UK botanical tea brand Kaytea has launched a new range of electrolyte-infused blends. Hydro Infusions is available in four flavours: pineapple & hibiscus, peach & green tea, lime & mint and lemon & mate. The whole leaf tea bags combine botanicals and natural fruit flavours with electrolytes for hydration and energy. Kevin Tang, founder of Kaytea, said: “Since launching in 2020, we’ve become well established as a cold brew tea brand, leading the charge of a new generation of RTD ice tea that’s cooler than squash but healthier than soda". “Now, we’re bringing our knowledge of natural, flavourful, botanical hydration to the functional tea space with our new Hydro Infusions that blend natural botanicals and fruit flavours with electrolytes for tea that is not only naturally delicious but hydrating too." “With many other herbal teas containing added sugars and sweeteners, it was a priority for us to create a range that’s naturally unsweetened with zero sugar, zero calories and zero sweeteners, so it was vital that each ingredient really pulls its weight to allow the natural flavours to come through." Kaytea Hydro Infusion Electrolyte Teabags are available via the brand's website for £7.99 for a pack of 12. #Kaytea #UK

Starbucks has introduced new biodegradable, plant-based straws in its stores across Japan as part of its commitment to reducing waste by half by 2030. The straws are made from Green Planet, a biopolymer derived from plant oils instead of oil-based materials. They degrade naturally into CO2 and water through microorganisms in seawater and soil, addressing marine pollution, including microplastics. Compared to the FSC-certified paper straws currently in use, Green Planet straws emit less carbon dioxide throughout their lifecycle and reduce the overall weight of straw waste. This initiative follows Starbucks' transition from oil-derived plastic straws for iced beverages in 2018 to FSC-certified paper straws in Japan in 2020, with a thicker version introduced in 2021. The company has also implemented FSC-certified paper cups, biomass-based cutlery for to-go orders and reusable resin cups for in-store iced beverages to further reduce waste. Approximately 200 Starbucks' stores have been certified as 'Greener Stores,' and 900 locations recycle coffee grounds to reduce food waste. The straws are being trialled in 32 stores in Okinawa Prefecture for iced beverages and will be rolled out nationwide in March 2025. A thicker version for seasonal Frappuccino beverages will follow in April 2025. #Starbucks #Japan

Croatian investment firm Bosqar has acquired a 67% stake in the bakery-café chain Mlinar for €100 million. The deal secures a 67% indirect stake in Mlinar, including an immediate 50.1% acquisition. The investment is a partnership with Mlinar’s management team and Panvita’s existing shareholders. MidEuropa, a European private equity firm and long-time Bosqar partner, will provide additional strategic support. The move aims to boost Mlinar’s growth across Southeast Europe and beyond. The investment supports Bosqar's Future Food vertical, which was launched with its investment in the Panvita, a Slovenian food company, in 2024. According to the company, the deal is expected "to unlock synergies and strengthen the platform, providing enhanced growth opportunities across the vertical". Darko Horvat, president of the management board at Bosqar, and Peter Polanič, co-chairman of Future Food, said: "The inclusion of Mlinar in Bosqar's Future Food vertical creates exciting opportunities for growth expanding on the existing Panvita investment. By leveraging the strengths of both Mlinar and Panvita, we are poised to unlock growth opportunities and new market opportunities across the region." "In partnership with Panvita’s existing shareholders and Mlinar’s management, with the further expanded platform joined by MidEuropa as trusted partners with which Bosqar has already collaborated on developing two other extremely successful business verticals, we're convinced that we’ve put together a winning team that will be able to establish Bosqar's Future Food vertical as a dominant regional food solutions player." Robert Knorr, managing partner at MidEuropa, commented: "Together, we will work to position Mlinar and expand its influence in the region and across international markets, reinforcing its status as a leader in the industry". Mladen Veber, president of the management board of Mlinar Group, added: “Empowered by this investment from Bosqar and its partners, Mlinar will be in an ideal position to realise its ambitions when it comes to regional and international markets, expanding its footprint and its services to become a leading regional fresh food producer, distributor, and convenience retail chain." Subject to regulatory approval, the expanded group will employ over 16,000 people and reach €700 million in revenue by 2025. #Bosqar #Mlinar #bakery

Happy New Year from Refreshment! As we step into 2025, we’re excited to continue sharing the latest news, trends and insights from the watercooler, office coffee service and vending sectors with you. We’ve got some big plans for 2025 and can’t wait to see what the new year brings. Here’s to a year filled with innovation, success and great flavours. Warm wishes, Refreshment

As 2024 comes to a close, the most-read stories on Refreshment highlight a year full of innovation and change. From big investments and strategic shifts to a focus on sustainability, these stories have resonated with readers throughout the year. Looking back over the year, here are the top Refreshment stories that captured the most attention from our readers... BrewDog founder backs functional soda start-up Living Things in pre-seed round In June, Living Things, a UK-based functional soda brand, secured a £500,000 pre-seed funding round led by James Watt, the co-founder and former CEO of BrewDog. In addition to Watt, the pre-seed round boasts a host of other experienced angel investors, underscoring the strong market potential that Living Things has demonstrated. The investment came just six months after Living Things launched. During this time, the brand has seen impressive traction, selling over 100,000 cans and securing listings in more than 300 retailers including Whole Foods and Amazon. The brand's sodas are formulated with prebiotics, probiotics and low sugar content, targeting health-conscious consumers. Watt, who now also serves as an advisor to Living Things, added that the brand's "incredible" product and "fantastic" founding team were key factors in his decision to lead the investment. The fresh capital enables Living Things to expand its distribution, continue developing new products, and drive growth as it targets a run-rate of over £1 million by the end of 2024. Read more here. Conab forecasts decline in Brazil's 2024 coffee production The Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (Conab) – or, in English, the National Supply Company – published its third survey in September on Brazil's coffee harvest for 2024. The report revealed an estimated production of 54.79 million processed bags, representing a decline of 0.5% compared to last year's output. This assessment highlighted the considerable impact of adverse weather conditions on production expectations, underscoring the challenges faced by the coffee sector this year. Conab said that the weather had an influence between its second and third surveys, despite some estimates pointing to a good production potential of the crops. Read more here. Starbucks suspends guidance for FY2025 amid sales slump, CEO calls for major changes Starbucks Corporation halted its fiscal year 2025 financial guidance after releasing unexpected results for 2024 that revealed a decline in revenue and a drop in quarterly earnings. The world's largest coffee chain reported disappointing financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024, with a global sales slump leading to a 7% decline in global comparable store sales for the quarter and a 2% decline for the entire year. In a video released on Tuesday, 22 November, Niccol said: "I've heard from some customers that we've drifted from our core, that we've made it harder to be a customer than it should be, and that we've stopped communicating with them. As a result, some are visiting less often, and I think today's results tell that same story." He added that the company needed to "fundamentally change" its recent strategy to return to growth. He detailed plans to simplify the "overly complex" menu, adjust the pricing structure and modify the mobile ordering and payment system to prevent it from overwhelming the café experience. Read more here. Pret A Manger overhauls subscription service, faces customer backlash UK coffee chain Pret A Manger announced significant changes to its 'Club Pret' coffee subscription service, which was launched nearly four years ago during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The subscription, which played a crucial role in reconnecting with loyal customers and attracting new ones, underwent a transformation starting in September. Clare Clough, managing director of Pret A Manger, highlighted the success of the scheme, noting that it brought in tens of thousands of new customers and facilitated the sale of over a quarter of a billion coffees. Clough stated: "It was an innovative way to reconnect with our loyal customers and introduce Pret to tens of thousands of new ones, bringing customers back into our shops with an offer that almost seemed ‘too good to be true’". The revamped 'Club Pret' offers subscribers 50% off up to five barista-made drinks per day for a reduced monthly fee of £10, with a special rate of £5 available for both existing and new subscribers until 31 March 2025. Read more here. Bevi appoints Cathy Lewenberg as CEO Bevi, a US-based company specialising in smart watercoolers, appointed Cathy Lewenberg as its new chief executive officer. According to the company, Lewenberg's appointment came as Bevi expanded its product offerings and worked toward making the beverage industry more sustainable. Co-founder Sean Grundy shifted his attention to new ventures, including international expansion. At Bevi, Lewenberg is prioritises accelerating growth and product innovation, strengthening the company's scalability and advancing its sustainability goals through strategic partnerships. Read more here. Hershey buys Sour Strips, expands sweets portfolio The Hershey Company acquired Sour Strips, a fast-growing sour candy brand founded in the US in 2019. Sour Strips' sour confectionery enhances Hershey's presence in the category and expands its reach to new consumers for more snacking occasions – Sour Strips has a large social media following. Founded by social media personality Maxx Chewning, Sour Strips launched with the intention of zhuzhing up the sour candy category with a distinctive product that consists of shocking sour flavours. Read more here. Knoops secures £5m funding to boost global reach, appoints new non-executive directors Chocolate café and retailer Knoops announced a £5 million fundraising initiative. The capital raised supports Knoops' international expansion and strengthens its position in the market. Alongside the fundraising, Knoops has appointed Pret A Manger and Itsu's founder, Julian Metcalfe, and former director of marketing and e-commerce at Marks and Spencer, Alice Avis, as non-executive directors. Read more here. BE WTR raises CHF 39m to expand sustainable water solutions BE WTR, a Swiss company focused on sustainable water solutions, raised CHF 39 million (approx $45.5 million) in a Series C funding round. The funding helps BE WTR's mission to offer eco-friendly, premium water solutions, ensuring access to high-quality drinking water while minimising single-use packaging and plastics. The company is actively involved in water purification, distribution and sustainability, aiming to redefine water consumption in residential, commercial and hospitality sectors. The capital also supports the company’s entry into the Chinese and North American markets, as well as investments in R&D and product development. Read more here.

As 2024 wraps up, it’s a great time to look back at the stories that shaped the office coffee, vending and water sectors this year. The industry saw significant innovation, with leading companies unveiling new offerings that responded to evolving consumer demands and set the stage for future growth. Here's a look at the top launches that caught our readers' attention in 2024... Doritos unveils coffee-flavoured chips to combat afternoon slump Doritos unveiled a new limited-edition coffee flavour aimed at tackling afternoon fatigue, combining the familiar crunch of Doritos with the rich taste of coffee. The initiative responds to the frustration of Australians who find their favourite coffee shops closed in the late afternoon. The new flavour was created to offer a convenient alternative for those craving a coffee fix while snacking. Read more here. Micromart launches autonomous micro market technology © Micromart Micromart introduced an autonomous micro market technology aimed at transforming convenience retail. The new system offers a fully automated, 24/7 shopping experience, eliminating checkout lines and enhancing security to minimise theft. The technology features AI-driven order processing and secure payment systems to ensure seamless shopping and prevent theft. It also uses dynamic pricing through electronic price tags and digital video content. Additionally, the Micromart Platform allows operators to manage their business remotely, reducing operational costs and streamlining inventory management. Read more here. Pop & Bottle expands holiday offerings with new coffee lattes Pop & Bottle, a female-founded coffee brand, launched two new products for the holiday season. The first, a Peppermint Mocha Oat Milk Latte, combines organic cold brew coffee, house-made oat milk, real cacao and pure peppermint for a festive flavour. The second offering, an Organic Mint Mocha Almond Milk Latte, features a blend of organic cold brew, almond milk, rich cacao and crisp peppermint. Read more here . Oasis unveils new filtration solution for safe drinking water © Oasis International Oasis International announced the launch of a new filtration product: Outdoor filter. The filters address rising concerns over contaminants such as forever chemicals, pharmaceuticals and lead in drinking water. Outdoor filter is designed for high-temperature environments. It reduces contaminants, including chlorine, lead, cysts and microplastics, and operates within temperatures from 2°C to 50°C. With a capacity of 17,980 liters, it can provide approximately 36,000 water bottle fills. Read more here. Costa Coffee adds new cookie dough frappe to summer menu Costa Coffee has introduced a new addition to its summer drinks line-up: Cookie Dough Frappe. The new frappe is offered in small and medium sizes, featuring a blend of creamy vanilla with rich cookie chunks throughout. It is topped with Costa's in-house vegan whipped cream Light Whip, cookie dough fudge pieces and chocolate sprinkles.   Read more here. Dice Provisions launches Craft Coffee Ice Cubes Dice Provisions, a food innovation company based in Los Angeles, introduced its latest product: Dice Coffee Ice Cubes, the "first-ever" craft coffee ice cubes designed to enhance the iced coffee experience while preventing dilution. The product allows customers to enjoy their cold coffee drinks without compromising flavour integrity as the ice melts. Made from premium organic coffee, the ice cubes are crafted from dark roast beans and utilize a unique nitro-freezing process to maintain a rich, full-bodied taste. “Consumers are looking for ways to enjoy their coffee without the drawbacks of traditional ice,” said Gaelan Simpson, co-founder of Dice Provisions. “Our coffee ice cubes not only keep drinks cold but also enhance the flavour profile, providing a satisfying experience from the first sip to the last.” Read more here.

As 2024 wraps up, it’s a great time to look back at the stories that shaped the office coffee, vending and water sectors this year. The industry saw significant innovation, with leading companies unveiling new offerings that responded to evolving consumer demands and set the stage for future growth. Here's a look at the top launches that caught our readers' attention in 2024... Starbucks launches high-protein RTD coffee range Starbucks, in partnership with dairy giant Arla, unveiled a new line of high-protein coffee-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The Starbucks Protein Drink with Coffee range features 20g of protein per bottle, made with low-fat milk and no added sugar. The launch included three flavours: Caffe Latte, Chocolate Mocha and Caramel Hazelnut. Read more here. Lavazza unveils line of RTD iced coffees Lavazza unveiled its new line of ready-to-drink iced coffee, offering four Italian-inspired varieties: Espresso and Milk, Caffè Latte, Cappuccino and a limited-edition Cappuccino Protein can. Each drink is crafted with 100% Arabica beans and semi-skimmed milk. The Espresso and Milk variant features a double shot of 100% Arabica coffee combined with semi-skimmed milk. The Caffè Latte offers a silky, balanced sweetness with 100% Arabica and semi-skimmed milk, described as 'a cold version of a classic Italian coffee,' said Lavazza. Read more here. Nespresso introduces pilot RTD coffee in US Nespresso USA launched its first RTD coffee, Master Origins Colombia, in celebration of National Coffee Day on 29 September. Part of the Nespresso Bloom range, the new product combines high-quality Colombian coffee with honey from the same plants. It marks the brand's first RTD coffee, introduced as part of a pilot programme expanding the Nespresso Bloom range, which debuted the previous month. The RTD coffee blends Colombian coffee beans with Nespresso Coffee Blossom Honey. The honey used in the beverage is sourced from Colombian farms that produce Nespresso's coffee, aligning with the brand’s commitment to regenerative agriculture.   Read more here.   Coca-Cola and Bacardi partner on RTD cocktail The Coca-Cola Company and Bacardi partnered to launch Bacardí rum and Coca-Cola as a ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail. The initial rollout is set for 2025 in select European markets and Mexico, with plans for global availability. The move is part of Coca-Cola’s expansion into the growing alcohol RTD market. James Quincey, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said: “This new relationship with Bacardi Limited supports our strategic expansion, and we look forward to the introduction of Bacardí Mixed with Coca‑Cola next year.” Read more here. Kissd introduces smart fountain with advanced water filtration technology UK-based water company Kissd introduced a new smart fountain designed to enhance water quality with advanced filtration technology. According to the company, in November 2023, Kissd began developing the Kissd Smart Fountain to address the need for convenient refill stations in travel retail and leisure centres. The fountain features an IP-protected design that provides chilled, ultra-filtered water. It removes viruses, bacteria and particles, while an Activated Carbon filter eliminates chlorine, pesticides and unpleasant tastes. A high-intensity UV treatment further purifies the water. It offers still or sparkling water, with options for unflavoured or micro-dosed with flavours. Read more here. Coffee Mate unveils limited-edition orange cream pop-flavoured creamer Nestlé-owned brand Coffee Mate uneveiled a new orange cream pop-flavoured Duo creamer, inspired by nostalgic childhood memories and popular TikTok trends. The seasonal creamer, featuring orange and vanilla cream notes, was created to enhance summer coffee routines. Read more here. Twinings launches RTD sparkling tea line to meet demand for healthy beverages Twinings launched a new line of ready-to-drink sparkling teas, aimed at meeting the increasing consumer interest in functional beverages that combine refreshment with health benefits. The range features three flavours: Refresh – Juicy Raspberry Lemonade, Defence – Zesty Orange and Passionfruit, and Boost – Zingy Lemon and Ginger. Each can of Twinings Sparkling Tea is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including antioxidant vitamin C, and contains no artificial sweeteners, colours or added sugars, with fewer than 50 calories per serving. Developed by Twinings' Master Blenders and herbalists, the Sparkling Tea line is designed to cater to consumers looking for afternoon refreshment that also supports their wellbeing. Read more here. Visit the Refreshment website tomorrow for part two!

LBX Food Robotics, a producer in hot food vending, has deployed its Bake Xpress hot food kiosks with partner Nancy Harkey Enterprises across Birmingham, UK, including at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Positioned at TSA checkpoints, baggage claim and in food court locations, the custom-branded machines serve pastries, sandwiches, local barbecue, and Italian dishes and pizzas. Bake Xpress is said to be 'the world’s only' UL-certified full-menu hot food vending kiosk, enabling operation in regulated locations like airports. At BHM, the custom-branded machines feature brands like Little Napoli Pizza, Chappie Daddy’s BBQ, and Squoze, offering pizza, lasagna, breakfast sandwiches, burritos and pastries. Renard Mitchell, president of Nancy Harkey Enterprises, said: “The need for expanded food services is well-known by travelers and operators alike. We’ve all been at the airport when everything is closed or the lines at the food counters are long. We knew we needed a new way to serve customers, so we were delighted to engage with LBX to install the Bake Xpress machines." "Not only can we utilise the programmable oven to bake a huge variety of foods, we have full flexibility to leverage our existing partnerships with food brands and to serve regional fare.” The Bake Xpress kiosks use a smart oven combining convection, infrared and microwave technologies to bake foods on demand. The machines meet international safety standards, including Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification for operation in high-security locations like airports and hospitals. Benoit Herve, founder and CEO of LBX Food Robotics, added: “We have put our focus on quality since the company’s inception, and both our machine and the food it serves exemplify this cornerstone objective. Customers realise that it is not enough to just offer a convenience with their vending solution, they must offer delicious food as well. As the only full-menu hot food vending solution certified to operate in airports, we are making it possible to bring a new level of convenience to the traveler experience. #LBXFoodRobotics

Laird Superfood has expanded its Instant Latte range with a new Maca Latte for enhanced energy and vitality. Maca is an adaptogen that is linked to improved sexual health, vitality and energy. The product also includes functional mushrooms for sustained energy without crashes. According to the company, Maca root has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was historically used in Peru to enhance strength and performance. Jason Vieth, CEO of Laird Superfood, said: "At Laird Superfood we are continually innovating with new ingredients that help enhance daily rituals – like a morning cup of coffee. Maca is becoming more popular but hasn't yet been incorporated into many mainstream and easy-to-use products. Our Maca Instant Latte is a delicious and nutritious way for consumers to restore their vitality every day." The latte is available for $19 via the brand's website and will launch on Amazon soon. #LairdSuperfood #Maca #latte #US

Nestlé-owned Coffee Mate is introducing two limited-edition creamers inspired by HBO's The White Lotus, reflecting the tropical settings of the series’ third season. The flavours, Thai Iced Coffee and Piña Colada, aim to capture the essence of the show’s luxurious resort locations. The Thai Iced Coffee-flavoured creamer incorporates the sweetness of condensed milk, similar to a traditional Thai drink. Coffee Mate noted that this flavour does not include coffee or caffeine. Meanwhile, the Piña Colada-flavoured creamer combines coconut and pineapple flavours, with the company stating that it does not include alcohol. Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé's VP of brand marketing for the beverage division and business unit, commented: “We love a good twist at Coffee Mate and can’t think of a better way to celebrate the return of our favorite series, than by partnering with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products to create limited-edition creamers inspired by The White Lotus." The creamers will be available nationwide starting in January 2025 for $4.49, with prices varying by retailer. #CoffeeMate #US

Belgian supermarket chain Colruyt has temporarily stopped ordering certain products from Dutch coffee company JDE Peet's following a request for additional price increases, according to Reuters . The move comes as JDE Peet's seeks to adjust prices in response to rising global coffee costs. Colruyt, which conducts annual negotiations with its suppliers, previously accepted a price increase from JDE Peet's last summer. However, the retailer expressed concerns about the latest hike, stating in an email to Reuters : “When we look at the price increase Jacobs Douwe Egberts is asking today, we do not think it is justifiable”. Despite the current pause in orders, Colruyt remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. The suspension affects a small selection of products, including Douwe Egberts dessert ground, dessert beans, Senseo cappuccino and Jacquemotte moka. Refreshment has contacted JDE for a comment. JDE Peet's has recently said it plans to raise prices across multiple product categories , including roast and ground coffee, whole beans, capsules and cappuccino, in Brazil. #JDEPeets #Colruyt #coffee

Private investment firm Sojourner Consumer Partners has acquired a stake in Hawaii Coffee Company, marking its expansion into the coffee industry. The partnership also includes a collaboration with Anderson Holdings and the formation of SoJoe Coffee platform, a holding company dedicated to acquiring and partnering with high-potential packaged and ready-to-drink coffee companies in North America. Gerard Bastiaanse, president of Hawaii Coffee Company, said: “Sojourner’s experience in the coffee sector and track record with building and improving companies, particularly its expertise with e-commerce and sustainability, are truly differentiated. [The company] quickly understood our business and identified areas where they could help us while committing to uphold our high standards.” Hawaii Coffee Company will continue to operate under its established name and retain its roasting, milling, office facilities and cafés across Hawaii. Top image: © 2024 Hawaii Coffee Company #SojournerConsumerPartners #HawaiiCoffeeCompany