US retail technology firm, AiFi, has raised $65 million in a Series B funding round to strengthen its autonomous retail position. The funding round featured participation from Aldi South Group, Żabka Group, Rewe, Verizon Ventures and Qualcomm Ventures LLC, among others. Founded in 2016, AiFi is an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that allows retailers to deploy autonomous shopping solutions. The company works with top retailers, such as Aldi South Group, Carrefour, Compass Group and Żabka Group. According to AiFi, the round, which brings the company’s total funding to $80 million, will be used to expand its technical team “to cater to the surging demand for AiFi’s solution”. AiFi’s CEO and co-founder, Steve Gu, said: “The pandemic heavily influenced consumer preferences, including the need for quicker, more seamless shopping experiences. It’s become clear that shoppers are ready for autonomous retail and AiFi is here to deliver.” “We relentlessly improve our AI algorithms to ensure we have a strong foundation to support our platform, and the success we’ve seen with diverse store formats, speed of deployment and a frictionless customer experience attests to the flexibility and maturity our product has achieved.” He continued: “We have deepened our partnerships with some of the world’s largest retailers that share a vision of innovation. With this latest round of funding, we’ll be able to scale our partnerships and launch customised stores in record time to bring us closer to our vision of using AI to simplify people’s busy lives.” AiFi’s technology is being deployed in a wide range of store formats, including grocery stores, sports stadiums, canteens, convenience stores at universities, and more. The company claims its advanced tracking algorithms can scale up to 10,000 square feet to accommodate various shopper journeys, including app, credit card and gated or hybrid entry. #AI #AiFi #technology

Waterloo Sparkling Water has expanded its line of carbonated water with the launch of two new variants. Cherry Limeade features a blend of lime citrus and red cherries with notes of grenadine, pomegranate and orange citrus. Meanwhile, the Blackberry Lemonade is described as a “twist on classic country lemonade”, with blackberry notes layered in. The offerings are free of sugar, calories and sweeteners, and are made with non-GMO natural flavours and purified carbonated water. Adam Price, SVP of operations and flavour development lead at Waterloo, said: “We know that flavour goes beyond just taste. When developing new offerings, we’re also perfecting the aroma, mouthfeel, carbonation and more, to ensure our consumers get the full experience they expect from us.” He continued: “When creating our Cherry Limeade and Blackberry Lemonade innovations, we tinkered with the flavours for over 10 months to craft authentic flavours that transport you back to the carefree days of summer”. Waterloo Cherry Limeade and Blackberry Lemonade sparkling waters are available at HEB, Central Market, Hy-Vee and Whole Foods, with additional distribution coming in April at Target and other major retailers. #US #water #WaterlooSparklingWater

Selecta has partnered with Mars Wrigley to introduce a new generation of intelligent vending machines at locations across the UK and Europe. The smart vending machines feature 48-inch touchscreens, which consumers can use to access detailed product and nutritional information, purchase several products in a single transaction, and receive personalised product recommendations. “We are looking for partnerships to win with winners, and we see Mars Wrigley as a strong partner based on its strong brands and values”, said Jens van Beusekom, chief procurement officer at Selecta. “Selecta knows how to operate and how to approach the market. Mars Wrigley knows how to manage brands and snacks, and together we can win retail markets.” The vending solution is suitable for most locations, including workplaces, airports, railway stations, universities and hospitals. Selecta plans to install 500-1,000 vending machines in the UK and expand into other European countries, such as Germany, Italy, Austria, France and the Netherlands. #MarsWrigley #Selecta #vendingmachine

Selecta has partnered with Swiss coffee machine manufacturer, Thermoplan, to “further optimise” the company’s Starbucks coffee solutions. Founded in 1974, Thermoplan entered into the coffee machine industry in 1995 and is claimed to be the first company to develop the milk frother. Thermoplan’s coffee machines will be available exclusively for Selecta’s We Proudly Serve Starbucks Coffee Programme, offering the opportunity to optimise its range. “The one and only purpose of our business is making people feel great…And this means, if you want a really good cup of coffee, you will get it…high-quality beans, hand-selected roasts, best machines, served to perfection,” said Tjerry Sanders, category manager at Selecta. Last week, Selecta partnered with Red Bull to strengthen the energy drink brand’s distribution. #coffee #Selecta #Thermoplan

Culligan-owned Quench has acquired point-of-use (POU) water systems company, Blue Caffe, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2002, Blue Caffe is a supplier of POU water systems and coffee services located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. According to Quench, the acquisition of Blue Caffe – which has been described as a multi-city Wellsys dealer – will enhance the company’s footprint across the state. Ryan Hartley, VP of corporate development for Quench, said: “This is our third acquisition already in 2022 and is another example of our ongoing commitment to providing exit opportunities for POU dealers whenever they are ready”. Brad Kelley, Blue Caffe’s owner, added: “Quench has been a trusted partner of Blue Caffe, with their extensive product line and strategic nationwide resources I know that the synergies of products and staff will significantly enhance opportunities to serve our customers in an even better capacity”. This year, Quench has already acquired two other water solutions companies, Pure Aqua Tech of Michigan and Waterfresh. #BlueCaffe #Quench #US

French foodservice firm Sodexo has appointed its chairman Sophie Bellon as the company’s CEO, a position she has held on an interim basis since 1 October 2021. Bellon first joined Sodexo in 1994 and has held various leadership roles within the company, including CEO of the corporate services business unit for Sodexo France. Sophie Bellon According to Sodexo’s board of directors, Bellon’s “in-depth knowledge of the activities of the group” was considered to be a major asset. Bellon said: “I will continue to rely on the skills and diversity of the members of the board, as well as the commitment and expertise of the executive committee and our teams to accelerate Sodexo’s transformation and strengthen its competitiveness. The principles that will guide my actions will be loyalty to Sodexo’s values, entrepreneurial spirit, as well as efficiency and speed of execution. More than ever, I am committed to reinvigorating Sodexo’s growth path, which has been part of the group’s DNA since its creation.” Headquartered in Paris, Sodexo offers end-to-end services to businesses and the public sector, including food services and catering, vending machines, micro markets and more. #Appointments #foodservice #Sodexo

US holding company Golden Grail Technology has announced the acquisition of Tickle Water, a flavoured sparkling water brand aimed at children. Founded in 2016, Tickle Water offers natural, flavoured sparkling water that is free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, sodium, calories, GMOs, gluten and sugar, while also being certified OU Kosher. The brand’s line-up includes orange mango, green apple, watermelon, grape and natural sparkling water. Golden Grail’s chief marketing consultant, Erin Heit, said: “Tickle Water is the fourth and latest addition to our rapidly growing and already robust beverage portfolio of functional healthy brands. We are excited about Tickle Water, which adds another premium beverage offering to a new demographic, children.” She continued: “In addition to our plans for re-launching the thousands of established retailers that previously carried Tickle Water, Golden Grail plans to market Tickle Water responsibly to tweens”. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. #GoldenGrailTechnology #TickleWater #US

US juice brand Jamba and robotics firm Blendid have unveiled two new autonomous robotic smoothie kiosk locations at educational institutions in Georgia. The new locations are at Georgia College in Milledgeville and Kennesaw State University in Marietta. They mark the first Jamba by Blendid openings on college campuses, with the other pilot kiosk locations including a shopping mall and a big box retailer. According to Jamba, this marks a “significant step” as the companies look to open more Jamba by Blendid kiosks in gyms, hospitals and airports. The kiosk uses machine learning, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to offer a wide array of nutritious food options, made on demand, that can be customised to consumers’ lifestyle and taste preferences. Vipin Jain, CEO and co-founder of Blendid, said: “By utilising robotics and AI technology, we can achieve our team’s mission to make delicious and customised food accessible to all. We’re thrilled to have accomplished this at the first two Jamba by Blendid pilot locations, and the positive guest feedback validates the potential of our robotic kiosks at a variety of different locations across the country.” The smoothies are available in 14oz servings and consumers can place orders either in person or through Blendid’s mobile app. #Blendid #Jamba #kiosk

Azkoyen Group has completed its Vitro coffee machine range with the launch of a new compact automatic coffee machine with fresh milk, called the Vitro S1 MIA. The Vitro S1, which features an automatic cleaning process for the fresh milk system, includes a micro-injection air technology, allowing consumers to prepare a wide range of drinks, such as cappuccinos and latte macchiatos. The coffee machine allows the “density and consistency” of the foam, and hot and cold temperatures to be programmed. According to Azkoyen Group, the Vitro S1 is perfect for convenience stores, petrol stations, hotels and restaurants, with consumption of up to 80 cups per day. The new technology is also ideal for offices with up to 40 people. #AzkoyenGroup #coffeemachine

Cleaning equipment supplier Kärcher has become the “lead investor” in Mysoda, taking a stake in the Finnish company, which manufactures sparkling water makers for the consumer market. Mysoda makes its sparkling water machines from a wood-based and renewable material, and uses no fossil plastic in production. The company also manufactures flavour concentrates and CO2 cylinders to go with its machines. Mysoda CEO, David Solomon, said: “Kärcher shares our conviction of putting sustainability first, and I get really excited thinking about our cooperation and opportunities. They have decades of experience in sustainability, brand building, marketing and expanding to new markets.” He continued: “After all the start-up pains, it also feels really good to make the move from an underfunded start-up to a well-capitalised growth company. We compete with bigger companies, and thanks to this substantial minority investment, now we have the resources to stand our ground.” Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Mysoda sells its products in a large number of markets, including the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. #Kärcher #MySoda #sparklingwatermaker

UK functional tea brand Kaytea has released an organic cold brew iced tea that is inspired by the flavours of rosé wine. The beverage, named Sparkling Rosay, features “a subtle fizz and hints of pink guava that morph into well-balanced notes of roses”. The release is made from natural, vegan-friendly ingredients and contains 94% rose tea infusion, as well as concentrated sweet potato, radish, apple and cherry. The drink is both caffeine and alcohol-free but can work as either an alcohol alternative or a botanical mixer. Sparkling Rosay Organic Cold Brew Tea is available for an RRP of £29.99 for 24 bottles on the brand’s website. #Kaytea #UK

US energy drink brand Zoa, which is owned by Molson Coors, has added two new flavours to its portfolio: white peach and tropical punch. The carbonated beverage flavours feature zero sugar, antioxidants, a blend of vitamins, and natural caffeine from green tea and green coffee. Zoa beverages also contain turmeric, camu camu, which includes 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, as well as B vitamins. “We’ve always been mindful about what we put into our bodies and constantly fine tune what will maximise our performance, not only in the gym but in all aspects of life,” said Zoa founder, Dwayne Johnson. “Creating a better-for-you energy drink that consists of powerful ingredients with essential vitamins and natural caffeine was deeply important to us – and we’ve dedicated our time and passion to making it happen.” The new variants join Zoa’s other flavours, including original, super berry, lemon lime, wild orange and pineapple coconut. Zoa can be found at Speedway, Circle K, EG America and many other stores in the US. RRP $29.98 for a 12-pack. #MolsonCoorsBeverageCompany #MolsonCoors #US #energydrinks #Zoa #flavours