Boost has secured €16 million in Series B funding to support its international expansion and product development in the unattended retail sector. The round was led by growth equity firm Direttissima Growth Partners, with participation from Capmont Technology and Kineo Capital, alongside existing investors. Founded in 2020 in London, Boost has grown into a leading provider of unattended retail technology, operating thousands of locations across three continents. The company employs 150 people across six countries, including the UK and Switzerland. The funding will be used to enter new markets, expand the company’s product portfolio, and further develop its technology. Boost’s offerings include smart vending systems, connected coolers and self-checkout kiosks powered by its cloud-based platform, Vendlive. Boost's clients include Coca-Cola, Hilton and Siemens, who use the company’s integrated hardware and software solutions to manage retail operations outside traditional store models. Boost's founder and CEO, Pascal Uffer, said: “Our rapid growth leading up to this moment shows the timing is right. The market is ready, our technology is proven, and we’re ready to accelerate our international expansion together with our partners.” Torsten Kreindl, managing and founding partner at Capmont Technology, commented: "Europe’s vending industry is fragmented and largely dependent on legacy technology, making it ripe for disruption. Boost’s seamlessly integrated hardware-software stack, allows the exceptional team to take vending to the next level." Christine Müller, partner at Kineo Finance, added: "As one of the first institutional backers of Boost through our venture leasing facility, we’re proud to deepen our support as they scale their leadership in unattended retail technology."

Self-service commerce technology provider Cantaloupe has agreed to be acquired by 365 Retail Markets in an all-cash deal worth approximately $848 million. The acquisition will see Cantaloupe become a privately held company and marks a major consolidation in the unattended retail technology sector. 365 Retail Markets, a portfolio company of private equity firm Providence Equity Partners, focuses on self-checkout solutions for enterprise foodservice operators. Cantaloupe brings expertise in payment processing and software services. The two companies said the merger will create a comprehensive platform spanning payments, telemetry, software, kiosks and data analytics, aiming to serve a wider range of customers across retail, hospitality, convenience services, and sports and entertainment sectors. The combined business will operate across North America, Latin America and Europe. Cantaloupe shareholders will receive $11.20 per share in cash – a 34% premium over the company’s closing price on 30 May 2025, prior to speculation of the deal. Ravi Venkatesan, CEO of Cantaloupe, said: “We look forward to joining with 365 to provide our customers a comprehensive suite of best-in-class solutions spanning payments, telemetry, vertical specific software, kiosk-based marketplaces and smart retail innovation. Our combination will bolster our joint ability to invest in R&D and expand our portfolios, while allowing us to help retailers across the globe to innovate and scale with confidence.” Joe Hessling, founder and CEO of 365, commented: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for the 365 team. We are very proud of the progress we have made in recent years, and together with Cantaloupe’s complementary offerings and team expertise, we’ll be able to deliver a broader, more innovative suite of solutions to our customers around the world". !We have the utmost respect for the Cantaloupe team and look forward to working with them, while continuing our successful partnership with Providence, to accelerate our combined growth, expand our global reach and shape the future of unattended retail.” Scott Marimow, MD at Providence, added: “We believe this combination presents the opportunity to enhance value and create a more diversified business that can better serve FSOs, non-FSO customers and end users. The combination will help accelerate product innovation and provide a number of attractive cross-selling opportunities across the value chain. We are proud to continue our work with the 365 and Cantaloupe teams as they redefine their sector and better support the growing needs of their thousands of highly-valued customers.” The transaction has been unanimously approved by Cantaloupe’s board and is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. It is not subject to a financing condition, and 365 has secured full funding. Top image: © Cantaloupe

Bulletproof has launched a new functional coffee blend, Enlightener, as part of its wider June rebrand aimed at supporting mind-body performance. Enlightener marks the first release in Bulletproof’s new Enhanced line – a white-label series designed to deliver targeted wellness benefits. The coffee is available in both ground and pod formats to suit different brewing preferences. The medium-dark roast is made with toxin-tested 100% Arabica beans and features a blend of functional ingredients including l-theanine for calm alertness, panax ginseng for cognitive support and ginkgo biloba to aid memory and concentration. The launch reflects Bulletproof’s updated brand mission to deliver clean, great-tasting coffee that supports daily performance. Enlightener is currently available in ground format at Sprouts, and in both ground and pod formats on Amazon and Bulletproof’s website. The suggested retail price is $16.99 for a 10oz ground pack.

SodaStream is expanding its product range for summer 2025 with the launch of two new flavours: Pepsi Max Mango and Red Berries. The sparkling water brand has also updated its Classics fruit syrup range, which now includes added vitamins B3, B6 and zinc to support the immune system. The new flavours, which contain zero sugar and zero calories, are available for £5.99 on the SodaStream website and at major retailers such as John Lewis and Amazon. The updates are part of SodaStream’s continued push to offer healthier, customisable alternatives to traditional soft drinks. Victoria Wicks, marketing director for Sodastream UK&I, commented: “We're committed to providing people with permissible and delicious ways to stay hydrated, and we think our range of new flavours really hits the mark for summer '25". "These additions reflect Sodastream’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the at-home beverage category, providing retailers with high-turnover, health-aligned products at the intersection of functionality, flavour and customisation.”

Danone North America celebrated the opening of a new $65m production line at its manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, on 17 June 2025. The 115,025-square-foot site has benefitted from an expansion to support the growth of Danone’s coffee and creamer portfolio, including brands such as International Delight creamers and STōK Cold Brew Coffee. The new production line features advanced technology, including a unique bottle-molding process to increase production capacity and deliver efficiency and sustainability benefits. According to Danone, this technology will result in a 30% reduction in bottle loss, and reduced water usage to create new recyclable bottles. © Rick Wilson/AP Content Danone is also investing in a new regional distribution centre in the Jacksonville area. This will form part of a streamlined, high-capacity distribution network, enabling the company to enhance supply chain efficiency and deliver products at ‘peak freshness’ across the southeastern US. Through the investment, Danone aims to increase product availability on shelves nationwide and shorten the path from production to customer delivery. Between the manufacturing plant and distribution centre, Danone will also create nearly 200 new direct and indirect jobs in the community. Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America, commented: “Today's announcement is the latest example of our over 80-year commitment to American manufacturing and strengthening our local communities”. “We are focused on serving our consumers as our business continues to grow and innovate, and we are committed to accelerating these investments to play our part in driving economic growth.” Top image: © Rick Wilson/AP Content

Packaged food and drink sold in Texas containing certain artificial ingredients will require on-pack warning labels following the signing of Senate Bill 25 by Governor Greg Abbott this weekend. The bill passed unanimously in the state senate and was handed over to Abbott for review earlier this month . Dubbed the ‘Make Texas Healthy Again Act,’ the bill is said to be backed by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Abbott signed the bill on Sunday 22 June 2025, alongside a further 1,154 bills signed into law and 28 vetoed bills. It will require packaged foods and beverages sold in the state to display a warning label if they contain 44 ingredients that are currently banned or restricted in the EU, UK, Canada or Australia, but still permitted in the US. When the new requirements come into effect next year, manufacturers will be required to use statements on-pack such as ‘WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union or the United Kingdom’. The bill targets a range of synthetic ingredients including artificial dyes, preservatives, additives, and bleached and bromated flours.  It follows increasing scrutiny over artificial ingredients in the US, with Kennedy’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ campaign seeking to reform dietary practices in order to reduce chronic disease in the US. A heavy focus on the campaign has been on eliminating petroleum-based dyes and other artificial ingredients, which have been linked to health issues ranging from hyperactivity in children to cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of Red Dye 3  in January this year following two studies that linked the bright red colourant to cancer in male laboratory rats. It then announced long-term plans to remove all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply  in April 2025, approving three colours derived from natural sources the following month  to expand options for F&B manufacturers. Though Senate Bill 25 is specific to foods sold in Texas, the bill will likely have significant implications for the broader F&B industry in the US, with manufacturers standardising packaging across the nation to reduce complexity. Popular brands such as Doritos, Skittles and Gatorade are among those set to be impacted by the new law. Speaking broadly about all bills signed into law, Governor Abbott said: “Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come”.

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is a proven and adaptable technology for removing solids, oils and other contaminants from wastewater – and is particularly valued in sectors such as food and beverage for its ability to handle seasonal load variations. To learn more about DAF’s role in modern treatment strategies, FoodBev spoke to Kenda Al Shamas, product manager for wastewater treatment in Iberia at Xylem, about where it fits into today’s water treatment landscape and the key trends shaping its development. Could you give us a quick overview of what DAF technology is and how it works?   DAF is a physico-chemical water and wastewater treatment process designed to efficiently remove suspended solids, oils, greases and other contaminants from a wide range of wastewater streams. Thanks to its compact footprint and high treatment efficiency, DAF is widely used in both industrial and municipal applications.   The process begins with the addition of coagulants and flocculants, which chemically condition the wastewater and encourage fine particles to aggregate into larger, more easily separable flocs. Pressurised water saturated with dissolved air is then introduced into the flotation tank. As the pressure is released, tiny air bubbles form and attach to the flocs and suspended matter, lifting them to the surface. The resulting floating sludge is removed using a mechanical skimmer.   DAF systems are particularly effective in reducing turbidity and eliminating pollutants – including particulate Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), up to 80%; Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD); Total Suspended Solids (TSS), up to 90%; as well as oils, fats and certain metals. The process ultimately produces two distinct output streams: a high-quality clarified effluent suitable for further treatment or discharge, and a concentrated sludge for disposal or further processing.   What role does DAF play in water and wastewater treatment in the food and beverage sector? In the food and beverage industry, DAF is a key technology for removing suspended solids, fats, oils and greases from wastewater, significantly reducing organic load (BOD/COD). DAF systems are used either as an effective pre-treatment step to reduce the burden on downstream biological processes, or as a secondary clarifier for final liquid-solid separation. This helps facilities meet discharge limits and minimise surcharge fees associated with high-strength wastewater.   A common challenge in this sector is managing seasonal production peaks, which can lead to sudden increases in flow and contaminant loads. Without proper handling, these spikes can overwhelm treatment systems. While some facilities rely on retention tanks to buffer peak flows, these solutions often require significant capital investment, additional space and may introduce operational issues such as odour control and sludge degradation.   In contrast, DAF units offer a compact, plug-and-play solution that can be quickly deployed and seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure. This makes DAF an ideal choice for facilities that require immediate, adaptable treatment capacity. Its ability to handle fluctuating loads without compromising effluent quality makes it a reliable and cost-effective technology for ensuring compliance and maintaining performance during peak production periods.   How does DAF compare with other forms of water treatment in terms of cost, efficiency and environmental impact?   DAF is a cost-effective, high-efficiency, plug-and-play solution designed to handle higher solids loading rates than conventional clarifiers. It offers lower capital and operational costs than membrane bioreactor systems, with fast installation and a compact footprint.   DAF also produces more concentrated sludge, which reduces polymer consumption as well as sludge handling and transport costs. Additionally, it supports water reuse strategies, helping to lower overall water consumption and environmental footprint.   Its ability to manage variable loads makes DAF ideal for industries with seasonal fluctuations or space constraints. It ensures consistent effluent quality, helping customers comply with increasingly strict discharge regulations.   What are the most common operational challenges customers face with DAF systems, and how does Xylem help address them?   Common challenges include inconsistent performance, poor sludge removal, high chemical usage and air system issues. Flow and load variations can affect flotation efficiency and lead to operational instability.   Xylem’s strength lies in delivering robust, well-engineered DAF designs that incorporate highly efficient whitewater pumps and skimmers. In addition, our smart controls and automation systems optimise chemical dosing and adapt to changing conditions.   We also offer expert support services to facilitate efficient troubleshooting and performance optimisation. These professional services can be provided either on-site or remotely, depending on customer needs.   How does Xylem’s DAF systems contribute to sustainability goals like water reuse and energy efficiency?   Xylem’s DAF systems contribute to sustainability by enabling the high-efficiency removal of solids, oils and organics, producing cleaner effluent, which leads to easier and more efficient downstream treatment for reuse applications.   By reducing the load on downstream treatment processes, DAF systems also help lower overall energy and chemical consumption. Their compact, high-rate designs reduce space requirements and minimise construction impacts, while the production of more concentrated sludge directly reduces handling, transport and polymer use.   Advanced controls have been developed to optimise sytem performance, helping to minimise waste and operational costs. This makes DAF a key solution for customers looking to reduce their water footprint and environmental impact.   What trends are you seeing in water treatment right now that are influencing how you develop DAF solutions?   Trends such as sustainability and the circular economy are driving innovation in water and wastewater treatment. There is growing emphasis on developing energy-efficient technologies, reducing carbon emissions (CO₂) and maximising water reuse.   These priorities shape how Xylem designs its DAF systems and guide the development of complementary solutions, such as moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems for biological treatment and sludge dewatering technologies.   Our focus is on delivering solutions that provide high efficiency, low energy and chemical consumption, compact footprints and resource recovery – all while helping customers meet increasingly stringent discharge standards. Interested in learning how to implement Dissolved Air Flotation technology? Register for our free webinar  to explore solutions for wastewater challenges in the food and beverage industry.

Tata Consumer Products-owned brand Eight O'Clock Coffee has expanded its range with three new offerings: Blueberry Waffle Ground Blend, Caramel K-Cup pods, and its first-ever Iced Dark Italian Espresso K-Cup pods. The Blueberry Waffle Ground Blend is a medium roast that combines blueberry and waffle-inspired notes, with hints of caramelised sugar and butter. The Caramel K-Cup pods offer a medium roast profile featuring flavors of brown sugar, toffee and vanilla. Meanwhile, the Iced Dark Italian Espresso K-Cup pods mark the brand’s debut in the iced coffee format, adapting its existing dark roast for cold preparation. "Eight O'Clock Coffee has been helping Americans start their day right for over a century, and we believe you shouldn't settle for anything less than the best," said Mohit Agarwal, chief marketing officer at Tata Consumer Products. "With varieties that step outside the box, like Blueberry Waffle, Caramel and Iced Dark Italian Espresso, we're excited to offer even more ways to enjoy quality coffee that fuels your morning and adds a punch of flavor to your routine." The products are available online, with the ground blend priced at $6.83 via the brand's website and K-Cup pods at $8.49 on Keurig's website.

Simão Pedro de Lima As demand for ethically sourced and sustainably grown coffee continues to shape global buying decisions, producers are under growing pressure to deliver quality while maintaining transparency and traceability. At the forefront of this movement is Expocacer – a cooperative of coffee growers from Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro region – which is striving to position its members' coffee as both premium and principled. In this interview, Refreshment speaks with executive president Simão Pedro de Lima, where shares insights into Expocacer’s approach to sustainability, the certifications that matter and how operators can better communicate ethical credentials to their customers. Can you give me a brief overview of the work of Expocacer?  Expocacer is a cooperative of coffee growers from Cerrado Mineiro, dedicated to promoting the cultivation and commercialisation of its members' coffee. We offer services such as reception, storage, commercialisation and export of coffee. Our work also involves supporting producers by providing access to resources and markets that enable sustainable and fair growth. Additionally, we ensure that our products meet the highest quality and sustainability standards, always focusing on continuous improvement of agricultural practices. Please tell us about your coffee and what makes it stand out in a competitive sector. The coffee produced by Expocacer’s members stands out due to its superior quality, which results from the meticulous care from cultivation to harvest. Our cooperative promotes sustainable initiatives that ensure traceability, environmental preservation, high quality and the producer wellbeing. Our controlled-origin coffee are 100% Arabica, offering unique flavors and distinct notes influenced by the region and climate. What sets us apart in this competitive market is not only our product’s excellence but also our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in every step of the process. What makes a coffee supplier 'ethical'? An ethical coffee supplier follows practices that respect workers’ rights, ensure fair working conditions, and guarantee fair compensation for producers. Additionally, ethical suppliers maintain transparency in commercial relations and support sustainable development within coffee-growing communities. What makes a coffee supplier 'sustainable'? A sustainable coffee supplier adopts agricultural practices that minimise environmental impact, such as the responsible use of natural resources (water, soil and ecosystems) and biodiversity-friendly cultivation methods. Sustainability also involves supporting local communities by fostering an economic model that balances environmental, social and economic aspects, ensuring that the future generations of coffee growers can continue production without harming the environment. What are the main challenges facing the coffee industry today? The main challenges include climate variations that impact harvests and contribute to price volatility in the global coffee market, as well as difficulties in ensuring fair prices for producers. Export logistics also pose a challenge, including container shortages, shipping delays and insufficient infrastructure at Brazilian ports. Which certifications/accreditations do you recommend as an accurate marker of whether a coffee is ethically produced? Expocacer’s sustainability department assists members in obtaining and maintaining certifications that ensure responsible coffee production and compliance with regulations. Various certifications exist in the coffee market, each highly recommended for verifying sustainability and ethical standards. The choice of certification depends on the individual producer’s needs and interests. How can operators highlight sustainable credentials of their coffee? Do you offer any point-of sale (PoS) or digital support or materials? Expocacer provides support through PoS and digital materials, including details on certifications, the ECO Certification Protocol, and other sustainability credentials, allowing consumers to engage with the product’s origin/story. Operators can also highlight sustainability credentials through tools like Denomination of Origin (DO) and QR codes for traceability. The DO guarantees that the coffee comes from a specific region following strict quality and sustainability standards, adding cultural and historical value. The QR code allows consumers to access detailed information about the coffee’s origin and sustainable practices, ensuring transparency and trust. Looking ahead, what can you tell us about Expocacer's plans for the next 12 months and beyond? Expocacer aims to further expand its presence in international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia. We are investing in advanced technologies to enhance our services and coffee quality, always prioritising sustainability. Additionally, we are developing new training programs for our producers and expanding our range of specialty and certified sustainable coffees. Our goal is to solidify Expocacer’s position as a benchmark in sustainability, quality, and social responsibility within the coffee industry.

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.