Kenco is expanding its Iced/Hot coffee range with two new products: the Whipped Americano Frappe and Creamy Latte, both designed to be served hot or cold. The launch aims to tap into growing demand for at-home, café-style coffee experiences, particularly among younger consumers. The Whipped Americano Frappe is the first of its kind in a sachet format in the UK, according to Kenco. It features an aerated texture and a thick crema designed to mimic the look and feel of a Nitro Cold Brew. The Creamy Latte joins Kenco’s existing range, offering consumers the option to enjoy the drink either hot or iced from a single box. Kenco cited rising popularity of iced coffee and consumer preferences for convenience as key drivers for the launch. According to the brand, 84.5% of under-35s have purchased a cold beverage in a coffee shop in the past year, while nearly a third of consumers are looking for easier-to-make products at home. The move comes as the in-home frothy coffee category continues to grow, with Kenco reporting 17% growth across its specialties range, including the recently launched Millicano Speciality tins. The new Iced/Hot sachets is available launch in Tesco for an RRP of £1.99. Wider rollout to Sainsbury’s and Morrisons is scheduled for August, with Asda to follow in November.

Starbucks has introduced a generative AI-powered tool designed to support baristas during their shifts, as part of its latest move to streamline operations and enhance in-store efficiency. Unveiled at the company’s Leadership Experience event, the new tool – called Green Dot Assist – acts as a virtual assistant available on in-store iPads. It allows baristas to ask work-related questions and receive instant responses, eliminating the need to search through manuals or reference materials. The tool is aimed at helping staff quickly access information, such as beverage ingredients or preparation steps, allowing them to better focus on service and product quality. Starbucks has begun piloting Green Dot Assist in 35 locations, with plans to expand further. The company says the tool is part of a broader effort to reduce friction in daily operations and improve the working experience for its “green apron” partners.

Global snacking company Pladis has launched a new limited-edition flavour for its popular McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes: Hot Honey. This innovative variant combines the sweetness of honey with a hint of chilli heat, enveloped in a jelly layer atop a light sponge cake and coated in the signature dark chocolate. The introduction of Hot Honey follows the successful release of McVitie’s Jaffa Cola Bottle, reflecting a broader trend in the food industry where consumers increasingly seek unique flavour combinations. Jessica Woolfrey, marketing manager for Pladis UK&I, noted that the 'swicy'e trend – melding sweet and spicy flavours – has gained significant traction globally, particularly among younger demographics who are active on social media. “This launch builds on the success of our previous limited edition and taps into the growing appetite for innovative flavours,” Woolfrey said. The Hot Honey flavour is positioned as a response to consumer demand for exciting new taste experiences, aiming to attract attention and drive sales in a competitive snacking market. Currently available at Asda, the Hot Honey Jaffa Cakes will soon be rolled out to additional retailers, including wholesale depots and convenience stores, with a recommended retail price of £1.50.

Starbucks has announced a series of leadership and structural changes aimed at accelerating its turnaround, following recent earnings that fell short of expectations. Mike Grams has been appointed chief operating officer, expanding his role to oversee global coffeehouse development and the global supply chain. He will now manage Meredith Sandland, EVP and chief development officer, and Sanjay Shah, EVP and chief supply chain officer. The company is also merging its global coffee and sustainability team with the global brand team. Michelle Burns, who leads coffee and sustainability, will now report to Tressie Lieberman, EVP and global chief brand officer, in a move to better integrate sustainability and coffee into Starbucks’ product and marketing strategies. Technology operations will now fall under the finance team, with CTO Deb Hall Lefevre reporting to CFO Cathy Smith. The company said this alignment is intended to strengthen investments in technology that improve in-store operations and customer service. Starbucks also confirmed that Brad Lerman, EVP and chief legal officer, will depart in the coming months. A search for his successor is underway, and he will remain in the role during the transition. The company said the changes are designed to improve coordination, accountability and execution speed across the organisation. CEO Laxman Narasimhan said that while recent progress is encouraging, the company must "move faster" to return to stronger performance.

Rhea, Illycaffè and Arbitrade have partnered to launch a new hospitality concept at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, aiming to provide travellers with a high-quality, sustainable coffee break experience. Free-standing rhFS2 and rhFS1 machines from Rhea, equipped with patented induction technology, have been installed in high-traffic areas across the airport, which sees over 55 million passengers annually. These machines offer a range of beverage options to suit international tastes and are designed for quick and intuitive use – catering to the fast-paced nature of airport environments. The collaboration brings together Rhea’s customisation and vending expertise, Illycaffè’s reputation for Italian coffee and Arbitrade’s role in Spain’s vending market. The energy-efficient machines are intended to reduce environmental impact while maintaining beverage quality. Andrea Pozzolini, CEO of Rhea, said: “With this project, we once again bring our vision of hospitality to places of mobility, creating spaces where design, technology and creative recipes come together to offer an experience of taste and comfort, making each stop a special moment before resuming the journey." César Ouro, CEO of Rheavendors Apliven, added: “We’re excited to bring the combined experience of Rhea, Illy and Arbitrade to Barcelona Airport. This synergy allows us to offer travelers a superior level of service, with solutions that combine innovation, efficiency and environmental awareness, helping to raise the standard of café service within the airport." Francesco Bosso, chief commercial officer of Illycaffè, added: "This project with Rhea and Arbitrade at Barcelona El Prat airport represents a significant step in expanding our presence in the travel retail and vending channel, while remaining true to our values of excellence and premium brand positioning."

Jacobs Douwe Egberts Peet’s-owned coffee brand, Kenco, is set to launch its new Iced/Hot Dubai Chocolate Style Latte on June 19, a product designed to tap into the growing popularity of flavoured coffee among younger consumers. This innovative offering comes in response to the viral 'Dubai chocolate' trend, which has seen over 460,000 posts on TikTok, highlighting a significant shift in consumer preferences towards unique and exciting flavour profiles. The new latte, priced at £1.99, promises to deliver a blend of pistachio and chocolate flavours, topped with a frothy finish that appeals to the next generation of coffee drinkers. As the demand for convenient at-home coffee options rises, Kenco's product aims to meet the needs of consumers aged 16-24, who are increasingly seeking both quality and convenience in their beverage choices. According to market insights, 26% of consumers express a desire for more convenient iced coffee options. Kenco's single-sachet packs not only cater to this demand but also create multiple consumption occasions, allowing consumers to enjoy the beverage hot or iced throughout the year. This flexibility positions the product favourably in a competitive market where convenience is key. The UK grocery coffee category, valued at over £1.6 billion, is experiencing notable growth, particularly in the frothy coffee segment, which has seen a 9.4% increase. With lattes being the preferred choice for 72% of coffee shop consumers, Kenco's new offering is poised to attract attention in a market that increasingly favours innovative and flavourful products. The in-home frothy coffee segment alone has grown by 10%, with Kenco reporting a 17% increase in its specialty range. Maria Kabalyk, head of category and shopper at Jacobs Douwe Egberts Peet’s, UK & IE, noted the importance of responding swiftly to consumer trends. "Our new Kenco Iced/Hot range directly addresses growing demand driven by viral trends, appealing to the younger generation's desire for on-the-go refreshment," she said. The Dubai Chocolate Style Latte follows Kenco's recent introductions of the Iced/Hot Whipped Americano Frappe and the Iced/Hot Creamy Latte, further expanding its portfolio of convenient coffee solutions. The product will initially be available exclusively at Asda, with broader distribution planned for major supermarkets starting in August.

US-based snack brand LesserEvil has launched Cheezmos, a new cheese puff product that aims to capture the nostalgia of traditional snacks while prioritising clean ingredients. This expansion into a new category reflects the company's strategy to cater to the growing demand for better-for-you snacks. Cheezmos are crafted with organic avocado oil and real organic cheddar, positioning them as a healthier alternative in the competitive snack market. The product comes in two distinct flavours: Cowboy Cheddar, which offers a rich, savoury taste, and Blazin’ Hot Cheddar, aimed at consumers who prefer a spicier option. According to LesserEvil, Cheezmos are free from artificial dyes, preservatives and other additives commonly found in processed snacks. The introduction of Cheezmos aligns with current consumer trends favouring transparency and quality in food products. As more consumers seek snacks that deliver both flavour and nutritional integrity, Cheezmos aims to meet this demand without compromising on taste. Cheezmos will make its debut at Whole Foods Market this month, with plans to expand distribution to Kroger in September. This strategic rollout is designed to leverage the visibility and customer base of these major retailers, positioning Cheezmos as a prominent option for health-conscious consumers. LesserEvil’s expansion into this new product line reflects a broader trend in the snack industry, where brands are increasingly focused on innovation and healthier alternatives. The brand's product range includes a variety of healthier snack options, such as popcorn, grain-free puffs and keto-friendly snacks, all crafted with clean ingredients to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Starbucks has announced a price reduction for some of its iced beverages in China, lowering prices by an average of 5 yuan (approx. $0.70) nationwide as of Tuesday, according to Reuters . The move comes amid growing consumer caution and intensifying competition in the country’s coffee market, which is Starbucks’ second-largest after the US. According to a post on its official Weixin account, the company said dozens of drinks – including non-coffee options and Frappuccinos – will now be available at lower prices, with some starting from 23 yuan (approx. $3.20) China’s coffee sector has become increasingly competitive, with domestic chains like Luckin Coffee and Cotti offering drinks at prices as low as 8.8 yuan (approx. $1.22). A source close to Starbucks told Reuters that the decision is not a response to pricing pressure from rivals but rather an effort to boost customer visits during slower afternoon hours. The individual added that Starbucks is likely focusing on growing demand for non-coffee beverages in that time slot. While the company has previously stated it would not participate in a price war, it has introduced smaller drink sizes and issued discount coupons to attract customers. Starbucks is also exploring options to revitalise its business in China, including the potential sale of stakes in its local operations.

Saudi Arabian F&B group Almarai Company has signed an agreement to acquire water company Pure Beverages Industry Company in a deal valued at SAR 1.04 bn (approx. $277m). Pure Beverages, also based in Saudi Arabia, produces bottled drinking water under brands including Ival and Oska. In a statement announcing the acquisition, Almarai said it aligns with the company’s growth strategy to expand its beverage portfolio and enhance its consumer offerings. The company currently provides a portfolio spanning dairy, bakery, poultry, beverages and specialised nutrition. The share purchase agreement, covering 100% of the total shares of Pure Beverages, will be financed through Almarai’s internal cash flows. Headquartered in Riyadh, Pure Beverages was established in 1979 and operates several manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. Through its range of bottled waters, it aims to ‘cater to the aspirations of a wide range of consumers in a dynamic society’. The acquisition’s completion is subject to contractual conditions and regulatory approvals.

Pladis is introducing a new limited-edition flavour to its McVitie’s Digestives range: Raspberry & Cream Pink Digestives. The product features golden-baked Digestive biscuits topped with a raspberry and cream-flavoured coating. It forms part of McVitie’s ongoing centenary celebrations for its Chocolate Digestives brand. Benazir Barlet-Batada, marketing director for Pladis UK&I, said: “As we continue to celebrate 100 years of McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives, we wanted to mark the next chapter in our history by reinventing the nation’s favourite". “We know consumers are currently enjoying nostalgic flavours across a wide range of food and drink products, and that nostalgia in food isn’t just about recreating the past, it’s about rediscovering it in a way that feels new and exciting. Meanwhile pink is also still trending as a popular colour across food and drink." “Our new Pink Digestives are fun, fresh and packed with fruity flavour, designed to delight loyal Digestives fans and foodies alike.” The new flavour will be available in Sainsbury’s from 16 June, with a broader rollout to other major retailers, convenience stores and wholesalers planned for July.

PepsiCo has ceased manufacturing operations at its Frito-Lay processing plant in Rancho Cucamonga, Southern California, ending five decades of production at the site. While production will cease, the company confirmed that its warehouse, distribution, fleet and transportation teams will continue to operate at the site. The company told FoodBev in a statement: "PepsiCo Foods US announced the shutdown of manufacturing operations at our Rancho Cucamonga site. Our warehouse, distribution, fleet and transportation teams will continue to operate at this location." "We are truly grateful for all the support over the last five decades from our Rancho Cucamonga manufacturing team as well as the local community. We are committed to supporting those impacted through this transition and we are offering pay and benefits to impacted employees." PepsiCo has not revealed how many employees are impacted by the closure.

JM Smucker is preparing to increase coffee prices further as the company looks to offset rising costs and drive profitability across its retail coffee portfolio, which includes Folgers, Dunkin' and Café Bustelo. In its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings report, the US food and beverage group revealed an 11% increase in retail coffee sales value compared to the same period last year, driven entirely by higher pricing. The company highlighted that net price realisation – particularly for the Folgers and Café Bustelo brands – was the primary contributor to growth, with volume remaining flat overall. Smucker also provided guidance for fiscal year 2026, forecasting a 2% to 4% increase in overall net sales, with 'higher net price realisation' expected to be a key factor. While the company did not explicitly confirm the timing of future price increases, the language in its outlook suggests further hikes are likely across key categories, including coffee. The retail coffee unit remained Smucker’s largest contributor to quarterly sales, generating $738.6 million, with a segment profit of $211.2 million. However, profit margins contracted slightly due to increased commodity costs, despite reduced marketing spend. “As we look ahead to fiscal year 2026, we remain focused on delivering the business through the strength of our key growth platforms,” said CEO Mark Smucker. “We are confident in our strategy, and we are well-positioned to deliver long-term growth and increase shareholder value.” Top image: © The JM Smucker