Five Star Breaktime Solutions has completed the acquisition of the vending and coffee operations of Krodel Vending, headquartered in Jasper, Indiana. The move expands Five Star’s footprint in Southern Indiana and supports its regional growth. Krodel Vending, founded in 1910 by Carl Krodel as a candy wholesaler, has been run by successive generations of the Krodel family. Dan Smith, great-grandson of Carl Krodel, owned the company prior to the sale. The family began vending operations in 1958, with Dan taking over in 1994. The acquisition includes four vending routes serving more than 90 accounts and over 300 machines, two micromarkets and 13 coffee accounts. Krodel’s wholesale operations were not part of the transaction and will continue independently. Five Star will manage the acquired routes through its branches in Owensboro, Evansville, Jeffersonville and Columbus, Indiana, integrating them into its existing Southern Indiana operations to maintain service continuity.

Lola’s, a London-founded bakery brand known for handmade cakes and cupcakes, will open its first Northern UK location later this month at Trafford Centre in Manchester. The new kiosk, located in the centre’s Main Dome, marks a key step in the company’s national expansion strategy and its first move outside the capital. Lola’s currently operates 28 stores across London, alongside 20 refrigerated collection lockers in train stations, shopping centres and high-street locations. The Manchester opening signals the beginning of a broader UK rollout, with a focus on physical retail supported by click-and-collect services. Trafford Centre was selected due to its high footfall, demographic profile and positioning alongside premium retailers, including Selfridges. The location will also serve as a test site for refining Lola’s kiosk model ahead of further expansion. Lola’s MD, Asher Budwig, commented: "Manchester is the perfect place for our first Northern store. Trafford Centre's shopper demographic aligns perfectly with our target customer, and its premium positioning and strong footfall make it an ideal fit for our proven kiosk model." "This opening marks an exciting milestone in our national growth journey. With ambitious plans to expand both our store estate and locker network over the next three years, we’re confident Lola’s can become a truly national brand while continuing to deliver the quality and experience our customers expect." Bruce Gardner, head of commercial partnerships at Pradera Lateral, asset manager of Trafford Centre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lola’s to Trafford Centre for its first Northern opening. Our visitors are always looking for exceptional, high‑quality food experiences, and Lola’s handcrafted cakes and cupcakes are a perfect fit." "Its arrival strengthens our growing line‑up of premium and much‑loved brands within the centre. We’re confident the new offering will be a hugely popular addition for guests seeking both everyday treats and special gifting moments.”

Coca-Cola will discontinue its frozen product portfolio, including the Minute Maid frozen line, across the US and Canada as it responds to changing consumer preferences, according to Reuters . A company spokesperson told Reuters : "We are discontinuing our frozen  products and exiting the frozen can category in response to shifting consumer preferences". Minute Maid has a long history in the US beverage market, having originated in 1945 as Florida Foods Corporation. The business was established after securing a US Army contract to supply powdered orange juice during World War II, though the war ended before the product was shipped. The move comes as Coca-Cola, which recently promoted current EVP and COO Henrique Braun as CEO from 31 March 2026 , increasingly prioritises zero-sugar beverages and higher-value offerings such as its Fairlife milk brand, amid ongoing pressure from a volatile consumer environment. The spokesperson added that while the juice category is experiencing strong growth overall, Coca-Cola is focusing on formats and products that better align with consumer expectations. "Frozen products will be discontinued in Q1 2026, with in-store inventory available while supplies last," they told Reuters . Top image: © The Coca‑Cola Company

Starbucks is launching two limited-edition ready-to-drink (RTD) chilled coffee products in the UK in early 2026 under its ready-to-drink partnership with Arla Foods, as the brand looks to sustain growth in a competitive RTD market driven by flavour innovation and premium positioning. The two products – a Caramel Brownie-flavoured Frappuccino and a pistachio-inspired Chilled Classic – will roll out across major UK grocers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Iceland, with a recommended selling price of £2.20. The launch underscores Starbucks’ strategy, executed through Arla Foods, of using limited-edition SKUs to generate incremental sales and maintain shelf visibility in the chilled coffee aisle, where volume growth has moderated but value growth has remained more resilient. The pistachio-flavoured Chilled Classic marks the first time the flavour has appeared in the Starbucks RTD portfolio produced by Arla Foods, following strong seasonal demand for pistachio beverages in Starbucks’ coffeehouses. The move reflects a broader trend of translating successful foodservice flavours into retail formats to reduce innovation risk. The Caramel Brownie Frappuccino, released under the 'Sip of Joy' branding, refreshes an established flavour with new packaging rather than a reformulation, a tactic increasingly used by manufacturers to extend product lifecycles while managing development and production costs. Arla Foods, which produces and distributes Starbucks RTD beverages across Europe, has positioned chilled coffee as a core growth pillar within its branded dairy portfolio, as it looks to capture value from premium, convenience-led consumption occasions. The launches come as RTD coffee manufacturers compete for space in grocery chillers amid rising input costs, cautious consumer spending and tighter retailer scrutiny of rate of sale. Limited editions have become a key lever for driving trial and supporting promotional calendars without permanently expanding core ranges.

GrubMarket, an AI technology and digital platform company in the US food supply chain field, has raised approximately $50 million in Series H financing, valuing the company at a pre-money valuation of $4.5 billion. GrubMarket is a US-based food supply chain technology and eCommerce company operating across the US and Canada, serving both business customers and consumers. The company operates across all 50 US states and has an international presence in countries including Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa and Spain. GrubMarket conducts business in more than 70 countries worldwide and plans further expansion across the Americas, Europe and Africa. The latest investment follows a series of acquisitions and product launches over the past year. Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, said: "GrubMarket has experienced an incredible acceleration in growth over the last 12 months and continues to stand out as the largest private food technology company in the United States. Since we have a self-sustaining business model, this funding round was not a necessity; rather, we saw it as an opportunity to align our company's valuation with the new level of scale and strength that we have achieved with our eCommerce business growth, our AI-powered tech innovations, and the significant ongoing value we generate for the industry." "This Series H funding will turbocharge our AI software and business growth, and extend our eCommerce reach globally. We will increase our investment in people, financial infrastructure, technology, and acquisitions. Above all, we will continue to operate a self-sustaining business as the foundation of this company."

UK-based on-trade syrup supplier, Monin, has launched two new flavours aimed at helping bars and coffee shops capture consumer demand for indulgent and experimental drinks, as operators look to boost spend per visit in a competitive hospitality market. The French-owned group says its Hot Honey and Maple Pecan Pie syrups are designed to capitalise on two fast-growing flavour trends: sweet-spicy combinations and nostalgia-driven indulgence. The move reflects growing pressure on drinks-led venues to refresh menus with premium and limited-edition flavours that justify higher price points, as footfall stabilises but discretionary spending remains under strain. Hot Honey taps into the emerging 'swicy' trend, which blends sweetness with heat and has gained traction across foodservice menus and social media. Market data cited by Monin shows UK search interest in hot honey rose sharply in 2025, while sweet-spicy flavours are forecast to see strong growth across food and drink. “Operators are looking for flavours that feel bold but familiar, and that work across multiple dayparts,” said Tony Kousoulou, beverage expert at Monin. “Hot honey gives bartenders and baristas a way to add complexity to cocktails, iced drinks and simple serves without adding operational complexity.” The second launch, Maple Pecan Pie, is positioned around nostalgia and indulgence, two themes increasingly shaping hot drinks and dessert-style cocktails. The flavour is designed to replicate bakery-style notes associated with comfort and familiarity, which Monin says are resonating strongly with consumers seeking affordable treats during periods of economic uncertainty. Both syrups are vegan, allergen-free and made with natural flavourings and colourings, aligning with ongoing demand from operators for clean label ingredients that can be used across menus without complicating allergen management. Monin, which sold 173 million bottles globally in 2023, has increasingly positioned itself not just as an ingredients supplier but as a strategic partner to the on-trade, using proprietary trend data and menu development support to help operators maximise sales. The launches underline how flavour innovation remains a key lever for value growth in the drinks sector, particularly as alcohol moderation trends push bars and cafés to invest in premium non-alcoholic and hybrid serves. Both products will be rolled out to the UK on-trade via distributor Bennett Opie, with Hot Honey also set to launch across more than 500 Greene King venues from April.

Nestlé UK & Ireland has announced three senior leadership appointments spanning its coffee, manufacturing and foodservice operations. Katya Simmons has been appointed managing director for coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland. Simmons joined Nestlé in 2002 in Russia, holding sales and marketing roles before becoming managing director of Nestlé Professional Russia and Eurasia in 2015. She relocated to the UK in 2017 and has served as managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland since 2018. During her tenure, the business delivered market share growth, strengthened customer partnerships and expanded sustainability and skills initiatives, including the long-running Toque d’Or competition and the Choose Hospitality Pledge. Speaking on her new role, Simmons said: “I am thrilled to be leading the coffee sector in the UK and Ireland. Coffee has an exciting future ahead of it and I am privileged and proud to be part of the team taking it forward. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve and how we’ll drive growth across our incredible brands” Martin Krohn has been appointed head of technical and production for Nestlé UK & Ireland, with responsibility for coffee, confectionery and food factories, including Mindful Chef and Simply Cook operations. Krohn joined Nestlé in 2005 and has held a range of manufacturing and industrial performance roles across Germany and Bulgaria. Since 2021, he has led confectionery manufacturing in Europe for the KitKat and wafer cluster, overseeing performance improvements across the portfolio. Krohn commented: “It’s a pleasure to move into the role of head of technical and production for Nestlé in the UK and Ireland. Safety and quality are paramount to all that we do at Nestlé, and I will continue to put this at the heart of the market.” Meanwhile, Lorenzo Vigano has been named managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. Vigano joined Nestlé Italy in 2012 and has held senior leadership roles across Italy, Europe and Turkey, including head of beverages for Nestlé Professional Europe and managing director of Nestlé Professional Turkey, where he grew the business into one of the company’s top ten global markets. Vigano stated: “It’s a pleasure and honour to lead Nestlé Professional at such an exciting time. As we enter the new year, I’m energised by the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting our customers across hospitality and foodservice. Together, we’ll continue delivering exceptional products and services, driven by our focus on excellence, sustainability and innovation.”

British soft drinks maker AG Barr has agreed to acquire premium mixer brand Fentimans and juice producer Frobishers in deals worth more than £50 million, strengthening its exposure to the fast-growing adult soft drinks market as alcohol consumption continues to decline. Barr, best known for its flagship Irn-Bru brand, said it would buy Hexham-based botanical drinks company Fentimans for around £38 million, funded through a mix of cash and debt. The company has also completed the £13 million acquisition of Devon-based juice brand Frobishers, which closed at the end of its financial year in January. The acquisitions mark a further shift in Barr’s strategy away from reliance on mainstream carbonates and towards higher-margin, premium and functional beverage categories, a segment attracting growing consumer and retailer demand. Both brands operate in the adult soft drinks market, which is benefiting from the consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption. Barr says the deals will support growth through portfolio diversification and create opportunities for cost synergies across production, distribution and procurement. The move comes as Barr reported a strong financial performance, with annual revenues rising 4% year-on-year to approximately £437 million. The company said it expects a double-digit increase in annual profits, underpinned by solid performances from brands including Rubicon and energy drink Boost. Irn-Bru, which remains Barr’s largest brand by volume, delivered modest growth in the second half of the year after a flat first half, while a decline in its Funkin ready-to-drink cocktail range reflected broader softness in the alcoholic and alcohol-adjacent categories. Founded in 1875 and headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland, AG Barr has been expanding beyond traditional soft drinks into plant-based milks, health shots and low-calorie products as manufacturers respond to tightening health regulations and shifting consumer preferences. Fentimans, known for its botanical brewing process and premium mixers, is positioned in the fast-growing non-alcoholic and low-alcohol occasions market, while Frobishers brings a long-established presence in juices, sparkling drinks and cordials. This combination gives Barr greater access to on-trade and premium retail channels, where margins are typically higher. Chief executive Euan Sutherland said Barr had laid “strong foundations for future growth” and entered the new financial year with momentum across its core brands and new product pipeline.

UK functional beverage brand WaterJunkie has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new range of mushroom-infused sparkling drinks, targeting growing consumer demand for functional ingredients in accessible, everyday formats. Positioned at the intersection of hydration and wellness, the new range blends functional mushroom extracts with natural flavourings, aiming to overcome one of the category’s key barriers: taste. By  focusing on palatable, clean flavour profiles, WaterJunkie is seeking to broaden the appeal of mushroom-based drinks beyond early adopters and niche wellness consumers. Developed in response to rising interest in adaptogenic and functional ingredients linked to balance, focus and calm, the drinks are designed for regular, everyday consumption, rather than occasional or specialist use. The brand says the products integrate seamlessly into daily routines, aligning with evolving consumer expectations around health, convenience and functionality. The launch reflects wider trends shaping the UK drinks market, including the rise of sober-curious behaviour, wellness-led purchasing decisions, and increasing demand for low-sugar, alcohol-free alternatives that fit modern lifestyles. The mushroom range also marks a strategic shift for WaterJunkie as it builds a diversified functional portfolio beyond CBD, with functional mushrooms forming a core pillar of future innovation. The company continues to focus on scalable product development and relevance across retail, hospitality and wellness-led channels, as it expands distribution and trade partnerships. “At Water Junkie, we believe functional ingredients should feel both trusted and accessible. Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries, but the category has become increasingly complex for consumers," Queenie Porter, founder of WaterJunkie, said. "Our approach was to bring clarity and confidence back to the space, combining the credibility of the medicinal world with the considered design cues of the beauty industry. The result is a functional mushroom range that is purposeful, approachable and quietly confident, both in what it delivers and how it appears on shelf," Porter continued. With this launch, WaterJunkie strengthens its positioning as a next-generation functional beverage brand, responding to consumer demand for wellness-led, flavour-first innovation in the fast-evolving UK drinks sector.

Coca-Cola will expand its cherry-flavoured soft drinks portfolio in North America, launching a new Cherry Float variant and reintroducing Diet Coke Cherry nationwide as it looks to drive growth through flavour innovation and zero-sugar formats in a mature carbonates market. The company says the new products will roll out to retailers across the US and Canada from this month, joining its existing Coca-Cola Cherry and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry lines. The move reflects Coca-Cola’s continued focus on extending core brands through flavour variations rather than launching entirely new trademarks, a strategy widely adopted by major beverage groups to defend shelf space and stimulate incremental sales amid slowing soda volumes in developed markets. Coca-Cola Cherry Float is positioned as a modern take on a traditional soda fountain drink, combining cherry and vanilla notes without dairy. It will be sold in both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions, signalling the company’s ongoing effort to balance indulgence with demand for reduced-sugar options. Diet Coke Cherry, previously available only in limited markets, will return nationwide with updated packaging. The zero-calorie drink targets loyal Diet Coke consumers while tapping into renewed interest in retro flavours, a trend increasingly visible across food and beverage categories. The company said cherry-flavoured drinks have been part of its portfolio since the launch of Cherry Coke in 1985, its first major flavoured extension of the flagship brand. The latest expansion marks the largest refresh of the cherry range in decades. Established flavours with strong brand recognition offer lower-risk innovation opportunities than unfamiliar profiles, particularly as retailers and manufacturers remain cautious about complexity and SKU proliferation. Coca-Cola’s emphasis on cherry also aligns with broader flavour trends favouring familiarity and nostalgia, while refreshed packaging and zero-sugar variants are designed to appeal to younger consumers and health-conscious shoppers. The new products will be available in cans and bottles at major retailers, online and through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, reinforcing the company’s omnichannel distribution strategy.

Kickstart Coffee has made its supermarket debut in Aldi UK stores nationwide after securing a first-time listing in the retailer’s Specialbuys range, following a £100,000 reinvestment into education and community infrastructure in Uganda. The Cambridgeshire-based social enterprise launched in Aldi’s Specialbuys aisle with Every Bean Counts, a medium-roast coffee made from speciality-grade Arabica beans sourced from Ugandan smallholder farmers. The Aldi listing marks Kickstart Coffee’s first supermarket trial and a significant step in scaling both its commercial footprint and social impact. The business reinvests 100% of its profits into education and essential infrastructure in coffee-growing communities, with increased retail sales expected to support further projects at origin. Since launching in 2020, Kickstart Coffee has helped place more than 700 children into education, funded approximately 20,000 school meals per month and supported the development of school partnerships, including Bunamutoro Primary School, which educates 220 pupils. Hannah Nunn, founder of Kickstart Coffee, said: “Being featured as a Specialbuy in Aldi stores is a huge moment for us. Every bag sold helps fund education and essential infrastructure in Uganda’s coffee-growing communities, creating brighter futures for children." “It also means our small Cambridgeshire-based team can support even more families at origin. Seeing our coffee on shelf, delivering both quality and real impact, is a proud milestone – and one we hope inspires more people to choose coffee with purpose.” Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, added: “We are proud to give Kickstart Coffee a platform within our Specialbuy range to share their story and mission. Our customers love great coffee – and this one delivers on both quality and purpose."

JDE Peet’s has published a Nature Transition Plan, setting out a science-based roadmap to protect ecosystems, strengthen farmer resilience and support the long-term viability of coffee production. The company said it is the first food and beverage business to release a nature transition plan fully aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, alongside the Global Biodiversity Framework and Science-Based Targets for Nature. The plan translates existing sustainability commitments into measurable, time-bound actions across JDE Peet’s global coffee supply chain. It builds on the company’s Common Grounds programme, which has reached nearly one million farmers since 2015. Key targets outlined in the plan include sector-wide action to address deforestation in coffee supply chains beyond EU Deforestation Regulation compliance, and the expansion of regenerative farming practices across an additional 200,000 hectares by 2030 to improve soil health, biodiversity and water outcomes. JDE Peet’s also aims to source 100% of its green coffee responsibly by 2028, up from 83.2% in 2024, using recognised sustainability schemes and strengthened supplier support. Laurent Sagarra, VP of engagement at JDE Peet’s, said: “Without nature there is no coffee. Nature-related risks are no longer distant threats – they are here, now, impacting coffee farmers and supply chains worldwide". "Our Nature Transition Plan is both a clear roadmap, and a call to action for the coffee industry to work together with governments, NGOs and coffee farmers to bend the curve on biodiversity loss and secure the future of coffee. By protecting nature, we protect coffee, communities and the shared future of our industry.”