When customers need a quick snack, a refreshing drink or an essential item on the go, they expect it to be fast and hassle-free. Whether they’re at work, in a residential space or passing through a public area, convenience should never be compromised. Smart stores like Stockwell and the soon-to-launch PicoCooler Vision are changing the way businesses meet these expectations, providing reliable, self-service retail that keeps customers happy. At 365 Retail Markets, we know that customer satisfaction starts with convenience. That’s why our smart store solutions offer flexible, efficient ways to deliver the experiences people expect. Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision make it easy for customers to get what they need without waiting in long queues or dealing with outdated payment methods. The combination of secure, cashless transactions and easy-to-use interfaces ensures a smooth shopping experience every time. For operators, these smart stores simplify management. Real-time data insights help track popular products and keep shelves stocked. This not only reduces waste but also makes sure customers find what they’re looking for, boosting satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. The compact, modular design of both Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision means they fit seamlessly into various environments, from offices to residential buildings. Our team partners with businesses to make sure these solutions work for their specific needs. From set-up to support, we’re there every step of the way, helping operators optimise their retail spaces and deliver quality service. Want to see how smart stores like Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision can benefit your business? Watch the video below to learn more.

The Hershey Company-owned brand Reese’s has expanded its snack line-up with the launch of Reese’s Filled Pretzels, combining its signature peanut butter with a crunchy pretzel shell. The new product is rolling out in three formats: a 5oz bag, a 9oz pouch and an 18oz jar. Hershey describes the snack as a balance of salty and sweet, featuring a thick peanut butter centre encased in a crispy pretzel. Natalie Perera, director of salty snacks at Hershey, said: "We know our fans are always on the hunt for new ways to get their Reese's peanut butter fix and trust us, this one's a total game-changer." Reese’s Filled Pretzels are available nationwide at major retailers in the US.

Nestlé Thai has resumed full operations of its Nescafé brand in Thailand following a ruling by the Thai Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court on Friday 11 April. The court confirmed Nestlé’s exclusive rights to use the Nescafé trademark, effectively overturning a prior injunction that had temporarily halted the brand’s production, sales and importation in the country. The earlier injunction, issued by the Minburi Civil Court on Thursday 3 April, had raised widespread concerns among retailers and consumers about a potential shortage of Nescafé products nationwide. A spokesperson for Nestlé told Refreshment: “We resumed full operations of our Nescafé products in Thailand with immediate effect. We are committed to ensuring that consumers in Thailand can continue to enjoy the complete range of Nescafé products without interruption.”

Hydration brand Phizz is launching Phizz Daily Energy, a new product designed to support energy and hydration during summer. The formula combines seven electrolytes, a comprehensive multivitamin and a high-strength B-vitamin complex. It also contains 75mg of caffeine from guarana and added caffeine, offering a sustained energy boost. Phizz says dehydration is one of the most common – and overlooked – causes of fatigue, and the product is formulated to address this directly. Daily Energy comes in two flavours: orange and a reformulated cherry flavour. Phizz CEO Dan Cray said: “We started Phizz because traditional sports drinks weren’t designed for daily life and the science behind their hydration benefits just doesn’t hold up. We wanted something that worked harder: science-led hydration that’s effective, delicious and easy to make a daily habit.” Available in 20-tablet tubes (£7.99) and 60-tablet packs (£19.99), Phizz Daily Energy is launching in Waitrose, Tesco, Amazon and Boots this summer.

The Ryl Company, owner of functional iced tea brand Ryl Tea, has secured $15m in Series B funding to fuel its innovation and expansion across the US. The company, headquartered in New Jersey, US, was founded in 2022 by Blodin Ukella and Morgan Wallen. Its latest investment round will support enhanced marketing efforts and product development for Ryl Tea as it expands its presence nationwide. The round follows a $7.5 million Series A round in early 2024, bringing the company’s total funding to $30 million in growth equity. In addition to support from the company’s board and chairman Leigh Feuerstein, the Series B round earned additional investment from major partners including Wallen, Get Engaged Media’s Cam Fordham, Austin Neal of Sticks Management and more. Ryl Tea is described as a functional, ‘better-for-you’ iced tea brand that aims to redefine the RTD tea category, with ‘clean ingredients and purposeful wellness benefits’. Each bottle is sugar-free, contains less than five calories and no artificial ingredients. At the core of each brew is the brand’s proprietary Antioxidant Superblend, crafted to deliver a source of vitamin C and a high concentration of naturally-occurring tea polyphenols. The tea is available in a range of flavours including peach, raspberry, green citrus and more, delivering a ‘health-forward’ twist on classic iced tea favourites. With this round of funding, the brand plans to significantly expand its national footprint with increased distribution to over 40,000 stores by the end of 2025. Key retail distribution includes major chains like Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Costco, Publix, HEB, Meijer, 7-Eleven and other regional and national retailers. Ryl has revealed it will also unveil its ‘most ambitious product yet’ next month (May 2025), an innovation that ties into a philanthropic initiative that the company said reflects its core values. Chairman Feuerstein commented: “The Ryl Company is surging into an exciting phase of hyper-growth, and this capital raise will assist us in scaling to new heights, especially as we expand our retail presence and national distribution”. “Under the direction of founder and CEO Blodin Ukella, the team’s deep connection with consumers has set the stage for great success. Blodin is a remarkable leader with a clear vision and indefatigable energy, and we're backing him with unbridled confidence in his ability to fuel Ryl’s expansion.”

US representatives Jill Tokuda and William Timmons have launched the bipartisan Congressional Coffee Caucus, aimed at supporting the US coffee industry and strengthening the global coffee supply chain. The caucus will focus on three key areas. First, agricultural resilience, by increasing research and development funding to support coffee farmers in the US, including in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico, as well as globally. Second, economic development, by promoting coffee in trade and economic policy to support a strong US coffee market and help drive development in coffee-producing countries. Third, will advance scientific research into coffee’s potential health benefits. The initiative has gained support from industry groups, including the National Coffee Association (NCA) and the Hawaiʻi Coffee Growers Association, which welcomed the caucus as a step forward in recognising coffee’s economic and cultural significance. The bipartisan group includes 19 members from both parties, representing a range of coffee-producing and coffee-consuming states. NCA's president and CEO, William 'Bill' Murray, said: “With two-thirds of American adults drinking coffee each day, NCA is proud to see Congressional leaders sharing the joy of coffee and kicking off this historic effort to recognise coffee as a touchstone in Americans’ daily lives and a huge driver of economic value in every US state and territory." Tokuda highlighted: "Coffee is more than just a daily ritual – it’s a vital pillar of our economy, supporting millions of farmers, businesses and communities across the country. From the fields in my home state of Hawaiʻi, to the roasteries and manufacturing plants in South Carolina and Vermont, coffee is consumed and enjoyed in every congressional district in the nation." "That’s why I’m proud to launch the Congressional Coffee Caucus with my colleague Timmons to highlight the positive impacts of our coffee industry that brings people together, one cup at a time." Timmons added: “Coffee is a vital part of the US economy, supporting millions of American jobs and generating billions in revenue from coast to coast. Beyond that, its health benefits keep our workforce sharp." "The Coffee Caucus celebrates this powerhouse industry by uniting lawmakers over a cup, fostering bipartisan collaboration, and paving the way for policies that strengthen both our economy and our well-being."

Maison Perrier, a brand under Nestlé Waters, has unveiled its first line of cocktail-inspired non-alcoholic sparkling beverages, dubbed Maison Perrier Chic. The new range features four flavours designed to echo classic cocktails using real fruit juice, natural flavours and the brand’s signature sparkling water. Developed in collaboration with a French bartender from one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, the Chic collection includes: Daiqui'red, a tart fruit twist on the classic Daiquiri; Peach Spritzer, a peach-forward take on the Bellini; Piña Fizz, a coconut and pineapple nod to the Piña Colada; and Citrus Fizz, a lemon-based interpretation of the French 75. Molly Lyons, senior marketing manager at Nestlé, said: "Maison Perrier Chic brings a new level of sophistication to sparkling beverages while reimagining the cocktail flavor experience. Chic is all about celebrating flavour, craftsmanship and the art of indulgence – without the alcohol." "Now, as part of the expanding Maison Perrier portfolio, Chic offers a new way to elevate various sipping occasions, from casual get-togethers to formal toasts, bringing refinement to every sip." Each can contains 30 calories or less. The Citrus Fizz flavour is now available exclusively at Whole Foods, while the full range is set to roll out across major retailers including Amazon starting this month. The drinks retail at $5.99 for a four-pack.

Originally released exclusively for athletes, US-based C4 Energy has unveiled C4 Liquid Gold, the 'world's first' champagne-bottled energy drink in an exclusive limited-edition new flavour. C4 Liquid Gold contains 200mg of caffeine, alongside CarnoSyn beta-alanine for performance, BetaPower betaine, and B vitamins. It comes in a 24oz champagne bottle rather than a 16oz can, complete with gold foiling. The flavour is described as a ‘zesty, citrusy experience'. C4, headquartered in Texas, US, is part of the global health and wellness company Nutrabolt. Nutrabolt's portfolio also includes pre-workout brands such as Xtend and Cellucor. C4 Liquid Gold is 'incredibly limited,' with consumers needing to sign up to a waitlist to be notified when it is available for purchase. It is priced at $44.44.

Espace Drive has introduced Cave O Vin, a range of automated lockers designed specifically for storing wine bottles at a constant temperature of 14°C. Available 24/7, these lockers provide a convenient 'click and collect' solution for wine merchants and professionals, allowing customers to pick up their orders outside traditional store hours. According to the company, Cave O Vin lockers are fully autonomous and connected, 'offering easy management' through a digital interface. Wine professionals can monitor stock levels in real time, customise access for secure distribution and ensure optimal preservation conditions for their products. Customers can then collect their orders by scanning a QR code after completing their online payment. With a sleek design, Cave O Vin units are suitable for various locations, including supermarkets, wine cellars, hotels and wineries. The lockers are designed in France, with nearly 98% of suppliers based locally. Espace Drive has developed 'unique technologies' to maintain a consistent internal temperature regardless of external conditions. As part of its commitment to supporting clients, Espace Drive offers assistance in customising the lockers, from marketing support to managing local authority approvals. The company’s expertise in connected distribution also allows for tailored units, with adjustable storage zones for different temperature requirements, making it ideal for wine and champagne storage.

Israeli AI-powered voice tech start-up Hi Auto has raised $15 million in Series A funding round to accelerate the rollout of its automated drive-thru ordering system for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). The round was led by Delek Motors, the Zisapel Family, Vasuki Tech Fund and an undisclosed publicly traded investor from the restaurant industry. Additional backing came from Allied Group, Goldbell Investments and the Meir Barel Group, bringing the company's total funding to $23 million. Hi Auto has also secured a $4 million credit line to support further growth. Hi Auto’s software-as-a-service platform aims to solve one of the QSR sector’s biggest challenges: staffing drive-thru lanes amid rising labour costs and high turnover. Using proprietary AI voice technology, the system automates the order-taking process with a reported 96% accuracy and over 90% completion rate – allowing restaurant staff to focus on tasks like food preparation and customer service. Roy Baharav, CEO and co-founder of Hi Auto, said: "Rising labour costs and labour turnover continue to strain restaurant operations. Our AI-powered ordering system acts like an always-available drive-thru specialist – one that never calls in sick, delivers near-perfect accuracy, and can upsell consistently. This funding will help us expand our footprint and refine our product as we become a trusted partner with leading QSR brands." Hi Auto is already working with QSR brands including Bojangles, Checkers & Rally’s, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Burger King New Zealand and Popeyes UK. The company is also running paid pilots with several chains across the US and internationally. Hi Auto’s system uses noise-cancellation technology and a specialised language model designed for the noisy and unpredictable environment of drive-thrus. This helps reduce order errors, even in situations with background noise, indecisive customers, car engines or adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms. The company’s platform includes a dynamic upselling feature that recommends add-ons or higher-priced items based on factors such as time of day, weather and inventory levels. The company reports that this has helped raise average order values, suggesting the technology may support revenue growth as well as streamline operations. Baharav added: "Whether it's lunchtime at a busy urban drive-thru or late-night in a suburban setting, we can determine which products to promote and when. We've seen increased check sizes directly impacting the bottom line." He continued: "We saw earlier attempts at AI-based ordering that never quite made it. But Hi Auto's focus on real-world conditions – like fragmentation of franchisee menu, employee-AI interface and guest experience – positions us to solve problems that others stumbled on. Our goal is to become the default conversational AI solution for QSRs around the globe." Top image: © Hi Auto

At Aquatech Amsterdam 2025, Refreshment spoke with Matteo Bonardello, CEO of Think:Water, to explore the company’s latest developments in reverse osmosis (RO) filtration. In this exclusive video interview, Bonardello introduces a range of cutting-edge solutions developed by Think:Water. These include SyncRO, a compact and connected reverse osmosis system designed for maximum efficiency in minimal space; ROmeo, a sleek under-sink RO system ideal for residential use; and Profine Platinum, an advanced filter engineered to reduce PFAS, heavy metals and other critical contaminants. Watch the full interview to learn how Think:Water is driving innovation in water purification.

Castillo Hermanos, a diversified multinational business group , has entered into a definitive agreement with Brynwood Partners to acquire Harvest Hill Beverage Company, which produces household brands such as SunnyD, Juicy Juice and Little Hug. The deal marks a strategic move for Castillo Hermanos, a family-owned enterprise founded in 1886, as it seeks to bolster its US operations and leverage Harvest Hill’s established brand portfolio. The acquisition is supported by Centerview Capital, which is investing as a strategic partner to facilitate growth in the US beverage sector. Juan Monge Calderón, chairman  of   Castillo   Hermanos , said: "In recent years, the  company  has been working  to  open itself  to  the world  and  bring  to  life our goal  to  create global  brands  that ensure sustained growth  and  continue  to  strengthen our leadership. This acquisition marks a milestone in our history. We welcome the leadership team  of   Harvest   Hill  that will join our team  and  are confident that,  to gether, we will continue  to  captivate consumers  and  create world-renowned  brands ."   Harvest Hill, formed in 2014, has rapidly established itself within the beverage industry, notably acquiring the Juicy Juice brand, which is the leading 100% juice brand targeted at children. The company has also expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including American Beverage Corporation and Sunny Delight Beverages Co. All  of   Harvest   Hill ’s 1,000+ employees – including its management  and  leadership teams – are expected  to  retain their jobs  as  part  of  the transaction, becoming part of   Castillo   Hermanos ’ 20,000+ strong workforce.   “This is a key moment in our history  as  we set out  to  meaningfully expand our reach into the U.S. Our trusted  and  iconic  brands , combined with  Harvest   Hill ’s, offer a compelling product assortment to cater to diverse consumer needs," said Roberto Lara, CEO of Castillo Hermanos. He continued: "We look forward to working closely with Harvest Hill's experienced leadership team to unlock key growth opportunities, leveraging their manufacturing facilities, distribution network and understanding of the beverage category in the US".   Robert Mortati, president and CEO of Harvest Hill, said:   “We could not be more excited  to  build our future with  Castillo   Hermanos . Founded on similar values  and  principles based on respect, quality, innovation,  and  customer  and  consumer centricity,  Castillo   Hermanos ’  and   Harvest   Hill ’s strategic visions are aligned.  To gether, we will be able  to  scale our businesses, enhancing the presence of our brands across the beverage marketplace."   Reflecting on the transaction, Jim Kilts, founding partner  of  Centerview Capital, added: “We’ve been impressed by  Castillo   Hermanos ’ business execution  and  brand portfolio  and   Harvest   Hill ’s commercial  and  operational success. Both companies have proven track records of acquiring and integrating assets and our investment underscores the potential of this transaction."   Citi is serving  as the  financial advisor  to   Castillo   Hermanos   and  is the lead arranger  and  bookrunner on the acquisition financing. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as the legal advisor to Castillo Hermanos. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals. Top image: © Harvest Hills