The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given Carlsberg the green light to proceed with its £3.3bn (approx. $4.2bn) acquisition of Britvic. The competition watchdog announced its intention to launch an investigation into the deal  – which was agreed upon by the beverage giants in July 2024  – this September. On 17 December, the CMA announced its decision to clear the anticipated acquisition, which is now expected to complete in early 2025. This followed a process of gathering information on whether the deal could be expected to result in a ‘substantial lessening of competition’ in the UK market, with interested parties invited to submit their views on the merger. This initial process was carried out through September and into October. At the time of the CMA’s invitations for comment, a spokesperson for Carlsberg told FoodBev that this process was a “standard step” and “always fully expected”. Carlsberg aims to gain a stronger foothold in the UK market, where it is currently the fourth-largest brewer, through the deal with Britvic. The acquisition will expand Carlsberg's bottling operations across Europe. The £3.3 billion takeover agreement followed a previous takeover bid of £3 billion (approx. $3.9 billion) from Carlsberg in June, which Britvic rejected. #Carlsberg #Britvic #CMA

KBF Enterprises-owned sports nutrition brand Warrior has released its new Creatine protein bars in the UK. Warrior's Creatine protein bars were designed to meet the demand for creatine, a supplement that enhances strength, muscle mass and brain health. Each bar contains 20g of protein and 3g of creatine to boost performance. Available in three flavours – chocolate orange, chocolate peanut and salted caramel brownie – these low-sugar and low-fat bars contain 237 calories and are suitable for vegetarians. Kieran Fisher, founder of Warrior and KBF Enterprises, commented: “...we’ve seen first hand the increasing popularity and growing consumer demand for creatine". “More and more research is revealing the important role creatine plays in boosting our health and fitness regimes and the market for this supplement is set to expand rapidly. Here at Warrior, we’re at the forefront of that and have no doubt that our Creatine Protein Bars will bring something unique to the market, appealling to health-conscious individuals who want to enhance their health and wellbeing and power their workouts." “The Warrior Creatine Protein Bar combines the very best of our...Crunch bars with a powerful boost of creatine and packed with all the essential nutrients to cater to the growing movement of shoppers seeking healthy and convenient options.” Warrior's Creatine protein bar in salted caramel will be available in Asda stores across the UK from 27 December, with the full range available to buy at the brand's website. #Warrior #KBFEnterprises #UK

Irish cashless tipping firm JustTip has secured €1.1 million in a funding round led by ComOp and Enterprise Ireland. The latest investment brings the company’s total funding to €2.1 million. JustTip has seen rapid growth in 2024, with business increasing by over 300%. Founded in 2021 by James Fahy and Ciara Walsh, JustTip operates from offices in Dublin and Manchester. The company addresses key challenges in the hospitality sector, including rising costs, new legislative requirements and "the need to automate core component in the business". The platform is used by over 600 merchants and 13,000 employees across Europe and the UK. JustTip's co-founder and CEO, James Fahy, said: “All tips generated through our systems are collected, pooled, and distributed weekly directly to the employees’ bank accounts bypassing the employer completely. This ensures transparency and fairness, empowering employees with tools to ensure that tips left for them go to them; while also streamlining processes for employers.” He continued: "The newly secured funding will continue the platform’s expansion across the UK, foster deeper relationships within the hospitality industry, and accelerate the company’s product innovation and team growth". “As the hospitality industry continues to embrace digital transformation, JustTip remains committed to driving innovation and setting new standards for excellence. This investment is a huge vote of confidence in our vision and will enable us to continue our rapid growth into 2025 and beyond.” Karen Cohalan, head of fintech, financial and business services at Enterprise Ireland, added:“JustTip and its innovative fintech solution is a prime example of how cutting-edge products and services from pioneering Irish owned companies are delivering solutions for global challenges. This investment round will support the company’s expansion in global markets, as well as accelerating its innovation and growth." Top image: © JustTip #JustTip #cashlesstipping

Lavazza has expanded its Nespresso-compatible capsule range with the introduction of two new flavours: caramel and chocolate. The caramel-flavoured coffee capsules combine Central and South American arabica beans with a natural caramel aroma. The blend has notes of toffee and biscuits, offering a smooth finish. Meanwhile, the chocolate-flavoured capsules blend Brazilian arabica and robusta beans with a rich chocolate aroma. The result is a 'full-bodied, well-rounded' espresso with chocolate flavours and hints of vanilla. The capsules, available on Amazon for an RRP of £4.25, are free from artificial additives and made with real caramel and chocolate powders for an authentic taste. #Lavazza #UK

The Coca-Cola Company has announced that Henrique Braun has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective 1 January 2025. Braun currently serves as EVP and president for international development, overseeing the company’s operating units for Latin America; Japan and South Korea; ASEAN and South Pacific; Greater China and Mongolia; Africa; India and Southwest Asia; and Eurasia and Middle East. In this expanded role, he will now be responsible for all of Coca-Cola’s operating units worldwide, adding oversight of the North America and Europe units. He will report to chairman and CEO James Quincey. Braun joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1996 in Atlanta. Since, he has progressed through roles of increasing responsibilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, in areas including supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling operations. Prior to his current role, Braun served as president of the Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022, and as president of the Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, he was president of the company’s Greater China and Korea business unit. During his time with the company he has served in regional, business unit and corporate functions. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am energised and honored to take on this broader role and look forward to partnering with James, our executive leadership team, bottling partners and associates to deliver on our total beverage strategy and drive growth across the company and our system worldwide”. Chairman Quincey added: “Henrique has built an impressive track record of driving our growth strategy along with numerous operational accomplishments, all while keeping the consumer as the center of decisions. He has proven to be a trusted, strategic leader with a reputation for developing talent and delivering results.” #TheCocaColaCompany

Nescafé has partnered with KitKat to launch a new latte in the UK. The latte combines Nescafé coffee with KitKat’s 'chocolatey-wafer' flavour. The launch is part of a series of Nestlé's confectionery collaborations, including the Aero Peppermint Mocha and Quality Street Green Triangle Mocha , which, according to the company, have become top-sellers in the in-home coffee market this year. Made with fresh milk, the latte contains under 100 calories per serving when prepared as instructed. Ingrid Hayes, marketing director for Nescafé at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to continue our collaborations with iconic Nestlé confectionery brands. The chocolatey-wafer flavour of KitKat perfectly complements the aromas of Nescafé coffee. We’re excited to be bringing more unique and indulgent experiences to coffee lovers in the UK." “We’re also proud of the fact that real milk goes into the Nescafé frothy coffee range, produced here in the UK at our Dalston site, with milk sourced from dairy farms across Ayrshire and Cumbria.” Packaged in individual sachets, Nescafé KitKat Latte is currently available nationwide. #Nescafé #KitKat #UK #coffee #latte

Major coffee roasters in Brazil are set to raise prices due to climate disruptions affecting crops and increasing raw coffee costs. Reuters reported that major coffee companies plan significant price hikes, impacting consumers in 2025. Dutch coffee giant JDE Peet's – owner of brands like Douwe Egberts, L'Or and Tassimo – plans a 30% price increase in Brazil in the next year. Traders and documents seen by Reuters reveal the company is raising prices due to "climate issues" driving up the costs of roast and ground coffee, whole beans, soluble, capsules and cappuccino products. Other major roasters, including German coffee company, Melitta, and Brazilian coffee roaster, 3 Corações, are also implementing significant price rises. 3 Corações will raise prices by 11% in January, following a 10% increase in December. Meanwhile, Melitta hiked prices by 25% this month after a 'recent' 12% rise. Melitta stated that it continues to face rising coffee costs due to the "climate situation," while 3 Corações cited climate issues, increasing demand and economic instability as factors behind its price hikes. Reuters  said that 3 Corações confirmed the price increases, noting it had absorbed part of the rising costs. However, with ongoing increases in green coffee prices, the company said it was necessary to gradually pass some of those costs onto consumers. The rising coffee prices echo broader market disruptions. Reports have highlighted how adverse weather and supply chain challenges drove prices to 27-year highs , creating pressure across the industry. #JDEPeets #3Corações #Melitta #coffee

Taco Bell has launched its first-ever Live Más Café, a new concept developed in collaboration with Diversified Restaurant Group, one of the brand’s largest franchisees. The café aims to expand Taco Bell’s beverage offerings, featuring speciality drinks such as chillers, agua frescas and coffees, alongside the restaurant's classic menu items. Located in Chula Vista, California, the Live Más Café will operate daily. The concept is designed to provide fans with an inviting atmosphere and great value while introducing a new dimension to the brand’s beverage category. Diversified Restaurant Group's CEO, SG Ellison, said: “Live Más Café is a bold new chapter in our journey of innovation. Rooted in Taco Bell’s cultural rebel spirit, Live Más Café redefines the consumer experience by bringing a new line-up of indulgent beverages. This isn’t just a menu update message – it’s a movement. The new beverage platform will empower consumers to live bold and live beyond, and Taco Bell has allowed us to help write the book on this exciting new concept.”   Taco Bell's president, North America and International, Scott Mezvinsky, added: “We’re always looking for new ways to elevate the Taco Bell experience, and the Live Más Café is the perfect example of that". “This innovative pilot concept is all about expanding the boundaries of what Taco Bell can be, creating a dynamic space where guests can experience our bold flavours in new and exciting ways. The strength of our partnership with Diversified Restaurant Group has been key in bringing this vision to life. Together, we’re not only pushing the envelope on innovation but also reinforcing the power of strong franchise relationships in driving Taco Bell’s continued growth and success.” #TacoBell #US

The Campbell’s Company-owned pretzel brand Snack Factory has unveiled its latest innovation, Pop’ums, bringing together the crunchiness of pretzels with the light texture of popcorn. The brand said it was inspired to create what it calls its ‘most distinctive product to date,’ in response to data showing that millennials are seeking new types of salty snacks, with unique textures in snacking on the rise. Launching into salty snack aisles across the US in January 2025, Pop’ums were inspired by the shape of popcorn and designed to hold flavour for easy, satisfying snacking at home or on-the-go. The baked snacks are available in three flavours: White Cheddar, Golden Mustard BBQ, and Sea Salt. White Cheddar is made with real cheddar cheese to offer a classic and familiar taste, while Golden Mustard BBQ is described as ‘distinctively tangy, smoky and peppery,’ and Sea Salt combines hints of sea salt with a buttery flavour. Pop’ums are packaged in a resealable bag and will be available both at national retailers and online, for a suggested retail price of $5.49 per 9oz bag. Janda Lukin, SVP and chief marketing officer of Campbell’s Snacks, said: “Snack Factory forever changed snacking with the debut of Pretzel Crisps 20 years ago. With Pop’ums, we are rethinking what a pretzel can be once again with a snacking experience unlike any other: combining the crunchy baked goodness of pretzels with the light, flavorful munchability of popcorn to create an irresistibly delicious snack.” #SnackFactory #TheCampbellsCompany #US

UK water company Belu has introduced a new water tap with the launch of Belu Curve. Designed specifically for workplaces, the new tap aims to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use bottled water. The Belu Curve tap offers hot, cold, still, sparkling and ambient water, supported by a high-capacity undercounter unit requiring minimal counter modifications. Advanced filtration removes sediment, odours, microplastics and chlorine, while ultraviolet LED purification ensures chemical-free sterilisation. The system includes intelligent eco-modes to reduce energy consumption during idle periods. In addition, it incorporates digital technology with remote monitoring. With the launch of the new tap, Belu aims to increase revenue streams and amplify its contributions to clean water initiatives worldwide. Nolan Wright, director of supply chain operations at Belu, said: "The Curve is more than just a tap for us; it brings the expertise we’ve built during our filtration journey together with our commitment to reduce waste and prioritise sustainability." "Designed for hardworking workplaces, it shows sustainability can go hand in hand with convenience... and we’ve already had some great feedback from customers. Another exciting step forward in our mission to change the way the world sees water." #Belu

Sodexo UK&I's chief executive officer, Sean Healy, has announced that he will be stepping down after seven years leading the region. Sean Healy Haley, who joined the company in 2011 as part of its acquisition of Atkins' asset management business, became CEO in 2022 following roles as regional chair and managing director. He is leaving Sodexo to pursue new career opportunities Following his departure, Jean Renton, who has been chief financial officer at Sodexo since 2019, has been promoted to the newly created role of chief operating officer, effective 1 January. She will lead the region with an operational focus on business transformation. Renton, who joined Sodexo in 2013, has previously held a number of senior business and commercial functions in the region. She also has an extensive background in finance and change management, having worked with John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and PwC prior to joining Sodexo. In addition to her COO responsibilities, Renton will continue to chair Sodexo UK&I's SoTogether gender equality employee network and serve as a non-executive director of the audit committee for the charity Wellbeing of Women. Sunil Nayak, zone president of Sodexo Europe, said: "We sincerely thank Sean for his significant contribution to Sodexo over the last 13 years. As chair and CEO of the UK&I region he has navigated the business through turbulent times in the market and simultaneously championed social impact, with Sodexo widely recognised as leaders in sustainability and inclusion." "I am delighted that Jean has accepted this role to lead the region in the next phases of our strategy and transformation. Her commercial business expertise, coupled with strong executive leadership, made her the obvious choice for this position." Renton added: "I am honoured to have been appointed into this role. I look forward to working alongside my executive team and all our site colleagues as we continue to serve our clients and consumers as the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences." #Sodexo #UK #Ireland

Iceland Foods has unveiled the 'world’s first' mince pie vending machine in Liverpool, UK, installed outside its store in Williamson Square. According to Iceland’s sales data, Liverpool consumes more mince pies than any other city in the country, earning it the title of 'mince pie capital' of the UK. The machine offers a variety of mince pies, including options like Cathedral City cheese mince pies, caramel crumble mince pies and chocolate caramel crumble mince pies, alongside the classic variety. Iceland says the idea came from research showing nearly a third of Brits wished for mince pies on demand. With hundreds lining up to try it, the vending machine has already proved popular in Liverpool. Paul Dhaliwal, chief commercial officer at Iceland Foods, said: “The people of Liverpool have spoken, and we thought they deserved some festive cheer in the form of free mince pies from the world’s first mince pie vending machine". #IcelandFoods #vendingmachine