Vybey, a ‘braincare nutrition’ brand established in Australia and now operating in the UK and Europe, has added a nootropic coffee alternative to its portfolio. The brand’s new Braincare Smart Focus beverage is a medicinal mushroom-based brew, available in cacao and matcha flavours and powered by nootropics and adaptogens. Gordon Belch, co-founder of Vybey, said he became ‘increasingly concerned’ about a growing dependence on coffee and its reputation for unwanted side effects, such as jitters and energy crashes. He aimed to create a coffee alternative that offered time-poor individuals benefits such as improved focus and clarity of thought, prioritising brain health optimisation while ‘super-charging’ overall wellbeing. The result of his innovation, Braincare Smart Focus, contains lion’s mane mushroom for improved concentration and brain health, maca root for increased energy and endurance, turmeric for reduced inflammation, and chaga mushroom for its antioxidant qualities. The product is launching to retailers and wholesalers in the UK this month following a three-month ‘soft launch’. #Vybey #UK #Europe

Chocolate café and retailer Knoops has announced a £5 million fundraising initiative, now approved under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). The funding round is led by Andrew Gerrie, co-founder of British cosmetics retailer Lush. He served as chairman of Hotel Chocolat from 2015 until its sale to Mars last year. The capital raised will support Knoops' international expansion and strengthen its position in the market. Alongside the fundraising, Knoops has appointed Pret A Manger and Itsu's founder, Julian Metcalfe, and former director of marketing and e-commerce at Marks and Spencer, Alice Avis, as non-executive directors. L-R: Julian Metcalfe, Alice Avis and Andrew Gerrie Knoops fully owns its UK operations and has grown to 20 stores, including recent openings in Bristol, Edinburgh, Nottingham and Leeds. Upcoming locations include York, Exeter and Belfast. William Gordon-Harris, CEO of Knoops, said: “The reality of Knoops being a leading global brand has taken one step closer with Julian and Alice joining the board and investing in the business alongside Andrew. Their belief in the scale and scope of our chocolate drinks offering and the ability of Knoops to lead this unique category is a fantastic endorsement. We are building upon our world-class team to realise our ambitions." Avis added: "I have long seen the broad appeal and potential of this brand and am delighted to be taking this one step further by joining as a non-executive director. I truly believe Knoops has found a real 'sweet spot' in the F&B market and with that, has an exciting, international future ahead of it." Andrew Gerrie, investor in Knoops, said: "Knoops is a fantastic brand that is creating its own category with enormous global potential...I look forward to supporting William and the team in delivering Knoops’ ambitious global growth plan as part of a long-term relationship with the business." Top image: © Knoops #Knoops #UK #chocolate #drinks

Krispy Kreme has announced plans to enter the Spanish market through a new joint venture with Glaseadas Originales, set to begin in 2025. The collaboration will see the opening of a Hot Light Theater Shop in Madrid, offering Spanish consumers the brand’s fresh doughnuts. Over the next five years, Krispy Kreme aims to establish over 500 locations across major Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga. The company, which will hold a minority stake in the venture, is focusing on increasing the availability of its doughnuts through its capital-efficient hub and spoke model. Raphael Duvivier, Krispy Kreme's chief development officer, said: “After a tremendous response in Europe following our successful entry into France and the announcement to open in Germany, we couldn’t be more excited to bring the Krispy Kreme experience to Spain. We believe our fresh doughnuts will be a wonderful addition to the thriving Spanish food market." #KrispyKreme #Spain

Breville has introduced a new espresso machine called the Oracle Jet. Ten years after Breville launched its Oracle espresso machine, the new Oracle Jet introduces enhanced performance, automation and speed, setting a new "benchmark for home espresso," said the company. The Oracle Jet features significant updates, including a fully integrated Baratza Precision Burr grinder that offers 45 grind settings for customised coffee. It also introduces Breville's Auto MilQ technology, which allows for automatic frothing of various milk types – such as oat, almond, soy and dairy – at adjustable levels of froth and temperature. A five-inch high-definition touchscreen, available in both dark and light modes, enables users to select from ten preset drinks, including new cold brew and cold espresso options. The machine also provides real-time feedback on espresso extraction with Barista Guidance, which helps users adjust grind settings and extraction methods. Oracle Jet is equipped with Breville’s ThermoJet heating system, which heats up quickly and maintains consistent extraction temperatures. The machine features two ThermoJets, allowing for precise temperature control and efficient milk steaming. In addition to its advanced brewing capabilities, the Oracle Jet is Breville’s first Wi-Fi-enabled coffee machine, allowing for future software updates. It is available in Brushed Stainless Steel and includes features such as a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, a 340g bean hopper, and a 2.3L water tank. Con Psarologos, Breville's portfolio general manager for coffee, said: "Breville changed the game for home espresso with the launch of the Oracle back in 2013, and after over a decade of feedback, testing and continued innovation, the Oracle Jet is the ultimate expression of home espresso technology". "We've taken the best of the original Oracle, and added a host of refined upgrades to make it our most advanced, intuitive and efficient to date – redefining the benchmark for making third-wave café quality espresso at home." The Oracle Jet will retail for $1,999.95 and is currently available nationwide via the brand's website. #Breville #US #espressomachine

Shuffle, a start-up hospitality investment platform, is injecting an initial £2.5 million into Manchester, UK’s hospitality industry to support the growth of local businesses. This funding enables commercial growth through new site openings, interior updates and kitchen renovations. Unlike traditional investment models, Shuffle provides upfront capital for venue improvements and expansion without requiring equity in return, said the company. The platform’s investment strategy will be complemented by the launch of Shuffle’s consumer-facing smartphone app later this year. This app introduces a novel rewards system where consumers earn random cashback amounts ranging from 2% to 100% of their bill when spending at partner venues. This system is designed to boost foot traffic and build customer loyalty. Founded by Ollie Purdue and Enzo Ottens, Shuffle has partnered with several Manchester establishments, including Madre, Medlock Canteen, Trof and Bold Street Coffee. The company plans to expand nationally over the next three years. Purdue said: “Hospitality owners are incredibly entrepreneurial but often struggle to access the capital needed for growth despite having a proven business model. During our conception stage, we consulted with many successful operators who were facing this problem and realised we could support them through our goal of building the biggest hospitality investment platform in the UK over the next three years. “We also wanted to build a better rewards platform, as most existing ones are tied to uninspiring brands, devalue the businesses they aim to support, or are quickly forgotten by users. We saw a huge opportunity to invest in and partner with the best hospitality businesses while rewarding customers for spending there, and that’s how Shuffle was born.” #Shuffle #UK #Manchester

Nestlé-owned coffee creamer brand Coffee Mate has unveiled a range of new products. The first new product, a Kit Kat-flavoured creamer, was made in partnership with confectioner Hershey and brings the popular chocolate bar to consumers’ cups, with an indulgent chocolate, wafer-forward flavour. The brand also introduced two new seasonal iced coffees, Pumpkin Spice – with notes of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg – and Peppermint Mocha flavour varieties. Coffee Mate has also launched two new seasonal flavoured coffee creamers, Caramel Apple Crisp and Zero Sugar White Chocolate Peppermint. The Caramel Apple Crisp creamer provides a flavour of sweet baked apples and cinnamon spice, combined with milky coffee notes and caramel. The Nestlé-owned brand is also bringing back some of its popular seasonal creamers, with Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha and Nestlé Toll House Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, making their return. This is the latest in a number of innovations from Coffee Mate. In March, the brand introduced a new Dirty Soda creamer, designed specifically to accompany soda brand Dr Pepper, while last year saw the launch of a pink-coloured coffee creamer, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the film Mean Girls. 2023 also saw it introduce a breakfast-inspired creamer in partnership with Kellogg's Eggo brand and, in October, it launched its first line of iced coffees in the US. #CoffeeMate #Nestlé #coffee

Hotel Chocolat has launched a new café collection in its North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, UK, stores as part of the expansion of its Velvetiser Café format. The locations include Harrogate, Leeds Trinity, Leeds Springs and the upcoming Ilkley store, set to open in late September. This new range, developed by Hotel Chocolat's executive development chef David Demaison, includes a variety of bakes and savouries inspired by dishes from the company’s restaurant in Saint Lucia. The collection features items such as the Chocolatine, a pastry with high-cacao chocolate batons; Beyond a Brownie, which is described as particularly chocolatey with fillings based on the brand’s popular chocolates; Rabot Original savoury pastries; and the Dunking Pastry, designed to complement drinking chocolate. It also features the Hazelnut Crownie, a cookie-brownie hybrid with Piedmont hazelnuts; Rabot Estate Banana Bread, a cacao-rich banana bread; Cacao Pod: a cacao pod-inspired pastry lined with either dark or white chocolate; and Chocolatier’s Carrot Cake, layered and topped with cream mixed with molten 36% white chocolate. The new products are hand-baked daily and "promise exceptional taste and texture," said the company. This launch is part of Hotel Chocolat’s broader expansion plan, which includes opening 25 new stores across the UK and investing £10 million in its manufacturing plant, creating 250 new jobs in total. Ian Mackie, head of Velvetiser Café, said: "This launch represents a significant milestone for the Velvetiser Café, as we expand our offerings to include a diverse and delectable menu inspired by our commitment to quality and innovation. Each item is crafted with care and precision, using the finest ingredients sourced responsibly, reflecting our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. We cannot wait for our customers to experience the unique flavours and the exceptional quality that define Hotel Chocolat.” David Demaison, Hotel Chocolat's executive development chef, noted: “We spent months obsessing, finessing, and taste-testing before settling on just the right ratio of chocolate to pastry and more. Now, our imaginative menu is ready to savour. A collection of chocolate and savoury creations designed to delight at breakfast, lunch and every other moment besides." "Wake up to a flaky Chocolatine, with two of our sophisticated, high-cacao chocolate Batons encased within. Spend your lunchtime with an authentic Rabot Original savoury pastry, in one of three recipes. And elevate your afternoon with a Beyond a Brownie – luxuriantly chocolatey and loaded with fillings inspired by our best-loved chocolates.” #HotelChocolat #UK #café #bakes #savoury

UK-based premium soft drinks provider, Luscombe Drinks, has announced the launch of its new bottled water brand, 'Dartmoor Spring'. This new range will feature both still and sparkling water, packaged in convenient 27cl bottles and distributed through Luscombe’s established network. Sourced from a natural spring on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Spring water originates from Luscombe’s farm. This exclusive source ensures that the water is softer than mains-sourced alternatives, free from added fluoride and limescale, with a neutral pH level of 7.3. Such a pH level is highly sought after in the water industry, providing a refreshing palate cleanse. Gabriel David, founder of Luscombe Drinks, said: “With continued demand for bottled water, we saw an opportunity to expand our offerings and are delighted to introduce Dartmoor Spring as a standalone brand". He added: "Reinforced by the trusted Luscombe name, we are confident that Dartmoor Spring will provide establishments with a product they can know and trust”. The launch comes at a crucial time for the UK bottled water market, currently valued at £2.1 billion and projected to grow by 12% by 2027. Dartmoor Spring is set to make a significant impact as consumers increasingly appreciate the convenience, safety, and hydration benefits of bottled water. Additionally, Dartmoor Spring water serves as the foundational ingredient in Luscombe’s premium soft drinks range, blended with the finest organic fruits sourced from top farmers and growers worldwide. #LuscombeDrinks #DartmoorSpring #water #waterdrinks #sparklingwater

Plant-based beverage brand Califia Farms has acquired Uproot, a US-based plant milk dispenser system for foodservice. Uproot provides sustainable, nutritious plant-based milk to the foodservice sector. Its plant-based milk dispenser programme, which launched in 2022, operates over 150 dispensers at colleges, schools and hospitals across the US. The programme serves oat milk, soy milk, and chocolate pea milk to meet the growing demand for plant-based milk. Under the deal, Uproot’s employees, including its two founders, will join the Califia team. The acquisition will enable Califia to expand its ‘Away From Home’ portfolio of products and services. Dave Ritterbush, CEO of Califia Farms, said: “The founders of Uproot have developed a turnkey solution for dispensing plant-based milk and have achieved impressive distribution in just five years. We look forward to building on this foundation, connecting with consumers in new ways and providing our plant milks to more people.” Kevin Eve, founder of Uproot, added: “Jacob and I founded Uproot to bring great plant-based milks to college dining and other food services. We are excited to continue this mission with Califia Farms because they share our commitment to nutrition and sustainability. Together with Califia Farms, we will be able to offer more delightful, dispensed plant-based products and better serve our customers!” The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. #CalifiaFarms #Uproot #US #plantbased #plantbaseddairy

Chobani and coffee roaster La Colombe have partnered on a new pumpkin spice collection, with returning favourites as well as two new product launches. The two new seasonal products are Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink and Chobani Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk – both are made without artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives. The Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink contains pumpkin blended with seasonal spices and is available in a convenient on-the-go format. The Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk is designed to spice up coffee, tea, espresso drinks and dirty sodas with barista-style oatmilk, featuring additional oats in an optimised recipe that creates superior frothing capabilities. Niel Sandfort, Chobani’s chief innovation officer, said: “Pumpkin spice has gone from a seasonal trend to a highly anticipated staple, and we at Chobani and La Colombe couldn't be more excited to release these quintessential fall flavours now. We are pleased to introduce our new innovations, Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink and Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk, as well as bring back our tried-and-true pumpkin offerings that embody the fall season.” In December, Chobani acquired La Colombe for $900 million. The new products are available to purchase at major US retailers now for an RRP of $1.99 and $4.49, respectively. #Chobani #LaColombe #pumpkinspice #dairy

Unilever has announced the sale of its stake in Qinyuan Group (also known as 'Truliva'), a company known for its water purification solutions in China, to Yong Chao Venture Capital. The deal, which is set to close later this year pending customary conditions, marks a strategic move for Unilever as it continues to refocus its portfolio on high-growth areas. Earlier this month, Unilever also sold its Pureit water purification business to A. O. Smith. Founded in 1998, Qinyuan specialises in environmentally friendly products, such as water purification and commercial water equipment. In 2014, Unilever acquired shares in Qinyuan. Its service network covers nearly all regions of China, improving its ability to address local water quality and market needs. Eduardo Campanella, president of Unilever Home Care, highlighted: “This move aligns with our Growth Action Plan by shifting our focus towards more dynamic sectors. Qinyuan’s essential role in providing water purification solutions to millions of customers in China makes this a strategic transfer. Yong Chao Venture Capital’s extensive expertise in the Chinese market positions them well to advance the brand.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. #Unilever #QinyuanGroup #Truliva #China

Casey’s General Stores, a US chain of convenience stores, has agreed to acquire Fikes Wholesale, the owner of CEFCO convenience stores, in a deal worth $1.15 billion. The purchase price includes tax benefits estimated at $165 million for a net after-tax purchase price of $980 million. Fikes Wholesale, which began as a single 'filling station' in Cameron, Texas, in 1952, operates 198 retail outlets and a dealer network across multiple states. The acquisition will expand Casey’s network to nearly 2,900 stores, adding 148 locations in Texas and 50 in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. The deal also includes a fuel terminal and commissary to support the Texas operations. Darren Rebelez, board chair, president and CEO of Casey’s, said: “This acquisition will allow Casey’s to accelerate our unit growth plan with high-quality assets that, along with our recent 22-store acquisition in northern Texas, will provide an expanded presence in Texas and allow us to continue to expand in the state and region.” Raymond Smith, president of Fikes and CEFCO, highlighted: “The acquisition by Casey’s, especially given its reputation and shared values, is an exciting development for Fikes and our employees. I am happy that the CEFCO stores will join a top convenience retailer that will reinvest in the stores and eventually bring Casey’s pizza to many of our customers, as well as provide professional opportunities for our employees. We believe Casey’s will be an excellent steward of the CEFCO experience that our loyal customers have come to expect.” Rebelez added: “We expect the acquisition will create value for Casey’s shareholders in the near- and long-term and will be accretive to Casey’s EBITDA in the current fiscal year. Fikes is a well-run and well-respected company in our industry, and we look forward to welcoming the Fikes team to the Casey’s family. We could not be more excited about the future of our two organisations.” The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approval. Casey’s will fund the transaction with cash and bank financing, targeting $45 million in annual run-rate synergies after completing kitchen upgrades at the newly acquired stores. Top image: © CEFCO #Caseys #CEFCO #conveniencestores #US