The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Washington state businessman Ryan Wear and his companies, Water Station Management and Creative Technologies, for allegedly running two related Ponzi-like schemes that raised more than $275 million from over 250 investors between 2016 and 2024. In a separate case, the SEC also charged Indiana-based portfolio manager Jordan Chirico, accusing him of breaching his fiduciary duty by investing client funds into the schemes despite conflicts of interest and warning signs. According to the SEC’s complaint, Wear and his firms raised about $165 million from retail investors, including military veterans, by selling investment contracts tied to water vending machines that often did not exist or had already been sold. A second scheme, targeting institutional investors between 2022 and 2024, raised over $110 million through notes supposedly backed by the same machines. The SEC alleges more than $60 million of investor money was misappropriated to pay earlier investors and finance Wear’s other businesses. Chirico is accused of steering his private fund client into purchasing Water Station notes while concealing his own personal investment in the venture. The SEC claims he caused the client to increase its holdings despite 'red flags' suggesting the water machine collateral may have been fabricated. Corey Schuster, chief of the division of enforcement’s asset management unit at SEC, said: “Wear’s alleged scheme spanned more than seven years and ensnared hundreds of investors, including veterans who were solicited with higher guaranteed returns and exclusive financing options". "Furthermore, it is fundamental to the advisory relationship that investment advisers like Chirico act in their clients’ best interests and disclose all material conflicts of interest. As alleged, Chirico failed to do so here while increasing his fund client’s investments in Water Station in the face of red flags.” The complaints, filed in the Southern District of New York, charge the defendants with violating federal securities antifraud laws. The SEC is seeking injunctions, civil penalties, disgorgement of alleged gains, and a director and officer bar against Wear.

US-based cold-pressed juice and wellness beverage company, Arden’s Garden, has launched its latest functional beverage, Focus+, marking its entry into the functional mushrooms market. Made with a combination of mushrooms, herbs and fruits that are known to support mental wellness and clarity, each 8oz bottle of Focus+ has 140 calories, 80mg of caffeine and 5g of dietary fibre with the flavours of apple, pineapple and peach. The recipe includes a mixture of functional ingredients, including mushrooms lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, as well as ashwagandha, bacopa and green tea. As with other Arden’s Garden products, Focus+ is vegan, gluten-free and certified kosher. Leslie Zinn, CEO of Arden's Garden, said: "The science is catching up to what many have known for years: functional mushrooms, ashwagandha and other adaptogens offer real, measurable health benefits. Our goal was to take these nutrient-dense ingredients and deliver them in a way that's not only effective but also truly enjoyable to drink.” Arden’s Garden was established in 1995 in Atlanta, US, with a mission to provide health and wellness through flavourful cold-pressed juices. Zinn continued: “We started formulating this beverage by drawing on decades of experience in cold-pressed juices and real feedback from our juice bar customers. Focus+ was built from the ground up with purpose, layering functional plants and mushrooms with vibrant fruits to create something that supports the body and delights the palate." Focus+ will begin appearing in Publix stores across the US, with further retail listings to follow later in the year. Focus+ retails at $4.99 per 8oz bottle.

Coca-Cola FEMSA is investing more than BRL 600 million (approx. $110 million) into its production plant in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. The announcement was made during a meeting last week between Mogi das Cruzes mayor Mara Bertaiolli and industrial manager Juan Martinez. The investment will enable the development of two new production lines for soft drinks at the site. Construction is due to be completed between October and December 2025, with the Mogi facility set to begin operations on the two new production lines in January 2026. The new machinery and structures will enhance sustainability and efficiency at the site, which will benefit from optimised energy and water efficiency in addition to reduced gas emissions. Additionally, the focus on water sustainability extends to external projects such as Water Neutrality, which returns the volume of water used at the company's plant to nature. Mario Cesar Schafaschek, supply chain director at Coca-Cola FEMSA Brazil, said: “The Mogi facility plays a strategic role not only for our company but also within the Coca-Cola System in Brazil. We are very optimistic about the arrival of the new soft drink lines, featuring high-level technology that will bring great efficiency to the use of resources.” He added: “This expansion reinforces our commitment to the sustainable development of the region, strengthening value generation for our partners, customers and the local community.” During the meeting with mayor Bertaiolli, new partnerships between Coca-Cola FEMSA and Mogi were also discussed. These include initiatives to contribute to the modernisation of sewage treatment plants and investments in early childhood through social projects, as well as the hiring of local staff to provide services for the company. Coca-Cola FEMSA began operations in Brazil in 2003, and is now the largest-selling manufacturer of the Coca-Cola System in the country. It has over 25,000 employees and operates in eight states (Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo) with 11 factories and 47 distribution centres.

US-based foodservice automation company Hyphen has raised $25 million in a Series B funding round, with participation from restaurant chain CAVA Group. The funding will be used to accelerate production and deployment of Hyphen’s Automated Makeline across US restaurants. The system combines robotics and AI to increase order capacity during peak hours, improve accuracy and allow staff to focus on customer service. Hyphen will manufacture the units in partnership with Re:Build Manufacturing and provide nationwide installation and maintenance through Ricoh USA’s network of more than 15,000 technicians. Stephen Klein, co‑founder and CEO of Hyphen, said: "This new funding is a testament to the impact Hyphen's team and technology are having on restaurant operations. We are galvanised by this investment to scale our manufacturing, support our growing customer base, and continue innovating as we build the future of foodservice." Brett Schulman, co‑founder and CEO of CAVA, added: "As we continue to scale, we're eager to invest in and test technology that can enhance – not replace – the human experience. By piloting Hyphen's automated digital makeline, we have the opportunity to increase order accuracy and speed during peak digital hours, while reducing complexity for our team members." "That means more time spent delivering exceptional hospitality and crafting the Mediterranean flavours our guests love. It's a meaningful step in our commitment to operational excellence and innovation that supports both our growth and our people."

Emmi Caffè Latte will introduce a new creamy iced coffee to the UK market this autumn. The product, which is already a "bestseller" in Switzerland, Germany and Belgium, will be available in Tesco from 27 October. Emmi Caffè Latte Creamy is made with hand-roasted arabica beans from Guatemala and Honduras, fresh Swiss milk with added cream and sugar. It contains no added sweeteners and is positioned to meet demand for smooth-textured iced coffee, which research suggests appeals to more than a third of consumers. According to the company, the launch responds to consumer demand for indulgent iced coffee products, with research indicating that 37% of consumers prefer a smooth, creamy profile. Emmi also cites data showing that 49% of UK office workers purchase coffee daily and that 21% of iced coffee drinkers choose it to enhance their day. The 230ml product is packaged in a cup containing 30% recycled materials, and Emmi says the production and filling process is powered entirely by sustainable energy. Georgia Lightbody, brand manager at Emmi Caffè Latte, said: “Consumers are increasingly looking for small moments to treat themselves that align with their health and lifestyle goals. Our new Emmi Caffè Latte Creamy variant brings together everything they want: great taste, high-quality natural ingredients and a momentary retreat to re-energise – all in a convenient, on-the-go format.” Emmi Caffè Latte Creamy will retail at £1.85 and joins the brand’s existing iced coffee range available through Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, The Co-operative Group and independent retailers across the UK.

Singapore-based food tech start-up Prefer has raised $4.2 million in an oversubscribed funding round and launched its first commercial products: Soluble coffee and cocoa powders made from food manufacturing byproducts such as rice and soy. The round, which brings Prefer’s total equity raised to $6.2 million, was led by At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from existing investor Forge Ventures. Prefer uses a proprietary fermentation and roasting process to develop flavours that replicate the taste and functionality of coffee and cocoa. The company says its coffee has up to 85% lower emissions and costs 50% less than traditional Arabica. It supplies to FMCG brands, food manufacturers, private label retailers and flavour houses. The startup has secured its first international commercial partnerships. In Thailand, Prefer is working with Ajinomoto Co (Thailand) on sustainable coffee beverage innovations. In Australia and New Zealand, it has partnered with The Coffee Ferm, which will license Prefer’s flavour IP for local manufacturing and distribution. Prefer’s coffee products are already available through Singaporean foodservice channels, including Melvados. The company plans to scale production through toll manufacturers in key markets, continue cocoa flavour R&D and expand its partnerships in Asia. Jake Berber, co-founder and CEO, said: “With the support of our new partners, the quality of our new products and the grit of this team, we’re in a unique position to ensure coffee and cocoa are accessible to the masses while respecting our planet". Helen Lin, partner at At One Ventures and board member at Prefer, added: “We’re in the early stages of a food system transformation, one that decouples beloved consumer products from environmentally harmful supply chains".

The World Catering Technology Awards is back for 2026, and this year, the award is bigger and better than ever. Now in its third year, FoodBev Awards is unveiling a series of exciting updates, including new award categories and exciting new benefits for successful companies – all combined to set the stage for what promises to be the most exciting edition yet.  Introducing the new ‘Best Technology' categories to celebrate more innovations  The 2026 edition of the World Catering Technology Awards introduces a diverse set of categories aimed at celebrating the advancement of innovation in the foodservice industry. Our latest edition of categories labelled as ‘technology’ aims to highlight the best in each establishment, such as bars and caf é s, as well as QSR and FSR, to showcase efficiencies and quality control.  Additionally, the World Catering Technology Awards continues to recognise the ongoing efforts in AI, automation, vending and dispensing. FoodBev Awards is also excited to promote the latest marketing campaigns and sustainability initiatives that are key drivers for the foodservice industry.    Join FoodBev at HRC The World Catering Technology Awards ceremony will be returning to HRC event for 2026! The event will have seen a massive overhaul, with brand new dedicated show sections and digital tools to create the most exciting atmosphere yet at the UK’s greatest hospitality event.  The show will relocate to ExCeL London’s South Hall, running alongside The Pub Show and the new hospitality tech event, Hospitality Tech360, It hopes to focus on the most meaningful connections that drive innovation and continue to bolster the industry in as many ways as possible. How to enter Entry for the World Catering Technology Awards is now open. Companies can submit their entries through the official website by clicking below. The entry deadline is the 20 February 2026. 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 .

Nestlé Waters is under intensifying scrutiny in France as investigations link its bottled water brands to alleged decades-long use of banned filtration methods and record microplastic contamination. Record microplastic contamination linked to waste dumps A report by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) and the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Offences (Oclaesp) has found that Nestlé’s Contrex and Hépar waters contained microplastic concentrations far exceeding environmental baselines. Nestlé’s Hépar water samples contained around 2,096 microplastic particles per litre, and Contrex 515 particles per litre – with contamination levels up to 1.3 million times higher than in rivers and lakes. Investigators linked the pollution to four unauthorised plastic waste dumps in the Vosges, containing an estimated 473,700 cubic metres of discarded bottles. The findings, revealed by Mediapart , form part of criminal proceedings due to be heard in Épinal, a commune in northeastern France, from 24-28 November 2025, in which Nestlé faces charges related to illegal waste disposal. Nestlé disputes the allegations, saying independent lab tests show no contamination and that most of the dumps have been cleaned up. Decades of alleged illegal filtration methods Media investigations in France show that Nestlé has been using unauthorised filtration methods – including ultraviolet light and carbon filters – since the 1990s, while continuing to sell the product as 'natural mineral water'. Consumer organisation Foodwatch alleges that the practice amounts to €3 billion in fraud over the past 15 years and has filed legal action against Nestlé and fellow producer Sources Alma in France. Ingrid Kragl, director of public information at Foodwatch France, said: “Nestlé has apparently sold billions of bottles of water that had nothing to do with ‘natural mineral water’ for decades, in France, Europe and even worldwide – and consumers were completely clueless". He continued: "If the new media reports are confirmed, there is only one conclusion: the mineral water scandal is the result of decades of systematic fraud by the food giant. The authorities must now act quickly. A judicial investigation is now needed. Nestlé is not above the law." According to last year's joint investigation, carried out by Le Monde and Radio France , at least a third of France-based spring and mineral water brands – including several owned by Nestlé – have used purification techniques prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water'. These methods were reportedly introduced to address sporadic bacterial or chemical contamination but are banned because they alter water that is meant to be bottled in its natural state. As reported by the BBC , the non-compliant treatments identified in the investigation included ultraviolet light, carbon filtration and ultra-fine micro-meshes, which are commonly used to remove bacteria from drinking water. These methods, while permitted for tap water, are prohibited under EU rules for 'natural mineral water,' which must be bottled directly from the source without altering its natural composition. The BBC noted that the investigation found such treatments were used across at least a third of mineral water brands in France, introduced in part to address concerns about water quality. The Le Monde and Radio France investigation also noted that the French government had been aware of these practices since 2021 and subsequently eased certain regulations to allow some microfiltration to continue, enabling affected bottling sites to remain in operation.

PepsiCo-owned crisp brand Walkers has introduced two new global-inspired flavours to its permanent line-up in response to evolving consumer preferences – Sticky Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken. With Tikka Masala and Japanese flavours both rising in popularity in the UK, the new products aim to provide an exciting and trendy new addition to the savoury snack category. The launch follows the announcement that Walkers has been moving many of its category favourites towards a lower salt formulation, offering many of the brand’s popular flavours – such as Salt & Vinegar and Prawn Cocktail – along with newer products. Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken will be offered as a non-HFSS choice. Wayne Newton, senior marketing director of Walkers Snacks at PepsiCo, said: “Masala Chicken and Sticky Teriyaki bring exciting, globally inspired flavours that strongly resonate with UK consumers. By expanding our permanent line-up, we are giving shoppers even more choice when it comes to the flavours they love, and helping retailers boost basket spend.” The new Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken flavours will be available across grocery, impulse and wholesale in the UK, starting from the last week of August in various formats, including six-pack multipacks at RRP £2.15, 45g grab bags at RRP £1.10 and 70g PMPs at RRP £1.35.

The European Commission has cleared Prosus’ €4.1 billion acquisition of Just Eat Takeaway, a deal set to establish the world’s fourth largest food delivery group. The two companies first reached a conditional agreement on the all-cash deal in February 2025 , with Prosus offering €20.30 per share for Just Eat Takeaway. Prosus said it has been engaging ‘constructively’ with the European Commission in recent months to secure the necessary regulatory clearance, which has now been granted. This was the final regulatory approval needed to close the offer. In efforts to foster a competitive food delivery sector in Europe, Prosus has agreed to significantly reduce its equity stake in Delivery Hero to a single digit percentage within 12 months of the European Commission’s approval. Additionally, Prosus confirmed it will not recommend or appoint any future individual connected with Naspers/Prosus to the Delivery Hero management or supervisory boards, or governing bodies. Prosus said these commitments reflect its desire to ‘move swiftly and bring Just Eat Takeaway into the Prosus ecosystem, and begin the work necessary to accelerate its performance’. Fabricio Bloisi, Prosus’ CEO, said: “We’re thrilled by the European Commission’s swift approval of our acquisition of JET. Innovation doesn’t wait, and we can now get to work quickly, as AI is rapidly reshaping food delivery.” Prosus’ investment in AI aims to ‘reinvent’ the consumer experience and better serve millions of customers per day, enabling it to scale its AI solutions across Just Eat’s operations. Bloisi added: “This milestone marks a bold investment in Europe’s AI future and strengthens our commitment to the continent. With JET’s trusted brand and leading positions, combined with Prosus’s technical expertise and global scale, we’re poised to accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new value for our partners, drivers and shareholders.” If all offer conditions are met by the closing date of 1 October 2025, including the acceptance threshold of the deal, Prosus will declare the offer unconditional within three business days after the closing date.

New York-based coffee technology brand Terra Kaffe has launched Demi, an automatic espresso machine that brews espresso and drip coffee from fresh whole beans. Demi is available in four colours: Cloud, Slate, Forest and Sand, and was designed in collaboration with Ammunition Group. The model features hybrid brewing for espresso-based drinks and drip coffee, a heating system for higher brew temperatures and a grinder dial for grind adjustment. It offers a menu including espresso, lungo, Americano and drip coffee, with adjustable strength and volume. The machine has a large water tank, bean hopper and waste bin, as well as dual-side water level visibility. Other features include a dot-matrix display, brushed-metal selector dial, self-cleaning system, adjustable spout for cups up to 5.5 inches and a redesigned brew compartment. The product, priced at $795, is available for pre-order at the company's website. Top image: © Terra Kaffe

Chick-fil-A will introduce its 2025 fall menu on Monday, 18 August, featuring the return of a seasonal beverage line, a new take on its chicken sandwich and the addition of waffle-cut potato chips. The Cherry Berry range, first launched in spring 2024, is returning with a new sparkling option, Cherry Berry & Sprite, alongside three other variations: Cherry Berry Lemonade, Cherry Berry Frosted Lemonade and Cherry Berry Sunjoy. All combine cherry, blueberry and cranberry natural flavours. The Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich, tested in Raleigh, North Carolina, last year, will be available nationwide. The sandwich includes a toasted pretzel bun, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon and Creamy Dijon Mustard Sauce, with a choice of original, spicy or grilled chicken filet. Two waffle-cut potato chip varieties will also join the permanent menu: Sea salt original and Chick-fil-A Sauce flavour. The chips will be available as a side, snack or catering option, with 7oz retail bags set to roll out in select Atlantic and Southeast US stores later this year. Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging for Chick-fil-A, said: "We are always looking for ways to surprise our guests with new and unique menu offerings, and this year's fall line-up presents even more opportunities for guests to customise and make them their own". "Our guests' demand for bold, fun beverages is only growing and Cherry Berry's return, now with a bubbly twist, brings something fresh and unexpected to our line-up. The Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich offers the perfect complement: it is savoury with layers of flavour that feel indulgent, yet distinctly Chick-fil-A."