UK-based premium water brand Wenlock Spring is ramping up its sustainability efforts, outlining plans to cut carbon emissions, boost renewable energy usage and advance eco-friendly packaging solutions. The company is taking further steps to ensure its operations have a lasting positive impact. This includes expanding its use of solar energy, utilising biomass power and exploring sustainable packaging solutions. In the past year, Wenlock Spring introduced recyclable cans and formed partnerships to address environmental and social challenges while maintaining its focus on quality hydration. Wenlock Spring has installed 741 solar panels, reducing carbon emissions by 175 tonnes, the equivalent of planting over 10,000 trees. The company also uses carbon-neutral biomass boilers for hot water, cutting energy consumption by 24%. It is growing 25 acres of Miscanthus grass, which powers the biomass boilers and captures 1,000 tonnes of CO2 in the soil. Matthew Orme, director of Wenlock Spring, said: “Sustainability isn’t an add-on for us – it’s who we are". “As a family-run business, we take our responsibility to the environment personally. Our land, our water, and our business are all connected, and every decision we make is about protecting and preserving them for future generations.” Additionally, Wenlock Spring has planted 1,700 trees, absorbing 35 tonnes of CO2 annually. The company has implemented a heat recovery system that reduces energy consumption by 22% by capturing waste heat from air compressors to heat water. Efficiency has been improved by replacing three older compressors with a single high-efficiency model, which consumes significantly less energy. Orme continued: “Our responsibility goes beyond simply producing great-tasting natural spring water. It’s about how we do it, and that means using renewable energy, protecting biodiversity and continuously improving our environmental impact". According to the company, Wenlock Spring was among the first UK water brands to introduce recycled PET (rPET) bottles and has developed lightweight glass bottles with 40% recycled glass. The company’s aluminium cans, which are fully recyclable, offer an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. He said: “We’ve always believed that sustainability should be built into the very core of our business. That’s why we’ve invested in making our bottles and cans as sustainable as possible, whether through lightweight glass, 100% rPET, or recyclable aluminium. The industry must keep pushing forward, and we want to be at the forefront of that movement." The business plans to further expand its use of solar power, plant more hedgerows to support biodiversity and invest in technology to reduce its environmental impact. It also intends to grow its presence in the hospitality, education and travel sectors in 2025. He concluded: “Sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise for us. It’s an ongoing commitment to doing better, thinking smarter and making a real difference. We’ve been looking after this land for decades, and we intend to keep doing so in a way that ensures future generations can enjoy it too." “Hospitality, education and travel are critical areas where we see tremendous potential for growth. Our water is already making a difference in schools, onboard trains and in hospitality venues, but we’re eager to do more. By working with businesses in these sectors, we can help make sustainable hydration accessible to even more people.”

Sanpellegrino has launched a new line of flavoured sparkling waters, Sanpellegrino Ciao!, which features real fruit juices and is inspired by Italy's tradition of blending sparkling water with citrus and a touch of salt. The range includes four flavours: peach, blood orange, lime and cherry. Each 11.15oz can contains 10 calories or less, with no added sugars and a pinch of Sicilian salt for enhanced flavour. Sara Mayer, senior marketing manager at Sanpellegrino, said: "For more than 90 years, Sanpellegrino has been dedicated to crafting beverages that celebrate tradition and quality. With Ciao!, we bring the best of Italy into one can. Ciao! embodies the spirit of Italy – while celebrating its craft, passion and culture." The product will be available at select retailers starting April 2025, with a suggested retail price of $5.99 for a six-can pack.

Odeko, a technology and operations partner for local coffee shops and food businesses, has secured $126 million in Series E funding. The round includes $96 million in equity led by B Capital and a $30 million credit facility from Banc of California. The company aims to help small and mid-sized businesses compete with large global brands by providing a platform that supports their growth. The funds will be used for three main purposes: expanding services and offering cost savings to customers, acquiring businesses to enhance its market presence and strengthening its leadership team. Odeko currently serves over 14,000 customers, including regional and national businesses like Joe Coffee, Birch and Van Leeuwen. The platform enables customers to purchase supplies, track trends and finance equipment, leading to increased revenue, lower expenses and reduced environmental impact. Dane Atkinson, CEO and founder of Odeko, said: “We’re excited to expand the Odeko ecosystem. This new funding will allow us to offer an unparalleled suite of services to help independent businesses gain access to the unified buying power and technology of larger chains and thrive. With Odeko’s comprehensive solutions, our customers can focus on what they do best: serving their communities and creating a great customer experience.” The company is also expanding by acquiring Butter Insurance, a platform offering specialized insurance solutions for local businesses. This acquisition will provide Odeko’s customers with more cost-effective and tailored insurance options. To support its growth, Odeko has appointed Gautam Grover as president and Ken Banas as CFO, both of whom bring extensive leadership experience in the food industry.

BE WTR is expanding into the UK with a state-of-the-art bottling plant in London this April. The sustainable water brand already has locations across the world and is continuing its international expansion throughout 2025 with the recent closing of its funding round . BE WTR's new London site will serve freshly filtered bottled water within a 10 mile radius to London’s hospitality sector, offering a sustainable alternative to single use plastics. Since its creation in 2020, the company has already reduced carbon emissions by 16000 tonnes and has saved the use of 75 million plastic bottles worldwide. The London plant is estimated to save a further 4.5 million plastic bottles a year. Mike Hecker, CEO of BE WTR, said:  “Expanding into the UK is a natural progression for BE WTR as we continue to transform the way businesses and consumers think about water. London’s dynamic hospitality industry and commitment to sustainability make it the perfect location for our next launch." "With the opening of our new bottle plant and the introduction of AQTiV and AQTiV+, we are excited to provide a local, innovative and environmentally responsible alternative to bottled water. By producing water locally and reducing carbon emissions used via transport, we are taking another step toward a fully circular, sustainable water system.” In addition to the new bottling plant, BE WTR's AQTiV range of water system and carafes will be available to hotels, restaurants and corporate spaces around the capital, also lowering environmental impact while supplying still and sparkling drinking water.

Nescafé has launched its new iced coffee range, called Nescafé Iced Latte, available for the first time in the ambient coffee aisle. The product – available in iced latte and iced caramel flavour latte – comes in a multi-serve format, with each carton containing three 250ml servings. The beverages are designed to be served cold and are easy to prepare. Ingrid Hayes, marketing director for Nescafé UK and Ireland, said: “We are so excited to be introducing the new Nescafé Iced Lattes to coffee lovers in the UK". “Nescafé is dedicated to meeting the evolving preferences of consumers and we are delighted to showcase this commitment by providing even more ways for coffee drinkers to enjoy the exceptional taste of Nescafé in the comfort of their homes.” Each serving contains 92 calories, is a source of calcium and high protein, and contains no artificial flavours. The product is suitable for vegetarians and, according to Nescafé, is made with 100% responsibly sourced coffee. Both flavours will be available nationwide from this month.

Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that Hisae Morii will replace Takafumi Minaguchi as representative director and CEO, effective 1 April, 2025. Hisae Morii Morii, who currently serves as the company’s chief retail and marketing officer, will succeed Minaguchi as he retires from the role. Minaguchi has been Starbucks Japan's CEO since 2014. Morii became chief marketing officer at Starbucks Japan in 2018 and was promoted to her current role in 2023. Prior to this, she held senior marketing positions at Unilever, including vice president of marketing and marketing manager. Minaguchi commented: "I’ve decided to pass the baton to Hisae Morii who has supported the growth of Starbucks as chief retail and marketing officer. We’ve prepared ourselves since more than a year ago for the smooth transition to build on the journey we’ve taken together. The growth of Starbucks is supported by casual and organic conversations taking place every day at stores, moments of connection over a cup and the passion of every individual partner who makes that possible. I’m convinced that under Morii-san’s leadership, this aspiration of ours stays alive and our brand continues to be increasingly warm, welcoming and engaging." Morii added: "I’m happy to announce that I’ve just taken the position of CEO of Starbucks Coffee Japan. First, I would like to extend my sincere respect and gratitude for the journey that Minaguchi has led as CEO over the years." She continued: "Starbucks has connected people and delivered warm moments of inspiration one cup at a time. I would like to build on this aspiration as we continue to create a new future with our customers, partners and communities." "The biggest strength of Starbucks is “people”. Starbucks owes who it is today to our partners who welcome and connect with customers with great smile and many of those who support our brand. I strongly believe that the aspiration of every single partner brings the feel of warmth to customers’ heart and makes possible the special moment of engagement." "We continue to deepen our connection with communities, respect their cultures and personalities and send out messages of how attractive those communities are as we aim to stay as an invaluable partner for our customers. I’m looking forward to working with Starbucks partners across the country to continue to build up Starbucks that our customers, communities and we take pride in."

As leader in water treatment innovation, Think:Water is thrilled to announce the launch of two cutting-edge solutions:   SyncRO, the new line of reverse osmosis systems for the HoReCa sector, and Profine Platinum, the revolutionary range of filters for the removal of heavy metals and PFAS. Both products will be unveiled at Aquatech from 11-14 March, offering visitors an exclusive opportunity to discover their full potential firsthand at the Think:Water booth 05.616.     SyncRO: Reverse osmosis for the HoReCa sector The name SyncRO originates from the fusion of the concepts of 'synchrony' and 'reverse osmosis'. Synchrony reflects this line’s ability to communicate with other devices, ensuring precise performance control and optimising system management. The reference to 'RO' (reverse osmosis) highlights the product's technological core, guaranteeing consistently optimal water quality. The result is an effective, reliable and cutting-edge water treatment system. The new osmosis systems are available in two versions: SyncRO and SyncRO Plus, designed to meet the sector’s diverse needs. SyncRO is the ideal solution for those seeking a complete, efficient and cost-effective product, while SyncRO Plus represents excellence in parameter control, monitoring all key aspects of osmotic water production. Made of AISI 304 stainless steel and certified IPX4, the new Think:Water osmosis systems ensure durability and robustness, featuring a compact design and an integrated handle for easy transport and maintenance. SyncRO integrates the Profine Cobalt filter with 5-micron filtration, enhancing water quality by eliminating chlorine, turbidity, unpleasant odors and tastes, while also providing an essential limescale inhibition function. Additionally, the encapsulated Think:Water RO membrane allows for quick and efficient replacement, improving both operational efficiency and hygiene while reducing maintenance time.   SyncRO is an advanced reverse osmosis system that, thanks to the integration of the Modus module, can directly communicate with the connected machines. This connectivity enables real-time data sharing, optimising the entire system’s operation and ensuring superior operational efficiency. The Modus module provides continuous monitoring, adapting the filtration process to the specific needs of the connected machines.   Profine Platinum: The new frontier of filtration for water safety Think:Water introduces Profine Platinum, a new line of advanced filters designed for the reduction of heavy metals and PFAS, in response to increasingly stringent European regulations on drinking water quality. In recent years, emerging contaminants such as lead, copper, cadmium, nickel, arsenic and PFAS have become major environmental and health concerns. Profine Platinum provides a concrete solution to this challenge, leveraging cutting-edge filtration technology to effectively capture and significantly reduce these harmful substances. Profine Platinum ensures 0.2-micron filtration, significantly reduce chlorine, odors and tastes, microplastics, PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, total PFAS, lead, copper, cadmium, nickel and arsenic. Its effectiveness makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from coffee machines to ovens, beverage dispensers and domestic and industrial plumbing systems.   Profine Platinum is the result of extensive research and development conducted in Think:Water’s laboratories, following rigorous certification protocols such as UNI EN 14898:2006 and NSF/ANSI 58. This new line of filters not only improves water quality but also reduces environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable future. Discover the latest from Think:Water at Aquatech With the launch of SyncRO and Profine Platinum, Think:Water continues to invest in innovation to provide increasingly efficient and sustainable solutions. Join us at Aquatech at booth 05.616 to preview all the new products and engage with our experts.   For more information, visit our official website .

In a strategic move to penetrate the competitive beverage market, Bloom Nutrition has launched Bloom Pop, a new functional soda designed to cater to health-conscious consumers. The introduction of Bloom Pop comes on the heels of the brand's rapid ascent in the beverage sector, following the success of its Sparkling Energy drink, which reportedly grew from zero to an eight-figure revenue within six months. Set to hit shelves across major retailers, including Walmart, by September 2025, Bloom Pop aims to position itself as a healthier alternative to traditional sodas. With only 20 calories and 4g of sugar or less per serving, the beverage is formulated with a proprietary prebiotic designed to support gut health, reflecting a growing consumer demand for functional beverages that prioritise wellness without sacrificing flavour. Announced at the recent Expo West 2025, Bloom Pop will debut in five flavours, including Shirley Temple, Raspberry Lemon and Orange. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to innovation within the beverage category, as highlighted by co-founder Greg LaVecchia. “We plan to follow the same route to success as we did with Sparkling Energy – driving innovation and distribution while focusing on meeting the needs of our community,” he said. Co-Founder Mari Llewellyn noted the brand's mission to blend flavour with wellness, adding: “What we do best at Bloom is reimagine wellness essentials with flavour and function”. Bloom Nutrition's trajectory has been marked by rapid growth and successful product launches. The company reports that its Sparkling Energy drink sold over 3 million cans within its first two and a half months and quickly ascended to the top tier of energy drinks in the US market. This success has laid a solid foundation for Bloom Pop, which is expected to capitalise on the increasing consumer interest in health-oriented beverage options. As the beverage industry continues to evolve, the demand for functional products is on the rise. Industry analysts suggest that brands like Bloom Nutrition are well-positioned to capture market share in this segment by offering innovative products that resonate with health-conscious consumers. The introduction of Bloom Pop is indicative of a broader trend towards better-for-you alternatives in the beverage landscape, where traditional soda consumption is declining in favour of options that deliver both taste and health benefits. This collaboration is expected to enhance the brand's reach and distribution capabilities, enabling it to effectively compete against established players in the soda market. Bubbling up: The rising popularity of healthy sodas Bloom is just one of many companies competing in the soda space right now, with healthy variants and flavours taking centre stage. In February, Coca-Cola announced that it was launching its new prebiotic soda brand , Simply Pop, in a bid to capture a share of the rapidly growing market for health-oriented beverages. This move positions the beverage giant against established players like Olipop, SunSip and Poppi, who have successfully carved out niches in the prebiotic soda segment. Clean Simple Eats introduced its first protein-packed carbonated soda , Frosted Lemonade Clear Protein Soda. The new product, which contains 20g of ultra-filtered whey protein isolate per can, debuted at Expo West, a trade show for the natural and organic industry. Meanwhile, Talking Rain has unveiled its latest beverage offering, Popwell, a prebiotic soda that is claimed to be 'immunity-boosting' . The Popwell line comes in two varieties – caffeine-free (available in blackberry lime, tropical mango and cherry citrus flavours) and caffeinated (available in lemon lime, cream soda and orange cream).

Nestlé Spain is investing €15 million in its Girona factory to introduce recyclable packaging for Nescafé soluble coffee and Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsules. The facility is adding two new packaging lines that will reduce virgin plastic use and improve energy efficiency through automation. Construction is set to be completed by the end of the year. The investment will enable local production of Nescafé's refill bags, made from recyclable material. These bags, launched two years ago, offer the same product quality in a more sustainable format and can be used to refill Nescafé's glass jars. Nestlé said that they also use at least 97% less packaging weight than glass jars. By late 2025, the factory will produce refill bags in sizes from 75g to 275g, for both Nescafé Classic and its decaffeinated variant. In addition, Nestlé is building a high-speed production line for Nescafé single-serve sachets, which will now be packaged in recyclable mono-material. This change is expected to reduce virgin plastic use by 60 tonnes annually. The new line will produce 1,200 sachets per minute for both the retail and hospitality sectors. The Girona plant, in operation since 1968, employs over 900 people and exports 75% of its Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsule production and 84% of its soluble coffee to 56 countries. The factory operates a biomass boiler using coffee grounds for steam generation and is constructing a second boiler to process over 52,000 tonnes of coffee grounds annually, set to be operational in 2025. Arnau Pi, director of the Girona factory, said: "The implementation of these new packaging lines will allow us to use recyclable materials, which is a significant step towards reducing virgin plastics and promoting a circular economy. At Nestlé, we believe that sustainable food production is essential for the future, and we are committed to leading the way in this transformation." Nestle is investing £15m in its Girona site to introduce recyclable packaging

Nayax has acquired UPPay, a Brazilian digital payment and telemetry provider for self-service coffee machines, in a deal valued at BRL 32.75 million (approx. $5.3 million). The acquisition strengthens Nayax’s presence in Brazil and opens new market opportunities across Latin America. The deal will enable Nayax and VMtecnologia to serve over 25,000 new unattended points of sale in Brazil and strengthen their position in the Brazilian self-service coffee market. The BRL 32.75 million purchase will be paid in cash and includes an earnout of up to BRL 2.75 million (approx. $0.47 million). Nayax entered the Brazilian market in 2024 through its acquisition of VMtecnologia, a technology provider for Brazil's automated self-service industry. This move established a strong presence across all Brazilian states, 466 cities and over 2,400 retailers. UPPay will integrate with VMtecnologia, combining the companies' sales, distribution and technical expertise to drive innovation, expand their solution offerings, target new sectors like coffee vending, and improve margins through efficiencies. UPPay's founders said: “Our success in the Brazilian coffee vending market has proven that businesses and operators are hungry for affordable, fully integrated payment and telemetry solutions. We see Nayax as a global leader in automated self-service retail and joining forces with them positions us to replicate this success worldwide, leveraging their powerful distribution network, comprehensive payments ecosystem, and extensive operational expertise.” Eduardo Muniz, CEO of VMtecnologia, commented: “Welcoming UPPay empowers VMtecnologia to serve a broader spectrum of automated self-service retailers with a wider, more flexible set of payment, telemetry and operational solutions". Yair Nechmad, CEO and chairman of Nayax, added: “UPPay’s sophisticated yet affordable platform complements our vision of empowering retailers of all sizes with real-time operational insights, streamlined payments and seamless customer experiences. Uniting with UPPay cements our leadership position in a key growth market and drives our continued expansion.”

Hydrofast, a water purification brand, is launching its first US products: the B100 and C100 countertop reverse osmosis (RO) water filters. These models are designed to provide high-quality, purified water for home, office and RV use. Both the B100 and C100 feature a six-stage, 0.0001μm RO filtration system, which removes up to 95% of total dissolved solids (TDS) and over 1,000 contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride and chlorine. A remineralisation stage ensures fresh-tasting water, while UV sterilisation eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. The filters also boast a 3:1 pure-to-waste ratio to maximise water efficiency and extend the lifespan of the filters with annual replacements. The B100 and C100 models are compact, plumbing-free systems with a 4-litre side-mounted tank, making them suitable for various environments. The C100 has an added cold water mode with a 0.5-litre ice water reservoir and four rapid-dispense presets, while the B100 offers ten customisable dispensing options for precise hydration control. Both systems are FCC-certified and meet UL safety standards, available for purchase on Amazon, with plans to expand into Europe next month.

RedyRef has launched its new RFID (radio frequency identification)-refrigerated vending machine in Austin, Texas, offering fresh meals, snacks and beverages, in partnership with Royal Blue Grocery and commercial real estate firm Aquila Commercial. The RedyRef Smart Food Fridge uses RFID technology to simplify the purchasing process. Customers can pay with credit cards, debit cards or mobile wallets to unlock the fridge, select their items and have their account automatically charged. A receipt is sent via text once the transaction is complete. Royal Blue Grocery supplies the fridge with locally sourced food products, offering a variety of meal options. The Smart Food Fridge is designed to cater to the needs of busy consumers looking for convenient, fresh food. Will Pymm, managing director and SVP of RedyRef, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Royal Blue Grocery and Aquila Commercial to bring this innovative food service solution to the Hartland City Club. The Smart Food Fridge is designed to meet the evolving needs of today's busy consumers who demand convenience and quality. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that enhances the customer experience and streamlines operations for our partners." L-R: Jay Lamy and Will Pymm Craig Staley, co-dounder of Royal Blue Grocery, commented: "We're always looking for ways to make it easier for people to access fresh, delicious food. The RedyRef Smart Food Fridge is a perfect fit for our mission. We're excited to bring our carefully curated selection of meals, snacks, and drinks to the Hartland City Club, offering convenient options for those on the go." The fridge is part of an effort by Aquila Commercial to enhance the amenities offered at the Hartland City Club, a key business hub in Austin. Jay Lamy, managing principal at Aquila, added: "Enhancing the amenities we offer to our tenants and their employees is incredibly important to us. RedyRef's Smart Food Fridge, especially when combined with the incredible offerings of Royal Blue Grocery, elevates the overall experience at The Club." The Smart Food Fridge is now fully operational at the Hartland City Club and accessible during regular business hours.