions while leveraging IoT capabilities for remote machine management and data-driven insights. By embedding Nayax’s payment infrastructure within Seco's devices, OEMs will benefit from cost-effective hardware that merges SECO’s expertise in IoT with Nayax’s payment technology. The partnership also enables businesses to manage payment flows and self-service points of sale through Clea, SECO’s IoT-AI software platform. Clea collects and analyses real-time data from connected devices, providing intelligent automation and cross-functional business insights. According to the company, integrating Nayax’s payment infrastructure into Seco's products will enable businesses to manage payment flows and automated self-service points of sale through Clea, which is Seco's end-to-end IoT-AI software platform. Clea securely collects, analyses and manages connected device data in real-time, facilitating intelligent automation and cross-functional business insights. Together, Nayax and Seco will offer lower operational costs, advanced telematics and seamless integrated payments designed for effortless OEMs integration across product lineups. Oren Tepper, chief commercial officer of Nayax, said: “Our partnership with Seco propels Nayax toward new frontiers in automated self-service retail, harnessing Seco's extensive OEM network to extend our commercial reach into high-demand markets worldwide and accelerate broader adoption of our embedded payment platform. We’re proud to work with Seco to offer game-changing, fully embedded payment solutions that unify telematics, analytics and frictionless transactions under one umbrella.” Fausto Di Segni, head of IoT and AI Europe at Seco, added: “Partnering with Nayax allows Seco to embed a versatile and powerful global payment platform directly into our connected screens and devices, bolstering our competitive position and delivering exceptional value for our OEM customers across key verticals like vending, coffee and electric vehicle supply equipment. We will unite robust IoT management, engaging displays and embedded payments to streamline deployment and cut costs for OEMs and their end-customers.”

Vendon, a provider of telemetry, IoT and payment solutions for the coffee and vending industry, has introduced an IoT-based monitoring system for traditional espresso machines. The technology provides real-time insights into coffee quality, machine performance and operational efficiency. The system aims to address common challenges in the coffee industry, including maintaining consistency across multiple locations, tracking consumption and sales and managing machine maintenance. It is designed for roasters, manufacturers, HoReCa managers and operators seeking to streamline operations and enforce quality standards. Raivis Vaitekuns, global partnerships manager and resident coffee expert at Vendon, said: “We know how frustrating it can be to keep track of multiple machines and ensure consistent quality. That’s why we’ve designed a solution that not only tracks performance but helps operators optimize their day-to-day operations. It’s about making their lives easier and their coffee better." Vendon’s telemetry solution is compatible with all traditional espresso machines. It includes the vBox hardware device and the newly developed BaristaBox, which connect to machines and transmit data to Vendon Cloud. This platform allows operators to monitor entire machine fleets from a single interface, regardless of brand. The technology enables businesses to track brewing processes, maintain quality control and optimise resource usage. It also supports sustainability by reducing waste and ensuring proactive maintenance to prevent equipment failures.

Pret a Manger is set to make its debut in Africa, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This marks Pret’s 20th international market outside the UK. The expansion is part of Pret’s international growth strategy. According to Pret, international expansion and franchise partnerships have contributed to Pret’s recent sales growth, with worldwide system sales reaching £1.1 billion in 2023, a 22% increase from 2022. Pret is partnering with South African franchise operator Millat Group to enter the market. Pano Christou, CEO of Pret, said: “This opening is an important step in Pret’s global journey. South Africa’s dynamic food culture and vibrant community made Johannesburg the perfect location for our first shop on the continent. We’re thrilled to bring a touch of Pret to this incredible city while incorporating South African flavours into our menu.” The Melrose Arch shop will feature a menu blending Pret classics with South African-inspired items, including the soutvleis sandwich and the braaibroodjie toastie. The menu will also include freshly made sandwiches, salads, wraps, breakfast options, barista-prepared organic coffees, organic juices, health shots, teas, smoothies and iced drinks. Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Group, added: “We are incredibly excited to bring Pret A Manger to South Africa. This is not just about opening new shops; it’s about introducing an entirely new café culture, one that revolves around freshly handmade food and commitment to quality”.