Tea supplier Typhoo plans to appoint administrators as the brand faces declining sales. The 121-year-old brand, owned by private equity firm Zetland Capital, faces over £70 million in debt and declining sales in a competitive drinks market, reported The Guardian . The company has filed a court notice to appoint administrators EY to oversee the process. The filing comes less than a month after former Burts Snacks boss Dave McNulty joined Typhoo as its new CEO . Typhoo has faced struggles for years as many consumers have shifted from tea to coffee, energy drinks and newer trends like bubble tea. In its latest annual report, the tea company announced a £38 million loss for the year ending September 2023, with revenue dropping 25% compared to the previous year. A spokesperson for Typhoo told FoodBev : "Typhoo Tea Limited (TTL) announced its intention to appoint administrators on 14 November 2024". "TTL is not in administration, and this action has been taken to enable us to pursue a sale of the business. A further statement will be issued in due course with further information." Top image: © Typhoo Tea #Typhoo #tea

With a growing focus on health, sustainability and convenience, smart water bottles are revolutionising the way consumers stay hydrated. From scent-based flavour innovations to UV sterilisation, manufacturers are blending advanced technology with consumer demands to create smarter, more sustainable solutions. Staying hydrated has never been so high-tech. Smart water bottles are evolving beyond basic hydration tools, offering users enhanced functionality, sustainability and personalised experiences. Whether it is scent pods for flavour enhancement, AI-designed custom bottles or UV-C technology for cleaner water, these advanced bottles meet the growing demand for hydration solutions that align with health-conscious lifestyles. For manufacturers, developing smart water bottles is a response to evolving consumer behaviours and the global emphasis on sustainability, aiming to reduce reliance on single-use plastics while promoting healthier lifestyles. Here, we take a look at some of the innovative smart water bottles on the market... Air Up Air Up bottles use scent pods that attach to the top of the bottle’s straw, delivering flavour through olfactory perception rather than taste. As users drink and the scent is carried into their mouth, creating the sensation of flavour without adding any chemicals, sugars or additives to the water itself. The inventive scent-based design caters especially well to people who find plain water unappealing but want to cut down on flavoured or sugary drinks. The flavour experience is fully customisable through a wide variety of scent pods, such as bubblegum, lemon-lime and cola. The bottle design is durable and dishwasher-safe, and Air Up offers reusable pods that align with sustainable practices. Read Air Up's leadership piece on how consumers are driving growth in the water bottle industry here . Earlier this year, Air Up released the the second generation of its Polymer Adapter Bottle (Gen2 PAB). Available in 600ml and 1-litre sizes, the new version introduces an ActiveOn Mouthpiece that provides instant flavour activation without lifting the pod. The bottle also features leak-proof, tight sealing for easy on-the-go use, and it is dishwasher. Alongside the bottle, Air Up launched two new five-pod flavour variety packs in the US. The first pack includes flavours including mango passion fruit, peach iced tea, lime, cherry cola and cassis fruit, while the second offers options including cola, watermelon, orangeade, apple and pineapple. Gatorade Gatorade has partnered with Adobe Firefly to allow athletes and sports enthusiasts to create their own custom-designed Gatorade Squeeze Bottles using generative AI. The experience is available through Gatorade’s free membership platform, Gatorade iD. Users can create their own unique designs for their Gatorade Squeeze Bottle by entering keywords related to their sports, hobbies or interests into a search box. They can then choose from various colours, patterns and themes to personalise their bottle. Adobe Firefly Services powers the creation of personalised images while preserving the Gatorade Squeeze Bottle’s signature design. The feature is available exclusively on the Gatorade website through Gatorade iD, where users can earn points and unlock benefits. Points are used to generate bottle designs, with preset options for inspiration. Members can create two free designs, after which they can use loyalty points for additional designs. WaterH Boost The WaterH Boost is a 32oz smart water bottle designed to help users achieve their daily hydration goals through smart technology. This water bottle features an LED screen embedded directly into the bottle. This screen acts as a 'digital drinking coach,' displaying 'motivational tips' to encourage water drinking, progress updates and reminders to help users stay on track with their water intake. The bottle connects with an app to track goals and syncs with devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Android devices and fitness trackers such as Fitbit. With the bottle’s LED light, users are reminded to drink water. Additionally, the WaterH Boost features USB Type-C charging, with a two-hour charge lasting approximately 15 days. William Wu, inventor of WaterH, said: "Busy schedules can make it easy to forget or lose track. That's where WaterH Boost comes in – it provides helpful reminders and tracking insights to make hydration easy, ensuring you reap the wellness benefits." Larq The Larq bottle uses proprietary UV-C LED technology, which purifies water while also self-cleaning, addressing common issues with reusable bottles, such as odour, contamination and difficulty cleaning. The bottle addresses common issues with reusable bottles, such as odour, contamination, difficulty cleaning and limited access to clean water. Its UV-C light, at the optimal 280nm wavelength, effectively kills bacteria and viruses, offering a safe, non-toxic and mercury-free solution. Made from professional-grade stainless steel, it’s free of BPA, BPS and phthalates. The bottle’s double-walled, vacuum-sealed design keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. Justin Wang, co-founder of Larq, commented: "We know that pure water on-the-go and stinky bottles are the two primary pain points affecting one's adoption of reusable bottles. Larq's proprietary UV-C LED technology is integrated into a beautifully designed product that delivers pure water from a self-cleaning bottle and directly addresses these complaints." HidrateSpark The HidrateSpark PRO Insulated Flip Lid smart bottle is an advanced hydration tool that combines the functionality of a smart water bottle with the capability to handle both hot and cold drinks. The bottle uses HidrateSpark’s signature sensor technology to track the user hydration throughout the day. It syncs with the HidrateSpark app, which provides real-time reminders and notifications to help users stay on track with their hydration goals. The bottle can be used for water, coffee of tea, offering the versatility of monitoring hydration for a range of liquids. The Flip Lid accessory allows HidrateSpark PRO users to enjoy hot beverages for the first time, providing a leak-proof, secure way to carry coffee or tea. Coleman Iverson, co-CEO of HidrateSpark, said: "Our hydration equation and sensor technology is what makes HidrateSpark uniquely different and turns just a plain ordinary water bottle into a smart one that lights up and glows to help you beat dehydration. Now we are extending our smart bottle technology to our newest product, HidrateSpark PRO Flip Lid, in order to give consumers the smartest way to stay properly hydrated all day long." #Smartwaterbottles #hydration #water

BlueTriton, now rebranded as Primo Brands following its merger with Primo Water ,has announced it will close it bottling plant in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The decision is part of a "public sale process" for the facility, which is set to wind down by the end of January 2025. A spokesperson for the company told Refreshment : “We have initiated a public sale process for our Guelph facility and will wind down our operations in Ontario by the end of January. This was a difficult decision, unrelated to our merger with Primo." "We will continue to serve our customers through this transition period and will continue to have operations in Canada in our Hope facility, which will serve our business in the Western provinces as well as some of our US Pacific Northwest business.” Last year, BlueTriton Brands appointed Joey Bergstein as its chief executive officer .   #BlueTrton #PrimoBrands #PrimoWater #Canada

The Hershey Company has acquired Sour Strips, a fast-growing sour candy brand founded in the US in 2019. Sour Strips' sour confectionery enhances Hershey's presence in the category and expands its reach to new consumers for more snacking occasions – Sour Strips has a large social media following. Founded by social media personality Maxx Chewning, Sour Strips launched with the intention of zhuzhing up the sour candy category with a distinctive product that consists of shocking sour flavours. Under the deal, Chewning will continue to lead marketing and innovation efforts for the brand. Hershey's newly appointed president of US confection, Mike Del Pozzo , said: “The acquisition of Sour Strips expands Hershey's offerings within our growing sweets portfolio with a product that is beloved by consumers. We're energised to welcome Maxx and the Sour Strips team to Hershey as we relentlessly accelerate our growth in sweets.” Sour Strips founder Chewning added: “Our partnership with The Hershey Company represents a significant step in our mission to innovate and set new standards within the confectionery category. Hershey's exceptional track record making iconic brands worldwide aligns perfectly with our vision for Sour Strips. Together with Hershey, our team is excited to continue delivering extraordinary experiences to candy enthusiasts around the globe.” Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. #SourStrips #Hershey #confectionery #sweets #US

Wonder, a US food delivery platform, has announced the acquisition of Grubhub from Just Eat Takeaway for $650 million. The deal, which includes $500 million in senior notes and $150 million in cash, is expected to close in Q1 2025 pending regulatory approval. Wonder’s acquisition of Grubhub supports its goal of becoming a “super app” for mealtime, combining its own selection of restaurants, meal kits and grocery items with Grubhub’s network of over 375,000 merchants and 200,000 delivery partners across the US. With the integration of Grubhub, Wonder will offer its locations on the Grubhub platform for third-party delivery and bring Grubhub’s restaurants and services directly into the Wonder app. The company raised an additional $250 million in funding from new investors to support this next phase of growth. Founded by entrepreneur Marc Lore, Wonder aims to make quality food more accessible with its "Fast Fine" dining model. Its Multi-Restaurant Ordering feature allows customers to order from up to 30 different restaurants in a single order, with each item prepared to finish at the same time for joint delivery. The platform currently operates 28 locations in the Northeastern US and plans to open seven more by the end of the year. Lore said: "Wonder's acquisition of Grubhub continues our mission to make great food more accessible. As we enhance our customer experience with selection, speed and variety, we're excited to soon offer a curated selection of Grubhub's restaurant partners directly in the Wonder app, alongside our owned and operated restaurants and meal kits. Bringing Wonder and Grubhub together is the next step in our vision to create the super app for meal time, re-envisioning the future of food delivery." Grubhub's CEO, Howard Migdal, added: "I am incredibly excited for Grubhub to join forces with Wonder and bring more value to our diners, merchants and delivery partners. Since our earliest days, Grubhub has helped restaurants open their doors to new customers, while introducing diners to new cuisines. That's why I'm confident that Grubhub will complement Wonder's mission to make great food more accessible and that together we will create remarkable dining experiences for more customers across the country." #Wonder #Grubhub #JustEatTakeaway #US #fooddeliveryWonder, a US food delivery platform, has announced the acquisition of Grubhub from Just Eat Takeaway for $650 million. The deal, which includes $500 million in senior notes and $150 million in cash, is expected to close in Q1 2025 pending regulatory approval. Wonder’s acquisition of Grubhub supports its goal of becoming a “super app” for mealtime, combining its own selection of restaurants, meal kits and grocery items with Grubhub’s network of over 375,000 merchants and 200,000 delivery partners across the US. With the integration of Grubhub, Wonder will offer its locations on the Grubhub platform for third-party delivery and bring Grubhub’s restaurants and services directly into the Wonder app. The company raised an additional $250 million in funding from new investors to support this next phase of growth. Founded by entrepreneur Marc Lore, Wonder aims to make quality food more accessible with its "Fast Fine" dining model. Its Multi-Restaurant Ordering feature allows customers to order from up to 30 different restaurants in a single order, with each item prepared to finish at the same time for joint delivery. The platform currently operates 28 locations in the Northeastern US and plans to open seven more by the end of the year. Lore said: "Wonder's acquisition of Grubhub continues our mission to make great food more accessible. As we enhance our customer experience with selection, speed and variety, we're excited to soon offer a curated selection of Grubhub's restaurant partners directly in the Wonder app, alongside our owned and operated restaurants and meal kits. Bringing Wonder and Grubhub together is the next step in our vision to create the super app for meal time, re-envisioning the future of food delivery." Grubhub's CEO, Howard Migdal, added: "I am incredibly excited for Grubhub to join forces with Wonder and bring more value to our diners, merchants and delivery partners. Since our earliest days, Grubhub has helped restaurants open their doors to new customers, while introducing diners to new cuisines. That's why I'm confident that Grubhub will complement Wonder's mission to make great food more accessible and that together we will create remarkable dining experiences for more customers across the country." #Wonder #Grubhub #JustEatTakeaway #US #fooddelivery

Pact Coffee is launching a V60 drip filter brewing kit in Waitrose, made in collaboration with Japanese manufacturer Hario. The kit includes a heat-proof plastic, a measuring scoop and 40 paper filters. Pact’s director of growth, Sophie Sheach, said: “The V60 is synonymous with Pact Coffee. It’s easy to use, takes just a minute more than instant coffee and gets the very best flavours from top-quality coffee." "For this reason, it’s a fantastic way for customers to take their first steps into speciality coffee and notice the huge jump up in quality. By extension, we’ve seen a significant amount of our subscribers gifting it to loved ones." The V60 drip filter will be available in 242 stores from Sunday 17 November for a retail price of £8.80, rising to £11 from 2 January 2025. For insights on how ethical sourcing and speciality coffee are shaping the industry, read Pact Coffee's recent piece on the topic here . #PactCoffee #UK #brewingkit

Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) has announced enhanced actions to strengthen sustainability efforts under the EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices. This move includes refined actions on water stewardship, biodiversity restoration, decarbonisation and packaging circularity across its 500 member companies. The updated goals include measurable biodiversity indicators by 2030, decarbonisation targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040 (towards net zero by 2050), 50% recycled content in plastic bottles by 2030 and an expanded approach to water management. Alessandro Pasquale, president of NMWE, said: “Our new aspirations build on the progress we’ve made and the knowledge we’ve acquired since signing the Code in 2021. While the scope of some commitments is expanding—particularly in the field of sustainable water management – the focus is on deepening our actions and providing support to our members, giving us a longer-term action plan rather than just a step ahead.” Key actions include: Sustainable water management NMWE’s commitment now extends beyond water efficiency to include stewardship at the watershed level. By promoting efficient water use in member operations and supply chains, and addressing water ecosystems and extreme weather, NMWE will help members manage water responsibly, considering its environmental, social and economic value. Biodiversity restoration NMWE said its focus on biodiversity remains central. The new commitments will help members preserve and restore biodiversity around their operations, with measurable outcomes by 2030. Decarbonisation NMWE is committed to net zero by 2050, with interim decarbonisation goals for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2040. Through ongoing guidance, tools and support, NMWE helps members reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring competitiveness in a low-carbon economy. Circular economy The sector remains committed to full packaging circularity, aiming for recyclable packaging by 2025 and 50% alternative materials in new plastic bottles by 2030. NMWE will collaborate with value chain partners to promote deposit refund systems (DRS) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to reduce material loss throughout the entire lifecycle. Patricia Fosselard, secretary general of NMWE, commented: “Our renewed commitments are about making our sector’s sustainability journey more robust and time-proof. Through this revamped approach, we will focus on providing for our members, especially SMEs, the tools, guidance and support they need to make a positive and lasting impact in the areas in which they operate. However, to make this possible, multi-stakeholder collaboration and an enabling legislative environment are also important success factors.” Pasquale added: “As we deepen our efforts, NMWE will continue to be a trusted partner in Europe’s sustainability goals, supporting our members every step of the way". #NMWE #associationnews

Progevity has introduced a new protein drink specifically designed for individuals aged 50 and older. Founded by former NHS doctor Alexander Denning, Progevity aims to address the unique nutritional requirements of this demographic, promoting muscle strength, cognitive function and overall vitality. Available in two formulations – one tailored for women featuring a refreshing blend of apple, mint and elderflower, and another for men with ginger, turmeric and lime – each 250ml can contains 25g of protein, along with additional nutrients such as collagen, creatine and vitamins. Priced at £2.85 per can, Progevity is marketed as a convenient on-the-go option for those looking to maintain an active lifestyle. The ageing process presents various challenges, including a natural decline in muscle mass and bone density. Research indicates that individuals over 50 require increased protein intake to counteract these changes and sustain physical health. Progevity’s formulation is designed to meet these needs, providing essential nutrients that support muscle and bone health while also boosting energy levels. “Our mission with Progevity is simple,” said co-founder Jonathan Denning. “We want to help people maximise every stage of life by giving them the nutritional support they need to stay strong, healthy and engaged in the activities they’re passionate about.” This focus on empowerment aligns with a growing trend in the food and beverage industry, where products aimed at older consumers are gaining traction. The development of Progevity stems from Alexander Denning’s clinical experience as an orthopaedic surgeon. Observing patients struggle with maintaining their health and vitality, he sought to create a product that could provide the necessary nutritional support for an active lifestyle. Progevity is positioned within a broader market trend that recognises the importance of nutrition in aging populations. As more consumers prioritise health and wellness, the demand for products that cater specifically to their needs is expected to rise. The protein drink market, in particular, has seen significant growth, driven by increasing awareness of the benefits of protein consumption for all age groups. In addition to its nutritional benefits, Progevity is marketed as a sugar-free option that easily integrates into daily routines, whether as a quick breakfast, a post-workout boost or a healthy snack. This convenience factor is crucial in appealing to busy consumers who seek to maintain their health without compromising on taste or accessibility. #proteinbeverage #convenience #Progevity

Knoops, a retailer that spescialises in premium chocolate drinks, has opened its first international store in Dubai as part of its global expansion plan. The new location, opened on Saturday, 2 November 2024, is located in the City Centre Mirdif mall, marking the brand’s entry into the UAE market. In partnership with the NDS Group, Knoops aims to establish its brand in the UAE before exploring further regional growth opportunities. William Gordon-Harris, CEO of Knoops, said: “Embedding Knoops across the whole Middle East and introducing the region to the rituals of drinking chocolate has been carefully planned, beginning with the first UAE store. The City Centre Mirdif is the perfect place to launch in this important market.” #Knoops #Dubai

As the festive season approaches, UK-based artisanal chocolate brand Gnaw has announced a brand refresh and a line-up of new flavour bars. The brand says it aims to cater to adult consumers seeking nostalgic and comforting food experiences through innovative flavour combinations and high-quality ingredients. Gnaw’s latest flavour offerings include: New York Cheesecake, Raspberry Mojito, Seville Orange, Popcorn & Peanut, Espresso Martini, Honeycomb & Caramel, Peppermint and Sticky Toffee Pudding. These flavours reflect a strategic shift towards more adventurous taste profiles, aligning with current consumer trends that favor unique and indulgent chocolate experiences. Founded in 2010, Gnaw has maintained a commitment to quality and sustainability, sourcing cacao exclusively from ethical Colombian producers. The company says its use of best-in-class ingredients, compostable packaging and production powered by clean, solar energy. Mike Navarro, managing director of Gnaw, said: “We have always known that we made incredible chocolate but needed to reaffirm our commitment to unearth bold, unapologetic flavours that tap into happy childhood memories and comfort food yearnings”. This approach reflects a broader industry movement towards nostalgia-driven products that resonate with consumers looking for comfort during uncertain times. As the company prepares for the festive season, it aims to attract both loyal customers and new consumers eager for innovative chocolate options. #GnawChocolate #chocolate #flavours #nostalgia #indulgence #UK

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested $50 million in a new bottling line in Namibia, increasing output by 30% with a capacity of producing 27,000 bottles per hour. The investment also includes a water treatment plant with advanced water recovery technology to reduce consumption. New technology, including AI, will be integrated, with employee skills training to support a "future-ready workforce". Pottie de Bruyn, general manager of CCBA in Namibia, said: “We’ve ensured that this production line goes beyond output numbers. It’s about creating shared opportunities across the value chain. The increased production also provides a boost to local businesses that supply us with raw materials and services.” Sunil Gupta, chief executive officer of CCBA, highlighted: “This investment is a clear demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Namibia". He added: “As a customer-centric, digitally enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to excellence across our value chain. Efficient operations allow us to offer faster delivery and superior service. This new production line is another step in our journey to achieve even greater levels of execution excellence.” #CocaColaBeveragesAfrica #Africa

Swedish design brand Aarke has announced the launch of the Aarke Coffee System, a three-part set-up featuring a coffee maker, coffee grinder and thermal jug. Aarke introduces three products that form the Aarke Coffee System. The coffee grinder calculates the required coffee amount based on water volume in the tank, while the Aarke coffee maker ensures optimal brewing temperature. Consumers can brew their coffee directly into the thermal jug to keep coffee warm. Each product also functions independently. The coffee maker brews a full pot in under six minutes and uses a sensor to maintain optimal coffee temperature. The blooming function enhances flavour by wetting the coffee grounds at the start of brewing. The coffee grinder offers grind sizes from moka pot to cold brew, with 64mm flat burrs and a constant motor speed for consistent grounds. The anti-static chute ensures a mess-free grind and direct transfer to the filter holder. Dosing is simplified with options to either select the number of cups or connect to the Coffee Maker for automatic measurement. The thermal jug, made from stainless steel, is designed to keep coffee warm for hours, due to its double-wall vacuum insulation. The jug’s top valve automatically closes when removed from the brewer. With a heat-safe handle and drip-free spout, it’s designed for easy, spill-free serving. Carl Ljungh, co-founder and chief designer at Aarke, said: “For us, there are no shortcuts when developing a product with a human-centered approach. A carefully engineered product shouldn’t be complicated to use. It takes countless hours and iterations to create a thought through and high-quality product. The Aarke Coffee System is no exception – it’s intuitive without compromising on elegance or quality. Jonas Groth, Aarke's co-founder and chief designer, added: “With the Aarke Coffee System, we wanted to create a complete solution for coffee lovers who want perfect coffee, every time. The approval from the European Coffee Brewing Centre confirms our commitment to achieving the highest standard in coffee brewing.” #Aarke #coffeemachine