Trieste Coffee Experts is an event organised by Bazzara, a historic family-run roastery located in Trieste, which – through discussions between the leading experts of the Italian and international coffee scene – aims to promote networking activities and create new tools and strategies for the dissemination of quality coffee culture through an analysis of its future. Since its first successful edition in 2014, this summit has taken place every two years in one of the symbolic cities of coffee: Trieste, which, thanks to its long history rich in literature, traditions and a conspicuous coffee sector of great excellence, is considered the “Italian city of coffee”. The event takes place over two days and features speeches and discussions in the wonderful spaces offered by the Savoia Excelsior Palace Hotel – Starhotels Collection, which allows all speakers and guests to savour the charm of this border city, crossroads and meeting point of people and cultures. The Trieste Coffee Experts was born from a deep need for space and discussion opportunities for the sector operators to talk about the present and the future of coffee. The summit was therefore created to open a dialogue by bringing together the greatest personalities of the sector and of the Italian and international coffee scene to overcome the challenges of the future.

Sips & Bites, Doritos and PepsiCo’s in-house agency, has unveiled ‘Doritos Silent,’ the “world’s first” AI-augmented snack – powered by ‘Crunch Cancellation’. The technology cancels the sound of the crisps’ crunch for gamers in real time as they game with each other, solving what Doritos says is a genuine consumer tension. Snacking and gaming are synonymous, with 86% of gamers claiming to snack while playing. Doritos research has uncovered that gamers are put off by the sound of other players snacking, with a third of gamers claiming the sound of someone snacking frustrates them when playing and one in five gamers saying the sound makes them want to log off, with crisps identified as the most noisy.

FoodBev spoke to Watercoolers Europe’s (WE) chair Marzia Mariotti who highlighted the evolving trends and innovations in the water cooler industry, ahead of next week’s event in Vienna. What’s trending in the water cooler industry at the moment? The water cooler industry is shifting towards using more sustainable materials and technologies. This includes the use of biodegradable cups, mains-connected dispensers that reduce the use of plastic bottles and energy-efficient cooling technologies. Health and wellness aspects, such as touchless dispensers and water purification technologies, are also gaining importance. Have you witnessed any particularly exciting innovations in the water cooler industry recently? Innovations in the water cooler industry often focus on sustainability and convenience. For example, some companies are working on Internet of Things-enabled chillers that monitor water usage and quality, making it easier for companies to efficiently manage their water dispensers. Additionally, there have been developments in water purification technology that provide cleaner and safer drinking water. Why are events such as WE important? Events like WE’s Conference and Trade Fair are significant because they bring together water industry experts, companies and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities. These events provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and showcasing new technologies and solutions for the watercooler market. They are also important moments because the working committees – which are the beating heart of the association – meet because the strategies for the market are developed at their tables. It is, in fact, important to underline that the association plays a crucial role in the control of European legislation on water from which all associations of individual nations can benefit. What more can companies in the water cooler industry do to enhance their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities? Companies in the water cooler industry can enhance their ESG activities by implementing water and energy-efficient technologies, reducing plastic waste and sourcing sustainable materials. Moreover, promoting social responsibility, as supporting local communities, fostering diversity and inclusion in their workforce and ensuring safe working conditions. What’s next for the industry? I think the water cooler industry will continue to evolve towards sustainability and innovation and I expect to see more advanced water filtration systems, eco-friendly materials and the integration of smart technologies into water coolers. Additionally, as environmental concerns increase, the industry may shift toward more responsible sourcing and waste reduction practices. Public awareness of the importance of clean water and the impact of plastic waste will likely continue to drive industry changes.

Blupura has announced the launch of its first line of filter cartridges, named Blutron. The product line is said to be the result of Blupura’s commitment to providing high-quality drinking water through uncompromising choices in materials and components. According to Blupura, the name Blutron “is not just onomatopoeic but also evokes the power and effectiveness” of this new product range. The range includes five different types of filters: Shield, which removes chlorine, taste and odour using a 0.5-micron carbon block cartridge with silver ions; Ultra, suitable for places like schools and hospitals, with ultrafiltration at 0.1 microns with silver ions to block bacteria; Ionic, good for reducing water hardness and preventing limescale build-up, especially in hot water systems. Micro, a 0.5-micron carbon block cartridge system with bacteriostatic filtration system; and Block, a pre-filter used in installations where the network water has many residues or upstream of a reverse osmosis filtration, with clarifying action. All Blutron filters are exclusively manufactured in Italy. The production process includes thorough assessments of organoleptic, microscopic and performance controls. In addition, every single component is traceable and subjected to specific structured tests. Blutron is produced using vegetable-activated carbons sourced solely from Europe. Blutron cartridges can be housed directly within the water dispenser or externally, making assembly and replacement procedures “simple and quick”.

This year's BrauBeviale is taking place from 28-30 November in Nuremberg, Germany, offering solutions for beverage production and marketing across nine halls. More than 900 exhibitors from the brewing and beverage industry will showcase their products. The event has a special focus on products for filling and packaging, with 221 exhibitors registered with their portfolio of filling and packaging technology. In addition, another 160 exhibitors focus on packaging, closure materials, labelling and packaging aids. This corresponds to the strong visitor interest – around 33 % of all visitors come to Nuremberg to find out about filling and packaging technology. All information is available in the exhibitor database here. Exhibitors can use the database to select companies according to specific requirements. BrauBeviale has long been a social event for the industry including a supporting programme, focusing on current developments in the European beverage market: Forum BrauBeviale in Hall 1 – presentations and discussion rounds on topics such as the technical focus on nitrogen production or CO2 recovery or in the focus on raw material supply and raw material availability Logistics Lounge in Hall 4 – with detailed analyses on the current topics of the logistics chain Expert Forum – with news and presentations by exhibitors Special Show "Design" in Hall 4A – with a daily design tour 'brau@home' – meeting place for all homebrewing specialists in Hall 6 Joint pavilion "Innovation made in Germany" in Hall 6 Special exhibition grape processing and cellar management including a wine tasting area in Hall 4A The wide-ranging supporting programme is free of charge for all visitors. Find out more here.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has appointed former Mondelēz International executive Tim Cofer as its new chief operating officer, with plans for Cofer to succeed current CEO Bob Gamgort in the second quarter of 2024. Cofer, who will join KDP on 6 November, will work closely with Gamgort while in the capacity of COO. Following the transition, Gamgort will assume the role of executive chairman. Cofer has over 30 years of multinational expertise, and currently serves as CEO of Central Garden and Pet Company. Prior to joining Central in 2019, Cofer spent over 25 years with Mondelēz and its predecessor company, Kraft Foods. During this time, he held various executive roles with responsibility across a wide range of product categories, including coffee, chocolate and packaged food. Gamgort said: “Tim is the ideal person to lead KDP in its next chapter. With his background as a successful public company CEO and a veteran CPG executive, Tim steps into this role with the experience and capabilities that will propel KDP’s growth journey. I’m fully committed, as is our entire ELT, to supporting Tim as he prepares to assume the CEO role. When the transition occurs, I will lead the board of directors as executive chairman.” KDP’s lead independent director, Paul Michaels, commented: “The process the board took in evaluating KDP’s next CEO was thoughtful and comprehensive, including the consideration of internal and external candidates. We are confident that Tim’s extensive CPG experience and growth-oriented leadership will make him a very strong next CEO of KDP.”

Refilled, a newly established climate tech start-up based in Sydney, Australia, has recently launched an initiative to eliminate single-use plastic bottle waste caused by the vending industry. Earlier this week, the company started working with two Australian institutions: The University of Technology Sydney and The University of Sydney Union. Refilled’s strategy involves replacing a significant number of these vending machines with its new BYO-Bottle system. The company plans to capitalise on the trend of reusable bottles by providing consumers with a wide range of flavoured and nutritionally enriched options beyond plain tap water. The business has developed ‘Refillers,’ a fusion between a fridge and a “giant” SodaStream, offering chilled still and sparkling drinks in various flavours. These beverages can be further customised with optional boosters like caffeine, vitamins and exercise-oriented nootropics. Refilled aims to build and install 100 Refillers machines by 2024. This initiative is said to eliminate over 1 million single-use plastic bottles from polluting our environment or filling up landfills every year. In addition, it aims to eliminate 100 million single-use plastic bottles by 2030. According to the company, a single Refiller has the capacity to stock ten times more beverages than a standard vending machine. Consequently, it can “dramatically reduce waste” and lower emissions produced by frequent deliveries and restocking of traditional beverages. Moreover, Refilled is employing technology to track the number of saved bottles in real time. It has introduced reusable bottles featuring QR codes that can be scanned at the Refiller to pay for drinks, eliminating the need for cards, phones or cash. Refilled founder and CEO Ryan Nelson said: “Refilled is transforming the ordinary, everyday act of drinking water into climate action. Most people have good intentions and want to do good for the planet, but not everyone can afford to buy an electric vehicle or install solar panels.” He continued: “Armed with just a reusable bottle and a couple of bucks, our Refillers offer an affordable, achievable way to eliminate plastic pollution. If we can replace even a fraction of drink vending machines, which are an outrageous source of plastic waste, we will stop millions of plastic bottles going to landfills.” University of Sydney Union president, Naz Sharifi, added: “As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our sustainable practices and reduce the usage of single-use plastic bottles, we are thrilled to be partnering with Refilled, who share our social, environmental and ecological aspirations. This will allow our members access to filling stations in key locations around campus.”

Aquatech Amsterdam 2023: Unveiling the future of water technology Aquatech, the premier water technology exhibition in the world, is set to make a splash in Amsterdam this November. With over 800 exhibitors and an anticipated 22,000 visitors from more than 140 countries, this event promises to be a game-changer for water professionals worldwide. But what sets Aquatech apart isn’t just its scale – it’s the knowledge, innovations and connections it offers. Aquatech has partnered with over 50 organisations to bring this water-focused extravaganza to life. Introducing the Aquatech Worlds At the heart of Aquatech Amsterdam 2023 are the four groundbreaking Aquatech Worlds, each addressing current trends and challenges in the water industry. These immersive zones cater to specific interests and issues, shifting the focus from products to solutions and fostering innovation. The Digital World explores the emerging field of digital water. Here, water professionals can discover how digital technologies, data analytics and real-time monitoring are revolutionising water resource management, enhancing efficiency, sustainability and decision-making. Clean Water World addresses the pressing challenges faced by drinking water treatment professionals. From increasing contamination threats to climate change impacts, this zone provides a platform to share best practices and knowledge. Waste Water & Resources World champions the concept of Net Zero and circular ambitions. It unites leaders in water resource innovation, promoting water reuse and energy generation from waste. Industry is a major water consumer, and its impact on water resources is undeniable. This world serves as a meeting place for industry experts to share insights, experiences, and solutions. Topics range from water security to sustainable mining. InnovationLAB and Aquatech Innovation Award Research and development are pivotal for the water industry’s future sustainability. The InnovationLAB offers a glimpse into early-stage technology innovations. It showcases nominees and winners of the Aquatech Innovation Award, as well as demos and scale models of fundamental research projects from universities and research institutes. Located in Hall 7 (07.550), the InnovationLAB is where the future of water technology trends is unveiled. Circular Economy Pavilion powered by GWI A joint endeavour with Global Water Intelligence (GWI), the Circular Economy Pavilion (Hall 7, 07.400) is a treasure trove of insights. GWI, a trusted interface between clients and their markets, provides valuable content and knowledge about sustainable water practices. Bluetech Research Innovation Pavilion The Bluetech Research Innovation Pavilion (Hall 7, 07.540) showcases ten carefully selected companies with cutting-edge water technology. These innovators have the potential to disrupt the water industry with their groundbreaking technologies, spanning both utility and industrial applications. Digital Water Pavilion The future of the water industry lies in smart solutions, and the Digital Water Pavilion (Hall 2, 02.120) is the hotspot for the latest trends and technologies. Powered by SWAN and Bluefield Research, it offers a focused learning experience, complemented by seminars at AquaStage. World Championships Pipefitting Celebrate the craftsmanship of pipefitting professionals from around the world in Hall 3 (03.118). The competition features mechanics, a rookie race, and a contest among management teams, all powered by Saint-Gobain and IPCO. Exhibitor Happy Hour The Aquatech Exhibitor Hour, complete with live music, free drinks and Dutch delicacies, is now available to visitors. It’s a great opportunity for networking and relaxation. AquaRun Combine business with fitness by joining the AquaRun, a 5km run through the scenic Beatrix Park. Finish off with a healthy breakfast and networking opportunities – all for a charitable cause. Aquatech Innovation Forum: Accelerating Water Agility On 6 November 2023, the Innovation Forum (Hall 13) will address the pressing challenges faced by water utilities. This event fosters connections between utilities, start-ups, investors and policymakers to enhance agility in addressing future water-related challenges. Don’t miss Aquatech Amsterdam 2023 – it’s where the water industry’s present and future converge, fostering innovation, collaboration and sustainable water solutions on a global scale. Register here.

Purity Soft Drinks, makers of leading juice drink brands Juice Burst and Firefly, is expanding its range with the launch of Juice Burst Peach Ice Tea. Juice Burst Peach Ice Tea features a sweet blend of peach juice and black tea flavouring, offering a HFSS-compliant option. Available in a 330ml bottle format, the latest innovation is rolling out across the grocery, convenience and licensed channels at an RRP of £1.29 from 14 August. According to Purity Soft Drinks, the new Peach Ice Tea contains more fruit juice than any other SKU in the growing tea-flavoured juice market. Sarah Baldwin, CEO of Purity Soft Drinks, commented: “Our mission is to deliver natural refreshment for everyone, in every drop. That’s the Purity Promise, and the introduction of Juice Burst Peach Ice Tea is very much a part of this promise.” She added: “On-the-go soft drinks are currently growing twice as fast as the total category. As we approach the Back-to-School season, retailers have a clear opportunity to tap into those occasions. The launch of Juice Burst Ice Tea aims to have strong appeal with younger consumers, by offering a healthier, great-tasting, permissible juice drink option which puts a fruity twist on a current and on-trend flavour profile.” Peach Ice Tea is said to provide consumers with one of their f

Scott Mason, head of strategy at brand design agency Stormbrands, looks at how food and beverage brands can make their products succeed across all marketing touchpoints – even in heavily regulated sectors. It might sound a little counterintuitive, but regulatory constraints can often unlock creative freedom and exploration when it comes to strategic brand design, which can have a positive impact on consumer appreciation and business growth. We’re seeing mandatory health warnings come in for alcohol brands in Ireland in May 2026 – a move that other home nations will surely follow. Last October saw the introduction of a fresh set of restrictions on foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). New policies on where these items can be displayed in shops ruled out high-footfall areas, including checkouts, end-of-aisle units, entrances and queueing sections. And this October, promotions such as ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ and ‘50% extra’ will be phased out in the UK. At first glance, it might all seem a bit gloomy and restricting for brands. But for strategic brand designers, shifting parameters present exciting new challenges and opportunities to move away from accepted tropes and think outside the box. Navigating new brand territory Measures like these can come across as top-down, as though the government is stepping in to mitigate damage to the population and control food, beverage and retail companies’ behaviour. The other side of the story is that ordinary people are driving the changes and the powers that be are simply reflecting societal shifts in thinking. For brand owners and their design partners, it’s about navigating that new terrain, and understanding, recognising and balancing all sides of the issue. We have to work with our partners to take on board the practical considerations and opportunities to rethink relevance and engagement. Without that perspective, new regulatory mandates can feel like a one-way street. Brand owners often feel a sense of loss and deep concern when new regulations come in. Their intellectual property has been compromised and they face a host of new challenges: additional complexities in touchpoints, channels, scalability and brand guardrails. Consumers may reconsider their choices and reassess a brand’s values unless reasons to believe are restored or new ones are created. And traders and retailers will be looking to brands to find out how they are futureproofing. How does all this affect the food and beverage manufacturer and their brand agency partner? In simple terms, when you limit a brand’s ability to communicate, everything that remains must work harder to drive trial, sustain loyalty and create advocacy. Facets of a brand or category experience that may have been neglected in the past have an opportunity to come into sharper focus when the ability to express and differentiate is compromised elsewhere. Responding to new regulations We’re seeing myriad strategies come to the fore. Take Unilever. It promised to stop advertising its products to under-16s altogether. A self-imposed move that positions it as a champion of responsible consumption and ally to parents. Other brands have redeveloped their ranges to lower fat, salt and sugar content. Kettle Chips Bread Bites carry less fat, Mr Kipling’s Deliciously Mr Kipling range contains 30% less sugar than traditional lines, and Kellogg’s has cut sugar and salt across several of its products, for example. As well as these moves, in order to meet policy requirements and continue to appeal to target consumers there are other areas for food and beverage manufacturers and their brand agency partners to consider. Contextual association Think about what’s memorable about a brand. Formats, haptics, sound and aroma are all powerful sensory signals that make a lasting impression. In a restricted market you need to turn them up. It’s an opportunity to elevate a brand’s most iconic assets, creating disruptive ways to generate recall and association. Take the use of the iconic Coca-Cola ribbon – on its own it’s enough for everyone to recognise the brand, proving simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing high brand salience. An identifiable graphic form, with no text to scale up or down, also makes life a lot easier when you think about zooming in and out of thumbnails on mobiles. And it shows product confidence. Building connections Amazon founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, famously said: “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” What are the truths, barriers, urban legends? How does your brand make people feel? Most of us enjoy random facts more than perfectly curated stories – in restricted markets there’s an opportunity to focus on the more unconventional left-field details to drive the journey from trial to loyalty to advocacy. So why not channel your eccentricities? By aligning with relevant events, activities or online platforms, brands can initiate conversations, encourage user-generated content and foster brand advocacy. Route to market, placement, promotion, rewards and loyalty programmes all offer opportunities for disruption – and in restricted markets, they need to be exploited. A brand’s agency partner can curate that roll-out so that it’s consistent and builds meaningful traction. Balancing agility and consistency It’s important to consider markets and geography, too. Legislative environments vary wildly around the world, which means the scalability and adaptability of brand platforms is complex. Having a well-thought-out brand localisation strategy ensures every aspect of a company’s branding is in the good graces of that global market. All of these considerations help to connect every brand encounter the consumer has, building up a stronger set of mental associations. The more coherent these are, the more easily the brand comes to mind at key moments to influence purchase decisions. Of course, when new rules come into practice there’s bound to be concern. But with strategic creative thinking, there’s no reason why brands shouldn’t thrive in regulated sectors. Far from being a downer – these can be some of the most exciting times for brands.

SmartSoda has entered into the ready-to-drink category with the launch of Brilliant Life Drink. SmartSoda's Brilliant Life Drink line, which features vitamin-infused alkaline water, is available in three functional offerings: Brilliant Sparkling Water, Optimize Plus Immunity and Quantum Energy and Focus. Brilliant Sparkling Water includes three flavours: Wild Passionberry, Limone Dream and Bright Citrus Sunshine. Meanwhile, the Optimize Plus Immunity series – designed to support daily immune function with zinc, turmeric, ginger, magnesium and elderberry – offers three flavours: Yuzu-Currant Noir, Posh Gran-Limone and Pomelo Breeze. Quantum – infused with l-theanine to provide natural energy and paired with ginseng, guayusa and guarana to enhance focus – boasts flavours like Peachberry Lust, Lush Berry and Blackcurrant Affair. SmartSoda's CEO, Lior Shafir, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone in our journey to redefine the wellness beverage category with the launch of our Brilliant Life Drink. Now you can enjoy SmartSoda both in the office and on the go”. SmartSoda's VP of business development, Alex Garson, added: “Over the past two years, we made it our mission to perfect a sparkling, functional beverage that was crafted with clean ingredients, didn’t sacrifice taste and delivered on health benefits. We analysed the market to develop a beverage that stays true to SmartSoda standards and meets consumers' demands for a better functional beverage option." SmartSoda Brilliant Life Drink is available on Amazon this autumn and other foodservice distribution channels.

The Coca-Cola Company has reported a 6% rise in second-quarter net revenue to $12 billion, surpassing analyst estimates. The drinks giant recorded organic revenue growth of 11%, and revenue performance included 10% growth in price/mix. Meanwhile, the company's operating income grew 3% in the quarter, driven by currency headwinds and items impacting comparability. Unit case volume remained steady in Q2, with both developing/emerging markets showing even performance. In developed markets, the growth experienced in Mexico was offset by declines in the US and Spain. Similarly, the growth seen in India and Brazil was offset by the suspension of business operations in Russia during 2022 and a decline in Pakistan. In Q2, the unit case volume of sparkling soft drinks was even. The positive performance in Asia Pacific and Latin America contributed to this stability. However, the growth in these regions was offset by a decline in Europe, Middle East & Africa, primarily due to the suspension of business in Russia. Meanwhile, the unit case volume of juice, dairy and plant-based beverages was also steady, as strong growth of the Fairlife brand in the US and Minute Maid Pulpy in China was also offset by the suspension of business in Russia. Water was even as growth in Latin America was offset by Europe, Middle East & Africa and North America. Coffee grew 5%, primarily driven by the strong performance of Costa coffee in the UK and China, and tea grew 1%, led by growth in Latin America. Meanwhile, sports drinks declined 3%, primarily driven by Bodyarmor and Powerade in the US. James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said: “I am encouraged that our all-weather strategy, working together with our bottling partners, has delivered strong second-quarter results. We are executing efficiently and effectively on a local level, while maintaining flexibility on a global level. The strength of our first half results and the resiliency of our business give us the confidence to raise our 2023 guidance.”