Nescafé is expanding its US portfolio with the launch of its first liquid concentrate line. Eliminating the need for complex brewing methods or expensive equipment, the concentrate allows users to pour, mix, and customise their favourite iced espresso beverages. Nescafé Espresso Concentrate, crafted from 100% Arabica beans, is available in two variations: Espresso Concentrate Black and Espresso Concentrate Sweet Vanilla. Felipe Acosta, Nescafé senior brand marketing manager, said: "Following our successful Nescafé Gold Espresso and Ice Roast launches, delivering on these needs is a top priority and Nescafé Espresso Concentrate does exactly that. The brand's first-ever liquid espresso empowers consumer creativity and allows adventurous, modern coffee lovers to create café-style beverages in an instant – without any extra machinery and from the comfort of their home." Nescafé Espresso Concentrate is available in a 300ml bottle, providing approximately 20 cups of espresso when prepared as directed. The product will be available at retailers nationwide beginning in February.

International Delight is partnering with Netflix to launch a limited-edition line of creamers and coffee inspired by the reality series Love is Blind. International Delight's wedding cake creamer and ice coffee offer the flavours of 'an entire wedding cake,' said the company. It features sweet frosting and smooth vanilla. Meanwhile, the chocolate covered strawberry creamer combines rich chocolate with ripe strawberry notes. Jennifer Michuda, senior director, creamers at Danone North America, said: “Our partnership with Netflix’s Love is Blind to create unique creamers and iced coffee inspired by the show literally gives fans a taste of pop culture through delicious flavours that can’t be found anywhere else”. International Delight's Love is Blind creamers and iced coffee is available for a limited time at US retailers. #InternationalDelight #US

Cantaloupe has introduced its new smart store technology, called Smart Store Series. The series includes the Smart Store 600 and 700 models. These self-service solutions aim to help food and beverage vendors, as well as retailers, tackle challenges such as labor shortages, theft and shrinkage. The Smart Stores are designed for retail environments like airports, college campuses and traditional vending spaces. Jeff Dumbrell, chief revenue officer of Cantaloupe, noted: “We’ve heard from retailers about core customer and operational challenges, which encompass product accessibility, store locations, theft prevention and inventory management". "Our Smart Stores can solve all these issues in traditional retail environments (think of locked up razors and high-end beauty products), 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 store offers a 24/7 self-service solution with advanced technology and security, targeting retailers, residential buildings, fitness centres, hotel pantries and more. Customers pay at the point-of-sale to unlock the unit, select items and complete their purchase by pressing 'pay'. Dumbrell added: “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. We’re excited to bring this reliable, inclusive technology to market and expand into adjacent verticals with a product that truly meets the needs of our customers.” Cantaloupe's Smart Store Series is currently available in the US and Canada, with expansion plans for the UK and Mexico. #Cantaloupe

Saint James Iced Tea is launching a new limited-edition iced black tea flavour inspired by The White Lotus television series. In collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, Saint James' The White Lotus-inspired Mango Organic Black Tea blends juicy mango with rich black tea and a hint of sweetness. Saint James CEO Brad Neumann said: "Saint James Iced Tea is the first-ever lifestyle tea brand, redefining how tea fits into moments of luxury and culture. This partnership felt like the perfect way to show how our tea brings a taste of modern sophistication and fun to every drinking occasion –transporting fans straight to the luxurious White Lotus Resort." Saint James will be featured at a wellness retreat in California, offering an exclusive preview before its US and Canada launch. The product will be available for $2.99 at nationwide retailers, including Erewhon, Target, Hannaford, Loblaws, Fred Meyer and others. #SaintJames #icedtea

365 Retail Markets has appointed Anton Rakushkin as chief technology officer and Bill Reidy as VP of sales for North America. The appointments come as chief strategy officer Joe Rogan and president of international John Chidiac step down after over a decade with the company. Anton Rakushkin joins the firm with two decades of experience in retail technology, including senior roles at Streamware Corporation and Crane Connectivity Solutions. He contributed to the development of Vendmax, a widely used vending management system in the industry. Rakushkin said: "I am excited to bring my experience to the world-class team at 365 and look forward to elevating their impressive accomplishments across the industry as well as extending that success to more opportunities. By understanding customer needs and providing solutions that will drive the industry forward, we will accomplish great things." Meanwhile, Bill Reidy brings over 30 years of expertise in sales leadership and business development. He has held senior positions in the SaaS sector, including at KPA, Netsertive and vAuto. Anton Rakushkin and Bill Reidy Reidy noted: "I'm fortunate to be joining a well-established team at 365 Retail Markets, and I believe that through coaching and establishing the right processes, we can expand our opportunities immensely. I am looking forward to elevating the reach and success of this organisation through the help of a world-class sales team." Joe Hessling, CEO at 365 Retail Markets, commented: "Bringing experts like Anton and Bill onto the team is essential to keep up with the intense growth we are seeing in our unattended retail business. We have heard for years that the market is tired of the lack of investment by the legacy VMS providers and the lack of consumer-focused features from the me-too payment terminal providers. Anton and Bill will be focused on being sure 365 remains the global leader for decades to come." He added: "I would like to thank both Joe and John for helping me turn 365 into what it is today. Taking the leap to join over ten years ago was a risk neither had to take and their impact on 365, me, and the industry has been something that most don't ever get the chance to do in their careers." Top image: © 365 Retail Markets #365RetailMarkets

Mondelēz-owned crackers brand Ritz is adding a new Spicy Queso flavour to its portfolio. According to the company, Ritz is responding to consumer trends with its latest flavour innovation, which combines creamy cheese with a bold, spicy kick. Steven Saenen, Ritz VP of marketing, said: "With Spicy Queso, we're answering consumers' demands for exciting, bold flavours and turning up the heat on the Ritz Bits you know and love. It's a bold twist on your childhood favorite, with a kick in each mini bite." The new addition will be available in 3oz snack-sized bags at convenience store locations starting this month. Larger 8.8oz boxes will be available at major food retailers beginning in February 2025. #Mondelēz #Ritz #US

TreeHouse Foods has now finalised its acquisition of Harris Tea for approximately $205 million, marking a strategic move to enhance its position in the private label tea market. The acquisition was first announced in December 2024 , the acquisition includes Harris Tea's facilities in Moorestown, New Jersey, and Marietta, Georgia, along with about 300 employees. The acquisition is expected to bolster TreeHouse's portfolio by integrating Harris Tea's established capabilities in tea sourcing, blending and packing. Steve Oakland, chairman and CEO of TreeHouse Foods, commented that the acquisition aligns well with the company's strategy and will provide an immediate leadership position in the growing category of private label tea products. TreeHouse financed the acquisition primarily through cash reserves, with expectations that it will contribute positively to both revenue and profitability in 2025. The purchase price reflects about 8.5 times the trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA or 6.5 times when accounting for synergies and the net present value of future tax benefits. TreeHouse Foods has reiterated its full-year guidance for 2024, anticipating improvements in volume growth and profit margins as the year progresses. The integration of Harris Tea is expected to enhance TreeHouse’s operational capabilities and market reach within the beverage sector, particularly in private label offerings. TreeHouse Foods is a manufacturer of private brands in the North American snacking and beverage markets. The company aims to leverage its strengths to deliver innovative products and services, thereby fostering mutually beneficial growth with its partners. Image: © Harris Tea website #TreeHouseFoods #acquisition #HarrisTea #tea #US

UK botanical tea brand Kaytea has launched a new range of electrolyte-infused blends. Hydro Infusions is available in four flavours: pineapple & hibiscus, peach & green tea, lime & mint and lemon & mate. The whole leaf tea bags combine botanicals and natural fruit flavours with electrolytes for hydration and energy. Kevin Tang, founder of Kaytea, said: “Since launching in 2020, we’ve become well established as a cold brew tea brand, leading the charge of a new generation of RTD ice tea that’s cooler than squash but healthier than soda". “Now, we’re bringing our knowledge of natural, flavourful, botanical hydration to the functional tea space with our new Hydro Infusions that blend natural botanicals and fruit flavours with electrolytes for tea that is not only naturally delicious but hydrating too." “With many other herbal teas containing added sugars and sweeteners, it was a priority for us to create a range that’s naturally unsweetened with zero sugar, zero calories and zero sweeteners, so it was vital that each ingredient really pulls its weight to allow the natural flavours to come through." Kaytea Hydro Infusion Electrolyte Teabags are available via the brand's website for £7.99 for a pack of 12. #Kaytea #UK

Starbucks has introduced new biodegradable, plant-based straws in its stores across Japan as part of its commitment to reducing waste by half by 2030. The straws are made from Green Planet, a biopolymer derived from plant oils instead of oil-based materials. They degrade naturally into CO2 and water through microorganisms in seawater and soil, addressing marine pollution, including microplastics. Compared to the FSC-certified paper straws currently in use, Green Planet straws emit less carbon dioxide throughout their lifecycle and reduce the overall weight of straw waste. This initiative follows Starbucks' transition from oil-derived plastic straws for iced beverages in 2018 to FSC-certified paper straws in Japan in 2020, with a thicker version introduced in 2021. The company has also implemented FSC-certified paper cups, biomass-based cutlery for to-go orders and reusable resin cups for in-store iced beverages to further reduce waste. Approximately 200 Starbucks' stores have been certified as 'Greener Stores,' and 900 locations recycle coffee grounds to reduce food waste. The straws are being trialled in 32 stores in Okinawa Prefecture for iced beverages and will be rolled out nationwide in March 2025. A thicker version for seasonal Frappuccino beverages will follow in April 2025. #Starbucks #Japan

Croatian investment firm Bosqar has acquired a 67% stake in the bakery-café chain Mlinar for €100 million. The deal secures a 67% indirect stake in Mlinar, including an immediate 50.1% acquisition. The investment is a partnership with Mlinar’s management team and Panvita’s existing shareholders. MidEuropa, a European private equity firm and long-time Bosqar partner, will provide additional strategic support. The move aims to boost Mlinar’s growth across Southeast Europe and beyond. The investment supports Bosqar's Future Food vertical, which was launched with its investment in the Panvita, a Slovenian food company, in 2024. According to the company, the deal is expected "to unlock synergies and strengthen the platform, providing enhanced growth opportunities across the vertical". Darko Horvat, president of the management board at Bosqar, and Peter Polanič, co-chairman of Future Food, said: "The inclusion of Mlinar in Bosqar's Future Food vertical creates exciting opportunities for growth expanding on the existing Panvita investment. By leveraging the strengths of both Mlinar and Panvita, we are poised to unlock growth opportunities and new market opportunities across the region." "In partnership with Panvita’s existing shareholders and Mlinar’s management, with the further expanded platform joined by MidEuropa as trusted partners with which Bosqar has already collaborated on developing two other extremely successful business verticals, we're convinced that we’ve put together a winning team that will be able to establish Bosqar's Future Food vertical as a dominant regional food solutions player." Robert Knorr, managing partner at MidEuropa, commented: "Together, we will work to position Mlinar and expand its influence in the region and across international markets, reinforcing its status as a leader in the industry". Mladen Veber, president of the management board of Mlinar Group, added: “Empowered by this investment from Bosqar and its partners, Mlinar will be in an ideal position to realise its ambitions when it comes to regional and international markets, expanding its footprint and its services to become a leading regional fresh food producer, distributor, and convenience retail chain." Subject to regulatory approval, the expanded group will employ over 16,000 people and reach €700 million in revenue by 2025. #Bosqar #Mlinar #bakery

Happy New Year from Refreshment! As we step into 2025, we’re excited to continue sharing the latest news, trends and insights from the watercooler, office coffee service and vending sectors with you. We’ve got some big plans for 2025 and can’t wait to see what the new year brings. Here’s to a year filled with innovation, success and great flavours. Warm wishes, Refreshment

As 2024 comes to a close, the most-read stories on Refreshment highlight a year full of innovation and change. From big investments and strategic shifts to a focus on sustainability, these stories have resonated with readers throughout the year. Looking back over the year, here are the top Refreshment stories that captured the most attention from our readers... BrewDog founder backs functional soda start-up Living Things in pre-seed round In June, Living Things, a UK-based functional soda brand, secured a £500,000 pre-seed funding round led by James Watt, the co-founder and former CEO of BrewDog. In addition to Watt, the pre-seed round boasts a host of other experienced angel investors, underscoring the strong market potential that Living Things has demonstrated. The investment came just six months after Living Things launched. During this time, the brand has seen impressive traction, selling over 100,000 cans and securing listings in more than 300 retailers including Whole Foods and Amazon. The brand's sodas are formulated with prebiotics, probiotics and low sugar content, targeting health-conscious consumers. Watt, who now also serves as an advisor to Living Things, added that the brand's "incredible" product and "fantastic" founding team were key factors in his decision to lead the investment. The fresh capital enables Living Things to expand its distribution, continue developing new products, and drive growth as it targets a run-rate of over £1 million by the end of 2024. Read more here. Conab forecasts decline in Brazil's 2024 coffee production The Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (Conab) – or, in English, the National Supply Company – published its third survey in September on Brazil's coffee harvest for 2024. The report revealed an estimated production of 54.79 million processed bags, representing a decline of 0.5% compared to last year's output. This assessment highlighted the considerable impact of adverse weather conditions on production expectations, underscoring the challenges faced by the coffee sector this year. Conab said that the weather had an influence between its second and third surveys, despite some estimates pointing to a good production potential of the crops. Read more here. Starbucks suspends guidance for FY2025 amid sales slump, CEO calls for major changes Starbucks Corporation halted its fiscal year 2025 financial guidance after releasing unexpected results for 2024 that revealed a decline in revenue and a drop in quarterly earnings. The world's largest coffee chain reported disappointing financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024, with a global sales slump leading to a 7% decline in global comparable store sales for the quarter and a 2% decline for the entire year. In a video released on Tuesday, 22 November, Niccol said: "I've heard from some customers that we've drifted from our core, that we've made it harder to be a customer than it should be, and that we've stopped communicating with them. As a result, some are visiting less often, and I think today's results tell that same story." He added that the company needed to "fundamentally change" its recent strategy to return to growth. He detailed plans to simplify the "overly complex" menu, adjust the pricing structure and modify the mobile ordering and payment system to prevent it from overwhelming the café experience. Read more here. Pret A Manger overhauls subscription service, faces customer backlash UK coffee chain Pret A Manger announced significant changes to its 'Club Pret' coffee subscription service, which was launched nearly four years ago during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The subscription, which played a crucial role in reconnecting with loyal customers and attracting new ones, underwent a transformation starting in September. Clare Clough, managing director of Pret A Manger, highlighted the success of the scheme, noting that it brought in tens of thousands of new customers and facilitated the sale of over a quarter of a billion coffees. Clough stated: "It was an innovative way to reconnect with our loyal customers and introduce Pret to tens of thousands of new ones, bringing customers back into our shops with an offer that almost seemed ‘too good to be true’". The revamped 'Club Pret' offers subscribers 50% off up to five barista-made drinks per day for a reduced monthly fee of £10, with a special rate of £5 available for both existing and new subscribers until 31 March 2025. Read more here. Bevi appoints Cathy Lewenberg as CEO Bevi, a US-based company specialising in smart watercoolers, appointed Cathy Lewenberg as its new chief executive officer. According to the company, Lewenberg's appointment came as Bevi expanded its product offerings and worked toward making the beverage industry more sustainable. Co-founder Sean Grundy shifted his attention to new ventures, including international expansion. At Bevi, Lewenberg is prioritises accelerating growth and product innovation, strengthening the company's scalability and advancing its sustainability goals through strategic partnerships. Read more here. Hershey buys Sour Strips, expands sweets portfolio The Hershey Company acquired Sour Strips, a fast-growing sour candy brand founded in the US in 2019. Sour Strips' sour confectionery enhances Hershey's presence in the category and expands its reach to new consumers for more snacking occasions – Sour Strips has a large social media following. Founded by social media personality Maxx Chewning, Sour Strips launched with the intention of zhuzhing up the sour candy category with a distinctive product that consists of shocking sour flavours. Read more here. Knoops secures £5m funding to boost global reach, appoints new non-executive directors Chocolate café and retailer Knoops announced a £5 million fundraising initiative. The capital raised supports Knoops' international expansion and strengthens its position in the market. Alongside the fundraising, Knoops has appointed Pret A Manger and Itsu's founder, Julian Metcalfe, and former director of marketing and e-commerce at Marks and Spencer, Alice Avis, as non-executive directors. Read more here. BE WTR raises CHF 39m to expand sustainable water solutions BE WTR, a Swiss company focused on sustainable water solutions, raised CHF 39 million (approx $45.5 million) in a Series C funding round. The funding helps BE WTR's mission to offer eco-friendly, premium water solutions, ensuring access to high-quality drinking water while minimising single-use packaging and plastics. The company is actively involved in water purification, distribution and sustainability, aiming to redefine water consumption in residential, commercial and hospitality sectors. The capital also supports the company’s entry into the Chinese and North American markets, as well as investments in R&D and product development. Read more here.