Portugal will introduce its national deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage packaging in 2026. This makes Portugal the first continental Southern European country to introduce a full-scale DRS. While Malta launched its DRS in November 2022, Portugal's implementation will serve as a model for neighbouring countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. The scheme will be administrated by the non-profit company SDR Portugal, with smart waste management business Sensoneo providing the IT system. Sensoneo’s IT system will cover all operational processes, including reverse logistics, tracking, collection, and warehouse and transport management. It will also feature mobile apps to enhance stakeholder engagement. A key feature of Portugal’s DRS is the integration of the Horeca sector, leveraging lessons from Sensoneo’s experience in Malta. This is expected to boost collection rates across venues. Portugal’s DRS aims to enhance recycling, reduce waste and set a standard for sustainable waste management in Southern Europe. With an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 collection points, the scheme will focus on making recycling convenient for Portuguese consumers. Pedro Lago, IT business development and IT director from SDR Portugal, said: “The first milestones achieved in this project have shown that we are on the right track for a smooth, yet rigorous and demanding, implementation. We still have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I am confident that, thanks to strategic partners like Sensoneo, Portugal will have a well-functioning, trustworthy and advanced deposit return scheme.” Martin Basila, CEO of Sensoneo, added: “We are proud to support another deposit return scheme with our IT expertise, especially in a region that is implementing such a system for the first time. Our extensive experience from previous projects, particularly in Malta’s Horeca sector, will enable us to create a highly efficient and innovative solution for Portugal." "By leveraging our technology, we are confident that Portugal’s DRS will achieve outstanding results and serve as a model for other Southern European nations.” Top image: © Sensoneo

Private equity (PE) firms PAI Partners and Bain Capital are reportedly among buyout firms considering bids for Nestlé's water business, which could be valued at around €5 billion or more, according to Bloomberg News . Clayton Dubilier & Rice and KKR & Co have also been reviewing the business, Bloomberg said, citing sources familiar to the matter. Nestlé may keep a stake in the unit, and investment banks are expected to be appointed soon to explore options. Refreshment has reached out to Nestlé, but the Swiss food and beverage giant declined to comment. Late last year, Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe announced plans to spin off the company's water business and premium beverages division into a standalone global business . PAI and Nestlé have previously teamed up on joint ventures for their ice cream and frozen pizza assets. In 2023, they agreed to form a joint venture for Nestlé's frozen pizza business in Europe . In 2016, they also established Froneri, a global ice cream company that now operates in 24 countries. Top image: © San Pellegrino

Scottish nutrition brand Vybey has expanded into the snacking category, launching a new range of plant-based protein bars. The new Complete Nutrition bar line-up includes three flavours: Chocolate Brownie, Raspberry White Chocolate and Mint Chocolate. The range joins the existing products in Vybey's portfolio, which include meal replacement shakes and a nootropic coffee alternative blend. The bars are made with dates, gluten-free oats, almonds, pea protein, coconut powder and tapioca powder. Aiming to support both mental and physical wellbeing, the ‘brain and body’ nutrition bars combine 20g of plant-based protein with healthy fats, gut-friendly fibre and braincare nutrients to boost focus, memory and all-round cognitive health. Each 80g bar contains 300 calories. Gordon Belch, Vybey’s co-founder, said: “Our hard-earnt learnings within vegan, dairy-free and planet-friendly ingredient decks, coupled with our pioneering push into the cognitive upsides of nootropics (Braincare range), meant we were perfectly poised to champion the next generation of ‘nutritionally optimal’ snacking bars that can be used as an on-the-go snack, as pre/post workout fuel or as a makeshift meal”. He added that the lines between indulgent treats and functional foods have “blurred like never before,” leading to the development of the bars’ “nostalgic flavours”.

Payments company MyPOS has announced the acquisition of UK-based payment solutions provider UTP Group. The move expands MyPOS’s support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK and Europe. UTP Max © UTP Group UTP, founded in 2013, offers portable and countertop card machines, tap-to-pay and ecommerce solutions, and flexible funding options, serving over 52,000 clients. The acquisition is said to enhance MyPOS's ability to provide scalable payment solutions with real-time access to funds. MyPOS CEO Mario Shiliashki commented: “This acquisition is not just about market expansion – it’s about empowering UK SMEs with better payment solutions, stronger support and more growth opportunities. By combining forces with UTP, MyPOS will deliver superior solutions faster, enabling businesses to grow and scale without high upfront costs. We are excited to empower local merchants and lay the foundation for long-term success in this key market.” UTP CEO Michael Ault added: “Joining forces with MyPOS is a great opportunity for UTP. Our team will have the chance to work with a leading fintech platform that’s well-positioned for future growth, backed by a growing European presence and a diverse suite of products. I am confident this partnership opens new opportunities to our robust sales team and our merchants, and I look forward to building on this momentum.” UTP clients will see no changes to their service following the acquisition. They will continue to receive the same level of support and, in time, will be integrated into the myPOS platform.

Cutwater, a spirits-based canned cocktail brand, has unveiled two new cocktail innovations for the spring and summer season – a Spicy Mango Margarita and Gin Collins, which will be available in select markets across the US, and an expansion of its popular Lemon Drop Martini.   “Between the Gin Collins or Spicy Mango Margarita, there is something in this new innovation line-up for everyone,” said Gwen Conley, Cutwater’s head of innovation. “Whether you’re pairing Gin Collins with a sprig of rosemary, Spicy Mango Margarita with a Tajín rim, or just want to enjoy either out of the can, our cocktails are made to share with your family and friends.”   The Spicy Mango Margarita creates a ‘dynamic balance of heat and sweetness’ and the Gin Collins offers a ‘crisp and refreshing’ take on a timeless classic for elevated, easy-sipping cocktails. Made with Cutwater’s tequila and a balance of juicy mango, lime and jalapeño , the Spicy Mango Margarita is 12.5% ABV, while the Gin Collins, 9% AVB, features Cutwater’s gin and notes of zesty lemon. Following a positive regional launch in 2024, the brand's Lemon Drop Martini is being expanded nationwide for the spring/summer season. Crafted with Cutwater’s vodka, the cocktail balances tart lemon and subtle sweetness, designed to provide a refreshing taste. Based in San Diego, US, Cutwater has a line-up of more than 20 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of bottled spirits, including tequila, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and liqueur.

AG Barr has announced plans to discontinue its bottled water brand Strathmore by January 2026. The beverage group said it is making the move in a bid to boost profits and simplify the company’s structure. The potential closure of the site is subject to employee consultation. A spokesperson from AG Barr said: “We have announced a proposal with our Strathmore Water colleagues in Forfar, Scotland, which could see the closure of the site and 23 roles becoming redundant. The Strathmore brand has struggled to compete in recent years and we believe we have now reached a point where the Forfar site is no longer sustainable.”   The decision to discontinue the Strathmore brand and propose closing the Forfar plant comes after Barr announced redundancies last year, following the closure of its direct sales operation and the integration of the Boost energy drinks business. Last year also saw the closure of its sites in Moston, Wednesbury and Dagenham in England under the Barr Direct model.   Speaking about the potential closure, the spokesperson said: “The proposals are subject to consultation and we intend to fully support our employees through this period of change”. Top image: © AG Barr

Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than to the United States for the first time in 2024, according to new data from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER). Exports to Europe reached $152 million, compared to $128.6 million to the US last year. This marked a significant shift, with European exports rising by 25% from the previous year, representing an absolute variation increase of $30.5 million. In contrast, exports to the US dropped by 23%, falling $37.7 million over the same period. Belgium leads European growth The growth was driven by Belgium, where exports more than doubled from $46.1 million in 2023 to $95.2 million in 2024 – a 106% increase. From 2020 to 2024, exports to Belgium had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%. Other European markets also saw sharp increases. Exports to Finland rose from $2.4 million to $6.7 million (184%) from 2023 to 2024. Turkey, Romania and Poland also recorded significant gains, with Poland’s exports up 400% in the same period. Changing global market dynamics The overall shift reflects changing market dynamics and growing European demand for Costa Rican coffee. Total coffee exports from Costa Rica remained relatively stable, with a slight overall decline of 2% from 2023 to 2024. With Europe emerging as a dominant market, Costa Rican coffee producers and exporters may increasingly focus on meeting European demand, capitalising on the momentum in markets such as Belgium and Finland. This could signal the beginning of a new era for Costa Rica’s coffee industry.

Nichols’ Vimto squash brand has added a new functional product to its portfolio, Vimto Wonderfuel, targeting breakfast time. The new functional squash is high in vitamins B, C and D, and offers a source of iron and zinc. It is made with real fruit juice with no added sugar, described by Nichols as a ‘first-of-its-kind’ squash that blends ‘great taste with essential nutrition’. According to Kantar data, only 12% of all squash occasions are at breakfast time. Aiming to unlock new occasions and engage new shoppers while driving growth in the category, Nichols developed Vimto Wonderfuel to help families start the day with a nutritious beverage option. It is available in three flavours: apple and blackberry, summer fruits, and mango and orange. The range comes in 725ml bottles and has hit the shelves this month in major UK retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Booths. Angela Reay, marketing director at Nichols, said: “Breakfast is an important occasion for families, but parents are increasingly looking for ways to add more nutrition to their children’s diets without compromising on taste. Vimto Wonderfuel is the perfect solution, offering a delicious and convenient way to provide essential vitamins and minerals at the start of the day.” She added: “We’ve listened to families, and we know that they want great taste plus health benefits – Vimto Wonderfuel delivers on both. We’re confident this launch will energise the squash category and drive growth from health-driven breakfast occasions.”

Grillo’s Pickles, known for its pickle spears, has partnered with savoury snack brand Hippeas to introduce a new product: Dill Pickle Puffs. The new puffs come at a time when the snack food sector is witnessing a surge in popularity for pickled-flavoured products, as evidenced by recent offerings from major brands like Lay's and Cheetos. Hippeas x Grillo’s Dill Pickle Puffs are crafted from a blend of chickpea flour, rice flour, yellow pea flour and seasoned with white vinegar powder, dehydrated dill and garlic powder. This combination not only provides a distinct tangy flavour profile but also positions the product within the growing demand for healthier snack options. Each serving delivers 3g-4g of protein and 3g of fibre, while being gluten-free and vegan, appealing to a broad consumer base increasingly focused on dietary preferences. The collaboration leverages Grillo’s expertise in delivering bold pickle flavours and Hippeas' commitment to creating crunchy, plant-based snacks. This synergy is expected to resonate well with consumers seeking unique snack options that align with current health trends. Dill Pickle Puffs will be available starting March 30 at various retailers, including Sprouts, Stop & Shop and Wakefern, as well as online through Hippeas' website and Amazon, priced at $4.29. The introduction of Dill Pickle Puffs underscores the potential for niche flavours to drive sales in the competitive snack market, positioning both Grillo’s and Hippeas to capitalise on the growing demand for unique, flavourful and health-oriented snack choices.

Sodexo UK & Ireland has announced that it is on track to meet its food waste reduction goal of 50% by 2025, five years ahead of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goal. This target is a key part of the company's sustainability strategy, contributing to its net zero roadmap for 2040. The goal was initially set in 2017 as part of Sodexo's Better Tomorrow commitment. To reach it, the company has rolled out its WasteWatch programme across 530 sites in the UK and Ireland. The programme captures food waste data, providing clear insights into the types and reasons for waste. This allows teams to implement operational and behavioural changes to eliminate avoidable food waste, whether it originates in the kitchen or is generated by consumers. Sodexo said that since its launch in 2015, WasteWatch has helped prevent over 10,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the energy use of 1,000 homes per year. It has also saved more than 2.7 million meals from going to waste. Currently, Sodexo has achieved a 45% reduction in food waste at sites using WasteWatch, and the company is confident it will meet its 50% reduction target by 31 August 2025. Claire Atkins Morris, sustainability director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "As a business serving a million meals every day, reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways we can cut carbon emissions and drive meaningful change". "WasteWatch gives us the data and insights needed to understand where waste is happening and take targeted action to prevent it. By embedding this approach across our sites, we are not only making a significant impact on our environmental footprint, but also contributing to a more sustainable food system. As a global leader in delicious, sustainable and nutritious food, we are committed to driving innovation that benefits both people and the planet."

US private-label coffee and tea producer, FreshBrew, has announced the sale of its vending division to foodservice company, Compass Group North America. The vending division offers vending machines, micro markets and smart cafés. Following the sale, FreshBrew plans to focus on expanding its coffee, tea and extract product lines. FreshBrew president and CEO, Al Ansari, said: “Due to the rapid growth and continued expansion of our coffee and tea division, we felt this was the ideal time to divest our vending operations. Compass is the nation’s largest vending operator and a leader in the foodservice industry, and we are confident they will continue to serve our loyal vending customers with the same quality and service standards as we have since 1997.” He continued: “As we look towards the future, we are energised and excited to continue to provide innovative total beverage solutions to the world’s largest retailers and foodservice operators”. Compass Group North America is the owner of Canteen Vending Services. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. #CompassGroup #FreshBrew #vending

Unattended retail company Selecta has entered into a partnership with Red Bull to strengthen the energy drink brand’s distribution. Selecta will become Red Bull’s first multi-country vending partner, giving both companies the opportunity to explore and open new premises across a number of markets. Selecta’s distribution network – which includes workplaces, airports, railway stations, universities and hospitals – will benefit the energy drink brand. “The new power partnership with Red Bull is a perfect match,” said Mattia Unal, group head of category management food & beverages at Selecta. “With Red Bull’s impressive expertise and support in category management, we will be able to create best assortments everywhere we operate.” According to Selecta, the partnership will see both companies share their expertise in procurement, key account management and category management, as well as support each other on consumer activation, digital engagement and global incentive programmes. #RedBull #Selecta #vending