Romania boasts a diverse cultural tapestry influenced by various civilisations, including Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian. This blend is evident in its architecture, traditions and cuisine, making it an attractive destination for any event. As a member of the EU since 2007, Romania is an emerging market with increasing economic potential, particularly in sectors like technology and renewable energy. From 10-11 October, Romania’s capital Bucharest – often referred to ‘Little Paris’ due to the abundance of French-inspired buildings – was home to the Watercoolers Europe Conference & Trade Fair 2024. This year’s show brought together industry leaders for two days of insightful presentations, product showcases and networking opportunities. The first day kicked off with a series of conferences and workshops, offering a deep dive into the latest trends in the watercooler market. Richard Hall, chairman of Zenith Global, shared data on the robust growth of the water dispenser industry, noting that there were 6.4 million dispensers in Europe in 2023, a 2.3% increase from 2022. He highlighted that the industry generated €2.1 billion in revenue, reflecting a 5.7% growth compared to 2022. Meanwhile, keynote speaker Thorsten Jekel provided valuable insights on how AI is transforming workplace efficiency and driving innovation in the industry. He emphasised the importance of prioritising client value before adopting new technologies. By identifying specific targets, companies can determine which processes to enhance and how technology can facilitate these improvements. You can watch our interview below. The evening’s highlight was the Aqua Awards & Gala Dinner at Le Chateau Ballroom. With traditional Romanian dance performances and a magician entertaining the audience, the event was both celebratory and engaging. The Aqua Awards celebrated innovation and excellence in the sector, with Culligan scooping up two awards for Best Marketing Campaign and Best Promotion of Health & Hydration. Oasis won Best Website, Blupura took home the Best Environmental Practice/Green Initiative award and BWT was recognised for Best Product Innovation. © WE Day two of the event shifted focus to the trade fair, which featured 39 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and technologies in the watercooler space. Blupura drew attention with its Rebel water dispenser, delivering up to 30 litres of water per hour at optimal temperatures, perfect for environments like small restaurants and offices. Its Blutron filtration system also stood out, offering customisable water filtration options to ensure high quality drinking water. Another exhibitor, HDS Water from Israel, showcased its Lotus Plus mini water bar. With features like an advanced touch screen, an automatic filling function and multiple temperature modes, the model comes in playful colours such as pink, blue, yellow, green and purple. Blupura's Rebel and HDS Water's Lotus Plus water dispensers Sigma Home Products presented its water dispenser and built-in ice maker, offering intelligent touch controls and alarms for ice and water levels. The company also displayed its range of plastic bottles for dispensers. French firm OP showcased its production of plastic racks systems made from durable, food-approved plastic that is recyclable and designed to prevent mould growth. This approach ensures the crates uphold high hygiene standards, making them an ideal solution for heavy water bottles. A huge thank you to everyone we had the pleasure of speaking with at the Watercoolers Europe event! We’re grateful to Richard Hall and Thorsten Jekel for sharing their insights and experiences. And congratulations to the Aqua Awards winners we interviewed – Debora Screpanti (Blupura), JF Brisson (Oasis), Marie-Theres Sattler (Culligan), Roberta Polesel (BWT) and Marzia Mariotti (Culligan) – for your achievements. Special thanks to the event organisers, Marzia Mariotti, Gustav Felix, Katarzyna Tomanek and Derek Callaghan, for orchestrating such a great event. Next year’s Watercoolers Europe Conference & Trade Fair will take place in Milan, Italy, on 6-7 November 2025. Top image: © WE #WatercoolersEurope #Romania #Bucharest #waterdispenser #water

JAB has agreed to purchase Mondelēz International's 86 million shares in JDE Peet’s for €25.10 per share. According to Bloomberg, this transaction totals approximately €2.16 billion. In addition to the deal, JAB also distributed 43 million shares of JDE Peet’s to over 70 limited partners in its JAB Consumer Partners fund. This accounts for 9% of the company's total shares, increasing JDE Peet’s free float to 32%. After these transactions, JAB's stake in JDE Peet’s will rise to 68%. Joachim Creus, JAB managing partner, vice chairman and CEO, said: “These transactions represent a major milestone for JDE Peet’s, which is now a more widely held blue chip company". "JAB has strong conviction in the resilience of the global coffee sector and the long-term value creation prospects of JDE Peet’s. We are fully committed to remaining an anchor shareholder of the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company.” Alongside this news, JDE Peet’s has named former Kraft Heinz executive Rafael Oliveira as its new CEO and stand-in executive director, effective 1 November. Oliveira will be based in Amsterdam. His appointment as CEO depends on his work permit approval in the Netherlands, and his formal role as executive director requires shareholder approval at the company's next AGM on 19 June 2025. His appointment follows a thorough search by the board that began in April, following Fabien Simon's announcement of his departure in March . Former Marks and Spencer CEO Luc Vandevelde was then appointed as Simon’s interim replacement but resigned four months later, citing “unforeseen matters”. JDE Peet's CFO Scott Gray then took on the role in addition to his current position. Gray will now work with Oliveira "to ensure a seamless transition and onboarding," said the company in a statement. Peter Harf, chairman of the board of JDE Peet’s, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Rafael to JDE Peet’s. His deep understanding of global markets and consumers, strategic acumen and proven performance in the consumer sector is complemented by a passion for innovation and team development". "With Rafael’s appointment, the company is now entering a new and exciting phase. I am confident in Rafael's ability to deliver against our strategic priorities and drive consistent performance across top-line, profitability, and cash flow whilst creating value for all stakeholders.” #JDEPeets #Mondelez #JAB #coffee

Mars has expanded its Skittles portfolio with its latest innovation, Skittles Pop’d, featuring the brand’s classic flavours and a brand-new sour variety in a unique, crispy texture. The new freeze-dried confectionery will launch in two varieties, Original, which features the classic flavours strawberry, lemon, lime, orange and grape, and Sour, which features brand new flavours including sour lemonade, sour blue raspberry, sour strawberry, sour watermelon and sour cherry. Ro Cheng, marketing vice president at Mars Wrigley North America, said: “At Mars, we're constantly looking for innovative ways to deliver new experiences to our fans, based on flavor profiles and texture trends that we know consumers are seeking. Skittles Pop'd trades Skittles' traditionally chewy lentils for a crispy, crunchy texture that we know our fans are really going to enjoy." Skittles Pop'd will launch at select retailers across the US in the coming months, with nationwide rollout beginning in early 2025. #Skittles #Mars #confectionery #freezedried

In this exclusive interview, Thorsten Jekel, keynote speaker at Watercoolers Europe 2024, sits down with FoodBev Media's editorial director, Siân Yates, to offer his insights on how AI is transforming workplace efficiency and driving innovation in the industry. Watch the full conversation below for insights into AI's impact on the watercooler industry. #WatercoolersEurope

Mondelēz-owned cookie brand Chips Ahoy! has unveiled a new product line aimed at the snacking preferences of younger consumers. Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, which is three times the size of the brand's regular chewy cookie, is designed for convenient, on-the-go consumption, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of Gen Z consumers. The introduction of this oversized cookie marks a significant innovation for the brand, which has been a staple in the cookie aisle for over 60 years. Each Big Chewy Cookie is individually wrapped, making it a suitable option for sharing or enjoying as a substantial snack. The product features chocolate chips that are reportedly four times larger than those found in the standard Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie, promising a more indulgent taste experience. Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies will be available in three flavours: the classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy, a Chocolatey Brownie variant and a Chocolatey Caramel option. This diversification of flavours is intended to attract a broader range of consumers and enhance the brand's appeal in an increasingly competitive snack market. Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US, said: "With the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we're excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite". The Big Chewy Cookie is set to hit retail shelves nationwide starting in October, with a suggested retail price of $2.29 per 2.5oz pack. #Mondelēz #ChipsAhoy #cookies #GenZ #US #snack

Starbucks Coffee is expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores with the acquisition of 23.5 Degrees, Starbucks first UK franchised business partner. The coffee chain has acquired its largest licensed partner in the market, adding around 113 stores and 1,650 employees. This brings its total number of company-operated locations in the UK to nearly 500. Private equity-backed 23.5 Degrees opened its first store in February 2013 and now operates 110 locations across the UK, including 73 Drive Thrus, with 25 more planned for the coming year. Alex Rayner, general manager, UK, Switzerland and Austria, said: “I want to acknowledge the important contributions of 23.5 Degrees and the dedicated green apron partners. This strategic move will enable us to enhance our investment in new locations, elevate our in-store experience and drive innovation for our UK customers.” The move comes after a leadership change at Starbucks, where former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol replaced Laxman Narasimhan . #Starbucks #235Degrees #UK

PepsiCo’s Walkers brand has introduced a new limited-edition festive flavour to its Sensations range. The new variety, Sensations Honey Glazed Roast Ham flavour, will launch into supermarkets across the UK this month, alongside the return of Sensations King Prawn & Marie Sauce flavour. The new Honey Glazed Roast Ham crisps were crafted to provide consumers with a premium, non-HFSS snack. Wayne Newton, senior marketing director at Walkers, said: "With new shoppers entering the category and existing customers buying more in preparation for the holiday season, Christmas is a crucial opportunity for retailers to be driving their savoury snacking sales. During this time, shoppers look for extra special snacking options that will elevate their celebrations, such as limited-edition flavours.” Newton continued: “These limited-edition options are set to meet the demand for bold and exciting festive treats, ensuring there's something special for everyone this Christmas”. The limited-edition Sensations are available to purchase now in 150g sharing formats, with an RRP of £2.50. #Walkers #PepsiCo #Sensations #crisps #snacks #seasonal #UK

Swire Coca-Cola USA has appointed Andrea Kendell as president and chief executive officer. Andrea, who brings decades of leadership experience and operational expertise, joined Swire Coca-Cola as CFO in January. Previously, she was CFO North America and SVP Finance Global Manufacturing at French biotechnology company bioMérieux. Founded in 1978 in Salt Lake City, Swire Coca-Cola USA employs over 8,000 people and operates six production plants and 43 distribution centres across 13 states, delivering more than 50 beverage brands to 31 million consumers daily. With Andrea's appointment as CEO, Swire Coca-Cola USA has also named Marc Hempstead as the new chief financial officer. Marc joins from the Swire Group, where he has worked since 2017 after starting his career at KPMG. Andrea Kendell and Marc Hempstead Kendell said: "To be the steward of Swire Coca-Cola USA and all that goes with it – our people, our brands, our customers, our history and our future – is a great responsibility and a great privilege". "I know the foundation of our success has always been our people. I am honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to help our people unleash their individual and collective potential as we deliver refreshment to the communities we call home." Pat Healy, chair of Swire Coca-Cola, added: "I'd like to congratulate Andrea on her appointment as president and CEO of Swire Coca-Cola USA. As an organisation that was founded more than 200 years ago, the Swire group knows how important it is to have leaders with a vision for the future coupled with stewardship of the past. We are excited to have Andrea at the helm to shape the next chapter in the growth of our U.S. beverage operations." Karen So, MD of Swire Coca-Cola, commented: "We are confident Andrea is the right person to fulfill our mission of winning together by serving as constant and true advocates for our people, our customers, our partners, our community and our planet. With Andrea as the new president and CEO, Marc in the CFO role, and strong leaders across our territory, we know we have the right people in the right seats to support our mission and drive growth." Andrea and Marc will be based at Swire Coca-Cola USA's headquarters in Draper, Utah. #SwireCocaColaUSA

Canadian sparkling tree water company Sapsucker has released its latest product line, Sapsucker Hard – a ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka soda. Inspired by the classic vodka soda, this RTD sparkling vodka is made with tree water and comes in one new flavour – The Lime Vodka One. The beverage features 46 naturally occurring minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and is fully organic and naturally sweetened. Each can contains 110 calories and 4% ABV. “We’re thrilled to launch Sapsucker Hard in Ontario and to highlight the benefits of sparkling tree water,” said Tim Lute, CEO of Sapsucker. “The better-for-you RTD alcoholic beverage category has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years.” Nancy Chapman, founder of Sapsucker, added: “While offerings in the space continue to expand, consumers have expressed a desire to explore beverages which have unique flavour profiles – not another typical vodka soda. Sapsucker listened, and we are excited to bring to market a delicious, sustainably-focused product that’s completely new to consumers.”

US speciality coffee roaster Press Coffee has acquired a coffee estate in Panama. Founded in 2008, Press focuses on sourcing high-quality speciality coffee. The company operates 13 standalone cafés in the Phoenix area and six cafés inside Sprouts Farmers Markets, along with monthly coffee subscriptions for regular customers. The new farm will allow Press to source beans directly from the origin. The estate, located in the highlands of the Volcan Valley in western Panama, is known for its rich soil and ideal microclimate for coffee cultivation. The farm spans 70 hectares at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,300 meters, benefiting from volcanic soil that produces distinctive beans. According to the company, each harvest from the Panama farm will be unique due to variations in weather and soil conditions. Jason Kyle, co-owner of Press Coffee, said: “This coffee estate marks a significant milestone for our company. It helps us expand our commitment to quality, sustainability and deepen our connection to the farm. This farm will allow us to offer even richer, more distinctive coffees and we're excited to bring them to our customers.” The new Press Estate beans will be available at all Press locations in the Phoenix metro area, offered as drip coffee at the café bar or in bags of whole beans. Additionally, limited-edition single-origin beans from the estate will also be available quarterly through the Press' Allocation coffee programme online. #PressCoffee #Panama #coffee

Waitrose has partnered with Just Eat in a multi-year deal to expand its reach in the on-demand grocery and convenience sector. Just Eat customers can now order food and drink for delivery in under 30 minutes from 229 Waitrose locations across the UK, including Birmingham, Glasgow London and Manchester. This move follows a 140% rise in Waitrose’s weekly on-demand grocery sales during the first half of the year, helping the retailer reach a wider range of customers. According to Waitrose, over a million people in the UK currently use Just Eat for grocery deliveries, with the platform processing 12 orders per minute. Users will be able to choose from thousands of Waitrose items, including the revamped premium range, Waitrose No. 1 and Essential Waitrose. Popular options such as Waitrose Duchy Organic, fresh ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, along with British brands like Gail's Bakery and Deliciously Ella, will also be available. Additionally, a selection of Waitrose's wines, beers and spirits will be offered through the service. Later this year, customers will also be able choose from over 550 Waitrose Christmas products, including 175 new festive items for 2024. Waitrose has also announced plans to open up to 100 convenience stores across the UK over the next five years, adding to its presence at Shell forecourts and Welcome Break service areas. Waitrose's executive director, James Bailey, said: “Partnering with Just Eat and stepping up our plans for new shops allows us to reach even more customers who want the same commitment to quality, taste and ethical standards whenever and wherever they want to enjoy great food. As demand for greater convenience has grown, so have expectations of convenience food - and that is a huge opportunity for us.” Claire Pointon, MD for the UK&I at Just Eat, added: “Many of today’s consumers no longer consider speed a luxury but a necessity. This is supported by Just Eats’ own research – three in four people who have ordered on-demand groceries believe it will become a part of their daily lives. Just Eat is proud to be leading this change and so we’re thrilled to be adding Waitrose to our list of grocery partners, strengthening the choice and value available for customers on the platform – whenever, and wherever, they need us.” #JustEat #Waitrose #UK #retailer

Celsius Holdings has expanded its Essentials line with the launch of two new flavours: Watermelon Ice and Grape Slush. Grape Slush offers a bold, slushy-inspired icy grape flavour with sweet, nostalgic notes. Meanwhile, Watermelon Ice delivers a tart watermelon flavour that is refreshing and sweet. The Celsius Essentials line features bold flavoured, performance energy drinks that contains MetaPlus blend and added aminos to support physical and cognitive performance. The new flavours will be available early next year, joining the range existing 12- and 16-ounce flavours, including Celsius Sparkling Cherry Cola. #Celisus #Energydrinks