Britvic has unveiled what it claims is the 'world's first' fully integrated tap system – the Aqua Libra Flavour Tap Nano – designed for smaller office kitchens. The solution offers a range of naturally-flavoured, sugar-free drinks, including watermelon, mango, raspberry and peach, cucumber mint and lime, and more, alongside chilled, sparkling and boiling water options. The tap also provides functional water with added electrolytes, such as zinc, to support immunity. The Flavour Tap Nano eliminates the need for separate taps, soft drink fridges and kettles. Its cartridge system delivers up to 10,000 servings, reducing both costs and waste while providing sparkling soft drinks on demand. The tap features single-hole installation to replace existing systems, a customer portal for usage tracking and stock management and a five-stage purification system to prevent limescale build-up. Remote management and predictive cartridge replacement minimise maintenance. Noel Dickson, managing director for Aqua Libra, commented: “Proving a full-service hydration wellbeing offer to office workers can be a headache. There are kettles that need to be descaled regularly, fridges that need to be stocked and re-stocked, and recycling management. Then there’s the cost of running all of this." “For the first time ever, managers can now offer all of this through the Flavour Tap Nano, which brings a full wellbeing offer to micro kitchens without the usual operational complexity. The Flavour Tap Nano is a straightforward upgrade that exceeds employee expectations without additional cost or waste."    #Britvic

Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency to purchase 240,000 tons of Brazilian coffee beans, worth approximately CNY 10 billion (approx. $1.4 billion). Under the agreement, Luckin Coffee will build on its initial June contract for 120,000 tons of Brazilian coffee beans over two years by committing to an additional 120,000 tons. This will bring total purchases to 240,000 tons over the five-year period from 2025 to 2029. Jinyi Guo, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Luckin Coffee, said: “Fifty years ago, China and Brazil ‘toasted with coffee instead of wine,’ ushering in a new era of mutual cooperation and shared fortunes. Fifty years on, coffee, as a testament to the friendship between China and Brazil, has created significant opportunities for industrial collaboration based on mutual benefit and complementary strengths, effectively promoting the socio-economic development of both nations." "As we enter the next ‘Golden Fifty Years’ of Sino-Brazilian relations, Luckin Coffee aspires to be an ambassador of integrated coffee industry cooperation between our two countries, further propelling the continuous high-quality development of our coffee industries, making premium Brazilian coffee is celebrated and appreciated globally.” Alongside signing the MoU, Luckin Coffee has launched several key initiatives in Brazil, including Luckin Coffee's Brazilian office, grower support centre and coffee plantation. According to the company, these initiatives aim to strengthen Luckin's quality control in the upstream supply chain, facilitate the "exploration and implementation" of sustainable coffee certification standards and establish "a solid foundation for the company's ongoing efforts to build a global high-quality supply chain". #LuckinCoffee #Brazil #coffeebeans

Daniel Kelly, founder and CEO of Polymer Solutions International, has been inducted into the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) Hall of Fame during the association's Annual Business Conference held in Chicago. This prestigious recognition underscores Kelly's significant contributions to the bottled water industry and his longstanding commitment to sustainability. With a career spanning over 40 years, Kelly has been a key figure in the beverage and packaging sectors, advocating for innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact. His work has focused on the development of reusable packaging systems not only for bottled water but also for various industries, including food and pharma. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. Kelly’s involvement with the IBWA has been extensive; he has served as a committee co-chair and has been an active member of both the board of directors and the executive committee. His leadership within the organisation has helped shape policies and initiatives aimed at promoting responsible practices within the bottled water industry. The induction into the Hall of Fame serves as a testament to Kelly's dedication and innovation in creating sustainable packaging solutions. Kelly's efforts to champion reusable packaging are particularly relevant. His initiatives not only aim to reduce reliance on single-use plastics but also to foster a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled. The IBWA Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to bottled water, and Kelly's induction highlights the importance of sustainability in shaping the industry's future. #IBWA #InternationalBottledWaterAssociation #bottledwater #appointment

Kiosques à Eau has unveiled its first cashless water dispensing kiosk, equipped with a Nayax terminal, in collaboration with Blupura France and Air Liquide. This initiative marks a significant shift in the water kiosk landscape, particularly in France, where the focus is moving away from traditional coin-operated systems prevalent in Italy, which has over 2,500 such kiosks. The newly launched kiosk allows consumers to dispense local micro-filtered water in both still and sparkling varieties at a low cost. This model aims to address two pressing environmental concerns: the excessive production and transportation of plastic bottles and the proliferation of plastic waste in natural ecosystems. By encouraging consumers to refill reusable bottles, Kiosques à Eau seeks to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with bottled water distribution and reduce the number of plastic bottles that end up in landfills and waterways. Kiosques à Eau's partnership with Nayax, a leader in cashless payment solutions, enhances the security and management of the kiosks, minimising the risk of break-ins and theft that can plague traditional vending systems. The integration of advanced payment technology also streamlines the user experience, making it easier for consumers to access fresh water without the need for cash. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in the food and beverage manufacturing sector towards sustainability and responsible resource management. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, companies are under pressure to adopt innovative solutions that promote sustainability. The collaboration between Kiosques à Eau, Blupura, and Air Liquide exemplifies a commitment to social innovation and environmental responsibility. By offering an affordable and convenient alternative to bottled water, this project not only provides consumers with access to quality hydration but also contributes to broader efforts aimed at reducing plastic waste and fostering a circular economy. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions in the beverage industry continues to rise, Kiosques à Eau's cashless water kiosks could serve as a model for future initiatives, potentially inspiring similar projects across Europe and beyond. #KiosquesaEau #waterdispensing #water #beverage #France #Blupura

Starbucks is exploring options for its Chinese operations, including the possibility of selling a stake in the business, according to Bloomberg . The coffee chain has been in talks with advisers about ways to expand its presence in China, which could include introducing a local partner. Starbucks has informally gauged interest from potential investors, such as domestic private equity firms. The sale of a stake may attract interest from Chinese conglomerates or other local companies with industry expertise; however, Starbucks is still evaluating its options and has not yet reached a final decision. Other international brands, including McDonald's and Yum! Brands, have previously sold stakes in their Chinese operations to private equity firms to better cater to local tastes and fuel growth. With nearly 7,600 stores, China is Starbucks's second-largest market, generating around $3 billion in net revenue in fiscal year 2023. However, competition is intensifying, particularly from local upstart Luckin Coffee. New CEO Brian Niccol acknowledged last month that China's comparable sales fell by 14% , as both average ticket size and transaction volume plummeted under the weight of intensified competition and a soft macroeconomic environment ​that impacted consumer spending. A spokesperson for Starbucks stated in response to Bloomberg inquiries: "We are fully committed to our business and partners, and to growing in China. We are working to find the best path to growth, which includes exploring strategic partnerships.” #Starbucks #China

Nestlé Professional is enhancing its Nescafé Fusion system to meet evolving coffee trends and the growing demand for diverse beverage options. The machines offer a variety of personalised beverage options, including hot and cold drinks, whole roasted beans or instant coffee, and dairy or plant-based milks. Foodservice providers such as offices, hotels, convenience stores and educational and healthcare institutions recognise coffee as essential and seek to offer a wider range of beverage options. With the growing demand for cold coffee, especially among younger consumers, providing both hot and iced drinks has become a key requirement. Foodservice providers need to meet this demand with convenient, easy-to-use and customisable solutions. Nescafé Fusion meets this demand by providing espresso-based drinks, filter coffee and popular iced options like lattes, cappuccinos and mochas. The range includes 14 different coffee machine models tailored to different business sizes, cup capacities, counter space and consumer preferences. Currently available in 15 markets across Asia, Europe and Latin America, Nescafé Fusion will soon be rolled out to an additional 60 markets. The system was developed by Nestlé's R&D teams in Orbe, Switzerland. Reinhold Jakobi, global head of Nestlé Professional, said: "As the demand for cold beverages increases, particularly among younger generations, our foodservice providers need to adapt and cater to this trend by offering a versatile menu of both hot and iced beverages. Nescafé Fusion delivers customizable coffee experiences while reflecting our commitment to sustainability." Nescafé Fusion machines are designed for ease of use, with energy savings of up to 60% and up to 30% recycled plastic compared to previous units. The machines use hot water to pre-heat the brewing chamber, eliminating the need for heating fans. Businesses can assess a machine’s emissions, water usage, resource impact and more using the Lifecycle Assessment Tool. This tool provides region-specific data for Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia, helping foodservice providers select the best Nescafé Fusion machine for their needs. #Nestlé #Nescafé

Applied Nutrition has introduced a new range of sparkling protein water. Available in three flavours – Apple Burst, Orange Burst and Tropical Burst – the low-calorie drinks offer 10g of protein, zero sugar and coconut water powder for hydration. The company states that each can helps with hydration and muscle recovery, while the added vitamin C boosts immune health, offering a convenient option for those on the go. Applied Nutrition COO, Steven Granite, said: "Through extensive research, we’ve observed a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with an increasing number of people seeking higher protein intake compared to just a few years ago". "Responding to this demand, we are excited to offer a delicious, high-protein alternative to traditional soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta, which lack nutritional benefits. Our new Sparkling Protein Water provides not only a hydrating and refreshing drink, but also delivers 10g of protein in each can, aligning with consumers' health and wellness goals." Applied Nutrition’s Protein Water is available to buy in select UK retailers. #AppliedNutrition #ProteinWater

Premium water brand Wenlock Spring has teamed up with UK train operator Avanti West Coast to launch water refill stations aboard its trains, marking a first for the country's railway industry. The initiative is part of Avanti West Coast’s £450 million investment in its fleet and aims to provide complimentary water to passengers traveling on Pendolino trains. The water is dispensed from reusable bottles, reducing single-use plastic. During the trial, passengers consumed over 21,000 litres of water in three months, equivalent to 42,000 standard-sized 500ml plastic bottles. Matthew Orme, director at Wenlock Spring, said: “We’re proud to have worked on the development of the onboard refill points with Avanti West Coast". “The refill points dispense Wenlock Spring from reusable bottles, which are returned to us for refilling time and time again. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or running errands, easily accessible water encourages healthier drinking choices, making it the ideal choice to stay refreshed throughout the day.” “As an independently-owned and ethically-conscious brand, we're focused on offering Wenlock Spring in a range of formats, bottled sustainably to enable people to stay hydrated, wherever they are." Bob Powell, head of inclusive customer experience at Avanti West Coast, added: “The water refill points are another example of how we are raising the bar for rail travel in the UK". “With many people now carrying their own water bottle, the opportunity to refill them free of charge is part of our responsible business commitment to build a cleaner and greener railway, and significantly reduces single-use plastic onboard our services.” #WenlockSpring #AvantiWestCoast #UK #water

The Welsh government has announced its decision to withdraw from the proposed UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). In a statement on issued Monday, 18 November, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, announced that the country is unable to move forward with the joint process at this time. In April, the UK government announced that a DRS programme would be implemented by October 2027, though the new Labour administration has suggested it aims to accelerate this timeline. The process has seen multiple disagreements between politicians and industry representatives from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland regarding the scheme's structure and the inclusion of glass. "In partnership with the UK and devolved governments, we have been working to initiate a joint process to appoint the Deposit Management Organisation for our respective schemes later this month,” Irranca-Davies said. "However, in the time available it has not been possible to address the issues to the operation of devolution caused by the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, inherited by the UK government from the previous administration." "This unfortunately means that we are not able to proceed with the joint process or notify the WTO in relation to the scheme at this point." That said, Irranca-Davies clarified that the government remains committed to introducing a scheme that will benefit Wales and aid its transition to a circular economy. "Our active engagement with industry has highlighted that there are currently a range of views on how best to achieve the transition to reuse,” he said. "We will therefore continue our active engagement to develop a scheme that supports the transition to reuse for all drinks containers including those made from glass. In doing so we will also continue to draw from international best practice." Each year, UK consumers use approximately 14 billion plastic drinks bottles and nine billion drinks cans, many of which end up as litter or in landfill. A deposit return scheme could seamlessly integrate into daily life, making recycling more convenient, as seen in Germany, Finland, and Norway, where recycling rates exceed 90%. In comparison, the UK's current recycling rate for drinks containers is around 70%. #Wales #DepositReturnSchemes #DRS

Nestlé has announced plans to spin off its water and premium beverages division into a standalone global business, effective from 1 January 2025. The Swiss food giant unveiled its action plan during the company’s Capital Markets Day on Tuesday, 19 November, 'to drive category growth and improve market share performance'. The strategy includes enhancing operational efficiency, increasing advertising and marketing investment by 9% and achieving additional cost savings of at least CHF 2.5 billion (approx. $2.83 billion) by 2027. As part of the plan, Nestlé plans will separate its bottled water and premium beverage brands, including labels such as Perrier and San Pellegrino into an independent business unit. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational performance and unlock the full potential of its brands. The newly formed business will be led by Muriel Lienau, head of Nestlé Waters Europe. Nestlé stated that the new management team will review the strategic direction of the standalone water and premium beverages business. This evaluation will involve exploring partnership opportunities to maximise the potential of Nestlé's brands and growth platforms. Nestlé's action plan is designed to drive 'superior, sustainable and profitable' growth. Over the medium term, the company anticipates achieving organic sales growth exceeding 4% under normal operating conditions, alongside an underlying operating profit margin of over 17%. #Nestlé #water #beverages

Sodexo is set to acquire CRH Catering, a convenience solutions provider in the Mid-Atlantic region. The move will enhance Sodexo's InReach offerings and and strengthens its position in the $30 billion US convenience market. The acquisition will boost Sodexo's East Coast operations, adding services like micro markets, vending, office coffee, pantry, fresh food and on-site food services. CRH Catering's commissary will help improve coordination between off-site production and convenience services in key Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas, supporting Sodexo's goal to achieve $500 million in revenue from InReach by the end of 2025. This acquisition is part of Sodexo's strategy to meet changing consumer demands for grab-and-go fresh food and healthier options. Sarosh Mistry, CEO of Sodexo North America, said: “The acquisition of CRH Catering represents a significant step in our growth plans by expanding InReach’s retail offerings in the US. It reflects our ambition to become a leader in on-site convenience solutions." "With this deal, we’ll be able to rapidly expand our presence in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets to further meet the growing demand that clients and consumers are showing in innovative retail options. We look forward to welcoming and working closely with CRH Catering, a company with an outstanding reputation and a world class team. We expect this to be a great fit culturally and to be able to seamlessly transition the business in the coming months” Joe and Peter Cordaro, president and VP of CRH Catering, added: “We are thrilled to join Sodexo and contribute to InReach expansion. As a family-owned company, we share the same values, culture and passion for service excellence. We are proud to bring our technologies and expertise to deliver high-value consumer experiences across North America.” The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2025. #Sodexo #CRHCatering

Cork Airport has introduced Ireland’s first reverse vending machines (RVMs) at a transport hub as part of the Deposit Return Scheme. The initiative, launched in partnership with Re-turn, features four RVMs – two for standard recycling and two pink charity RVMs – located both landside and airside at the airport. Passengers can choose to donate their deposits to the 'Return for Children' initiative, benefiting six of Ireland’s largest children’s charities, with donations being equally distributed among these charities, collectively aiding over 165,000 children. Alternatively, passengers can use their deposits for purchases at Cork Airport’s food and drink outlets. Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: “We are delighted to partner with Cork Airport to launch Ireland’s first charity reverse vending machines". "This initiative promotes sustainability by facilitating recycling through the Deposit Return Scheme at this important transport hub, while also supporting truly worthy organisations which provide vital supports to thousands of children. Every bottle or can recycled through our charity RVMs contributes directly to making a difference in the lives of children in need.” Lord Mayor of Cork City, Councillor Dan Boyle, commented: "These reverse vending machines will allow passengers to exchange their empty bottles and cans in return for the deposit, which can be spent at the various retail outlets at the airport, or alternatively, to donate their deposit which will benefit six fantastic Irish charities". "I would like to commend both Cork Airport, the first airport/transport hub in the country to pilot reverse vending machines on-site, and Re-turn, for their initiative in installing the machines. Since its introduction in February, the Deposit Return Scheme has proved to be a great success with over 700 million drinks containers returned to date." Since launching in February 2024, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme has enabled the recycling of over 700 million containers. #CorkAirport #RVMs #Ireland #reversevending