Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from some of our member associations in the vending, coffee and water sectors. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this round-up highlights key developments, events and initiatives shaping the future of these industries, providing essential information on emerging trends and regulatory changes. Vending and coffee updates The vending, automated retail and coffee sectors are rapidly evolving, with new initiatives, industry events and regulatory developments shaping its future. Here’s what’s happening in this sector this month: European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) EVEX 2025 gathers 300 industry players in Split The European Vending Experience (EVEX) 2025 took place in Split, Croatia, from 9-12 September, attracting around 300 participants from 34 countries, including 100 vending operators and 35 sponsors. The event, hosted at Le Méridien Lav, coincided with the recent formation of the Croatian Vending Association (CROVENA) and featured a programme focused on artificial intelligence in vending. Keynotes were delivered by Matthew Blakemore and Arnaud Llamas Bravo, while operators presented case studies on adapting to changing consumer demand. The EVA Annual General Assembly also took place, with elections for the new executive committee. Paolo Ghidotti (Bianchi Industry) was elected EVA president for a three-year term. Meanwhile, Alberto Giovonni of Brita was appointed treasurer, Mihai Ungureanu of O’Fresh became first vice president and Jürgen Göbel of Ingenico and Antonio Tartaro of IVS were named vice presidents. The committee also includes Ariadni Skliri (CPI), Michele Pellegrinelli (Evoca Group), José Manuel Mendoza (ANEDA), Aris Kaschefi (BDV), Michele Adt (CONFIDA), Christian Mengus (NAVSA), Pascal Uffer (Boost Inc) and Peter van Griensven (Maas International). EVA also presented its latest market statistics and progress on SmartLink, a new communication protocol designed to replace existing machine standards. A draft version will be published by the end of 2025, with a working demonstration scheduled for Venditalia 2026. The two-and-a-half-day trade show highlighted new vending, coffee and unattended retail technologies. Boost Inc’s Vendlive received the Jury Award at the EVEX Highlight Awards, while Evoca Group’s Necta Barista 600 Pro Touch won the Attendees Award. The anniversaries of the UK Vending Association (95 years) and the French association NAVSA (70 years) were also marked during the event. Details of EVEX 2026 will be announced at a later date. Beverage Standards Association (BSA) BSA hosts networking event in Bury, confirms presence at Caffè Culture 2025 The BSA has recently held a networking event at Field Service Solutions in Bury, bringing together members and non-members to connect and learn more about the association and its host. The evening provided an opportunity for attendees to share industry insights and strengthen professional networks. Looking ahead, the BSA has confirmed it will take part in this year’s Caffè Culture event, which runs from 30 September to 1 October at the Business Design Centre in London. The trade show is expected to attract more than 3,500 coffee and hospitality professionals seeking the latest products and services, alongside a programme of talks, demonstrations and interactive features. National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) NAMA appoints Christine Cochran as new president and CEO NAMA has appointed Christine Cochran as its next president and CEO, following a nine-month search. Christine Cochran She will assume the role on 2 December 2025, succeeding Carla Balakgie, who is retiring after 14 years in the position. Cochran joins NAMA from SNAC International, where she has served as president and CEO since 2022. Her previous roles include executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation and president of the Commodity Markets Council. Cochran said: “I am honoured to join NAMA at such a pivotal moment for the US convenience services industry. With more than 165,000 jobs supported and 40 million consumers served daily, this industry plays a critical role in delivering accessible nutrition and innovative solutions to people at work and on the go." "I look forward to collaborating with the NAMA board, members, stakeholders and staff to build on this strong foundation and support the industry’s continued evolution as convenience services operators provide an ever-increasing range of custom solutions." NAMA's chair and search committee chair, Patrick Moran, commented: “Christine has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, operational expertise and a focus on growth. Her track record makes her the right leader to guide NAMA forward." "I’m eager to partner with Christine to advance the industry as she focuses on delivering high-impact programs and services for our members. I’m also deeply grateful for Carla Balakgie’s impactful and enduring leadership and dedicated NAMA service.” Michael Schwartz, NAMA chair elect and search committee member, added: “Christine brings a deep knowledge of Consumer Packaged Goods, food and nutrition to NAMA. Her background in food manufacturing and related regulatory issues ensures NAMA will continue to protect the industry while growing association programs and services." Balakgie will remain with the association until the end of 2025 to support the transition. Water updates The water sector continues to evolve with innovative technologies, sustainability initiatives and industry events driving progress. From watercoolers to hydration solutions, here’s what’s happening in this space: Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) NMWE and UNESDA publish guide to effective DRS Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) and UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe have released a new guide to support the development of Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) across the continent. The DRS Playbook: Everything you need to know about developing, financing and operating Deposit Return Schemes was produced with OLHC Consultants and is intended as a practical resource for policymakers and industry stakeholders. It comes as more EU Member States consider, implement or redesign DRS in line with the recently approved Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Patricia Fosselard, secretary general of NMWE, said: "There can be no one-size-fits-all for DRS. Every system will need to take into account the country’s specific context. But with this Playbook, we hope to provide the essential ingredients to build effective schemes." "By working together and sharing key learnings and best practices, we can build solutions which will deliver circularity for beverage packaging across Europe." Nicholas Hodac, director general of UNESDA, added: "We are excited to release this playbook. It is a major collaborative effort bringing together our extensive expertise in DRS engagement with one clear goal: to inspire and guide stakeholders in making new DRS work effectively across Europe." "This is an important step in our own circularity actions and helping the industry to accelerate progress toward a circular economy for beverage packaging." The playbook includes case studies, policy analysis and technical guidance on designing efficient, consumer-friendly systems, financing long-term operations and achieving high return rates with closed-loop recycling. The publication aims to help member states meet the 2029 target set by the single-use plastics directive, which requires 90% collection of plastic beverage bottles. International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) IBWA president and CEO Joe Doss to retire in 2026 IBWA has announced that president and CEO Joe Doss will retire in 2026 after leading the organisation since 1999. Joe Doss According to the association, Doss’s tenure coincided with significant category expansion in the US. Bottled water moved from the nation’s fifth-largest beverage by volume at the turn of the century to number one in 2016, a position it has held for the past ten years. Annual consumption has risen from 4.3 billion gallons in 1999 to a projected 16.8 billion gallons in 2025, while retail sales are projected to grow from $10.4 billion in 2000 to $51.2 billion in 2025. IBWA said Doss will remain in post during the search for his successor and for several months after the new leader is selected to ensure a smooth transition. In a message to the board and executive committee, Doss said: "“IBWA has been more than just a place to work – it has been my passion, my purpose and my family for more than a quarter-century". "It has been a great privilege to help lead such a wonderful team of members, staff, and consultants through many years of transformation, challenge and growth in the bottled water industry, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished during my tenure." IBWA’s chair, Doug Hidding, praised Doss' leadership, saying: “As Joe approaches his retirement, our association reflects with gratitude on the remarkable leadership he has provided as president and CEO. His commitment to fairness and accuracy has been the hallmark of his service, guiding decisions that have strengthened our organization and advanced our mission.” “These qualities have earned him enduring respect across the membership and beyond. We extend our sincere appreciation for his 26 years of dedicated service and the lasting impact he has made.” Watercoolers Europe (WE) WE: Early bird rates and Aqua Awards applications Watercoolers Europe is pleased to announce that early bird registration is now open for the WE 2025 Conference & Trade Fair, taking place on 6-7 November 2025 in Milan. Delegates can secure preferential entry rates until 30 September 2025, with further discounts available for WE Members. The event programme features keynote sessions, technical and marketing workshops, the International Trade Fair and the prestigious Aqua Awards Gala Dinner. Applications are also open for the Aqua Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in innovation, sustainability, marketing and social impact across the watercooler industry. The final application deadline is 17 October 2025. Winners will be announced during the Gala Dinner in Milan, in front of industry peers and leaders. For more information and to register or apply, visit: www.watercoolerseurope.eu

Ryan Moore Once a niche ingredient reserved for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has exploded into the mainstream – and it’s not just because of its vibrant green colour. Ryan Moore, co-founder of UK-based speciality drinks brand Blendsmiths, explores how a mix of health benefits, consumer demand for functional ingredients and social media-fuelled visibility is driving matcha’s global rise – and what it means for the drinks industry. From a health perspective, matcha stands out for its high concentration of antioxidants – compounds that help protect the body from cell damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. In particular, it’s rich in catechins like EGCG, which have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves and certain mushrooms, known for promoting calm and focus. This unique combination has helped fuel interest in other functional ingredients, such as reishi and lion’s mane, that promote relaxation and focus without the jitters associated with caffeine alone. In fact, it's the L-theanine that slows down caffeine absorption and promotes a more sustained release of energy – something that many people are finding to be a more suitable source of caffeine. The global demand for matcha is currently at an unprecedented level, with exploding interest outside of Japan, especially in the western world. This surge is putting a huge strain on the supply chain. The popularity is also being driven by media hype – the visually appealing nature of matcha lattes, combined with influencer endorsements and the perception of health benefits, has fuelled a global surge in demand that is outpacing supply and causing price increases. Production The production of matcha is a lengthy process, often taking several years to establish fully commercial, high-quality tea fields. Matcha is typically grown in Japan due to its ideal climate and terroir conditions. There are no shortcuts in the ancient tradition of matcha cultivation, which should be appreciated by the entire industry and customers alike. Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. The process involves several key steps: shading the tea plants, harvesting the youngest leaves, steaming, drying, de-stemming, sorting and finally grinding the tencha (the dried, processed leaves) into matcha using a stone mill. The price of matcha has remained relatively stable during this spike in popularity, but given the global supply shortages and increasing demand, it’s inevitable that drink producers and consumers will soon see cost increases. We don’t foresee this slowing down anytime soon, but given the multifaceted benefits of matcha and the carefully considered cultivation methods, any increase in cost is well worth it. Next big thing Hojicha is an alternative product on people’s lips. It’s a Japanese green tea (usually bancha, sencha, or kukicha) that is roasted under high heat. Although it lacks the bright green colour of matcha – presenting more of a reddish-brown hue – it offers a distinct, toasted flavour and a low-caffeine drink experience. The roasting process reduces both caffeine and tannins, resulting in a less astringent and smoother tea. It's worth noting that we don’t always need to look too far from the apple tree, so to speak. The rise in popularity of speciality-grade hot chocolate and various forms of chai blends are making huge waves globally in the food and beverage scene. These ancient drinks, offering diverse taste profiles, are providing a feeling of nostalgia in progressive yet recognisable formats. The rise of functional drinks – not just in ready-to-drink (RTD) format – is also playing a huge role in the ever-evolving drinks industry. Functional blends have been around for a while. Great brands such as Rheal and Naturya have done an excellent job in the consumer-facing drink powder market. More recently, the likes of Trip, Hip-Pop and Living Things have made a mark in the RTD scene. Cafés are increasingly looking to bring these blends in-house and offer them as part of their drinks menus, responding to the growing awareness among younger generations about health. As an industry, we are well-positioned to cater to this need. Sustainability Producing matcha the traditional way is a sustainably proactive practice – particularly when centuries-old farming methods are used. Minimal waste is generated; for example, the entire leaf is used, unlike other teas that discard parts of the plant. Matcha tea plants are also long-living and can be harvested for many years, making them a relatively sustainable crop and matcha an environmentally friendly beverage overall.

Nestlé has promoted Alfonso Gonzalez Loeschen to chief executive officer of Nespresso and member of the company's executive board, effective 1 November 2025. Alfonso Gonzalez Loeschen Loeschen will succeed Philipp Navratil, who was appointed CEO of Nestlé earlier this month after the dismissal of Laurent Freixe . Loeschen is currently CEO of Nespresso North America, a position he has held since 2020, overseeing operations in the US, Canada and Mexico. During his tenure, he led the expansion of the Nespresso Vertuo system, delivering double-digit growth and market share gains. He joined Nestlé in Mexico in 1992 as an assistant marketing manager and has since held senior roles across multiple markets and divisions. These include vice president of marketing for Nestlé USA’s beverage division, general manager of Nestlé Puerto Rico, Nespresso’s chief marketing officer and most recently, CEO of Nespresso North America. Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé, commented: "We are happy to announce that Alfonso will become the new CEO of Nespresso and a member of the group executive board. We look forward to working with him to advance our growth strategy for Nespresso." "His extensive expertise and deep understanding of the portioned coffee category, along with Alfonso's results-focused approach and talent to inspire teams, will enable him to drive performance and execution".

Canadian water solutions provider H2O Innovation has acquired Spanish manufacturer of water filtration systems, Lama Sistemas de Filtrados Unipersonal. Founded in 1948, Lama is known for its advanced backwashable filters used for suspended solids removal, with products ranging from manual to fully automated systems. The company serves municipal, industrial and agricultural markets. The deal will see Lama integrated into H2O Innovation’s Specialty Products business line, expanding its pretreatment solutions for ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis systems. Lama’s portfolio will complement H2O Innovation’s Piedmont brand, which focuses on reverse osmosis pretreatment. Frédéric Dugré, president and chief executive officer of H2O Innovation, said: “Lama’s strong expertise in backwashable filtration systems makes it a perfect addition to our components and consumables business. This acquisition reinforces our leadership position in the global desalination supply chain and expands the solutions we deliver to customers worldwide.” All 40 of Lama’s employees will remain with the business under the H2O Innovation umbrella. Jorge Lama, president of Lama, added: “We are excited to join H2O Innovation and bring our filtration expertise to a broader international market. Together, we will create even greater value for our customers and partners.” Top image: © Lama Sistemas de Filtrado

IDS Borjomi Georgia, the country's premier mineral water producer, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art bottling facility in Kvibisi, marking a significant milestone in the Georgian beverage industry. The $120 million investment represents the largest single investment in this sector since Georgia gained independence, underscoring the brand's commitment to enhancing its production capabilities and expanding its market reach. The new plant, spanning 48,000 square meters, is poised to become the largest bottling operation in Georgia, initially producing 750 million bottles annually, with an ambitious target to ramp up production to 1 billion bottles by 2030. This facility is equipped with four advanced production lines and cutting-edge water bottling infrastructure, allowing for increased efficiency and product diversity. In addition to the flagship Borjomi mineral water, the expanded facility will introduce a range of new products, including Limonati by Borjomi, Bakuriani – a flavoured water option, and Likani Flavored. This diversification is aimed at capturing a broader consumer base and addressing the growing demand for innovative beverage options. Afnan Ahsan, group CEO of IDS Borjomi International, said: “The new plant represents a significant milestone in strengthening Borjomi’s position across international markets. It enables us to further strengthen our presence in Georgia and home markets in Eastern Europe while also confidently expanding operations in strategic markets such as the United States, China and the Middle East." The investment is not only a testament to Borjomi’s heritage but also a forward-looking initiative designed to enhance its global brand presence. Ivane Matchavariani, CEO of IDS Borjomi Georgia, added: "“This unprecedented high-tech enterprise is a project of historic significance, taking the company to a new stage. It represents the largest investment ever made in this sector in the history of independent Georgia and is vital for both the region and the country’s economy." The opening ceremony was attended by key government officials, diplomats and members of the business community, reflecting the project’s importance to Georgia’s economic landscape. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted the plant's role as a “bridge between our unique heritage and a responsible, sustainable future,” highlighting its compliance with international environmental standards and its potential social impact by creating approximately 600 jobs for local residents. The establishment of this facility aligns with Georgia's broader economic goals of fostering national industries that enhance the country’s reputation as a producer of high-quality goods.

Bulletproof has introduced a new flavoured coffee blend that combines Saigon cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla with 100% arabica beans. The product is positioned as a cleaner alternative to conventional flavoured coffees, which often use synthetic sprays or chemical flavourings. The Cinnamon and Vanilla Artisan Coffee is a medium roast with a smooth finish, marketed as free from artificial flavours and sweeteners. According to the company, the beans are sustainably sourced and undergo toxin testing for quality assurance. Bulletproof’s new coffee is available in a 10oz ground format via the brand's website and on Amazon.

Daniel Marquiss Sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration for hospitality, foodservice and retail operators – it is a strategic priority that influences customer loyalty, operational efficiency and brand reputation. As environmental pressures mount and climate-conscious consumers become the dominant customer base, forward-thinking businesses are seeking practical, high-impact ways to reduce waste, conserve resources and protect water quality. Daniel Marquiss, VP of service at Vivreau, explores how simple measures in water management can deliver both environmental and financial benefits. With September in full swing and customers returning in greater numbers, it’s a good moment for businesses to ask: How can we be better stewards of sustainability? As an expert in the water dispenser industry, my advice is to start with simple fixes, particularly water consumption and habits. Water use connects to many aspects of sustainability: plastic waste, overconsumption, pollution from frequent deliveries and the growing concern over declining water quality. Innovations in water management can reduce a company's carbon footprint, improve sustainability metrics and strengthen their bottom line – a true win-win. Reducing plastic waste One impactful step is tackling plastic waste. The restaurant industry faces a particular challenge with single-use water bottles, which contribute significantly to pollution and landfill overflow. In the US alone, nearly a trillion pieces of disposable foodware and packaging are used annually, with much ending up in the environment. To make matters worse, approximately 11 million metric tons of plastic make their way into the ocean every year.  To address this growing crisis, it’s clear that restaurants, along with the broader hospitality and retail sectors, must prioritise reducing plastic waste. Moving away from single-use bottled water is an effective solution. Transporting bottled water adds to emissions, while sustainable alternatives – such as refillable water stations or reusable glass bottles – remove that need entirely. For example, the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada, eliminated 1 million single-use bottles annually after adopting a sustainable water solution. While there may be upfront costs, long-term savings from reduced purchasing, transport and disposal make this a smart financial and environmental choice. Protecting water and environment Reducing plastic waste is important, but conserving water is equally critical. Despite water covering much of our planet, only a tiny fraction is drinkable – and we don’t always do enough to protect this vital resource. Water quality in the US is shifting due to factors like rising temperatures, changing precipitation, runoff and sea level rise. These changes lead to regional impacts, such as flooding, drought, water contamination and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Contaminant trends in streams, rivers and groundwater are also being monitored. Simple fixes, like getting a 'leaky' faucet replaced or updating outdated equipment, can have a big impact on a company's bottom line. In Canada, a faucet dripping just ten times per minute can waste around 2,000 litres of water annually, according to BC Hydro . This can lead to significant costs, especially for high-usage businesses. Water protection can also extend beyond business walls. While charitable contributions can have complex tax implications, there are creative ways to protect the planet’s water supply. Organising beach clean-ups or tree-planting events can offer a smart alternative. Small actions like these can drive larger change, inspire other businesses in the community and boost company morale through team-building opportunities. Appealing to the next-gen of climate-conscious consumers Sustainability is a key priority for Gen Z consumers, making it essential for businesses to align with their values as this generation becomes a dominant customer base. Overall, 90% of restaurant diners favour strong sustainable practices, which can lead to increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth, ultimately driving growth. This trend goes beyond restaurants. Eco-friendly and responsible travel experiences are becoming more popular, with the American Hotel and Lodging Association identifying sustainability as a key industry focus. According to Booking.com, nearly half of travellers are more likely to book accommodations labelled as sustainable. Sustainability also influences hiring. A Deloitte study shows 70% of respondents value a business’s environmental policies when assessing potential employers, and 23% actively research a company’s environmental credentials before accepting a job offer. Small steps, a big collective impact The world is changing, and it is important to recognise the shared responsibility to adapt – not only as individuals but as business partners. By adopting simple changes, such as switching to reusable water containers or organising a beach clean-up, businesses and industries can take small, incremental steps that, collectively, have a significant impact. These changes can also be a win-win, reducing operational costs while building trust with new generations of consumers.

A group of bipartisan lawmakers has introduced legislation to roll back tariffs on coffee imports, citing rising costs for consumers. Representatives Ro Khanna, Don Bacon, Don Beyer and Maggie Goodlander, introduced the 'No Coffee Tax' Act on Friday. The bill seeks to repeal tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, which set a 50% duty on Brazilian coffee imports – the United States’ largest source of coffee. The lawmakers said the policy has contributed to higher retail prices, with US coffee costs up nearly 21% in August compared with the same month last year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Prior to 2017, tariffs on coffee were set at 0%, except for coffee substitutes containing coffee. Ro Khanna said: “Americans started a revolution over a tax on tea. US coffee prices have increased significantly in the last year, in part due to Trump’s tariffs. If you drink coffee every morning, how can you not be mad about that? Our bipartisan bill is simple: it removes Trump's tariffs on coffee to bring down costs." Don Bacon added: “Families across America are feeling the cost of higher coffee prices, which are already up 21%, and tariffing a product we can't grow at a large, commercial scale, only makes it worse". "Tariffs are simply a tax on American consumers, raising the price of everyday goods without creating jobs or bringing production on-shore. Article One of the Constitution makes clear that congress has the authority to set tariffs, and this legislation begins to reclaim that authority. I look forward to working with Rep Khanna to introduce this bipartisan bill and believe it can help spark the broader debate about Congress reclaiming its constitutional role in tariff policy." Don Beyer said the measure would “stop” what he described as a “new tax on coffee every morning thanks to President Trump’s tariffs.” Maggie Goodlander called the duties “Donald Trump’s unilateral tax on coffee,” adding that the bill would “cut this senseless tax that you’re paying every day.” The US is the world’s largest importer of coffee, with Brazil historically supplying about a third of total imports before tariffs curtailed shipments.

The World Coffee Innovation Awards is a celebration of the latest and greatest products, designs and technologies driving the evolution of one of the world’s most popular drinks. From how we brew our morning coffee to the incredible on-the-go options now available, these awards shine a light on the game-changers shaping the future of coffee.   This year marks the third edition of the World Coffee Innovation Awards, aiming to emphasise the greatest innovations, products and business practices. FoodBev aims to recognise the brands responding to consumers demand for ready-to-drink options the rise in favourful functional coffee with increased benefits as well as a caffeine fix. Innovation is the core of the award’s creation, celebrating the cutting-edge advancements in the way we roast, distribute and package coffee for placement on the top shelf of homes and coffee shops worldwide. Additionally, the award acknowledges the incredible businesses, sustainability and ethical practices that allow us to continue to enjoy coffee for the foreseeable future.   FoodBev is excited to announce the game-changers in the coffee industry, working with incredible experts to recognise the amazing innovations on an old classic. With a range of expertise spanning over 30 years in the world of coffee, the full list of judges for 2025 are: Jessica Munro  – Beverage expert at Monin Francois Knopes  – Manager / Coffee quality advisor at The independent Coffee Lab John Richardson  – Founder at The Café Experts Stuart Haden  – Coffee expert at JDE Coffee Rafaela Sousa  – Digital news editor at FoodBev Media   FoodBev would like to present the shortlisted entries for the World Coffee Innovation Awards 2025. These amazing submissions have been highlighted by our judges for a mark of excellence in elevating the coffee experience. Continue reading to view the full shortlist and the impact made on the coffee industry. Shortlisted for the best product categories 2025: Beforeyouspeak - Performance Coffee Days - Days Espresso Capsules Trio Dualit - Dualit Half Caffeine Coffee Pods & Dualit Espressivo Pro Coffee Machine Edenesque - Barista Blend Pistachio Milk Eversys UK & Ireland - Lègacy+ Fellow - Series 1 Espresso Machine GoodBrew - GoodBrew GoodGut Latte & GoodBrew Coconut Latte High Level Coffee - French Roast CBD Coffee Kefircoffee - Kefircoffee – The World’s First Full-Coffee Functional Beverage Lost Sheep Coffee - Lost Sheep Espresso Coffee Concentrate Mindfuelbev - Mindfuel Flow focus & clarity & Mindfuel Flow stress & mood New Forest Shortbread - Coffee-flavoured New Forest Shortbread PT Lautan Natural Krimerindo - Ellenka Barista Series Coconut M!lk Qinhu Atomic Biotechnology (Jiangsu) Co - Zhi Xiao Lu: Classic Espresso Essence Seaguth Elixirs - Sunrise Vanilla Latte Sky Barn - +Adaptogens Oat Milk Sparkfe International Company - Portable Electric Coffee Grinder SugarBean Candy - Coffee Bean Brûlée | Double Shot Unconform - Unconform Cold Brew Flat White Yili Group - ZhenNong Thick Milk & Milk Talk coffee latte Shortlisted for the best innovation categories 2025: Coccola - Coccola Hard Beans - Hardtap JBT Marel - SuperStatic Technology for Static and Agitating Retorts Jiyonson - Smart Home Coffee Roaster Kefircoffee - Kefircoffee – The World’s First-to-Market Coffee Technology Owens Coffee - Owens Organic Coffee Parkside Flexibles - Recoflex Coffee Portfolio Sparkfe International Company - Sparkfe Portable Electric Grind & Hand-Pour Coffee All-In-One Shortlisted for the best bussines categories 2025: Boxx Coffee Roasters - Boxx Coffee Roasters Cartisan Carts - The Richmond Coccola - Coccola Coffee Foundation - Coffee Foundation Call Us Crazy GoodBrew - Get your GoodBrew and go social video Parkside Flexibles - Recoflex recyclable barrier packaging range Graphic Packaging International - Boardio Paperboard Canister for Mother Parkers and Target This amazing range of products give a great perspective of the future of the coffee industry involved in this year’s World Coffee Innovation Awards. Get ready to celebrate the greatest new ideas at the winner’s ceremony at Caffé Culture show as chosen by our incredible judging panel. The ceremony will be taking place on the Caffe Insights stage on the 30 September 2025. Want to taste a few of these amazing innovations? Join the World Coffee Innovation Awards at our showcase stand at Caffé Culture from 30 September - 1 October and get first hand first hand experience with some of this year’s industry revolutions. About FoodBev Awards FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are now recognised as the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry. For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com  or email awards@foodbev.com

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has announced the appointment of Olivier Lemire as president of the company's US coffee business. Olivier Lemire Lemire, who joined KDP in 2011, has held multiple senior roles over his 14-year tenure, most recently serving as president of the company’s Canadian business. He succeeds Patrick Minogue, who has led the US coffee business since 2021. Minogue will remain with the company through 30 September 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Tim Cofer, chief executive officer of KDP, said: “Olivier is a strong, people-centered leader who will help take our coffee business to the next level. He has done an exceptional job leading our Canadian coffee business, strengthening our position in that market while fostering a world class team and culture.” In addition, KDP named Ryan Bahadur, VP of finance for KDP Canada over the past seven years, as interim president of the business. The appointment follows KDP’s earlier announcement of its planned €15.7 billion acquisition of European coffee conglomerate JDE Peet’s, after which the combined businesses will be divided into two entities: Global Coffee Co and Beverage Co.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is reportedly planning to eliminate approximately 680 jobs as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at addressing ongoing financial pressures. According to a report by Business Day , which cited Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) spokesperson Dominique Swartz, the company has initiated a consultation process with employees and unions regarding potential retrenchments, although no final decision has yet been made. The impending job cuts reportedly coincide with the planned closure of production facilities in Bloemfontein and East London, marking a significant shift in the operations of one of the region's largest bottlers for Coca-Cola. FAWU has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the retrenchments, claiming that procedural violations have occurred in the notification process. Swartz indicated that the majority of the affected workers are cleaning staff, who play a critical role in the food and beverage production processes. This group reportedly constitutes nearly 9% of CCBSA's workforce of approximately 7,700 employees in South Africa. The union plans to challenge the retrenchment process, arguing that the company’s rationale is more about "realigning the business" than addressing genuine financial hardship. Motshidisi Mokwena, CCBSA's head of communication, said in a statement to local press: "We have started a consultation process with unions and non-unionised employees who may be impacted". "Our priority is to support affected colleagues with fairness, transparency, and compassion during this process. Consultations are underway, and no final decision has been made." This announcement is reportedly part of a broader trend of multinational corporations scaling back operations in South Africa, driven by economic challenges, strained trade relations and rising operational costs. Notably, other major companies, including Ford Motor Company and Goodyear, have also announced significant job cuts in recent months, reflecting the tough economic landscape. The situation is further complicated by South Africa's fraught trade relations with the US, which have been characterised by disputes over tariffs and trade privileges. These tensions may have contributed to declining investor confidence and a challenging operating environment for international firms, prompting many to reassess their commitments to the region. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), the parent company of CCBSA, has expressed ambitious growth plans for the continent, yet the contradiction of expanding operations while simultaneously cutting jobs highlights the ongoing tension between corporate efficiency and local employment.

Nurri, a lifestyle brand recognised for its 30g Protein Ultra-Filtered Milk Shakes, has expanded its product line by launching a new Mocha flavour, now available in Walmart stores across the US. This addition follows the recent introduction of the Strawberry flavour, further enhancing the brand's offerings alongside its established favourites: Chocolate and Vanilla. Adam Tollefson, Nurri's director of marketing, said: “Our goal is to make Nurri more readily available to more people, and adding Walmart as a retail partner is a big step in accomplishing this”. The new single-can format is designed to provide convenience for consumers, allowing them to enjoy the product chilled, over ice or even mixed into beverages like soda or coffee. The Mocha flavour joins the other varieties in single cans, each designed to deliver nutritional benefits with minimal sugar. Each 11oz can contains 30g of protein, 10 essential vitamins and minerals, and just 1g of sugar, all while being lactose-free and made with ultra-filtered milk. The Mocha variant also includes an energising boost with 80mg of caffeine, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking both flavour and functionality. Tom Lehocky, vice president of sales at Nurri, added: “Partnering with the nation’s largest retailer allows us to meet growing consumer demand and reach millions of new shoppers nationwide”. The products are available in single cans at Walmart, with a suggested retail price of $2.97, although prices may vary by location. The move to expand into Walmart is indicative of Nurri’s strategy to enhance market presence and cater to a broader audience.