Retailer Aldi UK has expanded its partnership with cocoa-free chocolate brand ChoViva, launching three new seasonal products. ChoViva, owned by German food-tech start-up Planet A Foods, is a chocolate alternative made from a blend of sunflower seeds, sugar and plant-based fats. It is designed to offer the same taste and creamy texture as traditional chocolate. Expanding on its partnership with the brand, initiated earlier this year, Aldi has this month launched a crunchy ‘ChoViva Halloween Gonk,’ while two additional festive cocoa-free products will launch ahead of Christmas: ‘Gav the Gonk,’ with a creamy and crispy filling; and ‘Gus the Gonk,’ with a creamy milky filling. The move follows the successful launch of its cocoa-free Peanut Butter Mini Eggs earlier this year. The supermarket said it aims to meet growing demand for chocolate alternatives, with research showing one in five Gen Z and Millennial shoppers claim they want to see more of these in UK retail. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “We don’t believe that anyone should have to pay a premium for exciting new products,” explaining that the new cocoa-free confectionery offerings are available at a low price (59p) in line with the discount retailer’s commitment to offering value to shoppers.

Grumpy Mule has introduced a new limited-edition coffee range in the UK: Fresh Crop. The Yorkshire-based roastery said the collection will showcase single-origin coffees sourced from recent harvests, each roasted in small batches at peak freshness. A new seasonal origin will be released every four months, reflecting the global coffee harvest cycle. The first edition in the series features beans from Nicaragua’s northern highlands, produced by 2,700 smallholder farmers from the PRODECOOP cooperative. The group has longstanding ties with Cafédirect – of which it became a shareholder in 2004 – and continues to promote fair trading and community development. According to Grumpy Mule, the Nicaraguan batch delivers a smooth roast with notes of caramelised sugar, toasted almond and milk chocolate. Future releases will include beans from Brazil in February 2026, followed by Ethiopia in June. Lorraine Kelleher, marketing controller at Grumpy Mule, said: “Fresh Crop is about coffee at its peak. Each season we scout for the most vibrant beans we can find, sourced from farmers committed to quality and sustainability, and roast them slowly in Yorkshire to bring out their full character." "Every mug tells the story of the land, the people and the season. It’s coffee that’s alive with flavour and it’s made for anyone who wants to experience coffee at its most exciting.” resh Crop coffees are 100% Arabica, ethically sourced and roasted at the brand’s Meltham roastery. The new line will be sold alongside existing products at Waitrose and Little Waitrose stores, as well as via the Grumpy Mule website, priced at £6.60 per 200g pack.

Buffalo Biodiesel (BBD), a used cooking oil recycler and renewable fuel producer based in Buffalo, New York, has entered a $300 million capital and growth partnership with Verite Capital Partners (VCP) to accelerate its expansion across the eastern US. Founded in 2005, Buffalo Biodiesel operates one of the largest used cooking oil collection networks in the US Northeast, serving more than 28,000 restaurant and supplier locations. The funding will enable the company to strengthen its logistics, processing and monitoring infrastructure while scaling its renewable fuel production capacity. The agreement will see BBD extend its collection and processing network from 15 to 25 states, spanning from Montreal to Miami. The funding will be deployed in three stages and support the construction of two new renewable natural gas (RNG) plants – one in the Northeast and another in Mississippi. Upon full completion of the investment, VCP founder and managing partner Don Jones will become a minority owner and assume the role of chairman of the board. BBD expects to create more than 600 new jobs as part of the expansion. Sumit Majumdar, president and CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel, said: "This partnership marks a pivotal moment not just for our company, but for the region's clean-energy future". "With Verite's backing, we can double down on our mission: collecting used cooking oil from tens of thousands of restaurants, converting organic waste into renewable natural gas and expanding sustainably from Montreal down to Miami. The two new plants and the hundreds of new jobs they bring will deliver real economic impact across underserved markets." Don Jones added: "We at Verite Capital believe in business with purpose. Becoming a partner and chairman of Buffalo Biodiesel allows us to invest in a growth company that aligns with our values – equity, community and clean energy". "Together, we'll expand operations east of the Mississippi, build meaningful jobs and bring RNG production to new markets. We're honoured to join this journey and help accelerate sustainable fuel solutions while empowering communities." Top image: © Buffalo Biodiesel

Goodrays, one of the UK’s fastest-growing CBD brands, is making waves in the functional beverage sector with the launch of its first non-CBD drink, Re:Focus. The latest product combines nootropic and recovery ingredients, positioning itself as a unique offering in the burgeoning functional wellness market. The introduction of Re:Focus comes at a time when consumer interest in functional drinks is escalating. Notably, Google searches for 'Lion’s Mane' surged by 450% week-over-week last year in the UK, reflecting a growing awareness of the cognitive benefits associated with this powerful mushroom. Re:Focus is set to capitalise on this trend, becoming the first drink to blend Lion’s Mane, magnesium and electrolytes into a single can, addressing both cognitive enhancement and physical recovery. Re:Focus will be available in two flavours: Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix. Each flavour is designed for taste as well as delivering functional benefits that support mental clarity and hydration. The drink contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients and is low in calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Key ingredients include: Lion’s mane: Each serving contains 250mg of this nootropic mushroom, which is traditionally used to support cognitive function and long-term brain health. Magnesium: With 800mg of a premium magnesium blend per serving, Re:Focus delivers 65mg of elemental magnesium, essential for over 300 bodily functions, including cognitive performance and muscle recovery. Electrolytes: Each serving includes 530mg of a bespoke blend of potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium to ensure optimal hydration, a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive performance. Eoin Keenan, founder of Goodrays, said: “For too long, food and drink has been dominated by sugar, alcohol and energy overload, and we’re changing that”. The launch of Re:Focus represents a significant milestone for Goodrays, which has seen its CBD range grow by 45% year-on-year. Re:Focus will be available for purchase online through the Goodrays website, Amazon, Waitrose, Morrisons and other select retailers starting October 20 2025. Priced at £7.50 for a pack of four 330ml cans, the drink is positioned to capture the attention of both health-conscious consumers and retailers looking to expand their functional beverage offerings.

Kismile has released its new Precision Drip Coffee Maker, designed to deliver café-style coffee at home through advanced temperature control and user-friendly features. The machine is built to meet SCA and ECBC Gold Cup standards (currently under certification), ensuring each brew achieves the correct extraction, temperature and aroma balance. It features both hot and cold brew functions, a touch-control interface and a removable water tank for easy cleaning and maintenance. At its core, the appliance uses a thick-film heating system that heats water to 197-205°F (approx. 91.6-96.1°C) in three seconds. The model also includes a magnetic anti-drip system that halts brewing when the carafe is removed, and a heat preservation mode that keeps coffee between 176–185°F (approx. 80-85°C) for up to 40 minutes. Users can adjust coffee strength and flow rate and choose between V-shaped, flat-bottom or reusable mesh filters. Both the brew funnel and carafe are dishwasher-safe. Cyrus Guo, product director at Kismile, said: "Many coffee makers on the market focus on complexity rather than daily use. We wanted to bring the joy of barista-quality coffee into a simple, intuitive design." "This coffee maker was built to address everyday frustrations – making it easier to clean, more stable in performance and more enjoyable to use." The Kismile Precision Drip Coffee Maker is available now via the brand's website and on Amazon.

The European Commission has proposed ‘targeted simplifications’ that aim to ensure the smooth implementation of the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR, first announced in 2021, has been developed to ensure that products sold in the EU do not contribute to deforestation. It will impact the sourcing of commodities such as palm oil, cocoa and coffee, aligning with the EU’s sustainable sourcing goals and broader climate-related ambitions. Its implementation, however, has faced setbacks – initial deadlines were postponed from 2024 to December 2025 , and the EU announced it would consider a further delay last month . These moves have drawn criticism from concerned stakeholders across the F&B supply chain, including environmental organisations and major food businesses. The Commission cited complications with its IT platform, designed to manage compliance data, as the reason for proposed delays. However, this week (21 October 2025) it has put forward a new proposal for targeted adjustments designed to simplify the process and its impact on the IT system, aiming to ensure the EUDR can be successfully implemented this December. The proposal, drafted up following feedback from stakeholders, aims to reduce obligations for downstream operators and traders that commercialise the relevant EUDR products once they have been placed on the market – such as retailers, or large EU manufacturing companies. It also seeks to reduce the impact for micro and small primary operators from low-risk countries worldwide who sell their goods directly on the European market, which it says cover ‘close to 100% of farmers and foresters in the EU’.   Changes to due diligence reporting The Commission proposes that downstream operators and traders should no longer be obliged to submit due diligence statements, with only one submission in the EUDR IT system required for the entire suppy chain, made at the entry point in the market. For example, cocoa beans would need only one due diligence statement to be submitted by the importer bringing them into the EU. Downstream manufacturers of chocolate products using the beans would not be required to submit a new due diligence statement in the IT system. Micro and small primary operators would only submit a simple, one-off declaration in the system. When the information is already available, for instance in a member state database, the operators do not have to take any action in the IT system themselves. This replaces the previous need for regular submissions of due diligence statements.   Transition period The EUDR compliance deadline will remain 30 December 2025 for ‘large and medium’ companies – but they will benefit from a six-month grace period for checks and enforcement, to ‘ensure a gradual phase-in of the rules’. Additionally, for ‘micro and small’ enterprises, the EUDR will enter into application on 30 December 2026. The Commission said these new application dates, as well as the simplification of obligations, aim to ensure the IT system can sustain the level of expected loads following a ‘substantial reassessment’ of the projected impact on the system.   Next steps and industry response The European Parliament and the Council will now discuss the Commission’s proposal and would need to formally adopt the targeted amendment of the EUDR before it can come into effect. Teresa Ribera, executive vice president for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said: “This approach provides certainty and stability, streamlining the tracking process for micro and small producers who, while individually posing little risk, collectively provide critical data for maintaining overall traceability”. “We offer a clear implementation schedule that ensures the regulation will take effect seamlessly starting end of this year, allowing large operators to progressively adapt while giving micro and small producers more time to adjust.” The Rainforest Alliance released a statement of ‘relief’ in response to the European Commission’s clarification, commenting: “We commend the Commission for maintaining the implementation date of 30 December 2025 for large companies (though we have reservations about some of the arrangements proposed to facilitate compliance).” The organisation described the earlier delay as “highly concerning,” expressing worry that the regulations would be “watered down even further”. However, it called on companies and governments to ensure that smallholders are “meaningfully and adequately supported to adapt to the EUDR”. “While the Commission has proposed some simplifications to benefit small operators in low-risk countries, in practice, that only helps EU forest owners and farmers – it does nothing for the majority of smallholder farmers who don’t fall in that category,” the Rainforest Alliance stated. “We reiterate our call to action to also address collectively the specific challenges millions of smallholders face in producing EUDR-compliant products, and the disproportionate burden placed on their shoulders to do so – despite the fact that they are not considered operators under the EUDR.” The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), however, described the move to simplify the EUDR as a “shameful surrender to political pressure”. Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, senior forest policy officer at WWF European Policy Office, said: “Let’s be clear: proposing a partial delay and further changes is a deliberate choice, not an absolute necessity. It does not seem that the European Commission ever explored other options to fix any IT issues; it feels like the perfect scapegoat to water down the regulation.” She added: “The Commission may win a few political points, but the losers are clear: companies that have invested in deforestation-free supply chains, and forests that will continue vanishing at a breathtaking pace”. WWF is calling on the EU parliament and member states to uphold the regulation as initially agreed and “provide real support” for implementation.

Chefman has expanded its coffee appliance line-up with the launch of the Caffeinator Drip, a 14-cup drip coffee maker designed to deliver café-style brews at home. © Chefman The new model introduces several advanced brewing features, including a wide showerhead for even saturation, a Bloom Cycle that pre-soaks grounds to enhance flavour extraction and a BalancedBrew Funnel for uniform results across each batch. A dedicated 'Bold' setting allows users to increase brew strength. Built for larger households or frequent coffee drinkers, the Caffeinator Drip includes a 72oz water reservoir, a glass carafe with a locking lid and a programmable timer with adjustable keep-warm settings lasting up to three hours. The machine also comes with a reusable GoldTone filter and a charcoal water filter. The Caffeinator Drip is available exclusively at Costco stores and online for $59.99.

US coffee and tea roaster FreshBrew has acquired White Coffee Corp’s branded and licensed division, which includes a large portfolio of licensed bagged coffee and K-Cup products. The acquisition gives FreshBrew ownership of multiple licenses to develop, produce and distribute coffee for established consumer brands. It expands the company’s operations beyond private-label roasting into licensed product manufacturing. Following the deal, Jonathan White, executive vice president of White Coffee and chair of the National Coffee Association’s board, and Gregory White, vice president of White Coffee, will join FreshBrew’s executive team to lead the transition and oversee retail operations. FreshBrew said the acquisition will increase its production capacity to about 150,000 pounds of coffee per day. The company has also added a new liquid production facility to produce coffee extracts and concentrates for the food and beverage industry. Al Ansari, CEO of FreshBrew, said: "FreshBrew is expanding its capabilities and growing the business. Acquiring a respected, family-led company like this presented a rare opportunity to strengthen our position in the coffee industry. Now is the perfect time to join forces, as FreshBrew continues to grow with purpose. This move expands our offerings and diversifies our customer and consumer base." Carole White, president of White Coffee, added: "Our company has been our family's life for decades. Seeing our brands and licensed partnerships carried forward by FreshBrew ensures that White Coffee's history of quality and care will live on for future generations of coffee drinkers."

Epta has unveiled Alba, a new line of negative-temperature display cases designed for the frozen dessert and beverage sectors, during HostMilano 2025. Developed under its Iarp brand, the range marks a new phase in the company’s refrigeration portfolio, combining improved energy efficiency, capacity and sustainability. The range includes the Alba 43 and Alba 45, scheduled for full market release in 2026. The static (Alba 43) and ventilated (Alba 45) versions feature an expanded glass surface and larger display area for improved visibility, along with increased storage capacity – up to 40% more in the ventilated model. The new design relocates the condensing unit to the base of the cabinet to optimise airflow and energy performance. Both models also include the Easy Feel tub, which allows simpler assembly and removal of trays and incorporates antibacterial surface treatments. The units use the R290 natural refrigerant and plastics containing up to 40% recycled material, including components derived from production waste. Both models are compatible with LineON, EptaService’s remote monitoring system, which tracks temperature, energy use and equipment performance in real time. Norman Sarabelli, product marketing manager at Iarp, said: “Alba was born from an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape and evolving market trends, which enabled Iarp to identify new opportunities to combine quality, flexibility and visual impact, without compromising on sustainability". "With Alba, Iarp – a brand of the Epta Group – introduces a solution that redefines industry standards by blending energy efficiency with sustainability. Its enhanced merchandising capabilities offer clients a genuine competitive edge, maximising ice-cream profitability throughout the year and supporting true market deseasonalisation.”

Nutrabolt is set to launch a collaboration that merges pop culture with performance: C4 Ultimate Energy x Godzilla. This limited-edition energy drink, featuring a bold Sour Blue Razzilla flavour, will debut on November 3, coinciding with Godzilla Day, marking a strategic move to capture the attention of both energy drink aficionados and fans of the legendary film franchise. The C4 Ultimate Energy x Godzilla drink boasts an impressive 300mg of caffeine and is sugar-free, featuring Nutrabolt's proprietary Tri-Stim Experience, which combines Caffeine, TeaCrine and Dynamine to deliver sustained energy and heightened focus. Robert Zajac, chief marketing officer at Nutrabolt, said: “What a perfect partner for C4 Ultimate Energy – a legend among energy drinks! While C4 Ultimate Energy doesn't have heat rays, it does have 300mg of caffeine and a brand-new Sour Blue Razzilla flavour that packs a delicious punch.” Nutrabolt's marketing campaign for this launch is robust, featuring a multi-channel approach that includes social media, influencer partnerships, and retail activations. The collaboration will be prominently showcased at the upcoming 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, further solidifying its presence in the competitive beverage landscape. Kristin Parcell, general manager of Toho International, added: “This collaboration captures the larger-than-life spirit and unstoppable force that Godzilla represents, while connecting with a whole new generation of fans through a bold, high-energy brand”. The Godzilla-themed energy drink is part of a broader expansion of Nutrabolt's C4 brand offerings. In addition to the Godzilla launch, Nutrabolt will introduce C4 Performance Energy Cereal Killer, a nostalgic energy drink inspired by fruity cereal flavours, available from October 22. This product features 200mg of caffeine and CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, and is positioned to tap into the nostalgia of breakfast cereals, appealing especially to Gen Z consumers. Looking ahead, Nutrabolt is also preparing to launch C4 Performance Energy Mango Fuego in January 2026, a tropical-spicy fusion drink that promises to ignite the new year with an enticing flavour profile and 200mg of caffeine.

Hulo, a Netherlands-based water technology company developing AI tools to identify leaks in water networks, has raised €2.3 million in seed funding to support international growth. The round was led by VP Capital and Lumo Labs, with participation from Vanagon, Rabobank, the FOM and the Netherlands Enabling Water Technology fund (NEW). Hulo provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that uses pressure and flow data from existing utility systems to detect, localise and prioritise leaks and other anomalies. The system combines AI and physics-based models to analyse how each network behaves dynamically, and can integrate into existing utility operations without additional hardware or the need for district metered areas (DMAs). The funding will enable HULO to accelerate deployments in Europe, the UK and Latin America, and expand its capabilities in AI, network analytics, cybersecurity and customer success. Traditional leak detection methods often depend on physical inspections or hydraulic modelling. Hulo's approach instead draws directly from real-time operational data, learning from network flow and pressure changes to surface actionable insights. The company’s hardware-agnostic design allows utilities to adopt the technology without new infrastructure investments. Hulo was spun out of Wetsus, the European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology in Leeuwarden, and has grown alongside the Netherlands’ strong water management ecosystem. Erica van Eeghen, senior manager ventures of VP Capital, said: "Water scarcity is emerging as one of the world's most pressing environmental constraints, with around 30% of treated water lost globally, often through ageing water network infrastructure". "Hulo's ability to detect leaks early, using advanced AI rather than expensive sensors, is exactly the kind of lean, scalable innovation that fits our investment lens. This is a domain where measurable environmental impact and efficiency go hand in hand. We're glad to join forces with such thoughtful co-investors and a technically sharp founding team." Robbert Lodewijks, co-founder of Hulo, added: "The future of water infrastructure requires that digital innovation integrates with the operational reality of today's networks. We're building solutions that are both powerful and practical – enabling water utilities to take action without overhauling their systems."

Franke Coffee Systems has introduced the New A Line of fully automatic coffee machines at HostMilano 2025. The new line debuts with two models – the A600 and A800 – both built on a shared platform designed to deliver consistent in-cup quality, easier personalisation and improved efficiency. The A Line aims to address key pressures in the hospitality and coffee sectors, including rising quality expectations, operational challenges and sustainability targets. The machines connect to FrankeOS software and the cloud via FrankeConnect, enabling remote set-up, over-the-air updates and centralised recipe and price management. Building on the reliability of the classic A Line, the new range introduces modular components and digital enhancements to simplify operation and maintenance. Both machines feature the iQFlow extraction system for precise control of flow rate and timing, ensuring consistent flavour across locations. The New FoamMaster system produces finer, undiluted milk foam – hot or cold – while supporting dairy and plant-based milks. PrecisionTemp allows beverage-specific temperature settings for consistent brewing across coffee and tea varieties. Designed for both self-service and staffed environments, the New A Line’s interface offers two modes: Customer Mode for guests and Operator Mode for staff. Each unit can support up to three grinders, two powder hoppers, and an optional syrup station for flavoured drinks. IndividualMilk technology keeps separate milk lines to prevent cross-contamination between dairy and non-dairy products. Operational efficiency is further supported by the IndividualClean system, which adjusts cleaning cycles based on use to save water, chemicals and time. The Dynamic Spout Light displays machine status, while the HeatGuard boiler reduces idle energy loss by up to 44%, improving sustainability and component longevity. The New A Line also features a refreshed aesthetic, combining matte and satin finishes, steel components and modular add-ons in Onyx, Granite and Mahogany tones. Marco Zancolò, CEO of Franke Coffee Systems, said: “Premium expectations are rising even as staffing and cost pressures grow. With the New A Line, operators get consistent in-cup quality at scale, true flexibility for dairy and non-dairy menus and simpler day-to-day running. All of this is backed by Swiss engineering. The New A Line is built for today’s realities and ready to evolve with future customer needs.”