Pact Coffee has expanded its presence in Waitrose with the launch of a new decaffeinated pod product, responding to growing demand for high-quality, caffeine-free options. The new product – a decaf version of the roaster’s Bourbon Cream Espresso – is rolling out in Waitrose stores nationwide this month. It is currently the only speciality-grade decaf coffee listed by the retailer. The move follows a reported 200% year-on-year increase in Pact’s direct sales of decaf coffee. The company cited recent consumer research indicating that half of UK consumers have bought decaffeinated coffee for home use in the past six months, and that seven in ten would be more likely to drink it if higher-quality options were available. Will Corby, Pact Coffee’s director of coffee, commented: “By definition, speciality coffee must score at least 80 points from 100 with professional tasters. This coffee scores 84, so consumers will be able to enjoy top-quality decaf.” The pods, which contain freshly roasted coffee, are being introduced with a promotional price of £4 for a ten-pack until 20 July, after which they will be priced at £5.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that several major crops, including coffee and beans, could lose half their optimally suitable land by 2100. The organisation has upgraded its Adaptation, Biodiversity and Carbon Mapping Tool (ABC-Map) geospatial app with a new indicator, providing information on the suitability of major crops in evolving climate scenarios to the end of the century. Developed for policymakers, technicians and project designers, the ABC-Map offers an initial screening of the climate-related risks, biodiversity indicators and carbon reduction potential of a selected project. The open-source app uses satellite imagery based on Google Earth engine, with information from global datasets. Data from a study by French fin-tech start-up Finres, commissioned by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and funded by the French Development Agency, is incorporated into the indicator. The study, ‘ Have crops already reached peak suitability: assessing global climatic suitability decreases for crop cultivation ,’ uses a new method to assess crop suitability in varied climate scenarios. It concludes that five out of nine major staple and cash crops – wheat, coffee, beans, cassava and plantain – are already losing optimal growing conditions, and some could lose half their optimal suitable land by 2100. In particular, the study’s researchers suggest coffee production in some of the major coffee-growing regions could decline sharply by the end of the century. Beans and wheat could also experience significant losses, especially in regions such as North America and Europe. The ABC-Map features indicators in three sections: adaptation, biodiversity and carbon. The new indicator expands the scope of the adaptation section, which previously only displayed information on past trends in a given area, such as temperature and rainfall. Users can input a location and select a crop from 30 options, with the tool highlighting the suitability of selected crops in that area for time periods stretching to 2100. It provides a ‘crop suitability score’ for two different climate emission scenarios. The FAO said it is also planning to introduce an indicator with information on livestock heat stress and another for crop water requirements, which would estimate expected rainfall and potential irrigation needs.

Michael Ault The food and beverage industry is in the midst of a major transformation, driven by advancements in payment solutions and digital ordering systems. As customers now expect faster, more seamless transactions and businesses face rising operational costs, embracing new technologies is no longer optional, it’s pivotal to surviving in a highly competitive market. Michael Ault, UK country manager at MyPOS, explores how payment technologies are reshaping the industry and why embracing these tools is now essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. The UK has one of the highest adoption rates of contactless payments in the world. In March 2024, there were 1.59 billion contactless card transactions, a 5.9% increase from the previous year, and this number is only projected to grow. Consumers now expect fast, hassle-free payments, whether they’re picking up a coffee on the way to work or dining at a high-end restaurant. Contactless payments have become the norm, allowing customers to tap their cards or smartphones to complete transactions in seconds. Mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, further streamline the process, enabling users to store multiple payment methods and loyalty cards in one place. This shift has reduced wait times and improved overall customer experience, particularly in high-traffic establishments like quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and pubs. Integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems are also revolutionising how businesses operate as they go beyond simple payment processing and provide real-time analytics and inventory tracking. By analysing transaction data, businesses can tailor promotions and menu offerings based on customer preferences, boosting both sales and customer satisfaction. Digital orders mean service efficiency The way people order food and drinks has changed significantly in the last few years. A survey by Barclaycard found that 42% of UK consumers prefer to order digitally rather than interact with staff, particularly in fast-paced environments like coffee shops and takeaway restaurants. Online ordering systems, mobile apps and self-service kiosks are now commonplace, offering customers greater flexibility and convenience. Online ordering platforms enable customers to browse menus, customise their orders and schedule pickups or deliveries without needing to call or visit in-person. Mobile apps take this a step further by offering tailored experiences, like personalised recommendations, order history and exclusive loyalty perks. Self-service kiosks are becoming a familiar sight in restaurants, allowing customers to place orders and pay without waiting for staff. McDonald’s, for example, has seen significant success with this model, reducing queue times and improving service efficiency. These kiosks not only enhance convenience but also boost order values, with orders 11% larger when using kiosks, as customers tend to spend more when they have the freedom to browse menu options are their own pace. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in digital ordering. AI-powered chatbots assist with orders, provide recommendations and answer frequently asked questions, further streamlining the experience. Personalisation driven by AI fosters customer loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and higher spending. The challenges ahead While the benefits of frictionless payments and digital ordering are clear, businesses face several challenges when adopting these technologies. Cybersecurity risks: As digital transactions increase, so does the threat of cybercrime. The UK saw over £570 million stolen due to payment fraud in the first half of 2024, highlighting the need for robust security measures. Businesses must prioritise encryption, tokenisation and strong authentication to protect customer data. Luckily, some fintech platforms combine intuitive, user-friendly interfaces with high-level security – making it easier for businesses to adopt them and even encouraging higher customer spending. Integration with legacy systems: Many F&B businesses still operate on outdated technology that is not always compatible with modern payment and ordering solutions. Upgrading infrastructure requires investment in both technology and staff training. Upfront costs: While digital solutions often lead to long-term savings, they typically require an initial investment. Businesses must weigh the costs against the benefits and look for pay-as-you-go providers. Staff training: Implementing new technology successfully depends on employees being comfortable using it. Comprehensive training ensures staff can assist customers effectively and troubleshoot issues quickly. Opportunities for F&B businesses Embracing these technological advancements presents a number of opportunities for F&B businesses. Digital platforms allow businesses to engage with customers through personalised promotions, loyalty programmes and direct feedback mechanisms. This fosters brand loyalty and drives repeat businesses. Automation also reduces manual errors, speeds up service and allows staff to focus on delivering exceptional customer service. Real-time data analytics improve inventory management and demand forecasting. Additionally, online ordering and delivery services help businesses reach a wider audience beyond their physical locations, creating new revenue streams. The UK’s takeaway and food market were valued at approximately £23.1 billion in 2024, demonstrating the potential for growth. Overall, keeping up with technological trends ensures businesses can adapt quickly to evolving consumer behaviours and expectations and therefore stay ahead of competitors. What’s next? The UK is moving closer to a cashless society, with only 14% of transactions expected to be cash-based by 2026. Restaurants will need to prioritise contactless payments, mobile wallets and even biometric authentication methods. As e-commerce becomes increasingly mobile-first, restaurants and food vendors must optimise their digital experience for smartphones to stay competitive. Additionally, concept of a checkout-free store, where customers can simply pick up items and leave without scanning or queueing, is gaining traction. This model could redefine the traditional restaurant and takeaway experience. The integration of cutting-edge payment solutions and digital ordering systems is transforming the UK’s F&B sector. While challenges exist, businesses that proactively embrace these technologies will be better positioned for growth. Those who prioritise seamless payments, personalised digital experiences, and operational efficiency will not only meet customer expectations but also future proof their businesses in today’s increasingly digital world.

Popeyes UK has secured £43 million in new financing to support its ongoing expansion plans across the country. The fast food chain, which now operates more than 80 sites, agreed the new facilities with Barclays Corporate Banking. The funding adds to backing from TDR Capital, which took a majority stake in the business last year. Popeyes entered the UK market in November 2021. In 2024, the company opened 33 new restaurants, bringing its estate to 65 sites by year-end. This year, it plans to open 45 more locations, aiming to nearly double its UK footprint and create around 2,500 new jobs. So far in 2025, the company has surpassed 80 operating restaurants. In April, Popeyes also announced a partnership with SSP Group to develop outlets in UK travel hubs, starting with a location at Birmingham Airport this summer. Drew Taylor, CFO at Popeyes UK, commented: “The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”

WMF Professional Coffee Machines has extended its 2-Milk Solution to the WMF 1500 S+ speciality coffee machine, enabling cafés, bakeries and businesses with medium coffee demand to serve both dairy and plant-based beverages. Designed to process a variety of milk types – including oat, soy, almond and pea – the system supports the growing demand for vegan coffee drinks, particularly among younger consumers. The WMF 1500 S+ features a daily capacity of up to 180 cups and can handle multiple recipes using its three product hoppers for coffee beans, powders or toppings. The integrated 'Dynamic Milk' system offers a choice of four textures of hot milk foam and three textures of cold milk foam, optimising preparation of a wide range of beverage styles. Plant-based milk recipes can be programmed into the machine and selected via its ten-inch touch display. The model also includes automatic cup height detection and a ‘Dynamic Coffee Assist’ function to maintain consistent drink quality. For maintenance, the WMF 1500 S+ is equipped with the WMF AutoClean system, which automatically cleans the coffee and milk systems in compliance with HACCP standards, eliminating the need for manual cleaning. WMF says the update allows medium-sized businesses to diversify their menu with plant-based options while maintaining operational efficiency.

Australian-inspired speciality coffee roaster, Bluestone Lane, has partnered with Laird Superfood to launch two new functional iced coffee drinks across its more than 50 US café locations. The new offerings – Laird Superfood Latte and Laird Superfood Mocha – combine espresso with Laird Superfood’s mushroom-infused creamers. The drinks feature organic extracts of chaga, lion’s mane, maitake and cordyceps mushrooms, which are marketed to support stress defense, cognition, immune function and energy, respectively. Bluestone Lane plans to expand the collaboration this fall with additional hot beverages using Laird Superfood Creamer with functional mushrooms. Andy Stone, chief brand and culture officer at Bluestone Lane, said: "...we've developed two delicious new drinks using Laird Superfood's performance creamers – a powerful blend of functional mushrooms designed to fuel both body and mind. This partnership brings together shared values of wellness, innovation and living with intent." Jason Vieth, CEO of Laird Superfood, added: "Partnering with Bluestone Lane is a natural extension of our mission to make functional, plant-based energy accessible in everyday moments. By aligning our premium, functional mushroom creamers with Bluestone Lane's commitment to quality coffee culture, we're offering customers a delicious way to fuel their day with real, nourishing ingredients that have functional benefits for the mind, body and overall well-being." The Laird Superfood Latte and Mocha are now available at Bluestone Lane cafés nationwide, priced at $7.45 and $7.95.

Caffè Nero UK CEO Will Stratton-Morris has stepped down from his role and from the UK board, the company has confirmed in its latest trading update. Stratton-Morris, who led the UK business for more than seven years, will remain with the company in a new group-level position as chief business development officer. Caffè Nero founder and group CEO Gerry Ford said: “Will has worked very hard over the past seven years to promote the Caffè Nero business in the United Kingdom. The board and I would like to thank him for all his effort and commitment." "As we move into a phase of greater expansion, I’m sure Will’s skill sets will prove extremely useful to the group in establishing new business partnerships, developing our footprint in new countries and securing new commercial relationships.” In the interim, leadership of the UK business will be overseen by Ford, group CFO Ben Price and Caffè Nero UK managing director Glyn House. The company said the process to appoint a new UK CEO is already underway, with an announcement expected in the coming months. The leadership changes were announced alongside a strong Q3 performance for the group, which reported 11% year-on-year global sales growth for the period from December to February. In the UK, Q3 sales rose 8%, with like-for-like growth of 6.2%. The group also reported record Christmas trading, with over 2 million UK customers served in December and two record sales weeks of more than £9 million. The Nero Group currently operates 1,121 stores across 11 countries, including more than 700 in the UK.

Lavazza North America has launched Dolcevita Decaf, a new premium decaffeinated coffee aimed at meeting rising consumer demand for high-quality caffeine-free options. Part of the company’s Dolcevita range, the medium roast blend is designed to deliver a full-bodied flavour profile, with notes of chocolate and caramel. According to Lavazza, the new product was developed in response to customer feedback and growing interest in decaf coffee among health-conscious consumers. Daniele Foti, VP of marketing for Lavazza North America, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Dolcevita Decaf in response to consumer feedback and the growing demand for premium decaffeinated options. We listened carefully to our customers, and this product reflects our commitment to quality and innovation in every cup – making decaf just as enjoyable as its caffeinated counterparts.” Dolcevita Decaf is currently available through select retailers and the company’s online store.

Mondelēz International has filed a lawsuit against retail chain Aldi, alleging that the retailer has ‘blatantly’ copied the packaging designs for several of Mondelēz’s well-known cookie and cracker brands. In court documents filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois last week, Mondelēz argues that Aldi’s use of private label packaging across several cookie and cracker products enable the retail group to ‘trade upon the valuable reputation and goodwill Mondelēz has developed in its longstanding, highly distinctive and well-known trade dress for numerous of its cookie and cracker snack products’. Mondelēz claims that Aldi has engaged in willful trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, unfair competition, unjust enrichment and dilution of its brand identities. The company said it has contacted Aldi previously and ‘on numerous occasions’ objecting to Aldi’s use of similar packaging to products under Mondelēz’s Oreo, Teddy Grahams, Belvita and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuit brands, as well as its Triscuit crackers. While Aldi has previously discontinued ‘infringing’ products in response to Mondelēz’s complaints, the snack giant alleges that the retailer has continued to engage in a known pattern and practice of selling ‘unacceptable’ copycat products. The products in question, shown in the court documents, include Aldi’s own-brand Original Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, which Mondelēz shows next to its popular Oreo cookies product with similar blue packaging and a lighter blue halo around the cookie. It also highlights similarities to Mondelēz’s packaging designs for its Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy, Nilla, Ritz and Premium biscuit and cracker products across a range of Aldi’s similar own-brand products, such as Thin Wheats and Vanilla Wafers. Mondelēz is seeking damages, injunctive relief and jury trial, stating in the filing that Aldi’s use of the ‘infringing’ packaging designs are ‘likely to deceive and confuse customers,’ as well as ‘threatening to irreparably harm Mondelēz and its valuable brands’. The lawsuit follows another recent high-profile trademark infringement legal battle between Aldi and British cider maker Thatchers , in which the UK Court of Appeal ruled that Aldi’s Cloudy Lemon Cider took ‘unfair advantage’ of Thatchers’ brand.

Refresco has announced an agreement to acquire Telemark Kildevann Holding (TKV), a Norwegian producer of soft drinks and bottled water. TKV is a family-owned company with two production sites in Fyresdal and Aurskog, Norway. It supplies both retailers and branded customers in Norway and Sweden. Refresco, which operates 75 manufacturing facilities across Europe, North America and Australia, said the acquisition will expand its presence in the Nordic market, building on its existing operations in Finland. Refresco CEO Hans Roelofs commented: “The acquisition of TKV marks another milestone in the execution of our proven Buy & Build strategy, further reinforcing our presence in Europe". "TKV’s loyal customer base, strong capabilities and well-established market position enhances our ability to serve retailers and branded customers in Norway, Sweden and beyond. I look forward to welcoming over 60 employees to the Refresco team and further grow the business together.” The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close later this year. Financial terms were not disclosed. Top image: © Telemark Kildevann

UK supplier of fresh juice machines, ISqueeze, has partnered with US-based Numilk to introduce a countertop machine that dispenses fresh plant-based milks on demand. Aimed at businesses such as cafés, bars, delis and gyms, the machine allows users to produce 2-litres of plant-based milk in seconds using recyclable pouches, which, according to the company, require eight times less storage space than traditional bulky cartons. ISqueeze says the solution can help businesses cut plant-based milk costs by up to 15%. The machines are designed to minimise packaging waste and eliminate the need for stocking or refrigerating cartons. Milks are made without artificial ingredients, gums, fillers or preservatives. The product range includes three collections: Essentials : Original Oat, Unsweetened Almond, Original Almond, Chocolate Oat and Unsweetened Cashew. Premium : Organic Original Oat and Organic Unsweetened Almond. Speciality : Golden (cashew, coconut, cinnamon), Matcha Oat Latte, Vanilla Pistachio, Vanilla Oat Latte and Vanilla Almond Protein. ISqueeze's managing director, Elias Ebert, said: “I am delighted to be distributing Numilk in the UK. The Numilk machine is a perfect fit into our existing portfolio, offering the best technology and quality products. Numilk fresh plant-based milks are far superior and healthier than pre-packaged alternative milks, with the added bonus of being easier for businesses to store, which I believe is the future”. The Numilk machine is equipped for foaming and steaming, weighs 10kg and measures 60cm high, 20cm wide and 32cm deep. In addition, it includes a two-litre reusable BPA-free bottle. Top image: © ISqueeze

Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from 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: The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA): UK vending sector surpasses pre-pandemic revenue, AVA report shows The UK’s vending, coffee services and automated retail sector has exceeded pre-pandemic revenue levels for the first time, according to the 2024 Census & Market Report published by the AVA. The report reveals that product revenue rose by more than 13% year-on-year, reaching £2.14 billion in 2024. When related categories are included, the industry’s total value now exceeds £3 billion. Key findings from the report include: Fresh food sales through vending machines grew significantly, with volume up 16% and value up 28%, now representing a £73 million market. Micro markets increased by 11% to 730 sites, while the number of smart fridges surged 56% to 1,920 units. Cashless payment adoption continued to rise, with 90% of pay vend machines now cashless-enabled. Cashless transactions now account for 80% of sales, with 57% of those made via mobile payment. Transactions made using cashless methods were more than 90% higher in value than those using cash. David Llewellyn, CEO of the AVA, said: “Surpassing pre-Covid revenue levels is a tremendous industry-wide achievement and reflects five years of hard graft, dedication and resilience from AVA members and operators across the UK. Despite ongoing economic challenges and changing workplace behaviours, vending and automated retail businesses have consistently adapted to shifting demand and continued to invest in technology and innovation.” Additional trends highlighted in the 2024 report include: Continued growth in coffee-to-go, with an expanded product range that includes iced drinks, premium teas and flavoured options. Increased use of semi-automatic tabletop hot drinks machines, particularly those using liquid milk, aligning with consumer preferences for higher-quality beverages. Decline in usage across traditional business and industry (B&I) sites, offset by growth in hospitality, retail, transport and the rise of unattended retail formats like smart fridges. Llewellyn added: “Our 2024 Census reinforces the dynamic nature of vending and automated retail , underpinned by innovation, data and customer-centric evolution. As an association , we’ll continue to support our members with insight, advocacy, and tools to remain competitive in the face of ongoing challenges, including regulatory complexity, a tightening economic outlook and rising costs." “ The se factors, combined with legislative uncertainty, mean maintaining agility and informed strategy will be more important than ever as we move through 2025 and beyond.” The AVA’s 2024 report, compiled by Colston Consultants, is based on data from over 150,000 machines – representing over a third of the UK’s total machine base – and is available to AVA members. European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) EVA and Common Smartcard Solutions Association form strategic partnership on payment standardisation EVA and the Common Smartcard Solutions Association have entered into a mutual partner membership agreement to advance the standardisation of closed-loop payment systems within the vending and office coffee service sectors. The partnership will see both associations align their work plans and exchange technical knowledge to promote greater interoperability and long-term compatibility in payment technologies. The Common Smartcard Solutions Association, based in Germany, focuses on creating standardised data structures for RFID-based applications. Central to its work is the openCashfile format – a shared smartcard data structure designed to simplify integration, increase transparency and provide investment security. The system is already in use across institutional catering, campus facilities, leisure centres and access control environments. The EVA director general, Erwin Wetzel, stated that “by aligning efforts, the EVA and Common Smartcard aim to strengthen the foundations for secure, standardised, and interoperable payment solutions across Europe.” Several EVA members are also part of the Common Smartcard Association, which now officially joins EVA as a partner member. National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) The NAMA Show 2025 closes with record attendance and industry highlights in Las Vegas © NAMA The NAMA Show 2025 concluded earlier this month with its highest turnout in over 20 years, drawing more than 5,200 industry professionals to Las Vegas for three days of exhibitions, education and networking. The event showcased developments across vending, micro markets, pantry services and self-serve retail. Kristen Griffith, VP of programmes and services of NAMA, said: "This year’s show captured the energy and innovation driving our industry – not just in technology, but in the customer experience, product diversity and service excellence". "From engaging education sessions to a buzzing show floor, The NAMA Show proved once again why it’s the place to be for anyone in convenience services. This is your opportunity to lead, connect and grow in the midst of a highly engaged, decision-making audience." Among the key attractions was Imagination Way, which featured model environments demonstrating real-world applications of unattended retail – ranging from workplace refreshment hubs to airport kiosks and micro markets for mixed-use buildings. Attendees explored model set-ups of: Unattended retail solutions on campuses; breakrooms and workplace refreshment zones reimagined as wellness hubs; tech-enabled retail zones in airports, hotels and transit hubs; and micro markets tailored for small offices and mixed-use buildings. A dedicated Snap-eligible micro market also drew attention for its focus on expanding food access through policy-aligned innovation. The show also hosted a full schedule of educational sessions, covering topics such as: Harnessing AI and automation across operations. Leveraging retail analytics for customer engagement. Trends in consumer preferences, flavor profiles, and packaging. Building strong brands in a competitive landscape. Sustainability, workforce development and more. Following this year’s success, NAMA announced plans for The NAMA Show 2026, set to take place in Los Angeles, US. Beverage Standards Association (BSA) BSA hosts networking event at Sanremo Coffee London The Beverage Standards Association (BSA) recently held a networking event at Sanremo Coffee in London, bringing together members and industry professionals to exchange ideas and strengthen connections. The event aimed to encourage collaboration among BSA members and provided a space for discussion around shared initiatives. Sanremo Coffee hosted the gathering at its London site. The BSA said networking events play an important role in maintaining engagement with members and supporting collaboration across the sector. BSA said: "Sanremo in London were exceptional hosts, and provided an excellent space for our members to network and learn. Connecting with our members is vital to the BSA, and our networking events are a great opportunity to foster relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future initiatives. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event a success!” Water updates Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) WHA members prepare for summer demand with focus on safe hydration As the UK enters the warmer months, members of the WHA are preparing for increased demand for hydration solutions across workplaces, events and construction sites. WHA businesses are scaling up logistics and services to meet seasonal demand for water dispensers and bottled water. With a focus on safety and compliance, the association highlights the importance of accredited providers in delivering reliable hydration. Tracy Corroll, technical manager at the WHA, said: “Our members don’t just deliver water – they deliver confidence. Whether it’s a plumbed-in system in a busy office or a bottled water cooler at an event, consumers and businesses can trust WHA members to provide compliant, safe, high-quality hydration solutions.” The WHA says proper hydration is particularly critical during the summer, as dehydration can impact concentration, performance and overall wellbeing. Accredited members follow a strict Code of Practice and undergo annual audits, training and safety checks. Representing suppliers, manufacturers, bottlers and distributors in the UK’s water dispenser sector, the WHA is encouraging businesses and event organisers to look for its logo when sourcing hydration services this summer. Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) NMWE and IUCN launch biodiversity guidance for mineral water sector NMWE and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have released a new guidance document to help mineral and spring water producers enhance biodiversity protection in catchment areas around water sources. The report, titled Biodiversity in Natural Mineral Waters: Measuring the Sector's Contribution to Nature Positive , offers practical tools to support companies in assessing their biodiversity impact and aligning their strategies with legal and voluntary frameworks, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The guidance aims to formalise and expand the sector's existing efforts to safeguard ecosystems that support clean and abundant freshwater. It provides a flexible framework for companies – ranging from multinationals to small-scale producers – to develop context-specific biodiversity plans, promote watershed-level collaboration and contribute to regional and global conservation goals. Alessandro Pasquale, president of NMWE, said: “NMWE’s collaboration with IUCN reflects our sector’s deep-rooted values and long-term vision. We recognise that protecting biodiversity is essential not only to the integrity of our product, but also to the resilience of our planet." "Natural mineral water companies depend on clean and abundant freshwater – a resource supported by healthy ecosystems. These ecosystems regulate water quality, maintain reliable flows and ensure the long-term viability of water sources.” James Dalton, global director for the IUCN's water and wetlands team, commented: “Natural mineral water producers have an important role to play as stewards of freshwater ecosystems, which is why IUCN partnered with NMWE to co-develop some practical guidance for their members to contribute to nature positive actions through their policies and practices." "The guide is the culmination of a two-year collaboration, and it is critical to maintain the momentum initiated with this work if we are to catalyse the change needed to safeguard European basins.” NMWE said the framework fulfils a commitment made under the EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices. “In the next step, we will focus on dissemination and partnership building,” added Patricia Fosselard, secretary general of NMWE. NMWE to host EU Green Week event on Deposit Return Systems NMWE will host a partner event during EU Green Week focused on the role of Deposit Return Systems (DRS) in advancing the EU’s circular economy and supporting targets under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The session, titled 'Deposit Return Systems | Delivering on Circularity Post-PPWR, will take place on 2 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, at the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU in Brussels. A networking lunch will follow the discussion. Speakers include Wolfgang Trunk from the European Commission, Clarissa Morawski of Reloop, Raymond Gianotten from OLHC, and a representative from Lithuania who will share insights on the country’s DRS framework. Registration is open until 29 May 2025 at noon. International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) Bottled water leads US beverage market in 2024 with strongest volume growth Bottled water maintained its position as the most consumed packaged beverage in the US for the ninth consecutive year, according to new data from Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC). In 2024, bottled water saw a 2.9% increase in volume, reaching 16.4 billion gallons, outperforming nearly all other beverage categories, most of which declined. In contrast, carbonated soft drinks reached 11.9 billion gallons with just 0.2% growth. Energy drinks grew by 1.6%, while sports drinks dropped by 2.7%, ready-to-drink coffee fell 2.3%, fruit beverages declined 2.5% and both value-added water and ready-to-drink tea dropped 1.3%. Retail sales of bottled water hit $50.6 billion in 2024, up 3.7% from the previous year. John G Rodwan, Jr, BMC’s editorial director, said: “Though sometimes regarded as competing with tap water, bottled water actually achieved its position as the biggest beverage category by enticing consumers away from other packaged beverages. Some consumers may have transitioned away from regular, full-calorie sodas in favor of their diet (or ‘zero-sugar’) iterations, but many others opted for bottled water instead. And as some consumers grew leery of artificial sweeteners, they moved away from diet sodas as well as regular versions." “Bottled water’s zero-calorie status and its lack of artificial ingredients appeal to many consumers. Even where tap water may be safe and readily available, people may prefer bottled water. The availability of packaged water wherever beverages are sold also differentiates bottled water from tap.” Jill Culora, IBWA’s vice president of communications, commented: “Whether consuming refreshing, high-quality water from a three- or five-gallon jug and watercooler or picking up a convenient, resealable, grab-and-go PET container, bottled water offers a healthy and smart choice . Consumers who choose bottled water know both options can lessen their personal environmental footprints when they choose water over other packaged drinks." "Watercoolers provide thirst-quenching water from three- and five-gallon containers that are collected, cleaned, sanitised and reused 35-plus times before being recycled. And the market’s most popular, individual-sized PET plastic bottle is not only the most recognized as being recyclable but also the most common item in curbside bins (53%), making it easy for consumers to make the right choice and recycle rather than trash empty bottles." Americans consumed an average of 47.3 gallons of bottled water per person in 2024, continuing a trend that began in 2016 when bottled water first surpassed soft drinks in volume. Culora added: “Consumer  pr eference for convenient, safe, and healthy bottled water is good news for public health.  This is particularly important as the nation continues to experience high rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.”    “Helping people make healthier choices is at the core of the bottled water business. Consumers have made it clear that there’s a demand for safe, healthy, and convenient bottled water, as they are responsible for propelling bottled water to the title of America’s most popular packaged beverage, by volume.”