Michele Buck The Hershey Company has formally announced a leadership succession plan as Michele Buck, the current chairman, president and CEO, prepares to retire on 30 June 2026. Buck, who has been with the company for two decades, will remain in her roles until a successor is appointed, after which she will transition to a senior advisor position. The Hershey board of directors has established a special committee to oversee the search for Buck's successor, considering both internal and external candidates. This move underscores Hershey's commitment to continuity and effective leadership during a pivotal time in the company's evolution. In her statement, Buck reflected on her tenure, highlighting Hershey's transformation into a leading player in the broader snacking market. "It has been the pinnacle of my career to lead Hershey, a truly one-of-a-kind company. Our team has created one of the strongest and most recognisable snacking portfolios in the industry and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished," she said. "I am a firm believer that our long-term success is rooted in Hershey culture – the spirit of innovation has kept us at the forefront of new and changing trends to best serve our customers and consumers, made us a stronger partner for our communities and contributed to significant value creation for our shareholders. This year will be my 20th at Hershey and as we embark on a new year, I believe now is the right time to formally activate our succession planning and begin the transition to Hershey's next leader." Victor Crawford, lead independent director, acknowledged Buck's significant contributions: "Michele has made innumerable marks on Hershey, including driving sustainable international growth and building advanced capabilities". Hershey has reiterated its financial outlook for 2024 and plans to provide guidance for 2025 during its upcoming earnings release in February.

Visitor registration has opened for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025 , an event which brings together professionals from across the food, drink and hospitality sectors. Taking place on 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week offers an unparalleled opportunity to network, discover innovation and gain invaluable industry insights.  Food, Drink & Hospitality Week comprises five events: IFE  With over four decades of excellence, IFE serves as a cornerstone event for food and drink professionals, connecting buyers from retail, hospitality and wholesale with innovative suppliers. From the Start-up Market – a showcase of entrepreneurial brands – to the lively New Products Tasting Theatre, the show highlights the future of food through interactive content and live pitches.    IFE's ambassador Kerri Fidler, head of portfolio for Food for Later at Greencore, emphasises the show’s significance: "IFE is one of the key events in the food industry calendar – not only to bring together conversations but share learning and new innovation. It’s great to be part of this and make a difference across the food industry."    With exhibitors representing over 50 countries, IFE provides unparalleled opportunities to discover the best UK brands and global suppliers, alongside expert insights on the Future Food Stage.    IFE 2025 will also see the return of the World Food Innovation Awards, in partnership with FoodBev Media, where brands are recognised in diverse range of categories including Artisan Product, Drink Innovation and New/Start-up Business.  IFE Manufacturing  IFE Manufacturing is a hub for innovation, catering to the specific needs of manufacturers, co-packers and food and drink developers. Attendees can engage with the latest sustainable packaging solutions, ethical ingredient brands and state-of-the-art processing technologies.    This year, the show will once again host the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards, in partnership with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), to celebrate ground-breaking ingredient innovations that are shaping the future of the sector. IFST's CEO, Craig Leadley, adds: “IFST is delighted to partner again in 2025 with IFE Manufacturing to showcase and celebrate the pioneering ingredient innovators driving improvements in food manufacturing.    “In 2024, we saw a highly successful launch of the awards with a great number of high-quality entries across the five initial judging categories. We can’t wait to see what ingredients producers have been working on to produce exciting innovative and sustainable products to enhance nutrition and food quality.”    HRC    HRC, the UK’s leading event for hospitality and foodservice, returns in 2025 with an expanded offering, including a new Pizza & Pasta section, and a focus on the latest in design, hospitality technology and professional kitchens. Plus, the Vision Stage and TechX stage will host dynamic discussions on trends, best practices and technological innovations and sessions conceived by industry partners such as Tech on Toast and Peach.     Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, highlights the value of the event, commenting: "HRC's importance cannot be overstated. It is a gathering of the best and brightest in the hospitality industry, a chance to celebrate our shared successes, address our common challenges and shape the future of our field."    This year’s event will see the return of popular feature area Chef HQ, in partnership with Chef Publishing, which plays host to a wide range of chef demos, interviews and networking opportunities.     With countless networking opportunities and inspiring presentations, HRC remains the go-to destination for hospitality professionals to discover industry-leading products and services.     The 2025 edition will see the return of the World Catering Technology Awards, in partnership with FoodBev Media, which recognise technology innovators in the food and beverage industry and celebrate the cutting-edge technologies and revolutionary solutions that are transforming the catering sector. The Pub Show    The Pub Show is the UK’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to pubs and bars, offering visitors a dynamic programme of events and discussions. Highlights include the lively Beer Garden and The Pub Stage, which will be packed with insightful seminars and actionable case studies from leading pub operators. This year, The Pub Show has confirmed two key association partnerships in the form of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and the British Beer & Pub Association.     Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, says: "For anyone in the industry, taking time out of your business to network, attend panel discussions and source new suppliers is a must. The Pub Show provides the perfect opportunity to access all of this and more in one place."    From new product tastings to insights on industry challenges, The Pub Show ensures attendees will leave with actionable ideas to transform their businesses.  International Salon Culinaire    International Salon Culinaire will host over 100 live competitions showcasing exceptional talent from chefs across the UK. Highlights include live theatre challenges and displays of creativity that make this competition a must-see for culinary enthusiasts. Nick Vadis, culinary director at Headline Sponsor Compass Group UK & Ireland and chef ambassador to the NHS Supply Chain, says: “International Salon Culinaire is an incredibly valuable chance for chefs to expand their skillset, demonstrate their creativity and resourcefulness, and connect with industry peers."   “The competition has been fantastic for chefs across Compass Group who have been able to stand out from the crowd and embrace new opportunities within the business. I can’t wait to see what this year’s competitors bring to the table.” Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the UK’s biggest celebration of innovation in food, drink and hospitality on 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London. To find out more about everything happening as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit our website here .

Rowntree’s has introduced a new tangy variant to mark the 60th anniversary of the classic Jelly Tots. Jolly Tots Tangy is made with real fruit juice and suitable for a vegan diet. The launch marks the brand's entry into the sour sweet category, offering consumers "a flavourful experience that combines nostalgia with tanginess," said Rowntree’s. Hayley Nixon, senior brand manager for Rowntree’s, said: “At Rowntree’s, we are dedicated to bringing joy and innovation to our fans. With Jelly Tots Tangy, we’ve taken a beloved classic and added a refreshing twist that we believe will resonate with both new and loyal fans alike. It’s not just a sweet; it’s a fun experience to share and enjoy together.” Jelly Tots Tangy is now available in stores across the UK for an RRP of £1.50.

Husky Intelligent Fridges, an European provider of connected commercial refrigeration, has announced the acquisition of Selfly Store from Stora Enso. Headquartered in Finland, Selfly Store has established a presence in over 20 European countries, serving sectors such as hotels, hospitals, electric vehicle charging stations, stadiums and workplaces. By joining forces, Husky Intelligent Fridges and Selfly Store aim to transform the landscape of intelligent vending and commercial refrigeration. The partnership will combine complementary customer bases to broaden market reach, while leveraging expertise in product development, R&D and operations to accelerate innovation. Serge Kremer, co-founder of Husky Intelligent Fridges, said: “This partnership embodies the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we will not only enhance our product offerings but also set new benchmarks for the smart refrigeration industry. Our shared commitment to innovation, growth and customer satisfaction will drive us to new heights.” Aslak de Silva, CEO of Selfly Store, added: “We are thrilled to become part of the Husky family. This partnership allows us to amplify our impact, leveraging Husky’s expertise to further advance our mission of changing the game of grab-n-go food shopping by developing innovative and data-driven technology. Together, we will lead the way in revolutionising smart refrigeration and AI-enhanced microstores, offering exceptional value to operators and consumers alike.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Season’s greetings from Refreshment! Thank you for being part of our journey this year as we continue to bring you the latest news, trends and insights from the watercooler, office coffee service and vending sectors. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year. Warm wishes, Refreshment

Nescafé is expanding its US portfolio with the launch of its first liquid concentrate line. Eliminating the need for complex brewing methods or expensive equipment, the concentrate allows users to pour, mix, and customise their favourite iced espresso beverages. Nescafé Espresso Concentrate, crafted from 100% Arabica beans, is available in two variations: Espresso Concentrate Black and Espresso Concentrate Sweet Vanilla. Felipe Acosta, Nescafé senior brand marketing manager, said: "Following our successful Nescafé Gold Espresso and Ice Roast launches, delivering on these needs is a top priority and Nescafé Espresso Concentrate does exactly that. The brand's first-ever liquid espresso empowers consumer creativity and allows adventurous, modern coffee lovers to create café-style beverages in an instant – without any extra machinery and from the comfort of their home." Nescafé Espresso Concentrate is available in a 300ml bottle, providing approximately 20 cups of espresso when prepared as directed. The product will be available at retailers nationwide beginning in February.

International Delight is partnering with Netflix to launch a limited-edition line of creamers and coffee inspired by the reality series Love is Blind. International Delight's wedding cake creamer and ice coffee offer the flavours of 'an entire wedding cake,' said the company. It features sweet frosting and smooth vanilla. Meanwhile, the chocolate covered strawberry creamer combines rich chocolate with ripe strawberry notes. Jennifer Michuda, senior director, creamers at Danone North America, said: “Our partnership with Netflix’s Love is Blind to create unique creamers and iced coffee inspired by the show literally gives fans a taste of pop culture through delicious flavours that can’t be found anywhere else”. International Delight's Love is Blind creamers and iced coffee is available for a limited time at US retailers. #InternationalDelight #US

Cantaloupe has introduced its new smart store technology, called Smart Store Series. The series includes the Smart Store 600 and 700 models. These self-service solutions aim to help food and beverage vendors, as well as retailers, tackle challenges such as labor shortages, theft and shrinkage. The Smart Stores are designed for retail environments like airports, college campuses and traditional vending spaces. Jeff Dumbrell, chief revenue officer of Cantaloupe, noted: “We’ve heard from retailers about core customer and operational challenges, which encompass product accessibility, store locations, theft prevention and inventory management". "Our Smart Stores can solve all these issues in traditional retail environments (think of locked up razors and high-end beauty products), while extending retail brands into new footprints like airports and college campuses. Additionally, Smart Stores provide a more modern and secure alternative to traditional food and beverage vending machines.” The store offers a 24/7 self-service solution with advanced technology and security, targeting retailers, residential buildings, fitness centres, hotel pantries and more. Customers pay at the point-of-sale to unlock the unit, select items and complete their purchase by pressing 'pay'. Dumbrell added: “By addressing core challenges such as theft and labour shortages, our new solutions not only protect our customers’ investments, but also open new revenue streams. We’re excited to bring this reliable, inclusive technology to market and expand into adjacent verticals with a product that truly meets the needs of our customers.” Cantaloupe's Smart Store Series is currently available in the US and Canada, with expansion plans for the UK and Mexico. #Cantaloupe

Saint James Iced Tea is launching a new limited-edition iced black tea flavour inspired by The White Lotus television series. In collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, Saint James' The White Lotus-inspired Mango Organic Black Tea blends juicy mango with rich black tea and a hint of sweetness. Saint James CEO Brad Neumann said: "Saint James Iced Tea is the first-ever lifestyle tea brand, redefining how tea fits into moments of luxury and culture. This partnership felt like the perfect way to show how our tea brings a taste of modern sophistication and fun to every drinking occasion –transporting fans straight to the luxurious White Lotus Resort." Saint James will be featured at a wellness retreat in California, offering an exclusive preview before its US and Canada launch. The product will be available for $2.99 at nationwide retailers, including Erewhon, Target, Hannaford, Loblaws, Fred Meyer and others. #SaintJames #icedtea

365 Retail Markets has appointed Anton Rakushkin as chief technology officer and Bill Reidy as VP of sales for North America. The appointments come as chief strategy officer Joe Rogan and president of international John Chidiac step down after over a decade with the company. Anton Rakushkin joins the firm with two decades of experience in retail technology, including senior roles at Streamware Corporation and Crane Connectivity Solutions. He contributed to the development of Vendmax, a widely used vending management system in the industry. Rakushkin said: "I am excited to bring my experience to the world-class team at 365 and look forward to elevating their impressive accomplishments across the industry as well as extending that success to more opportunities. By understanding customer needs and providing solutions that will drive the industry forward, we will accomplish great things." Meanwhile, Bill Reidy brings over 30 years of expertise in sales leadership and business development. He has held senior positions in the SaaS sector, including at KPA, Netsertive and vAuto. Anton Rakushkin and Bill Reidy Reidy noted: "I'm fortunate to be joining a well-established team at 365 Retail Markets, and I believe that through coaching and establishing the right processes, we can expand our opportunities immensely. I am looking forward to elevating the reach and success of this organisation through the help of a world-class sales team." Joe Hessling, CEO at 365 Retail Markets, commented: "Bringing experts like Anton and Bill onto the team is essential to keep up with the intense growth we are seeing in our unattended retail business. We have heard for years that the market is tired of the lack of investment by the legacy VMS providers and the lack of consumer-focused features from the me-too payment terminal providers. Anton and Bill will be focused on being sure 365 remains the global leader for decades to come." He added: "I would like to thank both Joe and John for helping me turn 365 into what it is today. Taking the leap to join over ten years ago was a risk neither had to take and their impact on 365, me, and the industry has been something that most don't ever get the chance to do in their careers." Top image: © 365 Retail Markets #365RetailMarkets

Mondelēz-owned crackers brand Ritz is adding a new Spicy Queso flavour to its portfolio. According to the company, Ritz is responding to consumer trends with its latest flavour innovation, which combines creamy cheese with a bold, spicy kick. Steven Saenen, Ritz VP of marketing, said: "With Spicy Queso, we're answering consumers' demands for exciting, bold flavours and turning up the heat on the Ritz Bits you know and love. It's a bold twist on your childhood favorite, with a kick in each mini bite." The new addition will be available in 3oz snack-sized bags at convenience store locations starting this month. Larger 8.8oz boxes will be available at major food retailers beginning in February 2025. #Mondelēz #Ritz #US

TreeHouse Foods has now finalised its acquisition of Harris Tea for approximately $205 million, marking a strategic move to enhance its position in the private label tea market. The acquisition was first announced in December 2024 , the acquisition includes Harris Tea's facilities in Moorestown, New Jersey, and Marietta, Georgia, along with about 300 employees. The acquisition is expected to bolster TreeHouse's portfolio by integrating Harris Tea's established capabilities in tea sourcing, blending and packing. Steve Oakland, chairman and CEO of TreeHouse Foods, commented that the acquisition aligns well with the company's strategy and will provide an immediate leadership position in the growing category of private label tea products. TreeHouse financed the acquisition primarily through cash reserves, with expectations that it will contribute positively to both revenue and profitability in 2025. The purchase price reflects about 8.5 times the trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA or 6.5 times when accounting for synergies and the net present value of future tax benefits. TreeHouse Foods has reiterated its full-year guidance for 2024, anticipating improvements in volume growth and profit margins as the year progresses. The integration of Harris Tea is expected to enhance TreeHouse’s operational capabilities and market reach within the beverage sector, particularly in private label offerings. TreeHouse Foods is a manufacturer of private brands in the North American snacking and beverage markets. The company aims to leverage its strengths to deliver innovative products and services, thereby fostering mutually beneficial growth with its partners. Image: © Harris Tea website #TreeHouseFoods #acquisition #HarrisTea #tea #US