UK-based coffee roaster Origin Coffee has announced a long-term partnership with Belco and TOWT to introduce a new product, Sail Ship Coffee, which will be transported from Brazil to Cornwall by sailboat. This initiative aims to significantly reduce transport emissions, achieving a decrease of up to 95% compared to traditional cargo shipping methods. The move is expected to save Origin Coffee approximately 3.9 tons of CO2 emissions per container while also minimising noise pollution that impacts marine life. The journey will involve transporting 19 tonnes of Brazilian coffee for 22 days to Le Havre, France, before it arrives at Origin Coffee's headquarters in Porthleven, Cornwall. Origin Coffee's sustainability manager, Sarah Walker, commented: "This is a monumental step for Origin and our environmental commitments. As part of our wider Net Zero plan, we plan to increase our sail quantities by a % year on year and for this alternative, kinder, method of transportation to represent 10% of our overall coffee by 2030. Doing this will allow us to offer our customers high-quality, consciously-sourced coffee with a lower environmental impact." The coffee, sourced from the Morgiana region, will be available for purchase online starting from early 2025 and through select wholesale customers, including The Pig Hotel Group. Tasting notes include flavours of milk chocolate, Brazil nut and raisin, contributing to its naturally sweet profile. The beans will be packaged in fully recyclable materials, which is part of a broader sustainability effort initiated by Origin Coffee in 2023 that has already reduced CO2 emissions by up to 47% compared to previous compostable bags. #OriginCoffee #UK

In an exclusive interview during the 2024 Global Water Drinks Congress, Gerrit Smit from Yili Innovation Center Europe chatted to FoodBev media about the company's commitment to sustainable water management and innovative practices in the beverage sector. As Yili showcases its award-winning Inikin Brewed Tea, Smit shares insights on how the brand is addressing global water challenges while meeting consumer demands for health-conscious products. We are here at the 21st Global Water Drinks Congress in Frankfurt. Gerrit, can you tell us how Yili plans to leverage innovation to promote efficient water use in the F&B sector? Water is vital for human survival and development. Given the threats posed by global water scarcity and pollution, conserving water resources has become a crucial agenda for international society in promoting sustainable development worldwide. Addressing the looming water shortages, Yili is committed to the rational use, saving, and protection of water resources. Through comprehensive planning and coordination, we manage to optimise water resource management, adopt innovative technologies and equipment, and reduce water consumption and pollution. Thanks to this holistic approach to water management, we are glad to see sustainable water use across all our operations. As for corporate governance, we have established an independent Sustainable Development Management Office in charge of the management of water resources. From the group level, besides setting water-saving goals, we are constantly monitoring our progress – not just within Yili’s operations but throughout our entire supply chain. Believing in the power of digital technologies to propel industrial innovation and transformation, Yili is working on a digital water footprint accounting platform that aligns with the ISO14046 standard. Our goal is to conduct comprehensive water footprint assessments of every single product across all seven of our core product categories. Upholding the motto of 'no innovation, no future,' Yili has consistently embraced innovation as a pivotal strategy for product R&D. I am delighted to once again attend the Global Water Drinks Congress to share Yili’s innovative developments and sustainable practices in our water products. I am also proud to present Inikin Brewed Tea, winner of the 2024 Global Water Drinks Awards, showcasing the recognition from experts across the global water drinks industry for our innovative achievements in this field. Could you tell us what specific measures were taken by Yili and its sub-brand INIKIN in the management and conservation of water resources? In 2023, Yili’s Low Water Footprint Initiative (LWFi) was approved by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and publicised on the UN website, making Yili the first Chinese company to be approved by and join the UN Water Action Agenda. We are honoured to receive this huge recognition, because it underscores Yili’s contribution and leadership in global water conservation. Guided by the Group’s 'green industrial chain strategy,' Inikin weaves together the core concept of 'green production, green consumption, and green development,' aiming to contribute to global sustainability efforts by achieving the brand’s own carbon neutrality. Inikin ensures stringent management and protection of its water sources – no industrial or agricultural activities are allowed within the protection zones, which is simply pure nature. Aligning with China’s national standards, Inikin’s water sources are divided into three protection zones, with site isolation measures applied to tier 1 and 2 protection zones. The precious natural water is fully managed under a daily water extraction limit and transported via a 300-metre fully enclosed pipeline to the factory. Top-quality technologies such as nano-grade biological ultrafiltration membranes for filtering and ozone-free sterilisation are utilised to ensure product quality. In addition, Inikin chooses environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging materials to reduce environmental impact. For example, the Inikin Ink-free Volcanic Bottle embodies the brand’s commitment to water source protection and green and sustainable development. These efforts have allowed Inikin to receive the Verification of the Product Carbon Footprint from Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification. Congratulations to Inikin Brewed Tea on winning the Best Packaging/Label Design of the 2024 Global Water Drinks Awards. What makes the product so special? Staying true to the corporate vision of 'be the most trusted global healthy food provider,' Yili continues expanding product possibilities in line with consumers’ nutrition and health needs. We are committed to bringing nutrients and health benefits to all age groups as people go about their daily lives. To create a consumer-oriented volcanic mineral water brand, Yili carefully screened, investigated and compared hundreds of water sources across the globe, before we finally handpicked water sources in China’s Arxan – known as the 'Natural Oxygen Bar of China,' with a forest coverage rate of 95% – and Changbai Mountain, one of the 'World’s Three Golden Water Sources'. Yili also constantly leverages innovative technologies to upgrade its products. In response to young Chinese consumers’ preference for sugar-free and convenient tea-drinking experiences, the Inikin Brewed Tea features a patented technique where the bottle cap separates freeze-dried tea powder from water, which is the first-of-its-kind in China. When unscrewing the cap, the tea powder housed in the cap will fall off and dissolve in water in just three seconds, making a fresh sugar-free tea drink. Furthermore, Inikin Brewed Tea is known for its simple ingredients: tea and water. This sugar-free, calorie-free and additive-free healthy tea drink is the best example of products that connect with young consumers’ expectations for fresh, pure and wholesome choices.

IVS Group has announced the acquisition of Jofermar Corporation's vending business, Sentil, through its subsidiary, D.A.V. S.L (IVS Iberica). IVS Group is an operator in the foodservice sector, specialising in beverage and snack vending machines. Founded in 1999, Sentil is a prominent player in Spain's vending industry, operating in regions including Navarra, Alicante, Cantabria, Cataluña, Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Zaragoza. This acquisition aligns with IVS Group's strategy to enhance its presence in existing European markets, "where the group already operates," said the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. © Sentil #IVSGroup #Sentil #JofermarCorporation #Spain #vendingmachine

Danone-owned cold brew coffee brand STōK has launched a new product aimed at the increasingly competitive energy beverage market: STōK Cold Brew Energy. This latest addition features a blend of cold brew coffee fortified with an extra boost of caffeine, B-vitamins, ginseng and guarana, positioning it as a hybrid product designed for consumers seeking both flavour and functionality. The introduction of STōK Cold Brew Energy reflects a growing trend among beverage manufacturers to cater to consumers' demands for convenient, on-the-go options that provide sustained energy without the drawbacks often associated with traditional energy drinks. Each 11-ounce can contains 195 mg of caffeine, appealing to those looking for an effective pick-me-up during busy days. Brittney Polka, vice president of ready-to-drink beverages at Danone North America, said: “...We're thrilled to bring STōK Cold Brew Energy to the boldest coffee drinkers out there – delivering the coffee-forward flavour our brand fans love, with a boost of caffeine". Available in three flavours – Mocha Cream, Vanilla Cream and Caramel Cream – STōK Cold Brew Energy seeks to attract a diverse consumer base, from coffee aficionados to those who might typically gravitate towards energy drinks. The product's launch is timely, as consumers increasingly prioritise convenience and functional benefits in their beverage choices. Currently, STōK Cold Brew Energy is available at select US retailers, including 7-Eleven and Speedway, with plans for a broader rollout in 2025. This strategy aligns with the company's goal to enhance its presence in the ready-to-drink segment, which has seen significant growth in recent years. STōK’s move to blend cold brew coffee with energy-enhancing ingredients reflects a broader industry shift towards products that combine health benefits with indulgent flavours. Danone North America, the parent company of STōK, is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, operating as a Certified B Corporation. #STōK #Danone #US #beverage #coldbrew #energydrink #flavours

Caffè Nero has acquired UK-based independent coffee house chain 200 Degrees for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2012 by Rob Darby and Tom Vincent, 200 Degrees operates 21 stores in the Midlands, alongside its own roastery and an e-commerce platform that includes a subscription service. The brand also serves over 500 wholesale customers. As the fifth brand under The Nero Group, which includes Caffè Nero, Coffee#1, Harris+Hoole and Aroma, 200 Degrees will support the group’s growth strategy in the UK. The acquistion is part of The Nero Group's strategy to develop premium speciality coffee brands globally. The group now operates over 790 stores in the UK and around 1,100 stores across 10 countries. The Nero Group's founder and CEO, Gerry Ford, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome 200 Degrees into the Caffè Nero family. It is a fantastic brand with an emphasis on great coffee and service combined with a local community-based feel which matches perfectly the ethos of The Nero Group." "200 Degrees has a solid, loyal customer base and has developed a strong regional position. Our intention is to support 200 Degrees to continue its growth journey and allow the brand to operate separately alongside the other brands in The Nero Group.” 200 Degrees’ managing director, Stephen Fern, commented: “We are thrilled that the strong market position and growth potential of 200 Degrees has been recognised within the sector, and we are excited to see where our brand can go now that we have become part of The Nero Group family." "The Nero Group is a great partner for us with its commitment to premium coffee and its strong values as a family-owned company. 200 Degrees itself is a premium brand with a commitment to delivering great experiences. The four pillars of our business – our shops, wholesale, e-commerce platform and barista schools – have been bringing better coffee to millions of people across the UK for the last 12 years, delivering excellent customer service and a commitment to breaking down the barriers within speciality coffee. With this new partnership, we look forward to introducing even more people to our beans, our people and our passion for creating experiences to remember.” #CaffèNero #200Degrees #UK

UK tea brand Typhoo has appointed former Burts Snacks chief executive, Dave McNulty, as its new CEO. McNulty replaces Andrew Reardon, who will transition to the role of non-executive director. This leadership change coincides with Typhoo's commitment to combat sexual violence against women on tea plantations through its new initiative, "Fear Free Tea". Prior to joining Typhoo, McNulty spent four years at UK potato chip brand Burts Snacks, where he served as CEO for two years. In addition, he has also worked at Coca-Cola Enterprises from 2009-2016, holding various leadership roles, as well as Kraft Foods from 2001-2008. He also spent three years as managing director for SHS Drinks from 2016-2019. According to the company, McNulty's experience in "brand building and sales growth", particularly in sectors like snacks and beverages, is expected to play a "key role" for Typhoo as it positions itself as a challenger brand in the industry. McNulty said: "I’m energised to be joining Typhoo at such a pivotal moment. Tea is undeniably a cornerstone of British culture. But what happens behind the scenes is largely unknown. We want to empower consumers, providing them with the tools to make informed choices when purchasing their tea. I’m really looking forward to working with such a brilliant team, and really making an impact." Mike Brehme, chair of Typhoo Tea, added: "We’re delighted to welcome Dave to the team, especially at the beginning of this incredibly important journey. His track record speaks for itself, and we’re confident he will be a driving force as we continue to bring recognition to the issue and ensure our Tea is made right.” #Typhoo #BurtsSnacks #UK

Le Forum-EVEX 2024, held from 16-18 October in Cannes, France, attracted over 500 participants from 26 countries, including 170 operators and 83 exhibitors and sponsors. Hosted at the Carlton Hotel, the gathering marked the 30th anniversary of the European Vending Association (EVA). During the Annual General Assembly meeting (AGM) on 17 October, EVA president Sergio Barbarisi and director general Erwin Wetzel discussed the association's key achievements since 1994, including changes to the €0.50 coin and the establishment of industry standards. During the AGM, Aslak de Silva, the CEO of Selfly Store, was elected to the EVA Executive Committee, becoming the first smart vending solutions provider on the board. EVA said that this "can be seen as a strong signal from EVA members to reflect a changing reality of the industry as newer segments and sales channels become ever more interesting for machine operators". In addition, the event featured networking opportunities alongside conferences and workshops organized by FCM magazine, the French Vending Association (NAVSA) and EVA. A multi-day exhibition took place within the hotel. On 17 October, the Innovation Awards 2024 were presented, with Brita’s Purity c IQ winning both Best Product and Best Innovation. Televend's Masterpiece received the Best Concept award. EVA announced that EVEX 2025 will take place from 9-12 September in Split, Croatia, aiming to introduce members to the Croatian vending market and the broader Balkan region. #EVA #LeForumEVEX #Cannes #association

Aiya America, a provider of matcha products, has introduced its latest innovation: Sweetened Matcha Latte Pods. The new pods feature a matcha blend infused with vanilla and mixed with non-dairy creamer. Designed for use with Keurig machines, the pods promise a cup of matcha in under a minute. Fumi Sugita, President of Aiya, said: "We've always been committed to making matcha accessible without sacrificing quality." "With our new pods, we're combining convenience with creativity. These matcha latte pods are perfect for anyone looking for a quick, flavourful matcha boost, whether you're at home, in the office or on the go." The pods is currently available on Aiya's website and through Amazon. #AiyaAmerica #matcha #pods

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has reported an increase in Q3 net sales of 2.3% to $3.89 billion, with a steady performance in US refreshment beverages and growth internationally. This quarter saw the $990 million acquisition of energy brand Ghost Lifestyle , marking KDP’s expansion into the fast-growing energy category. For Q3, KDP reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51, a 6.3% increase over the previous year. GAAP operating income grew by 0.7% to $902 million, while adjusted operating income saw a 7.5% boost, reaching $1.05 billion. The US refreshment beverages segment led the way with a 5.3% sales increase to $2.4 billion, largely supported by new partnerships and strong volume growth. In contrast, net sales for the US coffee segment faced a 3.6% decline to $1 billion. Despite a 2.7% increase in volume/mix, the segment was impacted by a 6.3% decrease in net price realisation, reflecting ongoing price pressures in the market. K-Cup Pod shipments dipped 0.4%, reflecting owned and licensed market share gains, as the at-home coffee category remained relatively flat. Internationally, KDP achieved a 0.4% increase, and a stronger 6.5% rise on a constant currency basis. Adjusted operating income for this segment increased by 16.6%, supported by net sales growth and net productivity savings. KDP reaffirmed its fiscal 2024 guidance, projecting mid-single-digit growth in net sales and high-single-digit growth in adjusted EPS on a constant currency basis. Commenting on the results, KDP's chief executive officer, Tim Cofer, stated: "Three quarters into the year, we remain on track to achieve our full year outlook, while notching significant progress against our multi-year strategic agenda". "[The]...announcement of our acquisition of Ghost is yet another such step, accelerating our portfolio evolution toward growth-accretive and consumer-preferred spaces. In Q3, we were encouraged by further improvement in our volume/mix performance despite a muted operating environment and also demonstrated building cost discipline throughout the organisation. Both are important elements underpinning our confidence as we focus on a strong finish to 2024 and plan for a healthy 2025." #KeurigDrPepper #financialresults

Evoca Group-owned brand Necta has renamed its entire vending range, introducing the Gusto 8 Lift as the first model in a new series of Snack & Food machines. The machine marks the debut of the Gusto name, which will now represent the Snack & Food line. Key features of the Gusto 8 Lift include a focus on sustainability, flexible layout options and a "clean yet elegant" design. Gusto 8 Lift aims to enhance the sales experience by providing premium features at a low cost, establishing itself as a reference model in the snack and food category. #Necta #Gusto8Lift #vendingmachine

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ghost Lifestyle and Ghost Beverages, marking a significant move into the fast-growing energy drink sector. The transaction, valued at approximately $990 million, will initially see KDP acquire a 60% stake in Ghost, with plans to purchase the remaining 40% by 2028. Founded in 2016, Ghost has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the energy drink market, particularly with its flagship product, Ghost Energy. The brand has seen its net sales quadruple over the past three years, driven by its unique branding, distinctive flavours and strong consumer engagement. Ghost Energy is recognised as one of the fastest-growing brands in the energy category, appealing particularly to younger consumers. Tim Cofer, CEO of KDP, said: "Ghost is a differentiated brand with significant growth potential, and we are excited to partner with its founders to take the business to the next level. This acquisition strengthens our position in the attractive energy drink category, accelerating our portfolio evolution toward consumer-preferred, growth-accretive spaces through a disciplined deal structure." Cofer continued: "The energy category is poised for continued long-term growth, which KDP expects to increasingly capture through our platform-based approach. KDP's portfolio of complementary energy brands is aligned against distinctive consumer need states, and, together, these offerings will unlock significant growth and scale benefits across our entire DSD portfolio." Under the terms of the agreement, Ghost will remain under the leadership of co-founders Dan Lourenco and Ryan Hughes and will operate within KDP's US Refreshment Beverages segment. The acquisition will leverage KDP’s existing distribution capabilities to enhance Ghost’s market reach. The first stage of the transaction is set to close in late 2024 or early 2025, pending customary closing conditions. KDP plans to consolidate Ghost’s financial results upon completion and anticipates that the acquisition will be neutral to modestly accretive to adjusted earnings per share starting in 2025. In addition to the initial investment, KDP has earmarked up to $250 million to transition Ghost Energy’s distribution agreements, allowing for integration into KDP's direct store delivery network. This move is expected to streamline operations and expand Ghost's market penetration. The energy drink category has become increasingly competitive, with consumers seeking innovative and functional beverages. KDP’s acquisition of Ghost is seen as a strategic response to these market dynamics, positioning the company to capture a larger share of this lucrative segment. KDP will provide further insights into the acquisition during its third-quarter 2024 results conference call, scheduled for later today. Top image: © Ghost Beverages #KDP #KeurigDrPepper #Ghost #energydrink #acquisition

Starbucks Corporation has halted its fiscal year 2025 financial guidance after releasing unexpected results for 2024 that revealed a decline in revenue and a drop in quarterly earnings. The world's largest coffee chain reported disappointing financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024, with a global sales slump leading to a 7% decline in global comparable store sales for the quarter and a 2% decline for the entire year. The preliminary results, released more than a week earlier than expected, mark the first under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm last month . The company said: "Given the company’s CEO transition coupled with the current state of the business, guidance will be suspended for the full fiscal year 2025. This will allow ample opportunity to complete an assessment of the business and solidify key strategies, while stabilising and positioning the business for long-term growth." The company’s Q4 revenues dropped 3% to $9.1 billion, with US sales particularly affected by a 6% decline in comparable store sales, driven by a 10% drop in transactions. The decline in US sales was attributed to increased customer dissatisfaction, as efforts to expand product offerings and ramp up promotions failed to draw more traffic. In China, 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. In a video released on Tuesday, 22 November, Niccol said: "I've heard from some customers that we've drifted from our core, that we've made it harder to be a customer than it should be, and that we've stopped communicating with them. As a result, some are visiting less often, and I think today's results tell that same story." He added that the company needed to "fundamentally change" its recent strategy to return to growth. He detailed plans to simplify the "overly complex" menu, adjust the pricing structure and modify the mobile ordering and payment system to prevent it from overwhelming the café experience. Rachel Ruggeri, Starbucks' chief financial officer, commented: “Despite our heightened investments, we were unable to change the trajectory of our traffic decline, resulting in pressures in both our top-line and bottom-line. While our efficiency efforts continued to produce according to plan, they were not enough to outpace the impact of the decline in traffic." "We are developing a plan to turn around our business, but it will take time. We want to amplify our confidence in the business, and provide some certainty as we drive our turnaround. For that reason, we have increased our dividend." Niccol concluded: “Our fourth quarter performance makes it clear that we need to fundamentally change our strategy so we can get back to growth and that's exactly what we are doing with our ‘Back to Starbucks’ plan. I’ve spent my first several weeks in stores engaging with and listening to feedback from our partners and customers." "We need to focus on what has always set us apart – a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas." The company is set to announce its actual fourth-quarter and full fiscal year 2024 financial results on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. #Starbucks #financialresults