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

Nayax has acquired Inepro Pay, a Netherlands-based payment service provider. Inepro Pay, a subsidiary of the Inepro Group, has acted as Nayax’s distributor in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg since 2015. The company provides cashless payment solutions and supports unattended retail businesses, such as vending and self-service kiosks. The acquisition gives Nayax direct control over its operations in the Benelux region, allowing it to to improve customer support, eliminate duplicate processes and drive growth in a region that accounted for roughly 36% of Nayax’s global revenues in 2024. Yair Nechmad, CEO and chairman of Nayax, said: “Our goal at Nayax has always been to simplify commerce and deepen customer loyalty for merchants worldwide. Inepro Pay has cultivated an unparalleled understanding of our products and customers as our distributor since 2015 in the Benelux region, and we’re confident that integrating their team and back-end operations will produce remarkable outcomes for businesses across Europe.” Jeroen Pynenburg, CEO of Inepro Group, added: “Our customers frequently tell us Nayax is the engine behind their success, unifying payments, operations and loyalty into a powerful yet flexible retail solution which spares them the hassle of managing multiple vendors". "It has been a privilege to build-up the Benelux Nayax representation in the last ten years, and it is a natural moment for the team joining Nayax now. This will give the enhanced resources, sales tools and operational backbone necessary to connect more merchants with a single, unified commerce platform.” Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Top image: © Inepro Group

Lavazza Group has introduced a preview of the Tablì system, a new solution designed to offer a '100% coffee experience'. Developed over five years research with more than 15 patents, Tablì aims to innovate the single-serve coffee market by providing a high-quality, practical option for home coffee consumption. The system consists of an all-coffee 'tab' and a specially designed machine that delivers a new coffee experience, focusing on enhancing aroma, flavour and color. According to the company, Tablì is the first product of its kind to offer a 100% coffee tab. Carlo Colpo, Lavazza's marketing communication and brand home director, said: “Constant challenges and the quest for innovation have always driven the group in its continuous improvement of the product offering, as a way to stand out in an increasingly competitive market and meet people’s ever-changing needs. Tablì is an important milestone for us, the result of a five-year journey involving over 15 patents that today represents the future of single-serve coffee." "We’ve decided to unveil this new development against the backdrop of Milan Design Week, with an immersive installation that features an appealing and original aesthetic where everything revolves around coffee. We worked together with renowned designer and architect Juliana L. Vasconcellos to transport visitors into the experience of 100% coffee in a completely new way.” Juliana added: "As a Brazilian, coffee is an integral part of my daily life, it is more than just a beverage; it is a ritual, a source of energy, a moment of pleasure. With this idea in mind, I wanted to create an installation that would encapsulate these sensations, a space that invites introspection, pleasure and discovery." "In designing this journey, we sought to preserve the purity of the materials, the colours and the aesthetic integrity. The design adopts a simple yet profound shape – the circle – symbolising introspection, the sacred, order and a subliminal sense of wholeness, with a central force that uplifts and draws the spirit upward. This space unfolds in three distinct stages: first, an immersive tunnel that envelops the senses; second, a room with a fountain that celebrates the source of pleasure, life, the coffee; and third, the Coffee Experience, where the essence of Tablì comes to life.”

Coffee prices declined on Thursday following president Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on US imports – a development that has raised significant concerns across the coffee industry. As reported by Reuters , the US will apply a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, with rates reaching as high as 46% for some countries. This move introduces the first US tariffs on coffee imports since the colonial era. Major exporting countries have been directly impacted: Vietnam and Indonesia, leading suppliers of robusta coffee, will face tariffs of 46% and 32%, respectively, while Brazil – the world’s largest producer of arabica coffee—will see a 10% tariff imposed on its goods. Industry stakeholders warn that these tariffs will increase costs and add complexity for US importers and roasters, many of whom are already navigating historically high coffee prices. "We don't know the [full] impact right now [but] there are no winners," a Europe-based coffee trader told Reuters . "This is bad for everyone. For the US, its inflationary while others lose access to the US, a huge market." Futures markets responded promptly. Arabica coffee futures on the ICE exchange declined by 0.9% to $3.8525 per pound, after an earlier drop of nearly 3%. Robusta futures fell 0.2% to $5,388 per ton, following an intraday decline of up to 2.5%. The tariff announcement also reverberated through other soft commodity markets. London cocoa futures fell by 1.4% to £6,683 per ton, while New York cocoa prices rose 3.6% to $9,291 per ton, buoyed by a weaker .S dollar that made American-priced commodities more attractive to foreign buyers. Sugar prices also declined. Raw sugar settled 2.5% lower at 19.11 cents per pound, and white sugar dropped 1.6% to $543.80 per ton. As global markets adjust to these protectionist measures, uncertainty surrounds the future of international trade and the pricing of key agricultural commodities.

Nestlé has appointed Stefano Bolognese as the new managing director for Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages UK. He succeeds Grant McKenzie, who has been named head of Northern Europe for Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages. In his new role, Bolognese will oversee the UK Waters and Premium Beverages business, which includes brands such as Princes Gate, Buxton, Nestlé Pure Life, S. Pellegrino, and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks. He will also join the leadership team for Nestlé UK & Ireland. Bolognese, who joined Nestlé in 2000, brings experience in sales, marketing and business development across Italy's waters and food categories. He most recently led the Sanpellegrino's international business unit, helping expand the portfolios of Acqua Panna, S. Pellegrino and Sanpellegrino Beverages globally. Bolognese said: “I am honoured to step into the role of managing director for Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages UK at such an exciting time for the business. My focus will be on nurturing the truly remarkable brands we have here, including Buxton and Princes Gate." "I can see that I'm joining a fantastic team and I'll be looking to create an environment where they can excel even further and continue the great work they're already doing, like the latest innovative water capture project in Pembrokeshire.”

Bosch and Lavazza have announced a partnership aimed at enhancing the home coffee experience through a combination of premium coffee and advanced espresso machine technology. The collaboration pairs Bosch’s fully automatic espresso machines – featuring up to 35 drink options and one-touch functionality – with Lavazza’s range of coffee blends. Together, the brands aim to bring barista-style coffee into consumers' home. Lavazza, which sources beans from Brazil, Colombia, the US and other regions, brings more than a century of coffee expertise to the partnership. Bosch highlights its machines’ ease of use and customisation features as a key element in delivering café-style beverages at home. Daniele Foti, VP of marketing at Lavazza, said: “This collaboration is a celebration of two brands dedicated to quality and innovation. We’re excited to combine our premium coffee with Bosch’s expertly crafted machines to create unforgettable coffee moments at home.”

As the hospitality industry braces for a challenging year, businesses face rising operational costs due to the 2024 budget changes, putting pressure on already tight margins. Callum Quirk, hospitality solutions expert at Vita Mojo, explores how technology can help hospitality businesses navigate these financial pressures, improve efficiency and drive sustainable growth. The hospitality industry is approaching a tough and uncertain time. In April, the changes announced in the autumn 2024 budget come into play, including an increase in the minimum wage, higher national insurance contributions and business rate adjustments. For many hospitality business owners, these rising operational costs, combined with an expected decline in discretionary spending, create a perfect storm. After a challenging few years, businesses must find innovative ways to drive efficiencies and protect their margins. This is where technology can be a game-changer. To mitigate these tough financial pressures, it looks like hospitality businesses are going to need to move beyond traditional cost-cutting strategies. Some operators are opting for a 12-15% price increase across the board to recover lost profit margins. While this strategy may have short-term benefits, there is a concern that passing this on to customers will mean a loss of loyalty, and that customers seek out cheaper options. Brands need to strike a balance between looking after their customer base and protecting their bottom line.   Instead of reducing staffing levels, which can mean losing the heart of the customer experience, operators can look at how technology might simplify operations making things more efficient and ultimately help drive sustainable growth. Vita Mojo has recently produced a report examining how tech can support hospitality business owners navigate the current challenging landscape. The key takeaway? The right technology, paired with a strong strategic approach, can even turn these industry-wide challenges into opportunities for growth. Tech solutions: The key to 'operational efficiency' One of the most effective ways technology can support hospitality businesses is by improving operational efficiency. With payroll costs set to rise by an estimated 12-14%, reducing reliance on manual processes and making repetitive tasks automatic can offer significant savings. Some of the ways our customers use technology to enhance efficiency include implementing self-ordering kiosks, reducing reliance on staff while increasing transaction speed and average transaction value. Research shows customers tend to spend more at kiosks thanks to intuitive basket and bundle recommendations. Having a staff member present to greet customers and offer assistance means you don’t lose the personality side when switching to kiosk. Another way in which technology can improve operational efficiency is by introducing Pay-at-Table functionality, particularly in the QSR and fast casual space where a full on service isn’t expected. Digital menus and self-payment options not only improve table turnover times but also cater to a younger demographic – 95% of Gen Z prefer digital ordering over traditional methods. Giving customers choice around how they interact with your brand will build customer sentiment and profit. Finally, adding a service like Click & Collect (C&C) can help expand ordering channels by improving customer convenience for operators in high-footfall locations. It also enhances engagement, C&C can be incentivised with loyalty to give customers a reason to order this way, and ensure customers are engaging with your brand. Finally, it supports revenue growth. By using automation, businesses can optimise scheduling, streamline inventory management and reduce food waste. These are key areas that contribute to cost efficiency but also appeal to customers looking for businesses with green credentials.  Building tech-driven resilience As businesses are braced for increased costs, prioritising long-term, sustainable growth over rapid expansion is critical. Many operators conduct thorough tech reviews to identify where things could be more streamlined. The goal is not only to weather the financial storm but also to position themselves for future success. Instead of pulling back entirely, forward-thinking brands use technology to refine and strengthen their existing operations, ensuring they remain competitive despite rising costs.  However, adding digital order channels should be cautiously approached if you plan to use different providers for each service. This can mean headaches from a data gathering and menu management point of view. Operationally, streamlining everything with one tech partner can help you future proof, especially when you have multiple sites.  Technology shouldn’t just be about tools; it is also about partnerships. Businesses that treat their technology providers as strategic partners rather than simply someone selling a service will be better positioned to thrive. A tech partner can then evolve alongside a business, offering customised solutions, as they learn the company's unique challenges and growth goals.  A staggering 87% of large hospitality businesses report frustrations with their current point-of-sale (POS) systems. Ensuring that a technology solution is efficient and scalable is crucial for businesses seeking resilience amid financial pressures. The hospitality industry is facing one of its most challenging periods. While cost pressures are unavoidable, businesses embracing technology will be better equipped to survive and thrive. By leveraging digital solutions to improve efficiency, investing in sustainable growth strategies and forming strong tech partnerships, operators can safeguard their bottom line and future-proof their businesses. In today’s hospitality landscape, tech-driven efficiency isn’t just an advantage, it’s more of a necessity. The brands that recognise and act on this reality now will be the ones that emerge stronger on the other side of the storm.

UAE-based food and beverage company, Agthia Group, has acquired a 100% stake in bottled water business Riviere Mineral Water Desalination & Filling Factory. The acquisition is said to triple Agthia’s household customer base, bolster its market leadership and enhance operational capabilities. The deal expands Agthia’s Water & Food Segment, increasing its revenue by around 6.5% and providing entry into the mainstream bottled water segment. Riviere’s strong presence in the UAE, particularly across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah, supports Agthia’s growth plans by enhancing production capacity and ensuring broader service coverage. Riviere, established in 2003, operates three bottling facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and a fleet of over 160 delivery trucks. The company employs over 780 people across production, logistics and customer service. Its existing management team will oversee a smooth transition, ensuring business continuity and realising synergies during integration. Agthia’s acquisition of Riviere is expected to provide both short- and long-term value through cost synergies, improved operational efficiencies and expanded manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Alan Smith, CEO of Agthia, commented: “Following strong growth in our water category in FY 2024, this acquisition of Riviere further strengthens our leadership in the UAE’s water sector, expanding our footprint and accelerating growth in the home and office services business". "Entering the mainstream segment allows us to serve a broader customer base while driving operational efficiencies across our network. With our deep expertise and a proven track record of strategic execution, we are confident this move will unlock long-term value for our customers, stakeholders, and the broader market.” Ali Moideen Kankayel, co-owner of Riviere, added: “For over two decades, Riviere has built a strong reputation in the UAE’s home water services sector, driven by our commitment to quality, service excellence, and customer trust. As we transition the business, we are confident that Agthia is the right partner to uphold this legacy and drive future growth." "With Agthia’s leadership, scale, and operational expertise, Riviere is well-positioned to enhance customer offerings, accelerate growth, and strengthen its market presence. We look forward to working closely with Agthia during the transition period to ensure a seamless integration and continue delivering the trusted service Riviere’s customers rely on.” The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.