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

In an era where environmental awareness is increasingly important, Rhea builds coffee machines with technologies that reduce environmental impact while offering high customisation and top-quality coffee. As one of the largest producers of coffee break machines, Rhea will be present at Vendex North (Booth 53-54-55), a prestigious vending industry event for the UK and Northern European markets. The event will be held at the Centenary Pavilion in Leeds on 6 November, providing Rhea the opportunity to showcase its range of solutions aimed at the HoReCa and vending sectors. Rhea's tabletop and free-standing machines, known for their innovation, personalisation, sustainability and signature Made in Italy design, are tailored to elevate the hospitality experience. They offer a wide variety of coffee options and milk-based coffee beverages to suit diverse consumers preferences, including those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.    Designed with sustainability at the forefront, Rhea's machines are equipped with the patented Varitherm induction technology for water heating, which ensures significant energy savings. These machines are the ideal choice for those looking to combine premium coffee quality with a commitment to environmental responsibility. One of the key innovations Rhea will bring to Vendex North is the integration of fresh milk into its machines, catering to the growing demand for coffee beverages made with natural, high-quality ingredients. Today's consumers are more discerning about the milk in their drinks; whether it's a creamy cappuccino or a smooth latte macchiato, the freshness of the milk is crucial. Rhea ensures this with its Fresh Milk (and plant-based milk) machine. The Rhea Fresh Milk Machine rhMM2.v+ features an efficient cooling system and uses Varitherm induction technology for indirect milk heating. This process prevents dilution and preserves the highest quality in every cup. This integrated design also optimises energy use, as the steam needed for heating is generated by the same heat source used for preparing the coffee. Moreover, Rhea has developed the rhFS2 free-standing machine, which can offer fresh milk drinks as well and features a high and wide cup station for larger coffee quantities, making it particularly well-suited for the UK market. Among the solutions Rhea will present at the fair there is the rhTT1, including the version equipped with a 3-kg visible hopper, which represents the perfect blend of design and ergonomics. These machines are designed to seamlessly fit into any environment while delivering a unique coffee experience. The Varitherm technology also allows for precise water temperature adjustments according to the specific recipe. The rhTT1 models boast a 7” or 10" touchscreen, enabling customisable, intuitive interfaces that double as an effective infotainment source. Steve Rossington from Rhea UK said: "We’re excited to participate in Vendex North and to showcase solutions that meet the expectations of increasingly quality- and sustainability-conscious consumers. Thanks to our design expertise and deep knowledge of Italian coffee culture, we are able to strike a balance between the Italian coffee tradition and the specific demands of the Northern European market, offering bespoke experiences for every customer." With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and delivering premium coffee experiences, Rhea is set to leave a lasting impression at Vendex North, continuing to push the boundaries of the coffee break industry. #Rhea #VendexNorth #UK

Voyage Foods has announced it will open a 284,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Mason, Ohio, to produce its bean-free coffee, cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads . The food-tech start-up, headquartered in California, US, expects the site to be operational by the new year. Once construction is complete, the factory will have the capacity to produce 10,000 metric tons of cocoa-free chocolate annually. Founded in 2021, Voyage Foods’ mission is to futureproof the world’s favourite foods without exploiting their source ingredients, taking pressure off vulnerable supply chains in sectors such as cocoa production and more. Its portfolio of products includes cocoa-free chocolate, hazelnut-free spread and peanut-free spread, all vegan-friendly and free from the top nine common food allergens. They are made from widely available plant-based ingredients, many of which are upcycled from waste and side streams. As well as its sustainable, clean-label, cocoa-free chocolate, Voyage Foods produces bean-free coffee. The company signed a deal in April with Cargill to become Voyage’s exclusive B2B global distributor  for the nut-free spreads and cocoa-free chocolate. The new manufacturing plant will help to deliver on new opportunities, particularly with CPG and foodservice companies. Adam Maxwell, CEO and founder of Voyage Foods, said: “With this new facility, Voyage is maturing from a start-up food technology company to a large-scale manufacturer with the ability to deliver value across the entire ecosystem to our people, partners, and the planet”. Construction of the site has been funded partially through a guaranteed loan programme by the US Department of Agriculture of around $25 million. Voyage will maintain its headquarters and an additional manufacturing site in Oakland, California. The company closed a $52 million funding round earlier this year, bringing its total funding raised to $94 million. #VoyageFoods #US

The smart vending industry has always been at the forefront of technological advancements as one of the first adopters of internet of things (IoT). This strategic use of connectivity has not only enhanced operational efficiency, security and revenue generation but also set the stage for unprecedented growth. Nick Earle, CEO of Eseye, a pioneer in IoT connectivity solutions, delves into how IoT is reshaping this sector in ways never seen before. The integration of IoT in smart vending has transformed traditional vending machines into intelligent, connected devices capable of delivering superior user experiences and operational insights. According to Eseye’s 2024 State of IoT Adoption Report , 33% of smart vending respondents reported their IoT estates consist of 5,001 to 10,000 devices, the highest out of all industries in this bracket, highlighting the sector's firm commitment in performance and scalability by leveraging IoT.   Because smart vending machines are no longer just dispensing consumer products; businesses are using them to collect informative data, optimise inventory and provide real-time analytics allowing them to make informed decisions. IoT connectivity has enabled these machines to communicate seamlessly with central systems, ensuring that day-to-day stock levels are maintained, thus reducing downtime, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.   Scaling IoT estates: Opportunities and strategic investments The report also found that 32% of smart vending companies expect to double their IoT estates in the years to come. It is an ambitious expansion which will be driven by the undeniable benefits of IoT to the sector, including increased revenue, improved operational efficiency and the ability to enter new and emerging markets. This surge in deployment comes at a time when 74% of respondents anticipate any budget increase. Moreover, it is clear that there is an unwavering belief in the long-term value of committing to expanding IoT estates.   Addressing connectivity and security challenges While the benefits of IoT are substantial, the sector faces significant challenges, particularly in connectivity and security. 69% of respondents reported connectivity issues caused by IoT hardware as a primary concern yet these often relate to vending machines located in areas with poor connectivity, such as underground car parks or remote petrol stations, making reliable data transmission a constant challenge. On top of which, the security of these machines is vital, with 23% citing security vulnerabilities as a major concern.   The key to addressing some of these challenges is through advanced IoT connectivity solutions that ensure seamless and secure communication. Using multi-IMSI and eSIM technologies that provide near 100% global connectivity is essential for overcoming the limitations of traditional connectivity methods. If businesses are to achieve goals, then it is vital that consumers experience an uninterrupted service. Therefore it is vital that businesses align with a partner who can offer robust security protocols to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access.   Ensuring end-to-end encryption, secure boot processes and regular firmware updates will mean that smart vending machines are resilient against cyber threats. Vending companies looking to enhance IoT security should consider using a private APN (Access Point Names) connection as it enables more control over data traffic and better protection against low-level malware because the vending machine will be isolated from the public internet.   Driving revenue and innovation through IoT The primary benefit of IoT in the smart vending sector is its ability to drive revenue and it is here where the true value of IoT lies. IoT-enabled vending machines can dynamically adjust pricing based on demand, optimise inventory levels to reduce waste, and provide personalised promotions to customers, thereby driving sales and enhancing customer loyalty. At the same time, data collected from these machines will offer valuable insights into consumer behaviour, allowing businesses to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies.   For example, smart vending machines can offer subscription-based services, integrated with mobile payment systems and can provide value-added services such as remote troubleshooting and maintenance. These innovations not only enhance the user experience but also create additional revenue opportunities for vending operators, inspiring a new wave of creativity and entrepreneurship in the industry.   Future-proofing smart vending with IoT Future-proofing IoT deployments is essential for ensuring sustained growth and maintaining a competitive advantage. Over-the-air updates play a crucial role in this, ensuring that IoT devices remain up-to-date with the latest security patches and software enhancements. Additionally, planning for scalability and embracing emerging technologies such as edge computing and 5G will further enhance the performance and reliability of smart vending machines, providing unshakeable reassurance about the industry's long-term sustainability. At the same time, adhering to industry standards can ensure interoperability between different devices and systems, facilitating seamless integration and data exchange. For example, certifications provide a benchmark for quality and security, assuring both businesses and consumers of the reliability and safety of IoT-enabled vending machines. Despite facing challenges in connectivity and security, the industry's commitment to expanding IoT estates and investing in advanced technologies only highlights the tech’s transformative power. As the demand for clean energy and sustainable practices grows, IoT will increasingly become a critical enabler for smart vending, driving revenue, enhancing customer experiences, and fostering innovation. #Eseye

Blupura, leader in the production of watercoolers connected to the water mains, continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the planet through concrete actions and strategic collaborations. The company has recently launched two key initiatives that reflect its dedication to environmental sustainability: a partnership with Treedom for the creation of the "Blupura Greenwood" and a clean-up day in collaboration with the association Plastic Free, during which 240kg of plastic waste were collected at a local beach near their Italian headquarters. Blupura Greenwood: a forest for the future Blupura has established a significant collaboration with Treedom, the platform that allows trees to be planted remotely and followed online throughout their growth. With the creation of the Blupura Greenwood, the company commits to planting a total of 2,000 trees by 2025, distributed across Colombia, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya and Madagascar. This project, in addition to offsetting around 630 tons of CO₂ in the first ten years of the trees' lives, aims to support local economies by providing food resources and economic opportunities to the communities involved. Gianni Grottini, founder and managing director of Blupura, said: "Blupura has always been at the forefront of reducing CO₂ emissions thanks to our watercoolers, but now we want to do more. With Blupura Greenwood, we are actively contributing to global reforestation, showing our commitment not only to the environment but also to society." An afternoon for a cleaner world: The initiative with Plastic Free While looking globally to the future with the Blupura Greenwood project, the company has also taken local action. On 30 September, around 100 Blupura employees joined Plastic Free volunteers to clean up the Pineta beach in Porto Recanati, collecting 240kg of waste, mainly plastic. This concrete action demonstrated how a company can make a real difference in environmental protection. Grottini stated: "Reducing single-use plastic is a fundamental pillar of our company philosophy ever since our foundation. Initiatives like the clean-up not only show Blupura's commitment at a local level but also raise awareness among our employees about the importance of protecting the planet." Sustainability at 360° These projects are part of a broader strategy that Blupura is implementing to promote sustainable lifestyles and actively contribute to environmental protection, both locally and globally. Through concrete actions like the clean-up and innovative projects like Blupura Greenwood, the company confirms its role as a leader in sustainability within the watercooler industry. For more information, visit Blupura's website  or follow our digital forest on Treedom  to see how each tree is making a difference. #BlupuraBlupura strengthens its commitment to environmental sustainability

Nestlé-owned Coffee Mate has introduced a new line of creamers called Cold Foam, designed to elevate coffee and other beverages. The range comes in three flavours: Italian Sweet Crème, Nestlé Toll House Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie and French Vanilla. Daniel Jhung, president of Nestlé USA's beverage division, said: "...We've been leveling up modern coffee drinkers' cups for decades with our broad selection of coffee creamers, and now we're pioneering fun, flavour and texture with our newest innovation, Coffee Mate Cold Foam." "With one in five coffee drinkers craving whipped topping on their beverages, and cold coffee on the rise, we couldn't think of a better way to introduce our most experimental product yet." Coffee Mate Cold Foam will be available beginning in January 2025 at select retailers nationwide. #Nestle #CoffeeMate

Romania boasts a diverse cultural tapestry influenced by various civilisations, including Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian. This blend is evident in its architecture, traditions and cuisine, making it an attractive destination for any event. As a member of the EU since 2007, Romania is an emerging market with increasing economic potential, particularly in sectors like technology and renewable energy. From 10-11 October, Romania’s capital Bucharest – often referred to ‘Little Paris’ due to the abundance of French-inspired buildings – was home to the Watercoolers Europe Conference & Trade Fair 2024. This year’s show brought together industry leaders for two days of insightful presentations, product showcases and networking opportunities. The first day kicked off with a series of conferences and workshops, offering a deep dive into the latest trends in the watercooler market. Richard Hall, chairman of Zenith Global, shared data on the robust growth of the water dispenser industry, noting that there were 6.4 million dispensers in Europe in 2023, a 2.3% increase from 2022. He highlighted that the industry generated €2.1 billion in revenue, reflecting a 5.7% growth compared to 2022. Meanwhile, keynote speaker Thorsten Jekel provided valuable insights on how AI is transforming workplace efficiency and driving innovation in the industry. He emphasised the importance of prioritising client value before adopting new technologies. By identifying specific targets, companies can determine which processes to enhance and how technology can facilitate these improvements. You can watch our interview below. The evening’s highlight was the Aqua Awards & Gala Dinner at Le Chateau Ballroom. With traditional Romanian dance performances and a magician entertaining the audience, the event was both celebratory and engaging. The Aqua Awards celebrated innovation and excellence in the sector, with Culligan scooping up two awards for Best Marketing Campaign and Best Promotion of Health & Hydration. Oasis won Best Website, Blupura took home the Best Environmental Practice/Green Initiative award and BWT was recognised for Best Product Innovation. © WE Day two of the event shifted focus to the trade fair, which featured 39 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and technologies in the watercooler space. Blupura drew attention with its Rebel water dispenser, delivering up to 30 litres of water per hour at optimal temperatures, perfect for environments like small restaurants and offices. Its Blutron filtration system also stood out, offering customisable water filtration options to ensure high quality drinking water. Another exhibitor, HDS Water from Israel, showcased its Lotus Plus mini water bar. With features like an advanced touch screen, an automatic filling function and multiple temperature modes, the model comes in playful colours such as pink, blue, yellow, green and purple. Blupura's Rebel and HDS Water's Lotus Plus water dispensers Sigma Home Products presented its water dispenser and built-in ice maker, offering intelligent touch controls and alarms for ice and water levels. The company also displayed its range of plastic bottles for dispensers. French firm OP showcased its production of plastic racks systems made from durable, food-approved plastic that is recyclable and designed to prevent mould growth. This approach ensures the crates uphold high hygiene standards, making them an ideal solution for heavy water bottles. A huge thank you to everyone we had the pleasure of speaking with at the Watercoolers Europe event! We’re grateful to Richard Hall and Thorsten Jekel for sharing their insights and experiences. And congratulations to the Aqua Awards winners we interviewed – Debora Screpanti (Blupura), JF Brisson (Oasis), Marie-Theres Sattler (Culligan), Roberta Polesel (BWT) and Marzia Mariotti (Culligan) – for your achievements. Special thanks to the event organisers, Marzia Mariotti, Gustav Felix, Katarzyna Tomanek and Derek Callaghan, for orchestrating such a great event. Next year’s Watercoolers Europe Conference & Trade Fair will take place in Milan, Italy, on 6-7 November 2025. Top image: © WE #WatercoolersEurope #Romania #Bucharest #waterdispenser #water

JAB has agreed to purchase Mondelēz International's 86 million shares in JDE Peet’s for €25.10 per share. According to Bloomberg, this transaction totals approximately €2.16 billion. In addition to the deal, JAB also distributed 43 million shares of JDE Peet’s to over 70 limited partners in its JAB Consumer Partners fund. This accounts for 9% of the company's total shares, increasing JDE Peet’s free float to 32%. After these transactions, JAB's stake in JDE Peet’s will rise to 68%. Joachim Creus, JAB managing partner, vice chairman and CEO, said: “These transactions represent a major milestone for JDE Peet’s, which is now a more widely held blue chip company". "JAB has strong conviction in the resilience of the global coffee sector and the long-term value creation prospects of JDE Peet’s. We are fully committed to remaining an anchor shareholder of the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company.” Alongside this news, JDE Peet’s has named former Kraft Heinz executive Rafael Oliveira as its new CEO and stand-in executive director, effective 1 November. Oliveira will be based in Amsterdam. His appointment as CEO depends on his work permit approval in the Netherlands, and his formal role as executive director requires shareholder approval at the company's next AGM on 19 June 2025. His appointment follows a thorough search by the board that began in April, following Fabien Simon's announcement of his departure in March . Former Marks and Spencer CEO Luc Vandevelde was then appointed as Simon’s interim replacement but resigned four months later, citing “unforeseen matters”. JDE Peet's CFO Scott Gray then took on the role in addition to his current position. Gray will now work with Oliveira "to ensure a seamless transition and onboarding," said the company in a statement. Peter Harf, chairman of the board of JDE Peet’s, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Rafael to JDE Peet’s. His deep understanding of global markets and consumers, strategic acumen and proven performance in the consumer sector is complemented by a passion for innovation and team development". "With Rafael’s appointment, the company is now entering a new and exciting phase. I am confident in Rafael's ability to deliver against our strategic priorities and drive consistent performance across top-line, profitability, and cash flow whilst creating value for all stakeholders.” #JDEPeets #Mondelez #JAB #coffee

Mars has expanded its Skittles portfolio with its latest innovation, Skittles Pop’d, featuring the brand’s classic flavours and a brand-new sour variety in a unique, crispy texture. The new freeze-dried confectionery will launch in two varieties, Original, which features the classic flavours strawberry, lemon, lime, orange and grape, and Sour, which features brand new flavours including sour lemonade, sour blue raspberry, sour strawberry, sour watermelon and sour cherry. Ro Cheng, marketing vice president at Mars Wrigley North America, said: “At Mars, we're constantly looking for innovative ways to deliver new experiences to our fans, based on flavor profiles and texture trends that we know consumers are seeking. Skittles Pop'd trades Skittles' traditionally chewy lentils for a crispy, crunchy texture that we know our fans are really going to enjoy." Skittles Pop'd will launch at select retailers across the US in the coming months, with nationwide rollout beginning in early 2025. #Skittles #Mars #confectionery #freezedried

In this exclusive interview, Thorsten Jekel, keynote speaker at Watercoolers Europe 2024, sits down with FoodBev Media's editorial director, Siân Yates, to offer his insights on how AI is transforming workplace efficiency and driving innovation in the industry. Watch the full conversation below for insights into AI's impact on the watercooler industry. #WatercoolersEurope

Mondelēz-owned cookie brand Chips Ahoy! has unveiled a new product line aimed at the snacking preferences of younger consumers. Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, which is three times the size of the brand's regular chewy cookie, is designed for convenient, on-the-go consumption, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of Gen Z consumers. The introduction of this oversized cookie marks a significant innovation for the brand, which has been a staple in the cookie aisle for over 60 years. Each Big Chewy Cookie is individually wrapped, making it a suitable option for sharing or enjoying as a substantial snack. The product features chocolate chips that are reportedly four times larger than those found in the standard Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie, promising a more indulgent taste experience. Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies will be available in three flavours: the classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy, a Chocolatey Brownie variant and a Chocolatey Caramel option. This diversification of flavours is intended to attract a broader range of consumers and enhance the brand's appeal in an increasingly competitive snack market. Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US, said: "With the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we're excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite". The Big Chewy Cookie is set to hit retail shelves nationwide starting in October, with a suggested retail price of $2.29 per 2.5oz pack. #Mondelēz #ChipsAhoy #cookies #GenZ #US #snack