US luxury candy brand Sugarfina has acquired Caffe Luxxe, a Los Angeles-based coffee roaster and café chain, through a 100% stock merger. The deal is Sugarfina’s third recent acquisition as the company builds a portfolio of specialty consumer brands. Founded in 2006, Caffe Luxxe operates seven cafés in Malibu, Montecito, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica and two in Brentwood. A Culver City location is scheduled to open in January. The company also plans to rebuild its Pacific Palisades café, which was destroyed in a January fire. Beyond its retail sites, Caffe Luxxe runs an e-commerce and subscription business and sells its products wholesale to cafés, restaurants, offices, boutique hotels, and, more recently, gourmet grocers and speciality stores. Under the deal, Caffe Luxxe will be integrated into the Sugarfina Corporation portfolio, with HR, legal, finance, digital marketing, e-commerce and wholesale sales consolidated across the group. Scott LaPorta, CEO of Sugarfina, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Caffe Luxxe into the Sugarfina family and look forward to combining our shared passion for creating memorable experiences for our customers. I have been a longtime fan of the Caffe Luxxe brand, frequenting their locations, which have always stood out for exceptional quality and community presence. We are excited to bring this exact presence and quality to new communities in the near future.” Mark Wain, co-founder and president of Caffe Luxxe, added: “We are excited to join the Sugarfina family and bring our Caffe Luxxe experience to a broader audience. This merger represents an exciting new chapter for our team, our customers, and our brand and we look forward to collaborating with Sugarfina to continue delivering exceptional coffee experiences.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Aimia Foods for Professionals has launched Drink me Chai's Spiced Chai Latte in a new ready-to-drink (RTD) format, aiming to capitalise on the growing popularity of chai beverages, particularly among Gen Z and millennial consumers, while also addressing the demand for convenient grab-and-go options. Rebekha White, brand manager at Aimia Foods said: "Chai has gone from strength to strength in the last five years and is most popular with Gen Z and Millennial customers". She added: "This demographic of customer is also fuelling the booming demand for grab and go items, so it felt like a natural next step to launch an RTD version of our Spiced Chai latte". The new 250ml recyclable cans of Spiced Chai Latte combine Drink me Chai's authentic, aromatic blend of natural chai spices and sweetened black tea with semi-skimmed milk, creating a smooth and silky ready-to-enjoy beverage. This format allows operators to easily stock and serve the popular chai flavour without the need for preparation, catering to the convenience-driven preferences of today's consumers. The low-caffeine content of the Spiced Chai Latte also makes it a versatile option that can be enjoyed throughout the day, from morning to night. With the launch, the company says it has identified a gap in the RTD category for a premium, authentic chai option, positioning the brand to capitalise on the rising consumer demand for convenient, yet high-quality, beverage choices. As the RTD segment continues to expand, with coffee, shakes and juices emerging as key players, Drink me Chai's new Spiced Chai Latte offering aims to carve out a distinctive position within the market, appealing to the increasing number of consumers seeking innovative, on-the-go beverage options.

Massimo Giussani Italian coffee machine manufacturer, Rancilio Group, has appointed Massimo Giussani as CEO of its Coffee Division within Ali Group. Giussani takes over from Massimiliano Bizzarri, who led the company for the past two years. He has spent more than 20 years at Ali Group, gaining extensive experience in the coffee sector and contributing to the company’s global growth. Giussani said: “I am honoured to take on this role at such a significant time for Rancilio Group. I thank Ali Group for their trust and Massimiliano Bizzarri for the excellent work carried out." "I am convinced that, thanks to the expertise of our team and the knowledge we have acquired, we will be able to guide Rancilio Group toward a new phase of transformation and international expansion.”

The Hershey Company is set to capture the attention of chocolate enthusiasts with its latest offering: the limited-edition Hershey's Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar. This unique product, which combines creamy pistachio, crispy kadayif and Hershey's iconic milk chocolate, is poised to sell out quickly, with only 10,000 bars available for purchase. Launching on 4 December 2025 at 10am ET, Hershey's Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar will retail for $8.99 and will be exclusively available through Gopuff in select cities, including New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Megan Pantalone, senior manager of innovation at The Hershey Company, said: "Not every trend gets the Hershey's treatment. When something takes over social media like this, we knew it deserved a one-of-a-kind release." The decision to limit production to just 10,000 bars reflects a strategic move to create urgency and excitement among consumers, particularly among collectors and trend hunters eager to partake in this fleeting moment. This approach aligns with Hershey's broader strategy of leveraging social media trends to drive product innovation and engagement. The Hershey's Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar features a blend of flavours that reflect the culinary influences of Dubai, making it a standout addition to the brand's portfolio. As a one-time-only release, the product is not expected to be restocked, driving home its exclusivity.

Sustainable packaging provider Go-Pak UK and parent company SCG Packaging (SCGP) have launched Go-Recycle, a closed-loop recycling program for old corrugated cardboard (OCC). The service enables brands to return used cardboard for reuse in new packaging, supporting a circular economy and helping businesses meet sustainability targets. Go-Recycle collects OCC alongside regular product deliveries and sends it to SCGP’s Papermills in Thailand and Vietnam, where it is repurposed into new cardboard and non-food packaging products. By integrating collection with delivery, the programme reduces logistics complexity, transport emissions and costs, while ensuring supply continuity amid volatile OCC markets. The launch aligns with the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which require producers to manage the full lifecycle of packaging, including recycling and disposal. It also supports Go-Pak UK and SCGP’s target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The service addresses growing demand from brands under pressure to reduce waste, meet environmental targets, and demonstrate responsible sourcing. Tim Allen, operations director at Go-Pak UK, said: "We’re thrilled to launch Go-Recycle. The service is a unique offering that the industry has needed for a long time, with no other major suppliers currently providing a comparable solution. It’s a simple, efficient and sustainable cycle that keeps valuable resources in use for longer." "Our approach also helps brands streamline operations and reduce supply chain friction by integrating product delivery and recycling collection seamlessly into daily processes." Lynn Creighton, group product technical manager at Go-Pak UK, added: "Go-Recycle supports regulatory and corporate commitments around reused content in packaging, including the new regulation introduced in April 2025 for separate recyclable waste streams. “With global demand for recycled materials projected to grow, especially in packaging and non-food cardboard products, companies offering efficient closed-loop solutions are better positioned to strengthen their sustainability credentials and meet increasing ESG and regulatory requirements."

In the UK, oat milk brand Oatly has unveiled its latest offerings: a new range of ready-to-drink iced coffees designed for the growing grab-and-go market. This launch reflects the company’s commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences, particularly among younger demographics. The new lineup includes two variants: Oatly Barista Iced Flat White and Oatly Barista Iced Caramel Macchiato. Each product combines high-quality Arabica coffee with Oatly's signature creamy oat base, catering to consumers seeking both flavour and convenience. Iced Macchiato is characterised by its smooth blend of coffee and caramel, while Iced Flat White delivers a robust coffee experience for those desiring a stronger flavour profile. Both variants are shelf-stable prior to opening, offering retailers and consumers flexibility in storage. However, Oatly recommends serving these drinks chilled or over ice for optimal taste. The ready-to-drink cans are currently available in over 400 Tesco locations across the UK, positioned in the iced coffee aisle. Bryan Carroll, general manager for Oatly UK and Ireland, said: “This ambient ready-to-drink format has been developed with the growing grab-and-go audience in mind". he added: "We are witnessing a significant shift in coffee consumption habits, particularly among Gen Z, who are driving the trend towards cold coffee formats. As we approach the New Year, we anticipate a positive reception for these new offerings.” Oatly’s commitment to health and sustainability is evident in its product formulations. The new iced coffees are dairy and soy-free, enriched with calcium, riboflavin and vitamins B12 and D. They are low in salt and saturated fat, and free from added sugars, sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilisers, colours and artificial flavours. Notably, Oatly products consistently demonstrate a lower climate impact compared to traditional dairy options. Earlier this year, Oatly achieved recognition as the first food brand designated as a Climate Solutions Company by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative. This accolade highlights the company's role in promoting plant-based alternatives as a means for consumers to reduce their environmental footprint. Oatly Barista Iced Caramel Macchiato and Iced Flat White are now available in Tesco at a recommended retail price of £2 per 235ml can.

Nestlé is reportedly exploring the sale of its premium coffee chain, Blue Bottle Coffee, as part of a broader strategic review initiated by new CEO Philipp Navratil . According to Reuters, sources close to the matter have confirmed that the Swiss food giant is collaborating with Morgan Stanley to assess various options, including a potential divestiture of the brand, which has garnered a loyal following since its inception. Nestlé acquired a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee in 2017 for approximately $700 million, aiming to capitalise on the burgeoning speciality coffee market. However, recent reports suggest that any sale could be valued at a discount to that initial investment, as the company seeks to streamline its operations and exit the physical retail segment – a trend increasingly observed across the food and beverage industry. Founded in 2002 by James Freeman in Oakland, California, Blue Bottle Coffee has grown into a premium coffee retailer with approximately 100 locations across the US and Asia. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, sourcing beans from sustainable farms and highlighting freshness through small-batch roasting. In addition to its cafés, Blue Bottle has established a robust ecommerce platform, selling coffee grounds and branded merchandise. Nestlé's decision to potentially divest Blue Bottle aligns with a broader industry trend, as major players reassess their portfolios in response to shifting consumer preferences and market conditions. Notably, Coca-Cola is also considering the sale of its Costa Coffee chain, highlighting a growing focus on optimising brand assets within the competitive coffee landscape. The review at Nestlé is not limited to Blue Bottle. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to evaluate its vitamin brands, including Nature's Bounty and Osteo Bi-Flex, and may also be looking to divest its water business, which encompasses iconic brands such as Perrier and S.Pellegrino.

Good Kynd, a newly launched lifestyle drinks brand founded by two former accountants, has entered the UK market with what it says is the country’s first ready-to-drink iced chai latte containing added prebiotic fibre. The business was founded after co-founder Sophie’s interest in gut wellbeing and the pair’s plans to offer a smoother, non-carbonated alternative to functional drinks, many of which are fizzy. Its debut product is a 250ml iced chai latte made with an oat milk base, 4g of added fibre and no added sugar. The vegan, gluten-free drink is positioned as providing a café-style chai flavour suitable for on-the-go consumption. Good Kynd says the product brings together traditional chai flavours with prebiotic fibre to offer a flavour-led option within the growing functional drinks category, and a way for consumers to increase fibre intake. The brand is targeting premium grocery, cafés, boutique hospitality and wellness-led retail. It uses fully recyclable aluminium cans and plans to introduce charitable initiatives focused on community support and conscious living. Good Kynd aims to differentiate itself through its non-carbonated format, functional positioning and flavour profile as it seeks to make chai a regular choice for modern consumers.

In a move to streamline its portfolio, Unilever has announced the sale of its healthier snacking brand, Graze, to Katjes International, the parent company of the popular candy brand Candy Kittens. The transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026, marks Unilever's continued effort to refocus its business strategy away from certain food segments toward beauty and wellness products. Unilever acquired Graze in 2019 as part of its expansion into the health-conscious snack market. Since then, the brand has evolved from a primarily direct-to-consumer model to a robust presence in UK retail, achieving notable profitability and growth. Under Unilever’s stewardship, Graze has undergone a rebranding effort, enhancing its visual identity to attract a broader consumer base. Georgina Bradford, general manager of UKI Foods at Unilever, said: “Graze has redefined healthy snacking with innovations that prioritise nutrition without compromising on taste. We believe it is now well-positioned for its next phase of growth under Katjes International, which will provide the dedicated focus necessary to advance its mission.” Katjes International, known for its commitment to producing high-quality confections, sees the acquisition of Graze as a strategic fit within its portfolio. Bastian Fassin, managing shareholder of Katjes, stated: “Graze is a leading healthy snacking brand in the UK. Its strong brand awareness aligns perfectly with our strategy to grow consumer-centric brands that resonate with health-conscious consumers.” Jamie Laing, founder of Candy Kittens, added: “Graze changed the way the UK thinks about healthier snacking. I am excited about the potential to further develop this innovative brand.” Unilever has indicated plans to divest other historic food brands as it seeks to concentrate on high-growth categories such as condiments and meal solutions. This pivot reflects an evolving marketplace where consumer preferences are shifting towards health and wellness. While financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the sale of Graze is expected to enhance Katjes International’s portfolio and strengthen its position in the competitive healthy snacking segment.

Lindt is introducing a new limited-edition product, the Tokyo Style Chocolate Matcha Strawberry bar. The bar features ceremonial grade Chamei Minami matcha, Genmai roasted rice and Swiss white chocolate, along with strawberry pieces. The flavour is inspired by Japanese tea traditions, combining matcha and roasted rice with fruit and white chocolate. According to Lindt, the Chamei Minami matcha provides a bright and balanced flavour to complement the strawberry and white chocolate. Stefan Bruderer, master chocolatier at Lindt & Sprüngli, said:  “After seeing the reaction to our Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate over the past year, we’re excited to continue our culinary journey, this time to Japan, and launch a new innovation that combines the finest Swiss chocolate craftmanship with the secrets of traditional tea ceremonies using Japanese matcha”. The bar will be available exclusively at Lindt’s London Piccadilly flagship store from 6 December, priced at £15. Only 200 bars will be released, each hand-numbered and limited to one per customer.

Joe & The Juice has expanded into Latin America with the opening of its first store in Mexico City. The new location, situated in Colonia Roma Norte, opened last week following a soft launch. The Mexico City site marks the brand’s debut in the region and forms part of its ongoing global expansion, which now includes more than 460 stores worldwide. According to the company, Mexico offers an atmosphere and café culture aligned with the brand’s identity. Joe & The Juice described the opening as the start of a new chapter for its international growth.

WRAP has confirmed the first 53 organisations to sign the UK Packaging Pact, a new ten-year voluntary agreement set to launch in April 2026 and replace the UK Plastics Pact. The new pact expands the focus from plastics to all commonly used packaging materials. It will involve companies across food and drink, beauty, pet care and household goods, as well as retailers, recyclers and industry bodies. Founding signatories include ASDA, Arla, Haleon, Lidl, Yeo Valley, GoUnpackaged, PackUK, Biffa, SUEZ Recycling Recovery UK and Veolia. The programme aims to redesign packaging to reduce waste and emissions, increase reuse and fully integrate packaging into a circular economy. It will support businesses as major reforms – including packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR), Simpler Recycling and deposit return schemes – roll out. WRAP said the pact will focus on four goals: optimising packaging, scaling reuse and refill, supporting investment in circular infrastructure, and harmonising data to improve traceability. WRAP CEO Catherine David, said: “Collaboration works and it’s delivering real change. Unrecyclable black plastic is gone, recycling is rising and unnecessary packaging is disappearing. But the scale of the challenge demands more. Plastic pollution remains a global crisis, and with the failure to secure a global treaty, the need for bold, systemic action has never been greater." "We must accelerate the step change to circular living, driving reuse, tackling plastic film and enabling the impact of upcoming recycling reforms. This is collective action at its most ambitious and essential, and WRAP is proud to lead the charge toward a truly circular future.” Circular economy minister Mary Creagh added: “Government and businesses must ensure packaging is used time and time again. Our new extended producer responsibility scheme will turbocharge this shift to more sustainable packaging. I pay tribute to the 53 world-leading companies who have signed up to the UK Packaging Pact and pledged to go further and faster in delivering greener packaging.” The UK Packaging Pact builds on the UK Plastics Pact, launched in 2018, which is now nearing completion. A progress report published today shows: 99.9% of problematic plastics eliminated 80% of polystyrene and PVC removed 726 million problematic items removed ahead of bans 36,000 tonnes of hard-to-recycle packaging phased out 70% of plastic food packaging now reusable, recyclable or compostable Plastic recycling up to 53% Recycled content increased from 8.5% to 28% WRAP is continuing discussions with major brands, retailers and manufacturers across sectors ahead of the pact’s full launch next year.